Chavez v. Southern Pacific Transportation Co.
United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
413 F.Supp 1203 (1976)
- Written by Eric Miller, JD
Facts
Several bombs owned by the United States government were being transported by Southern Pacific Transportation Co. (Southern Pacific) (defendant) when the boxcars containing the bombs exploded. Chavez (plaintiff) was among those who brought suit for personal injury and property destruction on the basis of strict-liability theory. Southern Pacific moved to dismiss the claims, arguing that it was charged with a public duty to transport the bombs and thus exempt from strict liability.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (MacBride, C.J.)
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