Clayton v. Wilson
Washington Supreme Court
227 P.3d 278 (2010)
- Written by Tammy Boggs, JD
Facts
Douglas and Mary Kay Wilson (defendants), a married couple, hired Andrew Clayton (plaintiff), a young boy, to perform yard work on the Wilsons’ community property. Almost immediately, Douglas began grooming Clayton for sexual abuse with seemingly innocent touching related to the yard work. After a typical day of performing work, Douglas sexually abused Clayton. Following the sexual abuse, Douglas paid Clayton with the Wilsons’ community funds. Clayton eventually reported the sexual abuse, and Douglas was arrested. Soon thereafter, the Wilsons divorced. Clayton initiated a tort action against the Wilsons and obtained a $1.4 million judgment. The trial court found that the Wilsons’ community property was liable. The court of appeals affirmed. On Mary Kay’s petition, the Washington Supreme Court granted review.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Sanders, J.)
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