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Commonwealth v. Huggins

Pennsylvania Supreme Court

836 A.2d 862 (2003)

Facts

Huggins (defendant) was driving a Ford passenger van through the Pocono Mountains one clear and sunny late afternoon when, by his own admission, he fell asleep and collided with another vehicle. There were 24 occupants in the 15-passenger van, including Huggins and 21 children. Because the van had only 15 passenger seats, some of the passengers were crowded into seats, while others were seated on the floor. At the time of the collision, none of the passengers were wearing a seatbelt, and Huggins was travelling at approximately 78 mph in a 55-mph zone. As a result of the collision, two of the children died and numerous others suffered injuries. After his preliminary hearing, Huggins appealed on grounds that the commonwealth failed to establish a prima facie case of involuntary manslaughter.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Castille, J.)

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