Graber v. City of Ankeny
Iowa Supreme Court
656 N.W.2d 157 (2003)
- Written by Jamie Milne, JD
Facts
Judith Graber (plaintiff) collided with Kristie Allen at a T-intersection in the City of Ankeny (the city) (defendant). Graber believed that the accident was caused by the city’s improper timing of the traffic light at the intersection. She sued the city for negligence. The city argued that it was immune from liability because setting the timing for traffic lights was a discretionary function involving policy-driven choices by city officials. An Iowa statute rendered local governments immune from tort claims based on discretionary functions. Graber contested the city’s classification of the city’s conduct as a discretionary function. The trial court held in the city’s favor, finding the city immune from liability. Graber appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Streit, J.)
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