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Grigsby v. Russell

United States Supreme Court

222 U.S. 149 (1911)

Facts

John Burchard had a life-insurance policy. Burchard paid two premiums toward that policy. A third premium was overdue. Burchard needed money for surgery. Burchard sold his life-insurance policy to Dr. Grigsby for $100 and an agreement that Grigsby would pay the insurance premiums for the policy. Burchard subsequently passed away. Burchard’s insurance company brought a bill of interpleader to determine whether the proceeds of the insurance policy should be paid to the administrators of Burchard's estate or to Grigsby. The circuit court of appeals held that the assignment of Burchard’s insurance policy to Grigsby was valid only to the extent of the amount of money Grigsby paid Burchard for the policy and the premiums Grigsby paid toward the policy.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Holmes, J.)

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A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
A summary of the majority or plurality opinion, using the CREAC method; and
The procedural disposition (e.g., reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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