Hall v. Montgomery Ward & Co.
Iowa Supreme Court
252 N.W.2d 421 (1977)
- Written by Rich Walter, JD
Facts
Thomas C. Hall (plaintiff), a janitor at a Montgomery Ward & Company (the company) (defendant) store, stole store property. Under the company's threats, he agreed to repay far more money than the stolen goods were worth. Hall later said he did not fully understand the company’s threats due to his mental retardation. Hall claimed the company's threats caused him mental anguish, and sued the company for damages. At trial, Hall introduced evidence of his poverty relative to the company's great financial assets. The jury issued a verdict for Hall. The company moved to overturn the verdict on the grounds that the evidence was inadmissible, and the judge granted the company a new trial. Hall contended the evidence was admissible, and appealed to the Supreme Court of Iowa.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Uhlenhopp, J.)
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