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Martin v. Herzog

Court of Appeals of New York

126 N.E. 814 (1920)

Facts

The decedent of Martin (plaintiff) was killed when a buggy he was driving collided with an automobile driven by Herzog (defendant). A statute required all buggies to be operated with headlights at night. At the time of the accident, Martin’s decedent was violating this statute by not driving a buggy with headlights. Martin brought suit against Herzog for negligence. Herzog countered by stating that Martin’s decedent was liable for contributory negligence based on his violation of the headlight statute. At trial, the jury held for Martin and found Herzog liable for negligence. The appellate court reversed, and Martin appealed.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Cardozo, 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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