Morrison v. National Broadcasting Co.
New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
24 A.D.2d 284 (1965)
- Written by Ross Sewell, JD
Facts
Joseph Morrison (plaintiff), a university student, was a contestant on a quiz show produced by the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) (defendant). To induce Morrison to participate, NBC falsely represented that it was an honest contest. Afterward, a public scandal exposed that the contest was rigged, which harmed Morrison’s reputation and caused him to be denied fellowships. Morrison sued NBC for corrupt purposes and lying to him to induce his innocent participation in a corrupt enterprise that harmed his reputation and academic prospects. However, Morrison did not suggest that NBC’s corrupt purpose was illegal, merely that it was immoral. NBC argued that Morrison failed to state a claim because the elements of his suit did not fall into a single tort category. The trial court denied NBC’s motion to dismiss. NBC appealed to the New York Supreme Court’s Appellate Division.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Breitel, J.)
Dissent (Eager, J.)
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