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Slocum v. Donahue

Massachusetts Appeals Court
693 N.E.2d 179 (Mass. App. 1998)

Facts

Robert Donahue (defendant) pled guilty to motor vehicle homicide in the death of the Slocums’ son. The Slocums (plaintiffs) filed a civil suit against the Donahues (defendants) for negligence. The Donahues cross-claimed against Ford Motor Company (Ford) seeking contribution and indemnity for a defective floor mat that contributed to the accident. Prior to trial, the Slocums settled with Ford for a sum of $150,000 in exchange for a release of all claims against Ford. As a result, the trial court dismissed the Donahues’ cross-complaints against Ford. The Donahues appealed.

Rule of Law

The rule of law is the black letter law upon which the court rested its decision.

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning

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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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