Steinberg v. Chicago Medical School
Illinois Supreme Court
371 N.E.2d 634, 69 Ill. 2d 320 (1977)
- Written by Jennifer Flinn, JD
Facts
Robert Steinberg (plaintiff) received a brochure from the Chicago Medical School (the medical school) (defendant) stating that admission to the medical school was based on academic achievement, medical school admission-exam results, the review of a faculty advisory committee, and a personal interview with an admissions committee. Steinberg filed an application for admission to the medical school and paid a $15 application fee. The medical school denied admission to Steinberg. Steinberg filed a class-action lawsuit against the medical school, alleging that the medical school used criteria other than those listed in the brochure to determine admission, such as the applicant’s family’s ability to make large financial donations to the medical school. Steinberg argued that the medical school’s issuance of the brochure, Steinberg’s filing of the application and payment of the application fee, and the medical school’s acceptance of the application and fee constituted a contract that the medical school breached by not judging Steinberg’s application based on the criteria listed in the brochure. Steinberg also alleged fraud, among other claims. The trial court dismissed the complaint in its entirety for failure to state a claim. Steinberg appealed, and the appellate court only reversed regarding Steinberg’s contract claim, finding that Steinberg’s breach of contract claim was viable. The medical school appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Dooley, J.)
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