McGuire v. Chicago, M. & St. P. Ry. Co.

37 F. 54 | U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Minnesota | 1889

Nelson, J.,

(after stating the facts suostantiatly as above.') A correct decision of this motion depends upon whether or not the boy was negligent as a matter of law in going upon the tracks and attempting to cross as he did. If an adult had been injured under the same circumstances, instead of a child about 10 years of age, I should have little hesitation in granting the motion. I feel satisfied, however, that this ¿ase was a proper one for the jury upon the question of contributory negligence, and I do not think that the court erred in refusing to instruct them that the act of the boy in attempting to cross the tracks was negligence as a matter of law. The caution required, of the boy was according to his age and capacity, to be determined by the facts and circumstances developed on the trial. While I held that the boy was capable of exercising some degree of care, still he was not subjected to the same rules of conduct as an adult. I instructed the jury that if was incumbent upon the boy to exercise vigilance for his safety, yet only such care was required of him as could reasonably bo expected of a child of his age and capacity. I put it to the jury to determine whether he did exercise such care, and the verdict did not sustain the defense of contributory negligence. It is a close case, and not free from doubt. If] am wrong, the remedy of the defendant is clear. Motion for new trial denied.