Ellsworth Marine, Inc. v. Davis

NICHOLS, Justice,

This appeal raises once more the issue of when it may be proper for a trial justice to direct a verdict. The Superior Court had directed a verdict on two major issues. We affirm with respect to one of the directed verdicts and vacate with respect to the other.

In March, 1977, the Defendant, Patrick P. Davis, began to work in the Ellsworth outboard motor service and repair business of the Plaintiff, Ellsworth Marine, Inc., as a mechanic and general manager. In April, 1978, the Defendant abruptly departed, closing the shop and removing much of the inventory, claimed by him in…