Thompson v. City of Memphis

Mr. Justice, Swiggart

delivered the opinion of the Court.

The city of Memphis has an ordinance requiring all vehicles, except those of its police and fire department, to stop at street intersections, when a traffic-control device displays a red light at such intersection.

Thompson’s automobile ambulance, answering an emergency call, was driven across a street intersection, while the red light was displayed, in violation of said ordinance. The circuit court affirmed the city court in its assessment of the penalty prescribed by the ordinance for such violation.

On appeal to this court, Thompson…