Johanna Corcoran v. Alexander R. MacDonald

(by designation).

This is an automobile accident case in which the court below on motions supported by depositions gave summary judgment for the defendants on the ground that the plaintiffs were guilty of contributory negligence as a matter of the law of Maine. Federal jurisdiction based on diversity of citizenship is clearly established.

The defendant Louise M. Sullivan took her mother and her aunt, the plaintiffs, Johanna Corcoran and Katherine M. Kenney, for an automobile ride on Sunday, November 12, 1961. The weather was clear and sunny and the roads were dry. Between 4:15 and 4:30 P.M.,…