Houck v. University of Washington

This case raises the questions of whether a university has a duty to control drinking of alcoholic beverages in student dormitory rooms, and whether actual knowledge of a student's intoxication in an automated dormitory elevator is required to apply the common carrier standard of care. We reverse judgment entered on a verdict in favor of the defendant University of Washington.

Chad Houck was an 18-year-old first term freshman at the University of Washington. He attended a drinking party at his University of Washington dormitory, Haggett Hall, in December 1985. The party was held in a student…