Smith v. Merritt

940 S.W.2d 602 (1996)

Colin A. SMITH and Al Smith, Petitioners,

v.

Margaret MERRITT, et al., Respondents.

No. 95-1286.

Supreme Court of Texas.

Argued April 17, 1996.

Decided February 28, 1997.

David B. Griffith, Robert D. Bennett, Gilmer, for petitioners.

Edward L. Merritt, Frank M. Mason, Gregory P. Grajczyk, Longview, for respondents.

The issue in this case is whether a social host can be liable in negligence or negligence per se for injuries resulting from the host's provision of alcohol to a nineteen-year-old guest.[1] Because the Legislature has established a policy against such causes of action,…