Steven T. Burton v. State of Rhode Island

OPINION

Chief Justice SUTTELL,

for the Court.

“While yet a boy I sought for ghosts, and sped

Through many a listening chamber, cave and ruin

And starlight wood, with fearful steps pursuing

Hopes of high talk with the departed dead.” 1

An adolescent’s search for ghosts in the reputedly haunted remains of the Ladd Center in the Town of Exeter ended in tragedy for seventeen-year-old Steven T. Burton (plaintiff or Burton). Rather than an encounter with “the departed dead,” Burton and his companions discovered four glass bottles containing a clear liquid substance. As the boys were attempting to exit the…