Ray v. Murphy
Supreme Court of Arkansas
1DissentJohn I. Purtle, Justice
I disagree because I think the erroneous instruction was prejudicial. We do not know what impact it may have had on the jury. Unless there is a causal connection between the violation of a statute and the injury, the instruction should not be given. Riddell v. Little, 253 Ark. 686,488 S.W.2d 34 (1972). There was no such connection shown in this case. Abstract instructions tend to confuse and mislead the jury. 75 Am. Jur. 2d Trial § 645 (1974). Any error is presumed prejudicial unless the appellate court can say with assurance that it was harmless. Wallin v. Insurance Company of North America,…
2Cases cited3 opinions
- Riddell v. LittleSupreme Court of Arkansas · 1972
- Wallin v. Insurance Co. of North AmericaCourt of Appeals of Arkansas · 1980
- Safeway Stores, Inc. v. GrossSupreme Court of Arkansas · 1966