Dixon Distributing Co. v. Hanover Insurance

“Judges ought to remember that their office is jus dicere, and not jus dare; to interpret law, and not to make law, or give law.”

This appeal is from a summary judgment entered in favor of the defendants, Hanover Insurance Company (Hanover), Massachusetts Bay Insurance Company (Massachusetts), and International Insurance Company (International), in a declaratory judgment action brought by Dixon Distributing Company (Dixon). For reasons set forth below, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand.

On October 7, 1985, Patrick Hanneken filed a retaliatory discharge action against Dixon,…