Wightman v. Town of Methuen

In this action for damages for personal injuries resulting from a schoolyard incident, the town of Methuen (town) moved for summary judgment on the ground that it was exempt from liability under the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act, G. L. c. 258, § 10(b), the so-called discretionary function exemption. The motion was allowed, and the plaintiff appeals from the ensuing judgment for the town. We affirm.

We briefly summarize the essential facts as alleged in the materials before the judge and in the light most favorable to the plaintiff (for reasons which will later appear). On the morning of May 3,…