William Clyde, III v. Emma Clyde Hodge and Edwin Hodge, Jr

OPINION OF THE COURT

HERMAN, District Judge.

I. FACTS

This case comes on appeal from a directed verdict in favor of the defendants in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Plaintiff-appellant William Clyde III alleged mistake, undue influence or fraud on the part of Emma Clyde Hodge and Edwin Hodge, Jr. (the Hodges). Appellant seeks $500,000 in general damages and an additional $500,000 in punitive damages. The alleged undue influence arises out of a trust created by Margaret Burns Clyde (settlor), appellant’s grandmother. The inter vivos trust, created…