City of Rockford v. Watson

PRESIDING JUSTICE MORAN

delivered the opinion of the court.

The defendant, Leslie Watson, was charged with violating section 61 of the Uniform Act Regulating Traffic— UART (111 Rev Stats 1967, c 95%, § 158) which is following too closely. He was tried in a bench trial by a magistrate, found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and fined $15 plus costs. It is from this judgment of conviction that he appeals.

There is but one question. May a municipal corporation be a proper party plaintiff in an action based upon a state statute when the Legislature has granted no such express authority?

The factual…