Speck v. Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen

Julius J. Olson, Justice.

Action to recover upon a life insurance contract issued by defendant, a fraternal beneficiary association. Trial was had before a jury, resulting in a verdict for plaintiff. Defendant appeals from an order denying its alternative motion for judgment or a new trial.

Defendant organization consists of a grand lodge and numerous subordinate lodges chartered by the grand lodge. The grand lodge is the body that enters into insurance contracts, and it alone is responsible for death losses. The subordinate lodges have the primary authority to admit applicants to membership,…