Roach v. Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Co.

Mr. Presiding Justice McSurely

delivered the opinion of the court.

Plaintiff was injured while employed by defendant as a switchman. He brought suit under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, alleging that on August 16, 1920, he was injured because of a defect in defendant’s track while coupling an engine to a railroad car, then engaged in interstate commerce. Upon trial he had a verdict for $10,000, and from the judgment entered thereon defendant appeals.

Was plaintiff at the time of his injury engaged in interstate commerce? The facts as to the movement of the engine and cars at the time of…