Cairl v. City of St. Paul

SCOTT, Justice.

These are appeals from a judgment of the Ramsey County Municipal Court in favor of plaintiff, Norman Cairl, and against defendant, City of St. Paul (City), in a tort action arising out of an automobile accident involving a police squad car owned by the City.

The trial court, sitting without a jury, found the City was not negligent; however, it found the City was liable under the doctrine of strict liability and respondeat superior. Judgment was entered in the amount of $1,150, plus costs. Both parties appealed.

The evidence reveals that at approximately 4:30 p. m. on Saturday,…