Black v. Gray

The question for determination on this appeal is whether the avails of certain life insurance policies constitute a part of the gross estate of the insured decedent, Norman D. Black, for the purpose of computing the estate tax pursuant to the provisions of the Estate Tax Act.

The facts are undisputed. Norman D. Black died testate on August 3, 1944. At the time of his death he held life insurance policies in various insurance companies, aggregating in amount more than $100,000. His wife, Cora P. Black, the respondent on this appeal, was named as beneficiary in these policies but he retained the…