Pinholster v. McGinnis

The appellant minor, a passenger in an automobile stopped for an intersection red light in a line of traffic, filed this action by next friend seeking damages for alleged back injuries incurred when a car driven by the defendant collided with the rear of the vehicle in which he was riding. The case hinges on the propriety of a jury verdict for the defendant returned under rather unusual circumstances. The verdict as originally signed and returned read: “We the jury find the defendant guilty of negligence but not liable.” The court asked counsel whether they wanted a jury clarification of the…