Waltanen v. Wiitala

The point here is a narrow one. It has to do with a directed verdict by the trial judge upon the ground of assumption of risk.

The suit arises out of an automobile accident. The plaintiff, Felix Waltanen, was a passenger in a car driven by bis friend, defendant Wilmer Wiitala. The ride during which the accident occurred followed an evening of drinking, and followed, as well, a pattern of conduct that bad been established for some time. Plaintiff’s, .statement of' facts tells us that, during the spring and summer of 1956, the young men (another friend, Wesley Maki,. was included) made a…