Dailey v. Los Angeles Unified School District
California Supreme Court
470 P.2d 360 (1970)
During the noon recess on May 12, 1965, 16-year-old Gardena High School student Michael Dailey was killed on the school playground after engaging in "slap boxing" with another student, a mock fight that drew a crowd of roughly 30 onlookers within a few feet of the gymnasium. Neither of the two teachers responsible for supervising the area, Daligney and Maggard, saw or heard the incident. Michael's parents brought a wrongful death action against the Los Angeles Unified School District, which operated Gardena High School, and against the two teachers, alleging that inadequate supervision was the proximate cause of Michael's death.
Whether a directed verdict may be granted if the record contains no substantial evidence to support a contrary verdict.