Johnson v. Minnesota
Minnesota Supreme Court
553 N.W.2d 40 (1996)
Relevant factsFree
Parolee Stewart was required to report directly to a halfway house and check in with his parole officer but did neither; the prison never confirmed his arrival, and the halfway house never called to ask why he hadn't shown up. Stewart went on an eight-day crime spree, abducting, raping, and killing Melissa Johnson. Her family (plaintiffs) sued the state, county, and halfway house (defendants) for negligence; the trial court dismissed for lack of duty, and the appellate court partially reversed before further review by the Minnesota Supreme Court.
IssueFree
Whether a duty exists to prevent a third person from injuring another absent an exception such as a special relationship.