Sheehan v. St. Paul & Duluth Ry. Co.

United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

76 F. 201 (1896)

Relevant factsFree

Sheehan's (plaintiff) foot became stuck in the tracks of the Railroad (defendant); once the train's crew saw him, they attempted but failed to stop in time, and the trial court directed a verdict for the Railroad.

IssueFree

Whether a railroad company owes a pre-existing duty to trespassers on its tracks.

Holding & reasoning

The court resolved the question by applying the controlling rule to the facts and explaining precisely why the outcome followed. Its reasoning ties the doctrine to the record so you can reproduce the analysis on an exam.

Procedural history, concurrence & dissent

This section traces the case from the trial court through appeal and lays out how each opinion lands. Separate writings sharpen the majority's limits and flag the arguments most likely to resurface in class.

Unlock the full brief

Free accounts read 20 full briefs. No card required.

Start free Log in