United Zinc & Chemical Co. v. Britt
Supreme Court
258 U.S. 268 (1922)
Relevant factsFree
United Zinc & Chemical Company (United) (defendant) razed a plant on its land but left an exposed basement, which filled with clear-looking water that was actually poisoned with sulfuric acid and zinc residue; the Britt children, ages eight and eleven, wandered from a nearby public area onto United's property, entered the water, and were poisoned and died. The Britts (plaintiffs) sued, and the trial court and court of appeals found United liable; the Supreme Court granted certiorari.
IssueFree
Whether there is a general duty on the part of a landowner to keep his land safe, or even free from hidden dangers, for children, if he has not directly or by implication invited or licensed them to come there.