Younce v. Ferguson

Strunk hosted a graduation party on his parents' (the Strunks', defendants) farm, several miles from where they lived; the Strunks were unaware the party was happening on their land. Younce paid a $4 ticket covering kegs, food, and music, and while at the party was hit by a car driven by Ferguson (defendant). Younce sued Ferguson and the Strunks; the trial court found Younce was a licensee on the Strunks' land and that they had not breached any duty owed to her, dismissing them from the case. Younce appealed, urging the court to abolish the common-law invitee/licensee/trespasser categories altogether.

Whether, in a claim for injury against an owner or occupier of land, the standard of care owed turns upon the common-law distinctions between an invitee, a licensee, and a trespasser.