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Civil Procedure-Trial Practice-Special Verdict Question That Can Be Decisive Only If Answered Negatively, Samuel J. Mckim Iii

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiff was severely burned by the explosion of a can of "liquid bug killer" allegedly sold to him by defendant. Four issues of fact were raised: whether defendant sold the can in question to plaintiff, the former's negligence, the latter's contributory negligence, and the amount of the damages. The trial judge submitted to the jury, over the objections of both parties, only the first issue, in the form of a single question of fact. The jury, having served three days past the end of its term and one hour past the normal time for adjournment, was instructed that a finding …