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Evidence-Contributory Negligence-Burden Of Proof-Presumption Of Due Care

Michigan Law Review

This case was an administrator's action to recover damages for the death of the plaintiff's intestate who was struck by an automobile operated by the defendant. There were no eyewitnesses other than the decedent and the defendant. On trial the plaintiff introduced evidence of the defendant's negligence, but under the circumstances of the case, was unable to introduce affirmative evidence that the decedent was free from contributory negligence. Held, one judge dissenting, that there was no presumption that the decedent exercised due care, and therefore, the non-suit granted by the lower court was affirmed. Kotler v. Lalley (Conn. 1930) …