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Robinson v. Pioche, Bayerque & Co.

Supreme Court of California, 1855

5 Cal. 460

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Brief Fact Summary

Defendants leave an uncovered hole in the sidewalk of a public street, and drunk pedestrian (plaintiff) is injured.

Rule of Law and Holding

"[T]he intoxication of the plaintiff cannot excuse ... gross negligence [by the defendant]."

Edited Opinion

Note: The following opinion was edited by AudioCaseFiles' staff. © 2008 Courtroom Connect, Inc.

Heydenfeldt, J. The Court below erred in giving the third, fourth and fifth instructions. If the defendants were at fault in leaving an uncovered hole in the sidewalk of a public street, the intoxication of the plaintiff cannot excuse such gross negligence. A drunken man is as much entitled to a safe street, as a sober one, and much more in need of it.

The judgment is reversed, and the cause remanded.