Dice v. Akron, Canton & Youngstown R. Co., 342 U.S. 359 (1952)

Dice v. Akron, Canton & Youngstown Railroad Co.

No. 374

Argued December 3-4, 1951
Decided February 4, 1952
342 U.S. 359

CERTIORARI TO THE SUPREME COURT OF OHIO

Syllabus

1. In an action in a state court under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, the question of the validity of a release granted to the carrier by the injured employee is a federal question, and is to be determined by federal, rather than state, law. Pp. 361-362.

2. A release of rights under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act is void when the employee is induced to sign it by deliberately false and material statements of the carrier’s authorized representatives, made to deceive the employee as to the contents of the release. P. 362.

3. In an action brought under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act in an Ohio state court, which provides jury trials for cases arising under the Act, it was error for the judge to take from the jury the determination of the factual questions as to whether a release had been fraudulently obtained. Pp. 362-364.

155 Ohio St. 185, 98 N.E.2d 301, reversed.

In a state court action under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, the State Supreme Court sustained a judgment for the defendant notwithstanding a verdict of the jury in favor of the plaintiff. 155 Ohio St. 185, 98 N.E.2d 301. This Court granted certiorari. 342 U.S. 811. Reversed and remanded, p. 364.