Opinion ID: 1969579
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Dram Shop Liability Rationale Third-Party Educational Malpractice Claims

Text: This Court's prior decisions in the cases involving causes of action against tavern owners are particularly didactic to the issue of third-party educational malpractice that is before the Court in the case sub judice. See Acker v. S.W. Cantinas, Inc., Del.Supr., 586 A.2d 1178 (1991); Oakes v. Megaw, Del. Supr., 565 A.2d 914 (1989); Samson v. Smith, Del.Supr., 560 A.2d 1024 (1989); see also McCall v. Villa Pizza, Inc., Del.Supr., 636 A.2d 912 (1994); Wright v. Moffitt, Del. Supr., 437 A.2d 554 (1981). In each of those Dram Shop cases, this Court declined to recognize either a direct or a third-party common-law cause of action for personal injuries against a tavern owner. This Court held that, because the General Assembly extensively regulates the liquor industry, the General Assembly should weigh and evaluate the public policy considerations of establishing a statutory cause of action against tavern owners. In Delaware, driver competency is also extensively regulated by statute. The General Assembly regulates the necessary qualifications to obtain a driver's license. 21 Del.C. § 2707. The General Assembly mandates the examination of applicants for a driver's license. 21 Del.C. § 2713. The General Assembly, by statute, specifically provides for the medical evaluation of drivers. 21 Del.C. § 2724. The General Assembly has given the Department of Public Safety the power to issue drivers' licenses with restrictions suitable to the licensee's driving ability. 21 Del.C. § 2722. The General Assembly also regulates commercial driver training schools by statute. 21 Del.C. ch. 83. The General Assembly has given the Secretary of Public Safety (Secretary) the power to adopt and prescribe such regulations concerning commercial driving schools as are necessary to protect the public. 21 Del.C. § 8302(a). The General Assembly also directed the Secretary to inspect the school facilities and equipment and to examine the applicants for instructor's licenses. 21 Del.C. § 8302(a). Additionally, the General Assembly has mandated that no driver training school shall be established and no person shall act as an instructor unless the school or person applies for and obtains a license from the Secretary. 21 Del.C. §§ 8303(a), 8304(a). The General Assembly has set forth the basic requirements, to be adopted by the Secretary, for licenses to operate a driving school and to serve as a driving instructor. 21 Del.C. §§ 8303(b), 8304(b). Finally, the General Assembly has given the Secretary the authority to cancel, suspend, revoke or refuse to issue or renew a driving school's or driving instructor's license if the school or instructor has violated any provision set forth by the General Assembly or any regulation adopted by the Secretary. 21 Del.C. § 8306.