Document: 365 U.S. 160 81 S.Ct. 561 5 L.Ed.2d 486 Eugene E. MAYNARD, Petitioner,v.DURHAM AND SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY. No. 183. Argued Jan. 12, 1961. Decided Feb. 20, Mr. Charles F. Blanchard, Raleigh, N.C., for petitioner. B. Nye, Durham, respondent. Justice DOUGLAS delivered the opinion of Court. 1 Petitioner, an employee respondent, sued in a North Carolina court damages under Federal Employers' Liability Act, 45 U.S.C. § 51, U.S.C.A. 51. As defense, respondent tendered release signed by petitioner and moved nonsuit. The motion was allowed after all evidence in, Supreme Court affirmed, one judge dissenting. 251 N.C. 783, 112 S.E.2d 249. 2 We said Dice v. Akron, C. & Y.R. Co., 342 359, 361, 72 312, 314, 96 L.Ed. 398, that 'validity releases Act raises federal question to be determined rather than state law.' While case dealt with challenged on ground fraud, rule it announced also governs lack consideration. For obtained fraud or no consideration could equally defeat rights created this Congress. It because our doubts decision below squared we brought here certiorari. 363 839, 80 1634, 4 1725. 3 Petitioner injured August 22, 1955, came back work September 1955. On 17 he question. There is conflicting as what happened at time. According went into office McAllister, General Manager, asked his pay check; McAllister 'gave me paper, told sign that, I it'; did not read paper; 'because every check ever got from railroad had thinking signing thought owed him $144.60 labor, amount received; 'never received anything result injury.' testified some six months injuries refused. paper 17, further 'didn't make any false representations. only thing do there, just didn't explain me. He deceitful suggestions fraudulent me.' testified, 'The there injuries. That my check.' other side testimony former employee, who petitioner's witness, policy company wages time person 'off work' unless applied when injury. This witness conversation McAllister,* would have before get pay. Moreover, stated 'that like settle up company, broke needed money'; knew if settled necessary release'; 'willing release' 'the purpose visit'; he, explained paid 'for lost'; promise 'any future payments' 'except possibly take care doctor's bills any.' In addition while know railroad's lost upon release, 'This wasn't kind regular check. was. give thought.' 6 find sufficient jury duress, undue influence. conclude, however, whether given 7 think correct concerning adequacy claims Burns Northern Pac. R. 8 Cir., 134 F.2d 766, 770. 'In order may consideration, must mutual concessions. A supported something value which creditor previous right.' If, words, receives absolute right, fact called does valid. See Hogue National Automotive Parts Ass'n, D.C., 87 F.Supp. 816, 821. record genuine issue presence release. claimed check, rightfully owing. Against were due equal judges resolve conflict conclude right. presented fair-minded jurors might honestly differ. Cf. Rogers Missouri Pacific 352 500, 510, 77 443, 450, 493. 9 Reversed. 10 FRANKFURTER, 11 meager typewritten petition invoked Court's certiorari jurisdiction claim disregarded controlling standards determining validity liability Act. reversing Court, support grounds review urged. oral argument dispelled such revealed, now recognizes, between turns assessment trial testimony. has repeatedly writ employed pass matters Rule 19, 28 U.S.C.A., formally bars obvious misuse discretionary jurisdiction. Again again deny petitions merely raise disputed issues fact. Instead making cases arising exceptional class, Congress 1916 explicitly withdrew obligatory 39 Stat. 727. reasons set forth length dissenting Ferguson Moore-McCormack Lines, Inc., 521, 524, 459, 515, dismiss improvidently granted. Doing so been serve discourage solely evidence; adjudicate merits taking view against another encourages ought filed here. Layne Bowler Corp. Western Well Works, 261 387, 43 422, 67 712. 12 WHITTAKER, whom HARLAN joins, 13 'section' worker Apex, Carolina. normally worked five eight-hour days per week, compensated hours rate aggregating about $290 month. entirely clear point, but appear earned through Friday, Monday, course work, remainder day next, Tuesday, 23. then off total 19 days, working returning Mondays, 16, week. Saturday, 'Release' employer account injury same exchange its $144.60—which, appears, exact each period off. 14 At conclusion action, employer, rejected contentions (1) (2) held valid bar damages, dismissed suit. appeal, 249, granted 15 judgment justified record. With respect, 16 agree wholly failed sustain fraud. fact, shows, affirmatively discloses none. respondent's officer, respect 'Release,' * But am unable show without admits required it. Of course, statement law "A (releasor) valid.' 18 Here, by, due, him. true exactly sum relevant worked. period. Wednesday morning, 23, Monday days. contract obligating normal disabled sickness. shown existed. understand them, these undisputed facts fail Release own money—money wages, otherwise owing see it, then, produce made 20 Whether solid basis rescind Release—upon mistake i.e., more seriously either believed made, considerable indication record—would present substance. us, proceeded theory. 21 stands, Courts their should affirmed. Chairman local union accident, remember meeting took place 1955 (the date release), although sure 17.

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