Legal Document

338 U.S. 263 70 Supreme Court Reporter 26 94 L.Ed. 55 BOYDv.GRAND TRUNK WESTERN R. CO. Number 17. Argued Oct. 11, 1949. Decided Nov. 7, Mr. Melvin L. Griffith, Chicago, Ill., for petitioner. Messrs. George Federal KF105 F3 Gronewold, Battle Creek, Mich., or Haw. Hawai‘i Reports KFH45 A2 Victor Spike, Detroit, respondent. PER CURIAM. 1 In issue here is the validity of a contract restricting choice venue an action based upon Employers' Liability Act.1 Petitioner was injured in course his duties as employee respondent railroad November, 1946. Twice during following month petitioner advanced fifty dollars by On each these occasions signed agreement stipulating that if claim could not be settled and he elected to sue, 'such suit shall commenced within county district where & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions resided at time my injuries were sustained, sustained elsewhere.'2 Although this provision defined available forum either Circuit Calhoun County, Michigan, United States District Eastern brought Superior Cook Illinois. To enjoin petitioner's prosecution Illinois case, instituted suit. The Michigan held void dismissed reversed, 1948, 321 Mich. 693, 33 North Western Reporter, 2nd Series 120. 2 Certiorari granted, 1949, 337 923, 69 1166, because federal state courts which have considered reached conflicting results.3 We agree with those contracts limiting are Act. 3 Section 6 Act provides 'Under may court States, residence defendant, cause arose, defendant doing business commercing such action. jurisdiction under concurrent several no case arising any State competent removed States.' It disputed liable Illinois, accordance provision. hold right bring eligible sufficient substantiality included Congressional mandate § 5 Act: 'Any contract, rule, regulation, device whatsoever, purpose intent enable common carrier exempt itself from liability created Act, extent * *.' before us therefore void. 4 Any other result would inconsistent Duncan versus Thompson, 1942, 315 1, 62 422, 86 575. That opinion reviewed legislative history concluded 'Congress wanted full effect its comprehensive phraseology implies.' page 6, 424. this, after injury occurred. below, holding delimiting should enforced it accident, disregarded Duncan. vigor decision impaired Callen Pennsylvania Co., 332 625, 68 296, 92 242. there distinguished compromise enabling parties settle their dispute without litigation, we did contravene obstructs plaintiff secure maximum recovery elect judicial trial cause.4 And nothing Ex parte Collett, 55, 944, affects initial afforded plaintiffs. stated expressly section Judicial Code involved, 28 KF62 1404(a), Annotated KF65 U5 'does limit otherwise modify granted elsewhere particular district. An still court, federal, might been previously.' 60, 947. select substantial right. thwart express sanction defeat bar. 7 Reversed. 8 Justice FRANKFURTER JACKSON concur but grounds Chief Judge Hand Krenger Cir., 174 556, 560. 9 DOUGLAS MINTON took part consideration case. 35 Statutes-at-Large 65, amended, 45 51, 51. also provided sums deducted whatever settlement finally achieved. As proviso specifies 'That against virtue provisions set off therein sum has contributed paid insurance, relief benefit, indemnity person entitled thereto on account death said brought.' Referring provision, interpreting similar one least 'The waive it.' Akerly New York Cent. 168 812, 815. accord below are: Roland Atchison, T. S.F.R. D.C.N.D.Ill.1946, 65 F.Supp. 630; Herrington D.C.W.D.Mo.1945, 61 903; Clark Lowden, D.C.D.Minn.1942, 48 261; Detwiler R.I. P.R. D.C.D.Minn.1936, 15 541; 1936, 198 Minn. 185, 188, 269 Northwestern KF135 N69 367, 369, 838, 107 American Law 1054, 1059. conflict ruling petition certiorari denied 866, 140, infra; 812; Fleming Husted, D.C.D.Iowa 1946, 900; Sherman Pere Marquette D.C.N.D.Ill.1945, 590; Peterson Ogden Union Railway Depot 110 Utah 573, 175 Pacific 744; cf. Porter Fleming, D.C.D.Minn.1947, 74 378. See Krenger, supra note 3, 558; 561 (concurring Hand, C.J.); Akerly, 815; Peterson, 579, 747.

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