Court Opinion

ID: 9794510
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-31 03:07:10.279687+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:16:59.757036
License: Public Domain

Mr. Justice McINTYRE
(dissenting).
As indicated in the opinion written by Justice Harnsberger, appellant-administra-trix seems to concede the City of Laramie was acting in its governmental capacity in the establishment of Third Street as a through street and in the erection of the stop sign in question. Appellant contends the City should be held liable, if her allegations of negligence are proved, on the theory of an exception to the general rule of municipal immunity.
Thus, we face squarely the proposition of whether we are prepared, by judicial interpretation, to take the first step toward the elimination of governmental immunity. In order to hold with appellant, we must necessarily engraft an exception onto the constitutional grant of immunity for branches of state government. I recognize that such a step has recently been taken by courts in other jurisdictions.
I personally feel, however, that we should not do by judicial edict what is clearly a legislative function. The constitution authorizes suits against the state in such manner and in such courts as the legislature may by law direct. Article 1, § 8, Wyoming Constitution. Therefore, I agree with my colleagues that the rule of governmental immunity may be modified or abrogated by statute. I do not agree, however, that the statutes referred to clearly authorize1 a suit against a city for defective traffic devices.
*469Section 15-342, W.S.1957, has to do only with excavations in or obstructions on a street. Section 15-343, W.S.1957, provides for a notice before any action may be maintained against a city, but it does not expressly authorize suit in such a case as we have before us. Also, Ch. 100, § 2(10), S.L. of Wyoming 1961 (§ 15-4.2(10), W.S. 1963 Cum.Supp.), has to do with the power of the city to create and regulate streets. It contains no language which can be construed as directing or authorizing suits in connection with these functions.
It may very well be that the rule of governmental immunity has outlived its usefulness in these days when insurance companies are willing to insure against all sorts of liabilities. But in my opinion we would do well to leave the matter with the legislature where it properly belongs.