PHILOS 3Q03 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Contract
8 May 2018
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Riggs V. Palmer - Reading
Facts of the Case
-On August 13, 1880, Francis Palmer created a will dividing his estate among his daughters,
Mrs. Riggs and Mrs. Preston (plaintiffs), and his grandson, Elmer Palmer (defendant). Elmer
knew the terms of the will. In 1882, Elmer murdered his grandfather by poisoning him. Elmer
was convicted of murder and began serving his sentence. The plaintiffs brought suit to annul
the parts of the will under which Elmer inherited, alleging that Elmer’s crime rendered his
inheritance void. The trial court dismissed the plaintiffs’ suit. The plaintiffs appealed.
Main Reason for the Decision
-IMO, the main reason for the decision was because the Plaintiffs were arguing from the
context of natural law. Their argument was how can the person A who murdered person B,
collect inheritances from person B. However, person A served the sentence for his crime and
was released as a contributing member of society. To add, a Will is a legal document. It is
binding and protects against misinterpretation with the various clauses it adds. In conclusion,
the murder incidence is separate from the will incidence in the eyes of the law. person A paid
for their crimes, and it would be illegal to void a legally binding agreement; the will.
Philosophical Relevance
-Under previous regimes and centuries, natural law swept the land and maintained a state of
peace or order.
-This case shows how scenarios that are otherwise taboo, can be legally enforced.
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Document Summary
On august 13, 1880, francis palmer created a will dividing his estate among his daughters, Mrs. riggs and mrs. preston (plaintiffs), and his grandson, elmer palmer (defendant). In 1882, elmer murdered his grandfather by poisoning him. Elmer was convicted of murder and began serving his sentence. The plaintiffs brought suit to annul the parts of the will under which elmer inherited, alleging that elmer"s crime rendered his inheritance void. Imo, the main reason for the decision was because the plaintiffs were arguing from the context of natural law. Their argument was how can the person a who murdered person b, collect inheritances from person b. However, person a served the sentence for his crime and was released as a contributing member of society. To add, a will is a legal document. It is binding and protects against misinterpretation with the various clauses it adds.
