Yazoo & Mississippi Valley R. Co. v. Mullins, 249 U.S. 531 (1919)

Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Railroad Company v. Mullins


No. 273


Argued March 21, 1919
Decided April 21, 1919
249 U.S. 531

ERROR TO THE SUPREME COURT
OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

Syllabus

A state law relieving the plaintiff of the burden of proving negligence is constitutionally inapplicable to a case under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act. P. 532. New Orleans & Northeastern R. Co. v. Harris, 247 U.S. 367.

For the purpose of determining whether error was prejudicial, this Court will examine the whole record, leaving state questions to the decision of state courts in cases coming from them. P. 533.

A flagman was injured while engaged in switching an interstate train. Held that the railroad company was not under an absolute duty to furnish him a safe place for the performance of his duties, but was merely bound to use reasonable care. Id.

115 Miss. 343 reversed.

The case is stated in the opinion.