El Monte, CA asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California

Q: Can a case law be used in another state, such as in California? If the state law from Mississippi Supreme Court?

The case law I refer to is "Teche Lines, Inc. v. Danforth, 195 Miss. 226, 12 So.2d 784 (1943)."

Would it be allowed to use in California for an incident? (May you correct me if i am wrong)

Example:

Charge: “Vehicle Obstruction”

HELD: The right of a citizen to travel on a public Hwy equates to “Life, Liberty, & The pursuit of Happiness.”

Fact: “Travel” is also the right to stop for a legit or necessary purpose. This is called an incident to travel”.

Just cause it’s not an “ Emergency stuff on the freeway” doesn’t mean I can’t pull over on the shoulder?

2 Lawyer Answers
James R. Dickinson
James R. Dickinson
Answered
  • San Bernardino, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Mississippi case law cannot be cited in a California case as authority. Where a California case has incorporated the reasoning of the case of another jurisdiction and applied that reasoning to the facts of a California case, which happens occasionally, then that would be different. I would recommend you not use AmJur or Proof of Facts in researching California issues, as those secondary sources are a survey of law across jurisdictions. Use California Witkin or CalJur instead. [I litigate cases. Anything posted here must not be construed as legal advice, nor as grounds for forming an attorney-client relationship. You should seek an attorney for formal legal advice and representation.]

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Regarding the case law you mentioned, "Teche Lines, Inc. v. Danforth, 195 Miss. 226, 12 So.2d 784 (1943)," it is important to note that case law from one state generally applies within that state's jurisdiction unless it is recognized as persuasive authority in another jurisdiction.

In California, courts may consider out-of-state case law as persuasive authority when interpreting legal principles. However, they are not bound to follow it. California courts primarily rely on their own state's statutes, regulations, and precedents established by California courts.

To determine the applicability of the case law you mentioned in California, it would require a careful analysis of California's statutes, regulations, and relevant case law on the specific issue at hand. An attorney familiar with California law can provide guidance on whether the principles expressed in the Mississippi case law are recognized or applicable in California.

Regarding the specific example you provided, concerning the right to pull over on the shoulder of a freeway, it would be necessary to consult California state law, regulations, and relevant case law to determine the legality and permissible reasons for stopping on a freeway shoulder in California.

It is always recommended to consult with an attorney who specializes in the applicable jurisdiction to obtain accurate and up-to-date legal advice regarding specific legal matters. They will be able to analyze the relevant laws and precedents in California to provide you with the most accurate guidance.

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