Suggs V. Norris 364 S. E. R Summary

Jordan Williams
Professor David Persky
CRM 123
Case Brief 1
Title and Citation: Suggs v. Norris 364 S.E.2d 159 (1988)
Type of Action: Suggs sued the estate of Norris over compensation for work to maintain decedents produce business. Defendant appealed the verdict in favor of plaintiff saying that their implied contracts were invalid.
Facts of the Case: Darleen Suggs started working and helped maintain the produce business with the decedent, Junior Earl Norris, from 1973 until his death in 1983. During this time and according to several witnesses, the plaintiff did most of the farm work, as well as drive to markets 60 miles away, without aid of the decedent. She also handled all finances and deposited them into their joint bank account, giving her the reason to believe they had an implied contract that she was a partner and would receive one-half of the profits. In

Norris- the plaintiff had worked decedent's farm, worked the soil, and harvested and marketed the produce. Plaintiff, working primarily without the decedent's aid, and drove the produce to various markets. She handled all finances and deposited them in the couple's joint banking account. Finally, the evidence showed that the decedent, an alcoholic, depended almost entirely on plaintiff's work in the produce business and as well her care of him while he was ill.
Issue: Whether public policy forbids the recovery by a plaintiff partner to an unmarried but cohabitating or relationship, from the other partners estate, for services rendered to or benefits conferred upon the other partner through the plaintiffs work in the operation of a joint business when the business proceeds were utilized to enrich the estate of the diseased