Supreme Court Ruling on Parents’ Liability
A recent Illinois Supreme Court decision reportedly has left parents across the state area confused as to the extent of their responsibility if teen drinking occurs in their households. The Chicago Tribune reported Monday that the verdict explains that parents may be protected from liability if teens consume alcohol in their homes, but they could still potentially face time in prison.
This legal predicament stems from a case in which two 18 year olds died in a car accident shortly after they attended a house party in Deerfield where teens were drinking. The Chicago Tribune reported that the parents, Sara and Jeffrey Hutsell, owners of the home where the party was held, were both convicted of misdemeanors in the case, with Jeffrey serving a two-week jail term. One of the teen’s mothers sued the Hutsells for alleged wrongful death, but the high court reportedly ruled that the couple was not responsible for any monetary compensation.
The Chicago Tribune reported that critics say the ruling creates a “contradictory situation” because parents who make no effort to prevent underage drinking in their homes may not be exposed to liability, but parents who promise that alcohol will not be consumed may expose themselves to litigation.
In 2007, Robert Clifford wrote an article for the Chicago Lawyer explaining the case at that time. Click here to read what he had to say.
