Arizona Supreme Court Rules on School District Liability in Jaywalking Accident

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Students navigate busy streets near a high school, highlighting safety concerns.

News Summary

The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that the Phoenix Union High School District is not liable for the injuries a 14-year-old student sustained while jaywalking. The court clarified that the school’s duty of care begins only when students are under its control, emphasizing that the accident occurred off school property and beyond the district’s jurisdiction. This decision reverses a prior lower court ruling and highlights the limitations of school liability in incidents occurring outside school hours. The implications of this ruling may influence future cases regarding student safety in urban environments.

Phoenix – The Arizona Supreme Court ruled on July 15 that the Phoenix Union High School District is not liable for the serious injuries a 14-year-old student sustained after a jaywalking accident. The incident, which took place in the morning of 2021, involved the student attempting to cross 59th Avenue to reach Betty H. Fairfax High School when they were struck by a vehicle.

The lawsuit had been filed by the student’s family against the school district, alleging negligence. They contended that the district was aware that students frequently crossed the street outside of designated crosswalks and should have taken action to mitigate the risks associated with this behavior. However, the school district maintained that it was not responsible, as the incident happened beyond the scope of its control over the student.

In their ruling, the Arizona Supreme Court justices determined that the school district’s duty of care towards students commences only when they are under school control, such as when they are on school grounds or participating in school-related activities. The court emphasized there was no indication that the school’s entrances and exits presented any danger to visitors or students.

Further legal analysis clarified that 59th Avenue, where the accident occurred, is not part of school property, and the district does not have ownership or jurisdiction over the street or the surrounding dirt lot. As such, the court concluded that the district had no authority to install safety measures like crosswalks or traffic signs on this public thoroughfare.

This ruling effectively reversed an earlier decision made by a lower trial court, which had allowed the case to proceed. The Supreme Court’s unanimous agreement on the decision highlighted that, despite the tragic nature of the incident, the circumstances did not establish a legal duty of care on the part of the school district.

The court’s determination underlines a significant legal principle regarding the extent of school liability in situations occurring off-campus and outside of school hours. Legal scholars and advocates are noting how this ruling could shape future cases involving student safety and liability in similar contexts.

While the ruling has significant implications for the Phoenix Union High School District, the district opted not to comment further on the decision. This silence comes amid broader discussions regarding student safety and the responsibilities of educational institutions in preventing accidents that occur outside school premises.

The background context surrounding the case illustrates a growing concern among parents and guardians regarding student safety in urban environments, particularly in areas with heavy traffic around schools. Advocacy for increased safety measures is expected to continue as communities seek to prevent similar accidents in the future. The court’s decision serves as a reminder of the limitations of school district responsibilities outside of their jurisdiction.