In re STRITTMATER
140 N.J. Eq. 94, 53 A.2d 205 (1947)
NATURE OF THE CASE: This was an appeal from a decree admitting a will to probate.
FACTS: Strittmater left her estate to the National Women's Party. Her cousins, with whom
she had very little to do contested the will. Evidence from Dr. Sarah D Smalley,
Strittmater's personal physician, showed that Strittmater suffered from paranoia of the
Bleuler type of split personality and that Strittmater had suffered from this schizophrenia
all her adult life. Strittmater's lifelong physician, Dr. Sarah Smalley, testified to the
court that Strittmater suffered from paranoia and a split personality. There was no contrary
medical testimony, although the court noted that the factual evidence supported a split
personality. In her public dealings, she was often 'entirely reasonable and normal' and
demonstrated a healthy, loving relationship with her parents. Yet in some later notes, she
described her mother as a 'Moronic she-devil' and her father as an 'unintelligent savage.'
Her occasionally reasonable disposition would often be overcome by violent outbursts,
including the killing of a pet kitten, explosive tantrums with 'vile language,' and
destruction of household furniture (including a clock). Her secret scribblings espoused an
'insane hatred of men' that manifested in a desire that all baby boys be 'put to death at
birth.' Evidence showed that Strittmater made angry comments about her deceased parents,
voiced intense hatred for men, and showed intense support of the women's movement. Her
relations with bankers and lawyers were entirely normal. The orphans court admitted the will
to probate. The cousins appealed that decision.
ISSUE:
RULE OF LAW:
HOLDING AND DECISION:
LEGAL ANALYSIS:
Get
free access to the entire content for Mac, PC or Online
for 2-3 days and free samples
of all kinds of products.
for 2-3 days and free samples of all kinds of products.
https://bsmsphd.com
© 2007-2016 Abn Study Partner
No comments:
Post a Comment