Matthews v. Macon Water Authority, 273 Ga. 436

542 S.E.2d 106 (2001) · Supreme Court of Georgia · February 16, 2001 · No. No. S00A1542

Summary

The Supreme Court of Georgia held that the immunity provision in the Macon Water Authority's charter was not preempted by OCGA § 51-2-2, which codifies respondeat superior. The court concluded that the General Assembly could exclude the public corporation from vicarious tort liability and affirmed summary judgment for the Authority.

Holdings

  1. The immunity provision in the Macon Water Authority Act is not preempted by OCGA § 51-2-2 and does not violate Art. III, Sec. VI, Par. IV(a) of the Georgia Constitution.

Questions Presented

  1. Whether the immunity provision in the Macon Water Authority's charter is preempted by OCGA § 51-2-2 under Art. III, Sec. VI, Par. IV(a) of the Georgia Constitution.
  2. Whether the General Assembly may exclude a public corporation created by charter from vicarious tort liability.

Disposition

affirmed

Cases Cited (8)

  • Little v. City of Lawrenceville, 272 Ga. 340, 341(1), 528 S.E.2d 515 (2000)(followed)
  • Franklin County v. Fieldale Farms Corp., 270 Ga. 272, 275(2), 507 S.E.2d 460 (1998)(followed)
  • McAllister v. American National Red Cross, 240 Ga. 246(2), 240 S.E.2d 247 (1977)(followed)
  • State v. Martin, 266 Ga. 244(4), 466 S.E.2d 216 (1996)(followed)
  • C & S Nat. Bank v. Mann, 234 Ga. 884, 889(3), 218 S.E.2d 593 (1975)(followed)
  • Penick v. Foster, 129 Ga. 217(3), 58 S.E. 773 (1907)(followed)
  • Thomas v. Hosp. Auth. of Clarke County, 264 Ga. 40, 440 S.E.2d 195 (1994)(distinguished)
  • Henderman v. Walton County Water & Sewerage Auth., 271 Ga. 192(1), 515 S.E.2d 617 (1999)(followed)

Cited In (0)

No citing cases on record yet.

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