Woodard v. Turnipseed

784 So. 2d 239 · Court of Appeals of Mississippi · 2000

Facts

Kenwyon Woodard, a 17-year-old, 95-pound employee, was fired by his 57-year-old, 145-pound employer, John Turnipseed, from his dairy farm. After Kenwyon was unable to secure a ride home and was waiting on the property, Turnipseed, despite Kenwyon posing no imminent threat, struck him three times with a broom, causing injuries including a bruised kidney.

Issue

Did the trial court err by not granting a directed verdict on liability for Kenwyon, given that Turnipseed's actions did not meet the legal requirements for self-defense or defense of property?

Holding

Yes, the appellate court reversed the jury's verdict on liability, finding that Turnipseed's actions were not justified, and remanded the case for a new trial solely on the issue of damages.

Rule

Self-defense and defense of property only permit the use of reasonable force against an imminent threat, and the force used must not exceed what is reasonably necessary. A directed verdict is appropriate when, viewing evidence most favorably to the non-movant, reasonable persons could not reach a contrary verdict.

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Case brief last reviewed 2026-01-08. Prepared by CaseReader from the published opinion.