Conklin on Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer: An Adventure in Christmas Litigation

Michael Conklin, Texas A&M University School of Law, has published Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer: An Adventure in Christmas Litigation. Here is the abstract.

In 1979 a novelty Christmas song titled Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer was released. It recounts the fictional story of how the author’s grandmother, while inebriated, was struck and killed by Santa’s sleigh. Much less known is a follow-up song called Grandpa’s Gonna Sue the Pants Off of Santa. This song walks through the aftermath where grandma’s surviving spouse goes through the litigation process seeking compensation from Santa. The lyrics elicit discussion on numerous pressing legal issues. This Essay is a lighthearted look at what this song can teach us about the law. Though Grandpa’s litigation experience may not have brought him comfort and joy, it did gift us a sleigh full of legal insight. This Christmas season, may all your legal studies be merry and bright!

Download the essay from SSRN at the link.