In the Matter of the Estate of Alton Glenn Miller, Deceased

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey affirmed that David Mackay's one‑third interest in the RCA royalties terminated on March 15 1967 because the assignment documents were ambiguous and the surrounding circumstances indicated the parties intended the interest to end with the guaranteed payments. The majority applied contract‑interpretation principles and the presumption against perpetual performance. Justice Pashman dissented, arguing that the assignments created a permanent interest and would have reversed the judgment.