Case ID: ga_107/html/0324-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Lumpkin, P. J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

COKER v. EVITT.
    When a case turns upon a single question of fact and the evidence bearing upon it is so conflicting as to render the result doubtful, it is erroneous and misleading to submit to the jury as a disputed issue a material matter concerning which there was no controversy whatever between the parties. An error of the nature above indicated requires a new trial in the present case.
    Submitted March 24,
    Decided April 21, 1899.
    Levy and claim. Before Judge Henry. Walker superior-court. February term, 1898.
    
      R. M. W. Glenn and Lumpkin. & Shattuck, for plaintiff in error. Copeland & Jackson and C. P. Goree, contra.
   Lumpkin, P. J.

This was a claim case, which resulted in a verdict finding subject the property levied on. The only issue contested at the trial was whether or not a deed from the defendant in execution to the claimant, under which she asserted title, was, with her knowledge, made for the purpose of defrauding his creditors. There was not a particle of evidence to show that this was a purely voluntary conveyance, and the instrument itself recited a valuable consideration. Nevertheless, the trial judge submitted to the jury, as if it were a disputed issue, the question whether or not the deed was wholly without consideration. This was obviously erroneous and calculated to mislead the jury. It follows, the case being a close one upon its facts, that the claimant is entitled to a new trial.

Judgment reversed.

All the Justices concurring.