Case ID: scl_5/html/0146-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Colcock, J., Nott, J.,", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

CONSTITUTIONAL COURT, COLUMBIA,
    DEC., 1814.
    Pulliam v. Bartee.
    On the question, whether a party applying for a postponement of trial, and shewing good cause, ought, in any case, to pay costs, the judges ■ were divided in opinion; but a majority agreeing that the court had a discretionary power, either to order the costs to be paid, or to abide the event of the cause.
    Motion to reverse the decision of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas of Abbeville district.
    Defendant moved to postpone the trial on account of the absence of a material witness, which was granted at his costs. The nonattendance of the witness was sworn to be occasioned by sickness.
    For the defendant, it w,as insisted, that the trial ought to have been postponed, without requiring the defendant to pay the costs of continuance. 1 Sellon, 414. Barnes, 133, 316, were cited.
    3d Dec., 1814.
    All the judges present.
   Colcock, J.,

thought a party applying for a postponement, and shewing good cause, ought not, in any case, to pay costs. Although he admitted it was discretionary with the court to do it, or not.' '

Nott, J.,

of a different opinion. The party' at whose instance ■a trial is put off, ought to pay the costs of postponement. Both parties may be equally innocent of unnecessary delay, yet safest to require the party applying for a postponement to pay the costs occasioned thereby. Yet he admitted the court had a discretionary power, and might dispense with this rule upon extraordinary occa. sions, and order the costs to abide the event of the cause, or that each party should pay his own costs, according to the circumstances of the case.

Beevaed, J., of the same opinion.

Smith, J., presided in the Circuit Court,’ and decided the case there.

Bay, J. A party not to pay costs unless in fault — negligent.

Grimke, J., of the same opinion with Bay, J.

Motion denied.