Case ID: tenn_1/html/0428-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "\n      Overton, j. and Humphreys, j. Campbell, j.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

STATE vs. MANLEY.
    This was an indictment for a misdemeanor in office as a constable, in permitting the escape of a person committed to his custody, and charged with a crime. A question was made, whether the state was bound to produce the record of the constable’s appointment; and to shew that such record was not necessary, the following authorities were read. 2 M‘N. 488. 3 T. Rep. 366. 5 T. Rep. 623. 6 T. Rep. 664. Acts 1741, c. 5.
    On an indictment against a constable for suffering a person arrested by him on a criminal charge,to go at large, it is not necessary to produce the record of his appointment. The initials J. P. sufficiently designate the official capacity of a justice of the peace.
   Overton, j. and Humphreys, j.

In actions brought against public officers, for injuries arising from official acts or omissions, it is sufficient to shew that they acted in an official capacity. There is necessity to shew the record of their, appointment. In cases where officers justify under official authority, or are plaintiffs in that capacity, the rule is different, and the record of that authority, as the best evidence, must be produced.

Campbell, j.

was of a different opinion.

The warrant of commitment, under the authority of which the constable held the person charged, was offered in evidence by the attorney general. The defendant’s counsel objected to its reception in evidence, on the ground that the official character of the persons committing, was not expressed.

The mittimus or warrant, was signed and sealed by two justices of the peace, with the initials J. P. added.

Campbell, j. and Humphreys, j. If this were the case of an application to discharge on habeas corpus, the mittimus would be insufficient, and the person would be discharged; so it has often been determined iu this state. If such a mittimus would be bad in that case, it will be so in this; we cannot perceive any difference, and consequently the indictment cannot be sustained. Under the warrant, the officer was not justifiable in holding the person in custody, and consequently not liable for an escape.

Overton, j. was inclined to think there was a distinction between an application for a discharge of a person in custody under the authority of such a mittimus, and the ease before the court, and that the evidence ought to be received.

The defendant’s counsel then offered to give evidence that one of the committing magistrates told the constable he might permit the prisoner to go at large, and that it would be sufficient if he had his body at court, and that this was the advice of a lawyer.

Campbell, j. and Humphreys, j. This is proper evidence to go to the jury in mitigation of damages.

Overton, j. The evidence offered cannot be received in any point of view. It is neither to be received in mitigation or justification. The commands of the law must be obeyed, and if the opinions of lawyers or others are to be received in evidence, we shall soon be without law. Every member of the community is bound to know the law, and it furnishes no excuse that he was badly advised.—The adoption into the law of evidence, of a principle which authorizes the giving the out of doors opinions of men, with respect to the law, seems pregnant with consequences of the most evil tendency.

Verdict for defendant.

Upon motion of the attorney general, Marr, to tax the defendant with costs, he read 2 H. H. P. C. 122, 1 East’s Rep. 13, in order to shew that the court erred in excluding the evidence of the mittimus, on the ground that the official character of the justices of the peace was not sufficiently shewn.

Humphreys, j. In this case there was convincing evidence, that the constable permitted tin accused person to go at large, and from the law now read by the attorney general, it seems the court erred in excluding the mittimus, therefore let the defendant pay all costs.

Campbell, j. and Overton, j. concurred in this opinion. 
      
       See Selwyn's N. P. 930, and n. 2 Day. 528. 1 Binney, 240. 3 John. 431.
     
      
       See Binney,309 et Seq.