Case ID: ky-op_4/html/0171-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Judge Williams :", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

W. U. Chelf v. J. W. Austin & Averill.
    False Imprisonment — Inviting Arrest and Courting Imprisonment — Peremptory ■ Instruction.
    In an action for false imprisonment, where the plaintiff’s own evidence shows that he invited the arrest and courted the imprisonment, it is not error to give a peremptory instruction for the defendant.
    APPEAL PROM MARION CIRCUIT COURT.
    January 12, 1871.
   Opinion op the Court by

Judge Williams :

The evidence produced by the appellant to the jury wholly failed to establish express malice upon the part of either of the appellees. There is nothing in the case conducing to show that they acted corruptly, or with any intention of violating or disregarding the rights of said appellant. It may be admitted that the proceedings culminating in the arrest and imprisonment of Ohelf were irregular, and possibly that the judgment imposing the fine against him was void. But his own evidence shows that he invited the arrest and courted the imprisonment of which he now complains. In the entire transaction he seems to have been equally as anxious to bring about an unauthorized arrest and imprisonment of himself, as the appellees were to discharge what they conceived to be duties imposed upon them by the law. We are of opinion that the peremptory instruction to the jury to find for appellees was proper.

J. D. Belden, appellant.

Bussell & A., for appellee.

Judgment affirmed.