Document: 330 U.S. 212 67 S.Ct. 752 91 L.Ed. 849 CONEv.WEST VIRGINIA PULP & PAPER CO. No. 184. Argued Feb. 3, 1947. Decided March Motion to Amend Mandate Denied June 16, See 331 794, 1725. Messrs. H. Wayne Unger, of Walterboro, S.C., and James P. Mozingo, Darlington, for petitioner. Christie Benet, Columbia, Charles W. Waring Charleston, respondent. Mr. Justice BLACK delivered the opinion Court. 1 The petitioner brought this action in a South Carolina state court. Upon motion respondent, it was removed Federal District Court because diversity citizenship parties. complaint claimed $25,000 damages upon allegations that respondent's agents had trespassed cut timber from lands owned by possession Respondent's answer denied title or timbers. Both became crucial issues trial. burden proving them rested on petitioner.1 When all evidence both parties been introduced, respondent moved directed verdict its favor ground failed prove he either land.2 This denied. jury returned $15,000, court entered judgment verdict. new trial newly discovered evidence. Respondent did not move notwithstanding as might have done under Rule 50(b) Rules Civil Procedure, which is set out below.3 2 Circuit Appeals decided admission certain offered legal prejudicial error. It held without improperly admitted petitioner's proof sufficient submit question jury. That also showing insufficient go therefore reversed case. But instead remanding trial, be has thus construed authorizing an appellate direct verdict, even though no such made within ten days after jury's discharge. 3 petition certiorari challenged power entry where timely On three previous occasions we granted consider point but reach because, examination evidence, found justify submission cases Conway v. O'Brien, 312 492, 61 634, 85 969; Berry United States, 450, 637, 945; Halliday 315 94, 62 438, 86 711. In case 'limited questions federal procedure raised writ.' 329 701, 57. mind whether party's failure make th permitted 50(b), precludes directing judgment. Other discussed here, do them. Consequently, accept, approving disapproving, Appeals' holding there error 4 contains language absolutely requires enter persuaded erred failing losing party. rule provides 'may reopen order if requested directed.' 'either-or' means what seems mean, namely, are circumstances lead believe rather than final termination stage controversy would better serve ends justice. short, does compel judge ordering trial; permits him exercise discretion choose between two alternatives. supra, 452, 453, 638, 945.4 And can with fresh personal knowledge involved, kind given, impression witnesses. His appraisal bona fides claims asserted litigants great value reaching conclusion should granted. Determination calls first instance who saw heard witnesses feel printed transcript impart. Philadelphia West Chester Traction Co., 285 Pa. 413, 418, 132 A. 355; Bunn Furstein, 153 Pa.Super. 34 A.2d 924. Yutterman Sternberg, 8 Cir., F.2d 321, 324, 111 A.L.R. 736. Exercise presents opportunity, his rulings evaluated, view proceedings perspective peculiarly available alone. He afforded 'a last chance correct own errors delay, expense, other hardships appeal.' Greer Carpenter, 323 Mo. 878, 882, 19 S.W.2d 1046, 1047; Cf. States Johnson, 327 106, 112, 66 464, 466. 5 There practical reasons why litigant right foreclosed having benefit court's question. Take about aspect At time know reason could fill gap Traditionally, plaintiff dilemma unqualifi d right, payments costs, take nonsuit file further preparation, unless defendant suffer some plain prejudice mere prospect second lawsuit. Pleasants Fant, 22 Wall. 116, 122, 780; Jones S.E.C., 298 1, 19, 20, 56 654, 659, 80 1015, cited. 41(a)(1) preserves unqualified dismissal prior filing defendant's answer. answer, 41(a)(2) still grant 'upon terms conditions deems proper.'5 6 respondents presented show at least asked permission dismiss. If satisfied acquired urged justice best served allowing another chance, so provided discretion. discretionary determine judgment, absence motion, think contrary one stand. 7 suggested affidavits support claim thereupon remanded pass it.6 Such circuitous method determining cannot approved. For specifically prescribes period making Yet here enable extend indefinitely prescribed day simply adoption expedient appeal. Furthermore, present initially when primary responsibility decision rests Reversed. Under governing law try 'to recover trespass property possession.' Macedonia Baptist Church City 195 S.C. 59, 70, 10 S.E.2d 350, 355. may presumed title. Beaufort Land Investment Co. New River Lumber 358, 68 S.E. 30 L.R.A.,N.S., 243; Haithcock Haithcock, 123 61, 115 727; Code Laws (1942) § 377. Petitioner undertook openly notoriously exercised acts dominion, possession, ownership over long years. dismiss same grounds 41(b) 28 U.S.C.A. following section 723c. dismissal, facts shown relief.' Since substantially disposition later shall occasion discuss 'Reservation Decision Motion. Whenever close any granted, deemed submitted subject determination motion. Within reception party thereon aside accordance * *. A joined prayed alternative. allow stand directed. Advisory Committee Procedure commenting stated 'A setting always discretion, it, states judgment' moving party.' Report Proposed Amendments (1946) 66. York Symposium (1938) 283 284. Compare Nadeau Maryland Casualty 170 Minn. 326, 331, N.W. 595; Anderson Newsome, 193 157, 258 157; Porsmer Davis, 152 181, 188 279; Jackson Hansard, 45 Wyo. 201, 218, 17 P.2d 659. 41(a)(2), interpreted 'without believes although technical nevertheless meritorious claim.' 64; see Lyman, 125 67; Lyman 138 509; Home Owners' Loan Corporation Huffman, 134 314, 317. general suggestion recent recommendation us modification 50(b). said: 'Even appeal, sets receive remand instructions allowed.' Amendments,

Category: 8