Case Name: J. M. Hawkins v. T. L. Lee, etc.
Court: Kentucky Court of Appeals
Jurisdiction: Kentucky
Decision Date: 1872-12-24
Citations: 6 Ky. Op. 156
Docket Number: 
Parties: J. M. Hawkins v. T. L. Lee, etc.
Judges: 
Reporter: Kentucky Opinions, containing the unreported opinions of the Court of Appeals
Volume: 6
Pages: 156–156

Head Matter:
J. M. Hawkins v. T. L. Lee, etc.
Bailment — Gratuitous Bailee.
Tbe owner of a steamer, in .transporting freight free of charge, a package containing plaintiff’s money, was held to act as a gratuitous bailee only and was not liable for its loss, unless the loss resulted from the negligence of the owner of the steamer or his agents or servants.
Appeal — Reversal—Judgment in Criminal Case.
A judgment of a court in a criminal law action stands on the same footing as the verdict of a jury, and' will not be 'disturbed unless palpably against the weight of the evidence.
APPEAL PROM McCRACKEN COURT OP COMMON PLEAS.
December 24, 1872.
Hawns & Allen, for appellant.
Q. Q. Quigley, for appellees.

Opinion:
Opinion by
Judge Lindsay:
The testimony; shows that no. charge was made and no- compensation expected for the transportation of the package containing plaintiff's money from Paducah' to its destination on the Tennessee river.
As to such package, the owners of the steamer were not acting in the capacity of common carriers, but as mere accommodation bailees. They are not liable for its lossi unless it resulted from the neglect of themselves, their agents or their servants.
Whether or not it was so lost, was a question which the parties voluntarily submitted to the court for adjudication. The judgment of the court in a common law action stands on the same footing with the verdict of a jury. We are not prepared to decide that the judgment in this case was palpably against the weight of the evidence.
It must therefore be affirmed.