Case Name: Williams v. Johnston, executrix
Court: Supreme Court of Georgia
Jurisdiction: Georgia
Decision Date: 1894-04-23
Citations: 94 Ga. 722
Docket Number: 
Parties: Williams v. Johnston, executrix.
Judges: 
Reporter: Georgia Reports
Volume: 94
Pages: 722–723

Head Matter:
Williams v. Johnston, executrix.
js apparent that the judge abused his discretion in refusing to approve the brief of evidence, but on the contrary as his memory, by reason of the lapse of time since the trial, had failed in respect to what the evidence really was, he was well justified in his refusal. And there being no brief of evidence, the motion for a new trial was properly dismissed on motion based upon that defect in the proceedings. Judgment affirmed.
April 23, 1894.
Argued at the last term.
Motion for a new trial. Before Judge Eish. Sumter superior court. May term, 1893.
Hudson & Blalock, for plaintiff in error.
Guerry & Son and J. N. Scarborough, contra.

Opinion:
The ease was tried and verdict rendered on May 28, 1892. The motion for a new trial was filed on June 18. On July 30 the motion was called for hearing, and movant presented what he claimed to he a correct brief of the evidence. Respondent claimed that it was incorrect in many particulars, and produced what he claimed was a correct brief. Upon examination, the court saw that movant's brief was incorrect as to several matters; but as to others, about which the two briefs sharply conflicted, the judge was wholly unable to say which was correct, being unable to remember what the witnesses testified, on account of the lapse of time since the trial and the great amount of business transacted in the meantime. The evidence had not been steno-graphically reported. Both briefs were left with the judge for him to reconcile the conflicts or decide which was correct, if possible; and the hearing was continued to September 2, with a provision that movant have until then to perfect the motion and file a brief of evidence. On that day the judge announced that he was unable to reconcile the two briefs or to remember what the testimony was on the disputed points; and expressed a hope that counsel might agree on a brief. They could not agree, however, a'nd no brief of evidence Avas ever approved or filed. The motion was continued several times; and finally, in July, 1893, it was dismissed on motion, for want of a brief of evidence.