Case Name: Anthony Sweet ads. Joshua Avaunt and Wife
Court: South Carolina Court of Appeals
Jurisdiction: South Carolina
Decision Date: 1803
Citations: 2 Bay 492
Docket Number: 
Parties: Anthony Sweet ads. Joshua Avaunt and Wife.
Judges: All the Judges present,
Reporter: South Carolina Law Reports
Volume: 2
Pages: 492–492

Head Matter:
Anthony Sweet ads. Joshua Avaunt and Wife.
Columbia,
1803.
Newspaper advertisements not proper to be sent to a jury, unless in cases of libels, or the publication of some notice under some of the acts of the legislature or the like.
TROVER for six negroes, tried in Marion district. Verdict for plaintiff. Motion for new trial.
On the trial of this cause, the presiding Judge permitted an advertisement in a George Town newspaper, to be r.ead in evidence to the Jury, in support of the plaintiff’s claim. And it was upon this ground, that the motion for the new trial was made.

Opinion:
The court was of opinion, after hearing the case stated, that this kind of testimony was improper to be given to a Jury; as there was no telling what influence it might have Upon their minds ; and, therefore, it ought to be excluded entirely, unless to prove a notice, under some of our acts of assembly; or, for publishing a libel, or the like. Therefore, a new trial was ordered, but without costs.
All the Judges present,