Case Name: Darius R. Lathrop et al. versus The Inhabitants of Sharon
Court: Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Jurisdiction: Massachusetts
Decision Date: 1831-11-05
Citations: 12 Pick. 172
Docket Number: 
Parties: Darius R. Lathrop et al. versus The Inhabitants of Sharon.
Judges: 
Reporter: Massachusetts Reports
Volume: 29
Pages: 176–176

Head Matter:
Darius R. Lathrop et al. versus The Inhabitants of Sharon.
Metcalf, for the plaintiffs,
in support of the motion for a new trial, cited Sampson v. Smith, 15 Mass. R. 367 ; Baylies v. Davis, 1 Pick. 210.
S. D. Ward for the defendants.
Nov. 5th.

Opinion:
In this case it was held, that where the jury have been correctly instructed by the court and have returned a verdict, the inquiry is not to be made, as a ground for a new trial, whether they did not misunderstand the instructions. It is to be presumed that the jury understand the directions given to them, and if counsel have reason to apprehend that they do not, it should be suggested at the time of the trial, in order that the judge may be more explicit.