Case Name: Roberts et al. v. Handasyde
Court: Colorado Court of Appeals
Jurisdiction: Colorado
Decision Date: 1912-01
Citations: 21 Colo. App. 450
Docket Number: No. 3494
Parties: Roberts et al. v. Handasyde.
Judges: 
Reporter: Colorado Court of Appeals Reports
Volume: 21
Pages: 450–451

Head Matter:
[No. 3494.]
Roberts et al. v. Handasyde.
1. Appeals — Error Not Affecting Substantial Rights. This court will be governed by the provisions of sec. 20, c. 6, of the Laws of 1911, though directed in terms to the supreme court. A decree by which- substantial justice is meted to the parties will not be disturbed.
2. -Abstract. Questions not presented by the printed abstract will not be considered.
Appeal from Denver District Court. Hon. Harry C. Riddle, Judge.
Messrs. Gregg & Heckendore, for appellants.
Messrs. Melville, Sackett & Calvert, for appellee.

Opinion:
Cunningham, J.
Sec. 20, chap. 6, Laws 1911, provides that the supreme court "shall disregard any error or defect in the pleadings which shall not effect the substantial rights of the parties, and no judgment shall he reversed or affected by reason of such error or defect." This salutory provision required no legislative enactment to- give it force. It has long been recognized, if not always adhered to. Therefore,' this court may follow it, even though, in terms, the act is limited to the supreme court.
The evidence in this case leaves no doubt in our minds that substantial justice between the parties has been meted out by the decree. Moreover, in the preparation of the abstract, no attempt appears to have been made to observe the rules of the court pertaining to such matters. But three instructions (Nos. 9, 10 and 12) given by the trial court appear in the abstract, while but a single instruction (No. 4) tendered by appellant and refused by the court, is abstracted. No exception to the verdict, the ruling of the trial court on the motion for new trial, or to the judgment, appears in the abstract. Other and grave infirmities appear on the face of the abstract, which would justify this court in declining to review the case, even if it entertained doubt as to the justness of the verdict and the judgment thereon.
The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.