Opinion ID: 1721804
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Evidence of Gross Sales

Text: Finally, GAPCo contends that the trial court committed reversible error in admitting into evidence certain documents and summaries evidencing increased gross sales of GAPCo following termination of Washburn. The defendant, GAPCo, argues in its brief that review of this question is controlled by the abuse of discretion rule, i.e., that the trial judge may admit such evidence in his wise discretion so long as that discretion is not abused. Williams v. Tyler, 340 So.2d 20 (Ala.1976). There is authority in the cases to support the proposition that evidence may be excluded by the trial judge if its prejudicial effect outweighs its probative value. Faith, Hope & Love v. First Alabama Bank, 496 So.2d 708 (Ala.1986). However, it is equally true that in fraud cases the plaintiff is allowed wide latitude as to the proof he may submit into evidence. Old Southern Life Ins. Co. v. Woodall, 348 So.2d 1377 (Ala.1977). Here, the evidence of sales by GAPCo could be used to show a reason for GAPCo's wanting to take over Washburn's business. The evidence, thus, could also be circumstantial evidence of a present intent to misrepresent GAPCo's intentions. The probative value of this evidence may, however, seem slight. This Court in Mid-State Homes, Inc. v. Johnson, 294 Ala. 59, 63, 311 So.2d 312 (1975), stated the following rules with regard to the admission of evidence of fraud: Great latitude is allowed in admitting evidence on the issue of alleged fraud. May v. Strickland, 235 Ala. 482, 180 So. 93 [ (1938) ]; National Surety Co. v. Julian, 227 Ala. 472, 150 So. 474 [ (1933) ]. Most often the perpetrator of fraud is the sole possessor of actual knowledge of such fraud. Undue restriction should not be placed on the introduction of evidence which has probative value, however slight, on this issue. Weight is for the jury. The record in this cause discloses that the sales evidence was admitted on the issue of fraud and not on the issue of damages. Furthermore, the trial judge gave instructions to the jury that limited the use of this evidence and specifically denied the jury its use in calculating damages. Had this evidence been admitted on the issue of damages, however, a different result may obtain. See, e.g., Southern Life & Health Ins. Co. v. Whitman, 358 So.2d 1025, 1027 (Ala.1978). Based upon the foregoing, we can not say that this evidence was wrongly admitted in this case. The trial court's judgment is due to be affirmed. AFFIRMED. JONES, SHORES, ADAMS and KENNEDY, JJ., concur. MADDOX and HOUSTON, JJ., dissent.