Opinion ID: 2205993
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Is an abuse of discretion specifically alleged by plaintiffs?

Text: We find no language in plaintiffs' main brief in which such a charge appears in so many words. The basis of plaintiffs' contention in their brief is that the drawing of the jurors in the absence of one of the jury commissioners without appointing a jury commissioner pro tempore is a violation of Title 10, Sec. 4511 of the Laws of Delaware. Plaintiffs further state that the drawing of the jury and the trying of the case under such circumstances amounted to a nullity and that plaintiffs' motion should have been granted by the trial judge. We think that the effect of plaintiffs' brief in chief, in substance, if not in specific language, amounts to an allegation of an abuse of discretion on the part of the trial judge. The trial judge is charged with overriding or misapplying the law. As previously stated, that amounts to an abuse of discretion. There was, therefore, sufficient allegation of abuse of discretion in plaintiffs' brief in chief. But, even if we should have concluded otherwise, plaintiffs' failure to have alleged an abuse of discretion in their main brief would have been cured by the specific allegation of abuse of discretion set forth in their reply brief. The only question raised, or which can be raised, by plaintiffs' notice of appeal, is the alleged abuse of discretion on the part of the trial judge in refusing plaintiffs' motion. This court unquestionably has the authority to permit plaintiffs to raise this question either by an amendment to their original brief or by including it in their brief in reply. The motion to dismiss the appeal will be denied.