Opinion ID: 2052763
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Brandt v. Mayer, 196 Neb. 751, 246 N.W.2d 203.

Text: The sequence of events was as follows, although dates are not shown. Entry of judgment. Motion for new trial filed (timely). Judgment modified (this was the judgment appealed from). No motion for new trial was filed as to the modified judgment. We there summarily dismissed the contention that because no motion for new trial had been filed as to the judgment appealed from that we could not consider trial errors. We did not in that case consider the motion filed before the modified judgment as a nullity even though certainly it was premature as to the judgment from which appeal was taken. In that case we said: Defendants contend it was necessary for the plaintiff to file a motion for a new trial before processing this appeal. We determine it was not. The purpose of a new trial motion is to give the trial court an opportunity after judgment to review and correct alleged errors in the previous proceeding. (Citing authority.) I cannot in principle distinguish the above case which we decided just a few months ago from the one at hand. I am willing to grant that the majority opinion will create certainty. I am also willing to concede that the term within ten days in section 25-1143, R.R.S.1943, literally read closes both ends. The motion must not only be not too late, it also must be not too early. Note, however, that statute speaks of the decision rendered. I think that we propose being too hypertechnical in this case. However, I concur for the sake of laying down an absolutely certain rule because the majority wish to do so. I accompany it with this explanation so that all can see the state of confusion of these statutes. McCOWN, J., dissenting. I agree with Justice Clinton's conclusion that a premature filing of a motion for a new trial does not and should not be equated with a belated out-of-time filing. I believe that such an approach is hypertechnical and unjustified. The fact that a rule may be definite and certain does not necessarily mean that it is fair and just. Justice is often lost in a maze of technicalities.