Court Opinion

ID: 3387809
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-07-05 18:44:40.400438+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:50:16.682042
License: Public Domain

I am very much impressed with the thought that the trial judge should have granted a new trial, although the motion for new trial did not meet the strict requirements of the rule in such cases.
The defense interposed was an alibi and it was supported by the testimony of all those persons who could be expected to know that the accused was at his home at the time when the offense was shown to have been committed, which was about midnight. The identification of the accused as a participant was by witnesses who testified that they saw him and recognized him in the dark.
After accused was convicted a third party, one Eugene Bryant, stated to Brock and his attorney that he and two others stole and sold the hogs and that he was willing to admit the theft and exonerate Brock. Mr. Brown stated at the bar of this Court that Bryant not only made the statement to him and to Brock but also made the statement not under oath to the trial judge.
We know as a matter of human experience that a guilty person will often remain silent until after an innocent person is convicted and then, heeding the voice of conscience will admit his guilt to prevent the innocent person being punished.
It is better to grant a new trial to be sure that justice is administered than it is to adhere strictly to technical requirements and thereby perpetrate an injustice.
In the strict administration of the law, the trial court committed no reversible error but I think justice demands a new trial and, therefore, think the judgment should be reversed and a new trial awarded. *Page 107