Court Opinion

ID: 7386133
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-07-29 00:18:26.477324+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:21:32.581580
License: Public Domain

Daniel, J.
The plaintiff moved for a new trial, because the .Judge charged the jury, that the witness, Clay*385ton, could not be mistaken in his testimony, and that they must believe he had committed perjury, before they could find a verdict for the plaintiif. We think that the charge was erroneous. The credit, which is to be given to the testimony of a witness, is not a matter of law for the Court to decide upon, but a matter of fact, to be ascertained by a jury, without the assistance of the Court. That Clayton might have been mistaken in what he stated, was within the range of possibility whereas, to make him guilty of perjury, he must have sworn to material facts in the cause, which he knew at the time to be false. The Judge did not permit the jury to inquire, whether Clayton was innocently mistaken in his. testimony ; but he took it upon himself to pronounce, that the jury must believe him, unless they were of opinion, that he was perjured, that is, that he had sworn falsely, knowingly, wilfully, and corruptly. We think that his Honor went a little farther in his charge, than the law authorized.
Per Curiam. Judgment reversed and new trial awarded.