Court Opinion

ID: 9665358
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 00:45:53.552998+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:15:15.035808
License: Public Domain

ROBERTSON, Justice,
dissenting.
I respectfully dissent. The majority affirms the lower court’s finding Aquamarine’s only evidence of expenses incurred in purchasing substitute vessels is hearsay. The testimony excluded is that of Tom Gilbert, the managing and operating partner of Aquamarine. Gilbert while testifying asked to refer to several charts prepared by his lawyer from an independent auditor’s report regarding the cost to cover. On voir dire Mr. Gilbert testified he had calculated the original figures used to prepare the audited financial statements. When asked if he could recall the numbers without the charts Gilbert replied he might make a mistake but offered to recalculate the numbers on the stand if necessary. Gilbert further testified he had an independent recollection of the matters on the charts.
In Flato v. Brod & Hemmi, 37 Tex. 734 (1873), this court held a witness should “be permitted to refer to any thing or fact he may choose in order to refresh his memory.” See also Putnam v. Pannell, 507 S.W.2d 811 (Tex.Civ.App.—Waco 1974, no writ); J.A. Robinson Sons, Inc. v. Wigart, 420 S.W.2d 474, 486 (Tex.Civ.App.—Amarillo 1967) rev’d on other grounds 431 S.W.2d 327 (Tex.1968). The critical analysis of the testimony after allowing the witness to refresh his memory is whether he is able to testify of his own knowledge. Lumpkin v. State, 524 S.W.2d 302 (Tex.Cr.App.1975); Barnes v. State, 634 S.W.2d 25 (Tex.App.—Beaumont 1982, no -writ). If the witness has an independent recollection of the events the testimony is admissible. Welch v. State, 576 S.W.2d 638, 641 (Tex.Cr.App.1979); Wood v. State, 511 S.W.2d 37 (Tex.Cr.App.1974); S & S Wholesale Supply, Inc. v. Los Cedros, Inc., 628 S.W.2d 493 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi 1982, no writ). 3 J. Wigmore, Wigmore on Evidence § 758 (2d ed. 1970); 1 R. Ray, Texas Practice Law of Evidence § 548 (9th ed. 1980). It is irrelevant the document or chart used to refresh the witness’ testimony is not admissible. It is not the document but the recollection of the witness which is the evidence of the events in issue. Ogrydziak v. Ogrydziak, 614 S.W.2d 474 (Tex.Civ.App.—El Paso 1981, no writ). However, if the witness identifies the document used to refresh his memory and guarantees its accuracy both the document and his testimony may be properly admitted into evidence. Wood v. State, supra; Decker v. Commercial Credit Equipment Corp., 540 S.W.2d 846 (Tex.Civ.App.—Texarkana 1976, no writ).
Mr. Gilbert testified on voir dire he had an independent recollection of the matters on the charts. In fact, the costs stated on the charts were first calculated by Gilbert although he did not prepare the charts. Gilbert, as his testimony reflects, was only using the charts as a means to help accurately recall the cost incurred of which he had personal knowledge.
It is improper under Texas law to exclude testimony as hearsay when a document, chart, or memorandum, even if not admissible, is used to refresh the present recollection of the witness. Ogrydziak v. Ogrydziak, supra. The testimony of Gilbert should be allowed to enter as evidence. Any complaints as to the accuracy of Gilbert’s testimony should have gone to the weight and credibility of that testimony but total exclusion was improper. S & S Wholesale Supply, Inc. v. Los Cedros, Inc., supra.
SPEARS and KILGARLIN, JJ., join in this dissenting opinion.