Court Opinion

ID: 9559116
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 17:22:52.053967+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:09:03.874124
License: Public Domain

WILLIAMS, Justice
(dissenting in part).
I agree with that part of the majority opinion holding the search to be valid, but I respectfully dissent to that part holding that no issue was raised with respect to which party had the burden of proof as to whether McCarthy did or did not have knowledge that the automobile was being used illegally.
I believe the issue was properly raised ¡by the State in the amended petition when it named McCarthy in the caption thereof as owner of defendant automobile and by McCarthy pleading innocence of knowledge of unlawful use thereof, and should be ruled upon by this court. In the case of Peavler v. State, 79 Okl. 308, 193 P. 623, it was held that where the state established that the automobile was used to convey intoxicating liquors illegally the b.urden of proof was on the claimant to establish that the car was so unlawfully used without his knowledge, fault or consent and was being so used under circumstances that would not impute knowledge or consent to him. Although this case has never been overruled, two later cases, Ponder v. State, 186 Okl. 522, 99 P.2d 129 and One Chevrolet Automobile v. State ex rel. Cline, 192 Okl. 555, *706136 P.2d 395, announced a contrary rule' which placed the burden upon the state to prove that the use of the automobile for unlawful, purposes was with the knowledge, fault or consent of the owner. I believe the Peavler case is in accordance with the weight of authority, see 48 C.J.S., Intoxicating Liquors, § 397, pp. 662 and 663; note 48 at page 663, and that the other two cases cited should be overruled.
Due to the confusion as to which line of reasoning we might be expected to follow, and in view of the fact that McCarthy may have relied upon the last two cases cited, I think in all fairness and justice, he should be granted a new trial and given an opportunity to discharge the burden of proof resting upon him ¡by reason of the rule in the Peavler case.
I am authorized to state that Mr. Chief Justice HALLEY concurs with the views herein expressed.