Court Opinion

ID: 9606888
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 02:53:55.988299+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:02:36.200711
License: Public Domain

Evans, Judge,
dissenting.
I concur in Judge Quillian’s dissent and note that the majority, in opposing his position, keep referring to the conduct of defendant as being the writing "of a single letter.” Is there anything that suggests that more than one letter or more than one inquiry is required in order to invade privacy? I know of none.
It is also noted that the opposition cites certain earlier decisions, but surely they are overlooking the recent decision by the Supreme Court of Georgia, speaking through Justice Hill in the case of Hall v. Hopper, 234 Ga. 625 (216 SE2d 839), written on the 2nd day of June, 1975, which makes it plain that stare decisis (relying on earlier cases as precedents) is nothing more than argument and is no longer controlling. The exact language of that decision at page 631 being as follows: "Stability and certainty in law are desirable; stare decisis is a valid and compelling basis of argument. Cobb v. State, 187 Ga. 448, 452 (200 SE 796). It is not possible, however, to achieve unanimity in every case which reaches this court. When a majority of this court determines that stability must give way to justice to the prisoner, then justice prevails. The 'full bench rule’ has been repealed.”
"That repeal occurred some time ago. The effective date of repeal is immaterial. The bench and bar are entitled to notice of its repeal, and we thank the court below for bringing this matter to our attention.”
Under that decision we simply look to the justice of this case, unhampered and unaffected by precedents or earlier decisions.