Court Opinion

ID: 6580841
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-07-20 19:38:09.033321+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:57:16.622676
License: Public Domain

Park, C. J.
We are all of opinion that this writ of error will not lie. The statute was designed for a special purpose, to furnish a special remedy; and we are to construe it without reference to English authorities or those of other states as to the propriety of writs of error in cases of judgment of non-suit. Those authorities have no application. The object of the statute is clear. It was to expedite the business of the court and save time that would be required to try a case which must inevitably in the end be decided for the defendant. Where it is clear upon the plaintiff’s own evidence that he has no case it is a mere waste of time to go on, for several days it may be, with a trial of the case to the jury, where their verdict must in the end either be for the defendant or be set aside as against the evidence if in favor of the plaintiff. The .statute authorizes the judge, at the close of the plaintiff’s evidence, if in his opinion the plaintiff has not made out a case, to render judgment against him as upon a non-suit, :giving him a full remedy, in case the judge has erred, by a motion to set aside the non-suit, and on the denial of this .motion,,a right to carry the case to this court for revision by a motion In error. This motion in ei’ror takes the case to the .next session of the Supreme Court for the county. If a writ of ■error may be brought the case may be allowed to lie for three years. The statute never intended this. It intended a speedy revision of the judgment, if the plaintiff should desire one at all. It therefore provides in terms for a revision by a motion in error. It neither in terms nor by implication authorizes a writ,of error. The case must be stricken from the docket.