Court Opinion

ID: 9544142
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 16:52:25.658217+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:12:04.976632
License: Public Domain

ELLETT, Justice
(dissenting) :
This case was dismissed for failure to prosecute on the very day it was to be tried. The plaintiff moved for a continuance in order for her to obtain an expert witness, and the defendant thereupon moved for the dismissal of the action.
In the light of the history of this case, I think the court might have been justified in refusing to continue the matter, but I do not see how the court could dismiss it for failure to prosecute at trial unless the plaintiff refused to produce evidence.
While it may have appeared to the trial judge that the plaintiff was certain to lose the case in the absence of an expert witness, I think he could not for that reason dismiss the case. He should have ordered the plaintiff to proceed to trial. A dismissal might have been proper at the conclusion of her evidence, but not before it was offered.
I would reverse the judgment of dismissal and award costs to the appellant.
MAUGHAN, J., concurs in the views expressed in the dissenting opinion of Mr. Justice Ellett.
CROCKETT, J., having disqualified himself, does not participate herein.