Court Opinion

ID: 9666655
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 01:23:50.652719+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:15:31.634736
License: Public Domain

FAULKNER, Justice
(dissenting).
I concur in the dissent of Mr. Justice Jones. I write this only for the purpose of asking a question, to wit, “Will the Judge who knows the meaning of the words “plainly and palpably” please stand up?” The Third New International Dictionary defines the adverb “palpably” as capable of being palpable. “Palpable” is defined as capable of being touched or felt, and perceptible to the sense of touch. “Palp” comes from the Latin “palpare,” meaning to stroke or to caress.
I can understand “plainly.” This word is used a “right smart” by folks who grew up in rural areas of the South. “Plainly” means distinctly, or clearly. So, when the words “plainly and palpably” are used to describe the “weight of the evidence,” does that mean the evidence is “clearly touching” or “distinctly caressing ?”
The words “plainly and palpably” are about as pleasing to me as my having a good case of prickly heat. Surely, more descriptive, and meaningful, words can be found to say how much evidence is necessary to support a jury verdict.
At this point in time, there is really no sound reason for having the Cobb v. Malone rule. If the trial judge who grants or denies the motion for new trial has the courage to state his reason or reasons for doing so, we will not have to resort to this charade.