Hill v. White

Field, for appellant: The only ground relied on was, that the verdict was against the evidence in the case.

The statement contains no portion of the, evidence, or any reference thereto, to explain the grounds taken. In the argument, the respondent, to sustain his position, referred to the recollection of the judge as to what the evidence was. The plaintiff objected to this course, insisting that there was nothing before the Court to support the motion, upon which it could even be argued.

The statute requires the statement of the grounds upon which a motion for a new trial is made, to contain so much of the evidence as may be necessary to explain the grounds, on reference thereto. Practice Act, sects. 195. 194; stat. of 1850, p. 81. The judge had no discretion, for the statute is express, that the right to move for a new trial shall be deemed waived, if a statement is not filed within five days after notice.

And by statute parties have a right to appeal from an order granting a new trial. Practice Act, sect. 347.

[307]The opinion of the Court was delivered by Chief Justice Murray.

This is an appeal from an order of the Court below, granting a new trial, on the ground as stated in the record, that “ the verdict of the jury is against the evidence !”

This was one of the causes set forth in the defendant's motion for a new trial, but no portion of the testimony was stated or referred to in said motion, for the information of the Court below.

The power of granting new trials, as we have before held, rests in the sound discretion of the Court, subject, however, to review by this tribunal. We will not disturb, on slight grounds, the action of inferior Courts, but are bound from their more intimate knowledge of the equities of the case, to suppose they have acted properly.

In the present case, however, the defendant has failed to comply with the 195th section of the Practice Act, which provides that “ the statement of the grounds on which the party moves for a new trial, shall contain so much of the evidence as shall be necessary to explain the grounds taken, and no more.”

Without this statement, it would be impossible for us to determine whether the Court below had exercised a proper discretion, and the party complaining would be effectually denied his appeal.