Rodney’s Notes
Court of Common Pleas of Delaware, Kent County.
May, 1794.
Page 44
Verdict for plaintiff for the sum of £119.4.10.
Mr. Bayard, for defendant, moved to have a rule to show cause etc. next term, on the ground that the verdict was against law and evidence. Bright v. Eynon, 1 Burr. 390, Lord Mansfield, [new trial granted] where there is a reasonable doubt or certainty that justice has not been done. Reasons for granting new trial is by taking all the evidence and circumstances; difficult to fix a general rule. If evidence upon the whole greatly preponderates against the verdict [new trial should be granted]; but where the evidence is i equilibria, no cause for setting aside verdict. Certificate a peremptory bar against the plaintiff. [He is] not liable to any demands whatever, since discharge given in one state [has] the same effect in all other states. [1] Dall. 229, Miller v. Hall.
Acts of pardon, marriage and divorce binding in all other states etc. [1] Dall. 381, Shippen, certificate of a bankrupt a discharge in law for traders etc. Verdict contrary to law on the ground that the action was brought against Charles Nixon only.
Mr. Miller, for plaintiff. The account against Gordon wherein the sum of £341 is credited to him [was] made up in Philadelphia two years after the running account. 1 Wils. 22, though the verdict was against his opinion, yet as the verdict was found by the jury on evidence on each side, [the judge] cannot set it aside, etc. 5 Bac.Abr. 246. Cooke B.L. 348, a certificate in England no discharge in Barbadoes.
Mr. Bidgely for plaintiff. 3 Wils. 45, Chief Justice told the jury the weight of evidence was on the side of plaintiff. Jury found for defendant. Plaintiff moved to set aside verdict; if there has been a contrary of evidence, I disdain any power to set aside a verdict found by a jury.
Mr. Bayard, for defendant, in conclusion.
[PER CURIAM.]
The Court, after hearing the arguments and taking the circumstances into consideration, are of opinion that there is not sufficient ground to support the motion, therefore that it be dismissed.
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