Slaton v. Fowler

1. It is the duty of juries to seek to arrive at the truth under the evidence It is the duty of the presiding judge, on motion for a new trial properly raising the point, to consider whether the verdict is contrary to evidence, or decidedly and strongly against the weight of the evidence, or without evidence to support it. in determining whether or not a new trial should he granted on the ground that the verdict is contrary to the evidence, or decidedly and strongly against the weight of the evidence, he should exercise a sound discretion. But when he has done so and has approved the verdict, this court will not grant a new trial merely because the evidence is conflicting, or even if there should appear to be a preponderance of evidence against the verdict, if there is sufficient evidence to support it. 2. Where the value of the article is relevant, it may be shown by the opinion of witnesses, although they may not be experts, if they have knowledge of facts on which to predicate such opinion. Ventral Railroad v. Wolff, 74 Ga. 664. 3. Whether or not want of consideration can be pleaded to a suit based on a promissory note under seal, failure of consideration may be so pleaded. 4. No error appears in this ease which requires a reversal.

Complaint. Before Judge Fite. Gordon superior court. April 10, 1905. Slaton, as indorsee of certain promissory notes amounting to eighty dollars, given by J. S. Fowler to the Cable Company for the purchase-money of an organ, brought suit against the maker, in a justice’s court. The notes were under seal. The case was carried to the superior court by appeal. The defendant pleaded failure of consideration, and that he had already paid fifteen dollars on the purchase-money, which he pleaded as a “set-off.” • On the trial the evidence was conflicting. That on behalf of the defendant tended to show, that, directly on delivery of'the instrument, complaint in regard to it was made to Slaton, who was the agent of the vendor; that repeated efforts were made to repair it, but they were unsuccessful, and the instrument never operated properly. It also appeared that the defendant had given to the vendor, in part payment of the purchase-money, a small organ, the value of which was estimated at fifteen dollars; and there was testimony to the effect that the organ which he purchased was of little value and worth not more than that which he delivered to the company. There was also evidence tending to show that Slaton was not an indorsee for value before due and without notice. The jury found for the defendant. The plaintiff moved for a new trial, which was refused, and he excepted. The grounds of the motion were, that the verdict was contrary to law and the evidence; that the testimony of certain witnesses, that “they thought the little organ was worth as much, as á musical instrument, as the one defendant bought of the Cable Company/’ was illegally permitted to go before the jury, over the mov-ant’s objection that “the effect of said evidence went to show that the notes sued on were without consideration, the same being sealed instruments;” and that the court erred in charging the jury as follows: “If you find that the organ bought by defendant from the Cable Company, on account of the alleged defects, was not worth any more than the organ he let said company have at the time of the purchase and giving the notes sued on, you will find for the defendant.”