United States Express Co. v. Hutchins

Mr. Justice Thornton delivered the opinion of the Court:

This was an action of assumpsit, to recover money sent by express from Allin, Ill., to Lowell, Mass. There was a judgment against appellant for $2,000.

The principal witness to prove the liability of the express company, was appellee. The evidence was conflicting; and as to some important and material facts stated by appellee, he w-as contradicted by other witnesses. Some portion of his story was rendered improbable by opposing testimony.

Upon this state of the evidence, the court erred in refusing the following instruction in behalf of appellant:

“If the jury believe, from the evidence, that the plaintiff, Hutchins, has wilfully sworn falsely as to any material fact, they have a right, if they choose to do so, to disbelieve his entire evidence, so far as he is not corroborated by some other witness.”

We shall not prejudice the case by any discussion of the evidence, further than to remark that there was sufficient upon which to base the instruction. It was highly proper that it should have been given. In all cases of conflicting evidence, the jury should have the benefit of every principle of law which might elucidate the facts. The jury must pass upon the testimony, but can not do so intelligently without full and explicit instructions from the court.

The discredit of a witness depends upon his motive. If a misstatement is the result of mistake or misapprehension, charity should be indulged. If the false sivearing is wilful as to one material fact, the jury may properly reject the testimony, if not corroborated. The • maxim, falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus, should be applied in all cases where the evidence is intentionally false. City of Chicago v. Smith, 48 Ill. 107 .

The purposes of justice would be best subserved by sending this cause to another jury.

The judgment is reversed and the cause remanded.'

Judgment reversed.

Mr. Justice Scott took no part in this decision.-