Burgess v. Matlock
Burgess v. Matlock
Opinion of the Court
The appellees caused an attachment to be issued by a justice of the peace, in a proceeding against one Hopwood. At the same time, process of garnishment was taken out against the appellant, on the ground that he had “the control and agency of moneys belonging to
The reason for the dismissal is not disclosed in the record. The brief of the appellees states that the reason was. that the transcript of the justice’s judgment, &c., was filed by the attorney of the said Burgess, and not by the justice, in the clerk’s office. . The appellant places the action of the Court on the ground that it decided that no appeal lay in favor of the garnishee.
Neither of the reasons is sufficient. The record shows that Burgess appealed. The statute in reference to the duty of the justice as to filing a transcript, is merely directory as to the hand of the person by whom he shall lodge the transcript with the clerk.
We do not see any reason that should prevent a defendant in a proceeding in garnishment, from availing himself of the general statute allowing appeals from the judgment of a justice. His rights might be as much affected, and wrongfully, as if the proceeding was in the nature of an original suit directly against him.
The judgment is reversed with costs. Cause remanded, &c.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.