State v. Knight
State v. Knight
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the court. There is nothing in the record of this case, as it came from the court below that shews it to be one of which we have jurisdiction ; and the affidavit filed by the defendant, does not supply the defect.
Although the party, on whose suggestion these proceedings originated, applied for a writ of quo warranto, and the judge granted it, it is quite clear, that the case alleged in the petition was one in which prohibition was the proper remedy : And we observe, that the judgment rendered, is not that which follows a decision in favor of the relator in quo warranto ; but is strictly one of prohibition. It does not oust the defendant from office ; but merely enjoins him from trying a certain cause, then pending
In the affidavit filed by the appellant, for the purpose of giving jurisdiction to this court, he swears, that he verily believes he will sustain pecuniary damage by the judgment, to an amount, far exceeding $300. The most charitable construction, and therefore the most proper one that can be put on this declaration, is, that the deponent supposes, that by limiting his jurisdiction, it will affect his business, and prevent his administering as much justice as he otherwise would. Whether this be a civil injury, may be well left open for inquiry. Perhaps it may be found, that although magistrates have fees given them for duties which they discharge at the request of suitors, yet that they have not such an interest in trying cases, as will enable them to allege a restraint on their jurisdiction as a pecuniary injury, for which they may maintain an aciion. This point, however, is not necessary to be decided on now. It is sufficient for the disposal
The appeal is therefore dismissed, with costs.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- STATE OF LOUISIANA v. KNIGHT
- Status
- Published