State v. Howell

Supreme Court of Louisiana
State v. Howell, 147 La. 443 (La. 1920)
85 So. 70; 1920 La. LEXIS 1536
Sty

State v. Howell

Opinion of the Court

PRO YO STY, J.

The two plaintiffs were summoned from the city of New Orleans to the parish of Lincoln to testify as experts in the murder case of State v. Gaspar Howell; and they gave their testimony. For their services they claimed $50 a day plus actual expenses. The court allowed $25 a day and expenses. They then took a rule on the police jury of said parish to show cause why they should not be allowed the amount claimed in full. They stand very high in their profession, and testify that the said charge is reasonable, in fact, moderate, less than what is usually allowed them as experts in court cases, and that, moreover, said amount was agreed upon beforehand. There is no evidence contra. The learned trial judge thought that the matter was one wholly within the discretion of the court, and that, besides, the allowance was reasonable. These experts were entitled to the full value of their services; and the evidence shows- that this value was at least equal to the amount claimed.

The judgment appealed from is increased to $229.85 in favor of Dr. A. L. Metz and to like amount in favor of Dr. W. H. Harris, and, as thus amended, is affirmed; the parish of Lincoln to pay all costs.

Reference

Full Case Name
STATE v. HOWELL. In re METZ
Status
Published
Syllabus
(Syllabus by Editorial Staff.) Witnesses On rule to show cause by medical experts testifying in a murder trial why their claim for fees should not be allowed in full, evidence held to show that the value of their services was equal to the amount claimed.