Cleveland v. Stein

Michigan Supreme Court
Cleveland v. Stein, 14 Mich. 338 (Mich. 1866)
1866 Mich. LEXIS 45
Campbell, Other

Cleveland v. Stein

Opinion of the Court

Campbell J.

The only question before us is whether the judgment below was erroneous for want of a separate finding by the judge who tried the cause. The judgment recites what was found, and the facts recited are sufficient unless a separate finding was required.

If we construe the statute literally, there is no doubt that a written finding must in all cases be filed. (2 Comp. L. § 3436) But a long course of practical construction has held that where the judgment is entered in term, and signed by the judge who tried the cause, (except in those eases where a special finding is needed), the signing of the judgment is *340equivalent to-a written finding. To this extent we feel bound to recognize and sustain the practice, as to change it now would be a surprise upon the courts, and would operate injuriously. But nothing short of an uninterrupted practice could sanction such a loose rule, and we cannot consistently extend it beyond cases where the finding is general, and made in term, by the judge who heard the cause. As this is Such a case, we are constrained to hold that there is no error; and the judgment must be affirmed, with costs.

The other Justices concurred.

Reference

Full Case Name
Joseph H. Cleveland v. Emilie Stein
Status
Published