Carmichael v. West Feliciana Railroad
Carmichael v. West Feliciana Railroad
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the court.
The appellees move to dismiss the appeal, and in support of the motion, urge the following reasons. 1. That the record was filed out of time, and without leave of court. 2. That there is no assignment of errors. 3. Failure to prosecute the appeal. 4. That there is no legal appeal bond.
1. The appeal was taken at the last May term of the circuit court, of Wilkinson county,, and was, of course, returnable to the last December term of this court, but the record was not filed
The second reason is, that no errors have been assigned. This reason is predicated on a rule of court, and would undoubtedly be good, if it were not for the peculiar circumstances of the case. It is admitted, that Carmichael died after the appeal was taken, and before the return term. By the common law, a writ of error abated by the death of the plaintiff in error, before assignment of errors, and the rule would probably apply to an appeal also; but by our statute, Revised Code, 155, sec. 25, if either party die pending an appeal or writ of error, it may be revived in the name of his representatives; and although the clerk ma]'-, in vaca
The third reason, to wit, failure to prosecute the appeal, is embraced in the two preceding ones, and consequently disposed of.
The last reason in support of the motion is, that there is no legal appeal bond; but we do not think the objection to the bond well taken. It is said to be insufficient, because made by an attorney in fact, and is unaccompanied by the power of attorney. We have not been furnished with any authority in support of this position; and our impression is, that we have no right to question the validity of the bond on that account. Appeal bonds are taken before the court below, and a copy transmitted to this court, and can only be attacked here for defects apparent on their face, in not conforming to the law. We must presume that they were executed by the party whose name is attached, and if executed by attorney, the presumption equally holds. We might as well go into an inquiry as to the genuineness of the signature, if executed by the party himself, as to require the power of attorney. It would present an inquiry of fact with which this court has nothing to do.
The motion must be overruled.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Carmichael v. West Feliciana Railroad Company
- Status
- Published