Riera Coronas v. American Railroad
Riera Coronas v. American Railroad
Opinion of the Court
delivered tbe following opinion:
This ease was tried before a jury at Ponce on January 20 and 21, 1915. Tbe evidence was full on both sides and tbe matter was well presented in every respect. Before judgment was entered tbe defendant, on January 22, filed a motion for a new trial. Tbe parties have submitted tbe application without argument, and tbe case is so recent tbat tbe court feels it is able to forego tbat assistance.
1. Several grounds are alleged in tbe motion for a new trial. Tbe one relating to tbe refusal of tbe court to grant instructions requested by tbe defendant need not be considered, as tbe court deems tbat tbe refusal of tbe instructions in question was proper. Tbe matter of conformity of tbe verdict to tbe evidence, however, will require more consideration. It is true tbe grounds are not shown in detail by affidavit as provided in rule 62. This, however, is not necessary under tbe circumstances, as tbe case is recent, and tbe parties waived formality on tbat account. While probably not essential, tbe court will permit an affidavit nunc -pro tunc, which is now added.
3. It is true that the credibility of the witnesses is entirely for the jury, and with that the court does not wish to interfere in any respect. It is possible, for instance, that the jury did not believe the testimony of the woman who testified that she
The application for a new trial has to be decided upon the facts developed upon the trial, and, taking the evidence as a whole, it seems to the court that the verdict was excessive. The new trial will therefore be granted, unless the plaintiff consents to the reduction of the verdict to $2,000, in which case the clerk will enter a final judgment for $2,000. If this is not agreed to by the plaintiff, however, within ten days, the clerk will enter an order setting aside the verdict and directing a new trial in due course.
It is so ordered.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- AMADOR RIERA CORONAS, Plff. v. AMERICAN RAILROAD COMPANY OF PORTO RICO, Dft.
- Status
- Published