Ribas y Albanell v. Valdes y Cobian
Ribas y Albanell v. Valdes y Cobian
Opinion of the Court
Tbe Foreman: Your Honor, tbe jury are not unanimous in tbeir desires to sign tbis verdict, and they bave come into court to ask wbetber it is obligatory on tbeir part to sign it.
delivered tbe following opinion:
It is not only obligatory on tbe jury to return tbe verdict directed by tbe court, but it is more than that. It would be a contempt of court if they did not. Of course you understand I state that simply as an abstract point of law in answer to your question.
Tbe point is tbis: In tbe evolution of courts, tbe law bas become distinct as to tbe duties of the court and tbe duties of tbe jury. I trust you all appreciate that I will never take anything that does not belong to tbe court, but to tbe extent of what does so belong I bave to go. And it is tbe same way with yourselves.
If the court commits an error of any kind in a case, it is subject to review on appeal.. It is not an arbitrary act of one judge. So that between judge and jury there is no question about the respective duties.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- JOSÉ RIBAS Y ALBANELL, Plff. v. RAMON VALDES Y COBIAN, Dfts.
- Status
- Published