Dillon v. State
Dillon v. State
Opinion of the Court
The counsel for the appellant object to the record as proof in tlie proceedings against tlie appellant, as he was noilher a party nor privy to that action. And it is certainly true that the judgment in that case could not be evidence against him. But it would not follow that nothing contained in tlie record would be evidence. If lie had answered interrogatories in the suit which was made a part of the record, liis answers could be made evidence against him. He would not bo permitted to contradict what iie had sworn to. Again, tlie record could be referred to for the purpose of proving the fact that lié was tlie attorney who had brought the suit. It does not appear, however, that the appellant swore to or answered on oath the facts disclosed by him anti stated lu the record. It was nothing more than a voluntary declaration. Had the court, for the purpose of ascertaining whether ho had authority to bring the suit, propounded interrogatories and required him to answer them on oath, lie would not have been permitted to gainsay their truth. Iam therefore of tlie opinion that the statement on the record in the suit for a divorce of what liad been acknowledged by tlie respondent should be excluded from the consideration of tiie fact"whether he was guilty or not of the malpractice of which he was charged.
We must take his answer to the rule to show canso as the only evidence against him. This shows pretty clearly that he brought the suit without any authority whatever from, the party whom he made to figure in the character of plaintiff'. He does not allege that the stranger who requested him to bring the suit pretended to have auy'authority whatever from Martha Ann Walker
It is hoped that Clio example will not be without a salutary influence, not onlj- in relation to Ihe offender himself, but likewise on others. And should it have the effect to bring him to a just appreciation of what is due to the country, to hirn«elf asan honest man, and to a learned and honorable profession of ■ which lie was a member, there can be no doubt hut the Legislature, on such favorable result being made manifest, will enable the court'to extend to him a new license.
We perceive no error in the judgment of the court below. It is therefore affirmed.
Judgment affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- W. D. Dillon v. State
- Cited By
- 1 case
- Status
- Published