Denny v. Giles
Opinion of the Court
Plaintiffs in error, as executors of Denny, sued Giles upon a judgment rendered in 1896 in the United States Circuit Court for the Southern District of Florida. The judgment, introduced in evidence by the production of the minute book of that court, was as follows:
“Wednesday, April 8, 1896.
*‘Wm. 11. Denny v. James L. Giles and Nannie B. Giles.
“Now comes plaintiff and in open court dismisses this suit as to Nannie B. Giles. And James L. Giles, defendant, being in default for lack of plea, a jury is called upon motion of plaintiff and summoned to assess the damageis*988 herein, viz.: E. H. Reynolds, Ijawrence Chesnut, Herman Rehm, Isaac J. Brown, T. B. Collins, J. H. Porter, John H. Livingston, R. M. Carver, Wm. H. Records, T. M. S. Hendricks, P. M. Lanier, Stephen Floyd. And having considered the pleadings and evidence the jury render their verdict: ‘We, the jury, And for the plaintiff against James' L.i Giles $3,290.00 and $300.00 attorney’s fees. J. II. Livingston, foreman.’ Whereupon judgment is entered, to wit: In accordance with the verdict of the jury it is considered by the court that William R. Denny, plaintiff, receive and recover from James L. Giles, defendant, four thousand one hundred and ninety dollars for damages in this behalf sustained, as well as seventeen dollars and twenty cents, and for costs in this behalf expended.
“Ordered that E. H. Reynolds, petit juror, be excused from further attendance. Ordered the court adjourn till 10 a. m. to-morrow. And court adjourned as ordered.
“Attest: E. O. Locke, Clerk.”
There was also introduced in evidence an excerpt from what was called “the common-law progress docket,” to the following effect:
“166 #160 33. C. L.
“W. R. Denny.
“Beggs & Palmer, a Citizen of Winchester, Virginia.
“James L. Giles and Nannie B. Giles, Citizens of. Orange County, Florida. Assumpsit. Damages $6,000.00.
D P
Box L. 5
25 Praecipe for Summons. Filed Feb. 28, 1896
25 Declaration %.
1 15 Summons issued.
25 Appearance of defendant.
25 Summons returned.
25 Plea in abatement of Nannie B. Giles.... “ April 1,
25 Praecipe for judgment by default. “ “ 4,
25 Praecipe for judgment by default. Verdict by jury against James L. Giles.. “ “ 4,
25 for $3,290 and $300 Attys. fees hied April 8, 1896.
‘Settled’ in pencil mark.”
The plaintiffs in error rely upon section 1522 of the General Statutes of Florida of 1906, to this effect:
“All flnal judgments and decroqs heretofore' or hereafter rendered and - entered in the circuit courts of this state, and certified copies thereof, shall be admissible as prima facie evidence in the several courts of this state of the entry and validity of‘such judgments and decrees.”
Section 721 of the Revised Statutes (Comp. St. 1916, § 1538) provides that:
“The laws of the several states, except where the Constitution, treaties or statutes of the United States otherwise require or provide, shall be regarded as rules of decision in trials at common law in the courts of the United States in cases where they apply.”
The Florida statute has specific reference to the judgments enter - ed in the circuit courts of that state, and can no more be enlarged by the courts of the United States to include the former Circuit Courts of the United States than other courts of Florida.
The judgment is affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- DENNY v. GILES
- Status
- Published