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19 Ind. 405

Rogers v. Lewis

Indiana Supreme Court

Decided November 15, 1862

Indiana Supreme Court · decided 1862-11-15

<p>In eases where there is a conflict of testimony, and the evidence of the winning party, taken by itself, will support the judginent l'eMered,' it must be affirmed.</p> <p>Testimony for the impeachment of a witness should go to his character at the time of the trial.</p>

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1862-11-15

How this case has been cited

Cited by 4 later decisions — most recently January 1931

1 federal appellate · 3 state decisions

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Perkins, J.

¶1Lewis sued Rogers upon a promissory note. Rogers gave the note to Sylvanus H. Tarkington, from whom it passed, by assignment, to the plaintiff.

¶2The defendant, Rogers, answered, that he gave the note to Tarkington in consideration that William JD. Alexander should make to him, Rogers, a deed for a lot in Gosport; that Alexander executed to him a bond for a deed, but had failed to execute or tender it; and that the lot had been sold, on execution, for Alexander’s debt. The plaintiff replied by the general denial; and also specially averring, that the note was not given in consideration that Alexander should make a deed to Rogers; but, in consideration that Tarkington should relinquish to him, Rogers, the equitable interest he had in, and the right he had to require a deed from Alexander to, the lot in question; that he made the relinquishment; that Rogers procured a bond for a deed from Alexander, which he might have enforced, but neglected to do so; that he received possession of the lot, from which he had not been evicted, etc., and might still enforce his title from Alexander, and those claiming through him, by means of his bond, as the possession of the lot by him, Rogers, was notice, etc.

¶3Trial by the Court. Judgment for the plaintiff. The cause is here upon the evidence. Three witnesses were examined. The testimony of two of them, if believed, taken by itself, proved the defendant’s answer. The testimony of *406one of them, Tarhington himself, if believed, taken by itself, proved the plaintiff’s reply.

McDonald and Roache, for the appellant.Newcomb and Tarhington, for the appellee.

¶4Here was a conflict of evidence; and the rule is, in such case, that, where the evidence of the winning party, taken by itself, will support the judgment rendered, it must be affirmed.

¶5An attempt was made to impeach Tarhington, but no evidence, legitimate to the impeachment, was given. No witness examined knew his character, at the time 'of trial, or for three years previous. The testimony should go to the character at the time of the trial. 2 Gt. & H., p. 171, notes.

Per Curiam.

¶6The judgment below is affirmed, with one per cent, damages and costs.

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