Public-domain · open source
OpenJurist

246 F. 686

Docket No. 4829.

Schlank v. Smith

Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

Decided October 29, 1917.)

Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals · decided 1917-10-29

<p>Appeal and -Erbor 1011(1) — Review—Findings of Fact.</p> <p>A finding of fact by a trial court, made on conflicting testimony of witnesses, some of whom testified orally, will be regarded on appeal as presumptively correct.</p>

Cited by 2 later decisions — most recently November 1926

2 federal appellate ·

2 counsel of record

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Affirmed · Decided 1917-10-29

View the full empirical analysis of this case →

¶1Appeal and -Erbor 1011(1) — Review—Findings of Fact.

¶2A finding of fact by a trial court, made on conflicting testimony of witnesses, some of whom testified orally, will be regarded on appeal as presumptively correct.

¶3Appeal from the District Court of the United States for the District of Nebraska; J. W. Woodrough, Judge.

¶4Suit in equity by George Warren Smith against Jake Schlank. Decree for complainant, and defendant appeals.

¶5Affirmed.

¶6William Baird, of Omaha, Neb. (Wm. Baird & Sons, of Omaha, Neb., on the brief), for appellant.

¶7Francis A. Brogan, of Omaha, Neb. (Brogan & Raymond, of Omaha, Neb., on the brief),.for appellee.

¶8Before HOOK, SMITH, and STONE, Circuit Judges.

¶9HOOK, Circuit Judge.

¶10The issue in this suit in equity is as to the existence of an enforceable contract in writing for a 99-year lease- of some ground on Farnam street, Omaha, Neb. The issue turns upon the narrow question of fact whether the proposition of Schlank, to which Smith, the owner; addressed a letter of- acceptance,- included the particular ground in question. Part of thé evidence at the trial was by depositions, and part, equally important, was from witnesses ivho testified orally. The case so made is so nicely balanced that it is diffi*687cult to say from the record before us with which party the truth abides. The trial court held with Smith. It had an advantage in hearing the oral testimony and observing the witnesses, which we do not possess. This condition requires the application of the familiar rule that the finding of a chancellor upon conflicting evidence will be regarded on, appeal as presumptively correct. - • ■ • ■

¶11The decree is affirmed.

/246/f1d/686 · .json · Public domain