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4 Mont. 464

Story v. Maclay

Montana Supreme Court

Decided January 15, 1882

Montana Supreme Court · decided 1882-01-15

Rehearing of the case reported in 3 Mont. 480. Appealed from first district, Gallatin county. Three propositions are discussed in the opinion in this case, in 3 Montana, p. 480, which will be considered in their order. 1. The transcript shows that the appellants objected to the testimony of the respondent, on the ground that it was incompetent. No objection was made in the court below to the competency of Story as a witness, and the same is deemed waived.

Relies on Story v. Maclay

Decided 1882-01-15

Wade, C. J.

¶1This cause was heard at the August term, 1880, and is reported in 3 Mont. 480. We see no reason for disturbing the decision then rendered.

¶2A witness may draw a map or plat to illustrate his testimony, but before doing so it ought to appear that he has some knowledge of what he is doing. A total stranger to a mine, a house or tract of ground would not be permitted to draw a plat of the same from mere hearsay, and exhibit the same to a jury to explain or illustrate his testimony. And all that the former decision decides in this regard is that a witness who attempts to draw a map of a country three or four hundred miles squai’e, in order to show what it is worth to transport a certain number of pounds of merchandise through such country, and the reasonable and probable cost thereof, should at least have some knowledge of such country, and some means of knowing the probable cost of such transportation.

¶3There is no question but the judgment is too large by about $1,300, and we think the cause ought to be retried.

¶4Judgment of reversal affirmed, and cause remanded for a new trial.

¶5Former judgment affirmed.

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