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4 Yeates 520

Wallace v. Mease

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

Decided July 15, 1808

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania · decided 1808-07-15

The cause was tried before Bracrenridge, Justice, at Harrisburgh, on the 24th October 1806, and a verdict given for the plaintiff for $150 in an action of slander. A motion for a new trial was made, but the same was overruled. now urged several grounds for awarding a new trial; and among others, that the deposition of Susannah Wray had been read in evidence on the trial on the part of the plaintiff, though opposed by the defendant.

Cited by 1 later decisions (1 by the Supreme Court) — most recently April 1788

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1808-07-15

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Tilghman, C. J.

¶1The deportment of a witness on a personal examination conduces greatly to the development of the truth. His manner of answering questions, frequently shews his indifference or bias towards the parties. Hence it is, that the common law prefers viva voce testimony to depositions. The 45th rule regulating the practice of the Circuit Court is general in its terms, and extends to depositions taken on a cross examination, as well as those ex parte. They are not to be admitted, if the witnesses qre resident "within the state, and within 40 miles of *521the place of trial, unless duly subpoenaed, or it appears they cannot be found, after reasonable pains taken for that purpose.

¶2We must judge from the face of the rule, as entered on the record of the Circuit Court; and it does not appear from thence, that any of the usual requisites were dispensed with. No such terms appear to have been imposed on the defendant, as the condition of postponing the trial. On the contrary, the docket shews, that the rule for taking of the deposition was entered on the ist November as has been stated; and that afterwards on the 7th November, the action was continued on account of the absence of the defendant’s witnesses, and that he was then ruled to pay the costs of the term.

¶3Judgment reversed, and a new trial awarded.

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