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71 Ill. App. 263

LaFevre v. DuBrule

Appellate Court of Illinois

Decided June 16, 1897

Appellate Court of Illinois · decided 1897-06-16

<p>1. Verdicts—Upon Conflicting Evidence.—The evidence in this case is conflicting, and as there was enough, if credible to sustain the plaintiff’s version of the matter, the verdict in his favor shoxild be final xmless prejudicial error has intervened.</p> <p>2. New Trials—Or Account of Newly-Discovered Evidence.—A motion for a new trial lipón the ground of newly-discovered evidence is properly denied, where such evidence is merely cumulative, and sufficient diligence in attempting to produce it on the trial is not shown.</p> <p>3. Witnesses—Beputation of, for Truth May he Considered.—It is proper where there is evidence upon which to base such an instruction, to tell the jury that if the reputation of a witness for truth and veracity is bad that fact may be considered in weighing his testimony.</p>

Affirmed · Decided 1897-06-16

Opinion pee Cubiam.

¶1This was replevin for a lot of tools and fixtures pertaining to a barbershop and for a. quantity of clothing. The plaintiff recovered, and by the verdict was awarded the sum of five dollars damages for detention. The defendant appeals. The questions of fact were whether the tools and fixtures belonged to plaintiff or defendant, and whether plaintiff was indebted to defendant for a board bill for which the defendant claimed a lien on the clothing. As to both issues the result depended upon the state of accounts between the parties. If the jury believed plaintiff the finding was" right, and as the evidence is conflicting, there being enough, if credible, to sustain the plaintiffs version of the matter, the verdict should be final unless prejudicial error has intervened.

¶2It is urged that the second instruction .for plaintiff is erroneous. The objection, as stated, is that a part of the goods in controversy were the clothing and baggage of plaintiff, as to which the defendant claimed a lien for board, and that this feature of the defense was ignored. The instruction was confined to the tools and fixtures of the barber shop and can not be construed to affect the. articles of apparel. We think the objection is not well taken.

¶3The fourth .is objected to. It is to the effect that if the reputation of defendant for truth and veracity was bad that fact might be considered by the jury in weighing her testimony. There was proof upon which to predicate the instruction.. We perceive no valid objection to it.

¶4Newly-discovered testimony was one of the grounds urged for new trial. The testimony so alleged was merely cumulative.

¶5No sufficient diligence to produce it on the trial was shown. No error appears.

¶6Judgment affirmed.

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