Falkner v. Behr , 1 Ga. L. Rep. 127 ( 1885 )

Jackson, C. J.

1. The evidence was sufficient to support the verdict, and it is not contrary to evidence, law or equity.

2. Where the judge charged repeatedly that, to establish a plea of recoupment on the ground of not keeping true accounts, under a suit for .wages by a clerk, the evidence necessary was what was satisfacory to the jury, atjd explained fully the rule as to the preponderance of evidence in civil cases, thus distinguishing it from the evidence necessary to convict of a crime, there was no eiror in refusing to charge in the language of a request to the effect that the proof necessary to establish the plea was not such as would be required to convict of a crime; but that it would be sufficient’if it were established by the rules of testimony in civil cases.

3. The court also charged, in effect, that if the plea of recoupment was made out, and the amount shown exceeded the proved wages of the plaintiff, th.e defendant co’uld recover such amount, which is the substance of the other request not given.

4. Every affirmative issue, in a case must be proved by positive evidence, and not by neglective evidence.’ There was no error in charging that where a defendant set up negligence in keeping accounts or appropriation of money on the part'of the plaintiff, by way of recoupment, if the plaintiff did not have sole control and management, but the defendant or other employees had management and control of the goods, there must be positive proof of the negligence or misappropriation — the court immediately'proceeding to explain his meaning by stating that the burden of establishing the .affirmative plea was the same as that resting o,n the plaintiff while he held the affirmative position in the case, which was to prove his part of the case to the satisfaction of the jury, and further explaining the rule of preponderance of evidence.

W. Dessau; Hill & Harris, for plaintiff in error. Hardeman & Davis; L. N. Whittle, for defendant.

(a) This case differs from that of Holt vs. the State, 62 Ga., 314, 316.

5. Where a plea of recoupment charged that the plaintiff was an employee of the defendant, and had not kept true accounts and had misappropriated funds, the general character of the plaintiff was in issue, and he had the right to sustain it.

Judgment affirmed.