Woods v. Woods , 17 Ga. 293 ( 1855 )

By the Court.

Starnes, J.

delivering the opinion.

[1.] We have disposed of the point presented by this record, in a recent case decided at Columbus, in which we have expressed an opinion adverse to the position of this plaintiff in error.

The principle upon which that decision rested, was simply as follows: The requirement of the bond given by an insolvent debtor, when arrested on ca. sa. for his appearance, &e. is, that he will appear “at the next term” of the Court, “ then and there to stand to and abide such proceedings as may be had by the Court, in relation to his, her or their taking the benefit” of the Honest Debtors’ Act. And the Act provides, that “in case of failure to appear, judgment shall be entered up instantcr upon said bond, against the principal and his securities,” &c.

It is thus perceived, that the exigency of the bond is, that the debtor shall appear at the next term — not the first day of the term, or on any other particular day thereof, but at the term. This might be construed to mean the first day of the term, or at any other point of time therein, when, in the due and regular order of proceeding, the case was called. And this strict view would be correct, perhaps, if the interests of the debtor were alone at stake. But the rights and interests of the securities are here concerned; and quoad them, these provisions should receive that liberal construction which, whilst it favors substantial justice, allows to them the latest reasonable period within the term of the Court at which they may produce the body of the .debtor, and discharge themselves.

In this point of view, we think, that if the securities do thus render the body of the debtor at some reasonable period of the term, before the Jury is discharged, and in time for the necessary issues to be formed and tried, (if in order for trial) they should be relieved from their liability. Hence, we think the proper practice would be for this docket to be taken up as the last business in order, before the discharge of the Jury. And we know this to be the practice in some parts of our State.

In this case, it appears that the debtor was produced by his securities in such reasonable time ; and we therefore affirm the judgment of the Court.