Rutalonis v. Rospieski Et Ux. , 289 Pa. 456 ( 1927 )

Argued April 13, 1927. In this action of ejectment, plaintiff claimed title under a deed from defendants; the latter asserted the paper in question was a forgery. The narrow issue was: Did defendants execute a deed to plaintiff for the property in dispute?

Plaintiff produced one who claimed to be a subscribing witness to the deed, before whom it purported to have been acknowledged. The witness testified that he had prepared the instrument at the request of defendants, that he knew them both personally, and that they signed and acknowledged it before him as a notary public. Defendants denied this testimony.

In arguing to the jury the issues thus raised, plaintiff's counsel said: "Gentlemen of the jury: If you find the defendant in this case did not sign that deed, then you must decide that Joseph P. Lord [plaintiff's witness] is a forger." To this remark, defendant's counsel objected and requested the withdrawal of a juror, which was refused. The jurors were subsequently instructed that, if they found defendant had not signed the deed, it did not necessarily follow they must conclude Lord was a forger, for there was still the possibility that he might have been mistaken in the identity of the woman who executed and acknowledged the instrument in his presence.

The refusal to withdraw a juror because of the remarks of counsel is the only matter assigned for error.

After reading the testimony, we cannot say that the remarks complained of constitute unwarranted or improper argument; therefore, we are not convinced of error.

The judgment is affirmed.