Tatum v. State

Raney, C. J.:

The indictment charges that John Tatum and Dock "Church, on April 1st, 1893, in Suwannee county in this State, unlawfully did then and there play and engage in a game at cards together, and did then and there play and engage in a game at cards with each ' other for money, which said game at cards was then ■ and there a game of chance, contrary to the statute in • such cases made and provided.

The only evidence introduced on the trial was the 'testimony of one Josh Wright, who testified as follows: I know the defendants John Tatum and Dock Church. "They are in court (points them out). I saw the defend- ■' ant Dock Church and other persons sitting around in : a circle on the ground playing caíds. I saw some "money on the ground where they were playing. Dock ‘ Church was dealing the cards. John Tatum was standing by. I did not see Tatum playing cards. I saw him throw a dime down where they were playing ■ cards, and some one picked it up. I do not know "whether they were betting or not. I only saw the : money on the ground and saw Dock Church dealing the cards. I saw no one else but Dock Church have : any cards in his hands. I do not know the name of the ¿'game they were playing. This was on the first day of April, 1893, in Suwannee county, State of Florida. This was near Brevaldo’s mill. This is all I know .about it.

The testimony is not sufficient to sustain the verdict (Oder vs. State, 26 Fla., 520, 7 South. Rep., 856), and the judgment must be reversed and a new trial granted. It will be so ordered.