Central of Georgia Railway Co. v. Evans

Something might be said in elaboration of the third division of the syllabus. As to the first count the plaintiff made out a prima facie case by showing himself to be the lawful holder of the bill of lading; that the goods were received by the defendant for shipment in good condition, and that when delivered by it they were damaged by decay; and that he was damaged thereby to an amount named. In order for the defendant carrier to absolve itself from liability for the damage to the shipment, it then became incumbent upon it to show that the loss was occasioned by an act of God or of the public…