McFarland v. State of Georgia

Bell, Chief Judge.

The State of Georgia filed petitions under Code Ann. § 26-2710 seeking condemnation of the defendants’ automobiles allegedly used for transporting gambling devices and equipment. Defendants answered and the cases were specially set for trial on October 2, 1974. The cases were called for trial that date. Plaintiff announced "ready” but no appearance was made by any of the defendants or their attorney and the court struck the defensive pleadings and granted plaintiff an order authorizing the sale of the vehicles. Held:

Argued February 3, 1975 Decided April 7, 1975. Herbert…