Decatur Chevrolet Co. v. White

I can not agree that a justice of the peace has any inherent right to declare a mistrial, even for im*364proper remarks of counsel, under the Civil Code (1910), § 4679. In Chapman v. Conwell, 1 Ga. App. 212 (supra), the decision really held that “A justice of the peace has the right to declare a mistrial when the jury can not agree on a verdict.” The reason for this is obvious. He may not dismiss a case or grant a nonsuit. Favors v. Johnson, 79 Ga. 553 (4 S. E. 925); Gunn v. Wood, 99 Ga. 70 (24 S. E. 407). He may not direct a verdict. Lynch v. Southern Express Co., 146 Ga. 68 (90 S. E. 527). A…