Gleaves v. Davidson

In 1883 Maliala. Davidson brought this action of damages in the Circuit Court of Wilson County, against W. A. Gleaves, for seducing, debauching, and begetting her with child “without her free will and consent.”

Gleaves filed a plea of .not guilty, with the conclusion, “and of this he puts himself upon the country.”

When the case was reached for trial the defendant asked for a jury, which was refused by the Circuit Judge, who proceeded to hear and determine the case, without the intervention of a jury. Judgment was for the plaintiff for $1,500, and Gleaves has appealed in error.

The Circuit Judge…