Buddington v. Knowles
Supreme Court of Connecticut
Trespass on the case, for damages to the plaintiff’s land by flooding it. Verdict for the plaintiff for $66. Motion by defendant for a new trial on the ground that the damages were excessive and against the evidence.
1Opinion of the CourtEllsworth, J.
It is a sufficient objection to granting a new trial for excessive damages, that the verdict is only for $66, an amount too trivial to warrant a- renewal of the controversy, unless courts of justice are kept open to gratify the evil passions of mankind. To grant the defendant’s request will be to punish the defendant himself, were it certain that the damages would be reduced on another trial, which however it is not, either as matter of law on the evidence before us, or as a matter of fact. Such a practice we can not encourage, and we take this opportunity to say that a new trial in such…
2Cited by8 opinions
- Mathews v. LivingstonSupreme Court of Connecticut · 1912
- Donaghue v. GaffySupreme Court of Connecticut · 1885
- Callanan v. ShawSupreme Court of Iowa · 1868
- Watson v. Town of New MilfordSupreme Court of Connecticut · 1900
- Bennett v. United Lumber & Supply Co.Supreme Court of Connecticut · 1930
3 more not listed; retrieve them via the Exa API.