Coppock v. Smith

Chalmebs, J., delivered the opinion of the court. The appeal from the Justice’s Court was dismissed on motion in the Circuit Court, because of a supposed insufficiency in the affidavit for appeal. The affidavit does not allege that the appeal was not taken “ for delay,” but does allege that it was prosecuted in order that “ justice may be done.” Code 1871, § 1332. This was held sufficient in White v. Shumate, 50 Miss. 130. It is insisted that the affidavit is defective because made bjr the attorney, and not by the litigant. This is a mistake. The affidavit recites upon its face that the litigant (W. H. Cop-pock) appeared and swore. It is signed “ W. H. Coppock, by H. R. Ware, Att’y.” No signature was necessary. Utile per inutile non vitiatur. Neither is it true, as a legal proposition, that an affidavit for an appeal cannot be made by an agent or attorney. If in such case the agent acts in accordance with instructions from his principal, he states, upon information and belief, the motive of the principal in praying for the appeal. If the agent acting for the principal invokes the appeal upon his own responsibility, it is his own motive in so doing that is the subject of affirmation. In either event, it would be sufficient to state that the appeal is not prayed to vex, harrass or oppress.” The affidavit, however, must be personal; that is to say, it must be the act of the person making it. One man cannot swear for another. Waller v. Shannon, 53 Miss. 500. Judgment reversed and cause remanded.