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Unique Procedure Going on in Circuit Court. ARE TWO SUITS IN DRTIMUE Paul Rhinehart Wins from John Simmers — Joseph Frazier’s Trial Today at McGaheysville on Charge of Intimidating. Something unique in the way of court procedure was in Circuit court yesterday afternoon by Judge T. N. Haas, when he announced that the jury would try two cases at once in order to save time. Both cases are similar actions and are brought against the same defendant, and furthermore the same evidence is to be introduced in both cases. The jury will hear the two cases on their merits and will render the two verdicts separately, but at one time. ‘This obviates going through the same evidence twice, and was regarded as being an excellent scheme by the lawyers about the bar when it was announced. While this method is new at the Harrisonburg bat it is not so novel to Judge Haas,as he has followed the same time-saving plan at Page county court. The two cases are suits in definue brought by E. R. Devers in the first instance and by W. H. Rickard, in the second instance, against Ed. L. Armentrout, the defendant in each case. The plaintiffs charge that Armentrout is keeping two horses and other roperty consisting of a wagon and harness, which Armentrout claims he purchased from them, but has not yet paid for an account of various court actions which have so far pre vented. Only the statement of the case was presented yesterday to the jury, D. O. Dechert making the opening re marks for the defendant and John Paul speaking for the prosecution. ‘Wilissenes will be introduced this if John Do ‘Farman are counsel for Armentrout. In the case of Paul BE. Rhinehart vs. John Simmers, involving the pay ment of damages resulting from the death of a horse belonging to Rhine hart and being used by Simmers at the time of the horse’s accidental death, the jury found Simmers guilty of negligence, and found in favor of Rhinehart for $70, the value of the horse, but also rendered a judgment of $10.97 in favor of Simmers on an open account between the two men. On motion of Mr. Simmers’ attorney, E. D. Ott, a motion was noted to get the Verdict as being contrary to the law and evidence. A writ of prohibition was refused in the matter of the trial of Joseph Frazier, on the charge of attempting to intimidate an officer’ while in the discharge of his duty. Frazier will accordingly be tried on the charge before Justice Wood at McGaheynville this morning at 10 o’clock. He is represented by Attorney Chas. A. Hammer. Frazier is the man ‘who was last week found guilty of wife beating and given a fine of $25 and costa in Circuit court.
Newspaper Details
Harrisonburg Daily News
Harrisonburg, Virginia, US
Fri, Mar 31, 1911
Page 7
Full Page
Clipped by
Carol D.
USA 25 Jul 2026
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