55 S.E. 115 | S.C. | 1906
July 13, 1906. The opinion of the Court was delivered by The plaintiff, as administrator, brought this action against Lancaster County to recover damages for the alleged lynching of John T. Morrison by a mob within the limits of the county. A motion was made by plaintiff before Judge Gage at his chambers, Chester, S.C., upon notice and affidavits, for an order to change the place of trial. 1. Because the convenience of witnesses and the ends of justice would be promoted by the change. 2. *517 Because there is reason to believe that an impartial trial can not be had in Lancaster County.
Judge Gage held that he had no jurisdiction to hear the motion on the second ground, and as to the first ground found as matter of fact that the convenience of witnesses would not be promoted by the change, but, nevertheless, held that the ends of justice would be promoted by the change, and accordingly ordered a change of venue to York County.
The question now presented by the exceptions of defendant-appellant is whether Judge Gage had power at chambers to grant change of venue solely on the ground that the ends of justice would be promoted. The order of Judge Gage and the exceptions thereto are officially reported herewith. We think Judge Gage exceeded his power. Section 147 of the Code of Civil Procedure states three cases in which the place of trial may be changed:
"1. When the county designated for that purpose in the complaint is not the proper county.
"2. When there is reason to believe that an impartial trial cannot be had therein.
"3. When the convenience of witnesses and the ends of justice would be promoted by the change."
A motion for change of venue may be tried at chambers on the first and third grounds above. Utsey v. RailroadCo.,
The order of Judge Gage changing the place of trial from Lancaster County to York County, being in excess of his power at chambers, is reversed and set aside.
MR. JUSTICE GARY dissents.