Malone v. State

| Ala. | Jun 15, 1874

PETERS, C. J.

The frame of the indictment in this prosecution is somewhat peculiar. I set out the count in full. It is in these words: “ The grand jury of said county charge that, before the finding of this indictment, G. W. Malone wilfully obstructed a public, road in said county leading from Lebanon to Van Burén, by failing to keep the bridge on said road across Willes Creek in a safe condition for the public travel, as he was in duty bound by law to do; contrary to law, and against the peace and dignity of the State of Alabama.”

The accused demurred to this indictment, and the demurrer was overruled. He then pleaded not guilty, and a trial was had on this plea.; and the defendant was found guilty by the jury, and fined.fifty dollars; for which sum judgment was regularly rendered, and for costs. From this judgment the defendant appeals to this court.

The record shows, also, that there was a bill of exceptions taken on the trial, which purports substantially to set out all the evidence. But in this there is no testimony which tends to show that the accused was bound by any law of the State to keep the bridge, mentioned in the indictment, in good repair for travel. Then, his failure to do this could not be an offence. The prosecution charges, that the defendant “ obstructed the public road,” but it also shows how this was done — to wit, by failing to keep the bridge on a public road, “across Willes Creek, in a safe condition for public travel.” The specification does not support the charge in 'the indictment. The two are incompatible. The charge is a malfeasance, which is alleged to have been accomplished by a non-feasance. The same evidence will not support both allegations ; yet both should be proved, else the offence as alleged is not established. Such a pleading is repugnant and vicious. The demurrer should have been sustained.

2. On the trial, the State offered evidence to show that one Ryan, in 1853, obtained an order from the proper court to erect a dam for a mill on Willes Creek, in the usual form. Rev. Code, §§ 2481 et seq. In this proceeding, the verdict of the jury was in.these words : “ We, the jury, after examining the lands of William Ryan, agree that the said Ryan may erect a dam four feet high, at the point designated in his petition, provided he builds and keeps up a good, substantial bridge across the creek, or makes as good a way to cross said creek at the present ford.” It was also shown that the defendant, Malone, was, at the time laid in the indictment, the owner of the lands on which said dam and bridge were built, and that the bridge was out of order for safe travel. The testimony above mentioned was objected to, as irrelevant. The court refused to exclude it, and charged the jury, if they believed it was true, that the defendant was guilty. In both these particulars the court erred. The evidence should have been excluded. It did not tend to show any guilt on the part of the defendant whatever. The condition in the order for the dam, requiring the building of the bridge, or the making of the way at the ford, only imposed a liability on Ryan, if it is not a nullity, and a failure to perform it is not tho subject of indictment.

To obstruct a public road is a misdemeanor. Rev. Code, § 1361. And a public bridge is a part of the public road. Sims v. Butler County, at January term, 1873. But the evidence in this case does not tend to establish such a charge. Upon the proof, the verdict ought to have been for the defendant.

The judgment of the court below is reversed, and judgment will be rendered here, dismissing the prosecution.