65 Iowa 186 | Iowa | 1884
Tbe libel set up in - the defendant’s counterclaim is alleged to have consisted in a publication made by sending tbrougb tbe mail, to one Louisa Yandusen, a postal card in these words: “My friends tell me you put your name to a security bond for your neighbor. I should think that you bad enough of that business tbrougb life. He don’t own or bold a cent in bis name. Take your name off, sure. [Signed] E. E.”
There was no direct evidence that the plaintiff'wrote tbe postal card, but witnesses who were familiar with tbe plaintiff’s signature testified in substance that they thought that there was some resemblance between tbe plaintiff’s writing and a part of tbe writing on tbe postal card; and others testified as experts to a resemblance between what was admitted to be tbe plaintiff*s writing and a part of tbe writing on tbe postal card. Among tbe witnesses examined in relation to tbe band writing was one Hyde. He testified that be was familiar with tbe signature of tbe plaintiff, but not with bis general handwriting, and that be thought that there was a resemblance between one letter on tbe postal card and tbe plaintiff’s writing. He was also examined as an expert for the purpose of comparing certain admitted writing of tbe plaintiff with another postal card addressed to one Topping, and signed “ J. W.,” and was allowed to testify, against tbe objection of the plaintiff, that
Evidence of experts based upon comparison is, at best, not very reliable, and we do not think that we should be justified in holding that writing can be used as standard writing, the evidence of whose genuineness rests only in opinion. Some other questions aré presented, arising upon the evidence, but, as the evidence may be different upon another trial, we do not feel called upon to determine them.
We think that the judgment of the circuit court must be
Reversed,