When a case is decided by the supreme court, the judge delivering the opinion shall, at the time the decision is made, file with the clerk a brief statement, in writing, of the points decided in the case, which shall constitute the syllabus in the published reports of the case.

G.S. 1868, ch. 27, § 10; L. 1869, ch. 39, § 1; R.S. 1923, 20-111; L. 1933, ch. 221, § 2; February 17.