Thompson Vs. Bowie Semantic Analysis

Semantic Analysis by spaCy

Thompson Vs. Bowie

Decided On : Jan-01-1866

Court : US Supreme Court

Notice (8): Undefined index: topics [APP/View/Case/meta.ctp, line 36]Code Context

$shops2 = $shops['topics'];
$viewFile = '/home/legalcrystal/app/View/Case/meta.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'title_for_layout' => 'Thompson Vs. Bowie Semantic Analysis',
	'shops' => array(
		'ORG' => array(
			(int) 0 => 'Thompson',
			(int) 1 => 'U.S. Supreme Court',
			(int) 2 => 'THE SUPREME COURT',
			(int) 3 => 'Syllabus',
			(int) 4 => 'the Supreme Court',
			(int) 5 => 'Steer
 


 ',
			(int) 6 => 'Campbell',
			(int) 7 => 'Congress',
			(int) 8 => 'Court',
			(int) 9 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 10 => 'Justice',
			(int) 11 => 'the supreme court',
			(int) 12 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 13 => 'Carrington &amp',
			(int) 14 => 'Norris v. Smith',
			(int) 15 => 'Campbell',
			(int) 16 => 'Campbell',
			(int) 17 => 'Campbell',
			(int) 18 => 'Court'
		),
		'GPE' => array(
			(int) 0 => 'U.S.',
			(int) 1 => 'U.S.',
			(int) 2 => 'U.S.',
			(int) 3 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 4 => 'the District of Columbia',
			(int) 5 => 'Washington City',
			(int) 6 => 'Steer',
			(int) 7 => 'the District of Columbia',
			(int) 8 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 9 => 'New York',
			(int) 10 => 'Washington City'
		),
		'DATE' => array(
			(int) 0 => '1866',
			(int) 1 => '1866',
			(int) 2 => 'a particular day',
			(int) 3 => 'the day of the date',
			(int) 4 => 'the 1st January, 1857',
			(int) 5 => 'January 1, 1857',
			(int) 6 => '1856',
			(int) 7 => '1857',
			(int) 8 => 'that day',
			(int) 9 => 'the first day of January, 1857',
			(int) 10 => 'the day',
			(int) 11 => 'the 1st day of January, 1857',
			(int) 12 => 'the day',
			(int) 13 => '2 Starkie',
			(int) 14 => '1856',
			(int) 15 => '1857',
			(int) 16 => 'the 1st January, 1857'
		),
		'PERSON' => array(
			(int) 0 => 'Thompson',
			(int) 1 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 2 => 'Thompson',
			(int) 3 => 'Steer',
			(int) 4 => 'Steer',
			(int) 5 => 'J. R. James',
			(int) 6 => 'Steer',
			(int) 7 => 'DAVIS',
			(int) 8 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 9 => 'Steer',
			(int) 10 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 11 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 12 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 13 => 'Steer',
			(int) 14 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 15 => 'Abbott',
			(int) 16 => 'State',
			(int) 17 => 'Rex v. Watson',
			(int) 18 => 'Regina',
			(int) 19 => 'Murphy',
			(int) 20 => 'Payne 306',
			(int) 21 => 'Jackson',
			(int) 22 => 'Steer',
			(int) 23 => 'J. R. James',
			(int) 24 => 'Steer',
			(int) 25 => 'James',
			(int) 26 => 'Johnson',
			(int) 27 => 'Steer'
		),
		'CARDINAL' => array(
			(int) 0 => '71',
			(int) 1 => '463 463',
			(int) 2 => '71',
			(int) 3 => '4',
			(int) 4 => '463',
			(int) 5 => 'three',
			(int) 6 => 'one',
			(int) 7 => '9',
			(int) 8 => '14',
			(int) 9 => '1',
			(int) 10 => '1',
			(int) 11 => '2d',
			(int) 12 => '3d',
			(int) 13 => 'one',
			(int) 14 => 'four',
			(int) 15 => 'one',
			(int) 16 => 'between one and two o'clock',
			(int) 17 => 'one',
			(int) 18 => '470',
			(int) 19 => 'three',
			(int) 20 => '2',
			(int) 21 => '3',
			(int) 22 => '4',
			(int) 23 => 'one',
			(int) 24 => '5',
			(int) 25 => '1',
			(int) 26 => '248',
			(int) 27 => '2',
			(int) 28 => '4',
			(int) 29 => '3',
			(int) 30 => '143',
			(int) 31 => '14',
			(int) 32 => '249',
			(int) 33 => '4',
			(int) 34 => '155',
			(int) 35 => '8',
			(int) 36 => '7',
			(int) 37 => '719',
			(int) 38 => 'two',
			(int) 39 => 'one',
			(int) 40 => 'four',
			(int) 41 => 'one'
		),
		'MONEY' => array(
			(int) 0 => '1,000',
			(int) 1 => '167',
			(int) 2 => '1,000',
			(int) 3 => '167',
			(int) 4 => '1,000'
		),
		'ORDINAL' => array(
			(int) 0 => '4th',
			(int) 1 => '5th',
			(int) 2 => '6th',
			(int) 3 => '7th',
			(int) 4 => '9th'
		),
		'TIME' => array(
			(int) 0 => 'the night of the 31st of December,',
			(int) 1 => 'the morning',
			(int) 2 => 'the night of the 31st of December,'
		),
		'EVENT' => array(
			(int) 0 => 'New Year's'
		),
		'LOC' => array(
			(int) 0 => 'Ev'
		)
	),
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '81390',
			'acts' => null,
			'appealno' => '71 U.S. 463',
			'appellant' => 'Thompson',
			'authreffered' => null,
			'casename' => 'Thompson Vs. Bowie',
			'casenote' => '',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
			'casesref' => null,
			'citingcases' => null,
			'counselplain' => null,
			'counseldef' => null,
			'court' => 'US Supreme Court',
			'court_type' => 'FN',
			'decidedon' => '1866-01-01',
			'deposition' => null,
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => null,
			'judgement' => '<div>


 Thompson v. Bowie - 71 U.S. 463 (1866)
 
<br />
<span>

 U.S. Supreme Court
 

 Thompson v. Bowie, 71 U.S. 4 Wall. 463 463 (1866)
 
</span>

<p>
<b>
 Thompson v. Bowie
 </b>
</p>
<p>
<b>
 71 U.S. (4 Wall.) 463
 </b>
</p>
<p>
<b>
</b>
</p>
<p>
<em>
 ERROR TO THE SUPREME COURT
 </em>
</p>
<p>
<em>
 FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
 </em>
</p>
<p>
<em>
</em>
<em>
 Syllabus
 </em>
</p>
<p>
 On an issue as to whether certain promissory notes, dated on a particular day, were given for money lost at play and therefore void, it is not allowable to prove that the party giving them was intoxicated on the day of the date of the notes in suit, and that when intoxicated he had a propensity to game.
 </p>
<p>
 Thompson sued Bowie, in the Supreme Court for the District of Columbia, on three promissory notes for $1,000, all dated on the 1st January, 1857, and all drawn payable to and endorsed by one Steer.
 </p>
<p>
 The defense was that the notes were given for a gaming consideration, and were, therefore, void even in the hands of a
 <em>
 bona fide
 </em>
 holder, under the statute of 9 Anne, ch. 14, &#167; 1, in force in the district, [
 <a href="#F1" id="T1">
 Footnote 1
 </a>
 ] which statute makes such notes "utterly void, frustrate, and of none effect, to all intents and purposes whatsoever."
 </p>
<p>
 The defendant did not offer any direct evidence tending to establish the defense; but resorted to and relied on proof of a circumstantial sort, or such as he so regarded. It consisted of the following facts, tending to prove which the court below allowed evidence to be given.
 </p>
<p>
 1st. That Steer, the payee of the notes, was the keeper of a gambling house in Washington City at the date of the notes.
 </p>
<p>
 2d. That at the time of the making of the notes, Steer
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="464">
 Page 71 U. S. 464
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 was not engaged in any other business than gambling, nor was he the owner of any property.
 </p>
<p>
 3d. That another note of the defendant, of the same date (January 1, 1857), as those sued on, of the same amount ($1,000), as those sued on, was given, payable to the order of one Campbell, who was not only a frequenter of the gaming house of Steer, but also in his employment as a dealer of faro.
 </p>
<p>
 4th. That the body of all four of said notes was in the handwriting of one J. R. James, who was a professional gambler, and a frequenter, among other such places, of the gambling house of the said Steer.
 </p>
<p>
 5th. That on the night of the 31st of December, 1856 (New Year's eve), the defendant, being at a social entertainment, became greatly intoxicated -- so much so that he was unfit to transact any business; and that he was in that condition when with the witnesses he left the place of the entertainment, between one and two o'clock in the morning of the 1st of January, 1857, and was no more seen by them that day.
 </p>
<p>
 6th. That whenever the defendant was under the influence or excitement of wine or spirits, he had a propensity to gamble, and was in the habit of going into gambling houses, faro banks &amp;c.;, and there gambling, but not at other times; that in the knowledge of the witness, he was always in this condition when he frequented such places; that the witness was a great deal with the defendant during the sessions of Congress; that he was in the witness' room almost every night, and frequently, when in liquor, would leave the witness to go with his friends to gambling houses, and request the witness to go with him.
 </p>
<p>
 7th. That at the date of the notes the defendant was wealthy.
 </p>
<p>
 On this testimony, and without the plaintiff endeavoring to rebut this case, or to show in what manner he obtained possession of the notes, the case was given to the jury, who rendered a verdict in favor of the defendant.
 </p>
<p>
 On error here, one question among others, and the chief
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="465">
 Page 71 U. S. 465
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 question, was as to the admissibility of the evidence tending to show that when the defendant was under the excitement of ardent spirits he had a propensity to game, was in the habit of going into gaming houses &amp;c.;, and of there gaming, but not at other times; and that, in the knowledge of the witness, he was always in this condition when he frequented such places.
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="470">
 Page 71 U. S. 470
 </a>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
 MR. JUSTICE DAVIS delivered the opinion of the Court.
 </p>
<p>
 Thompson brought suit in the court below to recover on three promissory notes, purporting to be given on the first day of January, 1857, by Bowie to Steer, and endorsed to him. Bowie sought to avoid their payment on the ground that they were founded on a gaming consideration, and therefore void, even in the hands of an endorsee, without notice, because the statute of 9th Anne, avoiding gambling contracts, was in force in the District of Columbia, where they were executed. There was no direct evidence offered on the trial to impeach the consideration of the notes; but what is called circumstantial evidence, in contradistinction to direct evidence, was relied on to prove the defense. A brother of the defendant was called by him, and allowed to testify; that whenever his brother was under the influence of liquor, he had a
 <em>
 propensity to gamble,
 </em>
 and it is contended, as he was drunk on the morning the notes were given, and as they were in the handwriting of a professional gambler, and payable to the keeper of a gaming house, the inference
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="471">
 Page 71 U. S. 471
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 is fair and reasonable, that they were given for money won at play.
 </p>
<p>
 Did the court err in admitting this evidence?
 </p>
<p>
 If it did err in this matter, then the judgment must be reversed, for undoubtedly the jury, in the formation of their verdict, must have been greatly influenced by testimony that the general character or habit of Bowie was to gamble when intoxicated.
 </p>
<p>
 All evidence must have relevancy to the question in issue and tend to prove it. If not a link in the chain of proof, it is not properly receivable. Could the habit of Bowie to gamble, when drunk, legally tend to prove that he did gamble on the day the notes were executed? The general character and habits of Bowie, were not fit subjects of inquiry in this suit for any purpose. The rules of law do not require the plaintiff to be prepared with proofs to meet such evidence. That Bowie gambled at other times, when in liquor, was surely no legal proof that because he was in liquor on the 1st day of January, 1857, he gambled with Steer. It is very rare that in civil suits the character of the party is admissible in evidence, and it is never permitted, unless the nature of the action involves or directly affects the general character of the party. [
 <a href="#F2" id="T2">
 Footnote 2
 </a>
 ] Bowie was not charged with fraud, or with any action involving moral turpitude. He was simply endeavoring to show that his own negotiable paper was given for money lost at play, and to allow him, as tending to prove this, to give in evidence his habit to gamble when drunk, would overturn all the rules established for the investigation of truth. When trying a prisoner on an indictment for a particular crime, proof that he has a general disposition to commit the crime is never permitted. [
 <a href="#F3" id="T3">
 Footnote 3
 </a>
 ] If a man charged with the larceny of a horse was proved -- in connection with other evidence tending to show his guilt -- to be drunk on the day the horse was stolen, would any court allow the general evidence to go to the jury that,
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="472">
 Page 71 U. S. 472
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 when drunk, he always stole a horse? And yet the general rules of evidence are the same in civil as in criminal cases. "There is no difference," says Abbott, Justice, [
 <a href="#F4" id="T4">
 Footnote 4
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
 "as to the rules of evidence between criminal and civil cases; what may be received in the one may be received in the other, and what is rejected in the one ought to be rejected in the other."
 </p>
<p>
 The uniform habit of a party to loan money at usurious interest, was not considered by the supreme court of New York a legal foundation for a verdict establishing usury, although one usurious loan had been proved between the parties to the suit, and it was altogether probable, that the case under review was of that description. [
 <a href="#F5" id="T5">
 Footnote 5
 </a>
 ] The uniform habit of Bowie, when drunk, to gamble is not a legal foundation for this verdict, although it is highly probable that the notes in controversy were executed by him for a gaming consideration.
 </p>
<p>
 There are other assignments of error, which it is unnecessary to notice, as the decision of this question disposes of the case.
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 The judgment of the court below is reversed, and mandate ordered, with instructions to award a venire de novo.
 </em>
</p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T1" id="F1">
 Footnote 1
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 See
 </em>
 Kilty's Report of Statutes, p. 248.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T2" id="F2">
 Footnote 2
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
 1 Greenleaf's Ev., &#167; 4.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T3" id="F3">
 Footnote 3
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
 1 Phillips on Evidence p. 143;
 <em>
 The State v. Field,
 </em>
 14 Me. 249.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T4" id="F4">
 Footnote 4
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 Rex v. Watson,
 </em>
 2 Starkie, 155;
 <em>
 Regina v. Murphy,
 </em>
 8 Carrington &amp; Payne 306.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T5" id="F5">
 Footnote 5
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 Jackson ex dem. Norris v. Smith,
 </em>
 7 Cowen 719.
 </p>
<p>
 MR. JUSTICE GRIER dissenting:
 </p>
<p>
 I cannot give my assent to the reversal of this judgment for the reason alleged in the opinion of the court, nor for any other.
 </p>
<p>
 The defense to the payment of these notes was that they were obtained by fraud from the defendant when he was drunk, and were without consideration and void.
 </p>
<p>
 Now fraud will not be presumed but must be proved as other facts, either by direct proof or by circumstantial evidence which will convince the mind of a jury that a fraud
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="473">
 Page 71 U. S. 473
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 was committed. It is seldom that a fraud or conspiracy to cheat can be proved in any other way than by circumstantial evidence, as knaves have usually sufficient cunning to have no witnesses present who can testify directly to their fraudulent contrivances. Circumstantial evidence is often as convincing to the mind as direct testimony, and often more so. A number of concurrent facts, like rays of the sun, all converging to the same center, may throw not only a clear light but a burning conviction; a conviction of truth more infallible than the testimony even of two witnesses directly to a fact. A cord of sufficient strength to suspend a man may be formed of threads, not one of which, alone, would support the weight of a pound or even of an ounce.
 </p>
<p>
 When it becomes necessary for the purpose of justice to have resort to circumstantial evidence, it is the usual course of counsel to object to each thread because it will not support the whole weight of the case. Thus, if the defense be that a note was obtained by a combination of a band of gamblers and swindlers from a drunken man, as but one fact or circumstance can be proved at a time, the learned counsel will object to the offer to prove that the payee kept a gambling house, and will gravely quote the decision of some learned judge, that a plea of usury cannot be substantiated by proof that the plaintiff had the character of being a usurer; so also that he executed four other notes at the same time to other notorious gamblers &amp;c.; No one of these facts standing by itself would be received as evidence in defense. But the court received evidence of the following facts:
 </p>
<p>
 The defendant gave evidence, by several witnesses, tending to prove that Steer kept a gambling house in Washington City at the time of the date of the said notes, and was not engaged in any other business to the knowledge of the witnesses, and had no property to their knowledge, and that the defendant was at a social entertainment on the night of the 31st of December, 1856, and became grossly intoxicated, so that, in the opinion of said witnesses, he was unfit to transact business, and that he remained in such condition
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="474">
 Page 71 U. S. 474
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 when he left the place of said entertainment with the other guests who were there, and that he left in such condition between one and two o'clock in the morning of the 1st of January, 1857, and also that the body of said notes was written in the handwriting of J. R. James, who not only frequented the gaming house of the said Steer, but other gaming houses; and then gave evidence to prove that said James was a gambler by profession. And the defendant then offered to prove that a note dated on the 1st January, 1857, for $1,000, was given by the defendant, payable to Campbell, and endorsed by him, to one Johnson and that Campbell was a frequenter of the said gaming house, and assisted in dealing for the said Steer. And the plaintiff objected to the said note to Campbell being admitted in evidence, but the court overruled the objection and admitted the said note to be read in evidence. After the reception of this testimony, of which this Court has found no fault, the defendant proposed to add another fact, to-wit: "that when the defendant was under the influence of liquor he had a propensity to gamble."
 </p>
<p>
 This admission of evidence of a fact, of little consequence in the decision of the case, has been seized upon here and treated as the only fact in the case, and not a circumstance, which, unless connected with others, of itself formed no defense. Now if it was wholly irrelevant, it did no harm to either party. If it was a fact, which might influence the mind of a jury, why should it be withheld from them? In a charge of fraud courts have said, what is evidence to affect the mind of a jury is often difficult to decide or distinguish. But any fact, though in itself of slight importance, will not be withheld. In such cases, it is not for the court to treat the jury as persons without discernment where the issue is one purely of fact. Now there is not a fact stated as having been proved, taken by itself, as
 <em>
 per se
 </em>
 a defense to the action, which counsel might not with equal justice have treated as absurd or ridiculous. But if the court below had selected this fact from all the others as peculiarly liable to objection, their judgment might have been liable to the same charge.
 </p>
<br />
<br />
</div>',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => null,
			'pubs' => null,
			'ratiodecidendi' => null,
			'respondent' => 'Bowie',
			'sub' => null,
			'link' => '/cases/federal/us/71/463/',
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '81390'
	)
)
$title_for_layout = 'Thompson Vs. Bowie Semantic Analysis'
$shops = array(
	'ORG' => array(
		(int) 0 => 'Thompson',
		(int) 1 => 'U.S. Supreme Court',
		(int) 2 => 'THE SUPREME COURT',
		(int) 3 => 'Syllabus',
		(int) 4 => 'the Supreme Court',
		(int) 5 => 'Steer
 


 ',
		(int) 6 => 'Campbell',
		(int) 7 => 'Congress',
		(int) 8 => 'Court',
		(int) 9 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 10 => 'Justice',
		(int) 11 => 'the supreme court',
		(int) 12 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 13 => 'Carrington &amp',
		(int) 14 => 'Norris v. Smith',
		(int) 15 => 'Campbell',
		(int) 16 => 'Campbell',
		(int) 17 => 'Campbell',
		(int) 18 => 'Court'
	),
	'GPE' => array(
		(int) 0 => 'U.S.',
		(int) 1 => 'U.S.',
		(int) 2 => 'U.S.',
		(int) 3 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 4 => 'the District of Columbia',
		(int) 5 => 'Washington City',
		(int) 6 => 'Steer',
		(int) 7 => 'the District of Columbia',
		(int) 8 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 9 => 'New York',
		(int) 10 => 'Washington City'
	),
	'DATE' => array(
		(int) 0 => '1866',
		(int) 1 => '1866',
		(int) 2 => 'a particular day',
		(int) 3 => 'the day of the date',
		(int) 4 => 'the 1st January, 1857',
		(int) 5 => 'January 1, 1857',
		(int) 6 => '1856',
		(int) 7 => '1857',
		(int) 8 => 'that day',
		(int) 9 => 'the first day of January, 1857',
		(int) 10 => 'the day',
		(int) 11 => 'the 1st day of January, 1857',
		(int) 12 => 'the day',
		(int) 13 => '2 Starkie',
		(int) 14 => '1856',
		(int) 15 => '1857',
		(int) 16 => 'the 1st January, 1857'
	),
	'PERSON' => array(
		(int) 0 => 'Thompson',
		(int) 1 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 2 => 'Thompson',
		(int) 3 => 'Steer',
		(int) 4 => 'Steer',
		(int) 5 => 'J. R. James',
		(int) 6 => 'Steer',
		(int) 7 => 'DAVIS',
		(int) 8 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 9 => 'Steer',
		(int) 10 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 11 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 12 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 13 => 'Steer',
		(int) 14 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 15 => 'Abbott',
		(int) 16 => 'State',
		(int) 17 => 'Rex v. Watson',
		(int) 18 => 'Regina',
		(int) 19 => 'Murphy',
		(int) 20 => 'Payne 306',
		(int) 21 => 'Jackson',
		(int) 22 => 'Steer',
		(int) 23 => 'J. R. James',
		(int) 24 => 'Steer',
		(int) 25 => 'James',
		(int) 26 => 'Johnson',
		(int) 27 => 'Steer'
	),
	'CARDINAL' => array(
		(int) 0 => '71',
		(int) 1 => '463 463',
		(int) 2 => '71',
		(int) 3 => '4',
		(int) 4 => '463',
		(int) 5 => 'three',
		(int) 6 => 'one',
		(int) 7 => '9',
		(int) 8 => '14',
		(int) 9 => '1',
		(int) 10 => '1',
		(int) 11 => '2d',
		(int) 12 => '3d',
		(int) 13 => 'one',
		(int) 14 => 'four',
		(int) 15 => 'one',
		(int) 16 => 'between one and two o'clock',
		(int) 17 => 'one',
		(int) 18 => '470',
		(int) 19 => 'three',
		(int) 20 => '2',
		(int) 21 => '3',
		(int) 22 => '4',
		(int) 23 => 'one',
		(int) 24 => '5',
		(int) 25 => '1',
		(int) 26 => '248',
		(int) 27 => '2',
		(int) 28 => '4',
		(int) 29 => '3',
		(int) 30 => '143',
		(int) 31 => '14',
		(int) 32 => '249',
		(int) 33 => '4',
		(int) 34 => '155',
		(int) 35 => '8',
		(int) 36 => '7',
		(int) 37 => '719',
		(int) 38 => 'two',
		(int) 39 => 'one',
		(int) 40 => 'four',
		(int) 41 => 'one'
	),
	'MONEY' => array(
		(int) 0 => '1,000',
		(int) 1 => '167',
		(int) 2 => '1,000',
		(int) 3 => '167',
		(int) 4 => '1,000'
	),
	'ORDINAL' => array(
		(int) 0 => '4th',
		(int) 1 => '5th',
		(int) 2 => '6th',
		(int) 3 => '7th',
		(int) 4 => '9th'
	),
	'TIME' => array(
		(int) 0 => 'the night of the 31st of December,',
		(int) 1 => 'the morning',
		(int) 2 => 'the night of the 31st of December,'
	),
	'EVENT' => array(
		(int) 0 => 'New Year's'
	),
	'LOC' => array(
		(int) 0 => 'Ev'
	)
)
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '81390',
		'acts' => null,
		'appealno' => '71 U.S. 463',
		'appellant' => 'Thompson',
		'authreffered' => null,
		'casename' => 'Thompson Vs. Bowie',
		'casenote' => '',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => null,
		'citingcases' => null,
		'counselplain' => null,
		'counseldef' => null,
		'court' => 'US Supreme Court',
		'court_type' => 'FN',
		'decidedon' => '1866-01-01',
		'deposition' => null,
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => null,
		'judgement' => '<div>


 Thompson v. Bowie - 71 U.S. 463 (1866)
 
<br />
<span>

 U.S. Supreme Court
 

 Thompson v. Bowie, 71 U.S. 4 Wall. 463 463 (1866)
 
</span>

<p>
<b>
 Thompson v. Bowie
 </b>
</p>
<p>
<b>
 71 U.S. (4 Wall.) 463
 </b>
</p>
<p>
<b>
</b>
</p>
<p>
<em>
 ERROR TO THE SUPREME COURT
 </em>
</p>
<p>
<em>
 FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
 </em>
</p>
<p>
<em>
</em>
<em>
 Syllabus
 </em>
</p>
<p>
 On an issue as to whether certain promissory notes, dated on a particular day, were given for money lost at play and therefore void, it is not allowable to prove that the party giving them was intoxicated on the day of the date of the notes in suit, and that when intoxicated he had a propensity to game.
 </p>
<p>
 Thompson sued Bowie, in the Supreme Court for the District of Columbia, on three promissory notes for $1,000, all dated on the 1st January, 1857, and all drawn payable to and endorsed by one Steer.
 </p>
<p>
 The defense was that the notes were given for a gaming consideration, and were, therefore, void even in the hands of a
 <em>
 bona fide
 </em>
 holder, under the statute of 9 Anne, ch. 14, &#167; 1, in force in the district, [
 <a href="#F1" id="T1">
 Footnote 1
 </a>
 ] which statute makes such notes "utterly void, frustrate, and of none effect, to all intents and purposes whatsoever."
 </p>
<p>
 The defendant did not offer any direct evidence tending to establish the defense; but resorted to and relied on proof of a circumstantial sort, or such as he so regarded. It consisted of the following facts, tending to prove which the court below allowed evidence to be given.
 </p>
<p>
 1st. That Steer, the payee of the notes, was the keeper of a gambling house in Washington City at the date of the notes.
 </p>
<p>
 2d. That at the time of the making of the notes, Steer
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="464">
 Page 71 U. S. 464
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 was not engaged in any other business than gambling, nor was he the owner of any property.
 </p>
<p>
 3d. That another note of the defendant, of the same date (January 1, 1857), as those sued on, of the same amount ($1,000), as those sued on, was given, payable to the order of one Campbell, who was not only a frequenter of the gaming house of Steer, but also in his employment as a dealer of faro.
 </p>
<p>
 4th. That the body of all four of said notes was in the handwriting of one J. R. James, who was a professional gambler, and a frequenter, among other such places, of the gambling house of the said Steer.
 </p>
<p>
 5th. That on the night of the 31st of December, 1856 (New Year's eve), the defendant, being at a social entertainment, became greatly intoxicated -- so much so that he was unfit to transact any business; and that he was in that condition when with the witnesses he left the place of the entertainment, between one and two o'clock in the morning of the 1st of January, 1857, and was no more seen by them that day.
 </p>
<p>
 6th. That whenever the defendant was under the influence or excitement of wine or spirits, he had a propensity to gamble, and was in the habit of going into gambling houses, faro banks &amp;c.;, and there gambling, but not at other times; that in the knowledge of the witness, he was always in this condition when he frequented such places; that the witness was a great deal with the defendant during the sessions of Congress; that he was in the witness' room almost every night, and frequently, when in liquor, would leave the witness to go with his friends to gambling houses, and request the witness to go with him.
 </p>
<p>
 7th. That at the date of the notes the defendant was wealthy.
 </p>
<p>
 On this testimony, and without the plaintiff endeavoring to rebut this case, or to show in what manner he obtained possession of the notes, the case was given to the jury, who rendered a verdict in favor of the defendant.
 </p>
<p>
 On error here, one question among others, and the chief
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="465">
 Page 71 U. S. 465
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 question, was as to the admissibility of the evidence tending to show that when the defendant was under the excitement of ardent spirits he had a propensity to game, was in the habit of going into gaming houses &amp;c.;, and of there gaming, but not at other times; and that, in the knowledge of the witness, he was always in this condition when he frequented such places.
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="470">
 Page 71 U. S. 470
 </a>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
 MR. JUSTICE DAVIS delivered the opinion of the Court.
 </p>
<p>
 Thompson brought suit in the court below to recover on three promissory notes, purporting to be given on the first day of January, 1857, by Bowie to Steer, and endorsed to him. Bowie sought to avoid their payment on the ground that they were founded on a gaming consideration, and therefore void, even in the hands of an endorsee, without notice, because the statute of 9th Anne, avoiding gambling contracts, was in force in the District of Columbia, where they were executed. There was no direct evidence offered on the trial to impeach the consideration of the notes; but what is called circumstantial evidence, in contradistinction to direct evidence, was relied on to prove the defense. A brother of the defendant was called by him, and allowed to testify; that whenever his brother was under the influence of liquor, he had a
 <em>
 propensity to gamble,
 </em>
 and it is contended, as he was drunk on the morning the notes were given, and as they were in the handwriting of a professional gambler, and payable to the keeper of a gaming house, the inference
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="471">
 Page 71 U. S. 471
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 is fair and reasonable, that they were given for money won at play.
 </p>
<p>
 Did the court err in admitting this evidence?
 </p>
<p>
 If it did err in this matter, then the judgment must be reversed, for undoubtedly the jury, in the formation of their verdict, must have been greatly influenced by testimony that the general character or habit of Bowie was to gamble when intoxicated.
 </p>
<p>
 All evidence must have relevancy to the question in issue and tend to prove it. If not a link in the chain of proof, it is not properly receivable. Could the habit of Bowie to gamble, when drunk, legally tend to prove that he did gamble on the day the notes were executed? The general character and habits of Bowie, were not fit subjects of inquiry in this suit for any purpose. The rules of law do not require the plaintiff to be prepared with proofs to meet such evidence. That Bowie gambled at other times, when in liquor, was surely no legal proof that because he was in liquor on the 1st day of January, 1857, he gambled with Steer. It is very rare that in civil suits the character of the party is admissible in evidence, and it is never permitted, unless the nature of the action involves or directly affects the general character of the party. [
 <a href="#F2" id="T2">
 Footnote 2
 </a>
 ] Bowie was not charged with fraud, or with any action involving moral turpitude. He was simply endeavoring to show that his own negotiable paper was given for money lost at play, and to allow him, as tending to prove this, to give in evidence his habit to gamble when drunk, would overturn all the rules established for the investigation of truth. When trying a prisoner on an indictment for a particular crime, proof that he has a general disposition to commit the crime is never permitted. [
 <a href="#F3" id="T3">
 Footnote 3
 </a>
 ] If a man charged with the larceny of a horse was proved -- in connection with other evidence tending to show his guilt -- to be drunk on the day the horse was stolen, would any court allow the general evidence to go to the jury that,
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="472">
 Page 71 U. S. 472
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 when drunk, he always stole a horse? And yet the general rules of evidence are the same in civil as in criminal cases. "There is no difference," says Abbott, Justice, [
 <a href="#F4" id="T4">
 Footnote 4
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
 "as to the rules of evidence between criminal and civil cases; what may be received in the one may be received in the other, and what is rejected in the one ought to be rejected in the other."
 </p>
<p>
 The uniform habit of a party to loan money at usurious interest, was not considered by the supreme court of New York a legal foundation for a verdict establishing usury, although one usurious loan had been proved between the parties to the suit, and it was altogether probable, that the case under review was of that description. [
 <a href="#F5" id="T5">
 Footnote 5
 </a>
 ] The uniform habit of Bowie, when drunk, to gamble is not a legal foundation for this verdict, although it is highly probable that the notes in controversy were executed by him for a gaming consideration.
 </p>
<p>
 There are other assignments of error, which it is unnecessary to notice, as the decision of this question disposes of the case.
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 The judgment of the court below is reversed, and mandate ordered, with instructions to award a venire de novo.
 </em>
</p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T1" id="F1">
 Footnote 1
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 See
 </em>
 Kilty's Report of Statutes, p. 248.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T2" id="F2">
 Footnote 2
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
 1 Greenleaf's Ev., &#167; 4.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T3" id="F3">
 Footnote 3
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
 1 Phillips on Evidence p. 143;
 <em>
 The State v. Field,
 </em>
 14 Me. 249.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T4" id="F4">
 Footnote 4
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 Rex v. Watson,
 </em>
 2 Starkie, 155;
 <em>
 Regina v. Murphy,
 </em>
 8 Carrington &amp; Payne 306.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T5" id="F5">
 Footnote 5
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 Jackson ex dem. Norris v. Smith,
 </em>
 7 Cowen 719.
 </p>
<p>
 MR. JUSTICE GRIER dissenting:
 </p>
<p>
 I cannot give my assent to the reversal of this judgment for the reason alleged in the opinion of the court, nor for any other.
 </p>
<p>
 The defense to the payment of these notes was that they were obtained by fraud from the defendant when he was drunk, and were without consideration and void.
 </p>
<p>
 Now fraud will not be presumed but must be proved as other facts, either by direct proof or by circumstantial evidence which will convince the mind of a jury that a fraud
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="473">
 Page 71 U. S. 473
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 was committed. It is seldom that a fraud or conspiracy to cheat can be proved in any other way than by circumstantial evidence, as knaves have usually sufficient cunning to have no witnesses present who can testify directly to their fraudulent contrivances. Circumstantial evidence is often as convincing to the mind as direct testimony, and often more so. A number of concurrent facts, like rays of the sun, all converging to the same center, may throw not only a clear light but a burning conviction; a conviction of truth more infallible than the testimony even of two witnesses directly to a fact. A cord of sufficient strength to suspend a man may be formed of threads, not one of which, alone, would support the weight of a pound or even of an ounce.
 </p>
<p>
 When it becomes necessary for the purpose of justice to have resort to circumstantial evidence, it is the usual course of counsel to object to each thread because it will not support the whole weight of the case. Thus, if the defense be that a note was obtained by a combination of a band of gamblers and swindlers from a drunken man, as but one fact or circumstance can be proved at a time, the learned counsel will object to the offer to prove that the payee kept a gambling house, and will gravely quote the decision of some learned judge, that a plea of usury cannot be substantiated by proof that the plaintiff had the character of being a usurer; so also that he executed four other notes at the same time to other notorious gamblers &amp;c.; No one of these facts standing by itself would be received as evidence in defense. But the court received evidence of the following facts:
 </p>
<p>
 The defendant gave evidence, by several witnesses, tending to prove that Steer kept a gambling house in Washington City at the time of the date of the said notes, and was not engaged in any other business to the knowledge of the witnesses, and had no property to their knowledge, and that the defendant was at a social entertainment on the night of the 31st of December, 1856, and became grossly intoxicated, so that, in the opinion of said witnesses, he was unfit to transact business, and that he remained in such condition
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="474">
 Page 71 U. S. 474
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 when he left the place of said entertainment with the other guests who were there, and that he left in such condition between one and two o'clock in the morning of the 1st of January, 1857, and also that the body of said notes was written in the handwriting of J. R. James, who not only frequented the gaming house of the said Steer, but other gaming houses; and then gave evidence to prove that said James was a gambler by profession. And the defendant then offered to prove that a note dated on the 1st January, 1857, for $1,000, was given by the defendant, payable to Campbell, and endorsed by him, to one Johnson and that Campbell was a frequenter of the said gaming house, and assisted in dealing for the said Steer. And the plaintiff objected to the said note to Campbell being admitted in evidence, but the court overruled the objection and admitted the said note to be read in evidence. After the reception of this testimony, of which this Court has found no fault, the defendant proposed to add another fact, to-wit: "that when the defendant was under the influence of liquor he had a propensity to gamble."
 </p>
<p>
 This admission of evidence of a fact, of little consequence in the decision of the case, has been seized upon here and treated as the only fact in the case, and not a circumstance, which, unless connected with others, of itself formed no defense. Now if it was wholly irrelevant, it did no harm to either party. If it was a fact, which might influence the mind of a jury, why should it be withheld from them? In a charge of fraud courts have said, what is evidence to affect the mind of a jury is often difficult to decide or distinguish. But any fact, though in itself of slight importance, will not be withheld. In such cases, it is not for the court to treat the jury as persons without discernment where the issue is one purely of fact. Now there is not a fact stated as having been proved, taken by itself, as
 <em>
 per se
 </em>
 a defense to the action, which counsel might not with equal justice have treated as absurd or ridiculous. But if the court below had selected this fact from all the others as peculiarly liable to objection, their judgment might have been liable to the same charge.
 </p>
<br />
<br />
</div>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => null,
		'pubs' => null,
		'ratiodecidendi' => null,
		'respondent' => 'Bowie',
		'sub' => null,
		'link' => '/cases/federal/us/71/463/',
		'circuit' => null
	)
)
$args = array(
	(int) 0 => '81390'
)
$pattern = '/\(((0[1-9]|[12][0-9]|3[01])[.](0[1-9]|1[012])[.](17|18|19|20)[0-9]{2}).*\)/'
include - APP/View/Case/meta.ctp, line 36
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 109

Warning (2): Invalid argument supplied for foreach() [APP/View/Case/meta.ctp, line 39]Code Context//$shops = $shops['entities'];

foreach ($shops2 as $key => $val) {
$viewFile = '/home/legalcrystal/app/View/Case/meta.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'title_for_layout' => 'Thompson Vs. Bowie Semantic Analysis',
	'shops' => array(
		'ORG' => array(
			(int) 0 => 'Thompson',
			(int) 1 => 'U.S. Supreme Court',
			(int) 2 => 'THE SUPREME COURT',
			(int) 3 => 'Syllabus',
			(int) 4 => 'the Supreme Court',
			(int) 5 => 'Steer
 


 ',
			(int) 6 => 'Campbell',
			(int) 7 => 'Congress',
			(int) 8 => 'Court',
			(int) 9 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 10 => 'Justice',
			(int) 11 => 'the supreme court',
			(int) 12 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 13 => 'Carrington &amp',
			(int) 14 => 'Norris v. Smith',
			(int) 15 => 'Campbell',
			(int) 16 => 'Campbell',
			(int) 17 => 'Campbell',
			(int) 18 => 'Court'
		),
		'GPE' => array(
			(int) 0 => 'U.S.',
			(int) 1 => 'U.S.',
			(int) 2 => 'U.S.',
			(int) 3 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 4 => 'the District of Columbia',
			(int) 5 => 'Washington City',
			(int) 6 => 'Steer',
			(int) 7 => 'the District of Columbia',
			(int) 8 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 9 => 'New York',
			(int) 10 => 'Washington City'
		),
		'DATE' => array(
			(int) 0 => '1866',
			(int) 1 => '1866',
			(int) 2 => 'a particular day',
			(int) 3 => 'the day of the date',
			(int) 4 => 'the 1st January, 1857',
			(int) 5 => 'January 1, 1857',
			(int) 6 => '1856',
			(int) 7 => '1857',
			(int) 8 => 'that day',
			(int) 9 => 'the first day of January, 1857',
			(int) 10 => 'the day',
			(int) 11 => 'the 1st day of January, 1857',
			(int) 12 => 'the day',
			(int) 13 => '2 Starkie',
			(int) 14 => '1856',
			(int) 15 => '1857',
			(int) 16 => 'the 1st January, 1857'
		),
		'PERSON' => array(
			(int) 0 => 'Thompson',
			(int) 1 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 2 => 'Thompson',
			(int) 3 => 'Steer',
			(int) 4 => 'Steer',
			(int) 5 => 'J. R. James',
			(int) 6 => 'Steer',
			(int) 7 => 'DAVIS',
			(int) 8 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 9 => 'Steer',
			(int) 10 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 11 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 12 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 13 => 'Steer',
			(int) 14 => 'Bowie',
			(int) 15 => 'Abbott',
			(int) 16 => 'State',
			(int) 17 => 'Rex v. Watson',
			(int) 18 => 'Regina',
			(int) 19 => 'Murphy',
			(int) 20 => 'Payne 306',
			(int) 21 => 'Jackson',
			(int) 22 => 'Steer',
			(int) 23 => 'J. R. James',
			(int) 24 => 'Steer',
			(int) 25 => 'James',
			(int) 26 => 'Johnson',
			(int) 27 => 'Steer'
		),
		'CARDINAL' => array(
			(int) 0 => '71',
			(int) 1 => '463 463',
			(int) 2 => '71',
			(int) 3 => '4',
			(int) 4 => '463',
			(int) 5 => 'three',
			(int) 6 => 'one',
			(int) 7 => '9',
			(int) 8 => '14',
			(int) 9 => '1',
			(int) 10 => '1',
			(int) 11 => '2d',
			(int) 12 => '3d',
			(int) 13 => 'one',
			(int) 14 => 'four',
			(int) 15 => 'one',
			(int) 16 => 'between one and two o'clock',
			(int) 17 => 'one',
			(int) 18 => '470',
			(int) 19 => 'three',
			(int) 20 => '2',
			(int) 21 => '3',
			(int) 22 => '4',
			(int) 23 => 'one',
			(int) 24 => '5',
			(int) 25 => '1',
			(int) 26 => '248',
			(int) 27 => '2',
			(int) 28 => '4',
			(int) 29 => '3',
			(int) 30 => '143',
			(int) 31 => '14',
			(int) 32 => '249',
			(int) 33 => '4',
			(int) 34 => '155',
			(int) 35 => '8',
			(int) 36 => '7',
			(int) 37 => '719',
			(int) 38 => 'two',
			(int) 39 => 'one',
			(int) 40 => 'four',
			(int) 41 => 'one'
		),
		'MONEY' => array(
			(int) 0 => '1,000',
			(int) 1 => '167',
			(int) 2 => '1,000',
			(int) 3 => '167',
			(int) 4 => '1,000'
		),
		'ORDINAL' => array(
			(int) 0 => '4th',
			(int) 1 => '5th',
			(int) 2 => '6th',
			(int) 3 => '7th',
			(int) 4 => '9th'
		),
		'TIME' => array(
			(int) 0 => 'the night of the 31st of December,',
			(int) 1 => 'the morning',
			(int) 2 => 'the night of the 31st of December,'
		),
		'EVENT' => array(
			(int) 0 => 'New Year's'
		),
		'LOC' => array(
			(int) 0 => 'Ev'
		)
	),
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '81390',
			'acts' => null,
			'appealno' => '71 U.S. 463',
			'appellant' => 'Thompson',
			'authreffered' => null,
			'casename' => 'Thompson Vs. Bowie',
			'casenote' => '',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
			'casesref' => null,
			'citingcases' => null,
			'counselplain' => null,
			'counseldef' => null,
			'court' => 'US Supreme Court',
			'court_type' => 'FN',
			'decidedon' => '1866-01-01',
			'deposition' => null,
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => null,
			'judgement' => '<div>


 Thompson v. Bowie - 71 U.S. 463 (1866)
 
<br />
<span>

 U.S. Supreme Court
 

 Thompson v. Bowie, 71 U.S. 4 Wall. 463 463 (1866)
 
</span>

<p>
<b>
 Thompson v. Bowie
 </b>
</p>
<p>
<b>
 71 U.S. (4 Wall.) 463
 </b>
</p>
<p>
<b>
</b>
</p>
<p>
<em>
 ERROR TO THE SUPREME COURT
 </em>
</p>
<p>
<em>
 FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
 </em>
</p>
<p>
<em>
</em>
<em>
 Syllabus
 </em>
</p>
<p>
 On an issue as to whether certain promissory notes, dated on a particular day, were given for money lost at play and therefore void, it is not allowable to prove that the party giving them was intoxicated on the day of the date of the notes in suit, and that when intoxicated he had a propensity to game.
 </p>
<p>
 Thompson sued Bowie, in the Supreme Court for the District of Columbia, on three promissory notes for $1,000, all dated on the 1st January, 1857, and all drawn payable to and endorsed by one Steer.
 </p>
<p>
 The defense was that the notes were given for a gaming consideration, and were, therefore, void even in the hands of a
 <em>
 bona fide
 </em>
 holder, under the statute of 9 Anne, ch. 14, &#167; 1, in force in the district, [
 <a href="#F1" id="T1">
 Footnote 1
 </a>
 ] which statute makes such notes "utterly void, frustrate, and of none effect, to all intents and purposes whatsoever."
 </p>
<p>
 The defendant did not offer any direct evidence tending to establish the defense; but resorted to and relied on proof of a circumstantial sort, or such as he so regarded. It consisted of the following facts, tending to prove which the court below allowed evidence to be given.
 </p>
<p>
 1st. That Steer, the payee of the notes, was the keeper of a gambling house in Washington City at the date of the notes.
 </p>
<p>
 2d. That at the time of the making of the notes, Steer
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="464">
 Page 71 U. S. 464
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 was not engaged in any other business than gambling, nor was he the owner of any property.
 </p>
<p>
 3d. That another note of the defendant, of the same date (January 1, 1857), as those sued on, of the same amount ($1,000), as those sued on, was given, payable to the order of one Campbell, who was not only a frequenter of the gaming house of Steer, but also in his employment as a dealer of faro.
 </p>
<p>
 4th. That the body of all four of said notes was in the handwriting of one J. R. James, who was a professional gambler, and a frequenter, among other such places, of the gambling house of the said Steer.
 </p>
<p>
 5th. That on the night of the 31st of December, 1856 (New Year's eve), the defendant, being at a social entertainment, became greatly intoxicated -- so much so that he was unfit to transact any business; and that he was in that condition when with the witnesses he left the place of the entertainment, between one and two o'clock in the morning of the 1st of January, 1857, and was no more seen by them that day.
 </p>
<p>
 6th. That whenever the defendant was under the influence or excitement of wine or spirits, he had a propensity to gamble, and was in the habit of going into gambling houses, faro banks &amp;c.;, and there gambling, but not at other times; that in the knowledge of the witness, he was always in this condition when he frequented such places; that the witness was a great deal with the defendant during the sessions of Congress; that he was in the witness' room almost every night, and frequently, when in liquor, would leave the witness to go with his friends to gambling houses, and request the witness to go with him.
 </p>
<p>
 7th. That at the date of the notes the defendant was wealthy.
 </p>
<p>
 On this testimony, and without the plaintiff endeavoring to rebut this case, or to show in what manner he obtained possession of the notes, the case was given to the jury, who rendered a verdict in favor of the defendant.
 </p>
<p>
 On error here, one question among others, and the chief
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="465">
 Page 71 U. S. 465
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 question, was as to the admissibility of the evidence tending to show that when the defendant was under the excitement of ardent spirits he had a propensity to game, was in the habit of going into gaming houses &amp;c.;, and of there gaming, but not at other times; and that, in the knowledge of the witness, he was always in this condition when he frequented such places.
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="470">
 Page 71 U. S. 470
 </a>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
 MR. JUSTICE DAVIS delivered the opinion of the Court.
 </p>
<p>
 Thompson brought suit in the court below to recover on three promissory notes, purporting to be given on the first day of January, 1857, by Bowie to Steer, and endorsed to him. Bowie sought to avoid their payment on the ground that they were founded on a gaming consideration, and therefore void, even in the hands of an endorsee, without notice, because the statute of 9th Anne, avoiding gambling contracts, was in force in the District of Columbia, where they were executed. There was no direct evidence offered on the trial to impeach the consideration of the notes; but what is called circumstantial evidence, in contradistinction to direct evidence, was relied on to prove the defense. A brother of the defendant was called by him, and allowed to testify; that whenever his brother was under the influence of liquor, he had a
 <em>
 propensity to gamble,
 </em>
 and it is contended, as he was drunk on the morning the notes were given, and as they were in the handwriting of a professional gambler, and payable to the keeper of a gaming house, the inference
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="471">
 Page 71 U. S. 471
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 is fair and reasonable, that they were given for money won at play.
 </p>
<p>
 Did the court err in admitting this evidence?
 </p>
<p>
 If it did err in this matter, then the judgment must be reversed, for undoubtedly the jury, in the formation of their verdict, must have been greatly influenced by testimony that the general character or habit of Bowie was to gamble when intoxicated.
 </p>
<p>
 All evidence must have relevancy to the question in issue and tend to prove it. If not a link in the chain of proof, it is not properly receivable. Could the habit of Bowie to gamble, when drunk, legally tend to prove that he did gamble on the day the notes were executed? The general character and habits of Bowie, were not fit subjects of inquiry in this suit for any purpose. The rules of law do not require the plaintiff to be prepared with proofs to meet such evidence. That Bowie gambled at other times, when in liquor, was surely no legal proof that because he was in liquor on the 1st day of January, 1857, he gambled with Steer. It is very rare that in civil suits the character of the party is admissible in evidence, and it is never permitted, unless the nature of the action involves or directly affects the general character of the party. [
 <a href="#F2" id="T2">
 Footnote 2
 </a>
 ] Bowie was not charged with fraud, or with any action involving moral turpitude. He was simply endeavoring to show that his own negotiable paper was given for money lost at play, and to allow him, as tending to prove this, to give in evidence his habit to gamble when drunk, would overturn all the rules established for the investigation of truth. When trying a prisoner on an indictment for a particular crime, proof that he has a general disposition to commit the crime is never permitted. [
 <a href="#F3" id="T3">
 Footnote 3
 </a>
 ] If a man charged with the larceny of a horse was proved -- in connection with other evidence tending to show his guilt -- to be drunk on the day the horse was stolen, would any court allow the general evidence to go to the jury that,
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="472">
 Page 71 U. S. 472
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 when drunk, he always stole a horse? And yet the general rules of evidence are the same in civil as in criminal cases. "There is no difference," says Abbott, Justice, [
 <a href="#F4" id="T4">
 Footnote 4
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
 "as to the rules of evidence between criminal and civil cases; what may be received in the one may be received in the other, and what is rejected in the one ought to be rejected in the other."
 </p>
<p>
 The uniform habit of a party to loan money at usurious interest, was not considered by the supreme court of New York a legal foundation for a verdict establishing usury, although one usurious loan had been proved between the parties to the suit, and it was altogether probable, that the case under review was of that description. [
 <a href="#F5" id="T5">
 Footnote 5
 </a>
 ] The uniform habit of Bowie, when drunk, to gamble is not a legal foundation for this verdict, although it is highly probable that the notes in controversy were executed by him for a gaming consideration.
 </p>
<p>
 There are other assignments of error, which it is unnecessary to notice, as the decision of this question disposes of the case.
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 The judgment of the court below is reversed, and mandate ordered, with instructions to award a venire de novo.
 </em>
</p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T1" id="F1">
 Footnote 1
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 See
 </em>
 Kilty's Report of Statutes, p. 248.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T2" id="F2">
 Footnote 2
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
 1 Greenleaf's Ev., &#167; 4.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T3" id="F3">
 Footnote 3
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
 1 Phillips on Evidence p. 143;
 <em>
 The State v. Field,
 </em>
 14 Me. 249.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T4" id="F4">
 Footnote 4
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 Rex v. Watson,
 </em>
 2 Starkie, 155;
 <em>
 Regina v. Murphy,
 </em>
 8 Carrington &amp; Payne 306.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T5" id="F5">
 Footnote 5
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 Jackson ex dem. Norris v. Smith,
 </em>
 7 Cowen 719.
 </p>
<p>
 MR. JUSTICE GRIER dissenting:
 </p>
<p>
 I cannot give my assent to the reversal of this judgment for the reason alleged in the opinion of the court, nor for any other.
 </p>
<p>
 The defense to the payment of these notes was that they were obtained by fraud from the defendant when he was drunk, and were without consideration and void.
 </p>
<p>
 Now fraud will not be presumed but must be proved as other facts, either by direct proof or by circumstantial evidence which will convince the mind of a jury that a fraud
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="473">
 Page 71 U. S. 473
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 was committed. It is seldom that a fraud or conspiracy to cheat can be proved in any other way than by circumstantial evidence, as knaves have usually sufficient cunning to have no witnesses present who can testify directly to their fraudulent contrivances. Circumstantial evidence is often as convincing to the mind as direct testimony, and often more so. A number of concurrent facts, like rays of the sun, all converging to the same center, may throw not only a clear light but a burning conviction; a conviction of truth more infallible than the testimony even of two witnesses directly to a fact. A cord of sufficient strength to suspend a man may be formed of threads, not one of which, alone, would support the weight of a pound or even of an ounce.
 </p>
<p>
 When it becomes necessary for the purpose of justice to have resort to circumstantial evidence, it is the usual course of counsel to object to each thread because it will not support the whole weight of the case. Thus, if the defense be that a note was obtained by a combination of a band of gamblers and swindlers from a drunken man, as but one fact or circumstance can be proved at a time, the learned counsel will object to the offer to prove that the payee kept a gambling house, and will gravely quote the decision of some learned judge, that a plea of usury cannot be substantiated by proof that the plaintiff had the character of being a usurer; so also that he executed four other notes at the same time to other notorious gamblers &amp;c.; No one of these facts standing by itself would be received as evidence in defense. But the court received evidence of the following facts:
 </p>
<p>
 The defendant gave evidence, by several witnesses, tending to prove that Steer kept a gambling house in Washington City at the time of the date of the said notes, and was not engaged in any other business to the knowledge of the witnesses, and had no property to their knowledge, and that the defendant was at a social entertainment on the night of the 31st of December, 1856, and became grossly intoxicated, so that, in the opinion of said witnesses, he was unfit to transact business, and that he remained in such condition
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="474">
 Page 71 U. S. 474
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 when he left the place of said entertainment with the other guests who were there, and that he left in such condition between one and two o'clock in the morning of the 1st of January, 1857, and also that the body of said notes was written in the handwriting of J. R. James, who not only frequented the gaming house of the said Steer, but other gaming houses; and then gave evidence to prove that said James was a gambler by profession. And the defendant then offered to prove that a note dated on the 1st January, 1857, for $1,000, was given by the defendant, payable to Campbell, and endorsed by him, to one Johnson and that Campbell was a frequenter of the said gaming house, and assisted in dealing for the said Steer. And the plaintiff objected to the said note to Campbell being admitted in evidence, but the court overruled the objection and admitted the said note to be read in evidence. After the reception of this testimony, of which this Court has found no fault, the defendant proposed to add another fact, to-wit: "that when the defendant was under the influence of liquor he had a propensity to gamble."
 </p>
<p>
 This admission of evidence of a fact, of little consequence in the decision of the case, has been seized upon here and treated as the only fact in the case, and not a circumstance, which, unless connected with others, of itself formed no defense. Now if it was wholly irrelevant, it did no harm to either party. If it was a fact, which might influence the mind of a jury, why should it be withheld from them? In a charge of fraud courts have said, what is evidence to affect the mind of a jury is often difficult to decide or distinguish. But any fact, though in itself of slight importance, will not be withheld. In such cases, it is not for the court to treat the jury as persons without discernment where the issue is one purely of fact. Now there is not a fact stated as having been proved, taken by itself, as
 <em>
 per se
 </em>
 a defense to the action, which counsel might not with equal justice have treated as absurd or ridiculous. But if the court below had selected this fact from all the others as peculiarly liable to objection, their judgment might have been liable to the same charge.
 </p>
<br />
<br />
</div>',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => null,
			'pubs' => null,
			'ratiodecidendi' => null,
			'respondent' => 'Bowie',
			'sub' => null,
			'link' => '/cases/federal/us/71/463/',
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '81390'
	)
)
$title_for_layout = 'Thompson Vs. Bowie Semantic Analysis'
$shops = array(
	'ORG' => array(
		(int) 0 => 'Thompson',
		(int) 1 => 'U.S. Supreme Court',
		(int) 2 => 'THE SUPREME COURT',
		(int) 3 => 'Syllabus',
		(int) 4 => 'the Supreme Court',
		(int) 5 => 'Steer
 


 ',
		(int) 6 => 'Campbell',
		(int) 7 => 'Congress',
		(int) 8 => 'Court',
		(int) 9 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 10 => 'Justice',
		(int) 11 => 'the supreme court',
		(int) 12 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 13 => 'Carrington &amp',
		(int) 14 => 'Norris v. Smith',
		(int) 15 => 'Campbell',
		(int) 16 => 'Campbell',
		(int) 17 => 'Campbell',
		(int) 18 => 'Court'
	),
	'GPE' => array(
		(int) 0 => 'U.S.',
		(int) 1 => 'U.S.',
		(int) 2 => 'U.S.',
		(int) 3 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 4 => 'the District of Columbia',
		(int) 5 => 'Washington City',
		(int) 6 => 'Steer',
		(int) 7 => 'the District of Columbia',
		(int) 8 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 9 => 'New York',
		(int) 10 => 'Washington City'
	),
	'DATE' => array(
		(int) 0 => '1866',
		(int) 1 => '1866',
		(int) 2 => 'a particular day',
		(int) 3 => 'the day of the date',
		(int) 4 => 'the 1st January, 1857',
		(int) 5 => 'January 1, 1857',
		(int) 6 => '1856',
		(int) 7 => '1857',
		(int) 8 => 'that day',
		(int) 9 => 'the first day of January, 1857',
		(int) 10 => 'the day',
		(int) 11 => 'the 1st day of January, 1857',
		(int) 12 => 'the day',
		(int) 13 => '2 Starkie',
		(int) 14 => '1856',
		(int) 15 => '1857',
		(int) 16 => 'the 1st January, 1857'
	),
	'PERSON' => array(
		(int) 0 => 'Thompson',
		(int) 1 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 2 => 'Thompson',
		(int) 3 => 'Steer',
		(int) 4 => 'Steer',
		(int) 5 => 'J. R. James',
		(int) 6 => 'Steer',
		(int) 7 => 'DAVIS',
		(int) 8 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 9 => 'Steer',
		(int) 10 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 11 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 12 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 13 => 'Steer',
		(int) 14 => 'Bowie',
		(int) 15 => 'Abbott',
		(int) 16 => 'State',
		(int) 17 => 'Rex v. Watson',
		(int) 18 => 'Regina',
		(int) 19 => 'Murphy',
		(int) 20 => 'Payne 306',
		(int) 21 => 'Jackson',
		(int) 22 => 'Steer',
		(int) 23 => 'J. R. James',
		(int) 24 => 'Steer',
		(int) 25 => 'James',
		(int) 26 => 'Johnson',
		(int) 27 => 'Steer'
	),
	'CARDINAL' => array(
		(int) 0 => '71',
		(int) 1 => '463 463',
		(int) 2 => '71',
		(int) 3 => '4',
		(int) 4 => '463',
		(int) 5 => 'three',
		(int) 6 => 'one',
		(int) 7 => '9',
		(int) 8 => '14',
		(int) 9 => '1',
		(int) 10 => '1',
		(int) 11 => '2d',
		(int) 12 => '3d',
		(int) 13 => 'one',
		(int) 14 => 'four',
		(int) 15 => 'one',
		(int) 16 => 'between one and two o'clock',
		(int) 17 => 'one',
		(int) 18 => '470',
		(int) 19 => 'three',
		(int) 20 => '2',
		(int) 21 => '3',
		(int) 22 => '4',
		(int) 23 => 'one',
		(int) 24 => '5',
		(int) 25 => '1',
		(int) 26 => '248',
		(int) 27 => '2',
		(int) 28 => '4',
		(int) 29 => '3',
		(int) 30 => '143',
		(int) 31 => '14',
		(int) 32 => '249',
		(int) 33 => '4',
		(int) 34 => '155',
		(int) 35 => '8',
		(int) 36 => '7',
		(int) 37 => '719',
		(int) 38 => 'two',
		(int) 39 => 'one',
		(int) 40 => 'four',
		(int) 41 => 'one'
	),
	'MONEY' => array(
		(int) 0 => '1,000',
		(int) 1 => '167',
		(int) 2 => '1,000',
		(int) 3 => '167',
		(int) 4 => '1,000'
	),
	'ORDINAL' => array(
		(int) 0 => '4th',
		(int) 1 => '5th',
		(int) 2 => '6th',
		(int) 3 => '7th',
		(int) 4 => '9th'
	),
	'TIME' => array(
		(int) 0 => 'the night of the 31st of December,',
		(int) 1 => 'the morning',
		(int) 2 => 'the night of the 31st of December,'
	),
	'EVENT' => array(
		(int) 0 => 'New Year's'
	),
	'LOC' => array(
		(int) 0 => 'Ev'
	)
)
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '81390',
		'acts' => null,
		'appealno' => '71 U.S. 463',
		'appellant' => 'Thompson',
		'authreffered' => null,
		'casename' => 'Thompson Vs. Bowie',
		'casenote' => '',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => null,
		'citingcases' => null,
		'counselplain' => null,
		'counseldef' => null,
		'court' => 'US Supreme Court',
		'court_type' => 'FN',
		'decidedon' => '1866-01-01',
		'deposition' => null,
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => null,
		'judgement' => '<div>


 Thompson v. Bowie - 71 U.S. 463 (1866)
 
<br />
<span>

 U.S. Supreme Court
 

 Thompson v. Bowie, 71 U.S. 4 Wall. 463 463 (1866)
 
</span>

<p>
<b>
 Thompson v. Bowie
 </b>
</p>
<p>
<b>
 71 U.S. (4 Wall.) 463
 </b>
</p>
<p>
<b>
</b>
</p>
<p>
<em>
 ERROR TO THE SUPREME COURT
 </em>
</p>
<p>
<em>
 FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
 </em>
</p>
<p>
<em>
</em>
<em>
 Syllabus
 </em>
</p>
<p>
 On an issue as to whether certain promissory notes, dated on a particular day, were given for money lost at play and therefore void, it is not allowable to prove that the party giving them was intoxicated on the day of the date of the notes in suit, and that when intoxicated he had a propensity to game.
 </p>
<p>
 Thompson sued Bowie, in the Supreme Court for the District of Columbia, on three promissory notes for $1,000, all dated on the 1st January, 1857, and all drawn payable to and endorsed by one Steer.
 </p>
<p>
 The defense was that the notes were given for a gaming consideration, and were, therefore, void even in the hands of a
 <em>
 bona fide
 </em>
 holder, under the statute of 9 Anne, ch. 14, &#167; 1, in force in the district, [
 <a href="#F1" id="T1">
 Footnote 1
 </a>
 ] which statute makes such notes "utterly void, frustrate, and of none effect, to all intents and purposes whatsoever."
 </p>
<p>
 The defendant did not offer any direct evidence tending to establish the defense; but resorted to and relied on proof of a circumstantial sort, or such as he so regarded. It consisted of the following facts, tending to prove which the court below allowed evidence to be given.
 </p>
<p>
 1st. That Steer, the payee of the notes, was the keeper of a gambling house in Washington City at the date of the notes.
 </p>
<p>
 2d. That at the time of the making of the notes, Steer
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="464">
 Page 71 U. S. 464
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 was not engaged in any other business than gambling, nor was he the owner of any property.
 </p>
<p>
 3d. That another note of the defendant, of the same date (January 1, 1857), as those sued on, of the same amount ($1,000), as those sued on, was given, payable to the order of one Campbell, who was not only a frequenter of the gaming house of Steer, but also in his employment as a dealer of faro.
 </p>
<p>
 4th. That the body of all four of said notes was in the handwriting of one J. R. James, who was a professional gambler, and a frequenter, among other such places, of the gambling house of the said Steer.
 </p>
<p>
 5th. That on the night of the 31st of December, 1856 (New Year's eve), the defendant, being at a social entertainment, became greatly intoxicated -- so much so that he was unfit to transact any business; and that he was in that condition when with the witnesses he left the place of the entertainment, between one and two o'clock in the morning of the 1st of January, 1857, and was no more seen by them that day.
 </p>
<p>
 6th. That whenever the defendant was under the influence or excitement of wine or spirits, he had a propensity to gamble, and was in the habit of going into gambling houses, faro banks &amp;c.;, and there gambling, but not at other times; that in the knowledge of the witness, he was always in this condition when he frequented such places; that the witness was a great deal with the defendant during the sessions of Congress; that he was in the witness' room almost every night, and frequently, when in liquor, would leave the witness to go with his friends to gambling houses, and request the witness to go with him.
 </p>
<p>
 7th. That at the date of the notes the defendant was wealthy.
 </p>
<p>
 On this testimony, and without the plaintiff endeavoring to rebut this case, or to show in what manner he obtained possession of the notes, the case was given to the jury, who rendered a verdict in favor of the defendant.
 </p>
<p>
 On error here, one question among others, and the chief
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="465">
 Page 71 U. S. 465
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 question, was as to the admissibility of the evidence tending to show that when the defendant was under the excitement of ardent spirits he had a propensity to game, was in the habit of going into gaming houses &amp;c.;, and of there gaming, but not at other times; and that, in the knowledge of the witness, he was always in this condition when he frequented such places.
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="470">
 Page 71 U. S. 470
 </a>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
 MR. JUSTICE DAVIS delivered the opinion of the Court.
 </p>
<p>
 Thompson brought suit in the court below to recover on three promissory notes, purporting to be given on the first day of January, 1857, by Bowie to Steer, and endorsed to him. Bowie sought to avoid their payment on the ground that they were founded on a gaming consideration, and therefore void, even in the hands of an endorsee, without notice, because the statute of 9th Anne, avoiding gambling contracts, was in force in the District of Columbia, where they were executed. There was no direct evidence offered on the trial to impeach the consideration of the notes; but what is called circumstantial evidence, in contradistinction to direct evidence, was relied on to prove the defense. A brother of the defendant was called by him, and allowed to testify; that whenever his brother was under the influence of liquor, he had a
 <em>
 propensity to gamble,
 </em>
 and it is contended, as he was drunk on the morning the notes were given, and as they were in the handwriting of a professional gambler, and payable to the keeper of a gaming house, the inference
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="471">
 Page 71 U. S. 471
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 is fair and reasonable, that they were given for money won at play.
 </p>
<p>
 Did the court err in admitting this evidence?
 </p>
<p>
 If it did err in this matter, then the judgment must be reversed, for undoubtedly the jury, in the formation of their verdict, must have been greatly influenced by testimony that the general character or habit of Bowie was to gamble when intoxicated.
 </p>
<p>
 All evidence must have relevancy to the question in issue and tend to prove it. If not a link in the chain of proof, it is not properly receivable. Could the habit of Bowie to gamble, when drunk, legally tend to prove that he did gamble on the day the notes were executed? The general character and habits of Bowie, were not fit subjects of inquiry in this suit for any purpose. The rules of law do not require the plaintiff to be prepared with proofs to meet such evidence. That Bowie gambled at other times, when in liquor, was surely no legal proof that because he was in liquor on the 1st day of January, 1857, he gambled with Steer. It is very rare that in civil suits the character of the party is admissible in evidence, and it is never permitted, unless the nature of the action involves or directly affects the general character of the party. [
 <a href="#F2" id="T2">
 Footnote 2
 </a>
 ] Bowie was not charged with fraud, or with any action involving moral turpitude. He was simply endeavoring to show that his own negotiable paper was given for money lost at play, and to allow him, as tending to prove this, to give in evidence his habit to gamble when drunk, would overturn all the rules established for the investigation of truth. When trying a prisoner on an indictment for a particular crime, proof that he has a general disposition to commit the crime is never permitted. [
 <a href="#F3" id="T3">
 Footnote 3
 </a>
 ] If a man charged with the larceny of a horse was proved -- in connection with other evidence tending to show his guilt -- to be drunk on the day the horse was stolen, would any court allow the general evidence to go to the jury that,
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="472">
 Page 71 U. S. 472
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 when drunk, he always stole a horse? And yet the general rules of evidence are the same in civil as in criminal cases. "There is no difference," says Abbott, Justice, [
 <a href="#F4" id="T4">
 Footnote 4
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
 "as to the rules of evidence between criminal and civil cases; what may be received in the one may be received in the other, and what is rejected in the one ought to be rejected in the other."
 </p>
<p>
 The uniform habit of a party to loan money at usurious interest, was not considered by the supreme court of New York a legal foundation for a verdict establishing usury, although one usurious loan had been proved between the parties to the suit, and it was altogether probable, that the case under review was of that description. [
 <a href="#F5" id="T5">
 Footnote 5
 </a>
 ] The uniform habit of Bowie, when drunk, to gamble is not a legal foundation for this verdict, although it is highly probable that the notes in controversy were executed by him for a gaming consideration.
 </p>
<p>
 There are other assignments of error, which it is unnecessary to notice, as the decision of this question disposes of the case.
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 The judgment of the court below is reversed, and mandate ordered, with instructions to award a venire de novo.
 </em>
</p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T1" id="F1">
 Footnote 1
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 See
 </em>
 Kilty's Report of Statutes, p. 248.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T2" id="F2">
 Footnote 2
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
 1 Greenleaf's Ev., &#167; 4.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T3" id="F3">
 Footnote 3
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
 1 Phillips on Evidence p. 143;
 <em>
 The State v. Field,
 </em>
 14 Me. 249.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T4" id="F4">
 Footnote 4
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 Rex v. Watson,
 </em>
 2 Starkie, 155;
 <em>
 Regina v. Murphy,
 </em>
 8 Carrington &amp; Payne 306.
 </p>
<p>
 [
 <a href="#T5" id="F5">
 Footnote 5
 </a>
 ]
 </p>
<p>
<em>
 Jackson ex dem. Norris v. Smith,
 </em>
 7 Cowen 719.
 </p>
<p>
 MR. JUSTICE GRIER dissenting:
 </p>
<p>
 I cannot give my assent to the reversal of this judgment for the reason alleged in the opinion of the court, nor for any other.
 </p>
<p>
 The defense to the payment of these notes was that they were obtained by fraud from the defendant when he was drunk, and were without consideration and void.
 </p>
<p>
 Now fraud will not be presumed but must be proved as other facts, either by direct proof or by circumstantial evidence which will convince the mind of a jury that a fraud
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="473">
 Page 71 U. S. 473
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 was committed. It is seldom that a fraud or conspiracy to cheat can be proved in any other way than by circumstantial evidence, as knaves have usually sufficient cunning to have no witnesses present who can testify directly to their fraudulent contrivances. Circumstantial evidence is often as convincing to the mind as direct testimony, and often more so. A number of concurrent facts, like rays of the sun, all converging to the same center, may throw not only a clear light but a burning conviction; a conviction of truth more infallible than the testimony even of two witnesses directly to a fact. A cord of sufficient strength to suspend a man may be formed of threads, not one of which, alone, would support the weight of a pound or even of an ounce.
 </p>
<p>
 When it becomes necessary for the purpose of justice to have resort to circumstantial evidence, it is the usual course of counsel to object to each thread because it will not support the whole weight of the case. Thus, if the defense be that a note was obtained by a combination of a band of gamblers and swindlers from a drunken man, as but one fact or circumstance can be proved at a time, the learned counsel will object to the offer to prove that the payee kept a gambling house, and will gravely quote the decision of some learned judge, that a plea of usury cannot be substantiated by proof that the plaintiff had the character of being a usurer; so also that he executed four other notes at the same time to other notorious gamblers &amp;c.; No one of these facts standing by itself would be received as evidence in defense. But the court received evidence of the following facts:
 </p>
<p>
 The defendant gave evidence, by several witnesses, tending to prove that Steer kept a gambling house in Washington City at the time of the date of the said notes, and was not engaged in any other business to the knowledge of the witnesses, and had no property to their knowledge, and that the defendant was at a social entertainment on the night of the 31st of December, 1856, and became grossly intoxicated, so that, in the opinion of said witnesses, he was unfit to transact business, and that he remained in such condition
 </p>
<p>
<a class="page-number" id="474">
 Page 71 U. S. 474
 </a>
</p>
<p>
 when he left the place of said entertainment with the other guests who were there, and that he left in such condition between one and two o'clock in the morning of the 1st of January, 1857, and also that the body of said notes was written in the handwriting of J. R. James, who not only frequented the gaming house of the said Steer, but other gaming houses; and then gave evidence to prove that said James was a gambler by profession. And the defendant then offered to prove that a note dated on the 1st January, 1857, for $1,000, was given by the defendant, payable to Campbell, and endorsed by him, to one Johnson and that Campbell was a frequenter of the said gaming house, and assisted in dealing for the said Steer. And the plaintiff objected to the said note to Campbell being admitted in evidence, but the court overruled the objection and admitted the said note to be read in evidence. After the reception of this testimony, of which this Court has found no fault, the defendant proposed to add another fact, to-wit: "that when the defendant was under the influence of liquor he had a propensity to gamble."
 </p>
<p>
 This admission of evidence of a fact, of little consequence in the decision of the case, has been seized upon here and treated as the only fact in the case, and not a circumstance, which, unless connected with others, of itself formed no defense. Now if it was wholly irrelevant, it did no harm to either party. If it was a fact, which might influence the mind of a jury, why should it be withheld from them? In a charge of fraud courts have said, what is evidence to affect the mind of a jury is often difficult to decide or distinguish. But any fact, though in itself of slight importance, will not be withheld. In such cases, it is not for the court to treat the jury as persons without discernment where the issue is one purely of fact. Now there is not a fact stated as having been proved, taken by itself, as
 <em>
 per se
 </em>
 a defense to the action, which counsel might not with equal justice have treated as absurd or ridiculous. But if the court below had selected this fact from all the others as peculiarly liable to objection, their judgment might have been liable to the same charge.
 </p>
<br />
<br />
</div>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => null,
		'pubs' => null,
		'ratiodecidendi' => null,
		'respondent' => 'Bowie',
		'sub' => null,
		'link' => '/cases/federal/us/71/463/',
		'circuit' => null
	)
)
$args = array(
	(int) 0 => '81390'
)
$pattern = '/\(((0[1-9]|[12][0-9]|3[01])[.](0[1-9]|1[012])[.](17|18|19|20)[0-9]{2}).*\)/'
$shops2 = null
include - APP/View/Case/meta.ctp, line 39
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 109

ORG: Thompson, U.S. Supreme Court, THE SUPREME COURT, Syllabus, the Supreme Court, Steer , Campbell, Congress, Court, Bowie, Justice, the supreme court, Bowie, Carrington &amp, Norris v. Smith, Campbell, Campbell, Campbell, Court

GPE: U.S., U.S., U.S., Bowie, the District of Columbia, Washington City, Steer, the District of Columbia, Bowie, New York, Washington City

DATE: 1866, 1866, a particular day, the day of the date, the 1st January, 1857, January 1, 1857, 1856, 1857, that day, the first day of January, 1857, the day, the 1st day of January, 1857, the day, 2 Starkie, 1856, 1857, the 1st January, 1857

PERSON: Thompson, Bowie, Thompson, Steer, Steer, J. R. James, Steer, DAVIS, Bowie, Steer, Bowie, Bowie, Bowie, Steer, Bowie, Abbott, State, Rex v. Watson, Regina, Murphy, Payne 306, Jackson, Steer, J. R. James, Steer, James, Johnson, Steer

CARDINAL: 71, 463 463, 71, 4, 463, three, one, 9, 14, 1, 1, 2d, 3d, one, four, one, between one and two o'clock, one, 470, three, 2, 3, 4, one, 5, 1, 248, 2, 4, 3, 143, 14, 249, 4, 155, 8, 7, 719, two, one, four, one

MONEY: 1,000, 167, 1,000, 167, 1,000

ORDINAL: 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th

TIME: the night of the 31st of December,, the morning, the night of the 31st of December,

EVENT: New Year's

LOC: Ev