Klein v. Wagenheim
Decision Date | 26 April 1966 |
Docket Number | Nos. 333,No. 1,334,s. 333,1 |
Citation | 3 Mich.App. 74,141 N.W.2d 714 |
Parties | George KLEIN, and Olga Klein, Plaintiffs-Appellants, v. Albert WAGENHELM, individually and d/b/a Superior Radio Repair, Defendant- Appellee. Cal |
Court | Court of Appeal of Michigan — District of US |
M. Manuel Merzon, Detroit, for appellants.
John D. Peacock, Ward, Plunkett, Cooney, Rutt & Peacock, Detroit, for appellee.
Before WATTS, P.J., and BURNS and GILLIS, JJ.
Plaintiffs' civil suits were consolidated for jury trial. The husband, George Klein, instituted civil suit for damages in the Wayne county circuit court, resulting from being struck by an automobile, his wife, Olga Klein, for damages resulting from loss of consortium. Judgment of no cause for action is appealed by plaintiffs.
George Klein testified that he was a plumber by trade, employed by Hartwell Plumbing and Heating Company located at 15364 Schaefer highway in Detroit; that on January 4, 1961, at approximately 8 a.m. he parked a truck on Tracey avenue and proceeded to walk to the plumbing shop for materials; that he walked on the west side of Schaefer to a point opposite his place of employment, which is located on the east side of Schaefer approximately 250 feet north of Fenkell; that the northbound and southbound vehicular traffic on Schaefer was stopped for a traffic signal at the intersection of Fenkell and Schaefer; that motor vehicles were parked on the west side of Schaefer in the curb lane, and a number of southbound cars were stopped in the lane east of the curb lane waiting for the traffic signal to change.
Plaintiff further testified that he entered Schaefer highway from the west, walked between cars parked at the curb and cars stopped for a traffic signal at Fenkell and Schaefer; that after he had passed the second lane of cars, he looked to the north and to the south and saw no moving traffic; that he continued to cross Schaefer when he was struck by a truck driven by the defendant in southerly direction in a northbound lane; and that his left leg was fractured in the accident and he was taken to the hospital where he remained for a period of 25 days.
Plaintiffs contend that the negligence of the defendant was the proximate cause of the accident which resulted in injuries to George Klein and loss of consortium to Olga Klein. Plaintiff George Klein claims damages in the amount of $100,000, and plaintiff Olga Klein damages in the amount of $50,000.
The defendant contends that he was proceeding south in the southbound lane and that plaintiff suddenly ran into the side of his motor vehicle.
Defendant further contends that he was operating a motor vehicle in a lawful and proper manner and at a legal rate of speed, that the accident happened solely because of the contributory negligence of the plaintiff.
After the jury had deliberated for some time, they returned to the courtroom and requested that the testimony be read. The court denied their request. The jury returned with a verdict of no cause for action.
The plaintiffs moved for a new trial, alleging 9 assignments of error. The third assignment of error alleges that the court erred in denying the request of the jury to have the testimony read. The trial court denied plaintiffs' motion for a new trial.
In answer to the jurors' request to have the testimony read, the court said:
'The Court: I have a note, members of the jury, that says the jury specifically requests that the testimony be read over to them.
'So that I have always held, and I think it is generally held, although some judges may not agree with me, that it is improper to read part of the testimony.
'(Juror No. 9 rises)
'The Court: Are you the foreman, sir?
'Foreman: Yes, sir.
Question: Was the trial court's denial of the jury's request to have the testimony read reversible error?
A jury trial is a proceeding in which the jury are the triers of the facts and the courts are the judges of the law. A jury trial means that the ultimate determination of the issues of fact is for the jury under the guidance and direction of the court.
The record clearly indicates the jury's need for the court's guidance and assistance in their determination of the difficult issues of fact raised in the instant trial.
The jury was compelled to return to the jury room without hearing the testimony read. Their request was fundamentally and basically sound, timely, and reasonable. It...
To continue reading
Request your trial-
Klein v. Wagenheim
...majority held that the trial judge's denial of the jury's request was prejudicial and reversible error requiring a new trial. See 3 Mich.App. 74, 141 N.W.2d 714. The dissenting opinion in the Court of Appeals cites two cases in support of his belief that the rule in Michigan is that it is w......