Evidence — Admissibility — Transcript of proceedings before alderman — Action of trespass.
1. In an action of trespass for false arrest, the admission of a certified transcript of the proceedings before an alderman, offered in evidence by the defendant, constitutes prejudicial error. [473-4]
Appeals — Review — Order granting new trial — Discretion of court below.
2. An order granting a new trial because of prejudicial error in the admission of evidence will not be reversed on appeal. [474]
Argued September 29, 1944.
PER CURIAM, October 31, 1944:
This appeal is from an order granting a new trial. The trial judge had admitted a certified transcript of the proceedings before an alderman, offered in evidence by defendant. The learned court below en banc says: "We believe this to have been substantial and prejudicial error such as warrants a new trial, and for that reason alone a new trial will be granted: Magee v. Scott, 32 Pa. 539-540; Katterman v. Stitzer, 7 Watts 189-192; Wolverton v. Com., for use, 7 S. R. 273-4; Miller v. Brink, 14 Pa. D. C. 292. "
We agree that the admission of the transcript was prejudicial error. There was, therefore, no abuse of discretion in granting a new trial. We have uniformly held that under such circumstances we will not interfere with the action of the court below: Kerr v. Hofer, 341 Pa. 47, 17 A.2d 886; Weinfeld v. Funk, 342 Pa. 160, 20 A.2d 206; Schornig v. Speer, 343 Pa. 649, 24 A.2d 12.
Order affirmed.