A judge who did not try the case may, if presented with a motion for new trial within 30 days from the date of the verdict or judgment sought to be set aside, allow the filing of, issue rule nisi thereon, and decide the motion either where he is presiding in the court in which the trial was had, or where he is named in the rule, or where he is otherwise authorized by law to do so.
(Code 1863, § 3644; Code 1868, § 3669; Code 1873, § 3720; Code 1882, § 3720; Civil Code 1895, § 5486; Civil Code 1910, § 6091; Code 1933, § 70-103; Ga. L. 1957, p. 224, § 13.)
Law reviews.- For article, "A Discussion of the 1957 Amendments to Rules of Practice and Procedure in Georgia," see 19 Ga. B.J. 395 (1957).
JUDICIAL DECISIONS
Death of presiding judge before motion is heard does not automatically require new trial. However, language used in overruling motion will be scrutinized to determine if successor shows that judge, in overruling the motion, did not exercise any discretion in reviewing the verdict. Town of Woodland v. Carter Constr. Co., 65 Ga. App. 547, 16 S.E.2d 129 (1941).
When presiding judge dies pending motion for new trial, the judge's successor must hear and determine the motion. Town of Woodland v. Carter Constr. Co., 65 Ga. App. 547, 16 S.E.2d 129 (1941).
Judge acting in another's place cannot grant continuance of motion ordered tried in another county. Brantley v. Hass, 69 Ga. 748 (1882).
As to approval of amendments.
- See Watkins v. Paine, 57 Ga. 50 (1876); Central R.R. & Banking Co. v. Pool, 95 Ga. 410, 22 S.E. 631 (1895).
Cited in Fletcher v. Gillespie, 201 Ga. 377, 40 S.E.2d 45 (1946); Wallace v. Speed, 93 Ga. App. 120, 91 S.E.2d 53 (1955); Golden v. Credico, Inc., 124 Ga. App. 700, 185 S.E.2d 578 (1971).
RESEARCH REFERENCES
Am. Jur. 2d.
- 58 Am. Jur. 2d, New Trial, § 379 et seq.
C.J.S.- 66 C.J.S., New Trial, §§ 52, 181, 182, 272.
ALR.- Power of successor or substituted judge, in civil case, to render decision or enter judgment on testimony heard by predecessor, 84 A.L.R.5th 399.