Barry v. Inglis, 1 N.C. 121, 1 Tay. 121 (1799)

April 1799 · North Carolina Superior Court
1 N.C. 121, 1 Tay. 121

Barry versus Inglis and others.

TRESPASS, assault and battery, in which evidence was offered of a provocation given by the plaintiff some time before the assault.

Evidence cannot be admitted of a provocation given by the plaintiff, sometime before the assault.

Moore, J.

Held that any immediate provocation given to the defendant by the plaintiff, may be shewn in evidence to mitigate the damages ; but that a remote provocation ought not, for then it would be necessary to go into quarrels and disputes, which prevailed between the parties, perhaps years before the combat. Such things ought not to be considered as alleviating the offence of falling upon the plaintiff, at a subsequent late period, after there was time for the passions to cool, and the defendant’s conduct to be guided by reflection.

Evidence Refused.