Johnson v. Moorman

Citations

• 80 Va. 131

Syllabus

<p>J. Practice at Common Law — Instructions.—An instruction is not considered as abstract where the pleadings show that it might apply to the case. Shelton v. Cocke, 3 Munf. 191.</p> <p>2. Idem — Torts—Evidence—Damages.—In mitigation of damages, in an action for false imprisonment, it is allowable on cross-examination to prove that the plaintiff had boasted that he had gained a great reputation from his arrest and imprisonment.</p> <p>3. Judicial Officers — Liability.—When acting within their jurisdiction, judicial officers are exempt in civil actions from liability for their official acts, although such acts are alleged to have been done maliciously and corruptly.</p> <p>4. Idem — Idem-^Jury.—In civil actions against such officers, acting within their jurisdiction, it is not for the jury to decide upon the question of the reasonableness of the grounds of the arrest.</p> <p>5. Idem — Idem—Case at bar. — J., mayor of D., whilst acting in his judicial capacity, caused the arrest of M., who sued J. for damages for false imprisonment.</p> <p>Held :</p> <p>J. was not liable to M. in damages for such arrest and imprisonment.</p>