Joseph Story

“ We entertain no doubt whatsoever upon this question. The amount in controversy is to be decided by the sum in controversy at the time of the judgment, and not by any subsequent additions thereto, such as interest. ”

“ We cannot look beyond the time of the judgment in order to ascertain whether a writ of error lies or not.
Mr. Ogden, of counsel for the defendant in error, moved the court to dismiss this writ of error for the want of jurisdiction, because the matters or sum in controversy, exclusive of costs, did not exceed $2000; which was opposed by Mr. Benedict, of counsel for the plaintiff in error, who contended that although the judgment of the Circuit Court was only for $1720, yet that the interest on that sum added thereto would make it exceed $2000. ”