Peebles v. Bank of Pollard

SOMERVILLE, J. The act approved September 28, 1915 (Gen. Acts 1915, pp. 830-832), provides, among other things: “If an equitable question, the decision of which should dispose of the cause and which cannot be disposed of in the law side of the court, depends upon the assertion of an equitable right or defense by a party who is defendant or an intervening' claimant in such suit at law, such party may assert such right or defense by a written motion filed in the cause, which shall state the substance of the .equitable right or defense. * * * ” Provision is then made for the transfer of the cause to the equity side, if the judge is satisfied it is a proper case. Then follows this direction: “Within thirty days after any such cause has been so transferred the plaintiff or complainant shall make such amendments to the pleadings as may be necessary to conform to the appropriate pleadings in equity court.” Appellants’ theory seems to be that this provision of the law imposes upon the complainant the burden of setting forth in the bill all the facts relating to the equitable questions and defenses invoked by the defendant at law, and whose assertion by him has resulted in the transfer of the cause; in short, appellants conceive of their motion as having the office and effect of a cross-bill, which must be specifically answered by complainant. This theory is wholly erroneous. The office of the motion is merely to effect a transfer of the cause. It is then functus officio, and by the express provision of the act the defendant is required to plead, answer, or demur to the bill within 30 days, and to establish or maintain the question, right, or defense asserted by him. Very clearly the complainant need do nothing more than to present his legal demand, so as to show a prima facie right to recover thereon; and the respondent must on his part plead and prove the equitable matters and defenses relied on. The demurrer to the bill was properly overruled, and the decree appealed from will be affirmed. Affirmed. ANDERSON, C. J., and MAYFIELD and THOMAS, JJ., concur.