Middleton v. McCamant

Ogden, P. J. This suit was originally brought by defendant in error against the plaintiff in error on a promissory note. The defendant below appeared and filed a plea of non est factum, setting up the fact that since the making and signing of the note sued on, the same had, without his knowledge or consent, been changed or altered in a material matter, and therefore the note sued on is not his own act or deed. The minutes of the court show no action whatever on this plea, but the judge’s docket shows that the plea was stricken out, and at a subsequent term of the court a judgment was rendered by default against the defendant. This was error. The plea of non estfactum put in issue the execution of the note, and the defendant had a right to a verdict of a jury upon the issue presented, and it was error in the court in striking out that plea. But the minutes do not show that the plea was stricken out, and if not, then the whole cause, with the plea, should have been presented to the jury for their finding, and the failure to do this constitutes such an error as will vitiate the i judgment. The defendant had appeared and set up his defense, which he had a right to do, and which entitled him to a trial by a jury, unless he saw proper expressly to waive the same, which he did not do, and we think it the duty of this court to award him the opportunity of having his rights determined according to law. The return of the sheriff is manifestly defective, and insufficient to support a judgment by default; but the appearance of the defendant in the court below cured that [148] defect, and he now has no right to complain of the want of proper service, as he has voluntarily placed himself within the jurisdiction of the court. But for the error indicated, we think the judgment should be reversed and the cause remanded for a trial by jury. Beversed and remanded.