Blenderman v. J. R. Bellis Co.

Gildersleeve, J. This action was brought upon a check, drawn by defendant, a domestic corporation, payable to defendant’s order. On February 18, 1909, a summons and a verified complaint were served upon the defendant, the summons being returnable March 1, 1909. On the return day, the defendant filed a verified answer. The case was marked for trial; and, on the day it was reached, it was adjourned until March 15, 1909. On the last-named day, when the case was called, the plaintiff moved for judgment, on the ground that no order under the provisions of section 1778 of the Code of Civil Procedure had been filed; which motion was granted and judgment entered in favor of the plaintiff, from which judgment the defendant appeals. Section 1778, so far as the same is material herein, reads as follows: “ In an action against a * * * domestic corporation, to recover damages for the non-payment of a promissory note, or other evidence of debt, for the absolute payment of money, upon demand, or at a particular time. * * * In such an action, unless the defendant serves, with a copy of his answer or demurrer, a copy of an order of a judge, directing that the issues presented by the pleadings be tried, the plaintiff may take judgment, as in case of default in pleading, at the expiration of twenty days after service of a copy of the complaint, either personally with the summons, or upon the defendant’s attorney, pursuant to his demand therefor. * * This section evidently originated in subdivision 4 of chapter 325 of the Laws of 1825, which was an act to prevent fraudulent bankruptcies by incorporated companies; and it was there provided, “ that in every suit which shall hereafter be brought against any incorporated company, upon contract, note or other evidence of debt, if it shall appear that the final process against such company was served at least twenty days before the return thereof, it shall be the duty of the court to which the same is returned to allow a declaration therein to be filed, and to give judg [67] ment on said return day unless it shall appear to the said court by affidavit that the said corporation has a good and substantial defense on the merits.” This with the changes has been incorporated in section 1778 of the Code. Under our present practice its usefulness is not plainly apparent, especially in an action where a verified answer has been interposed, containing denials of the cause of action and allegations which require a trial to determine the issues thus raised. “ It is a provision which authorizes a plaintiff to disregard the answer of the defendant though it contain a general denial, and be supported by a solemn verification and to enter judgment, notwithstanding such an answer, without so much as an application to the court. Such a statute will not be extended beyond the strict limitations of the terms employed.” Shorer v. Times Co., 53 Hun, 88, 89. It has, however, been held applicable to Municipal Courts by virtue of the omnibus provisions of section 20 of the Municipal Court Act. Duke v. Mt. Morris Const. Co., 127 App. Div. 39. In the case of Tantphoeus v. Harbor Suburban Building & Savings Assn., 96 App. Div. 23, it was held: “ that the retention of the answer precluded the plaintiff from pleading it as a nullity. Defendant had a right to assume, when the answer was not returned, that it had been properly served. If the plaintiff intended to treat it as a nullity, then he should have promptly returned it to the defendant at the same time staling his reason therefor. Fairness and good practice at least require this.” It is true that such remarks were obiter; nevertheless, they were express and positive and concurred in by all the court. That was an action in the Supreme Court, where all the pleadings are served; and while it is true that, in the Municipal Court, an answer is not necessarily served, but is filed with the court and the plaintiff cannot, therefore, return it, it is equally true that the plaintiff has access to it and, presumably, is aware of what issues are raised by its allegations; and, in the case at bar, it is set forth, in an affidavit used in a motion to vacate the judgment, that, a copy of the answer was served upon the representative of the plaintiff who appeared [68] on March first to join issue. It would seem, therefore, that, if plaintiff intended to rely upon defendant’s failure to file an order under section 1778, “fairness and good practice” would require that plaintiff give notice to that effect to the defendant. Under the circumstances disclosed, we think the judgment should be reversed. Judgment reversed and new trial ordered, with costs to appellant to abide the event. MacLeaw, J., concurs.