Connelly v. Richmond

WESTERFIELD, J. This is a suit by a real estate agent for a commission. In the first paragraph of his petition he alleges that “he is a licensed and bonded real estate broker of this city.” Defendant in her answer denies for want of information “the facts set out in the first paragraph of plaintiff’s demand.” There is no proof in the record that plaintiff is licensed or bonded and we are asked to dismiss his suit in conformity with Section 19 of Act 236 of 1920, reading as follows: “Be it further enacted, etc., That any persop, firm, co-partnership, association or corporation, who has not been licensed in accordance with the provisions of this act shall not be allowed to recover any fee, claim or charge for brokerage in the courts of this State.” Plaintiff’s counsel direct our attention to the fact that no special plea has been filed challenging plaintiff’s qualification or capacity. No special plea was necessary. The allegation that plaintiff was qualified was denied articulately, as required by the pleading act and he was put upon proof of that fact in the same manner as relates to other facts in issue, the proof of which was essential for his recovery. See Broussard vs. Rosenblum, 5 La. App. 245, and authorities there cited. Moreover, the mandatory language of Act 236 of 1928 is addressed to the “the courts of this State” and they are admonished that unlicensed agents “shall not be allowed to recover” a fee or commission. Under the circumstances and for the reasons assigned, the judgment appealed from is reversed, and it is now ordered’ that plaintiff’s suit must be dismissed as of non-suit.