21 F. 611 | U.S. Cir. Ct. | 1884
Lead Opinion
This is a motion for judgment that the complaint bo dismissed, and that the defendants recover costs and disbursements, on the ground that the complaint “does not state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action.” It is in fact an attempt to obtain, by motion after answer, the benefit of a demurrer to the complaint, which must be regularly presented before answer. It can only be filed subsequently upon leave of the court and a withdrawal of the answer. The motion, therefore, in the form in which it is presented, must be denied. But as, by the pleadings, it appears that tire plaintiff has presented bis case upon the theory that one co-tenant of real property, in possession, can maintain ejectment against another co-tenant, also in possession, if the extent of the plaintiff’s interest is denied, it may not be improper to call the attention of counsel to matters which are essential to the maintenance of the action, and consequently to the allegations of the complaint.
The action of ejectment is primarily for the possession of the property in controversy, the right to which may depend upon the ownership of the property, or a contract with the owner for the use of it,— a letting of it by him to the plaintiff. There must be in the plaintiff a present right of possession, which is withheld by the defendant. Code Civil Proc. § 313.
Now, each tenant in common has an equal right to the possession of the whole and of every part of the common property. If a tenant in common is in possession of any interest, no matter how small, he is, in law, in possession of the whole property. Therefore, no tenant in common, in possession, can maintain ejectment against a co-tenant also in possession. In such ease he already has all that a judgment in his favor could give him. To sustain such an action the co-tenant plaintiff must be entirely excluded from the possession.
The statute (section 324 of the Code of Civil Procedure) does not change this rule of the common law; it only changes the proof of ouster, or rather makes a denial of the plaintiff’s right of possession the equivalent of actual ouster, so as to authorize a recovery upon proof of such denial, when his right is otherwise established.
In the case at bar the complaint alleges that the plaintiff is the owner of five undivided eighths of the premises described, and was in their actual and adverse possession for a period exceeding 13
While the motion, as presented, is denied, the plaintiff can have leave to amend his complaint as suggested, the defendants having the right to answer anew, or he can withdraw the present action and institute a suit in equity. Motion denied.
Concurrence Opinion
I concur with the circuit justice, but wish to add that this motion is anomalous, and will not lie under any circumstances. It is made by the defendant, and is for “judgment on the pleadings,” —the pleadings being the complaint and answer. But, as a judgment on the pleadings cannot be given on the pleading of the party, moving for it, unless the truth of the allegations therein is admitted by the subsequent pleading or silence of the adverse party, this is really a motion by the defendant for a judgment on the complaint. Now, there can be no judgment for the defendant on the complaint except upon the ground that it does not state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action, and that objection or question can only be made by demurrer. So that if the defendant had made this motion before answer, still it would not lie. But the motion is also singular in the nature of the judgment it asks—“that the plaintiff’s complaint be dismissed.” A bill or suit in equity is said to be “dismissed” when finally disposed óf adversely to the plaintiff therein; and un<
Tins judgment of nonsuit can only bo obtained on motion of the defendant, before trial, because of the failure of the, plaintiff to appear for trial, or by consent. Tho form of it is “that the plaintiff take nothing by his writ or action, and that the defendant go hence without day;” and the effect of it, under the Code, is to dismiss tho action. See Code of Civil Procedure, c. 2, tit. 11.
But a “motion” to dismiss “a complaint,” whether at law. or in equity, will not lie under any circumstances; and it proceeds upon a total misconception of the nature of legal procedure, both under the Code and at common law.