61 N.Y.S. 680 | N.Y. App. Div. | 1899
This motion is made upon the sole ground that the action is a local one, and that Herkimer county is the proper
It is claimed, however, that this motion cannot be sustained, because there is no affidavit of merits with the moving papers. The answer of this defendant is before us, and it is verified. The court is thereby as well assured that he has a substantial defense to the action, as it would be had such an affidavit been made by him. The filing of such an affidavit has for many years been required with much strictness in cases where a change was asked for upon the ground of convenience of witnesses, but it does not seem to have been so strictly demanded when the application has been that the action be tried in the county where the statute requires it to be tried. In the former case the defendant applies to the court for an exercise of its discretion. In the latter case he asks for the enforcement of a right. Sherman v. Gregory, 42 How. Prac. 481, 486. There is no reason apparent why, under such circumstances, a formal affidavit of merits should be made. It is not needed to inform the court of any fact that should be known to it, and I am of the opinion that, under such circumstances, none should be required.
Notice of this motion has been served upon all the defendants, as well as upon the plaintiff, and all are thereby made parties to it. All will therefore be concluded by its decision. The motion should have been granted, and the order denying it should therefore be reversed.
Order reversed, with $10 costs and disbursements, and the motion granted, with $10 costs. All concur.