Seward v. Miller

| N.Y. Sup. Ct. | Feb 15, 1852

S. B. Strong, Justice.

Bythe 149th section of that Code an answer must contain a specific denial of each material allegation of the complaint controverted by the defendant. It-has been contended in behalf of the defendant in this case, that a denial in the words of the statute is sufficient. It might have been so under the corresponding section of the Code of 1849, where the word “ general” was used to qualify the denial. It was so difficult, however, to ascertain what was meant by the terms general denial of each allegation, that the decisions upon that provision of the Code, while it was in operation, were by no means uniform. It was, probably, with a view to settle the difficulty resulting from the phraseology of this part of the Code of 1849, and in a manner corresponding with the original design of its framers, that the word general was omitted in the existing Code. The denial must now be specific of each controverted allegation. It can not be specific without mentioning by some particular mark of distinction the allegation which it is designed to controvert. Specification, according to Walker, consists in “ distinct notation, determination by a particular mark of distinction, particular mention.” In this case there is neither. It is important in every case that the defendant should specify which of the allegations he deems material and intends to controvert, in order that the plaintiff may clearly know what is denied, and what, it may be necessary for him to prove. It is peculiarly so, for many reasons, where the defendant is required to swear to his answer. The denial in this case, although verbally specific, is in effect general, and therefore the answer is not warranted by the Code.

But although the pleading interposed by the defendant in this cause was not warranted by the existing Code, and may, therefore be deemed insufficient, it does not necessarily follow that it is a sham or irrelevant answer. The 152d section, while authorizing the court to strike out sham and irrelevant answers, contains no definition of either of those characteristic terms, nor is there any in the other multitudinous provisions of the Code. They mean now precisely what they did before, and no more.

The word “ sham,” as defined by lexicographers, means “ false, counterfeit, or pretended.” It has received the same interpretation when applied to pleadings (1 Chitty on Pl. 574; and 2 Bouvier 375). These authorities are cited with approbation, and the definition adopted by my lamented friend, the late Judge Sill, in his able opinion in Darrow agt. Miller (5 How. Pr. R. 247). According to those authorities, a sham pleading is one known by the party to be false, and put in for the purpose of delay, or other unworthy object. Judge Sill was inclined to extend the term to such pleadings as may be true in point of fact, but are so impertinent or so grossly frivolous that the court cannot but see that the object is to delay or perplex the plaintiff, instead of presenting a defence. It is npt material in this case to consider whether the pleading thus characterized by that learned judge would not be rather frivolous than sham, between which , and the appropriate remedies for each, the Code makes a distinction (§ 152, 247). There is nothing in this case to show that the answer is false, or that the defendants’ object in interposing it was to delay or perplex the plaintiff.

A pleading is irrelevant which has no substantial relation to the controversy between the parties to the suit. The word irrelevant is comparatively of modern introduction in England. It is used in parliamentary debate in that country to signify “ unassisting, unrelieving,” which are in accordance with the etymology of the word. But in Scotland, according to Mr. Elphinstone, it has been for a considerable period a jurisprudential word, and is there used in the same sense as the more appropriate Avord irrelative. It has, I believe, 'uniformly received the same interpretation in the courts in this country, where it has been very generally used. Now, a general denial by one party of a material allegation of his opponent, can not be considered as irrelative to their controversy, although it may be informal, or even unavailable by reason of some statutory restriction.

Neither do I think that the answer in question is frivolous. The rule before the adoption of the Code was that a pleading was not frivolous unless the defect was radical and so palpable that no serious argument could be advanced in its support. I am aware that there has been decisions, since the adoption of the Code, that pleadings are frivolous where there is a departure from any requisite which it may prescribe, even in particulars where the construction of the terms may be difficult. But I prefer, and until I may be authoritatively overruled, shall adhere to the old rule. In cases where there can be no reasonable doubt of the invalidity of a pleading in either of the attributes mentioned in the 152d and 247th sections, there should be no hesitation in awarding to the opposite party the summary redress for which they provide. But in all cases of doubt, or where the insufficiency is from any other cause, the party objecting to it should resort to a demurrer, when the point may be more deliberately considered and satisfactorily settled.

The motion to strike out the answer is denied; but as that pleading is defective, I shall not give the defendant costs; and I shall allow the plaintiff to demur, should he be so advised, in ten days.