Wrenshall v. Cook & Schoyer

7 Watts 464 | Pa. | 1838

The opinion of the Court was delivered by

Rogers, J.

n Slipper v. Lane, 5 Term Rep. 493, it is decided that a surviving partner maysefoff a debt due to him as such against a demand on him in his own right. So a defendant may set off a debt due by the plaintiff as surviving partner against a demand due to him in his own right. 6 Term Rep. 528. And the reason is, that the surviving partner may consider the debt as his own, and therefore completely within his own control whether to pay his own debt or debts of the partnership. But where the partnership still exists, there is no case where this has been done, as the debts want that mutuality which is essential to a set off. But equity will, under special circumstances, allow a set off where none can be admitted at law; and a doubt has arisen whether, as an equitable defence, the facts found in the case stated may not avail the defendant. As a general principle, partnership effects may not be taken to pay the separate debt of one of the partners; of course one of the partners cannot set off a partnership debt in a suit for his separate debt. But it has been decided, that one of the partners may set off his own separate debt in a demand against the partnership, because there is nothing which prevents him from using his own funds to pay the partnership debts. Nor is there any principle, either of law or equity, which forbids one of the partners, when he is sued for a separate debt, to avail himself of a demand, by way of set off, of the partnership against the creditor of the partner sued, provided the set off is made with the express assent of the other partners, and where the creditor, as in this case, is insolvent. Such a defence is equitable and just. The only plausible reason which has been assigned against this position is, that it would enable the defendant to throw the plaintiff into the costs, by obtaining the assent of the other partners after suit brought. But admitting the full force of this objection, it may be removed; as in Hart v. Porter, 5 Serg. & Rawle 200, where, in answer to a like objection, the court say the jury may, under the direction of the court, do equity as to the costs. The defence is an equitable one, and of course under the control of the court and jury, who will do complete justice between the parties. But, unfortunately for the defendant, this case comes before the court on a case stated, in which the assent of the other partners is not found; and for aught that appears, the set off may be against their consent. At one time we doubted whether the case should not be sent back to be restated, but as sufficient appears on the record to warrant a judgment, it is beyond our control. We are of opinion, therefore, that judgment must be rendered for the plaintiff.

Judgment affirmed.