Taylor v. Savage (43 U.S. 395)

by Joseph Story

United States Supreme Court

43 U.S. 395

Taylor  v.  Savage

THIS case came before the court at the last term, and is reported in 1 How., 282.

It was brought up again on a motion to dismiss the appeal.

Morehead, who made the motion, referred to the decision at the last term, and said that notwithstanding that decision, the case was still here. He considered the opinion of the court as covering the whole ground.

Crittenden, contra.

Both parties appealed from the decision of the court below; but Savage did not perfect his appeal. There is a difficulty in making proper parties, if the case is sent back. The law of Alabama says that administration of the estate shall be attached to the office of sheriff, but his official term will soon expire, and we shall have to litigate with temporary administrators.

Berrien, on the same side, thought there was still a case before the court upon which it could act. It is true that the decree below was rendered on the same day that the administrator was removed; but notwithstanding this, it was well rendered. If a party dies, the court will direct a judgment to be entered as on the first day of the term. 2 Peters, 481.

There is no difference between a party dying and one in a representative character being removed. This must have been the view of the court; the validity of the decree must have been recognized when they said that the voluntary appearance of Benham would cure all defects. The decree could not have been considered null. If the decree was well rendered, the appeal was well taken, because it was taken at the same term whilst the proceedings were within the power of the court. The appeal was prayed and allowed in open court. This court can now proceed either,

1. By Benham's voluntary appearance, or

2. By issuing process to bring him in.

1. This was decided at the last term.

2. Benham's will cannot give the court jurisdiction. The 28th rule provides for the death of a party and summoning another to take his place. The same power that adopted this rule can modify it and say that the successor to an executor can be summoned. The power to establish a general rule involves the power to make a special one to suit a particular case; general rules are made only to prevent specific orders.

Sergeant, in reply and conclusion, argued at some length that the decision at the last term covered the case as it now stood. The party on the other side must go into the court below and have the record put into a correct form.

Mr. Justice STORY delivered the opinion of the court.

Notes