Case ID: ny-super-ct_4/html/0681-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "By the Court.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Droz v. Lakey and Pine.
    A party obtaining a verdict, is not bound to wait four days before entering and perfecting his judgment.
    The four days mentioned in the code, after which judgment becomes final, are intended to enable the losing party to obtain a stay of proceedings, in reference to a case.
    If he obtain an order staying proceedings within the four days, he may move to set aside the verdict as against evidence, notwithstanding the entry of the judgment,
    Jan. 19, 1850.
    Appeal from an order of a justice at chambers, denying a motion to set aside a judgment.
    In two days after a verdict for the defendants, they proceeded to enter and perfect judgment. The plaintiff desiring to move to set aside the verdict as against evidence, obtained an order to stay proceedings on the second day, but after the entry of judgment, and subsequently prepared a case.
    Insisting that judgment could not be perfected until the expiration of four days from the entry of the verdict, and of the direction of the court for judgment thereon, he moved to set aside the judgment as irregular. He contended that unless it were set aside, he could not make his motion for a new trial.
    
      B. F. Winslow, for the appellant,
    cited Amended Code, sections 264, 265, 269, 280,1281, 323; Graham’s Pr. 296, 336 to 338; 1 Wend. 31.
    
      W. E. Curtis, for the defendants,
    referred to section 220 of the original code, section 08-1 of the amended code, and 1 ©ode Reporter, 125;
   By the Court.

Upon the rendition of a verdict, the justice who tries the cause directs an entry of the judgment to he rendered thereon, unless he desires to consider the matter further. And judgment shall be entered by the clerk, in conformity to the verdict, which shall be final after the expiration of four days, unless there be an order reserving the case or staying the' proceedings-. (Amended Code, § 264, 265.). The clerk is to make up the- judgment roll immediately after entering the judgment. (Ib. § 281.) This is restricted in effect by the two days-previous notice required for the adjustment of the costs.

We think the intent of section 265, was not to delay the entry ■of the judgment, or its completion in form, until after the expiration of four days; but that a judgment so entered and completed, will become absolute and final, unless before the end of four days, the losing party shall obtain from the court or a justice, a stay of proceedings. If he desire to move for a new trial on the ground that the verdict is against evidence, he may obtain a stay for that purpose within the four days, and then move at special term on a case. If his motion be granted, the judgment never becomes final, and will be vacated of course. The defendants have been regular, and the plaintiff must be content with the order at chambers which preserves all his rights.

Appeal dismissed.