Case ID: ad_249/html/0693-02.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Derry F. Jennings, as Administrator, etc., of Helen Jennings, Deceased, Appellant, v. City of Ogdensberg, Respondent.
   Appeal from an order denying a motion to strike out scandalous matter stated in the defense marked III, 2, of the answer, intended to allege contributory negligence. From the affidavits used on the motion it is manifest that the particular manner in which the accident happened, or what caused it, is not directly known; that, as to those facts, inferences alone may be drawn from anything appearing in the record. Contributory negligence is not alleged in the common and usual form. Evidence and conjecture are stated in the defense complained of, and that of a character designed to bring opprobrium on the memory of the dead and mortification to the living, to no purpose that serves the law or its practice. The order should be reversed and the motion granted, with leave to the defendant to plead anew. Order reversed on the law and facts, with ten dollars costs and disbursements, and motion granted, with ten dollars costs, with leave to defendant to serve an amended answer within ten days after the service of a copy of the order to be entered hereon, with notice of entry thereof, and upon paying the said costs and disbursements. And it is directed that the original answer or any copy thereof shall not be filed in the county clerk’s office, or otherwise, with the papers in the action. Hill, P. J., Rhodes, McNamee, Crapser and Heffernan, JJ., concur.