Case ID: misc2d_15/html/0429-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "S. Samuel Di Falco, S.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

In the Matter of the Estate of Hannah Shinder, Deceased.
    Surrogate’s Court, New York County,
    December 9, 1958.
    
      Arthur N. Field, petitioner in person.
    
      Krause, Kirsch, Gross é Keilpern for Marianne Lowenthal and another, respondents.
   S. Samuel Di Falco, S.

Petitioner in this proceeding under section 231-a of the Surrogate’s Court Act to have his compensation for legal services fixed moves to strike out respondents’ demand for a jury trial. Respondents, who are the executrix and sole legatees under the will, filed an answer in which, among other matters, a counterclaim requesting money damages based upon fraud and deceit was pleaded. They contend that they have a right to a jury trial on the basis of that counterclaim. Their contention is overruled.

There is no' constitutional right to a jury trial in a proceeding under section 231-a of the Surrogate’s Court Act which is a proceeding of an equitable nature. (Matter of Richards, 5 A D 2d 124, 125; Matter of Davis, 10 Misc. 2d 347.) A counterclaim in an equity isuit did not give rise to a right to a jury trial at common law. (Matter of Blair, 242 App. Div. 689.) The motion is accordingly granted.

Submit order on notice.