Case ID: tenn_45/html/0240-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Hawkins, J.,", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

O. H. P. Bennett vs. Wilkins and Gordon.
    JURISDICTION. Plea to, must be special on answer. Waives the right. Demurrer. A defendant cannot avail himself of the benefit of an objection to the jurisdiction of the Court, except by plea, demurrer, or by motion. He waives this right by filing an answer, although he relies upon and demurs in the same.
    EROM MAURY.
    This cause was beard at tbe March Term, 1867, upon tbe demurrer to complainant’s bill embraced in tbe answer of Wilkins, one of tbe respondents. Chancellor David Campbell sustained tbe demurrer and dismissed complainant’s bill, from which be has appealed to this Court.
    L. D. MyeRS, for complainant.
    Frierson & Fleming, for respondent.
   Hawkins, J.,

delivered tbe opinion of tbe Court.

This bill was filed in tbe Chancery Court at Columbia. Tbe defendant, Wilkins, filed an answer, in which he relies upon a demurrer upon the ground. of a want of jurisdiction of tbe Court, of tbe subject matter.

Tbe Chancellor allowed tbe demurrer and dismissed tbe bill, and from this decree tbe complainant has appealed to this Court.

A defendant cannot, under the provisions of the Code, avail himself of the benefit of an objection to the jurisdiction of the Court, except by a plea or • demurrer, or by motion. This objection is waived by the filing of an answer; and a party cannot insist upon, or avail himself of the benefit of an objection, by relying thereon in his answer, which the law declares he waives by filing the answer.

The provisions of sec. 4819, of the Code, which declares the defendant “may have all the benefit of a demurrer, by relying thereon in his answer,” applies only to other causes of demurrer,, and not for want of jurisdiction.

The decree of the Chancellor' is, therefore, erroneous, and must be reversed. The cause, will be remanded to be proceeded in.