Case ID: misc_61/html/0582-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Carr, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Vito Caleo, Plaintiff, v. Lena Goldstein et al., Defendants.
    (Supreme Court, Kings Special Term for Trials,
    December, 1908.)
    Equity — Nature and grounds of jurisdiction — Avoidance of multiplicity of suits — Two possible actions do not create a multiplicity.
    An action in equity cannot be maintained, to settle disputed boundaries of real property.
    Such an action cannot be maintained on the ground of preventing a multiplicity of actions where only two actions are necessary to settle forever the questions involved.
    Demurrer to complaint.
    Washburn & Sickels, for plaintiff.
    Forrest S. Chilton, for defendants.
   Carr, J.

The defendant Goldstein demurs to the complaint herein on the following grounds: (a) That the complaint does not state facts sufficient to- constitute a cause of action; (b) that there is a misjoinder of causes of action, in that a cause of action against said Goldstein is joined with a cause of action against one Flischer; as to which two causes of action the interests of Goldstein and Flischer are entirely distinct. The action is in equity, as claimed by the plaintiff, and the complaint must be considered in that light. In its simplest form the complaint is one brought to procure the settlement of disputed boundaries of a plot of land situate in this county. The plaintiff claims to own a plot of land on the westerly side of Eoclcaway avenue, 50' feet front and 100 feet in depth. He alleges that Flischer owns a plot of land on the westerly side of Eoclcaway avenue, abutting the plaintiff’s land on the north, and in dimensions 25 by 100 feet; he further alleges that the defendant Goldstein owns a plot of land in dimensions 25 by 100 feet on the westerly side of Eockaway avenue, abutting the plaintiff’s land on the south. He then alleges that there is an encroachment on his own land to the extent of fifteen inches, made either hy Flischer or • Goldstein, and by which of whom, as he says, he is unable to state, owing to differences of opinion of certain surveyors whom he has employed for the actual location of the boundaries.

It seems to me that the question of the sufficiency of the plaintiff’s complaint can be determined by ascertaining whether the facts therein make out a cause of action in equity. If a cause of action as stated in the complaint can be maintained in equity, the alleged defect of misjoinder of causes of action is not substantial. 'I am of opinion, however, that the plaintiff’s complaint does not state a cause of action for equitable relief. There seems to be but one decided case in this State on this question — Boyd v. Dowie, 65 Barb. 237. The decision just cited was made at Special Term of the Supreme Court in 1872, and does not appear to have been cited subsequently in the opinions of any decided case in this State. In that case, the court entertained jurisdiction of an equitable action to adjust a confusion of boundaries; but it was expressly upon the ground that, under the particular facts of that case, equity would take jurisdiction in order to prevent a multiplicity of actions. In the case at bar, this ground for equitable jurisdiction does not exist. At most, it would be necessary to have two actions to settle forever the question which of the two abutting owners is encroaching upon the plaintiff’s land. [Neither of these actions would be against the same parties defendant.

The plaintiff may sue either Goldstein or Flischer, and obtain such judgment as his proofs will warrant. The ground on which equity takes jurisdiction to avoid a multiplicity of actions exists where the multiplicity of actions is against the same parties defendant, and not against separate parties defendant. O’Brien v. Fitzgerald, 6 App. Div. 514; 150 N. Y. 572.

It seems to me that the plaintiff’s remedy is at law, and against whichever one of the two abutting owners he is prepared to prove actual encroachment upon his premises. The demurrer is sustained, with leave to amend on payment of costs.

Demurrer sustained, with leave to amend on payment of costs.