Case Name: WESTLUND v. BOND
Court: United States District Court for the District of Alaska
Jurisdiction: Alaska
Decision Date: 1934-06-04
Citations: 8 Alaska 527
Docket Number: No. 3539-A
Parties: WESTLUND v. BOND.
Judges: 
Reporter: Alaska Reports
Volume: 8
Pages: 527–528

Head Matter:
WESTLUND v. BOND.
No. 3539-A.
First Division. Juneau.
June 4, 1934.
A. W. Fox and Henry Roden, both of Hyden, for plaintiff.
H. D. Stabler, of Juneau, for defendant.

Opinion:
ALEXANDER, District Judge.
On plaintiff's demurrer to defendant's answer, as to der fendant's first affirmative defense and counterclaim, plaintiff's demurrer is overruled.
The real question raised is whether or not attorneys' fees can be pleaded as a counterclaim here and be recovered as a counterclaim.
The courts hold that attorneys' fees are recoverable where there is fraud, malice, or bad faith shown.
The general rule is stated in 17 C.J. § 135, p. 809.
The case of Hickman v. Craig, 6 Mo.App. 583, is exactly in point, holding, as it does: "As a part of the damages for a builder's breach of a covenant against mechanics' liens, costs and attorney's fees in defending lien suits may be recovered." Century Digest, Damages, § 152. And this rule is supported by the courts in a large number of our states.
2. Plaintiff's demurrer as to defendant's second affirmative defense and counterclaim was waived by plaintiff at the argument.
3. Plaintiff's demurrer to third affirmative defense and counterclaim confessed by defendant at the argument.
Let an order be entered accordingly.