Case Name: Gilbert against Field
Court: New York Supreme Court of Judicature
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1801-07
Citations: 2 Johns. Cas. 292
Docket Number: 
Parties: *Gilbert against Field.
Judges: 
Reporter: Johnson's Cases
Volume: 2
Pages: 291–292

Head Matter:
*Gilbert against Field.
Where the plaintiff does not declare within the time required by the statute, the defendant cannot enter a judgment of non pros, without having previously entered a rule for the plaintiff to declare, and served him with a notice of such rule.
This was an action for slander. The plaintiff not having declared within two terms, the defendant entered his default in the book of common rules, and afterwards entered a judgment, of non pros thereon, without a rule' or notice to declare.
Riggs, for the plaintiff,
now moved to set aside the judgment for irregularity.
Spencer, contra.

Opinion:
Per Curiam.
The statute directs, generally, that if the plaintiff does not declare before the end of two terms, the defendant shall be entitled to a judgment of non pros; but the time and manner of declaring, and of entering the judgment of non pros, is left to be governed by the rules and practice of the court. The 7th, 8th, and 9th rules of April term, 1796, require, in all cases, whether the defendant enters his appearance, or files common or special bail, that a rule to declare must be entered, and notice thereof given to the plaintiff, or his attorney, before a judgment of nonsuit can be entered. As no such rule has been entered, or notice given, the judgment must be set aside.
Rule granted.( )
lo) See Graham's Practice, 2d ed. p. 191, 622. Id. 3d ed. vol. 1, 587, and n. (4.)