Case Name: Nathaniel Terry against Josiah Capen
Court: Connecticut Superior Court
Jurisdiction: Connecticut
Decision Date: 1807-02
Citations: 3 Day 495
Docket Number: 
Parties: Nathaniel Terry against Josiah Capen.
Judges: 
Reporter: Day's Reports
Volume: 3
Pages: 495–496

Head Matter:
Nathaniel Terry against Josiah Capen.
Feb. 1807
TERRY, before the court, called upon Edwards, counsel for the defendant, to say, whether he had a de-fence in this case.
Under the rule for the defendant’s counsel to say whether he has a defence. it is sufficient for the counsel to say, that his client has instructed him Í to defend, and he expects the case will be tried, unless previously settled.
Edwards said the defendant had instructed him to make a defence.
Terry insisted that the answer was insufficient; that the rule required him to say whether he believed his client had a defence, and moved that the defendant might be called.
Brainerd, J. said he would ask Edwards whether he expected the case would be tried ? '
Edwards answered, yes; unless certain propositions for a settlement should be acceded to.

Opinion:
The Court
refused to call the defendant, Swift, Per. J. remarking, that he never liked the rule, ani would not extend it beyond its strict application, ,