Case Name: EWING v. BLIGHT
Court: United States Circuit Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 1855-10
Citations: 8 F. Cas. 931
Docket Number: Case No. 4,590
Parties: EWING v. BLIGHT.
Judges: 
Reporter: Federal Cases
Volume: 8
Pages: 931–931

Head Matter:
Case No. 4,590.
EWING v. BLIGHT.
[3 Wall. Jr., 139.]
Circuit Court, E. D. Pennsylvania.
Oct. Term, 1855.
[Reported by John William Wallace, Esq., and here reprinted by permission.]

Opinion:
GRIER, Circuit Justice.
The pendency of a plea to the jurisdiction of the court, necessarily precludes all further action of the court, till it is decided. [See Case No. 4,589.] This rule of practice is founded on reason, as well as fortified by authority. 13 Yes. 164.
While the jurisdiction of the court or the •equity of the bill is in doubt by the penden-cy of a plea or demurrer, it would be highly improper for the court to interfere by the exercise of such high powers over men's property. The court have it always in their power to guard against the abuse of dilatory pleas. If any irremediable mischief •should impend, which it is absolutely necessary to meet with promptness, or if there be any just suspicion that the plea or demurrer is merely intended for delay, the court will order an immediate hearing or trial of the plea.
If an issue be desired to try the plea of Jurisdiction in this case, it will be ordered; or any other rule which complainant may desire, for the purpose of expediting the final hearing, in case the jurisdiction should be found to exist.