Case Name: JOHNSON v. COLBAUGH
Court: New Jersey Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: New Jersey
Decision Date: 1791-04
Citations: 1 N.J.L. 66
Docket Number: 
Parties: JOHNSON v. COLBAUGH.
Judges: 
Reporter: New Jersey Law Reports
Volume: 1
Pages: 66–66

Head Matter:
JOHNSON v. COLBAUGH.
Where plaintiff claims a sum within the jurisdiction of the justice, it is immaterial what the amount of his charges may he.
Certiorari to Justiee Reading.
By the return of the justice, it appeared that Colbaugh produced an account of £22 5s. for board, &c., against the defendant, in 1789, owning, at the same time, he knew defendant had a demand against him which would reduce his to about £12. Johnson denied any dealing at all, produced no account, and put Colbaugh to prove his, which he did. Verdict, £12.

Opinion:
Per Cur.
Affirm the judgment. The defendant cannot destroy the plaintiff's right to sue before a justice by withholding his offset — plaintiff may allow it for him. The acts, of assembly bars defendant to sue afterwards.