Case Name: Edward Kaupe et al. plaintiffs, v. James E. Isdell et al. defendants
Court: New York Superior Court
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1865-02
Citations: 3 Rob. 699
Docket Number: 
Parties: Edward Kaupe et al. plaintiffs, v. James E. Isdell et al. defendants.
Judges: 
Reporter: Reports of cases argued and determined in the Superior Court of the city of New York
Volume: 26
Pages: 699–699

Head Matter:
Edward Kaupe et al. plaintiffs, v. James E. Isdell et al. defendants.
1. To obtain a discovery of books and papers, parties cannot substitute their own judgment, on vague information, the nature and source of which they do not disclose, for that of the court. Enough must be shown to enable the court to decide that the discovery is necessary.
2. Where the necessity of an examination is alleged to be that such books will show that the defendants are partners; that they contain entries of moneys received and paid by one of the defendants, and a statement of his account; but the affidavits do not allege the character of a single entry which the court can determine to be material, a motion for a discovery will be denied.
(Before Robertson, Ch. J., at special term,
February —, 1865.)

Opinion:
Robertson, Ch. J.
This is an application for the privilege of examining certain hooks of account kept by a firm represented by " Samuel T. Scarlett, agt." in the possession of the defendant, Reuben Isdell.
The necessity of such examination is alleged to be that such books will show that the defendants are partners; that they contain entries of moneys received and paid by the defendant, Reuben Isdell, and statement of his account. The plaintiff, Cummings, it is true, also swears they are material and necessary to examine previous to the trial, as he is informed by his counsel, and to prepare for such trial, and that he cannot avail himself thereof without an order of discovery.
The- plaintiff is mistaken in supposing that he cannot have •the benefit of any entry in any of such books tending to prove his case without a discovery. A subpoena duces tecum will compel the production, on a trial, or examination of the parties before. The affidavits do not allege the character of a single entry, which the court can determine to be material. Parties cannot substitute their own judgment, on vague information, the nature and source of which they do not disclose, for that of the court; enough must be shewn to enable it to decide that the discovery is necessary, which is not done on the face cf these papers.
The motion must be denied, with seven dollars costs.