Case Name: Leonard against Slaughter
Court: New York Supreme Court of Judicature
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1813-08
Citations: 10 Johns. 367
Docket Number: 
Parties: Leonard against Slaughter.
Judges: 
Reporter: Johnson's Reports
Volume: 10
Pages: 371–371

Head Matter:
Leonard against Slaughter.
ALBANY,
August, 1813.
When the plaintiff in 4 cause discontinues thesuit, without leave of the court, cannot obtain motion^’ but ™u°j¡^ the plaintiff, discontinué [¡“y® '
D. RUGGLES, for the defendant, moved for a rule that the plaintiff pay the costs in this suit, he having discontinued, and given notice thereof to the defendant.
/ Sudam, contra, cited Marsten v. Lawrence, (Col. Cas. 97.) that a discontinuance of a suit may be entered at any time before plea pleaded in a second suit, without leave of the court, or payment of COStS.
But, he said, the defendant could not get his costs in this way. The discontinuance was a nullity, unless the costs were paid, and the defendant must proceed to non pros the plaintiff, in order to get judgment for his costs.

Opinion:
Per Curiam.
The defendant cannot recover his costs on motion, but must proceed to obtain judgment of nonpros against the plaintiff
Motion denied.