Opinion ID: 1954920
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: vexatious suit

Text: In the Merrill Lynch case Cole filed a cross complaint against Merrill Lynch alleging that its action constituted a vexatious suit. The trial court found that Cole had failed to prove the allegations of his cross complaint and rendered judgment for the defendant Merrill Lynch. We agree. To establish a cause of action for vexatious suit requires proof that a civil action has been prosecuted not only without probable cause but also with malice. Bridgeport Hydraulic Co. v. Pearson, 139 Conn. 186, 194, 91 A.2d 778 (1952); Calvo v. Bartolotta, 112 Conn. 396, 397, 152 A. 311 (1930). It must also appear that the litigation claimed to be vexatious terminated in some way favorable to the defendant therein. Frisbie v. Morris, 75 Conn. 637, 639, 55 A. 9 (1903). If, as in this case, such litigation terminates in favor of the plaintiff therein such judgment is as a general rule conclusive of the existence of probable cause for the institution of the suit. Id., 639-40. Cole's remaining claims whether legal or factual do not require discussion. It is sufficient to note that we have examined these claims carefully and conclude that they are without merit. There is no error.