Opinion ID: 1238771
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: nullity theory

Text: I.R.C.P. 12(c) [2] governs motions for judgment on the pleadings. By its terms, Rule 12(c) treats such motions similarly to motions for summary judgment. Thus, the standard of review applicable to lower courts' rulings on motions for summary judgment also applies to motions for judgment on the pleadings. See Orthman v. Idaho Power Co., 126 Idaho 960, 962, 895 P.2d 561, 563 (1995) (applying standard of review equivalent to the summary judgment standard to lower court's dismissal on the pleadings for failure to state a claim under I.R.C.P. 12(b)(6)). In motions for summary judgment where the record reveals no issues of disputed fact, the question is one of law. Friel v. Boise City Hous. Auth., 126 Idaho 484, 485, 887 P.2d 29, 30 (1994). In this case, both parties agree that the named defendant, Rex Engelking, is deceased; no issue of fact exists on this point. The issue in this case, then, the effect of a decedent being named as defendant, is a question of law over which this Court exercises free review. Id., 887 P.2d at 30. In support of the dismissal of Trimble's complaint, the Estate argues that a suit against a decedent is a nullity because dead persons are not legal entities capable of being sued. This rule is known as the nullity theory. Furthermore, under this theory, a complaint against a decedent cannot be amended to add the decedent's estate as defendant because there is nothing to amend, nor is there anything to which it can relate back; the original complaint was a legal nullity and never existed. See Bricker v. Borah, 127 Ill.App.3d 722, 82 Ill.Dec. 707, 469 N.E.2d 241 (1984); Mitchell v. Money, 602 S.W.2d 687 (Ky.Ct.App.1980); Mercer v. Morgan, 86 N.M. 711, 526 P.2d 1304 (App. 1974). Idaho has not adopted the nullity theory, and we see no good reason to do so now. The nullity rule is a remnant of an earlier era of strict pleading requirements. Adopting such a rule, and thereby precluding amendment and relation back where a party is improperly named, would frustrate the purpose of our modern rules of pleading which seek to promote the resolution of disputes on their merits rather than to bar suit based on antiquated pleading requirements. See I.R.C.P. 1(a) (These rules shall be liberally construed to secure the just, speedy and inexpensive determination of every action and proceeding.). The courts can resolve more fairly problems stemming from improperly named defendants by applying I.R.C.P. 15(c). [3] We thus decline to adopt the nullity rule in Idaho and hold that, where a party has been named improperly, amendment and relation back should be allowed where the requirements of I.R.C.P. 15(c) are met.