Opinion ID: 1431558
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Response to Request for Admissions

Text: Wyrsch failed to comply with Rule 36(a), in that his response to the request for admissions was not sworn to by him but only signed by his attorney. The rule provides: [e]ach of the matters of which an admission is requested shall be deemed admitted unless, within a period designated in the request, not less than ten days after service thereof or within such longer or shorter time as the court may allow on motion and notice, the party to whom the request is directed serves upon the party requesting the admission either (1) a sworn statement denying specifically the matters of which an admission is requested or setting forth in detail the reasons why he cannot truthfully admit or deny those matters, or (2) written objections on the ground that some or all of the requested admissions are privileged or irrelevant or that the request is otherwise improper with a notice of hearing the objections at the earliest practicable time. Morrison contends that each admission he requested was properly admitted because Wyrsch failed to comply with the requirements of Rule 36(a). We have previously held that an unexcused failure to file a timely, sworn response is the equivalent of filing no response and that all matters requested are thereby deemed admitted. Robinson v. Navajo Freight Lines, Inc., 70 N.M. 215, 372 P.2d 801 (1962). Although Wyrsch attempted to correct his default by filing a sworn statement, it was not filed within the time limits of the rule. He urges his own contrition and requests leniency so that he can have his day in court and receive a judgment on the merits and not one based upon a pleading technicality. We hold that the district courts have discretion in this area. Although the rule does not provide for the particular situation presented by this case, we reaffirm the principle that the purpose of pleading is to facilitate proper decisions on the merits. Hambaugh v. Peoples, 75 N.M. 144, 401 P.2d 777 (1965). All pleadings should be construed so as to do substantial justice, N.M.R. Civ.P. 8(f), N.M.S.A. 1978. There is no record on appeal indicating that the district court considered whether Wyrsch's failure to verify his response was excusable. If the court properly considered this matter and then deemed as admitted all the matters requested by Morrison, there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and Morrison is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. N.M.R. Civ.P. 56(c), N.M.S.A. 1978. As the record before us is silent on this issue, we must remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. IT IS SO ORDERED. EASLEY and FEDERICI, JJ., concur.