Court Opinion

ID: 7091180
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-07-24 12:06:12.953784+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:13:05.908998
License: Public Domain

Weight, C. J.
The basis, of this bill is an alleged error in law, apparent on the face of the original decree, and not from any new fact or facts which have arisen since the rendition thereof. And this error is claimed to be shown in this: that from the decree, the contract was manifestly void by the statute of frauds. In determining this question, are we confined in our examination to the decree itself, or may we look into the entire proceedings, including the bill, answer, and other proceedings constituting the record ? In England, the decree recites the substance of the bill and pleadings, and the facts on which the court found its decree. In this country, however, decrees in chancery are usually general, without any such particular reference or statement of facts. And yet, as we understand it, under our practice, on a bill of review, the bill, answer, and other proceedings, are as much a part of the record as the decree itself. It is not permitted to go into the evidence at large, either to support the decree or to sustain an objection to it, under either practice; for this would permit the inquiry, whether the *516deductions of the court were right or wrong from the evidence, whereas the true inquiry is, whether the decree is right or wrong on the face of it. Whiting v. Bank of United States, 13 Peters, 6; Perry v. Philips, 18 Ves. 178. It will be seen, therefore, that the practice in both countries is substantially the same. In the one, the decree recites those matters which, in the other, constitute the record, and virtually become a part of the decree;.and therefore, when under our practice we speak of such a bill, as being brought to correct an error apparent on the face of the decree, the decree is to be treated as including the bill, answer, and other proceedings, (not including the evidence at large;) for it is only by a comparison with such proceedings, that the correctness of the decree itself can be ascertained. Story Eq. Pleadings, § 407, citing the following: Tomlinson v. McKaig, 5 Gill, 258; Dexter v. Arnold, 5 Mason, 311; Webb v. Pell, 3 Paige, 368; Hollingsworth v. McDonald, 2 Harr. & John. 230. In the case' before us, the original bill charges a parol contract for the conveyance of the land; that it was paid for by the ancestor, and that he took possession of the same before his death. The answer denies all the allegations of the bill, but does not set up the statute of frauds. Without stopping to inquire, whether such specific denial of the bill would give the respondents the right to insist upon such statute, without pleading the same, we conclude, for another reason, that there is no such error in law, apparent on the face of the decree or proceedings, as will justify this bill, and that it was correctly dismissed by the court below. The bill avers payment and possession of the premises by the ancestor. It is not so specific in its averments, as to the time and circumstances of possession, as the most strict rules of pleading would require. But such defects are not of such a substantial character, as can be reached after final- decree, in a proceeding of this kind. Assuming, then, as we do, from the record, that there was payment of the purchase money and possession, the case was taken out of the operation of the statute.
Appellant’s counsel insist, however, that this contract was *517made before tbe first of July, 1851, and tbat, independent of tbe Code, such payment and possession would not give tbe party a right to relief. On tbis subj ect, we need only say, tbat tbe record does not conclusively show tbat such contract and possession was made and taken before tbe Code took effect, and tbis should appear before tbe objection could avail, if available even under tbe law as it stood before tbat time. Tbe bill alleges tbat Andrew Stingley died in February, 1853, and tbat tbe contract was made about two years and ten months previous; tbat it was to be paid for in labor; tbat tbe labor was performed; and tbat Saum has declared, since said purchase, tbat be was about paid for tbe land, and would have to make a deed; tbat possession was taken; and tbat their father was in possession at tbe time of bis death. Tbe averment as to tbe time of tbe contract, would not preclude proof tbat it was made at another and different date. Tbe decree itself is silent on tbis subject, and tbe subsequent admission of Saum, as to payment, and bis liability to make the deed, as well as tbe possession of tbe ancestor, which we can well assume were subsequent to tbe taking effect of tbe Code, we think relieve tbe proceedings of any supposed error in tbis respect, apparent on their face. Code, § 2411.
There are other considerations quite as conclusive, which might be referred to in support of tbe ruling of tbe court below, in dismissing tbe bill for want of equity. But as tbe foregoing are, to our minds, entirely satisfactory, and dispose of tbe case, we need not place tbe opinion upon other grounds.
Judgment affirmed.