Court Opinion

ID: 8279540
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-10-17 03:38:35.76751+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:43:40.142233
License: Public Domain

GILDERSLEEVE, P. J. (dissenting).
The judgment, which constitutes the indebtedness it is claimed by the respondent was not discharged in bankruptcy proceedings, was obtained in an action for false imprisonment. The complaint in the action contained no allegation of malice or willfulness. No such allegation is essential in an action for false imprisonment. They are material only as the basis for exemplary damages. “Malice is not a necessary element to «the constitution of the offense of false imprisonment, and is material only as affecting the measure of damages, whether punitive or compensatory.” 12 A. & E. Ency. of Law (2d Ed.) 726. From the making of a false charge without reasonable cause it does, not necessarily follow that the'act was committed in bad faith or maliciously. Because the act of the defend- • ant in causing plaintiff’s arrest was not alleged in the complaint to be ■ willful and malicious, I think' the judgment obtained is not a liability for willful and malicious injuries to plaintiff’s person, within the meaning of section 17 Of the bankruptcy act.
It follows that’ the order herein appealed from should be reversed, and the motion to restrain the judgment' creditor from examining the judgment debtor in proceedings supplementary'to the execution in this case be granted, with $10 costs to the appellant.