Court Opinion

ID: 3661092
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-07-06 06:12:37.656047+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:39:05.515062
License: Public Domain

The counsel for the defendants properly yield that the judgment of the county court was right, and that the sickness of the surety was no sufficient ground for relief against that judgment. He bound himself for the appearance of the principal debtor. It is indeed his privilege to compel that appearance, if not voluntarily made. But that is between him and his principal; and if he cannot, either by reason of his own illness or the absconding or other fraud of the principal, the surety must submit to pay the debt.
It is, however, objected that there was error in the Superior Court in giving a summary judgment on the bond given for the certiorari. The Act of 1810 (Rev., ch. 793) is not entirely perspicuous on this point, but the nature of the subject, as well as the words used, strongly incline us to the opinion that the bond is not only to be taken, but proceeded on "in the same manner and under the same regulations" as those given upon appeals. The certiorari is of the nature and in the place of the appeal; the bond is to be transmitted with the record, and a new judgment against the principal is in each case pronounced in the Superior Court. Why send the bond to the Superior Court if it is not to be acted on there? Why put the parties to a new suit when the plaintiff's demand has been finally and judicially ascertained, and the surety cannot discharge himself but by paying the debt? This view is confirmed by the general practice under the act for twenty years, during which period, with few exceptions, all the judges have given judgments on motion.
PER CURIAM.                                 Judgment affirmed.
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