Court Opinion

ID: 6699790
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-07-20 22:06:05.968136+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:01:22.975496
License: Public Domain

BáRNHill, C. J.
The appellants in their oral argument rested their case squarely on the contention that the judgment by default final entered in 1944 is void, and that, therefore, they are not barred by lapse of time. Monroe v. Niven, 221 N.C. 362, 20 S.E. 2d 311. This contention cannot be sustained. Where a judge enters a judgment by default final when the complaint will not support anything more than a judgment by default and inquiry, the judgment is irregular and voidable— not void — at the election of the defendants. Ellis v. Ellis, 190 N.C. 418, 130 S.E. 7; Finger v. Smith, 191 N.C. 818, 133 S.E. 186; Hinton v. Whitehurst, 214 N.C. 99, 198 S.E. 579. It is valid until vacated in the manner provided by law.
Furthermore, it is made to appear that in 1942 these defendants employed counsel, appeared, and moved to vacate the judgment here at issue. The motion was heard at the September Term, 1944. Upon said hearing the judge entered judgment denying the motion. Defendants did not except and appeal. They are not entitled to a second bite at the same cherry.
Whether the judgment by default final vacates the deed plaintiff sought to annul is still an open question.
The defendants have slept on their rights — if any they had — and must suffer the consequences. The judgment entered in the court below is
Affirmed.
WiNboene and Higgdsts, JJ., took no part in the consideration or decision of this case.