Court Opinion

ID: 6414043
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-06-25 11:54:47.666275+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:51:28.522706
License: Public Domain

Dewey, J.
We have no doubt as to the authority of this court, upon a representation made to us that the libellant in a libel for divorce is insane, to take notice of such representation, and, in such manner as the court may deem proper, to make the necessary preliminary examination as to such fact. This power is one necessarily existing in the court, as well for the protection of the libellant as for the orderly and proper conducting of the suit.
*313The doctrine, as stated in Story Eq. PI. § 66, is, that where persons are incapable of acting for themselves, although not strictly idiots or lunatics, the suit may be brought in their name, and the court will authorize some suitable person to carry it on as their next friend. In every such case, it is in the discretion of the court to allow the case to proceed or not. In Malin v. Malin, 2 Johns. Ch. 240, the chancellor says, “ a person incompetent to protect himself, from age or weakness of mind, or from some religious delusion or fanaticism, quern urget fanaticus error, vel iracunda Diana, ought to come under the protection of the court.” See also Nelson v. Duncombe, 9 Beav. 211; Wartnaby v. Wartnaby, Jacob, 377.
The power of the court to act upon this subject is not taken away by the provisions of the Gen. Sts. c. 107, § 16, requiring a libel in behalf of an insane person to be signed by the guardian, or some person admitted by the court to prosecute the same as the next friend of the libellant; or by the provisions of Gen. Sts. c. 127, § 23, as to the case of one becoming insane after the institution of the proceedings for divorce; or by the more general provisions found in Gen. Sts. c. 109, § 8, authorizing the judge of probate to appoint a guardian to an insane person. These provisions do not limit the power of this court in the proper exercise of its duty in reference to an application like the present.
The attention of the court may properly be directed to an inquiry upon this subject by a third party not connected with the suit as one of the immediate parties thereto. The libellee may not choose to make a defence of this character, and may file no answer or suggestion raising any question of the sanity of the libellant. A question so vital to the proper exercise of the jurisdiction of the court over the parties may only be presented from other sources. It will be within the discretion of the court, acting with reference to the circumstances of each particular case, to decide whether it demands a preliminary inquiry as to the sanity of the libellant, with a view to secure the proper administration of justice and the rights of all parties, and if deemed necessary the court will direct what mode shall be *314adopted to ascertain the facts as to the alleged incapacity of the party. If such incapacity is established to the satisfaction of the court, they will appoint a guardian ad litem to conduct the case. In making such appointment, no person should be selected who may be adverse in feeling or interest to the libellant, but one who will faithfully protect her rights and interests in reference to the matter of the libel.
The case is to stand for further hearing.