Court Opinion

ID: 3610943
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-07-05 23:55:06.306889+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:59:31.921782
License: Public Domain

The question of fraud is the only material one in the case. That inquiry was one of fact, and the judge has found, against the plaintiffs, that there was no fraud or collusion by the defendants in respect to the judgment which they have sought to review. The judgment in the action of Reynolds against Blodgett and Meads is conclusive against these plaintiffs, unless they were able to show some fraud or misconduct on the part of these defendants in suffering the judgment. It cannot be collaterally assailed or inquired into.
There appears to have been good cause for such an inquiry as was set on foot in that action. The special partnership being carried on in the name of John Meads, Jr., the general partner, it was not possible to know, with certainty, whether those who claimed against the fund were his private creditors, or those of the special partnership. For the purpose of obtaining a judicial inquiry as to the true and proper claimants, the action brought by Dexter Reynolds was proper, although set on foot by the defendants. The remote suggestion of benefit to be derived by the defendant Meads, by excluding the two small demands of these plaintiffs, together amounting to about $800, is too trifling to be considered. As against the defendant Blodgett, the objection is more insignificant. These plaintiffs suggest no valid defence which *Page 70 
Blodgett and Meads ought to have interposed to the action of Reynolds against them. The fact, that there was no fraud or evil intention on the part of these defendants as against these plaintiffs, includes every demand to find facts or conclusions of law made by the plaintiffs' counsel, and not specifically passed upon by the judge. The authorities in support of the action of Reynolds, and the practice adopted, are well established, and in frequent use, and it is unnecessary to repeat them here.
The questions as to the exclusion of evidence, offered by the plaintiffs, appear to me untenable.
The judgment should be affirmed, with costs.
All concur, except HUNT, C., not voting.
Judgment affirmed.