Court Opinion

ID: 5335620
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-01-08 05:33:14.17192+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:29:29.746324
License: Public Domain

Untermyer, J. (dissenting).
It appears to me that affidavits may and, indeed, must be used on a motion to strike out as “ sham ” matter contained in a pleading under rule 103 of the Rules of Civil Practice. Otherwise we completely defeat the purpose of the rule, for it is impossible to determine, without consideration of affidavits, whether allegations of the complaint or answer which are sufficient on their face are false in fact, (Fleischer v. Terker, 259 N. Y. 60; People v. McCumber, 18 id. 315.) We likewise disregard the distinction between an allegation which is “ sham,” because it is demonstrated to be false, and one which mere inspection reveals to be “ frivolous.” I perceive no reason for refusing to apply to a part of a pleading which is challenged as “ sham ” under rule 103 substantially the same principles that we constantly apply to an answer or complaint on a motion for summary judgment under rule 113. The moving defendants established by affidavits which are uneontradieted that the allegations of the complaint to which the motions were directed are sham. I think the motions were, therefore, properly granted and that the orders appealed from should be affirmed. Finch, P. J., concurs.