Kite v. Hamblen

The only question presented on this appeal is whether a judgment in an action for assault and battery is a debt dischargeable under the U. S. Bankruptcy Act, which provides: “A discharge in bankruptcy shall release a bankrupt from all of his provable debts, . except . . . (judgments in actions). . . for willful and malicious injuries to the person or property of another . . .” U. S. C. A. Title 11, Sec. 35, sub. a (1).

The pertinent facts are these: Hamblen obtained a judgment for $2,500 as damages for an assault and battery committed upon him by Kite, in the Law Court of Kingsport. After the…