Sununu v. Clamshell Alliance

The issue in this case is whether the superior court erred in denying the motion of the defendants Jay Adams and Norma Koski to strike a judgment by default. Finding error, we vacate the default judgment and remand.

On the weekend of May 24, 1980, an anti-nuclear demonstration took place at the Seabrook nuclear power station. The plaintiff, a New Hampshire taxpayer, thereafter sued the Clamshell Alliance, the Coalition for Direct Action, and “John Doe, a participant,” on a plea of debt to recover the costs spent by the State to police the demonstration.

On June 12, 1980, a writ of summons was…