Legal Opinion

Clark v. Phelps

New York Court of Chancery

Decided August 1, 1822PublishedCited by 4 opinions

CASE submitted upon the bill and answer, and demurrer, on the points presented by the demurrer.

1Opinion of the Court

The Chancellor said, that the answer and the demurrer each went to the whole bill; and it is a settled rule in pleading, that a defendant cannot plead or answer, and demur to the same matter; the former will overrule the latter. It is inconsistent for a defendant to say, he ought not to answer to a bill; and yet to answer it fully. The rule appears in all the books that treat on the subject. (3 P. Wms. 80, 81. 2 Atk. 284. Cooler’s Tr. of Pl. 113. Beames' Plead. 40.) The demurrer was consequently overruled, and^the question of costs reserved.

Order accordingly. -

2Cited by4 opinions

  1. Wade v. PulsiferSupreme Court of Vermont · 1881
  2. Fisher v. ScholteSupreme Court of Iowa · 1870
  3. McDevitt v. ConnellNew Jersey Court of Chancery · 1906
  4. Pieri v. Mayor of ShieldsboroMississippi Supreme Court · 1869