Biggs v. . Moffitt

This appeal presents this question: After the time for answering the complaint has expired, may the defendant, under the provisions of O. S., 545, file an amended answer, as a matter of right?

The decisions of this Court answer “No.” McIntosh, N. C. P. & P., p. 512; Barnes v. Crawford, 115 N. C., 76, 20 S. E., 386; Goodwin v. Fertilizer Works, 121 N. C., 91, 28 S. E., 192; Discount Corporation v. Butler, 200 N. C., 709, 158 S. E., 249.

It is .proper here to note that this statute is in the main a part of section 131 of the Code of Civil Procedure of North Carolina, ratified in 1868, bearing the…