Blake v. James

19 How. Pr. 321

• Court: New York Supreme Court
• Decided: March 15, 1860
• Status: Published

Opinion

Lott, Justice.

It appears by the judgment roll in this action that the action was originally commenced in one of the district courts of the city of New York, where the plea of title was interposed, and thereupon, upon the compliance by the defendants with the requirements of law, the action was discontinued, and commenced in the supreme court. The plaintiff succeeded on one cause of action against the defendant, Edward D. James, and failed against him as to the other, and failed entirely as against the defendant, Sarah F. James. The recovery on the cause of action as to which the plaintiff succeeded was less than fifty dollars. Judgment ivas entered by the clerk in favor of the plaintiff, for his costs against the defendant Edward D. James, and he declined to allow costs to the defendant Sarah F. James.

In this, he acted correctly. The rule as to costs in such cases is prescribed by § 61 of the Code, and not by the general provisions of law applicable to costs. It is by that section, expressly provided that “ if judgment in the supreme court be for the plaintiff, he shall recover costs, and if it be for the defendant, he shall recover costs, except that upon a verdict he shall pay costs to the plaintiff, unless the judge certify that the title to real property came in question on the trial.” In this case there was a verdict, and no such certificate was given by the judge. The clerk therefore was authorized to allow costs to the plaintiff, not only against the defendant Edward D. James, but against the other defendant also. (See Howard’s Code, §§ 55 to 61, and § 68.) There is consequently no ground of complaint, and the adjustment of costs, as made by the clerk, is sustained, and the defendant’s motion is denied, with $10 costs.