Puffer v. Welch

124 N.W. 406, 141 Wis. 304, 1910 Wisc. LEXIS 35

• Court: Wisconsin Supreme Court
• Decided: January 11, 1910
• Status: Published

Opinion

Mabshall, J.

While it is true that an order discontinuing an action, practically puts an end thereto- as regards the plaintiff (Juneau Co. v. Hooker, 67 Wis. 322, 30 N. W. 357), yet it is doubtless competent for either side to have the litigation closed by a proper judgment, and it might have to be so closed in order to enable the defendant to enforce his right to costs.

So it is quite clear that, not only is it proper to enter a judgment of discontinuance, following an order granting a motion in that regard, but an appeal from such a judgment Would carry therewith to this court for review such an order as the one in question both as regards the granting of t-he discontinuance and denial of the motion for judgment in defendant’s favor on the merits.

It cannot be well said, then, that the order terminated the action, and prevented a judgment from which an appeal could be taken, and, as such, is appealable. True, it terminated the-action, leaving nothing to be done for defendant’s protection, unless he needed a judgment to enable him to collect his costs, which he did not, since they were voluntarily paid, but it did not, in the words of the appeal statute, “prevent a judgment from which an. appeal might be taken” presenting the questions sought to be raised on appeal from the order. Therefore, the order was not appealable.

It may look quite technical to so rule here that the appeal must fail because appellant did not go through the somewhat empty formality, under the circumstances, of entering a judgment, so as to have that finality to appeal from. But, as in many situations liable to arise, whether the turning point appears technical or not depends upon the viewpoint and upon where the responsibility lies.

It must be remembered that the right of appeal is purely statutory. If the legislature has phrased the right so that, in some instances, it must be denied upon somewhat trifling considerations, there is no help for it. Whatever of technicality there is under such circumstances is in the law, not in its administration.

The court cannot grant a right which is wholly within the field of lawmaking power to grant or refuse, because the refusal to entertain an appeal may have the appearance of tying to a technicality. The legislature saw fit to provide that an order in an action, except certain classes with which the one in question has no similarity, shall not be appealable unless it prevents the entry of a judgment. It was perfectly competent to so provide. The general policy thereof was doubtless wise, notwithstanding in an instance now and then, like the present one, it might be said to dignify mere formality as matter of substance. In any event, the duty of the court is to administer with fidelity the written law. That requires a dismissal of this appeal.

By the Court. — The appeal is dismissed.