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19 N.C. 229

Simpson v. . McBee

Supreme Court of North Carolina

Decided June 5, 1837

Supreme Court of North Carolina · decided 1837-06-05

The plaintiff had brought an action for slanderous words, against the defendant; and before the return of the writ, the parties agreed.to refer the controversy to arbitrators; and a covenant was executed, in which it was stipulated, “ to refer this cause” (the action for slander,) “ to the arbitrament, award, and final determination of, &c.; and which award when made in writing, and signed by the arbitrators, if made on or before the first day of January next, shall be made…

Decided 1837-06-05

Daniel, Judge.'

¶1 In making up the case for this Court, the judge has not stated his reasons, why he thought the plaintiff could not recover. We, however, from the case stated, think the plaintiff was entitled to recover, if his evidence supported his allegations. Lupert v. Wilson, 11 Mod. 170, was an action of covenant brought on an agreement to refer all matters in difference to an arbitration. The arbitrators awarded five hundred pounds to be paid, and general release to be given. It was argued, that though no express words were in the covenant, that the defendant should perform the award, yet it should be good by implication. Lord Holt said, that the very referring a thing to arbitration, is a mutual undertaking that each party shall perform his part of the award; for otherwise it cannot be said to be referred. In concluding his opinion he said, where two persons submit to an award, this amounts to mutual promises. In Purslow v. Bailey, 2 Lord Ray. Rep. 1040, Lord Holt again said, the submission is an actual mutual promise to perform the award of the arbitrators ; and in such actions, whilst he was a practiser, and since he had been a judge, the submission had been always held sufficient evidence to maintain the action. And if so, then it is within the same reason as when a submission'is by bond, &c. In the case before us, we think the agreement in the deed' to submit, imported a covenant to perform the award; and that the defendant’s refusal to perform, was a breach of the covenant. There must be a new trial.

¶2 Pee Curiam. Judgment reversed.

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