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2 Ark. 100

Duncan v. Ripley

Supreme Court of Arkansas

Decided July 15, 1846

Supreme Court of Arkansas · decided 1846-07-15

This was an action of replevin brought by Thomas C. Ripley against James Duncan, for a mare and colt, and determined in the Phillips circuit court in October 1845, before the Hon. John T. Jones, judge. The. plain tiff filed with his declaration the following affidavit: “ State of Arkansas, ) „ , County of Phillips.^ .

Decided 1846-07-15

Johnson, C. J.

¶1It is contended by the appellant that the circuit court erred in rendering judgment against him when he had not been legally served with process. To- recognize the force of this objection at the present stage of the proceeding, admitting, it to be well founded in fact, would be to permit the party pleading to retrace his steps, and thereby to invert the whole order of pleading as prescribed and settled by the wisdom and experience of ages. If he desired, to question the sufficiency of the service, he should have moved to that effect in apt time and before' interposing his plea in abatement of the writ. By pleading in abatement of the writ, he has admitted the legal sufficiency of the service, and that the court has rightfully acquired jurisdiction of his person. It is also contended that there is error in the judgment upon the plea. The plea denies the sufficiency of the affidavit. We have carefully compared the affidavit with the section of the statute upon which it is founded-, and believe it to be a substantial compliance with it. Rev. Stat. chap. 126, sec. 4.

¶2Judgment affirmed,

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