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22 F. Cas. 458

Smith v. Bohn

U.S. District Court

Decided April 15, 1821

U.S. District Court · decided 1821-04-15

Buie obtained by the defendant on the plaintiff, to show cause why the writ of summons should not be set aside for irregularity, the service not being ten days before the couid: to which it was returnable. contended. that under the act of assembly of the •20th of March, 1724 (1 Smith’s Laws), 105, the practice in the state courts has been to set aside the writ of summons, where it appears not to have been served ten days before the return day.

Decided 1821-04-15

WASHINGTON. Circuit Justice.

¶1The reasonable construction of this act seems to be, that, to entitle the plaintiff to file a common appearance for the defendant, and to enter up judgment against him by nihil dicit, the writ must have been served ten days, and the declaration filed five days before the return day. But if the plaintiff does not seek to avail himself of this privilege, but is content to proceed in like manner as if the defendant had not made default, there can be no reason for setting aside the writ, or why the plaintiff may not file liis declaration at any time after the five days, and proceed as if the defendant had entered an appearance.

¶2Let the rule be discharged.

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