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6 N.H. 417

Cate v. Pecker

Superior Court of New Hampshire

Decided December 15, 1833

Superior Court of New Hampshire · decided 1833-12-15

Assumpsit. The plaintiff had entered a nolle prosequi as to Bickford. And after a verdict returned in favor of the plaintiff against Pecker, I. Bartlett moved the court to arrest the judgment, because it did not appear by the record that Bickford had interposed any defence that could warrant a nolle prosequi as to him.

Cited by 2 later decisions — most recently December 1861

2 state decisions

Relies on Hartness v. Thompson

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1833-12-15

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Richardson, C. J.

¶1delivered the opinion of the court.

¶2In our practice, leave to enter a nolle prosequi is always obtained from the court. The practice seems to be the same in Massachusetts. 1 Pickering, 500.

¶3In cases where one of several defendants interpose a defence which is personal to himself, as infancy, &c. it is a matter of course to grant leave to enter a nolle prosequi as to him. 1 Pickering, 500; 5 Johns. 160; 1 Peters S. C. R. 75, Minor v. The Bank of Alexandria; 2, M. & S. 444, Moravia v. Hunter; 1 Chitty’s Pl., 32—33; 1 Saunders, 207, note (2); 1 Tidd’s Prac. 631; 1 Wilson, 89, Noke v. Ingham.

¶4But when counts are misjoined, the mistake will not be permitted to be cured by a noils prosequi. 1 H. Bl., 108, Rose v. Bowler; 4 D. & E. 360, Drummond v. Dorant.

¶5When there are several counts, to one of which there is a demurrer, the plaintiff may have leave to enter a nolle prosequi as to that. 6 Taunton, 444; 1 B. & P. 157.

¶6In this case a nolle prosequi has been entered by leave of the court, and we must now presume ¡that there was a proper occasion for entering it until the contrary appears. There is then no ground for arresting the judgment.

¶7If leave to enter the nolle prosequi was improve¡ently granted, the proper course is to move to set it aside.

¶8Judgment on the verdict.

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