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88 Wis. 211

Johnston v. King

Wisconsin Supreme Court

Decided October 2, 1894

Wisconsin Supreme Court · decided 1894-10-02

This is an action of replevin to recover possession of a printing-office outfit. It appeared by the plaintiffs’ evidence that the property had been sold to one E. Cleary while the action was pending. The defendants asked leave to amend the answer so as to set out “ that, as it now appears, the plaintiffs are not the real parties in interest in the action.” Leave to so amend was denied.

Decided 1894-10-02

Newman, J.

¶1The contention in this case is settled by a plain provision of the Bevised Statutes. Sec. 2801, on the subject “ Survival of Actions and Change of Parties,” reads: “ In case of a transfer of interest or devolution of liability the action may be continued by or against the original party, or the court may direct the person to whom the interest is transferred, or upon whom the liability is devolved, *213to be substituted in the action or joined with the original party, as the ease may require.” This statute is too plain to admit of construction, and it' is not easy to see how words can make its meaning plainer or more easily understood. It is objected that the plaintiffs transferred their interest in the property and suit to E. Cleary while the action was pending. In such a case the statute reads, the action may be continued by or against the original party.” That is precisely what was done in this case. It could not be error. The statute having provided specially for this specific case, it is excepted from the general rule that “ every action must be prosecuted in the name of the real party in interest,” as certainly as the cases excepted in sec. -2605.

¶2By the Court.— The judgment of the circuit court is affirmed.

¶3A motion for rehearing was denied October 2, 1894.

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