Bemis v. Woodworth
Bemis v. Woodworth
Opinion of the Court
I. After all the evidence was introduced the plaintiff was permitted, against the objection of the defendants, to file an amended reply, in which she avers that the release was without consideration. The defendants contend that the amended reply is inconsistent with the original reply, and that a new issue was introduced, inconsistent with the issue upon which the evidence had been introduced, and for that reason not allowable.
The amended reply sets up a want of consideration for the release, and we think that the original reply does the same thing. The pretended consideration of the release is the rearing and educating of the child. The original reply avers that it was understood that the society and labor of the child should be considered as full compensation. It is true it avers payment by plaintiff, and because it does the defendants contend that the amended reply raises a new issue, but the original reply avers that the payment was made in order to end all controversy. Without determining whether the trial court might not, in its discretion, allow an amendment, even at that stage, which should introduce an issue which would be inconsistent with the issues upon which the case had been
It is contended that the labor necessary in the collection of the claim was a sufficient consideration to uphold the release. But no labor had been performed for plaintiff, for which she was hable, nor did Woodworth agree to perform any for her.
It is contended that a contract by which a doubtful claim is transferred needs no consideration. But all claims may be considered doubtful, in the sense that there is not an absolute certainty of collection. Besides, if there were two classes, which the law could recognize, there would be no ground for the rule contended for.
Several errors are assigned upon the admission and exclusion of evidence. But the questions raised are independent of the one above considered, which disposes of the case.
AFFIRMED.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.