Smith v. Leddy
Smith v. Leddy
Opinion of the Court
It is insisted that under this statute this judgment is absolutely void for three reasons — Fwst, because all payments made for intoxicating liquors sold contrary to law may be recovered back; second, because no action can be maintained
As to the last reason we have to say that judgments are not mentioned as among the securities which are rendered void, and this fact has an important bearing on all the reasons assigned. The liens and securities mentioned in the statute are mostly those executed by the party.
If the intent had been to declare void all judgments, it would have been likely to have been so declared in express words. A judgment, when rendered in the Circuit or District Court, becomes a lien on real estate. The “liens” mentioned in the statute do not include such, because, if it should be so held, the result would be the lien would be void and the judgment in force. Again, “attachments” are declared to be void, but judgments not mentioned. This, to our mind, clearly indicates the intent of the General Assembly, which was to declare all liens or securities executed by the party, and including attachments, void. In other words, no action can be maintained, and all securities not reduced to judgments .are void. It seems to us the statute has been carefully drawn, so as not to include judgments.
The fact that no action can be maintained does not render the judgment void; but this fact, and that attachments are declared void, implies that before judgment is the proper time for the defense now interposed to be presented. The court, on its own motion, cannot direct an issue to be formed and try the question whether the action is brought to recover the value of intoxicating liquors sold contrary to law; nor can it take judicial knowledge that such is the case. But the defense must be pleaded. Mulligan had his day in court. He kept his mouth shut when he had the opportunity to speak, and is estopped from now opening it. Dalter v. Laue & Guye, 13 Iowa, 538 (542); Hackworth v. Zollars, 30 Id., 433; Dewey v. Peck, 33 Id., 242.
If this be so as to Mulligan, for a much stronger reason
The construction placed on the statute renders a review of the authorities cited unnecessary, as they are clearly inapplicable.
Affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Smith, Cleary & Enright v. Leddy
- Cited By
- 1 case
- Status
- Published