Waldron v. Ely
Waldron v. Ely
Opinion of the Court
— It appears from the proceedings returned, that Jos. Ely, the plaintiff below, had obtained a judgment against one Isaac Prall, Jun., before one Hugh Runyan, one of the justices of the peace of the county of Hunterdon; that execution was sued out on this judgment, and delivered to Derick Waldron, the defendant below, to be executed; that for his neglect in making and paying forward the money on that execution, this action is brought, and judgment entered thereon. It appears further, that after the entry of this judgment, the original judgment against Prall, which was the very ground of the whole proceeding, was reversed in this court.
It is certain that the justice could not take notice of any error in the first judgment, while the same remained [*] unreversed. But I take it to be a settled principle, that if a man recover upon a judgment, and that judgment be after-
In my opinion, let this be also.
Rossell, J. —Concurred.
— It strikes me that there is a real difficulty in this case. The reversal of the first judgment against Prall, is xxo reversal of the second judgment against Waldron, the constable — this being a judgment by itself, and collateral to the first. The ancient remedy in this case, was by audita quería. 2 Bac. 506; Cro. Jac. 645. This axxeient writ having given place to the modexm and moi'e convenient remedy by motion, I presume relief in this case would be given in a court pursuing the course of the common law, by motion. This court, I believe, hath not countenanced the idea that a court for the trial of small causes, can exercise an equitable control over its judgments, on motion of either party; if so, relief must be had hero. Thei’e appeal’s to me, however, an incongruity in reversing a judgment fairly and regularly obtained, on matter arising subsequent to the judgment, and collateral to it. I do not consider, however, the authority of this court, in this case, merely that of a court of error. The general superintending authority which this court hath over all inferior jurisdictions, will enable it to correct their proceedings in such manner, as to promote substantial justice, conformable to principles of law. I see no reason why this court in staying, annulling, or setting aside the proceedings of inferior jurisdictions, should not annex reasonable conditions. Supposing the constable, in this case, [*] had sold the goods levied on, and collected part or all of the money, a writ
Judgment reversed.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.