Freedman v. Maguire
Freedman v. Maguire
Opinion of the Court
Defendant has moved for a reargument of his motions to dismiss and for summary judgment, and for the joinder of plaintiff’s husband as co-plaintiff. See memorandum dated February 17, 1953.
In the original memorandum it was indicated that the second oral agreement alleged, having been consummated in Florida, presented a difficult conflict of laws problem to which the defendant had not addressed himself. The defendant has not yet addressed himself to that problem, but a careful re-examination of the papers leads me to believe that the alleged agreement may well have been consummated in New York. If that be true, it would be an executory accord, invalid because not in a writing signed by the defendant. New York Personal Property Law § 33-a. But even if that agreement is held to be invalid, summary judgment may nevertheless not be granted on the basis of the statute
My decision on the admissibility of parol evidence to explain the terms of the written release is that it is admissible, provided only that the proof so adduced be ■“most convincing”. Wigmore, 3rd ed., vol. IX, § 2463, p. 207. Obviously, the determination of the quality of the proof to be adduced must be for the determination of the trial judge.
I adhere to my decision to deny the motions to dismiss and for summary judgment, but, upon reconsideration, I shall grant the motion to join the plaintiff’s husband as a plaintiff, tinder Rule 19(b), Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, 28 U.S.C.A. It does appear that he has a joint interest with his wife in the controversy, and that he ought to be summoned to appear in this action so that the court can do complete justice by adjusting all rights in is'sue. Settle an order accordingly.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- FREEDMAN v. MAGUIRE
- Cited By
- 2 cases
- Status
- Published