McGovern v. Kraus
McGovern v. Kraus
Opinion of the Court
This case involves the same complaint considered in the same entitled case, decided herewith in an opinion by Mr. Justice Doerfler {ante, p. 558). Here there is a demurrer by the respondents, Kraus, to the second and third causes of action sought to be stated in the complaint against said defendants. The circuit court entered an order sustaining the demurrers, and plaintiff appeals.
The question presented is whether or not the respondents, Kraus, have an interest in the second cause of action sufficient to constitute them necessary or proper parties defendant therein. As to the third alleged cause of action, we have held in the companion case cited that no cause of action was stated, and that disposes of that contention.
It is contended by the appellant that the defendants Kraus are proper parties though not necessary parties, for two reasons: first, that if plaintiff prevails, the estate of the trustee may be so enhanced as to make possible a residuum for the bankrupt after payment of all creditors; and second, that the plaintiff has the right to make the Krauses parties in order to secure to the trustee the right of adverse examination of them. These contentions are inconsistent. As to the first contention it should be said that the trustee represents both the creditors and the bankrupt in conserving the estate, and on the second contention it is inconsistent to claim any interest in the estate by the Krauses and at the same time to charge that they are adverse parties to the action.
On the second contention of appellant, reliance is had on Ryan v. Olson, 183 Wis. 290, 197 N. W. 727. An examination of that case reveals the fact that the defendant, Olson, was an adverse party as a matter of fact, and the circumstances were quite different than in the instant case. It was not there held that a person could be made a party defendant who had parted with all interest in the subject of the action, simply to aid in discovery as an adverse witness. In the Ryan Case, supra, it was held that judgment for damages might be rendered against the defendant, Olson, which made him รก proper party, and the complaint alleged that the defendant had an interest in the cause of action adverse to plaintiff. Here there can be no judgment against the Krauses, and there is no allegation of adverse interests in them.
By the Court. โ The order of- the circuit court is affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- McGovern, Trustee v. Kraus and wife, imp.
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- 1 case
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- Published