Giles v. Halbert

Shankland, Justice.

Parce brought the action in the name of Giles, and with his assent, to recover the penalty of one thousand dollars against the defendant. But it is elaimed, that as the agreement between Giles and Parce was not in writing it is within the statute of frauds, an'd that therefore Parce was not beneficially interested in the recovery; and that the contract is also void for champerty (10 Paige, 352; 2 Denio, 607; 5 Paige, 301).

It is probably true, that as between Giles and Parce, the con-' tract is void for both reasons; but is it competent to Parce to’ insist upon that objection on this motion? The statute on which this motion is made, was adopted for the benefit of defendants,in order to protect them against unfounded claims prosecuted for the benefit of real plaintiffs, but in the name of irresponsible ones; and should have a liberal construction, so" as to effectuate the intent of the legislature.

It has been held that a' person interested by way of mortgage,- or lien, and who prosecutes the suit, is subject to the costs (1 Hill 629). So is he liable although an assignee of only part of the' demand (1 Denio, 656).- It seems to me, that the illegality of the contract between the real and nominal plaintiff, should not be1 received to defeat the defendant’s right to costs. If the contract made between those parties, if legal, and carried out, according to its terms, would make the real plaintiff beneficially interested in the demand sued upon, and he actually causes the suit to be commenced1, he should be held liable for the costs.

I therefore hold that the agreement of Paree to-have a part of the penalty sued for, and hi's causing the action to be commenced and prosecuted, by vlrtue'of such agreement makes him liable for the defendant’s costs; and' those costs having been personally demanded of him, without being paid; an attae&ment must issue against him.