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- ACTION OF SPECIAL ASSUMPSIT
- DECLARATION IN SPECIAL ASSUMPSIT— ESSENTIAL ALLEGATIONS: (1) IN GENERAL
- (IV) The Breach.
- OFFENSIVE PLEADINGS Cli. 16
- ESSENTIAL ALLEGATIONS: (3) THE CONSIDERATION 167. The Declaration in Special Assumpsit should expressly state a Consideration for the
- OFFENSIVE PLEADINGS Promise and from such statement it must ap
FORM OF DECLARATION IN SPECIAL ASSUMPS1T 164. This section contains an example of a Declaration in the Action of Special Assumpsit. DEcIAaATI0N nc SPECIAL AssuMPsIr FOR that whereas heretofore, to wit, on, &c. at, &c. the said LB. at the special instance and request of the said C.D. bargained with the said C.D. to buy of him the said C.D. and the said CD. then and there sold to the said A.B. a large quantity, to wit, ten loads 13. Zell v. Dunkle, 156 Pa. 353, 27 A. 88 (1803). See, also, B. B. Ford & Co. v. Atlnntic Compress Co., 13$ Ca. 406, 75 SE. 609, Ann.Cas.1913D, 226, 229, note (1912), holding that a Tort arising out of a Breach of the Bailec’s Duty imposed by relation or by Express Contract may be waived by the Sailor and Assumpsit maintained. 14. While negligence, considered merely as a Tort, is a wrong Independent of Contract, it may also be a Breach of Contract, If the Contract ttselt calls for care. Alabama: Western Union Telegraph Co. V. Bowen, 16 Ala.App. 253, 76 So. 985 (1917); New York: Lord Electric Co. v. Barber Asphatt Paving Co., 226 N.Y. 427, 123 N.E. 75€ (1919), reversing the ~ndgment in 180 App.Div. 887, 166 N.Y.S. 1102 (1917). When the law imposes a duty arising froni the relation rather than the Contract, and there is a Breach of Duty, the aggrieved party may sue in Trespass on the Case, but if there be no legal duty, except that arising fràm the Contract, there can be no Election, and the party must rely upon the agreement alone. Walscr i’. Moran, 42 Nev. 111, 173 P. 1149 (1918). 15. North Carolina: Lassiter v. Ward, 33 N.e. 443 (1850). Vermont: Caldbeek V. Simanton, 82 Vt. 69, 71 A. 881, 20 LEA. (N.S.) 844 (19®). See, also, Willisten, Contracts, e. XLI, Fraud, 1505 (New Yorlc 1020); RepresentatIon and Warranty in Sales, Ecubut v. Buckleton, 27 Llarv.L.Rev. 1 (1913). Sec. 166
ACTION OF SPECIAL ASSUMPSIT 323
of wheat at the rate or price of £ for each and every load thereof, to be delivered by the said C.D. to the said A.B. in a week then next following, at , and to be paid for by the said A.B. to the said C. D. on tile delivery thereof as aforesaid; and in consideration thereof, and that the said A. B. at the like special, &c. had then and there undertaken and faithfully promised the said C.D. to accept and receive the said wheat, and to pay him for the same at the rate or price aforesaid; he the said C.D. undertook, &c. to deliver the said wheat to him the said A.B. as aforesaid; and although the said time for the delivery of the said wheat, as aforesaid, hath long since elapsed, and the said A.B. hath always been ready and willing to accept and receive the said wheat, and to pay for the same at the rate or price aforesaid, to wit, at, &c. aforesaid; yet the said C.D. not regarding, &c. but contriving, &c. to deceive and defraud said A.B. in this behalf, did not nor would within the time aforesaid, or at any time afterwards, deliver the said wheat, or any part thereof for the said A.B. at, &c. aforesaid, or elsewhere, but wholly neglected and refused so to do, whereby the said A.B. hath lost and been deprived of divers great gains and profits, which might and otherwise would have arisen and accrued to him from the delivery of the said wheat to him the said A.B. as aforesaid, to wit, at, &c., aforesaid—[Add one or more special counts, varying the statement —and at least one count like that in 1 East. 203—and an account stated.] 2 CHIITY, Pleading, p. 105 (Phil. 1819). DECLARATION IN SPECIAL ASSUMPSIT— ESSENTIAL ALLEGATIONS: (1) IN GENERAL 165. The Essential Allegations of the Declaration in Special Assumpsit are: (I) The Statement of the making of the contract and the terms of promise on which the action is founded. (II) The Consideration. (III) The Performance by plaintiff of all conditions precedent. (IV) The Breach. (V) The Damages. DECLARATION IN SPECIAL ASSUMUSIT— ESSENTIAL ALLEGATIONS: (2) THE STATEMENT OF THE MAKING OF THE CONTRACT AND THE TERMS OF PROMISE ON WHICH THE ACTION IS FOUNDED 166. The Statement of the making of the contract may consist of an Allegation of the Consideration and Promise, and, where necessary, an Inducement, setting forth the Circumstances under which the Contract was executed. The Promise may be set forth in the Declaration Verbatim or according to its Legal Effect, THE statement of the making of the contract is the first important requisite in showing the cause of action in Special Assumpsit. It may include either a mere Allegation of the Consideration and Promise, or, where that is not sufficient to render intelligible the Count which follows, an explanatory Allegation or Inducement may be necessary. In any case, it must be a clear and particular statement of every fact which is necessary, in the particular case, both to show what contract was actually made, and to plainly indicate such of its terms, beneficial to the plaintiff, as constitute the part for the failure of which he sues.1~ Explanatory Inducement WHERE the mere Allegation of the Consideration and the Promise will not alone ~O. English: Cotterill v, Cuff, 4 Taunt. 285, 128 Eng.Rep. 338 (1812); Bristow v. Wright, 2 Doug. 667, 09 Eng.Rep. 421 (1781); Maryland: Ferguson v. Tucker, 2 Ear. & C. (Md.) 183 (1807); Massachusetts: Stearnes v. Barrett, 1 Pick. (Mass.) 443, 11 Am.Dec. 223 (1823); New Hampshire: Favor v. Philbriek, 7 N.E. 326 (1834); Smith v. Boston, C. & M. B. Co., 36 NIl. 458 (1858); Smith V. Webster, 48 N.H. 142 (1868). 324
OFFENSIVE PLEADINGS Cli. 16 show the Contract in an intelligible manner, it has been customary to set forth, in the nature of a preamble, the Circumstances under which the Contract was made.’-’ This explanatory statement is termed an “Inducement.” The extent to which it is carried depends upon the necessity for explanatory matter in the particular case. Thus, in Special Assumpsit on an award, the existing difficulties between the parties, resulting in the submission to arbitration, are concisely stated by Way of Inducement, as that “certain differences had existed and were depending” ; ‘~ and, on a Contract to pay money upon a Consideration of Forbearance, the Declaration should begin by stating with brevity the existence of the debt forborne, and from whom it is due.19 So, in a Declaration against an attorney for negligence, or a carrier or innkeeper for loss of goods, it is proper to show By Way of Inducement that the defendant followed the occupation in respect of which the plaintiff employed him. Unless such an Allegation is contained somewhere in the Declaration, the defendant cannot be charged thereon for the breach of a duty which results only from the particular character which he held, and in reference to which he was retained.20 The Promise THE Declaration must in all cases show that a Promise has been made, either by expressly averring that the defendant “promised,” or by other equivalent words.2’ 17. Johnson v. Clark, 5 Blaekf. (XmL) 564 (1834). 12. 1 Cliitty, On Pleading, e. IV, Of the Praccipe and Declaration 318 (Springfield 1833). 19. Ibid. 20. Dartuall v. Howard, 4 Earn. & C. 34-5, 107 Bug. Rep. 1088 (1825). 21. 1 Chitty, On Pleading, e. XV, Of the Praeeipe and Declaration, 321) (Springfield 1533); Illinois: North v. Klzer, 72 Ill. 172 (1874); Massachusetts: Cooper v. Landen, 102 Mass. 58 (1S€Q) West Virginia: Waid v. Dixon, 55 W.Va. 191, 46 SE. 918 (1904); Formal words need not be used if it sufficiently appear from the whole Declaration That a Promise has actually been made.22 The Promise must be stated with certainty and precision, and any material Variance between Allegations and the Proof will be fatal. It may be set forth in terms or according to its Legal Effect.23 Only such parts need be set out as show the entire act required to be done by the defendant.24 Wheeling Mold & Foundry Co. v. Wheeling Steel & Iron Co., 62 W.Va. 288, 57 S.F. 826 (1907). An Express Promise ought to be laid in the Declaration. Bannister v. Victoria Coal & Coke Co., 63 W. Va. 502, 61 S.F. 338 (1008). 22. English: Elsee v, Catward, 5 TB. 145, 101 Fag. Rep, 82 (1793); Illinois: MeGinnity v. Laguerenne, 5 Gil. (Ill,) 101 (1848); Illassachusetts: Avery v. Inhabitants of Tyringham, 3 Mass. 160, 3 Am.Dee. 105 (1807;; New York-: Booth v. Farmers’ & 31. NatI. Bank of Rochester, 1 Thomp. & C. (N.Y.) 49 (1573); South Carolina: Wingo v. Brown, 12 Rich. (SC.) 279 (1859); Virginia: Sexton v. Holmes, a Munf. (Va.) 569 (1813); Peasley v. Boatwrigbt, 2 Leigh (Va.) 198 (1830); Cooke v. Simms, 2 Call. (Va.) 39 (1799).
224, 08 Eng.Ilep. 480 (1710); Mountforci v. Horton, 2 Bbs. & P. (N.R.) 62, 127 Eng.Rep. 545 (1805); Massachusetts: Dole v. Weeks, 4 Mass. 451 (ISOS). 23. English: Stroud v. Gerrard, 1 Salk. 8, 91 Eng. lIep. 7 (1707); Illinois: Smith v. Webb, 16 ni. 105 (1854); Mutual Ace. Ass’n of the Northwest v. Tuggle, 138 111. 428, 28 N.E. 1066 (1891); Massachusetts: Lent v. Padelford, 10 Mass. 230, 6 Am.Dee. 119 (1813); Texas: Salinas v. wright, 11 Tex. 572 (1854). 21. English: Cotterill v. Cuff, 4 Taunt, 285, 128 Lag. Rep. 338 (1812); Miles v. Sheward, S East 7, 103 Eng.Itep. 246 (1806); Massachusetts: Couch v. Ingersoll, 2 Pick. (Mass,) 292 (1824); Morse v. SMi~man, 106 Mass. 432 (1871); New Hampshire: lienlett y. Moore, 21 NIX. 336 (1850). Sec. 167
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It is not necessary to state that the Promise was in writing, even when a writing is required by statute,23 for the writing is not the Contract, but merely evidence of it. The Declaration should, however, specify the parties by and to whom the Promise was made,26 the time when it was made,2’ and sometimes the place. And if the Promise is alternative, or contains limitations or restrictions of any kind qualifying the manner of performance, or the liability of the defendant to perform, the Declaration must correspond in every particular, or there will be a fatal misdescription.28 “All those parts 23. English: 3ioore v. Earl of Plymouth, 3 Barn. & Aid. 66, 106 Eng.Rep. 587 (1819); Alabama: Flick V. Brigg, 6 Ala. 687 (1844); Brown v. Barnes, 0 Ala. 694 (1844); Kentucky: Baker v. Jameson, 2 J.J.Marsh (ICy.) 547 (1829); New Hampshire: Walker s-, Richards, 30 N.H. 259 (1850); New York: Nelson v. Dubois, 13 Johns. (N.Y.) 17? (1836); Miller V. Drake, I Caines (N.Y.) 45 (1803); South Carolina: Wallis v. Frazier, 2 Nott & 51cC. (S.C.) 180 (1810).
Rep. 074 (1821). Connecticut: Shepard v. Palmer, 6 Conn. 05 (1826); Illinois: Beltoa v. Fisher, 44 III. 32 (1867). And a failure to state the names of the parties, or a misdescription, may be Aided by Verdict. 1 Chitty, On Pleading, c. IV, Of the Praeeipe and Declaration, 331 (Springfield, 1833); English: liolte v. Sharp, Cro.Car. 77, 79 Eng.Rep. 668 (1625); Kentucky: Elackwell v, Irvia’s Adm’rs, 4 Dana (ICy~) 187 (1836). 27. j Cbitty, On Pleading, c. IV Of the rra~dpe and Declaration, 331 (Springfield 1833); English: Ring V. Roxbrough, 2 C. & J. 418, 149 Eng.Itep, 177 (1832); Pennsylvania: Stephens v. Graham, 7 Serg. & B. (Pa.) 505, 10 Am.Dcc. 485 (1822).
of the Contract, which are material for. the purpose of enabling the Court to form a just idea of what the Contract actually was, or which are necessary for the purpose of furnishing the Jury with a criterion in the assessment of Damages, should be stated with certainty and precision.” °° It is in general sufficient to state those parts of the Contract of which a Breach is alleged, and it is not necessary or proper to set out in the Declaration other parts not qualifying or varying the material parts in question.3° The statement of additional matter would be confusing prolixity. The perfection of pleading consists in combining brevity with certainty and precision. It is a general rule that the Contract must be stated correctly, and, if the evidence differs from the statement, the whole foundation of the action fails, because the Contract must be proved as laid.3’ DECLARATION IN SPECIAL ASSUMPSIT— ESSENTIAL ALLEGATIONS: (3) THE CONSIDERATION 167. The Declaration in Special Assumpsit should expressly state a Consideration for the Steno v. Knowlton, 3 Wend. (N.Y.) 374 (1820); Lower v. Winters, 7 C~. (N.Y.) 263 (1827); Butler vTucker, 24 Wend. (N.Y.) 447 (1840); Pennsylvania: ltennyson v. Reifsnyder, 11 Pa.Co.~t.R. 157 (1837). 29. 1 Chitty, On Pleading, c. IV Of the Praeeipe and Declaration, 331 (Springfield, 1833). 30. Where the defendant Promises to do two or more things, the plaintiff is only required to set forth that particular part of the Contract which he al~ leges the defendant to have broken. It is so where there are several covenants in a deed; the plaintiff may sue for the Breach of any one alone. Smith v. Webster, 42 N.H. 142 (1868). 31. The averment of an absolute Contract to deliver 40 bags of wheat is not supported by Proof of an optional one to deliver 40 or 50 bags, as the Contract must be declared upon in the Declaration according to the original terms of it. Penny v. Porter, 2 East 2, 102 Eng.Rep. 268 (1801).
EXCEPT in cases of Bills of Exchange and Promissory Notes, and certain other Contracts that import a Consideration,~ it is always necessary for the Declaration expressly to state the Consideration for the Promise, for, if no Consideration is alleged, the Promise will appear, from all that the Declaration shows, to be nudum pactuni, and therefore void.~~ And it is equally essential that the Consideration alleged shall appear to be legally sufficient to support the promise.S1 It may sometimes happen, however, that, even where there is a sufficient Consideration, the Declaration, by omitting some averment in stating it, may make it 12. In these eases the Declaration must show on its face that the Contract is of such a natui’e as to import a Consideration. Nothing of this character can be left to be implied. I Chitty, On Pleading, c. IV Of the Praecipe and Declaration, 321 (6th Am. ed. Springfield 1833); Martin, Civil Procedure at Common Law, e. II, Personal Actions En Contractu, 1 59, Declaration, 60 (St. Paul, 1905). ~ English: Jones s-. Ashburnhnnj, 4 East 455, 102 EngRep. 905 (1864); Dartnafl v. Howard, 4 Barn. & C. 345, 107 EngItep, 1088 (1s25); Connecticut: Curlcy v, Dean, 4 Cona. 265, 10 Am.Dee. 140 (1822): Bailey v. Bussing, 29 Conn. I (1860); Illinois: Hulrne v. flenwick, 16111.371(1851); Indiana: Potter -v. Earnest, 45 lad. 410 (1874); Massachusetts: Murdoek v. Calawell, S Allen (Mass.) 309 (1864);
(1820); New Market Iron Foundry v. Harvey, 23 N.H. 406 (1851); New Yorl: Bailey v. Freeman, 4 Johns. (KY.) 280 (1809); Jerome v. Whitney, 7 Johns. (N.Y.) 321 (1811); Tennessee: Shelton v. Bruce, 9 Yerg. (Tenu.) 24 (1836); Virginia: Feverley v. Holmes, 4 Muaf. (Va.) 95 (1813~ Moseley v. Jones, 5 MuM. (Va.) 23 (1816); Vermont: Harding
appear insufficient, in which case the Declaration would be as defective as if the Consideration were defective in fact. It may not be aided by intendment. Care should therefore be taken, in stating the Consideration, to make it appear sufficient on the face of the Declaration.3~ It has also been laid down as a rule that the Consideration stated must be coextensive with the Promise, in order to support it; but this is nothing more than saying that the Declaration must show a sufficient Consideration for the Particular Promise alleged.3° If no Consideration is stated or that which is stated is clearly illegal or insufficient, the defendant may take advantage of the defect either by Demurrer, or by Motion In Arrest of Judgment, or Writ of Error; ~ but a de 35. English: Dartnall v. Howard, 4 Barn. & C. 345, 107 Eng.llep. 1058 (1825); Vermont: Raiding v. Cralgie, 8 Vt 501 (1836). Thus, where the plaintiff declared that a person, since deceased, was Indebted to him, and that after the death, in Consideration of the premises, “and that the plaintiff, at the defendant’s request, would give time for the payment of the debt,” the defendant Promised, etc., but did not state that there was any person in existence who was liable, in respect of assets or otherwise, to be sued by the plaintiff for the debt, and to whom he gave time—the Declaration was held bad on Demurrer; for no benefit was shown to move to tbe defendant, nor did it appear that any detriment had been sustained by the plaintiff, as it was not stated that anyone was liable to be sued by him, or that he had suspended the eaforeement of any right. Jones v. Ashburnham, 4 East 455, 102 Eng.Rep. 905 (1804). 36. Thus, where the plaintiff stated that the defendant was liable in the character of Executor to pay a certain debt, and then averred that in Consideration thereof he personally Promised to pay the debt, the Declaration was held bad on a Motion in Arrest of Judgment, no additional Consideration being shown for his assuming personal liability. Raan v. Hughes, 7 TB. 350, note a, 101 Eng. Rep. 1014 (1707); See also, English: Mitehinson v. I-Ie~vson, 7 TIC 348, 101 Eng.Eep. 1013 (1797); Maryland: Berry v. Harper, 4 Gill, & J. (Md.) 470 (1832). 37. English: Laing v. Fidgeon, 6 Taunt. 108, 128 EngRep. 974 (1815); Mitehinson v. Hewson, 7 TB-348, 101 Eng.Rep. 1013 (1797); Dartnall v. Howard, 4 Earn. & C. 345, 107 Eng,flep. 1088 (1523); Mich 326
Ch. 16 Sec. 167
ACTION OF SPECIAL ASSIJMPSIT 327
fective statement will be Aided by a Verdict for the plaintiff if it sufficiently appear, upon a reasonable construction of the Declaration, that there was in fact a Consideration capable of supporting the Promise.38 In all cases the statement should be accurate, for the Consideration is essential to the Contract, and if it is misdescribed the Contract is misdescribed.39 The Consideration must be shown with certainty and particularity, Nothing that is essential can be left to implication and intendment. The degree of certainty will vary somewhat, according to the particular kind of the Consideration. An averment that the promise was made for a Valuable Consideration, without setting forth what it was, is insufficient upon General Demurrer.4° Executed Considerations CONSIDERATIONS are either Executed or Executory. An Executed Consideration consists of something done before or at the time of the Promise, at the request of the promisor. In these cases it must be shown by the Declaration that the Consideration arose at the Promisor’s (defendant’s) request.41 It is said not to be necessary, in Ksau: Kean v. Mitchell, 13 Mieh. 207 (1865); New Hampstare: Benden v- Manning, 2 N.H. 280 (1821); Vermont: Harding v- Oraigie, 8 Vt. 501 (1836); Virginia: Winston’s Ex’r v. Pranciseo, 2 Wash. (Va.) 187 (1796). St English: Ward v. HarrIs, 2 Bos, & P. 265, 126 Eng.flep. 1273 (1800); Pennsylvania: Shaw v. Redmond, 11 Serg. & It. (Pa.) 2T (1824). 35. English: White v. Wilson, 2 Sos. & P. 116, 120 Eng.flep. 3188 (1800); Connecticut: Eulkley v. Landon, S Conn. 4434 (1820); New York: Lansing v. MeKillip, 3 Caines (N.Y.) 286 (1806); West Virginia: James & Mitchell v. Adams, 18 W.Va. 245 (1880). ~ Kentucky: Wickliffe v. Hill, 4 Elbb. (Ky.) 269 (1815); Michigan: Kean v. Mitchell, 13 Mich. 207 (1565). 41. EnglIsh: Osborne v. Rogers, 1 Wms. Saund. 264, note 1, 85 Eng.Rep, 318, note 1 (1670); Hayes v. Warren, 2 Str. 933, 93 Eng.Rep. 950 (1731); California: City o~ Bedding v. Shasta County, 36 Cal. stating Executed Considerations, to allege them with the same certainty and particularity as to time and place, or as to quantity, quality, value, etc., as is required in stating Executory Considerations.42 It must, however, be shown that the Executed Consideration was furnished at the defendant’s request. Executory Considerations AN Executory Consideration is where the Contract is bilateral; that is, where a Promise is given for a Promise, each Promise being the Consideration for the other. In these cases a greater degree of certainty is required than in stating an Executed Consideration. The performance of his Promise by the plaintiff may have been, according to the terms of the Contract, a condition precedent to the defendant’s liability to perform his Promise; or each may have been required to perform concurrently with the other; or the plaintiff may have been required to continue to do or forbear some act. In the statement of an Executory Consideration precedent—that is, a promise by the plaintiff which was required to be performed as a condition precedent to performance by the defendant—a great degree of certainty is required.43 “The Consideration, and the Promise of the defendant, are two distinct things, and In order to show that the plaintiff App. 48, 171 P, 806 (1018); Connecticut: Andrews i-. lies, 3 conn. 365 (1820); indiana: Cioldsby v. Robertson, 1 BIackf (md.) 247 (1823); Massaclinsetts: Balcom v. Craggin, 5 Pick. (Mass.) 205 (1827): Dodge v. Adams, 19 Pick. (Mass.) 429 (1837); New York: l’nl;er i’. Crane, C Wend. (N.Y.) 647 (1854); Pennsylvania: Stoever v. Stoeror, 9 Serg. & it. (Pa.) 434 (1823); Vermont: Harding V. Cralgie, S Vt. 501 (1886). 42~ 1 Cliitty, On Pleading, e. IV, Of the Praecipe and Declaration, 323 (Springfield, 3833); English: Andrews V. Whltehead, 13 East 105, 104 Eng.itep. 306 (1810); Sexton v. Miles, I Salk. 22, 91 Eng.Ilep. 21 (1689); Lampleigh v. Erathwait, MocKS. 887, 72 Eng.Bep. 960 (lelS).
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