Raithel Et Ux. v. Hall , 100 Vt. 109 ( 1926 )

This is a writ of scire facias, brought to this Court to revive a judgment and execution to the extent of an unpaid balance thereon.

The original action was one of deceit in the sale of a farm, and resulted in verdict and judgment for the plaintiff. At the time of the rendition of the judgment, the trial court granted a certified execution, adjudging that the cause of action arose from the wilful and malicious act of the defendant, and that he ought to be confined in close jail. After hearing in this Court, the judgment below was affirmed. 97 Vt. 469, 124 A. 586.

Subsequently certain proceedings in equity took place between the parties (see 99 Vt. 65, 130 A. 749), as a result of which a decree was issued whereby a mortgage and notes, given by the plaintiff to the defendant in part payment for the farm, were cancelled, and the amount due thereon credited upon the judgment, which, to that extent, was satisfied.

No execution has been taken out upon the judgment, and the time has passed in which this can be done.

The statute (G.L. 2386) provides, that: "When the writ is brought to revive a judgment rendered in an action founded in tort . . . . when the court, at the time of the rendition of such original judgment, adjudged that the cause of action arose from the wilful or malicious act or neglect of the defendant and that the defendant ought to be confined in close jail, unless the defendant, at the time of the hearing on the scire facias, shows cause to the contrary, the court shall revive such judgment, including such adjudication that the cause of action arose from the wilful and malicious act or neglect of the defendant and that he ought to be confined in close jail, and shall make a certificate thereof in or upon the execution issued on such judgment."

The defendant has not appeared or filed an answer. He has not, therefore, shown cause to the contrary, and so judgment is rendered for the plaintiff for the unpaid balance on the former judgment with interest and costs on the scire facias and the adjudication that the cause of action arose from the wilful and malicious act or neglect of the defendant and that he ought to be confined in close jail is revived, and a certificate thereof shall be made in or upon the execution issued upon such judgment.

Judgment for the plaintiff to recover $707.07, and costsherein. Certified execution granted.