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Per Curiam.
Defendant was charged with the murder of a two-year-old child. He appeals his conviction by a jury of second-degree murder, MCL 750.317; MSA 28.549. He was sentenced on Octo ber 3, 1977, to a prison term of 15 to 30 years. His motion for new trial was denied on September 25, 1978. We find no reversible error.
Defendant’s argument that the trial court erred in failing to instruct the jury that "specific intent” is an element of second-degree murder is without merit. The charge followed the standard criminal jury instructions. CJI 16:3:01. Second-degree murder is not a "specific intent” crime. See People v Garcia, 398 Mich 250, 259; 247 NW2d 547 (1976), distinguishing Wellar v People, 30 Mich 16 (1874).
Defendant also argues that reversible error was committed by the trial court in allowing the prosecutor to recall defendant for further cross-examination after the other defense witnesses had testified. Review of the record fails to reveal any prejudice to defendant by reason of this ruling. The record does not suggest an abuse of the trial court’s discretion in this regard. Compare People v Poe, 388 Mich 611, 619-620; 202 NW2d 320 (1972), reversing 27 Mich App 422; 183 NW2d 628 (1970).
At trial, five photographs of the deceased child were admitted into evidence. We have reviewed the photographs and find them to be neither gruesome nor inflammatory. They were offered into evidence to aid medical witnesses in their testimonial description of the condition of the child’s body at the time of death. Indeed, the photos reveal arguably less extensive injuries than the jurors might have imagined if the sole evidence of the injuries had been the trial testimony of the various witnesses. There was additional probative value in the photos’ relevance to the issues of intent and nonaccident. In light of the theory of the defense, the necessarily circumstantial nature of the prosecution’s evidence, and the absence of unrebutted proof of the circumstances surrounding the child’s death, we find that the photos were not erroneously admitted. We are convinced that they were not merely calculated to excite passion and prejudice. People v Eddington, 387 Mich 551, 562-563; 198 NW2d 297 (1972). People v Falkner, 389 Mich 682, 685-686; 209 NW2d 193 (1973).
Defendant further argues that reversible error occurred in the admission of expert opinion testimony that the deceased suffered from "battered child syndrome”. Battered child syndrome is a widely recognized medical diagnosis which indicates that a child has been injured by other than accidental means. The emergency room physician testified that his final diagnosis, after pronouncing the child dead, was battered child syndrome. The pathologist who performed the autopsy on the child’s body testified that his findings were consistent with battered child syndrome. We find no error in the admission of this testimony. The diagnosis indicates only lack of accident and does not suggest whether a particular person injured the child. We agree with the courts of other jurisdictions which have found no error in admitting testimony about battered child syndrome. The witnesses were qualified to testify concerning battered child syndrome. The evidence was highly relevant to the material issues of intent and nonaccident. See, e.g-, Commonwealth v Labbe, — Mass App —; 373 NE2d 227 (1978), State v Goblirsch, 246 NW2d 12 (Minn, 1976).
Nor do we find error in admission of evidence of previous injuries suffered by the deceased child. This issue is closely connected with the preceding one. There was extensive testimony about prior injuries—severely burned feet, burned arm, black eyes, fractured ribs, fractured leg, extensive bruises. We have carefully reviewed the record qnd conclude that the evidence was material, relevant and admissible. The nature of the charge against defendant necessitated significant reliance by the prosecution on circumstantial evidence. In similar cases, courts of other jurisdictions have found no errpr in admission of evidence of prior injuries suffered by the deceased child. See Commonwealth v Labbe, supra, (relevant to the state of mind), People v Weisberg, 265 Cal App 2d 476; 71 Cal Rptr 157 (1968) (intent, malice aforethopght), People v Drumheller, 15 Ill App 3d 418; 304 NE2d 455 (1973) (intent, refutation of accident or recklessness), State v Tornquist, 254 Iowa 1135; 120 NW2d 483 (1963) (malice, ill will). See also State v Goblirsch, supra, State v Blocher, 10 Or App 357; 499 P2d 1346 (1972). We are satisfied that evidence of the prior condition of the child was properly admitted.
Defendant challenges the sufficiency of evidence connecting him with the child’s prior injuries as well as the sufficiency of evidence that he caused the injury or injuries resulting in the child’s death or that he had the requisite malice aforethought. After careful review of the record, we reject these challenges. There was sufficient circumstantial evidence that defendant was responsible for the prior injuries suffered by the child. There was medical testimony, for example, which indicated that the injuries did not appear until after defendant began to babysit for the child. There was also testimony, including defendant’s own testimony, that the child was in defendant’s exclusive custody at the time some of the injuries were sustained.
With respect to defendant’s challenge to the sufficiency of evidence of his criminal responsibility and malice aforethought, the test is whether the evidence presented by the prosecution would have justified a reasonable person in concluding that all elements of the charged offense had been established beyond a reasonable doubt. People v Johnson, 83 Mich App 1, 17-18; 268 NW2d 259 (1978), People v Edgar, 75 Mich App 467, 470-474; 255 NW2d 648 (1977). The jurors were entitled to draw reasonable inferences from the circumstantial evidence. People v Lauzon, 84 Mich App 201, 208; 269 NW2d 524 (1978).
After reviewing the record we are not persuaded that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient. There was evidence from which the jury could infer that defendant was alone with the child when the fatal injury, a head injury causing brain damage and respiratory arrest, occurred. There was ample testimony which cast doubt on defendant’s explanation of the morning’s events. There was evidence of the child’s prior condition and medical evidence as to the cause of death. From evidence presented by the prosecution the jury could properly have inferred that defendant was responsible for the child’s fatal injury and that he had had the requisite state of mind to justify conviction of second-degree murder. We will not disturb that jury determination.
Affirmed.
The evidence of the child’s prior condition was admitted under the "similar acts” statute. MCL 768.27; MSA 28.1050. We disagree that admissibility was governed by this statute. Circumstantial evidence of injuries sustained by the child during the time period in which defendant was living in the home with the child’s mother, the nature of those injuries, and the lack of such injuries prior to the time defendant moved into the home was material and relevant to the resolution of disputed issues relating to the identity of the person who caused the injuries, the intent with which they were caused and the lack of accident. As such, it was competent circumstantial evidence admissible to prove the crime charged.
Even if the admission of the evidence under the "similar acts” theory was improper, therefore, no reversible error occurred since there was a valid alternative theory under which the evidence was admissible. | [
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J. H. Gillis, P.J.
Defendant was charged with possession of 20 purple tablets containing phencyclidine in violation, of the Controlled Substances Act, MCL 335.341(4)(b); MSA 18.1070(41)(4)(b).
After preliminary examination, defendant was bound over for trial on the charge. Defendant filed a written motion to suppress the evidence and to quash the information, which was granted after oral argument.
The prosecution appeals, and the matter is before this Court on grant of the application for delayed appeal.
The facts are that on June 10, 1977, at approximately 8 p.m., two officers, driving a marked patrol vehicle, observed an automobile approaching from the opposite direction. The approaching vehicle had a damaged windshield, with cracks apparently obscuring the driver’s vision. The vehicle was pulled over for this traffic ordinance violation.
Upon approaching the vehicle, one of the officers observed two half quart beer cans lying on the floor of the car, one in front of the passenger and one in front of defendant driver. Each can was open. The officer asked the men to hand him the cans, which they did. He discovered the cans were half full of beer and ordered the occupants out of the vehicle and placed them under arrest for transporting open intoxicants in a vehicle.
After conducting a pat-down search for weapons, the officer felt an object in defendant’s right front pocket. He removed the object, which was a plastic container labeled "Vanquish”. The officer found some 20 purple capsules within it. Knowing that Vanquish capsules are white, the officer placed defendant under arrest and delivered the capsules to the narcotics laboratory where they were determined to be phencyclidine, a schedule 3 controlled substance, MCL 335.318(l)(b); MSA 18.1070(18)(l)(b), the possession of which constitutes a 2-year felony by virtue of the above-cited statute.
As indicated, the trial judge granted defendant’s motion to suppress the evidence and quash the information, finding the officer’s action to constitute an unreasonable search and seizure. We disagree and reverse.
The facts in the instant case disclose a search incident to a full custodial arrest for a traffic offense. The right to search incident to a lawful arrest is within the bounds of the Fourth Amendment. The search conducted in the instant matter was a valid exercise of that right. See People v Garcia, 81 Mich App 260, 273-278; 265 NW2d 115 (1978), (J. H. Gillis, J. dissenting), People v Cavitt, 86 Mich App 59, 62-63; 272 NW2d 196 (1978), (Bashara, J., dissenting).
Reversed and remanded for trial.
R. M. Ransom, J., concurred. | [
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Morse, C. J.
The defendant was convicted of the offense of not keeping his saloon closed on the night of the 30th of January, 1885, from and after the hour of ten o’clock in the evening until six o’clock in the morning of the succeeding day. Before the jury were impaneled in the Becordér’s Court of the city of Detroit, where the case was tried, the defendant, by his counsel, moved to quash the complaint, on the ground that it did not set forth any offense under the laws of this State, which motion was denied, and exception taken. John Spillane, an officer of the Metropolitan police, testified that defendant kept a saloon where intoxicating liquors were sold at retail; that there was a restaurant connected with said saloon ; that the entrance to the restaurant was on Bandolph street, and the entrance to the bar-room, the only room where such liquors were sold, was on the Michigan Grand avenue side of the building; that the restaurant and bar-room were in separate rooms, with a door between them, which closed with a self-acting spring; that on the night in question the entrance to the bar-room was closed, so far as the witness knew, at ten o’clock, and no person went in or came out of said bar-room by that entrance after that hour; that the witness and another officer went into the restaurant, by the Bandolpli-street door, at half past eleven o’clock that night; that said door was open ; that the door leading from the restaurant to the bar-room was closed; that they pushed it open and entered the bar-room. Just before they went in they saw several persons enter the restaurant and pass through the spring-door into the bar-room, which was lighted.
The following question was then asked witness : “ Whom did you see in the bar-room ?” Objected to by defendant’s counsel as incompetent, irrelevant, and immaterial. The objection was overruled, and witness testified that he saw the defendant and others at the bar, and the bartender behind the bar. Question “ Did you see any liquors sold at that time ?” Objected to for the same reasons given above, and overruled. Witness then gave evidence that the bartender put drinks on the bar, and of what took place in the barroom, and also that people were continually going in and coming out of the bar-room, through the restaurant, until about half past three in the morning.
Other evidence was received tending to show the same state of facts; also evidence on the part of the defendant tending to contradict the witnesses for the prosecution, and that no liquors were sold, and no business done, of any kind, in the bar-room.
The court charged the jury, among other things, as follows: “If the saloon was open, and people went in and liquor was sold to them, then the saloon was open in the meaning of the law. It makes no difference whether the door wras open or not. If they went into the restaurant and from there found any means of access to the saloon, and liquor was sold them in the saloon, then it was open for business. It makes no difference how many people were in there; the only question is, was the saloon open for business To this part of the charge the defendant excepted.
We find no error in the proceedings. The charge was too favorable to the defendant. If the jury found the saloon lighted, the bartender inside behind the bar, with a spring-door from the restaurant, which only needed a push to open it, and that people were passing in and out through this door, it was a plain violation of the statute, -whether any liquors were sold or not. It was the same in our view of the law as an open door, or an open entrance without a door. The statute contemplates that a closed door shall be one that cannot be opened by a mere push of the hand. Such a door is an evasion of the law, and its continuance in the shape it was in, in this case, we are inclined to think, would be a violation of the statute, without either the'defendantor his bartender inside ready to wait upon customers, because if any persons in the restaurant wanted liquor they would only have to push open this spring-door and help themselves.
It was also entirely competent to show what took place inside of the bar-room. If the saloon had been securely locked and fastened both at the main entrance and also at the door leading'into the restaurant, and yet after the hour of ten o’clock in the evening the defendant and his bartender were inside furnishing drinks to others, also inside, he would be amenable to the statute, because either the persons inside must have got in after ten, or have been left inside when the doors were closed and locked. In either case the law would be violated. When the statute requires the doors to be closed, it means that no one shall be inside, or get inside thereafter, before lawful hours, at least with the consent of the defendant or his authorized agents. We had supposed the meaning of the term “closed door,” under the statute, had been fully heretofore set forth by this Court in the cases of Kurtz v. People 33 Mich. 282; People v. Waldvogel 49 Mich. 337; People v. Blake 52 Mich. 566, and others. It is not alone the intent or purpose for which the saloon is kept open that is offensive to the law, but also the opportunity furnished persons to obtain liquors at the hours and on the days prohibited by the statute.
We also think the complaint sufficient. There being no error,
The judgment of the Recorder’s Court is affirmed.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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Champlin, J.
Chauncey M. Lockwood, the father of the defendant Chauncey, died intestate in Wayne county, Michigan, on or about the 11th day of January, 1873, leaving a widow, Lovina Lockwood, and as heirs-at-law the above named defendant, Chauncey M., and a daughter called Lulu, both infants. The daughter died soon after her father. The complainant in this case is a sister of the intestate. She states in her bill that she is the legal and equitable owner of the east half of the northeast quarter of section 18 in township 2 north, range 1«2 east; that the same is worth $3000 ; that it is a cultivated farm, and she has possessed and occupied it as her home for more than eleven years; that her brother, Chauncey M. Lockwood, sometime in the year 1870, purchased the land of Thomas Clark, who conveyed it to him by a good and sufficient warranty deed ; that previous to his purchasing the land he had a conversation with complainant, in which he proposed to her if she would remain in the neighborhood so that she might take care of their mother, who was an aged woman and resided near this land, and attend to her wants, he would purchase said land for her, and she should have and own the same, and she consented, if the land should be purchased for her and she could have the title to the samo, and that she did remain there, and has continued to do so until the present time; that soon after the conversation the land was purchased of Clark, and before it was deeded said Chauncey put complainant in possession, and not long after he came to see her and told her he bought the land for her that she might be near their mother and take care of her in case of need, and promised her she should have a deed of the land, and that he would make one out for her ; that, soon after, said Chauncey M. Lockwood made and executed a deed of said land to complainant, which vested the title therein in complainant'in fee-simple, and the deed was put in the hands either of another brother, Levi H. Lockwood, or into the hand of Lovina Lockwood, the widow of Chauncey? and after the deed had been executed to complainant, and after she had been in possession of said land more than a year, said Chauncey M. was taken sick in Detroit, and after an illness of about three months died ; that a few weeks before he died she visited him, and had a conversation about the deed ; that he then said to her he had executed a deed' of said land to her, and that his wife Lovina had it, and she, complainant, could get it from her; that the land was her own, and she need not feel bad, as she would be provided for in case he should die; that after his death she asked Lovina why she had not given her the deed which Chauncey made out to her, and she replied in substance that her hand was in the lion’s moutli, and she should have to draw it slowly out; that complainant believes and charges that said deed cannot now be found or produced ; that Lovina died seven years ago at her father’s in the state of Oregon ; charges that she and Levi II. Lockwood fraudulently conspired together to and did destroy said deed, with intent to cheat and defraud her and to destroy the evidence of her title to said land, and that so far as the record of deeds of the county exhibits title to said land, the same stands in said Chauncey M. Lockwood, who has only one son and lawful heir, whose name is Chauncey M. Lockwood, who is a minor aged about twelve years, and resides with his grandfather in the state of Oregon. She prays that she may be decreed to be the owner of said land in fee-simple, and that she may be quieted in her right and title, and that said minor heir may be decreed to execute to her a deed of said land in lieu of the one- destroyed, and restrained from prosecuting any suits to recover possession of the land or rent for the use thereof.
The answer of Levi H. Lockwood is the only answer printed in the record. lie denies the conversations stated in the bill; denies that the land was purchased for complainant or upon any agreement to purchase the same for her; denies that Chauncey M. ever conveyed or agreed to convey the .land to complainant; says that after the death of Chauncey M., his widow, Lovina Lockwood, was appointed guardian of the estate of the infant Chauncey M., and as such guardian leased to John B. Newton, then complainant’s husband, the said premises for ten years, with complainant’s knowledge ; that after occupying said land under the lease about seven years Newton died, and complainant has occupied the same part of the time since ; that he has been appointed guardian of the estate of said minor, and as such served upon complainant a demand of possession for non-compliance with the conditions of said lease, and until after such demand he never heard it claimed by complainant or any one that she ever had a deed of said land, or that any such conveyance was ever executed.
This statement of the issue, as shown by the pleadings, discloses the fact that the claim made by the complainant is directed against the right of the minor heir to the premises, and if established, deprives him of what apparently is his inheritance. She seeks to establish a title to lands in fee-simple without the production of a deed and against the record title. To entitle her to a decree, the fact of the execution and delivery of the deed must be established by convincing proofs.
Much of the evidence introduced by complainant to sustain her bill is incompetent, and must be excluded in the consideration of the case. All conversations and facts testified to by complainant which were equally in the knowledge of the intestate, Chauncey M. Lockwood; all conversations with Lovina Lockwood, as well as those with Stephen Lockwood, were inadmissible. The first, because it is inhibited by the statute : the latter, because it is hearsay.
It appears that Chauncey M. Lockwood, about the time he became of age, left home and went to the Pacific coast, where he engaged in various pursuits, such as mining, herding cattle, carrying mails and engaging in contracts with the United States. In some of these ventures he lost money, and in others he was successful, and upon the whole accumulated considerable property, which, however, was quite scattered, some being in Oregon, some in Washington Territory, some in Virginia and some in Michigan. During his prosperity he evinced a disposition to assist his parents, brothers and sisters, and on different occasions let them have money in various sums. In conjunction with his brother Levi, he pur chased of Mr. Clark two parcels of land. The title to one parcel was conveyed to Levi, who gave his father a life-lease thereof, and the other, being the parcel in dispute, was conveyed to Chauncey M. At this time complainant was the wife of John B. Newton. Complainant and her husband were not living together. He was seeking employment in the vicinity of Grand Rapids or Morley, and she was mainly engaged in school teaching in the eastern part of the State. Chauncey desired to get them together, and requested that they should go upon this land and reside there and cultivate the same. They went upon the land soon after, and remained there at the time of Channcey’s death.
The evidence introduced by complainant to prove the execution of the deed of the land to her consists of (1st) admissions of Chauncey M., during his life, to the effect that the land was hers, and that he had executed a deed thereof to her; and (2d) the testimony of Mrs. Lawson as to seeing the deed, and a direction by Chauncey to his wife to deliver the deed to complainant.
The only direct testimony of the existence of a deed from Chauncey to the complainant is that given by Mrs. Lawson. She testifies positively and with particularity to the conversation which took place at the time she saw it, to the handwriting in which the deed was written, the description of the land, and the officer before whom it was acknowledged.
If her testimony is believed, the complainant’s case is made out, so far as the existence of such deed is concerned. She testifies that during her brother Chauncey’s last sickness she went to see him; that she “ went into the sitting-room where he was, and complainant stood by the south window crying, and she spoke to her and said, ‘ Mat, what are you crying about V ’And at that he wheeled around-and asked her what she was crying about, and if she thought he was going to die ? And she said she didn’t know. And he told her in case he died there was a deed made out to her, and told his wife to go and get it, and she did so, and brought it in, and it was made out from ‘ O. M. Lockwood to Martha Newton.’ I saw the deed myself,.the land described in the deed. He said lie had bought the land for her, and would fix it all up for her if he lived; but if he didn’t, she would have to fix it up herself, or leave it as it was. The deed was signed by him, and witnessed and acknowledged before Seth R. Shetterly, of TJtica, as justice of the peace; and he said to me, £ The deed is made for her.’ I told him if the deed was intended for her he had better to give it to her now, for something might happen, and he might not get well. He told his wife to take it, and go and give it to her. I don’t know what she did with the deed, but he told her to take it and give it to Mrs. Newton. She took it and went out of the room. This conversation took place about two weeks before he died.” On cross-examination she says that Mrs. Newton had left the room when he told his wife to take it and give it to Mrs. Newton. She fixes the date of the deed as being in the fall of 1871.
It is somewhat singular that Mi’s. Newton should have left the room at a time when she was so vitally interested in what wras going on. No reason is given for her leaving, and there is no reason apparent why she should not remain. She testifies that she never saw any such deed, and never had any such deed in her paossession. But Mr. Shetterly was introduced as a witness by the defendant, and he testifies that he has no recollection whatever of drawing a deed from Chauncey M. Lockwood to Martha Newton. He testifies to draughting the deed from Clark to Chauncey M. Lockwood, August 16, 1870, and that Chauncey was not present ; also to draughting a deed bearing date December 7,1870, from Levi II. and Phoebe Lockwood to Myron Lockwood. But the most convincing testimony to rebut the testimony of Mrs. Lawson is found in the facts immediately following the decease of Mr. Lockwood, coupled with the unexplained delay of complainant in asserting her rights by suit or otherwise.
Chauncey M. Lockwood died January 11th, 1873. Levi H. Lockwood and Lovina Lockwood were appointed administrator and administratrix of his estate. Commissioners were appointed to appraise the same. They were Homer B.White and John B. Newton, the husband of complainant. Tlieyj together with Levi, went to this land upon which Newton and complainant were then living. Complainant was there present, and they appraised this land as a part of the property and estate of the intestate. If it was true that this property had been deeded to Mrs. Newton, and the conversation had occurred so recently before his death as complainant and Mrs. Lawson claim, is it not probable that complainant would have asserted some claim to it at the time of the appraisal ? She did not do so, however, and later, when Mrs. Lovina Lockwood had been appointed guardian of the minor child, Chauncey M. Lockwood, on the 6th day of January, 187é, JohirB. Newton, the husband of complainant, entered into a written lease of the'premises in dispute from the guardian for the term of ten years, and Mr. Shetterly, who drew the lease, thinks that the complainant was present. Under that lease, Newton and his wife occupied the farm, and she knew that he was occupying it under such lease.
These facts are entirely inconsistent with the asserted claim of complainant, and also with the testimony of Mrs. Lawson. It is also in evidence that, after Mr. Newton’s death, the complainant made arrangements for tile being laid upon the premises for the avowed purpose of fulfilling the terms of the lease, which required a certain amount of tile to be laid.
The evidence is conflicting upon the point when she first asserted claim of title to the premises, but from the testimony, which need not be here reviewed, we are satisfied that it was not until after she was served by the guardian of the estate with a notice to quit because of non-compliance with the terms of the lease above mentioned, shortly before this suit was commenced. In the meantime Lovina Lockwood, an important witness, has died; time has elapsed, and witnesses are called to testify to admissions made seven, eight and ten years previously, in casual conversations with the deceased — most of them to the effect that he bought the land for his sister Martha, and intended to deed it to her. Whatever his intentions were, we are satisfied that he never executed a deed to the complainant of the land in question. "Were we satisfied that a deed had been made, there is no evidence in this record of a delivery thereof sufficient to vest the title in the complainant.
We have given above, all the evidence there is upon this subject. It is found in the testimony of Mrs. Lawson. The complainant paid nothing for the land, and has no equities based upon the payment of any consideration or of making improvements thereon. If it was a bounty designed for her by her brother, the gift was unexecuted, and it must fail.
There is a mass of testimony introduced by the complainant, for no other purpose apparently than to blacken the memory of Lovina Lockwood, the widow of the deceased. Aside from its being wholly irrelevant to the issue made by the pleadings, and ought not, therefore, to have been introduced in the record, it appears to us to be wholly devoid of truth, and manufactured for the occasion. Besides this, the witness was effectually impeached.
The decree of the court below dismissing the bill of complaint must be affirmed with costs.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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Danhof, C.J.
In 1963 the plaintiff was approached by representatives of Auto Body Rustproofing, Inc., who offered him a franchise to sell and apply the then recently developed "Ziebart process” for rustproofing automobiles. Negotiations between the parties produced a "license agreement”, composed by the defendant and signed by the parties on June 13, 1963.
The agreement granted the plaintiff the exclusive right to operate an "Auto Body Rustproofing” station in Genesee County, including the right to use "Ziebart Compounds” and the tools and processes developed by the defendant for their application. The plaintiff was entitled by the agreement to purchase all the Ziebart compounds his business required at the price prevailing at the time of order. For a charge of $6,000 the plaintiff was to "purchase” a quantity of consumable supplies, including Ziebart compound and various specialized application tools and other equipment; title to the tools and equipment was to remain with the defendant. Worn or damaged tools and equipment were to be replaced by the plaintiff at the "price” prevailing at the time of "purchase”.
The defendant agreed to provide a 12-day training session for two persons at its Detroit facility, travel and accommodation expenses to be paid by the plaintiff.
Among the other terms of the agreement were the following:
"7. It is understood and agreed that a material part of the consideration passing to the Licensor hereunder is the promise and agreement of Licensee to strictly adhere to the methods, practices and system established and in effect by Licensor for the management and operation of AUTO BODY RUSTPROOFING stations in order to retain and protect for the mutual benefit of Licensor and Licensee and the good will and public acceptance of AUTO BODY RUSTPROOFING, and in pursuance thereof Licensee specifically promises and agrees as follows:
"(a) To use only the "Ziebart Compounds” and "Ziebart Solvents” in the operation of their business.
"(b) To charge a minimum of $35.00 per vehicle for each AUTO BODY RUSTPROOFING process.
"(c) To use only the mobile equipment, nozzles and method of operation furnished by Licensor in performing an AUTO BODY RUSTPROOFING treatment to a vehicle, and not to use such said equipment or any part thereof in connection with the performing of any other process and the use of any other solvents and compounds other than that furnished and sold by Licensor to Licensee.
"(g) To operate said business only under the name of AUTO BODY RUSTPROOFING, and to exhibit only such advertising signs as shall be approved by Licensor.
"(h) To pay any and all obligations incurred by him in said business when the same become due and payable.
"(i) To follow strictly the AUTO BODY RUSTPROOFING process; to maintain the standard established by Licensor; not to cheapen said process.
"8. Licensee shall pay for his own building, plumbing, electrical equipment and lighting, carpenter work and material, of every kind that may be necessary to establish and place in operation the AUTO BODY RUSTPROOFING Store or Station which may be established hereunder, and Licensor shall not be obligated nor liable for any sum or sums incurred by Licensee for such labor or materials.
"10 This License Agreement shall be in full force and effect indefinitely, unless terminated at an earlier date in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 11.
"11. Should Licensee fail to perform any of the terms, conditions or provisions of this License Agreement, and shall remain in default for a period of 30 days after the receipt of a notice by Licensor by registered letter setting forth the reasons and grounds for default, Licensor shall thereafter have the right to terminate this Agreement forthwith by registered letter to Licensee; to repossess with or without legal process any and all equipment delivered to Licensee by Licensor under the terms of this Agreement; to retain all money paid for the use of said equipment; to terminate all of the rights and privileges herewith granted, and to enter into any License Agreement or contract granting to any other person the right to operate an AUTO BODY RUSTPROOFING business in the territory described in this Agreement; to remove with or without legal process any and all signs bearing or displaying the trade mark or trade name "AUTO BODY RUSTPROOFING”; to take possession of any and all supplies which bear the AUTO BODY RUSTPROOFING trade mark or trade name, upon reimbursement of the cost of said supplies only to Licensee; and to resort to any other legal process for the enforcement of this Agreement. If legal action by Licensor is necessary to enforce the performance of this Agreement by Licensee, Licensee agrees to pay Licensor such sum as the Court may fix as reasonable attorney’s fees.
"14. Licensee agrees that if for any reason whatsoever, the license is terminated, Licensee will not solicit or engage directly or indirectly in a business similar to that of AUTO BODY RUSTPROOFING for a period of Two (2) years in the United States or Canada, except as is hereinafter provided.”
The relations between the parties were apparently satisfactory for several years. In 1973 the defendant informed the plaintiff that the 1963 agreement permitted termination upon reasonable notice by either party and offered the plaintiff a new ten-year contract, which the plaintiff refused. Sometime thereafter the defendant published policies and instruction manuals delineating the rustproofing procedures it deemed necessary for various models of motor vehicles. The policies variously required "grades” of 85 or 90 percent on vehicle inspections by company officials as a condition of a dealer’s "good standing”. The plaintiff’s work consistently failed to meet these requirements, the company inspectors complaining of his cluttered shop, his failure to keep current instruction manuals and his failure to treat certain portions of automobile bodies with the Ziebart compound. The dispute culminated in a letter to the plaintiff from the defendant, dated April 6, 1976, in which the defendant reiterated its complaints, announced its intent to terminate the "license agreement” and gave the plaintiff 30 days to either sell his "license” or remove all Ziebart identification from his building.
The plaintiff commenced this action in circuit court before the 30-day period elapsed, alleging that the defendant had "long coveted your Plaintiff’s exclusive rights in Genesee County” and had "embarked upon a program of harassment and intimidation designed to force your Plaintiff from his business”. The plaintiff claimed that the standards of performance demanded by the defendant were not. contained in the 1963 agreement and could therefore not support the threatened termination. The complaint sought an injunction against the defendant’s "wrongfully interfering” with the plaintiff’s business or obstructing his right to purchase supplies and use the Ziebart trademark.
The defendant answered with denials, but, curiously, did not claim that the performance standards in question arose from the 1963 agreement, stating merely that they were "necessary to protect the public, as well as the good name and reputation of the defendant”. A counterclaim admitted that the 1963 agreement permitted the plaintiff to use the Ziebart mark but asserted that defendant had developed and improved the Ziebart process, that the plaintiff had failed to adopt the new procedures, that his noncompliance injured the value of the Ziebart mark and that the defendant had a right and a duty (apparently to other retail dealers) to ensure the standardization of the process. The defendant sought a declaration that the parties’ contract was at an end, an order prohibiting the plaintiff from using the trademark and damages.
At trial, the central issue was the utility of the defendant’s new standards in increasing or ensuring the quality of automobile rustproofing. The plaintiff stated that in his many years in the automobile body repair business he had never seen rust in the areas he had refused to treat, an observation which was confirmed by other individuals engaged in that business. It also appeared that the plaintiff consumed in his business more of the compound purchased from the defendant than called for by company standards. There was testimony from the plaintiff that in 1963 the defendant’s training for dealers was "general” and not nearly as exacting as the procedures set forth in the new instruction manuals. The plaintiff stated that he had refused the defendant’s 1973 offer of a ten-year contract because the new offer substantially restricted his right to move his business within Genesee County or to sell it to a new licensee and additionally subjected him to compulsory promotional assessments by the defendant.
While concluding that the 1963 agreement controlled the rights of the parties, the trial judge also found that the requirements the plaintiff was charged with ignoring did not contribute to effective rustproofing. An order issued, restraining the defendant from terminating the agreement and from "harassing or obstructing or interfering in any way with the conduct of the [plaintiff’s] business”. This appeal followed.
The defendant’s primary claim on appeal is that the trial court erred in its determination that the plaintiff did not breach his agreement with the defendant to maintain certain quality standards in marketing the Ziebart process. The standards of performance required of the plaintiff must necessarily be determined by reference to the parties’ 1963 agreement. However, that instrument does not specify the details of the procedure the plaintiff agreed to follow, stating merely that the plaintiff must "strictly adhere to the methods, practices and system established and in effect by Licensor for the management and operation of AUTO BODY RUSTPROOFING stations” and "follow strictly the AUTO BODY RUSTPROOFING process; to maintain the standard established by Licensor; not to cheapen said process”. These phrases do not tell us whether the performance of the plaintiff is to be measured by the "methods, practices and system” in effect in 1963, when the plaintiff was solicited to enter the contract, or by standards the defendant would later develop in the expansion and standardization of its system of franchised outlets. Neither view is unreasonable, for, while we are accustomed to viewing contracts as inflexible constitutions of the business world, we also note that the defendant’s process was new in 1963 and could be expected to be refined as experience revealed opportunities for improvement.
The possibility of changing economic and technical conditions was contemplated by the defendant when it drafted the agreement. The defendant retained rights to change the chemical makeup of its compound, to charge the current market price for compounds and tools delivered to the plaintiff in the future and to regulate the content of the plaintiff’s advertising. This conscious effort to provide for technical changes and business supervision must be contrasted with the defendant’s failure to explicitly retain similar powers with respect to the application of the compound by the plaintiff, and yields no inference that the defendant ever intended to have the power it attempted to exercise in this relationship. Such a significant power should not easily be discovered in a contract not explicitly providing for it.
If the contested contractual terms are viewed in isolation, they are at best ambiguous and call for the construction most favorable to the plaintiff, who was not responsible for the drafting of the instrument. See Ladd v Teichman, 359 Mich 587; 103 NW2d 338 (1960). The trial judge was correct in limiting the defendant’s right to enforce performance standards to those standards contemplated by the agreement. While the matter was apparently decided below on the grounds that the defendant’s post-1963 requirements were not shown to be reasonably related to effective rustproofing, we affirm the decision upon our observation that the defendant never attempted to prove what body coverage and shop upkeep standards were ordinarily observed by the defendant and its dealers in 1963. It may be assumed that this proof was in the possession of the defendant. Without it, no breach of the contract in this regard can be shown.
A determination that the plaintiff has not breached the performance standards of the 1963 agreement does not end our examination of this troubled relationship. The defendant argues on appeal that the contract, being for an "indefinite” duration, was terminable at will. The plaintiff, seeking relief on the grounds that the parties’ obligations were to endure as long as he was not in breach of the agreement, necessarily claimed that its "indefinite” duration term created perpetual rights in both parties. The trial court never directly considered the question, but, in passing upon the defendant’s claim to a right to terminate the agreement due to the plaintiff’s breach, impliedly adopted the plaintiff’s position. For the reasons set forth below, we are unable to agree that either party’s view is correct.
The plaintiff’s claim to a perpetual right to operate his franchise and to demand performance of the defendant asks this Court to find in the sparse language of this agreement an undertaking very seldom encountered in the commercial world —a promise of two business entities to remain bound to each other as long as both (including their heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns) remain in existence and meet the requirements of the contract. Such obligations are so inaptly fitted to the always changing commercial world that courts find them only when the language of an agreement allows no other reasonable construction.
"It is not often that a promise will properly be interpreted as calling for perpetual performance. Only in such negative promises as to forbear suit or not to carry on a business or occupation is so broad an interpretation likely to be permissible. More commonly the true interpretation will mean some period short of infinity; and partly in order to carry out the supposed actual intention of the parties and partly, doubtless, in order to prevent an offer or agreement from being ineffectual because too indefinite, courts will, where the contract contemplates a single act or exchange of acts, unless the circumstances show a contrary intention, interpret a promise which does not in terms state the time of performance as intending performance in a reasonable time.” (Footnotes omitted.) 1 Williston on Contracts (3d ed), § 38, p 113.
See also Adkisson v Ozment, 55 Ill App 3d 108; 12 Ill Dec 790; 370 NE2d 594 (1977), Paisley v Lucas, 346 Mo 827; 143 SW2d 262 (1940), Holt v St Louis Union Trust Co, 52 F2d 1068 (CA 4, 1931).
There is nothing in the terms of this agreement that indicates a perpetual duration was not intended by the parties; however, the term "indefinitely” hardly compels such a construction, for it means merely, "having no exact limits”. In the absence of a more forceful indication of intent a construction favoring a perpetual relationship is not warranted. We conclude that the term contributes nothing to our task of determining the duration intended by the parties.
The defendant contends that an agreement for an unspecified or indefinite term may be cancelled at the will of either party. This is generally true of contracts establishing agency or employment relationships. O’Connor v Hayes Body Corp, 258 Mich 280; 242 NW 233 (1932). Yet, it is clear that more than an employment was contemplated by the parties to this agreement.
The "license” or franchise agreement at issue in this case is remarkably similar to contracts which create territorially exclusive distributorships. Such agreements bear many of the characteristics of contracts for continuing sales in that the distributor must often purchase the product that is the subject of the agreement; yet, they often require the distributor to promote the sale of the product and make agreements intended to bind the manufacturer, and in this respect make the distributor the business agent of the manufacturer "principal”. See Hunt Foods, Inc v Phillips, 248 F2d 23 (CA 9, 1957).
Several courts, viewing distributorships in light of their agency characteristics, have applied the so-called "Missouri Rule” and held that in agreements for an unspecified duration the principal’s otherwise unfettered right to terminate the arrangement at will is limited by the agent’s right to enforce the agreement for such a time as will afford him a reasonable opportunity to recoup the expenses he has incurred in preparing to perform his obligations. See, e.g., Jack’s Cookie Co v Brooks, 227 F2d 935 (CA 4, 1955), Beebe v Columbia Axle Co, 233 Mo App 212; 117 SW2d 624 (1938). See also, 9 Williston on Contracts (3d ed), § 1017A, p 152, Gelhorn, Limitation on Contract Termination Rights — Franchise Cancellations, 1967 Duke LJ 465, 482, Anno: Termination by Principal of Distributorship Contract Containing No Express Provision for Termination, 19 ALR3d 196. This limitation on the principal’s power applies only when the agent has actually and foreseeably expended capital or given up an otherwise profitable business in his preparations, and allows recoupment only of those expenditures directed to this end; it does not include ordinary operating expenses and does not guarantee the franchisee a profit.
"Where the duration of a distributor contract is indefinite and distributor has expended substantial sums in establishing and promoting the distributorship and such expenditures were within the contemplation of the parties, the contract may be terminated after the lapse of a reasonable time. What a reasonable time is depends upon the circumstances in the particular case. Among the circumstances to be considered in determining reasonable time are: The amount of preliminary and promotional expenditures, the length of time the distributorship has been in operation before notice of termination, what the prospects for future profits are, and whether it has proven profitable during actual operation. It is not a question of whether distributor has recouped his expenditures, but whether he has had a fair opportunity.” The General Tire & Rubber Co v Distributors, Inc, 253 NC 459, 472; 117 SE2d 479 (1960).
While the disputes most frequently presented to the courts have involved sudden terminations shortly after the distributor or franchisee has made his investment, see Gelhorn, supra, there appears in principle no reason why continuing investments not part of the agent’s operating costs or directed solely at improving his own business and fairly foreseeable to the principal should not come within this rule. This was recognized in the allowance of a claim for recoupment of unamortized capital expenditures not part of the distributor’s start-up investment in Ag-Chem Equipment Co, Inc v Hahn, Inc, 480 F2d 482 (CA 8, 1973). The rule simply prevents a manufacturer or franchisor from exercising a power to terminate an agreement at will in such a fashion as to unfairly deprive the distributor or franchisee of assets foreseeably committed to their joint project.
The record shows that the plaintiff was required to make substantial expenditures in readying himself to perform his contract with the defendant. However, it is impossible to determine from this record the amount of the expenditures that the plaintiff has made or whether, despite the long period which has elapsed since the performance started, the plaintiff’s "reasonable time” has passed. Despite the failure of the parties to pursue this matter in the court below, proper resolution of this dispute requires that an evidentiary hearing in the trial court address this matter. The trial court will determine what time was or will be required to protect the plaintiff’s right to recoupment. If that time has passed, the choice to terminate the agreement lies with the defendant. If the plaintiff has not yet enjoyed a reasonable period of performance in which to recoup his expenditures, the trial court will order the defendant to afford the plaintiff such a proper period, specifying the duties of the defendant to the plaintiff in an order conforming with GCR 1963, 718.9(2).
The cause is remanded to the trial court for proceedings not inconsistent with this opinion. No costs, neither party having prevailed in full.
H. R. Carroll, J., concurred.
The defendants in this action are successors of Auto Body Rustproofing, Inc. In this opinion, "defendant” will designate the named defendants or their predecessors, unless otherwise indicated.
We are unable to discern any meaningful expression of intent from the fact that the duration of the undertaking was explicitly stated to be indefinite rather than being omitted altogether.
These included the purchase of specialized tools and the training of the plaintiff and one of his employees at the defendant’s Detroit facility. It is not clear whether the plaintiff gave up his auto body repair business prior to starting performance, nor is it clear that such a sacrifice, if made, was required or reasonably anticipated by the defendant. A free choice to abandon a less lucrative business for an increasingly attractive one does not support a right of recoupment. | [
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Campbell, J.
Complainant filed his bill to compel the set-off of so much as should be necessary of a judgment in his favor against John W. and Levi L. Phillips, against a judgment obtained against him by Levi L. Phillips, but assigned to defendant Warner.
The complainant’s judgment was obtained on a joint and several note made by John W. and Levi L. Phillips for $6492 due September 1,1873. Upon this, suit was brought October 15, 1875, and defendants pleaded the general issue with set-off. In March, 1876,. the suit was referred to S. L. Withey, who, May 15, 1877, reported in favor of defendants for $697.23. Exceptions were taken in the circuit court, which were not disposed of until July 27, 1881, when judgment of confirmation was rendered. This judgment was removed by writ, of error to this Court where the judgment was reversed-and judgment rendered January 5, 1882, for .$1206 and costs. This difference was made up by allowing Ledyard the value of crops which were on land bid off by him on foreclosure, and charged to him by the referee, but held by this Court to have gone to him as purchaser. Ledyard, v. Phillips 47 Mich. 305.
Levi L. Phillips sued Ledyard in August, 1880, formwork and labor in putting in. a wheat crop in 1874, and on the 27th day of January, 18S2, obtained judgment for $845.56 and costs, which he at once assigned to defendant Warner. On March 6, 1882, complainant filed this bill to enforce the set-off between the two judgments. The grounds relied on in the bill are that the joint judgment was for a private debt of Levi; that the transaction out of which Levi’s claim arose was in the nature of a mutual credit, — the employment being had on the understanding that the claims should be dependent on the same mutual dealings, the insolvency of Levi, and the assignment of the latter judgment to defendant Warner as a colorable attempt to evade the set-off.
The court below decreed a set-off as prayed, and included costs as well as damages.
We discover nothing to indicate that Levi’s work was dono with any reference to the claim set up against him by complainant. On the contrary, there is much to indicate that no counter-claim was then supposed to exist. There had been a foreclosure of a real estate mortgage on which a surplus of not far from $10,000 was decreed to belong to John W. Phillips as against Ledyard, by decision of this Court in April, 1875 (Ledyard v. Phillips 32 Mich. 13), — the sale having been made in 1874, previous to the services in question, and tlie sale being the same one on which the other controversy arose. It is very manifest that at this time there was no such understanding as the bill sets np, and there is some reason to think that Levi was a sufferer from the disposition of the surplus money to such an extent as to prevent the judgment of January 5, 1882, from being in any proper sense his sole debt as among the parties. The only ground which is at all plausible is the alleged insolvency of Levi. But as it is not at all shown satisfactorily that John" is insolvent, although so alleged, and no attempt has been made to collect the judg. ment by execution, we doubt whether that ground of complaint is made out. But it is not very important because we find nothing to impugn the assignment to the defendant W arner.
On the 26th of November, 1881, for an actual and valuable consideration received from her in the price of land conveyed by her to him for $1800, Levi L. Phillips assigned to her all his claims against complainant then" in suit, and any judgment he might obtain thereon. At that time he had already obtained judgment in the old referred suit, which stood apparently good, and which was subsequently reversed on a contested question of law. At that time there was nothing which could stand in the way of his doing as he pleased with his other claim, which was put in judgment January 27, 1882. The assignment made after this judgment was no more than he was legally bound to complete, if necessary to fulfill the sale. There is no foundation in the record for any suspicion of its sufficiency. The transfer of the land is made out, and the only argument used against the assignment is based on domestic relations which are not shown to be wrong, and which could not in themselves deprive the assignee of the price due her for her lands. There is no force in the argument that the assignment could not discharge the vested equity to a set-off. No such equity was made out which would appear on the face of the judgments if made out at all. No presumption arises of any connection between a joint judgment and a sole judgment. And the assignment really dates back to the preceding November, when there was no judgment to set off.
We think complainant made no case for relief. The decree must be reversed and bill dismissed with costs to appellants in both courts against complainant.
Cooley, O. J. and Sherwood, J. concurred. | [
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Bashara, P.J.
Plaintiffs Rodney Lockwood & Company and Rodney M. Lockwood sought a writ of mandamus in the trial court to compel defendant city to approve plans for the construction of an apartment complex and damages occasioned by the delay in approval. (Hereinafter, references to plaintiffs shall refer to Rodney Lockwood & Company and Rodney M. Lockwood unless otherwise stated.) The circuit court denied the requested relief and plaintiffs appeal.
Plaintiffs initiated the plan to build the apartment complex known as "Cranbrook Place” in 1969. The City of Southfield approved the plans for the complex which was to be built on two levels. Economic uncertainties delayed the construction of the apartments until 1977. In the interim, plaintiffs revised the plans initially approved by the city. The revision called for the construction of apartments on three levels. The Southfield planning department approved the amended plans but the city council rejected them on October 24, 1977.
Although the city council’s rejection was based on a number of proposed changes, the circuit court concluded that only the proposal to build apartments on three levels instead of two justified the denial.
On November 2, 1977, the date which the plaintiffs commenced the action for a writ of mandamus, pertinent provisions of the Southfield zoning ordinances read as follows:
"§5.4(10) DWELLING, MULTIPLE FAMILY LOW RISE: a multiple family dwelling not more than two (2) stories in height.”
"§ 5.8(16) STORY: that portion of a building, but not including a basement, as defined in this Chapter between one (1) floor level and the ceiling next above it and which portion meets the requirements of the Building Code (Chapter 98) for a habitable room.”
"§ 5.3(5) A BASEMENT: is that portion of a building which is partly or wholly below grade, but so located that the vertical distance from the average grade to the floor is greater than the vertical distance from the average grade to the ceiling. A basement shall not be counted as a story.”
Plaintiffs proposed to build basement apartments in addition to the two stories originally planned. Under the zoning ordinances set forth above, basement apartments were neither specifically allowed nor prohibited. The ordinances merely prohibited multiple family dwellings of more than two (2) stories in height. Basements are not counted as stories.
On November 28, 1977, the Southfield City Council enacted an amendment to the zoning ordinances that modified its definition of the terms "basement” and "story”.
"(5) A BASEMENT: a portion of a building partially underground, but having less than half its clear height below the grade plane (See Cellar).”
"(2) CELLAR: that portion of a building partially, or wholly, underground, having half or more than half of its clear height below the grade plane. A cellar shall be non-habitable and shall not be counted as a story.”
"(16) STORY: that portion of a building, but not including a cellar, as defined in this chapter between one (1) floor level and the ceiling next above it and which portion meets the requirements of the Building Code (Chapter 98) for a habitable room.” City of South-field Ordinance No. 953.
The November 28, 1977, amendment to the Southfield zoning ordinance was republished and repromulgated as City of Southfield Ordinance No. 965 on June 5, 1978. The amended zoning ordinance eliminates the ambiguity that existed under the original zoning ordinance with respect to whether apartments could be built in what was originally called the basement. Basement apartments under the original zoning ordinance were redefined as "cellar” apartments and specifically made nonhabitable.
In December 1977, the defendant city amended its answer to raise as a defense the modified zoning ordinance. The trial judge held that the amendment was applicable and did not issue a writ of mandamus. The court also dismissed plaintiffs’ claim for damages against the city, Harry Okrent and others. Okrent and others had filed a separate suit to enjoin construction of the apartments which was subsequently consolidated with the present suit. After Okrent and others entered the suit, plaintiffs amended their complaint and filed a counterclaim against the individual defen dants for damages resulting from losses sustained due to delay in construction.
Plaintiffs’ claims of error all center around the applicability and validity of the amended zoning ordinance. These claims raise four issues for consideration which will be dealt with seriatim.
I
Should the amended zoning ordinance be applied as the law of the case when the amendment was enacted after the litigation had commenced?
"The general rule is that the law to be applied is that which was in effect at the time of decision.” Klyman v City of Troy, 40 Mich App 273, 277; 198 NW2d 822 (1972). Application of this general rule would require that we hold the trial judge properly applied the zoning amendment as it was in effect at the time of the decision.
However, the general rule is subject to two exceptions. A court will not apply an amendment to a zoning ordinance where (1) the amendment would destroy a vested property interest acquired before its enactment, City of Lansing v Dawley, 247 Mich 394, 396; 225 NW 500 (1929), or (2) the amendment was enacted in bad faith and with unjustified delay. Keating International Corp v Orion Twp, 395 Mich 539, 549; 236 NW2d 409 (1975). Neither of the foregoing exceptions apply to this case. Since construction had not yet commenced at the time of the amendment, we cannot say plaintiffs had acquired a vested property right. Keating, supra.
With respect to the second exception, the test to determine bad faith is whether the amendment was enacted for the purpose of manufacturing a defense to plaintiffs’ suit.
There is evidence to indicate that the amendment was intended to clarify an ambiguous ordinance. There is also evidence that it had always been the intent of the city council to prohibit persons from living on three levels within the zoning classification. The amendment did not simply rezone plaintiffs’ property, but applied equally to all apartment structures throughout the city. Klyman, supra.
In any event, the trial judge did not abuse his discretion in holding that the amendment was not enacted in bad faith or with unjustified delay. The overriding principle regarding "the decision to admit or exclude ordinance amendments during litigation is one which rests entirely within the sound discretion of the trial court”. Keating, supra, 548.
Plaintiffs’ contention that the city acted with unnecessary delay in enacting the ordinance is without merit.
II
Having determined that the amended zoning ordinance was properly applied, we now look to its constitutionality.
The standard for determining the constitutional validity of municipal zoning ordinances was recently settled in Ed Zaagman, Inc v City of Kentwood, 406 Mich 137, 138-139; 277 NW2d 475 (1979). Zaagman held that in order to be successful, plaintiffs must prove that the ordinance is unreasonable. An ordinance is unreasonable where (1) no governmental interest is being advanced, or (2) the ordinance arbitrarily and capriciously excludes other types of legitimate land use from the area in question.
We conclude from our examination of the record that there was sufficient evidence to support the trial judge’s determination that the ordinance was constitutional. The ordinance was a valid exercise of the police power of the City of Southfield in that it advanced the health and safety of persons affected by the ordinance. Evidence adduced at trial showed that basement apartments may prove troublesome in times of fire or other catastrophe. Prohibition of basement apartments is also helpful in controlling population density.
Because mandamus is governed by equitable principles, Board of Education of Oakland Schools v Superintendent of Public Instruction 401 Mich 37, 41; 257 NW2d 73 (1977), Zaagman requires that we give great weight to the findings of the trial judge. In doing so, we cannot say that the ordinance was an arbitrary fiat. There still remain many reasonable uses for which plaintiffs can adapt their property.
Ill
In enacting the ordinance, did the City of South-field exceed its authority under the zoning enabling act, MCL 125.581 et seq.; MSA 5.2931 et seq.?
In Michigan, cities have no inherent power to zone apart from those powers which are granted by the Constitution or the Legislature. Detroit Osteopathic Hospital v City of Southfield, 377 Mich 128, 132; 139 NW2d 728 (1966).
The zoning enabling act provides in part:
"The legislative bodies of cities and villages may regulate and limit the height and bulk of buildings hereafter erected * * *.” MCL 125.582; MSA 5.2932.
Plaintiffs contend that the amended zoning ordinance does not affect the height or bulk of the apartments and therefore exceeds the authority granted under the statute. Plaintiffs argue that the only effect of the regulation is to restrict the use of a portion of the building, and is more properly labeled a construction regulation falling within the State Construction Code Act, MCL 125.1502(l)(k); MSA 5.2949(2)(l)(k). Plaintiffs further argue that since the construction regulation was not enacted with the proper formalities required by the State Construction Code Act, the regulation is void.
Section (l)(k) of the State Construction Code Act, which defines construction regulation, specifically exempts from the definition "a zoning ordinance or rule issued pursuant to a zoning ordinance and related to zoning”. Because the ordinance enacted by the City of Southfield is a valid height restriction within the meaning of the zoning enabling act, plaintiffs’ argument lacks merit.
A building height restriction may be expressed in stories as well as in feet. The amended zoning ordinance has the effect of limiting the height of an apartment building to no greater than two stories and one cellar. A very similar height restriction was upheld by this Court in Sisters of Bon Secours Hospital v City of Grosse Pointe, 8 Mich App 342, 360; 154 NW2d 644 (1967). In that case, the height restriction prohibited buildings higher than three stories or 36 feet above grade, whichever was less. Id., 346, n 3.
We therefore conclude that the amended ordinance is a lawful exercise of the zoning power granted the City of Southfield under the zoning enabling act.
IV
Plaintiffs contend, notwithstanding the determination of the trial court that a writ of mandamus should not issue, that the court erroneously dismissed their claims for damages. We disagree.
With respect to the damage claim against the City of Southfield, the matter is controlled by MCL 600.4431; MSA 27A.4431, which provides:
"Damages and costs may be awarded in an action for mandamus. No damages may be allowed in mandamus against a public officer who, in good faith, acted erroneously.”
Since the trial judge concluded the ordinance was enacted in good faith, any claim for damages against the City of Southfield must be dismissed pursuant to the statute.
The statute is inapplicable as to plaintiffs’ claim for damages against Harry Okrent and others because these parties are not public officers. Nevertheless, the trial judge properly dismissed the damage claim. The trial judge properly concluded that the claim was moot due to his prior decision regarding the mandamus issue. Plaintiffs cannot seek damages for unlawful delay of the apartment project when it is determined that the structures could not be built because of failure to comply with zoning ordinances.
All other issues raised by plaintiffs lack merit.
Affirmed.
Plaintiffs do not contend that mandamus should issue even if the amended ordinances were applicable because in that case there would be no clear legal right to performance of a specific duty. The requirements for a writ of mandamus are set forth in detail in Hessee Realty, Inc v City of Ann Arbor, 61 Mich App 319, 322; 232 NW2d 695 (1975).
Compare the majority opinions in Kropf v Sterling Heights, 391 Mich 139; 215 NW2d 179 (1974), Kirk v Tyrone Twp, 398 Mich 429; 247 NW2d 848 (1976), and the minority opinion of Justice Williams in Sabo v Monroe Twp, 394 Mich 531, 541; 232 NW2d 584 (1975), with the majority opinion in Sabo.
Because we hold that the ordinance was neither an arbitrary fiat nor precluded the plaintiff's from other reasonable uses of the property, we do not find reversible error in plaintiffs’ claim that the trial judge improperly excluded the testimony of one of plaintiffs’ experts, Mr. James Babcock. Mr. Babcock was to testify as to the habitability criteria set forth in the Building Officials & Code Administrators (BOCA) manual, the BOCA manual was admitted into evidence and Mr. Babcock’s testimony was allowed on a special record.
While appellees have not cited it in their brief, we take judicial notice of the fact that MCL 125.583; MSA 5.2933 would provide an alternate ground for upholding the ordinance. That section provides in part:
"The legislative body of cities or villages may limit and restrict the maximum number of families which may be housed in dwellings * ** * erected or altered, and for such purposes divide the city or village into districts of such number, shape and area as may be deemed best suited to carry out the purposes of this section. Such regulations shall be uniform throughout any specified district, but may differ from the regulations adopted for other districts.” | [
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Per Curiam.
This suit arose out of a prior action in Wayne County Circuit Court titled Denolf v Frank L Jursik Co. Previous appeals concerning the original suit are reported at 54 Mich App 584; 221 NW2d 458 (1974), and 395 Mich 661; 238 NW2d 1 (1976). The following facts, taken from the statement of facts in the previous appeals, will serve as a background for the present case. Denolf worked for the Borden Company. Borden rented a milk truck from Automotive Rentals. The truck was equipped with a lift device. The lift was manufactured by the H. S. Watson Company, which sold it to Jursik Company. Jursik Company installed the lift on the milk delivery truck. Denolf was injured while using the lift on October 14, 1969. In Denolfs suit against Jursik, a special verdict was rendered in which the jury answered "No” to the question, "Were plaintiff’s injuries caused because he activated the elevator by moving either of the control handles with his right hand?”
Plaintiff, insurer and subrogee of Jursik, filed the present action against the defendants seeking contribution and indemnity from the named defendants. Defendants Honeywell, Borden, H. S. Watson Company, Watson Atlas Company, and Automotive Rentals filed motions for summary judgment pursuant to GCR 1963, 117.2(1), asserting that the complaint failed to state a claim upon which relief may be granted. The lower court granted the motions for summary judgment as to defendants Honeywell, Borden and Automotive Rentals but denied the motions of H. S. Watson Company and Watson Atlas Company. Also denied was the motion for accelerated judgment filed by Overhead Door Company. Plaintiff is now appealing the summary judgments granted to Honeywell, Borden and Automotive Rentals.
We reverse the lower court’s summary judgment as to Honeywell and affirm as to Borden and Automotive Rentals.
The brief of appellant does not discuss any of its claims or theories against Automotive Rentals or Borden. There is mention of Borden and Automotive Rentals in the statement of 'facts and prayer of the brief but the statement of issues and authorities cited are bereft of any mention of these parties. It is well settled that any issue not briefed and supported on appeal is considered abandoned.
In Froling v Bischoff, 73 Mich App 496, 500; 252 NW2d 832 (1977), this Court held:
" 'It is well settled that mere statement of a position without argument or citation of authority is insufficient to be considered by an appellate court.’ Haynes v Monroe Plumbing & Heating Co, 48 Mich App 707, 719; 211 NW2d 88 (1973).”
Accordingly, the summary judgments granted in favor of Borden and Automotive Rentals are affirmed.
The trial court granted summary judgment to Honeywell for the following reasons:
1. The court held that in the original action, Jursik, plaintiff’s subrogee, was found to be actively negligent and therefore could not seek indemnity from Honeywell.
2. The court held that plaintiff could not seek contribution from Honeywell because Jursik had not "vouched in” Honeywell by notice of the origi nal action; that it had not sought to implead Honeywell as a third-party defendant; nor was Honeywell subject to a joint judgment as required by RJA § 2925(1), MCL 600.2925(1); MSA 27A.2925(1). The court also held that since contribution is equitable in nature, the claim was barred by laches.
The trial court predicated its summary judgment on the issue of indemnity on its statement that after examination of the record of the case and the appellate decisions in Denolf v Jursik, supra, it was persuaded that Jursik was guilty of active negligence and therefore foreclosed from assertion of a claim of indemnity. This finding is apparently based on the jury’s negative response to the special verdict question:
"Were plaintiffs injuries caused because he activated the elevator by moving either of the control handles with his right hand?”
It cannot be concluded from this verdict that the jury found Jursik actively negligent. It only found that Denolf did not cause his own injury by moving the control handles. The complaint in this case specifically avers that Jursik was not actively negligent. Plaintiff is entitled to a trial of this issue. It is axiomatic that this Court must accept as true all well pleaded allegations of the complaint in considering a motion for summary judgment under GCR 117.2(1). Borman’s, Inc v Lake State Development Co, 60 Mich App 175; 230 NW2d 363 (1975), Minster Machine Co v Diamond Stamping Co, 72 Mich App 58; 248 NW2d 676 (1976), Todd v Biglow, 51 Mich App 346; 214 NW2d 733 (1974). If plaintiff can prove that Jursik was not actively negligent, and that defendant was negligent, then it may be indemnified. Dale v Whiteman, 388 Mich 698; 202 NW2d 797 (1972), Nanasi v General Motors Corp, 56 Mich App 652; 224 NW2d 914 (1974), Minster Machine Co v Diamond Stamping Co, supra, and Provencal v Parker, 66 Mich App 431; 239 NW2d 623 (1976).
The more difficult issue arises from Jursik’s failure to notify Honeywell of the pendency of the action against it, either by impleader or other notice.
MCL 600.2925; MSA 27A.2925, now repealed by 1974 PA 318, § 2, was in effect at the time of this suit. It stated,
"Sec. 2925. (1) Whenever a money judgment has been recovered jointly against 2 or more defendants in an action for bodily injury or death resulting therefrom, or property damage, and such judgment has been paid in part or in full by 1 or more of such defendants, each defendant who has paid more than his own pro rata share is entitled to contribution with respect to the excess so paid over and above the pro rata share of the defendant or defendants making such payment. Joint tort-feasors who are summoned in as third party defendants pursuant to court rule may likewise be liable for contribution. No person may be compelled to pay to any other defendant an amount greater than his pro rata share of the entire judgment.
"(3) An insurer of a person jointly or severally liable with 1 or more other persons upon a judgment for the same private wrong, which insurer has on behalf of its insured, discharged the common liability by payment, or has paid more than its insured’s pro rata share thereof, shall be entitled to assert either in its own name or in the name of its insured any right to contribution which such insured would have acquired by such payment.
"(4) Any claim for contribution hereunder must be asserted within 6 months after discharge by such party of the common liability or payment of more than his pro rata share.” (Emphasis added).
The trial court held that Jursik’s failure to implead or notify Honeywell of the former action barred any right to contribution as a matter of law and by application of the equitable doctrine of laches. The court further stated that, while it did not reach the issue because of its finding active negligence as to Jursik, it was disposed to a similar ruling on the issue of indemnity.
The effect of the lower court’s ruling is to create a requirement that in order to assert a right of contribution against a co-tortfeasor, it is necessary to either join that tortfeasor in the initial action or to "vouch in” that co-tortfeasor by notice of the asserted claims. We find no authority to that effect, and are persuaded that the teaching of Moyses v Spartan Asphalt Paving Co, 383 Mich 314; 174 NW2d 797 (1970), is to the contrary.
In Moyses, the Supreme Court considered a case where the principal defendant had attempted to implead a co-tortfeasor and the trial court had, in an appropriate exercise of discretion, denied the motion to implead. The Supreme Court held that this denial could not defeat any substantive right of the principal defendant against the alleged cotortfeasor by way of contribution. In so holding, the Court said, 383 Mich at 333:
"However, should Spartan [the original defendant] give notice to defend, both to the New York and French corporations [the non-parties from whom contribution will later be sought], all of its substantive rights if any as against those corporations will under the foregoing italicized comment be fully protected. For the practice and its effect, see Grant v Maslen (1908), 151 Mich 466 [115 NW 472], and Grand Rapids Lumber Co v Blair (1916), 190 Mich 518 [157 NW 29].”
Examination of the cited cases, Grant v Maslen, supra, and Grand Rapids Lumber Co v Blair, supra, indicates that the procedure of "vouching in” a co-tortfeasor is of tactical significance in indemnity cases because, as stated in Grand Rapids Lumber Co v Blair, 190 Mich at 526:
"In such cases the weight of authority indicates that a former judgment against the indemnitee, in which notice of the litigation is not given to the party who may be liable over, is adequate to create a right of action against the latter, and admissible as prima facie proof of his liability, though the omission to give notice gives him the right to make any defense which he could have made in the former action, with the burden of proof shifted to him.”
Thus, it is apparent that the Supreme Court in Moyses, supra, did not intend that failure of notice of a claim against a principal defendant to a cotortfeasor would bar a right to claim contribution. The opinion strongly implies that the right will survive, without notice, and indicates the tactical effect of giving notice. In this regard it should be noted that there is no showing in the opinion in Moyses, supra, that the alleged co-tortfeasors had ever been given any notice of the existence of the claim against the principal defendant Spartan. The opinion of the Supreme Court was published in 1970 and the original accident giving rise to the cause of action occurred in 1965. In view of this perception of the holding in Moyses, supra, we do not feel that it is appropriate to accept Honeywell’s invitation to create a judicially made rule requiring notice to a co-tortfeasor of the pendency of an action against the principal defendant as a predicate of a right to contribution upon payment of judgment.
In this cause the action for contribution against Honeywell was commenced within six months of the payment of the judgment against Jursik, and therefore is within the requirements of MCL 600.2925(4). The action is not barred by statute of limitations and Moyses, supra, has held that a joint judgment is not required to assert a right of contribution.
Honeywell contends, and the trial court held, that any claim of contribution must be barred by laches. There is no showing in the record of this cause of any hardship or inequity that is inflicted on Honeywell other than the passage of time. There is compliance with the applicable statute of limitations, and the trial court’s holding on this issue is not documented by sufficient facts to sustain application of the doctrine of laches as a bar to the complaint.
The summary judgment as to Honeywell is reversed; the summary judgment as to Borden and Automotive Rentals is affirmed.
The new act, MCL 600.2925a(5); MSA 27A.2925(1)(5), specifically requires notice and opportunity to defend as elements of the statutory right to contribution. | [
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Champlin, J.
The defendants were arrested on a warrant issued by William L. Phillips, a justice of the peace, on complaint of K. P. Peet, for the larceny of one buggy-pole and five sheep, the property of one John Kipp. A trial was had and the defendants were convicted and appealed to the circuit court of Gratiot county. The record discloses the fact that the complaint states the value of the property alleged to have been stolen to be twenty dollars, while the warrant, at tlie time of the trial before the justice, omitted to state any value. When the case came on for trial in the circuit the counsel for defendants moved the court to quash the proceedings and discharge the defendants for the reason that the property alleged in the warrant to have been stolen was not alleged to have any value, which motion was sustained by the court; and thereupon the prosecuting attorney asked of the court leave to amend the warrant by inserting the words “all of the value of twenty dollars,” which was granted, against the objection of the defendants that the court had no power to amend, and that the case must be tried upon the same charge as in the justice’s court.
In cases of crimes triable before a justice of the peace it is necessary that the offense for which the prisoner is tried must be stated in the warrant. This is not only implied from the language of the statute, which says that “the charge made against the accused, as stated in the warrant of arrest, shall be distinctly read to him,” and if the accused pleads “not guilty,” the court is to “proceed to try such issue,” but it must appear upon the face of the warrant that the justice has jurisdiction to try the case. This jurisdiction in cases of larceny depends upon the value of the property stolen. The value of the property alleged to be stolen is a substantial allegation, and not a mere formal one, and is regarded as “of the essence of the offense.” Merwin v. People 26 Mich. 305.
No offense known to tlie law was charged in the warrant under which the accused was tried before the justice. Doubtless it was within the province of the justice to have permitted an amendment by inserting the value of the property before trial as fully as a circuit court might permit an amendment of an indictment or information in this respect before trial. People v. Donald 48 Mich. 493. But this cannot be done by the circuit court in a case appealed from a justice’s court. If the circuit court' permits an amendment so as to allege the value of the property to be less than twenty-five dollars, he creates an offense within the exclusive jurisdiction of a justice of the peace, and one for which the accused has not been tried, while, if the court should insert a value exceeding twenty-five dollars, the offense would not be cognizable before a justice, and could not be tried in the circuit because the accused would not have had a preliminary examination before a justice upon that offense.
The defect pointed out in the warrant was fatal, and the accused should have been discharged.
There are other errors in the record which would call for a reversal, but, as the one above mentioned fully disposes of the case, they need not be noticed.
The conviction is reversed and the accused discharged.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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Champlin, J.
Previous to February, 1883, the plaintiff owned one hundred and twenty acres of land near the city of Lansing, known as the “ Dart farm,” upon which was a mortgage of $2500, given in 18Y8 to a Mrs. Dunham of Tpsilanti. The mortgage drew interest at the rate of eight per cent., payable semi-annually, and the interest was in arrear since April 4, 18Y9, and on February 1, 1883, the amount due on the mortgage was something over $3350.
The defendant, at the date first above mentioned, owned a piece of land near Ohesaning, and on the first of February, 1883, the plaintiff and defendant traded farms. In the trade the Dart farm was considered as worth $5500. The exact amount due to Mrs. Dunham was at that time unknown to the parties. In the trade, the defendant conveyed to plaintiff the Ohesaning land, assigned some mortgages he held upon other lands, paid some money, and assumed and agreed to pay $3300- of the Dunham mortgage, if the mortgage amounted to that sum at that date; if it should be less than that sum he was to pay plaintiff the difference.
The deed executed by the plaintiff and delivered to defend, ant, which bore date February 1, 1883, was an ordinary warranty deed, in which he covenanted to warrant and defend the premises against all lawful claims, except the above-mentioned mortgage and except as to the unpaid taxes on the land for the year 1882. It also contained the following agreement:
“ This conveyance being made subject to a certain mortgage given by Pollin O. Dart to Eliza B. Dunham, October 8th, 18Y8, for twenty-five hundred dollars, upon which said mortgage there is due at this date the sum of three thousand and three hundred dollars, and if this last-mentioned amount shall vary from said amount, the parties hereto agree to make the difference good to the other, which said mortgage the said party of the second part hereby assumes and agrees to pay as a part of the consideration.”
It is claimed that one L. A. Barnes of Ypsilanti, was Mrs; Dunham’s agent, and had charge of collecting the interest dne upon the mortgage. The trade, wliiph was consummated on February 1, 1883, had been preceded by negotiations between plaintiff and defendant, and was made to turn upon the question whether, in case such trade was made, an extension of time could be obtained of three or four years at seven per cent, in which to pay the mortgage. Accordingly on December 20, 1882, the plaintiff addressed to Mr. Barnes the following letter:
“Lansing, December 26, 18S2.
L. A. Barnes, Esq. — Dear Sir : I have an opportunity to dispose of the Dart farm for $6000, and the party would like to make a new mortgage to you for Mrs. Dunham’s claim in round numbers of $3300. I will take a second mortgage of a thousand. The party buying wants to use some considerable money in improvements, as there is not much of a house and no barn on the premises at present. For this reason I would prefer to let your claim stand at its present amount. The interest he would pay annnalty at seven per cent., and make principal due in three or four years. If you will make the loan as above indicated, please notify me by return mail, and I will proceed with the deal. Mrs. Dunham’s mortgage will be gilt-edged, as the farm is really worth in its present condition much more than I am selling it for, and of course the improvements would add materially to the present value. Please answer by return mail that I may govern myself accordingly.”
To which he replied under date of December 30, 1882, as follows :
“ Ypsilanti, December 30, 1882.
James J. Baird, Esq. — Dear Sir : I am in receipt of your favor of the 26th inst. In reply will say that Mrs. Dunham will take a new mortgage for the amount you suggest on three, four or five years’ time at seven per cent, interest. Have been absent from home for the last three days; returned only this evening; hence the delay in answering, which I trust you will excuse. Expect to be in Lansing soon, and will arrange the matter with you. Please let me hear from you, and oblige.”
When the parties closed the trade on February 1, 1883, the plaintiff left in defendant’s hands fifty dollars with which to adjust the excess of interest over $3300, which defendant had assumed, with the understanding that whatever way the amount might vary from that sum, the parties would make the difference good to the other, as stipulated in the deed. On ■the same day defendant addressed to Mr. Barnes the following letter:
“Lansing, Micii., February 1, 1S83.
L. A. Barnes, Esq., Ypsilanti, Mich. — Dear Sir : I have purchased of Mr. Baird, the partner of B. O. Dart, the 120 acres of land near this city, upon which Mrs. Dunham holds a mortgage of $2500 given October 8, 1878, by B. O. Dart. I have your letter of October 30, 1882, in which you state that the interest on said mortgage has been paid up to April 4, 1879, and that the interest due up to November 4,1882, is $758.07, and that would make the interest at seven per cent, from November 4, 1882.
I have paid fifty dollars per acre for this place, or $6000, and it shall be my purpose to pay the mortgage as soon as possible and first to pay the interest and reduce the mortgage to $2500, provided you will make all future interest seven per cent. I would like to let the mortgage remain and pay it as fast as possible, and I think I can very soon reduce it to $3000. I have held from Mr. Baird a reserve, as I did not know just vdiat Mrs. Dunham’s mortgage amounted to, and will you please give the amount of interest due up to February 1, 1883, and tell me if yon will make future interest seven per cent, and give me a little time to pay the interest.
I am, yours very respectfully.”
Mr. Barnes was in Lansing somewhere between the 20th and 24th of February, and there met the plaintiff, and together they went to the office of defendant, where a rough estimate of the amount due upon the mortgage was made3 but the note and mortgage were not present and no pretense is made that it was an accurate statement of the amount due. By the figuring there made, the note and mortgage amounted to $3302.42. The defendant requested Mr. Barnes to enter into a written contract to the effect that this sum was the amount due upon the note and mortgage on February 1? and also embodying the agreement to extend the time of payment and reduction of interest to seven per cent. He says that he was aware at the time that Mr. Barnes had made a mistake in figuring the interest, and wished to have the agreement as to the amount to be qiaid, in writing, so that there could be no dispute thereafter, and after he should pay over to plaintiff the balance of the fifty dollars. Mr. Barnes made an engagement to call in the afternoon at defendant’s office and enter into a contract, and defendant proceeded to draw one up. But Mr. Bai'nes concluded to leave on the noon train for home, and so informed the plaintiff, and he in turn informed the defendant, and requested him to forward the contract, which defendant did, and also enclosed his certified check for $2.42 for excess of amount due over $3300. After arriving, home Mr. Barnes, on making a computation of the amount due on the note and mortgage, discovered his mistake, and refused to accept the $2.42 aJs payment in full in excess of $3300, and refused to sign the contract, and so informed defendant at Ypsilanti, when defendant called on him in regard to the matter. The exact amount due upon the note and mortgage for principal and interest February I, 1883, was $3357.38.
The plaintiff claims that, by -what transqiired in defendant’s office between himself, defendant and Mr. Barnes, the amount due on the note and mortgage was adjusted at $3302.42, and that the defendant was thereby obligated to pay him the balance of the purchase money left in his hands to adjust the amount of the mortgage, amounting to $47.58 ; that it is immaterial that the true amount exceeded that sum; that Barnes agreed to take that sum as a concession, and on account of plaintiff’s having purchased some outstanding tax titles which enured to the benefit of the mortgagee.
The agreement contained in the deed was in the nature of an indemnity to the defendant against his paying any amount in excess of what he had assumed as a part of the consideration, namely, $3300. To cany out that agreement for indemnity the fifty dollars was placed in his hands. The question, therefore, was, What was the amount Mrs. Dunham was entitled to claim, as of the date of February 1st, 1883? The correspondence above referred to shows that the actual amount due at that time was the material question, and such amount was what the parties had in view when they made the deed. There is not the least testimony which tends to prove that, prior to the meeting of the parties in Mr. Randall’s office there was any concession claimed or expected would be made from the actual amount due. Unless what occurred at that time concludes Mrs. Dunham, and prevents her from insisting upon being paid the amount actually due to her upon her note and mortgage, she is entitled to receive the principal and accrued interest to that time. In order to deprive her of the right to the payment of this sum, there must have been some valid agreement entered into by her, by which she has remitted the excess over $3302.12. The burthen of proof was upon the plaintiff to show this fact. He was required to show a definite agreement, mutually understood, based upon a sufficient consideration.
Now, under the evidence in this case, two essential elements were lacking to make out such agreement: (1st) The authority of Barnes as agent to make such agreement; and (2d) the consideration to support it. No evidence whatever was introduced or offered to show the nature or extent of the authority of Barnes to act as agent for Mrs. Dunham. The only testimony of any agency whatever is that he acted, with reference to this transaction, in that capacity. Whether he had any authority from her, or, if so, whether it was general. or special, was not shown. All he did and said might have been self-assumed, and without authority from her, so far as this record shows. There was no consideration proved which would support a promise to take less than the amount actually due upon the debt. The fact that the plaintiff, who was at one time the owner of the legal title, and had conveyed by warranty deed to the defendant, had purchased outstanding tax titles without consultation with or request of Mrs. Dunham, the mortgagee, was not a sufficient considera tion to support tlie alleged promise, and no other was claimed or pretended.
The second and fifth requests, of defendant’s counsel covered these defects in the plaintiff’s case, and should have been given. The learned circuit judge, in submitting the case to- the jury, seems to have lost sight of the true relation of the parties to the suit as evidenced by the deed, namely, that plaintiff stood in the relation of guarantor to defendant of the amount there should be found due upon the mortgage over $3300; and it is plain upon this record that no. new contract has been made between these parties which has changed that relation. The circuit judge in his charge gave the following instructions: “Now, gentlemen, I charge you this in regard to the matter, that it does not concern us here now whether that was the true amount that was due upon that mortgage, provided the defendant has stated here, —that his evidence amounts to that, — that it was so fixed upon by Mr. Barnes, the agent, at that time. In other words, that he cannot be allowed to deny his own statement by proof of facts that are different from what he states them to be; he can’t go back on his own testimony in that way, and will be bound by it in spite of whatever might have been the fact in regard to the true computation of this mortgage.” It was error for the judge to state to the jury that the evidence of the defendant amounted to a statement that it was so fixed upon by Mr. Barnes, the agent, at that time. It was the province of the jury to determine the effect of the evidence, and whether it amounted to a statement that the amount was fixed upon by Mr. Barnes. It was also erroneous and misleading to instruct the jury in the other words quoted above.
Under the defendant’s theory of the case, and upon the evidence given upon the trial, it was competent' for defendant to prove, either by his own testimony or that of other witnesses, that a mistake was made in the computation by Mr. Barnes as to the amount due upon the mortgage, and that the real amount due was greater than Barnes computed it, and that the owner insisted on being paid the true amount. For, unless the mortgagee was bound by the mistake made, — and no reason is shown why she should be, — or, as before stated, she entered into a valid agreement, made by her authority, to take the sum of $3302.42, it was both proper and right for the defendant to show the true computation of the amount due upon the note and mortgage. It is proven, beyond question, that the computation made of the amount due at the time the parties met in Mr. Randall’s office was a mistake, and it is not open to serious question upon this record that such computation is not binding or conclusive upon Mrs. Dunham ; and it is difficult to see by what rule of right such mistake is made to absolve plaintiff from his agreement to indemnify defendant against the amount he is obliged to pay Mrs. Dunham over the amount assumed by him as between plaintiff and himself.
The judgment must be reversed and a new trial ordered.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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Bashara, P.J.
Defendant appeals from a judgment in favor of plaintiffs, the co-executors of the estate of George Mantho, deceased. The defendant, an attorney, and the co-executors entered into an agreement to purchase the law practice of the decedent.
The only disputed area of the contract is that portion intended to compensate decedent’s estate for services rendered but not billed at the time of his death. The applicable section provides, in pertinent part:
"Robert L. Coopes does agree to pay * * * to the Corporation an amount equal to Twenty (20%) percent of all funds received by him pursuant to the retainers presently on the books of Law Offices George Gregory Mantho Professional Corporation and this payment shall continue for a period of four (4) years from the date hereof. Additionally, this shall include those retainers which have not been specifically cancelled.” (Emphasis in original.)
The above formula was developed because the decedent specialized in labor negotiation, with the bulk of his practice on a written or oral retainer.
There was a general failure to keep basic time records of work performed. Consequently, there appeared to be little correlation between monthly retainer billings and the work actually performed.
Before the contract was finalized, counsel for the State Bar Grievance Board was consulted. While he made it clear that his advice did not constitute the official position of the Grievance Board, his suggestion that the parties use the word "retainers” rather than the word "clients” was adopted. The reasoning of counsel was that under the Code of Professional Responsibility, an attorney’s fiduciary relationship with a client could not be sold.
The contract was signed by the parties on August 15, 1973, and defendant commenced work at decedent’s office on September 1, 1973. The defendant discontinued making payments to the estate in May of 1974, well before the specified four-year period. He claimed that all decedent’s work had been completed and retainers ended. He acknowl edged that 20% of $77,283.34, or $15,456.67, was still due to the estate.
The trial judge, in a thorough and well written opinion, held the contract valid in its entirety, and awarded plaintiffs 20% of $641,458.32, or $128,291.66. In arriving at the gross figure, the court included reimbursed expenses as well as fees.
During the course of the proceedings, the trial court did not allow defendant to introduce parol evidence. However, the learned trial judge allowed a special record of the proffered evidence to be kept for purposes of review.
Three questions are presented for resolution, and will be dealt with seriatim.
I
Was the "Work Completed” section of the contract valid in light of the Code of Professional Responsibili ty?
The interpretation of DR 3-102(A)(2) of the Code of Professional Responsibility is one of first impression. The applicable portion of that section provides:
"(A) a lawyer or law firm shall not share legal fees with a non-lawyer, except that * * * (2) A lawyer who undertakes to complete unfinished legal business of a deceased lawyer may pay to the estate of the deceased lawyer that proportion of the total compensation which fairly represents the services rendered by the deceased lawyer.”
The negative corollary to DR 3-102(A)(2) is that the estate is not entitled to any good will generated by the law practice. Good will is here defined as the value assigned to the expectation of future business. Presumably, the transfer of good will would result in higher fees being charged to clients in order to compensate the attorney for his purchase of that commodity. The prohibition of the sale of good will also prevents the estate from selling the law practice to the highest bidder.
The validity of the contract under DR 3-102(A)(2) depends on whether there was an attempted transfer of good will by the estate. We hold that there was no transfer of good will.
Because the decedent did not keep time records of his work performed, the parties had no alternative but to estimate the value of his services. Defendant, who proposed the contract, agreed to pay 20% of retainers on the books over a four-year period. There is nothing in the record to indicate that this was not a reasonable method of compensating the estate. Indeed, as evidenced by their meeting with counsel for the Grievance Board, the parties appeared to be extremely sensitive to the ethical considerations involved.
Defendant argues that all work undertaken by decedent had been completed by May 1974, and that all retainers had ended. Defendant contends that to give the estate 20% of retainers which he renewed would violate DR 3-102(A)(2).
Allowing the estate 20% of renewed retainers does not violate DR 3-102(A)(2) because the formula was merely a way of compensating the estate for past services performed by decedent. It is rea sonable to assume that amounts collected by defendant from September 1, 1973, to May 1974 on retainers executed by the decedent represented more than compensation to the defendant for work performed. Paying the estate over a four-year period represented a form of installment payments. The rule of construction that a contract will be strictly construed against the drafter needs no citation.
In holding that the above agreement does not violate DR 3-102(A)(2), we do not impose a general rule. Courts faced with similar agreements must analyze them on a case-by-case basis and construe them in light of the broad policy against the transfer of good will.
II
Did the trial judge properly exclude the parol evidence offered by the defendant?
Our examination of the record indicates that the evidence should have been admitted. The test for its admissibility in Michigan "is whether the proffered parol evidence is inconsistent with the written language”, Union Oil Co of California v Newton, 397 Mich 486, 488; 245 NW2d 11 (1976), NAG Enterprises, Inc v All State Industries, Inc, 85 Mich App 194, 199; 270 NW2d 738 (1978).
Defendant offered the parol evidence to show that the work completed section was ambiguous with regard to the meaning of "retainers on the books” and "funds”. Defendant claimed that "retainers on the books” meant retainers for which either a written or oral agreement had been reached with clients. Defendant claimed that "funds” did not include reimbursed expenses. Nei ther of defendant’s proposals is inconsistent with the written contract language.
The trial judge concluded that "retainers on the books” meant clients for whom decedent had ever opened a file. Black’s Law Dictionary (4th ed), p 1479, defines "retainer” as the "Act of the client in employing his attorney or counsel, and also denotes the fee which the client pays when he retains the attorney to act for him, and thereby prevents him from acting for his adversary”. (Citations omitted.) The definition of "retainer” as found in Black’s Law Dictionary is clearly more restrictive than the definition applied by the trial court. Of course, the parties could themselves agree to a liberal definition of the word "retainer”, and there is evidence in the record that they did agree to a different definition, since the original draft of the agreement used the word "clients” instead of "retainers”. Indeed, the parties employed the word "retainers” at the suggestion of Grievance Board counsel to avoid ethical improprieties. However, in order for the word "retainer” to encompass "clients”, the trial judge would have to use parol evidence to take into account the preformation draft and discussions.
With respect to the use of the word "funds”, the defendant’s claim that "funds” does not include reimbursed expenses is not inconsistent and parol evidence was admissible for clarification.
Ill
Did the trial judge properly interpret the contract?
Defendant claims that the trial judge erred in interpreting the phrase "retainers currently on the books” as encompassing any client for which the Mantho office had ever opened a file. We agree. In making this determination, we are guided by the rule of construction that a contract will not be construed so as to make it illegal if such construction can be reasonably avoided. Millen v Potter, 190 Mich 262, 273; 157 NW 101 (1916). The parties specifically changed the word "clients” in the initial contract draft to the word "retainers”. If defendant had purchased "clients”, there is a high likelihood that the contract would be void as against public policy.
"Clients are not merchandise. Lawyers are not tradesmen. They have nothing to sell but personal service. An attempt therefore, to barter in clients, would appear to be inconsistent with the best concepts of our professional status.” Committee on Professional Ethics of the New York County Lawyers’ Association, Opinion 109 (1943).
We hold in accordance with the plain meaning of the contract that "retainers on the books” means oral or written retainer contracts existing as of the time the contract was signed.
The contract also provided for payment by the defendant of 20% of all "funds” received by him pursuant to retainers. The trial court held that "funds” includes reimbursed expenses. The question is significant because one of decedent’s retainer clients, National Steel Carriers Association, had reimbursed costs over the four-year period of $184,562.37. The National Steel Carriers’ contract was unique in that the reimbursed expenses, pursuant to a special billing arrangement, included amounts for fixed overhead of the Mantho office. Ordinarily, reimbursed expenses are for variable or out-of-pocket expenses such as filing fees and travel expenses. The record indicates that the special billing arrangement for the National Steel Carriers was made because of the relatively large sums involved in the retainer contract. When the contract was originally negotiated with the Man-tho office, the parties felt that the cost would be more palatable if amounts for fixed overhead were billed as reimbursed expenses.
Because there was testimony on both sides of this issue, we would ordinarily not attempt to modify the sound discretion of the trial judge. However, as previously stated, we must at all times construe the agreement so as not to violate the policy against the transfer of good will.
DR 3-102(A)(2) entitles the estate of the deceased to be compensated for "work performed” by the deceased. There is too tenuous a relationship between work performed and out-of-pocket reimbursed expenses. Out-of-pocket expenses of the defendant can in no way be considered work performed by decedent. The estate acknowledges this but argues, as they did with renewal retainer agreements, that the reimbursements are merely installment payments for decedent’s past services. We cannot agree.
Payments on retainer contracts over the four-year period were expressly required by the sales agreement. Reimbursed expenses are not expressly called for by the contract. We cannot apply the rule of construction that requires ambiguous contracts to be construed against the drafter where such construction runs against the policy of a disciplinary rule.
We have distinguished out-of-pocket reimbursed expenses from other reimbursed expenses, specifically the reimbursed expenses of the National Steel Carriers’ contract and any other contracts billed in a similar manner. This distinction is based on the fact that virtually all attorney fees constitute a partial reimbursement of expenses to the extent they contribute to fixed overhead. Fixed overhead includes such items as employee wages, rent, equipment rental, etc.
Under the present contract, we conclude that plaintiffs are entitled to 20% of all fees collected on retainer contracts, plus any reimbursed expenses which constitute contributions to fixed overhead.
We remand to the trial court for proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Two other disciplinary rules in addition to DR 3-102(A)(2) would seem to adopt a policy against the transfer of good will. DR 4-101 (Confidences and Secrets), and DR 2-103 (Prohibition of Solicitation). See Pirsig and Kirwin, Professional Responsibility (3d ed), p 176 (1976).
For an excellent discussion of the ethical considerations associated with the sale of a law firm, see generally Sterrett, The Sale of a Law Practice, 121 U Pa L Rev 306 (1972); Note, The Death of a Lawyer, 56 Colum L Rev 606 (1956). | [
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Morse, C. J.
The plaintiff and appellee brought an action of ejectment in the circuit court for the county of Isabella to recover lots 3 and 4 in block 24 of the village of Mount Pleasant. Plaintiff, who was then owner in fee of the premises, mortgaged these lots, together with other property situated in the village of Isabella, to defendant Stevenson, November 3, 1868. Iler husband joined with her in the mortgage. At the time the mortgage was executed these lots were inclosed by a fence on the outside, and cultivated as one pai-cel by the plaintiff, who lived upon a lot in Isabella. N> house was on these lots, and there has never been any building erected upon them. Default having been made in the payment of the mortgage debt, the mortgaged premises were sold to defendant Stevenson, September 4, 1869, upon a foreclosure by advertisement. The sheriff’s deed shows that these lots were sold together in one parcel and bid in for $400, and the property in the village of Isabella was sold together and bid in for $200. N°ne of the property has ever been redeemed from said sale, nor has any offer been made to pay the amount due upon the mortgage, or to redeem any portion of the lands. At the date of the foreclosure of the mortgage plaintiff was living in the village of Isabella, about two miles north of the lots in question in this suit, and knew when it was foreclosed. She lived on the property in Isabella about a year and a half after the foreclosure sale, when she moved to Mount Pleasant, where she has since resided. Neither she nor her husband forbade the sale under the mortgage. She has lived, since she has been in Mount Pleasant, within two or three blocks of these lots, but has never said anything to defendant Stevenson about the invalidity of the mortgage, or demanded possession of the property. Stevenson has been in possession of the lots ever since the expiration of the time of redemption, and has cultivated them for a gardenThc plaintiff testified that she was aware of this, but had not herself, or by any one else, made any objection to it in any way.
Upon the trial, it was admitted by counsel for the respective parties thatjplaintiff was the owner of the lots at the date of the mortgage, and that defendants had been in possession under the mortgage sale, or claimed an interest in the premises, and plaintiff thereupon rested her case. Upon defendants’taking the case it was admitted by her counsel that plaintiff never had any homestead rights in these lots, and thereupon defendants introduced in evidence the mortgage from plaintiff to defendant Stevenson, the deed made and executed by the sheriff upon the foreclosure sale, the notice of the sale attached thereto, the affidavit of the .sheriff and the certificate of acknowledgment and record of the same. Plaintiff’s counsel objected to this proof, (1st) because notice of sale stated [that mortgage was executed by A. K. Yale and Mary E. Yale, his wife, and did not specify that her interest was to be sold, and apt language was expressly used that her interest in the sale was merely as his wife; (2nd) because the lots were described separately, and they should have been sold as described, separately, but the deed showed they were sold and bid off in a lump for $100, and all the balance for $200. The court received the evidence at the time it was offered, and plaintiff’s counsel excepted ; but when the testimony was closed the court came to the conclusion that the sale was irregular and void, for the reason that the lots wore not sold separately; and also that it was not necessary for plaintiff, under the testimony, to have given notice to quit before bringing suit, and directed a verdict for the plaintiff.
The defendants claim (1) that the foreclosure sale was not void ; (2) that if it was, the plaintiff was not entitled to recover in this case without having first demanded possession of the property, of defendants or some of them ; and (3) that the plaintiff could not, in this action, introduce testimony to show that the mortgage was discharged before its foreclosure.
The plaintiff introduced evidence, under the objection o.f defendants’ counsel, tending to show that one McLaren, an agent of defendant Stevenson, obtained her signature to the mortgage to release a span of horses of her husband, upon which Stevenson held a chattel mortgage, and that this release of the horses was the sole consideration for the real-estate mortgage; and that afterwards Stevenson foreclosed the chattel mortgage, and took the horses thereon in fraud of this agreement to release, upon which the real-estate mortgage was based.
It also appeared by the evidence of defendant Stevenson that about six months after the foreclosure sale the plaintiff and her husband left the property in the village of Isabella, and one Grinnell moved upon it, claiming title adversely to plaintiff; that when the sale took place plaintiff ceased to occupy the lots in question in this suit, or to pay taxes thereon ; that he (Stevenson) at once took possession, and the spring after the sale took out the stumps, repaired the fence, and has occupied and cultivated them as a garden and paid taxes upon them every year since, without any objection or hostile claim from any source whatever; that the first he knew that it was claimed the foreclosure proceedings were invalid or that the plaintiff claimed the property, was when he was served with the declaration in this case.
The defendant Joshua Ivison bought the lots of defendant Stevenson, May 15th 1881, upon a contract of purchase, without, as he testified, ever hearing that plaintiff or any one besides defendant Stevenson claimed the property, and that no one ever interfei-ed with his possession or demanded possession of him. This suit was brought May 26, 1881.
The defendants’ counsel also requested the court to instruct the jury as follows:
“ If the jury find that upon the foreclosure sale of the real estate in question the plaintiff voluntarily quit the possession and occupancy of the property described in the mortgage and yielded up the possession thereof to defendant Stevenson, and rented a portion of it, to wit, the property in Isabella village, of defendant Stevenson, and continued in possession of the same with her husband for a period of about six months as tenant, paying him, Stevenson, rent therefor, and since then defendant Stevenson has continued to occupy and cultivate the property described in the declaration continuously up to the time of the sale to defendant Ivison, and with the knowledge and permission of plaintiff, the plaintiff is not entitled to recover, not having demanded the possession thereof of defendants, or either “of them.”
As it is conceded that all the property described in this mortgage belonged to the wife, we think the form of the mortgage, or the notice of sale xxnder it, describing plaintiff as the wife of Abram IL Yale, did not invalidate the mortgage, or the sale of the premises under it. It conveyed her interest as absolutely as if her husband had not joined with her. Her interest in the lots was a title in fee, and having no dower interest therein it must be presumed that when she executed the mortgage she knew what she was conveying.
The sale of these two lots fenced and used as one parcel at the time the mortgage was given, and so used and occupied ever since, was not void under the statute in force at the time of sale. They were not separate and distinct, as the parcels or tracts sold in the cases of Lee v. Mason 10 Mich. 403 and Udell v. Kahn 31 Mich. 198, but come clearly under the decision of this Court in Larzelere v. Starkweather 38 Mich. 96, which was a foreclosure sale made befox’e the amendment to the statute in 1875. The evidence shows that in this case, as in that, these lots were “ held, occupied and wox’ked ” as one parcel.
The mortgage sale therefore being regular, in our opinion the plaintiff could not in this action attack the mortgage either as fraudulent in its inception, or on the ground that it had been discharged before its foreclosure. Her remedy in such case would be, if not lost by laches, in a court of equity.
In this view of the case it is not necessary to notice the other errors complained of. The circuit judge should have directed a verdict for the defendants.
The judgment of the court below is reversed with costs of botli courts, and the record herein remanded to the circuit court for the county of Isabella for such further proceedings as may be desired to be taken under the statute.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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Champlin, J.
This is a bill .of review, filed by the complainant as administrator de bonis non with the will annexed, of the estate of Richard P. Barker, deceased. To this bill the defendant filed a general demurrer, which was overruled by the court, and .the defendant appealed. The bill of complaint abounds in redundant matter, which'makes it somewhat .difficult to arrive at the substantial merits relied upon by ■complainant as a'ground of review, but in-disposing of the case we shall take the' statement of what the bill alleges as presented by the complainant in.his brief filed 'in this cause, .which is as follows :
“ Richard P. Barker died intestate on the 15th day of -September, A. D. 1873, leaving a last will and testament; that Phcebe S. Barker was duly appointed administratrix, with the will annexed, and subsequently died, and Laban Harter was. appointed administrator de bonis non with the will annexed;-that on the 22d day of July, A. D. 1876, .Henrietta Barker, of the city of Niles, in the county of Berrien and State of Michigan, exhibited her bill of complaint in the circuit court for the county of Berrien, in chancery, against James II. Barber, Walter Barker, Lewis F. Barker, the heirs, and Laban Harter, administrator, etc., of the estate of Richard P. Barker, deceased, and set forth that on the 21st day of April, 1869, said Richard P. Barker was indebted for borrowed money, and otherwise, to Smith Barker, surviving guardian of ’James FI. Barker, Walter Barker, Lewis F. Barker and Henrietta Barker, and gave him, said Smith Barker, á promissory note for $8000, and to secure -the payment of said ’note, gave a mortgage to said Smith Barker on certain lands therein described, but that said note and mortgage had been lost; that said Smith Barker died the 18th day of J une, 1873, intestate; at'the city of !N ew York, and on the 29th-day of May, A. _D. 1876, Lewis F. Barker was appointed administrator of his estate by the probate court of Berrien county, Michigan, and thus became entitled to assign .said mortgage to Henrietta Barker, which lie did; and further, that by reason of certain -payments, settlements, and delivery of things of "value, duly made, James H. Barker and Lewis F. Barker have ceased to have any interest, if any they ever had, in the aforesaid mortgage and the moneys- therein mentioned, ánd that the whole of the principal and interest that remains unpaid on said note and mortgage belongs, in equity, to said Henrietta Barker, and she has long been, in equity, entitled to the money thereof; and that on the 19th day of July, A. D. 1876, at the city of Niles, said Lewis F. Barker, administrator as aforesaid, for and in consideration of the sum of $100, assigned said note and mortgage, and all that remained unpaid therein, amounting to $3000 ; that the real estate of said Richard P. Barker was devised in trust for said James H. Barker, Walter Barker, Lewis F. Barker and Henrietta Barker. This bill was taken as confessed against the said Laban Harter, administrator, and a decree of foreclosure was duly entered thereon; that said Laban Harter remained administrator of said estate until the 29th day of January, 1885, when he was removed, and on the 26th day of February, 1885, complainant was duly appointed in his 6tead ; that a claim by Mary C. Brown against said estate for the sum of $1575.50, and another by John G-. Saxe for $633.83, were allowed ; that these creditors filed, a bill to enjoin said Henrietta Barker from selling under her decree said mortgaged premises, which injunction still remains in force ; that said Laban Harter was repeatedly importuned to .appear and defend against said bill of complaint, and was advised that said mortgage and note was not a bona fide claim, and that a portion of said land was, at the date of said mortgage, a homestead right, and that the mortgage was not signed by the wife of llichard P. Barker, and was therefore void ; that said Laban Harter refused to do anything, and did not do anything, in -the matter, and that repeated efforts were made to procure his resignation or removal, but to no avail; that an order of the probate court, requiring him to proceed to sell the real estate of.said estate was made; that said Harter petitioned said probate court for license; that the same was granted, but that said Harter proceeded no farther, and when requested by the creditors to proceed, ‘returned false, snubbing, and insulting refusals; ’ that there was a conspiracy existing between complainant, Henrietta Barker, Laban Harter and Lewis F. Barker to prevent the creditors of said estate from realizing their claims from the assets of said estate.”
These, the counsel for complainant states, are the substantial' facts as set forth in this bill for review. The relief asked is that the decree made in the foreclosure suit may he reviewed, reversed and set aside, and no farther proceedings taken thereon, and the said mortgage be declared void, and the bill to foreclose the same dismissed, and for general relief.
The demurrer to this bill is well taken. The complainant shows no right or interest in haying the mortgage declared void except as administrator of the estate of the mortgagor. He only claims to act in the interest of creditors, and this infer-en tially, as no statement is made in the bill of complaint that he has been applied to by any of the creditors of the estate of Hichard P. Barker to bring this suit, and in no event would he be .authorized to institute the suit unless there was a deficiency of assets in his hands and in the hands of his predecessors in the trust, to satisfy the debts or obligations existing against the estate. How. Stat. §§ 58S4, 5885. The bill contains no such averment.
The decree overruling the demurrer must be reversed and the bill dismissed with costs.
The other Justices conc.urred. | [
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Morse, C. J.
Action of replevin for the recovery, ot the possession of two black steers, grade Galloways, two years-old. Defendant attempted to justify his claim under a justice’s judgment, execution and levy, and for that purpose-offered in evidence the following entry of a judgment upon the docket of Jared H. Gay, a justice of the peace, to wit::
“ 1F«?-. B. O. Sands and Edgar O. Maxwell, Plaintiffs, v. Lorenzo C. Mudge, Defendant.
1884, July 23rd. Issued summons returnable 30th instant at 10 o’clock in the forenoon at my office, in the township of Crystal, said county of Oceana.
July 23rd. Summons returned personally served on the 23rd instant by David R. Yaples, constable. Fees, 45c.
Plaintiffs appeared by James Brassington, their attorney^ who swore to his authority. The defendant not appearing, the plaintiff declares orally in trespass on the case upon promises, 'and upon all matters provable under common counts, to their damage of three hundred dollars or under.
"Witness sworn for the plaintiff, I. C. Harwood. Whereupon I waited one hour and five minutes. After hearing the testimony I thereupon rendered judgment against the defendant for ninety and 14-100ths dollars damages and two and 70-100ths dollars costs.
Wm. B. O. Sands and Edgar G. Maxwell, the plaintiffs in-above cause, at the time of rendering this judgment applied for an execution, based upon the oath of Robert Hyde.
Robert Hyde sworn, and says he is the agent for Sands and Maxwell, the plaintiffs, and knows that said defendant,Lorenzo C. Mudge, has sold and disposed of his property to-defraud his creditors since the commencement of this suit, and that said plaintiffs will be in danger of losing said judgment without immediate execution. Thereupon I issued an execution for the same this 30th day of July, A. D. 1884, and delivered the same to David R. Yaples, constable for-said Oceana county.
Jared H. Gat, Justice of the Peace.”
To the introduction of said docket entry the plaintiff objected on the ground that said docket did not disclose the time when the plaintiffs appeared and judgment was taken. The circuit judge sustained the objection and excluded the ■docket. The defendant then offered oral testimony to prove that the appearance of plaintiffs was outlie 30th day of July, 1884, and within the hour named in tlie summons, and that judgment was rendered on same day. To this plaintiff objected, and the court refused to admit the offered proof, .and plaintiff had judgment. Error is assigned and argued on these rulings.
In our opinion the circuit judge was correct. While the docket of a justice must receive a fair and reasonable interpretation, and due allowance be made for the fact that our ordinary justices of the peace are not legal experts, and not expected to keep their dockets with the same nicety of legal' form and expression to be found in the records of our higher courts, as held in the case of Vroman v. Thompson 51 Mich. 454, yet the docket must show by a reasonable intendment that the justice had jurisdiction. The appearance of the plaintiff within one hour of the time named on the return-day of the summons must be affirmatively shown where there is no appearance of the defendant, or jurisdiction is lost.
We think the docket entry shows that on the same day of rendering the judgment the execution was issued, and that this was on the 30th day of July, 1884. It also clearly shows that the plaintiffs appeared by attorney upon the same day, but at what hour the docket is entirely silent. Erom aught that appears therein it might have been at eight o’clock in the morning, or any hour in the afternoon. This defect is fatal. The statute specifically requires the time of the appearance of the parties to be entered, and for good and obvious reasons, and such an omission is a jurisdictional defect. See Redman v. White 25 Mich. 523. We consider the hour of the appearance as necessary to be entered as the day. A judgment rendered by a justice in favor of the plaintiff before the return-hour of the summons, without the consent or appearance of the defendant, or when the plaintiff has failed to appeal' within one hour thereafter, is void. Nor can oral evidence be introduced to vary, amend or explain the docket of a justice so as to give him jurisdiction which does not appear on its face. The docket is the best evidence, and oral proof cannot be given of the proceedings which the law requires to be docketed.
The judgment must be affirmed with costs.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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Per Curiam.
On September 27, 1977, the Attorney General’s office filed an administrative complaint with the Medical Practice Board, alleging that Arnold H. Kambly (hereafter petitioner), a psychiatrist, violated the Medical Practice Act, MCL 338.1801 et seq.; MSA 14.542(1) et seq., by departing from or failing to conform to minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing medical practice and conducting himself immorally and unprofessionally in the treatment of one of his patients, Bettina Cotton. Based on these same allegations, Cotton is pursuing a civil action in Washtenaw County Circuit Court, charging that petitioner, while treating her therapeutically for various emotional and mental problems, had engaged in sexual intercourse with her. On May 17, 1978, before the Medical Practice Board, petitioner moved to have the administrative proceedings stayed pending the resolution of the civil action, on the grounds that he would otherwise be forced to disclose his trial defense at the public administrative hearing. The motion was denied by the Medical Practice Board hearing examiner.
Petitioner appealed to the circuit court, which affirmed the Medical Practice Board. Petitioner appealed to this Court. With the administrative hearing scheduled prior to any disposition in this Court, petitioner moved the circuit court for an injunction pending appeal, which was denied. Petitioner then filed a motion for a stay of proceedings along with a motion for immediate consideration with this Court. In a January 8, 1979, order, this Court granted petitioner’s motion for immediate consideration, but denied his motion for a stay of proceedings for a lack of merit on the grounds presented.
Petitioner argues that the circuit court abused its discretion in denying his motion for injunctive relief, in that it relied on a case wholly inapposite to the instant case in coming to its conclusion, and it did not balance the equities properly in light of the facts and circumstances of the instant case.
We find petitioner’s claim to be without merit. The circuit court did not abuse its discretion in denying his motion for injunctive relief. It properly applied the underlying rationale of Sternberg v State Bar of Michigan, 384 Mich 588; 185 NW2d 395 (1971), in finding that the interests of the public would best be promoted by an expeditious handling of petitioner’s misconduct hearing. Further, petitioner’s allegations that he would be irreparably harmed and that the interests to the public would be miniscule in comparison are unfounded.
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Champlin, J.
This case only differs from the case of the-same plaintiff against John L. Witter, ante, p. 625, in the fact that the Chicago Lumbering Company had no office in the-township of Hiawatha, which, under the facts, we think is-immaterial. In all other respects the records in the two cases are the same,- and the decision in that case necessarily rules this. For the reasons stated in the opinion in that case, the-judgment of the circuit court is
Reversed, and a new trial ordered.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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V. J. Brennan, J.
Kimberly A. Pearsall, daughter of Nancy and Clyde Pearsall, was delivered at Lapeer County General Hospital on February 10, 1972. Plaintiffs allege that Kimberly sustained serious brain damage resulting from an insufficient supply of oxygen during delivery, attributable to the negligence of the individual defendants and defendant hospital’s employees. Plaintiffs brought these actions on behalf of themselves and Kimberly to recover damages.
The lower court granted accelerated judgment to defendant Lapeer County General Hospital on the basis of defendant’s assertion of the defense of governmental immunity. Plaintiffs’ brief on appeal, filed October 7, 1978, sought to overcome the defense of governmental immunity by arguing that the operation of Lapeer County General Hospital was a proprietary rather than a governmental function. The hospital responded by filing a motion to affirm on the strength of this Court’s consistent holdings that the doctrine of governmental immunity protects a government operated hospital from tort liability for medical malpractice. Defendant’s motion to affirm was denied on February 14, 1979, and defendant was invited to brief and discuss the application of the Supreme Court decision in Parker v Highland Park, 404 Mich 183; 273 NW2d 413 (1978), to the present case.
As to defendant’s contention that Parker does not divest every community hospital "no matter what the facts” from governmental immunity protection, we agree that the opinions of Justice Fitzgerald and Justice Moody do not forbid a case-by-case approach. Circumstances may arise or certain programs may be undertaken by a hospital to which governmental immunity may apply. See Perry v Kalamazoo State Hospital, 404 Mich 205; 273 NW2d 421 (1978).
However, the form in which the separate opinions comprising the majority address the question leaves no doubt that the function involved in this case is not protected by governmental immunity.
"We granted leave to consider whether the day-to-day operation of a hospital is a 'governmental function’ as that phrase is used in the statute. [MCL 691.1407; MSA 3.996(107)].” 404 Mich at 190 (Fitzgerald, J., emphasis added.)
"The question of law on this appeal is whether the activities conducted by a municipally owned general hospital providing the public medical service for a fee constitute a governmental function within the meaning of MCL 691.1407; MSA 3.996(107).” 404 Mich at 196. (Moody, J., emphasis added.)
Defendant next asserts that Parker was based upon the reasoning that a government-operated hospital should not enjoy governmental immunity because it competes with private enterprise in the operation of a business, and since Lapeer County General Hospital is the only hospital in Lapeer County, Parker does not apply. We disagree.
Both the opinions of Justice Fitzgerald and Justice Moody note that the government-operated hospitals coexist and compete with private hospitals in providing health care, but neither opinion identifies the existence of actual competition as a crucial fact in the analysis. Parker simply concludes that the operation of a community general hospital is not a "governmental function” under the criterion set forth, since the task could hypothetically be undertaken just as well by private enterprise. Whether private enterprise has actually entered a particular field is irrelevant.
Finally, defendant argues that the Parker decision failed to take into account the Headlee tax limitation amendment to the Michigan Constitution which prohibits units of local government from levying new taxes or increasing the rate of existing taxes without prior voter approval. It is defendant’s position that the tax amendment creates secondary governmental immunity because the only way for a tort judgment against the county to be enforced is by way of an additional tax assessment which was prohibited by Headlee. We find defendant’s contention without merit.
Section 31 of the Headlee amendment, Const 1963, art 9, § 31, provides:
"Units of Local Government are hereby prohibited from levying any tax not authorized by law or charter when this section is ratified or from increasing the rate of an existing tax above that rate authorized by law or charter when this section is ratified, without the approval of a majority of the qualified electors of that unit of Local Government voting thereon.”
It is readily apparent that the amendment does not address itself to the question of governmental immunity. The courts, if at all possible, should avoid a construction of the amendment which would prevent or obstruct the satisfaction of lawful judgments. See Morley Brothers v Carrollton Twp Supervisor, 312 Mich 607; 20 NW2d 743 (1945).
The accelerated judgment entered in favor of defendant Lapeer County General Hospital is vacated.
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Champlin, J.
In this case it is conceded that the copartnership entered into was not limited by the express agreement of the parties. It was therefore determinable, in the absence of fraud, at the will of either party. I do not agree that a limitation may be ingrafted upon such a copartnership agreement by implication arising out of the business engaged in, or the circumstances of the case. It may be said that it is generally understood that such contract relations are not formed except with a view of engaging in some business which may require both time and capital to carry out the object for which the partnership was formed. It is nevertheless true that unless the term for which the partnership is to continue is limited or fixed by the agreement, either party may, at his pleasure, dissolve the relation. This is elementary law. The defendant exercised his right, and the partnership was dissolved by his refusing to continue the business further in company with complainant. It does not concern us what his reasons or motives for doing so were. There were no existing engagements of the firm that have interfered with the winding up of the partnership affairs. The whole matter between the partners was satisfactorily settled and adjusted by the decree appealed from by complainant, except a claim made by him, but which the court below disallowed, of prospective profits which complainant claims might have been realized had the defendant not dissolved the partnership. The effect of allowing such claim would be to mulct the defendant in damages for doing what he had a legal right to do.
I can find no warrant for the infliction of such penalty, and the results which would flow from the establishment of such doctrine would be injurious and far-r'eaching in their consequences. The farthest courts have gone in this direction occurs in cases where, by the terms of the partnership agreement, the time for its duration was limited, and before the expiration thereof one of the parties has dissolved the partnership. But in such cases there has been a breach of the contract, and the damages allowed are such as were the consequences of such breach.
I think the decree of the circuit court should be
Affirmed with costs ; and it is so ordered.
Morse, C. J. concurred.
Sherwood, J.
The bill in this case was filed to settle the affairs of a copartnership previously existing between the parties. The partnership agreement was entered into in July, 1883, for the purpose of running a steam-threshing machine. The parties were equal partners in the ownership of the machine, and were to share equally in the expenses, profits and losses. They commenced business about the 7th day of August, and continued the same until about the 17th day of September, 1883, at which time the defendant became dissatisfied with the manner in which the machine was managed and the help controlled, took the engine and separator into his private custody and, against the consent and protest of complainant, locked them up into his barn, and refused to allow them to be longer used in the business. He subsequently gave to defendant notice that he dissolved the copartnership. At this time the business of threshing for that season was about half completed, and many contracts were outstanding and made with different parties to do their threshing, several of which had been partly completed ; and the defendant refused to allow the plaintiff to use the engine and separatorfor the completion of such work, or to do any other work during the remainder of the season. The record shows that the gross proceeds of the business were from $100 to $120 per week. It also appears that the parties failed to come to any adjustment or settlement of the company business, for the reason that the complainant claimed that he was entitled to damages because of the defendant’s refusal to continue the partnership business through the season, or allow him the use of the machine to finish the jobs of work then on hand. The decree at the circuit was in favor of the complainant, but failed to give him the damages claimed, and he brings the case into this Court for review.
The complainant’s claim for damages raises the only question needing consideration here. No written articles of co-partnership were made. The time of its continuance was not limited by any express agreement between the. parties. The limitation can only be considered and determined for the purpose of ascertaining the damages, if any, to which the complainant may be entitled. When the time is entirely indefinite, neither express nor implied limitation, the plaintiff cannot recover any damages at all; but if the circumstances under which the contract of copartnership was made show a limitation must necessarily be presumed or by reasonable intendment inferred, then the rule is different, and such limitation will be allowed to enter into the consideration of damages. The subject is one not entirely free from difficulty in any case; still there are cases where the question is so far capable of solution that courts may with safety fix the limit to which the copartnership relation and obligations extend when the agreement between the parties is silent upon the subject, and wherein a failure so to do would result in extreme hardship and injustice. Such consequences, however, can never receive the sanction of a court of equity when the jurisdiction is complete. It will always so construe a contract as to preserve equally the rights of all the parties. The object for which the copartnership was formed, the character of the business to be carried on, the season of the year in which it must be done, or within which the custom of the country requires it to be done, together with such other circumstances as necessarily accompany the making of the copartnership contract, will usually furnish sufficient aid to the court to enable it to determine the reasonable time the copartnership must continue to preserve the equitable rights and interest of the parties thereto, as well as the rights of those doing business with the firm after'notice to dissolve is given. This does not conflict with the well-established doctrine that it is the right of either partner in a partnership, when the time of its continuance is indefinite, to dissolve the relation as to all future business transactions. The relation cannot be created except upon the express or implied understanding between the parties that the undertakings of the firm with third parties during its existence shall be carried out. And if either party fails to discharge his obligations in this regard towards the other, he will become liable to the other in such damages as the latter in consequence thereof may sustain. Chancellor Kent says, in the third volume of his Commentaries, that “It is an established principle in the law of partnership, that if it be without any definite period, any partner may withdraw at a moment’s notice, when he pleases, and dissolve the partnership. The civil law contains the same rule on the subject. The existence of engagements with third persons does not prevent the dissolution by the act of the parties, or either of them, though those engagements will not be affected, and the partnership will still continue as to all antecedent concerns, until they are duly adjusted and settled.” [p. *53.]
Partners are trustees for each other as to the partnership property and effects, and in all their dealings with each other, relating to the partnership business, perfect good faith is required both before and after dissolution. Neither is entitled to the exclusive possession of the partnership property to the injury or damage of the other. Where a partnership, by the terms of the contract between parties, is to extend or continue for a definite period, and one of the partners forces a dissolution without reasonable cause, I can see no reason why he should not be liable to his copartner for such actual damages as he may sustain by reason of such violation of the contract; nor can I see any good reason why, in the adjustment of the copartnership accounts in equity, the court should not ascertain the facts wdien such a claim is made, and conclu sively determine tlie whole matter in the final decree. Adams v. Kable 6 B. Mon. 384; Mc Mahon v. Mc Cleman 10 W. Va. 419; Howell v. Harvey 5 Ark. 270. In this case all the circumstances under which the contract was made fully appear in the record. The parties appear to have been farmers and neighbors. They both knew all about the business of threshing. They purchased the machine for the purpose of running it and threshing for other persons during the threshing season. They both engaged work for the machine, and had secured enough to keep it running through the entire season. The machine was a good machine, and its work was in good demand in the neighborhood, and the price for the work to be done was agreed upon when they commenced business. The weekly income, as well as the weekly expenses of carrying on the business, was definitely known to both parties from actual experience, so that there was no difficulty in ascertaining with much certainty the loss sustained each day the machine was idle. It was also clearly shown that the season of threshing continued about two months.
Under the facts above appearing I think it was clearly within .the contemplation of the parties that the contract of copartnership should extend through the threshing season of 1S83, and that such .limitation is fairly to be presumed and implied. Any other construction, it seems to me, would hardly be in accord with good common sense. It further appears from the record that the complainant was ready and willing at all times to fulfill his copartnership obligations with the defendant, and that the latter forced a dissolution at a time when it would be attended with the largest amount of damages to the complainant, in the absence of any reasonable excuse for so doing ; that he not only failed to act in that good faith towards his partner which the relation he sustained toward him required, but actually violated his contract of partnership with the plaintiff, and equity and justice require that he should make reparation to the complainant for the actual damages he has sustained. The testimony shows that twenty-four working days elapsed after the defendant took exclusive possession of the property of the firm, and prevented its use by the plaintiff and refused to fulfill tbeir partnership obligations to the farmer^ whose threshing they had engaged to do, or allow the plaintiff the use of the machine for that purpose, before the plaintiff pur■chased the defendant’s interest in the machine. Had this purchase not been made, the plaintiff’s damage would have been much greater than it is now. The net proceeds per week, we think, are clearly shown to be at least $88, which for four weeks would amount to the sum of $352, one-half of which should be added to the sums already allowed to complainant in the decree of the circuit judge, and with this modification the decree should stand
Affirmed, and the complainant allowed his costs.
Campbell, J. concurred. | [
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] |
Per Curiam.
This action arose out of an automobile accident occurring on December 24, 1974, in which plaintiff Tuesink’s decedent was killed and plaintiff Koopman was seriously injured. Two default judgments in the amount of $100,000 each were taken against defendant Patricia Logan, the owner of one of the automobiles involved in the accident. Plaintiffs sought to recover from Allstate Insurance Company, Logan’s insurer, for the amount of the two judgments. Allstate denied that it had provided insurance coverage for defendant Logan’s vehicle at the time of the accident. Plaintiffs appeal a judgment in favor of defendant Allstate Insurance Company resulting from a jury verdict of no cause for action in favor of defendant Allstate.
On appeal, plaintiffs argue that the trial court erroneously cast the burden of nonpersuasion on the plaintiffs by instructing the jury on the effect of the statutory presumption contained in MCL 500.3020; MSA 24.13020. Plaintiffs argue that the instruction given by the trial court shifted the burden of proof in violation of MRE 301.
MCL 500.3020; MSA 24.13020 provides that the mailing of a notice of cancellation of an insurance policy shall be prima facie proof of notice. This language denotes a rebuttable presumption of receipt of the notice from proof of the mailing. Raptis v Safeguard Ins Co, 13 Mich App 193, 199; 163 NW2d 835 (1968). Generally, there has been no distinction drawn between jury instructions applicable to statutory presumptions, and those applicable to common-law presumptions. In re Wood Estate, 374 Mich 278, 293; 132 NW2d 35 (1965). Therefore, in the absence of any language in the statute indicating that this presumption is to be dealt with in a special way, this Court agrees with the plaintiff that MRE 301, which covers the operation of presumptions in civil cases, applies in this case.
This Court disagrees, however, with plaintiffs’ contention that the instruction given by the trial court did not comport with MRE 301. This Court approved the substance of the trial court’s instruction, in a case involving the evidentiary effect of this presumption, in Good v DAIIE, 67 Mich App 270, 276-277; 241 NW2d 71 (1976). Subsequently, in Kar v Hogan, 399 Mich 529, 538-542; 251 NW2d 77 (1976), the Court clearly indicated that an instruction of this type does not shift the burden of proof in the sense of the risk of nonpersuasion, which remains, as originally cast, on the plaintiff. Accordingly, we hold that the trial court’s instruction on the effect of this presumption did not shift the burden of proof in violation of MRE 301.
Plaintiffs’ next argument, that the trial court erred in refusing to instruct the jury that the insurance company was required to send the notice of cancellation for nonpayment of premium by certified mail, is without merit. The certified mail requirement contained in MCL 500.3224; MSA 24.13224 is specifically made nonapplicable in cases such as this one, in which the cancellation is based on nonpayment of premiums, by MCL 500.3212; MSA 24.13212. The applicable statute in this case is MCL 500.3020; MSA 24.13020, which provides only that the mailing of notice of cancellation, by the insurer to the insured, be with postage fully prepaid.
Plaintiffs finally argue that the presumption created in MCL 500.3020; MSA 24.13020 does not arise when the insured’s last known address may be known to the insurer to be no longer current. This Court rejects plaintiffs’ argument because the statute clearly indicates that the presumption arises when the insurer fulfills the requirement of mailing the notice of cancellation to the insured’s last known address. Evidence that the address was not current, as tending to show the lack of receipt of the notice, is properly admissible in rebuttal to the presumption.
The decision of this Court makes it unnecessary to address this issue raised in the cross-appeal filed by defendant Allstate Insurance Company.
Affirmed. | [
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T. M. Burns, J.
Plaintiff brought this suit to recover for injuries sustained in an automobile accident on March 21, 1976. Defendants admitted liability and the question of whether the injuries sustained resulted in a "serious impairment of body function”, MCL 500.3135; MSA 24.13135, was submitted to a jury. A judgment of no cause of action was entered on the verdict returned and plaintiff appeals by right. We reverse.
The trial court instructed that plaintiff must demonstrate that her injuries resulted in a serious impairment of a body function before she could recover damages. But, in explaining the phrase the court indicated, "the term serious impairment has been interpreted as meaning an impairment of a body function of more than ordinary severity”. This instruction is erroneous and sufficiently misleading to require a new trial.
There are no standard instructions for no-fault cases and no statutory definitions for the thresholds of retained liability in § 3135. The courts have been commanded to consider each factual situation on a case by case basis. See, Advisory Opinion re Constitutionality of 1972 PA 294, 389 Mich 441; 208 NW2d 469 (1973). In reviewing a trial court’s instructions, no reversible error has been found where the instructions given do not detract from the statutory standard or allow recovery in more limited situations than the statute itself. Stevens v Hogue, 85 Mich App 185; 270 NW2d 735 (1978).
The instruction above conflicts with the statutory standard. In the context in which it was used in this case, "more than ordinary severity” is not the same as "serious”. The statute requires only that the impairment be of a kind that is ordinarily serious, it need not be more than what is an ordinarily serious (or severe) injury. No one could doubt that injuries which rendered an individual a quadraplegic are injuries which result in a serious impairment of a body function. Under the trial court’s instruction, the quadraplegic plaintiff would be unable to recover for his injury unless he could establish that his condition was more severe than the ordinary serious type of injury which results in quadraplegia.
The court’s instruction increased the plaintiff’s burden and requires a new trial. We would refer the court to McKendrick v Petrucci, 71 Mich App 200; 247 NW2d 349 (1976), Cassidy v McGovern, 86 Mich App 321; 272 NW2d 644 (1978), and Stevens v Hogue, supra, for guidance in framing the instruction on a retrial.
Plaintiff raises a number of other issues, but only two require discussion. Plaintiff sued both the driver of the car which struck her and the owner of that car. Plaintiff argues that the nonoperatorowner’s liability was not affected by the enactment of the no-fault act. Under plaintiff’s theory, the liability of the nonoperator-owner is controlled by the civil liability act, MCL 257.401 et seq.; MSA 9.2101 et seq. Under this view, an injured individual would not need to show an injury resulting in death, serious impairment of a body function or permanent serious disfigurement to recover against a negligent driver of a motor vehicle, but a mere showing of negligence, based on the same incident, if suit were against the owner.
We cannot agree. MCL 500.3135; MSA 24.13135 provides, in relevant part:
"(1) A person remains subject to tort liability for noneconomic loss caused by his ownership, maintenance or use of a motor vehicle only if the injured person has suffered death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement.
"(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, tort liability arising from the ownership, maintenance or use within this state of a motor vehicle with respect to which the security required by subsections (3) and (4) of section 3101 was in effect is abolished except as to:
"(b) Damages for noneconomic loss as provided and limited in subsection (1).
"(c) Damages for allowable expenses, work loss and survivor’s loss as defined in sections 3107 to 3110 in excess of the daily, monthly and 3 year limitations contained in those sections.” (Emphasis added.)
From the language of the statute we can only conclude that the standard of liability is the same for drivers and owners. The civil liability act still provides a basis for imposing liability, where none would exist in the absence of the statute, Wieczo rek v Merskin, 308 Mich 145, 148; 13 NW2d 239 (1944), but the standard under which liability is imposed is furnished by § 3135 of the no-fault act. There was no error in instructing that the same standard of liability applied to both defendants.
Plaintiff argues that since defendants never introduced evidence that they were insured it was error to require a showing that defendant driver’s negligence caused injuries resulting in a serious impairment of a body function. As recently pointed out in Stevens v Hogue, supra, whether defendants were insured is a relevant inquiry. But, it is addressed to the court, not the jury. Defendants should have the opportunity to provide proof on this issue before the retrial ordered herein.
Since there is no indication on the present record that defendant owner’s car was insured, it is necessary to discuss the standard of liability as if the car were uninsured. There has been much confusion in regard to whether a different standard applies depending on the insured or uninsured status of the defendant. Several panels of this Court, by focusing on the language of § 3135(1) and the absence of any mention of insurance in that subsection, have concluded that a defendant’s lack of insurance is irrelevant — a plaintiff still must meet one of the thresholds before liability is imposed. See, e.g., McKendrick v Petrucci, supra, Cassidy v McGovern, supra and Schigur v West Bend Mutual Ins Co, 80 Mich App 640; 264 NW2d 83 (1978), lv gtd 402 Mich 950q (1978).
Without making a specific holding on the point, the Supreme Court seems to have read the statute as contemplating the opposite result. Shavers v Attorney General, 402 Mich 554, 624; 267 NW2d 72 (1978).
The confusion appears to stem from the orga nization of the statute, as set out above. The McKendrick panel and cases which have followed it treat subsection (1) as the operative subsection. However, it appears that subsection (2) actually controls this question. Subsection (2) abolishes tort liability only if the defendant is insured. One of the exceptions to this abolition of tort liability, set out in subsection (2)(c), is that provided and limited in subsection (1). Unless a defendant has brought himself within § 3135(2) by purchasing insurance, § 3135(1) would not apply. This is how the statute was construed by the Supreme Court in Shavers.
We hold, therefore, that an individual who has failed to obtain "security” as required by MCL 500.3101; MSA 24.13101 is not entitled to the protection of § 3135 and as to that individual, traditional tort liability is retained. If, in this case, the defendant owner’s car is found to have been uninsured, plaintiff need not meet the thresholds of § 3135(1) and would attempt to recover under traditional tort theory and procedure. See, Birkinsha, Insurance Law, 1975 Annual Survey of Michigan Law, 22 Wayne L Rev, 535, 539 (1976).
Plaintiff has raised a number of other issues. All have been considered. The evidentiary issues are without merit. The other issues need not be discussed in light of the holdings above.
Reversed and remanded. Costs to appellant.
N. J. Kaufman, P.J., concurred.
Below, plaintiff objected to the instruction as given and the refusal of the trial court to give a different instruction which she had requested. It is unnecessary to decide whether it was error to refuse to give plaintiffs requested instruction in exactly the terms proposed. We would note, however, that the court should have instructed that a serious impairment of a body function need not be permanent.
This statute provides in part: "The owner of a motor vehicle shall be liable for any injury occasioned by the negligent operation of such motor vehicle whether such negligence consists of a violation of the provisions of the statutes of the state or in the failure to observe such ordinary care in such operation as the rules of the common law requires.” | [
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Champlin, J.
The township drain commissioner of the township of Lowell, in 1878 commenced proceedings for the construction of what he designated the “ Mud Lake Ditch,” and an assessment of $170 as the expense of constructing a part of the ditch apportioned to the lands owned by the relators was placed upon the tax-roll of that township for the year 1880. If the tax was legal, it was a lien upon the land, and the relators filed their bill of complaint against the township drain commissioner and others to quiet their title to the land upon which the assessment was made. They based their right to relief upon the ground of the non-compliance with the law authorizing the levying of a drain tax by the officers of the township, and alleged several jurisdictional defects in the proceedings. The case came on for hearing upon the pleadings and proofs, and on the 14th day of September, 1885, the court made and entered a decree therein as follows:
“This cause having been brought on to be heard upon pleadings and proofs as to the defendant Jeremiah Lusk, and the bill of complaint taken as confessed as to the other defendants, was argued by counsel for complainants and said Jeremiah Lusk, and the same having been duly considered by the court, and it appearing to the court that there was manifest error in said proceedings taken to levy the drain tax assessed upon the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section thirty-five, in town six north, range nine west, in the year 1880, it is ordered, adjudged and decreed, and this court, by virtue of the power and authority therein vested, doth order, adjudge and decree, that the said so-called drain tax, and the proceedings of the township drain commissioner for the township of Lowell, undertaken and had in the year 1878, which are mentioned and set forth in said bill of complaint, be set aside and held for naught, and that the complainant may have leave to show wherein they have been injured by the irregularities and errors in said proceedings complained of in said bill of complaint. And it is further ordered and adjudged that either party to this suit may apply to the court at a future day, within ninety days from this date, for the appointment of some person or persons to examine or survey the premises, or examine and survey the same and the ditch mentioned in said bill of complaint, with a view to ascertaining what, if any, portion of the expenses of the construction thereof is a proper charge against said lands of complainant, to the end that on the final hearing of this cause such decree as shall be just may be entered.”
No authority exists for making such decree as the above, unless it is authorized by How. Stat. § 1730, being section 40 of Act No. 269 of the Session Laws of 1881, which reads as follows:
“The collection of no tax or assessment levied, or ordered to be levied, to pay for the location and construction of any drain laid out and constructed under this act, shall be perpetually enjoined or declared absolutely void, in consequence of any error of any officer or board in the location and establishment thereof, nor by reason of any error or informality appearing in the record of the proceedings by which any drain shall have been located and established, nor for want of proper release or condemnation of right of way. But the court in which any proceeding is now pending, or may hereafter be brought, to reverse or to declare void the proceedings by which any drain has been located or established, or to enjoin the tax levied to pay for the labor and costs and expenses thereof, shall, if there be manifest error in said proceedings, set the same aside and allow the plaintiff in the action to come in and show wherein he has been injured thereby. The court shall, on application of either party, appoint such person or persons to examine the premises, or to survey the same, or both, as may be deemed necessary ; and the court shall, on final hearing, make such an order in the premises as shall be just and equitable, and may order such tax to remain on the roll for collection, or order the same to be relevied, or may perpetually enjoin the same, or any part thereof, or if the same shall have been paid under protest, shall order the whole, or such part thereof, as may be just and equitable, to be refunded, the costs of said proceedings to be apportioned among the parties as justice may require.”
Tlie suit in this case was not brought to enjoin the collection of the tax, but to obtain a decree declaring void the proceedings by which the drain was located and established, and the tax levied to pay for the costs and expense thereof. In so far as this statute attempts to authorize a tax or other burthen to be imposed and enforced, based upon proceedings which are void for want of jurisdiction in the officers levying the tax, it cannot be maintained. It is not competent for the Legislature to validate acts which are utterly void for jurisdictional defects, for the reason that the Constitution guarantees to every one the possession and enjoyment of his property, unless deprived thereof by due process of law.
Aside from the difficulties apparent upon the face of the statute in enforcing its provisions with uniformity, its introduction of extraneous matters and new and undefined issues in the suit, its want of prescribed method of procedure, its absence of safeguards to preserve the rights of parties, — the Constitution presents insuperable obstacles to its validity. The duties which it imposes upon the court are not judicial in their nature, but belong to the administrative branch of the government. The sending out surveyors or other persons to make examination or surveys to re-levy taxes in place of invalid ones, are each and all acts which do not pertain to the judicial branch of the government.
The design of the Constitution is that each of the three branches of the government shall be kept, so far as practicable, separate, and that one of the departments shall not exercise the powers confided by that instrument to either of the others. Any legislation, therefore, authorizing an invasion of this design, and conferring upon the judiciary the exercise of powers belonging to either of the others, cannot be regarded as valid.
A writ of prohibition must issue to the circuit court in chancery, restraining it from further proceeding upon that portion of the decree which orders and adjudges that either party to that suit may apply to the court at a future day} within ninety days from that date, for the appointment of some person or persons to examine or survey the premises, or examine and survey the same, and the ditch mentioned in said bill of complaint, with a view of ascertaining what, if any, portion of the expenses of the construction thereof is a proper charge against the lands of complainant.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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J. C. Daner,
J. In this case, both parties have appealed from the opinion and judgment of the trial court. After a review of the record and the trial court’s opinion, we are persuaded that the case must be remanded for further consideration in light of Ed Zaagman, Inc v City of Kentwood, 406 Mich 137, 182-183; 277 NW2d 475 (1979).
We concur with Judge Ziem’s opinion that, as applied to the plaintiffs’ land, the Rl-B zoning by the defendant city is unconstitutional. We concur with his finding that there may be other uses besides that proposed by the plaintiffs which would be reasonable.
On remand, the matter is ordered to be resubmitted to the Troy city council for enactment of an amendatory ordinance which will allow an appropriate and constitutional use for the plaintiffs’ land within 60 days. If the defendant city comes back to the circuit court with a mutually acceptable ordinance, one agreed to by both the plaintiffs and defendant, the circuit court shall then enter an order for implementation of that ordinance forthwith.
However, if, after remand to the city council, the defendant city submits an amendatory ordinance which is not acceptable to the plaintiffs, but does embody a fair "midsatisfactory use” as determined by the trial judge after a meticulous balancing of all equitable considerations, then the trial court shall order implementation of such amendatory ordinance as proposed by the defendant city forthwith.
If the city’s proposed use in an amendatory ordinance does not satisfy the "midsatisfactory use” or equitable doctrine announced in Zaagman v City of Kentwood, supra, and the plaintiffs submit a proposed use which in the opinion of the trial court does do equity, then the trial court, after balancing the equities, must order the implementation of the plaintiffs’ proposed "midsatisfactory use” forthwith.
If, after remand to the defendant city council, neither party can agree upon the other’s amendatory ordinance or proposed use and the trial court thereafter determines that neither meets the equitable "midsatisfactory use” required by Zaagman, supra, then the trial court must order an appropriate use after a hearing in which both plaintiffs and defendant, as well as other affected parties, are adequately represented, requiring additional proofs to make an equitable determination as required by Zaagman, supra.
Finally, if the defendant city fails to submit an adopted amendatory ordinance to the trial judge for consideration within 60 days of this Court’s opinion and order, then the trial court is directed to conduct a hearing forthwith, supplemented by additional proofs which may be tendered by all affected parties, in the trial court’s discretion, and implement thereafter the most equitable or "mid-satisfactory use” to be made of the plaintiffs’ parcel.
Remanded. | [
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Allen, J.
This case presents a question of first impression in this jurisdiction: Whether the Michigan State Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA), and in particular § 3(a) thereof, MCL 423.303(a); MSA 17.458(3)(a), prohibiting an employer "to discriminate against” any employee because of religion also imposes a duty on the employer to make reasonable accommodation to the religious needs of employees. The trial court answered that question in the negative and the Department of Civil Rights appeals of right. We affirm. However, our affirmance is limited to the FEPA and does not extend to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act which replaced the FEPA effective March 31, 1977.
Factual Background
This action originated with a complaint filed with the Michigan Civil Rights Commission by the claimant, Mary Parks, on October 19, 1972, alleging that the respondent, General Motors Corporation, Fisher Body Division, had unlawfully discriminated against her on the basis of religion by releasing her from employment. The case was decided below, and was submitted to this Court on a stipulation of facts entered into by the parties on March 2, 1976.
On September 18, 1972, the claimant was hired by the respondent as an hourly employee on the second shift (4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.) at its Pontiac, Michigan plant. As a practicing Seventh Day Adventist, the claimant was forbidden, for religious reasons, to work on the Sabbath. The Seventh Day Adventist Sabbath is celebrated from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. As a consequence of her strict observance of the Sabbath, claimant refused to work on Friday, September 22. Four days later, September 26, 1972, appellant, Michigan Civil Rights Commission, promulgated "interpretive guidelines” to the effect that the statutory prohibition against discrimination included a duty to make reasonable accommodation to the employee’s religious needs. Three days after the promulgation of the guidelines, Friday, September 29, and the following Friday, October 6, 1972, claimant refused to work on her Sabbath. Each of her proposed absences and the reasons therefor were reported by claimant to her foreman on the Thursday preceding the absences. As a result of these religion-based absences, the claimant’s employment with the respondent was terminated on October 9, 1972, for the reason that she was "unable to meet conditions of employment”.
Following the filing of a complaint charging the employer with religious discrimination against the claimant, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission issued an administrative charge on September 8, 1975. Based upon the submitted stipulation of facts, the commission determined that religious discrimination had occurred by finding that the respondent could have made reasonable accommodations to the claimant’s religious needs, and thereby could have avoided her termination. An opinion to this effect was issued by the commission on September 23, 1976, and the respondent was ordered to cease and desist from discriminating against claimant on the basis of religion, to reinstate claimant in her former or a comparable position, and to pay claimant all back pay accrued since the alleged discrimination.
On October 6, 1976, the order was appealed to the circuit court wherein the court issued an opinion ruling that the Michigan Civil Rights Commission exceeded its authority in adopting and enforcing its religious accommodation guidelines. Accordingly, on April 26, 1978, the circuit court judge issued an order setting aside the Commission’s order and ruling essentially that based upon applicable authority the Michigan Civil Rights Commission could not require employers to reasonably accommodate the religious needs of its employees. Claimant appeals to this Court.
Applicable Law
Section 3 of FEPA, 1955 PA 251 as amended; MCL 423.303; MSA 17.458(3), provides in pertinent part:
"It shall be an unfair employment practice:
"(a) For any employer, because of the race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry of any individual, to refuse to hire or otherwise to discriminate against him with respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions or privileges of employment, or any matter, directly or indirectly related to employment, except where based on a bona fide occupational qualification.”
This section remained essentially unchanged until the passage of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act in 1976, and reflects rights later acknowledged in the state constitution. Const 1963, art 1, § 2, art 5, § 29, Pompey v General Motors Corp, 385 Mich 537, 559, fn 20; 189 NW2d 243 (1971). However, these constitutional provisions did not create or define new civil rights in the area of private discrimination. Const 1963, art 1, § 4, Pompey v General Motors Corp, supra.
Following the lead of the Federal government, on September 26, 1972, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission promulgated "interpretive guidelines” construing § 3(a) of the FEPA as imposing an obligation on the part of the employer to make reasonable accommodations to the religious needs of employees and prospective employees where such accommodations can be made without undue hardship on the conduct of the employer’s business. In making this interpretation the commission drew "on the well developed body of federal law”. The statutory authority relied on by the commission in issuing this "interpretive guideline” allowed the commission to adopt, amend and repeal rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of the act, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act (MCL 24.71 et seq.; MSA 3.560[7] et seq., and MCL 24.101 et seq.; MSA 3.560[21.1] et seq., repealed and replaced by 1969 PA 306, as amended, MCL 24.201 et seq.; MSA 3.560[101] et seq.), MCL 37.5(e); MSA 3.548(5)(e) since repealed, and
"To issue such publications * * * as in its judgment will tend to promote good will and minimize or eliminate discrimination.” MCL 37.5(j); MSA 3.548(5)(j) since repealed.
In addition, the commission cited as its authority for the "interpretive guideline” MCL 24.207(h); MSA 3.560(107)(h). This provision excepts from the general definition of a "rule”:
"an interpretive statement, a guideline, an informational pamphlet or other material which in itself does not have the force and effect of law but is merely explanatory.”
In stating its "Guidelines on Religious Discrimination” the commission relied on MCL 24.232(4); MSA 3.560(132X4) which permits any administrative agency to adopt, by reference in its rules, any regulation adopted by an agency of the Federal government. In so noting, the commission went on to adopt by reference the Guidelines on Religious Discrimination promulgated by the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on July 10, 1967, and which appear in 29 CFR 1605 (1967).
Appellant correctly acknowledges that it cannot legislate or impose substantive duties or penalties beyond the scope of the legislative enactment authorizing it to prohibit religious discrimination. Coffman v State Board of Examiners in Optometry, 331 Mich 582; 50 NW2d 322 (1951), McKibbin v Corporation & Securities Comm, 369 Mich 69; 119 NW2d 557 (1963). The Civil Rights Commission’s concession that the mere issuance of this "interpretative guideline”, setting forth the agency’s view of § 3(a) of the FEPA, is not binding in law, is correct since this guideline is nothing more than "an agency statement or declaration of policy which the agency intends to follow, which does not have the force or effect of law, and which binds the agency but does not bind any other person”. MCL 24.203(b); MSA 3.560(103X6). In addition, neither the authority relied on by the commission in issuing this guideline, nor the procedure followed in promulgating it, MCL 24.224; MSA 3.560(124), allows the commission to have its interpretation of § 3(a) given the force and effect of law qua rule. Bienenfeld, Michigan Administrative Law, 4-3 through 4-6, (ICLE, 1978). An agency cannot adopt a guideline in lieu of a rule. MCL 24.226; MSA 3.560(126). Thus, the agency’s use of an interpretive guideline does not elevate the statement to the status of a legislative rule and no sanction may be imposed for violation of it. Hence,
"If a sanction is to be imposed, the agency will have to rely not on its interpretation of the statute but on the statute itself.” Bienenfeld, Michigan Administrative Law, 4-6 (ICLE 1978),
and see, 1 Cooper, State Administrative Law, p 265 (1965), Davis, Administrative Law Text, § 5.03 (3d ed, 1972).
Since it is clear that the interpretive guideline construing § 3(a) of the FEPA has no legal effect with respect to the respondent employer, it is necessary to determine whether that section, by its terms, i.e., the prohibition of religious discrimination, mandates that an employer make affirmative accommodations for the religious needs of its employees. Therefore, in light of the various intrinsic and extrinsic aids to construction of statutory provisions, we are required to decide whether the FEPA prohibition against religious discrimination in employment practices includes a duty reasonably to accommodate the religious needs of an employee. We hold that it did not, for the following reasons.
Discussion
As noted above, the Civil Rights Commission followed the lead of the Federal government in issuing its interpretative guideline dealing with religious accommodation in employment practices. Likewise, we find it useful to examine Federal precedent in this area for two reasons. First, Federal law provides a good general source for interpreting state civil rights legislation because of the great number of decided cases. See Beech Grove Investment Co v Civil Rights Comm, 380 Mich 405, 419; 157 NW2d 213 (1968). Second, we look for guidance to the Federal courts, because they have addressed the precise issue raised on appeal.
In 1964, Congress enacted the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which, in pertinent part, § 703(a), contained language substantially identical to § 3a of the FEPA:
"(a) It shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer—
"(1) to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; or
"(2) to limit, segregate, or classify his employees or applicants for employment in any way which would deprive any individual of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect his status as an employee, because of such individual’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.” 42 USC 2000e-2.
In 1966, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued guidelines that declared that an employer was required "to accommodate to the reasonable religious needs of employees * * * where such accommodation can be made without serious inconvenience to the conduct of the business”. 29 CFR § 1605.1 (1967). In 1967, the EEOC amended the guidelines by interpreting § 703(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as imposing a duty on an employer "to make reasonable accommodation to the religious needs of employees and prospective employees where such accommodations can be made without unique hardship on the conduct of the employer’s business”. 29 CFR § 1605.1 (1968). It was this latter interpretation that was later adopted by reference by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission on September 26, 1972. The guidelines, as issued by the EEOC or as adopted by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, failed to define the terms "reasonable accommodation” and "undue hardship”.
When, in the course of events, the EEOC attempted to enforce these guidelines against employers charged with failing to accommodate the religious needs of their employees, the guidelines were challenged as imposing upon the employers a duty which exceeded the mandates of § 703(g) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and therefore, being invalid. The sixth circuit court of appeals agreed with the challengers in the case of Dewey v Reynolds Metals Co, 429 F2d 324, 334-5 (CA 6, 1970). There, the court held that religious discrimination could not be equated with a duty to accommodate. The court stated:
"Nowhere in the legislative history of the Act do we find any Congressional intent to coerce or compel one person to accede to or accommodate the religious beliefs of another. The requirement of accommodation to religious beliefs is contained only in the EEOC Regulations, which in our judgment are not consistent with the act.” 429 F2d at 334.
The United States Supreme Court affirmed the Dewey decision by an equally divided vote. Dewey v Reynolds Metals Co, 402 US 689; 91 S Ct 2186; 29 L Ed 2d 267 (1971). A like decision was rendered in Kettell v Johnson & Johnson, 337 F Supp 892, 895 (ED Ark, 1972).
In direct response to the Dewey decision, Congress amended Title VII of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 (701j) to include the requirement of reasonable accommodation:
"The term 'religion’ includes all aspects of religious observance and practice, as well as belief, unless an employer demonstrates that he is unable to reasonably accommodate to an employee’s or prospective employee’s religious observance or practice without undue hardship on the conduct of the employer’s business.” 42 USC 2000e(j), Pub L 92-261 § 2(7) (Effective March 24, 1972).
Following this enactment, most of the Federal circuit courts passing on the question, including the sixth circuit, concluded that this subsequent congressional affirmation of the EEOC guidelines validated them. See e.g, Riley v Bendix Corp, 464 F2d 1113 (CA 5, 1972), Reid v Memphis Publishing Co, 468 F2d 346 (CA 6, 1972), Yott v North American Rockwell Corp, 501 F2d 398 (CA 9, 1974), Cummins v Parker Seal Co, 516 F2d 544 (CA 6, 1975), aff'd by equally divided court, 429 US 65; 97 S Ct 342; 50 L Ed 2d 223 (1976) and see generally Anno: Validity, Construction, and Application of Provisions of Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USCS §§ 2000e et seq.) and Implementing Regulations, Making Religious Discrimination in Employment Unlawful, 22 ALR Fed 580, § 40b), 15 Am Jur 2d, Civil Rights, § 195, p 705, but see Reid v Memphis Publishing Co, 521 F2d 512 (CA 6, 1975). This interpretation was adopted by a unanimous United States Supreme Court where, after reviewing the legislative history of the religious accommodation provision, it ruled that the EEOC guidelines were
"at least sufficient in this case to warrant our accepting the guideline as a defensible construction of the pre1972 statute”. Trans World Airlines, Inc v Hardison, 432 US 63, 76, fn 11; 97 S Ct 2264; 53 L Ed 2d 113 (1977).
In the case at bar we are asked to adopt a similar construction of § 3(a) of the FEPA based on the rationale used by the Supreme Court in Hardison. This we cannot do. First, we are not presented, as was the Court in Hardison, with a situation in which the legislative body subsequently enacted legislation expanding the prohibition against religious discrimination to include a duty to make reasonable accommodations. Unlike Congress, the Michigan Legislature remained silent following the 1970 decision in Dewey and the Supreme Court’s affirmance, by a split decision, in 1975. Therefore, in the absence of any clear legislative interpretation that the term "discrimination” in the FEPA included a duty to make reasonable accommodations, we rule that such a construction goes beyond the legislative mandate set forth in § 3(a) of the FEPA.
Second, not only did the Legislature fail to enact positive legislation addressing the issue of religious accommodation but, on three occasions, when it had the opportunity to so amend the statute, it chose not to. 1972 PA 267, effective October 5, 1972, amended the title and added § 3a (not to be confused with § 3[a]) dealing with age and sex discrimination. In 1975 PA 332, effective January 12, 1976, the title was again amended and § 3 amended to preclude the use of arrest records in employment practices. 1976 PA 52, effective March 22, 1976, again amended the title and § 3(a) of the FEPA to prohibit discrimination on the basis of height, weight or marital status. None of the three amendments, all enacted after the adoption of defendant commission’s interpretive guidelines, dealt with the religious accommodation issue.
A third reason we cannot by judicial ruling write into the FEPA a duty to accommodate is the long-standing reluctance of this Court and the sixth circuit court of appeals to find affirmative duties in a general ban on discrimination. In Dewey, supra, the sixth circuit court of appeals said:
"The fundamental error of Dewey and the Amici Curiae is that they equate religious discrimination with failure to accommodate. We submit these two concepts are entirely different. The employer ought not to be forced to accommodate each of the varying religious beliefs and practices of his employees.” Dewey, supra, at 335.
On two occasions this Court has declined to find affirmative duties mandated within a statute which forbids "discrimination”. In Civil Rights Comm v Chrysler, supra, we held that unless there was a showing that failure to provide special training constituted dissimilar treatment, § 3 of the FEPA did not mandate that the employer provide such special training. More recently, in Dady v Rochester School Board, 90 Mich App 381; 282 NW2d 328 (1979), this Court examined the nondiscrimination provisions of the Handicappers’ Civil Rights Act, MCL 37.1101 et seq.; MSA 3.550(101) et seq., and the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Despite more specific language as to affirmative duties in the Handicappers Act than in the Civil Rights Act, the Court held that, while the statute prohibited a school from discriminating against handicapped children, the statute did not include the obligation to provide a medical service without which the child could not attend the special education program. See also, Highland Park v Fair Employment Practices Comm, 364 Mich 508, 513-514; 111 NW2d 797 (1961).
The Department of Civil Rights vigorously argues that because the Legislature, being well aware of the commission’s "interpretive guidelines” extant since September 26, 1972, did not write an accommodation requirement into the comparable section of the Elliott-Larsen Act, which repealed and replaced the FEPA, such fact evidences legislative acquiescence in the longstanding interpretive guideline. It is further argued that repeated legislative enactment in substantially identical terms of legislation which has been subject to long-standing judicial or administrative interpretation indicates approval of the administrative interpretation. In re Martiny Lakes Project, 381 Mich 180, 195; 160 NW2d 909 (1968), Magreta v Ambassador Steel Co, 380 Mich 513, 519-520; 158 NW2d 473 (1968).
The flaw in the above argument is that while such may have been true in 1977, when Elliott-Larsen was enacted, it certainly was not true in October, 1972, when claimant’s employment was terminated. The guidelines were not in effect when claimant refused to work on Friday, September 22, 1972, and had only been in effect for 3 and 10 days respectively when claimant missed work on the following two Fridays. Further, the controlling law at that time was the sixth circuit’s opinion in Dewey, supra, which was decided June 4, 1970, and affirmed by the Supreme Court June 1, 1971. Hardison, supra, was not decided until June 16, 1977. Thus none of the four main factors upon which the courts rely to give authoritative effect to interpretive rules are present here. They include:
"* * * special expertise of the agency combined with lack of expertise of the court, reenactment of the statute in circumstances which indicate legislative approval of the rules, contemporaneous construction (interpretations at the time of the enactment by administrators who were especially informed of the legislative intent), and longstanding rules.” Davis, Administrative Law Text (3d ed), p 127.
The controlling legislative intent is that which pertained at the time the alleged offense occurred, rather than the legislative intent as of the date of a subsequent enactment. Detroit Edison Co v Dep’t of Revenue, 320 Mich 506, 519; 31 NW2d 809 (1948), Iron Street Corp v Unemployment Compensation Comm, 305 Mich 643, 655; 9 NW2d 874 (1943), see generally, 21 Michigan Law & Practice, Statutes, § 97, p 108. Accordingly, we hold that proscription in the FEPA not to discriminate as to religion did not include a duty to accommodate.
This holding does not extend to situations involving violations occurring under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. When that statute was enacted January 13, 1977, the interpretive guideline had been in effect for more than four years. Obvi ously, a stronger case for the application of the acquiescence in administrative interpretation rule, as laid down in Magreta, exists under the Elliott-Larsen statute than under the repealed FEPA. However, strong arguments can be advanced for a contrary interpretation, and therefore we do not decide the issue but leave it for future decision under the applicable statute.
Conclusion
In light of the various considerations discussed above, we conclude that the FEPA did not impose an obligation on the employer to make affirmative accommodations to conform to the employee’s religious needs. Our resolution of this question makes it unnecessary to consider the other issues raised by both parties on appeal. The decision of the circuit court reversing the order of the Civil Rights Commission is affirmed. All charges brought against the respondent herein are dismissed. Const 1963, art 6, § 28, MCL 24.306; MSA 3.560(206), Dixon v Ford Motor Co, 402 Mich 315; 262 NW2d 666 (1978).
No costs, a public question being involved.
The FEPA was repealed upon passage of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, 1976 PA 453, effective March 31, 1977, MCL 37.2101 et seq.; MSA 3.548(101) et seq. Claimant, Mary Parks, was discharged while the FEPA was in effect. Therefore that statute and not the Elliott-Larsen Act governs. Civil Rights Comm v Chrysler Corp, 80 Mich App 368, 372, fn 1; 263 NW2d 376 (1977).
Amendments prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of age or sex were enacted in 1965 and 1966 respectively. 1965 PA 344, 1966 PA 349.
In pertinent part, § 202(1) of the new civil rights statute states:
"An employer shall not:
"(a) Fail or refuse to hire, or recruit, or discharge, or otherwise discriminate against an individual with respect to employment, compensation, or a term, condition, or privilege of employment, because of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, or marital status.
"(b) Limit, segregate, or classify an employee or applicant for employment in a way which deprives or tends to deprive the employee or applicant of an employment opportunity, or otherwise adversely affects the status of an employee or applicant because of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, or marital status.” MCL 37.2202(l)(a), (b); MSA 3.548(202)(l)(a), (b).
CCH, Employment Practices Guide, ¶[ 24,235, pp 8635-5 through 8635-7; BNA, Labor Relations Reporter, Fair Employment Practices Manual, § 455-1091.
Of course, we recognize that if the language of a statute is ambiguous, the interpretation given to it by the administrative agency charged with carrying out the will of the Legislature is entitled to careful consideration by the courts, but such administrative interpretation is not binding on the courts and must be rejected if not in accord with the intention of the Legislature. Consumers Power Co v Corporation & Securities Comm, 326 Mich 643; 40 NW2d 756 (1950). See generally, 22 Callaghan, Michigan Civil Jurisprudence, Statutes, § 141; 21 Michigan Law & Practice, Statutes, § 89, p 93, text at fn 13.
The 1972 amendment to Title VII of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 was initiated to address the questions raised in Dewey. Senator Jennings Randolph, a sponsor of the amendment, made reference to the Supreme Court’s equally divided decision in Dewey and then stated:
"This amendment is intended in good purpose to resolve by legislation—and in a way I think was originally intended by the Civil Rights Act—that which the courts apparently have not resolved.” 118 Cong Rec 704-713, 7167 (1972). See 4 Larsen, Employment Discrimination, § 92.10 (1978).
See footnote 1, supra.
While the Legislature expressly required accommodation by employers when it enacted the Handicappers’ Civil Rights Act, 1976 PA 220, effective March 31, 1977, MCL 37.1101 et seq.; MSA 3.550(101) et seq., it failed to include an accommodation provision when it enacted the Elliott-Larsen act in January, 1977. Since both acts carried the same effective date, and the one contained an express provision and the other did not, it can be argued that the Legislature intentionally declined to write into the statute the obligation to accommodate. | [
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Sherwood, J.
In 1882 and 1883 the defendant, by one Brazee, acting as his agent, purchased a lot of hard-wood logs in the vicinity of Chippewa river, amounting, according to the scale-bills, to 277,470 feet. The defendant claims of this amount 196,480 feet was put into the river by him in 1882, and in 1883, 80,990 feet. The logs put in the stream each year were marked differently. The defendant, by his agent, in the spring of 1882 contracted with one Curry (who was in the employ of the firm of Whitney & Bemick) to run the logs purchased in 1882 from, where the defendants put the same afloat in said river to the boom limits of the Tittabawassee Boom Company on said stream. The defendant, by his agent, also in like manner contracted with the plaintiff to run the logs put in in 1883 to the boom limits. Bor the driving of all these logs the defendant was to pay twenty cents per thousand feet. The plaintiff claims for driving 289,760 feet put in the river in 1882, being mostly driven by Curry for Whitney & Bemick, and the claim therefor assigned to plaintiff also for driving 68,581 feet of the amount put in in 1883. The defendant, by way of defense, claims that the logs were not all driven in either year by either Curry or Hudson; that many of them were allowed to sink for want of the necessary floats and other usual means to prevent it; that very many of the logs were left back, having floated out upon the banks of the river, where they were left; that Curry abandoned the drive in June, 1882, and would not go back and take in the rear, and that the defendant suffered much in the loss of his logs thus allowed to sink, and in being obliged to look after the rear, and for moneys laid out and expended in having the logs sawed along the line of the river in consequence of low water, and in transporting the lumber to the point where the logs were to have been driven; also that many of the logs were entirely lost to him, in all amounting to more than the plaintiff’s claim; and that plaintiff was not entitled to recover any sum whatever. Defendant also claims that the plaintiff was to have extra price for driving these logs, double the price for driving pine, and that he should have taken the pains neces sary to keep the logs afloat; tliat by tbe terms of the contract made with plaintiff and with Curry, the plaintiff was to drive the logs put afloat by the defendant in the river, and was “to drive them clean.” The plaintiff, however, contended that they were to drive those only that would float. The case was tried by jury, and judgment rendered for the plaintiff, and defendant brings error.
It appears from the record that in the month of June, 1882, after Curry had gone down the river with the logs, he refused to go back and take in the rear. This was said to Mr. Brazee, the agent of the defendant, and after this the defendant took charge of the logs in the rear as well as he could. Brazee was called as a witness by the plaintiff, and he attempted to show by him that Curry made an effort to get the logs in the rear in, while the drive was in progress, and it appears all that he knew about it was what he had been told by one Dan Hoe, an employee of Curry. Counsel for defendant moved to strike out this testimony on the ground that it was hearsay. I think this piece of testimony, taken in connection with the following charge of the court, was objectionable, viz.: “Feige might take his logs out at Mt. Pleasant if he saw fit to do so, yet he could not charge Curry or Hudson for taking the logs out at Mt. Pleasant, if ■the time had not arrived for Curry to go back and take in his rear. After they were taken in at Mt. Pleasant the parties could have gone back on the river and taken in the rear of the logs. Curry ought to have had that opportunity to do so.” Mt. Pleasant was .the place where the defendant procured his sawing done after he took charge of the logs and brought in the rear. The court having overruled the objection to the testimony offered, substantially said to the jury Feige had no claim to be allowed him in any of the items he presented. This was clearly erroneous under the circumstances detailed in the record.- After the plaintiff had neglected to drive the logs, or any part thereof, and informed the defendant’s agent he should not do so, it was entirely unnecessary for defendant to wait longer for plaintiff to perform his contract, and particularly was this the case when logs were being ruined and made worthless by longer detention.
The deposition of witness Curry was properly admitted under the facts detailed, and the amendment of the declaration, by striking the name of Robert Louden therefrom, was clearly within the Statute of Amendments, and the defendant could not be in anywise prejudiced thereby. Iiow. Stat. § 7636. Whether the plaintiff was to run the logs which would not float except as supported by floats or other means, was a question for the jury to ascertain in the light of all the circumstances surrounding the making of the contract, and was a proper matter to be left to their determination. 1 do not think that part of the charge embraced in the seventeenth assignment of error should have been given. Whether it was made to appear or not that the logs might have been run the succeeding year, or, with extra exertions, in the year the plaintiff and Curry attempted to run them, were questions for the jury ; and at what time the defendant should have exerted himself to rescue the logs and get them to some place where the least injury and damage would be sustained, and the least amount of expense would be incurred, would depend upon a variety of circumstances, involving the condition of the logs, the height of the water, and the situation of other drives in the stream; and the legitimate expense incurred in accomplishing what the plaintiff had contracted to do, at the most favorable time and under the most favorable circumstances, after the plaintiff had refused to go back after the logs, might far exceed those in the charge of the court stated, referred to, and to that extent the charge was misleading. The defendant was entitled to be allowed for all the expenses and injury he had incurred and received from the alleged violation of the plaintiff’s contract, to the extent he could prove them. No other errors appear in the record requiring discussion ; but, on account of those noticed.
The judgment must be reversed and a new trial granted.
Cooley, C. J. and Campbell, J. concurred. | [
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Campbell, C. J.
Plaintiff sued and recovered damages for his unauthorized discharge as foreman of defendants’ fruit package factory at Benton Harbor. His claim was that on tlie first of March, 1884, having been previously employed, •a new arrangement was made for one year, at two dollars and a half a day. Defendants claimed that he was not employed for any fixed period, but was given employment when needed. He continued in the place of foreman until September 31, 1881, when he went to Lawrence'to look after the foundation of a house that was being built for his mother, and just before leaving for that purpose, which was expected to detain him less than a day, he) was discharged. There is a conflict of testimony on the facts, — he stating that the discharge was without any cause mentioned, beyond the will of defendants, and defendants claiming that he was discharged for going avTay against their desire.
The two important issues were therefore — -first, the character of his employment as fixed or optional, and second, the lawfulness of his discharge.
Upon the first of these issues the plaintiff in the course of his testimony fixed the time when the bargain was made by reference to negotiations he had carried on with various other persons, and among others one Colby, who had sought to employ him, and whose treaty was defeated by the new arrangement. It was in substance that on one of the latter days of February and first day of March, plaintiff postponed a final answer to Colby until he should come to some definite conclusion whether or not to continue work with defendants, and that on Monday the third day of March, after he came to such an arrangement, he gave Colby his final answer declining to serve him.
It was drawn out on cross-examination that plaintiff’s mind had been recalled to the time of his contract by rcmem-' bering negotiations with other parties who wished to employ him, and by the answers he gave them. On re-direct examination he was asked : “How are you able to fix the time of this contract with Mr. Leslie as being the first day of March, with reference to Mr. Colby?” This was objected to, and exception taken to overruling the objection. He answered: “ By telling Mr. Colby that my time is out;— that my time was out. If I don’t make an arrangement with them, I will commence with yon. I will let you know on Monday. (This was Saturday.) My time was out yester day.” The court liad already ruled that the conversation with Colby concerning the nature of the engagement with defendants, being had in their absence, could not be received "We can see no reason why the fact of a conversation was no f~ proper, or why defendants could be damaged by such a statement. If it was not shown to refer to an agreement for a year, it amounted to nothing except as a question of dates, and as to that it was competent.
When Mr. Colby was placed on the stand he was asked : “ What was the conversation the first day of March ? ” This was objected to, and exception allowed to overruling it. The court held it was admissible to fix the time. Colby’s answer to this question, so far as stating what plaintiff said, was that, when Colby asked if he would work for him, plaintiff answered, “My time is out, but I cannot tell you till Monday.” There was no error in this. Colby however went on without further inquiry and mentioned that on Monday or Tuesday plaintiff told him he had hired for a year. This was not responsive to the question, but defendants did not object to it, or ask to strike it out, and no exception is based on it. 'When Colby was asked by plaintiff’s counsel to relate the conversation had on Monday or Tuesday, the court at once refused to allow it; and would no doubt have ruled out the volunteered answer, if asked to do so.
Exception rvas also taken to a further question, whether on Saturday plaintiff gave any reason why he could not tell Colby whether he would accept his offer of employment. The answer given was that he had not yet closed his bargain, but would let him know on Monday, or the first of the week. There was nothing in this which could prejudice defendants.
The other errors assigned relate to the refusal to charge as requested, concerning defendants’ right to dismiss plaintiff.
Upon the facts of the discharge plaintiff and Leslie, one of the defendants, are the only direct witnesses, although there is some other testimony as to admissions. According to plaintiff’s testimony Leslie told him that defendants had made up their minds they had got through with him, and on being asked for reasons, answered : “ No words or argument about it.” According to Leslie, the plaintiff’s desire to go on his errand was known to the defendants, as he told Leslie that morning about it. Leslie says he urged him to stay, saying they could not spare him. “ It was a very busy time, and he insisted on going. Had some business at Lawrence, I think he said, that ho must attend to. I went to the other members of the firm and talked with them.” lie saw Shaver again afterwards, and says: “ I went to Mr. Shaver, after that and asked him if he insisted on going. He said that he did. I told him if he insisted on going, if his business was more important than ours, that he must attend to it at the neglect of ours, that he could go and stay; that he could consider himself discharged under these cii’cumstances, and ho could go to the office and get his pay. Ho asked me some question in regard to it, and I told him I didn’t wish to argue the question. That was the decision. I didn’t wish to quarrel with him about it at all. It is not worth while to quarrel about it. It is the final decision of the caso, and I turned and left him.”
The court below left it for the jury to say whether the plaintiff was discharged without reasonable cause. No exception was taken to the charge as given, but defendants rest their case on the refusal to give two out of nine specific requests to charge, which were as follows:
6. If you should find that the plaintiff left defendants’ employ without their consent, when his services were required, then you are instructed that that was a good cause for his dismissal.
7. If the plaintiff ivas informed on the day he left, by defendant Leslie, that if he went away that he might consider himself discharged, and if you find he did go, then he cannot recover.
It is somewhat questionable whether either of these requests is strictly borne out by the testimony. They must be read, in order to make them applicable at all, in accordance with Leslie’s own showing. The going was no more than on an errand of short duration. There is no testimony tending to show a voluntary relinquishment of service, and if the sixth request meant any sucli thing as that, it was not proper.. But from the argument we understand that it was meant to cover the facts, and to apply to the temporary departure without leave.
Some cases were cited which are claimed to hold that the departure of a servant for a temporary purpose against the will of the master, authorizes dismissal without reference to the reasons existing. The case of Turner v. Mason 14 M. & W. 112, was one where a servant was dismissed for going to see her sick mother, who was supposed to be in danger of death. In that case the court called attention to the fact that it was not averred that the master was informed of the extreme character of the exigency, but the judges nevertheless expressed themselves in favor of his absolute right of dismissal whether so informed or not. No other ease seems to go quite so far, but “ willful disobedience ” of orders is the general phrase used as justifying a discharge ; and in some few cases the courts have gone quite far in requiring an extreme rule of duty.
But this doctrine, which is certainly a harsh, if not an inhuman one, has not received entire favor, and has been confined- to menial domestic service. In employments not menial and domestic, the case has been left to the jury with more or less latitude for the exercise of good sense.
In Fillieul v. Armstrong 7 Ad. & El. 557, the failure of a teacher to return within a day or two after vacation, although it was strongly urged that the course of the school was seriously interfered with, was held not sufficient when set up in a plea to answer the case made by the declaration, and no ground to justify the discharge. The language of the court is clear on the insufficiency of the showing, and it was suggested that even if actual loss was shown, it would be the ground of a claim for deduction of wages, and not of discharge, where there was no serious moral wrong. In Callo v. Brouncker 4 C. & P. 518, the jury were told that there must be moral misconduct, pecuniary or otherwise, willful disobedience or habitual neglect, to justify dismissal from service for a year; and although both disobedience and ne~ gleet of orders were shown in several instances, the court would not let the jury act upon them as serious enough tobe sufficient. In that case the servant was a travelling courier. In Edwards v. Levy 2 F. & F. 94, where there was a single act of neglect accompanied by insolence, the court held the plaintiff’s case should go to the jury, as this could not be held as matter of law ground for discharge.
The cases of Cussons v. Skinner 11 M. & W. 161, and. Smith v. Allen 3 F. & F. 157, in addition to requiring disobedience to be willful, call attention to another element of decision which is especially applicable here. It is held not only that a sufficient cause must be shown, but also that the wrong was actually the real cause of dismissal, and not merely an ostensible reason.
Willful disobedience, in the sense in which the word is used by the authorities, means • something more than a conscious failure to obey. It involves a wrongful or perverse disposition, such as to render the conduct unreasonable, and inconsistent with proper subordination. We are not prepared to hold that even in what is known as menial service every act of disobedience may be lawfully punished by the penalty of dismissal and the serious consequences which it entails upon the servant put out of place: No doubt domestic discipline may be closer than that in business employments. But there must be a limit to the arbitrary power of masters.
/in such employments as involve a higher order of. services, and some degree of discretion and judgment, it would in our opinion be unauthorized and unreasonable to regard skilled mechanics or other employees, as subject to the whim and caprice of their employers or as deprived of all right of action to such a degree as to be liable to lose their places upon every omission to obey orders, involving no serious consequences^ It appeared in the present case that previous absences by permission had not created any confusion in the business, and it might have been thought and evidently was thought by the jury, if it was not so plain that they were bound to think so, that such a short absence as plaintiff desired could work no mischief and do no wrong. The fact that plaintiff was paid by the day would furnish some aid in getting at such results. It is not pretended that a day’s absence from sickness would be a serious drawback. ^The only possible foundation for dismissal must rest on the idea that the spirit of insubordination was such as to show that plaintiff could not be relied on for substantially thorough service. The unreasonableness of his conduct wras therefore properly for the jury to determine, if it could be left to them at all, and we have no doubt it could not be determined against the plaintiff by the court In the recent case of Jones v. Graham & Morton Transportation Co. 51 Mich. 539, we held that an employer cannot be the final arbiter in his own behalf whether a sufficient cause of dismissal has arisen, but in dismissing he must assume the responsibility of showing justification. That case is in point here, and the English cases cited, which go as far as any common-law authorities in favor of discipline, are not repugnant to it.
But we cannot overlook the other question. Upon the testimony of Mr. Leslie, standing alone, there is no conclusive showing that the occasion of plaintiff’s visit to Lawrence was the moving cause, or anything more than an excuse for the summary and arbitrary course taken on his dismissal. Plaintiff’s testimony is very clear that it was not the cause. The court could not have given either of the charges asked for, without losing sight of considerations which seem to us important and significant.
The judgment must be affirmed.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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Sherwood, J.
This is an action, of assumpsit brought by plaintiff to recover an amount claimed to be due to the company upon a certain bond executed by defendants to the plaintiff, on the 24th day of May, 1882, in which defendants Brunner and Cusson were sureties, the bond being a mercantile guaranty to secure to the plaintiff the purchase price of 6ewer-pipe purchased by defendant Ganser, and which reads as follows:
“ Know all men by these presents, that we, August Ganser, Joseph Cusson and Charles Brunner, of Bay City, and Bay county, Michigan, are held and firmly bound unto’the Columbus Sewer-pipe Company, a corporation duly organized under the laws of Ohio, of Columbus, Franklin county, Ohio, in the sum of three thousand ($3000) dollars, for the payment of which well and truly to be made we hereby jointly and severally bind ourselves. Signed, sealed and dated this 24th day of May, A. D. 1882.
The condition of this obligation is such that, whereas the said. August Ganser has arranged and is about to purchase on credit sewer-pipe of said Columbus Sewer-pipe Company : now, if the said August Ganser shall well and truly pay said Columbus Sewer-pipe Company for all goods purchased, or that he may hereafter purchase, of them, according to the terms of purchase, then this obligation to be void, otherwise in full force and effect for the amount of his said indebtedness not exceeding three thousand dollars.”
The declaration contains a special count upon the bond, also the common counts. The defendant, one of the sureties, appeared and pleaded the general issue. The record shows a trial by jury was had in the Bay circuit, and a judgment was rendered in favor of the plaintiff for $TFT3.52 damages. Defendant brings error.
The plaintiff claims the bond sued upon contains a continuing guaranty, subject to termination by notice from sureties. Counsel for defendant, on the other hand, insist that the same was limited to the purchases then made, or soon thereafter to be made, for the purposes of the work then about to be undertaken by Ganser, which was the purchase price for a sufficient amount of pipe necessary to the completion of a sewer in First street, in Bay City, and that the obligation of the sureties was therefore not a continuing one. The bond not being specific as to the length of timo the liability of the sureties should continue, or as to the amount of material they intended to give their obligation for, the defendant, for the purpose of aiding the court in giving the proper construction to their contract in these particulars, proposed to show by Mr. Brunner when he was upon the stand as a witness the circumstances under which the sureties signed the bond, and for that purpose asked the witness the following question: “ When you signed that bond.what,if anything, was said as to the time that the bond was to run ?” This was objected to by plaintiff’s counsel as incompetent and immaterial. Counsel for defendant then stated to the court: “ I offer to show that at the time the bond was executed it was done with the express understanding between the parties that it was to be good for the sewer pipe which was to be furnished for the First street sewer only. I propose to show that that was the condition upon which the bond was executed and delivered. I want to show the time for which it was to run.” The court ruled, “ That must be determined from the bond itself and the subsequent circumstances,” and sustained the objection.
We think the court erred in this ruling. The testimony was competent for the purpose offered. Their responsibility was given to the plaintiff to secure it in a limited amount to aid Ganser in the purchase of materials necessary to the completion of a certain work, and if this were true it certainly would have aided the court and'jury, not only in ascertaining the time the bond would run, but also the extent of the sureties’ liability thereon, without in any manner changing or modifying the terms or condition of the bond. All contracts are to be construed in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, and this is no infringement of the rule that parol contemporaneous evidence is inadmissible to contradict or vary the'terms of a written instrument. Showing the circumstances under which the contract is made, and the subject-matter to which it relates, does no more than aid the court and jury to better understand the true sense in which the words are used and understood by the parties. If this were not permissible, great injustice would frequently be done after the mo'st diligent effort and best consideration that possibly could be given to the subject. There was no error in allowing the witness Sturgeon to be sworn and examined after his deposition had been read by consent of defendants’ counsel. If the deposition, under the circumstances, had been-objected to at the proper time the objection would have been good. The waiver of that right furnished, however, no ground for excluding the witness if present when his testimony was needed. Ganser settled up with Sturgeon for all his indebtedness to the company to May 20,1883, and paid the company in full; and it was conceded at the circuit that at the time of the settlement no liability of the defendant Brunner existed upon the bond for anything that had been purchased up to that date, and it further appears that the liability claimed arose after that date, and not for anything purchased for First street sewer. It is unnecessary to discuss the exception taken to the charge of the court relating to the implied notice given to Sturgeon of Brunner’s non-liability for further purchases made of the plaintiff by Ganser, although we think the treatment of that subject as presented in the charge was not without damaging effect to the interest of defendants before the jury. It contained and submitted facts to be passed upon not contained in the evidence, and required them to find too much to constitute notice that Brunner terminated his liability upon the bond. The bond declared upon was made on the 24th day of May, 1882. The bond was required, and the business relating thereto and connected therewith was all done by one Charles Sturgeon, who was an agent for the plaintiff in this State. The plaintiff was a foreign corporation existing under the laws of the state of Ohio. The record shows Sturgeon was its agent and traveling salesman. Tie not only made the company’s contract with the defendant Ganser, but took payments thereon. On the 20th day of May, 1883, he made a settlement with Ganser, and the latter paid to Sturgeon his entire indebtedness to the company. And it was conceded in the court below that all liability that had been incurred up to that time was fully settled; that if any pipe was contracted for after that time it was not for First street sewer; and it is claimed by defendants, and we think correctly, that the agency of Sturgeon thus established was sufficient to authorize them to regard him as the authorized representative of the company in what was done and said at the time of the settlement in the presence of Sturgeon, and that it was bound by his acts and omissions.
The important question in the case is raised by the defendants’ fourth assignment of error, wherein the learned circuit judge gave his construction of the contract between the parties. Upon this subject he charged the jury as follows : “Now I give you gentlemen, as the legal construction of this instrument, that this was a continuing obligation of these parties to be responsible to this company, not exceeding three thousand dollars, for any indebtedness that might exist for sewer-pipe purchased on the credit of Ganser until it should be revoked, — until their obligation should be revoked by some notice to the company that they would be no longer responsible.” We are not able to agree with this construction. A guarantor is not liable beyond the express terms of his contract. Dustin v. Hodgen 47 Ill. 125; Omaha Nat. Bank v. First Nat. Bank 59 Ill. 428. This guaranty belongs to the class known as commercial guaranties; which are frequently given without much care as to the language used, as they are usually wn-itten by business rather than legal men. Technical nicety should not, therefore, be applied in their construction. A wide latitude should be allowed in their interpretation, and in discovering the intention of the parties. The rights of sureties are always favored in the law, and pei’sons standing in that relation in this class of obligations will not be held, unless an intention to bind themselves is clearly manifested. Their intentions are alone to govern when once ascertained, and when there is difficulty in giving a satisfactory interpretation of the language used it is the duty of the court to allow every circumstance that can be legitimately brought to bear upon the question to be made use of in discovering the real purpose of the parties. The language used in the bond is not entirely free from doubt and uncertainty. A discussion of the authorities upon the point would aid but little in the solution of the questions involved, they are so conflicting. Similar questions, or the same, perhaps, under similar circumstances, have been several times before the Supreme Court of this State. See Farmers' & Mechanics' Bank v. Kercheval 2 Mich. 505; Gard v. Stevens 12 Mich. 292; Jeudevine v. Rose 36 Mich. 54; Crittenden v. Fiske 46 Mich. 70. And while no general rule can be adopted which will apply to every case, and the construction to be given in each must necessarily depend largely upon varying circumstances, still we think we may safely say that “ such effect must be given to the instrument as will best accord with the intention of the parties as manifested by its terms taken in connection with the subject-matter and the surrounding circumstances. 2 Pars. Cont. 21, note; Boston Hat Manuf’g Co. v. Messinger 2 Pick. 228; Dobbin v. Brad ley 17 Wend. 121; Lombard v. Fiske 24 Me. 64; Garrett v. Wood 3 Kan. 232.
Applying this rule to the case before us, we are unable to hold the guaranty in question a continuing one. The amount for which it was given is clearly limited. The fact that moneys guarantied to the plaintiff were to be for the purchase pi’ice of sewer-pipe, and the amount of pipe then contemplated by the parties to be used would necessarily limit the extent of the indebtedness to be incurred by Ganser, and which was intended by the parties to be secured by the guaranty made; and when the defendants obligated themselves to “ pay for all goods purchased, or that he [Ganser] may hereafter purchase, according to the terms of purchase,” we think that no more than a single purchase was then contemplated by the parties; or if more than one purchase was in their minds, or anticipated by either of them, the amount of the several purchases was to be no more than was necessary for the completion of the contract for the building of First-street sewer. This, we think, is a reasonable deduction from the language used by the parties in the instrument, read in the light of the circumstances under which it was made, appearing in the record, and in the admissible testimony offered in the case. It will be noticed that the bond states that Ganser had arranged for the credit, and was about to make the purchase at the time the guaranty of the sureties was executed; but what credit was to be given, and the terms of the purchase, as understood by the parties at that time, were excluded from the jury. This testimony, undoubtedly, would have relieved the question of construction of the bond from all embarrassment, and as we have before said, should have gone to the jury.
For this, and the other errors noticed, the
Judgment must be reversed and a new trial granted.
Morse, O. J., and Campbell, J. concurred.
Champlin, J.
When the minds of parties entering into a contract have met and the obligations assumed are evidenced by writing which is free from ambiguity, the intent of the parties, whether sureties or not, must be gathered from, the instrument itself. Such a contract cannot be varied or altered by parol evidence, or by proof of surrounding circumstances. It is only when the contract is open to interpretation, and the true meaning obscure or uncertain, that the law favors sureties by giving to such contract a construction most favorable to them. There is no ambiguity in the bond declared on in this case. To my mind it plainly appears from the face of the writing that the undertaking was a continuing guaranty for all indebtedness arising from purchases thereafter made upon credit to the extent of $3000, and there is nothing in the writing that limits the credit to be given and guarantied to a single purchase of $3000, or that shows any intent that the liability of the guarantors should cease when that amount in value of sewer-pipe had been purchased, upon credit. The guaranty is of the amount of the indebtedness not exceeding $3000. I think the circuit judge was right upon this question. The sureties had a right under their contract to terminate their liability at any time as to any future sales, and I think it competent for them to give such notice to an agent of plaintiffs who had authority to sell pipe to their principal.
For rejecting the testimony offered to prove notice to the agent I concur in a reversal. | [
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Per Curiam.
In these cases the Court has been unable to agree in a conclusion, and the judgments will stand
Affirmed without costs. | [
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Allen, P.J.
Defendant was convicted by a jury of felonious assault (MCL 750.82; MSA 28.277) and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony (MCL 750.227b; MSA 28.424[2]). He appeals as of right.
The felonious assault, for which defendant was convicted, arose out of his attempt to shoot a police officer who had entered the premises, pursuant to a search warrant, along with eight other police officers, to search for illegal narcotics and an illegal weapon.
In the first issue raised on appeal, defendant claims that his felony-firearm conviction violates his constitutional right to be free from double jeopardy. This contention has been recently considered and rejected by the Supreme Court in Wayne County Prosecutor v Recorder’s Court Judge, 406 Mich 374; 280 NW2d 793 (1979).
Defendant’s second contention has more merit. Prior to trial, defendant moved to prevent the prosecution from mentioning, arguing or offering evidence related to information upon which the search warrant was based or evidence obtained as a result of the search. The trial court denied the motion in limine, observing that the people had a right to set forth the whole transaction and to demonstrate the motive of the defendant. During the course of the ensuing trial the prosecutor argued in his opening statement that the purpose for the search of defendant’s residence was to look for and seize illegal narcotics and a possible machine gun. The prosecutor also elicited testimony from the investigating officers that they secured the warrant in the course of a narcotics investigation, that the procedure for entering and searching the premises was established by state and Federal law enforcement agencies for entering a "narcotics pad”, and that various narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia were seized from the premises as a result of the search. The trial court did not give any instructions to the jury limiting the purpose for which they could consider the narcotics-related testimony. However, there were no objections to the court’s instructions, and no additional instructions were proffered by either party. Defendant was subsequently convicted by the jury on both counts charged in the information. He subsequently moved for a new trial on the same grounds presently assigned as error in this appeal. The motion was denied and defendant was sentenced to two years imprisonment on the felony-firearm charge and four years probation on the felonious assault charge.
On appeal, defendant contends that since he was not charged with possession of controlled substances, reference to such substances found during a search of his residence was improper and highly prejudicial to his cause because it indicated that the defendant might be guilty of other unrelated crimes.
As a general rule, evidence of other unrelated crimes or bad acts by the accused is inadmissible to show that he is guilty of the crime charged. People v Doud, 223 Mich 120; 193 NW 884; 32 ALR 1535 (1923), People v Rice, 206 Mich 644; 173 NW 495 (1919), People v Coston, 187 Mich 538; 153 NW 831 (1915).
Evidence of other criminal or bad acts of the accused is often logically relevant to proving a defendant’s guilt for a charged offense. There is little doubt that a person’s guilt or propensities to commit other crimes or bad acts has the tendency to make the existence of his guilt in the instant case more probable than it would be without the evidence. MRE 401. Since all relevant evidence is inherently prejudicial, it is only when the probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice that the evidence is to be excluded. United States v McRae, 593 F2d 700 (CA 5, 1979), MRE 403. And, "because it has been decided that whatever probative value such evidence has is outweighed by the disadvantage of diverting the trier of fact from an objective appraisal of the defendant’s guilt or innocence”, evidence tending to show that the defendant committed crimes other than those charged is generally inadmissible on the issue of. defendant’s guilt or innocence. People v DerMartzex, 390 Mich 410, 413; 213 NW2d 97 (1973).
There are, however, instances in which such evidence is admissible to establish other, legally recognized matters, so long as the evidence is not offered as mere circumstantial evidence to prove the bad character of the defendant, and hence, the probability of his guilt for the crime charged. Thus, if evidence of other bad acts of the defendant is being introduced for some purpose other than to raise the inference of a probability that the accused committed the crime charged, the rule excluding the evidence is simply inapplicable. People v Spillman, 399 Mich 313, 319; 249 NW2d 73 (1976). It is for this reason that the law recognizes exceptions to the general exclusionary rule regarding evidence of defendant’s prior bad acts or crimes.
In this regard the prosecution asserts that the challenged evidence in the case at bar was admissible under either or both of the following exceptions.
First, the prosecution claims that evidence of another and distinct crime is admissible where it was committed as part of the same transaction and forms a part of the res gestae. A number of cases confirm the accuracy of this proposition. Thus, where other criminal acts are an inseparable part of the whole deed for which defendant is charged, the prosecution is permitted to complete the story of the crime by proving the immediate context of happenings near in time and place. 1 Wigmore, Evidence (3d ed), § 218, p 719, McCormick, Evidence (2d ed), § 190, p 447, 1 Wharton’s Criminal Evidence (13th ed), § 242, p 540.
Defendant acknowledges the "possible relevance” of offering evidence that the police officers were acting pursuant to a. search warrant in order to explain their presence at defendant’s residence on the night of the alleged assault. However, defendant claims that since he offered to stipulate to the validity of the search warrant it was unnecessary for the prosecutor to reveal the prejudicial information on which the warrant was based.
We note that information on which the warrant was based was indeed prejudicial to the defendant since it tended to make him appear to the jury as an operator of a "narcotics pad”. At the same time, it would seem clear that the prosecution should be able to justify the presence of nine armed police officers breaking into and confronting the defendant in his own home at 2 a.m. Without some background information providing the jury with an explanation for the officers’ appearance at this unusual hour, the jury is left without complete knowledge of the entire story or transaction.
In People v Gosch, 82 Mich 22; 46 NW 101 (1890), the Supreme Court upheld prosecutorial remarks regarding criminal actions (theft of farm crops), of which that defendant was suspected, as support for a warrant subsequently issued for that defendant’s arrest. When officials sought to execute the warrant against that defendant, he shot and killed one of the individuals assisting the arresting officer. On appeal from his conviction for manslaughter, that defendant claimed that the prosecutor’s remarks were inadmissible "as they were a statement that the respondent had been guilty of other crimes than the one for which he was then being tried”. Id., p 29. The Supreme Court rejected this challenge, observing that the remarks pertaining to the alleged thefts were not connected with that defendant other than as support for the arrest warrant. In addition, the Court noted:
"This theft was one of the facts which the prosecuting attorney had a right to discuss. It was inseparably connected with the case, and the procuring of the warrant, and the officer having it in hand for execution, was the justification for his going there that night.” People v Gosch, supra, at 29.
See also People v Durfee, 62 Mich 487, 490-491; 29 NW 109 (1886), People v Mayes, 78 Mich App 618, 623; 261 NW2d 22 (1977).
Since the identity of the officers executing the search warrant was essential to the prosecution’s case in terms of whether the defendant believed them to be police officers or merely burglars, it follows that the prosecutor should have been permitted to introduce and argue evidence relating to the various circumstances and purposes for the officers’ appearance on the night of the assault. Here, the jury was entitled to hear the "complete story”—information inseparable from the alleged assault. People v Delgado, supra, at 83.
However, defendant claims that, assuming argu endo that such evidence was admissible, it was entirely inappropriate to permit into evidence testimony regarding the fact that narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia were seized subsequent to defendant’s assault. We agree that under the above cited "res gestae” or "complete story” exception to the rule against admitting evidence of defendant’s other bad acts or crimes (here, illegal possession of controlled substances), such evidence was inadmissible. The relevance of the possible presence of narcotics at defendant’s residence only relates to the validity and explanation of the officers’ behavior at the time of their entry into the residence. However, it is irrelevant to the validity of that action that such narcotics were, in fact, actually discovered at the household. Thus, just as it would have been inappropriate in People v Gosch, supra, to offer evidence bearing on the truth of whether defendant had, in fact, stolen some farm crops of the complainant, so too in the case at bar was it inappropriate, under the "res gestae” exception, to prove that narcotics were found in defendant’s home.
Nonetheless, the prosecutor contends that this evidence was admissible under another, well recognized exception to the above described exclusionary rule. In essence, the prosecution argues that it should have been permitted to offer proof that narcotics were discovered at defendant’s residence since it established a motive for defendant to "fight it out” because he didn’t want to get caught in an illegal activity. We agree.
Evidence of motive which suggests the doing of the act, or the purpose for which it is done, is always admissible even though such evidence shows or tends to show the commission of another crime. McCormick, supra, § 190, p 450-451, 1 Wig- more, supra, §§ 215-217, pp 710-718, 1 Wharton’s, supra, § 247, p 561. This rule is well recognized in Michigan. People v Allen, 351 Mich 535; 88 Nw2d 433 (1958), People v Klise, 156 Mich 373; 120 NW 989 (1909), People v Fullwood, 51 Mich App 476, 483; 215 NW2d 594 (1974), lv den 393 Mich 785 (1975) , People v Shaw, 9 Mich App 558, 566; 157 NW2d 811 (1968), MCL 768.27; MSA 28.1050, MRE 404(b). Since the accused’s motive in committing an alleged crime is always relevant because it bears on either his identity as the perpetrator of the offense or, as in the instant case, the strength of his defense, it follows that the prosecutor was properly permitted—within the bounds of fair play, i.e., not to unduly emphasize the prejudicial aspects of the evidence—to introduce evidence relating to the actual presence of narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia on the premises of the assault.
Of course, that a prosecutor is permitted to offer such evidence and argue from such evidence does not absolve a trial judge from exercising his discretion to determine whether the probative value of such evidence is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice to a defendant’s cause. People v Oliphant, 399 Mich 472; 250 NW2d 443 (1976) , People v Wilkins, supra, at 270, People v Shaw, supra, at 566. However, we have reviewed the lower court record and are persuaded that the trial court carefully considered the matter each time that it was presented for the court’s decision. At various points during the trial the lower court sustained or overruled the admissibility of the challenged evidence indicating a well-reasoned exercise of judgment. We have not been persuaded that the trial court abused its discretion in this regard.
Finally, defendant claims that even if the challenged evidence was admissible under either of the above exceptions to the general rule against admitting evidence of the defendant’s other bad acts, the trial court erred by failing sua sponte to give the jury a limiting instruction on the purpose for which such evidence could be considered. The Supreme Court has clearly and forcefully addressed this issue and has determined that, in the absence of request or proper objection, there is no absolute requirement that a trial judge give limiting instructions. Therefore, failure to instruct in this case, where there was no request for such instructions and no objection to the failure to instruct, was not reversible error. People v Nawrocki, 376 Mich 252, 255; 136 NW2d 922 (1965), People v Chism, 390 Mich 104, 119-121; 211 NW2d 193 (1973), People v Hicks, 70 Mich App 430, 437-438; 245 NW2d 778 (1976).
Affirmed.
See MCL 768.27; MSA 28.1050; MRE 404 for various statutory exceptions, and People v Nawrocki, 376 Mich 252; 136 NW2d 922 (1965), People v DerMartzex, supra, People v Kelly, 386 Mich 330; 192 NW2d 494 (1971), People v Wilkins, 82 Mich App 260, 269-270; 266 NW2d 781 (1978), lv den 406 Mich 857 (1979), for examples of various judicially-created, common-law exceptions.
People v Delgado, 404 Mich 76; 273 NW2d 395 (1978), People v Kayne, 268 Mich 186; 255 NW 758 (1934), People v Castillo, 82 Mich App 476; 266 NW2d 460 (1978), People v Bernard Smith, 81 Mich App 561; 266 NW2d 40 (1978), rev’d on other grounds 406 Mich 926 (1979), People v Mayes, 78 Mich App 618; 261 NW2d 22 (1977). See also 8 Michigan Law & Practice, Criminal Law, § 272, p 370 and authorities cited therein. | [
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Sherwood, J.
The bill of complaint in this cause is filed by the creditors of the defendant to reach equitable interests in property under his control, and which complainants claim ■should be applied to the satisfaction of their judgment obtained against him, upon which execution has been issued .and returned unsatisfied for want of property out of which to make the same.
Eor several years prior to the filing of complainants’ bill the defendant had been engaged in the mercantile business in the counties of Ingham and Ionia, and about a year before this suit was commenced became insolvent, being indebted ■.several thousand dollars more than he was able to pay. He was at that time married to a widow lady who was the owner •of property in her own right to the amount of over $10,000. After the defendant became insolvent his wife died, leaving, ^besides himself, who was in feeble health, an aged mother. .During her last illness, Mrs. Corey made her will (a copy of wbicli will be found in the margin ), and named therein her husband as her executor.
By this will it cannot fail to be observed that the controlling idea of the testatrix was —first, to secure and protect her husband, who was then without the means of support, and an infirm old mother, from want and destitution; and second, in doing this, to so manage the estate that as much as possible might be saved to be transmitted, after their death, to her other relations named in the will. Notwithstanding the great financial embarrassment under which her husband was laboring at the time the will was made, it appears that his wife had perfect confidence in his ability and integrity, to give him the control and management of her property, and have him execute her will, and carry out the" trusts she had created, including that wherein he himself was the beneficiary. After his wife’s death the will was probated, and the defendant was appointed her executor, gave the required bonds, made and returned an inventory of the property of the estate, entered actively upon the discharge of his duties, and has ever since continued in the administration of the trusts assumed.
The complainants by their bill seek to reach the property of the defendant, which it alleges he has concealed or put beyond the reach of an execution, and which consists of that which he annually receives from the estate of his deceased wife under the will, and prays for a discovery, the appointment of a receiver, etc.
The defendant’s answer was excepted to for insufficiency, and he made a second answer. This being excepted to for the same reason, it was submitted to the circuit judge, who sustained the exceptions and required the defendant to answer over. This the defendant declined to do, and thereupon the bill was taken as confessed and a receiver was appointed by the court. From this order appointing a receiver the defend ant appeals to this Court for 'a review of the proceedings, and to obtain a construction of the provisions of the will relating to the bequests therein contained to him and for his use.
The order appealed from takes the bill as confessed for want of answer as to all matters to which the exceptions relate. It appoints a receiver, and directs the defendant to turn over to him the accumulated rents, interest and profits, and all property not exempt from execution, in which the rents, interest and profits may be invested ; also, from time to time, all future rents, interest, and profits in excess of the annuity payable to Lovina Spaulding under the will.
The bill is not one in aid of execution. No levy has been made upon any property to which reference is made in the bill. It must be treated as a bill to have complainants’ judgment paid out of choses in action or other personal property of the debtor not liable to execution, which in equity should be liable to the payment of his debts.
The second answer makes the will of the testatrix a part thereof, and denies every allegation in the bill tending to show that defendant has property of - any kind which he has concealed, or equitable interests which he refuses to disclose, except that which came from his wife’s estate. It admits that he is in possession of certain property as executor of her estate, but of this the inventory is on file in the office of the judge of probate, and it could hardly be necessary to come into a court of equity to obtain discovery of the property therein mentioned.
By taking the bill as confessed, notwithstanding the answer, the complainant must be held to admit the statements of the answer to be true, and to deny the sufficiency of the facts stated to make out a defense. These facts, as the record presents them, are : “ (1) That defendant is insolvent; that he has no money or other property, real or personal, or things in action, due him, or held in trust for him (except where such trust has been created by, or the fund so held in trust lias proceeded from, some person other than defendant). (2) That the only property in his possession or under his control is that which came into his possession as executor of his late wife’s estate under a will; that he gave bonds as such executor to faithfully administer the trust, and has not yet been discharged. (3) That the ipcome only of this property so in his hands was available for the purpose of paying legacies, and for his own use. (4) That said income did not exceed six hundred dollars per annum, and was barely sufficient for defendant’s support, and to pay the minimum sum required to be paid annually to the other beneficiaries.”
Under these facts, which we think must be taken as admitted by the complainants, the court, in making the decree he has in this case, must substantially hold that the income to be derived from the estate of Mrs. Corey, without regard to the amount, or whether there is or not more than sufficient for defendant’s support, may be taken by defendant’s creditors ; and to secure this the estate may be taken out' of the hands of the person designated by the testatrix and appointed by the judge of probate, and given over to the custody of a receiver receiving his authority of another jurisdiction.
The complainant's counsel contend that the testatrix intended that, subject to the payment of the annuities, the defendant should have absolute control of the principal and right to dispose of it for his own use, influenced and not restricted by the request in relation to the manner in which it should be invested and his use of it; and whether this be so or not, the defendant is given at least an unconditional life-estate, charged with the annuities, but one of which (that in favor of Lovina Spaulding) is unexpired, so far as the pleadings disclose; that this estate is devised directty to him as the legatee thereof, not as executor; that it is not by reason of his duties as executor that he is entitled to the possession and to receive the rents and profits of the property; that that right is created, exists and is exercised independent of any such duties, and no words of grant or devise are employed to indicate a purpose that any estate should pass to or vest in the executor, nor is that necessary for the exercise of any of the powers conferred on the executor.
We are not able to agree with this contention of the com plainant’s counsel, but are clearly of tbe opinion that under the provisions of the will the property is held by the defendant as executor in trust.for himself and others as beneficiaries ; i. e., in trust (1) to pay the annuities out of- the rents and profits; (2) to pay himself the remainder of the rents and profits ; (3) to preserve the principal for those entitled to the remainder estate at his death; and that the trust having been created by, and the funds so held in trust having proceeded from, some person other -than the defendant, his interest therein is protected from creditors. The complainants’ bill can be regarded as a creditors’ bill only, and that brings this case within the exception contained in the statute. See How. Stat. § 6614. Mrs. Corey herself drew the will under consideration. She was not expert in draughting such instruments, but succeeded very well, we think, in writing out her desires and intentions in regard to her property, and it is our duty to construe the instrument in such . manner as to carry out those intentions, and not disregard her purposes if they were lawful. Jones v. Jones 25 Mich. 401.
When we come to consider the circumstances under which this lady made her will, it seems to us the construction asked for by complainants’ counsel, and the one substantially acceded to by the learned circuit judge who made the decree in this case, could never have entered the mind of the testatrix. On the contrary, the effect of such a construction was unquestionably what she wished to avoid. What she sought to do, so far as the will related to her husband, was to secure to him a sufficient amount to support and make him comfortable through life, and place it in such manner that it could not be taken to liquidate her husband’s insolvent indebtedness. This was lawful, judicious, kind and commendable. The construction claimed by complainants’ counsel would completely defeat the intention of this wife, and the whole object and scope of her will, so far as it relates to her husband, by taking her property thus set apart for him, and placing it in the hands of a stranger, with directions to apply it to the payment of the very indebtedness which it had been her object to escape. Mr. Corey was an invalid at the time the will was made, and the testatrix knew all about his insolvency, and undoubtedly of his indebtedness, and of his inability to support himself, much less to pay his debts And with the clearly avowed purpose of the testatrix (in consequence of other relatives having a claim upon her bounty) to leave for her husband only enough for his reasonable support, how it could ever have been thought that justice requires that this little sustenance fund should be turned over to the husband’s creditors is more than we can conceive. Courts in the name of justice may commit such errors, but neither law nor equity can ever tolerate them.
We are not, in this case, called upon to construe a contract where the minds of several parties must be found to have met and concurred, to give effect to the instrument, but simply to ascertain the intention of Mrs. Corey at the time she made the will in question. In the first instance, the testatrix provided for the support and maintenance of her mother in comfort so long as she should live, and it was the executor’s duty to see that that was done; and, in the language of Mrs. Corey, he was to see to it “ that she want for nothing so long as there may be anything belonging to me left.” She thus limits her bounty to her mother only by the extent of her • property, provided the mother’s necessities require it. What that necessity might be was then to her unknown, but she was not afraid to leave it to the discretion of her husband, whose kindness, prudence and affection she had known and tested for years, to ascertain and supply. This watchful care the decree of the court, under the views of complainants’ counsel, should, in the event of the husband’s neglect to pay his insolvent debts, be turned to the cold indifference of a stranger who occupies his place in the interest of mercenary creditors residing in a foreign state. The humanity of the law will never allow such perversion of its teachings, or the perpetration of such injustice. The testatrix, after providing for her mother and the payment of two small annuities of $25 each to two of her nieces, and making a few other minor bequests to her relatives, says: ■“ As my dear husband, David K. Corey, is in poor health, and is more to mo than all the world besides, I wish him to have the use, during his life-time, of the remainder of my property,” etc. Then follows the injunction to keep the property invested, and the admonition to use only the income, except in case of sickness or necessity, when he could draw on the principal, and giving the remainder after his death to her brother’s and sister’s children. This lady’s will shows not only consideration and affection, but judgment and discretion. If she had appointed any other person her executor, we doubt if counsel for complainants or any one else would have ever entertained the idea for a moment that he was any more than a trustee for the beneficiaries under the will. No particular form of words is necessary to create a trust. Any language in a will indicating that the donee is to hold the devise or bequest for the benefit of others, in whole or in part, is sufficient; or when one is charged with a duty respecting it, from the performance of which others are to reap a benefit, the property is in his hands as a trust fund. 1 Perry on Trusts, § 112; Harding v. Glyn 1 Atk. 469; Pushman v. Filliter 3 Ves. 7; Brest v. Offley 1 Ch. Rep. 246; Moriarty v. Martin 3 Ir. Ch. 26; Bernard v. Minshull 1 John. 276; Cook v. Ellington 6 Jones Eq. 371; Warner v. Bates 98 Mass. 274. We think the language of this will creates a trust, and that the execution of the same is, devolved upon the executor. 1 Perry on Trusts § 262; Richardson v. Knight 69 Me. 285; Pettingill v. Pettingill 60 Me. 412; Wilson’s Estate 2 Penn. St. 325; Williams v. Conrad 30 Barb. 524. There is. no legal objection to his being at the same time trustee and beneficiary. 1 Perry on Trusts, § 117; Whiting v. Whiting 4 Gray 240; Carr v. Living 28 Beav. 644; Andrews v. Bank of Cape Ann 3 Allen 313; Chase v. Chase 2 Allen 101; Loring v. Loring 100 Mass. 340; Gilbert v. Bennett 10 Sim. 371.
This case comes clearly within the exception of the statute ■ which permits the filing of the complainant’s bill (How. Stat. § 6614), and which was intended to apply to this class of cases. Craig v. Hone 2 Edw. Ch. 569. The statute was intended for the benefit of the needy and unfortunate, and its provisions should bo made to apply to all cases coming within its spirit, which has always been the rule of this Court. Alvord v. Lent 23 Mich. 369. There is no surplus to be looked after or reached in this case. The answer shows, and it is one of the things that must be taken as admitted, that the income is barely sufficient for the payment of the legacies and the defendant’s support, but it is impossible for any one to tell what amount of either principal or interest, or of both, may yet be required for the support of the defendant and testatrix’s mother, and the whole estate is in trust for both of those purposes. It is difficult to see how this question can be determined before the decease of these beneficiaries, and then whatever there may be will pass to the other legatees entitled thereto under the will.
The decree of the circuit judge must be reversed with costs.
The other Justiccs concurred.
I, Jennie S. Corey, of Lansing, Ingham county, State of Michigan, do make this my last will and testament: I give to my mother, Lovina Spaulding, during her life-time, the house which she now occupies in the village of Manchester, Mich. I also desire that the sum of one hundred dollars be paid her yearly as long as she may live, and more each year should she need it, as I desire that she may want for nothing so long as there may be anything belonging to me left. And at her death it is my wish that the house and lot be sold, and whatever it may bring be equally divided between my two nieces, Jennie and Clara Annabil. Also that the sum of twenty-five dollars be paid to each of them yearly until their marriage. My piano I give to Mary and Nellie, and should either wish to take the piano on leaving home, let her pay the other for her half. My watch and chain I give to my niece Jennie L. Annabil; also set of corals, plain gold ring, scarlet and black lace shawl. I give my woolen shawl, and all worsted dresses that I may have at my death, to my sister, Nettie C. Aunabil, and to my sister and Jennie I leave all books which I may have on side bookcase, and those which that contains I wish to remain here as long as my husband makes this his home, and if at any time he should wish to, and house or his home should be broken up, I wish Mary and Nellie to take what books they would like, and send whatever they do not care to retain to my sister. My garnet silk, and my point-lace, gold bracelets, gold chain, and one gold ring, also one set of silver spoons, I wish my dear little Nellie to have; to Mary I give my best black silk, fur cloak, and sealskin furs, set of cameos, one set of silver spoons, one plain gold ring, with part of point-lace; the remainder of my clothing, whatever it may be, I wish to have divided equally between Mary, Jennie, Nellie, and Clara, giving to each one that -which will be of the most service to them; my beds and bedding I wish to remain where they are until my husband may make some change in his home, then I wish to have it equally divided between my two girls, Mary and Nellie, and two nieces, Jennie and Clara Annabil. I wish to be perfectly just in dispos ing of what I may have, and would gladly have remembered my dear brother’s children at this present time, but there are good and proper reasons why I should not, and in after years perhaps it will be of more use to them. I have said that I wished'to be perfectly just, yet many may question my judgment somewhat in what I am about to do; yet to me it seems perfectly right. As my dear husband, David R. Corey, is in poor health, and is more to me than all the world besides, I wish him to have the use, during his life-time, of the remainder of my property, real and personal, about our home, not hitherto disposed of, including the house we now occupy, and all real estate mortgages which I may have at my death. I earnestly desire and hope that the property may be invested in the same way that it is now, and as I have kept it for many years, and at his death I wish all to be divided equally between my sister Nettie’s and brother George’s children, and Mary and Nellie. In no case, unless a long sickness should occur, do I wish him to use the principal, as the interest will be ample for all ordinary wants, but should it in any' case be necessary for his comfort to use more than the interest, I wish him to do so. I also give him small diamond ring which he now wears, and the one he gave me before our marriage I wish him to give the daughter that marries first. To my dear friend, Mary S. Yandegieft, of Manchester, Mich., I give my gold ear-rings and the gold thimble she gave me on my wedding-day. And I hereby appoint David R. Corey executor of..this my last will and testament.
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal this 9th day of Dec., 1881.
Jennie S. Corey.
Signed, sealed, and acknowledged by Jennie S. Corey to be her last will and testament. Mrs. Helen Crawford.
Anson L. Crawford.
Peley G. Corey.
Admitted to probate February 14th, 1882. | [
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D. C. Riley, J.
Defendant was tried and jury convicted of two counts of armed robbery, MCL 750.529; MSA 28.797. He was thereafter sentenced to concurrent terms of 14 to 20 years imprisonment on each count, and appeals by right.
The evidence presented at trial involved two closely related robberies. On December 10, 1976, at approximately 10:30 p.m., two men robbed the Beverage Barn, a take-out convenience store in Port Huron. On December 11, 1976, at about 12:10 a.m., 1-1/2 to 2 hours after the first robbery, a similar crime took place at Walsh’s Party Store, also in Port Huron.
Witness Timothy Tiegeler, a clerk at the Beverage Barn, testified that as he returned from the stockroom he was struck, thrown to the floor near the cash register and ordered to lie still. One of the assailant’s said, "that they had a .357 magnum and they were going to blow my head oif”. Tiegeler stated that although he never saw a gun, nor anything that looked like a gun, he conducted himself as though one was trained on him because of the threat made.
Various witnesses, present at Walsh’s Party Store stated that an "armed robbery” was specifically announced. In addition, co-participant Thomas Surline was variously described by four witnesses as waving his hand in his coat pocket and shouting "I have a gun, I have a gun”.
Surline testified for the prosecution, and admitted his participation in the two robberies, stating that he and Krist had spent the evening of December 10, 1976, drinking heavily and smoking marijuana. He remarked that Krist had told an attendant at the Beverage Barn that he possessed a gun. Surline stated that, after going to two other bars nearby, they both robbed Walsh’s Party Store. He further indicated that it was he who had his hand in his pocket, but asserted that he held a bottle of beer, and not a gun. On cross-examination, Surline claimed that neither he nor Krist actually had a weapon. He further testified that he had never seen defendant with a gun of any type.
Other facts necessary to the resolution of the five issues raised by defendant on appeal are discussed where pertinent.
Defendant initially contends that the trial judge erred in refusing to dismiss Count I (Beverage Barn robbery) because no evidence was adduced at trial showing that defendant was armed with a weapon as required by the armed robbery statute, MCL 750.529, which provides that:
"Any person who shall assault another, and shall feloniously rob, steal and take from his person, or in his presence, any money or other property, which may be the subject of larceny, such robber being armed with a dangerous weapon, or any article used or fashioned in a manner to lead the person so assaulted to reasonably believe it to be a dangerous weapon, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years.” (Emphasis supplied.)
The essential components of the statute mandate a showing that (1) an assault was committed by defendant upon the complainant; (2) the defendant feloniously took property which might be the subject of larceny from the complainant or in his presence; and (3) the defendant was armed with a weapon as described in the statute. People v Beebe, 70 Mich App 154, 157-158; 245 NW2d 547 (1976), People v Karasek, 63 Mich App 706, 710; 234 NW2d 761 (1975).
Armed robbery is distinguished from unarmed robbery, MCL 750.530; MSA 28.798, by the element of a dangerous weapon, or any article so used or fashioned. Both crimes involve the element of assault and fear. With regard to its third requirement, the armed robbery statute evidences a dichotomous intermix between two separate measures of governmental proof. Verification of a "dangerous weapon” or "an article used or fashioned” etc. apparently requires an objective showing. However, the latter phrase is patently conjoined with subjective proof regarding the victim’s state of mind.
The prosecution concedes that there was no evidence in Count I that a weapon was used, but maintains that the main thrust of the statute points to the reasonable belief of the victim, and, therefore, defendant’s declaration that he had a gun and would use it was sufficient to sustain its burden of proof. We do not agree.
Several Michigan decisions have upheld convictions where, as in Count II, the facts adduced at trial indicated that a defendant had gestured with a covered hand in such a manner as to lead the victim to conclude that he probably had a weapon. People v Shipp, 34 Mich App 67, 69; 190 NW2d 750 (1971), People v Washington, 4 Mich App 453, 455-456; 145 NW2d 292 (1966), People v Jury, 3 Mich App 427, 432; 142 NW2d 910 (1966). See also People v Boxx, 16 Mich App 724, 725; 168 NW2d 628 (1969), wherein evidence that the victims felt hard objects pressed against them and saw what they thought were guns was sufficient to bind over defendant for trial. No case, however, has addressed the factual setting before us.
Our resolution of the issue is guided in part by the long-standing principle that criminal statutes are to be strictly construed. People v Lockwood, 308 Mich 618, 622; 14 NW2d 517 (1944), People v Goulding, 275 Mich 353, 358; 266 NW 378 (1936), People v Reynolds, 71 Mich 343, 348; 38 NW 923 (1888), People v Gilbert, 88 Mich App 764, 768; 279 NW2d 546 (1979), People v Goodchild, 68 Mich App 226, 232; 242 NW2d 465 (1976).
Consistent therewith, and in accordance with the wording of the statute, we are of the opinion that, under the "article so used or fashioned” element of armed robbery, there must be, in addition to proof of the victim’s fear, competent evidence purporting to establish some attempt by defendant, aside from mere oral insinuations, to physically communicate the existence of a dangerous weapon. A verbal statement, without more, is insufficient. In this manner, both the objective and subjective criteria of the "article so used or fashioned” portion of the statute are satisfied.
We note that the result of this interpretation does not relieve a defendant of criminal liability, but rather, only effects conviction under another, albeit lesser, statute, i.e., unarmed robbery. Accordingly, we vacate defendant’s armed robbery conviction under Count I and remand for entry of conviction for unarmed robbery and resentencing.
Defendant next assails the trial judge’s failure to hold an evidentiary hearing regarding the validity of his pre-custody photographic identification without counsel being present, and by allowing the identifying witnesses to testify regarding same.
If the complained-of procedure was, in fact, erroneous, we determine that any error in permitting such testimony was clearly harmless error. Gilbert v California, 388 US 263, 272-274; 87 S Ct 1951, 1956-1957; 18 L Ed 2d 1178, 1186-1187 (1967), Chapman v California, 386 US 18, 24; 87 S Ct 824, 828; 17 L Ed 2d 705, 710-711 (1967), People v Anderson, 389 Mich 155, 167-169; 205 NW2d 461 (1973). The evidence of guilt in both counts, including the considerable and destructive testimony of codefendant Surline, was overwhelming. In addition, despite any impropriety of the photo show-ups, the in-court identifications of defendant originated from an independent basis. People v Hill, 88 Mich App 50, 64; 276 NW2d 512 (1979), People v Richmond, 84 Mich App 178, 182; 269 NW2d 521 (1978). Witness Timothy Tiegeler recognized defendant as a high school classmate, and further testified that defendant had been in the Beverage Barn store twice before on the night in question. The four employees of Walsh’s Party Store testified that they observed defendant throughout the course of the robbery, while one also recognized defendant from several previous appearances at the market. All gave detailed descriptions of defendant’s appearance on the night in question. We find no reversible error.
Defendant also asserts that, for three reasons, he was denied the effective assistance of counsel: (1) despite evidence of a breakdown in the attor ney-client relationship, the trial court failed to explore defendant’s claims or appoint substitute counsel; (2) defense counsel had failed to demand separate trials for the two robbery offenses; and (3) counsel had failed to properly cross-examine co-participant Surline regarding a polygraph test.
Although an indigent defendant is constitutionally guaranteed representation by counsel, that right does not extend to an attorney of his own choosing. People v Eddington, 77 Mich App 177, 185; 258 NW2d 183 (1977). Nevertheless, he may be entitled to have his assigned lawyer replaced upon a showing of adequate cause, People v Ginther, 390 Mich 436, 441; 212 NW2d 922 (1973), People v Blassingame, 59 Mich App 327, 331; 229 NW2d 438 (1975), People v Bradley, 54 Mich App 89, 95; 220 NW2d 305 (1974), provided it does not unreasonably disrupt the judicial process. Blassingame, supra, 331, People v Wilson, 43 Mich App 459, 462; 204 NW2d 269 (1972), but see People v Charles O Williams, 386 Mich 565, 574-577; 194 NW2d 337 (1972). The decision regarding substitution is entrusted to the trial court’s discretion, Eddington, supra, 185-186, and will not be overturned on appeal absent an abuse of that discretion.
The record reveals that, approximately two weeks before the original trial date, defendant, by letter of August 1, 1977, informed the trial court that he no longer desired representation by his then present attorney. Defense counsel thereafter moved to withdraw, but that motion was denied. Defendant’s attorney continued his representation at numerous motions held August 1, 8 and 15, 1977. On the last date, defendant’s motion to "waive court-appointed counsel” was granted; how ever, the court indicated that defense counsel would be present at defendant’s side should he need assistance. On August 17, the day set for trial, defendant requested of the trial court another attorney, and also indicated that he had talked to his father about funds to retain counsel. At this time defendant proffered several reasons why new counsel should be appointed, including allegations that counsel had, on prior occasions, been unprepared, had waived his rights without consulting him, and had failed to insist that a district judge, who had previously represented defendant, disqualify himself from hearing the preliminary examination in another case involving defendant where then present counsel was also appointed.
Initially, we note that, on appeal, it is incumbent upon defendant to show prejudice originating from his attorney’s alleged lack of preparation. People v Hernandez, 84 Mich App 1, 8; 269 NW2d 322 (1978), People v Bradley, 54 Mich App 89, 96; 220 NW2d 305 (1974), People v Russell, 47 Mich App 320, 324; 209 NW2d 476 (1973). No such showing has been made in the present case. On the contrary, a perusal of the transcript reveals that defense counsel made several pretrial motions and conducted extensive discovery. With respect to defendant’s remaining assertions, the record fails to substantiate the defendant’s complaints by a showing of the required negligence on the part of his attorney.
Although there was evidence of tangible disagreement between defendant and counsel, we do not find it sufficient to qualify as adequate cause for substituted counsel. Absent a bona fide irreconcilable dispute regarding, for instance, a substantial defense, disagreements regarding trial strategy do not constitute sufficient grounds for the appointment of successor counsel. People v Hooper, 82 Mich App 713, 716; 267 NW2d 162 (1978), Hernandez, supra, 9. In this regard we observe that defendant has already had two lawyers but seeks yet a third. Defendant’s then present counsel was himself appointed substitute counsel when defendant became dissatisfied with his originally appointed attorney. In sum, under these circumstances, noted by the court below, we find no abuse of discretion.
Defendant’s claims that counsel’s failure to move for severance and his improper cross-examination of co-participant Surline were serious mistakes denying him effective counsel must fall, unless, but for these alleged errors, defendant would have had a reasonably likely chance of acquittal. People v Garcia, 398 Mich 250, 266; 247 NW2d 547 (1976), People v DeGraffenreid, 19 Mich App 702, 718; 173 NW2d 317 (1969). Here, although joinder of the two robbery counts may have been improper, People v Tobey, 401 Mich 141; 257 NW2d 537 (1977), People v Ritchie, 85 Mich App 463; 271 NW2d 276 (1978), the evidence against defendant, including the testimony of several eyewitnesses (in addition to co-participant Surline’s narrative), was abundant. Moreover, had severance been granted, the analogous factual settings between the two crimes, including time, location, type of establishment robbed and parties involved, would have likely rendered evidence of one crime admissible in the trial of the other under the similar acts statute, MCL 768.27; MSA 28.1050. Thus, we are unable to conclude that, had defendant’s attorney requested a severance, defendant’s chances for acquittal would have been appreciably elevated.
Nor can we determine otherwise in the case of counsel’s cross-examination of Surline regarding his previous polygraph examination. When Surline inadvertently mentioned the polygraph test, defense counsel clearly perceived it as a method of challenging the witness’s credibility. Choices made by counsel within the rubric of "trial strategy” do not deprive a defendant of either a fair trial or effective assistance of counsel. People v Garcia, supra, 264-266, People v Bowen, 77 Mich App 684, 690; 259 NW2d 189 (1977), People v Penn, 70 Mich App 638, 648; 247 NW2d 575 (1976). The brief questions at issue, designed to impugn the witness’s credibility, did not elicit the results of the exam, see People v Barbara, 400 Mich 352; 255 NW2d 171 (1977), People v Davis, 343 Mich 348; 72 NW2d 269 (1955), and the trial judge cautioned the jury to disregard any reference to the polygraph.
Defendant’s penultimate allegation questions the lower court’s evidentiary ruling that enabled the prosecution to introduce, over defendant’s objection, testimony relating to Surline’s prior offer to commit an armed robbery.
Laura Watson, a waitress at the German Gardens, one of the two intervening bars allegedly visited between the robberies in question, testified that approximately ten days prior to the date of the robberies Surline informed her that he was going to rob the German Gardens bar and had asked for her assistance. The statement was introduced to illustrate the concern and apprehension Ms. Watson and the owner of the bar shared when they learned defendant and Surline were present, and to account for their vivid recollection of that evening.
Surline’s declaration was totally irrelevant and non-probative of defendant Krist’s guilt in either of the two robberies. Although the trial judge incorrectly allowed its admission into evidence, the error was not reversible inasmuch as defendant was not with Surline at the time of the statement and the trial judge further gave a limiting instruction to the jury.
Finally, we briefly reject defendant’s contention that the prosecutor’s remarks during closing argument considered facts not in evidence and, therefore, denied him a fair trial. In view of the evidence and theories presented at trial, the comments were within the bounds of permissible debate and observation. We find no error.
Reversed in part, affirmed in part.
"Any person who shall, by force and violence, or by assault or putting in fear, feloniously rob, steal and take from the person of another, or in his presence, any money or other property which may be the subject of larceny, such robber not being armed with a dangerous weapon, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison not more than 15 years.” MCL 750.530; MSA 28.798.
The maximum penalty for armed robbery is life imprisonment, whereas the punishment for unarmed robbery cannot exceed 15 years.
As unarmed robbery is a necessarily lesser included offense of armed robbery, People v Chamblis, 395 Mich 408, 424; 236 NW2d 473 (1975), People v Green, 86 Mich App 142, 150; 272 NW2d 216 (1978), People v Jones, 71 Mich App 270, 273; 246 NW2d 381 (1976), the jury, in convicting defendant of the higher charge, necessarily found him guilty of the lesser.
United States v Wade, 388 US 218, 242; 87 S Ct 1926, 1940; 18 L Ed 2d 1149, 1166 (1967).
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Per Curiam.
Under the statutes the tax from every liquor dealer then in business is payable in advance to the county treasurer on the first Monday in May, and must by that treasurer be paid over to the local treasurer. The only7 question before us is whether this money belongs to the township in which it ought to have been paid in May. or whether the subsequent annexation of a part of the township, bringing the dealer within the city of Detroit, entitled that city to all liquor taxes not then collected, although previously due to the townships. In our opinion the right became-vested in the townships to have this money on the first Monday of May, and it was then a fund which was their property. Detaching part of a township does not affect the-ownership of anything but lands. All debts or right? incorporeal continue to be owned by the township, unless provision is made by law to the contrary. The provision that, the taxes are to be paid over to the townships from which they were collected does not refer to the locality of the dealer when paid, so much as to the place where he dealt, when the tax became due. His liability7 is not destroyed by7 subsequent change of place or jurisdiction. His obligation, when once fixed, remains in force in favor of the-original pay7ee. The mandamus must issue in each case, as prayed. | [
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Allen, P.J.
On this question of first impression we are asked to decide whether Article IV(e) of the Interstate Agreement on Detainers, MCL 780.601; MSA 4.147(1), requires dismissal with prejudice of the information where, following arraignment but before trial on charges of armed rpbbery, the defendant, who had been brought to Michigan from the Federal penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia, was returned to Federal custody at the Federal Holding Facility at Milan, Michigan, rather than being confined in the Macomb County jail pending trial. We answer this question in the negative.
Defendant was charged with armed robbery occurring March 14, 1977, in Macomb County, Michigan. On September 12, 1977, defendant was bound over on the charge but made bond and was released to await arraignment. In October he went to Mississippi to see his wife, but on October 14, 1977, was arrested by Federal authorities in Mississippi for parole violation and was incarcerated at Gulfport, Mississippi. Following a hearing he was transferred to the Federal penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia. In January 1978 a letter and writ of habeas corpus was delivered by the Ma-comb County authorities to the Federal marshall for the Eastern District of Michigan and to the warden at the Atlanta penitentiary. Both the letter and the writ directed the Federal authorities to deliver defendant to Macomb County for arraignment on January 25, 1978. Pursuant to said writ defendant was transferred to the Federal penitentiary at Terre Haute, Indiana, and from there to the Federal penitentiary at Milan, Michigan. On February 1, 1978, he was transported to the Ma-comb County jail.
On February 2, 1978, he was arraigned at the county courthouse on the information and his bond was cancelled. At the arraignment defendant was advised that the trial judge to whom the case was assigned was to undergo surgery and that, unless defendant chose to stand trial before an alternate judge, trial would be delayed at least four weeks. Defendant elected to await the assigned judge’s return. Discussion was then had concerning where defendant would be lodged awaiting trial. Defendant, through counsel, expressed a preference for awaiting trial in the Federal facility at Milan instead of the Macomb County jail. On February 15, 1978, he was transferred back to Milan where he remained until trial on March 16, 1978. During this period the State of Michigan was charged $16 per day, plus meal expenses and costs of transportation.
Trial began March 16th and concluded March 23rd, when the jury returned a verdict of guilty of armed robbery. Again defendant asked that he be returned to Milan to await sentence, but this time the request was denied. On May 2, 1978, defendant was sentenced to prison from six to ten years. At sentencing defense counsel moved to dismiss on grounds that, when defendant was transferred back to Milan to await trial, the State of Michigan lost jurisdiction to try defendant under Article IV(e) of the Interstate Agreement on Detainers (IAD). On May 2, 1978, the trial court denied the motion on grounds that the IAD did not apply to cases where the defendant was returned by writ of habeas corpus. Six days later this Court in People v Beamon, 83 Mich App 121; 268 NW2d 310 (1978), held that a writ of habeas corpus ad prosequendum was a detainer. Fifteen days later (May 23, 1978) the United States Supreme Court held that a writ of habeas corpus ad prosequendum was not a "detainer” or a "written request for temporary custody” within the meaning of the IAD. United States v Mauro, 436 US 340; 98 S Ct 1834; 56 L Ed 2d 329 (1978). Defendant appeals by leave granted.
Viewed in the totality of the circumstances involved we do not find the confinement of defendant at the Holding Facility in Milan a violation of the proscription of Article IV(e) of the IAD. In reaching this conclusion we find it unnecessary to decide whether Mauro, supra, overrules this Court’s decision in Beamon, supra. Article IV(e) reads:
"If trial is not had on any indictment, information or complaint contemplated hereby prior to the prisoner’s being returned to the original place of imprisonment pursuant to Article V(e) hereof, such indictment, information or complaint shall not be of any further force or effect, and the court shall enter an order distnissing the same with prejudice.”
Article I of the IAD states that the purpose behind the statute is to prevent the disruption of an inmate’s rehabilitation when a detainer is lodged against him. As was stated in Christian v United States, 394 A2d 1, 40 (DC App, 1978):
"There is nothing in the legislative history or in the Agreement itself to indicate that its provisions were intended to apply to persons who were not involved in rehabilitative programs. Article IV(e) was designed to avoid the shuttling back and forth between jurisdictions and the resulting disruptive effect such transfers would have on a consistent treatment program and to promote the speedy disposition of outstanding charges upon which the detainers were based.”
In the instant case the defendant was not being shuttled back and forth between the county jail and a Federal prison but was held only for a brief stated period of time awaiting trial. Neither can it be said that his right to an uninterrupted program of rehabilitation was infringed upon. Neither at the Milan Holding Facility or at the Macomb County jail could the defendant participate in a program of rehabilitation, since neither institution offered such programs.
The identical question raised here was decided adversely to defendant in State ex rel Stanley v Davis, 569 SW2d 202 (Mo App, 1978). In that case the defendant, who had been sentenced to three years imprisonment and a three-year term of parole, was confined in the Federal institution in Springfield, Missouri. Soon thereafter he was charged in the circuit court of Franklin County, Missouri with assaulting a police officer and a detainer was filed with the Federal authorities. He requested a speedy trial on the state charges and was brought to Franklin County where, on June 21, 1977, he was arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty. Trial was set for July 21, 1977, and the defendant was returned to the Federal institution in Springfield. On July 21, 1977, defendant and his counsel appeared before the Franklin County Court but the case was passed to September 6, and defendant was incarcerated in the county jail. On July 27 counsel moved to dismiss on grounds that when defendant was returned to a Federal institution to await trial. The Court held IAD did not apply:
"We conclude that, based upon the history of the Agreement, the total context of the Act and the purposes embodied therein, Article 111(4), § 222.160, RSMo. is not applicable to the situation where a federal prisoner in Missouri is transferred to a Missouri court for the limited purposes of arraignment, appearances or hearings and then returned to the Federal facility in Missouri. In short, that section is not applicable to federal-state intrastate transfers for limited purposes. The intent and meaning of the statute must be determined by examining the entire Agreement and not isolated specific sections. The Agreement was meant to be ¿ shield against unconstitutional deprivation of a speedy trial and not as a sword.” State ex rel Stanley v Davis, supra, 210.
We find Davis on point and incorporate its reasoning by reference. In fact, Davis is more favorable to defendant’s position than the instant case since in Davis the defendant had not requested that between arraignment and trial he be confined in the Federal institution.
Further support for our conclusion that Article IV(e) of the statute does not apply to the situation in this case is found in the fact that while incarcerated at Milan the state paid the costs of housing and meals. Under this arrangement the defendant was not really returned to the Federal authorities but in effect was merely housed and boarded at the Federal facility pending trial. Finally, we find that Beamon, supra, so strongly relied upon by defendant, is inapposite to the instant case. There the defendant who had been brought to Michigan pursuant to a detainer from a Federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, was returned following a mistrial in Michigan to Terre Haute. Article IV(e) uses the term "original place of imprisonment”. In Beamon the defendant was returned to the original place of imprisonment whereas in the present case defendant originally came from the Federal penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia.
The remaining claims or error raised by defendant we find less substantive than the question of first impression discussed above. The trial court did not err when it refused to conduct a Walker hearing when a witness for the prosecution alluded to a statement made by codefendant Bellamy. A Walker hearing pertains to the voluntariness of a confession rather than the Bruton question of whether the use of the codefendant’s confession prejudiced the defendant. The witness did not divulge the contents of the confession, a cautionary instruction was given by the trial court and the matter was not referred to again. Under these circumstances the cautionary instruction was the appropriate remedy. People v Skidmore, 28 Mich App 677, 680; 185 NW2d 137 (1970).
After deliberating two hours the jury returned to the courtroom at 5 p.m. and announced they had not reached a verdict. After discussing the matter briefly with Mr. Egan, the jury foreman, the following occurred:
"The Court: I would rather keep you a couple more hours now if you could get a resolution of the matter than to have to send you home for four days.
"Mr. Egan: We will give it the old college try.
"The Court: Go back in the jury room and we will give you a reasonable time to see what you can do. Everything is still fresh in your minds and I would just as soon see you try again.
"Mr. Egan: All right.”
Whereupon, at 5:10 p.m. the jury resumed deliberations and at 6:20 p.m. returned with a verdict of guilty. We disagree with defendant that the court’s action was coercive. The situation is strikingly similar to the situation in Zeitz v Mara, 290 Mich 161, 164; 287 NW 418 (1939), where the Supreme Court held the judge’s action noncoercive. The trial judge’s instruction is even less demanding than in People v Coles, 28 Mich App 300, 304; 184 NW2d 214 (1970). In that case this Court found no error. We find none here.
We find no error in the trial court’s instructions to the jury in regard to prior inconsistent statements given at the preliminary examination. The instruction which was given is taken almost word for word from CJI 4:5:01 and is in accord with the holding in People v Paul Mathis, 55 Mich App 694; 223 NW2d 310 (1974). Finally, we disagree that the jury was "instructed to find the defendant guilty eleven times of some lesser offense”. Instead, the court instructed on the principal offense of armed robbery and the ten lesser included offenses. Such an instruction is in accord with People v Chamblis, 395 Mich 408; 236 NW2d 473 (1975), and no objection to the instruction was made by defendant. We find no error.
Affirmed.
D. E. Holbrook, J., concurred.
Plaintiff is not asking this Court to overrule Beamon and in its brief concedes that “in light of this Court’s recent decision in Beamon a writ of habeas corpus ad prosequendum” invokes the IAD. Therefore, we do not address the question of whether the United States Supreme Court decision in Mauro overrules Beamon. That question is also raised in People v Barnes, 93 Mich App 509; 287 NW2d 282 (1979).
2 Article III (4), § 222.160, RSMo. is the same as Article IV(e) of the Michigan statute.
Numerous cases hold that where defendant requests he be returned to the sending institution or state, defendant waives his rights under the IAD. Christian v United States, supra, 35, and cases cited therein. However, some cases hold that for the waiver to be effective it must be shown that there was an intentional relinquishment of a known right. Enright v United States, 434 F Supp 1056 (SD NY, 1977). Since the record in the instant case does not show that defendant was told what his rights were under the IAD, we do not base our decision on waiver.
People v Walker (On Rehearing), 374 Mich 331; 132 NW2d 87 (1965).
Bruton v United States, 391 US 123; 88 S Ct 1620; 20 L Ed 2d 476 (1968). | [
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Campbell, J.
The only question in this case is whether a garnishee’s answer showed such a debt due by him to the principal debtor that a judgment for any sum could be given upon it. It was as follows :
“ I know James McMannis; I made a bargain with him to' thresh the wheat and oats — to do the threshing; I don’t know whether I owe him or some one else for it. The threshing at time garnishee was made amounted to-$21.65, and he threshed balance of job to amount $10.54. After the garnishee was served upon me, I paid Mr. McMannis $10. I supposed the garnishee was a subpcenain another case, and put it in my pocket without reading. When I went to settle up with Mr. McMannis he told me that all the money he wanted was enough to pay the expenses, and the balance was to go to Waters; Merritt Frank made the bargain with McMannis for me. The bargain was made with McMannis; nothing was said as to whom to pay the money to, nor when to pay it, until after the job was all done, and I went to settle up with him.”
This case, originating in a justice’s court, was appealed to the circuit court and tried without a jury, and the court found in favor of the defense.
The only point raised is the one already referred to, as there was no other testimony in the ease. "We do not quite see how the question can arise without a bill of exceptions; but, however this may be, we see no error. An admission which does not positively confess liability to a party may, under some circumstances, be some evidence which, aided by other proofs, will be available to establish it. But here there is nothing which fixes liability by the admission itself, and there is nothing to supplement it.
The judgment must be affirmed.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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Champlin, J.
But one question is involved in this ease, and that is as to plaintiff’s right to maintain the action. The declaration alleges that on or about the 14th day of October, 1882, the defendants entered into a written contract with plaintiff as follows:
“We promise and agree to pay Thomas Wilkinson wages or salary at the rate of $3500 a year, for three years, from the second day of October, 1882, in consideration of his working for us for that length of time as cutter in our merchant tailoring department in the city of East Saginaw, Michigan. Payments to be made, as earned, in such sums and at such times as lie may desire.
Dated October 14, 1882.
[Signed] Heavenrich Bros. & Co.”
—that he worked for defendants under this contract, and in the business and employment aforesaid, and was always ready and willing to so work and be employed for defendants for the term of three years in said contract mentioned, and so worked until on or about the 5th day of July, 1884, when, without cause and against the wishes and contrary to the will and against the consent of the plaintiff, the defendants wrongfully dismissed and discharged the plaintiff from their employment, and refused to allow the plaintiff to work for them in the employment mentioned in said contract, whereby plaintiff lost the wages and profits and advantages which he would have derived from being continued in said employ, was thrown out of work, and was unable to get any employment for a long space of time, to wit, for four months. A second count alleges that on the 14th day of October, 1882, defendants entered into another contract with plaintiff, and in consideration that plaintiff would work for them promised and"agreed to employ the plaintiff for three years as cutter in defendants’ merchant tailoring department, and pay him, as such cutter, at the rate of $3500 each year, as earned, in sums and at times desired by plaintiff; that plaintiff entered upon such employment as cutter and worked until about the 5th day of July, 1884, when he was wrongfully and against his will discharged, etc. The plea was the general issue, with notice that plaintiff did not perform the contract on his part, and for that reason they discharged him.
On the trial, after the introduction of the agreement in evidence, it was admitted that the defendants constituted the firm of ITeavenrich Bros. & Oo. at the time of the making of the contract that is offered in evidence; that plaintiff v'as discharged on the 7th day of July, 1884 ; that the defendants paid the plaintiff in full for his services up to the time of his discharge; that upon the 8th day of July the plaintiff served upon the defendants the following notice :
“ Ueavenrich Bros. <& Oo., East Saginaw, Michigan — • Gentlemen : I hereby protest against your attempt to cancel our contract. I hold your written agreement for a three years’ term of service, from October 2d, 1882. That contract I am ready and willing to perform on my part, and I hereby offer to continue, and request you to furnish me employment, under the terms of that arrangement.
Bated East Saginaw, July 8th, 1884.
[Signed] Thomas Wilkinson.
The plaintiff was sworn in his own behalf, and was cross-examined relative to his performance of the contract on his part; but the scope of his evidence was unimportant, in view of the charge given by the court, which was that there was no mutuality in the agreement, for Mr. Wilkinson was not bound to stay three years, and Heavenrich Bros. & Co. could not be bound to keep him three years, and for want of such mutuality the plaintiff could not recover; and he directed a verdict for the defendants.
The conflict of authority upon questions of the kind raised upon this record is truly bewildering, and the cases are incapable of being reconciled with each other; a large and respectable class holding that a contract which the Statute of Frauds declares shall not be valid unless in writing and signed by the party to be charged therewith, need only be signed by the party defendant in the suit, and that it is no objection to maintaining such suit and recovering upon such contract, that the other party did not also sign and was not bound by its terms. 2 Kent’s Com. 510; 2 Stark. Ev. 614; Smith's Appeal 69 Penn. St. 480; Tripp v. Bishop 56 Penn. St. 428; Perkins v. Hadsell 50 Ill. 217; Old Colony Railroad Corporation v. Evans 6 Gray 31; Williams v. Robinson 73 Me. 186. Another and equally respectable class of jurists hold that unless the party bringing the action is bound by the contract neither is bound because of the want of mutuality. Lees v. Whitcomb 3 C. & P. 289; Sykes v. Dixon 36 E. C. L. 366: 9 Ad. & El. 693; Krohn v. Bantz 68 Ind. 277; Stiles v. McClellan 6 Col. 89. And see also as bearing upon the question Hall v. Soule 11 Mich. 496; Scott v. Bush 26 Mich. 418; Liddle v. Needham 39 Mich. 147; McDonald v. Bewick 51 Mich. 79. The cases above cited are not intended to be-exhaustive on either side of the proposition.
I shall not attempt a reconciliation where reconciliation is-impossible; but as the question is new in this State, the Court is left to adopt such view as appears to rest upon; principle. It is a general principle in the law of contracts,, but not without exception, that an agreement entered into1 between parties competent to contract, in order to be binding, must be mutual; and this is especially so when the consideration consists of mutual promises. In such cases, if it appears that the one party never was bound on his part to do-the act which forms the consideration for the promise of the other, the agreement is void for want of mutuality. Hopkins v. Logan 5 M. & W. 241; Dorsey v. Packwood 12 How. 126; Ewins v. Gordon 49 N. H. 444; Hoddesdon Gas Co. v. Haselwoood 6 C. B. (N. S.) 239; Souch v. Strawbridge 2 M. G. & S. 808; Callis v. Bothamly 7 Wkly. R. 87; Sykes v. Dixon 9 Ad. & El. 693; Addison on Contracts § 18; Parsons on Contracts 449; Utica &c. R. R. Co. v. Brinckerhoff 21 Wend. 139; Lester v. Jewett 12 Barb. 502.
Such was the case here. The consideration consisted of mutual promises of the parties, not to be pterformed within a year from the making thereof. The defendants’ promise was in writing, and signed by them; but the plaintiff’s promise does not appear in the writing signed by the defendant, nor. was any note or memorandum mado and signed by liirn promising to labor for defendant three years or any length of time. Plaintiff was never bound by the agi’eement. There never was, then, any consideration to support defendants’ promises. The agreement was void for want of mutuality. The plaintiff was under no legal obligation to work for defendants a moment longer than he chose, and the defendants were under none to beep him in their employment. The plaintiff could neither revive nor make a contract with defendants after he was discharged by them without their consent and concurrence. The letter written after he was discharged was of no avail.
The judgment is affirmed.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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Moore, J
The plaintiff sued to recover the sum of $440, which he claims was due him from the defendants. Upon the trial the defendants introduced no testimony. The trial judge directed a verdict for defendants. The case is brought here by writ of error.
Upon the trial the plaintiff testified as follows:
“I am the plaintiff; reside in Detroit; and know the three defendants, and understand the circumstances under which certain stock was sold. At that time the officers of the Detroit Leather Goods Manufacturing Company, Limited, were Mr. Richards, Mr. Scully, and Mr. Bookman, the three defendants. My certificates of stock were then at the office of the company in the company’s safe, and they were indorsed in blank so they could be transferred, so that these defendants had the stock in their possession. I don’t remember whether they were in blank or not. They might have been made out to me, I don’t remember, and the stock was in their possession. While that condition existed I made a contract with them.”
The contract reads: .
“Detroit, Mich., March 5, 1902.
“ J. C. McIlroy,
“Detroit, Mich.
“Dear Sir: Confirming the conversation we have had with you in the past, we hereby agree to purchase from you each week, for a period of sixty weeks, two shares of the capital stock of the Detroit Leather Goods Manufacturing Company, Limited, of Detroit, Mich., for which we will pay you $5.00 per share, or $10 per week, on delivery of certificates, or an assignment or order for the same, duly executed.
“R. C. Richards.
“C. H. Bockman.
“Fred J. Scully.”
No agreement was signed by Mr. McIlroy. Later he gave the defendants orders on the company for stock, and was paid therefor. Later he delivered to Mr. Richards the following paper:
“ Detroit, April 2, 1904.
“Detroit Leather Goods Maneg. Co., Limited.
“ Gentlemen: Please deliver to R. C. Richards, Chas. A. Bookman or F. W. Scully, certificates for eighty-eight shares of my stock in your company, and oblige,
“Yours truly,
[Signed] “J. C. MgIlroy.”
The plaintiff testified that when he tendered this order Mr. Richards laid it on his desk and said: “That amounts to nothing.” He also testified:
“In the meantime I had a talk with Mr. Richards about payments. The explanation given for their failure to pay was that they did not have the money. Mr. Richards offered me a note. I did not take it. I told him I would take it if the bank would'take it — the bank where he did business. I went to see, and talked with the cashier, and he said he would not accept it; wanted to have a discount; that was the time I think I delivered the 88 shares and he wanted to pay me in a note. * * *
“After Mr. Richards offered the note, and I found I could not use it, the only explanation they made to me at that time as to why they did not pay was that they did not have the money. That was the only reason given.”
It is the claim of the appellant that all the stock covered by the contract was delivered to the defendants, so that the statute of frauds does not apply:
“ (a) The order for 88 shares for the purchase price of which this suit is brought was delivered to and accepted by the defendants, and nothing remained but for them to pay the purchase price.
“ It was immaterial whether the original contract was or was not valid. The acceptance of the order for the 88 shares of stock and the agreement to pay obligated the defendants, regardless of whether the original contract was binding upon them or not.
“ (b) All the stock covered by the contract was delivered to the defendants. In fact it was in the possession of the defendants at the time the sale was made, and has always remained in their possession. Therefore the transaction was goods sold and delivered to be paid for at the rate of $10 a week, and the fact that the payments were not to be completed within one year did not invalidate the contract.”
We have quoted all the testimony hearing upon the question of an acceptance and delivery, and we think it fails to show either as to the 88, shares of stock now in controversy.
It is the claim of defendants that as plaintiff did not bind himself to sell the shares of stock, and as the agreement was not to be performed within one year, the case was within the statute of frauds. The trial court held with the defendants, basing his decision upon Wilkinson v. Heavenrich, 58 Mich. 574. We think that case controls the one át bar.
Judgment is affirmed.
McAlvay, C. J., and Montgomery, Ostrander, and Hooker, JJ., concurred. | [
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Carpenter, J.
Plaintiff brings this suit to recover for the conversion of certain electrical apparatus described as three rotary motors (hereafter called “rotaries”) which his assignor, the Northern Electrical Manufacturing Company, sold and delivered upon a written contract of sale— reserving title in itself until the purchase price was fully paid — to the Detroit Construction Company. The Detroit -Construction Company had a contract to build a suburban railway for the Detroit, Rochester, Romeo & Lake Orion Railway, and it purchased these rotaries for the purpose of using the same in performing that contract. Before the rotaries were installed said Detroit, Rochester, Romeo & Lake Orion Railway sold its railway to the defendant. The rotaries were subsequently installed, but were never entirely paid for; and upon defendant’s refusal to surrender them or to pay the unpaid balance, this suit was instituted.
The case has been tried twice. On the first trial it was assumed that defendant had purchased the title of the Detroit Construction Company, and the question was whether it had purchased that title in good faith. Its good faith would defeat plaintiff’s right to recover, because the contract of sale was not recorded as required by section 6336, 2 Comp. Laws. The issue was submitted to a jury, and plaintiff recovered a verdict and judgment. That judgment was reversed by this court, and our decision will be found reported in 140 Mich. 101.
A second trial was had, and the learned trial judge directed a verdict in plaintiff’s favor upon the ground that the evidence failed to show that defendants ever acquired the title of said Detroit Construction Company. The correctness of that decision is the principal question for our determination.
The evidence proves that these rotaries were installed by the Detroit Construction Company under its written contract (made before and in force when defendant purchased the railway) “to construct and equip” the Detroit, Rochester, Romeo & Lake Orion Railway; and that said Detroit Construction Company has been fully paid for performing this contract.
It is clear that the Detroit Construction Company retained no interest in said rotaries after it had installed them and had been paid for constructing and equipping said railway. Its title then passed either to the Detroit, Rochester, Romeo & Lake Orion Railway or to the defendant. Did that title pass to defendant ? That depends upon the proper construction of the contract by which the railway was sold to defendant. The Detroit, Rochester, Romeo & Lake Orion Railway “sold to defendant all its property, rights, privileges, and assets” and “all the property, engines, tools, cars, equipment, and material of the Detroit Construction Company used in the construction of said railway and now on said railway or in the vicinity thereof.”
Counsel for plaintiff contended, and the learned trial judge, whose carefully prepared opinion is a part of the record, decided, that, inasmuch as the rotaries in question were not described in the language last above quoted, they were not transferred to defendant. We think this decision erroneous. The reasoning is unsound, because it fails to give proper force to the language first above quoted by which there was transferred to defendant “all of the property, rights, and assets of the Detroit, Rochester, Romeo & Lake Orion Railway.” This transferred to defendant all the rights then possessed by the Detroit, Rochester, Romeo & Lake Orion Railway. One of the rights so transferred was the contract right to have these rotaries installed and to acquire title as the result of said installation. It therefore follows that when the rotaries were installed defendant acquired at the very least all the title of the Detroit Construction Company.
We think that the determining question presented by the record on the second trial as on the first is that of defendant’s good faith. Defendant’s counsel insist that a verdict should have been directed in its favor upon the ground that the undisputed evidence proves that it ac quired this property in good faith. We content ourselves with saying that the testimony is not materially different from what it was when we formerly disposed of the case, and we adhere to the conclusion then expressed. Defendant insists that for other reasons a verdict should have been directed in its favor. As these are based upon the assumption that it purchased the property in good faith, there is no occasion to consider them. For if defendant did purchase said property in good faith, confessedly its title is perfect. The question of good faith was one for the jury to determine.
For the error pointed out, the judgment is reversed, and a new trial granted.
McAlvay, C. J., and Grant,.Blair, and Ostrander, JJ., concurred. | [
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Campbell, J.
Delator, being a corporation engaged in making oleomargarine and butterine in the city of Detroit, proceeded, on the taking effect of Act No. 186 of the Public Acts of 1885, to surrender to the sheriff of Wayne county its. machinery and apparatus and outfit, and applied to respondent under section 9 of the statute, to have its value assessed by a jury, for the purpose of getting pay for it from the State. The judge refused the application, on the ground that he did not consider the act valid. Application is made to us for a mandamus to compel him to proceed with the assessment. We intimated on the argument that we did not see our way clear to granting such a writ. The question depends on the legal efficacy of the statute.
Its title is “ An act to prevent deception in the manufacture and sale of dairy products, and to preserve the public health.” The first section punishes as guilty of a misdemeanor any person who shall manufacture, sell, or ship “into this State oleonwgarine or butterine or any articles in semblance of butter, and not the legitimate product of the dairy, and not made exclusively of milk or cream.” Whether this would exclude butter made with salt, we do not find it necessary on this hearing to determine.
The second and third sections make it punishable as a misdemeanor, with heavy punishments not differing essentially from those in the first section, if any one shall render or manufacture out of “any animal fat, or animal or vegetable oils, not produced from unadulterated milk or cream from the same, any article or product in imitation or semblance of, or designed to take the place of natural butter,” or “ mix, compound with, or add to, milk, cream, or butter, any acids or other deleterious substance, or any animal fats, or animal or vegetable oils, not produced from milk or cream, with design or intent to render, make, or produce any article or substance, or any human food, in imitation or semblance of natural butter,” or sell, keep or offer for sale any such article, whether made here or elsewhere.
The fourth section begins with similar restrictions against doing any of these things with intent to sell them as genuine butter, but proceeds to make tbe possession of any of them conclusive evidence of such a design. The fifth and sixth contain some auxiliary provisions. The seventh seems to be designed to be a vindication of the statute and its purpose, and is in these words : “ This act, and each section thereof, is declared to be enacted to prevent deception in the sale of dairy products, and to preserve the public health, which is endangered by the manufacture, sale, or use of the articles or substances heroin regulated or prohibited.”
The eighth section repeals all laws inconsistent 'with this. The ninth section provides that all persons and companies having money or property invested in machinery, apparatus or stock used in connection with the manufacture of oleomargarine or any butter substitute, may surrender the property (except land and buildings) to the sheriff, whereupon an inventory is to be made, and the owners are to commence a suit against the State in the circuit court of the county for its value, to be assessed by jury. The prosecuting attorney or Attorney General may appear and defend. The jury are to assess the value on evidence, and judgment is to be rendered against the State, and execution issued against the State, to be satisfied, as far as possible, by sale of the property, and the balance is required to be allowed by the State Auditors, who are required to certify it to the Auditor General, who is required to issue his warrant on the Treasurer, and the Treasurer is required to pay it.
We are not called upon or qualified by any judicial knowledge which we possess to determine the merits or defects of the well-known substances which this statute was intended to suppress. We cannot, and the Legislature cannot, decide with any authority whether they are of hygienic value or not. That they may be lawfully made and lawfully used, unless there is some valid law to the contrary, is beyond doubt. Whether the Legislature can absolutely prevent their use or manufacture would be an interesting inquiry if this record presented it. But in our opinion it does not present it. The purpose of the statute, so far as it is lawful, must be determined by its title, and it is not competent to use one title and explain in the body of the act that it means something else. The constitutional rule requiring the title to contain the object of the act would be a farce if there' were any power in the Legislature to give new meanings to language. Section Y is nothing more nor less than such an attempt at stretching words into an unnatural sense, and it is nugatory.
From first to last this statute is confined to what is an absolute and unqualified prohibition as a crime of any making or disposition of the articles within the State, as well as an attempted prohibition against persons in other states or foreign countries from making shipments hither. And section 9 is an attempt to make the State pay for the plant of any persons engaged in the manufacture, by subjecting it to a summary suit in a local court, subjecting its property to execution, and compelling the only constitutional body authorized to allow claims against the State to become the mere register of the circuit court’s orders and transmit them to the Auditor General without inquiry. In this respect the statute is certainly remarkable.
It is plain that without this section the rest of the law could not have been passed. It must all stand or fall together. That such a peculiar provision should lurk under such a title as that of this act could never be expected by any one reading the title, and it is hardly credible that it could have been so understood by the great body of legislators. But foreign as it is, it is not much more so than the rest of the act.
The title covers nothing but deception in the “ manufacture and sale of dairy products.” If the addition of the words “ and to preserve the public health ” was meant to include anything further, it would render the title double and thus avoid the whole statute for duplicity. It could only stand as indicating the reason for preventing the deception mentioned, and would, in that point of view, rather narrow than enlarge the purpose, by confining it to unwholesome articles, which all of these articles cannot possibly be.
All that could be done under such atitle would be to prohibit and prevent the sale of such articles under false pretenses, as being pure dairy products. Such a prohibition would be no more than adding a new specified deception to the list of punishable false pretenses. And such a law would reach all the mischief aimed at by the title to this statute, and probably all of the mischief that really exists. There is no difficulty in reaching frauds and the use of unsound and dangerous products in other ways. But, whatever authority the law-making power possesses, the Constitution will not permit Legislature or citizens to bo misled by embodying in any statute provisions which are not indicated by its title, to which all have a right to look for guidance in their searches after the law.
The peculiar phraseology of this act would seem to indicate that it was drawn up somewhere else, and it may possibly have been borrowed from some state where there is no requirement that titles shall be veracious indexes to legislation. Our own legislative bodies have not been trained in that way, and such is not our law.
It would be of no use to enter upon any discussion of the principles of public economy which were somewhat dwelt on upon the presentation of the case. Our proper functions confine us to legal questions.
The mandamus is refused.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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Campbell, C. J.
The appeal in this case is brought to review certain proceedings had under the general law and not under the charter of Grand Kapids, to open a street in extension of its original bounds. The law in question is one passed in 1883, to provide uniform methods for the appropriation of propertyin cities and villages, which was approved May 31, 18S3, and is printed in 1 Iiow. Stat. on pp. 1295-1300.
On the 22d of September, 1884, the common council of Grand Kapids adopted resolutions declaring the necessity of opening First street, and widening and extending it of a uniform width of sixty-six feet from the west line of Broadway to the west boundary of the city, including in the description of the land to be taken a part of appellant’s railway, thirty-three feet by sixty-six feet. The city attorney was ordered to proceed in the Superior Court of Grand Kapids, and accordingly brought these proceedings.
The appellant appeared by attorney, and was represented throughout the proceedings. Upon December 30, which was the original day of hearing, various objections were made to the sufficiency of the steps taken to give jurisdiction, and also to the validity of the statute in question. A panel of twenty-four freeholders was ordered, from which six names were struck on each side. Of the remaining twelve, who were duly summoned, three were excused, and two were found not to be freeholders. Five competent talesmen were called, and the jury thus made up acted and found a verdict. Some challenges were made to jurors for remoteness.
Evidence was given by appellant of a trust mortgage of its road, and all its property and franchises, to secure the payment of bonds, which was in the usual form of railway mortgages, and retained to the appellant the ordinary control of its affairs until dispossessed. Objection was then made that until the trustees were made parties the proceedings were illegal. This was overruled.
Two witnesses were sworn upon the damages of appellant, and the questions asked and allowed against objection to be answered, were general as to “ what amount of compensation ” ought to be paid to appellant, and the witnesses gave in reply each a single round sum, — one saying $300, and the other $125. The jury gave $200.
The jury viewed the premises, but were charged that in fixing the compensation they must be governed by the evidence and not by their own arbitrary opinions as to what should be awarded. Some further instructions were given on the general question, which are not important as to appellant. The effect of the charge on the duty of the jury in determining necessity will bo referred to, as far as required, in considering that feature of the record.
After the verdict a motion for a new trial was made, based upon the legal insufficiency of the action of the common council, the disregard by the jury of the evidence, and upon a showing by' affidavit that appellant was induced to maintain its track and build a station in that part of the city by an agreement made by the city' in conformity with an understanding with the land-owners in the vicinity', that First street should not be continued across the railroad. This motion was also denied.
As the record stands and was presented, we do not think it proper to discuss any fundamental questions not necessary to a decision. While some suggestions are made which are not lacking in force, we are not disposed to enter ourselves, without a more exhaustive argument, upon a search and comparison of all the possible provisions of law that may have a bearing on possible cases. It is the duty of courts to see that no one is wronged by' proceedings to deprive him of his freehold, and to this end the appellate power given by the statute is of the broadest character. But it is quite as important to construe laws, where it can be done fairly' and without violence to their terms, in such a way as to give them operation for lawful ends, if practicable. And while some statutes are purposely made complete in themselves and independent of others, nevertheless most of them form part of a system, and may be construed in that view.
The present statute (No. 124 of 1883) was intended to provide a method applicable to cities and villages generally', whereby lands may be condemned for public uses. It ’is a modification of two successive statutes passed in 1877 and 1882, to reach the same results. ,It provides, after the municipality has determined upon the policy of a public improvement, for a jury of freeholders from the municipality to determine the public necessity and the proper compensation for land, taken and it purports to exclude from the consideration of the jury any allowance of benefits to set off against the value. In this respect it is fairer than its predecessors. But it is claimed that the statute is not effectively framed to secure the just results intended.
It is first urged that no showing is required that attempts have been made to get private consent and failed. Many statutes have required the failure of such an attempt to be set out as a ground of jurisdiction, and it is certainly proper that proceedings in invitum should not lpe had unless necessary. But we are not able to’ find authority for holding a law unconstitutional for not expressly providing that this should be made to appear. Plow far it may become material in the subsequent inquiry we need not now consider. The objection was not made at an early stage of the proceedings and it cannot properly be made now.
It is claimed that the Constitution requires a jury of freeholders residing in the vicinity of the property, and that this vicinity means the county at large and not a part of the county. This statute requires the jury to come from the municipality. That certainly is more definitely the vicinage, according to common-law principles, than the county would be. And we held in People v. Hurst 41 Mich. 328, that in a municipal court the venue might lawfully be municipal. During the hearing below objection was made to some jurors as living too far away, although within the city. In our opinion the city was all within the vicinage. No question is raised concerning the existence of any bias in fact which would stand in the -way of a fair verdict. It must be presumed no such difficulty appeared.
A more serious question is raised by the claim that the jury were not required to find the necessity for the opening of the street, but only the necessity for taking the land in question for the street declared necessary by the council.
This is a practical difficulty which has caused much trouble. It has often happened that juries have been led or allowed to evade their own responsibility in passing on the necessity for the -work itself. That is, as we have frequently pointed out, their most essential duty, because, if it is taken for granted the road is to be laid out, the position of the particular parcels on the line is fixed when the road is fixed. The object of the Constitution is to prevent all needless appropriations of private property, which are too often made for ends in which the public are in no strait, and for private fancy or emolument rather than the general welfare. If this statute bears such a meaning it would be difficult to uphold it.
The first section very plainly requires the uses to be within the Constitution, and the second requires a solemn declaration by the municipality of the necessity of the public improvement itself, as a foundation for proceeding further. The petition is to the same effect. Section 8. The oath of the jury is to determine “whether there is necessity for taking for the use or benefit of the public ” the property described, which includes the whole parcel within the improvement. The form of verdict set out in the statute is not so definite as it might be, inasmuch as it adds “ for the proposed public improvement.” But when -we take the -whole statute together, it evidently means such a finding as the Constitution warrants. It requires the judge to instruct the jury upon the law of the case, and the charge ought to leave no doubt concerning the duty to be performed by that body. Any failure to make this clear might be made ground for objection and review, but we find no such defect in the statute as to render it void.
It is also objected against the statute that it provides no means for raising the money to pay for the lands taken. This is not, in our opinion, a well-founde.d objection. The statute (section 18) provides for laying before the city council evidence of the finding, when confirmed. It then provides that the council may, if they believe that a certain part of the city will be benefited by the improvement, liave tile whole or any just portion, assessed on that part upon owners and occupants of real estate in proportion as near as may be to the advantages-of each lot, which assessment shall be made as is provided in-case of grading streets. But by section 1G the council is bound within a year to provide means in some way, and is authorized to do so by borrowing from other funds, or otherwise.
The objections made on the argument all apply to the provisions for laying the tax on a particular section of the city. But as it may be raised by general tax, and must be if not otherwise provided, the invalidity of these special provisions, if they are invalid, cannot affect the other parts of the act. If any special district should bo set apart and assessed, the owners of the property so assessed may have occasion for a remedy, but no one else appears likely to suffer.
The sheriff having returned a summons of twenty-four cpalified freeholders, the fact that some of the jurors turned out to be incompetent could not affect the whole array, any more than in other cases where challenges lie for incompetency. The jury sworn contained none but resident freeholders, and there is no fraud shown.
We are not satisfied that under such a mortgage as was made by the appellant, including franchises and easements,, there wras any necessity of bringing in the mortgagees. Nothing but a right of way across the track wras condemned and the track is not disturbed, and we discover nothing which would entitle the mortgagees to share in the compensation, so long as appellant has control of the road.
The testimony of Tuttle and Page concerning the amount of compensation -which should be given was clearly incompetent. That amount was the very thing which the Constitution refers to the jury, and they must make up their own conclusions from pi-oper data. What data -were laid before the jury we have no means of telling, but they had a right, if the charge -was correct, and they evidently acted on it, to take the testimony of those two witnesses as a basis for their action, and they seem to have settled the conflict by substantially averaging it.
If counsel for the city correctly interprets the result, the land crossed was reckoned without any reference to anything but its value as isolated. But the statute in question has rightly discarded the term “value,” sometimes used in similar statutes, for the term “ compensation,” which is the constitutional word, and means much more. The damage done to a railroad by having a highway run across it must neces■sarily include all the additional expense entailed by such a •crossing, which in a city may involve a considerable outlay in making the crossing safe, and providing guards against •accident. Under the Constitution there must be just compensation, and this cannot be denied by law or by verdict.
ITow far the action of the city in leading the appellant to lay out money and fix its location on the faith that First street should not be opened would estop the corporation from taking the present proceedings was not so presented or argued •that we care to decide it on this record. The fact does not seem to have been brought to the notice of the court until ■after verdict. It might have been set up on the hearing whether a jury should bo summoned, if relied on as a bar, -or it might also have been shown on the hearing before the jury, when a proper charge could have been asked, and the ■court could have put the question in shape to be reviewed here, as a bar, in law, or as a fact negativing necessity, and ■possibly as bearing on the measure of compensation on account •of enlarged expenditure. We give now no opinion on any of these points, as in case of a future hearing the subject ■can be more directly presented. Had there been no other defect, we might have felt bound to grant a new trial in •order to have this defense considered, as counsel by affidavit •explained the delay. But as other defects exist it is better to have the facts fully brought in and ruled upon.
We think the Superior Court had jurisdiction, so far as any objections argued before us are concerned, and therefore, in setting aside the verdict with costs, we send the case back for a new trial.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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Campbell, J.
Each of these relators presented claims allowed by the proper board of health, for services and other dues incurred under their duty to take measures to prevent the spread of small-pox. The supervisors allowed more or less of the accounts, but refused to allow the rest. In their answers they present various supposed excuses for the disallowance. None of them are such as they could lawfully rely upon.
Mr. Elliott’s claim is for services as nurse in the pest-house, at four dollars a day, — allowed by the supervisors at two dollars. There is a showing made, but contradicted, that the board of supervisors desired to have claimant given a fair chance for a full hearing. The objections which are shadowed forth are that some of the patients were probably able to pay for their own necessities, and that the charge was exorbitant. There is nothing whatever in the return to indicate that they had any evidence of such pecuniary ability, or that the charges were excessive. Instead of having an open and proper hearing in relator’s presence and where he could be represented, the return shows they sent out a committee to make such private explorations as they saw fit, who reported the views of some large tax-payers on the subject. It is not remarkable that tax-payers should be desirous of evading county charges, but it would be contrary to good sense, as well as law, to allow a public body having legal responsibilities to attempt to shift them off by resting on the advice or wishes of those who have no such duties.
In this case it could make no difference what patients were in the pest-house. Relator Elliott was employed to act as a nurse there, and it in no way concerned him what was the pecuniary standing of its inmates. The board of health have the power and responsibility of providing such a house and nurses to attend it. It was held in Rae v. Flint 51 Mich. 526, that the public is primarily responsible for such expenditures, and that it would be contrary to public policy to endanger the public health by' making it impracticable to employ help who would not be sure of their pay. The exigency of a pestilence will- not wait for the convenience of parties, and measures must be prompt and effectual. The board of health must have power to make necessary contracts, and this involves all their terms. This was decided in the early case of Bristow v. Supervisors of Macomb County 3 Mich. 475. There was nothing in Elliott’s claim which was open to inquiry before the supervisors, and they should have'allowed it as presented. There is no possible issue left open.
Trenchall’s claim was for care of certain small-pox patients under employment from the board of health, and for articles destroyed to avoid infection. These items were within the discretion of that board under How. Stat. 1647, §§ 1648. The destruction of the infected property used in the care of the sick is so plain a necessity as to need no discussion. The return of defendants on this case is much like that in Elliott’s case, and gives no reason for deferring action in ordering payment.
Paquette’s case is not distinguishable in principle from Elliott’s.
It is very much to be regretted that respondents have been so ill advised as to attempt to avoid the payment of these claims. The statutes designed to protect the community from infection are of the utmost importance, and persons cannot be compelled to risk their lives to take charge of patients, unless they choose to do so. Suitable and competent persons cannot be procured without fair remuneration. It would be dangerous in the extreme if such matters could be left open to the caprice of any public bodjq after the immediate danger is ended, where notions of thrift may interfere with those of humanity. The law has not left these matters open to any such risk, and it is the duty of courts to see that it is not disregarded.
The writs must all issue as prayed.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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Carpenter, J.
Complainant, claiming to be the owner of a certain 40 acres of land situated in Gogebic county, brings this suit in equity to remove a cloud upon its title. That cloud consists of a tax title arising from the nonpayment of the taxes assessed upon said land for the years 1896 and 1897. This title was in its inception regular and was purchased by the State. In 1901, after the time of redemption had expired, the land was sold and regularly deeded by the State to John Martin and John Win-berg. Very, soon after their purchase Martin and Win-berg undertook to give the statutory notice prescribed by section 140 of the tax law (1 Comp. Laws, § 3959). This notice described four parcels of land, and stated, not the amount paid for each parcel, but the aggregate amount paid for all, and was served on the agent of the Persis Iron Company, complainant’s grantor, who then owned the land. February 15, 1902, about 11 months after said notice was given, Martin and Winberg applied to the circuit court for the county of Gogebic, in chancery, for a writ of assistance, and that court at once made an order directing the issuance of said writ and adjudging petitioners “ duly entitled to the possession of the premises.” No notice of the application for said writ was served upon complainant’s grantor, the then owner of said premises, and no one appeared in its behalf. A few days after this order was granted, Martin and Winberg, by quitclaim deed, conveyed the land in controversy to defendant Johnson. The land is wild and unoccupied, and never was in the actual possession of Johnson or of Martin and Winberg. April 24, 1905, the Persis Iron Company conveyed the land to complainant. Shortly .thereafter complainant undertook to redeem, and tendered Johnson the amount specified in section 141 of the tax law, and demanded a quitclaim deed of the land. Johnson refused to accept that tender and to execute said deed. The circuit court held that the foregoing facts did not entitle complainant to relief, and dismissed its bill. Complainant appeals.
The decisive question in the case is this: Had complainant at the time it made the tender to defendant the right to redeem from the tax title owned by him ? In the circuit court this right was denied upon the ground that the right of redemption expired six months after Martin and Winberg gave the Persis Iron Company notice to redeem. This contention is unsound, because that notice did not comply with the law (section 140 of the general tax law), directing it to be given. It was utterly insufficient, because it did not specify the amount for which each parcel of land was sold. Jackson v. Mason, 143 Mich. 355; John Duncan Land & Mining Co. v. Rusch, 145 Mich. 1.
It is further contended that the order adjudging Martin and Winberg entitled to the possession of the land and awarding the writ of assistance is an adjudication of complainant’s rights which cannot be assailed in this suit. This contention would be sound if the court had jurisdiction to make that order. On the other hand, the adjudication is of no force whatever if the court lacked jurisdiction. We must, therefore, determine this important question, viz.: Had the court jurisdiction to determine that Martin and Winberg were entitled and that complainant’s grantor was not entitled to the possession of the land F The principle is elementary that, when one does not voluntarily appear, notice is essential to give a court jurisdiction to adjudicate his rights in property. Says Justice Brown, speaking for the Supreme Court of the United States, in Roller v. Holly, 176 U. S. 409:
“That a man is entitled to some notice before he can be deprived of his liberty or property is an axiom of the law to which no citation of authority would give additional weight.’’
It is true that in .proceedings in rem, and I think the proceedings under consideration were in rem, that notice need not be personally served. It may there be given ‘ ‘ by some species of publication or proclamation ” (Cooley on Constitutional Limitations [7th Ed.], p. 581), but it must be “reasonable and adequate for the purpose.” Roller v. Holly, supra.
It is urged that the notice calling upon the Persis Iron Company to redeem gave the court jurisdiction to issue the writ of assistance. It is true that this notice, which was given 11 months before the writ of assistance was applied for, stated:
‘ ‘ If payment as aforesaid is not made, the undersigned [Martin and Winberg] will institute proceedings for possession of the land.”
Whoever insists that this language was effectual as a notice of the proceedings subsequently taken in this case must maintain that it imposed on the owner the duty of being constantly in court and at all times prepared to oppose an attack upon his title. That is not the import of the language, “The undersigned will institute proceedings for the possession of the land.” From this the owner has a right to infer that the proceedings to be instituted will be carried on with due regard to his rights, viz., that he will be afforded an opportunity of being heard; that notice will be given him when they are instituted. In our judgment, the notice to redeem did not give the court jurisdiction to issue the writ of assistance.
It is also claimed that the application for the writ of assistance" was merely a continuation of the proceedings under which the land was sold for the nonpayment of taxes, and that the publication of the notice of those proceedings gave the court jurisdiction to issue said writ of assistance. Whether this reasoning is sound or not we will not undertake to determine. It is sufficient to say that it rests upon a faulty premise. The application for the writ of assistance in this case was in no sense a continuation of the proceedings under which the land was sold for nonpayment of taxes. That application was not entitled in those proceedings, was not filed in those proceedings, and did not refer to those proceedings. It was in fact an entirely separate suit.
As a result of this discussion, we decide that the court issuing the writ of assistance did not, because of the absence of notice, have jurisdiction to determine that complainant’s grantor was not entitled to the possession of the land in question, and that the order for said writ presents no objection to granting relief in this suit. We can find nothing to affect the right given complainant bylaw (sections 140 and 141 of the general tax law) to redeem from defendant’s tax deed, and we therefore conclude that its attempted redemption was legal and effectual.
Defendant also contends that complainant was guilty of laches, because he delayed three or four years before instituting this suit. The facts afford no basis for this contention. Defendant never entered upon the possession of this land; and, as the notice to redeem was defective, he never acquired the right to the possession. The doctrine of laches has no application.
The decree of the circuit court should be reversed, and a decree granted complainant in accordance with the prayer in its bill, with costs of both courts.
McAlvay, C. J., and Grant, Blair, and Ostrander, JJ., concurred. | [
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Bronson, J.
Plaintiff appeals by leave granted from the opinion and order of the Worker’s Compensation Appeal Board (WCAB) denying him benefits.
Plaintiff worked for only about two hours on March 28, 1962, his last day of work. After moving some heavy pumps and hoses, he was forced to leave work and was hospitalized. Previous to this date plaintiff had experienced chest pains which were diagnosed as pleurisy, a respiratory ailment. The evidence also indicated that plaintiff had fainted on previous occasions while working for defendant, that on the weekend prior to his last day of work he had experienced some fainting, chest pain, and shortness of breath, and that the chest pains he suffered on his last day of work were qualitatively different from those experienced on previous occasions.
There is no question that the plaintiff is disabled. His ailment has most often been diagnosed as myocardial ischemia, apparently produced by the progressive disease arteriosclerosis. The issue is whether his disability arose out of and in the course of his employment, so that he might be awarded worker’s disability compensation benefits. The WCAB found that his disability was not em ployment related. Plaintiff contends that there was no evidence on which the WCAB could base such a finding, and that as a result the WCAB has drawn an inference contrary to the undisputed evidence.
Worker’s disability compensation benefits may be awarded for disabling heart ailments when the work has caused, accelerated, or aggravated the disability. Kostamo v Marquette Iron Mining Co, 405 Mich 105; 274 NW2d 411 (1979), Zaremba v Chrysler Corp, 377 Mich 226; 139 NW2d 745 (1966). The WCAB apparently recognized this as the correct legal standard, but relied on the fact the plaintiff had experienced physical symptoms prior to his last day of work as grounds for denying him benefits. This analysis brushes over the crucial question of whether the work accelerated or aggravated the plaintiff’s condition. While plaintiff’s arteriosclerosis was apparently far advanced, that does not mean that it could not have been affected by the strenuous work effort of March 28, 1962. The depositions of two physicians were used in the hearing on this matter, and both testified that the plaintiff’s work efforts did accelerate his ischemia. The fact that plaintiff may have suffered symptoms that could be equated with ischemia prior to his last day of work does not detract from this testimony. We have searched the record for evidence that contradicts the testimony to the effect that plaintiff’s injury was work-related and have found none. The factual findings of the WCAB are conclusive if supported by competent, material, and substantial evidence in the record. Dressler v Grand Rapids Die Casting Corp, 402 Mich 243, 250; 262 NW2d 629 (1978). The WCAB may not, however, draw factual inferences contrary to the undisputed evidence in the record. White v Revere Copper & Brass, Inc, 383 Mich 457; 175 NW2d 774 (1970). Accordingly, we reverse and hold plaintiff established a work-related injury.
This cause is remanded to the WCAB for a determination of whether plaintiff is barred from receiving benefits by a failure to give timely notice of injury or to file timely a claim. See MCL 412.15; MSA 17.165, the applicable provision in effect at the time of plaintiff’s injury.
Reversed and remanded.
T. M. Burns, J., concurred. | [
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Sherwood, J.
The plaintiff in this case sued for the value of a colt killed by the defendant’s engine upon its right of way in April, 1882, at or near a place called Payne’s Cross ing, in the town of Batavia in Branch county. The action is based upon that part of How. Stat. § 3377, relating to cattle-guards, reading as follows : “ Every railroad company * * * shall erect and maintain fences on the sides of their respective roads of, the height and strength of a division fence required by law, with fences and cattle-guards at all 'highway and street crossings, sufficient to prevent cattle or other animals from getting on such railroad. * * * * Until such fences and cattle-guards or ditches shall be duly made, such company * * * shall be liable for all dam ages done to cattle or other animals thereon, which may result from the neglect of such company * * * to construct and maintain such fences, cattle-guards, or ditches, as aforesaid ; and after such fences, cattle-guards, or ditches shall be duly made and maintained, such company or corporation shall not be liable for any such damages, unless negligently or willfully done.” They were required to construct these protections within six months after the road was running.
The case was tried and submitted to the jury entirely under the first count of the declaration. This avers that the defendant, although operating the road for more than six months previous, did not construct and maintain a cattle-guard at the highway crossing where the colt was killed sufficient to prevent horses from getting on the railroad, and by reason of this neglect of duty the plaintiff’s horse was enabled to and did get from the highway, over this poor cattle-guard, upon the railroad right of way, where it was killed by one of the defendant’s trains. No point was made upon the sufficiency of the declaration.
The only question seriously controverted upon the trial was as to the sufficiency of the cattle-guard. The colt, in entering upon the defendant’s right of way, jumped the cattle-guard at the highway crossing, and when the train came along the animal, in its fright and effort to escape, again attempted to jump the cattle-guard, and was caught, run over and killed. The guard was almost new, in good repair and complete in all its parts. The claim made by the plaintiff was that the cattle-guard was insufficient in its design and construction to meet the requirements of the statute abo\e quoted. The cause was submitted to the jury under the charge given by the court, and a verdict was rendered against the defendant. The defendant brings error.
The facts in the case seem to have been substantially conceded, except as to the sufficiency of the cattle-guard. We quite agree with Judge Pekler, who tried the cause at the circuit, that “ what kind of a guard should be used is quite a difficult question,” to comply with the statute, and that “ a fair construction of the law does not require the company to construct a guard at its crossings that sh'ould keep animals from getting over it under a great degree of excitement ” or in exceptional cases, or under extraordinary circumstances; but it requires the company “ to have such a guard as would turn back such beasts as are generally restrained, under such ordinary circumstances as may occur at such places, or may be reasonably expected to occur there.” Of course the kind Of guard which will accomplish this object can only be ascertained by observation and experience, and when the best and most approved is used, designed and constructed, as the result of the use of such means, and kept in proper place and good repair by the company, it has discharged its whole duty in the premises, and if a loss then occurs to the owner of an unruly or disorderly animal running in the highway, in its crossing or attempting to cross the guard, the loss must bo borne by the owner, and cannot be attributed to any fault of the company.
The difficulty of determining the sufficiency of the cattle-guard is made apparent in the examination of the plaintiff’s declaration in this case. ITe utterly fails therein, in either count, to point out any specific defect in which the insufficiency consists, but contents himself with relying upon the allegation of general insufficiency. Certainly the violation of or neglect to perform some specific and well-defined duty must bo shown before any liability is incurred, and good pleading requires that this should appear in the declaration ; but no demurrer vras interposed in this case, and this subject cannot be further considered, except to say that the testimony to prove the cause stated, with a single exception, was properly received.
The following question was put to the plaintiff and several of his witnesses, viz.: “ In your opinion was the cattle-guard sufficient to prevent animals from getting on the right of way under circumstances ordinarily arising at those places ?” This question, and the one following it of a like nature, was permitted to be answered by the plaintiff and his witnesses, against the objection of defendant’s counsel. This, we think, was error. The question called for answers giving merely the opinions of the witnesses, and established no facts. Really, the facts stated by some of these witnesses, when given, tended strongly to contradict the opinion. It is quite elementary that a witness can only give his opinion in exceptional cases, and then only when his knowledge is such as to qualify him, to some extent, as an expert.
I think the rule is well stated in Best on Evidence, where he says: “ This rule is necessary to prevent the other rules of evidence being practically nullified. If the opinions thus offered are founded on no evidence, or on illegal evidence, they ought not to be listened to; if founded on legal evidence, that evidence ought to be laid before the jury.” 2 Best on Evidence 511, 517 and notes; Joyce v. Insurance Co. 45 Me. 168; Ames v. Snider 69 Ill. 376; Whitmore v. Bowman 4 G. Greene (Ia.) 148; Veerhusen v. Chicago c& N. W. Ry. Co. 53 Wis. 689. The testimony was incompetent.
The evidence tended to show that the guard in question was the kind best approved now in use; that it is, and has been for many years, in use by the defendant on all its roads; and that it is also used by nearly all the principal railroads in the country; and, after making this proof, the defendant requested the court to charge the jury upon this subject as follows: “If this cattle-guard vas sufficient to reasonably serve the purposes of turning back such beasts as cattle-guards are generally designed to restrain, then the defendant is not liable for not maintaining a better one, and your verdict must be for the defendant. The defendant is not bound to guard against unruly horses or other beasts. Davidson v. Mich. Cent. R. R. Co. 49 Mich. 428. Railroads are only held to the duty of being prudent railroad companies, and to the diligence embraced in good railroad management. The degree of care required in any business must be proportionate to its nature and risks. But the law does not require the business to be conducted upon any unusual basis, though the business be one of great risks, and requiring great care and caution. Railways fulfill their duty if they conduct their road in the manner generally found and believed safe by prudent railway companies. Mich. Cent. R. R. Co. v. Cole man 28 Mich. 448; Grand Rapids & Ind. R. Co. v. Judson 34 Mich. 507; Mitchell v. Chicago & G. T. R. Co. 51 Mich. 239. The burden of proof is on the plaintiff to prove every fact necessary to entitle him to recover. He must show by preponderance of testimony that this cattle-guard was not sufficient for the purposes for which it was intended and constructed. He must show that it was not sufficient to turn back and restrain such cattle, horses and other beasts or animals as such structures are designed to restrain. If this cattle-guard was in good repair and condition, and was of the same general construction and efficiency as cattle-guards in general use on railroads, and if such cattle-guards have, by experience, been found sufficient to turn back and restrain cattle, horses and other animals from getting on the railroad, then this cattle-guard must be deemed to be sufficient under the law, and your verdict must be for the defendant.”
We think those requests were all proper and should have been given in this case. We do not think, under the testimony, the case should have been taken from the jury, but under proper rulings and instructions was one for the jury. For the error herein pointed out the judgment must be
Beversed and a new trial ordered.
Cooley, C. J. and Campbell, J. concurred. | [
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Blair, J.
The material facts in this case are not in dispute. At the time of the commencement of the suit the defendant was operating two of its main line tracks and a siding across a highway in Said township, known as the “ South Dearborn Road,” running in a southeasterly direction. The company had recently purchased a large tract of land in the township of Ecorse for the purpose of enlarging its Oakwood yard, which is its principal yard in the city of Detroit, and had theretofore termi-. nated just east of said highway. It was the intention of defendant to extend its yard across the highway, and for that purpose it had constructed 12 additional tracks on each side thereof, and was about to connect these tracks when the highway commissioner filed this bill of complaint to enjoin the construction of such additional tracks across the highway. The superintendent of defendant’s Detroit division testified:
‘ ‘ This yard is about a mile long. The South Dearborn road intersects it in the middle, just about. After our improvement is made, there will be a total of 15 tracks across the South Dearborn road — the 3 present tracks and 12 additional ones which we purpose to complete. One end of the yard will be for west-bound cars and the other for the east-bound.”
The question presented by the pleadings and proofs is whether the right to construct these additional tracks, occupying about 200 feet of the highway, for yard purposes, is conferred by the fifth paragraph of section 6234, 2 Comp. Laws, as amended by-.Act No. 266, Pub. Acts 1899, without the consent of the highway commissioner. The circuit judge held that the statute did not confer such right, and entered a decree enjoining such construction, from which defendant appeals to this court.
We agree with the conclusion reached by the circuit judge. The authority conferred upon the corporation “to construct its road upon or across ” a highway relates to its main line tracks and the necessary side tracks for purposes of transporting passengers and freight. The word “road” is used in this paragraph in the limited sense in which it is used in paragraph 4, ás “ not exceeding one hundred feet in width,” and not in the general sense contended for by defendant, as including “the right to construct, not only the main line, but switches, sidings, turnouts, yards, depot buildings, roundhouses and other appendages, which are as necessary to the operation of a railroad as its main line.” It is not necessary to construe the word “road” so broadly as claimed, since other paragraphs expressly provide for obtaining the necessary lands, franchises, appurtenances, and facilities for the proper operation of the road. We think it clear, from a consid eration of the provisions of the different paragraphs of the section in question, that it was not the intention of the legislature to confer upon railroad corporations the unrestrained power to make the public highways of the State a part of their extensive switching yards. The right of public travel over the street or highway is carefully preserved, and the railway corporation is required to restore it to its former state as near as may be, and is prohibited from obstructing it by cars or trains for more than five minutes at any one time, and the railroad commissioner is given authority to cause the removal of switches by the use of which “ the use of the public highway or street is materially obstructed, impeded, or delayed.” These provisions are inconsistent with the view that the word “ road ” was used in its most general signification, as argued by defendant’s counsel.
The provisions of chapter 102 of the Compiled Laws of 1891 with reference to the separation of grades also support the view here expressed as to the sense in which the legislature used the word “road” in paragraph 5 of the section in question. See, also, section 31, Act No. 266, Pub. Acts 1899. The statute contemplates that ordinary street and highway crossings may be made by railway corporations without regard to the wishes of 4he public or its representatives, but that any other use of the highway for its tracks “shall be on such terms and conditions as shall be agreed upon between the railroad company and the common council of any city or the village board of any village or the commissioners of highway of any township in which the same may be.” Whether the effect of this statute is to make the consent of the officials mentioned a condition precedent to the right to construct tracks in the streets and highways other than for crossing purposes (see Fort St. Union Depot Co. v. State Railroad-Crossing Board, 81 Mich. 248; City of Monroe v. Railway 143 Mich. 315), or whether the refusal of such authorities to consent may be reviewed by the courts, or the corporation may institute condemnation proceed ings, are questions which are not presented by this record, and we therefore decline to consider them.
The decree is affirmed, with costs to complainant, but without prejudice to such other proceedings for acquiring the right to extend its yard as defendant may lawfully take.
McAlvay, C. J., and Carpenter, Grant, and Ostrander, JJ., concurred. | [
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Cynar, P.J.
Defendant Larry Walker was jury-convicted of second-degree murder, MCL 750.317; MSA 28.549, and sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison. He now appeals as of right.
The case against defendant was based on circumstantial evidence. Testimony at trial established that the decedent, Robert Brent, and a second man, Willie Dillon, drove to the Orchard Trace Apartments in Pontiac, shortly before 4 p.m. on January 9, 1977. Dillon went there to complete some repair work at the apartment of one Claudia Sylvester, with whom the defendant lived.
When the two men arrived, Dillon exited from the vehicle, but admonished the decedent to remain in the car. Dillon was aware of a prior serious dispute between Brent and Walker over a bad check passed by Brent to Walker.
Brent stayed behind while Dillon went up to the apartment. Defendant, wearing a blue lounging robe, answered the door, and informed Dillon that Ms. Sylvester was not home at the time. Dillon said that his tools were in the apartment, and that he would return later for them. Dillon left, and, after indicating to decedent his intention to do so, went to a gym in another portion of the apartment complex.
Shortly thereafter, a neighbor, Veronica Nance, who lived directly below defendant, heard the sound of someone or something falling on the floor of defendant’s apartment. Next, the neighbor heard the door to Walker’s apartment open and close and someone come down the stairs. Looking out a window, she saw a man enter a car and drive it to a point below defendant’s apartment, blow his horn, and then yell out "Larry” or "Walker”. She heard a sliding glass door open above her, then an argument ensued between the man at the car and a man upstairs.
The man at the car said he was sorry and wanted to come back upstairs and explain. The voice upstairs said to leave. Ms. Nance then heard a shot and saw the man by the car fall to the ground. The sliding glass door closed.
Just before the shot was fired, Willie Dillon had returned from the gym. He saw decedent look up toward defendant’s apartment and heard him say that "he would be back”. He told decedent he was going up to the apartment and would be right back. At that time, he noticed a man wearing a robe standing in the window of defendant’s apartment, but he was not certain it was Walker. Before reaching the apartment, Dillon heard a shot, ran down the stairs and to the parking lot. He found Brent lying on the ground, bleeding from his forehead. He returned to the apartment and was let in by defendant. After defendant finished with a phone call, he asked Dillon to "take something from me”.
When the police arrived, they were not admitted into Walker’s apartment for about five minutes. They had found a trail of blood leading from the apartment to decedent’s body. There was blood smeared on both the inside and outside door knobs of the apartment. The blood on the door knobs was of the same type as decedent’s.
The police found Brent lying in the parking lot with a towel in his left hand. It too was smeared with blood of his type. The chief pathologist for Oakland County found that decedent had a small laceration on the tip of his nose, and blood was also found inside his nose. He also stated that the angle of entry of the bullet which struck decedent in the forehead indicated that it was fired from above.
Upon examining the screen door opening onto the balcony of defendant’s apartment, a hole was found, approximately 1/2" in diameter. Gunpowder residue was found surrounding the hole, with no dust on top of it. No murder weapon was ever found.
Defendant first contends that his conviction must be reversed because there was insufficient evidence to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed the offense. Since the conviction was based solely on circumstantial evidence, defendant argues that it is incumbent upon the prosecution to rebut every reasonable theory consistent with defendant’s innocence. This the prosecution failed to do, according to defendant.
There is a split of authority in this Court over what standard is to be employed in reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence in cases where the conviction is based entirely on circumstantial evidence.
In People v Davenport, 39 Mich App 252, 257-258; 197 NW2d 521 (1972), a panel of this Court held that, where all the evidence in the case is circumstantial, the prosecution is obliged to negate every reasonable theory consistent with the defendant’s innocence of the crime charged.
A second standard was established in People v Edgar, 75 Mich App 467, 469-474; 255 NW2d 648 (1977), where the Court first noted that the Davenport rule was not being applied in all circumstantial evidence cases and had proved unworkable in close cases. The Edgar Court then held that the Davenport rule was defective to the extent that it treated circumstantial evidence differently than direct evidence and to the extent that it required the prosecution to speciñcally disprove all innocent theories and that it is sufficient for the prosecution to prove its own theory beyond a reasonable doubt in the face of whatever contradictory evidence the defense produces. Edgar, supra, 473-474.
The Edgar Court opined that it would be impossible for the prosecution to disprove all innocent theories, even by direct evidence. Beyond this, it was felt that the implied distrust of circumstantial evidence was unwarranted and that such evidence was no less trustworthy or probative of guilt than direct evidence. Edgar, supra, 472-473. Finally, the Court held that, in lieu of requiring the prosecutor to speciñcally disprove all innocent theories, resolution of the question of whether the prosecutor had done so is properly for the trier of fact. Edgar, supra, 474, People v Fuller, 395 Mich 451, 455; 236 NW2d 58 (1975).
We are persuaded that Edgar and its progeny represent the better approach. Under that standard, we have no difficulty in concluding that there was sufficient evidence for the trier of fact to conclude that the defendant had committed the crime of which he was convicted, notwithstanding the theory proffered by defendant at trial, that Willie Dillon had actually killed Robert Brent.
Defendant next assigns as reversible error the failure of the trial court to grant his motion for a directed verdict of acquittal on the charge of first-degree murder. He claims that no evidence was offered on the element of premeditation and deliberation. As a consequence of this, the jury was permitted to consider a charge unwarranted by the proofs, thus decreasing his chances of acquittal on any valid charge because of the possibility of a compromise verdict. We reject this contention.
It is proper to deny a motion for a directed verdict of acquittal if, when viewing the evidence presented by the prosecution in the light most favorable to the prosecution, there is sufficient evidence on each element of the charge upon which the jury could base a verdict of guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. People v Royal, 62 Mich App 756, 757-758; 233 NW2d 860 (1975), People v Scott, 72 Mich App 16, 19; 248 NW2d 693 (1976), People v Neal, 83 Mich App 102, 105; 268 NW2d 303 (1978), People v Edgar, supra, 474-475.
In People v Morrin, 31 Mich App 301; 187 NW2d 434 (1971), Judge, now Justice, Levin defined premeditation and deliberation as follows:
"To premeditate is to think about beforehand; to deliberate is to measure and evaluate the major facets of a choice or problem. As a number of courts have pointed out, premeditation and deliberation characterize a thought process undisturbed by hot blood. While the minimum time necessary to exercise this process is incapable of exact determination, the interval between initial thought and ultimate action should be long enough to afford a reasonable man time to subject the nature of his response to a 'second look’.” People v Morrin, supra, 329-330.
In People v Meadows, 80 Mich App 680; 263 NW2d 903 (1977), this Court stated that:
"Factors to be considered in determining whether the accused had an opportunity to subject his actions to a second look include: (1) the previous relationship of the parties, (2) the defendant’s actions prior to the actual killing, (3) the circumstances of the killing itself, and (4) the defendant’s conduct after the homicide.” People v Meadows, supra, 691.
Therefore, we must examine these four factors to determine if any evidence of premeditation and deliberation was presented by the prosecution.
Looking at the previous relationship of the parties, we find evidence of continuing acrimony between defendant and decedent over a bad check given defendant. In addition, testimony was heard to the effect that defendant had threatened to "fuck up” the victim if the check was ever mentioned to Walker by the decedent again.
With regard to defendant’s actions prior to the killing, there was evidence that Brent was in the defendant’s apartment just prior to the killing and that the two had scuffled at the time, resulting in Brent receiving an injury to his nose. Also, when the victim returned to the parking lot below defendant’s balcony, he yelled up to Walker that he was sorry and wished to explain. Defendant responded by telling him to "get the fuck out of here”.
The circumstances were such that defendant had ample opportunity between the time Brent left after the scuffle and when he returned in his car to take a second look or to cooly reflect on the nature of his response.
Further, immediately after the killing, defendant was very slow in answering the door when the police arrived. He asked Willie Dillon to "take something from me”. He also told the police he was unaware Brent was dead, when, in fact, Dillon had only minutes earlier informed him that he thought Brent was dead.
Without intimating that all the above evidence is consistent with a finding of premeditation and deliberation, it is nonetheless clear that evidence sufficient to find defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt was introduced by the people on this element. Thus, it was not error for the trial judge to deny defendant’s motion for a directed verdict.
Defendant’s final contention, that reversible error was committed as a result of the prosecutor making remarks, on two separate occasions, concerning the decedent’s family, is without substance. In the first instance, a question posed to a witness as to what the decedent’s family might say was objected to and the objection sustained prior to the witness responding. We do not find this question, standing alone, to be so prejudicial as to require reversal. People v Brocato, 17 Mich App 277; 169 NW2d 483 (1969).
As the remarks of the prosecutor in rebuttal argument were not objected to, appellate review is foreclosed unless the failure to consider the issue would result in a miscarriage of justice. People v Duncan, 402 Mich 1, 16; 260 NW2d 58 (1977), People v Alcala, 396 Mich 99, 100; 237 NW2d 475 (1976). Such is not the case here. In addition, the remarks were not so improper that any prejudicial effect therefrom could not have been eliminated by a curative instruction if one had been requested upon a timely objection. People v Duncan, supra, 17, People v Hall, 396 Mich 650, 655; 242 NW2d 377 (1976).
Finding no error which would merit reversal, we hereby affirm defendant’s conviction.
Affirmed.
Other cases espousing this view include, inter alia: People v Wingfield, 62 Mich App 161, 163; 233 NW2d 220 (1975), People v Jablonski, 70 Mich App 218, 225; 245 NW2d 571 (1976), People v Ridgeway, 74 Mich App 306, 316-317; 253 NW2d 743 (1977), People v Samuel Smith, 85 Mich App 404, 410-411; 271 NW2d 252 (1978), People v Little, 87 Mich App 50, 53-54; 273 NW2d 583 (1978).
Among the cases adopting the Edgar rationale are: People v Sherman Hall, 77 Mich App 456, 463; 258 NW2d 517 (1977), People v Johnson, 83 Mich App 1, 17-18; 268 NW2d 259 (1978), People v Haney, 86 Mich App 311, 318; 272 NW2d 640 (1978), People v Robertson, 87 Mich App 109, 113; 273 NW2d 501 (1978).
In rebuttal argument, the prosecutor stated:
"And oftentimes, I, on occasion hear comments about the defendant and that jury’s [sic] have the future of that individual in their hands. That is true, but not really in retrospect, because it is not the jurors who find the defendant guilty, it is the defendant who finds himself guilty by his own actions, because he’s the one who put himself in this position, and if he had altered his behavior in the first place, if he wouldn’t violate the laws and deprive other people of the right to live, he wouldn’t be in that situation.
"A juror doesn’t find him guilty, it’s his own behavior, not the jury’s. Counsel speaks in terms of individuals here. We’ve got Mr. Walker, and look ahead what’s in store for him. Well, there’s nothing in store for for [sic] Robert Brent, he’s dead and in the ground right now, and what’s in store for Robert Brent’s three children without their father. And what’s in store for Mrs. Brent.” | [
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Sherwood, J.
This was an action of assumpsit, commenced before a justice of the peace in Wayne county against the defendant engine company. The plaintiff’s declaration was on all the common counts, and on demand he filed the following bill of particulars:
To money paid out in its behalf on bill of J. T.
Hurley & Co., -......$ 24 50
Money paid on insurance, - - 15 00
Money paid on Chope’s judgment, - 165 00
Money paid on Bobert’s wages - • - 75 00
$279 50
2 00
$277 50
The defendant pleaded the general issue and gave notice of set-off for money due on subscription price of two thousand shares of stock, but which set-off was on the trial withdrawn. The justice, on November 26, 1884, gave judgment for plaintiff for $277.50, and $3.50 costs. The defendant com pany appealed to the circuit, and defendants Galloway and Howe became its.sureties on the appeal-bond. The cause, on appeal, was tried before Judge Jennison, by jury, and the plaintiff again recovered judgment. The case is now before us on error ; the record containing a bill of exceptions.
The judgment at the circuit was rendered against all the defendants, and all join in the writ of error. Ten errors are assigned, all of which are relied upon. The plaintiff claims to recover for the items mentioned in his bill of particulars as assignee thereof. The declaration originally was silent upon the subject of his being assignee, and the court allowed an amendment to the effect that he was assignee. We think, under the testimony, the amendment was properly allowed, and we have been unable to discover any error committed in receiving any of the testimony.
Objection was made to excluding testimony to the effect that assignors of the plaintiff and the plaintiff owed the defendant company for stock. We think the ruling was correct. The notice of set-off, the record shows, was withdrawn, and this rendered that testimony immaterial as the issue then stood. The plaintiff testified that ho purchased the claims of several different parties, and it tended to show they were claims for work and labor done, money paid, and other things furnished to and for the defendant company, and were valid claims, and that the company had recognized them and its liability therefor. The amount of the claims did not seem to be controverted; the largest one being at the time in judgment against the company. The court submitted both the validity of the claims and the assignments thereof, together with the plaintiff’s interest therein, to the determination of the jury, and they found for the plaintiff.
We see nothing in the charge exceptionable. It was based upon the testimony in the case, and there were sufficient facts to support it.
Some point was made on the hearing that by the by-laws of the company no debt could be contracted except by order of the board of directors. There is nothing, however, in this point. There seems to have been no question about the legal existence of the defendant, or the fact that it did business and employed the services of these men whose claims were held by the plaintiff, or that the board ever refused payment fipon any such ground, although the board had its attention particularly called to them, and they were all transferred to its books. In fact, the largest by far was already in judgment against the company. Under all these facts the company could not repudiate its liability on the ground suggested.
There is no pretense that the company did not receive good and valuable service for the amount of the claims sought to be recovered, and that it was for the benefit of the company and with its knowledge. The implied assumpsit alone, under such facts, is sufficient to create the liability. Hosmer v. Wilson 7 Mich. 294; Ward v. Warner 8 Mich. 519. It was not necessary that these claims should have been transferred 'to the plaintiff in writing. If it was proved to the satisfaction of the jury that the plaintiff was the owner of them at the time the suit was brought, that was sufficient, and the verdict of the jury settled that question. Draper v. Fletcher 26 Mich. 154; Blackwood v. Brown 32 Mich. 104; Herbstreit v. Beckwith 35 Mich. 93; How. Stat. § 7344; Briscoe v. Eckley 35 Mich. 112.
No error appearing in the record, and the jury having settléd the facts, the judgment must be affirmed.
Cooley, C. J. and Campbell, J. concurred. | [
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Campbell, J.
Complainant’s bill filed in this cause is to compel a transfer to him by defendant of certain property in Ingham county, which was held under these circumstances. In May, 1881, John Montgomery, the father of complainant, desiring to divide a portion of Ms property, including lands, among his children, conveyed to complainant and to the wife of his brother Albert Montgomery, the farm in question, reserving to himself a life-estate in the farm which he might or might not choose to occupy, as he saw fit. A week or two afterwards complainant and his brother’s wife, Matilda Montgomery, mortgaged the farm to George G. Dunlap for $1600,. payable with eight per cent, interest, May 21, 1883.
On May 16, 1882, defendant, who is a cousin, obtained from Albert and Matilda conveyances of a parcel of land in Eaton Rapids, and of the undivided half of the farm in question, subject to half of the Dunlap mortgage and the life-estate of John Montgomery. The consideration for this transaction was the settlement of various claims and advances on account of Albert Montgomery.
In 1882 Mr. Dunlap began a foreclosure in equity, for default in payment of interest, and got a decree of sale under which the land was advertised for sale to be made August 21, 1883.
Complainant made an arrangement with Challes Hunt to bid off the property and allow him time to redeem it. But shortly after, defendant proposed to do so himself, and to sell complainant his half of the property on time, and also allow redemption of the purchase price on foreclosure. That such an arrangement was agreed on is admitted. The only dispute is concerning the price which was to be paid beyond the mortgage, for defendant’s half. Complainant and defendant agree that it was to be based on what defendant had paid Albert for it. Complainant claims the sum was fixed by defendant as $1000, which he had paid Albert. Defendant claims that he had paid a considerably lai’ger sum than that, and that complainant was to pay him $1000 extra. The answer is not veiy definite as to the amount to be paid beyond $1000, but fixes it in one place at from $2600 to $3000, including his share in the Dunlap mortgage, and in another place seems to intimate that complainant was to piay besides the mortgage, $1000 as the advances to Albert, and a further price of $1000 in addition.
Complainant and defendant went to Mr. Kenney to have the contract drawn, and gave him directions. He drew it as a contract of purchase and sale, whereby the defendant was to sell “ in consideration of one thousand dollars over and above all expenses and interest,” and complainant was to pay “ the thousand dollars and all expenses and interest as aforesaid within six months from date,” and if paid was to have a conveyance of quitclaim.
The dispute is concerning what was meant by expenses and interest. Defendant claims it was to include the mortgage, and the sums which his own “interests” cost him — or, in other words, all his advances to Albert. Complainant claims it was to include only such moneys and expenses as defendant should incur in clearing the title of the mortgage, with interest.
As the question resolves itself into a question of fact, wo need not discuss the testimony at length. The circuit judge who heard the cause accepted complainant’s theory, and ordered defendant to convey on payment of $1000, in addition to the mortgage purchase and expenses and interest, and some further outlays and liabilities incurred for taxes and in buying up John Montgomery’s life-estate. Complainant does not appeal, hut defendant appealed generally.
Upon a full consideration of the testimony bearing upon the agreement, we have no doubt that it was just as complainant claims it to have been, and was clear and definite, including nothing beyond $1000 for whatever title defendant then had. The written agreement was definite so far as that interest was concerned. While not pointing out just what future expenses were to be incurred in completing the title, the moneys subsequently advanced being all included in the decree, it is certainly "broad enough to secure all defendant’s equities. We shall not, therefore, discuss the various questions which are no more than theoretical under the pleadings.
The decree must be affirmed.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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Me Alva y, C. J.
Plaintiff instituted suit by capias ad respondendum against defendant, afterwards filing a declaration containing two counts — one for slander, and the other for malicious prosecution. A plea of the general issue was filed. Defendant is a practicing physician, residing in Grand Rapids. Plaintiff, an electrician and salesman for a Chicago firm, came to Grand Rapids August 29, 1904, from White Lake, Mich., where he had been spending a short vacation with his wife. They went to the Hotel Pantlind. He was short of money, and started out to solicit business. He called upon defendant that afternoon, and an agreement was made to repair defendant’s X-ray machine for $5. He was given the key to the office, and worked upon it that evening. The next morning defendant was not satisfied with the work, claiming it was not as agreed. Plaintiff asked for and received the advance of $1 to get a breakfast for himself and wife. Later he returned with his wife, and a dispute arose about the work done on the machine. During the dispute plaintiff sent his wife back to the hotel. Defendant claims that finally plaintiff made a proposition to settle for $2 in addition to the $1 advanced, which agreement was accepted, and the money paid; that plaintiff, who had started to leave the office, suddenly turned around and struck him violently on the head with his fist, and at the same time grabbed his watch chain and pulled his watch from his pocket, but did not get the chain loose from his vest; that the plaintiff then escaped, running down the stairs; that defendant, when he recovered from the effects of the blow, went down to the street, followed the crowd after the plaintiff, and cried out, “Catch him! He tried to kill me, to rob me.” Plaintiff ran into an alley and escaped. Defendant returned to his office for his coat and hat, and went to a doctor’s office for treatment of his injury, which he claimed was severe. Returning, he met á police officer, who, upon hearing his complaint, told him he must have a warrant in order to arrest the man, and directed him to the prosecuting attorney. Defendant went as directed, stated his case, and the prosecutor drew up the complaint, and sent him to the police court, where it was signed, sworn to, and a warrant issued. Plaintiff was arrested shortly afterwards and locked up. He secured bail in a few hours. The following morning his examination was held, and he was discharged. This litigation is the result. •
Plaintiff denies that he proposed to settle for $2, claiming that he thought defendant was paying him $4 until he counted the money, .when he demanded the balance; that defendant told him to leave his office, which he refused to do; that defendant took hold of him to push him out, and he then struck him a slap on the face. In other respects there is no material difference between the parties as to what occurred.
When the matter came up in.the police court, defendant in the anteroom repeated the language used by him on the street after the assault was committed. These are the statements relied upon in the count for slander in plaintiff’s declaration. Plaintiff recovered a verdict of 6 cents damages for injury to feelings under the charge for slander, and for malicious prosecution the sum of $500.
Of the errors assigned in the case upon which defendant asks a reversal, we will first consider the action of the court in refusing to require plaintiff to elect under which count of His declaration he would proceed; it being claimed that causes of action for malicious prosecution and for slander cannot be joined in one suit. In the case of Cadwell v. Corey, 91 Mich. 335, it was held that such joinder was proper, and that the trial court should not have compelled plaintiff to elect under which counts he would proceed. A like joinder of causes of action appears in McLeod v. Crosby, 128 Mich. 641, but it does not appear that the question of improper joinder was before the court. Such practice is approved by Chitty. 1 Chitty on Pleading (16th Am. Ed.), p. 222. The court charged the jury to find for the plaintiff upon the slander count at least nominal damages for injury to feelings only; he having waived actual damages.
Appellant in his brief insists that the words counted upon as slanderous were privileged. The case was not tried upon that theory; and, although it may be said that the occasions when they were first spoken might well bring them within the rule of privilege, yet from defendant’s testimony it appears there were other occasions when they were repeated by him not within the protection of that rule. Defendant did not justify the truth of the words uttered, so the case under the proofs on the slander count justified the direction of the court that at least nominal damages should be awarded plaintiff. As before stated, the jury found damages to plaintiff’s feelings 6 cents.
Defendant asked the court at the close of the case to direct a verdict in his favor on the count for malicious prosecution, for the reason that plaintiff had not shown any malice, and that there was probable cause, and that on the undisputed facts there was enough to warrant defendant in going to the prosecuting attorney which would be a complete defense. This motion was denied, and error is assigned upon such denial. An examination of all the evidence in the record bearing upon this proposition satisfies us that we cannot say that these facts were undisputed. Where there is evidence, however slight, ■which should go to a jury, the question is one for the jury, and not the court, to determine. It was not error to deny the motion.
Upon the subject of advice of counsel, the court charged at considerable length, giving it in connection with what was charged as to probable cause, as follows:
“The want of probable cause, as I have told you, is a necessary and essential fact to be found from the evidence before the plaintiff can recover upon the count for malicious prosecution. It cannot be inferred fróm malice, as I have said. It must be established by the evidence.
“The true inquiry upon the subject of probable cause is not whether the plaintiff was or was not guilty of the offense charged in the complaint made against him; but what did the defendant have reason to believe and actually believed was the fact when he swore to the complaint for assault with intent to rob ?
“There is another question in connection with this subject of probable cause which I deem it material for your consideration, viz., in connection with the subject of advice of counsel. Upon this question, I instruct you that advice of counsel can only be considered when the party seeking such advice has fully, fairly, and honestly stated all the facts and circumstances within his knowledge to the counsel of whom he seeks advice.
“ If the party seeking such advice, instead of fully and fairly stating the facts, stated as a matter of fact that which he did not know to be true or had good reason to believe to be true, then the advice of counsel would be no protection. Neither would it be any protection if it were resorted to merely for the purpose of covering a previous intent to do wrong. But the advice of counsel, when sought, must be sought in good faith, and all of the facts and _ circumstances within the knowledge of the party seeking it, and the information upon which he acts after receiving the advice of counsel, must be fully and fairly stated to the counsel in good faith, and. the party seeking the advice must believe the facts and circumstances he narrates to be true.
“You will understand that this has reference to the claim made by the defendant in this case, that he went to the prosecuting attorney and stated to him the facts and circumstances upon which the complaint and warrant were based, and that the prosecuting attorney, after such statement, caused the complaint to be drawn and sworn to by the defendant and the warrant thereafter to be issued, leading to the arrest of the plaintiff.
“ Our Supreme Court has said in one case, in speaking of advice of counsel:
“ ‘ A person seeking or receiving such advice is in law as well as in morals justified in acting upon it, provided he has fully and fairly .stated the facts to the attorney.’
“This is a question for you to determine from all the-evidence in the case.”
Upon this matter defendant requested the following charge, which was denied:
“ If you find that defendant laid all the facts before the prosecuting attorney, and the prosecuting attorney drew up the warrant which he did, and the defendant had no knowledge of the law, but relied upon the prosecuting attorney to frame the charge, then plaintiff cannot recover.”
Defendant was entitled to this request or its substance. Justice Carpenter, speaking for this court, said of this •defense:
“ It is a complete defense to a suit for malicious prosecution that defendant actually submitted to his counsel all the facts and bona fide acted on his advice. Authorities are not agreed as to the ground upon which this holding proceeds. * * * On whatever ground the defense of advice of counsel rests it affords the defendant a defense which otherwise he does not have. We think it would not be unfair to say that it often, if not always, affords a new defense when the defense of probable cause and of absence of malice have failed.” Adkin v. Pillen, 136 Mich. 682.
In the case just cited there was involved the question •of the interest of the attorney consulted in the subject-matter of the suit. In the case at bar no such question arises, and the quotation from the opinion is here approved as a correct statement of the law. The charge of the court was too general. The general propositions of law are not questioned, but defendant was entitled to a specific charge, hypothetically stated, of his theory upon this branch of the case, which was supported by evidence.
At this point it will be well to consider defendant’s claim that the court refused to submit the case to the jury on defendant’s theory. The court refused the following request:
“ The plaintiff had no right to attempt to take defendant’s watch from him by force and without his consent, and, if you find from all the facts and circumstances in the caáe that the plaintiff did attempt to take defendant’s watch from his person and by force and without his con-' sent, under circumstances which would lead a reasonably prudent man to believe that plaintiff intended to rob him, then the defendant was justified in making this complaint for attempt to rob, and the plaintiff in this case cannot recover on the count for malicious prosecution.”
This proposition is not covered in the general charge of the court. Defendant had the right to have his theory of this case submitted to the jury, and the request briefly stated the law upon the main proposition relied upon by him.
‘ ‘ The plaintiff was entitled to a charge applicable to the theory he contended for, and which his evidence tended to support.” Comstock v. Norton, 36 Mich. 277, 280.
See, also, Fletcher v. Bradford, 45 Mich. 349; Winchester v. King, 46 Mich. 102; Miller v. Miller, 97 Mich. 151; People v. Parsons, 105 Mich. 177, and cases cited. The court erred in refusing this request.
The only remaining question to discuss is that of provable cause, upon which it is claimed the court did not properly instruct the jury. The charge upon the question was general, and the jury were left to find probable cause as a question of fact. While it is'the province of the jury always to find the facts which exist in a given case, it is the province of the .court to decide, as a matter of law, whether such facts constitute probable cause. In Hamilton v. Smith, 39 Mich. 222, this court said:
“But, as the law appropriate to the facts cannot be laid down unequivocally until it is ascertained what the facts are, it is found necessary, where they are in dispute, to submit the whole subject ■ to the jury under proper instructions as to the rule of law to be applied according as they find one state of facts or another.”
The material part of the charge upon the question of probable cause necessary to quote is as follows:
“ Probable cause is the existence of such facts and circumstances as would excite the belief in a reasonable mind that the ground alleged against the accused for the arrest actually existed.
“To constitute probable cause for the prosecution of criminal proceedings against another, it is necessary that the person instituting such proceedings shall not only believe, but have good reason to believe, that the accused was guilty of the offense charged. Such belief should be founded either upon knowledge, or upon what he believed to be reliable information, which, if true, would justify the belief.
“The want of probable cause, as I have told you, is a necessary and essential fact to be found from the evidence before the plaintiff can recover upon the count for malicious prosecution. It cannot be inferred from malice, as I have said. ' It must be established by the evidence.
“The true inquiry on the subject of probable cause is not whether the plaintiff was or was not guilty of the offense charged in the complaint made against him, but what did the defendant have good ’reason to believe, and actually believed, was the fact when he swore to the complaint for assault with intent to rob.”
The court also charged:
“All the facts and circumstances shown by the evidence are to be taken into consideration upon the subject of probable cause. ”
Defendant does not object to what the court said, but contends that this charge was too general; that the court did not instruct the jury what facts in the case if found by them would constitute probable cause, or show a want qc probable cause. Wilson v. Bowen, 64 Mich. 133.
In McClay v. Hicks, 119 Mich. 65, Mr. Justice Montgomery, speaking for the court, said:
“It will be seen that the charge does not point out what facts would constitute probable cause, but leaves the jury to determine the question according to their best judgment. One vice of such an instruction lies in the fact that it, of necessity, leaves the jury to determine for themselves what constitutes the offense for which plaintiff was prosecuted. * * * The question of what constitutes probable cause in a particular case has for this reason, among others, been treated as a mixed question of law and fact; and correct practice requires that, where the facts are in dispute, the court shall state hypothetically what facts, if found, would constitute probable cause;” citing Hamilton v. Smith, supra; Rankin v. Crane, 104 Mich. 6.
The charge of the court upon the question of probable cause in the case at bar is subject to the objection made by defendant, in that the court did not point out what facts would constitute probable cause.
For the reasons given, the judgment is reversed, and a new trial ordered. .
Carpenter, Grant, Blair, and Montgomery, JJ., concurred. | [
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McAlvay, C. J.
Complainant owned the fee to the property involved in this suit, in which her husband claimed an equitable interest. This property consisted of a lot in the city of Detroit, upon which the husband and wife built a house. The value of the property was $4,000 to $4,500. On February 39,1904, the house was partially destroyed by fire. At this time there was a mortgage of $1,800 and liens of $700 against the premises. The total insurance on the house and furniture was $5,200. The damage to the house by fire amounted to $1,400. Later complainants were arrested, charged with setting fire to the building for the purpose of defrauding the insurance companies. Mr. Mistersky was first employed to defend complainants against this charge. Defendant Collier was after- wards employed, and by an arrangement between complainants, their relatives, and these attorneys, a chattel mortgage of $100 was given to them to secure fees. Pending these criminal proceedings, on May 24, 1904, Mrs. Burchell, while in jail, executed and delivered to her attorney, Mr. Collier, a writing by which he was given authority to dispose of the premises, subject to the mortgage of $1,800, and pay over to her all the money realized, except $250, which was to be retained by him as payment in full for all legal services performed for her. On the same day she executed and delivered to him the deed of said premises, which was mentioned in the above writing. He found a purchaser, and on May 31st obtained the consent in writing of Mrs. Burchell to sell the property for $700, and to pay her $450, and retain $250 of the same. He made the transfer to defendant Mary E. Pox for the $700, received the money, and paid $450 to Mrs. Burchell, taking her receipt therefor, as follows:
“ $450.00 Detroit, Michigan, June 1st, 1904.
“Received of George X. M. Collier $450.00, being in full of my share of the $700 collected in the sale of the house as per agreement dated May 24th, 1904. And none of the $250 retained by Mr. Collier to apply on the chattel mortgage given by Mr. McLean to Mr. Collier and Mr. Mistersky for $100.00.
“Martha Burchell.”
Complainants were tried separately. The husband was tried and acquitted May 19, 1904, and Mrs. Burchell was tried on August 1st following, with the same result.
On January 10, 1905, complainants filed the bill of complaint in this suit against Collier and wife, James R. Neill, and Mary E. Pox (now wife of James R. Neill), praying that the said property be decreed to belong to complainants, that defendant Collier account to them for the full value thereof, and for general relief. In said bill complainants’ material allegations are: That the attorneys Collier and Mistersky agreed to defend them for $100; that Mr. Collier as her attorney deceived and defrauded Mrs. Burchell, and was guilty of bad faith toward her; that he obtained the deed from her by the use of fraud and undue influence; that she did not know that she was signing a deed, and did not learn of that fact until two months after she was released from jail; that the transfer to Mary E. Fox was fraudulent and colorable; that her husband, Neill, was a former employé of Collier, and the title of the property, though held by Mrs. Neill,.is so held for defendant Collier; that the actual value of complainants’ interest in the property sold was about $3,000. Issue was joined upon the several answers of the defendants. Upon the hearing a decree was entered denying relief to complainants and dismissing the bill of complaint.
There is no question of law in the case. Complainants contend that the weight of the evidence clearly supports the allegations of the bill of complaint, and that the learned circuit judge did not arrive at a correct conclusion in the case, and upon appeal to this court ask that the decree be reversed and a decree entered in accordance with the prayer of the bill of complaint. The record of the evidence taken on the hearing is quite voluminous. A careful examination and consideration of all of it satisfies us that the circuit judge was correct in his conclusion that complainants had not made out a case. While there was conduct on the part of Mrs. Burchell, after she was released "from jail, in paying $175 on the mortgage on the premises, and in paying taxes, which of itself would not indicate that she knew that she had sold these premises, yet the testimony of the notary, and other witnesses who were present and knew of the writings signed by her, and who afterwards talked with her, together with her admissions to her relatives, indicate clearly that she had full knowledge of the entire transaction. The long letter she wrote to Judge Murphy of her own accord, urging a speedy disposition of her case, and relating her troubles, contains the following words: “Mr. Collier collected his pay out of the price of the place when he sold it, so I don’t see what the delay is for.” This was about one month after the sale had been made, and cannot be explained to harmonize with her denial of any knowledge that she had given a deed or authorized a sale.
It appears that the total amount received by Mr. Collier as attorney’s fees, including the $100 sectored by chattel mortgage, which he claims was given to secure a retainer, was the sum of $868.50, of which $184.25, or one-half, was paid to Mr. Mister sky. The contract Mrs. Burchell signed and the receipt she gave both show that the $100 was not understood by her to be the entire charge for defending these cases. The record also shows that $700, received from the sale of the premises, was a fair value for the interest of complainants therein at the time. No fraudulent conduct on the part of Mr. Collier or the other defendants has been shown, or can be inferred from the record.
The decree of the circuit court is affirmed, with costs to defendants.
Montgomery, Ostrander, Hooker, and Moore, JJ., concurred. | [
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Hooker, J.
The complainant, Thoman, and Barker & Parker, who are defendant’s grantors, joined in the erection of a building comprising three stores, the north one belonging to complainant and the others to them; the parties owning the north one-third and the south two-thirds of lot 3, block 83, in the city of Lansing, respectively. The record conclusively shows that the partition wall between the stores of the complainant and the defendant is about 15 inches too far south, and to that extent is over upon the south two-thirds of lot 3. A year or two after the completion of the building, the complainant, Thoman, built a small frame addition to the rear of his building, with a platform and stairway leading from the second story to the ground, and he has since used them. In 1902 the defendant, Gross, became the owner of the premises previously owned by Barker & Parker, and began the erection of a platform, as a part of a projected building, which extended north of the line of the partition wall. The accompanying plat shows the situation of the
premises. The building was constructed about 1885, and the lots in the rear have since been used by both parties indiscriminately, except that Thoman has had exclusive use of his barn and stairway. Gross began the erection of a building a year or two ago, when this bill was filed to restrain it, claiming that the boundary line between the north one-third and south two-thirds was settled for the entire length of the lot when the partition wall was erected, and that the platform encroached upon complainant’s premises.
It is plain that, when these walls were started, the owner relied upon Appleton’s stake as marking the north line of lot 2. Before the walls were completed, however, they were led to doubt its accuracy. They did not measure again, nor does it appear that they were convinced by Appleton’s reassurance; but, acting upon the fact that the buildings were partly erected, and the cost attendant upon tearing down and changing the location of the walls, they agreed to let the walls stand where they were and go on and complete the building. This is not inconsistent with a mutual knowledge that the walls were not upon the proper lines, and an agreement to disregard the fact, which agreement would be void under the statute of frauds. Thoman certainly knew it soon after, for he testified :
‘£ That is my recollection, but nothing beyond the cellar walls. There was an old fence between me and Dr. Haze. We were not much south of that fence. In excavating the ground caved down, and I think the fence fell in. I know from personal knowledge that we wei'e south of the fence. . I always understood that we were too far south. My barn has since been built north of the line of that wall, I don’t know just how far. It comes up very close to the old line. That barn was built two years ago. Appleton started to measure from Michigan avenue. I don’t know whether he staked the middle of the center walls or not. I know he staked the north and south corners of the stores. I never knew, before I heard Mr. Collar testify today, that the store was more than 66 feet wide. I don’t know how it became so. We got Appleton to fix where the lines of our store should be. He had a man to assist him in the survey. Messrs. Barker & Parker understood, also, that the stores were too far south; that is, we understood that it was reported. We talked it over: ‘ Why, here, this would be a great note, if we were too far south. Now, if that is the case, we had better find out.’ So we got Appleton a second time. I don’t think he went over his survey. He simply came down there and said, in his emphatic way — said that those were the lines. ‘You build there, and you are all right. It don’t make any difference what anybody else says. I know what I am about.’
“ Q. There wasn’t any dispute between you and Barker & Parker ?
“A. Why, not any dispute; but we talked the matter over. We said: ‘We will go on and build here now. We have started, and we will build.’”
He has since claimed land north of the line of the north wall, and built a barn upon it, so that he now claims somewhere near two feet more land than his deed conveyed. We therefore conclude that this was not the establishment of a disputed boundary between the premises of these parties, which should be held to apply to the entire length of the line, but, on the contrary, an agreement to disregard the true line, wherever it might be, for the purpose of erecting the buildings of the parties. The remainder of the land, west of the building, was not affected by it.
The decree is affirmed.
McAlvay, C. J., and Carpenter, Ostrander, and Moore, JJ., concurred. | [
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Moore, J.
Complainant seeks the specific performance of the terms of a paper, the material parts of which are as follows:
“ Memorandum of Agreement.
‘ ‘ For and in consideration of the payment of the sum of $35,000.00 to be paid to me by R. H. Booth, I hereby agree to sell, transfer and set over 61 per cent, of the stock of the Kalamazoo Telegraph Co., owner of the Kalamazoo Evening Telegraph and Semi-Weekly Telegraph, with all of its plant, including two Potter presses and motors and stereotyping outfit, four linotype machines and complete composing room plant, all office furniture and fixtures and all supplies on hand and in transit and franchises and all property understood to constitute the assets of the said the Kalamazoo Telegraph Company, including also the subscription list, advertising contracts, books of accounts and all that goes to make up the good will of the said newspapers. * * *
“ It is understood that I am the owner of, or have po wer to deliver all the above described property and stock aforesaid.
‘ ‘ I hereby acknowledge receipt of $500 to me in hand paid (receipt. given herewith) which shall be forfeited to me in event of the balance of the amount $34,500 not being paid to' me by March 5, 1906.
“It is understood that the Kalamazoo Telegraph Company expects to remain in its present building and that for the first year the rental shall not exceed $1,200 for space occupied by it. Also that it is the sense of our understanding that if it can be arranged satisfactorily as to details of salary, duties, etc., that I shall be the managing editor for one year from date.
“It is understood that the statement of receipts and expenses for the year 1905 given herewith is substantially true and correct.
“It is further understood that the salary of the president shall at no time exceed 3 per cent.- of the annual gross receipts, and that all other salaries shall be solely for service rendered in accord with business practice. It is expected that you will reorganize the company with capital increased to one hundred thousand dollars of which you, Ralph H. Booth, shall have 61 per cent, or $61,000, and I to have 39 per cent., or $39,000. Following this agreement there shall be prepared a bill of sale covering all details of above intentions.
[Signed] “Edward N. Dingley.
“Dated February 27, 1906.
“Accepted: Ralph H. Booth.”
In his answer, Edward N. Dingley made claim that the contract did not correctly express the agreement, and prayed for its reformation; that complainant knew he (Dingley) was not the owner of the stock, and that his power to deliver the same depended upon an agreement acceptable to the owners of the stock, and that they never saw the memorandum which it is sought to enforce. Salome Dingley, Henry M. Dingley, for himself, and as executor, answered. Among other statements in said answers are the following:
“ They deny that they, or either of them, saw or knew of the memorandum of agreement signed by the complainant and Edward N. Dingley, which is attached to the bill of complaint, until after this suit was brought, and they deny that the said Edward N. Dingley had any authority from them, or either of them, to enter into such a memorandum, or said memorandum as affecting them, or either of them, or their stock, or property, in the Kalamazoo Telegraph Company.”
The case was heard in open court. The trial judge filed a written opinion, in which he used the following language:
“ My opinion is that this court cannot require specific performance of this contract in controversy in this suit for the following reasons:
“First. E. N. Dingley was not and is not now the owner of the shares of capital stock in the Telegraph Company which he contracted to sell to complainant; they being owned by Mr. Dingley’s mother. She agreed with her son, but not with the complainant, to sell her son her capital stock in the Telegraph Company (she owning substantially all the stock of said corporation which had been issued) for the sum of $23,209 in cash and three notes of $5,000 each. These notes to be secured by $15,000 of the capital stock of the Telegraph Company. Mrs. Dingley made this agreement with her son on the understanding, through her son, E. N. Dingley, that the Telegraph Company would be reorganized by complainant and E. N. Dingley, with a capitalization of $75,000 to $100,000, and that E. N. Dingley was to own a majority of such capitalization. Dingley’s contract with complainant stipulated that the company should be reorganized with a capitalization of $100,000, of which amount E. N. Dingley was only to receive $39,000. This was placing Mrs. Dingley in a different position than she had contracted with her son, E. N. Dingley, to be placed in. She agreed to let her stock go to her son, with the express understanding that he was to retain a majority of the stock as his own. This was a vital part of her sale. Perhaps, she wanted him to remain in the business as a majority, and not minority, stockholder. Perhaps, she would not have consented to sell her son her stock, if she had known he was going to surrender control of the corporation. Perhaps, it was not merely a desire on her part to get all her money out of the corporation. Perhaps, it was her wish that her son should be identified with the business as its head and with power through ownership of stock to dictate the management and policy of the paper. Who could say that she would have sold the stock on these terms, had she known that her son was going to surrender control and management of the paper.
“ To do what complainant now wants the court to order —that is, to permit complainant to pay Mrs. Dingley in full for her stock — might be making her do something she never intended to do. If she were a party to the contract, the court might then order her to'do just what she had contracted to do; but, not having signed the contract, the court should not put her in a different position than she supposed she would be in when she told her son he could have this stock. To do what complainant asked the court to do with reference to Mrs. Dingley might make her do something she never contemplated. If the court cannot do what complainant asked done with reference to Mrs. Dingley, then complainant has no standing in this court, and- for the reason suggested Mrs. Dingley cannot- be required to sell her stock, principally because E. N-. Dingley and complainant had agreed that Dingley would surrender a majority of the capital stock. The question of whether the .corporation was to have a capitalization of $75,000 or $100,000 is not very vital, so long as Dingley retained a majority of the capital stock; but this was not done.”
He further found the contract was indefinite. A decree was made dismissing, the bill of complaint. The case is brought here by appeal.
It is the contention of the complainant: First, that the contract is definite; second, that because of its character, the business and property involved, and the purpose the complainant had in view in entering into the agreement, an action at law would not give him an adequate remedy; and, third, that, because of the relations of Edward N. Dingley to his mother and brother, and his correspondence with them resulting in their sending their stock to the defendant bank, and the willingness of complainant to pay therefor, the court may very properly make a decree in favor of complainant.
It is the claim of defendant Edward N. Dingley that the agreement does not embrace all of the agreement between him and Mr. Booth; that it was to be followed by a further agreement covering all the details of their intentions ; that provision was to be made for the renting of his building for a term of years and for his employment as managing editor, with absolute control of the editorial policy of the paper; that, when complainant with his counsel from Detroit met him later with another and detailed agreement, it did not contain the provisions it was to contain, and defendant was justified in not going on with the agreement. It was his further claim that complainant had a complete and adequate remedy at law, and that specific performance could not be decreed, for the first reason stated in the opinion of the trial judge. In our view of the case it will be unnecessary to pass upon any but the last of these claims.
Are the relations of Henry M. Dingley, Henry M. Dingley, executor, and Salome Dingley with the complainant, as shown by the record, such as to justify a court in compelling each or either of them to part with their stock to the complainant? So far as the record shows, neither of these parties ever saw Mr. Booth, or ever had any direct communication with him before the suit was brought. The correspondence is somewhat voluminous, and it would serve no good purpose to set it out in full. Upon the part of Mrs. Dingley, it was conducted by her son Henry M. The substance of it was that Edward had a plan of reorganizing the Telegraph Company, retaining a controlling interest therein, and that he would pay his mother for her stock $20,000 down, and execute to her three notes of $5,000 each, payable in one, two, and three years, respectively, at 5 per cent., interest semi-annually, stock of the new company to be given her as security, and would also pay other debts due to Henry M. and his mother,, amounting to $3,209. On March 1st Henry M. sent the stock, duly assigned, also the small notes and checks, to the defendant bank, with instructions as follows :
“You will please deliver the above to Edward N. Dingley, upon payment to you of the sum of $23,209 in cash and the delivery to you of three notes to be signed by Edward N. Dingley for $5,000 each, due in one, two, and three years, respectively, with interest at 5 per cent., due semi-annually; each note to be secured by assigned stock (new) of the Kalamazoo Telegraph Company to an amount equal to the face of the notes; stock to be attached to notes.
“Upon the completion of these payments and the receipt of the three notes, you will please send cash and notes to Salome N. Dingley, Lewiston, Me.”
On March 5 1906, Edward N. Dingley wrote Henry M. Dingley:
“ The deal is all off. The parties refuse to come to my terms on certain points.”
There is not a suggestion in any of the correspondence that the complainant desired to buy Mrs. Dingley’s stock, or that Mrs. Dingley desired to sell it to him. In fact, Mr. Booth’s name does not appear anywhere in the correspondence. The record also discloses that Mrs. Dingley never saw the written memorandum signed by Mr. Booth and Edward N. Dingley until after this suit was brought, and was in no way a party to such agreement. Edward N. Dingley did not tender the bank the money and notes which were to be delivered to it before the stock should be delivered. Mrs. Dingley had a right to make her own contract for the sale of her stock. The court cannot make another and a different one for her. Without the stock of Mrs. Dingley, it is impossible for Edward N. Dingley to convey to complainant 61 per cent, of the stock of the Kalamazoo Telegraph Company. Under such circumstances, a decree for specific performance will not be granted. See Miller v. Smith, 140 Mich. 524; Gaines v. Molen, 41 Ark. 232; Columbine v. Chichester, 2 Phil. (Eng.) 27; Knott v. Manufacturing Co., 30 W. Va. 790; Jones v. Tunis, 99 Va. 220; Kelly v. Railroad Co., 74 Cal. 557; Kennedy v. Hazelton, 128 U. S. 667; 26 Am. & Eng. Enc. Law (2d Ed.), p. 40, and the many cases cited in the note.
The decree is affirmed, with costs.
Blair, Montgomery, Ostrander, and Hooker, JJ., concurred. | [
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Blair, J.
Plaintiff, the wife of John Merrinane, brought this action, in accordance with the provisions of the civil damage act, to recover damages of defendant, a saloon keeper, and his different bondsmen for three successive years, occasioned by sales of liquor to her husband. Plaintiff and her husband, then recently married, moved to Grass Lake, in Jackson county, where defendant was conducting his business, in November, 1902. They were married in June, 1901, and lived at Chelsea till their removal to Grass Lake. Plaintiff’s husband was a telegrapher in the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company, earning $50 per month, and at the time he went to Grass Lake was a sober, industrious man of excellent habits, and had $500 of his earnings in bank. In the spring, after going to Grass Lake, he began to drink moderately at defendant’s saloon, of which plaintiff’s brother was bartender, and prior to December, 1903, occasionally got intoxicated. On December 22d he was notified of his discharge, as follows:
“Dear Sir: I enclose you time ticket for $27.44 covering 17 days’ service in December, and beg to advise you that by direction of Mr. D. S. Sutherland, Div. Supt., your services are dispensed with, having proven unsatisfactory.
“Yours truly,
“E. H. Millinghok, Supt. Tel.”
After his discharge he drank heavily and soon became a common drunkard. They paid $7 per month house rent and from $25 to $30 per month for the support of the family out of the money in the bank until March, 1905, when the money was all gone, and plaintiff has since that time supported herself without assistance from her husband. Merrinane was night operator, his hours of duty being from 7 p. m. to 7 a. m. Plaintiff testified:
“I knew he slept while he was on duty. He always had a student that knew the call, and they would call him when they needed him. He was a fellow that couldn’t sleep daytimes very much. He would try. I would often see him go to bed five or six times in one day, but he never could get used to sleeping daytimes, and he always had a student, and it didn’t make much difference because they could arouse him when they needed him. * * *
“ Did not ask Miller not to sell her husband. Witness never personally forbid Miller, from selling her husband liquor. Did once.through her brother, that was in March, 1905. Up to March, 1905, witness never forbid either the bartender of Miller either verbally or in writing not to sell her husband liquor; heard her husband call for a drink. She made no objection; said nothing to Miller at that time, although she had the opportunity.”
Defendant was the only witness in his behalf and testified, in substance, as follows :
“He patronized my business more or less during the spring of 1908. To my knowledge I never saw him intoxicated during that time. I never sold him when he was intoxicated; don’t know whether my bartender sold him or not. * * *
“When a man is intoxicated, in my judgment, he would be so he couldn’t help himself. To be intoxicated would be unable to help himself, would lay in a stupor, and would not be able to go home. A man who is able to go home, though he reels and takes up the whole sidewalk, I should not judge to be intoxicated.”
Plaintiff’s counsel. presented no requests to charge. The jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff and against all of the defendants for the sum of $600. Plaintiff made a motion for a new trial on the ground that the verdict was against the law and the evidence, and the damages awarded grossly inadequate. The motion was denied, reasons therefor filed, exception taken, and error assigned thereon. Plaintiff brings the record to this court for review upon writ of error.
In view of the verdict in plaintiff’s favor against all of the defendants, the only assignments of error- which require consideration are those based upon the denial of the motion for a new trial, and upon such rulings and instructions of the court as may have affected the amount of the damages. The seventh, eighth, and thirteenth assignments of error allege error in instructing the jury that the plaintiff could only complain of unlawful sales which were unlawful because made to an intoxicated person or one in the habit of getting intoxicated.
“I do not mean by unlawful sales, sales made after hours at night or before lawful hours begin in the morning. We are not undertaking to punish Mr. Miller because he kept open too late at night or opened up too early in the morning, or was open on Sunday or Christmas, or any other holiday. But you have a right to consider what sales he made and when he made them, if they were made to Mr. Merrinane, simply to enable you to understand in what way Mr. Miller was dealing with Mr. Merrinane; and, if he sold him liquors during the time 'he was a man in the habit of getting intoxicated or at times when he was intoxicated, he is liable, and it is sufficient whether he sold them out of hours or in hours. But, as I say, you may consider whether they were out of hours simply in connection with determining any wantoriness, or recklessness or carelessness in the way he was dealing with Mr. Merrinane, and for no other purpose.”
This question arose during the progress of the trial, and plaintiff’s counsel stated his position as follows:
“ If the sales the first year were legal at the time he was being made a drunkard, the bondsmen for that year are not liable. * * * If the sales are illegal and they tend to create the habit which makes him a drunkard, they are liable.”
It was held by this court in Peacock v. Oaks, 85 Mich. 578, that there could be no recovery under the statute for injuries caused by the sale or furnishing of liquor to another, unless such sale or furnishing is in violation of law. Whether this broad statement of the law may not require some qualification it is unnecessary to determine in this case. Plaintiff’s counsel conceded that plaintiff could only complain of illegal sales, but contended that among such sales were included sales after hours or on Sundays, etc. We think the instruction properly limited the effect of such sales.
The ninth assignment of error complains of an instruction that plaintiff was not seeking to recover any part of the money that her husband spent for liquor. There is no specific claim for such an item of damages in the declaration, nor was any evidence given from which the jury could determine the amount of money spent for liquor by Merrinane.
The tenth assignment of error is as follows:
“The court erred in charging the jury, as follows: ‘But, if the amount she would receive had only been diminished and she had not been entirely deprived of it, then you would consider the extent of the diminution, if any, of her support due to those causes.’ ”
It is contended that the testimony showed a complete and not a partial loss, and the instruction was therefore erroneous. The contention is not sustained by the record. There was only a partial loss during the first year at least.
The eleventh assignment of error is as follows:
“The court erred in charging the jury as follows: ‘ Now, the expectancy tables have been shown here in evidence. Her age is 29 and his age 33. Her expectancy is 36JV years and his expectancy 33TV-ff. These are simply given to you as aids, not as absolute proof that he would live 33 years, or that she would live 36 years.’”
The court correctly stated the general rule; and, if plaintiff’s counsel claimed that the facts of this case took it out of the general rule, he should have brought such contention to the attention of the court. Davis v. Railroad Co., 147 Mich. 479.
The serious question in the case is presented by the assignment of error upon the denial of the motion for a new trial. Are the damages so clearly inadequate, as claimed by plaintiff’s counsel, that the trial judge ought to have awarded a new trial? The facts establishing plaintiff’s cause of action, as presented by this record, are practically undisputed, and plaintiff would have been entitled, upon request therefor, to an instruction that she was entitled to a verdict, and the only question for the jury was as to the amount of the damages she had suffered. The undisputed facts presented by this record show that, when plaintiff and her husband moved to Grass Lake, he was a temperate, industrious man, of good standing in his vocation, earning $50 a month and contributing to his wife’s support from $25 to $30 per month. A few months after coming to Grass Lake, he began drinking at defendant’s saloon, and from that time on he gradually became intemperate until his discharge in December, 1903. “At the time of his discharge, he was there nearly all the time.” After his discharge his descent was rapid until he became a common drunkard, and was no longer capable of furnishing any support to plaintiff. The de-, fendant Miller and his employés began and completed Merrinane’s ruin. So far as this record discloses, they had no helpers. As often as he requested, after legal hours, on Sundays, or legal holidays, regardless of the law and his wife, so long as he was able to stand before the bar, they dealt out the liquor to him, and only desisted when “he lay in a stupor, and would not be able to go home.”
“Miller sold him liquor while in that condition any time he wanted it if he could only stand up and drink. * * * Witness [the bartender] told Miller if he kept selling Merrinane liquor it would make him trouble. Miller said he would not sell it to him, but the next day he would get it just the same. Miller said it was a good thing for witness’ sister to get a divorce from Merrinane. Miller said that it was the way his sister’s husband went. He either died or else she got a divorce. Miller said he thought Merrinane was so far gone he would never stop drinking.”
None of these statements were denied by Miller, and so clear a right to exemplary damages is presented by this record that a peremptory instruction to that effect would have been justified. The case is unique, in that the facts which support the cause of action are undisputed, and no attempt is made to soften the harsh features of the case or mitigate the damages. On the contrary, we have the opinion of the principal defendant that the damage was complete; that “Merrinane was so far gone he would never stop drinking.” Upon any reasonable theory of the facts disclosed by this record, we cannot regard the amount awarded plaintiff by the verdict of the jury as an adequate measure of her damages, and we think the trial judge erred in denying the motion for a new trial.
The judgment is reversed, and a new trial granted.
McAlvay, O. J., and Carpenter, G-rant, and Ostrander, JJ., concurred. | [
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D. E. Holbrook, J.
Defendant was convicted by jury on May 4, 1977, of felony murder, contrary to MCL 750.316; MSA 28.548, in connection with the fatal shooting of a police officer during the armed robbery of a branch of the National Bank of Ypsilanti on July 11, 1975. On June 7, 1977, he was sentenced to life imprisonment and now appeals of right.
Defendant’s first trial ended in a mistrial in September 1976 when the jury was unable to reach a verdict. At the retrial police officer Claudius Wilcox testified that while pursuing the robbers’ automobile as it fled the scene after the robbery he observed a portion of the driver’s face, and identified defendant in court as the driver. Defendant was convicted of the crime charged and now presents five allegations of error, only two of which merit discussion.
Defendant first contends that the trial court erred reversibly by denying his pretrial motion to suppress evidence of his prior conviction of second-degree murder. In denying this motion the trial judge stated:
"As to the second request, the court suppress any testimony, if the defendant takes the stand as to his past record, of course this only applies, any reference on defendant’s past criminal record could only be brought if the defendant testifies. If he testifies, the court in exercising discretion, would feel that it would be proper to cross-examine the defendant only as to his felony record which he either has been found guilty or pled guilty, not misdemeanors or anything of this nature. * * * The court feels that this would go to the credibility of the defendant if he testifies. In the same manner, defendant, as if he testifies, testimony as to his college education where or what he’s been doing pursuant, those things that he’s accomplished, this also being brought forth as to anything which would affect his credibility, may also be presented by counsel for defendant, if the defendant testifies. This would be pertinent to his credibility. So what counsel appears to be arguing that it would be proper to show that the defendant has done excellent work in school, and so forth, and that he’s been without a blemish for many years, but then defendant seems to claim that at that point the testimony should stop and say everything that’s good should be permitted to be offered as to his credibility, but nothing in any way affecting his credibility should be offered, and the court, in its discretion, feels that this case on the basis of what the court has heard and seen, the court feels that this would be proper for cross-examination as to this felony.”
Plaintiffs brief states that in November, 1963 defendant was convicted of second-degree murder, was paroled on September 23, 1969, and was discharged from parole after 24 months.
The Michigan Supreme Court, on January 6, 1977, entered an order giving notice that it was considering the adoption of proposed Michigan Rules of Evidence. 399 Mich 951. These rules were adopted by order of the Court on January 5, 1978, to be effective on March 1, 1978. 402 Mich Ixxxviii. MRE 609(b) provides:
"ft>) Time limit. Evidence of a conviction under this rule is not admissible if a period of more than ten years has elapsed since the date of the conviction or of the release of the witness from the conñnement imposed for that conviction, whichever is' the later date.” (Emphasis added.)
Defendant’s trial in the case at bar took place during April and May, 1977. The time interval between this trial and defendant’s release from the confinement imposed pursuant to his earlier conviction is well within the ten-year limit imposed by MRE 609(b). Therefore, the Michigan Rules of Evidence, even if applicable to the instant case, would not have prohibited the use of evidence of defendant’s prior conviction for impeachment purposes.
There is no question that the trial judge recognized his discretion to forbid impeachment of defendant by use of evidence of his prior conviction. People v Jackson, 391 Mich 323; 217 NW2d 22 (1974). Although evidence of similar prior convictions should be admitted with great care, People v Baldwin, 405 Mich 550; 275 NW2d 253 (1979), People v Green, 86 Mich App 142; 272 NW2d 216 (1978), similarity does not per se bar every impeachment by evidence of a prior similar conviction, People v Cash, 80 Mich App 623; 264 NW2d 78 (1978), People v Townsend, 60 Mich App 204; 230 NW2d 378 (1975). Furthermore, a prior conviction need not be specifically in the area of dishonesty, as fraud or embezzlement, for evidence of it to be admissible for impeachment. People v Cash, supra, People v Payne, 27 Mich App 133; 183 NW2d 371 (1970).
In the case at bar the trial judge carefully balanced the negative effect of impeachment against the positive aspects of defendant’s antici pated testimony regarding his educational and other accomplishments subsequent to his prior conviction and decided that impeachment would be allowed. There was no abuse of discretion. Furthermore, although defendant did not testify at trial, his alibi defense was developed through the testimony of three defense witnesses who described his whereabouts at various times during the day of the crime. Defendant’s first contention of error is unmeritorious.
Defendant next argues that he was denied equal protection of the law because the trial court refused defense counsel’s request for a complete typed transcript of his first trial.
On January 17, 1977, Richard Zipser, defendant’s retained counsel who had conducted his first trial, moved to withdraw from the case. Counsel stated in his motion to withdraw that he was willing to assist in the case by going over all issues and evidence with any new defense counsel. The trial judge on January 26, 1977, issued an order granting the motion to withdraw, and on February 2, 1977, two new counsel were appointed to represent defendant.
Defendant’s appointed counsel filed a written motion on March 15, 1977, requesting the complete transcript of the first trial. This motion was heard on April 1, 1977, at which time one of defendant’s attorneys stated that he had received from Mr. Zipser a transcript of the testimony of witnesses Dudley Paschall and police officer Claudius Wilcox. Officer Wilcox was the sole prosecution eyewitness to identify defendant as an active participant in the robbery.
In denying the motion because of the physical impossibility of transcribing the entire first trial before the scheduled commencement of defen dant’s retrial, the trial judge offered to make his conference room available to defense counsel and furnish them with recording equipment and a tape recording of all testimony at the first trial. He stated that counsel could listen to the tape as much as they wished, could make notes, and could then ask the reporter to transcribe any excerpts needed for impeachment purposes at defendant’s forthcoming trial. One of defendant’s attorneys suggested that he review the witness list with his co-counsel and Mr. Zipser, determine which witnesses they wanted to hear, and then have the court reporter transcribe limited portions of the testimony if necessary. The trial court agreed, although the record does not reveal that defense counsel ever followed this procedure.
On April 11, 1977, the first day of defendant’s retrial, defense counsel again requested a complete transcript of the original trial and asked for a continuance until the transcript could be furnished. Counsel conceded that he had conferred with Mr. Zipser and had received "rough notes” from him. The trial judge denied these requests and stated:
"I would like to emphasize because sometimes appellate courts have a tendency sometimes to not quite understand because probably we don’t make it clear, the trial courts don’t make it clear their reasons for our rulings. The matter of transcript was brought before the court officially on April 1st, 1977. I believe it was praeciped on from the week before, it was put over at request of counsel for defendant to April 1st, 1977. Trial was set or has been set for sometime for today. This was a situation to face the court where the defendant had been in jail for many, many months, almost two years. The first time he came to this court was back in August of ’75. The first trial was in August of ’76, that’s about eight months ago. If the request had been made right after the first trial, things of this nature, it may be a different situation, but on April 1st when the request was made for transcript, this court stated that is was impossible to get a transcript out in that time. We had a jury trial set in this court, I think this is probably one of the busier courts in the state. * * * So I said that it was completely impossible to get a transcript out during this time. It wasn’t a matter of money, it wasn’t a matter the court felt superfluous in any way. The court didn’t feel that. The court felt that it was important to have the testimony of an eye-witness, the only eye-witness who testified and the court felt very pleased that counsel did have that transcript, but as to the rest of the transcript of the trial, it took many, many days. The court did not mean that it was because of expense or because the court’s time or anything like that. It was because of the impossibility of getting the transcript at that late date.
"Now as to continuance this morning, this is the first time that this court was asked for continuance. We had some difficulty drawing a jury before when—had difficulty. * * * We’ye had preparations, I’ve set aside two weeks of my time for this trial. For the first time in I don’t know how long after trial is over, I’m going away for three weeks. * * * So if we delay the case today we’d probably be—I have two, three other murder cases pending. I have at least four armed robbery cases pending. Many of these people are in jail. I’m saying this would be another eight months on my schedule before we could try it. That’s not fair, equally important is the right to a speedy trial for everybody, not just the defendant, but for the People and everybody. So the court would [remind] counsel, the court did have available the tape recordings. In fact, Mrs. Mitchell, the court clerk, was available so that she could play the tape recordings if anybody wanted to hear it. So the motion at this time for continuance would be denied.”
One of defendant’s co-counsel later moved for a mistrial on the ground that he did not have a complete transcript of defendant’s first trial and therefore could not effectively represent his client. He claimed to have orally requested the transcript at a pretrial conference on February 10, 1977, but neither the court nor the prosecutor could recall such a request on that date. The trial judge denied defendant’s motion.
The United States Supreme Court in Britt v North Carolina, 404 US 226, 227; 92 S Ct 431; 30 L Ed 2d 400 (1971), held that in cases involving an indigent defendant’s claim of right to a free transcript, two factors are relevant to a determination of need: "(1) the value of the transcript to the defendant in connection with the appeal or trial for which it is sought, and (2) the availability of alternative devices that would fulfill the same functions as a transcript.” (Footnote omitted.) As the Court pointed out, even absent specific allegations it can ordinarily be assumed that a transcript of a prior mistrial will be valuable to a defendant as a discovery device and as a tool for impeachment of prosecution witnesses at trial. The Britt Court affirmed the trial judge’s refusal to grant the defendant a transcript of his mistrial prior to retrial where the defendant conceded that he had available an informal alternative which was substantially equivalent to a transcript.
We find Britt controlling and therefore affirm the trial court’s denial of defendant’s request for a complete transcript of his original trial. Under all of the facts and circumstances existing in the case at bar, defendant had available to him an alternative substantially equivalent to a transcript of the first trial. Neither People v Hampton, 89 Mich App 434; 280 NW2d 461 (1977), nor People v Glass, 38 Mich App 735; 197 NW2d 140 (1972), requires a contrary result, since in those cases the alternative available to the defendants was found not to be substantially equivalent to a transcript of their earlier trials.
Defendant’s third contention of error, concerning the denial of his motion for an adjournment until a transcript of his first trial could be furnished, is without merit in light of our disposition of the preceding issue. The remaining issues raised by defendant do not necessitate discussion.
Affirmed.
Allen, P.J., concurred. | [
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D. F. Walsh, P. J.
Defendants, Michigan Technological University and its president Raymond L. Smith, and intervening defendants, certain employees of the university, appeal entry of judgment for plaintiffs by the Houghton County Circuit Court on January 20, 1978. Defendants were ordered to provide plaintiffs with the name and salary or wage of each of the persons employed by the university from 1970 to the present time, pursuant to plaintiffs’ request under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231 et seq.; MSA 4.1801(1) et seq. (hereinafter referred to as the FOIA). Plaintiffs cross-appeal the refusal of the trial court to award them attorneys’ fees, costs or disbursements under MCL 15.240(4); MSA 4.1801(10X4).
The facts are not in dispute and were stipulated to be as follows:
"1. Pursuant to Section 10 of the Freedom of Information Act, MSA 4.1801(10), this Court has jurisdiction to hear this action.
"2. Plaintiff KENNETH PENOKIE is a citizen and taxpayer of the State of Michigan, and President of Plaintiff Michigan Higher Education Student Association, Inc., who resides in Lansing, Michigan.
"3. Plaintiff MICHIGAN HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENT ASSOCIATION, INC., is a Michigan nonprofit corporation with its principal place of business located at Box 16281, Lansing, Michigan, which is engaged in representing student bodies and/or student governments at various Michigan institutions of higher learning.
"4. Defendant MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY is a public university and institution of higher education located in the City of Houghton, County of Houghton, and State of Michigan organized and existing by virtue of the Constitution and laws of the State of Michigan.
"5. Defendant RAYMOND L. SMITH is President of Michigan Technological University and is its chief-executive officer.
"6. Plaintiffs are 'persons’ within the definitions set forth in the Freedom of Information Act, MSA 4.1801(1) et seq.
"7. MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY is a 'public body’ as defined within the aforesaid Freedom of Information Act.
"8. That by letter dated February 12, 1976, * * * and received by Defendants prior to the effective date of the Freedom of Information Act, Plaintiffs requested certain records from the Defendant, including '* * * a copy of the salaries for fiscal years 1971 through 1975 of every employee of Michigan Technological University’, and that by letter dated March 3, 1976, from the Chairman of the Board of Control of MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY * * *, Defendants refused to provide the requested information.
"8A. That by letter dated April 12, 1977, * * * and received by Defendants after the effective date of the Freedom of Information Act, Plaintiffs requested certain public records from Defendants, including:
"A. The number of persons employed by Michigan Technological University;
"B. The names of all persons employed by Michigan Technological University;
"C. The salary or hourly wage of each such employee from 1970 to the present;
"D. Michigan Technological University’s average budget for fiscal years 1970 to present, setting forth those portions of each total yearly budget apportioned between teaching salaries, administrative salaries, and other similar classifications.
"E. With respect to administrative and teaching per sonnel, the educational qualifications of each employee; and
"F. Actual yearly expenditures in such categories if different than budgetary allocations.
"9. That by letter dated April 19, 1977, * * * Defendant MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, through its designated Freedom of Information Officer E. M. Reini, provided Plaintiffs with all requested information with the exception that Defendant refused to provide Plaintiffs with the salaries and/or hourly wages of each employee of Defendant MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY from 1970 through the present.
"10. That on April 19, 1977, E. M. Reini, the designated Freedom of Information Act Officer, sent KENNETH PENOKIE, President of the Michigan Higher Education Student Association, Inc. a 'Notice of Denial of a Public Record’ * * * wherein it was asserted the University would not provide the salary or hourly wage rate of each employee from 1970 to the present for the reason that said public record was exempt from disclosure pursuant to Section 13(l)(a), MSA 4.1801(13)(l)(a), asserting that the said information is of a personal nature where the public disclosure of the information would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of an individual’s privacy.
"11. In the Fall of 1976 issue of 'The Faculty Forum MTU’ the results of the Faculty Association’s Salary Publication Survey were published * * *. Of two hundred and thirty-nine (239) faculty polled, only seventy-nine (79) were in favor of disclosing their individual names and salaries while one hundred and fifty-five (155) were opposed to public disclosure of their names and individual salaries.
"12. Defendant MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY presently publishes salary ranges, distribution and related statistical information, without revealing individual salaries, which is available for public review, however, that information was not requested by plaintiff.
"13. Defendant MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY competes nationally with both public and private colleges, universities, industry and the government for the best qualified employees it can successfully recruit for its faculty and staff.
"14. Many of Defendant’s competitors for quality employees are under no obligation to make any information regarding names and salaries of its employees available for public scrutiny.
"15. House Bill No. 6085 as of December 1, 1976, * * * contained Section 12(a) which provided:
" 'Sec. 12. The following categories of writings are specifically made available to the public under this act if those writings exist and are not exempt under Section 13.
" '(a) The name, sex, ethnicity, salary, including overtime or overload and any other supplementary payments, title, job description, and dates of employment of an employee or officer of a public body unless the disclosure of the title or job description would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel.’
"House Bill No. 6085 eventually was enacted as the Freedom of Information Act with this provision deleted on or after December 22, 1976.
"16. Intervening Defendants and a substantial number of University employees have asserted by letter to Defendant, Michigan Technological University, that any disclosure by the University of their salary and/or hourly wage rate or any information from the personnel files relating to their educational accomplishments and qualifications for the positions they hold at the University would be a violation of their constitutional right to privacy. Said Defendants and employees have further stated that they shall hold the University accountable for any breach of their claim to privacy.”
The trial court held, and defendants did not dispute, that the requested salary records are "public records” within the meaning of the FOIA and the common law. MCL 15.232(c); MSA 4.1801(2)(c). The court rejected plaintiffs’ contention that they had a right to disclosure of the salary information under the common law, finding that the FOIA preempts the common law. This ruling has not been challenged on appeal. With respect to the FOIA request, however, the court ordered disclosure of the information.
Defendants first argue that the Legislature’s intent to exempt salary information from public disclosure is evident from the fact that an express provision requiring such disclosure, which appeared in an earlier version of the proposed legislation, was deleted from the version finally enacted.
We agree with the trial court that a more reasonable explanation for the deletion is found in the Legislature’s desire to avoid the pitfalls of overspecification. Rather than specifying what records would be subject to disclosure the Legislature chose to provide that, unless expressly exempt under § 13 of the FOIA, all public records are subject to public disclosure. Deletion of language expressly providing for disclosure of specific information furthered the legislative purpose to make available to all persons "full and complete information regarding the affairs of government”. MCL 15.231(2); MSA 4.1801(1X2).
The primary argument advanced by defendants is that the requested information was exempt from disclosure under the provisions of § 13(l)(a) of the act which provides:
"Sec. 13. (1) A public body may exempt from disclosure as a public record under this act:
"(a) Information of a personal nature where the public disclosure of the information would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of an individual’s privacy.” MCL 15.243(l)(a); MSA 4.1801(13)(l)(a).
The trial court, adopting the balancing test developed by the Federal courts in their interpretation of the corresponding privacy provision of the Federal Freedom of Information Act, rejected this argument. We agree with the trial court and affirm.
In light of the absence of Michigan case law interpreting the quoted exemption, the trial court correctly turned to Federal decisions intepreting the similar provision found in the Federal act. 5 USC 552(b)(6) (hereinafter referred to as Exemption 6). Citizens for Better Care v Dep’t of Public Health, 51 Mich App 454; 215 NW2d 576 (1974), lv den 392 Mich 758 (1974), International Business Machines Corp v Dep’t of Treasury, 71 Mich App 526; 248 NW2d 605 (1976).
Under Exemption 6, Federal agencies are not obligated to disclose to the public "personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy”. It is this provision which most clearly parallels the Michigan statutory exemption.
Federal courts have uniformly followed a policy of narrowly construing the exemptions in the Federal act. Rural Housing Alliance v United States Dep’t of Agriculture, 162 US App DC 122; 498 F2d 73 (1974), Cox v United States Dep’t of Justice, 576 F2d 1302 (CA 8, 1978). As is the situation in Michigan, the government agency bears the burden of establishing that denial of a request for disclosure is statutorily supported, MCL 15.240(1); MSA 4.1801(10X1). 5 USC 552(a)(4)(B). Claimed exemptions must be supported by substantial justification and explanation, not merely by conclusory assertions. Gates v Schlesinger, 366 F Supp 797, 800 (DDC, 1973).
In interpreting Exemption 6, the Federal courts have generally adopted a test which balances the preservation of the public’s right to government information against the protection of the individual’s private affairs from unnecessary public scrutiny. Dep’t of the Air Force v Rose, 425 US 352; 96 S Ct 1592; 48 L Ed 2d 11 (1976). The exemption applies only to "clearly unwarranted” invasions of personal privacy. The inclusion of this qualification was a "considered and significant determination”. 425 US 378, fn 16. Contrast the wording of Exemption 7 of the Federal act. 5 USC 552(b)(7). Congressional News Syndicate v United States Dep’t of Justice, 438 F Supp 538 (DDC, 1977).
The Federal balancing test requires an initial determination of whether disclosure would constitute an invasion of privacy and, if so, how serious an invasion. Determination as to whether an invasion of privacy is "clearly unwarranted” requires consideration of the public purpose of the party requesting the information, the possibility that the purpose could be accomplished without disclosure, the scope of the request and the availability of alternative sources for obtaining the information. Getman v National Labor Relations Board, 146 US App DC 209, 213-216; 450 F2d 670 (1971). Also see Wine Hobby USA, Inc v United States Internal Revenue Service, 502 F2d 133 (CA 3, 1974).
In narrowly construing Exemption 6, the Federal courts have repeatedly emphasized the congressional intent to limit nondisclosure to "intimate details” of a "highly personal” nature. Getman v NLRB, supra, at 214, Rural Housing Alliance v USDA, supra, at 124, Fonda v Central Intelligence Agency, 434 F Supp 498 (DDC, 1977), Ferry v Central Intelligence Agency, 458 F Supp 664 (SD NY, 1978), Robles v Environmental Protection Agency, 484 F2d 843 (CA 4, 1973). Exemption 6 has been interpreted to protect individuals from embarrassing disclosures. Rural Housing Alliance v USDA, supra, at 124, Metropolitan Life Ins Co v Usery, 426 F Supp 150, 168 (DDC, 1976). Identified as possibly coming within the protection of Exemption 6 has been information concerning marital status, legitimacy of children, identity of children’s fathers, medical condition, welfare status, alcohol consumption, family fights, reputation, personal job preferences and goals, job evaluations, job promotion prospects, reasons for employment termination. Rural Housing Alliance v USDA, supra, at 124, Metropolitan Life Ins Co v Usery, supra, at 168, Ditlow v Schultz, 170 US App DC 352, 356; 517 F2d 166 (1975).
In a recent case the Washington Supreme Court was asked to interpret a privacy exemption in Washington’s FOIA. Hearst Corp v Hoppe, 90 Wash 2d 123; 580 P2d 246 (1978). The particular exemption deals with information required of a taxpayer if disclosure would constitute a violation of the taxpayer’s right to privacy. As is the case with the Michigan and Federal statutes, the Washington statute does not define the right to privacy. The Washington court turned to the common-law tort concept of the right to privacy and adopted the following Restatement definition and analysis in determining if disclosure of the requested information would violate the privacy provision:
"One who gives publicity to a matter concerning the private life of another is subject to liability to the other for invasion of his privacy, if the matter publicized is of a kind that
"(a) would be highly offensive to a reasonable person, and
"(b) is not of legitimate concern to the public.” Restatement Torts (2d), § 652D, at 383 (1977).
"Every individual has some phases of his life and his activities and some facts about himself that he does not expose to the public eye, but keeps entirely to himself or at most reveals only to his family or to close personal friends. Sexual relations, for example, are normally entirely private matters, as are family quarrels, many unpleasant or disgraceful or humiliating illnesses, most intimate personal letters, most details of a man’s life in his home, and some of his past history that he would rather forget. When these intimate details of his life are spread before the public gaze in a manner highly offensive to the ordinary reasonable man, there is an actionable invasion of his privacy, unless the matter is one of legitimate public interest.” Id., at 386.
The Washington court found no Federal cases adopting the Restatement definition of the right of privacy for FOIA purposes but, after reviewing Federal cases which have interpreted Exemption 6, concluded that the Federal standard (i.e., the balancing test with its "tilt” toward disclosure) reflects the same considerations expressed in the Restatement.
In Michigan, judicial interpretation of the FOIA’s privacy exemption, in addition to being guided by the reasoning of the Federal and state decisions interpreting similar provisions, must reflect Michigan’s longstanding policy of citizen accessibility to public records. Burton v Tuite, 78 Mich 363, 374; 44 NW 282 (1889), Nowack v Auditor General, 243 Mich 200, 203-204; 219 NW 749 (1928).
In 1973, before adoption of Michigan’s FOIA, the Michigan Attorney General was asked "whether any unit of government may withhold information of government salaries paid out of public money” and "whether the board of control of a university may withhold from the public information relative to personnel salaries”. OAG 1973-1974, No 4794, p 70 (August 7, 1973). The Attorney General rejected the notion that, with regard to the withholding of this information, the boards of control of state universities may be held to a different standard of accountability than other government units. Recognizing that, in some limited instances, the public interest may require confidentiality, the Attorney General concluded that the records of the names and compensation of employees of state universities are subject to public examination, inspection and copying for any lawful purpose. We think the Attorney General’s opinion is well-reasoned and correct.
The names and salaries of the employees of defendant university are not "intimate details” of a "highly personal” nature. Disclosure of this information would not thwart the apparent purpose of the exemption to protect against the highly offensive public scrutiny of totally private personal details. The precise manner of expenditure of public funds is simply not a private fact. The heavy burden of justifying nondisclosure has not been met by the conclusory allegations of "ill will, hard feelings, * * * prejudice among employees” and "chill[ing of] the applications of further persons for positions similar to” those of intervening defendants. Nor is there any support for the allegations of amicus curiae Oakland University that disclosure of the compensation of individual employees "would cause significant indignity, embarrassment, and humiliation and would disrupt existing relationships”.
While we are not persuaded that salary information about individual public employees is "private” information for FOIA purposes, even assuming that disclosure would constitute an invasion of personal privacy, that invasion would not be "clearly unwarranted”. The minor invasion occasioned by disclosure of information which a university employee might hitherto have considered private is outweighed by the public’s right to know precisely how its tax dollars are spent.
This important public purpose can best be accomplished only by disclosure of information such as that sought by plaintiffs. There has been no suggestion that disclosure would unduly burden defendant university.
The express purpose of the FOIA is to provide for public access to full and complete information regarding the affairs of the government so that citizens may participate fully in the democratic process.
"Undoubtedly, it would be a great surprise to the citizens and taxpayers of Michigan to learn that the law denied them access to their own books for the purpose of seeing how their money was being expended and how their business was being conducted.” Nowack v Auditor General, supra, at 204.
We hold that defendant Michigan Technological University erred in refusing disclosure of the names and salaries of its individual employees. Because no statutory provision clearly exempted this information from disclosure, the refusal was in violation of the FOIA. The trial court’s order of disclosure is, therefore, affirmed.
In its January 20, 1978, order, the trial court entered judgment for plaintiffs and issued a writ of mandamus directing defendant university to provide plaintiffs with the names and salaries or wages of each of the university’s employees since 1970. The order concluded, "No costs or attorney fees shall be awarded, a public question being involved.” Plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration and modification of judgment, seeking an award of attorneys’ fees, costs and disbursements, was denied.
With regard to attorneys’ fees, costs and disbursements, the FOIA provides:
"(4) If a person asserting the right to inspect or to receive a copy of a public record or a portion thereof prevails in an action commenced pursuant to this section, the court shall award reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs, and disbursements. If the person prevails in part, the court may in its discretion award reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs, and disbursements or an appropriate portion thereof. The award shall be assessed against the public body liable for damages under subsection (5).” MCL 15.240(4); MSA 4.1801(10X4).
The denial of attorneys’ fees, costs and disbursements to plaintiffs was erroneous. In all cases brought under the FOIA a public question will necessarily be involved since the public’s right of access to public records will be at stake. The Legislature has enacted a statutory exception to the public question/no costs rule. The trial court entered judgment for plaintiffs and was, therefore, obligated to make the requested award. That the court rejected plaintiffs’ common-law theory did not transform plaintiffs’ victory into a partial one. Plaintiffs were granted their requested relief. Because they prevailed in their challenge to the university’s denial of their request, they were statutorily entitled to an award of reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and disbursements.
Judgment for plaintiffs is affirmed. This cause is remanded for the limited purpose of a determination of plaintiffs’ reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and disbursements. An award shall be made to plaintiffs pursuant to that determination.
We do not retain jurisdiction.
Overspecificity in the statute might enable public bodies to use the doctrine of expressio unius est exclusio alterius in order to avoid disclosure of information not specified expressly in the statute.
We do not deal separately with the constitutionally based arguments of those challenging the lower court’s ruling. Our discussion of the right to privacy under the statutory exemption from disclosure satisfactorily disposes of constitutional challenges. Review of the parties’ briefs reveals that they do not raise any constitutional arguments which are independent of the FOIA statutory argument.
It should also be noted that the Michigan statute includes a separate provision exempting from the disclosure requirement "medical, counseling, or psychological facts or evaluations concerning an individual” if disclosure would reveal the individual’s identity. MCL 15.243(l)(m); MSA 4.1801(13)(l)(m).
In Baker v Central Intelligence Agency, 188 US App DC 401; 580 F2d 664 (1978), it was held that documents revealing, among other things, the salaries of CIA personnel were not disclosable under the Federal FOIA. In that case, however, the CIA did not rely on, and the court did not discuss, the privacy exemption. Rather, nondisclosure was based on the exemption for matters "specifically exempted from disclosure by statute”. 5 USC 552(b)(3). See 50 USC 403g.
Although the court in Campbell v United States Civil Service Comm, 539 F2d 58, 62 (1976), stated that an individual’s salary is "personal and capable of causing embarrassment”, it was not held that disclosure of salary information alone would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. At issue was disclosure of personnel records which listed employees who had been erroneously classified and the name of an employee who had been promoted contrary to the applicable regulations. The case, therefore, offers little guidance to this Court in deciding the issue before us here.
Substantial reliance has been placed by those challenging the lower court’s ruling on Advisory Opinion on Constitutionality of 1975 PA 227 (Questions 2-10), 396 Mich 465; 242 NW2d 3 (1976). In that case the Supreme Court discussed the constitutionality of Michigan’s political reform act, MCL 169.1 et seq.; MSA 4.1701(1) et seq. The act required the filing of certain financial information by potential candidates for public office. It did not discuss disclosure to the public of information concerning the salaries of individual public employees. We see no analogy between the instant case and the circumstances peculiar to political activity.
Const 1963, art 9, § 23 reflects the primacy of the public’s right to know how its tax money is spent: "All financial records, accounting, audit reports and other reports of public moneys shall be public records and open to inspection.”
We need not decide if the information requested by the instant plaintiffs constitutes "financial records”. See Grayson v Board of Accountancy, 27 Mich App 26, 33-34; 183 NW2d 424 (1970).
Subsequent to our decision in this case but prior to the release date of this opinion, the Legislature enacted 1979 PA 130, effective October 26, 1979, which amended the FOIA by adding § 13a, MCL 15.243a; MSA 4.1801(13)(a). The new section reads as follows:
"Notwithstanding section 13, an institution of higher education established under section 5, 6, or 7 of article 8 of the state constitution of 1963; a school district as defined in section 6 of Act No. 451 of the Public Acts of 1976, being section 380.6 of the Michigan Compiled Laws; an intermediate school district as defined in section 4 of Act No. 451 of the Public Acts of 1976, being section 380.4 of the Michigan Compiled Laws; or a community college established under Act No. 331 of the Public Acts of 1966, as amended, being sections 389.1 to 389.195 of the Michigan Compiled Laws shall upon request make available to the public the salary records of an employee or other official of the institution of higher education, school district, intermediate school district, or community college.”
In our view the amendatory section, which is in accord with our holding, represents a clarification of, rather than a substantive change in, prior law. | [
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Champlin, J.
On and prior to January 26, 1884, Frank A. Nuggles and Frank Weston were and had been engaged as copartners, under the firm name of Nuggles & Weston, in the furniture and undertaking business, in the city of Charlotte, Michigan. On that day they executed a general assignment of all their property for the benefit of their creditors to William M. Munson, the plaintiff in this suit. An inventory was made, and on the 4th day of February a bond of the assignees, with two sureties, was filed with the clerk of Eaton county. The sureties appeared before the clerk and justified as to their responsibility, and the bond and sureties were satisfactory to the clerk, but he neglected to endorse his approval thereof upon the bond. The inventory showed the value of the assigned property to be $8324.67. The penalty of the bond was in the sum of $14,000. The assignee accepted the appointment, took possession of the assigned property, and proceeded to execute the trust, and make sales of the goods, until the 11th day of March. On that day the sheriff, at the suit of certain creditors of the assignors, levied upon the property and took it in his possession. The plaintiff demanded the property from the sheriff, and he refused to deliver up the same, and thereupon plaintiff brought replevin. To maintain his action, upon the trial lie offered in evidence the assignment and other papers connected therewith, including the bond. The bond was objected to as irrelevant, immaterial and incompetent; that the bond was not executed, filed or approved as required by law, and within the time required by law; that it was not in double the amount of the value of the goods or the property, as shown by the inventory annexed to and filed with the assignment. The objection was sustained, and exception was taken. The plaintiff had previously proved by the county clerk that he did in fact approve of the bond at the time it was filed, and that his failure to endorse his approval thereof upon the bond was an oversight; and that he formally endorsed such approval on' the bond on the 13th day of March, 1884:, which was five days before the replevin suit was commenced. The plaintiff then (having the sureties in court) requested leave and offered to increase the penalty of the bond to $17,-000, which the court refused to permit. He then tendered and offered to file a new bond in the penalty of $17,000, in which the sureties had justified, and which had endorsed thereon the .approval of the county clerk, which was also refused by the court.
The statute relative to assignments for the benefit of creditors does not in express terms require that the approval of the clerk shall be endorsed upon the bond at the time it is filed; nor does it declare that the assignment shall be void if it is not endorsed with the clerk’s approval. The language of the proviso to How. Stat. § S739 is, “ that no such assignment shall be effectual to convey the title to the property to the assignee until such bond shall be executed, filed with, and approved by said clerk.” These three requisites were complied with in this case. The act of endorsing the approval upon the bond was merely ministerial, and could be done at any time; the approval of the bond involved an exercise of judgment and discretion, and was necessary to be exercised before the assignment would be effectual to pass the title to the assignee. So far, therefore, as the ruling of the court was based upon the fact that the approval of the clerk was not endorsed upon the bond before the levy it was erroneous. The statute requires the penalty of the,bond to be at least double the amount of the assigned property, as shown by the inventory; and the question is whether this irregularity rendered the assignment absolutely void, and so prevented the title to the property from passing to the assignee. This act was passed in 1879. Section 1 provides that all assignments for the benefit of creditors shall be void unless made without preferences, and unless it shall be of all the property of the assignor not exempt from execution, and unless the assignment, or a duplicate thereof, an inventory of the assigned property, a list of creditors of the assignor, and a bond for the faithful performance of the trust by the assignee, shall be filed in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of the county where the assignor resides, within ten days after the making thereof. The statute then declares that “Such assignment shall convey to the assignee all property of the assignor not exempt from execution, and, all rights, legal or equitable, of said assignor : pi-ovided, that no such assignment shall be effectual to convey the title to the property of the assignor to the assignee until such bond shall be executed, filed with, and approved by said clerk.”
The record shows a substantial compliance with this section by the assignors. It will be observed that this section makes no allusion to the penalty of the bond. Unless the bond filed by the assignee is conditioned for the faithful performance of the trust, and is filed- with and approved by the clerk, the assignment is not effectual to convey the title. When section 1 is complied with, the title passes to the assignee. The next section prescribes how it shall be acknowledged, what the inventory and list of creditors shall contain, by whom and how it shall be verified, to whom the bond shall be executed, its penalty and condition, the number of sureties, and the manner and amount in which they shall justify. A deviation from these requirements does not affect the validity of the assignment to transfer the title to the assignee, but it places it in the power of the circuit court in chancery, upon the complaint of any person interested therein, to enforce the trust created by the assignment, and in its discretion to take the execution of the trust from the assignee and place it in the hands of a receiver. Section 6. And if the bond should be deemed defective, or the sureties insufficient, the court is authorized from time to time to require new bonds or sureties, who shall justify as therein provided. Section 11, being How. Stat. § 8749. These provisions show that it was the intention of the Legislature to- preserve the trusts created by a common-law assignment for the benefit of all creditors of the debtor, and to protect and enforce them, either through the assignee appointed in the instrument, or by a receiver appointed by the court at the instance of creditors. What avo here determine is that within the meaning and spirit of the laAV the assignment in question was not void by reason of the fact that the penalty aaúis less than tAvice the amount of the inventory, and the court Avas in error for excluding the bond on that ground.
It is claimed that the assignment is void because the footings of the assets, as shown by the inventory, far exceed the debts, as shown by the footings of the amount due to the creditors, and that only insolvent debtors can make a valid voluntary assignment. But we think this isa mistaken view of the law. A person may be insolvent, in the proper signification of .that term, although his assets may exceed his liabilities. A person maybe said to be insolvent when he is unable to pay his debts as they mature in the ordinary course of his business, and this seems to have been the condition of the assignors in this case. Moreover, a person, whether insolvent or not, may legally execute a conveyance of his property to'a trustee or assignee to pay his indebtedness, if he have any. Such conveyance would not be void upon its face, nor intrinsically so. Creditors could attack its validity upon the ground that it was made Avith intent to hinder, delaj- and defraud them, and unless they could establish such intent the assignment would be valid.
Counsel for defendant relies upon what Avassaid in the case of Fuller v. Hasbrouck 46 Mich. 78, as justifying the court below in excluding the bond from evidence, in which it was intimated, but not decided, that if the bond is not given in ten days after the assignment, execution levies might perhaps be perfectly valid if creditors fail to invoke the intervention of equity, since it is only when the execution of the trust under the sixth section of the statute is called for that they are displaced.
Attention is called to the fact that no creditor has sought the intervention of equity, and that they are assailing the validity of the assignment at law. But, as we hold that the objections urged do not affect the validity of the assignment, the point alluded to in Fuller v. Hasbrouck does not arise. Had no bond been filed, or had it not been filed until after the expiration of ten days, and not until after creditors had levied, and no proceedings had been taken in equity to enforce the trust, wo should have been called upon to decide the question whether the assignment could be assailed at law. But that is not the case here.
The judgment of the circuit court must be
Reversed and a new trial ordered.
The other Justices concurred. | [
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R. B. Burns, J.
The defendant, Stephen Buelow, pled guilty to the offense of carrying a concealed weapon, MCL 750.227; MSA 28.424, was sentenced and now appeals on the ground that the state prosecution on this offense violated his rights under the double jeopardy clauses of the United States and Michigan Constitutions because he had previously been convicted in Federal court for possession of the same weapon.
On February 9, 1978, the defendant appeared at Western Michigan University, in the City of Kalamazoo, with a duffel bag. He voluntarily gave the bag to Robert Hardin, a Sergeant Major in the United States Army, and told Sergeant Hardin that there was a sawed-off shotgun in the bag. The sawed-off shotgun was seized by an officer of the Western Michigan University Police.
On March 28, 1978, the defendant was arraigned in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan on a charge that on February 9, 1978, in the City of Kalamazoo, defendant possessed the sawed-off shotgun which was not registered to him in violation of various sections of the United States Code. The defendant pled guilty to the charge and in May, 1978, he was committed to the custody of the United States Attorney General for a period of six years. The Federal court recommended that the sentence run concurrently with whatever sentence the state might impose upon defendant for any other offense arising out of this incident.
Defendant filed a motion to quash the state information on the ground that he was twice being placed in jeopardy for the same offense because he was prosecuted for possession of the same weapon by both the state and Federal authorities. Defendant’s motion was heard on June 12, 1978, and was denied.
On August 28, 1978, the defendant pled guilty to the charge of carrying a concealed weapon, pursuant to a plea agreement by which the prosecutor agreed to dismiss a supplemental information charging defendant as a third offender. MCL 769.11; MSA 28.1083. At the plea taking proceedings, the defendant explained that he possessed the shotgun on February 9, 1978, in an effort to dispose of the weapon by surrendering it to the ROTC department at Western Michigan University.
The defendant was sentenced in the Kalamazoo County Circuit Court to a prison term not exceeding five years nor less than three years. Defendant is currently serving his sentence at a state correctional facility.
Before us now is defendant’s assertion that the state prosecution violated his right to be free from double jeopardy under both US Const, Am V and Const 1963, art 1, § 15.
Const 1963, art 1, § 15 provides in relevant part:
"No person shall be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy.”
In People v Cooper, 398 Mich 450; 247 NW2d 866 (1976), the Michigan Supreme Court held that:
"Const 1963, art 1, § 15 prohibits a second prosecution for an offense arising out of the same criminal act unless it appears from the record that the interests of the State of Michigan and the jurisdiction which initially prosecuted are substantially different. Analysis on a case-by-case basis cannot be avoided.” Cooper, at 461.
Several factors were deemed by the Court to be pertinent to the analysis of whether the State of Michigan had substantially different interests than those of the jurisdiction which initially had prosecuted the defendant.
"Such factors, for prosecutions arising out of the same criminal act, may include whether the maximum penalties of the statutes involved are greatly disparate, whether some reason exists why one jurisdiction cannot be entrusted to vindicate fully another jurisdiction’s interests in securing a conviction, and whether the differences in the statutes are merely jurisdictional or are more substantive.” Cooper, 398 Mich at 461.
The defendant in Cooper had been tried and acquitted in Federal court of bank robbery. Thereafter, he was prosecuted and convicted in our state court on charges of bank robbery and assault with intent to rob being armed, arising from the same incident. Both convictions were reversed by the Supreme Court as being in violation of defendant’s right to be free from double jeopardy under Const 1963, art 1, § 15. The Court had found that the interests sought to be protécted by the state and Federal statutes were not substantially different because "[t]he laws of both jurisdictions seek to insure the safety of individuals and the protection of private property”. 398 Mich at 462.
Under Cooper, we begin our analysis of whether the state and Federal interests in the present case are substantially different by comparing the maximum penalty which can be imposed under the relevant statutes, and in this, we find no great disparity.
We turn next to a consideration of whether the Federal government can be entrusted to vindicate fully our state’s interest in securing a conviction. The interest which both the state and Federal governments seek to secure is the protection of its citizens from the misuse of dangerous weapons. The state statute attempts to achieve this interest by penalizing the concealment of certain weapons; the Federal statute attempts to vindicate this interest by mandating registration of certain weapons. Both statutes are designed to control and regulate the use of firearms.
The Court recognizes that the purposes and protections of the two statutes are not identical. However, to require an identity of purpose and design would limit the scope of the Michigan Double Jeopardy Clause to cases in which the state and the Federal governments have brought identical charges. In light of the broad interpretation given to the Michgian Double Jeopardy Clause by the Supreme Court in Cooper, we believe that no such limitation should be put on the protections of our Double Jeopardy Clause. We consider, there fore, not the narrow and specific purposes of the statutes, but rather the fact that each is a means of controlling and regulating the use of firearms, and find no reason why in this case the interests of the State of Michigan cannot be vindicated by the Federal prosecution.
We conclude that the interests sought to be protected by both the state and Federal statutes are not substantially different. Accordingly, defendant’s conviction is reversed.
26 USC 5845(a), 5861(d), and 5871.
18 use 2113.
MCL 750.531; MSA 28.799.
MCL 750.89; MSA 28.284.
Defendant Cooper’s conviction for attempted murder, MCL 750.91; MSA 28.286, which arose out of the same incident, was reversed by the Court of Appeals and was not before the Supreme Court.
The maximum penalty set forth in 26 USC 5871 is 10 years and/ or $10,000. The maximum penalty for violation of MCL 750.227; MSA 28.424 is 5 years or $2,500. | [
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Voelker, J.
The defendant planned to erect a high-tension tower line between 2 step-down stations located about 9 miles apart so it dispatched a man to obtain permission from the landowners along the proposed right-of-way. On October 15, 1952, Edison’s Bela Wagner visited the plaintiff’s home about 8 a.m. and explained his mission to the plaintiff John Wilder and showed him an informal drawing of the plaintiffs’ land. . John Wilder was just about to leave for the day so he signed and delivered the following permit without reading it or having it read to him:
“Tower Line Permit
Date October 15,1952
“In consideration of the sum of $1 and other valuable considerations, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, we hereby grant to the Detroit Edison Company, its successors and assigns, the right to construct, operate and maintain its lines for the transmission and distribution of electricity and company communication facilities, including the necessary towers, fixtures, wires and equipment, and including also the right to trim or cut down any trees along said lines, which could fall into the lines or interfere in any way with their operation upon, over and across our property located in Warren township, county of Macomb, State of Michigan, and described as follows:
“Commencing at the southwest corner of section 1, thn N 84° 40' E 1,465.9 ft; thence N 0° 09' E 1,332.-24 ft to the point of beginning; th N 0° 09' E 1,336.37 ft; th S 83° 17' W 274.05 ft; thence S 1,329.38 ft; th N 84° 40' E 269.83 ft to the point of beginning in section 1, TIN B12E, 8.27 acres.
“The route of the lines shall he as follows: In a northerly and southerly direction across the west part of said land.
“The company, its successors and assigns, shall reimburse us for all damage to growing crops, buildings or fences, caused by its men, teams, trucks, and other vehicles'and equipment in entering said property for the purposes set forth herein.
“In addition to the above consideration, the company, or its successors and assigns, shall pav us the sum of $100 for each tower on said land, the same to be paid before any towers are erected.”
The next day John Wilder’s wife Marie, who had not been home earlier, also signed and redelivered the permit without reading or discussing it, acting upon the interim advice of her absent husband. Edison subsequently cleared a right-of-way and took steps toward the erection of 2 steel high-tension towers running north to south in the west half of the plaintiffs’ land. Plaintiffs’ property was unimproved farm property consisting of an 8-acre parcel in.Macomb county approximately 270 feet wide east and west and 1,300 feet long north and south.
On December 9, 1953, the plaintiffs filed their bill of complaint seeking to cancel the above permit because of fraud and the .misrepresentation of Edison’s agent that (1) a wooden pole line was to be built instead of steel towers and (2) that the route of the line was to be along the west boundary of the land whereas the permit said the route “shall be across the west part of said land.” They also sought a temporary injunction against the erection of the steel towers.
In an affidavit filed in opposition to the temporary injunction Edison stated that it had to date acquired rights-of-way across about 96 parcels of land; that the Wilder and many other connecting rights-of-way grants had been recorded with the register of deeds for Macomb, county; and that in reliance upon plaintiffs’ permit it had spent large sums of money in surveying, staking, and constructing the 9-mile line; that about half of the steel towers had been erected, part of the cables strung, and that nearly all of the steel footings for the towers bad been erected.
On December 14, 1953, the trial court declined to grant a temporary injunction. On December 29, 1953, Edison in its answer denied the material allegations of the bill and again averred that in reliance upon the plaintiffs’ permit it had “expended large sums of money in acquiring connecting rights-of-way and in surveying and partially constructing a steel tower transmission line across said land and adjacent lands.” No appeal being taken by the plaintiffs from the court’s refusal to grant a temporary injunction Edison proceeded to erect the 2 towers. It had tendered its check to the plaintiffs for $200 for the erection of the 2 towers prior to the institution of suit but the checks were returned by Mr. Wilder.
At the hearing on March 28, 1956, the plaintiff John Wilder testified that for 25 years he had been a general contractor in and around Detroit; that he had performed contracting work all over the State; that during all that time he had frequently done business with Detroit Edison and “never had a firm that was nicer or better to deal withthat Edison’s agent had called at his home the morning the permit was signed just as he was leaving; that Mr. Wagner had told him that Edison wanted to set “poles” on the “west side” of his land; that before he signed the permit he made sure from Mr. Wagner that the “poles” would be put along the west border; that when he signed it was only his intention to permit Edison to erect a light wooden pole line down the extreme westerly boundary of his property; that he signed the permit without reading it because his dealings with Edison had been so good for so long; and that in any case he thought it would improve the value of his property to have a pole line there.
A surveyor called by plaintiffs testified as to the land measurements; the size of the 2 towers; that they were erected 95 feet east of the west boundary and 179 feet west of the east boundary; and that they were erected on the west half of the plaintiffs’ land.
Mrs. Wilder testified briefly to the effect that she signed because her husband had directed her to. Edison’s agent, Bela Wagner, called for cross-examination under the statute, testified in substance denying the allegations and testimony of John Wilder; declaring that he had left a copy of the permit with Mr. Wilder; and further stating that the permit was the standard form of agreement used by his company for permission to erect towers. At the close of the plaintiffs’ proofs the defense moved for dismissal which the court granted and entered its decree from which this appeal has resulted.
* * *
We think this case must he controlled by our decision in Powers v. Indiana & Michigan Electric Co., 252 Mich 585. There the plaintiffs sought similar relief under similar allegations of fraud and misrepresentation and there we sustained a decree dismissing the bill. Our Court there said, referring to the plaintiffs (p 588):
“We cannot agree with plaintiffs. They were intelligent people, and no reasonable explanation or excuse appears in this record which would justify them in executing these written instruments without either reading them or having them read over to them. We have recently had occasion to hold that granting relief under such circumstances tends strongly to deprive one of the security which should be afforded by solemnly-written instruments.” (Citing cases.)
The Court then quoted from Upton v. Tribilcock, 91 US 45, 50 (23 L ed 203), as follows:
“ ‘It will not do for a man to enter into a contract, and, when called upon to respond to its obligations, to say that he did not read it when he signed it, or did not know what it contained. If this were permitted, contracts would not be worth the paper on which they are written. But such is not the law. A contractor must stand by the words of his contract; and if he will not read what he signs, he alone is responsible for his omission.’ ”
These are brave ringing words, and yet they leave us curiously uneasy and dissatisfied. We find ourselves wondering whether the Court wasn’t more nearly stating a conclusion than giving the reason for its result. We wonder, too, whether the humble mind of man can ever encompass the statement of an undeviating rule capable of covering these all too human situations.
We fear it will not do for us to announce a hard and fast rule that we will never grant relief to people who sign agreements without reading them. We fear because we suspect that the very next term of court we may be haunted by our words and have to swallow them. Perhaps all we can ever safely say is that it all depends. All depends on what ? On the circumstances of each case, we must lamely answer.
Clearly ours is not a case of a glib, double-talking salesman signing up a distracted housewife on ah unconscionable contract nor yet the case of a perspiring mechanic who has not gone beyond the fourth grade blindly signing up for an expensive correspondence course on how to be a nuclear physicist— in 12 easy lessons. Any man who for 25 years has survived amidst the blood trails and snarling water holes of that gentle asphalt jungle known as general contracting in the Detroit area can scarcely be placed on a par with them.
Thus the experience, education and intelligence of the claimed victim is a factor — but is it the only factor? We know that even highly intelligent people have been woefully gulled and fleeced in the past —as they doubtless will in the future. We know that courts in proper cases have granted such victims relief in the past as we suspect they will continue to do in the future. We also know that the very crux of some frauds lies precisely in getting the intended victim to sign without reading — and here we may be skating close to the core of our case. Was it Bela Wagner’s alleged lies or John Wilder’s admitted hurry that made the latter sign without reading?
Cases in which careless people sign agreements in haste and repent at leisure, claiming fraud and deception in the inducement, continue to clog our courts and fill our books. These situations are in fact among the most vexing with which judges have to grapple. On the one hand the law is said to abhor deceit and fraud; on the other it must strive somehow to preserve the sanctity of written contracts, else all is chaos. Determination of when the shadowy twilight zone is passed where the one good end must transcend the other is frequently difficult to rationalize in one’s head let alone articulate. Sonorous platitude is usually our reward for attempting the latter. We suspect that there is something at once very simple and elusively subtle and subjective involved in the process. Some situations we find simply too repugnant; others not.
Judges love rules and are frequently baffled when they cannot invoke them. If we will not venture to state a rule, then, we can at least pose a few of the factors we deem of some possible utility when we are confronted with these perplexing situations. Is this thing really likely to have happened this way? What kind of an operator is he who procured the writing? What was in it for him? How does this situation stack up with the common experience of mankind? Is this truly a case of the fox and the shorn lamb? Have the parties in apparent good faith substantially altered their positions in reliance upon the writing? What are the “overtones” of the case or record before us? These are only some of the considerations involved. We hasten to add that we are not urging that every judge become his own jury or private lie-detecting machine. But judges happily do not come entirely naked and unworldly to their black robes. We trust also that in the transition they are not expected to discard whatever fund of common sense they may have possessed.
One guesses that the heart of the answer here lies in the fact that Mr. Wilder was a smart man who should have known better. Perhaps another is the inherent improbability that a responsible utility company would have an experienced right-of-way man going around deceiving people in the manner claimed. All ethics aside, good business alone would seem to dictate to Edison that truth is cheaper than litigation. Especially so when one is about to spend thousands on a chain of events in which the disputed writing was a single but integral link. Translated into an acceptable legal conclusion we think this means that we must agree with the circuit judge that the plaintiffs have failed to sustain the burden of proof as to fraud. The decree of the lower court is accordingly affirmed, with costs.
Smith, Edwards, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred with VOELKER, J.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, and Kelly, JJ., concurred in the result.
CL 1948, § 617.66 (Stat Ann § 27.915). — Reportee. | [
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Dethmers, C. J.
Defendant appeals from a conviction of breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to steal.
It is the claim of the people that one Andrew Johnson, Jr., and 2 other unidentified persons perpetrated the actual breaking, entering and stealing, but that defendant planned the crime and furnished a truck for transporting the goods to be stolen.
After his arrest, Johnson made a statement to officers which was taken and transcribed by a stenographer and thereafter read, corrected and signed by Johnson. The statement admitted his guilt and definitely named defendant as the person who had planned the crime and furnished the truck to be used in its commission and who was to have received the stolen property, disposed of it and paid Johnson for his part in the offense.
At the preliminary examination in this case, held after Johnson had been convicted and was awaiting sentence, he refused to give any direct testimony about the commission of the crime or implicating defendant therewith. The prosecuting attorney then questioned him about the written statement he had given the officers. After considerable evasion and being instructed by the court to answer, he testified that he had given, read, corrected and signed the statement and that its contents were true to the best of his knowledge. Counsel for defendant, who stated that he was also Johnson’s attorney, then obtained a recess during the examination for the purpose of advising him of his legal rights, after which John son continued to refuse to testify about the facts relating to the crime, saying that he was afraid to do so. Counsel for defendant declined to cross-examine him.
At trial Johnson refused to give answer to any question concerning the crime. He also refused to admit having given the written statement or the testimony at the preliminary examination above recited. He claimed • no constitutional privilege as a basis for his refusal, but stated that he had a reason which he said he did not care to discuss. Defendant was represented at trial by counsel who declined the opportunity to cross-examine Johnson. The transcript of Johnson’s testimony, taken at the preliminary examination, was then identified by the court reporter who had taken and transcribed it, it was received in evidence, and the prosecuting attorney, sworn as a witness, identified a people’s exhibit as the written statement given by Johnson to which he, as a witness at the preliminary examination, had referred and which he then had testified was true, whereupon it was received into evidence at the trial. Both were read to the jury.
"While there were other proofs tying defendant in with the crime, particularly with planning and preparations for it, without Johnson’s written statement and testimony at the examination there was not sufficient evidence at trial to establish defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Were the statement and transcript properly received in evidence and permitted to be considered by the jury as substantive proof of defendant’s guilt? We think People v. Pickett, 339 Mich 294 (45 ALR2d 1341), controlling of an answer in the affirmative. There, as here, one of the participants in the crime, called as a people’s witness, refused to testify at trial concerning the crime. We upheld the trial court’s reception into evidence, as substantive proof of defendant’s guilt, of the transcript of the recalcitrant witness’s testimony given at the preliminary examination. See reasoning and discussion of pertinent- authorities therein.
Defendant seeks to distinguish the instant case from Pickett on the score that there the witness gave direct testimony concerning defendant’s commission of the crime at the preliminary examination and Ms refusal to so testify occurred only at trial, while here the witness refused to do so both at the examination and at trial and his only testimony imputing guilt to defendant consisted of that given by him at the examination that the contents of his statement previously given to the officers were true. We think the distinction is one without a difference insofar as legal significance is concerned. The defense was accorded the opportunity to cross-examine Johnson both at the examination and at trial. There was no denial to defendant of the right of confrontation of witnesses. Whether, as in Pickett, the transcript taken at the examination contained direct testimony of defendant’s guilt, or, as here, only contained testimony labeling as true statements of the defendant’s guilt contained in the witness’s previously signed written statement is of little moment in appraising its worth as substantive proof of the ultimate question of defendant’s guilt. In either circumstance, the essence of the testimony of the witness at the preliminary examination is a swearing to the truth of statements which prove defendant guilty. It is that testimony which is permitted to serve at trial as substantive proof of defendant’s guilt, under authority of Pickett, when, as a practical matter, the witness who gave it, by his refusal to answer at trial, has rendered himself unavailable as a witness.
Defendant complains of error in the instructions of the court, contending that the jury was charged, in effect, that it might return a verdict of guilty if it found as a fact that defendant had furnished the truck used in connection with the commission of the crime, without finding that he had had criminal intent and knowledge of the use to which the truck was to he put. The instructions, read in their entirety, refute the contention. They fairly apprised the jury of the elements of the crime, including the necessary criminal intent and knowledge on defendant’s part.
Affirmed.
Sharpe, Smith, Edwards, Voelker, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred. | [
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Smith, J.
This is a suit upon a surety bond. It was issued by defendant to the plaintiffs under the following circumstances:
The plaintiffs, Mr. and Mrs. Masters, were the owners of a beer and grocery store in the city of Port Huron. Mr. Masters was a farmer and his son operated the store for him until September of 1952, .when he (the son) decided to go into business for himself. Mr. Masters then approached Albert Ellis about running the store and between them they reached an agreement. It provided, in substance, that Ellis should operate and manage the store; that he work specified hours and days; that he pay each month to Masters, from October through April, the sum of “$250 from the net earnings” and $300 per month thereafter. Net earnings were defined thus: “In computing net earnings hereunder gain or loss in inventory at cost shall be considered, and all expenses of doing business and keeping the store in good repair and condition for business shall be charged, except that principal shall pay all real and personal property taxes and fire insurance.”
In addition, it was agreed that the employee (Ellis) should “furnish a $5,000 surety bond to the principal; guaranteeing that the employee will, at the termination of his employment, have on hand a stock of equal value to the stock as shown by the inventory of September 30, 1952, attached hereto.” Pursuant to this provision of their contract, the defendant issued to plaintiffs, as the assured, what defendant describes as a “dishonesty bond,” pertinent parts of which are set'forth hereunder, and which is involved in this suit.
Mr. Masters visited the store at least once a month, •“to get my share of the earnings that; belonged to me.” The payment due to plaintiffs on May 1, 1953, liowever, was not made, and Mr. Masters- suspected that the inventory was short. He thereupon consulted with his counsel who “prepared.a notice to Mr. Ellis fixing a date on which an inventory would be taken and requesting that he be present so there could not be any question about what that count-up would show.” The inventory was taken and, as a result thereof, certain shortages were discovered, together with outstanding unpaid accounts. Plaintiffs thereupon took over operation of the store and suit was commenced against defendant for the amount of the inventory shortage and unpaid accounts. Jury trial was had. At the close of plaintiffs-’ proofs motion for directed verdict was made and denied, and upon the close of all proofs the case went to the jury, which, returned a verdict for plaintiffs. Motions for judgment non obstante veredicto and for new trial were denied and defendant is before us on a general appeal.
Defendant urges with much vigor that plaintiffs failed to comply with the notice requirements of the bond and are therefore not entitled to recover from defendant. This claim arises from the requirements of section 6 of the bond (hereinabove quoted) which, in substance, require (1) that written notice be given to defendant “as soon as practicable but in any event not later than 15 days” after discovery of any loss, and (2) that sworn proofs of loss must be filed within 4 months after discovery of loss. Defendant asserts that there was no compliance with these provisions.
With respect to notice of loss, Mr. Wilbur Davidson, attorney at law and then counsel for plaintiffs, prepared a letter addressed to Ellis reading as follows :
“Mr. Albert A. Ellis June 9, 1953;
“1008 Lapeer Avenue “Port Huron, Michigan
“Re: Weston’s Beer Store
“Dear Sir:
“This letter will notify you that your employment under the agreement with me dated September 30, 1952 is hereby terminated because:
“(a) You have failed to pay to me as employer the first $300 from the net earnings of the store for the month of May, 1953;
“(b) You have consistently and repeatedly failed to observe the working hours set forth in said agreement ;
“(c) You have dissipated the inventory of the-business and have retained money received from the sale from said inventory for your own use, and have not replaced the inventory and maintained it at the same value as of September 30, 1952 as you are required to do under said contract.
“Specifically, the inventory of merchandise on-hand September 30, 1952 was $5,805.35. An inventory taken June 8, 1953 shows a total of only $......
“This letter will also be a notice to you to restore the inventory or the cash value thereof immediately to the same figure as of September 30, 1952, or I shall take whatever legal steps are necessary to protect my interest.
“A copy of this notice is given to Massachusetts Bonding and Insurance Company as surety on its Policy No CB-733720 and as notice to it that I intend to hold you and the surety liable for the above inventory shortage of $.....
“Yours sincerely,
/s/ “Ernest Masters “ce: Massachusetts Bonding
and Insurance Company c/o Wittliff Agency”
This letter, defendant admits, was “shown by the plaintiffs’ attorney sometime within 10 days following June 9th, to defendant’s local agent.” As counsel testified:
“I took over (to Wittliff, the local agent from whom the bond had been obtained) the draft of a notice to Ellis which I had prepared and a copy of which was going to be sent to Massachusetts Bonding Company, but because I could not complete the information in the notice, I realized that I could not get it to them within 10 days which I believe, as I remember it, was a 10-day notice required in the bond, so I took it to his office and showed him the information we had up until that date and Wittliff Mated that he would get me the claim forms.
“My memory of it was that there was a 10-day period which I was aware of and that is the purpose for which I prepared this notice that I took over there. If it was 15, of course, the bond speaks for Itself, but I had in mind that it was a fairly short period of time that I got the information over there, within that time.”
He also testified:
“I did not deliver that notice to the bonding company because we could never actually complete the -accounting, more inventory bills kept coming in and every time we would think we had it there would be some bills come in that we had not known about so I cannot give you the date exactly, but I know that I was aware of the 10-day notice limitation after discovery of a shortage and I went to Jack Wittliff’s office, and he was the agent that issued this bond, and I showed him the copy of this notice that I had prepared and told him.that I had not been able to deliver it because we had never been able to complete a final figure of what the shortage was and he said that the company had standard forms to make claims of this sort and that he would obtain the forms.”
It thus appears that defendant had actual notice of loss within the 15-day period required by the bond,, and, moreover, that it obtained such notice by examination of the letter above quoted. Defendant argues that this letter was merely “showed” to the-' agent in order that he might “examine it” but that it was not “delivered” to him. The distinction tendered is both subtle and fragile. But, it is also insisted, there was no sworn proof of loss filed “within-4 months from June 8, 1953.” As to this, plaintiffs contend that they had repeatedly requested the “standard forms” (both of the local agent and another company representative, Paul D. Gimbey) and had repeatedly been promised the same, but that they were not furnished until September 28, 1953, being filed thereafter by plaintiffs’ attorney on November 10, 1953. In the meantime, however, on August 5, 1953, plaintiffs submitted a detailed and itemized report, together with a statement that “we hereby make claim under insuring agreement 1 of the above-captioned bond for $2,086.60.” This claim, however, we note, was not sworn.
Plaintiffs’ answer is 2-fold. “Plaintiffs insist that the defendant insurer, when it denied liability, did not deny on the grounds so alleged and that it did not reserve in its denial, by general language or otherwise, the defenses so urged.” Both of plaintiffs’ points are well taken. At no time did the local agent of the company reject the notices actually given. Moreover, the requested forms were promised, not only by the local agent but by Mr. Grimbey, and they were, in fact, not only furnished (after a time) but accepted in their completed form. If there was protest or objection by the defendant as to the timeliness thereof, its presence in the record has not been pointed out to us. It was not until January that the claim was denied, the denial then being placed, not on the ground that timely notices had not been given, but on the ground that “we still do not have proof of the principal’s [employee’s] infidelity.” Under such circumstances defendant may be taken to have waived its now-asserted objections as to timeliness. Crystal Ice Co. v. United Surety Co., 159 Mich 102. We note, in passing, that defendant does not show to us, nor did it to the trial court, any prejudice to it resulting from failure of literal (as distinguished from substantial) compliance. We note, also, that defendant’s pleadings do not in terms plead these defenses, as required by Court Rule No 23, § 4 (1945). With respect thereto, we held in Larsen v. General Casualty & Surety Co., 242 Mich 4, 8, 9, as follows:
“Our practice is controlled by the court rule, which provides that if defendant shall rely upon any breach of any of the conditions, et cetera, he shall give notice. It will be noted that no exception in favor of conditions precedent is made. The court rule covers precedent as well as subsequent conditions. The an notator of the article of insurance in Corpus Juris in stating the general rule notes the fact that the general rule is not in force in Michigan, but is controlled by a court rule. 33 CJ, pp 100, 101.
“The learned counsel for the defendant grow somewhat impatient over the fact that this is a technical point. It is a technical point, hut counsel, in their zeal for their client, evidently overlook the fact that they are standing upon ground quite as narrow when they insist that notice of the accident should have been given to the defendant in ivriting instead of orally.”
Defendant complains, also, that the court did not direct a verdict in its favor on the ground that plaintiffs had failed to prove a loss within the provisions of the bond. With respect to this allegation of error it is noted that the court limited the jury’s consideration to 2 items, only, of the declaration, namely, a claim of inventory shortage of $1,187.25 and an additional claim represented in the bill of particulars as “Federal employment tax, first quarter, 1953, total $570.61.” The testimony taken in the light most favorable to plaintiffs showed that Mr. Ellis Avas employed as manager of plaintiffs’ store, to work specified hours, and to be paid from the “net” after making disbursements for “rent” payable to plaintiffs, and expenses of operation and inventory replenishment and maintenance. The testimony also tends to establish that Ellis paid to himself a “salary” from the cash receipts without having computed or established any right thereto in accordance with the provisions of the contract. “I do not know,” he testified, “what the net profits of the store were for the weeks I paid myself a salary.” There was also testimony that the employees’ tax deductions Avere commingled with other cash and the taxes themselves left unpaid, with the result that plaintiffs were compelled to pay the same with penalties and interest. With respect to such funds, as the trial court properly observed, the position of Ellis was actually that of a trustee. There was ample here to go to the jury as to losses caused through the fraudulent or dishonest acts of employee Ellis.
Mrs. Masters testified that she made payment to the bureau of internal revenue (as described on the bill of particulars) by means of 2 checks, neither of which was produced in court. There was some testimony indicating that l had been the object of unsuccessful search. There was no error in the receipt of such testimony under the circumstances. The jury was instructed in this regard, that “they (plaintiffs) have not explained their failure to produce these checks. In these circumstances there is a presumption that the checks, if produced, would be unfavorable to this particular item of their claim.”
Nor was there error in the court’s calling, as a witness, the store manager, Albert Ellis, in questioning him respecting his operations, and in permitting both parties full cross-examination. Court Rule No 32 (1945), framed in the interests of “the furtherance of justice,” should receive a liberal construction.
There is no merit in other matters complained of and the judgment is affirmed. Costs to appellees.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Edwards, Kelly, and Carr, JJ., concurred.
Black, J., did not sit.
Voelker, J., took no' part in the decision of this case.
“1. ‘Insuring Agreement — Employee Dishonesty Coverage — Form B’ Through any fraudulent or dishonest act or acts, committed anywhere by any of the employees acting alone or in collusion with others, including loss of money and securities and other property through any such act or acts of any of the employees, and including that part of any inventory shortage which the assured shall conclusively prove to have been caused by the fraud pr dishonesty of any of the employees, the amount of insurance on each of such employees being the limit of liability applicable to this insuring agreement 1.
“2. ‘The foregoing insuring agreements and general agreements are subject to the following conditions and limitations:’
“(A) ‘Loss — Notice—Proof—Legal Proceedings, Section 6:’ As soon as practicable but in any event not later than 15 days after discovery by the assured of any loss or of any occurrence which may give rise to a claim, the assured shall give the company written notice thereof and within 4 months after such discovery shall file with the company affirmative itemized proof of loss, duly sworn to. If any claim under insuring agreement 2, 3 or 4 is due to an occurrence which is a violation of law, the assured shall also give immediate notice thereof to the public police or other peace authorities having jurisdiction. Proof of loss under insuring agreement 5 shall include the instrument which is the basis of claim for such loss, or if it shall be impossible to file such instrument, the affidavit of the assured -or the assured’s bank of deposit setting forth the amount and cause of loss shall be accepted in lieu thereof. The assured, upon request of the company, shall render every assistance, not pecuniary, to facilitate the investigation and adjustment of any claim. No suit to recover on account of loss under this policy shall be brought until 90 days after proof of loss as required herein shall have been furnished, nor at all unless commenced within 2 years from the date upon which the loss was discovered by the assured. If any limitation of time for notice of loss or any legal proceeding herein contained is shorter than that permitted to be fixed by agreement under any statute controlling the construction of this policy, the shortest permissible statutory limitation of time shall govern and shall supersede any condition of this poliey inconsistent therewith.”
Those material to our consideration on appeal are:
“ ‘6. That the plaintiffs proved that they had not presented a written claim to the defendant within the 15 days of discovery of the loss and that such claim is a condition precedent to the suit;
“ '7. That the plaintiffs admitted that they failed to file a proof of loss within 4 months of the discovery of the loss and failed to prove a waiver of such requirement on the part of the defendant which are conditions precedent to the suit involved herein.’ ” | [
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Smith, J.
The plaintiff and appellant in this case describes himself as “an individual doing business under a certificate issued by the Michigan public service commission, as a common motor carrier, restricted as' to commodities.” He has authority to haul “petroleum and petroleum products, in bulk, in tank equipment, between Alpena, Cheboygan and various points on and north of US-10 and M-20, excepting Bay City and Midland, Intrastate.”
Defendant Tank Transport, Inc., is a Michigan corporation. There is common ownership of stock to some degree between Superior Transport Company and Taylor Transport, Inc., both common carriers, neither of which companies is a party hereto, and defendant Tank Transport, Inc., equipment is shared by all 3 companies in common. Tank Transport is a contract carrier of petroleum and petroleum products. It had been hauling for Gulf Refining out of Bay City for a period of about 3 years. In so doing it had served Cheboygan, for Gulf, as a part of its area. Gulf, however, was apparently dissatisfied with such a method of distribution. At any rate, it built a new marine terminal at Cheboygan and planned to serve out of the Cheboygan terminal substantially the same area that had theretofore been served out of Bay City. The services of Tank Transport having been satisfactoryfin the Bay City area, Gulf asked Tank Transport to file with the defendant Michigan public service commission an application for an extension of its authority in order that it might carry petroleum products for Gulf from Che-boygan to various Michigan points.
Plaintiff conceived himself aggrieved thereby. Tank Transport’s proposed extension included the territory he was authorized to serve and the commodities he was authorized to transport. Consequently he opposed the requested grant of authority to Tank Transport. The commission, after hearing, granted the applicant its requested extension of operations, authorizing the transportation from Cheboygan to various Michigan points in the lower peninsula. Plaintiff thereupon filed a bill in the circuit court for the county of Ingham, in chancery, to set aside the commission’s order. A hearing was held in such court, with introduction of evidence both' by the defendant Michigan public service commis-, sion, and the intervening defendant Tank Transport, Inc. Decree was entered affirming the commission’s order, from which appellant takes a general appeal.
The appellant’s principal contention on appeal relates to an asserted fatal defect in the commission’s order of November 15, 1955, which order read as follows:
“Contract Motor Carrier Permit
“The above entitled application having come on to be heard and the commission being fully advised in the premises; it finds that the proposed operation will not impair the public service of any authorized common or contract motor carrier; the vehicles proposed to be operated may be operated without injury or damage to the highways; the proposed use of the highways will not unreasonably interfere with the use of the highways by the general public; the business to be done conforms with the statutory definition of a contract carrier; accordingly
“It Is Ordered, in accordance with the provisions of PA 1933, No 254, as amended, that applicant be and hereby is granted an extension of operations, authorizing the transportation of:
“Intrastate :
“Petroleum and petroleum products in tank trucks and in bulk for Gulf Refining Company only between Cheboygan, Michigan, and points within 5 miles thereof on the one hand, and on the other, various Michigan points in the lower peninsula only.”
This order, it is asserted, does not contain adequate basic findings of fact. The appellee, Michigan public service commission, does not deny that, “as a general rule, any order of the administrative body must contain basic findings of fact,” but asserts that such are here found. We ivill proceed on the basis of the argument thus framed.
We do not propose, however, to undertake a classification of different kinds of facts, with appropriate definitions for each: jurisdictional, specific, evi- dentiaiy, and so forth. These problems of grammar and the dictionary have bedeviled administrative-law for years. What the commission had before it was an application by Tank Transport for an extension of its operations. In a realistic sense, the ultimate question before it, the “ultimate finding” (e. g., United States v. Pierce Auto Freight Lines, Inc., 327 US 515, 533 [66 S Ct 687, 90 L ed 821]), to be made was whether or not the extension would be granted. The decision was that it should. We might noté that if the commission’s order had been content merely with stating the ultimate holding, the granting of the extension, without more, we would have had the same situation as in the case of Chicago Railways Co. v. Commerce Commission, 336 Ill 51 (167 NE 840, 67 ALR 938), relied upon by appellant. There the order simply recited that “public convenience and necessity” required certain routes. But in the-order-before us the commission recites also its reasons. Are they sufficient? That involves the further question, Sufficient for what? Why, indeed, should it be-required that any facts at all be stated?
One of the principal reasons for requiring findings is in order to facilitate judicial review. Cardozo, j.,. phrased it thus: “We must know what a decision means before the duty becomes ours to say whether it is right or wrong.” United States v. Chicago, M., St. P. & P. R. Co., 294 US 499, 511 (55 S Ct 462, 79 L ed 1023). Or, as Davis, in his text on Administrative Law, § 162, p 527, puts it: “If there were nó> law requiring findings, judges struggling with, masses of evidence and hazy findings, trying their best to discover whether the agency has applied the proper principles, would surely invent such a requirement.” But there are additional considerations', equally important, if not more so. The administra^ tive agency must properly observe its jurisdictional boundaries, and, within those boundaries, must act with care on those matters committed by our people to their charge. The requirement, then, of findings of basic facts, which may be .imposed either expressly by statute or implied by law, not only aids judicial review but serves a useful function in the administrative process itself.
What, then, are the basic facts required to be shown in order to justify the commission’s ultimate conclusion with respect to this contract carrier’s, application? The applicable statute lists them with clarity: that the proposed operation not impair efficient existing service, that it not damage the highways, that it not unreasonably interfere with the public’s use of the highway, and, finally, that the applicant’s business be in fact that of a contract carrier.
These basic facts the commission found. We are not prepared to say that such findings of basic facts are bad because phrased in the language of the statute, nor, on the other hand, are we prepared to say that the commission must support its statutorily-required basic facts with a recitation of the eviden-tiary matters upon which it came to its conclusion, or with its ruling's upon controverted specific facts. “The commission is not compelled to annotate to each finding the evidence supporting it.” United States v. Pierce Auto Freight Lines, supra, 529. It is of importance that a proper hearing be held, L. A. Darling Company v. Water Resources Commission, 341 Mich 654, and pertinent evidence adduced, but it is not of the essence that the commission’s findings of basic facts follow any particular form, that they are bad if they follow the statutory language but good if there is apt paraphrase. The Darling Case, supra, in no way contravenes these principles. In that case the requirements of procedural due process were completely lacking in the commission’s hearing and valid findings of fact could not result from a hearing itself invalid.
But appellant further asserts that “there was not competent substantial evidence in the record to support the basic findings which the commission is required to make and to sustain a determination ‘that the proposed operation will not impair the public service of any authorized common or contract motor carrier for hire’ and ‘the business to be done conforms with the statutory definition of a contract motor carrier.’ ” We approach these evidentiary questions having in-mind our holding in Giaras v. Michigan Public Service Commission, 301 Mich 262, 269, to the effect that:
“It is a well-established principle of law that if there is competent evidence presented to the commission in favor of granting such a certificate as well as evidence in opposition thereto, the court will not substitute its opinion and judgment for that of the commission. To declare an order of the commission unlawful there must be a showing that the commission failed to follow some mandatory provision of the statute or was guilty of an abuse of discretion in the exercise of its judgment.”
Much of the controversy in this area, and much of appellant’s argument on appeal, involve the repeated assertion that “the business to be done by Tank Transport, Inc., does not conform with the statutory definition of a contract carrier, because Superior Transport, Inc., owned and controlled Tank Transport, Inc., and so dominated Tank Transport, Inc., that Tank Transport, Inc.’s operations are in fact those of Superior. Superior Transport, Inc., is a common carrier. If appellant’s contentions are valid, Tank Transport, Inc., is not doing business as¡ a contract carrier.” The evidence presented, however, does not justify a finding on our part that the commission, in granting the extension requested, was guilty of an abuse of its discretion in the exercise of its judgment despite the assertions made. The record shows some uncertain degree of stock ownership common to Mr. and Mrs. Downer, and some degree of common use of equipment by the 3 companies, but it cannot be said because thereof that domination and control of one company by another follow as a matter of course, or that the commission must so find at the risk of abusing its discretion. As we said in Fors v. Farrell, 271 Mich 358, 370:
“Corporate entity will always be recognized by the courts and the law administered accordingly unless it appears that the corporation is functioning in such a manner as to violate or at least evade the law or contravene public policy.”
Common stock ownership is not an indicia of sham or subterfuge. Moreover, it should be observed, that even if the corporate veil had been pierced by the commission in this case, as appellant asserts it should have been, his success in opposition would not have been inevitable, for, as we said in G & A Truck Line, Inc., v. Public Service Commission, 337 Mich 300, 308:
“We can see no objection, from an administrative standpoint, to the consolidation for purposes of convenience of such authority. Under many circumstances a common carrier might also desire to act as a contract carrier. Nothing in the law prohibits such dual capacities and no detriment to the public inter-: est can result from the combined activities. Whether such authority is shown by 1 certificate or several is a matter of administrative detail.”
The commission’s conclusions, including its findingi that the proposed operation, involving a new service. in. the area, would not impair the efficient public service of any common or contract carrier then adequately serving the area, were based upon sufficient competent evidence, were properly upheld by the circuit court, and will not be disturbed by this Court.
Decree affirmed. No- costs, a public question.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Edwards, Voelker, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred.
Motor carrier act, PA 1933, No 254, art 3, § 3 (CL 1948, § 477.3 [Stat Ann § 22.550]). The administrative procedure act, PA 3952, No 3 97, as amended (CLS 1954, § 24.101 et seq., Stat Ann § 3.560 [21.1] et seq.), does not apply to the Mieliigan public service commission. | [
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Sharpe, J.
(dissenting). Upon leave being granted, defendant appeals from an award of compensation granted to plaintiff. The essential facts are not in dispute. Plaintiff, L. C. Gates, came into employment with defendant, Central Foundry Division, General Motors Corporation, in June, 1945, and was assigned to the grinding of castings, some of which weighed 93 to 100 pounds. These castings were processed at the rate of about 12 to 16 per hour, as shown by the record in this case.
On or about March 16, 1950, a casting weighing about 100 pounds fell from the top of a pile of castings and struck plaintiff on the right arm just below the elbow. He went to first aid where he had his arm bandaged. He was again treated for this injury during the following 2- or 3-week period. It also appears that in July, 1950, plaintiff suffered a back injury while in the employ of defendant. After his back injury plaintiff continued to work at alternate periods of light and heavy work until September, 1951, at which time he was laid off and has not worked since.
On October 10, 1951, plaintiff filed an application for hearing and adjustment of claim relating to the July, 1950, injury. This application states: “Nature of disability — Ruptured Disc.” On January. 15, 1952, an agreement to redeem liability was entered into providing for the payment of $4,474 to plaintiff. Testimony was taken with respect to the redemption agreement and no claim of disability was made at that time relative to plaintiff’s arm-injury.
On June 22, 1953, plaintiff filed an application for hearing and adjustment of claim alleging that he suffered a persona] injury which occurred on or about July, 1950, when a flask fell from a pile striking his right elbow and arm. On the date of hearing, December 28, 1953, the date of the arm injury was amended to March 16, 1950.
After the hearing Deputy Commissioner Nolan made the following award, finding:
“1. That the above-named employee did receive a personal injury arising out of and in the course of his employment by the above-named employer on 3-16-1950. * * *
“3. Names and ages of minor dependents: None. Living with ‘Essie’ while not divorced from legal wife. Had 3 illegitimate children.
“Further, I find that: Plaintiff failed to make claim within the period provided by the act and is therefore not entitled to compensation benefits.”
Plaintiff appealed the above decision to the workmen’s compensation commission and in an opinion ■the commission stated:
“We specifically find as follows: Plaintiff sustained an injury to the right arm and elbow as the direct result of a casting falling upon his arm on March 16, 1950. The injury arose out of and in the .course of employment. As the direct result of such injury plaintiff was totally disabled from performing the work which he was doing on the date thereof for a period of 2 to 3 weeks from March 16,1950 and from March 4,1953 when his condition and disability were diagnosed and determined by Dr. Donald C. Durman. Plaintiff was in need of surgery at the date of hearing. His condition had become progressively worse. There is ample competent evidence to support a continuing award from December 28, 1953, the date of hearing. Defendant was under a statutory duty to file a report of injury after plaintiff had been disabled for more than 7 days in March, 1950. Having failed to do so defendant is not entitled to assert that plaintiff’s claim for compensation was not seasonably filed. Defendant’s contentions as to laches and res judicata are without merit. Plaintiff’s average weekly wage on March 16, 1950 was $63.60. On that date plaintiff’s minor children, L. C. Gates, Jr., and Patricia Gates, born of plaintiff’s relationship with Essie P. Gates, were living with plaintiff as members of his family and were wholly dependent upon plaintiff for support. Such children shall be treated as dependents for the purpose of this proceeding.
“Plaintiff is entitled to compensation for total disability at the rate of $28 per week from March 4, 1953 until the further order of the commission. Plaintiff is also entitled to all necessary reasonable medical, surgical and hospital services and medicines for treatment of his injury.”
Defendant appeals and urges that the workmen’s compensation commission erred in finding that plaintiff had been disabled for more than 7 days, thereby requiring defendant to report such injury as required by part 2, § 15, of the workmen’s compensation act of Michigan (CL 1948, § 412.15 [Stat Ann 1950 Rev § 17.165]), which provides:
“And provided further, That in all cases in which the employer has been given notice of the happening of the injury, or has notice or knowledge of the happening of said accident within 3 months after the happening of the same, and fails, neglects or refuses to report said injury to the compensation commission as required by the provisions of this act, the statute of limitations shall not run against the claim of the injured employee or his dependents, or in favor of either said employer or his insurer, until a report of said injury shall have been filed with the compensation commission.”
Under the above act the limitation period of the act does not begin to run if the employer has knowledge of the accidental injury and fails to file a report. In the case at bar there is competent evidence that defendant had knowledge of the injury.
It also appears that after the injury plaintiff was not able to do his regular work for a period of 2 or 3 weeks. We hold that under these circumstances plaintiff was disabled for a period of more than 7 days, and defendant was required to file the statutory report if it seeks the benefit of the statutory limitation.
Defendant also urges that plaintiff having accepted the sum of $4,474 for total disablement for a back injury is now estopped to claim compensation for total disablement for an arm injury. We note that the agreement to redeem liability contains the following :
“L. C. Gates was an employee of General Motors Corporation, Central Foundry Division, and on or about August 14, 1950, he received an injury arising out of and in the course of his employment and that as a result of such injury weekly payments have been made to L. C. Gates by the employer for not less than 6 months and that: Plaintiff began to notice back complaints in the summer of 1950. There is an issue as to whether his back condition was caused by his employment. To settle this issue, plaintiff wishes to redeem all liability that the employer may have for the amount stated therein.”
We also note that the above order makes no statement of total disability. However, the record does show that on October 10, 1951, plaintiff filed an application for hearing and adjustment of claim alleging a ruptured disc occurring on or about July, 1950. An order was entered March 12,1952, approving the agreement for redemption of liability. It also appears that on June 19, 1953, plaintiff made a claim for compensation for injury to his arm, and the commission made an award of compensation for total disability from March 4, 1953, in the amount of $28 per week. We do not find anything in the redemption agreement relating to the arm injury. The disability for which plaintiff made a settlement was from the date of the injury to the date of the redemption agreement on January 15,1952.
The commission found plaintiff suffered total disability beginning March 4, 1953. There may be a question of fact as to the overlapping disability, but the commission by their order held that there was no overlapping disability. There is evidence in this case from which the commission could find that plaintiff suffered total disability as of March 4, 1953. In such cases we do not reverse the commission.
It is also urged that plaintiff is not entitled to increased benefits by reason of the fact that he is the father of 2 illegitimate children. There appears to be no dispute that at the time of plaintiff’s injury he had a wife and daughter living in Louisiana and that he was living with and had 2 children as a result of his illicit cohabitation with a woman in Saginaw. We again hold as we did in McDonald v. Kelly Coal Company, 335 Mich 325, 330, that such act does not create a family relationship entitling plaintiff to increased compensation. In that case we said:
“We are of the opinion that in order to create a family relationship there must exist a condition devoid of moral turpitude. * * * Public policy does not sanction the payment of compensation arising out of meretricious cohabitation.”
To do so would put a premium upon immoral acts. This we decline to do.
The award should be remanded to the workmen’s compensation commission for entry of an award in harmony with this opinion. No costs are allowed as neither party has prevailed in full.
Carr, J., concurred with Sharpe, J.
Edwards, J.
I agree with my Brother’s opinion in this case in all respects except as to the question of the augmentation of the benefits as the result of dependency on claimant of 2 of Ms minor children. My Brother cites McDonald v. Kelly Coal Co., 335 Mich 325, as authority for denying augmentation of compensation in the instant case.
In McDonald, supra, this Court held that no augmentation would be allowed where a claimant had voluntarily assumed support of children not his own, previously born to a woman with whom he was living in illegal cohabitation. No comparable fact situation is now before us. Plaintiff in the instant case is ■established by this record as the father of the 2 children born out of wedlock for whom augmentation is claimed.
There appears to be no dispute but that he has supported and is continuing to support them as Michigan law requires him to do even though they were the product of an illegal relationship. CL 1948, § 722.601 et seq. (Stat Ann 1957 Bev § 25.451 et seq.).
On the question of dependency of these 2 minor children, the workmen’s compensation commission appeal board found as follows:
“On that date plaintiff’s minor children, L. C. Gates, Jr. and Patricia Gates, born of plaintiff’s relationship with Essie P. Gates, were living with plaintiff as members of his family and were wholly dependent upon plaintiff for support. Such children shall be treated as dependents for the purpose of this proceeding.”
The language of our statute pertaining to dependency is the controlling factor:
“(b) For the purposes of this section and of section 10, dependency shall be determined as follows:
“The following persons shall be conclusively presumed to be dependent for support upon an injured ■employee:
“1. The wife of an injured employee living with such employee as such wife at the time of the in-jui'y-
“2. A child under the age of 16 years, or over said .age, if physically or mentally incapacitated from earning, living with his parent at the time of the injury of such parent.
“(c) In all other cases questions of dependency shall be determined in accordance with the fact, as the fact may be at the time of the injury. No person shall be considered a dependent unless he or she is a member of the family of the injured employee, or unless such person bears to such injured employee the relation of husband or wife, or lineal descendant, or ancestor or brother or sister. Except as to those conclusively presumed to be dependents, no person shall be deemed a dependent who receives less than 1/2 of his support from an injured employee.” CE 1948, § 412.9, as amended by PA 1949, No 238 (Stat Ann 1950 Rev § 17.159).
Under language almost identical with paragraph (c) above, Michigan has allowed compensation to illegitimate dependent children of employees whose death arose out of and in the course of their employment. Roberts v. Whaley, 192 Mich 133 (LRA1918A,. 189); Lewis v. Eklund Brothers Co., 244 Mich 22;. Westfall v. J. P. Burroughs & Son, 280 Mich 638.
In the Roberts Case, supra, the Court allowed compensation to 2 minor illegitimate children who-were living with their father and being supported by him at the time of his death (p 138):
“It appears to be conceded upon the record that Murna and Ellis are the children of the deceased. It further appears that they lived with him and were members of his family, and that they were dependent upon him at the time of his decease. They were actually cared for and supported by the deceased, and they had a right to expect a continuation of the support and care had he lived. This brings them clearly within the statute, and establishes as a matter of fact that they were dependent, and therefore entitled to the fund. But it is said they are illegitimate children, and that the law will not encourage the immoral and unlawful relation of the parents by recognizing them. The children are in nowise responsible for their existence or status. They are here, and must be cared for and supported. They were cared for and supported by the deceased up to the time of his death. It was his legal and moral •duty to support them, and he was responding to that •duty when death overtook him. We think they are clearly within the class entitled to the fund, and it must be passed to them.”
This case has been frequently cited and approved in this and other jurisdictions. American Jurisprudence cites it as the leading case in discussing illegitimate children in relation to workmen’s compensation claims. 58 Am Jur, Workmen’s Compensation, § 175.
See, also, 100 ALR 1090, 1098; 18 NCCA NS 127, 132.
We see no occasion for differentiating between this case involving a claim for augmentation of an injured father’s compensation because of dependency of his 2 illegitimate children and the claim as above of the dependent children on death of their father. In each instance the award is for the benefit of the child and founded upon identical language requiring a finding that the child at the time of claim was a dependent “member of the family.”
The children who are subjects of appeal in the instant case were 2 years and less than 1 year of age. They were living with their father at the time of his injury and were being supported by him. The record supports the finding of the appeal board that they were “members of his family” and “wholly dependent” upon him. For these reasons, plus the reasons outlined in my Brother’s opinion on the principal questions in this case, we affirm the award of the workmen’s compensation commission in toto.' Costs to appellee.
Dethmers, C. J., and Smith, Voelker, Kelly, and Black, JJ., concurred with Edwards, J.
See CL 1948, § 413.12 (Stat Ann 1950 Rev § 17.186. — Reporter.
See CL 1948, § 412.9, as amended by PA 1949, No 238 (Stat Ann 1950 Rev § 17.159). — Reporter.
“In all other cases questions of dependency, in whole or in part, shall be determined in accordance with the fact, as the fact may beat the time of the injury. * * * No person shall be considered a dependent unless he or she is a member of the family of the deceased employee, or unless such person bears to said deceased employee the relation of husband or widow, or lineal descendant, or ancestor, or brother or sister.” CL 1948, § 412.6 (Stat Ann 1950 Rev § 17.156). | [
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Edwards, J.
Twenty-six years ago Albert W. Schultz died. In that same year, on September 25, 1931, a petition for the administration of his estate was filed and his..widow was appointed administratrix. On December 19, 1955, the probate court of Wayne county approved the final account and ordered the discharge of the administratrix. The matter currently before us pertains to an appeal from a circuit judge’s order dismissing an appeal of a creditor of that estate from that probate court order.
Only a narrowly-limited question pertaining to the circuit judge’s order of dismissal is currently before us and, hence, ,\no effort has been made by the parties to explain the extraordinary lapse of time. After reading the total record submitted and seeking to indulge our most vivid imagination, we cannot think of reasons for delay which would excuse our bench and bar for keeping litigation alive for such a span of years.
We are now asked by the appellant here to hold that his failure to appeal the woefully retarded probate court order of December 19, 1955, within the 20 days provided by rule should be excused because another party, the heir at law, petitioned for and received a 40-day extension to take her appeal to the circuit court on due cause shown.
The rule follows:
“Sec. 2. In case of appeals where leave to appeal need not first be obtained from such circuit court, the appeal shall be taken within 20 days after the entry of the order, determination,' decision, sentence, action, judgment, or decree appealed from: Provided, however, that the probate judge may, within said 20 days, on cause shown and without notice, extend the time for taking such appeal not to exceed 40 days from and after the expiration of said 20 days.”
See, also, CL 1948, § 701.36'(Stat Ann 1943 Kev § 27.3178 [36] ).
This rule has been held to be mandatory rather than directory. In re Koss Estate, 340 Mich 185; In re Wilkie’s Estate, 314 Mich 186.
In both rule and statute the words “on cause shown” are prerequisite to the entry of the order for extension of time.
We have searched this record. At no point either before the probate court in his tardy claim of appeal or before the circuit court on motion to dismiss his appeal or here does appellant show any cause for his failure to heed the rule. We cannot hold that the showing of canse for an extension by the heir at law redounded to this appellant’s credit under the statute we construe.
We note, as he must have, the additional safeguard of Rule No 75 as to nonculpable delay.
“Sec. 6. The circuit court shall have power to grant leave to appeal in the following cases; * * *
“(d) In all other cases, after the expiration of the time herein fixed for appeal and within such further time as may be permitted by law, upon showing by affidavit or otherwise that there is merit in appellant’s claim of appeal and that the delay was not due to appellant’s culpable negligence.”
See, also, CL 1948, §§ 701.43, 701.44 (Stat Ann 1943 Rev §§ 27.3178 [43], 27.3178 [44]).
The record indicates no effort to take advantage of this opportunity to seek the aid of the circuit court in perfecting his appeal on grounds of justice and freedom from culpable delay.
Appellant also relies upon Misner v. Stcmge, 208 Mich 680, claiming that any defect in his appeal had been waived. The facts here are quite different from those in the Misner Case. On the filing of appellant’s claim of appeal, the administratrix promptly filed a motion to dismiss in the circuit court on grounds discussed herein. We eertainly cannot hold under the record before us that there was any waiver by the administratrix of appellant’s failure to appeal in time.
Under the view we take of the matter no other issues need be discussed.
With a somewhat wry glance back at what has been recited, we quote the Koss Case as to the basic reason for our decision:
“In probate matters involving the settlement of estates litigants are entitled to prompt action and the statutes and court rules were designed for that purpose.” In re Koss Estate, supra, p 192.
The judgment of the court below dismissing the appeal of appellant Neill S. Graham, administrator of the estate of James R. Neill, deceased, is affirmed. Costs to appellee.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Voelker, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred.
Court Rule No 75 (1945), as amended, in 1949. See 326 Midi xxxvii et seg-. — Reporter. | [
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Sharpe, J.
{dissenting). Defendants on leave granted appeal from an award of compensation granted to plaintiff. It appears that plaintiff was in the employ of Detroit Steel Castings Company from 1935 to October 21, 1948, when the company ceased operations. While in their employ plaintiff was exposed to substantial amounts of smoke and dust. Plaintiff worked for the Ford Motor Company from October 28, 1948, to February 3, 1949, when his employment was terminated by a general layoff. While at Ford he worked in a core room cleaning out core boxes with an air hose.
Subsequently plaintiff obtained nonfoundry employment until February 14, 1954. On March 17, 1949, plaintiff filed applications for hearing and adjustment of claim against Detroit Steel Castings Company and Ford Motor Company alleging that he was suffering from an occupational lung disease. The application against Detroit Steel Castings Company was withdrawn and plaintiff proceeded against Ford Motor Company as the last employer for whom he worked in foundry environment. On May 2, 1950,. the deputy commissioner made a finding that plaintiff did not receive a personal injury arising out of his employment at Ford Motor Company. The cause was appealed to the commission and upon review the finding of the deputy was affirmed. On December 14, 1951, plaintiff made new applications, for hearing and adjustment of claim against Ford Motor Company and Detroit Steel Castings Company. On May 2, 1952, an award was entered in the Detroit Steel Castings Company case finding that “the motion by defendant to dismiss this case-because it is res judicata is hereby denied.” On the-same day an award was entered dismissing the application in the Ford Motor Company case “for the reason that the workmen’s compensation commission has determined the issues involved and it is therefore res judicata.” Plaintiff appealed from the award in the Ford Motor Company case. On May 18, 1953, the commission ordered the consolidation for hearing of plaintiff’s claims against Ford Motor Company and Detroit Steel Castings Company. Both cases were set down for a hearing before a deputy commissioner. On July 28,1954, the deputy commissioner in the Detroit Steel Castings Company-case made the following finding of facts:
“The minimal silicosis in plaintiff’s lungs, contracted in defendant’s employ, has not caused up to-the date hereof any compensable disability. Plaintiff’s disablement is due to causes unrelated to employment by defendant. Claim is denied. Claim is-dismissed as against Michigan Mutual Liability Co.,, as it was not insurer at time of alleged injury.”
On the same day the deputy made a finding of facts in the Ford Motor Company case as follows:
“Claim herein should he denied because plaintiff’s proofs are insufficient to warrant a finding that he has a disease or disability caused or aggravated by causes and conditions which are characteristic of .and peculiar to the business of employer and which .arise out of and in the course of his employment.”
On August 3, 1954, plaintiff filed an application for review in both cases in which the claim is made “that the award of the deputy commissioner is contrary both to the facts and to the law.”
On April 5,1956, the commission entered an award in the Detroit Steel Casting's case as follows:
“Therefore, it is ordered, that the award of the hearing referee in this cause be and is hereby modified and plaintiff is not entitled to compensation for the reason that defendant employer did not last employ plaintiff in the employment to the nature of which plaintiff’s disease was due and caused his disability.
“It is further ordered, that plaintiff’s claim against Michigan Mutual Liability Company be and is hereby dismissed.”
On the same day the commission entered an award in the Ford Motor Company case reversing the award of the deputy commissioner and granting compensation to plaintiff in certain specified weekly amounts, the aggregate not to exceed the sum of '$10,500 to be paid by the Ford Motor Company.
In an opinion the commission made the following finding of facts:
“At the last hearing plaintiff testified that his condition had changed and become worse since the ■1950 hearing, that he had more pain and had become ¡more short-winded and that he could not do the work ¡he could do in 1950. * * *
“Our findings include the following: During the period from about 1935 to October 21, 1948 while plaintiff worked for Detroit Steel Castings Company and during the period from October 28, 1948 to February 3, 1949 while plaintiff was employed by Ford Motor Company, plaintiff worked in a dusty atmosphere with substantial silica exposure. He was last subjected to such conditions on February 3, 1949. As the result of such exposure plaintiff contracted silicosis which has totally disabled him from and after December 15, 1951 from performing the work which he was doing on and prior to February 3, 1949. The date of injury is February 3, 1949. Plaintiff’s condition and lung pathology has grown progressively worse since the 1950 hearing. Plaintiff must not again be subjected to the exposure which terminated on February 3, 1949. Such further exposure would seriously jeopardize his health and physical condition. The disease and disability is due to causes and conditions which are characteristic of and peculiar to the business of the 2 employers,, defendants herein.”
Defendants upon leave granted filed a claim of appeal. The Ford Motor Company urges that the appeal board erred as a matter of law in granting a rehearing of the final order of June 28, 1951, and entering a new order of April 5, 1956, inconsistent with and reversing its previous order. It is urged on behalf of plaintiff that the order of June 28, 1951, is not res judicata as to plaintiff’s physical condition subsequent thereto.
The record shows that on March 17,1949, plaintiff filed his claim for compensation against Ford Motor Company in which it is alleged:
“1. That this claim relates to a disablement from occupational disease which occurred on or about February 3, 1949.
“2. That the injury or disablement occurred at - (City), Wayne (County), Michigan (State) and in the following manner: Applicant was subjected to harmful dusts and irritants in the course of his work.
“3. Nature of disability: Pneumoconiosis, silicosis and other lung pathology and dust disease and their sequelae.”
On May 2, 1950, the deputy commissioner entered an award in the Ford Motor Company case as follows :
“Application for an adjustment of a claim having been scheduled for hearing at Detroit, Michigan, on May 1, 1950, I find as follows:
“1. That the above-named employee did not receive a personal injury O.D. arising out of and in the course of his employment by the above-named employer on February 3, 1949; therefore claim for compensation should be and the same is hereby denied.”
On June 28,1951, the commission entered an order as follows:
“This cause having been heard by the commission on appeal of the plaintiff from the award of Deputy Commissioner Frank F. Eubank, entered May 2; 1950, denying compensation to the plaintiff for disability ; after due consideration of the evidence taken and the arguments and briefs of counsel (the commission having made a finding of facts and law) and it appearing to this commission that the award made, as aforesaid, should be affirmed;
“Therefore, it is ordered that the award of the deputy commissioner be and it is hereby affirmed and that plaintiff shall be denied compensation for the reasons stated.”
It also appears that on December 14, 1951, plaintiff made an application for hearing and adjustment of claim against Ford Motor Company in which it is alleged:
“1. That this claim relates to a personal injury which occurred on or about_or to a disable-
ment from occupational disease which occurred on or about July 1, 1951 and December 1, 1951.
“2. That the injury or disablement occurred at Dearborn, Wayne county, Michigan and in the following manner: Applicant was exposed to hazardous dusts while at work.
“3. Nature of disability — Pneumoconiosis and other lung pathology and sequelae thereof.”
It should be noted that plaintiff’s application for compensation filed March 17, 1949, and his application made December 14,1951, are substantially identical.
It is well established by previous decisions of this Court that the workmen’s compensation appeal board may not grant a rehearing of its final order. There is 1 exception to this general rule. An award of compensation may be modified by a showing of a change in the physical condition that affects the earning power of the employee. See Klum v. Lutes-Sinclair Co., 236 Mich 100; Wicko v. Ford Motor Co., 292 Mich 335; Coines v. Kelsey Hayes Wheel Co., 294 Mich 156.
It should be noted that in the cases above cited an award had been granted and later modified due to a change in the physical condition of plaintiff. In the case at bar plaintiff was denied an award in the first hearing and upon rehearing an award was granted.
In Luteran v. Ford Motor Co., 274 Mich 687, plaintiff filed an application for compensation for permanent loss of sight of an eye. At that time he had some peripheral vision, about 40% normal. The deputy commissioner ruled that plaintiff had suffered an accident, but was not entitled to compensation as his subsequent disability was not caused by an accidental injury. Five years later plaintiff filed a petition for compensation for blindness in the same eye. Upon appeal we reversed an award for total loss of vision of the eye. "We there said at page 688:
“The doctors agree that plaintiff’s present condition is a progressive development of the condition of 1929. Because the award of 1929 denied compensation on the finding that the condition of the eye was not caused by the accident, it follows that the progressive development of such condition cannot he attributed to the accident. The present award, therefore, is the result of reversal of the former finding of fact upon a rehearing — -procedure which is beyond power of the department. The first award was res judicata of liability for the condition of the eye. DeBernardi v. Oliver Iron Mining Co., 271 Mich 212.”
At the hearing held May 1, 1950, plaintiff testified that he worked for Detroit Steel Castings Company approximately 13 years; that he worked for Ford Motor Company from October 28, 1948, to February 3, 1949; that:
“Q. What kind of job did they give you?
“A. Up in the foundry in the core room, were making cores in boxes, in the core room. * * *
“Q. What were you doing there?
“A. Blowing the box out with an air hose. * * *
“The Commissioner: It isn’t coal, it is core?
“A. I blowed the box out.
“Q. (By Mr. Kelman): With what?
“A. With the air hose. * * *
“Q. What was in the box that you had to blow out?
“A. I blowed that sand out. * * *
“Q. Did you wear a mask or anothér kind of protective equipment?
“A. No, I never wear a mask.
“Q. Was this a clean job or a dirty job?
“A. It was dirty.
“Q. What was dirty about it?
“A. That sand and stuff and get on you and get in the chest, eyes and hair and around my collar, be all full of sand.
“Q. How many hours a day did you do that?
“A. It was greasy, oily, and oil in the sand* all full, greasy.
“Q. How many hours a day did you do that work?
“A. Eight.”
Based upon the above testimony the deputy commissioner denied plaintiff an award for compensation on May 2,1950. Upon appeal to the commission the denial of an award for compensation was affirmed on June 28,1951. At the hearing held in 1954 plaintiff testified that his physical condition was worse than it was when he left Ford Motor Company in 1949. Other evidence offered by plaintiff was as to his physical condition in 1954.
In the case at bar plaintiff’s applications filed in 1949 and 1951 are for all purposes identical; the testimony given by plaintiff on the 1949 application described his working conditions in 1948 and 1949. We are constrained to hold under the authority of Luteran v. Ford Motor Co., supra, that the commission was in error in granting plaintiff an award for compensation. Such action was in effect a rehearing of the action taken by the commission on plaintiff’s first application for compensation.
The award should be vacated, without costs.
Dethmers, C. J., and Carr, J., concurred with Sharpe, J.
Smith, J.
Here we have a workman suffering from silicosis. He had worked 13 years for defendant Detroit Steel Castings Company, “exposed to i substantial amounts of smoke and dust.” He had |also worked a short time (he was laid off) for de fendant Ford Motor Company “in a dusty atmosphere with substantial silica exposure.” As a result he is totally disabled and his disability, the workmen’s compensation commission tells us, “is due to causes and conditions which are characteristic of and peculiar to the business of the 2 employers, defendants herein.” He was awarded compensation by the commission. Mr. Justice Sharpe would reverse. “Such action (granting the award) was in effect,” he holds, “a rehearing of the action taken by the commission on plaintiff’s first application for compensation.”
We will go back, therefore, to the first application for compensation. Prefatory to our consideration thereof we note that the rehearing doctrine is based upon the unquestionably sound premise that controversies must sometimes end. This is as true of workmen’s compensation cases as of other types of litigation. But in applying such a doctrine we must bear in mind in compensation cases that we are dealing with the changing physical condition of a human being, not a common-law conveyance. And so it was that we said, many years ago, in Adams v. C. O. Barton Company, 274 Mich 175, 177, 178, “An adjudication of what a man’s physical condition is at one time is ordinarily no evidence of what his physical condition may be a year later.”
Appellant insists that there has been “a rehearing of the final order of the commission of June 28, 1951.” Has there? We turn to the order. The claims made and the issues presented were as follows :
“He now claims disablement since the date of his layoff on account of silicosis. Deputy Commissioner Frank F. Eubank had presented to him 3 issues, (a) whether the plaintiff has an occupational disease known as silicosis; and (b) whether he is suffering any disability therefrom; and (c) whether his employment by the defendant was a factor in creating same.”
The Commission then found as follows :
“We are persuaded that at the time John Harper entered the defendant’s employ in the month of October, 1948, there was present in his lungs a first-degree silicotic condition. Hence, we come to the question as to whether during his employment' by the defendant he had further injurious exposure and as a consequence became and has been totally disabled for the work that he was doing at the time of the termination of his employment on February 3, 1949.”
Having stated the issues the commission examined the testimony and concluded as follows:
“In our opinion, the record as made, and particularly since the addition of Dr. Birkelo’s testimony, leads to but one conclusion, viz., that the silicotic condition existing in the plaintiff’s lungs at the time of entering the defendant’s employ was not made worse in the course of his period of employment, at least to the extent that he became disabled thereby on February 3, 1949. We must, therefore, find that he did not sustain a personal injury within the meaning of part 7 of the workmen’s compensation act, as amended, which arose out of and in the course of his employment by the defendant.”
We have emphasized the critical words. What the commission has held is merely this, that plaintiff was not then disabled. It did not hold, nor did it purport to hold, that the silicotic condition “existing in the plaintiff’s lungs at the time of entering the defendant’s (Ford Motor Company’s) employ” would at no time in the future cause his complete collapse. This is clear not only from the wording of the finding hut was so regarded and interpreted by the commission itself. It held (on May 18, 1953) as follows:
“The commission’s prior finding is only an adjudication that the plaintiff, John Harper, was not then totally disabled from silicosis. The commission had no authority to determine in that proceeding that plaintiff would not be disabled from silicosis in the future.” .
But the appellant urges that the plaintiff’s ultimate total disability cannot be compensable under the doctrine of the case of Luteran v. Ford Motor Co., Mich 687. As appellant puts it, “Where a physical ailment is a progressive development of a condition already held not to have been affected by his employment with the defendant, then the award so holding is res judicata of a subsequent award.” But the case is not in point, nor is the argument applicable. In that case the original claim had been denied because there was no causal connection between work and injury. Luteran simply decided that, this being the case, the progressive development of the injury was likewise uncompensable. But in our case the commission’s order of June 28, 1951 (the one appellant insists we are “rehearing”), never reached a determination of causal connection between work and disability (sub-issue [c] quoted above) because it concluded that there was then no compensable disability. The doctrine of res judicata is not applicable on these facts. As we said in Hebert v. Ford Motor Co., 285 Mich 607, 613:
“Conceding the doctrine of res judicata is applicable to claims under the workmen’s compensation act, it is well settled that when a claim is sought to be defeated by showing a former adjudication of the questions upon which it depends, ‘in such case it must appear that such questions were litigated as a matter of fact; that they were submitted to and decided by the jury or court; and that they were not collateral inquiries, but were crucial questions in the other controversy.’ Bond v. Markstrum, 102 Mich 11.”
Compensation, under the statute (CL 1948,.§ 417.9 [Stat Ann 1950 Rev § 17.228]) is recoverable from the employer who last employed the employee in the employment “to the nature of which” the disease was due and in which it was contracted. See Alexander v. Ford Motor Company, 329 Mich 535. (It is, of course, under the statute, apportionable to other employers.) The act does not say the last employer must “cause” the disease or “aggravate” it, and we are not persuaded that we should read into the act restrictions so inapplicable to occupational diseases, and particularly to silicosis, which, in the words of Dr. Birkelo, “usually takes a number of year of exposure before the condition develops.”
The remaining questions urged are factual in nature, and, upon the record before us, we are bound by the commission’s finding thereon. Lentz v. Mumy Well Service, 340 Mich 1, 5,
Affirmed. Costs to appellee.
Edwards, Voelker, Kelly, and Black, JJ., concurred with Smith, J.
Occupational disease. — Reporter.
Plaintiff’s position with respeet to this holding, as respects disablement, is summarized thus: “We elaim the commission’s original finding was to the effect that he had silicosis, an occupational disease, on February 3, 1949, but that he suffered no total disability thereby, compensation being payable on silicosis eases only for total disability. He, therefore, was not entitled to compensation benefits. However, it is our elaim he has since become totally disabled as a result of the exposures he had, the last one being at Ford Motor, and consequently is entitled to compensation benefits.” | [
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Voelker, J.
In 1950 the city of Dearborn, a home-rule city, by ordinance provided a rather elaborate on-and-off-street system of municipal automobile parking facilities to be financed by self-liquidating revenue bonds. One of the off-street meter parking lots so established under this ordinance became known as the Calhoun parking lot. As time went on the city determined to enlarge this parking lot by extending it easterly, and in the spring of 1955 it acted to do so. To help pay for the new lands which had to be acquired by condemnation to enlarge the existing parking lot, the city levied a special assessment against abutting property to pay half the cost of obtaining the extra land. Neither the original parking lot nor the lands acquired to enlarge the same were placed on the general tax roll of the city, nor was any part of the special assessment levied against the abutting original parking lot.
The plaintiff Thomson is a resident owner of real estate in Dearborn, as are his 2 coplaintiffs, who in addition, unlike Thomson, are also the owners of property in the special assessment district. In May, 1955, the plaintiff Thomson filed his bill of complaint against the city, which bill was later amended and re-amended to add his coplaintiffs, Brown and Gawara, and also to add a number of additional allegations and prayers for relief. The' bill’ as finally amended sought, among other things, to stop the imposition and collection of the special assessment; to compel the city to put the Calhoun and all other municipal parking lots on the general tax roll; to enjoin the city from illegally using general tax moneys for the operation; maintenance, acquisition and administration of all off-street parking facilities, contrary to the revenue bond act of 1933, as amended; for an accounting for all moneys spent illegally therefor; and for a further accounting by the city to itself for taxes owing by reason of its failure to put the Calhoun and other municipal parking lots on the general tax rolls.
As grounds for granting the relief prayed the plaintiffs alleged among other things as follows: that by exempting its parking lots from taxation the city was illegally depriving itself and other municipal units there and in the county of taxes needed for public purposes; that it thereby also illegally increased the tax burden on the plaintiffs and others; that it had proceeded contrary to the city charter, which requires public lands to be included in such a special assessment district; that no board of assessors had been created as required by charter; that section 1 of PA 1947, No 286 (CL 1948, § 141.161 [Stat Ann 1949 Rev §5.2426(1)]), provides that, “Automobile parking facilities owned by a city and for the use of which a fee is charged, shall not be exempt from taxation;” that general tax moneys had been illegally diverted to pay the salary of a man in the city treasurer’s office whose job it was to count and deposit collections from parking meters, all con trary to a charter provision of Dearborn that all expenses of operation, maintenance, acquisition and administration of public parking facilities must be paid from the revenues of such facilities; and finally that the operation of parking facilities was a proprietary rather than governmental activity and therefore that all public parking areas should be subject to general taxation.
The defendant city answered in substance that all city parking lots were properly exempt from general taxation; that the statute cited and quoted above, and pleaded by the plaintiffs, was inapplicable because the Dearborn parking system does not include structures leased in whole or in part for purposes other than automobile parking; that the plaintiff Thomson must fail because he did not own property in the special assessment district; that the other 2 plaintiffs, Brown and Gawara, must fail because they failed timely to do 2 things: one, appear and object to the special assessment; and two, contest the special assessment within 30 days of confirmation, as required by provisions of the charter; that plaintiffs’ remedy, if any had once existed, was properly by way of mandamus; and that since plaintiffs had failed to appeal to the board of review and State tax commission over the exemption of parking facilities from taxes they could not now resort to any court for relief. The city also admitted that an employee in the office of the city treasurer counted and deposited parking-meter money and was paid from general funds, but denied any illegality, alleging that this was a proper duty of the treasurer’s office and a proper administrative governmental function provided by charter and general law.
Prior to the hearing below the city filed its motion to dismiss on the principal grounds that the plain-, tiffs had in their bill failed to make out a case for injunctive or other relief; that they had an adequate remedy at law by mandamus to place off-street parking lots on the tax rolls; that they had failed to exhaust their administrative remedies on this score by appealing to the board of review and State tax commission ; and that Thomson’s 2 coplaintiffs had failed to pursue their remedies under the charter as to the special assessment.
Oral argument was heard on this motion on November 15, 1955, following which the chancellor below took the motion under advisement and proceeded to hear the case. Following the hearing the court denied any injunctive relief and dismissed the bill, on 3 main grounds: that the plaintiffs did'not show sufficient injuries as taxpayers; that the public parking lots maintained by the city of Dearborn were properly exempted from general property taxation ; that the abutting portion of the existing Calhoun parking lot did not need to be included in the special assessment. The court also found that there was no evidence in the record that any space in the Dear-born parking lots was leased or used for other than public parking purposes.
Some of the plaintiffs’ contentions here have, in the meantime, been decided against them by our decision in Thomson v. City of Dearborn, 348 Mich 300, wherein we held that the State tax commission had properly denied the taxpayer’s protest against the action of the city of Dearborn exempting its municipally-owned and operated parking lots from the assessment rolls for general taxes. We also held that this included the parking meters and fixtures on such lots necessary for their operation. We further there declared that the portion of the statute also depended on here by the plaintiffs for relief, section 1 of PA 1947, No 286 (CL 1948, § 141.161 [Stat Ann 1949 Rev § 5.2426(1)]), applied only insofar as any portions of the public parking lots were leased to private persons for commercial purposes, further point ing out that the leasing provisions of that act had been earlier held invalid by us in Shizas v. City of Detroit, 333 Mich 44. We adopt our holding and observations in the Thomson Case above cited, insofar as they apply to the issues presented in this case.
As for the remaining issues, we quote from the opinion below of the circuit judge. On the question of the validity of the special assessment and the exclusion of the existing abutting parking lot from the special assessment district, he had this to say:
r, . . ■ “Under the charter of the city of Dearborn, which is in evidence in this case as exhibit 6, and sections 16.5,16.6 and 16.14 thereof, property owners who are specially assessed for a public improvement are required to protest before the board of review.and are required also to institute suit within 30 days after the confirmation of the assessment in order to maintain an action contesting its validity. PA 1893, No 206, § 53, as amended (CL 1948, § 211.53 [Stat Ann 1950 Rev §7.97]), imposes a similar requirement. See Haggerty v. City of Dearborn, 332 Mich 304. Plaintiffs Brown and Gawara, the only plaintiffs owning property within the assessment district, neither complained to the board of review, nor did they pay the assessment under protest, nor did they institute this action within 30 days after the assessment was confirmed. The only exception to these requirements of protest is where a showing is made of ‘fraudulent conduct amounting to a total abuse of discretion.’ Hack v. City of Detroit, 322 Mich 558, 566. The record before this court contains no evidence as to fraud or bad faith on the part of the Dearborn city council or city assessors.
“Section 15.10 of the charter provides for the creation of special assessment districts, including benefited properties, for the financing of public improvements. Section 16.3 provides that after the creation of such district, the board of assessors shall be directed to assess against all lands within the district,' including public lands. If the council determines, as it may, that public lands are not benefited and does not include them within the special assessment district, they obviously need not be assessed. Plaintiffs have made no showing that the existing parking lot has been benefited by its extension, nor have they shown that the amount of the assessments levied against their properties is not proportionate to the benefit received, and the burden is on the plaintiffs to make such a showing. Graham v. City of Saginaw, 317 Mich 427, 435. The assessment complained appears to be valid and proportionately levied.”
On the question of the alleged illegal diversion of general tax moneys to pay operation and maintenance costs which plaintiffs urge should instead be charged exclusively to the revenue from the parking lots, he had this, in part, to say:
“The only evidence in the record on this point is that the salary of 1 employee of the city treasurer’s office, whose duties are to take care of the money received from the parking meters, is paid out of general tax revenues. Under section 8.6 of the charter, the city treasurer is obliged to receive and account for all moneys coming into the city. According to the testimony of Mr. Floyd Pohl, C.P.A., and auditor for the city of Dearborn, it is not the practice in municipal accounting to cross-cost between departments of government. The treasurer’s office has a specific duty in connection with moneys of the city and this is a duty to the public generally. It performs a public function in receiving and accounting for this money and it is not necessary in the court’s view that charges be made to the different departments for which the money is collected. The testimony also indicates that to require otherwise would as a practical matter cost the city more, by necessitating the hiring of new accountants, than the salary of the 1 employee in the treasurer’s office.
“The plaintiffs have not shown a misuse of public moneys in connection with the operation of the mu¡nicipal parking lots.”
The court also found and held that the plaintiffs: did not show sufficient injury as taxpayers to maintain their suit, upon the authority of Menendez v. City of Detroit, 337 Mich 476; and Nichols v. State Administrative Board, 338 Mich 617. See, also, Cleveland v. City of Detroit, 324 Mich 527 (11 ALR, 2d 171).
We think the learned judge reached a right result for the right reasons and that his decision must be affirmed. No costs, a public question being involved.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Edwards, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred.
See CL 1948 and CLfi 1956, § 141.101 el sec/. (Stat Ann 1949 Rev and Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 5.2731 el sey.). — Reporter. | [
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Edwards, J.
We are asked herein to render an advisory opinion upon the question of whether or not article 2, § 10 of the Michigan Constitution (1908), as amended (1952), is repugnant to the Federal Constitution. There is no constitutional authority for this Court to render advisory opinions; nor does this case require our answer to the question posed.
The amendment under attack is as follows:
“The person, houses, papers, and possessions of every person shall be secure from unreasonable searches and seizures. No warrant to search any place or to seize any person or things shall issue without describing them, nor without probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation: .Provided, however, That the provisions of this section shall not be construed to bar from evidence in any court of criminal jurisdiction, or in any criminal proceeding held before any magistrate or justice of the peace, any narcotic drug or drugs, any firearm-, rifle, pistol, revolver, automatic pistol, machine gun, bomb, bomb shell, explosive, blackjack, slwigshot, billy, metallic knuckles, gas-ejecting device, or any other dangerous weapon or thing, seised by any peace officer outside the curtilage of any dwelling house in this State.”
The record which comes before us advises us that a circuit judge held the provision quoted above to be violative of amendments 4 and 14 of the United . States Constitution. The prosecuting attorney upon .leave granted by this Court seeks reversal.
We are advised by this record that appellee Gonzales is a defendant charged with carrying a concealed weapon and that the motion the circuit judge had before him and granted was a motion to suppress evidence — namely a gun. More, we do not know.
The basic Federal constitutional provision relied upon .by the circuit judge is, the fourth amendment:
“The right of the people to be secure in their per.sons, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
In recent years this amendment has been held to have a limited applicability to the States as a part of the “The concept of ordered liberty” through the effect of the due process clause of the 14th amendment. Wolf v. Colorado (1949), 338 US 25 (69 S Ct 1359, 93 L ed 1782). As to application of the 14th amendment in barring admission of evidence in 'State prosecutions on grounds of brutality, see Rochin v. California (1952), 342 US 165 (72 S Ct 205, 96 L ed 183, 25 ALR2d 1396); and Breithaupt v. Abram (1957), 352 US 432, dissent, p 440 (77 S Ct 408, 1 L ed2d 448).
The 4th amendment to the United States Constitution and article 2, § 10 of the Michigan Constitution (1908), however, ban only “unreasonable” searches and seizures. In many instances searches and seizures without warrants for arrest or search have been upheld where the arresting officer was held to have probable cause to believe a felony was being committed Carroll v. United States (1925), 267 US 132 (45 S Ct 280, 69 L ed 543, 39 ALR 790); Brinegar v. United States (1949), 338 US. 160 (69 S Ct 1302, 93 L ed 1879); Seawell v. United States (CCA, 1957), 243 F2d 909; People v. Chyc, 219 Mich 273; People v. Licavoli, 245 Mich 202; People v. Locricchio, 342 Mich 210. See, also, CL 1948, § 764.25 (Stat Ann 1954 Rev §28.884).
We-do not know from our current record, (1) where Gonzales was arrested or what he was doing at the time, (2). whether he. was inside or outside the curtilage of his dwelling, (3) where the gun was found, (4) whether there was a warrant for arrest or search, and, if not, (5) what if any cause the arresting or searching officer had.
We note that at one point the prosecuting attorney sought to go into some of these questions and that the judge stopped him:
Mr. Joseph: “The amendment concerns the introduction of guns and narcotics. At this time the people would like to present before the court the question of whether or not this factual situation comes within that amendment to article 2, § 10.
“The Court: That is not what we were back here for. We wanted it squarely upon the question of the constitutionality, so we can get a decision from the Supreme Court.”
We believe the trial judge should have taken testimony on the motion to suppress the evidence, ;and made a prior determination as to whether the arrest and seizure were reasonable or unreasonable. We cannot assume that the seizure was unreasonable in the total absence of proofs. There being no facts upon which' a finding of unreasonable search and seizure could be based the proviso of article 2, § 10 of the Michigan Constitution (1908) plainly has no applicability to the case before us.
The motion to suppress evidence should not have been granted on this record. This case is remanded to the trial court to take such testimony as is needed to establish the reasonableness or unreasonableness of the search and seizure concerned. No costs, a public question being involved.
Dethmees, C. J., and Smith, Voelker, Kelly, Caer, and Black, JJ., concurred with Edwards, J.
Sharpe, J., concurred in the result. | [
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Edwards, J.
The issues involved herein are of increasing importance to labor, to management, and to millions of individuals whose jobs are governed by seniority provisions in various collective bargaining contracts.
The term “seniority” as used in this case may be defined as a system for the laying off and rehiring of employees, based generally upon original date of employment by the company concerned. It is a concept of job protection unknown to the common law and founded upon no statute law in this State..
Indeed in the period preceding the advent of the union-management contract, employers had the unqualified legal right to lay off or discharge any employee without any regard to original date of hire. Even today, in .the absence of contract, or, much more rarely, specific statute, the only legal restriction upon such unqualified rights is found in the unfair labor practice provisions of the national labor relations act and its counterparts in the several States. 29 USCA, § 158; CL 1948, § 423.8, CLS 1954, §423.16 (Stat Ann 1950 .Rev §§ 17.454 [8], 17.454 [17]). See Annotation, “Seniority Rights — Dispute as to — Jurisdiction,” 142 ALR 1055.
Since the development of collective bargaining agreements as a method of bringing order out of the chaos of industrial disputes, a good deal of case law dealing with seniority has developed. These cases universally hold that seniority rights, being generally the creation' of the union-management contracts wherein they are described, may be enforced only in accordance with the terms of such contracts. Ryan v. New York Central R. Co., 267 Mich 202; Hartley v. Brotherhood of Railway & Steamship Clerks, Freight Handlers, Express & Station Employees, 283 Mich 201; Zdero v. Briggs Manfg. Co., 338 Mich 549; Emmons v. Grand International Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, 340 Mich 368; Elder v. New York Central R. Co. (CCA), 152 F2d 361.
The cases likewise -illustrate a notable reluctance on the part of the courts to assume the role of umpire in industrial disputes, particularly when adequate machinery exists within the industry for such pur pose. Emmons v. Grand International Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, supra; Slocum v. Delaware, Lackawanna & Western R. Co., 339 US 239 (70 S Ct 577, 94 L ed 795).
Our instant proceeding comes to us by appeal from the dismissal of plaintiffs’ declaration on defendants’ motions by a judge of the Wayne county circuit court. We, of course, accept as true for our review all well-pleaded facts in plaintiffs’ declaration. General Motors Corporation v. Attorney General, 294 Mich 558 (130 ALR 429); Zdero v. Briggs Manfg. Co., supra.
Plaintiffs are 3 women who sue in tbeir own right and as joint assignees of 105 women employees of the Ford Motor Company. All were employed, at the time of origin of this dispute, in Ford’s Dearborn stamping plant. The defendants are the Ford Motor Company, the International Union UAW-CIO, the Ford Local No 600 of said union, and an individual, Archie Acciacca, the president of the Dearborn stamping unit of Ford Local No 600. The individual defendant, the local union and the international union all join in their motion to dismiss, alleging identical grounds. For convenience, they will henceforth be referred to as the union, the defendant Ford Motor Company as the company, and the 108 women as the plaintiffs.
Plaintiffs’ declaration in its first, count alleges that they were laid off from employment in the company’s Dearborn stamping plant during the period from November, 1950, through November, 1951; that male employees of lesser seniority were retained in employment in that unit during the period of their layoffs; that they filed grievances with the union concerning their layoffs, but the union refused to process said grievances; that their layoffs and the refusal of the union to process their grievances violated the seniority and grievance provisions of the UAW-CIO-Ford Motor Company contract; that they are third-party beneficiaries of said contract; and that they are entitled to damages in the sum of $3,000,000. As a second count, plaintiffs allege a conspiracy between the various defendants to discriminate against them in these layoffs and claim similar damages therefor.
In their motions to dismiss the declaration, both company and union deny that any cause of action is stated in the assumpsit count. Further, they deny that the contract was violated, and they assert that plaintiffs have failed to make use of the grievance procedure set up by the contract. They also assert that no facts are alleged upon which the conspiracy count may be founded. I
Plaintiffs set forth in their brief what we assume' to be their claimed well-pleaded facts as follows:
“Allegation of Plaintiffs
(other than formal)
“Employment by defendant company.
“Existence of collective agreement of 9/28/49 and 3/16/50 as amended 9/4/50.
“That plaintiffs are third-party beneficiaries.
“That representation of employees, under the contract, is on a ‘unit’ basis and plaintiffs were represented by Dearborn Stamping unit.
“That local union has no power to modify, amend or interpret.
“That a seniority system based on units, occupational groups and a general labor pool, et cetera, was created by the contract, to govern layoffs, rehiring and transfers.
“That contract forbids discrimination on account of sex, et cetera.
“That during the period of Nov. 1950 to Nov. 1951 plaintiffs were laid off and not recalled in breach of their contractual rights of seniority and not to be discriminated.against on account of sex; and, further, the company hired new male employees on jobs to which plaintiffs were entitled, while they were laid off.
“That the layoffs were carried ont pursuant to an agreement between defendant company, Local Union 600 and Archie Acciacca as president of the Dear-born Stamping unit to give men preference to jobs held by women and in derogation of their rights thereunder; and that it was part of the agreement that defendant local union and Acciacca would refuse to file grievances arising out of such layoffs.
“Refer to grievance procedure and allege plaintiffs filed grievance with district committeeman, other officers of the unit, Acciacca and the local union, but that these union representatives refused to file these grievances with the company because of the existence of the agreement heretofore referred to; that an appeal was taken to the international union which ruled plaintiffs’ layoff illegal and in violation of the seniority provisions of the contract, but did not file a grievance for reinstatement or back pay.
“That plaintiffs were not recalled to work for many months, and some were never recalled and allege loss.
“Count 2:
“That defendants local union and Acciacca entered into an agreement with defendant company to permit the layoff of plaintiffs-appellants in breach of their rights under the collective agreement and to refrain from processing grievances arising from such breach, all contrary to their duty as collective bargaining representatives and under the provisions of the union constitution; that the defendant company induced defendants local union and Acciacca to breach and violate their duties.”
The setting for this litigation is given in the company’s description of the nature of the work performed in the Dearborn stamping unit (which plaintiffs, in their reply, admit generally, though they allege that there are many jobs in said unit which females could legally fill, to which plaintiffs were entitled, et cetera):
“That the Dearborn stamping is primarily a heavy stamping plant, producing large body panels, floor pans, fenders, deck lids, roof tops, doors, side assemblies; hoods, et cetera, which weigh in excess of the 35 lbs. maximum permissible for female employees under the Michigan statute and regulations. Most of the jobs in this plant involve handling of these-various heavy objects in and out of the presses, handling of gun welders, loading or lifting of stock, hanging stock on overhead conveyors, et cetera, and are entirely unsuitable for the restricted physical capacity and ability of female employees.”
To these facts should be added provisions of the contract which is in evidence by stipulation and upon which the parties rely. Twenty-seven pages of the agreement deal with seniority. The most pertinent sections appear to be:
Section 8(b) of article 8:
“The order of layoff and recall shall be governed by first, seniority of employment, and second, ability. The company shall consult with the union before deviating from strict seniority except where prior consultation is rendered impracticable because of a sudden interruption or resumption of work. Should there be any dispute involving the application of this clause, it shall be subject to determination through the grievance procedure.”
Section 26 of article 8:
“In the event of a reduction in force other than a temporary layoff, the company shall in preparing the list of employees to be affected by the layoff, have prior consultation with the appropriate union representative where time permits. After such consultation and the list of employees to be laid off has been agreed upon, the union shall not contest the accuracy of the list through the grievance procedure unless the company does not'within 3 days make sneh corrections as might later' he suggested by the union. In the event of a dispute as to the proper method of conducting the layoff, the company’s method shall be followed and the union may have recourse to the grievance procedure.”
Section 7 of article 4:
“The right of- the company to lay off and recall employees is limited by sections of this agreement, hereafter provided covering that subject. Notwithstanding those provisions, it is recognized that upon certain occasions it is necessary in order to facilitate tooling, plant arrangement, starting of production or other unusual situations, for the company to retain or to call into work the most capable and efficient employees, out.of line of seniority. When such occasions arise the union committeeman will be advised in advance of the number and classifications of such employees. The discretion hereby vested in the company shall not be abused. Complaints that the company has abused its discretion in this' respect may be taken up through the grievance procedure provided in this agreement.”
Each of the seniority sections refers to the grievance procedure which leads us to another section of the agreement, consisting of 22 printed pages.
The initiation of the grievance is provided for in section 3(a) of article 7:
“An employee having a grievance shall present it in the first instance either to his foreman or to his district committeeman. The district committeeman shall present grievances referred to him to the employee’s foreman, for negotiations and disposition.”
And the grievance (with certain exceptions not pertinent here) moves through, various levels of negotiation between company and union representatives until it is submitted to an impartial umpire.
Section 24 of article 7 provides:
“There shall be no appeal from an umpire’s decision. It shall be final and binding on the union, its members, the employee or employees involved and the company. The union will discourage any attempt of its members, and will not encourage or cooperate with any of its members in any appeal to any court or labor board from a decision of the umpire, nor will the union or its members by any other means attempt to bring about the settlement of any claim or issue on which the umpire is empowered to rule.”
Section 13 of article 7 provides:
“(a) The company shall not be required- to pay back wages more than 2 working days beyond the date a written grievance is filed.”
One other provision of the contract is referred to and relied upon by plaintiffs. Section 5 of article 10 provides:
“The provisions of this contract shall apply to all employees covered by this agreement, without discrimination on account of race, color, national origin, sex, or creed.”
Under count 1, the assumpsit count, we are required in passing upon this appeal to answer the following questions:
(1) As to the various defendants against whom suit is brought under this contract by plaintiffs, were the plaintiffs third-party beneficiaries under the Michigan statute?
(2) In the event of affirmative answer to this question, should plaintiffs’ cause of action have been dismissed as claimed by the defendants because of limitations in the very contract upon which plaintiffs rely in the grievance procedure sections thereof?
These questions were considered with great care in an opinion by Circuit Judge Frank FitzGerald, ,much of whose logic and legal reasoning we adopt herein.
To answer the first of these questions, we must first construe the third-party beneficiary statute of the State of Michigan in relation to its effect upon plaintiffs’ assertion of rights under agreement between International Union, United Automobile, Aircraft, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW-CIO) and the Ford Motor Company. The statutory language relied upon is as follows :
“Any person for whose benefit a promise is made by way of contract, as hereinafter defined, shall have the same right to enforce said promise that he would have had if the said promise had been made directly to him as the promisee.” CL 1948, § 691.541 (Stat Ann 1953 Rev § 26.1231).
“A promise shall be construed to have been made for the benefit of a person whenever the promisor of said promise has undertaken to give or to do or to refrain from doing something directly to or for said person.” CL 1948, § 691.542 (Stat Ann 1953 Rev § 26.1232).
Plaintiffs’ suit is based upon loss of employment due to layoff. There is no claim that the union defendants had or exercised any light to hire, fire, or lay off or rehire any employee at the Ford Motor Company plant concerned. Indeed, the quoted provisions of the contract indicate quite the contrary. No language is pointed to. by plaintiffs as contained in the contract which constitutes any specific promise by the union defendants “to give or to do or to refrain from doing something directly to or for said person” in relation to employment. Plaintiffs rely upon the language of section 3(a), article 7, exhibit 1, as constituting an actionable promise. The language follows:
“An employee having a grievance shall present it in the first instance either to his foreman or to his district committeeman. The district committeeman shall present grievances referred to him to the employee’s foreman for negotiations and disposition.”
It is their claim that the word “shall” contained in the second sentence above is mandatory, and they further contend in their pleadings that the district committeeman did not present their grievances pertaining to claimed violation of seniority to the employees’ foreman for negotiations and disposition.
Plaintiffs’ pleadings and the exhibits stipulated in this case make it obvious that the union and its representatives received and considered plaintiffs’ grievance at great length and that the general problem with which the grievance was concerned was the subject of extensive negotiation between the union and the company, which negotiations resulted in a number of supplemental memoranda-interpret-ing the application of the seniority provisions of the contract under the reduced working force conditions in the Dearborn stamping plant. These supplemental agreements, constituting 14 typed pages, are contained in the record as- exhibits B-l, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, B-6, B-7 and B-8. They were executed between the dates of November, 1951, and June, 1952, and pertain entirely to the problem of the application of seniority during the layoffs and rehirings in the Dearborn stamping plant.
Plaintiffs claim that they “made demand upon the defendant local union to file and process the said grievance, but said defendant likewise refused.” The duty described in the contract is somewhat different. It recites that the district committeeman shall present grievances referred to him to the employee’s foreman for negotiations and disposition. Both plaintiffs’ pleadings and the exhibits stipulated as a part of this record make clean that this was done.
The essence of plaintiffs’ complaint is really that the 11x11011 failed to accept plaintiffs’ position upon this grievance, namely, that each of them was, under the seniority provisions of the contract, entitled to a job at all of the times concerned, and failed to urge it upon the company through all the steps in the grievance procedure. There is no promise of this nature contained in the contract. On the contrary, the contract makes amply clear that union representatives have discretion to receive, pass upon and withdraw grievances presented by individual employees.
Our Court has repeatedly held that proper exercise of such discretion over grievances and interpretation of contract terms in the interest of all its members is vested in authorized representatives of the union, subject to challenge after exhaustion of the grievance procedure only on grounds of bad faith, arbitrary action or fraud. Hartley v. Brotherhood of Clerks, supra; Zdero v. Briggs Manfg. Co., supra. The United States supreme court has held the exercise of such discretion authorized by the labor management relations act of 1947 (29 USCA, § 141 et seq.). In Ford Motor Co. v. Huffman, 345 US 330, 337-339 (73 S Ct 681, 97 L ed 1048), the supreme court said:
“Any authority to negotiate derives its principal strength from a delegation to the negotiators of a discretion to make such concessions and accept such advantages as, in the light of all relevant considerations, they believe will best serve the interests of the parties represented. A major responsibility of negotiators is to weigh the relative advantages and disadvantages of differing proposals. A bargaining representative, under the national labor relations act, as amended, often is a labor organization but it is not essential that it be such. The employees represented often are members of the labor organization which represents them at the bargaining table, but it is not essential that they be such. The bargaining representative, whoever it may be, is responsible to, and owes complete loyalty to, the interests of all whom it represents. In the instant controversy, International represented, with certain exceptions not material here, all employees at the Louisville works, including both the veterans with, and those without, prior employment by Ford, as well as the employees having no military service. Inevitably differences arise in the manner and degree to which the terms of any negotiated agreement affect individual employees and classes of employees. The mere existence of such differences does not make them invalid. The complete satisfaction of all who are represented is hardly to be expected. A wide range of reasonableness must be allowed a statutory bargaining representative in serving the unit.it represents, subject always to complete good faith and honesty of purpose in the exercise of its discretion.
■ “Compromises on a temporary basis, with a view to long-range advantages, are natural incidents of 'negotiation. Differences in wages, hours and conditions of employment reflect countless variables. •Seniority rules governing promotions, transfers, .layoffs and similar matters may, in the first instance, revolve around length of competent service. Variations acceptable in the discretion of bargaining representatives, however, may well include differences .’based upon such matters as the unit within which seniority is to be computed, the privileges to which • it shall relate, the nature of the work, the time at which it is done, the fitness, ability or age of the employees, their family responsibilities, injuries re- ‘ ceived in course of service, and time or labor devoted to related public service, whether civil or military, voluntary or involuntary. See, e.g., Hartley v. Brotherhood of Clerks, 283 Mich 201; and see, also, Williamson & Harris, Trends in Collective Bargaining (1945), 100-103.
“The national labor relations act, as amended, gives a bargaining representative not only wide responsibility bnt authority to meet that responsibility.”
See, also, Bianculli v. Brooklyn Union Gas Co., 115 NYS2d 715; Cos, Rights under a Labor Agreement, 69 Harvard L Rev 601.
The paragraph must be read as a part of the whole contract. The terms “shall present grievances * * * for negotiations and disposition” must be interpreted as containing the discretion to effect compromises and settlements in the interest of all membérs, referred to in quotation from Ford Motor Co. v. Huffman, supra. As indicated, we do not believe the paragraph of the contract relied upon by plaintiffs for their assumpsit action against the union warrants the interpretation they have sought for it. It cannot, in our view, be interpreted as an unqualified undertaking to represent these plaintiffs’ point of view on their grievance regardless of the interests of the entire membership.
"We do not believe under the pleadings and record currently before us that plaintiffs state a cause of action in assumpsit as third-party beneficiaries against the defendant International Union CIO, or Local 600 UAW-CIO, or Archie Acciacca.
In this regard, we are mindful of the fact that individual members of the union may under certain circumstances enforce fair and proper representation of their interests on the part of their union representatives by legal action. The union’s duty of fair representation is founded upon the relationship between the union and the members as recited in the constitution and bylaws of the organization, Ryan v. New York Central R. Co., supra; Hartley v. Brotherhood of Clerks, supra, or in the duty imposed upon the union of fair representation by State or Federal labor statutes. Steele v. Louisville & Nashville R. Co., 323 US 192 (65 S Ct 226, 89 L ed 173); Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen v. Howard, 343 US 768 (72 S Ct 1022, 96 L ed 1283); Graham v. Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & Enginemen, 338 US 232 (70 S Ct 14, 94 L ed 22).
No such case is before us. Since this count is founded entirely upon assumpsit, tbe cases which deal with the union’s violation of its constitutional obligation to its members, or its obligation under the State and national labor acts, are not in point.
As to plaintiffs’ claim that they are third-party beneficiaries in relation to the company’s promise of seniority rights as contained in the union-management contract, exhibit 1 in these proceedings, the situation is quite different. The previously-quoted contractual provisions of exhibit 1 do contain prom.ises pertaining to seniority obviously made for the benefit of all employees of the Ford Motor Company, including plaintiffs.
As has been previously stated, however, plaintiffs’ seniority rights exist only as a result of exhibit 1. .Hence, these rights are limited by the limitations contained in said contract.
In Zdero v. Briggs Manfg. Co., 338 Mich 549, 553, this Court stated:
“Seniority rights are not inherent, but exist solely by virtue of a contract, either between the employer and his employees or a union acting in their behalf. These rights are subject to the terms and conditions of the contract, and in this instance their benefits inure through the union to its members. See Ryan v. New York Central R. Co., 267 Mich 202.”
The principle stated above is stated even more specifically in the third section of the third-party beneficiary statute (CL 1948, § 691.543 [Stat Ann 1953 Rev § 26.1233]):
“The rights of a person for whose benefit a promise has been made, as hereinbefore defined, shall be deemed to have become vestedj subject alivays to sucJi express or implied conditions, limitations, or infirmities of the contract to which the rights of the promisee or the promise are subject, without any act or knowledge on his part, the moment the promise becomes legally binding on the promisor, unless there is some stipulation, agreement or understanding in the contract to the contrary.” (Italics supplied. )
It is obvious from the contract that the company in yielding some of its undisputed discretion over the hiring and laying off and recall of its employees did so with many limitations and conditions contained in the contract. Section 8(b), article 8, exhibit 1, provided for example:
“The order of layoff and recall shall be governed by first, seniority of employment, and second, ability. The company shall consult with the union before deviating from strict seniority except where prior consultation is rendered impracticable because of a sudden interruption or resumption of work. Should there be any dispute involving the application of this clause, it shall be subject to determination through the grievance procedure.”
In each of the paragraphs relative to seniority rights which have been quoted above, reference is made to the determination of the dispute, through the grievance procedure; and,. as has been noted, a detailed grievance procedure which resulted in ultimate decision on grievances by an impartial umpire, whose decision would be final, was provided.
The contract currently considered provided for layoffs in order of seniority where ability to perform a job was present. It further provided for negotiations between the company and the union in the event of any dispute over the problem of ability. It further provided a detailed grievance procedure ending in an impartial umpire’s final decision, with said procedure made available to employees either through complaint to their union district, committeeman or to their foreman. We are now asked to hold that this contractual machinery for settlement of grievances should be supplanted by a court judgment as to whether each individual job in the Dearborn stamping plant was suitable for female employment, and whether each of these individual female employees was able to perform a job then held by a man with lesser seniority.
It is obvious that the contracting parties, by the express language of their contract, did everything humanly possible to agree to avoid such an eventuality. It is likewise obvious that for the courts to undertake such a task would quickly bring the wheels of industry to a standstill, along with the wheels of justice. Under the third-party beneficiary statute, plaintiffs, in seeking to enforce the seniority promises of the company under exhibit 1, are limited by the express provisions of the contract upon which they rely.
Further, although not essential to our decision, the record indicates a failure on the part of plaintiffs to exhaust their contractual remedy before appealing to the courts.
“In general, where a collective agreement provides for an extrajudicial means of hearing and determining disputes growing out of grievances of employees or the interpretation and application of contracts between employer and employee, an employee should exhaust the remedy provided before resorting to the courts. Anno: 95 ALR 52.” 31 Am Jur, Labor, §123.
Plaintiffs had access, under the contract, to the steps in the grievance procedure through presenta tion of their grievance to the company foreman. There is no allegation that this was done. The circuit judge was correct in dismissing the declaration in its assumpsit count, in the following words:
“Our Supreme Court, in the case of Leadon v. Detroit Lumber Company, 340 Mich 74, has stated that such failure is fatal to a claim in assumpsit. In denying Leadon’s claim, the Supreme Court said (p 78):
“ ‘If plaintiff is relying upon rights arising out of the contract between the local union, of which he was a member, and the employer, it is enough to say that he never pursued the remedies afforded him under that contract. See Hartley v. Brotherhood of Railway and Steamship Clerks, Freight Handlers, Express and Station Employees, 283 Mich 201; Mayo v. Great Lakes Greyhound Lines, 333 Mich 205; Zdero v. Briggs Manufacturing Co., 338 Mich 549.’
“Hence, this court must hold that such failure on the part of the plaintiffs herein is fatal to their claim in assumpsit in this court.”
Without more being added, we may likewise affirm the circuit judge’s dismissal of count 2 of the declaration. The acts complained of above which we have found insufficient to sustain an action in as-sumpsit do not become actionable by mere addition of the word “conspiracy.” On the subject of conspiracy, Judge Learned Hand has said:
“The notion that it is enough vaguely to charge defendants with ‘conspiracy,’ garnished with such adverbs as ‘maliciously’ and ‘wrongfully,’ has done more to bewitch the whole subject than anything else.” Harley & Lund Corporation v. Murray Rubber Co. (CCA), 31 F2d 932, 935.
Our Court has repeatedly stated the same principle :
“Conspiracy is not the ground of these actions on the case. The cause of action does not result from the conspiracy, hut from the thing done and the damage flowing from it. Here, it is the fraud and damage. Conspiracy, by reason of the connection it involves among the conspirators, may cause individuals to be responsible, who, but for the conspiracy, would not be responsible at all.” Bush v. Sprague, 51 Mich 41, 48.
See, also, Ashton Sales, Inc., v. Ashton, 344 Mich 300; MacGriff v. Van Antwerp, 327 Mich 200.
The acts of defendants in conferring and deciding the seniority issue unfavorably to plaintiffs were not illegal in themselves. Furthermore, as indicated above, they were specifically authorized by the contract, and the decisions complained of were within the discretion retained by or allotted to the various defendants by.the contract.
Under the decision stated above, the issue presented in the cross appeal is moot.
The judgment of the court below is affirmed. Costs to appellees.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred.
Voelkeb, J., took no part in the decision of this case. | [
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Voelker, J.
Por many years Harriet Kimball Pee and her husband Harry A. Pee were among the leading citizens of Adrian. They were public-spirited people of considerable means and their public and private charities and philanthropies were many and varied and of long standing. One of their favorite projects was the development and maintenance of a property owned by Mr. Pee and located in Pranldin township in their home county known as “Hidden Lake Gardens.”
In a will dated December 31, 1943, Harriet Pee provided that if her husband should in his will create a trust for the benefit of Hidden Lake Gardens or some other public purpose then the residue of the estate created under her will should be added to the testamentary trust created by her husband. Her will further provided that if the husband failed to create such a trust by his will then the income of her trust estate should go to the city of Adrian “for the purpose of beautifying its public parks, or other public properties located within the limits of said city of Adrian.”
Harriet Fee died in January, 1945, and her will was duly admitted to probate in her home county, Lenawee. Her husband died on May 2,1955, leaving a last will dated May 24, 1951, which was also admitted to probate in the same county. In his will the husband failed to provide for any trust for said gardens or for any other public purpose. His only mention of the gardens was that he wanted his ashes to repose there. However, following the death of his wife he did create 2 inter vivos trusts for the benefit of Hidden Lake Gardens. Also, following his wife’s death and before the establishment of the 2 living trusts just noted, Harry Fee by 2 gifts of warranty deed conveyed the fee of said Hidden Lake Gardens to the defendant State hoard of agriculture without reverter.
Harriet Fee’s will provided certain specific bequests and, also, income for life for certain individuals. Paragraph 5 then provided as follows:
“I give, devise and bequeath to my husband, Harry A. Fee, if he be living at the time of my death, all the rest and residue of my property, of every kind and nature, after compliance with the foregoing provisions of this will, in trust, however, to hold, invest and reinvest, and out of the income to pay to Jessie Gibford, of Adrian, Michigan, the sum of $100 each month so long as she shall live, and the remainder of the income shall be paid by my said trustee to himself during his lifetime.
“It is my wish that my husband, Harry A. Fee, shall pay to his sister, Jessie T. Fee, such an amount out of the income from said trust estate as he shall deem reasonable and proper.
“If my husband, Harry A. Fee, declines to accept for any specified interval any part or all of the income from said trust for himself, then and in that event he shall have full power, right and authority as trustee to pay any such income not so accepted to such individual, individuals, or agency, or agencies, as he may deem fit and worthy.
“Upon the death of the said Harry A. Fee I give, devise and bequeath said trust estate to the Detroit Trust Company, of Detroit, Michigan, or its successors, as trustees, and the said trustee shall pay from the income therefrom the sum of $100 each month to Jessie Gibford, of Adrian, Michigan, so long as she shall live, and the remainder of said income to my sister-in-law, Jessie T. Fee, so long as she shall live. If said Jessie T. Fee shall predecease Jessie Gib- ford then the remainder of the income, after making the payment to Jessie Gibford, shall lie paid to the State board of agriculture, to be used in maintaining and developing property known as ‘Hidden Lake Gardens’. Upon the death of the survivor of Jessie T. Fee and Jessie Gibford said trust estate shall be used for the purposes stated and set forth in the eighth paragraph of this, my will. In the event that my said husband, Harry A. Fee, does not by his will create a trust fund for the purpose of maintaining and developing property located in Franklin township, Lenawee county, Michigan, now owned by him, and known as ‘Hidden Lake Gardens’, or for some other purpose entirely for the benefit of the public, then I will and direct that said Detroit Trust Company and its successors, as trustee, shall pay the income from said fund to the city of Adrian, Lenawee county, Michigan, for the purpose of beautifying its public-parks, or any other public properties located within the limits of said city of Adrian.”
Paragraph 8 provides
“Should my said husband, Harry A. Fee, precede me in death, then I will and direct that after the death of Jessie Gibford, and my sister-in-law, Jessie T. Fee, and after the payment of all bequests herein provided for, all the remainder of my property shall become a part of a trust fund provided for in the last will and testament of my said husband, Harry A. Fee, for maintaining and developing property located in Franklin township, Lenawee county, Michigan, now owned by him, and known as ‘Hidden Lake Gardens’, the same to be administered by.the same trustee as shall have been named as trustee in the estate of my husband, Harry A. Fee, as a part of such trust fund, and in the same manner, and the net income from the same shall be used for the same purposes and in the same manner as set forth in said provision of his will, except as hereinbefore provided.”
The record discloses that during their lifetime the Fees- were fully familiar with the business, legal and charitable concerns and interests of-the other, many of which they shared in common, and that for many years their legal and other affairs were handled by a competent and trusted Adrian attorney, Mr. W. B. Alexander (who died before the suit in this case), who also drew their last wills and their frequently-amended earlier wills. This same attorney drafted and attended to the execution of the last will of Harry Fee on the same day that he also attended to the drafting and execution of the second living trust of Harry Fee, both on May 24, 1951. Both this living trust and the earlier one provided that the net income should be paid upon the death of certain life beneficiaries to the State board of agriculture for the “upkeep, maintenance and development of Hidden Lake Gardens” earlier deeded by Harry Fee to the State board of agriculture.
On January 25, 1946, the plaintiff trust company was appointed trustee under the last will of Harriet Fee and, following the death of Harry Fee, filed its bill of complaint to obtain a judicial construction of Harriet’s will, naming the State board of agricrdture and the city of Adrian among the defendants. Jessie T. Fee, a sister of Harry Fee, was also named a party defendant, although she had earlier renounced under Harriet’s will.
The board made answer to the general effect that the conveyances made and trusts created by Harry Fee during his lifetime were in fulfillment of a common plan or purpose and constituted substantial compliance with the requirements and provisions of his wife’s will; the sister-in-law, Jessie Fee, answered in the same general tenor; and, as might be expected, the city made answer that failure of Harry Fee to create a trust for a public purpose by his will entitled it and not the board to the ultimate beneficial proceeds of the trust created under the will of Harriet. Further pertinent facts will be developed in this opinion, and for convenience the defendants State board of agriculture and city of Adrian will occasionally be referred to as board and city.
At the hearing’ below and to show the intent of the testatrix the board called the defendant Jessie Fee and various officials of Michigan State University to repeat certain conversations they had had with Harry Fee in which Mr. Fee, after his wife’s death, had expressed his ideas of the effect of his wife’s will and how he thought Hidden Lake Gardens would be getting the benefits from her trust upon his death. •The testimony of Jessie Fee was further offered to show conversations she had with her brother and his wife and to show that the parties were mutually agreed that Michigan State University should be given the gardens and that the Fees should help finance it. Upon objection all of this testimony was excluded as incompetent and has been preserved in a special record. At the conclusion of the hearing the trial court held that due to the failure of Harry Fee to by his will set up a trust for a public purpose that the alternative grant to the city of Adrian under Harriet’s will became effective. From a decree entered accordingly, this appeal has resulted.
We shall first dispose of the matter of the testimony that was held incompetent and inadmissible below. In our view the ruling of the court was correct. We do not think the testimony of Harry Fee himself would be competent as to what he thought his wife’s will meant, and therefore it would seem to follow that strangers should all the more not be permitted to testify after his death as to what he may have said or thought it meant. Nor do we, under this will, think it was competent for Jessie Fee to give the testimony she sought to give as to alleged past conversations -with her deceased brother and sister-in-law on the subject.
We have long held that parol testimony cannot be resorted to to add to, vary or contradict the language of a will unambiguous on its face. Nor may parol testimony of a testator’s intention in making a will be given or properly received. The mere filing of a bill for construction of a will does not thereby make the will or any of its terms ambiguous any more than does the fact that competing litigants differ in their views as to the proper construction of the language or provisions in a will. The determination of whether ambiguity exists in a will is essentially a judicial function. Any other rule would open the door to all manner of testimony and speculation over the meaning of wills, which would thus by the mere fact of litigation in every case be at the mercy of possibly illy-recollected tea-time conversation and rumor and ancient gossip by volunteers and other persons whose memories might occasionally unconsciously be warped or stimulated by their present loyalties, monetary or emotional. See, generally: In re Blodgett’s Estate, 197 Mich 455; Gardner v. City National Bank, 267 Mich 270; and Townsend v. Gordon, 308 Mich 438 (151 ALR 1432).
We turn now to the heart of this case: the meaning of Harriet Fee’s will. Appellant in its brief attaches special importance to the fact that Harry Fee’s last will was executed at the time of the second “State board” trust, and that the same attorney attended to the drafting and execution of the various wills, deeds and living trusts. “It is particularly significant,” it urges, “that the same able attorney who prepared Mrs. Fee’s will acted for Mr. Fee in the preparation and execution of the deeds and trust instruments made by the latter. * * * Testimony offered by defendant city of Adrian discloses that Mr. and Mrs. Fee were in consultation with Mr. Alexander regarding the drafting of the latter’s will. What Mr. Fee did subsequently with the benefit of Mr. Alexander’s counsel must have been regarded by the parties as in compliance with the general plan and purpose already established. It is most significant that the second trust instrument prepared by Mr. Alexander was executed on the same day that Harry A. Fee’s last will and testament was executed. * * * Clearly the subject matter of Hidden Lake Gardens was in Mr. Alexander’s mind on the day he drew the second trust and the will for Harry A. Fee. It is inconceivable that he would have permitted his client to proceed on any erroneous assumption with reference to the effect that such action might have on the last will and testament of Harriet Kimball Fee.”
Unfortunately under Emerson’s well-known law of compensation we believe that much the same general argument could be advanced with equal eloquence and force to show that Harry Fee and his able attorney were indeed fully informed concerning what they were about and did what they did deliberately and with full knowledge of the legal and other consequences.
We also note that the second Harry Fee trust contains a provision absent from the first calling upon the trustee to cause periodic inspections of the gardens to be made to determine whether their development and maintenance was being “neglected” by the board, with the further provision that if they were found to be neglected, “then the funds that would normally be paid to the State board of agriculture shall be paid instead to the city of Adrian, Michigan, for the ensuing year, to be used by it solely for the upkeep and development of its various parks,” such payments to the city to be continued in the future until it was found upon further inspections that any such neglect was abated. There then follows, in this second trust, an elaborately detailed schedule of “Suggestions as to Inspections” concerning provision for the mowing of grass, the planting of trees, shrubs and perennial plants, the building of roads, lanes and fences, the establishment of facilities for picnickers, et cetera, and concluding with the curiously touching poetic suggestion by Mr. Fee, which we cannot resist quoting, that the best times to inspect the gardens “would be around lilac time and sometime in August.”
So we see that on the very day Harry Fee drew* his will, in which he failed to establish the public trust that would have made operative the disputed provision of his wife’s will in favor of the board, not only was he sharply concerned to the point of apprehension with the future of the Hidden Lake Gardens, for which he then, and had already, provided so handsomely, but he was also thinking of the city of Adrian, and making provision for it under certain contingencies for purposes and in language rather strikingly similar to that employed by his wife in one of the disputed portions of her will.
In a sense the board seeks not so much a favorable construction of Harriet’s will as a favorable construction of what Harry Fee may have thought it meant. -While we do not think the board has made out a persuasive case tending to show even that, we might concede that it has and still be obliged to hold against it for the rather elementary reason that the meaning of a will, unambiguous on its face, cannot ever be said to depend on what another individual may think it means.
We observe too that for all the undoubted concern the Fees had for the gardens, Harriet’s carefully drawn will did not limit her husband to creating a trust only for their benefit. He could satisfy this requirement by creating any trust for any public purpose. Further, whatever general plan or broad mutual purpose the Fees may have possessed regarding the future of the gardens, the provision in Mrs. Fee’s will plainly contemplated that for the board to prevail Mr. Fee should in his will perform an affirmative act in the light of future needs and conditions. In effect he was given a broad power or powers of appointment which he could exercise on the one hand affirmatively for the board or on the other negatively for the city.
Two of the cases offered by the board to sustain its position are Kiefer v. German American Seminary of the City of Detroit, 46 Mich 636; and Kirsher v. Todd, 195 Mich 297. The Kiefer Case does not involve the construction of a will and the Kirsher Case involved after-acquired property not disposed of by the will. Moreover it is clear from the will and surrounding circumstances in the latter case that in any event the plaintiff had no legal or equitable rights to the disputed assets, will or no will.
Nor do the cases of In re Hicks Estate, 345 Mich 448; In re Ives’ Estate, 182 Mich 699; or In re Hunter’s Estate, 212 Mich 380, afford appellant board the comfort it apparently seeks to draw from them. These cases involved general rules of judicial construction in cases of disputed testamentary gifts to a class and shed little guiding light on our present situation. We may add that all rules of testamentary construction, however helpful at times, must bow to the paramount rule that, where ascertainable and lawful, the intent of the testator must be given effect. (See page 451 of the Hicks Case, supra.) We also believe that the intent of Harriet Fee as expressed in her will is both lawful and plainly ascertainable.
We like and adopt the following excerpts from the trial court’s opinion:
“Harriet Fee in effect told her husband that if he wanted Hidden Lake Hardens to have her money he must definitely set up a trust by his will which would determine all the rights, duties and regulations of the trustee and would be the trust into which her money went. She used this particular form of providing for the gardens or alternate beneficiaries with the idea in mind that her husband could create a testamentary trust, he could alter that trust as to amount or purposes should Hidden Lake Gardens need or deserve more or less funds. And he could revoke it any time before he died. It gave him the right to have a good deal of control over the expenditure of funds during his life time and a right to deprive Hidden Lake Gardens of any funds by simply failing to do an affirmative act.”
“The very wording of the will shows testatrix was giving Harry Fee complete control of the income of the trust for his life. She gave him the right to choose at his death where the income would go. It is apparent she felt that if after her death circumstances arose that would cause Harry Fee to decide Hidden Lake Gardens should not be the recipient of her trust, Harry Fee could in effect disinherit Hidden Lake Gardens by failing to provide for it in his will. Looking at the trusts of Harry Fee, we find he gave tremendous sums of money in his lifetime for Hidden Lake Gardens. We note he attached definite strings to trust No. 2 whereby the city of Adrian would be benefited by that trust if the gardens were neglected. At the time he created his last inter vivos trust, he likewise consulted Mr. Alexander and had his last will drawn and executed. The last will neither expressly states Harry Fee intended his wife’s trust to go to the city of Adrian nor does it expressly state that Harry Fee intended his wife’s trust to go to the defendant State board. It shows that he is still mindful of the public by making direct grants to the Bixby Hospital and the Toledo Museum of Art. He mentions Hidden Lake Gardens as the final depository for his ashes.”
In all truth, on its precise facts our case seems fairly unique in its field. At least counsel has not pointed out another case too much like it, and we find we neither possess the leisure nor see the need to ourselves wander scholarly afield. Numerous other cases regarding the proper construction of wills are cited by counsel for the various competing defendants in their efforts to maintain their respective positions. Most of these cases contain broad classic statements of the law of both unimpeachable authority and impressive venerability, but unfortunately, as we have noted, none of them on their facts helps us much to decide this case. Accordingly we shall forbear to further clutter this opinion or add to the .woes of those who must compile our citators by setting them up like legal ninepins and then knocking them down.
A brief statement made on page 211 of In re Coots’ Estate, 253 Mich 208, cited and quoted by the city, strikes us as applying with peculiar force to both wills in this case, and to our mind furnishes the simple — or at least 1 obvious — key to our solution.
It was there said: “The will bears the stamp of professional craftmanship, and probably was drafted by the able lawyer who witnessed it. We must assume that it expresses testator’s whole intention.”
All are agreed here that the Fees’ attorney was an experienced, competent and ethical lawyer. The record also shows that he was long familiar with the Fees’ affairs and was fully aware of their charitable and testamentary aspirations. We believe we must assume here, as in the Coots’ Case, that under these circumstances he was also competent to set forth in appropriate legal language in their last wills their entire wishes and intentions.
The decree of the court below is affirmed, with costs to the plaintiff and the city of Adrian.
Smith, Edwards, Kelly, and Black, JJ., concurred with Voelker, J. | [
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Dethmers, C. J.
Plaintiff appeals from a directed verdict of no cause for action in his suit for damages resulting from injuries caused by allegedly being struck by defendant’s truck. We view the evidence in the light most favorable to plaintiff. Pomeroy v. Dykema, 256 Mich 100.
Plaintiff was engaged in driving a truck, hauling sand from a sand pit located in an open field. He stopped his truck, headed east, in front and east of a power shovel which picked up and loaded sand onto the trucks. Having placed his truck thus for loading, he got out of its left or north side, closed the door, walked northwesterly about 15 feet, turned to his left and faced south, looking past the rear of his truck toward the power shovel. The shovel then, dumped sand on his truck, some of it blowing into •his face. He put up his arm to cover his eyes and ¡involuntarily stepped back 1 step, 2 feet, with his left foot only. Then the rear wheels of defendant’s .truck struck plaintiff’s left leg or side and he was knocked down. About 6 to 8, of maybe 10, seconds elapsed from the time he left his truck until the sand blew in his face. He did not look for approachjpg-trucks nor did he see defendant’s truck before -it struck him, but he testified that he knew it had come from the east. He knew that there had been quite a bit of truck movement there that morning •(and that-“that is something you would have-to. watch .for, when you are outside of your truck.” He further ¡testified that “I knew that other trucks would drive ¡that portion as I was not the only one there * * * I had seen other trucks travel over that same spot and nothing happened. I did not look either way to see if anything was coming because, there was no defined road to look.” Defendant’s truck was in an , open -field,- a- space about 45 feet wide north of the shovel, where trucks normally travelled for the purpose of passing the shovel on the north, turning ; around behind it and coming back east to line up in * front of the shovel for loading. There were no other ■proofs shedding any light on how the accident oc- - curréd. Although there were, as the trial court ■noted, other persons who might have been called to testify concerning the happening of the accident, only the plaintiff testified on the point. The record fails to disclose the speed at which defendant’s truck was traveling, • whether it was proceeding forward or backward, whether it had been pursuing a straight course or had turned or swerved, whether or not defendant had seen plaintiff before the latter backed into the rear yrheel of defendant’s truck, whether or hot defendant had given a warning signal, or any facts, other than, that an accident occurred, showing, or from which a reasonable inference might be drawn, that defendant had operated his truck in a negligent manner.
In Kaminski v. Grand Trunk Western R. Co., 347 Mich 417, Mr. Justice Black, speaking for a unanimous Court, discussed, with full citation of authorities thereon, the difference between conjecture and reasonable inference from competent evidence in determining the question of negligence. In Kaminski there were physical facts aside from the happening of an accident from which reasonable inferences might be drawn as to how the accident occurred and what caused it, the inferences consistent with defendant's guilt of negligence being more probable and plausible than those consistent with innocence. Distinguishable is the instant case in which there is no evidence from which reasonable inferences may be drawn either way and in which verdict for plaintiff could not possibly rest on anything more substantial than conjecture. In point is Warvick v. Blackney, 272 Mich 231, 235, in which, under somewhat similar facts, this Court held defendant free from negligence as a matter of law, saying:
“No presumption of negligence is raised by the mere happening of an accident or proof of injury resulting therefrom. Brebner v. Sidney Hill Health System, Inc., 269 Mich 541.”
Apropos is the following from Manley v. Potts, 286 Mich 671, 673, 674:
“The only facts that could be legitimately found from the meager evidence presented would be that an accident occurred and that plaintiff was injured. The record is barren of any evidence even remotely tending to establish defendant’s negligence, if any. Although the fact that an accident happened may be considered together with other surrounding circumstances in determining if there was in fact neg'li- gence. (McLeod v. Savoy Hotel Co., 267 Mich 352), proof of an accident and resulting injury was not alone sufficient to establish defendant’s responsibility. Brebner v. Sidney Hill Health System, Inc., 269 Mich 541; Warwick v. Blackney, 272 Mich 231; Collar v. Maycroft, 274 Mich 376; Michigan Aero Club v. Shelley, 283 Mich 401 (1938 US AvR 134, 1 CCH Av 750); Sward v. Megan, 284 Mich 421. If defendant was negligent, the burden of presenting the necessary proof thereof rested upon plaintiff, and its absence was not to be supplied by a guess of the jury.”
In the case of In re Estate of Miller, 300 Mich 703, 710, 711, this Court quoted with approval from Poundstone v. Niles Creamery, 293 Mich 455, 459, 460, the following:
“ ‘The fact that an accident happened may be considered along with proof of the other circumstances to determine whether negligence existed. Manley v. Potts, 286 Mich 671, and cases there cited. See, also, Elsey v. J. L. Hudson Co., 189 Mich 135 (LRA1916B, 1284). Negligence may be proved by circumstantial evidence. Wilkins v. Bradford, 247 Mich 157. There must be substantial evidence which forms a reasonable basis for the inference of negligence. Frye v. City of Detroit, 256 Mich 466. There must be more than a mere possibility that unreasonable conduct of the defendant caused the injury. We cannot permit the jury to guess, although legitimate inferences may be drawn from established facts. Heppenstall Steel Co. v. Wabash Railway Co., 242 Mich 464.’ ”
Affirmed, with costs to defendant.
Sharpe, Smith, Edwards, Voelker, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred. | [
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Carr, J.
This case has resulted from a traffic accident that occurred in the city of Battle Creek about 7:30 o’clock in the evening of January 10, 1953. While crossing a public street in that city, plaintiff’s decedent, Claude Ray Goddard, a child 3 years of age, was struck by an automobile driven by defendant, sustaining injuries resulting in death the following day. The present suit was started by the administratrix of the estate of said child under date of July 20, 1955. The declaration filed alleged negligence on the part of defendant constituting the proximate cause of the accident and of the death of Claude Ray Goddard.
Defendant’s answer to the declaration denied negligence on his part, and further alleged that the father of the child had released defendant from any claims, whatsoever on his part. Plaintiff’s reply to the answer denied such release. Subsequently an amended answer was filed, charging specifically that on the 19th day of January, 1953, the parents of Claude Ray Goddard had executed a release to.defendant of “all claims, demands, damages, actions, causes of action, or suits at law or in equity.” It was further averred that a draft in the sum of $500 had.been delivered to said parents and indorsed by them, the instrument containing a declaration that such indorsement constituted a release and receipt in full payment of the amount stated therein.
On the trial of the cause testimony was introduced on behalf of plaintiff tending to show that the accident resulted because of negligence on defendant’s part. The parents of Claude Ray Goddard were called as witnesses, and were examined and cross-examined at some length. It was their claim, with reference to the alleged release of any cause of action that they might have arising from the death of their child, that being in need of funds to pay the funeral expenses they had gone to the office of the agent of an insurance company that had issued a policy to defendant covering his automobile and the operation thereof. They testified, in substance, that said agent indicated that he might be able to get them some money and that he would take it up with the company. Thereafter said agent presented to the parents a paper, which they signed at his request and which they claimed he designated as a receipt. It further appeared from their statements that a draft in the sum of $500 was also tendered them, the insurance agent saying that if they would indorse it he would cash it for them and would give to them all over and above the amount of the funeral expenses which he undertook to pay to the party claiming same.
The parents testified that they did not read either paper, that they relied on the státement of the agent that the first paper was a receipt, that they did not know that it was in fact a release, and that they understood that the money paid them was to cover the funeral expenses. The proofs disclosed that they actually received in cash an amount somewhat in excess of $200 which apparently was used for their general expenses. The testimony of the mother indicated that she had not gone beyond the third grade in school, and that she relied entirely on the statements made to her at the time the papers were signed. The father was able to read, having completed the eighth grade in school, but claimed that he was somewhat excited and nervous at the time, that he did not' actually read either paper before signing, and that he also relied on the statement of the agent that the first paper presented was a receipt. Both witnesses testified to statements made by the agent of the insurance company to the effect that a representative of said company would see them later with reference to a final adjustment.
At the conclusion of plaintiff’s proofs counsel for defendant moved for a directed verdict. The motion was granted. In his opinion the trial judge discussed the testimony at some length, emphasizing the failure of the parents of plaintiff’s decedent to return, or tender, to the insurance company the $5.00 that had been paid to them. Attention was also directed to the fact that the father of the boy was .able to read the instrument hut failed to do so. It is not disputed that the parents are the real parties in interest in the litigation. Judgment was entered on the directed verdict, and plaintiff has appealed.
In view of the manner of disposition.of the cause .in the trial court, the testimony, must be construed as strongly as reasonably possible in plaintiff’s favor. No question is raised on appeal as to de fendant’s negligence. Under the pleadings, and the proofs introduced by plaintiff on the trial, the question at issue is whether there was fraud in the execution of the papers signed by the parents of plaintiff’s decedent. The case does not involve an. attempt to rescind on the theory of fraud in the inducement rendering the release voidable. The claim of plaintiff is that it was absolutely void, and that at most the paper first signed by the parents of the child should be regarded merely as a receipt. The right of plaintiff to have the questions in the case submitted to the jury depends on whether the proofs support the claim made. If the instrument, the so-called release, and the corresponding provision in the draft were void for the reason asserted on behalf of plaintiff, the return of the money received, or an offer to return, was not a condition precedent to the maintenance of the case. Neither may it be said that plaintiff administratrix is estopped to prosecute the action because of delay in starting suit, or other conduct on the part of the parents of the child. It does not appear 'that defendant, or his insurer, has been prejudiced by such conduct, and no issue of estoppel is raised by the pleadings in the case.-
This Court has considered in prior decisions objections to the validity of written instruments on the ground that the execution thereof was obtained by fraud. Such a claim was made in Forth v. Cadillac Motor Car Co., 198 Mich 501. Plaintiff in that case insisted that he was induced to sign a release in reliance on representations made to him on behalf of defendant that the paper was merely a receipt. In concluding that the issue was one of fact for the determination of the jury, the court pointed out that if the situation was as plaintiff claimed, there was no obligation on his part to return the money paid to him as would have been the situation had the right of rescission been asserted because of fraud in tbe inducement. The judgment that bad been rendered in tbe circuit court in favor of plaintiff, in accordance with tbe verdict of tbe jury, was reversed because of errors in submitting the ease. In tbe course of tbe opinion tbe Court (p 511) quoted with approval from O’Neil v. Lake Superior Iron Co., 63 Mich 690, 698, as follows:
“ ‘It is not tbe intention, but the effect upon tbe plaintiff of what was said and done at tbe time tbe paper was signed, that is material here; for if tbe effect was to lead him to believe that he was signing a mere receipt, and call bis attention away from tbe fact that be was signing so important a paper as an agreement for a release of defendant from liability, tbe result would be tbe same — he was deceived as to tbe true character of tbe paper he was signing. He testifies that be did not know that be was signing, and did not intend to sign, an agreement to release defendant from liability arising from its negligence.’ ”
In Hoban v. Ryder, 257 Mich 188, separate actions by 2 plaintiffs for damages for personal injuries sustained in an automobile collision, it was tbe claim of plaintiffs that their signatures to an instrument in tbe form of a release were obtained by fraud and deceit consisting of representations that tbe paper was only a receipt for money paid for articles that Mrs. Hoban bad lost as a result of tbe collision. It was held that tbe question as to tbe validity of tbe release as such was properly submitted to tbe jury, and tbe judgments in their favor were affirmed.
In accord with tbe foregoing decisions is Gayden v. Arabais, 292 Mich 651. There tbe testimony was conflicting, plaintiff claiming that she was induced to sign a paper that purported to be a release of her cause of action on tbe representation that it was a receipt for a payment made on account and that full settlement would be made later. Plaintiffs claim rested on her own testimony, which was contradicted by other witnesses. It was held, however (pp 656, 657), that “a jury might readily accept the testimony of one witness as against that of several others if they felt that the testimony of that witness was entitled to more weight and was more credible than the testimony of all the other witnesses combined. It is for the jury and not the court to determine the credibility of a witness.” The jury decided the disputed question in favor of plaintiff, finding that no valid release of her cause of action Avas given by her. The judgment entered on the verdict was affirmed, the Court citing, among other cases, Porth v. Cadillac Motor Car Co., supra, and Hoban v. Ryder, supra.
In In re Clark’s. Estate, 318 Mich 92, this Court affirmed an order of the circuit judge made on appeal from the action of the probate court setting aside its order of authorization of settlement of a claim, the circuit court order requiring that as a condition of such action plaintiff should tender back the amount paid to him in his capacity as guardian under said settlement. Plaintiff claimed that the settlement was void on the ground that it was represented to him that it did not constitute a release in full of the claim. This Court recognized that such claim was one of fraud in the execution, but concluded from the record that the appellant had failed to show that he was fraudulently deceived by defendant. It was accordingly recognized that under the facts of the case the order requiring a tender of the amount received as a prerequisite to setting aside the order of settlement was proper. In discussing the situation, however, it was said (p 98):
“We have frequently held that where there is fraud in the execution of a release of a claim for personal injuries, as distinguished from fraud in the inducement, a tender back of the consideration received is not a condition precedent to the avoidance of the release.”
Counsel for defendant has cited Randall v. Port Huron, St. C. & M. C. R. Co., 215 Mich 413; and Story v. Page, 280 Mich 34, among other decisions. The factual situation in each differed materially from that in the case at bar. In the Randall Case the plaintiff was injured while riding as a passenger on one of defendant’s interurban ears. A settlement was made, apparently before the exact nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries were known. By the terms of the agreement the sum of $250 was paid. Subsequently, the plaintiff brought suit, claiming in his declaration that he did not understand that the release was for all damages for injuries that he may have received, and that it was represented to him on behalf of defendant that he would fully recover from such injuries within a short time. Under the facts in the ease the trial court found that the fraud, if such there was, was in the inducement to the execution of the release, and that a tender back of the amount received was essential to maintenance of the action. Apparently such a tender was made during the course of the trial, and was refused. The Court held on appeal that such tender was not made within a reasonable time, and that the trial judge properly directed a verdict in favor of the defendant on thé ground that the proofs failed to indicate fraud in the execution of the release, as distinguished from fraud in the inducement.
In the Story Case the facts were also materially different from those disclosed by the testimony in the case at bar. The action was brought by plaintiff as the administrator of the estate of his son, who was 17 at the time of the accident resulting in his death. Under the facts in the case this Court pointed out that there was a serious question as to whether defendants were chargeable with negligence and, likewise, as to the son’s freedom from contributory negligence. However, an agreement was entered into between the parents of decedent and the insurance company that had issued a policy covering the operation of the motor vehicle involved in the occurrence. Several releases were in fact executed and signed by the parents, one of them containing a statement written by them above their signatures as follows:
“I have read this and understand this is a release. I have read this and understand that it releases all claims.”
A draft with release attached was delivered to the parents of the deceased, who retained it until the following day when they indorsed it and cashed it. It was claimed in their behalf that they understood that they were settling for funeral expenses only and not discharging all possible claims. The Court determined from the record that plaintiff’s claim as to the invalidity of the release was not substantiated by proper proofs, and also that the release executed by the father of decedent was binding upon the estate, attention being called to the fact that the father was subsequently appointed administrator. It should be further noted that the parties executing the release were shown to be intelligent, that, as noted, they had opportunity to examine the draft while it was in their possession, and that they made an agreement with the adjuster for the insurance company to meet the latter at the probate office of the county for the purpose of having an administrator appointed to the end that a further release might be executed thereby.
In the case at bar the parents of plaintiff’s decedent did not have either of the papers that they signed in their possession other than momentarily. As before stated, the draft was cashed by the representative of the insurance company. The testimony of said parents indicated that they were inexperienced in business matters, and each claimed to have relied on the statements made to them as to the nature of the paper that they signed. The fact that the father might have read the instrument had he wished to do so does not bar plaintiff from insisting that the papers did not constitute a release of the cause of action. The claim that there was fraud in the execution finds support in the proofs, and plaintiff was entitled to have the question submitted to the jury for determination. The trial judge was in error in directing a verdict in favor of the defendant. The return, or tender, of the amount paid to the parents was not a condition precedent to the right to maintain the action brought by the administratrix.
The case is remanded to the circuit court with directions to set aside the judgment entered and to grant a new trial. Plaintiff may have costs.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Edwards, Voelker, Kelly, and Black, JJ., concurred. | [
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Kelly, J.
Defendant insured plaintiffs’ farm property for loss by fire and, also, extended coverage, including loss by explosion.
Plaintiffs’ barn, a structure 60 feet in length, 32 feet in width, and 28 feet in height, was damaged when the east end of the building collapsed.
Defendant refused to pay the undisputed damages of $4,181, contending that the damage was not caused by an explosion but by an overloading of the structure due to oats having been deposited in a bin on the second floor of the barn.
For 3 days previous to the day the barn was damaged a grain blower deposited in a bin on the east end of the second floor the yield of 75 acres of oats. The oats filled the bin to a height of 5-1/2 feet. The yield per acre was 45 to 50 bushels, and the weight of the oats was about 32 pounds to the bushel.
The only witness to the event was an employee in the Pollock home, who testified:
“My attention was first called to something happening at the barn when all of a sudden I heard a land of a heavy noise; sounded like a, you know, blasting stumps or something. It sounded like that. Then I looked out and I couldn’t see the barn; then it vanished pretty soon and .that was that. I was prevented from seeing the barn by what looked like smoke to me bnt it soon vanished away. But I found out it wasn’t smoke, of course. It happened to the east end of the barn, the east front, the end towards the public road. At the time it happened I was in the washroom of the house. * * *
“The first thing that called my attention to anything was sound like the blasting of a stump. I do not remember hearing anything else after that. * * *
“I- saw bricks or debris — parts of the barn — near the road. I don’t know how close they were to the road — almost to the road but I don’t know how many feet or nothing like that.”
Plaintiff introduced testimony of experts to the effect that the barn was structurally strong enough to hold the load of oats that was deposited on the second floor.
The court instructed the jury:
“I further charge you, members of the jury, that when the word ‘explosion’ is used in the policy — the company has ordinary men, at least its officers are ordinary men and are not, I assume, scientific men and the parties insured were ordinary men — these persons are presumed to have understood the word ‘explosion’ in its ordinary and proper sense; not what some scientific man would define as an explosion but rather what the ordinary man would understand to be meant by that word. And after all, members of the jury, the question here being whether or not there was an explosion, what do you as ordinary men and women understand .occurred at the time in the light of the testimony?”
Appellant in its statement of questions involved does not refer to the court’s instruction, but confined the questions involved to the court’s error in ruling that sufficient proof had been offered concerning the existence of an explosion to allow the jury to infer that fact, and in denying defendant’s motion for new trial on the ground of newly-discovered evidence. Appellant contends:
“In the instant case, it was incumbent upon the plaintiffs to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that an explosion took place and that this explosion was the proximate cause of the damage of which they complain. From the evidence introduced by the plaintiffs it can be determined that the east wall and a portion of the north wall of the barn collapsed and that this collapse was accompanied by a loud noise and the scattering of bricks to the east a distance of approximately 40 feet. Neither the roof of the barn nor the partition on the west side of the bin were destroyed or ‘blown-out’. The rest of plaintiffs’ case was spent in an attempt to prove that the damage could not have been caused by structural collapse due to being overloaded. Yet the physical facts in and of themselves indicate that what is ordinarily termed an ‘explosion’ did not take place. If an explosion had taken place, the damage would have been extensive in all directions and particularly in the path of least resistance. All the proven facts in plaintiffs’ case are as consistent with defendant’s theory that there was a structural failure due to overloading as it is with plaintiffs’ theory that there was an explosion.”
Appellees point to the fact that the following evidence supports the conclusion that the damage occurred through an explosion and not because of a structural weakness: That there was no man-made activity in the barn at the time of the collapse; that the broken end of the north wall,- which was still standing, was bent outward as though blown out by an interior force; that bricks and- broken wall lay to the north of the barn a distance of 40 feet, and to the east of the barn for a distance of 40 to 43 feet; that a window frame from the east end of the barn lay a distance of 30 feet from the barn; that the debris from the wall had almost entirely fallen outside the barn; that the east end of the floor joists had gone eastward and over the east barn foundation; that expert witnesses testified that they had examined the barn structure shortly before the date of the collapse and had found said structure to be sound and' amply sufficient to sustain- the stored oats, and that' these witnesses examined the barn immediately following the collapse and found no evidence that the collapse resulted from a structural failure; that expert witnesses testified that a collapse caused by overloading would have given indication of such overloading by sounds due to straining timbers, cracks in the wall, and other evidence of strain, and that there was no evidence in this regard previous to the morning of the collapse.
In Lepley v. Bryant, 336 Mich 224, 229, this Court stated:
“In passing on the motion for a directed verdict at the conclusion of plaintiff’s proofs the trial judge was bound to interpret the testimony, and the legitimate inferences from the facts established, as strongly as possible in plaintiff’s favor.”
The testimony introduced and the legitimate inferences from the facts established in the instant case were sufficient to submit to the jury the question as to whether an explosion occurred.
Appellant contends the court erred in denying its motion for a new trial on the ground of newly-disr covered evidence, stating that:
“Subsequent to the rendition of the verdict therein, the said defendant has discovered new evidence of a material and probably controlling nature, consisting of the testimony of one, Jack Kelsey, who will testify, in substance, that after the accident, out of which this action arose, one of the plaintiffs, James K. Pollock, told the said Jack Kelsey that the barn,' the subject matter of this cause of action, collapsed due to the excessive weight of oats stored in- said barn; and said plaintiff further told the said witness that there were 50 tons of oats stored in the bin in said, barn, as more particularly appears from the affidavit of the said Jack Kelsey, filed herewith and which affidavit also- shows that said information ivas not conveyed to defendant or its attorneys until after the trial of this cause.”
In Reardon v. Buck, 335 Mich 318, this Court held that to entitle one to a new trial upon the grounds of newly-discovered evidence it should be shown that the evidence is not merely cumulative and that it be such as to render a different result probable on a retrial.
The court did not err in denying the motion for a new trial and the record justifies the following statement in the court’s opinion denying such motion:
“Motions for a new trial on the grounds of newly-discovered evidence should not be granted unless it is probable that through the use of such evidence, that a different verdict might result. It is not enough that a different verdict might be possible, but it must be probable. Further, such a motion should not. be granted if the newly-discovered evidence proposed to be submitted is merely cumulative. From the review of the record in this case, it appears that it is not probable that a different verdict would result, and it further appears that the proposed new evidence is merely cumulative.
“Therefore, the motion for a new trial is hereby denied, and an order may be drawn in accordance with the terms of this opinion.”
Judgment affirmed. Costs to appellee.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Edwards, [Voelker, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred. | [
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Carr, J.
Plaintiff instituted this suit in equity asking that certain transfers of property made by him to his children, the defendants Arnold J. Salv-ner, Irma P. Hicks and Thusnelda M. Hinz, be set aside and reconveyances decreed. The basis for the relief sought was alleged undue influence exerted against plaintiff by defendants. The bill of complaint averred improper conduct on the part of plaintiff’s children, consisting principally of statements made to him and the failure to exercise a proper consideration for his welfare.. John L. Salv-ner, named as a defendant, is a brother of plaintiff, but apparently he was not served with process and did not enter an appearance. The answer filed by the son and daughters of plaintiff denied that they had in any way mistreated him, or that he had been induced to make the transfers of property in question by any improper conduct on their part.
On the trial of the case proofs were offered by the parties in support of the claims set forth in their respective pleadings. The trial judge, after listening to the witnesses and the arguments of counsel, concluded that plaintiff had not established that he was entitled to the relief sought. A decree was entered accordingly dismissing the cause, and plaintiff has appealed. In substance, it is claimed in his behalf that the record justifies the conclusion that plaintiff’s will was overcome by the acts and statements of his children, and that the property transfers involved were not the result of his voluntary action.
For many years prior to the occurrence of the events of material importance in this case plaintiff was a successful businessman in the city of Saginaw. He was an accountant and had been associated with the Home Dairy Company, serving on the board of directors of said corporation for an extended period. Prior to December 1, 1951, he was president of the company, from which office he retired on the date mentioned but continued as a director for the first part of the next ensuing year. His first wife passed away in 1948.
In 1951, after some correspondence between the parties, he assisted Mrs. Theresa Haase, who had previously lived in Saginaw with her husband for some time before returning to Germany in 1931, and who was at that time acquainted with plaintiff and his first wife, to enter this country. Mrs. Haase came to the home in Saginaw occupied by plaintiff and his daughter Thusnelda and her husband. The record indicates that she arrived on November 14, 1951. It is undisputed that she and plaintiff contemplated marriage, and that the defendants were aware of that fact. At the time plaintiff, who was approximately 70 years of age, was suffering from diabetes, had lost one leg by amputation, inferentially as a result of the disease, and was not in good health physically. However, the proofs justify the conclusion that he was mentally alert, that he considered himself capable of managing his own af fairs, and that he was not at the time easily swayed by the opinions of others.
Plaintiff’s children undertook to dissuade him from marrying Mrs. Haase, and also sought to convince the latter that because of their father’s physical condition the marriage was not advisable. Such efforts were unavailing, and the marriage occurred on March 22, 1952. During the period from the time of her arrival until the date of said marriage Mrs. Haase remained in the home of plaintiff and his daughter. It further appears that when defendants recognized that their arguments against the marriage were unavailing they assisted in the making of the preparations.
Prior to the marriage, and under date of January 9,1952, plaintiff entered into an agreement with his children, reciting the relationship between the parties and his desire to make a distribution of a portion of his property. Said agreement was prepared by plaintiff’s attorney who had acted as such for many years, and who also was the- attorney for the Home Dairy Company. It provided that plaintiff should place the home that he occupied in the names of himself and his daughter Thusnelda as joint tenants with right of survivorship, that he would execute an assignment of 2,946 shares of common stock of the Home Dairy Company in such form as to make himself and his daughter Irma joint owners thereof, and that he would make a similar assignment of stock for the benefit of his son Arnold. The latter agreements were subject to the condition that all dividends received should be paid to plaintiff during his lifetime. Apparently this agreement was carried out, and it further appears that by conveyance dated March 19, 1952, plaintiff transferred his interest in the said home to Thusnelda, thus vesting complete title in her.
On February 23, 1952, plaintiff and Mrs. Haase entered into an antenuptial agreement in which specific reference was made to the action taken by plaintiff and his children on January 9th preceding. Reference was also made to certain insurance that plaintiff was carrying, and to the rights of a widow in the property of her deceased husband under the Michigan statutes. The undertaking contained a recital that Mrs. Haase appreciated that property acquired by plaintiff in his lifetime should go to the children. Plaintiff further agreed that he would, by will or otherwise, make provision that on his death Mrs. Haase, if the marriage took place, should receive the sum of $5,000, and a provision was also incorporated referring to transfers of other property to her. This agreement was prepared by plaintiff’s attorney, and was explained to Mrs. Haase in the German language by one of the witnesses to the instrument.
Following the marriage of plaintiff and Mrs. Haase they purchased a home on Court street in Saginaw and moved thereto, leaving the daughter Thusnelda in possession of the property that had been conveyed to her by plaintiff. Relations between the parties continued on an amicable basis. Apparently some discussions were had with reference to property matters, involving the expediency of a modification of the agreement of January 9, 1952. Such discussions led to the execution of a further undertaking on July 21,1953, prepared by plaintiff’s attorney, in which specific reference was made to the first agreement and to the conveyance of real estate to the daughter Thusnelda. The latter, and likewise her brother and sister, consented that the beneficiaries under certain life insurance policies might be changed so that the proceeds thereof should be payable to the estate of plaintiff. It was further .recited that the father had executed a will with the terms and conditions' of which the parties were inferentially familiar. Plaintiff further undertook to transfer to Irma and to Arnold his interest in the Home Dairy Company stock, as to which a joint ownership had previously existed. It was provided in this connection that all of said stock should he delivered to John L. Salvner, plaintiff’s brother, to hold as trustee, and that all dividends should be paid to plaintiff during his lifetime. Provision for a successor trustee in the event of the death or incapacity of John L. Salvner to act was made, but such provision is not material to any issue in this case.
The agreement as to the stock was carried out. By said will plaintiff devised to Theresa E. Salvner the property on Court street, gave to her the sum of $18,-000 payable out of the proceeds of life insurance policies, dividends due on such policies, and bonds and money that might be possessed, or deposited in banks, at the time of the death of the testator. The instrument further directed that, after the payment of specific bequests to third parties, any property remaining was to be divided in equal shares among Theresa E. Salvner and the 3 children.
Following demands for the return of the property transferred by him to his son and daughters, and defendants’ refusal to comply, the present suit was instituted on July 2, 1954. In terms the bill of complaint filed asked that the agreement of January 9, 1952, the antenuptial settlement, and the undertaking of the parties dated July 21, 1953, be declared null and void on the ground that their execution was brought about by undue influence exerted against plaintiff by defendants. More specifically, a recon-veyance of the stock in the Home Dairy Company was sought from defendants Arnold and Irma, with like relief with reference to the real estate conveyed to defendant Thusnelda. While, as it is claimed, the antenuptial agreement may tend to throw light on the relations of the parties, it does not appear that it is actually involved in the present controversy, to which plaintiff’s wife is not a party. As before noted, the trial judge denied relief on the ground that the plaintiff had not established his right thereto by satisfactory proofs.
It is apparent that the relations between plaintiff and his children were quite friendly, and that no differences arose except with reference to the second marriage. Said defendants were natural recipients of plaintiff’s bounty. In In re Reed’s Estate, 273 Mich 334, which was a will contest involving a claim of undue influence, this Court approved a charge to the jury stating, in substance, among other matters covered (pp 344, 345):
“Undue influence, in order to defeat a will, must amount to force or coercion, and any influence short of this would not be undue influence; undue influence cannot be presumed; a will may not he set aside for undue influence unless such influence amounted to constraint too great for the testator to resist, depriving him of free agency; neither advice, nor argument, nor persuasion will vitiate a will freely made, even though the will might not have been made hut for such advice or persuasion; persuasion and appeals to the affection, ties of kindred, sentiments of gratitude, or pity for future destitution do not constitute undue influence; no presumption of undue influence arises from the fact that testator gave his property elsewhere than to his brother and sister; the fact that the person alleged to have used undue influence had ample opportunity therefor is no evidence such opportunity was exercised.”
The Court further quoted with approval from In re Curtis’ Estate, 197 Mich 473, 477, where it was declared :
“ ‘The influence to vitiate this will must have been such as to amount to force and coercion, destroy ing his free agency and there must he proof that the will was obtained by this coercion.’ ”
By analogy like principles must obtain in the case at bar in determining whether plaintiff is entitled to the relief sought by him. The transfers here involved were not unnatural in character. They were not made to strangers having no claims on the donor. It is significant, as bearing on the relations of the parties, that for a period of approximately 10 years preceding the conveyance of the real estate to the daughter Thusnelda she and her husband had lived in the home with plaintiff, the expenses of said home being borne principally by him. It is significant also that the written agreements between the parties were prepared by plaintiff’s attorney, a friend and business associate over many years. Said attorney was present at the execution of the agreement of January 9,1952, and, also, at the signing of the antenuptial contract. Acting as a witness to the transactions was another officer of the Home Dairy Company, likewise plaintiff’s friend and business associate. It is fair to assume that neither of these men would have been a party to any transaction entered into by plaintiff had they had any reason to believe that coercion or undue influence had been exerted against him.
The case of In re Reed’s Estate, supra, was cited, quoted from, and followed in In re Kramer’s Estate, 324 Mich 626, 635, 636. See, also, In re Kenealy’s Estate, 336 Mich 657. A gift from a parent to a child, particularly under the circumstances disclosed by the case at bar, raises no inference or presumption of undue influence. Bather, the burden rests on one asserting invalidity to establish it by satisfactory proof. 39 Am Jur, Parent and Child, § 99, p 744.
On behalf of appellant it is contended that a fiduciary relation existed as between him and the de fendants. The proofs do not support the claim-. The daughter Thusnelda, and likewise the son, unquestionably did many things to assist their father, a perfectly natural course of conduct in view of his physical condition. However, the record falls far short of establishing that plaintiff was governed by their advice or that he depended on them in the making of decisions concerning his business affairs, or otherwise. It clearly appears that plaintiff, notwithstanding his physical condition, was able to determine for himself what he wished to do and to refuse to act against his own inclinations. What defendants did to assist him amounted to no more than would be prompted normally by the existing relationship.
Quite possibly the kindly feelings that prompted the acts of the son and daughters on behalf of their father tended to influence him in making the property transfers now under attack. Such an influence is not undue. What was said in In re Jennings’ Estate, 335 Mich 241, 243, 244, is applicable here:
“It is urged that because defendant for a number of years looked after testator’s business and property, collecting rents, dividends and mortgage payments for him, and paying taxes, repair bills, et cetera, a fiduciary relationship existed between them, giving rise to a presumption of undue influence on defendant’s part. We are mindful of the holdings in In re McMaster’s Estate, 163 Mich 210; and Scheibner v. Scheibner, 220 Mich 115; and others of like import, which plaintiffs cite as authority for their claim of a fiduciary relationship here. At the same time, it is to be noted that in In re Cottrell’s Estate, 235 Mich 627; and In re Lacroix’s Estate, 265 Mich 59, it was held that the mere assisting with and conducting of testator’s business affairs does not give rise to a fiduciary relationship. We think the term should be held to mean what the word ‘fiduciary’ implies and that the relationship exists only when there is a reposing of faith, confidence and trust and the placing of reliance by one upon the judgment and advice of another. No such situation was established here.”
In Mackall v. Mackall, 135 US 167, 173 (10 S Ct 705, 34 L ed 84), the court in rejecting a claim that a deed had been executed because of undue influence exerted by the grantee thereunder, a son of the grantor, emphasized the nature of the relation, declaring that:
“To defeat a conveyance under those circumstances, something more than the natural influence springing from such relationship must be shown; imposition, fraud, importunity, duress, or something of that nature, must appear; otherwise that disposition of property which accords with the natural inclinations of the human heart must be sustained. So that if this case turned simply upon the question of undue influence, compelling a voluntary conveyance, it would be difficult to find enough in the testimony to overthrow this deed.”
In Spencer v. Hill, 336 Mich 22, the only testimony offered in the case was that of the plaintiff who sought relief by way of cancellation of instruments that she had executed. Under the undisputed facts a decree in her favor was sustained, the Court recognizing, however, that each such case must depend on its own circumstances. The facts there involved are clearly distinguishable from those in the case at bar.
That the defendants sought to dissuade their father from marrying Mrs. Haase is not in dispute. It was their claim on the trial that their position was prompted by a desire to prevent an act on his part that, in view of his physical condition, they considered, in good faith, to be unwise. Their statements to plaintiff, of which complaint is now made, had reference to his contemplated marriage rather than to his property. Plaintiff as a witness in his own behalf testified that:
“There were never any discussions with the children concerning who would receive my property after' I was married.”
It is significant also that defendants’ attempts to dissuade plaintiff from entering into a marriage with Mrs. Haase resulted in failure. In that respect he made his own determination uninfluenced by what was said to him. He relied on his own judgment. The presumption that he did likewise in transferring certain property to his children is supported by the proofs in the case, rather than being inconsistent therewith. Considering all of the circumstances under which the transactions in question took place, the opportunity for deliberation with reference to them, the fact that plaintiff’s attorney prepared each agreement unquestionably in accordance with his understanding as to' plaintiff’s desires, and the further fact that plaintiff, had he desired to do so, had ample opportunity to discuss his affairs with his business associates as well as with his attorney, indicate that he was not coerced or made the victim of undue influence or persuasion by defendants.
The trial judge came to the correct conclusion, and the decree entered is affirmed. Appellees may have costs.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Edwards, Voelker, Kelly, and Black, JJ., concurred. | [
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Carr, J.
The question at issue in this case is whether the board of education of the Grand Ledge school district may refuse to accept for admission to its high school nonresident students who have completed the first 8 grades and are desirous of. high school instruction. Some of the plaintiffs who have joined in the suit ate officers of school districts that have heretofore been sending students to defendant’s schools and have been paying tuition and transportation costs therefor. Other plaintiffs are parents of minor children who are residents of districts not maintaining high schools and who are desirous of continuing their studies beyond the 8th grade. Residents of school districts which have heretofore sent students to the Grand Ledge public schools have also joined in the suit on the ground that they will be affected in the future by the result.
The bill of complaint avers that defendant maintains an accredited high school at the city of Grand Ledge, and that nonresident students have been denied enrollment in the 9th grade of said high school. It is the position of the plaintiffs, as set forth in their pleading, that the board of education of defendant is without authority to refuse admission to the schools under its jurisdiction of duly qualified nonresident pupils making application for enrollment.
Plaintiffs asked in their bill of complaint that an order issue requiring defendant to show cause why it should not be enjoined, from denying admission to its schools of the pupils in question, and also for a temporary restraining order. preventing defendant from refusing to accept said pupils. In accordance with the prayer of the bill an order was issued by a circuit court commissioner of the county containing the restraining provision requested. At the time the circuit judge was absent from the county. The matter was heard by the judge on September 17, 1956, .and the temporary injunction sought was denied, the court being of the opinion that as a legal proposition the board of education of the defendant school district had the right to say whether or not nonresident ■students should be admitted to the schools under its supervision.
Under date of September 26, 1956, defendant filed its motion to dismiss the bill of complaint, alleging therein that the pleading did not state a canse of action for equitable relief and that plaintiffs were not entitled under the law to compel admission of the pupils in question to the high school of the defendant. Following a hearing on the motion the court, under date of November 7, 1956, entered an order dismissing the cause. Plaintiffs have appealed, claiming in substance that under pertinent provisions of the State Constitution and of the school code of 1955 the court was in error in denying the relief sought. It is the position of appellee that under the present code providing for the regulation of matters pertaining to education and the maintenance of schools plaintiffs are not entitled to the equitable remedy .sought by them.
Article 11, § 1, of the Michigan Constitution (1908) declares that:
“Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.”
Section 9 of the same article directs the legislature to “continue a system of primary schools, whereby every school district in the State shall provide for the education of its pupils without charge for tuition.” It has been repeatedly recognized by this Court that the legislature is vested with complete authority to determine the manner in which the directives of the Constitution shall be carried out, the creation and operation of a system of public schools, the creating of school districts, and the powers and duties of school officials chosen in accordance with the law.
In MacQueen v. Port Huron City Commission, 194 Mich 328, 336, it was said:
“Fundamentally, provision for and control of our public school system is a State matter, delegated to and lodged in the State legislature by the Constitution in a separate article entirely distinct from that relating to local government. The general policy of the State has been to retain control of its school system, to be administered throughout the State under State laws by local State agencies organized with plenary powers independent of the local government with which, by location and geographical boundaries, they are necessarily closely associated and to a greater or less extent authorized to co-operate. Education belongs to the State. It is no part of the local self-government inherent in the township or municipality except so far as the legislature may choose to make it such. Belles v. Burr, 76 Mich 1; Attorney General, ex rel. Zacharias, v. Detroit Board of Education, 154 Mich 584. The general school laws were carefully planned and enacted to guard that distinction; provision was made for organization of the common school districts, with officers elected at school meetings by electors with defined qualifications,.and who as a school board were given large plenary powers and control of school matters, practically independent from the local government of municipalities in which the schools were situated.”
Of like import is Child Welfare Society of Flint v. Kennedy School District, 220 Mich 290, 296, where the Court, after referring to certain provisions of the State Constitution, said:
“The legislature has entire control over the schools of the State subject only to the provisions above referred to. The division of the territory of the State into districts, the conduct of the school, the qualifications of teachers, the subjects to be taught therein are all within its control. In Attorney General v. Lowrey, 131 Mich 639, 644, it was said:
“ ‘The school district is a State agency. Moreover, it is of legislative creation. It is true that it was provided for in obedience to a constitutional requirement ; and, whatever we may think of the right of the district to administer in a local way the affairs-of the district under the Constitution, we cannot doubt that such management must be in conformity to the provisions of such laws of a general character as may from time to time be passed, and that the-property of the district is in no sense private property, but is public property, devoted to the purposes-of the State, for the general good, just as almshouses- and courthouses are, although confided to local management, and applied to uses which are in a sense-local, though in another sense general.’ ”
The authority of the legislature with reference to-matters pertaining to education has been recognized in other decisions, including Detroit Board of Education v. Superintendent of Public Instruction, 319 Mich 436, 448, where it was said:
“The power of the legislature with reference to-school districts in general has been uniformly regarded as embracing the power to create and alter them, regulate the powers and duties of boards of education, provide for the management of the affairs of such districts, direct and control the system of education of the State, and, in general, exercise with reference thereto the authority of a sovereign State over its governmental agencies.”
See, also, Ira School District v. Chesterfield School District, 340 Mich 678; Sturgis v. County of Allegan, 343 Mich 209.
This brings us to a consideration of the question whether the legislature, in the present school code, has imposed on defendant the duty to accept for enrollment in its high school nonresident students wlm are duly qualified to pursue their educational studies therein. Appellants direct attention to the provision found in section 583 of the 1955 code (CL 1948, § 340.583 [Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 15.3583]) declaring that a primary district' “shall not operate any grades above the eighth,” and also to section 731 (CL 1948, § 340.731 [Stat Ann 1955. Cum Supp § 15.3731]) which requires, with certain exceptions not material here, that every, parent, guardian, or other person having charge of a child between the ages of 6 and 16 years shall be required to send such child to the public schools during the entire school year. Reliance is also placed on section 761 of the code (CL 1948, § 340.761 [Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp §15.3761]) which reads as follows:
“The board of any district which does not maintain grades above the eighth shall pay the tuition of any children of school age, resident of said district, who have completed -the studies of the 8 grades, to any school district niaintaining a high school which is approved for the collection of high school tuition by the superintendent of public instruction; the board of any district which maintains grades above the eighth which are not approved for the collection of tuition by the superintendent of public instruction may pay the tuition of any children of school age, resident of said district, eligible to attend in those grades not approved, to any district approved for the collection of tuition by the superintendent of public instruction for the grade attended. The board shall pay the expense of daily transportation during school days of children attending high school in another district or districts. The board of a school district maintaining a legal high school as provided in this act shall, when directed by a majority vote of the school electors, discontinue such high school and thereafter such board shall pay the tuition and transportation for its eighth grade graduates. General funds and any surplus moneys in the treasury of said district belonging to the primary fund may be used in paying necessary and authorized tuition.”
It will be noted that none of the sections of the code above cited contains a specific requirement that school districts maintaining a high school shall receive therein nonresident pupils who have completed the first 8 grades of school work. The matter of such admission is, in terms, governed by section 582 (CL 1948, § 340.582 [Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 15.-3582]), which provides that:
“The board of any district may admit to the district school nonresident pupils and shall determine the rates of tuition of such pupils and shall collect the same. Tuition for grades kindergarten to 6, inclusive, shall not exceed 25% more than the operation cost per capita for the number of pupils in membership in grades kindergarten to 12, inclusive. Tuition for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall not exceed 12-1/2% more than 125% of the operation cost per capita for the number of pupils in membership in grades kindergarten to 12, inclusive. In districts not maintaining grades above grade 8, the tuition shall not exceed 25% more than the operation cost per capita for the number of pupils in membership in grades kindergarten to 8, inclusive. The operation costs and membership so used shall be those of the preceding fiscal year. The per capita cost herein referred to shall not be interpreted to include moneys expended for school sites, school building construction, equipment, payment of bonds, or such other purposes as shall be determined by the superintendent of public instruction not properly included in operation costs.”
Defendant insists that the word “may” as used in said section is permissive and grants to the governing board of a school district the right to admit nonresident pupils, subject to the condition specified. In other words, it is the position of defendant that section 582 is a grant of discretionary authority with reference to such admission rather than the imposition of a mandatory duty. On behalf of appellants it is argued that the pertinent provisions of the school code should he considered together and that the prohibition against a primary school district providing for instruction above the 8th grade, the compulsory school attendance requirement applicable, with exceptions, to children between the ages of 6 and 16, and the duty imposed on school districts not maintaining high schools to pay the tuition and transportation costs of resident pupils desiring to attend high school, should be read in connection with section 582 and as indicating an intent on the part of the legislature that the word “may” should be interpreted as meaning “shall”.
We are thus confronted with a question of statutory construction. Obviously the language used is clear and unambiguous. We think it must be assumed that if the legislature had intended to impose a mandatory duty on school districts with reference to the admission of nonresident pupils such intent would have been expressed by the use of appropriate language. In the early case of People v. Blodgett, 13 Mich 127, 167, 168, 173, Justice Cooley said:
“There are certain well-settled rules for the construction of statutes, which no court can safely disregard. Where the statute is plain and unambiguous in its terms, the courts have nothing to do but to obey it. They may give a sensible and reasonable interpretation to legislative expressions which are obscure, but they have no right to distort those which are clear and intelligible. The fair and natural import of the terms employed, in view of the subject matter of the law, is what should govern. * * *
“And, believing as I do, that a high and sacred regard for law and constitutional order is being begotten of these times, I regard it as especially important that the judiciary should do nothing to postpone or to check this result by decisions which strain or bend the meaning of words to meet unexpected emergencies.”
In MacQueen v. Port Huron City Commission, supra, it was said (p 342) that:
“It is a cardinal rule that the legislature must be held to intend the meaning which it has plainly expressed, and in such cases there is no room for construction, or attempted interpretation to vary such meaning.”
Among other decisions recognizing and applying the rule that the language of a legislative enactment must be given its ordinary meaning are: Nordman v. Calhoun, 332 Mich 460; and Stadle v. Township of Battle Creek, 346 Mich 64.
It will be noted that while the word “may” is used in section 582 with reference to the admission of nonresident pupils the duty to fix rates of tuition in the event of such admission is mandatory. In terms, the legislature vested the board of education of a school district with the discretionary power to admit such students and then imposed the ’ requirement with reference to the tuition rates to be paid thereby. The situation in this respect suggests that had it been intended to impose the requirement that nonresident pupils must be accepted for enrollment the same form of expression would have been used as with ¿reference to the other matter covered. A similar situation was presented in Dennis v. Wrigley, 175 Mich 621. That case involved a provision of the school law then in effect declaring that a district “may at an annual meeting vote to discontinue school in the district for the ensuing year and determine that the children resident therein shall be sent to another school or schools, and when such action has been taken the school board shall have authority to use any funds, except library funds, in the hands of the treasurer to pay the tuition and transportation of all such children, and if necessary vote a tax for such purpose.” It was recognized that the provision with reference to discontinuing school was permissive in character, but that in the event such power was exercised the duty to furnish transportation to resident pupils enrolling in another school, and to pay tuition therefor, became mandatory. By analogy, it must be said in the instant case that if the board of education of a district exercises the granted authority to admit nonresident pupils the requirement that tuition shall be fixed therefor in accordance with the statute becomes operative.
We are in accord with the finding of the trial judge that under the present school code the defendant school district is not charged with the duty of accepting nonresident pupils. The language of the statute must be construed as it reads. It is not within the province of this Court to read therein a mandate that the legislature has not seen fit to incorporate. Our duty is to apply the law as we find it. Chapel v. School District No. 8, Fractional, Parma Township, Jackson County, 334 Mich 176, 178. If the school code in its present form results in injustice to the plaintiffs, and to others in like situations, the remedy lies with the legislature.
The decree of the circuit court is affirmed. In view of the nature of the controversy, no costs are allowed.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Edwards, Voelker, Kelly, and Black, JJ., concurred.
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Smith, J.
(concurring). This case involves a collision between an ice cream truck and a supermarket. The plaintiffs are the subrogees of Dorr and Margaret Anderson, the owners of the supermarket, known as Andy’s Shopping Basket. We will refer to them as though they were the store owners. The defendant’s business, as far as pertinent to this litigation, involves the ownership of an ice cream truck and its operation by one Oral Good. The defendant’s truck crashed into and partially through the front of the plaintiffs’ store, causing considerable damage, and this litigation seeks reimbursement.
The market is located on US-27 at the westerly limits of the city of St. Johns at a point where North Clinton avenne intersects the highway. Most of the area immediately around the store is paved with asphalt and at the point where the accident occurred there is a sidewalk about 10 feet wide, raised 3 inches above the asphalt and extending along the side of the building. On the day in question, Oral Good, défendant’s employee, “turned off from North Clinton avenue and drove directly to the store.” Dorr Anderson was standing inside the market with Mr. Harper, a salesman, at about 9:15 a.m. Mrs. Wilma Bensinger and another employee of the market were also at work inside. At this moment they “heard a terrific crash, sounded like the roof fell in.” When the parties recovered their composure, they discovered that the Matthews’ ice cream truck “was partially in the building.” Mr. Good, the driver, came into the store and talked with Dorr Anderson, who related the conversation to the court:
“Well, he was in quite a high state.of upset or excitement I would say, and he said that he wasn’t driving too fast, that he thought he was going to stop, and he felt he certainly would stop when he hit the building, he didn’t expect the building to cave in.”
The plaintiffs’ declaration charged that the driver “approached said building in a negligent, careless and reckless manner, striking the northeast corner of said building, greatly damaging the same,” alleged specific duties on the part of. the driver, and asserted that “notwithstanding” such duties the defendant’s agent drove in the careless, et cetera, manner described and damaged the building. The defendant denied the driving so charged and described, and asserted “that any accident which may have caused injury to the subrogor’s building was not caused through any act of negligence on the part of this defendant or its servant, but by an act of God, the asphalt pavement around said subrogee’s premises having become covered the night before by an icy condition of which this defendant’s agent had no knowledge and could not see.” At the close of the plaintiffs’ proofs the defendant moved for a judgment of no cause for action. This the trial court granted on the ground that there were “missing links” in the proofs. Motion for new trial having been made and denied, plaintiffs are before us on a general appeal.
Our problem here is the proof of negligence by circumstantial evidence.
At the one extreme, it is clear that the happening of an accident alone is not evidence of negligence. Something more must be shown than the mere happening. At the other extreme, it is clear that we do not require direct evidence to establish each of the issues in a negligence case. In fact it is an unusual case where none of the issues confronting the jury (including duty, breach, and causal connection) is established, at least in part, by a process of inference from relevant and established facts. To the degree that we employ such a process. of inference we are using circumstantial evidence. We do it constantly. . The law would be paralyzed without it.
But we said that the mere happening of an accident, standing alone, is not evidence of negligence. Where, then, do we draw the line? We will start with the case of Alpern v. Churchill, 53 Mich 607. It cast a long shadow. Mrs. Alpern, the plaintiff, complained of the destruction by fire of certain buildings and alleged that the fire was caused by sparks from defendants’ refuse burner, located nearby. Defendants conceded that, “Prima facie, the plaintiff has made ont a case to show that this fire did originate from the sparks from the burner of the defendants,” but by the court’s instruction “the case was made to turn upon the question whether there was any evidence tending to show negligence in the defendants in the use of an imperfect or insufficient spark-catcher.” The jury was instructed to find for defendants. In reversing, Mr. Justice Cooley wrote as follows for a unanimous court (pp 612, 613):
“Proof that the injury probably resulted from sparks emitted from the burner was ample, but the judge was of opinion that this was insufficient to establish a liability unless there was some affirmative showing of negligence, beyond what might be inferred from the injury itself. And this as a general principle is no doubt true; the party counting upon negligence must adduce affirmative proof of it. Lake Shore & Michigan Southern R. Co. v. Miller, 25 Mich 274; Macomber v. Nichols, 34 Mich 212 (22 Am Rep 522); Grand Rapids & Indiana R. Co. v. Judson, 34 Mich 506; Brown v. Congress & Baker Street Railway Co., 49 Mich 153 (4 Am Neg Cas 32). But we are not satisfied that there was in this case such an absence of evidence as the judge supposed. Negligence, like any other fact, may be inferred from the circumstances; and the case may be such that, though there be no positive proof that defendant has been guilty of any neglect of duty, the inference of negligence would be irresistible.”
Some 30 years later we decided the case of Maki v. Isle Royale Copper Co., 180 Mich 624. This involved a personal injury. Plaintiff, working in defendant’s mine, was struck by a falling bucket. The bail of this bucket was attached to a chain which, in turn, was attached to the hook of the “lower block” by a double knot in the chain. “There was testimony,” states the opinion (p 626), “to show that, if a chain were knotted in the way this chain was, it should also be bolted in order to be reasonably safe.” Was there a bolt there! The defendant insisted, as to this, that the record was absolutely blank. The trial court directed a verdict for defendant. In reversing, we held as follows (pp 630-632):
“It is true that there is no positive direct testimony that there was no bolt in the knot at the time of the accident, but, having in mind the well-established rule that, in directing a verdict for the defendant, the facts in the case should be viewed most favorably to the plaintiff, can it be said that a reasonable inference cannot be drawn that the bucket fell because of the failure to furnish the knot with the necessary bolt! In this State, defendant’s negligence cannot be presumed and must be proven, but we tliink the reasoning of this Court in Schoepper v. Hancock Chemical Co., 113 Mich 582, 586, 589, is applicable to the instant case. Justice Montgomery, speaking for the Court, said:
“ ‘Defendant’s counsel contend that the cause of this explosion is a matter of mere conjecture, and it is said by counsel that it is not enough for plaintiff to prove circumstances consistent with her theory, but that these circumstances, and each of them, must preclude any other rational conclusion. This we take to be but another way of stating the proposition that the proof must exclude.all reasonable doubt. It is hardly necessary to say that no such rule obtains in civil cases. It is true that where an injury occurs that cannot be accounted for, and where the occasion of it rests wholly in conjecture, the case may fail for want of proof. Robinson v. Charles Wright & Co., 94 Mich 283; Redmond v. Delta Lumber Co., 96 Mich 545. But such cases are rare, and that rule should never be so extended as to result in a failure of justice, or in denying an injured person a right of action where there is room for balancing the probabilities and for drawing reasonable inferences better supported upon one side than the other. In this case there was no direct proof of any other probable producing cause of the explosion than such as was offered by the plaintiff. * * * Negligence, like any other fact, may be inferred from circumstances. Alpern v. Churchill, 53 Mich 607, 613; Barnowsky v. Helson, 89 Mich 523 (15 LRA 33). And, though the proof of plaintiff depended upon inference to establish the main fact, the question of whether the inference suggested by the plaintiff’s theory is the correct one, or whether it was sufficiently rebutted, was for the jury. Crosby v. Detroit G. H. & M. R. Co., 58 Mich 458; Hagan v. Chicago, Detroit & G. T. R. Co., 86 Mich 615; Woods v. Chicago & G. T. R. Co., 108 Mich 396. The judgment will be reversed, and a new trial ordered.’
“See, also, La Fernier v. Soo River Lighter & Wrecking Co., 129 Mich 596; Mirabile v. Murphy Co., 169 Mich 522; Maki v. Mohawk Mining Co., 176 Mich 497.
“We have, in the instant ease, the testimony above set forth and the physical fact that the bucket fell while it was empty and suspended upon the chain without being subjected to any unusual strain or jar. We are of the opinion that a reasonable inference supporting the plaintiff’s theory of the case might properly be drawn by a jury, and that this question should have been submitted to the jury.” (Emphasis ours.)
We will discuss one additional case, Heppenstall Steel Co. v. Wabash R. Co., 242 Mich 464. In this case a spur track extended from defendant’s switching tracks into plaintiff’s plant. The opening (into plaintiff’s building) for railroad cars was protected by a steel curtain. During the night 3 cars “crashed through the steel curtain, entered plaintiff’s building, and went through it and demolished a portion of the east wall. No witness saw the happening.” The defendant argued that there was no testimony upon which to base a finding of negligence. It argued that the accident might, for instance, have oc curred because, while being switched upon this spur track, the cars might have broken loose from their string due to faulty couplers, of which fault defendant had no notice. In short, that “plaintiff’s case rests solely on speculation and conjecture.” The opinion of Mr. Justice Fellows, in affirming judgment for the plaintiff, held, in part, as follows (p 468):
“This Court has uniformly held that cases may be made by circumstantial evidence. This is.not the adoption of the rule res ipsa loquitur, a rule not favored by this Court. It has always been the rule of this jurisdiction that the jury should be permitted to draw legitimate inferences from the' established facts. So to do is an entirely different thing than to permit the jury to speculate or guess what the facts are. * * *
“It was a legitimate inference to be drawn from the established facts that defendants’ employees sent the cars into this siding with such force that they crashed through a steel curtain, over 2 high bumpers near the end of 130 feet of track running-through the building and through a brick wall.”
The opinion of Mr. Justice Montgomery, speaking for the unanimous Court in Sewell v. Detroit United Railway, 158 Mich 407, 409, is also in point:
“It is the settled rule of this State that negligence of the defendant must be proved, and that an inference of negligence is not to be drawn from the mere fact of an accident. But it has also been held in numerous cases that the circumstances attending an injury may be such as to justify an inference of negligence. As in the present case, if all that appeared had been that the plaintiff was riding- in a car of the defendant under the control of its servants, and the car in which plaintiff was riding continued its course until it collided with another car : ahead of it standing still, with sufficient force to push ¡the still car ahead 75 feet, the inference that some one had blundered prima facie would be the most natural one to be drawn, and that inference is so clear that it would not require further proof of negligence on the part of the defendant.”
We will not discuss additional authority, though it is ample. From the above cases it is clear that, as succinctly stated in Barnowsky v. Helson, 89 Mich 523, 525 (15 LRA 33), “Where a thing happens which would not ordinarily have occurred if due care had been used, the fact of such happening raises a presumption of negligence in someone.” Here we are speaking of presumptions. We are stating a rule of circumstantial evidence. What we have held, put in other terms, is that “where the circumstances are such as to take the case out of the realm of conjecture and within the field of legitimate inferences from established facts that at least a prima facie case is made.” Burghardt v. Detroit United Railway, 206 Mich 545, 547 (5 ALR 1333), per Fellows, J. In other words, when the facts proved point to negligence, we will not remain wilfully blind, refusing to see what is clear to everyone else. Courts and juries, just as pedestrians, will be held to see what is plain to be seen, or, more accurately, what there is a duty to see.
The difficulty in many cases, strikingly illustrated in the case at har, is the mistaken notion that the plaintiffs’ proofs must be so specific as to negative any hypothesis of nonliability that the defendant may conjure up, however ingenious it may be. Thus in the Maki Case, supra, that some evilly-intentioned or stupid third person, someone for whose acts defendant was not responsible, had in some entirely unexplained way gained access to the machinery and removed the critical bolt; or, that in the Heppenstall Steel Case, some unexplained and unanticipated defect in the couplers had loosed the 3 cars which crashed into plaintiff’s building; or, that in the case at bar, defendant’s truck had through some defect, of which defendant had had no warning, or no reasonable opportunity to learn, lost all braking power, i.e., “He might have had hydraulic brakes and put his foot down and the fluid had all gone out of them and he was surprised that he couldn’t stop.”
Plaintiffs’ burden is not so extreme. There may, it is true, be a number of conceivable explanations for an accident. Thus in the case at bar the driver may have been inexcusably inattentive as he approached the building and applied his brakes too late ; he may simply have been going too fast to stop; he may have applied his-brakes within what would normally have been good stopping distance, but skidded on the ice which was prevalent .in the area and which he should have seen and made allowances for; or he mav, through some totally inexplicable mechanical failure, have lost all power to brake between his last application of the brakes and the plaintiffs’ store. On the probabilities, where is the balance? Does it incline to negligence, inattentiveness, speed, lack of allowance for prevalent ice? Or does it incline to a wholly unanticipated loss of braking power, to a mysterious meddling stranger (in the Maki Case), or to (in Heppenstall Steel) car couplers suddenly and inexplicably at fault on plaintiff’s spur track? True, these things could happen. But no plaintiff need negative them to reach the jury, or the court. It is enough that plaintiff, as we gather from Maki v. Isle Royale Copper Co., supra, prove circumstances consistent with his theory. To repeat, as we there held (p 631), it is not required “that these circumstances, and each of them, must preclude any other rational conclusion. This we take to be but another way of stating the proposition that the proof must exclude all reasonable doubt. It is hardly necessary to say. that no such rule obtains in civil cases.” A right of action, we again repeat, should never be denied an injured person “where there is room for balancing the probabilities and for drawing reasonable inferences better supported upon one side than the other.”
What is the balance of probabilities in the case before us? What are the reasonable inferences? In short, what proof of circumstances was here made? In passing upon the court’s ruling we consider the evidence in the light most favorable to plaintiff and give him the benefit of all legitimate and favorable inferences. Fisher v. Grand Trunk Western R. Co., 306 Mich 95.
It'is admitted in the pleadings that on January 25, 1954, Oral Good was operating the defendant’s ice cream truck in the course of his employment and in the immediate vicinity of the market. The testimony discloses that about 9:15 a.m. on such date there was a “terrific. crash” and defendant’s truck was found to have entered “into the side of the building.” The driver, Good, was “In quite a high state of * * * excitement; * * * he said that he wasn’t driving too fast, that he thought he was going to stop, and he felt he certainly would stop when he hit the building, he didn’t expect the building to cave in.” On the day in question “it was freezing weather. There was ice all over town.” It was "also testified that “there was a slippery condition right there at the northeast corner of the building” (the point of impact) extending to “within 2 or 3 feet of the building.” (We note that none of the other 4 people in the building crashed into the building while parking there that morning.) According to the witnesses “driving was precarious” at that time, but the visibility was “O.K. It was good.” The driver, Good, had been delivering to the store “for a long time,” making “trips at least 3 times a week.” His route from the street to the store was “very familiar.” He would turn from North Clinton avenue into the market property and proceed the 250 to 300 feet to the northeast corner of the building. It was under these circumstances that he crashed into the building.
In previous cases involving analogous fact situations we have consistently held that at least a question of fact was presented by such circumstances. Alpern v. Churchill, supra, and other cases herein-before cited. So hold we here. Plaintiffs’ testimony, together with legitimate inferences therefrom, presented questions of fact for proper determination.
We have thus reached decision without reliance upon the Latin phrase “res ipsa loquitur.” (“If that phrase had not been in Latin, nobody would have called it a principle.” Lord Shaw in Ballard v. North British R. Co., [1923] Sess Cas, HL (Scot) 43, 56; Prosser' on Torts, § 42, p 201, note.) We are aware, of course, of how often we have stated that in this jurisdiction we do not employ the principle. (See observations of Black, J., in Higdon v. Carlebach, 348 Mich 363, 374, 375, quoting, also, Dean King of the Detroit College of Law, to the effect that “The Supreme Court continues to say that the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur does not apply in Michigan and then proceeds to apply it.”) We are likewise aware of such cases as Pattinson v. Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Port Huron, 333 Mich 253, in which we approved the award of damages in a case involving an exploding soft-drink bottle, a situation in which courts even professing to apply rés ipsa loquitur have denied recovery on similar facts. Loebig’s Guardian v. Coca-Cola Bottling Co., 259 Ky 124 (81 SW2d 910). It is time to attempt some clarification of onr position with, respect to this so-called “doctrine” or “principle.”
As noted above, Dean King says we do apply the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur. Justice Carr feels otherwise. “This Court,” he says, “has never approved the res ipsa loquitur rule.” Higdon v. Carle-bach, supra, 378. "Which is right? The real difficulty here lies in an embarrassment of riches. Both may be right. For the term res ipsa loquitur has no fixed meaning. Its meaning varies not only from jurisdiction to jurisdiction but it is not always consistently applied even within a single jurisdiction. Bond’s article, “The Use of the Phrase Res Ipsa Lo-quitur” (66 Central L J 386), expresses one of the causes of our difficulties in these terms:
“One of the commonest of intellectual frailties is the inability of men to continue to receive from a word or phrase its original, exact signification. A statement of an idea, however exact and clear it may have been originally, is commonly soon diverted or distorted by inaccurate conceptions, and, as it becomes more familiar or proverbial, tends to become a password for any idea it may suggest. This is true especially of colloquial expressions, but it is also true of any words which may he familiarly repeated to express an idea. To this same frailty is due the fact that a large part of the work of lawyers is that of defining old rules of law.
“The Latin expression res ipsa loquitur, frequently made use of nowadays in the law of negligence, has had a career in the law which illustrates this tendency. It is a simple statement of the logical effect of evidence in the light of ordinary experience, yet judges in many States have found it necessary, of late years, to devote pages of reports to defining the expression, and the rule it had been used to express; and still it is cited and applied in a manner which shows misconception of it.”
The resulting current chaos with respect to the use of the phrase is well described by Dean Prosser in his careful study published in 20 Minn L Rev 241,. 270, 271:
“It is used in different senses, to denote evidence of different strength; it means inference, it means presumption, it means no one thing — in short it means nothing. Perhaps its most unfortunate result is to suggest that it is something separate and apart from ordinary circumstantial evidence, and that if the technical requirements for a res ipsa case cannot be met, negligence cannot be inferred. The phrase means nothing more than ‘the thing speaks for itself.’ Why not say so instead? Along with res gestae and other unhappy catchwords, the Latin tag-should be consigned to the legal dustbin.
“ ‘It adds nothing- to the law,'has no meaning which is not more clearly expressed for us in English, and brings confusion to our legal discussions. It does not represent a doctrine, is not a legal maxim, and is not a rule.’ ”
Leaving the general problem and looking particularly at the situation in our own jurisdiction, there can be no doubt whatever that as the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur is defined by one of the great masters of' our law, we do have it and we do apply it in this jurisdiction. For purposes of comparison we will quote on the subject, in parallel columns, Holmes, J., in Graham v. Badger, 164 Mass 42, 47 (41 NE 61), and Morse, J., in Barnowsky v. Hels on, 89 Mich 523, 524, 525:
Holmes, J.
“Res ipsa loquitur,— which is merely a short Avay of saying that, so far as the court can see, the jury from their experience as men of - the world may be warranted' In thinking that an accident of this particular kind commonly does not happen except in consequence of negligence, and that therefore there is a presumption of fact, in the absence of explanation or other evidence which the jury believe, that it happened in consequence of negligence in this case.”
Morse, J.
“In this case the falling of the roof was in and of itself some evidence that the work of raising it was not being done Avith the ordinary care and skill. It is triie that the mere fact of an injury does not impute negligence on the part of anyone, but, where a thing happens which would not ordinarily have occurred if due care had been used, the fact of such happening raises a presumption of negligence in someone.”
It is too late, in our opinion, to insist that res ipsa loquitur, as above defined (and this is a classic definition), does not apply in this State. Fui'ther than that we need not go, in fact we cannot. For, In order to answer the question whether res ipsa (generally, if we may use the expression) is applied in this State we must first inquire whose doctrine of res ipsa? The res ipsa of Justice Holmes and Morse, or the res ipsa of Justice X? And having obtained this answer, what profiteth it us ? Better, in our opinion, to admit frankly, with Dean Prosser (Torts, § 42, p 201, supra), that from various origins there has “developed an uncertain ‘doctrine’ of res ipsa loquitur, which lias been the source of so much trouble to the courts that the use of the phrase itself has become a definite obstacle to any clear thought, and it might better be discarded entirely.”
This much, however, is clear: The facts and circumstances attending an injury ma3r be such as to take the case out of the realm of conjecture and to justify a legitimate inference from established facts. The primary difficulty in each case, on the substantive side, relates to the sufficiency, as a matter of proof, of the circumstantial evidence presented. But this problem is not unique to the negligence field. To it no definite answer can be given. We are in the realm of what is known to onr communities and our juries as “common sense” and we say this with full realization that the common sense of today may, tomorrow, be described as nothing more than a common delusion. But we try our case today and we must use today’s experiences, not tomorrow’s wisdom, or even yesterday’s Latin, as our standard.
The order of the court denying motion for new trial is reversed and the case remanded for new trial. Costs to appellants.
Edwards and Black, JJ., concurred with Smith, J.
Carr, J.
The trial judge having entered judgment in favor of the defendant, on motion made at the-close of plaintiffs’ proofs, the testimony introduced by plaintiffs must be construed as strongly as reasonably proper in their favor. From facts alleged in the declaration and admitted in the answer, together with reasonable conclusions that may be drawn from the proofs, it appears that defendant’s truck, operated by its employee in the course of his employment, ran into and damaged a building protected by plaintiffs’ policy, or policies, of insurance. The accident happened January 25, 1954, shortly after 9 o’clock in the morning. At the time the streets of the city generally and the approaches to' the building in question were quite icy.
It was plaintiffs’ claim that defendant’s driver was operating its truck in a careless and negligent manner. The proofs of the plaintiffs, if accepted by the trier of the facts on the merits, were such as to justify inferences that the driver failed to observe with proper care the condition of the approach to the building, although the general condition existing on the highways that morning'should have warned him of the necessity for so doing, and that under said conditions he failed to have his vehicle under reasonable and proper control. The force with which he struck the building, indicated by the resulting damage, suggests that he was driving at an unsafe speed, particularly in view of his inability to control and direct the truck.
In a case of this nature the trier of the facts is entitled to draw reasonable and legitimate inferences from such facts as are admitted or established by proof. On the record before us plaintiffs were entitled to have the matters at issue submitted and determined at a trial on the merits. I agree with the conclusion reached by Mr. Justice Smith that the trial judge was in error in granting the motion at the conclusion of plaintiffs’ proofs. I also concur in his view that the ease may properly be determined without reference to the doctrine, or principle, of res ipsa loquitur. He has, however, undertaken to discuss said principle, expressing views with which I am not in accord. The matter was considered at some length in Higdon v. Carlebach, 348 Mich 363, and I adhere to the conclusions stated in my opinion in that case.
Opinions of courts and text writers are at variance with reference to the interpretation of the phrase in question. In conseouence some measure of confusion has arisen with reference to the proper application thereof. In some eases the view apparently has been taken that the statement or rule ought not to be given significance in accord with its accepted translation. Without discussing such decisions in detail, it is apparent that in some instances the language employed in the opinions had reference to the particular facts involved, and that inferences of negligence were at least permissible under such facts in accordance with generally accepted principles of the law of evidence.
Regardless of the views expressed by courts in other States, the fact remains that this Court has adopted, and consistently adhered to, an interpretation of the meaning of res ipsa loquitur. The phrase may be defined as “the thing itself speaks.” (New Century Dictionary.) With due regard to the translation from the Latin, it is apparent from numerous decisions of this Court that the word “res” is deemed to mean the accident and injury on which the plaintiff in a negligence case bases his right to recover damages. This involves the implied holding that the Latin statement of the rule, or principle, may not be regarded as referring to facts and circumstances surrounding the origin of the cause of action, as admitted or as established by proofs. If given any such enlarged scope the statement becomes merely a recognition of generally accepted rules of the law of evidence. Given such meaning it undoubtedly causes misunderstanding and confusion, and may not properly be regarded as a rule or principle in the proper sense of either term.
In Burghardt v. Detroit United Railway, 206 Mich 545 (5 ALR 1333), this Court, speaking through Mr. Justice Fellows, indicated its position in clear and concise language. It was there said (pp 546, 547):
“This Court has not adopted the rule res ipsa loquitur; we have uniformly held that the happening of the accident alone is not evidence of negligence; and we have as uniformly held that negligence may be established by circumstantial evidence, and that where the circumstances are such as to take the case out of the realm of conjecture and within the field of legitimate inferences from established facts that at least a prima facie case is made.”
In support of the statement made a number of prior decisions were cited, and the position taken has been adhered to consistently since the decision in the Burghardt Case.
The language above quoted leaves no question as to the interpretation that this Court has placed on the phrase res ipsa loquitur. It means that the mere fact that an accident has occurred in which personal injuries, or property damage, were sustained is not “evidence of negligence.” It may not be said that the interpretation of the phrase in question, heretofore observed by the courts and the legal profession of this State, is in any particular unreasonable or improper. It is based on an accurate and accepted translation of the Latin phrase. No reason appears for adopting a different interpretation at this time. Such change will have no tendency to promote the proper administration of justice in the trial of cases in court. On the other hand, any such change would result in misunderstanding and confusion.
Dethmers, O. J., and Sharpe and Kelly, JJ., concurred with Carr, J.
Voelker, J., took no part in the decision of this case.
See Prosser, Law of Torts (2d ed 1955), § 42; 2 Harper and James, The Law of Torts (1956), §§ 19.3, 19.4.
See Barnowsky v. Helson, supra; Bayer v. Grocholski, 196 Mich 325; Burghardt v. Detroit United Railway, supra; Fuller v. Magatti, 231 Mich 213; Howe v. Michigan Central R. Co.. 236 Mich 577; Heppenstall Steel Co. v. Wabash R. Co., supra; Wilkins v. Bradford, 247 Mich 157; Durfey v. Milligan, 265 Mich 97; School District of the City of Ionia, for use and benefit of Employers’ Liability Assurance Co., v. Dadd, 308 Mich 220; Pattinson v. Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Port Huron, 333 Mich 253; Spiers v. Martin, 336 Mich 613; Soltar v. Anderson, 340 Mich 242. | [
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Sharpe, J.
Plaintiff, Charles W. Attwood, is one of the subscribers to a petition for the incorporation of the village of Wayne into the city of Wayne. The petition was filed with the clerk of the board of supervisors on July 21, 1953. This petition was officially received by the board of supervisors on September 21,1953, and on the same date the prosecuting attorney for Wayne county issued his opinion, which, in part, reads as follows:
“ ‘Petition for incorporation of the city of Wayne,’ you are advised that we have carefully checked the averments of the petition with the provisions of the statute (PA 1909, No 279, as amended [CL 1948 and CLS 1952, §§ 117.6-117.8 (Stat Ann 1949 Rev and Stat Ann 1951 Cum Supp §§ 5.2085-5.2087)]) and the said petition has been found to be in accordance therewith.
“We, therefore, recommend to the ways and means committee that the petition be submitted to the board of. supervisors for action by the board, pursuant to the provisions of the statute.”
The petition was referred to the bureau of taxation for Wayne county. In a letter dated September 30, 1953, the director of the bureau stated:
“We have reviewed carefully the boundary description of the territory to be included in the proposed city of Wayne and find the description to be accurate and sufficient.”
On December 15, 1953, the board of supervisors, acting through its ways and means committee, made the following report:
“It is the considered judgment and opinion of the membership of your ways and means committee that the petition does not appear to conform to the provisions of PA 1909, No 279, as amended, and we therefore recommend that it he the finding of the-membership of this board of supervisors that the petition does not conform to the act and the hoard take no further proceedings pursuant thereto.”
Because of the report of its ways.and means committee, the board of supervisors failed' to call the election in accordance with said petition. On April 19, 1954, plaintiff filed a petition for writ of mandamus in the circuit court of Wayne county in which it is alleged:
“That the defendant has refused, and continues to refuse, to adopt a resolution directing that the question of incorporation of the aforesaid described territory to be known as the city of Wayne, in accordance with the prayer of the petition, he placed .upon the ballot in the county of Wayne at the next general election or at a special election; and that the action of the said, defendant in refusing so to do is, and was in violation of its clear legal duty as set forth in PA 1909, No 279, as amended, and that the refusal to act is arbitrary and in bad faith, and contrary to the laws of the State of Michigan.
“That the ways and means committee of the defendant made a report in writing to the defendant, a copy thereof is attached hereto, marked exhibit D, reference to which is hereby made, in which the following language is used, fin their considered judgment and opinion’ the petition did not appear to conform to the provisions of PA 1909, No 279, as amend-eel, even though the legal advisor of the defendant had rendered a legal opinion as set forth herein, which stated that the petition was in accordance with the said statute for the incorporation of the territory to be known as the city of Wayne. * * *
“Wherefore, your petitioner prays that a writ of mandamus be issued out of and under the seal of this honorable court, directed to the board of supervisors of the county of Wayne, Michigan, commanding it to forthwith adopt a resolution directing that the question of annexing the territory described in the aforesaid petition be placed upon the ballot in the county of Wayne at the next general election or at a special election to be held prior thereto, and the petitioner further respectfully requests this honorable court under a writ of mandamus to order the board of supervisors of the county of Wayne to call a special meeting of said board for the purpose of adopting a resolution as aforesaid, and that this honorable court give such other and further relief as may be deemed proper and just under the circumstances.”
On May 11, 1954, the prosecuting attorney for Wayne county filed a motion to dismiss the petition for writ of mandamus for the following reason:
“That the suit is not cognizable in mandamus, the remedy, if any, being by way of petition for writ of certiorari.”
The claim of unreasonableness is based upon the following:
“1. That the proposed new boundary lines divide over 200 parcels of land and many buildings, including a schoolhouse.
“2. That it makes much more difficult the proper assessment of taxes and the payment thereof and complicates the furnishing of municipal services by the municipalities involved.
“3. That the area contained in the proposed city comprises 76.06% of the assessed valuation of the township and 51% of the population, which means that the city would receive $134,758.10, and the re mainder of the township comprising 60% of the area only $42,415.32.
“4. That the city would obtain practically all of the water and sewer systems, leaving’ the township with vestigial remnants, the operation of which would be most impracticable.
“5. That the remaining portions of the 2 townships affected would be isolated and nonselfsupport-ing.”
The cause came on for trial and at its conclusion the trial court entered an order granting the writ of mandamus. In an opinion the trial court stated:
“There seems to be no question as to the sufficiency of the petition filed by the petitioner. No evidence to the contrary was presented at the hearing before this court, and a letter from the prosecutor of Wayne county attesting to the legal sufficiency of the petition was introduced into evidence at the hearing.”
Defendant appeals and urges that under PA 1909, No 279, the board of supervisors is given power to pass upon the reasonableness of the petition to incorporate cities. That part of the act in question reads as follows:
“Said petition shall he addressed to the board of supervisors of the county in which the territory to be affected by such proposed incorporation, consolidation or change of boundaries is located, and shall be filed with the clerk of said board not less than 30 days before the convening of such board in regular session, or in any special session called for the purpose of considering said petition, and if, before final action thereon, it shall appear to said board or a majority thereof that said petition or the signing thereof does not conform to this act, or contains incorrect statements, no further proceeding’s pursuant to said petition shall be had, but, if it shall appear that said petition conforms in all respects to the provisions of this act, and that the statements contained therein are true, said board of supervisors shall, by resolution, provide that the question of malting the proposed incorporation, consolidation or change of boundaries shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the district to be affected at the next general election, occurring in not less than 40 days after the adoption of such resolution, and if no general election is to occur within 90 days, said resolution may fix a date preceding said general election for a special election on such question.” (CL 1948, § 117.8 [Stat Ann 1949 Rev § 5.2087].)
Plaintiff urges that the power of the board of supervisors is expressly limited to (1) seeing that the petition conforms to the provisions of the act as to contents, limitation of area and population per square mile, and (2) checking that the statements in the petition are true. Once these ministerial acts are performed, the board of supervisors is bound to order the election.
In Oakman v. Wayne Supervisors, 185 Mich 359, 361, 362, we said:
“Act No 279 confers jurisdiction upon the board of supervisors, when a showing is made by petition in conformity with the several provisions of the statute. When this showing is made and is truthful, it appears to be mandatory upon the board to enter an order submitting the question of annexation to the electorate of the territory to be affected by such change.”
In Presque Isle Prosecuting Attorney v. Township of Rogers, 313 Mich 1, 7, we said:
“The original petition by which the proceedings are initiated is addressed to the board of supervisors of the county and filed with the county clerk. If the petition is found to conform to the provisions of the act, the board of supervisors orders the election and sets the date, section 8 of the act (CL 1929, § 2244 [Stat Ann § 5.2087]). The board of supervisors has no power to change the territory fixed by the petition. Bray v. Stewart, 239 Mich 340.”
It is onr opinion that the question of incorporation and annexation is a legislative one and that the board of supervisors has no power to pass upon the merits or reasonableness of the petition.
We note that the trial court opinionated upon the manner of voting. This issue is not before us and we decline to pass on it at this time.
The writ of mandamus will issue, but without costs, as the construction of a statute is involved.
Dethmers, C. J., and Smith, Edwards, Voelker, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred. | [
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Dethmers, C. J.
Defendant appeals from decree enjoining him from erecting a building upon East Spring street in the village of- Port Austin closer than 10 feet from the front lot line in violation of village ordinance No 20, which reads:
“The village of Port Austin ordains:
“Sec. 1. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, or cause to be erected any building or buildings, on or along Spring street in the village of Port Austin, from Lake street (M-53) west to Gallup park, and from Lake street (M-53) east to the corporation limits, the front of which said building or buildings shall be closer than 10 feet from the lot line or closer than 43 feet from the center line of said Spring street as now established.
“Sec. 2. Any person, firm, corporation or its officers of said corporation who shall be found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a fine of not less than $5 or more than $100, and the cost of prosecution, or imprisonment in the village jail of the village of Port Austin, or the county jail of Huron county for a period' of not less than 5 or more than 90 days or both, such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.
“Sec. 3. This ordinance shall be in force and effect 20 days after its approval and adoption by the village council of the village of Port Austin, Huron county, Michigan.”
Defendant contends that the court of equity was without jurisdiction to enjoin violation of the ordinance.
It will be noted that the ordinance contains no provision for its- enforcement by injunction. It is not claimed that it was adopted under authority of any enabling statute containing such provision. • The only legal', compulsion to compliance is the penal clause of the ordinance. Plaintiff’s bill of complaint pleads the bare conclusion “that such structure would also be a nuisance.” Defendant’s answer denies it. This amounts neither to proper averment by plaintiff of facts showing nuisance nor admission thereof by defendant. The mere fact that the structure, as undertaken to be built by defendant, is prohibited by ordinance does not make it a nuisance. There were no proofs of nuisance, public or private, nor of interference with property rights. Thus, there being neither statutorily conferred jurisdiction nor that which is inherent in the courts to abate a nuisance or enjoin violation of property rights, the court was without jurisdiction in the premises. Village of St. Johns v. McFarlan, 33 Mich 72 (20 Am Rep 671); Township of Warren v. Raymond, 291 Mich 426. For cases in which injunctive relief was granted, but in which the reasoning is in harmony, with the above cases, see, also, Conway v. Gampel, 235 Mich 511, and Portage Township v. Full Salvation Union, 318 Mich 693, in which the Court found nuisance; Grand Rapids Board of Health v. Vink, 184 Mich 688, and Glover v. Malloska, 238 Mich 216 (52 ALR 77), in which the Court found interference with property rights or causing of pecuniary loss to plaintiff; and Building Commission of the City of Detroit v. Kunin, 181 Mich 604 (Ann Cas 1916C, 959), and the Portage Township Case, supra, involving statute or ordinance providing for injunctive relief.
Decree below reversed and set aside. Decree may enter here dismissing plaintiff’s bill of complaint, with costs to defendant.
Sharpe, Smith, Edwards, Voelker, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred. | [
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Black, J.
Inland Lake Narrin occupies the greater portion of the northeast quarter of section 23, plus smaller portions of adjacent sections 13 and 24, of Oakland county’s G-roveland township. It is shaped like a summer squash, with the bulbous and deeper part situated in sections 23 and 24 and the shallower neck extending northeasterly into section 13 as far as 2 highways. One of the highways extends north-south and touches the lake at northeast-ernmost or stem end. The other extends in a general northeast-southwest direction and borders a short distance along the northernmost part of the neck.
Plaintiffs and defendants own contiguous acreage in section 13. The respective premises so owned by the contending parties is covered in part by the extremely shallow waters of the described neck of the lake. At one point defendants’ premises extend, upland to fast land, entirely across the neck and at this point they have erected a fence designed to prevent passage of rowboats and other small craft from the upper end of the lake (where plaintiffs’ premises are situated) into the main body thereof. Plaintiffs, claiming that they are riparian proprietors with right of boating and fishing between their part of the shore and the larger portion of the lake, filed this bill to abate the fence and enjoin its maintenance.
We have described the physical situation as it appears from exhibit 25 in the case, and present proprietorship • as it appears from the proofs. The principal question — aside from jurisdiction of equity — is whether the lake ever did extend to plaintiffs’ premises in such manner as to provide their predecessors, and plaintiffs in turn, with riparian rights as claimed. In such regard defendants insist that the vicinity of dispute was never anything more than swamp or marsh and that it is nonnavigable both in fact and law. A secondary question is whether, assuming plaintiffs’ said premises did at one time border on Lake Narrin with then accruing riparian rights, nature has not long since changed the character of the bed of the lake so that such rights are now extinct.
The issues so made were tried in detail. Dr. Donald MacLachlan, a professor of geology and principal witness for defendants, testifying from personal examination of the area in question, said:
“I would call the area between the 2 fences marsh. A marsh is a low-lying, wet, soggy tract of land. It’s described as land usually, wholly, or partially covered with shallow water. There are certain characteristics which are part of a complete definition of marsh; one of the characteristics is that the water covering the marsh be relatively shallow. The entire marsh may exist in a discontinuous body of water. If it exists in a continuous body, the level of the water in this body may be the same or may be at a different level. Another characteristic is the character of the plant life. I think the plant life characteristic of a marsh can best be described by giving the general nature of the forming of the marsh. Most marshes are formed from water in a body or depression in which there is water, and formed by filling np this depression from a condition of open water to what is typically a marsh condition. If the original body of water is fairly deep, then usually the beginning of the filling process is accomplished. Detrital material; sand, mud, and silt is washed in from the land. After the body becomes sufficiently shallow, then the plants begin to grow on the bottom, and when the plants begin to grow and begin to add in the fill, at first when the water is still relatively deep and the area still may be considered something other than a marsh, the plants are primarily floating forms of life and gradually, when dying, settle to the bottom of the lake, or pond, or what is going to be a marsh, and tend to build up the bottom of the area. Shortly following that, water lilies begin growing, and as they die, more and more vegetation accumulates and keeps getting more and more shallow. Ultimately sometimes, you have a floating bog, I mean a floating mass of vegetation, and as the lake becomes nearer filled the later part of the filling being done by vegetation, sedges begin to take hold and they are followed in turn by shrubs, and these in turn are followed by spruce and tamarack. Water in a marsh may occur in disconnected bodies of water or you can call it accluded water.”
He testified further, with reference to the secondary question noted above:
“It is entirely possible that the lake proper, at one time, covered the area depicted in plaintiffs’ exhibit 25, an 1872 atlas. I could logically draw that conclusion from the tree line and the hard land line and the floor covered with muck and decayed vegetation. If you had some old residents who came in here and so testified, I would be in no position to doubt their word. I see no evidence of the wash of sand from the process of waves having affected the area towards Kerley’s. There is a very strong indication of the process of filling to the decay of vegetation. That’s why, when you even wade up by Kerley’s, there is clear water down a little ways, and then there is soft substance that’s largely decayed vegetation. There may come a time when you couldn’t row a boat over that area if that process continued over a period of time. That same process occurs generally in the shallow portions of our inland lakes. To a lesser extent it occurs in the bottom of the deep portions of these lakes. There is an enclosement of vegetation toward the bottom of the lake. In the center of Narrin lake you would expect to find an accumulation of sediment on the bottom of that lake by reason of the valuation of depth, [but] its importance becomes minimized.”
The chancellor, in a painstakingly prepared opinion, analyzed the testimony of each witness. She came to conclusion that “this area is part of Narrin lake and that as a result thereof, plaintiff (plaintiffs) is entitled to riparian rights.” Decree accordingly passed for plaintiffs. Defendants appeal.
First: At conclusion of the proofs the chancellor obtained a small boat and, in company of the court stenographer, rowed over the entire vicinity of dispute. Her log of the voyage fairly records all essential details. It is quite consistent with testimony and finding that the waters extending from plaintiffs’ premises to the deeper part of the lake were and are navigable in fact by small boats and canoes; that the upper as well as lower end of the lake as delineated on exhibit 25 was and is in regular use for boating and fishing purposes; that there is 18 inches of boatable water in the shallowest part of the disputed area in the driest time of year; that fishermen occasionally put in their boats or canoes at one of the mentioned highway intersections and pass back and forth between both ends of the lake; that the neck of the lake provides good fishing and a part thereof is known as “the bass-groundsthat the fence so erected by defendants does interfere with rights plaintiffs possess as riparian proprietors, and that Lake Narrin in its natural state extended to and bordered plaintiffs’ said premises and still so extends.
We have been shown no reason for disagreement with the noted finding of facts and are impressed, as was the chancellor, that exhibit 25 correctly and accurately portrays Lake Narrin in its natural state. Too, we agree that whatever filling has taken place, by nature’s process since exhibit 25 was- prepared, has not destroyed the navigable features of the upper end of the lake in the vicinity of lands owned by the presently contending riparian proprietors. Such part of the lake being navigable in fact is navigable in law (Collins v. Gerhardt, 237 Mich 38, 43).
Collins, a leading case, settles the disputed question of navigability and status adversely to these defendants. It sustains application of the theory that defendants’ title to the subaqueous land in question is impressed with the public trust Justices McDonald and Fellows considered at length in respective concurring opinions (see pages 45, 46, 47, 48, 55 and 56 of Collins’ report). So long as boat-able waters stand or flow in the upper reaches of this inland lake, people having lawful access to such waters may boat upon and fish in the same, provided they trespass not on fast and privately held lands (Collins, p 49 of report). Such is the theory of plaintiffs’ bill in this case, it having been made clear that they desire nothing in the way of an exclusive right and that they “have no objection to the public being there.”
The right sustained below and confirmed here has properly been likened to that of owners of land abutting highways and streets (Hall v. Wantz, 336 Mich 112, 117). It is the doctrine of riparian rights, the essence of which is that no upper or lower proprietor may dispute passage by water of his riparial neighbor when the stream or lake commonly enjoyed by all has been made navigable in fact by nature.
Second: Defendants contended below and insist here that equity’s jurisdiction was not properly invoked by this bill and that plaintiffs’ remedy is at law, by ejectment. They rely entirely on Beach v. Rice, 186 Mich 95. Plaintiffs counter with Manney v. Prouse, 248 Mich 655. Neither counsel refers to or considers Pleasant Lake Hills Corporation v. Eppinger, 235 Mich 174, wherein Beach was placed in its proper setting so far as actions of present nature are concerned.
Plaintiffs do not seek to eject defendants from their lands and would be unable to do so at law, the ascertained facts of this case considered. No party to this case is in actual possession of that which is in dispute. Plaintiffs do not attack defendants’ title. They do insist that defendants’ premises, as well as their own, are impressed with the previously considered trust. They seek by their bill only to preserve such trust as against its threatened destruction. Pleasant Lake Hills Corporation v. Eppinger, supra, sustains the jurisdiction in present instance and we believe it should be followed.
The chancellor’s decree accomplishes a result agreeable to equity. It is accordingly affirmed, with costs to plaintiffs.
Dbthmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Edwarbs, Voelker, Kelly, and Carr, JJ., concurred.
Exhibit 25 is a complete page from the Oakland county atlas of 1872. It portrays, in the usual form of Michigan atlases prepared in the eighteen-seventies, Groveland township's land ownership and geographic characteristics including location of highways, railroads, lakes and watercourses, and then existent post offices and villages. It was received in evidence, as a qualified ancient document, and its accuracy for present purposes is not seriously challenged. We take judicial notice that the county atlas of that period has evidentiary value in ascertainment of facts then existent pertaining to boundaries and physical geography. The portrayals are not conclusive, of course, yet they tend to supply in many cases that which no living witness can affirm.
The witness here does no more than attest that which this Court has judicially noticed (Hilliker v. Coleman, 73 Mich 170; Andrews v. Weckerman, 144 Mich 199).
The chancellor’s boat trip took place July 28, 1955. After having noted that “This has been the hottest season that the area has had,” the chancellor said that “of all times of the year to view the premises, this would have been the most unfortunate one so far as the plaintiffs are concerned inasmuch as if the area was going to be dry, it would have been at this time of the year.” | [
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Black, J.
(after stating the facts). In Schattilly v. Yonker, 347 Mich 660, we considered the dangers of wholesale adoption of self-serving and argumentative requests to charge submitted exclusively by one party. Here, as in Schattilly, the jury charge (pertaining to the question of liability) was made up from defendant’s requests as preferred. The first 2 paragraphs of the quoted portion of such charge, together with occasional minor changes of phraseology, constitute the only exceptions. What we have quoted is “replete with error” (quotation from Schattilly, p 668 of report). It led the jury to understand that Mrs. Rogers “had a reciprocal duty to operate her automobile on said 20th street so as not to collide with another vehicle on or about to enter said 20th street;” to understand that Mrs. Rogers was unqualifiedly burdened with duty to “anticipate that it (the milk truck) might be backed out into the highway;” to understand that the defendant was free from negligence “in starting to back his truck” providing he and his helper “saw no moving traffic;” to understand that applicable duties of the 2 drivers became “equal and coextensive and each owed the same duty to discover the other and take the means available to avoid the collision,” and to understand that Mrs. Rogers was guilty of negligence if she failed “to observe the movement of the truck.”
The charge made no reference to the immediately superior passage-right, of a motorist lawfully starting or proceeding forward on the paved portion of a street or highway, over the passage-right of another motorist about to enter, at the same time from a private way, the identical portion of such street or highway. It failed to spell out the specific duty of a motorist undertaking to back, with substantially blinded view of the immediate area of expectable danger, into a busily occupied street, and it applied the duty-rules of section ,257.648 to the plaintiff motorist but not to the defendant. Finally, and in no portion of the somewhat repetitious paragraphs of the charge concerning contributory negligence, do we find qualificational advices respecting that which is known in our reports as the doctrine of sudden emergency.
Mrs. Rogers, initially at least, was possessed of that general right a motorist enjoys when starting or proceeding lawfully forward on a public way; the right to assume that drivers of vehicles parked or stopped ahead in private ways will not move into his rightful path save only when relative distances (and, usually, rates of speed) reasonably permit such movement. Such assumptive right, applied to the disputed, as well as undisputed, facts before us, brings the mentioned emergency doctrine into rightful instructional play. This does not mean that the trial judge was obligated, in the absence of properly couched request of plaintiffs, to instruct the jury with respect to such emergency doctrine. It does mean that the instructions we have criticized constituted reversible error in the absence of an appropriate proviso addressed to employment of that doctrine should the facts as found by the jury so warrant.
Realizing that litigation should come to an early end, and pursuing duty to declare errors harmless whenever such conclusion is fairly permissible, we have carefully reviewed the entire charge, and the separately certified record with transcript, in effort to apply our rule that contest errors are not reversible if the charge “taken as a whole clearly states the law” (Smalley v. Detroit & Mackinac R. Co., 131 Mich 560, 563; Max v. City of Detroit, 337 Mich 674, 678). The effort turns out to be abortive. Nowhere in the charge do we find that the errors to which we have alluded were repaired, in general substance or otherwise. In these circumstances we conclude with reluctance that the judgment must be reversed.
Reversed for new trial. Costs to plaintiffs.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Edwards, Voelker, Kelly and Carr, JJ., concurred.
CLS 1952, § 257.648 (Stat Ann 1952 Rev § 9.2348). — Reporter. | [
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Black, J.
(after stating the facts, for denial of the writ). It is time that this Court move to end the practice of pressured issuance, in original mandamus proceedings, of what in reality are advisory ex parte opinions dealing with validity, and consequent marketability, of yet unissued municipal bonds. There is a better way to provide judicial service in present instance and, if counsel had pursued it last year in the mentioned Oakland county litigation, an effective decree might well have been entered by this time. We shall presently consider such litigation.
On strength of the petition and answer summarized above — they were filed together March 20, 1957 — we issued the following order under date of April 2, 1957:
“In this cause a petition is filed by plaintiffs for the allowance of an order to show cause, and a brief in opposition thereto having been filed, and dne consideration thereof having been had by the Conrt, it is ordered that the answer heretofore filed herein be considered as the answer to the order to show cause, and that the cause be submitted to this Court for final determination as soon as possible.”
Four days later the printed record was filed together with plaintiffs’ printed brief. The cause was orally argued April 11th. On that date we received the defendant’s brief, in typewritten form. The latter accepts plaintiffs’ statement of involved questions and statement of facts. It goes on to say, under the heading “statement of facts”:
“It is a well-known fact that upon delivery of municipal bonds, the officer executing such bonds must make a certificate to the effect that no litigation of any nature is now pending or threatened questioning the authority under which the obligations are issued, or affecting the validity thereof. The defendant, as chairman of the drainage board for the Black Marsh drain, cannot make such a certificate until the matter has been settled by this Court.”
Stated question 2 presents an asserted right of due process, “as to those taxpayers whose lands are not in the areas to be served.” If we are to resolve such question, should we not specially insist that these taxpayers — whose lands are not “to be served” by the project yet are to be taxed generally for its benefits — be duly informed by judicial process that a suit is pending, the design of which is that of drawing upon them for aid of those “to be served” ? So far as I am concerned the Fourteenth Amendment gives us imperative answer. We were told again, not too long ago, that “The fundamental requisite of due process of law is the opportunity to be heard” (Mullane v. Central Hanover Bank & Trust Co., 339 US 306, 314 [70 S Ct 652, 94 L ed 865]), and that “This right to be heard has little reality or worth unless one is informed that the matter is pending and can choose for himself whether to appear or default, acquiesce or contest.” (P 314 of Mullane’s report.)
Forceful echoes of these precepts came to us when Covey v. Town of Somers, 351 US 141 (76 S Ct 724, 100 L ed 1021); and Walker v. City of Hutchinson, 352 US 112 (77 S Ct 200, 1 L ed 2d 178), were handed down. Here numerous taxpayers — of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties — , nominated by this mandamus petition for payment of $68,000,000 in project bills, are not before us, as represented classes or otherwise. Undoubtedly, and on the whole, they are not even aware that their rights and interests have been brought here for summary judicial determination. That we should attend their right of hearing and choice between acquiescence and contest is, I think, quite evident. This Court, equally with the courts of the Union, is obligated to guard and enforce every right secured by the national Constitution — including the right to be heard — whenever such right or rights are involved in any proceeding before us (United States v. Bank of Hew York & Trust Co., 296 US 463, 479 [56 S Ct 343, 80 L ed 331]). And there is no want of means to attend such right or rights when issues respecting validity of municipal bond issues appear. Our declaratory judgment statute, PA 1929, No 36 (CL 1948, § 691.501 et seq. [Stat Ann § 27.501 et seg.]), and onr Court Rule No 16 (1945) calling for notice to and representation of interested parties as a class, adequately provide (if utilized) due process for judicial determination of the above-stated questions plus such others as might and probably would appear in contested litigation.
Turning now to the previously mentioned Oakland county litigation. It consists of 2 chancery cases. Counsel for the present plaintiffs appears as counsel for the defendants in each such case. The 2 cases were consolidated and set for trial (with an assigned judge ready to proceed with trial) on October 30th last; yet they have not as yet been tried. Perusal of the pleadings in both (Township of Southfield v. Main, Oakland county drain commissioner, including numerous intervening parties; City of Troy v. Main, Oakland county drain commissioner, including numerous intervening parties) discloses that true adversaries confront each other and that the chancellor at trial will receive the benefit of controverted presentation of all questions necessary to final and effective adjudication of construction and validity of said chapter 20. We hold in these circumstances that mandamus proceedings, brought here on this meager record of brotherly pleadings, should not be permitted to supersede or interfere.
Here, unlike Graham v. Miller, 348 Mich 684, no one represents the public interest or involved segment thereof. No one has bothered to notify the attorney general and he is not here by intervention. The situation at once suggests that said Rule No 16 be strengthened by requirement that the attorney general be duly served, with pleadings filed in actions designed to test validity of proceedings taken or to be taken for the purpose of issuing obligations payable out of taxes or special assessments, and that we simultaneously declare regard of such actions as being those in which the people of this State are interested as a class. Probably, and as was relatedly observed more than a year ago (In re Fitch Drain No. 129, 346 Mich 81, 91), we shall get around to the task in the “sweet by-and-by.”
Aside from foregoing considerations, I admit to shrinking from final pronouncement meaning “go ahead” with projects running into many millions of dollars solely on strength of pleaded conclusion, agreed to by agreeable answer, that the Black Marsh drain in present condition constitutes a hazard to the health of Grosse Pointe Woods and Harper Woods. Allegations of such nature are not usually resolved without hearing and taking of testimony. We should not, public nature of the issue considered, accept a stipulation of nonadversary counsel attesting strength of the very drawbar of the case — that it is “necessary for the public health to locate, establish and construct” the drain in question (quotation from section 463 of said chapter 20).
These “friendly lawsuits,” where public officials get together for submission to a court of selected issues concerning which there is little or no disagreement amongst them, undoubtedly are begotten of need for immediate adjudication of validity of the legal proceedings by which required public improvements are usually financed. The good faith of such officials, when they proceed in that manner, can hardly be questioned. Nevertheless, and however praiseworthy their energetic effort to get at the job of improvement may be, we have no right at their instance to countenance or encourage elimination of the occasionally tedious requirements of due process.
It is no answer to say that our writ, if issued in this case, will be held binding only as to the parties before the court, and that presently absent taxpayers and municipalities — of all 3 counties— will remain free to justifiably question validity of proceedings taken in pursuance of said chapter 20. I think we should face with candor the realities of the situation that would obtain, once we signify favorable answer to the posed questions and the bonds required to finance this and the related drain projects are sold. "What juridical chance would any taxpayer have of overcoming the accomplished fact of actual investment and going construction involving millions? The early American parable of the dog with wax legs, attempting to chase the asbestos cat through what in dignified quarters is known as the nether world, comes to mind. Judges of our generation have not yet forgotten what happened when this Court upset statutory proceedings on strength of which several million dollars worth of drain bonds had previously been sold (see the bellwether cases of Clinton v. Spencer, 250 Mich 135; and Township of Lake v. Millar, 257 Mich 135). They would be quite loath, I apprehend, to vote sufferance anew of the repercussive lamentations heard then throughout the valley of Detroit’s Griswold street.
I -would summarize the proceeding before us in the words of Mr. Justice Brewer. Speaking for the court in Tregea v. Modesto Irrigation District, 164 US 179, 185-187 (17 S Ct 52, 41 L ed 395), quoted at length in Anway v. Grand Rapids Railway Co., 211 Mich 592, 604, 605, (12 ALR 26), he said:
“But going beyond this matter, we are confronted with the question whether, in advance of the issue of bonds and before any obligation has been assumed by the district, there is a case or controversy with opposing parties, such as can be submitted to and can compel judicial consideration and judgment. This is no mere technical question. For, notwithstanding the adjudication by the courts of the State in favor of the validity of the order made for the issue of $400,000 of bonds, and, notwithstanding any inquiry and determination which this court might make in respect to the matters involved, there would still be no contract executed; no obligation resting on the district. All that would be accomplished by our affirmance of the decision of the State court would be an adjudication of the right to make a contract, and unless the board should see fit to proceed in the exercise of the power thus held to exist, all the time and labor of the court would be spent in determining a mere barren right — a purely moot question. * * *
“The directors of an irrigation district occupy no position antagonistic to the district. They are the agents and the district is the principal. The interests are identical, and it is practically an ecc parte application on behalf of the district for the determination of a question which may never in fact arise. It ma3^ be true, as the supreme court says, that it is of advantage to the district to have some prior determination of the validity of the proceedings in order to secure the sale of its bonds on more advantageous terms, but that does not change the real character of this proceeding. * * *
“It may well be doubted whether the adjudication really binds anybody.”
We said as much, and the writer refers here to Justice Brewer’s final observation as quoted, in Central High School Athletic Ass’n v. City of Grand Rapids, 274 Mich 147, 153.
When and if the Constitution authorizes issuance by this Court of advisory opinions we of course will cheerfully comply with the people’s directive. Presumably, and in such event, rules of court will provide due process for all legally interested in and affected by advices so given. Until then, I think we should terminate that which is no part of the judicial function — the practice of determining in nonad-versary proceedings questions raised solely to assist immediate sales of municipal bond-products.
I vote to deny mandamus.
Smith and Voelker, JJ., concurred with Black, J.
Carr, J.
(for granting the writ). This proceeding involves the validity of provisions of chapter 20 of the drain code of 1956 (PA 1956, No 40 [CL 1948, §§ 280.461-280.489 (Stat Ann 1956 Cum Supp §§ 11.-1461-11.1489)]). Said chapter relates to the construction and improvement of intracounty drains deemed necessary for the public health, where the cost is to be assessed wholly against public corporations. It is in substance a re-enactment of chapter 18A of the prior drain code, added thereto by PA 1951, No 265. Provision is made in said chapter as reenacted for the filing of a petition with the county drain commissioner by 2 or more public corporations subject to assessments to defray the cost of such project. A county drainage board, composed of the drain commissioner, the chairman of the county board of supervisors, and the chairman of the board of county auditors, is created by the statute. In the event that the county has no board of auditors the chairman of the finance committee of the board of supervisors acts as a member.
On the filing of a petition for the construction or improvement of a drain the county drain commissioner is required to call a meeting of the drainage board. Provision is made for the giving of notice and for a determination by the board as to the sufficiency of the petition, the practicability of the proposed project, and the public corporations to be assessed for the cost. A public hearing of objections to the project and to the assessment of the cost is required, with notice thereof by publication not less than 20 days prior to the date of hearing. Notice to each public corporation proposed to be assessed is directed, the notice to the State to be served on the State highway commissioner. Following such hearing the drainage board makes its final order of determination, specifying the public corporations to be assessed if it finds the petition sufficient and the project practicable. Other provisions of the chapter relate to the procuring of plans and specifications.
Public hearing on the apportionment of the cost of the drain, or improvement thereof, is required to be held, with due notice by publication in a newspaper and by registered mail to the public corporations proposed to be assessed. Proceedings in certiorari may be instituted within 20 days after the filing of the final order of determination or of the order of apportionment. Following the confirmation of such apportionment the chairman of the board, the drain commissioner of the county, is required to prepare a special assessment roll, based either on the estimated cost of the drain or the actual cost thereof, if ascertained, against the several public corporations directed to be assessed. Such assessments may be ordered paid in annual instalments, not exceeding 30. After the approval of the assessment roll the chairman of the drainage board is directed to certify to each public corporation assessed the total amount of such assessment with the number of instalments and the rate of interest upon instal-ments unpaid when due. Assessments against the State are certified to the State highway commissioner and paid from State highway funds. It is made the duty of tax levying officials of the public corporations assessed to levy sufficient taxes to pay the assessment instalments and interest as the same become due.
The drainage board is empowered to issue bonds on behalf of the drainage district in anticipation of the collection of assessments, and to pledge the faith and credit of such district for the payment thereof. The manner of execution of said bonds is specified in the statute and the moneys collected for the payment thereof are required to be kept in a separate bank account by the county treasurer. In the event that the original assessments are found to be insufficient to pay principal and interest on bonds, the drainage board is authorized to make additional assessments as may be found necessary. Other provisions of the chapter are designed to facilitate the accomplishment of the legislative purpose, but are not directly involved in this proceeding.
The pleadings filed in the instant proceeding disclose that there is presently existing in Wayne County an open drain designated as the “Black Marsh drain,” located wholly within the city of G-rosse Pointe Woods and serving said municipality and the adjacent city of Harper Woods, as well as certain State and county highways. Pursuant to chapter 18A of the prior drain code, above cited, said cities filed a petition with the county drain commissioner for the improvement of the drain in question by tiling it. It is conceded that the various proceedings required by the statute in force when the petition was filed, and by chapter 20 of the present drain code under which the project is being executed, have been duly taken. The estimated cost thereof, determined on a percentage basis, was apportioned by order of the drainage board as follows: State of Michigan — .861017%; county of Wayne— 1.867492%; city of Grosse Pointe Woods — 96.-084779%; city of Harper Woods — 1.186712%. It further appears that no review of the orders of the drainage board has been sought. Bids for the project were advertised for and received. The plaintiff Michigan Sewer Construction Company, being the lowest bidder, was awarded the contract, and the drainage board by resolution authorized and directed the chairman to execute said contract for and on-behalf of the Black Marsh drainage district. The cost of the project as set forth in said proposed contract is the sum of $519,550.
Following action by the board, the chairman, by formal communication to it, refused to sign the contract because of certain questions that had been raised with reference to the validity of the assessment provisions of chapter 20 of the drain code. He pointed out as the basis for such refusal that the drain, if improved in accordance with the petition filed by the cities of Harper Woods and Grosse Pointe Woods, will serve only a part of each of said cities, and that, in consequence, the assessment at large against each of said cities, to be raised by a general ad valorem tax is unconstitutional because in violation of designated provisions of the Michigan Constitution (1908), namely, article 2, §16; article 8, §§ 20, 21, and 25; and article 10, § 12. Upon such refusal the other members of the drainage board filed their petition in this Court asking on behalf of said board that an order issue requiring the defendant, the chairman of the board, to show cause why a peremptory writ of mandamus should not issue requiring him to proceed in accordance with the resolution directing that he execute the contract with the Michigan Sewer Construction Company.
On the filing of the petition this Court entered an order in accordance therewith, directing that the answer to the petition previously filed he considered as the answer to the order to show cause and that the controversy be submitted to the Court for final determination. Counsel for plaintiffs have filed a brief with reference to the objections raised by defendant in his letter to the drainage board, above mentioned, and the prosecuting attorney of Wayne County and 2 of his assistants have submitted a brief on behalf of the defendant, asserting, in substance, the correctness of his claims. The matter was argued orally before the Court by counsel on each side, and the city attorney of Grosse Pointe Woods, which is required by the order of apportionment to raise by ad valorem tax an amount in excess of 96% of the total cost of the project, has filed a memorandum expressing approval of the position of the plaintiffs and requesting the Court to grant the relief sought by them.
The county of Wayne has not formally intervened in the proceeding although, as above noted, the prosecuting attorney and his assistants are representing the defendant drain commissioner. Neither has there been a request for leave to intervene on behalf of the State. The cities that will be required to bear the greater part of the financial burden sought the improvement of the drain in question in the interests of public health. It must be assumed that the action of the municipalities was prompted by the belief that the substitution of tile for the open drain now existing was reasonably required for the protection of the public. The question now before this Court concerns the validity of the statute under which the parties are seeking to proceed. As in prior instances of like character, this Court concluded that it might properly assume jurisdiction of the controversy in the form presented. It is doubtless true that the constitutional questions at issue might have been raised in a different form of action, and perhaps with added parties. Under the situation 'actually existing, however, in view of the fact that the order to show cause was issued and that the ■Court has permitted the cause to be argued and submitted by the parties, the case should now be determined on its merits.
The constitutional provisions invoked by the defendant as the basis for his refusal to execute the contract approved by the drainage board have been involved in numerous prior decisions of this Court. Article 10, § 12, provides that:
“The credit of the State shall not be granted to, nor in aid of any person, association or corporation, public or private.”
The express limitation on the power of the State with reference to lending its credit for the purposes indicated applies with equal force to municipalities of the State. Detroit Museum of Art v. Engel, 187 Mich 432; Younglas v. City of Flint, 345 Mich 576. Article 8, § 25, of the Constitution (1908), likewise provides that no city or village shall have power “to loan its credit, nor to assess, levy or collect any tax or assessment for other than a public purpose.”
The basic question in the instant case is whether the statute under which plaintiffs claim the right to proceed involves the raising of money by taxation for other than a public purpose. It will be noted that under the express language of chapter 20 of the drain code a drain may not be established or improved except when necessary for the public health. In the instant case no claim is made that any private purpose will be served by substituting tile for the existing open drain. It has been repeat edly recognized in this State, and elsewhere, that the protection of public health is a matter of governmental concern and within the scope of the police power. In Davock v. Moore, 105 Mich 120, 132, 133 (28 LRA 783), it was said:.
“The care of the public health is a police power. The several States of the Union possess a general police power, by which,persons and property are subjected to all kinds of restraints and. burdens in order to secure the general health, comfort, and prosperity of the State. Whatever differences of opinion may exist as to the extent and boundaries of the police power, and however difficult it may be to render a satisfactory definition of it, there seems to be no doubt that it does extend to the protection of the lives, health, and property of the citizens, and to the preservation of good order and public morals. They belong emphatically to that class of objects which demand the application of the maxim, ‘Solus poptdi suprema lex;’ and they are to be attained and provided for by such appropriate means as the legislature may devise.”
In Oakland County Drain Com’r v. City of Royal Oak, 306 Mich 124, there was involved the establishment and operation of a sewage-disposal system which was designed to be a self-liquidating county revenue project except as to certain preliminary expense. In discussing the arguments of the respective parties to the cause, it was said (p 143) :
“Furthermore, as Oakland county, in establishing the proposed sewage-disposal system, is performing an authorized county function in respect to public health, the expending of money in the initial establishment of such system would not constitute a loan of the county’s credit.”
In City of Highland Park v. Oakland County Drain Commissioner, 312 Mich 407, the plaintiff, which was the owner of certain bonds of a storm sewer drain district in Oakland county, instituted a proceeding to require the treasurer of the county to pay the deficiency on said bonds from the county’s general fund. Reliance was placed on a provision of the State statute directing that in the event that the moneys available in the drain fund were insufficient to pay the principal or interest of such bonds payment should be made by the county out of its general fund, subject to reimbursement to said fund out of drain taxes thereafter collected. The trial judge held that the statute imposed on the county liability to pay only such sums on bonds as it could obtain through reimbursement from the drainage district. This Court disagreed with the conclusion and remanded the case for issuance of a writ of mandamus to compel payment of the amount due from the general fund of the county. In reaching such conclusion it was said, in part (p 416):
“The ability of the county to obtain full reimbursement from drain taxes thereafter collected was not a condition precedent to its obligation to pay the deficiency. .The payment of the deficiency on the outstanding bonds in question would not cause the total debt of Oakland county to exceed the constitutional limitation. It is clear that, recognizing the necessity of establishing drains as a measure of public health and welfare, the legislature intended to make drain bonds a more attractive and safer investment by requiring a county to pay from its general fund any deficiency accruing on said bonds. It did not intend to limit the county’s obligation on drain bonds to the amount of drain taxes it might thereafter collect from the district.”
After citing prior cases supporting the decision, it was further stated (p 422) that: Drain Com’r v. City of Royal Oak, 306 Mich 124. In the proper exercise of its plenary power, the legislature directed one unit of county government to use its funds in the aid of another unit. The statute did not impose, continue or revive a tax in violation of Const 1908, art 10, § 6. Moore v. Harrison, 224 Mich 512. It did not operate as a grant of credit in violation of article 10, § 12. It did not require the county to engage in a work of internal improvement in violation of article 10, § 14. Its title was sufficient and not violative of article 5, § 21. Regents of University of Michigan v. Pray, 264 Mich 693. Other questions presented do not require consideration.”
“It is not within our province to consider the wisdom of the statute, but only to ascertain the legislature’s power to enact it. Oakland County
In City of Ecorse v. Peoples Community Hospital Authority, 336 Mich 490, there was involved the constitutionality of PA 1945, No 47, as amended (CL 1948, §§ 331.1-331.11, as amended by PA 1949, No 62 [Stat Ann 1949 Eev §§ 5.2456(1)-5.2456(11)]), and PA 1952, No 170. The purpose of the act was the protection of the public health by rendering available hospital facilities in communities that might take advantage of the statute. In sustaining the validity of the statute against the objections raised thereto, it was said (pp 501-503):
“Undeniably, health is a matter of State concern. Davock v. Moore, 105 Mich 120, 132 (28 LRA 783). In safeguarding the public health, the legislature is granted a large area of discretion as to the measures to be used, it being no longer questioned that the State may interfere directly or indirectly by any of its agencies whenever the public interest demands it. 3 McQuillin on Municipal Corporations (2d ed), § 942, pp 76-80. It has been held in the comparatively few cases that have arisen in this field that 2 or more municipalities may unite in the promotion of a particular enterprise. See authorities annotated in 123 ALR at page 997 et seq. The act in question does not impair the right of local self-govern ment by the creation of a State agency, or, as styled in this act, a joint hospital authority. This general proposition had attention in Attorney General, ex rel. Kies, v. Lowrey, 131 Mich 639. * * *
“We have here a matter of health, which is a question of State-wide concern and in which the legislature has a large area of discretion. The defendant authority is a State agency and, as such, is not a municipal corporation or a body created by the municipalities here involved but by the State itself. See the Huron-Clinton Case, supra [Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority v. Boards of Supervisors of Five Counties, 300 Mich 1]. The legislation in question, not being local in nature, does not require the vote of the local electors for its approval under article 5, § 30, Constitution 1908. See, also, Attorney General, ex rel. Kies, v. Lowrey, supra.”
The statute involved in the last cited case was also under consideration as to certain of its provisions in Bullinger v. Gremore, 343 Mich 516. Among other issues raised it was contended that the obligations assumed by cities, villages and townships, becoming members of a hospital authority organized under the statute constituted a violation of article 10, §12, of the Constitution (1908). In rejecting the contention it was pointed out (pp 562, 563) that:
“Each constituent member by becoming such assumes the obligation of contributing to the Authority revenues in the manner and to the extent provided by the statute. The money so contributed, whether raised by taxation or from other available funds, cannot be used except for public purposes. However, the establishing of community hospitals is of such character. In the protection and preservation of health all citizens of the State are concerned. Contributions to a hospital authority from constituent members are for a public purpose, the accomplishment of which is subject to legislative control.
“In State Highway Commissioner v. Detroit City Controller, 331 Mich 337, a similar question was involved. It was urged that the obligations assumed by the city and by the county violated the inhibitions set forth in the constitutional provisions quoted. This Court held otherwise, pointing out, among other considerations, that the accomplishment of the general purpose underlying the act of the legislature there involved concerned the public generally. In Hays v. City of Kalamazoo, 316 Mich 443 (169 ALR 1218), the right of defendant city to pay public funds to the Michigan Municipal League, by way of membership dues, was upheld on the theory that the general welfare and public interests of the municipality were thereby served.
“It is our conclusion, in view of the situation presented in this proceeding, that the pledging of contributions made by constituent members of a hospital authority to the payment of bonds issued by such authority does not violate the provisions of article 8, § 25, or article 10, § 12, of the State Constitution (1908). There is involved no lending of credit in contravention of said provisions.”
The claim in the instant case that the constitutional provisions referred to are violated by chapter 20 of the drain code is not tenable. We are not dealing with the raising of money by taxation and its diversion to private industry. The protection of the public health is a public purpose and within the functions of government under the police power. The holdings of this Court in the cases above cited and in other decisions of like nature are conclusive in this regard.
The conclusion above indicated that money raised by taxation for the protection and promotion of the public health and welfare involves taxation for a public purpose quite largely answers the claim that article 8, §§20 and 21, of the State Constitution, is violated by the provisions of chapter 20 of the drain code relating to the raising of money for a project thereunder. Said sections read as follows:
“Sec. 20. The legislature shall provide by a general law for the incorporation of cities, and by a general law for the incorporation of villages; such general laws shall limit their rate of taxation for municipal purposes, and restrict their powers of borrowing money and contracting debts.
“See. 21. Under such general laws, the electors of each city and village shall have power and authority to frame, adopt and amend its charter, and to amend an existing charter of the city or village heretofore granted or passed by the legislature for the government of the city or village and, through its regularly constituted authority, to pass all laws and ordinances relating to its municipal concerns, subject to the Constitution and general laws of this State.”
The interpretation of said sections was discussed by this Court in Attorney General, ex rel. Lennane, v. City of Detroit, 225 Mich 631. After pointing out that the police power rests in the State and that the home-rule act had not delegated to municipalities a general exercise of such power, it was said (p 638):
“Nor do the constitutional provisions above quoted work such result. While the municipality in the performance of certain of its functions acts as agent of the State it may not as such agent fix for the State its public policy. That power has not been delegated to these agents of the State. Unless delegated in some effective way the police power remains in the State.”
The general principle at issue was stated by the Court in Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority v. Boards of Supervisors of Five Counties, 300 Mich 1, 12, as follows:
“Subject only to limitations and restrictions imposed by the State or Federal Constitutions, the State legislature is the repository of all legislative power. Constitutional provisions are to be regarded as limitations, not grants of such power. Doyle v. Election Commission, 261 Mich 546.
“ ‘In passing upon the constitutionality of State legislation, it is necessary to point out in the Constitution of the State the limitation which has been placed by the people through the Constitution upon the power of the legislature to act, before it may be declared unconstitutional.’ In re Brewster Street Housing Site, 291 Mich 313, 333.
“ ‘The legislative authority of the State can do anything which it is not prohibited from doing by the people through the Constitution of the State or of the United States.’ Attorney General, ex rel. O’Hara, v. Montgomery, 275 Mich 504, 538.”
In discussing the nature of plaintiff Authority and the purpose of the legislature in providing for its creating, the Court further stated (pp 18,19):
“As hereinbefore stated in substance, this Authority is clearly a State agency which functions in a limited way in a fixed local territory. The State has not ‘surrendered or suspended by any grant or contract’ to the Authority the power of taxation; but instead the legislature has delegated to it as a governmental agency the power to determine within a fixed limitation the tax that the local tax officers shall levy and collect for its use. As will be hereinafter noted, by statute (PA 1933, No 62, § 11, as amended [Comp Laws Supp 1940, § 3551-31, Stat Ann 1941 Cum Supp § 7.71]) like power to share within a specified limit in taxes levied and collected has been delegated to school districts and to other municipal units.”
In accord with these decisions are the cases hereinbefore cited, particularly City of Ecorse v. Peoples Community Hospital Authority and Bullinger v. Gremore. What was there said need not be repeated.
The statutory provisions involved in the case at bar are an exercise of the police power of the State, designed in their operation to protect and promote the public health, and the subject matter is of such nature as to be within the powers of the legislature under the Constitution. Said provisions are not at variance with the sections of article 8 above quoted.
Article 2, § 1G, of the Constitution (1908) provides, insofar as material here, that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law. The suggestion in the instant controversy is that a property owner whose property is taxed but not directly benefited by the improvement of the drain here in question is thereby deprived of the protection of the constitutional guaranty and that chapter 20 of the drain code is therefore unconstitutional. It may not be said that the State is so limited in the raising of money to effectuate the carrying out of measures enacted pursuant to the police power of the State that it cannot impose the financial burden so entailed on property that is not directly benefited. Persons and property alike, subject to the jurisdiction of the State, owe a duty to contribute to the support of government. Even though there appears to be an absence of specific benefit to property or persons subjected to taxation, nonetheless that which serves to protect and conserve the peace, health, safety and general welfare of the people of the State operates to the benefit of all. The prior decisions of the Court above cited conclusively indicate that the argument based on article 2, § 16, of the Constitution is without merit.
We conclude that plaintiffs are entitled to the relief sought in the instant proceeding. If found necessary a writ of mandamus should issue as prayed. The questions at issue being matters of public concern, no costs are allowed.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, and Kelly, JJ., concurred with Carr, J.
Edwards, J.
(for denial of the writ). The proceedings in this matter present a problem of serious moment to this Court for reasons which have been spelled out by Mr. Justice Black. The case currently pending before us in its present form represents, in essence, an attempt to secure an advisory opinion as to the validity of a bond issue from a. Supreme Court not constitutionally authorized to issue same. Constitution of 1908, art 7, § 4. Generally, failure has met attempts by legislation or litigation to employ the courts for legal advice rather than for decision of justiciable controversies between adverse parties. Anway v. Grand Rapids Railway Co., 211 Mich 592 (12 ALR. 26); In the Matter of the Application of the Senate, 10 Minn 78; Reply of Judges, 33 Conn 586; In re Constitutionality of House Bill No. 222, 262 Ky 437 (90 SW2d 692,103 ALB 1085); State, ex rel. LaFollette, v. Dammann, 220 Wis 17 (264 NW 627, 103 ALR 1089); 14 Am Jur, Courts, § 56.
On the record as it now stands before us, we are confronted by a suit by 2 members of a drainage board against a third member, on an agreed statement of facts and with an obvious common purpose. The relief sought represents affirmation by issuance of a writ of mandamus of plaintiffs’ allegation that the provisions creating said board being chapter 20, the drain code of 1956 (PA 1956, No 40) “are not unconstitutional for the reasons set forth by defendant or for any other reason.” The clear and present duty to sign the construction contract for the Black Marsh drain in eastern Wayne county is claimed to be a duty owed by defendant to the individual members of the board who are plaintiffs and not presumably to the board itself.
The record discloses that 2 municipalities, Harper Woods and Grosse Pointe Woods, plus the county of Wayne and the State of Michigan will be required, in varying percentages, to repay the bonds scheduled to be issued for purposes of this construction contract. None of these parties are before this Court although patently it is sought herein to secure final adjudication of matters directly affecting them and their citizens.
I would deny the writ because: (1) On the present record we do not find a justiciable controversy between proper and adverse parties; (2) We find genuine doubt that the case in its current status provides for any fair representation of taxpayer and public interests in the political subdivisions to be affected; (3) There is doubt as to whether all of the legal issues which pertain to the validity of this bond issue are properly raised or argued before us at this time.
I do not join in Justice Black’s opinion, however, because it appears to me that he would send these parties away without remedy here and require them to pursue the longer and more costly method of seeking trial court adjudication and subsequent appeal.
The fact that a case is a test case does not bar this Court from accepting original jurisdiction — particularly where, as here, legal rather than factual issues are presented and the matter is of great public concern. We have frequently recognized that where an administrative official refuses on advice of bond counsel to sign or issue contract or bonds for major public works that a petition for original writ of mandamus will lie in this Court on the part of the public authority which claims the violation of a clear and present duty. Graham v. Miller, 348 Mich 684 ; State Highway Commissioner v. Detroit City Controller, 331 Mich 337; Dearborn School District No. 7 v. Cahow, 289 Mich 643; 34 Am Jur, Mandamus, § 12, pp 59, 60.
This Court recently considered issues raised pertaining to validity of school bonds issued by the State of Michigan, which issues were brought before us in a somewhat similar proceeding. Graham v. Miller, supra.
There were these differences:
1. In the Graham Case the political subdivision, the school district which would be affected by taxes for repayment of the bond issue, was the moving party before the Court. In the current proceeding, the municipalities and the county of Wayne and the State of Michigan which are to be affected by the proposed bond issue in that they will be required to repay same are none of them before this Court as formal or intervening parties. Nor is this action brought in the name of the public corporation directly concerned — the drainage board.
2. In the Graham Case the attorney general, under authority vested in him by statute (CL 1948, §§ 14.28, 14.101 [Stat Ann 1952 Rev §§ 3.181, 3.211]) appeared as-a representative of the people of the State to assure public representation of taxpayer and public interests and to lend assurance to the Court that all pertinent issues were raised. He has not appeared ]iere.
An original writ of mandamus in this Court is a discretionary writ.
“Mandamus is a summary and extraordinary writ issued in the sound discretion of the court. Owing to the drastic character of the writ, the law has properly erected safeguards around it, and regard Should be had for the exigency which calls for the exercise of the discretion, the interests of the public and of third persons, the nature and extent of the wrong or injury which would follow upon a refusal qf the writ, and the promotion of substantial justice. Tlie writ will not issue in doubtful cases, but only where the right involved and the duty sought to be enforced are clear and certain and where no other specific and adequate mode of relief is available to the complaining party.” 34 Am Jur, Mandamus, § 32.-
Until this Court is assured that it has before it the form and substance of an adversary proceeding, with all pertinent issues vigorously argued, and with proper representation of the rights of all interested parties, the writ should be denied without prejudice.
Our order erroneously recites filing of a brief in opposition. No sueli brief has been filed.
If, in the instance of a true declaratory proceeding, absence of interested parties is ground for denial of relief (Central High School Athletic Ass’n v. City of Grand Rapids, 274 Mich 147; School District No. 1, Fractional, v. Lansing School District, 331 Mich 523), we indubitably should deny relief on corresponding ground in a summary proceeding like this.
Mr. Justice Wiest, writing for the Court shortly after enactment and constitutional approval (Washington-Detroit Theatre Co. v. Moore, 249 Mich 673 [68 ALR 105], of such statute, said this:
“Under former practice a friendly suit would have been brought, entertained, and right in the matter adjudicated. Now, under the declaratory judgment act, there is presented issuable questions of faet and law of great public moment, and, if the act is to serve at all, it must be permitted to serve in this instance.” Muskegon Heights v. Danigelis, 253 Mich 260, 265 (73 ALR 696).
The Southfield Case involves what is known in the pleadings as the “Twelve Town Storm Relief System.”
CLS 1954, § 278A.l et seg. (Stat Aim 1952 Rev ana Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 11.147 [1] et seq.). | [
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Edwards, J.
This case concerns title to a corn crop ripening in a farmer’s field. In law school terms the legal problem would be stated thus:
“A,” the owner of Whiteacre, contracted with “X” to plant 22 acres in corn to be divided 1/3 to “A” and 2/3 to “X”. While the corn was ripening in the fields, “A” sold Whiteacre to “B” by written conveyance, orally reserving the corn. On “B’s” refusal to let “X” harvest the corn, “X” sues “A” and “B” for the value of his 2/3 share of the corn crop. “A” likewise claims his 1/3. Can each recover ?
This statement of our principal question omits reference to a fact dispute which we will deal with first. The defendant, appellant herein, at trial denied that there was any oral reservation of the' corn crop at the time of his purchase of the farm. The judge ruled against the defendant on this fact question, finding that there was an oral reservation. The faets and testimony set forth below indicate the reasons for the chancellor’s finding on this topic.
Defendants Howard and Mildred Miller were the OAvners of a 160-acre farm. In 1953 they entered a share-crop agreement with plaintiff Philip Blough Avhereby Blough would plow, plant and harvest a crop with 1/3 of the crop to go to the Millers and 2/3 to himself. In 1954 Blough planted 35 acres of oats and 22 acres of corn; the oats were harvested and divided before the occurrences giving rise to this controversy.
The Millers had had their farm for sale for some time, and about September 1 or 2, 1954, defendant Irving W. Steffens came to the Miller farm along with a Mr. Kern, a broker. Following discussion among the parties, it was agreed that Steffens would purchase the farm for $22,000, that the Millers would remove or burn down all trees, that income from an oil lease would- be distributed in a certain manner; and that possession would be taken by Steffens, part immediately upon closing, part in 2 weeks, and the remainder in -2 months.
This agreement was drawn up a day or two later into a sales agreement dated September 3, 1954, and signed by the Millers and Mr. Steffens, and witnessed by Mr. Kern. Subsequently a deed was signed and delivered. The 22 acres of growing, unripened corn were mentioned neither in the sales agreement nor the deed.
On November 22, 1954, Blough went to the farm to harvest the corn and Steffens ordered him off and took the corn that he had harvested. Blough then filed a bill of complaint seeking to restrain defendants from preventing his harvesting the corn and seeking damages for loss of his 2/3 of the crop.
At the hearing plaintiff Blough called both Mr. and Mrs. Miller for cross-examination under the statute; and they testified that they had told Mr. Steffens expressly at the time of the sale of the share-crop agreement with Blough, and that Mr. Steffens said he didn’t want any part of the corn. For this reason, testified Mr. Miller, no exclusion was included in . the sales agreement or deed.
Mr.- Steffens, in turn, denied any such agreement. Steffens then called as a witness Mr. Kern who testified, in part, as follows:
“Q. And was there anything said at that time about reservation or about corn?
“A. I can’t say there was a reservation made to it but it was mentioned. Mr. Miller asked Mr. Stef-fens if he would buy his 1/3 of the corn when it was picked.
“Q. And what else was said?
“A. Mr. Steffens said, ‘I can’t buy it when it is picked. It’ll have to be dry so I can buy it by the hundred.’ And Mr. Miller said, ‘Can I put it in the crib until it’s dry?’ and then he said, T think we can make some arrangement.’ And that is as far as I know about the corn.”
The case was presented by plaintiff on the theory that actual notice of Blough’s and Miller’s reserved interest in the corn crop had been given to Steffens and agreed on by him before the signing of the sales agreement, and, that, therefore, the corn was constructively severed from the realty and did not pass to Steffens by the- deed. Defendants Steffens, as noted, denied notice, reservation and severance.
The trial court, placing great weight upon the testimony of Mr. Kern, found the facts to be against Steffens, and entered a decree awarding $1,180.90 to Blough and $590.45 to Millers.
Defendants Steffens appeal.
On appeal of a chancery decree we hear the matter de novo on the record but we give great weight to the findings of fact of the chancellor. Hartka v. Hartka, 346 Mich 453; Donaldson v. Donaldson, 134 Mich 289. Here the testimony of appellants’ own witness convinces us, as it did the circuit judge at the hearing, that there was express notice of the' share-crop agreement given to defendants Steffens and that there was an oral understanding to reserve the corn crop entered into prior to the sale of the farm.
Onr remaining question of moment is, can such an oral reservation he effective as against a written sales agreement and deed, neither of which mentions any reservation?
Appellant relies heavily upon Justice Cooley’s words:
“We are aware that there are some decisions which sustain a parol reservation of growing crops in a sale and conveyance of lands, and which, therefore, might justify the evidence sought to be introduced in this case; but these decisions, we think, are not only unsound in principle, but they are opposed to the current of authority, and the well-understood rule in this State. The purpose of such evidence is to vary the legal effect of the conveyance by establishing a contemporaneous qualifying agreement; and it, therefore violates a fundamental rule of evidence, to say nothing of any question that might be raised by it under the statute of frauds. * * * We are not to be understood by this opinion as holding or intimating that a parol sale or any parol contract relating to a growing crop, made upon a valuable consideration is invalid. We only hold that a parol contract contemporaneous with a written contract cannot be shown.” Vanderkarr v. Thompson, 19 Mich 82, 86.
A number of early Michigan decisions have followed the Vanderkarr rule. Clifton v. Jackson Iron Company, 74 Mich 183 (16 Am St Rep 621); Adams v. Watkins, 103 Mich 431; Dodder v. Snyder, 110 Mich 69. And appellant argues that Justice Cooley’s language and the cases referred to demand the vacating of the decree we currently have before us.
The question of whether growing crops are personal property or realty has plagued many courts in many lands.
Generally, unless reserved, growing crops are part of the realty which passes with the conveyance of land. But, as recognized in the quotation from Justice Cooley, there are many situations where growing crops are held to be personalty.
“The common-law rule that growing crops pass with the title to the land upon a conveyance thereof in fee by one who owns both the crops and the land assumes the absence of a reservation of the crops. The modern authorities hold that an effectual reservation of an annual crop may be made and established by parol without violating the statute of frauds or the parol evidence rule. A reservation of the natural products of the earth, however, must be in writing.” 15 Am Jur, Crops, § 13.
In Michigan our statute pertaining to mortgaging goods and chattels makes specific reference to mortgaging of crops “either grown, growing, or to be thereafter planted.” CL 1948, § 566.140, as amended by PA 1951, No 244 (CLS 1954, § 566.140, Stat Ann 1953 Rev § 26.929). In addition, our probate code provides for growing crops to be part of the personal estate unless plainly directed by will to pass with the realty. CL 1948, § 702.59 (Stat Ann § 27.3178 [129]); In re Hepinstall's Estate, 323 Mich 322.
The logic for these instances of legal severance of crops despite their physical attachment to the land is found in the nature of the process of cultivation and sale. Farm crops require costly seed, labor to plow and plant and cultivate and labor to harvest. At every point there is motive for contracting for disposal of a portion or all of the ultimate crop entirely separately from the real estate. The farmer who needs money for seed may mort gage Ms crop (but not Ms farm) to the- lender. "When he needs labor he may agree to divide his harvest with the farmhand who plows or hoes or harvests. For the general operation of his farm he may arrange for sale of the crop not yet approaching maturity and receive an advance from the purchaser. These transactions are understood by all to pertain to personalty. Cunningham v. O’Connor, 136 Mich 293; Michigan Sugar Co. v. Falkenhagen, 243 Mich 698. And they frequently are oral agreements and enforceable when removed from the statute of frauds pertaining to “goods and choses” by acceptance or delivery or performance in whole or part. Uniform sales act, CL 1948, § 440.1 et seq. (Stat Ann §19.241 et seq.), particularly sections 4 and 5.
To meet these practical facts of farm life the courts have made a distinction between the natural fruits of the soil (fntctus naturales) and the cultivated products thereof (fructus industriales). As to these latter:
“With very few exceptions growing crops, fructus industriales, are regarded as personal chattels capable of being sold by oral contract, irrespective of their state of maturity, without violating the provision of the statute of frauds which requires the sale of an interest in land to be in writing.” 15 Am Jur, Crops, § 40.
See, also, 1 Thompson on Real Property (Perm ed), § 137, pjp 193, 194; annotation, 8 ALR2d 565.
Our current problem concerns the effect, if any, of a parol reservation of a corn crop) at the time of conveyance of the underlying land. The judge in equity who heard the matter found that there had been a constructive severance of the corn crop— presumably by the share-crop agreement — and that there had been an oral reservation agreed on at the sale of the farm.
The Michigan case closest to these facts is Kroh v. Dobson, 324 Mich 384 (8 ALR2d 561). Here a written sales agreement reserved the wheat to the seller. Later the warranty deed which conveyed the farm omitted any reference to the wheat. The Court said (p 388) :
“ ‘The owner of the land before sale, or foreclosure of a vendor’s lien against it, may 'effect a constructive severance of a crop, and thus prevent it from passing to the purchaser.’ Ray v. Foutch (Tex Civ App), 50 SW2d 380, 381.
“In the case at bar, as between the parties to the transaction, the sale, the wheat was personal property. There was no change in the attitude of the parties toward the wheat in the time intervening between the contract and the deed, so that when the deed was executed, the. wheat, being personal property as between the parties, did not pass under the deed. The deed operated on the real estate only and not on the personal property. That such was the actual understanding of the parties is evidenced by the conversation as to rolling the wheat.
“If there had not been constructive severance, there being no reservation in the deed, the title to the wheat would have passed to defendant under the deed in question.
“The trial court found the plaintiff to be ‘entitled to the ownership and possession of the wheat described in said bill of complaint, and entitled to enter upon the lands of the defendant for the purpose of harvesting the same and the removal thereof,’ and granted the injunction prayed for.
“The decree appealed from is affirmed.”
In the ALB, annotation which follows Kroh v. Dobson, supra, we find the following comment:
“While there seems to be only meager authority upon this question, the somewhat analogous ques tion of whether such reservation may he made by parol has been litigated to the extent that it may be stated that the modern authorities hold that an effectual reservation of an annual crop may be made and established by parol without violating the statute of frauds or the parol evidence rule.” 8 ALR 2d 565.
Cooper v. Kennedy, 86 Neb 119 (124 NW 1131, 31 LRA NS 761, 136 Am St Rep 701); Harbold v. Kuster, 44 Pa 392; Tallman v. Havill, 133 Or 407 (291 P 387); Grabow v. McCracken, 23 Okla 612 (102 P 84, 23 LRA [NS] 1218, annotation ff).
We believe the Kroh Case states the modern and the better rule and plant our current decision thereon. To the degree that the earlier cases referred to are clearly in conflict, they are overruled.
We hold in the current case that the share-crop-agreement effected constructive severance of the corn crop and rendered it personal property as between the parties to that agreement. We hold further that oral notice of said agreement (and agreement to the reservation of the crop) having been found at the time of conveyance of the farm, the crop was personalty as to defendants Steffens likewise and did not pass with the land.
As to appellants’ contention that defendants Millers’ recovery was barred by their failure to file a pleading specifically entitled a cross bill we are unimpressed. The record shows that this objection was thought of first on motion for rehearing and reiterated on appeal. The Millers sought affirmative relief in their answer. At pretrial the judge plainly phrased the trial issue as to them and noted with the agreement of all parties that defendants Miller “claim a 1/3 interest in the corn pursuant to the sharecropper agreement.” This pretrial statement served to amend the pleadings and state the •essential feature of a cross bill.
Court Rule No 35, §§ 5, 6 (1945) ; Simonelli v. Cassidy, 336 Mich 635; Ewer v. Dietrich, 346 Mich 535.
We have likewise reviewed appellants’ contention! pertaining to a claimed leading question and find no prejudicial error.
The decree is affirmed. Costs to appellee.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Voelker, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred.
See CL 1948, § 617.66 (Stat Ann § 27.915). — Reporter.
Section 6 was added in 1952. See 334 Mich xl. — Reporter. | [
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Smith, J.
This action relates to the purchase of a farm in Ottawa county. The plaintiffs, vendees, are daughter and son-in-law; the defendants, vendors, are mother and father. The actual sale of the property was made in 1949. In December, 1948, the defendant Powell had had drawn up the papers for the consummation of the transaction. They were executed on January 6, 1949. They consisted of a warranty deed from the defendants to the plaintiffs ; a mortgage from the plaintiffs to the defendants securing the sum of $11,000 and the assumption of a mortgage originally given by the defendants to the Central Bank, Grand Rapids, in the amount of $9,000; a “side agreement” which allowed the defendants to retain possession of the premises for 1 year, and according to the terms of which the plaintiffs agreed to pay “one-third of proceeds from the sale of all crops or produce from said farm, to apply on the principal balance of the $11,000 mortgage;” and finally, a promissory note in the amount of $11,-000, payable in 10 years.
Following the sale, the defendants remained in possession and occupancy of the farm buildings for several weeks, at the end of which time the house was almost totally destroyed by fire. Defendants then moved in with the children. As for the insurance moneys, the house had been insured for $1,500. The insurance company paid total loss to the Central Bank, to be applied to the mortgage assumed by plaintiffs. Difficulties soon arose over the “one-third” payments allegedly due. From 4 planting and harvesting seasons the plaintiffs received $22,-683.90 in proceeds from the sale of Avheat and oats from the farm, which they had continued to work after the fire. (Following 1952, however, plaintiffs used the land for pasturage.) From these proceeds the plaintiffs have paid to or for the defendants relatively small sums: $1,500 in 1 payment; a note owing by the defendants for .$250; and taxes for the year 1948 of $130.50. They have, also, a receipt from the defendants for lumber sold by the defendants from the destroyed house in the amount of $250. For these sums the plaintiffs were given credit on the mortgage by the chancellor. During this same period the plaintiffs completely paid off the Central Bank mortgage of $9,000 and have paid interest on the $11,000 indebtedness to January, 1953. Defendant Powell’s answer asserts that “plaintiffs owe to the defendants Powell, on said purchase-money mortgage, a principal sum in excess of $9,000 plus interest.” In this connection we also note that in January, 1949, there was on record a mortgage given by the defendants to the First State Bank of Newaygo in the amount of $4,000. The bank is a party to this litigation. It was as a result of the claimed refusal on the part of defendants to do anything about having this mortgage; discharged that the plaintiffs refused to pay any further amount due on the principal mortgage. When.the plaintiffs ■refused so to pay, defendant Powell, on September 13, 1950, sued out a writ of attachment, which, however, was voluntarily discontinued on September 28, 1950, for reasons which are in controversy. The goods attached consisted of wheat in bins on the Ottawa county farm. This outline of facts will'be expanded as necessary in connection with specific questions ruled upon.
In the action before us, then, we have daughter and son-in-law arrayed against father and mother with respect to facts even now, after trial and decree, hotly contested before this Court. The plaintiffs sought a declaratory judgment, reformation of the deed and mortgage in 2 respects, an accounting between the parties, and, generally, “a determination of the status of the title to the farm” and the obligation of the plaintiffs. From a decree resolving the controversy the plaintiffs take a general appeal.
As noted, the plaintiffs seek first reformation of the instruments of purchase and sale in 2 respects. First, that the following words in the warranty deed be struck: “First parties reserve 1/2 of all oil and mineral rights.” This the chancellor resolved in favor of the plaintiffs and ordered it stricken from the deed. No question concerning it is raised on appeal. Secondly, plaintiffs alleged that the defendants Powell “fraudulently” inserted the following paragraph in the mortgage executed by the parties before it was recorded:
“It is especially agreed that 1/3 of all crops raised on said premises shall be paid on the note secured by this mortgage within 30 days from harvest date. Upon failure to do so the balance of said note shall become due and payable. Mortgagors agree to farm the land every year and to use good farming practice.”
The side agreement, one of the very few incidents in this case as to which there is not a square giving of the lie, was executed the same day between Ithe parties. It provides as follows:
“We further agree to pay to J. Hughes Powell and Esther V. Powell 1/3 of proceeds from the sale of all crops or produce from said farm, to apply on the principal balance of the $11,000 mortgage.”
The defendant Powell testified that the papers were prepared by an attorney (now dead), who drafted all except the side agreement. (This the defendant himself had dictated to the secretary.) When the attorney saw the contents of the side agreement, we are told, he advised defendant Powell that the contested paragraph should be included in the mortgage in order to protect the defendants. The attorney, according to the defendant’s testimony, then, himself, on his own typewriter, inserted the now-contested clause in 2 of the copies of the mortgage. However, the defendant admits that “it (the mortgage) doesn’t rise the same language” as the side agreement, the principal difference being the words providing for the time for payment and acceleration in default thereof.
The plaintiffs testified that they had all copies of the mortgage in their possession for 3 or 4 days before their execution. They say they read them over but found no provision therein similar to that quoted above. They retained possession of -the papers until the day arrived for closing the transaction. At this time the defendants were given the documents and the parties left together for the office in Rockford where they were executed. No addi- ' tions were there made except the typewritten names of the witnesses. Plaintiffs testified that the documents were the same then as they had been at home.
Upon these facts the chancellor found that the mortgage as executed on January 6, 1949, did contain the contested clause. With this we can find no fault. In reviewing this record, as in other chancery appeals, we are bound, in the words of Mr. Justice Campbell long ago (Haines v. Haines, 35 Mich 138, 143) to “render such respect to the views of the in ferior tribunal as not to disturb its orders without being satisfied of their requiring correction.” We are mindful, also, that the trial chancellor had the advantage of seeing and hearing the witnesses. Regarding the allegedly fraudulent insertion in the mortgage, the essential claim of the plaintiffs is that the defendants inserted the contested clause after execution. However, in view of the admitted side agreement the only change was to make certain the date of payment (to be “within 30 days from harvest date,”) and .for acceleration of the balance upon failure to so pay. The chancellor ruled as follows:
“I believe further that the duty is upon the plaintiff to establish the claim of fraud here made that there was no acceleration clause in the original mortgage and I am not. willing to find from the proofs here submitted that this language was not in the mortgage at the time the same was executed. It is a. case., of. balancing, the. testimony of. the plaintiff against that of the defendant and something stronger than a mere preponderance of the evidence is necessary to establish fraud.”
We are of. the opinion that the chancellor was cor,-rect. The evidence of fraud adduced by the plain, tiffs . was neither “convincing, clear nor satisfactory.” Brucker v. Welch, 226 Mich 535; Gardner v. Gardner, 311 Mich 615; Grimshaw v. Aske, 332 Mich 146; Broaden v. Doncea, 340 Mich 564.
The second question raised by the plaintiffs relates to imposition of the.loss sustained when-the farmhouse was destroyed .by fire. Plaintiffs sought to charge the loss against the mortgage given to the defendants. It appears from.the record that although the house had a furnace in the basement capable of heating the- entire house of 12 rooms-the defendants, while in possession under the side agreement, continued to heat the structure by means of 2 small stoves of the sheet iron variety. These had been installed during the September previous to the sale of the farm and were used to heat the 2 rooms in which they stood in the east portion of the building-; a third room, a bedroom, was used but not heated. The remainder of the house was used for storage. Plaintiffs attempted to show that the fire started at the thimble (of the stove in the kitchen) which assertedly extended through the partition wall of the kitchen into the chimney in the adjoining room, and that such start was attributable to the negligence of the defendants. It was said that these stoves were dangerous, that they were installed without inspection or investigation of the chimney and accessories, and that the defendants were on notice that the stoves were defective, since the stoves had, on previous occasions of use, smoked so excessively that the occupants were driven from the house until it cleared.
Here again the testimony resolves into a seemingly irreconcilable conflict. Although plaintiffs assert the foregoing, the defendants deny all essential elements. Thus the father, Powell, testified that plaintiff Fisk had helped install the stoves and that there was never an excessive amount of smoke from the stove, never more than would come normally from starting a fire. To this Fisk replies, “I had no part in helping Mr. Powell install these stoves” and asserts that on several occasions “the house was full of smoke.” The chancellor concluded as follows :
“If there was any liability against the defendants Powell which inures to the benefit of the plaintiff, it must be upon the theory that there was negligence on the part of the defendants in the building of a fire in the stove with a chimney or thimble leading into the chimney known to be defective. The proofs in this case will not justify any finding of negligence on this theory and this claim is disallowed.”
Examination of the record fails to disclose any basis for imposing liability upon the defendants for loss from the fire, save the testimony of the plaintiffs that the stoves smoked excessively, contradicted by defendants, and inconclusive evidence respecting a defect in the thimble hereinbefore described. These issues were resolved against the plaintiffs. We feel constrained to observe that the record amply supports the chancellor’s conclusion.
Plaintiffs’ third claim of error is that the chancellor failed to allow as a credit against the mortgage the damages sustained by the plaintiffs as a result of the “illegal and malicious attachment without probable cause” of wheat in plaintiffs’ storage bins. This had occurred 4 years prior to the filing of the bill of complaint. The testimony established that plaintiffs had received, in the year 1949, $7,908.-90 for their wheat. They had, however, paid only $1,500 on the mortgage. The 1950 crop was harvested in July (their crop return for that year amounted to $7,985.50). Defendant Powell testified that he was fearful the crop would again be sold and that he would see little, if any, of the proceeds, despite his agreement for 1/3 thereof. Consequently he consulted counsel in September and attachment was bad. It was discontinued in a couple of weeks. Defendants say the discontinuance resulted from family pressure (the other children were upset about a family lawsuit). Plaintiffs, on the other hand, assert that this explanation is simply “another outright lie,” that the suit was conceived in spite and malice and discontinued when it had served its purpose of tying up their wheat at planting time. (“I had to get the wheat out of the bin in order to sow it.”) As a result of the attachment, plaintiffs claimed damages in the amount of $3,130 for a partial crop failure due to the late planting of the wheat, damage to the wheat from the attachment, and for attorney’s fees incurred in attempting to secure a dissolution of the writ. The damages thus alleged to have been caused by the attachment to the succeeding crop, however, are not only remote, speculative and contingent, but are not within the rule laid down in Woodyard v. Barnett, 335 Mich 352. Such damages must result directly from the injury and be the legal and natural consequence of the injury.
It is far from clear that such was here the case. Although it is asserted that plaintiffs got their wheat in late because they could not “use the wheat that was tied up in the attachment suit,” it was also asserted that they did not “go ahead and sow the wheat” because they had heard “rumors” that defendants were going to retake the farm. Plaintiff Fisk finally attributed his delay in preparing the ground to the fact that defendant Powell had “been playing around over there,” and “bothering” him which had “irritated” him. We thus cannot hold that the damages suffered were the legal and natural consequence of the attachment and the chancellor was correct in holding that the damages claimed “are not proper items under the proofs” to be considered.
We should not be taken as holding, however, that the attachment suit was in law malicious. An action for malicious attachment is based upon an actual seizure of the property under process, issued without probable cause and prosecuted with malice. Brand v. Hinchman, 68 Mich 590 (13 Am St Rep 362). Plaintiffs’ testimony as to malice and lack of probable cause is far from convincing. Defendant Powell was, it is true, angry with plaintiffs because-of their refusal to pay. Defendants had not received their full share of the proceeds from the previous year’s crops and apprehended that the same would occur the current year. “There was,” as the-chancellor observed, “a matter in controversy between the parties at that time concerning the amount that was due upon the mortgage.” Defendant Powell thereupon went to his attorneys and placed the matter in their hands, leaving it “strictly up to the attorneys.” Sae Kompass v. Light, 122 Mich 86. We are not convinced of the existence of malice and the lack of probable cause.
The fourth point urged by plaintiffs on appeal is-that “formal tender of crop payment and of interest payment were excused by repeated defaults and breaches of covenant by defendant Powell, and such-defaults and breaches of covenant stopped the running of interest.” This claim involves the $4,000' mortgage (recorded on March 1,1948) outstanding in-favor of the Newaygo Bank at the time of the conveyance of the property in question on January-6, 1949. Defendants assert that the plaintiffs knew of this mortgage. Plaintiffs, on the other hand, insist not, and assert that this mortgage constitutes a breach of the covenant against incumbrances in the-deed executed by defendants. The plaintiffs ultimately refused further to make payments on their mortgage to the defendants until the latter ’would' “clear up” the debt claimed owing to the Newaygo-Bank. It was, plaintiffs claim, upon this understanding that the $1,500 was paid, and they here maintain that since this was not done they were excused from making any formal tender of principal payments and, therefore, further interest was barred.. In their words, “We also maintain that the default and breaches of covenants by Powell as a matter of law stopped the running of interest until Powell complied with his covenants.” The chancellor disallowed this claim, and properly so. The covenant against incumbrances was breached, upon these facts, immediately upon the conveyance in 1949. Plaintiffs’ knowledge, or lack of knowledge, of the existence of the mortgage is of no moment. See Edwards v. Clark, 83 Mich 246 (10 LRA. 659); 8 MLP, Covenants, § 14, and cases there cited. However, the plaintiffs are limited to only nominal damages in the absence of any showing of actual damages. Marsh v. Tunis’ Estate, 39 Mich 100; Hartman v. Stoll, 205 Mich 378; Barsky v. Katz, 241 Mich 63. They did not here show any actual damages sustained as a result of the breach of the covenant. Plaintiffs were never disturbed in their possession due to this outstanding mortgage or anyone’s attempting to enforce it. Finally, the breach of this covenant was no justification, as plaintiffs would have us rule, for total failure by them to perform under their agreements.
Questions raised by the plaintiffs concerning the extent of the relief granted to the defendants are without merit. The plaintiffs, as their pleadings indicate, sought the aid of the chancellor to settle all matters arising out of this transaction, with all interested parties before the court. They may not now complain that the chancellor, having full jurisdiction, did just that. His decree that the $8,869.50 principal balance on the mortgage, with interest, due, after allowing the plaintiffs credits for the various items listed, is affirmed as proper. The remainder of the decree, including the provision that the plaintiffs pay $5,500 of this amount to the clerk of the court to provide for the Bank of Newaygo’s mortgage for which, a release will be received by the plaintiffs, is. also without error.
Decree affirmed, costs to appellees.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Edwards, Voelker, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred.
Plaintiffs also argue that the legal title was never vested in them beeausc the warranty deed of January 6, 1949, recorded the following day, was allegedly not received by them until July, 1949; therefore, since both possession and legal title were retained by the defendants they should hear the loss. See, also, CL 1948, § 565.701 (Stat Ann 1953 Bev § 26.676[1]). This argument was so palpably without merit it did not merit discussion. | [
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Edwards, J.
One of the key questions in this case is: “Did the fiddler hit the bartender with the bass viol?” The bartender claims it all started when he received the first blow on i the back of his head from the scroll of the bass fiddle in the hands of the fiddler. -.The fiddler says, howeverj that he was leav-‘ ing the premises peacefully with his beloved bass-on his shoulder when the bartender struck him the first blow on the back of his neck, knocking him down- and inflicting multiple and irreparable fractures upon his bass viol. The jury apparently believed the bass violist.
Some few facts in this case are not in dispute — perhaps because they are not directly essential to its decision. Among these are: Casey Shandor, plaintiff and appellee herein, inherited the bass -viol from his grandfather. It was, according to Casey, at the time of its demise, at 4:30 a.m., January 1, 1951, handmade, over 100 years old, and possessed of a wonderful mellowness of tone.
Casey and 2 of his companions formed an orchestral trio which had undertaken to supply festive music for the New Year’s Eve in question at Sill’s DeLuxe Bar in Flint. The bar was owned and operated by defendants and appellants Clarence and Vivian Lischer. Their bartender, also a defendant and appellant, was named Robert Henry.
All apparently went well at the New Year’s Eve event until closing time at 4 a.m. when the trio sought its pay. At this point, the 2 versions of this story diverge. Both versions agree, however, that after the episode at the door, previously related in opposite stories, a Donnybrook ensued in the street outside. Both versions also agree that results included- not only the damage to the bass viol, but also Casey Shandor’s admittance to Hurley Hospital with a broken right arm and Robert Henry’s admittance to the same hospital for a 3-stitch repair to a knife wound in his abdomen. Perhaps needless to say, each blamed the other for his own injury and each denied causing any. to the other. . ' ;■
Either stated or implied in both versions of the case is agreement that the argument over pay started at the bar, that the first blow was struck at the door and that the injuries were inflicted in the fight in the street outside. Both versions likewise seem to imply that plaintiff received his arm injury before defendant Henry was wounded.
Casey sued Robert Henry for the damage to his fiddle and his arm. He also sued the Lischers, claiming they were responsible as employers of Henry and as licensees under the statute establishing liability for furnishing liquor to an intoxicated person who later commits a tort. CLS. 1954, § 436.22 (Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 18.993). A jury before Judge Stephen J. Roth found for plaintiff on both counts and against all 3 defendants in the sum of $5,500. All 3 defendants appeal, claiming 9 grounds for reversal. Three of these pertain to lack or insufficiency of evidence as follows:
Question 2. “If there was no testimony that a tavern owner furnished, sold or gave intoxicating beverages to a person who was at the time intoxicated or that he was intoxicated at the time of injury, are the defendants entitled to a directed verdict of no cause for action as to count 1?”
Question 3. “If there is testimony that the bartender assaulted plaintiff without provocation or that he acted in the course of his employment or that the injury to plaintiff resulted from pulling him off of a person whom plaintiff was injurying (sic), were the defendants entitled to a directed verdict of no cause of action as to count 2?”
Question 9. “On the whole record of this cause of action is the verdict contrary to the greater weight of the evidence?”
We assume from an inspection of the declaration that question 2, above, actually refers to count 2 and question 3 to count 1.
In considering whether or not a motion for a directed verdict should have been granted in this case we consider the evidence from the point of view favorable to plaintiff, which the jury apparently found to be truthful. Butzin v. Bonk, 303 Mich 522; Gapske v. Hatch, 347 Mich 648; Maldonado v. Claud’s Inc., 347 Mich 395. The case favorable to plaintiff may be most succinctly set forth in the testimony of the band leader, Rudolph Zaiga:
“A. I am a resident of Detroit, Michigan, at the time we were employed on New Year’s Eve of 1951. I am a resident now of New York City. I am employed in New York now as a musician. I have an orchestra of my own there at the Russian Inn in New York City.
“Before that New Year’s Eve I had worked as a musician for Mr. Lischer at the Sills Bar. I worked just on weekends, Friday and Saturday.
“Q. How many Fridays and Saturdays had you worked for Mr. Lischer prior to this New Year’s Eve?
“A. Six nights; that would be 3 weeks. The first time that I ever went into the Sills Bar, I and the other 2 requested employment.
“On New Year’s Eve, I recall after the guests were told to leave, that it was time to quit, making a request of payment for that night. We requested payment from Mrs. Lischer. We asked Mrs. Lischer to pay us, and she was willing to pay us, and then the bartender, Henry, I believe his name was, he somehow said we were not worth it. He said if we are worth double pay on New Year’s Eve that he was too; and he threatened to quit. Mrs. Lischer was perfectly satisfied to pay us, until Henry sort of got a little excited. Henry had paid us before on these other week ends. From my observation in working on 3 week ends and New Year’s night, I would say he had quite a bit of authority, almost like a boss, I would say. Durum these nights Mr. Lischer was absent most of the time.
“I had looked to the bartender, Mr. Henry, for payment. As I said, Mrs. Lischer was perfectly satis-: lied to pay us and that would be that; but Henry somehow he was under the influence of liquor, by the way, and he got a little excited, he figured we.were not worth that much. He figured maybe we were not, worth that much, or we were paid double, he should be paid double, and he absolutely demanded we should not get paid that much.
“After that Mrs. Lischer handed some money to Mr. Ballog, and prior to that, — no, I am sorry, before that Henry handed money to Mr. Ballog, and then Mrs. Lischer handed money to Mr. Ballog. In other words, we got our full sum, and then Mr. X or Mr. Poore, whatever you call him, he started grabbing Norman by his collar and demanding he give the money back, and twisted‘his arms, so naturally Norman handed back the money Mrs. Lischer gave him, and we still had the money Henry gave us.
“After that Mrs. Lischer seemed to be on Henry’s side then. She said she did not want to pay that much; and we knew they were all feeling good, so we thought we would come back the next day and talk when they were sober. We were willing to leave and Henry went to let us out of the door, the side door. We were leaving there when the fight occurred. I went out the side door first followed by Mr. Ballog. I was in a position to see Mr. Shandor come out because I turned around. I saw, as Mr. Shandor was leaving, Henry was at the door. He opened the door for us. While Mr. Shandor’s back was turned, he had the bass on his shoulder, he gave him a punch back of the neck and he fell down on top of his bass and broke it. After he was knocked down, they tussled for, I would not say longer than a half a minute, and then Mr. Poore came running out very excited and jumped right on top of Mr. Shandor. It was not very long, the whole thing did not last more than 2 or 3 minutes, then I saw Henry get hold of Mr. Shandor’s arm and give it a good yank. I actually saw that.
“After that occurred, I had been standing quite near. Right after that yank it seemed to be almost all over and Mr. Shandor seemed to cry out with pain, and we did not want any more trouble so we figured the best thing was to go home and drive away. Casey Shandor could not pick up his bass violin on account of his sore arm, so I picked up his bass violin by one hand, there is a way to grab it in the fiddle (middle?), and I had my violin in my other hand. As we were leaving Mr. Poore came out very excited again, I do not know why, and he wanted to punch me. He took a swing at me. I put up my hand to protect my face and he hit my violin out of my hand. Mrs. Lischer came along and grabbed my violin and started to run back in the establishment. At that moment I laid the bass down on the floor, naturally, I have a valuable violin, I would not want it to get away from me. I followed Mrs. Lischer back into the- establishment, and as she went, she Avent to the kitchen, and I followed her. I noticed she was going through a drawer, and it frightened me, I thought she was going for a gun, so naturally, I left.
“I had not given Mr. Poore any cause to come running toward me to punch at me. I did not talk to Mr. Poore. I talked to Henry, the bartender, and to Mrs. Lischer.
“Prom there we Avent to the police station because I Avas worried about getting my violin when she did not want to give it back to me and with Mr. Shandor. he wanted to get into a hospital, he was in need of care.
“I was in a position to observe Mr. Henry during the evening, Mr. Lischer, Mrs. Lischer and Mr. Poore.
“Q. Would you please tell us from your observation, in what physical condition each of these people were? What about Mr. Lischer?
“A. Mr. Lischer was definitely under the influence.
“Q. Had vou seen Mr. Lischer under the influence of intoxicating liquor on any other occasion?
"*A. Yes, in fact, right now in this courtroom is the first time I have seen Mr. Lischer not under the influence of liquor.
“I have worked in taverns for 8, 9, or 10 years where liquor is sold. 1 think I can tell the difference between a sober person and a person under the influence of liquor. Mrs. Lischer was under the influence of liquor too. I saw her drinking, especially with Henry and Mr. Poore, and one time Henry and Mrs. Lischer had a few dances together. Mr. Poore, this customer, was definitely under the influence of liquor. I was in a position to see whether he was buying drinks, because we were playing right near the bar. The bar was not more than 4 feet away from where we were playing.
“Q. What about Mr. Henry’s condition? What was his condition?
“A. I am afraid definitely too, under the influence of liquor. As a matter of fact, it seemed as though everybody was drinking. I would not say everyone who was working there. I know the orchestra was not, because I made it definite. I am a leader of the orchestra, and where I am working together I make it definite I do not want my men to drink. I was hired to play and not to drink.
“I observed that Mr. Henry was under the influence of intoxicating liquor and he was drunk about 12, midnight. After I noticed his condition of being under the influence of liquor, I noticed him continue to drink after he already was drunk.
“I have played musical instruments since about the age of 6, I guess. I had a valuable violin. It was damaged in the scuffle. I Nave known Mr. Shandor for quite some time and I know the type of bass violin he has. It is of Italian make that is the rarest and finest musical instrument. I would say it was a hundred years old and over. Being a musician I would, know what the instrument is supposed to be worth.
“Q. What would a good valuable instrument be .worth, in the line of melody, and so forth?
“A. I tell you the difference. If you would take a new bass, we are talking about a bass, you could buy a complete new bass, you would just have a bass in its form, and you would hardly get any tone out of it, no response, there would be no . depth. That would be a musical term I am talking about. Such an instrument I talk about, would not have depth and mellowness, and so forth.
“Q. How much would you have to pay for an instrument like that?
“A. From $500 to $7001 That would be a factory instrument too, and they are not like the masters made. This instrument Mr. Shandor had was a handmade instrument.
“Q. From the fact that it was an Italian made instrument, and an old instrument, in your opinion, basing it on the value of a' new instrument, what would you say it was worth? i
“A. An instrument of that sort, in my opinion, would be worth from $3,000 to $4,000.
“Q: After you saw Mr. Henry intoxicated, did you see Mrs. Lischer or anyone else servo him a drink?
“A. No, I did not see him got a drink because Henry was the bartender, and he had occasion to take his own. I saw him take his own. He drank with the customers. I did not see Mrs. Lischer hand him a glass to drink, or the waitress, but I did observe him serve himself.”
The record indicates that plaintiff’s weight was 115 pounds. Defendant Henry’s weight is not given —but the jury saw him. There is ample evidence from which the jury could have found that defendant Henry was the aggressor in this altercation and that in the course of it he broke the little musician’s arm. The jury apparently did not believe defendants’ stories of provocation by being hit first by plaintiff’s bass viol. Defendant Henry certainly was not entitled to a directed verdict.
On the basis of the testimony quoted, the question as to whether defendant Henry was intoxicated by inidnight and continued thereafter- to drink defendants Lischer’s liquor was for the jury to determine. We believe that there was competent evidence from which the jury could have found that defendant Henry inflicted the injuries complained of by plaintiff by reason of the furnishing to him of liquor by defendants Lischer after he was intoxicated within the meaning of the statute referred to. (CLS 1954, §436.22 [Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 18.993].) Butzin v. Bonk, supra; Hylo v. Michigan Surety Co., 322 Mich 568.
The authorities relied upon by appellants on this point are patently not applicable. Wyatt v. Chosay; 330 Mich 661; Juckniess v. Supinger, 323 Mich 566; Malone v. Lambrecht, 305 Mich 58. The first 2 turn upon failure of proof of intoxication. The third presents a wholly .different fact situation.
The testimony quoted also was sufficient to sustain the jury finding of liability as a result of the master-servant doctrine. This dispute developed directly from the business of the master — the liquor licensees. It originated in an argument over pay owed by the master (the Lischers) to plaintiff. Defendant Henry’s actions took place in the presence of Mrs. Lischer and apparently with her sanction. There was ample evidence from which the jury could have found that defendant Henry was acting within the scope of his employment. Guipe v. Jones, 320 Mich 1; Stewart v. Napuche, 334 Mich 77.
As to appellants’ ninth question, we do not find support for their contention that the jury verdict was against the great weight of the evidence. Plaintiff and all of his witnesses presented testimony which tended to confirm that quoted from the leader of the musical trio. The conflicting stories of the defendants merely provided issues of fact which were proper for jury consideration.
We note, of Course, that defendant Henry suffered the most hazardous attack of the event. But, as noted, this apparently took place after plaintiff’s arm was broken and the jury apparently believed plaintiff’s denial of responsibility for the knife wounds as they did his denial of responsibility for the original blow. Under our system of laws the jury is trier of the facts. CL 1948, § 618.12 (Stat Ann § 27.992); Detroit & Milwaukee R. Co. v. Van Steinburg, 17 Mich 99; Wight v. H. G. Christman Co., 244 Mich 208.
We turn now to appellant’s question 1:
“Can a common-law cause of action of assault and battery be joined with a statutory cause of action under the'civil damage act (CLS 1954, § 436.22 [Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 18.993]) ?” '
We believe, as did the trial judge, that the joinder of plaintiff’s cause of action on the master-servant theory with his statutory cause of action under the civil damage act was proper. It is specifically authorized by the joinder statute, the applicable portion of which we quote^below :
“The plaintiff may join in 1 action at law or in equity as many causes of action as he may have against the defendant.” CL 1948, § 608.1 (Stat Ann § 27.591). '
See, also, Hogsett v. Ellis, 17 Mich 351; Creen v. Michigan Central R. Co., 168 Mich 104 (Ann Cas 1913C, 98); Struble v. Republic Motor Truck Co., 216 Mich 299 (21 NCCA 138).
The 2 counts of plaintiff’s declaration were based on the same altercation. We find no inconsistency between them, although that in itself would not necessarily mean misjoinder. Michigan Court Rule No 17, § 6 (1945). We have recently considered and decided that under the civil damage act, suit may be brought jointly against both the intoxicated person and those who furnished the intoxicants. Ruediger v. Klink, 346 Mich 357.
We have reviewed with care the other 6 of appellants’ questions on appeal. Taking the trial judge’s charge as a whole we find no prejudicial error. Nor do we believe he abused his discretion in allowing amendment of the ad damnum clause to conform to the proofs. CL 1948, § 616.1 (Stat Ann § 27.838.) Nor do we believe that the trial judge’s questions addressed to 2 of defendants’ witnesses went beyond his proper function or disturbed the atmosphere of impartiality of the courtroom which the trial judge is charged with maintaining. See People v. Cole, 349 Mich 175.
For reasons stated, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed. Costs to appellee.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Voelker, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred. | [
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Edwards, J.
Joe and Jean Pogletke and Fred and Retta Schwanz were friends. When the latter were repairing their house at White lake, Fred Schwanz got $4,000 from Joe Pogletke. How this was arranged and the terms, if any, thereof are matters of dispute; but it is clear that the Schwanzes repaid $50 a month to the Pogletkes until Joe Pogletke died in July of 1951.
It is likewise clear that thereafter with notes of sympathy to Jean in relation to Joe’s death, Retta continued though somewhat irregularly, to send payments approximating the $50 figure to Jean Pog-letke. At one time during this period Retta wrote saying Fred and she wanted to get a bank loan and pay the whole sum. None apparently materialized.
In February, 1954, Fred Schwanz died. The payments ceased. The friendship between the widows ceased, too. After various somewhat legally couched demands and refusals as to the balance claimed to be due the instant suit was started by Jean against Retta.
The suit was a declaration in assumpsit on a promissory note. The note attached recited as follows:
“January 3rd, 1949.
We promise to pay to Joseph Pogletke and Jean Pogletke, Four thousand ($4,000.00) Dollars at Fif ty ($50.00) Dollars a month, with interest at four (4%) percent.
(Signed) Fred Schwanz
(Signed) Retta Schwanz”
The signatures on the nóte were typewritten. Jean Pogletke asserted it was a copy of a note she had seen executed but had been unable to find after her husband’s death.
The defense was simple. No such note, said Retta Schwanz, was ever executed — certainly not by her. She did not, however, attach an affidavit to that effect to her answer as required by Court Rule No 29 (1945).
The case was heard before Circuit Judge Clark J. Adams with jury trial waived. At trial the principal testimony on both sides pertained to the assertions and denials of the execution of the note. The principals were joined by members of their families who took as staunchly opposite views as did Jean Pogletke and Retta Schwanz.
From the beginning of the trial plaintiff’s counsel urged upon the court observance of Rule No 29 (1945) with the consequent suggestion that failure of defendant to file an affidavit of denial was fatal and warranted judgment forthwith. After fending off this suggestion through some considerable testimony, the trial judge finally dealt with it by suggesting to counsel for defendant that he file the affidavit. This he did over plaintiff’s objections.
Subsequent thereto Judge Adams ruled on the disputed facts by holding as follows in an oral opinion dictated from the bench:
“This cause presents some rather unusual problems in that the witnesses for the plaintiff and the witnesses for the defendant are lined against each other and completely deny that which the other says is the truth. So the court, while he reprimanded one of the witnesses for using the word ‘lie,’ finds himself in the position where he must determine that either the witnesses of one or the other party have either falsified or have developed faulty memories and frankly the court, looking at the witnesses as they have been here on the stand and observing them, has been unable to determine which tells the truth and which does not.
“The court is particularly impressed with the appearance on the stand of the daughter of the plaintiff who seemed to require no prompting and spoke of other events of the day, but the court is not unmindful that the children of the defendant made a favorable impression too. Now, there can be no question but which $4,000 was borrowed back in 1949, probably on January 3d, although that is not too clear. I think the court may assume properly from the testimony the admissions of the parties that that money was used in the improvements of the home and probably there is a balance of slightly over $2,000 in principal still owing, but I think that this action is brought under a special statute which impresses an obligation on the wife only if she joins in writing with her husband, and then that obligation, if it exists, has to be satisfied out of that property which was held jointly by the husband and wife at the time or during the lifetimes of the parties...When it comes down to the proof of whether or not this, shall we say, moral obligation was reduced to writing, the court then finds himself in considerable doubt. The court is not unconscious of the fact at all that the burden in the lawsuit is always on the plaintiff to show his cause of action by a preponderance. of the evidence and in this instance, as I have already indicated, the court is unable to tell with a degree of definiteness which of the witnesses is telling the truth and finds himself presented with absolute contradictory statements on the part of the 2 groups. For this court to say that he is convinced by a preponderance of the evidence that the plaintiff [defendant?] has or rather that the plaintiff [defendant?] did sign a written instrument is literally impossible. The court can’t say that. The court can say that the money was borrowed; probably a moral obligation but the court can’t say with any degree of assurance in this instance that the money went to the wife ■or, as is in the plaintiff’s case, that the wife signed .a promissory note with her husband to repay this money.
“Therefore, in view of the fact that the court feels there is a moral obligation, it is with some reluctance that the court concludes that the plaintiff has failed in its responsibility to show by a preponderance that this promissory note was signed by the defendant Pita Schwanz. That being the finding of the court, a judgment of no cause of action will have to enter.”
On appeal to this Court 2 basic issues are presented :
(1) Was the judgment of no cause for action against the preponderance -of the evidence ?
(2) Did the trial judge commit reversible error by refusing to grant plaintiff’s motion for judgment based on defendant’s failure to file an affidavit of denial of execution as required by Court Pule No 29 (1945) and by subsequently suggesting and allowing the belated filing of same ?
It is plain that plaintiff cannot recover in this suit except by a determination on the disputed facts favorable to her. This is an action at law wherein plaintiff declared upon a promissory note. There is no doubt that under provisions of the statute of frauds and the negotiable instruments law and the joint real-estate holdings act, proof of defendant’s signature upon the note is essential to plaintiff’s case. CL 1948, § 566.132 (Stat Ann 1953 Pev § 26.-922); CL 1948, § 439.20 (Stat Ann § 19.60); CL 1948, §§ 557.51, 557.52, 557.53 (Stat Ann 1957 Pev §§ 26.-181, 26.182, 26.183); Frailing v. Sieber, 168 Wis 259 (169 NW 607); Lipman v. Manger, 185 Wis 63 (200 NW 663); Wilmarth v. Buys, 263 Mich 285; Benjamin v. Bondy, 322 Mich 35; 26 Am Jur, Husband and Wife, § 140.
As to the dispute of testimony, from the cold words-on the printed page we have less chance to judge the-truth than the trial judge who saw and heard the-witnesses. Hartka v. Hartka, 346 Mich 453.
Certainly the evidence presented to us by the-record alone is so evenly balanced as to preclude our saying that it clearly preponderates against the view of the trier of the facts. Under such circumstances we do not reverse. Benjamin v. Bondy, supra; Phelps v. Grand Rapids Growers, Inc., 341 Mich 62.
We turn now to the second and more technical issue. Did the trial judge’s ruling pertaining to» Court Rule No 29 (1945) constitute error?
The rule is as follows:
“In an action upon any written instrument, under seal or without seal, the plaintiff shall not be put to the proof of the execution of the instrument or the-handwriting of the defendant, unless the defendant or someone in his behalf shall file and serve a copy of an affidavit denying the same, and this rule shall apply in actions brought against indorsers as well as other parties, and shall also apply in favor of a defendant. Such affidavit shall be filed, when by the-defendant, with the answer, and when by the plaintiff, within 15 days after service of the specific set-off claimed; but the court may, upon proper showing,, extend the time for filing such affidavit.”
Honigman’s annotation on this rule concludes:“Failure to file the affidavit within the time period provided by the rule may be cured by permission of the court in the exercise of a sound discretion.” ITonigman, Michigan Court Rules Annotated, p 293.,
Court Rule No 27, § 8 (1945), spells out this discretion.
“The circuit court or judge or circuit court commissioner in the absence of the judge from the county or in case of his inability to act, for g'ood cause shown on special motion after notice to the opposite party, may extend the time for putting in any pleading or the doing of any act which is required by the rules to be done within a limited time either before or after the expiration of the time.”
See, also, CL 1948, §616.1 (Stat Ann § 27.838).
And we find another Honigman comment:
“Courts are liberal in granting extensions of time. The test is generally that of fairness in subserving the needs of justice.” Honigman, supra, p 267.
The trial judge gave this rationale to his action in granting belated filing of the needed affidavit:
“The last sentence of the Rule 29 (1945) says that the court may upon proper showing establish the time for filing such affidavit. Without going into further discussion regarding that rule, I am going to permit Mr. Girard to file an affidavit denying before this matter is concluded. You are not going to be surprised by that affidavit because you have a complete knowledge since this answer was filed May 7 [2?], 1955, that they did deny the execution of the note. * * * I know I ruled on this other matter, but the testimony, as apparently directed right now, would indicate perhaps she didn’t sign the instrument at all. It is not a question of genuineness. It is a question of no instrument at all. * * * Counsel for the defendant has been instructed to file an affidavit of denial before the case is completed. However, I see very little merit in your objection because this pleading to deny the execution has been for several months before, since May of 1955. Almost a year ago. I can’t conceive of any surprise. It may be a technical violation of the rule. Being a technicality it is within the discretion of the court. You may proceed.”
We believe that the record does not indicate abuse of the trial judge’s discretion, since there is no ele ment of surprise in reiteration by affidavit at trial of defendant’s long-stated and persistent denial of the very existence of such an instrument.
Portsmouth Savings Bank v. Circuit Judge, 83 Mich 646. See, also, Standard Oil Co. v. Riddell, 267 Mich 375.
The judgment of the court below is affirmed. Costs to appellee.
■Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Voelker^ Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred.
In her testimony the defendant stated her correct name was “Rita SelrsYanz.’' — -Reporter. | [
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Edwards, J.
The plaintiffs in this instance are residential property owners in the Michael and John Sprenger subdivision in the immediate vicinity of the property formerly occupied by Eastwood Park. This major amusement center was operated from the 1920’s down to recent years on the unsubdivided northeast corner of Eight Mile road and G-ratiot avenue. Immediately adjacent to the unsubdivided and unrestricted plot upon which Eastwood Park buildings were constructed, lay approximately 3-1/2 subdivided blocks of vacant land containing 82 lots which, during all of the latter years of the park’s operation, were owned by the owners of the park property and had (to a disputed degree and somewhat sporadically) been used in conjunction therewith for such things as picnicking, fireworks, and, more usually, parking.
These 3-1/2 blocks had been platted in 1924 as a part of the Sprenger subdivision. They are shown on plaintiffs’ exhibit 3 and may be referred to as “the disputed area.” Thereafter, in the 1920’s and again in 1944, 2 separate attempts to restrict these blocks to residential use were made. The legal effect of both purported restrictions is hotly disputed in this suit. The chronology of crucial events leading up to this suit is shown as follows:
1924 — Michael and John Sprenger subdivision platted, encompassing 482 lots. Some were later taken for highway expansion.
1926 to 1930 — Original plattors executed 18 deeds containing certain' restrictive provisions.
1939 — (November 29th) Practically all the lots now owned by plaintiffs and defendants reverted to the State of Michigan for nonpay-IHGXlt of f&XCS
1944 — (March 22d) While the State still held title to these lots, the land office board and the owners and land contract purchasers executed the controversial exhibit 37(a) restricting the subdivision to residential use. Three lots were not covered.
1944 — (March 28th) Exhibit 37(a) recorded in Macomb county, Liber 548, pp 83-89.
1954 — (December 13th) Disputed area rezoned from “residential” to “business and parking.”
About 1950 lengthy litigation pertaining to the operation of Eastwood Park resulted in termination of its operation. Eastwood Park Amusement Co. v. Mayor of East Detroit, 325 Mich 60.
Subsequent to the termination of the operation of Eastwood Park, the owners of the park property and the 3-1/2 blocks in question sought a permit' from the board of zoning appeals of the city of East: Detroit for the use of these 3-1/2 blocks in the con-i struction of a major shopping center. According to. the developers’ plans, the buildings of the shopping' center would extend well into the 3-1/2 blocks in' question and the balance thereof would have been allocated to off-street parking.
Plaintiffs in the instant litigation filed their bill of complaint to seek the aid of a court in chancery to restrain the defendants from violating the residential restrictions upon this property which plaintiffs contend are still in force and effect. They rely, first, upon the terms of the 18 deeds executed in the 1926 to 1930 period by the original grantors and containing the following language:
“Nothing but a single dwelling costing not less than $5,000 or a multiple dwelling costing not less than $7,000 shall be erected on any lots situated- between Gratiot and Elizabeth avenues- except those fronting on Gratiot and Ego boulevard.”
The disputed area of this proceeding- lies within the described boundaries.
In the alternative, plaintiffs rely upon exhibit 37(a) in the execution of which the original grantors, certain contract purchasers of most of the lots now in dispute, and the State of Michigan, through its land office board, all joined — the latter after title to practically all of the lots reverted to the State for nonpayment of taxes in 1939.
“(a) All lots in the tract shall be known and described as residential lots, except lots 1 to 6, 9 to. 21, inc., 24 to 37, inc., 40 to 55, inc., 58 to 67, inc., in Assessor’s Sprenger State Sub. residential, religious may be used for educational or business purposes. No structure shall be erected, altered, placed, or permitted to remain on any residential building plot other than 1 detached single-family dwelling or 1 semi-detached single-family dwelling not to exceed 2 stories in height and a private garage for not more •than 2 cars.”
As will be readily noted, the ambiguity of the ;words following “Assessor’s Sprenger State Sub.” ¡provide still another issue.
The judge who heard this equity action was confronted by these issues pertaining to the claimed restrictions :
(1) Did the 18 deeds executed by original plattors between 1926 and 1930 create negative reciprocal easements that would be binding upon subsequent purchasers?
(2) Did reversion of title to the State in 1939 eradicate those restrictions?
(3) Did the covenant of 1944 serve to create effective restrictive easements ?
a. Did the State land office board have authority to execute this agreement?
b. Was the agreement too ambiguous to be enforced against defendants’ 82 lots?
(4) Did the testimony at hearing warrant a finding that plaintiffs had abandoned the restrictions?
(5) Did the testimony at hearing indicate such a change of circumstances as to warrant a court in equity to decline to enforce the restrictions?
Judge Spier, in a long and careful opinion, found for the plaintiffs on all of the legal issues raised. He found that the property in question was subject to residential restrictions; that the restrictions were clear and unambiguous; that the action of the zoning appeals board did not change or invalidate the restrictions; that the subdivision owners had not abandoned them or waived their right to enforce them. Finally, however, Judge Spier took a long look back at the history of this property, and an equally long look forward at the nature of the improvement planned, and held, in effect, that it was within the power of a court of equity to effect a compromise. This he accomplished by issuing a limited injunction against the defendants restraining them from using the easternmost 130 feet of the disputed property for anything except a green belt, and the next easternmost 100 feet of the disputed property for anything other than parking, and thereupon gave them free rein to proceed on the balance of the disputed property (and, of course, the unsubdivided property) to erect their shopping center. ' His decision has the peculiar merit of having left both sides completely dissatisfied, resulting in plaintiffs’ appeal and defendants’ cross-appeal.
On appeal of a chancery decree we hear the matter on the record de novo. But we give great weight to the chancellor’s findings of fact. Hartka v. Hartka, 346 Mich 453; Donaldson v. Donaldson, 134 Mich 289. We note in this case the care with which the chancellor approached the factual dispute. We particularly approve in this building restriction dispute his personal viewing of the premises. After- reviewing the record we find occasion to express entire approval of his view of the facts. We will subsequently be concerned with the application to those facts of various legal principles.
We find no need to pass on the. effect of the restrictive provisions of the. 18' deeds executed in the 1920’s. On review of this record and the exhibits, we agree with the judge who heard the matter that the covenant of 1944 created restrictions which are applicable to the disputed property. The State land office board joined in the execution of these restrictions as it was empowered to do.
“Conveyances made by the State land office board or department of conservation to any purchaser shall be subject to any existing restrictions as to improvements and use of the property conveyed: Provided, however, That the board or department in behalf of the State of Michigan may execute any agreements establishing, extending, amending,'altering, or setting aside any such restrictions.” CL 1948, § 211.359 (Stat Ann 1950 Rev § 7.959).
See, also, Municipal Investors Ass’n v. City of Birmingham, 298 Mich 314: Young v. Thendara, Inc., 328 Mich 42.
"We likewise agree with the chancellor that the language of the restrictions applicable to the lots cur-réntly in dispute was clear and unambiguous:
“The court must give effect to the instrument as a whole where the intention of the parties is clearly ascertainable. The fact that an isolated senseless phrase or clause may appear, or a phrase may appear in the instrument that clearly indicates some omission, would not necessarily vitiate the whole instrument if the general plan and intention of the parties is otherwise unmistakable.”
The restrictions read:
“All lots in the tract shall be known and described as residential lots, except lots 1 to 6, 9 to 21, inc., 24 to 37, inc., 40 to 55, inc., 58 to 67, inc., in Assessor’s Sprenger State Sub. residential, religious may be used for educational or business purposes. No structures shall be erected, altered, placed, or permitted to remain on any residential building plot other than 1 detached single-family dwelling or 1 semi-detached single-family dwelling' not to exceed 2 stories in height and a private garage for not more than 2 cars.”
It will be observed from inspection of the above that the obvious error of omission or transposition pertains only to the lots excepted which, on reference to plaintiffs’ exhibit 31, we find to be lots facing Gratiot avenue and not a part of the property in dispute herein.
Taking the document as a whole, by plain intent and clear statement, it constitutes a detailed residential restriction both as to the balance of the Sprenger subdivision and as to the property with which we are currently concerned. It is obvious from this record that the general plan of the restric tions' has been followed up to date. "We do not feel under these circumstances that we have an ambiguous restriction to interpret, or that the cases cited by defendants pertaining to the resolution of doubts in favor of free use of the property are in point. Bastendorf v. Arndt, 290 Mich 423 (124 ALR 445); Moore v. Kimball, 291 Mich 455.
Nor are we impressed by defendants’ contention that- the failure of 3 lot owners to sign the restrictive agreement voided it. It appears that 2 of the lots were owned by Sprengers who did sign, and that the other lot was itself specifically though separately restricted by deed.
The next issue to be dealt with pertains to defendants’ claim that plaintiffs have waived and abandoned the restrictions. After reviewing the testimony and noting that defendants make no claim of. .erection of any permanent type structure on the disputed property, we feel that we cannot improve upon the findings and opinion of the chancellor, who heard the evidence aixd passed on the claimed use of the disputed area, thus:
“In 1930 some of the activities started spreading into .the disputed area. It. would seem fairly well established, however, that the use of this disputed area, or subdivision lots, consisted of fireworks on specific occasions a number of times a year up until 1948, after which this particular use was ceased because of the danger to the residences which had then grown up in the surrounding area.
. “Also various organizations and unions would hold annual picnics in the disputed area. The roads and vacant lots would be used for parking purposes on occasions when the parking facilities otherwise furnished were overflowing. One entire blobk of lots (404-418) in the disputed area were cinderized• and lighted with signs designating the parking area. This latter parking, block was maintained for a number of years and right up to the time the park closed.
“At various picnics and outings, baseball games would be held on tlie disputed area and at one time the backstop for such games was maintained. There were occasions, not definitely testified to as to date, when temporary soft drink stands would be placed in this disputed area for the service of such picnics and outings.
“After the city refused to renew the Eastwood Park license, the amusement park, as such, was discontinued in 1950. However, a roller rink remained in operation and the large dance hall or ballroom was frequently leased up until 1953, at which time all of the remaining buildings, structures, and swimming pool were removed, and both the commercial block and the disputed area have remained vacant lands, except for a ‘revival meeting’ tent one summer.
“At no time were any permanent structures erected in the disputed area. It should also be borne in mind that the plaintiffs did not purchase their property nor erect their homes until 1946 and after.
“The plaintiffs have not been guilty of laches. There has been no ‘acceptance’ of nor ‘acquiescence’ in any commercial structures. The disputed area has been vácant and overgrown with weeds since plaintiffs have acquired their interest, with only occasional overflow parking on infrequent occasions since 1950. There was nothing on or about the disputed area, at the time plaintiffs built, to put them on notice of any restriction violations, or to call for action on their part, except the einderized parking strip (lots 404-418).
“Intermittent noncommercial parking, not involving any structures or buildings of any kind, is in no way comparable to the erection of business buildings and the carrying on a permanent business thereon, and is not a waiver of residential restrictions. Scott v. Armstrong, 330 Mich 504 at 517. Citing Polk Manor Co. v. Manton, 274 Mich 539; Carey v. Lauhoff, 301 Mich 168; Boston-Edison Protective Ass’n v. Goodlove, 248 Mich 625.”
Having thus resolved all legal issues in favor of the plaintiffs, Judge Spier then entered a decree of a most interesting nature under that portion of his opinion headed “Equitable Considerations.” Apparently seeking a compromise between 2 hostile forces the judge entered an injunction restraining defendants from using the first 130 feet of their land lying west of Crusade for anything other than residence or “green belt” purposes. He then provided by injunction that the next 100 feet to the west should be restricted to parking. Finally, he left defendants free of any injunction as to the balance of “the disputed area.”
The obvious purpose, of course, was to provide a buffer strip or green belt of residences or lawn between plaintiffs and the proposed shopping center, in accordance with present-day city planning principles. Desirable as such a plan may be in general city planning terms, we must answer the question here as to whether the circuit judge sitting in equity had power to effect .such a compromise in the face of and at the expense of existing and valid residential restrictions, or whether such planning must be left to planning boards and private developers.
"We are unable to find that this power lies in judicial hands. As equitable exceptions to the general rule that the courts will enforce valid restrictions by injunction we find these: (a) Technical violations and absence of substantial injury; (b) Changed conditions; (c) Limitations and laches. 26 CJS, Deeds, § 171.
The violation contemplated here is far from technical and we cannot hold from the facts recited that the injury feared would be unsubstantial. The conversion of a large portion of a residential subdivision to business in direct violation of a contrary covenant undoubtedly affects every home therein. Home owners seek, by purchasing in areas restrict ed to residential building, freedom from noise and traffic which. are characteristic of business areas. How much in dollars the peace and quiet of this neighborhood is worth, or how much the contemplated major business invasion would diminish that value, would be hard to establish. But it is clear in our mind that residential restrictions generally constitute a property right of distinct worth.
The court below found no invalidation of the restrictions by laches or by waiver, and we concur.
The remaining question is: Did changed conditions justify the court in withholding the enforcement of these restrictions by injunction?
We believe the fairest statement of the equitable considerations which might move a court to. withhold enforcement of residential restrictions due. to changed conditions is found in 7 Thompson on Real Property (Perm ed), § 3651, pp 141, 142, as follows:
“If the purpose for which restrictions were imposed can no longer be accomplished, equity will not enjoin their violation. Thus, if the purpose of restrictions was to make and preserve the locality for residences only, and the condition of the locality has greatly changed through the growth of the city, and that part of the city has come to be used chiefly for business purposes instead of residences, and it would be impossible to restore the residential character of the neighborhood by the enforcement of the restrictions upon the land to which they apply, it would be inequitable and oppressive to give effect to the restrictions. In such a case a court of equity will not enforce the restrictions, but will leave the parties to their remedy at law.”
In comparing our current problem with this standard, we note as major facts that the restrictions date back only to 1944; that the housing in the subdivision has all been constructed since 1946; and that the record discloses that the residential restrictions here considered have not been violated in one instance by the erection of a nonresidential building either within or without “the disputed area.”
Defendants, in arguing for complete freedom from the restrictions, and the judge in stating his reasons for his compromise plan, refer to
(1) The high volume of traffic on the arterial highways nearby;
(2) The residential growth in the general area and the consequent increased demand for business property;
(3)- The relative desirability of a well-planned shopping center with off-street parking;
(4) The use of “the disputed area” by the amusement park for overflow parking and picnicking;
(5) The rezoning of “the disputed area” for business and parking.
The first 3 factors listed are so generally applicable in big city suburbs that to justify abrogation of the instant restrictions on these grounds would place all residential restrictions in substantial jeopardy.
A change in zoning does not of itself justify invalidation of building restrictions. Abrams v. Shuger, 336 Mich 59; City of Lansing v. Dawley, 247 Mich 394.
We have already noted that the record did not disclose business use of “the disputed area” of a character sufficient to invoke the doctrine of laches against plaintiffs. Nor do these facts meet the test of changed conditions laid down in Michigan case laAV or in the law of other jurisdictions. Redfern Lawns Civic Ass’n v. Currie Pontiac Co., 328 Mich 463; Carey v. Lauhoff, 301 Mich 168; Boston-Edison Protective Ass’n v. Goodlove, 248 Mich 625; French v. White Star Refining Co., 229 Mich 474; 26 CJS, Deeds, § 171; 43 CJS, Injunctions, § 87; 14 Am Jur, Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, § 305.
The chancellor below apparently relied upon se similarity of facts and some language concerning the equities contained in the Redfern Lawns Civic Ass’n Case, supra. "We agree that there were some, similarities. But we note that the court ultimately held that the restrictions should he enforced.
We hold the instant residential restrictions valid and enforceable as to the property in dispute in this suit. The decree will he set aside and the cause remanded for entry of a decree in conformity with this opinion. Costs to appellants.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred.
Voelker, J., took no part in the decision of this case. | [
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Edwards, J.
(dissenting). At issue in the pages which follow is a long debated procedural reform. To replace multiple pleadings and. multiple trials, the bar has long advocated liberal joinder rules where the causes of action possessed by a number of plaintiffs (as here) arose out of the same occurrence or occurrences and the defendant or defendants were the same. The Federal courts followed English precedent and pioneered with signal success in this field and with the overwhelming approval of the bar. This opinion suggests that Michigan follow the example set (which in nowise controls us) by reasonable interpretation of the statute on join-der obviously passed by the Michigan legislature with the view of accomplishing the same objective of “the convenient administration of justice.”
The defendant the R. H. Hidey, Inc., was the successful bidder and entered into a contract with the city of Detroit for the construction of the Blue Hill pumping station for Detroit’s storm-sewer system. One of the requirements for bidders on this job was the filing of a performance bond, and the defendant United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company executed the bond in this instance as follows:
“Performance Bond
“Know all men by these presents, that we R. H. Hidey, Inc., 260 Manchester ave., Detroit 3, Michigan, hereinafter called the principal, and United States Fidelity & Guaranty a corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maryland, and duly authorized to transact business in the State of Michigan, surety, hereinafter called ‘surety,’ are held and firmly bound unto the city of Detroit, a municipal corporation, through the dept, of public works as obligee, and hereinafter called ‘obligee,’ in the sum of $930,000 to be paid to the said obligee, to which payment well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents.
“Sealed with our seals, and dated this 8th day of July, A. D. 1947.
“The condition of this obligation is such that, Whereas, the above principal has entered into a contract, Contract No PW169B, with said obligee, dated the 30 day of June, 1947, for construction of Blue Hill pumping station, which contract is herein referred to and made a part hereof as fully and to the same extent as if the same were entirely written herein, and
“Whereas, it was one of the conditions of the award of the said obligee, pursuant to which said contract was entered into, that these presents should be executed.
“And the said surety, for value received, hereby stipulates and agrees that no change, extension of time for the performance of the contract, alteration or addition to the terms of the contract or to the work to be performed thereunder or the specifications accompanying the same, or any other forbear- anee on the part of either obligee or the principal shall in anywise affect its obligations on this -bond, and it does hereby waive notice of any such change, extension of time for the performance of the contract, alteration or addition to the terms of the contract, or to the work or to the specifications or any other forbearance on the part of either the obligee or principal.
“Now, therefore, if the above principal shall in all respects comply with the terms and conditions of said contract, and his (their or its) obligations thereunder, including the specifications therein referred to and made a part thereof, and such alteration as may be made in such specifications, as herein and therein provided for,- then this obligation is void, or otherwise to remain in full force, effect, and virtue.
“R. H. Hidey, Inc. (Principal)
“By: /s/ R. H. Hidey, Pres. (Title) (Seal)
“United States Fidelity & (Surety) Guaranty
“By James Fenwick, Its Atty. in fact
(Title)
“Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of:
“/s/ B. H. Axtall (Seal)”
As indicated above, by this bond United States. Fidelity & Guaranty undertook to guarantee Hidey’s performance under its contract and the bond itself adopted the provisions of the contract.
One of the provisions of the Hidey-City of Detroit contract guaranteed to the city of Detroit that the contractor would hold the city of Detroit harmless from any claims arising out of damages to abutting property owners to this work:
“The contractor shall continuously maintain adequate protection of all his work from damage and shall protect all city property and private abutting property from injury or loss arising in connection with this contract. He shall without delay make good any such damage, injury or loss, and shall defend and save the city harmless from all such damages or injuries occurring because of his work.”
According to plaintiffs’ pleadings, during the course of the execution' of this contract various claims arose from abutting property owners alleging damage to their houses occasioned by caisson blasting operations. In all except 1 instance these claims were the subject of payments by insurance companies which paid the property owners’ damage and became the property owners’ subrogees in this suit. In 1 instance a property owner (Michael) is suing for his own uninsured damage.
In the instant suit plaintiffs seek jointly to sue the general contractor and the United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company on the claims listed above. The suit is filed in assumpsit, plaintiffs claiming that they are third-party beneficiaries under the contract clause quoted. United States Fidelity & Guaranty filed a motion to dismiss as to themselves only on 2 counts:
“1. That the causes of action asserted by the several plaintiffs herein are not joint, therefore, the causes of action and parties plaintiff are not properly joined in 1 action.
' “2. That the declaration does not state a cause of action against defendant United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company by reason of the provisions of * * * (CL 1948, §§ 691.541-691.545 [Stat Ann 1953 Rev §§ 26.1231-26.1235]).”
Thus said defendant claims misjoinder of the parties' plaintiff; and, second, claims that no cause of action is stated by plaintiffs as to the United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company under the third-party beneficiary statute.
On hearing of this motion before Wayne Circuit Judge George B. Murphy, United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company’s motion to dismiss as to itself only was granted without any reasons being assigned by the trial judge, and plaintiffs have taken an appeal.
In this appeal where no tidal has been had we, of course, assume as true all well-pleaded facts in plaintiffs’ declaration. Gilmer v. Miller, 319 Mich 136; Doyle v. Kammeraad, 310 Mich 233; American State Bank of Detroit v. Aaron, 271 Mich 147 (100 ALR 1266).
We will discuss first the second of the issues listed. The performance bond as signed by United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company bound it to become a joint obligor in this venture with Hidey. The performance bond referred to and adopted the provisions of the Hidey-City of Detroit contract, 1 of the provisions of which was a guarantee that the contractor (and, hence, his joint obligor) would make good without delay any damage to abutting property owners. This then is a situation where a promise has been made by the bondsman to the obli-gee, city of Detroit, for the benefit of a named class, namely, the class of abutting property owners to this construction job.
Our first question is, May such property owners bring suit in their own names for enforcement of this contract?
Two Michigan statutes contain the answer to this question. First, CL 1948, § 612.2 (Stat Ann § 27.654), provides, in part:
“Every action shall be prosecuted in the name of the real party in interest.”
It is obvious here that the obligee of the bond is not the real party in interest as to the promise referred to here and that the owners (or their subro-gees) of the “private abutting property” are.
Second, the provisions of the third-party beneficiary statute come into play:
“Any person for whose benefit a promise is made by way of contract, as hereinafter defined, shall have the same right to enforce said promise that he would have had if the said promise had been made directly to him as the promisee.” CL 1948, § 691.541 (Stat Ann 1953 Rev § 26.1231).
“A promise shall be construed to have been made for the benefit of a person whenever the promisor of said promise has undertaken to give or to do or to refrain from doing something directly to or for said person.” CL 1948, § 691.542 (Stat Ann 1953 Rev § 26.1232).
The effect of such statutory provisions upon suits against bondsmen generally has been spelled out in 11 CJS, Bonds, § 106, pp 472, 473, as follows:
“In many jurisdictions, sometimes by virtue of statutes which prescribe that the real party in interest must be the plaintiff, the obligee need not sue if he is not entitled to the beneficial interest in the bond; but the party for whose benefit the bond is executed, whether the obligee or some other person, may or must sue thereon, but, in order to enable another than the obligee to sue on a bond, the right must be expressly or by unavoidable intendment given by statute. * * *
“While it was held in early cases that where the bond is drawn to the obligee for the use and benefit of another, the latter cannot, in the absence of statute, sue thereon in his own name, but the suit should be in the name of the obligee, although he has no beneficial interest in the bond, the tendency of later cases in some jurisdictions has been to allow one, for whose benefit a bond was made, to sue thereon. Thus, where a bond is payable to the State .for the benefit of individuals, it has been held that anyone interested in performance of the conditions can sue on it, and that one suffering damage at the hands of one required to give bond by reason of the breach of the bond may bring action on the bond regardless of who is named obligee therein. However, to enable a third party not named in a bond to sue thereon, it must clearly appear by the terms of the bond that he is of the class covered by the conditions of the bond and is entitled to its benefits; and if it appears from the terms used that the bond is solely for the benefit of the parties thereto, third persons can-, not recover under its provisions.”
See, also, 1 Callaghan’s Michigan Pleading & Practice, § 15.34, p 348; Lyons v. City of Grand Rapids, 305 Mich 309.
At common law a mere contract beneficiary had no cause of action against the contract promisor; and prior to the passage of the provisions quoted above in PA 1937, No 296, much confusion had existed pertaining to such parties in Michigan courts. G-rismore, Beneficiary Contracts in Michigan, 8 Detroit L Rev 1.
In one of the first cases interpreting this statute, Mr. Justice Butzel adopted the basic test suggested by Professor Grismore, supra, p 5:
“Under the third-party beneficiary act the legislature has prescribed an objective standard for determination of when a promisor has undertaken to give or to perform or refrain from performing a given act directly to or for a third person, a determination to be made from the form and meaning of the contract itself (PA 1937, No 296)]
“As long as between the promisee and promisor it was intended the latter should assume a direct obligation to a third party, it is immaterial to the enforcement by such third person of the obligation so incurred by promisor that the actual intent of the promisee was to protect himself from paying the debt to the third party.” Guardian Depositors Corporation v. Brown (syllabi), 290 Mich 433, 434.
In a case involving a somewhat similar fact situation to the one at bar but a much less definite promise, this Court reversed a dismissal on motion. There a tenant was suing a building contractor claiming rights as a third-party beneficiary under a contract between his landlord and the contractor who had undertaken to remodel “in such a way as to cause a minimum of disturbance to the daytime operations in the building.” This was held to be a promise directly to and for the benefit of the tenant so as to bring the terms of the third-party beneficiary statute into play. Greenlees v. Owen Ames Kimball Co., 340 Mich 670 (46 ALR2d 1205).
In the instant situation we find little difficulty in holding that the terms of this contract make the owners of the “private abutting property” to this construction contract site direct, beneficiaries within the meaning of CL 1948, §§ 691.541-691.545 (Stat Ann 1953 Rev§§ 26.1231-26.1235), and, hence, that said owners state a valid cause of action against the contractor and his joint obligor, defendant United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company.
The second question in this case is whether or not the parties plaintiff are misjoined so as to warrant dismissal of the cause of action on defendant’s motion. .
Joinder of parties plaintiff is governed by a statute in Michigan obviously designed to liberalize the rules formerly existing at common law.
The statute provides:
“The plaintiff may join in 1 action, at law or in equity, as many causes of action as he may have ¡against the defendant, but legal and equitable causes (of action shall not be joined; but when there is more than 1 plaintiff, the causes of action joined must be joint, and if there be more than 1 defendant, the liability must be one asserted against all of the material defendants, or'sufficient grounds must appear for uniting the causes of action in order to promote the convenient administration of justice, or when several suits shall be commenced against joint and several debtors, in the same court, the plaintiff may, in any stage of the proceedings, consolidate them into 1 action. If it appear that any such causes of action cannot be conveniently disposed of together, the court may order separate trials, or whenever several suits shall be pending in the same court, by the same plaintiff against the same defendant, for causes of action which may be joined, the court in which the same shall be prosecuted may, in its discretion, order the several suits to be consolidated into 1 action.” CL 1948, § 608.1 (Stat Ann § 27.591).
Thus by reasonable construction it appears that plaintiffs may join their causes of action when (1) the causes are joint and the liability of the defendants is joint, or (2) when joinder would “promote the convenient administration of justice.”
It is interesting to note that the statute provides for severance of the causes of action for separate trial if it appears to the court that “any such causes of action cannot be conveniently disposed of together.”
Relevant also to our current problem are the provisions of Michigan Court Rule No 37, § 12 (1945), which provides:
“Where separate and distinct causes of action are joined in actions at law, the court may, at the request of counsel for either party, direct the jury to bring in separate verdicts upon, the several counts, and may, under like circumstances, where a jury has been waived, find separately upon the several counts; and upon each of such verdicts or findings separate judgments shall be entered.”
Finally, we should perhaps have before us CL 1948, § 612.13 (Stat Ann § 27.665), which seems generally to frown on defeat of causes of action for mis-joinder :
“No action at law or in equity shall be defeated by the nonjoinder or misjoinder of parties. New parties may be added and parties misjoined may be dropped, by order of the court, at any stage of the cause, as the ends of justice may require.”
It appears that the Michigan statute is potentially as liberal in allowing joinder in all respects, except the joining- of legal and equitable causes, as the Federal' Rules of Civil Procedure, 28 USCA, Rules 19, 20, 21.
These rules have been interpreted to allow joinder of suits by multiple plaintiffs in a variety of causes of action including tort and contract actions as well as equity. Seely v. Cleveland Wrecking Co. of Cincinnati, 15 FRD 469; Gasswint v. Clapper, 17 FRD 309; Kainz v. Anheuser-Busch, Inc. (CCA), 194 F2d 737, certiorari denied, 344 US 820 (73 S Ct 17, 97 L ed 638); Ravetz v. Upjohn Company, 138 F Supp 66; Thomson v. United Glazing Co., Inc., 36 F Supp 527.
In the first of these cited cases, Seely, supra, Chief Judge Kirkpatrick explained the logic of the court as follows:
“The defendant points out that to allow the amendment would result in adding new parties having different causes of action. That is strictly true, but it is not a valid objection. The claims of the corporations arose from precisely the same transaction as that of the individual plaintiffs and most, if not all, of the questions of law and fact involved are common to all the claims. The joinder of the corporations in the original action would have been entirely proper, Sporia v. Pennsylvania Greyhound Lines (CCA), 143 F2d 105, and no reason is perceived why they should not be added now. Rule 1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, 28 USC, provides that the' rules shall be construed to secure the ‘just, speedy,, and inexpensive determination of every action,’ and. the allowance of this amendment is, in the judgment of the court, the best way to obtain that result. It is difficult to see how the defendant can be harmed. If it desires a severance in order to file a proper third-party complaint, it can have it, under tlie Sporia Case. There is nothing to prevent its filing separate interrogatories directed to the respective plaintiffs.
“The amendment will be allowed.”
We recognize, of course, that neither the Michigan statutes nor rule previously referred to deal as fully with the subject as do the Federal rules of civil practice upon which the quoted decision rests. But it may be pointed out that the language primarily relied upon by the Chief Judge providing for a construction of the rules to secure “just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action” is no more broad than the words of our statute “or sufficient grounds must appear for uniting the causes of action in order to promote the convenient administration of justice” which we must construe here.
Applicable, too, to our current case are these other words: “The claims of the corporations arose from precisely the same transaction as that of the individual plaintiffs and most, if not all, of the questions of law and fact involved are common to all the claims.”
Since the adoption of the Michigan joinder statute it has been interpreted many times, frequently in accord with the liberal construction generally given to effect the purposes of remedial legislation.
In at least 2 leading cases of fairly recent date joinder was allowed under the statute “in order to promote the convenient administration of justice.” Goodrich v. Waller, 314 Mich 456; Gilmer v. Miller, 319 Mich 136. The first of these was an equity action to set aside assignments of interests in an estate on grounds of fraudulent representation.
Mr. Justice Starr, for a unanimous Court, dismissed the misjoinder argument as follows (p 461):
“We cannot agree with defendant’s contention, as each of the plaintiffs had similar interests in the Halstead estate; the representations to them were substantially identical; and they both sought the same relief. The causes of action could properly be joined under the above statute ‘in order to promote the convenient administration of justice.’ See Latimer v. Piper, 261 Mich 123; Albaugh v. Abbott, 253 Mich 588; Hamilton v. American Hulled Bean Co., 143 .Mich 277.”
The Gilmer Cáse was a suit by 3 plaintiffs in as-sumpsit for money paid to defendant as their agent. The sums differed in amount but the claims all arose out of the same series of real-estate transactions.
Mr. Justice Carr, again speaking for a unanimous Court, gave the following as the Court’s reasons for reversing a trial court order which had, in part, granted defendant’s motion to dismiss for misjoin-der (p 144):
“It does not appear that defendant will in any way be thereby prejudiced. In fact, it would seem to be to his advantage to have the issues involved tried in 1 proceeding rather than in 2 or 3 separate suits. As before noted it is the claim of plaintiffs that the defendant was the agent of each and all of them, and that he breached the duty owing to all. The action is one to recover moneys paid by the plaintiffs under the same contract. The receipt of all payments claimed by plaintiffs to have been made by them to defendant is admitted by the answer; and the factual issues actually in controversy are not .complicated. The rights of the parties may and should he determined in a single action. The facts clearly indicate that the ‘convenient administration of justice’ will thereby be promoted. See County of Cass v. Shattuck, 288 Mich 555.”
Defendants and appellees rely heavily upon this Court’s decision in Bajorek v. Kurtz, 335 Mich 58, claiming it to be controlling in the current situation. The numerous plaintiffs in Bajoreh were home owners in the vicinity of a concrete block manufacturing company yard, and each claimed damage to his house from the operation of heavy vehicles by the defendant. The joint action was brought in tort.
The Court, speaking through Mr.' Justice Carr, held (p 64):
“No claim is here made that the causes of action asserted by plaintiffs are joint. Rather, it is argued that to permit such joinder would ‘promote the convenient administration of justice.’ It will be noted that under the specific language of the statute, ‘sufficient grounds’ must appear in 'order to warrant the joinder of causes of action for the reason here urged. We think it must be said that grounds of such character are not present in the case at bar. We have a situation presented in which a number of persons assert that they have been injured severally in their property rights because of improper and unlawful acts on the part of defendants. It cannot be said with certainty that the same issues will be presented in all of the 25 cases alleged in the declaration and covered by the bill of particulars. Proofs may show damage in some cases but not in others, and defenses may exist against the rights of certain plaintiffs that are not available against other plaintiffs.”
Thus Mr. Justice Carr based the finding of mis-joinder on possible disparity of issues and of defenses as between individual plaintiffs. This case has been the subject of criticism as representing a refusal to continue a trend toward progressive liberalization of civil procedure in Anglo-American law. 51 Mich L Rev 1068.
While we feel that a complete or substantial disparity of issues of either law or fact and a complete or substantial disparity of defenses available against proposed joint plaintiffs would indeed affect the decision.as to whether or not joinder promoted the convenient administration of justice, we do not feel compelled to review these questions and their effect upon proposed joint plaintiffs in tort actions at this time.
Our present case, as previously noted, is founded on contract. All plaintiffs claim the benefit of the same contract clause. As far as appears in this record, the same identical issues of both law and fact are involved in each individual claim. Likewise, as far as appears- here, the defenses to the actions of each are the same or similar. Patently, also, the claim of each plaintiff arose out of the same circumstances. To require 17 or more separate lawsuits to be tried under these circumstances would uselessly overburden the courts, create enormous added expense for both plaintiffs and defendants and deny common sense.
It is true, of course, that the damages claimed by the individual plaintiffs here, while generally of a similar nature, represent varying amounts. Specific provision has been made for such a circumstance in Rule No 37, § 12, supra, by provision for entry of separate judgments. And in many decided cases this fact alone has been-held no bar to joinder. Latimer v. Piper, 261 Mich 123; Hamilton v. American Hulled Bean Co., 143 Mich 277; Gilmer v. Miller, supra.
We believe that the provisions of the joinder statute should be the subject of liberal interpretation to give effect to its remedial purposes. See Blume, Free Joinder of Parties, Claims and Counterclaims, ABA Judicial Administration Monographs, Series' A, June 1, 1942, p 41. A rational test of “convenience” would he whether the causes of action of the plaintiffs arose out of the same transaction or occurrence and involve identical or similar issues of fact and law. 28USCA, Rule 20(a), p 61; Seely v. Cleveland Wrecking Co. of Cincinnati, supra; 51 Mich L Rev 1068-1070. Where plaintiffs assert that these tests of “convenience” are met under the statute and their claims appear unjustified to the trial judge, he has ample power to protect the defendants or the court itself by ordering separate trials. Joinder statute, supra.
In the instant case plaintiffs’ declaration appears to meet the test suggested and dismissal of their cause of action seems to us unjustified either under the joinder statute, supra, or under CL 1948, § 612.13 (Stat Ann § 27.665), which provides “No action at law or in equity shall be defeated by nonjoinder or misjoinder of parties.”
For the reasons stated, the order of the trial court dismissing the cause of action as to defendant United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company should be vacated and the case should be remanded for further proceedings consistent with , this opinion.
Costs to appellants.
Carr, J.
The declaration filed by plaintiffs in this case averred that in June, 1947, the city of Detroit entered into a contract with defendant R. H. Hidey, Inc., a Michigan corporation, for the construction of a pumping • station at Mack and Blue-hill avenues in said city. The work was required to be done in a proper manner and subject to certain general conditions incorporated by reference. Among such conditions were the following:
“The contractor shall continuously maintain adequate protection of all his work from damage and shall protect all city property and private abutting property from injury or loss arising in connection with this contract. He shall without delay make good any such damage, injury or loss, and shall defend and save the city harmless from all such damages or injuries occurring because of his work. He shall furnish and maintain all passageways, barricades, guard fences, lights and danger signals, provide watchmen and other facilities for protection required by public authority, by local conditions, or by order of the engineer, all at no additional cost to the city. * * * "
“The contractor shall take out and maintain during the life of this contract such public liability and property' damage insurance as shall protect him from claims for damages for personal injury, including wrongful death, as well as from claims for property damages, which may arise from operations .under this contract.”
The contractor was also required to furnish surety company bonds to insure the construction and completion of the work in accordance with the contract documents, and for the protection of subcontractors, labor and materialmen,- pursuant to the statute of the State. In accordance with the requirement a performance bond was executed by defendant R. H. Hidey, Inc., as principal, and the United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company, as surety, on July 8, 1947, requiring said principal to comply in all respects with the terms and conditions of its contract with the city.
The declaration further alleged that during the period from September 1, 1948, to and including the month of December of the same year the defendant contractor in the course of its operations under the contract caused damage to private property. With Jhe exception of the individual plaintiff Edward Michael, the owners of the property were protected from snch damage by insurance policies severally issued by the plaintiffs herein. Plaintiff insurance companies further claimed that under the terms of their respective policies they expended a total of $5,970 for repairs, that each thereby became subro-gated under its policy to the rights of the property owner- insured thereby, and that plaintiff Michael was further damaged in the sum of $610 for repairs to his home. Plaintiffs asked in their pleading for a collective judgment in the sum of $6,580.
The defendant United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company entered a special appearance and moved to dismiss the declaration. In said motion it was asserted that plaintiffs’ pleading failed to allege a cause of action against said defendant, and that the plaintiffs were not entitled to join their several causes, as alleged, in one action. The trial court granted the motion, and plaintiffs have appealed, contending that the entry of the order of dismissal was erroneous.
It is the position of the appellants that they were entitled to rely on the so-called third-party beneficiary act on the ground that the performance bond executed by the defendants covered all the obligations assumed by the contractor in its agreement with the city -of Detroit, and that the provision of said contract with reference to property damage claims, above quoted, was for the benefit of abutting property owners. • In view of the specific obligations of the contract and the language of the bond with reference to the observance of the contractor’s obligation we think it must be said that the situation presented here is fairly within the terms of the statute as construed in Guardian Depositors Corp. v. Brown, 290 Mich 433; and Greenlees v. Owen Ames Kimball Company, 340 Mich 670 (46 ALR2d 1205).
It will be noted that the performance bond, in terms, is not restricted to cover possible failure on the part of the contractor to construct the pumping station in accordance with the plans and specifications, but extends to and includes all obligations assumed by said contractor under its agreement. The language used is sufficiently broad to cover the undertaking with reference to the assumption of liability resulting from property damage to certain third parties. The extent of the coverage into which appellee entered as surety does not affect the matter of enforceability. Lawrence v. American Surety Co. of New York, 263 Mich 586 (88 ALR 535). The bond must be construed in accordance with'its provisions. Appellee’s claim that plaintiffs could not rely on the third-party beneficiary act is not well founded.
This brings us to the question whether plaintiffs were entitled to join in one action for the recovery of the aggregate damages sustained by the individual plaintiff and.by the subrogors of the plaintiff insurance companies. Necessarily involved is the interpretation of the provisions pertinent to joinder of causes of action found in CL 1948, § 608.1 (Stat Ann § 27.591). Said section reads as follows:'
“The plaintiff may join in 1 action, at law or in equity, as many causes of action as he may have against the defendant, but legal and equitable causes of action shall not be joined; but when there is more than 1 plaintiff, the causes of action joined must be joint, and if there be more than 1 defendant, the liability must be one asserted against all of the material defendants, or sufficient grounds must appear for uniting the causes of action in order to promote the convenient administration of justice, or when several suits shall be commenced against joint and several debtors, in the same court, the plaintiff may, in any stage of the proceedings, consolidate them into 1 action. If it appear that any snch causes of action cannot be conveniently disposed of together, the court may order separate trials, or whenever several suits shall be pending in the same court, by the same plaintiff against the same defendant, for causes of action which may be joined, the court in which the same shall be prosecuted may, in its discretion, order the several suits to be consolidated into 1 action.”
In view of the fact that the declaration was dismissed on motion we must accept as correct well-pleaded averments of fact therein. It.does not appear, however, that the causes of action that plaintiffs have sought to join are actually joint within the meaning of the statute above quoted. Insofar as appellee is concerned the right to sue rests on the provisions of the performance bond. That undertaking, read in conjunction with the conditions of the contract, may not be' regarded as the assumption of liability to respond, in a single action, for the aggregate of the damages claimed to have been suffered by abutting property owners. Assuming that each such property owner was entitled to bring action for damages the conclusion does not follow that all might join. In other words, the rights of action of said property holders were not joint. None was interested in the rights of the others, nor in possible recoveries thereby. Each had a single cause of action that, assuming his property to have been wrongfully damaged by the acts of the contractor, he was entitled to maintain.
The plaintiff insurance companies are in no better position than their subrogors. Each policyholder, under the terms of his insurance contract, was in the position of merely assigning the cause of action that he had. Certainly he could not assign the rights of action of other property owners, nor was there any attempt to do so. Had separate suits been started by plaintiffs or by their subrogors, it is conceivable that they might by agreement of the parties approved by the court, or by court order if the facts so justified, have been tried together, thus expediting the work of the court. However, the fact that such procedure might have been observed does not affect the question as to the right to join such causes of action in 1 case.
In the final analysis each plaintiff is seeking merely to recover his own damages. Whether other plaintiffs recover is not its or his concern. We are not dealing with a situation in which a number of individuals are seeking precisely the same relief, as in a suit to enjoin the continuance of a nuisance or other like instances. In Latimer v. Piper, 261 Mich 123, plaintiffs joined in a suit in equity for rescission of an agreement by parties found to have engaged in a joint venture. In Gardella v. Babigian, 263 Mich 514, a joint venture was also involved. These and other decisions of like nature fairly suggest the situation obtaining where joinder has been permitted. The facts in the instant proceeding, as pleaded in the declaration, are not within the purview of such holdings.
Whether, a particular situation involving the right of joinder of parties plaintiff arises in contract or in tort may not properly be regarded as of controlling importance. Each such case must be determined with reference to its own facts and circumstances. Torrent v. Hamilton, 95 Mich 159. In the instant case the construction of the agreement by virtue of which plaintiffs claimed the right to sue the appellee surety company must be given consideration. A conclusion that either of the signers of the performance bond became an insurer for the payment of jdaims by property owners is not justified. The liaibility assumed in the bond was not of similar char •acter-to that to which plaintiff insurance companies hound themselves by virtue of the policies that they issued to their respective subrogors. The provision of the contract with the city of Detroit with reference to the payment of damages forinjirri.es to abutting property- should be read in conjunction with the subsequent clause, above quoted, with reference to the maintenance of public liability and property •damage insurance. It is a fair conclusion that what the parties had in mind was to impose liability on the contractor, to the exclusion of the city, in the event that abutting property was damaged by the wrongful acts of the contractor or its agents in carrying on the construction project.
Without reference to the form of action, the claim of each plaintiff sounds in tort and the right of recovery rests on a showing of wrongful conduct resulting in damage. Appellee’s consent to be sued does not alter the situation in this respect. Its obligation was to pay damages for injuries to abutting property when the owner or occupant thereof established his right to such damages. Whether all the properties involved in the instant proceeding abutted the site of the contractor’s operations does not affirmatively appear from the averments of the declaration. Conceivably such requisite fact might be involved in trials of some of the cases sought to be joined.
It is obvious that the causes of action sought to be joined in the instant proceeding are not joint within the meaning of the statute. Appellants claim, however, that joinder should be permitted on the ground that such action will “promote the convenient administration of justice.” It will be noted that such action may not be taken unless “sufficient grounds” appear for uniting causes of action. This language necessarily implies that the reasons for permitting joinder must concern the particular causes involved. It must be capable of being said that the doing of justice as between the parties will be in some way favorably affected if the action in question is permitted. A situation of this nature was involved in Gilmer v. Miller, 319 Mich 136, where the action was instituted by 3 persons against the defendant to recover money paid to him as the agent of the plaintiffs. Breach of duty owed to the alleged principals was claimed, and defendant admitted the receipt of the payments sought to be recovered. The situation was such as to clearly indicate that the proper administration of justice required a joinder, particularly in view of the fact that, if joinder were not permitted, one of the plaintiffs would be required to her detriment to split her cause of action.' Likewise in Goodrich v. Waller, 314 Mich 456, plaintiffs having like interests in a certain estate were permitted to join in a suit to set aside assignments affecting plaintiffs and said estate.
In the proceeding at bar it does not appear that any one of these plaintiffs would have been prejudiced had it, or he, brought a separate suit for the recovery of damages claimed. Obviously the right to such recovery would not have rested on the condition of others obtaining judgments in their favor. The declaration sets forth no reason why joinder should be permitted. In other words, so far as the pleading is concerned, “sufficient grounds” are not made to appear. The reasons stated in Bajorek v. Kurtz, 335 Mich 58, are equally applicable under the facts in the instant case.
As before noted, the promotion of justice has reference to the cases concerned in a particular instance. The language of the statute may not be construed as contemplating merely the expediting of the work of the court. Had the legislature had such thought in mind, we may assume that it would have been clearly expressed. The practice with ref erence to trying cases together when they arise .out of the same facts has come about in the general interests of parties litigant, and the expedition of trials. The right of plaintiffs to join their several causes in one action is subject to wholly different considerations.
We are concerned here with causes of action resulting, as it is claimed, from the invasion of property rights of a number of parties. It may not be said that the same questions will arise in each ease. The averments of the declaration indicate that the conduct of the contractor claimed to have been wrongful in character extended over a period of 4 months. We may not assume that all of the abutting properties involved were injured simultaneously by defendant’s improper methods of operating. In some instances the question may arise whether the property claimed to have been damaged was actually abutting property within the meaning of the contractual obligations involved. Under the situation presented the statute does not permit joining the causes of action claimed to have arisen because of the contractor’s wrongful operations in the performance of its contract. Whether such joinder might be allowable under the Federal rule is not material to our inquiry here. The practice in the courts of this State is governed by the statute.
If joinder of the several causes of action claimed by plaintiffs is regarded as permissible, the conclusion necessarily follows that in many other instances persons having separate and distinct causes of action may likewise join. By way of illustration, if, as frequently happens, a number of individuals are injured, in person or property, as a result of the negligent operation of a motor vehicle or other wrongful conduct asserted against a defendant, all may join in one action to recover the aggregate of their damages. The statutory provisions governing such a situation have not been so interpreted. Such eases may under proper circumstances be tried together, but such procedure is wholly distinct from the matter of joinder of causes of action. The position that this Court has, taken, in construing the statute, clearly appears from numerous decisions, among which may be cited: Halkes v. Douglas & Lomason Co., 267 Mich 600; Jones v. City of Detroit, 277 Mich 272; Gumienny v. Hess, 285 Mich 411; Bostrom v. Jennings, 326 Mich 146.
The order of the trial court from which plaintiffs have appealed is affirmed. The causes of action asserted are not joint, and it does not appear from the record before us that sufficient grounds exist to permit the allowance of joinder in one action. Appellee may have costs.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe and Kelly, JJ., concurred with Carr, J.
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Edwards, J.
On Farmers’ Day, September 15, 1949, a farmer’s wife and her 4-1/2-year-old son went to the fair. She paid admission and with her son was walking down the midway when suddenly there was the crack of a rifle. The boy fell, shot through the abdomen by a 22-caliber bullet. Testimony at trial of this case indicated that the shot came from a shooting gallery on the midway (closed to the public at the time) wherein a 15-year-old employee was cleaning a rifle.
With the astonishing resilience of the young, the boy came through extensive surgical repair of his punctured intestines and survived, and recovered' with a bullet lodged in the base of his spine. These 2 suits are brought by the mother on his behalf for his injuries and pain and suffering, and by the father for the hospital and medical and incidental expenses. Failing to serve the rifle range concessionaire or the 15-year-olcl boy, they seek to hold the defendant sponsors of the fair for damages. The trial judge, hearing the case without a jury, entered judgments of $5,000 and $1,153.45 respectively in the 2 cases, and the defendant Saginaw County Agricultural Society appeals.
The detailed facts are set forth with admirable conciseness by the parties in a stipulated statement of facts, most of which we quote verbatim:
“For many years, defendant society had conducted on its own property in Saginaw, Michigan, a well attended and advertised fair for 1 week in the year. September 15,1949, was advertised as Farmers’ Bay, and plaintiff, Florence Bauer, a farmer’s wife, was attracted. She attended with her 4-1/2-year-old son, Leslie, and her sister, Norma Bartotti. On September 15,1949, as invitees, they paid to enter defendant grounds.
“The minor was walking south with his mother down the midway, which was a paved thoroughfare for patrons of the fair. It extended north and south through the grounds with games and other amusement devices lining the east and west sides. At the south end on the west side of the midway was a shooting gallery. This shooting gallery was about 14 feet wide and 24 feet deep with a steel back and sides. At time of the injury, a canvas curtain hung from the top of the booth to the counter preventing patrons on the midway from seeing into the gallery.
“About 10:30 a.m., as the Bauer group reached a point 126 feet north of the front of the booth, a shot rang out. Leslie Bauer collapsed with a 22-caliber bullet embedded in his body.
“Unknown to plaintiffs at this time a 15-year-old boy, Harry Lee Nobles, was inside the gallery cleaning the 22-ealiber rifles used in operation of the shooting fi'allery. Nobles was in chame of the gallery at the time, and as he was handling 1 of the guns facing out toward the midway, he stated the gun he was cleaning accidentally discharged. This gun was partially disassembled and Nobles failed to remove tbe bullets from it. Tlie bullet from the gun went through the canvas curtain and struck the Bauer boy.
“The shooting gallery space had been leased by Jack Smith, a concessionaire, from defendant as he had done in other years. The agreement resulting in his presence at the 1949 fair is evidenced by exhibit 17. The balance of the rental fee was collected by defendant on the 2d day of the fair. Harry Lee Nobles was an employee of Jack Smith who hired him to work in the shooting gallery. There were chains'for the guns so operated so that operators could not turn the guns around, but they were not chained at the time of the injury.
Mr. Bennett Sawyer, a director of defendant society, handled the renting of space to Smith. No rules or regulations were imposed by defendant on Smith as to his employees used in the shooting gallery, their age, experience, responsibility or knowledge of guns and this was left to the discretion of the shooting gallery operator. However, prior to the injury, defendant knew that Nobles was employed in the shooting gallery.
“The guns were not inspected by Mr. Sawyer and there is no evidence that any of defendant agents or employees did so. The fair opened at 9 a.m., but no orders were given to prohibit cleaning of the guns when invitees were on the grounds. All concessionaires were subject to rules and regulations of defendant society as a condition of rental. The only terms of regulations imposed on Smith are evidenced by exhibit 17. The entire control of the rented gallery space was in Smith’s hands.
“After the shooting gallery was erected, Sawyer inspected and saw that it was properly erected with steel sides, back and hood. Sawyer made no other inspections of the gallery as he was busy collecting money and seeing that everything ran all right. Sawyer stated he did not interfere with concessionaires.
“As safety measures, defendant maintained a first aid building with a nurse in constant attendance, an ambulance and 2 doctors always available. There were clean rest rooms and pure drinking- water. Defendant arranged to have the Saginaw police on duty, 9 during the day and 3 at night. Defendant hired a staff of 15 men from the Pinkerton detective agency; it was their duty to report hazards to the public, injury or sickness or disturbances. They patrolled the midway and were authorized to safeguard the public. No other evidence was presented by defendant as to precautions.
“Exhibits 8 through 14 are pictures inside and outside showing physical aspects of the gallery after the shooting. Any facts, not herein specifically stated, but appearing in the opinions of the court are evidenced by the record. Plaintiff was unable to serve either Smith or Nobles with process.
“Judgments were rendered for plaintiffs by the court sitting without a jury, and judgments duly entered. On motion for new trial, opinions were rendered denying same.”
Before this Court the appellant presents 1 question for review which appellee accepts in a revised form:
Appellant’s question
“Was defendant and appellant herein, Saginaw County Agricultural Society, guilty of negligence which was the proximate cause of the plaintiffs’ damages ?”
Appellee’s question
“Do the facts establish that defendant invitor failed in its duty to plaintiff invitee to use reasonable care in supervision, control and inspection of the shooting gallery being operated on its premises so as to result in 1 of the proximate causes of plaintiff’s injury?”
The parties in their briefs and the trial judge in a careful opinion agree upon at least 2 basic propositions. As stated by the appellant, they are:
“The appellant concedes that the law of Michigan requires it to maintain a reasonably safe place for visitors to the fair, and appellant further concedes that in the case of firearms, whether used by appellant’s agents or anyone on their fairgrounds that a high degree of care is owed to patrons of the fair to keep the area where firearms are used reasonably safe.”
The first of these propositions is quoted thus in Sullivan v. Detroit & Windsor Ferry Co., 255 Mich 575, 576, 577:
' “ ‘The duty assumed by the owners of places to which the public thus resort in large numbers is manifestly analogous to that which the law imposes upon carriers of passengers. Nevertheless it. has been measured by the standard of ordinary care. Doubtless the true theory is that such persons assume the obligation of exercising reasonable care, and that what will be reasonable care will be a degree of care proportioned to the danger incurred, and to the number of persons who will Tie subjected to that danger. * * * Such being the nature of the obligation, it is obvious that the proprietor of such a building is under a continuing duty of inspection, to the end of seeing that it is reasonably safe for the protection of those whom he invites to come into it; and that, if he neglects his duty in this respect, so that it becomes .unsafe, the question of his knowledge or ignorance of the defect which renders it unsafe is immaterial.’ ” 1 Thompson on Negligence (2d ed), § 996, pp 913, 914.
The second is best stated in Bahel v. Manning, 112 Mich 24, 29, 30 (36 LRA 523, 67 Am St Rep 381):
“The general ride * * * is that a very high degree of care is required from all persons using firearms in the immediate vicinity of others, no matter how lawful or even necessary such use may be. 7 Am & Eng Enc Law (1st ed), p 523. This same principle is stated in 2 Shearman & Bedfield, Negligence (4th ed), § 686. In Morgan v. Cox, 22 Mo 373 (66 Am Dec 623), it was held that, where injury to another is caused by an act that would have amounted to trespass vi et armis under the old system of actions, it is no defense that the act occurred .through inadvertence, or without the wrongdoer’s intending it; it must appear that the injury done was inevitable, and utterly without fault on the part of the alleged wrongdoer.”
With the above disposed of, the dispute on appeal hinges on whether or not there were facts from which the trial judge as trier of the facts could have found negligence on the part of defendant which was a proximate cause of the boy’s injury. The contested finding was as follows:
“Here it was known that guns in a shooting gallery were to be used in close proximity to large crowds of people invited there by the defendant, Saginaw County Agricultural Society, whose negligence in not exercising a reasonable degree of continuous supervision, control and inspection of the shooting gallery was the proximate cause of the accident to plaintiffs, who certainly were not guilty of any contributory negligence.”
It is apparent from this record that defendant had the power and opportunity to control and regulate its concessionaires. Defendant exercised those rights only to the extent of seeing that steel backs and sides were provided for the booth and that the guns were chained to the counter. Beyond these 2 gestures, it apparently felt it had no duty to go. It provided no rules, made no inspections, exercised no supervision over the employees of the concessionaire. No objection is shown from defendant, though apparent ly it knew of the employment of the 15-year-old boy at the range. Do these omissions .represent a failure on the part of the defendant to exercise the “very high degree of care” called for in Bahel, supra¶
Somewhat similar problems have been considered in many cases which are presented by the disputing parties.
There is a temptation here to digress into the fascinating general problems of liability of the employer for the torts of his employee or his independent contractor, and to explore the various tort concepts of “foreseeability,” “direct cause,” “scope of risk,” and “scope of the business.” See Prosser, Palsgraf Revisited, 52 Mich L Rev 1; Green, The Duty Problem in Negligence Cases, 28 Columbia L Rev 1014; Talbot Smith, Collateral Negligence, 25 Minn L Rev 399. The problem with doing so is that our current case can throw little light upon solution of these conflicts since on any theory it appears that the weight of authority holds that our current set of facts presents a question of fact for the trial court as to defendant’s liability.
Thus Cardozo in Palsgraf, while enunciating the doctrine of “foreseeability,” noted “some acts such as shooting, are so imminently dangerous to anyone who may come within reach of the missile, however unexpectedly, as to impose a duty of prevision not far from that of an insurer.” Palsgraf v. Long Island R. Co., 248 NY 339, 344 (162 NE 99, 59 ALR 1253).
And Restatement of Torts states the rule as follows:
“A possessor of land who in the course of his business holds it open to members of the public, is subject to liability for bodily harm caused to them, on a part of the land retained in his possession or upon a part thereof leased to a concessionaire, by Ms failure to exercise reasonable care to secure the use of reasonably safe equipment and methods by an * * *
(b) independent contractor or concessionaire employed or permitted to carry on upon the land an activity in furtherance of the possessor’s business use thereof.” 2 Restatement, Torts, Negligence, ch 15, § 415, p 1122.
Cases abound which illustrate these principles. Of these, so closely in point as to warrant extended quotation, is Graffam v. Saco Grange Patrons of Husbandry, No. 53, 112 Me 508, 509-511 (92 A 649, 650, LRA 1915C, 632):
“The evidence satisfactorily establishes the proposition that the boy met his death from the accidental discharge of the rifle, but the defendant urges that it should not be held liable for the damages resulting from that death. It says that the evidence does not show that the fairgrounds were hired or the fair conducted by this defendant. A detailed discussion of the testimony upon this point would not be profitable, for this question was submitted to the jury under instructions which we assume were full and correct since the charge of the presiding justice is not reported, and we are not disposed to disturb this feature of the verdict. It further says that it is not liable because all ordinary care was taken to protect the public, so far as a safe target was concerned, and that the accident was caused by the unfortunate manner in which the owner of the rifle attempted to remedy a trouble in the working of the rifle, and against this accidental result it says it was not bound to provide. Wo do not think this contention can prevail. The defendant savs that the case at bar differs from Thornton v. Maine State Agricultural Society, 97 Me 108 (53 A 979, 94 Am St Rep 488), and while this is partially true yet certain principles of law expounded in that case are applicable to this one. In that case our court said (p 113), ‘It is too well settled to need the citation of authorities, that if tlie owner or occupier of land either directly or by implication induces persons to come upon his premises, he thereby assumes an obligation to see that such premises are in a reasonably safe condition, so that the persons there by his invitation may not be injured by them or in their use for the purpose for which the invitation was extended. * * * It was its (the defendant) duty to use reasonable care that there should be no traps or pitfalls into which the invited might fall, and that there should be no dangerous plays or sports, or exhibitions, by which the invited might be injured.’ In the-case at bar there is no satisfactory evidence that the defendant took sufficient precautionary measures regarding the protection of the public from the careless handling of a dangerous firearm. Apparently it let the ground privilege for the shooting gallery and gave the matter no further attention. It is suggested that on the second day of the fair the target protection was enlarged but it does not appear that even this was the result of careful supervision by the defendant. In Conradt v. Clauve, 93 Ind 476, 478 (47 Am Rep 388), the court said, ‘The practice in target shooting appears to have been a part of the entertainment carried on at the fair, and as the defendants were the owners of the premises, and the managers and controllers of the fair, the practice in target shooting was a part of their exhibition, and under their supervision and control as much as any other part of the fair. And those having charge of it, while perhaps not strictly agents or servants of the defendants, were acting under the license and permission of the defendants; and such a relation existed between them as will hold the defendants liable for injuries resulting from their negligence in not properly controlling the conduct and management of this part of their exhibition.’ Upon this principle of law, our own court, in Thornton v. Maine State Agricultural Society, supra, 115, 116, said, ‘By inviting patrons to their fair they make themselves bound to use reasonable care to see that the fair in all its parts is safe and is conducted safely, whether the various parts of the fair are conducted and managed by the owners themselves, or with their permission, by licensees, independent contractors or lessees.’ In the case at bar the manner and means used by the owner of the shooting gallery to remedy the defective condition of the rifle seem to us to be clearly careless and negligent. To allow such negligence, or to let grounds to such a careless person, with no careful supervision, oversight or precautionary steps having-been taken would seem to clearly fix the liability of the defendant so far as this branch of the case goes.”
To the same general effect, and representing, we think, the weight of authority, the following may be cited: Thornton v. Maine State Agricultural Society, 97 Me 108 (53 A 979, 94 Am St Rep 488); Tuggle v. Anderson, 43 Washed 721 (263 P2d 822) ; Szasz v. Joyland Company, 84 Cal App 259 (257 P 871); Conradt v. Clauve, 93 Ind 476 (47 Am Rep 388).
See, also, annotations, 14 LRA NS 284; 140 ALR 415; 145 ALR 962.
Appellant relies principally upon 3 Michigan cases: Good v. Michigan Farm & Industrial Fair, Inc., 270 Mich 543; Anda v. Chicago, Duluth & Georgian Bay Transit Co., 231 Mich 567; and Knottnerus v. North Park Street Railway Co., 93 Mich 348 (17 LRA 726). The first 2 cases involved merely the use of streets or ways not shown to he inherently dangerous. The third involved the derailing of a roller-coaster, which the Court sought (we think not too successfully) to distinguish from the rule previously cited by holding it not a dangerous instrumentality.
Although we have neither found nor been presented with Michigan cases squarely in point, somewhat closer to our fact situation and to the weight of authority are: Sullivan v. Detroit & Windsor Ferry Co., supra; Logan v. Agricultural Society of Lenawee County, 156 Mich 537; and Blakeley v. White Star Line, 154 Mich 635 (19 LRA NS 772, 129 Am St Rep 496).
The small son of plaintiff in onr instant case was plainly a guest invited to the fair by defendant. The duty of reasonable care owed to the boy at defendant’s fair must be viewed in relation to the twin circumstances of the regular use of dangerous weapons authorized by defendant and carried on in close proximity to large crowds of people who felt assured against any danger. Thus viewed, the duty owed is plainly that of the high degree of care previously cited from Bahel, supra.
We believe that there is ample evidence in this record from which the trial judge could have found that defendant’s failure to prescribe any rules for or to exercise any sort of supervision over the operation • of the shooting gallery was negligence which was a proximate cause of the boy’s injury.
We believe that the holding above accords with perhaps the least debatable definition of legal duty called to our attention during consideration of this case:
“No better general statement can be made, than that the courts will find a duty where, in general, reasonable men would recognize it and agree that it exists.” Prosser, Law of Torts (2d ed), ch 6, § 36, p 168.
The judgment of the court below in both cases is affirmed. Costs to appellees.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Voelkeb, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred. | [
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Kelly, J.
After 26 years of married life plaintiff and defendant decided they should dissolve their marital union and plaintiff should seek an absolute divorce. Preliminary to starting such action, an agreement (dated September 8, 1949) was entered into between plaintiff and defendant whereby defendant gave to his wife the home they were living in, the furniture, and further provided that “if and when a decree is entered” plaintiff should receive “the sum of $12,500” and that defendant “shall further pay to the plaintiff as alimony the sum of $500 per month for a period of 5 years from the date upon which a decree is entered.”
1 After filing her bill of complaint (September 12, 1949), plaintiff substituted attorneys. A series of conferences between her substituted attorney and the defendant resulted in her attorney’s letter of January 9, 1950, to the defendant informing him that, in addition to the-preliminary agreement (September 8, 1949) entered into by him with his wife before the divorce action was commenced, defendant had agreed to also pay the plaintiff’s dentist and hospital bills, keep up the insurance payments for 5 years, pay for his daughter’s education, provide expenses for his wife’s round trip to California, pay to plaintiff-wife $2,500, and “at the end of 5 years, either party may apply to the court for a change in the monthly alimony based upon the circumstances that exist.”
On January 11, 1950, defendant answered the letter and agreed to all the items plaintiff’s attorney had set forth, but did not refer to the 5-year period at the end of which either party had the right to apply for a change in the monthly alimony.
Defendant was not represented by counsel, nor was he personally present, at the divorce hearing held before Honorable Thomas J. Murphy. After plaintiff’s attorney’s letter to defendant was introduced, the court stated:
“He (defendant) does not expressly agree to the alimony. He says nothing in his letter there and it sounds like he intended to stop after 5 years.”
Plaintiff’s attorney assured the court that the letter represented the agreement between the parties, and said: “We propose to serve him with a copy of the decree,” to which the court answered, “All right.”
The court’s decree (February'9, 1950) provided for $500 per month alimony for 5 years, and at the end of 5 years the parties could apply to the court for a modification of the monthly amount of alimony.
Five years after the decree was entered, plaintiff-wife filed her petition to modify the decree in regard to alimony (April 22, 1955), alleging that after 5 years she had such a right under the decree of February 9, 1950, to seek “modification of the monthly sum of alimonythat during said 5-year period her living expenses had increased; that she was not well and under the care of a physician and unable to work; that defendant’s income had increased, and that the alimony payments should be continued and increased to the amount of $600 per month.
Plaintiff’s petition was followed by defendant’s petition to modify the decree of divorce, alleging that in view of changing conditions he was no longer able to make the payments of $500 per month and that the alimony should be terminated, and that the income “from her (plaintiff’s) investments and the alimony which has been faithfully paid in the period of 5 years, last past, has been more than adequate compensation and is wholly sufficient to support and maintain this plaintiff.”
On August 1, 1955, the friend of the court made a report on plaintiff’s and defendant’s petitions, which report disclosed that since the decree of divorce the husband had remarried; that the wife’s statement that she was not in good health was supported by a doctor’s statement that she was under his “care for arthritis, heart trouble, and hypertension,” and that she reports to the doctor’s office once a week; that the defendant husband was asking the court “to terminate all alimony and medical expenses because the property settlement was agreed upon that she would receive $500 per month for 5 years and that it would be terminated after 5 years;” that the alimony record disclosed that he had paid plaintiff $29,500 during the 5-year period. The friend of the court’s report concluded as follows:
“According to the facts presented in this report, there does not appear to be any change of circumstances to' warrant final termination of the permanent alimony. The wife is unemployed and under medical care. The husband’s financial circumstances are substantially the same as reported at the time of investigation on his previous petition to modify the decree. :
“It is recommended that the decree of divorce be modified to provide for the continuance of the $500 per month permanent alimony until the further order of the court.”
Defendant filed his objections to the recommendations of the friend of the court, and attached thereto a copy of the property-settlement agreement of September 8, 1949, and alleged that the decree of divorce as entered did not reflect the court’s understanding of the intention of the parties and/or the property-settlement agreement.
Both plaintiff’s and defendant’s petitions for modification of decree were heard together, resulting in the court’s order of August 3, 1955, that:
“The court having found and determined and does hereby find, determine and adjudge that the said provision of alimony is subject to modification; and the friend of the court having carefully investigated the matter and having considered the information furnished to him in regard to the circumstances of the parties and recommended that the decree of divorce be modified to provide for the continued payment of $500 per month permanent alimony until the further order of the court * * *
“It is hereby ordered that the provision of the said decree insofar as the said decree relates to alimony, may be and the same hereby is modified so as to require the defendant to pay to the plaintiff, through the friend of the court, the sum of $500 per month from and after the 9th day of February, 1955r and continuing monthly thereafter and hereafter until the further order of the court.”
"Within 20 days after the trial court’s order, defendant filed a petition for rehearing and in support thereof attached his attorney’s affidavit to the effect that no testimony was taken at the hearing for modification of decree. The record does not disclose that defendant made a request that testimony be taken to establish fraud, or for any other purpose, or that the petition challenged the original decree for fraud.
The court, after hearing arguments of counsel, denied defendant’s petition for rehearing (October 28, 1955). Counsel for defendant then advised the court of their intention to appeal to this Court and requested the trial judge to file his reasons for denying defendant’s petition for rehearing.
On November 8, 1955, the trial court filed said reasons in an opinion, stating that at the time the original hearing was held and plaintiff testified, he called attention to the fact that there was some question in regard to the court’s right to consider alimony after the 5-year period and he was advised by plaintiff’s attorney that he would serve defendant with a copy of the decree so there would be no question about it. The court then stated:
■ “The record does not clearly show when the defendant was served with a copy of the decree, but the record does show that several years thereafter motions were made to modify this particular section of the decree, and that at the end of the 5 years a motion was filed by Mr. Barnard to modify the decree to continue the alimony in behalf of the wife, and a motion was also filed on behalf of the defendant by his attorney to modify the decree so that it would eliminate any future alimony.
“Nothing was said in that motion by the defendant about the decree not being in conformity with the property settlement agreement of the parties. It was only after the friend of the court recommended that the alimony be continued that the defendant took the position that the decree did not correspond to the actual property settlement .between the parties and that it was a fraud upon him.
“I am of the opinion that the defendant knew and fully understood the provisions of the decree allowing the court to extend the payment after the 5 years. Ilis action in filing 2 motions to modify and in asking the court to modify the decree at the end of the 5 years certainly shows that he knew what the decree contained, and that he made no objection to it until after the friend of the court made his recommendation.
“In view of the above I am of the opinion that the decree corresponded with the actual property settlement agreement between the parties at the time the divorce decree ivas granted and that the written agreement had been modified by the parties. ■
“I am also of the opinion that the defendant was familiar with the terms of the decree in reference to either party applying for modification at the end of the 5 years, .and.that if the decree did not meet the agreement between the parties he has waited too long to complain about the same; that he has been guilty of laches and of failure to move with proper dispatch on discovering the claimed mistake or fraud.”
We agree with the trial court. Affirmed. Costs to appellee.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Edwards, Voelker, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred. | [
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Smith, J.
Mrs. Stewart, plaintiff herein, had conceived. Though she was a relatively young woman, at least in comparison with her husband, who was 63 .(she was only 37), she was disturbed and apprehensive that she might not be able to have the child. She had had 2 previous stillbirths and she was convinced that she could not normally deliver. As she put it, “I know I couldn’t go through normal.” Yet more than anything else, she testified, she “wanted a sound, healthy baby.”
A solution, however, suggested itself to the couple. They would have the baby delivered by a Caesarean section, thus avoiding what they conceived to be the hazards of a normal delivery. (We will, in this resumé of the facts, construe the controverted testimony most favorably to plaintiff under the assignments of error here made. Dempsey v. Miles, 342 Mich 185.) Consequently, when she and her husband consulted the defendant, Dr. Paul Bunyan, licensed in Michigan as an osteopathic physician and surgeon, they told him that they “thought that a Caesarean operation would be absolutely necessary.” (As a matter of fact the record contains language much more suitable to the urgency and the apprehension felt. “We demanded,” testified Mr. Stewart, “that Dr. Bunyan perform a Caesarean operation.”) The doctor replied that he was not qualified to perform it but that “Dr. Kesten was the operating physician in the hospital,” and, he said, according to Mr. Stewart, “he would see to it that Dr. Kesten was available and that a Caesarean would be performed.” Mrs. Stewart, plaintiff, is equally clear. “We told him,” she said, “we wanted it taken; he said I would labor for a while and that the other doctor would take— Dr. Kesten would take.” There can be no doubt that such a contract was made. The subject of Caesarean section was discussed not once, but “each and every time” that Mr. and Mrs. Stewart consulted with the defendant. Dr. Bunyan himself testified, “I knew Mrs. Stewart wanted a Caesarean. I knew also of the possible problems in the delivery of this child.”
During the period of gestation Mrs. Stewart saw Dr. Bunyan regularly. In June of 1953, he told her to have X-rays taken. The X-ray specialist, Dr. Brammick, reported as follows:
“Exhibit D. (Bearing the signature of Paul C. Brammick.)
“June 27, 1953 — ‘Obstetrical consultation is suggested to evaluate this patient because of the age.’ ”
Dr. Brammick also reported, at this time, “that the baby was 8 months in development.” It was only in the preceding month, however, on May 8, 1953, that the defendant .had finally concluded that Mrs. Stewart was in fact pregnant. Although his office records listed October 13, 1952 (some 7 months prior thereto), as the first day of her last menstrual period, Dr. Bunyan explained that he was not' sure she was pregnant (“I don’t stick my neck out until I know for sure”) since she might merely have been going through her menopause “and this fools many doctors.” There was ah additional X-ray examination on August 11th. At this time Dr. Brammick reported that “it was not exactly at term, but it was approaching term, which would bring it in at a 2. or 3-week period.” (By “term” the doctor meant “the time in the carrying of the baby when the baby has reached its full growth and it would be about ready to deliver.”) He also reported that “the mother had average measurements on her pelvis and that the head was a borderline case at the mid-plane.” He again advised obstetrical consultation (Exhibit E: “O.B. Consultation is recommended”), but again no such consultation was had.
We come now to the date of September 4th. It was the belief of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, that, at this time, she was long overdue. As a matter of fact, it was their belief that the baby had come to full term in July, and they so informed defendant. “We visited Dr. Bunyan in July of 1953 and we gave him the lapsed period of time and told him that we were very much concerned because the time was at hand, practically so.” He told them not to worry, “that everything was normal and in good condition.” They were back in August, “my wife had not yet delivered.” Again the Caesarean was discussed, but the operation was not performed.
On the morning of September 4th Mrs. Stewart’s pains commenced. (She entered the hospital late that night, complaining of labor pains which had become more severe.) She and her husband again returned to Dr. Bunyan. They told him of the onset of her pains and expressed concern over her failure to deliver. They asked Dr. Bunyan why delivery was not made “at the regular period.” He told them not to worry and “to go home.” At this time, testified Dr. Bunyan, “the baby was alive.” The fetal heart tones were audible, were normal, and sounded “quite strong.” They were, however, the last heard. Exhibit H tells the story: “White female admitted to the hospital 9-5-53 at 2:30 a.m. Petal heart tones not heard.” Dr. Bunyan testified that, “As far as I know,” the interne did not call him at that time, or, in fact, at any time prior to his arrival at the hospital at 9 that morning. He then, as he says, “looked at the chart on Mrs. Stewart” and told Dr. Rudner (the head of the obstetrical department at the hospital) “You take care of this case. It is a rather unusual case in that she needs a specialist on the case.” He did not, however, according to his own testimony, talk with Dr. Kesten about a Caesarean, nor, indeed, did he even apprise Dr. Rudner “that there had been any discussion between myself and the Stewarts regarding a Caesarean operation. I did not consider it important to tell him that. I probably told him about the background of the case, but I can’t guarantee that I did.” Dr. Rudner is equally vague. “I do not remember,” he testified, “whether Dr. Bunyan gave me a run-down on this case when we first conferred.” The hospital records, however, seem explicit as to whether or not there could be a successful normal delivery:
“Exhibit A. (Containing the signature of Paul C. Bunyan.)
“Q. Do you expect a normal delivery in this case ?
“A. No. Doubtful at least.
“Q. If not, why?
“A. Two previous stillborn babies, plus her age as a big factor.”
“Exhibit B. (Dated September 5, 1953.)
“Q. Previous obstetric history, abortions, months of pregnancy, cause.
“A. One stillbirth at 9th month, one miscarriage at 6 months.
“(In Dr. Bunyan’s handwriting):
“Uterine pregnancy full term, outlook for labor fair to bad. Stillborn babe delivered.”
In the early afternoon of that same date, around 1 p.m., Dr. Rudner examined the plaintiff for the first time. “At that time,” he testified, “I could pick up no fetal heart tones and I considered that I had a dead fetus.” He'left instruction for her care and about 10' o’clock that night- he delivered her, after performing what is described as an episiótomy, a surgical cut or incision to facilitate delivery and prevent tearing. The child was dead.
Suit was brought by plaintiff against Dr. Bunyan and Dr. Rudner. The declaration contained 2 counts. The first, against Dr. Bunyan alone, was for breach of contract, it describing, as well, the allegedly unauthorized operation (episiotomv) performed by the other defendant, Dr. Rudner. The second, against both doctors, sounded in tort for assault and battery. At the close of plaintiff’s opening statement, motion to dismiss for misjoinder of parties defendant was denied. At the -end of all proofs the court, upon motion, dismissed the second count “and that part of the first count that has to do with the operation performed by Dr. Rudner.” The case went to the jury “on the question of whether or not plaintiff has shown by a preponderance of the evidence in spite of the experts’ testimony that a Caesarean was agreed to and if agreed to should have been performed and whether or not the damages which the plaintiff received was a result of the failure to so do.”
The jury returned a verdict of $5,000 for the plaintiff against Dr. Bunyan, and he comes to us on a general appeal. He argues, primarily, that there is a fatal defect as to damages. “The record is barren,” he says, “as to any showing that (my) failure to have a Caesarean performed on this plaintiff in any way caused the loss of the baby.” Moreover, he says, the court was in error in denying his request that the jury be charged that they were “not permitted to award damage to the plaintiff for whatever grief or injury she sustained because her baby was not born alive.” This is amplified in the brief. “Damages, if any,” it is there said, “are restricted to those damages which were the direct result of the breach, and such as may be fairly supposed to have been in the contemplation of the parties when the contract Avas made.” So, Ave agree, they are.
We will first consider appellants’ ássignments of error involving the award of damages, in an action ex contractu, for mental anguish, grief and sorrow. Specifically, it is claimed that the court erred in refusing the following charge to the jury:
“I charge you that damages, if any, cannot .be aAvarded for sorrow and grieying caused by the loss of plaintiff’s child in that such grieving and injured feelings are too remote to be considered an element of damages.”
There is ample support in the cases and in the texts for the proposition stated. Few areas of our law, however, are more shrouded in mists of history and of doubt than this area of recovery for mental distress, for grief, anxiety, or sorrow. Dean Pound reminds us (An Introduction to the Philosophy of Law, p 241) that “Law did not concern itself at first with agreements or breaches of agreements. Its function was to keep the peace by regulating or preventing private war and this only required it to deal. with personal violence and with disputes over possession of property.” Of course, if the mental distress were sufficiently close to physical violence, even though no actual bodily impact was made, recovery might he had. Thus the early case (1348) wherein one W, finding a tavern closed one night, struck on the'door with a hatchet until the proprietor’s wife “put her head out at a window and ordered him to stop; and he perceived her and struck with the hatchet, but did not touch the woman.” It was held that he must respond in damages in spite of his failure to bruise or wound other than her sensibilities. Here, of course, we are close' to the private war described by Dean Pound. Generally, however, the common law has been “reluctant to recognize the interest in one’s peace of mind as deserving of general and independent legal protection, even as against intentional invasions.” (Magruder, Mental and Emotional Disturbance in the Law of Torts, 49 Harv L Rev 1033, 1035.) The reluctance manifested in the. field of torts was roughly paralleled in the contractual area and for the same reasons. Thus.we find in Francis v. Western Union Telegraph Co., 58 Minn 252, 261, 262 (59 NW 1078, 49 Am St Rep 507, 25 LRA 406), the court holding as follows:
“We are therefore left to determine the question here presented according to the rules of the common law applicable to actions for damages for breach of contract. In such actions can damages he recovered for mental suffering resulting from a breach of the contract?
“The law has always been exceedingly cautious in allowing damages for mental suffering, for the manifest reasons, among others, that such damages are more sentimental than substantial, depending largely upon temperament and physical and nervous condition. . The suffering of one under precisely the same circumstances would be no test of the suffering of another, and there being no possible standard by which such an injury can be even approximately measured, they are subject to many, if not most, of the objections to speculative damages which are universally excluded.”
These and similar objections to recovery for mental disturbance, applicable equally to tort and contract actions, have been so thoroughly demolished in recent years that we will not take the time for review. See Prosser, Law of Torts (2d ed),§37.; 1 Harper and James, Law of Torts, ch 9, and cases and articles there cited. Although the law in this field is in a state of marked transition and fluidity, it is not too early to state that there is a marked trend towards recovery. There was a day, as we noted above, when the prevention of “private warfare” fulfilled the highest function of the court, when a visibly cracked skull was a sine qua non for recovery, but the precedents of that era no longer control. We have come to realize, slowly it is true, that the law nrotects interests of personality, as well as the physical integrity of the person, and that emotional damage is. just as real (and as compensable) as physical damage. See Goodrich, Emotional Disturbance as Legal Damage, 20 Mich L Rev 497.
We have now to consider the contract made. A doctor and his patient, of course, have the same general libertv to contract with respect to their relationship as other parties entering into consensual rela tionship with one another, and a breach thereof will give rise to a canse, of action. It is proper to note, with respect to the contracts of physicians, that certain qualitative differences should be observed, since the doctor’s therapeutic reassurance that his patient will be all right, not to worry, must not be converted into a binding promise by the disappointed or quarrelsome. Those qualifications we have in mind as we proceed.
It should be noted, also, early in our discussion, as the appellate division of the New York courts observed in Colvin v. Smith, 276 App Div 9 (92 NYS2d 794), that “this cause of action (in contract) is entirely separate from malpractice, even though they both, as here, may arise out of the same transaction.” The court continues:
“The 2 causes of action are dissimilar as to theory, proof and damages recoverable. Malpractice is predicated upon the failure to exercise requisite medical skill and is tortious in nature. The action in contract is based upon a failure to perform a special agreement. Negligence, the basis of the one, is foreign to the other. The damages recoverable in malpractice are for personal injuries, including the pain and suffering which naturally flow from the tor-tious act. In the contract action they are restricted to the pa3unents made and to the expenditures for nurses and medicines or other damages that flow from the breach thereof.”
What, then, are the “other damages” that flow from the breach thereof? Is it true, as defendant asserts, that in an action for breach of contract no damages for mental anguish may be awarded?
The general rule as to damages is stated in 15 Am Jur, Damages, § 51, p 449, in the following terms:
“A party to a contract who is injured by another’s (breach of the contract is entitled to recover from the latter damages for all injuries and only such injuries as are the direct, natural, and proximate result of the breach.”
It is true, in the ordinary commercial contract, damages are not recoverable for disappointment, even amounting to alleged anguish, because of breach. Such damages are, in the words of defendant’s requested charge, “too remote.” But these are contracts entered into for the accomplishment of a commercial purpose. Pecuniary interests are paramount. In such cases breach of contract may cause worry and anxiety varying in degree and kind from contract to contract, depending upon the urgencies thereof, the state of mind of the contracting parties, and other elements, but it has long been settled that recovery therefor was not contemplated by the parties as the “natural and probable” result of the breach. Hadley v. Baxendale, 9 Exch 341 (156 Eng Rep 145, 5 Eng Rul Cas 502); Clark v. Moore, 3 Mich 55; Miholevich v. Mid-West Mutual Auto Insurance Co., 261 Mich 495 (86 ALR 633); Frederick v. Hillebrand, 199 Mich 333.
Yet not all contracts are purely commercial in their nature. Some involve rights we cherish, dignities we respect, emotions recognized by all as both sacred and personal. In such cases the award of damages for mental distress and suffering is a commonplace, even in actions ex contractu. One of Justice Cooley’s cases is often cited for the principle. Vanderpool v. Richardson, 52 Mich 336, involved breach of a promise to marry and it was clearly held that damages were recoverable for (p 339) “the injury to the plaintiff’s feelings and reputation, and any circumstances of indignity under which the wrong was done, and the consequent public disgrace to the plaintiff.” See, also, Humphrey v. Michigan United Railways Co., 166 Mich 645, where in the contract of passage was violated by the agent’s employment to a passenger of insulting and abusive language; Frewen v. Page, 238 Mass 499 (131 NE 475, 17 ALR 134) (breach of contract for hotel lodgings); Fitzsimmons v. Olinger Mortuary Association, 91 Colo 544 (17 P2d.535) (breach of contract for burial). The principle involved in all of these cases (and in the case at bar) is well stated in the. following quotation from 1 Sutherland on Damages (1882 ed), pp 156-158:
“May damages for breach of contract include other than pecuniary elements ? — In actions upon contract, the losses sustained do not, by reason of the nature of the transactions which they involve, embrace, ordinarily, any other than pecuniary elements. There is, however no reason why other natural and direct injuries might not justify and require compensation. Contracts are not often made for a purpose, the defeating or impairing of which can, in a legal sense, inflict a direct and natural injury to the feelings of the injured party., A breach of. promise of marriage is an instance of such a' contract, and such considerations enter into the estimate of the damages. The action for such a cause is often referred to as an exceptional action. In a certain sense it is so; but in the particular under consideration, it is only peculiar. It is an action upon contract, and the damages allowed are such as, considering the nature and benefits of the thing promised, will be an .adequate compensation. They being of a personal nature, cannot be wholly measured by a pecuniary standard; the cause of action, for the same reason, does not survive; it dies with the person, as all demands for personal injuries do. They are recoverable by the injured party because they proceed directly and naturally from the breach. Other actions upon contract may embrace like damages. * * *
While it is true that if the breach causes no actual •injury beyond vexation and annoyance,, as all breaches of contract do more or less, they are not subjects of compensation, unless to the extent that the contract was made specially to procure exemption from them. To that extent, that is, where a contract is made to secure relief from a particular inconvenience or annoyance, or to confer a particular enjoyment, the breach, so far as it disappoints in respect of that purpose, may' give a right to damages appropriate to the objects of the contract.”
See, also, section 92 of the 1916 (4th) edition of the Sutherland treatise and cases there cited.
The cases to which reference was just made involve a clear exception to the “rule”’ (if there now is any such) that damages, for mental suffering are not recoverable in contract actions. They are. "When .we have a contract concerned not with trade and commerce but with life and death, not with profit but with elements of personality, not with pecuniary’ aggrandizement but with matters of mental concern and solicitude, then a breach of duty with respect to such contracts will inevitably and necessarily result in mental anguish, pain and suffering. In such cases the parties • may. reasonably be said to have contracted with reference to the payment of damages therefor in event of breach. Par from being outside the contemplation of the parties they are an integral and inseparable part of it.
Thus in Lamm v. Shingleton, 231 NC 10 (55 SE2d 810), an action for breach of contract for failure to furnish a watertight casket and to lock the same, the court held, in part, as follows (pp 14, 15):
“Where the contract is personal in nature and the contractual duty or obligation is so coupled with matters of mental concern or solicitude, or with the sensibilities of the party to whom the duty is owed, that a breach of that duty will necessarily or reasonably result in mental anguish or suffering, and it. should be known to the parties from the nature of the contract that such suffering will result from its breach, compensatory damages therefor may be recovered. 15 Am Jur, Damages, .§ 182, p 600; McCormick on Damages, p 592; Warner v. Allen [sub nom:, Warner v. Benham, 126 Wash 393 (218 P 260, 34 ALR 1358) ]. In snch case the party sought to be charged is presumed to have contracted with reference to the payment of damages of that character in the event such damages should accrue on account of his breach of the contract. Renihan v. Wright, 125 Ind 536 (25 NE 822, 9 LRA 514); McCormick on Damages, p 595.”
Similarly, in the case before us, can any reasonable person doubt that mental pain and suffering were within the contemplation of the parties before us in event plaintiff were damaged by breach? Is any other contemplation, in fact, within the scope of the facts established upon trial? Here we have a couple, no longer young, who are convinced (and who can say without reason?) that their only chance for life is through the Caesarean section. The demanded operation was not a trivial and subordinate aspect of their agreement. It was of the essence thereof, the sole reason for its being, the indispensable ingredient. There was not an iota of the commercial in their contract.. Tragedy, they felt, would again visit them, were they not to have the safeguard of skillful surgery rather than the uncontrolled processes of nature that had proven doubly disastrous in the past. We now know that the hour of delivery having come, and gone, without the intervention of the surgeon’s skill, again the plaintiff felt the exquisite cruelty of hope destroyed and life denied. It is not disputed that the suffering existed. As her doctor, defendant Dr. Bunyan testified, “I went back to see her on September 8, 1953, but she would not talk to me. She lay there and cried. It seemed to hit her pretty hard.” If we are to avoid the jury’s verdict we will have to conclude that the suffering described in the record before us was not within the reasonable contemplation of the parties when the contract for delivery of the child by Caesarean was made. This we cannot do and the mere suggestion thereof seems somehow repellent.
But the primary contention, and the alleged deficiency in proof about which the most serious claims of error revolve, is that the court should have directed a verdict at the close of plaintiff’s case, that there was no competent evidence that plaintiff suffered any damage as a result of Dr. Bunyan’s breach of contract. Or, as elsewhere put, “the record is barren as to any showing that Dr. Bunyan’s failure to have a Caesarean performed on this plaintiff in any way caused the loss of the baby.”
The defendant misconceives the legal issue.. At this juncture of the case (the close of plaintiff’s proofs) and on defendant’s motion to dismiss, the testimony offered is to be construed as strongly as possible in plaintiff’s favor. Dempsey v. Miles, 342 Mich 185. Viewed in this light, what have.we here? First of all, the jury was justified in finding that the baby was alive, with a strong fetal heart beat, on the morning of September 4th, when plaintiff and her husband came to defendant’s .office, expressing concern that delivery “was not made at the regular period.” The jury also knew that the mother’s full term had run, that the long wait was over and the hour of delivery at hand; The jury knew, in addition, that plaintiff’s pains had commenced, that they persisted and that within hours, in fact, she was admitted to the hospital and delivered of a dead child. They would be justified in finding, on these facts, that if plaintiff had been sent to surgery, instead of back home, on the morning of September 4th (at the latest) that her baby would have been ' delivered alive. There is, of course, no absolute certainty thereof. The knife might have slipped, or the child ■ might have died at any instant because of forces beyond our control, beyond, possibly, even our comprehension. But absolute certainty we do not demand, particularly where, there can be no certainty from the very nature of the case. The jury’s calculus does not demand certainties but only probabilities. As we observed, the defendant misconceives the legal issue. The burden was not, as he asserts, upon the plaintiff to show that the failure to operate “caused” the loss’ of the baby. The plaintiff’s burden was lesser. It was her burden to show to the jury with reasonable (not mathematical) cer- ' tainty that if the defendant had caused the operation to be performed in accordance with his agreement, the surgeon would then have delivered, alive, the baby whose strong and normal heart tones were so clearly audible. The cause of the later death is immaterial to the cause of action she is asserting. This is not an action in tort for causing the death of the baby.
Her burden of proof she bore. Upon the showing outlined above, a prima facie case for recovery was made out, sufficient to take the case to the jury. Justice Campbell’s felicitous phrase ’ (Watkins v. Wallace, 19 Mich 57, 76) comes often to mind as we reflect upon the doubts, as opposed to the certainties of proof: “If the testimony produces a rational belief, a civil jury cannot be required to discard it because it is not conclusively established.” Or, in the words of Stacy, C. J., in McDaniel v. Atlantic Coast Line Railway, 190 NC 474, 475 (130 SE 208):
“A ‘prima facie’ case means, and means no more than evidence, sufficient to justify, but not to compel, an inference of liability, if the jury so find.”
Likewise, in Knudson v. Knudson, 382 Ill 492, 495 (46 NE2d 1011):
“The test of tlie existence of tlie right to have the cause submitted to a jury * .* * is whether there’ is evidence in the record which, with all its reasonable inferences, taken in the aspect most favorable to the contestant, may be said to be sufficient in law to support the cause of action.”
There is no merit in the claim of error' that the court should have granted defendant’s motion for judgment non obstante veredicto. -Although defendant’s expert, Dr. Bruckner, testified at one point on direct examination that it “would have been a deviation from the standards of practice to do a Caesarean section at any time before or at term,” he testified on cross-examination that:
“It is possible to perform a Caesarean operation if it appears there is a necessity by previous stillbirths and it .is possible to perform that operation before term. There are times when an obstetrician, or physician, or even a surgeon realizes that a problem exists where the child may be taken away from the mother before she goes'through labor.”
Looking at the testimony in its entirety, we are in accord with the position of the trial court, expressed in these terms:
“I think, in retrospect at least the plaintiff’s belief that a Caesarean operation was necessary and desirable is justified by the facts and I believe and ,-the jury evidently believed that if there had been a Caesarean operation — and this baby was alive the day before this woman went to the hospital * * * that the Caesarean operation would in all probability have been a success.”
The damages claimed are for pain and. mental suffering, and for loss of wages (for a 13-week period following her recovery from the physical results of the episiotomy performed) due to her nervous condition and chills and fever attendant upon and arising from the circumstances hereinabove related. The jury was justified in finding that these resulted directly from defendant’s failure to perform his contractual obligations. As we said in Denny v. Garavaglia, 333 Mich 317, 326:
“For many years this Court has adhered to the rule that an award for damages in personal injury cases will not be disturbed if reasonably within the range-of the testimony.”
There was no error in the court’s denial of defendant’s motion to dismiss for improper joinder of parties defendant, CL 1948, § 608.1 (Stat Ann § 27.591); Gilmer v. Miller, 319 Mich 136, nor is there merit in the remaining assignments of error.
Affirmed. Costs to appellee.
Edwards, Voelker, and Black, JJ., concurred with Smith, J.
Dbthmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Kelly, and Carr, JJ., concurred in the result.-
“A Caesarean section means the abdominal opening with a scalpel cutting through the skin, superficial fat, going to the fascia and beneath to expose the uterus and then making an incision in the uterus so the baby can be delivered. This incision runs from the navel approximately [to] the pubes and in a natural female is about between 5 and 6 inches. The incision is longitudinal.” The term comes from the legend that the mother of Julius Caesar was so delivered. The operation is one of great antiquity.
I DeS et ux v. W DeS, Y B Liber Assisarum, f 99, pl 60 (1348). We are indebted to tlie Ames and Smith translation in their Selection of Cases on the Law of Torts (1919, Pound ed), p 1. | [
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Dethmers, C. J.
(dissenting). Pour motor vehicles were proceeding west on the north lane of a 4-lane highway. At the time it was raining, the atmosphere was very wet and misty and the pavement was slippery. The first vehicle was traveling at about 20 miles per hour. Defendant’s vehicle was second in line, traveling immediately behind the first. The third was going at about 40 to 45 miles per hour, overtaking the first 2. As it neared them it slowed down considerably. Plaintiff’s vehicle, a tractor, semitrailer and 4-wheeled tanker weighing 80,000 pounds, being fourth in the line, was then 200 feet or less behind the third vehicle and traveling at from 30 to 35 miles per hour. When from 50 to 100 feet from the rear of the second vehicle the third turned into the second lane from the north, intent on passing the first 2 vehicles. Plaintiff’s driver immediately followed the third vehicle in this maneuver, turning into the second lane from the north preparatory to passing the first 2 vehicles. At about this time and when the third vehicle was approximately 100 feet from the rear of the first, the second vehicle (defendant’s) suddenly turned south from the north lane, crossed in front of the third vehicle, passing between it and the first, and went over the 2 south lanes onto the south shoulder, then cut back at a 45-degree angle in a northwesterly direction in front of the third and first vehicles, finally landing in the ditch north of the highway. It collided with none of the other vehicles. To avoid such collision drivers of both the first and the third vehicles applied brakes. The third slowed down to 1 or 2 miles per hour and, after defendant had passed in front of it the second time, it accelerated to about 5 miles per hour. Plaintiff’s vehicle, at that time in the second lane from the north following the third vehicle, was 75 feet behind the latter when plaintiff’s driver noticed braking action and brake lights going on on the third vehicle. Plaintiff’s driver immediately applied his brakes. He testified that it would have been impossible at the time, under the speed he was then traveling and all the conditions then and there existing, for him to have stopped his vehicle within the 75 feet intervening between it and the third vehicle and that he could not even say that it could have been stopped within 150 feet. The sudden attempt to stop caused plaintiff’s vehicle to go out of control and swing into a broadside skid, after which it struck the rear of the third vehicle, which had already accelerated back to about 5 miles per hour following its slow-down to 1 or 2 miles per hour, as above noted.
It is for damages resulting from the collision-between plaintiff’s and the third vehicle that suit is brought. Trying the case without a jury, the lower court found for plaintiff. No question is raised about the negligence of defendant, who was driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor. Defendant appeals on the ground that plaintiff’s driver was guilty of contributory negligence as a matter of law for failure to comply with CLS 1954, § 257.627(a) (Stat Ann 1952 Rev §9.2327[a]), which provides that, “no person shall drive any vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than will permit him to bring it to a stop within the assured, clear distance ahead.”
Defendant relies on Winslow v. Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home, 328 Mich 488; Fugere v. Aronson, 285 Mich 661; Ter Haar v. Steele, 330 Mich 167, for the propositions (1) that the statute applies with equal force to a driver, whether he be approaching a stationary object or overtaking one that is moving, and (2) that the measure of the assured, clear distance ahead of a vehicle overtaking another is the distance between them. He stresses the holding in Lewis v. Yund, 339 Mich 441, that [failure to drive in accord with the requirements of the statute constitutes contributory negligence as a matter of law.
Plaintiff, in turn, cites Lindenfeld v. Michigan Interstate Truck Co., 274 Mich 681; Torbert v. Smith’s Estate, 250 Mich 62; Suarez v. Katon, 299 Mich 38 ; Kolehmainen v. E. E. Mills Trucking Co., Inc., 301 Mich 340, for the general proposition that when a plaintiff is confronted with a sudden emergency, not of his making but due to the negligence of defendant, which requires that plaintiff stop immediately to avoid a collision, he is not necessarily guilty of contributory negligence as a matter of law for failure to' stop or to be able to stop before the collision occurs. In none of those cases is it made to appear that the driver in question failed to drive so as to be able to stop within the assured, clear distance ahead, but,, rather, that his assured, clear distance ahead was suddenly shortened by the negligent act of another in unlawfully swerving into his path in a manner not reasonably to have been anticipated. The statute is not applicable to such cases. Distinguishable is the instant case, in which the third vehicle was lawfully traveling west in the second lane from the north, its turning into that lane having been neither sudden, negligent nor the proximate cause of the accident which resulted from plaintiff’s driver following it too closely.
Plaintiff relies, in a measure, on Weaver v. Motor Transit Management Co., 252 Mich 64. It should be said here, as it was in Ter Haar v. Steele, supra (p 172) :
“The Weaver Case, supra, does not create an exception to the assured clear distance statute. In that case we held that PA 1919, No 236, created a rebuttable presumption of negligence only. The assured clear distance statute was not construed.”
Plaintiff’s chief reliance is on Rossien v. Berry, 305 Mich 693. Involved was a claim of error in the court’s failure to instruct, as requested, that it is the duty of one operating a vehicle on a highway to so operate it as to he able to stop within the assured, clear distance ahead so that he may be able to avoid, and he must avoid, striking moving or stationary objects within the assured, clear distance ahead. It might well be urged that the requested instruction was not a correct statement of the law in that it failed to take account of situations in which the assured, clear distance ahead is suddenly and unexpectedly shortened by the unlawful invasion thereof by another. The holding in that case that the refusal to give the requested instruction was not error is unsupported in the opinion by reasoning. To the extent that that case might be deemed to hold that the mandate of the statute comes into play, as plaintiff urges, only after an overtaking driver has noticed or is chargeable with notice of the necessity to stop, I think we should decline to follow it. I am not in accord with plaintiff’s view, embraced by the trial court, that one may drive at a speed greater than will permit him to stop within the assured, clear distance ahead until such time as circumstances develop which put him on notice or charge him with notice that in order to avoid a collision he must now drive so as to be able to stop within the assured, clear distance ahead and that the measure of his negligence is confined to what he does or fails to do from and after that instant. That is not the meaning of the cases cited by plaintiff, unless the Rossien Case may be said to so hold, nor may the cases cited by defendant be viewed as permitting of any such construction. As said in Ter Haar v. Steele, supra (pp 171, 172):
“The court instructed the jury that ‘the assured clear distance between moving vehicles * * * proceeding in the same direction cannot be in excess of the actual distance intervening between the leading vehicle and the following vehicle. This applies to moving vehicles only, not a parked one.’' The plaintiff contends that this would permit the jury to find that, if the facts were that Underhill was following at 40 feet behind the defendant and could not stop within 40 feet, he would be guilty of negligence. Ter Haar claims that under the above facts he would not necessarily be guilty of negligence for the assured clear distance ahead statute does not' apply to moving vehicles when the vehicle in front stops suddenly, without warning, and the need to stop is not apparent to the driver of the following-vehicle, citing Weaver v. Motor Transit Management Co:, 252 Mich 64. This instruction was not error. If the plaintiff was following too closely, then he was guilty of negligence. The assured clear distance statute applies to moving vehicles, Winslow v. Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home, 328 Mich 488; Gordon v. Hartwick, 325 Mich 534, and the assured clear distance can be no greater than to the rear of the first vehicle, Fugere v. Aronson, 285 Mich 661.”
The question is not whether plaintiff’s driver conducted himself as an ordinary, reasonable and prudent man would have done under like circumstances after it was too late, when he discovered, when but 75 feet behind the third vehicle, that the latter was-stopping. Under the statute the question, rather, is whether he had theretofore driven and still was driving at a speed and in a manner such that when that instant arrived it. was no longer possible for him to do what the statute requires, namely, be able to stop within the assured, clear distance ahead. Whether that distance was the distance intervening between the 2 vehicles or that distance plus such ad ditional distance as the third vehicle would require in order to stop in a normal and lawful manner is of no moment inasmuch as it appears from the facts and from plaintiff’s driver’s admission that he could not have stopped within either.
It should be observed that plaintiff’s driver was not confronted with a sudden emergency or circumstance of a character that might not reasonably have been anticipated. In that connection we note that while defendant’s negligence undoubtedly caused the driver of the third vehicle to decelerate rapidly, it was not directly the action of defendant, but rather the normal, lawful and not unusual action of the third vehicle in slowing down that confronted plaintiff’s driver with the sudden necessity for doing the same. That action of the third vehicle in suddenly slowing down in a perfectly normal, natural and lawful manner was not of such emergency character nor so unusual that plaintiff’s driver ought not to have anticipated it. It was for such occurrences that the statute was designed. It would impute nothing short of foolishness to the legislative intent to say that the assured, clear distance ahead statute was not intended to apply when everything ahead of a driver seems safe, but only to apply after and when, due to the previous disregard of its provisions, an emergency arises in which compliance with the statute is no longer possible. Under that sort of theory it would follow that the statute need not be heeded under the first situation and cannot be under the second. When, then, is the statute to be invoked! Apparently, under plaintiff’s theory, only when the overtaking driver has had notice or become chargeable with notice of the necessity for stopping far enough back so that he still could do so in safety and, in utter disregard of such notice, proceeds heedlessly onward. My view of the statute is not so narrow. The statute speaks in terms of’ speed. Its intent is to prohibit traveling at a speed snch that when the necessity for stopping first becomes apparent it is, as here, no longer possible to do so in time to avert a collision. Hence, the statute’s use of the words “assured, clear distance ahead.” The exceptions when one’s assured, clear distance ahead has been suddenly shortened by the unlawful and not-to-be-anticipated actions of another have already been noted.
Under the plain meaning of the statute and our previous decisions, it seems to me that plaintiff must be held to have been guilty of contributory negligence as a matter of law, barring his right to recover.
Judgment for plaintiff should be reversed, with costs to defendant.
Sharpe and Carr, JJ., concurred with Dethmers, C. J.
Smith, J.
The opinion of the Chief Justice reveals the potentialities of a mechanical and unwarranted application of the doctrine of contributory negligence.
Here we have a drunk driver on Grand River avenue, a heavily-traveled, 4-lane, arterial highway. He was driving west. Suddenly, and without warning, he turned to his left, crossed in front of 2 vehicles attempting to pass him in the passing lane, “went straight across the double yellow line, and across 2 eastbound lanes to the curb.” There was traffic moving east. “I don’t understand,” testified the driver of the Mercury station wagon (which was ultimately struck by the plaintiff) “how this (eastbound) traffic avoided striking the red pickup.” After driving onto the south shoulder, the defendant turned to the north, crossed again all 4 lanes of traffic, and finally came to a stop in the ditch on the north side of the highway. In the scramble resulting from the recklessness described, 3 of the vehicles in the westbound lane came into collision.
These wanton antics on a wet and hazardous night resulted in widespread destruction of property and imminent danger to human life. Yet, brought to book, as the erstwhile intoxicated defendant has been, in a court of law by one imperiled and injured thereby, it is proposed that we permit him to walk from court scot-free and unscathed because, it is said, his victim was contributorily negligent.
Thus our open invitation to recklessness without retribution. As the drunk careens back and forth across the 4-lane highway he wears a judge-bestowed mantle of immunity. It is fashioned like this: Our statute law says that evei*y motorist must so drive that he can stop within the assured, clear distance ahead. All of the surrounding drivers are plain to be seen (there is no allegation of fog, blinding snow, or other impediment to vision) as the drunk driver “shoots” and “careens” (the words are the trial court’s) across westbound and eastbound roads, not once, but twice. If one of the sober drivers in his original direction of travel (I will call them, for the purpose of differentiation, the “sober” drivers) runs or skids into a fellow motorist who, by braking and' maneuvering on the slippery pavement, is himself trying to elude the intoxicated menace, he, the sober driver, will collect no damages from the drunk. Why? (1) Because the “assured clear distance” between 2 vehicles following each other is the distance from the car behind to the next car ahead; (2) It is clear that the plaintiff’s driver (the following truck) did not stop within this distance or there would have been no collision with the car ahead; (3) Since plaintiff’s driver did not so stop, he has been “contribu--torily negligent,” and, having so offended, his employer cannot recover. In other words, we apply the. doctrine of contributory negligence to shield the very person whose prior reckless acts caused the crisis which gave rise to negligence “as a matter of law” on the part of plaintiff’s driver. This is poor morals, poor government, and poor law all rolled into one, and while we have no primary jurisdiction in the first 2 fields, we have ample with respect to the third, and I urge that we use it.
1. The origins of contributory negligence.
What is this doctrine of contributory negligence which has lent itself to such distortion? The result proposed in the case before us, the complete release from liability of the intoxicated driver, should shock us into a thorough re-examination of the rule, its antecedents and its application. If the rule demands such a result, if it leaves us no choice but to free the drunk and penalize the sober, then all branches of government having to do with the formulation, enunciation, and administration of law are remiss in leaving our people exposed to its baleful influence. If, on the other hand, the result comes not from necessities of the law but from our own mechanical application thereof without regard to the proper qualifications that we (in the past), and the overwhelming majority of courts have placed on it, the baleful influence comes from us and is within our power to correct. At all events, we can no longer postpone an onerous task. What, again, is this doctrine of contributory negligence?
The first thing to notice is that it is not, properly ¡speaking, negligence at all. “Negligence is conduct which creates an nndne risk of harm to others.” 3 Restatement, Torts, § 463, comment (b). But contributory negligence is conduct which involves an undue risk of harm to the actor himself. Negligence involves a duty to others. Contributory “negligence” does not. Actually, what we are talking about (Prosser, Torts, §§ 51, 52, p 394 et seq.) is contributory “fault” or contributory misconduct. Only when we get that (fault) concept clearly in mind will we be in a position to apply the doctrine properly to the facts before us.
The doctrine of contributory negligence, its place in our modern law, cannot be understood without a consideration of its time and place of development. Try as we will, we cannot escape the past. It intrudes itself upon us and will not be denied. We must pay it deference lest it betray us into error, and with us our people, and justice itself. It is the fashion with some to speak of this doctrine of contributory negligence as though it were as ancient as time itself. “It has been a rule of law from time immemorial,” said the court in Pennsylvania R. Co. v. Aspel, 23 Pa 147, 149, quoted in 2 Harper and James, Law of Torts, § 22.1, note, p 1195, “and is not likely to be changed in all time to come, that there can be no recovery for an injury caused by the mutual default of both parties.” Actually, however, most authorities agree that it came into the English law with the case of Butterfield v. Forrester (1809), 11 East 60 (103 Eng Rep 926). (Defendant had negligently left a pole across the highway and plaintiff was injured by it, although he might have seen and avoided it had he not been “riding with great violence.”) It came into the law casually, and as casually crossed the Atlantic. It is not a doctrine of great antiquity or
dignity. It was not, as a matter of fact, introduced in its parent case with any discussion of pertinent principles or weighing of social consequences. (Bohlen, Contributory Negligence, 21 Harvard L Rev 233.) It was simply stated. It squinted at cause and smelled of the early “last human wrongdoer” doctrine. Thus the Butterfield court remarked that with ordinary care the plaintiff (who, we observed, “had been riding with great violence”) could have seen the obstruction. Hence, “the accident appeared to happen entirely from his own fault.” Its ready acceptance, indeed, is in part attributable to its linkage with medieval principles of causation (8 Holdsworth, History of English Law [1922], p 459; James, Last Clear Chance, 47 Tale L J 704). But only in part is it so attributable. The more significant factor was the burgeoning industrial revolution. We have discussed heretofore (e.g., Salmon v. Bagley Laundry Co., 344 Mich 471, dissent 475; Pazan v. Unemployment Compensation Commission, 343 Mich 587, dissent 592; Powell v. Employment Security Commission, 345 Mich 455, dissent 462) the impact of the great revolution upon our legal doctrines and precedents as concerned workingmen and their families. But our entire society was affected since the dangers of the new mechanical devices (e.g., the railroads) marched hand in hand with their blessings. Injuries multiplied. Recoveries, however, did not keep pace. The causes of denial were both philosophical and economic, social as well as legal. (Bohlen’s Contributory Negligence, 21 Harvard L Rev 233, and Malone’s The Formative Era of Contributory Negli gence, 41 Ill L Rev 151.) In this pattern of denial, possibly essential thereto, was the doctrine of contributory negligence. On the substantive side it was perfectly consistent with the intense individualism of the common law. But it served, as well, a procedural purpose, for
“By adoption of the doctrine of contributory negligence, a court could, in many cases, find a welcome means by which to control, or even to eliminate, the jury. Specific features of plaintiff behavior, acts or omissions which would be apt to recur frequently in special types of cases, as for instance in railroad crossing accidents, could be handled by rule-of-thumb judgments, soon to be regarded as rules of law, leaving nothing to be considered by the jury. Thus, the issue of contributory negligence came to be ‘an ingenious device which gave the court almost complete freedom to accept or reject jury participation at its pleasure.’ ” (Turk, Comparative Negligence on the March, 28 Chicago-Kent L Rev 189, 199.)
We will not probe deeper for identification of elements. They are complex and of varying molecular weights. Contributory negligence had arrived, so to speak, together with its brothers in arms, the fellow-servant rule and assumption of risk. We have long struggled with their application to modern society, to an economy and life where, in great numbers of tort actions, neighbor no longer sues neighbor for simple personal transgressions arising from individual frictions, but where the action is a concomitant to mass operations and movements of great segments of our society. The struggle has been reflected in both legislative and judicial action. Thus, in a related field, it was the inability of the common-law tort concepts to cope with the vast numbers of industrially injured that resulted in the passage of the workmen’s compensation acts. Yet so persistent have been these very concepts that we are only today (e.g., Sheppard v. Michigan National Bank, 348 Mich 577), freeing ourselves, in part, from their erroneous application.
With respect to contributory negligence, Michigan (unlike certain other States of the Union) has had no legislative amelioration of its present-century rigors. As a result, we insert in the law today a doctrine as harsh in its application as it is obscure in its antecedents, the doctrine that the slightest amount of causally connected negligence on the part of the plaintiff will be a complete bar to the defendant’s liability. It will not merely reduce plaintiff’s recovery in proportion to his fault, as those ignorant of the niceties of the law might suppose, but will prevent any recovery whatever by him, though his negligence, as compared with that of the defendant, may be as the mote to the beam. It compares with the primitive black or white of the medieval lawyer, and the contemporary dichotomy of the medieval philosophers that a human was either “good” or “bad.” The doctrine is uniquely ours. “The United States is virtually the last stronghold of contributory negligence. The last vestiges of the complete defense disappeared long since from all of continental Europe, which divides the damages. Great Britain, all of the Canadian provinces, New Zealand and Western Australia now have come to the same result, so that very little of the British Empire is left with the-common-law rule. Even in the United States there is far more in the way of division of damages than is generally realized * * * in successful operation.” (Prosser, Comparative Negligence, 41 California L Rev 1, 2.) Regardless, however, of its roots or its antecedents, the doctrine confronts us for application in the case at bar. It is an established part of our Michigan jurisprudence. We propose to apply it. The rule of comparative negligence does not obtain in this State. Gibbard v. Cursan, 225 Mich 311. Nevertheless, if we are not to apply the doctrine of contributory negligence blindly, mechanically, we must search for its justification, if any, under modern conditions, hoping to find therefrom our guide to its proper application today.
2. Asserted justifications for the doctrine.
Can contributory negligence be justified on the ground that plaintiff, having himself to some degree been at fault, does not come into court with “clean hands”? Davis v. Guarnieri, 45 Ohio St 470 (15 NE 350, 4 Am St Rep 548). Clearly not. There is no such general rule in damage actions. This is not an ecclesiastical court. As a matter of fact, we frequently allow recovery to those whose actions have been far from faultless, as the last clear chance cases so well illustrate: Daniels v. Bay City Traction & Electric Co., 143 Mich 493; Fike v. Pere Marquette R. Co., 174 Mich 167; Calvert v. Detroit United Railway, 202 Mich 311; Kelley v. Keller, 211 Mich 404 (20 NCCA 228); Goonen v. Ann Arbor R. Co., 218 Mich 502. Closely linked to the clean-hands “explanation” is that of assumption of risk. This has a verbal and superficial attraction only, for, as Bohlen, supra, 245, points out, “The differences between voluntary assumption of risk and contributory negligence are many and fundamental.” With respect to assumption of risk we have a plaintiff whose conduct is based upon deliberation. He, being, free to take it or leave it (the dangerous exposure) has chosen to take it. The essence of contributory negligence, however, is the absence of deliberation. The thoughtful will not want for additional fundamental differences.
Is the “true” explanation to be found in the deterrent factor, the theory that motorists will drive more carefully if they know their contributory negli gence will bar recovery? “A plaintiff who has learned the law of contributory negligence by the hard experience of losing a verdict is likely to be more careful in future.” Schofield, Davies v. Mann: Theory of Contributory Negligence, 3 Harvard L Rev 263, 270. If, indeed, this argument has validity it is entitled to great weight, for any device, legal or otherwise, tending to promote driver caution is entitled to serious consideration. The difficulty with it is its lack of realism. If the prospect of mutilation or loss of life will not deter the careless driver, it is to be doubted that the loss of a lawsuit (should it ever develop) will be more efficacious. Moreover, still in the realm of realism, let us not forget that for every contributorily negligent driver who is denied damages for his relief, we have another driver who set the machinery of disaster in motion but who completely escapes responsibility therefor through the doctrine of contributory negligence. The whip of deterrence to the one is counterbalanced by the boon of absolution to the other.
The explanation most often offered is framed in terms of proximate cause, particularly by the English jurists. Thus, in Thomas v. Quartermaine (1887), 18 QBD 685, 697 (56 LJQB 340, 57 LT 537), we find Bowen, L. J., stating:
“It (contributory negligence) rests upon the view that though the defendant has in fact been negligent, yet the plaintiff has by his own carelessness severed the causal connection between the defendant’s negligence and the accident which has occurred; and that the defendant’s negligence accordingly is not the true proximate cause of the injury.” (Italics ours.)
The difficulty with the proximate cause explanation, however, as pointed out by Harper and James, supra, § 22.2, pp 1199, 1200, is that
“it simply does not fit the facts. In the typical case of contributory negligence both plaintiff and defendant would be liable to any third person injured by the accident. Thus if 2 automobile drivers collide at an intersection because neither is keeping a lookout, Ipoth are everywhere held liable to a bystander hurt by the collision. This of course means that the negligence of each is both a cause in fact and a proximate cause of the collision (and ensuing damage) under any tests having general currency among the courts today. Yet under the contributory negligence rule, neither driver can recover from the other for his own injuries.”
What we finally face, as such explanations, one after the other, fade in the light of inquiry and analysis, is the matter of fault. The plaintiff is being denied recovery because (and this we declare as a matter of law) his was a portion of the fault. But if we are to consider his fault, we should, in all fairness, consider the fault of the other. (See Cooley, J., in Detroit & Milwaukee R. Co. v. Van Steinburg, 17 Mich 99, 119.) Not for reasons of abstract symmetry, but because of human experience: fault is rarely the monopoly of one party to an accident. Yet the doctrine of contributory negligence so treats it in our court today, denying the fundamental principle of right and justice that juries weigh the merits and demerits of each of the parties to a controversy.
3. Qualifications of the doctrine, procedural and substantive.
But right and justice will not be denied, nor will they be contained by what the courts call logic or what the lawyers call precedent. “Almost from the very beginning,” we are told by Harper and James, supra, § 22.3, “there has been serious dissatisfaction with the Draconian rule sired by a medieval concept of cause out of a heartless laissez-faire.” Described as “the harshest doctrine known to the common law of the nineteenth century” (Green, Illinois Negligence Law, 39 Illinois L Rev 36), it has been subjected to many inroads, both procedural and substantive. Thus, on the adjective side the “old rule” placed the burden of pleading freedom from contributory negligence upon the plaintiff himself. This, as one writer has observed (Turk, supra, 200), is an anomaly in the law and “is much the same as if, in every contract case, the plaintiff were required to plead and prove his freedom from insanity.” The reasons offered therefor arc curiously circular. It is sometimes said that since the essence of the plaintiff’s complaint is that he has been injured by the negligent act of the defendant, without himself having contributed to such injury, therefore the absence of contributory negligence is a part of his case. This is a complete non sequitur. "Why should the absence of contributory negligence be any more a part of his case than its presence a part of defendant’s case? Do we ordinarily require that a plaintiff show himself blameless (as a part of his affirmative case) before he can maintain an action? Or, is his default a matter of defense to the cause of action asserted? Concededly, these are matters of substantive fairness and justice between the parties, as to which reasonable men may differ. They are not laws of nature. But the point to be observed is that the above reason given, and often relied upon, is not a reason at all. The explanation for the “old rule” must be found in other considerations, which we will not in this ¡case explore. It is, however, pertinent to note that jthe overwhelming movement of the courts is away from the old rule. As Dean Green observed (39 Illinois L Rev 116, 125):
“With almost unanimity in Anglo-American jurisdictions, contributory negligence is held to be a matter of defense, with the burden on the defendant to plead the defense and sustain it by a preponderance of the evidence. The courts which in the beginning made the same mistake as did the supreme court of Illinois in placing the burden on the plaintiff, have corrected the mistake either partially or altogether or have had it corrected for them by legislation.”
See, also, 2 Restatement of Torts, § 477. “The burden of establishing the plaintiff’s contributory negligence rests upon the defendant,” the Restatement going on to comment, “if the plaintiff makes out a prima facie case, the defendant, if he relies upon the plaintiff’s contributory negligence, must prove it.”
On the substantive side, also, great areas of exceptions began to be carved out of the rule, in our Court as well as others across the nation. We will confine our attention to the one with which we are here concerned, the doctrine of the intentional wrong. As expressed by 2 Restatement of Torts, § 481, “when the defendant is subject to liability because his conduct is intended to cause injury, the fact that the plaintiff’s own conduct amounts to contributory negligence is not sufficient to bar recovery.” Closely linked in theory to this inroad is that involving the ydlful, wanton or reckless wrong, described in 38 Am Jur, Negligence, § 178, in these terms:
“There is an abundance of authority for the proposition that contributory negligence is not a defense in an action based upon willful or wanton misconduct.”
A leading case on the principle is onr own case of Gibbard v. Cursan, 225 Mich 311, a case involving the death of a pedestrian, who, “while walking on a paved country highway, on her way home from school, was overtaken, struck, and fatally injured,” by a motor vehicle. This, it was charged, was a wanton, wilful, and reckless act. Among other defenses urged was deceased’s “contributory negligence as a matter of law.” There having been judgment for the plaintiff in the lower court, we carefully examined the relationship of contributory negligence as a defense to wilful, wanton and reckless acts of a defendant, distinguished ordinary negligence, even though gross m nature, from an act characterized by wanton or reckless disregard of human rights, and concluded as follows (pp 320, 321):
“If one wilfully injures another, or if his conduct in doing the injury is so wanton or reckless that it amounts to the same thing, he is guilty of more than negligence. The act is characterized by wilfullnoss, rather than by inadvertence, it transcends negligence — is different in kind. Where recovery is sought on the theory that the injury was caused by wilful, wanton or reckless misconduct of a defendant, as distinguished from negligence, there is no more reason for permitting the defense of contributory negligence than in a case of assault and battery. True, such misconduct in this State and elsewhere usually has been called negligence, the word being qualified by such adjectives as gross, wanton, reckless, or wilful, but this is incorrect and has a tendency to mislead. We quote from a well-written opinion (Atchison, T. & S. F. R. Co. v. Baker, 79 Kan 183, 189, 190 [98 P 804, 21 LRA NS 427]):
“ ‘Although what is really reckless and wanton misconduct is sometimes spoken of as gross negligence, the expression is everywhere recognized as inaccurate and unfortunate, because it seems to imply a difference only of degree, whereas the whole doctrine that contributory negligence is no defense' where the injury is the result of recklessness and wantonness is based upon the theory of a difference in kind. For the same reason, the phrase “reckless and wanton negligence” has a misleading tendency." One who is properly charged with recklessness or wantonness is not simply more careless than one who is only guilty of negligence. His conduct must be such as to put him in the class with the wilful doer of wrong. The only respect in which his attitude is less blameworthy than that of the intentional wrongdoer is that, instead of affirmatively wishing to injure another, he. is merely willing to do so. The difference is that between him who casts a missile intending that it shall strike another and him who casts it where he has reason to believe it will strike another, being indifferent whether it does so or not.’ ”
Battishill v. Humphreys, 64 Mich 514, 521, is equally explicit:
“The defendants being guilty of reckless negligence under the circumstances disclosed by the testimony in running their train without keeping a proper lookout, and in consequence thereof having run over plaintiff, and injured her, the question of contributory negligence does not arise, even had the plaintiff been of that age at which the law would have imposed upon her the duty of exercising due care to avoid injury.”
The Restatement of Torts, vol 2, § 482, comment (a), states the principle in these words:
“If the defendant’s conduct amounts to reckless disregard of the plaintiff’s safety as those words are defined in § 500, the plaintiff is not barred from recovery by any form of contributory negligence.”
See, also, Teeter v. Pugsley, 319 Mich 508, wherein defendant’s “claim of error with respect to contributory negligence and assumption of risk” was denied upon authority of the Gibbard Case, quoted in part, supra.
| A recent and thoughtful examination of the principle as applied to motor vehicle collisions on the highways is found in Alabam Freight Lines v. Phoenix Battery, Inc., 64 Ariz 101 (166 P2d 816). In this case 2 trucks with semitrailers collided. The defendant was passing another truck and trailer on a hill at the crest of which were both a cut and a curve. The plaintiff’s truck was proceeding up the hill in the opposite direction. He was on his own proper side of the highway but he was going at such speed that “he could-not stop the truck within the range of his vision.” (Our assured clear distance statute, as we noted in Odell v. Powers, 284 Mich 201, 205, is merely “the legislative expression of the common law in effect at the time the Marsh Case was decided.” The Marsh Case [Marsh v. Burnham, 211 Mich 675] had described a motorist’s obligation to drive, says the Odell court, “at a speed not greater than would permit him to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead.”)
It was the defendant’s argument that plaintiff was guilty of contributory negligence by reason of his being unable to stop within the assured clear distance. Plaintiff, however, asserted that such rule had no application upon these facts because of defendant’s wilful and wanton acts. The court, upholding plaintiff’s contention, carefully analyzed the fact situation presented in the following terms:
“It is the position of defendant that there was no evidence introduced in the lower court to warrant and justify a finding of willful and wanton negligence on his part. We believe that the bare recitation of the facts emphatically refutes this contention. Defendant’s driver was not only guilty of violating the statute relative to overtaking and passing a preceding vehicle, but he did it in a manner demonstrating reckless disregard for the safety of others, knowing or having reason to know that a reasonable man would realize that his conduct not only created an unreasonable risk of bodily harm to others but also involved a high degree of probability that substantial harm would result to others. The conduct of defendant’s truck driver falls squarely within the definition of wanton or willful misconduct as set forth in the Restatement of the Law, Torts, vol 2, § 500, which reads as follows: ‘The actor’s conduct is in reckless disregard of the safety of another if he intentionally does an act or fails to do an act which it is his duty to the other to do, knowing or having reason to know of facts which would lead a reasonable man to realize that the actor’s conduct not only creates an unreasonable risk of bodily harm to the other but also involves a high degree of probability that substantial harm will result to him.’ * * *
“Defendant’s truck driver not only violated this section but he was guilty of wanton and reckless conduct even in the absence of such statute. [Arizona Code Annotated 1939, §§ 66-108.] We feel that the uncontradicted facts show that defendant’s driver was demonstrating a reckless disregard for himself and for the safety of others in attempting to pass another truck upon ascending a grade on an S-curve near the crest of the hill at a point where he could not see that the move could be made in safety. We are thoroughly convinced that a reasonable man under those circumstances would have anticipated that another vehicle mia’ht be approaching from the opposite side of the hill and would not have attempted to pass until his view’ was to (sic so?) unobstructed that he could have assumed that his passing could be executed in safety.” Alabam Freight Lines v. Phoenix Bakery, supra, 106, 107.
The reason for the rule was well expressed by the Massachusetts court, as quoted in Alabam Freight Lines, supra (pp 110, 111):
“At common law the defense of contributory negligence was not available in cases of willful misconduct or wanton negligence. The clearest and most forceful expression of the rules and principles applicable to this kind of liability that we have been able to discover is to be found in the reported case of Aiken v. Holyoke St. R. Co., 184 Mass 269, 271 (68 NE 238, 239). We approvingly quote therefrom as follows:
“ ‘It is familiar law that, in the absence of a statutory provision, mere negligence, whatever its degree, if it does not include culpability different in '"'kind from that of ordinary negligence, does not create a liability in favor of one injured by it, if his own negligence contributes to his injury. It is equally true that one who willfully and wantonly, in reckless disregard of the rights of others, by a positive act or careless omission exposes another to death or grave bodily injury, is liable for the consequences, even if the other w’as guilty of negligence or other fault in connection with the causes which led to the injury. The difference in rules applicable to the 2 classes of cases results from the difference in the nature of the conduct of the wrongdoers in the 2 kinds of cases. In the first case the wrongdoer is guilty of nothing worse than carelessness. In the last he is guilty of a willful, intentional wrong. His conduct is criminal or quasi-criminal. If it results in the death of the injured person, he is guilty of manslaughter. Commonwealth v. Pierce, 138 Mass 165 (52 Am Rep 264) ; Commonwealth v. Hartwell, 128 Mass 415 (35 Am Rep 391). The law is regardful of human life and personal safety, and, if one is grossly and wantonly reckless in exposing others to danger, it holds him to have intended the natural consequences of his act, and treats him as guilty of a willful and intentional wrong. It is no defense to a charge of manslaughter for the defendant to show that, while grossly reckless, he did not actually intend to cause the death of his victim. In these cases of personal injury there is a constructive intention as to the consequences, which entering into the willful, intentional act, the law imputes to the offender, and in this way a charge which otherwise would he mere negligence becomes, by reason of a reckless disregard of probable consequences, a willful wrong.’ ”
The reasoning behind these cases is clear: Wanton misconduct is a different kind of offense than ordinary negligence, even though it be gross. Fault is involved in both, but in the one the fault of the callous, the brutish, the quasi-criminal, in the other the human frailty of lack of care, of inattention, of diversion. These are faults of different hues in the spectrum of human conduct and so the courts have treated them. Our Court should do likewise.
4. Application of the doctrine, toith its qualifications, to the case at tar.
What do we have in the case before us 1 First of all, we cannot agree with the conclusion of the Chief Justice, that the trial court was in error in applying the emergency doctrine to the assured clear distance statute. The statute must be reasonably construed. A literal reading thereof would compel us to say that in every case of collision the statute has been violated by the mere fact of collision alone. The driver has either been going too fast, or, if driving at a reasonable speed, has permitted Ms attention to wander and thus has not perceived the obstruction in time to stop. Such literal interpreta tion would make the driver an. insurer against any collision in which he might become involved. We cannot assume that the legislature intended such a result. The situations under which collisions occur are infinite in complexity and variety, and, to accomplish justice in particular cases, we have been forced to create a number of exceptions to the statutory edict, one of which is that here relied upon by the plaintiff, the sudden emergency exception, employed by the trial court and rejected as inapplicable by the Chief Justice. If, in fact, we were here compelled to rely upon this exception to resolve liability for harm resulting from the alcoholic capers of the defendant we are far from convinced that the trial court was iin error in its application of the emergency exception we have created. If the emergency exception seems unduly narrow in scope and phrasing we should re-examine its content as drunken drivers jeopardize the peace and safety of our citizens on the highways of the State.
Such re-examination is not, however, under the facts upon the record, required. Even if we accept the analysis of the Chief Justice that the plaintiff was in truth guilty of contributory negligence, the defendant is not relieved since, as pointed out above, contributory negligence is no defense to wanton and •reckless behavior. In other words, the defense of contributory negligence is immaterial to the facts here pleaded and proved. Here we have a charge by the plaintiff, denied by the defendant, that the defendant operated his vehicle in wilful and wanton disregard of the plaintiff and others on the highway. It is clear on the record, as was alleged, that such operation was by a driver who was under the influence of intoxicating liauor. The trial court, having-seen the witnesses and having heard the testimony, characterized the defendant’s driving- as “heedless .and reckless,” and, in addition, found that, “At the time .this unhappy chain of events began to unfold, plaintiff was operating his vehicle in a careful and prudent manner. He was perfectly within his rights in attempting to follow the Mercury station wagon around the defendant and the Alger truck.” Accordingly, judgment was rendered for plaintiff.
The trial court’s judgment for plaintiff was properly rendered. The emergency doctrine employed by the lower court is applicable upon the facts found by that-court. Even-if it were not, however, the defendant was found guilty as a matter of fact of the reckless and wanton conduct pleaded in the declaration, in view of the proof of intoxication and the acts performed, and plaintiff’s contributory negligence, even if it existed, was therefore no defense to liability therefor.
Affirmed. Costs to appellee.
Edwards and Black, JJ., concurred with Smith, J.
Seo PA 1949, No 300, § 402 (CLS 1954, § 257.402 [Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 9.2102]). — Reporter.
Our debt to the great scholars must be spread on the record. ¡The press of modern dockets does not permit the once-possible research in original sources. We have been aided by the monumental work of Harper and James, “The Law of Torts,” by Prosser’s articles and landmark treatise, by Harper’s text and writings, by the acute analyses of Doan Leon Green, by the Restatement of Torts, and by the work of many scholars, reference to some of whom is made in the body of the opinion.
It lias been stated tliat “something like” a doetrine of contributory negligence was recognized in Roman law. 8 HoldswortlPs History of English Law, p 459; cf. Hillyer, 11 Tulane L Rev 112, 119, “There is a great deal of confusion as to whether the Roman law contained a concept of contributory negligence or whether it established some other doctrine to meet the situation of fault on the part of both parties.”
Davies v. Mann, 10 M & W 546 (152 Eng Eep 588). — Reporter.
“The actor’s conduct is in reckless disregard of the safety of another if he intentionally does an act or fails to do an act which it is his duty to the other to do, knowing or having reason to know of facts which would lead a reasonable man to realize that the actor’s conduct not only creates an unreasonable risk of bodily barm to tbe other but also involves a high degree of probability that substantial harm -will result to him.” 2 Kestatement, Torts, § 500.
See, currently, CLS 1954, § 257.627 (Stat Ann 1952 Eev § 9.2327). —Reporter. | [
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Black, J.
(after stating the facts). This case focuses attention on that which is known to most writers upon the common law, and certainly to all law students, as the “jackass doctrine.” The nickname, “with whatever implications it may carry” (Prosser On Torts [2d ed], §52, p 291), finds its origin in the English case of Davies v. Mann (1842), 10 M & W 546 (152 Eng Rep 588, 19 Eng Rnl Cas 190); 38 Am Jur, Negligence, § 216, p 902; 65 CJS, Negligence, § 136, pp 758, 759. The doctrine came to initial prominence in this country by means of another rail-crossing suit — the collision, as here, occurred in Detroit — originating in our Wayne circuit (Grand Trunk R. Co. v. Ives, 144 US 408 [12 S Ct 679, 36 L ed 485]). With respect thereto the supreme court said (p 429 of report):
“Although the defendant’s negligence may have been the primary cause of the injury complained of, yet an action for such injury cannot be maintained if the proximate and immediate cause of the injury can be traced to the want of ordinary care and caution in the person injured; subject to this qualification, which has grown up in recent years (having been first enunciated in Davies v. Mann, 10 M & W 546), that the contributory negligence of the party injured will not defeat the action if it be shown that the defendant might, by the exercise of reasonable care and prudence, have avoided the consequences of the injured party’s negligence” (citing authorities including Cooley on Torts [1st ed], 675).
Michigan recognizes and applies — in proper cases of course — this modification of the strict rule of contributory negligence (Gibbard v. Cursan, 225 Mich 311; Davidson v. City of Detroit, 307 Mich 420; St. John v. Nichols, 331 Mich 148). We usually refer to it as subsequent or discovered negligence (Davidson v. City of Detroit, supra). Little difficulty is experienced in phrasing it properly for jury instructions. As in all cases when the trial judge is moved for an instructed verdict on assigned ground of contributory negligence, the difficulty is not so much with the rule as with its applicability— as a matter of law — to the facts of the particular case. The question resolves itself into one of determination of proximate cause or causes, and such is usually one of fact for the trier or triers of fact (1 Cooley On Torts (4th ed), § 50, pp 120, 121; Prosser On Torts (2d ed), § 50, p 281; Spencer v. Phillips & Taylor, 219 Mich 353; Beebe v. Hannett, 224 Mich 88; Arvo v. Delta Hardware Co., 231 Mich 488). Determination thereof by such trier or triers always depends on receipt of proof tending directly or by proper inference to show that the defendant did discover, or by the exercise of ordinary care should have discovered, that the plaintiff was helpless to avoid the impending harm, and that such discovery was made or should have been made in time to avoid such harm by means at hand. Invariably, the question involves fact elements of time and distance. "Where, as here, allotted time and distance unite in providing that interval which reasonably calls for comprehension and preventive action, the doctrine rightfully comes into play for jury consideration.
We are constrained to hold that the time and distance factors shown here are decisive of plaintiffs’ right to jury determination of presence or absence of actionable negligence on the part of the motorman. Accepting for present purposes the motorman’s testimony that the streetcar was traveling at the rate of 15 to 20 miles per hour when it was 200 to 250 feet away from the Merton road cross-over, and that he thereafter slowed the car on approach to Merton, and accepting for same purposes plaintiff Dunn’s testimony that his automobile stood trapped on the tracks 7 to 9 seconds prior to impact, it was well within province of the jury to find that the motorman had ample time — considering his duty of constant lookout ahead and the extremely moderate speed of the streetcar — to perceive and act upon the situation which, on favorable-to-plaintiff view, was unfolding before him. Given at least 5 seconds within which to perceive and safely act upon that which plaintiffs and their witnesses say was the motorist’s visible position of peril ahead, the motorman was allotted more time for such action than is granted by amber warning (prior to stop) of the conventional traffic control signals with which he was regularly confronted as the car proceeded south on Woodward.
The motorman knew or should have known — on favorable view of course — that southbound automotive traffic released by the same traffic signal as had just released his streetcar was approaching the rear of the plaintiff motorist’s standing automobile and that the latter could not for such reason be backed off the rails. Pie knew or should have known — on same view of the proofs — that a northbound streetcar was imminently approaching on the rails immediately to the front of the same automobile. By the same token he knew or should have known that convenient means were at hand to slow or stop the streetcar until the plaintiff motorist found a way of extrication. In such circumstances the common law asks no more of him than does the “slow” and “stop” command of a traffic control signal erected and operating by force of statute or ordinance.
Our recent decision in Citizens’ Mutual Auto Ins. Co. v. City of Detroit, 348 Mich 329, recorded due augury of affirmance here. While the 2 cases are different in one respect — the question of the plaintiff motorist’s negligence having been left to jury consideration in the one and instructed in the other — , the time and distance factors disclosed in both fairly called for jury determination of indicated issues of proximate cause or causes. In the case before us, as well as in Citizens’ Mutual, the defendant city has cited with appropriate emphasis Rosenfeld v. City of Detroit, 274 Mich 650; and Bruer v. City of Detroit, 332 Mich 613. These cases cannot without resort to sophistry he distinguished, either from Citizens’ Mutual or this case of Dunn. Since both are at war with conclusions now announced — in Citizens’ Mutual and Dunn — , they should be overruled. Ordered accordingly.
So far as concerns defendant’s claim that the plaintiff motorist was guilty of contributory negligence on account of failure to get out of the automobile and thus remove himself from the path of danger, we are in accord with the trial judge’s quoted disposition thereof. The point was one for jury consideration and forms no basis for an instructed verdict against plaintiff Dunn.
Turning now to defendant’s motion for new trial:
We discover no error in the charge of the court as claimed. In view of flat instruction by the trial judge that the plaintiff motorist “was negligent in driving into Woodward avenue that morning,” with consequent limitation of jury function to the question of timely discovery by the motorman of such instructed negligence, the charge so far as present criticism is concerned appears quite fair to defendant.
So far as concerns defendant’s insistence that the verdict is contrary to clear or overwhelming weight of the evidence, we agree with the trial judge that defendant has failed to support its assignment in such regard. To sustain such an assignment we have a right to expect, as did the trial judge, that counsel will present in fair detail an analysis of evidence tending, as claimed, to show that the jury strayed from the facts to and beyond the extreme limits we have defined (McConnell v. Elliott, 242 Mich 145; Schneider v. Pomerville, 348 Mich 49). No such showing has been made, either in brief or oral argument.
Affirmed. Costs to plaintiffs.
Smith, Edwards, and Voelker, JJ., concurred with Black, J.
Carr, J.
(concurring in affirmance). Under the testimony in the case the trial judge was fully justified in submitting to the jury the question as to defendant’s liability on the ground of subsequent negligence. The legal principles considered and approved in Golob v. Detroit United Railway, 228 Mich 201, and in other decisions in which the question has been involved, are controlling here. Under the charge submitting the case for determination the jury obviously concluded that plaintiff Dunn was placed in a position of danger as the result of lack of proper care on his part, that he was unable to extricate himself therefrom, that defendant’s employee saw, or should have seen, said plaintiff in a position of danger, that said employee by the exercise of reasonable care under the circumstances might have avoided injuring plaintiff Dunn, and that defendant was guilty of subsequent negligence because of the failure to observe the duty resting on it. Such conclusion is supported by the record. The verdict was not against the weight of the evidence, as urged in support of the motion for a new trial, and we find in the charge to the jury no error prejudicial to defendant.
The affirmance of the judgment entered on the verdict of the jury is hot inconsistent with the action of this Court in Rosenfeld v. City of Detroit, 274 Mich 650, or with the result reached in Bruer v. City of Detroit, 332 Mich 613. In each instance where the doctrine of subsequent negligence is relied on as the basis for recovery of damages the facts as indi cated by the proofs are controlling. The facts in the Rosenfeld Case clearly distinguish the decision there rendered from the conclusions reached in the case at bar. The trial court directed a verdict in favor of the defendant and the judgment entered thereon was affirmed. It appears from the record in the case that the proofs failed to show that the employee in charge of defendant’s streetcar could have avoided the accident after discovering, or being charged with the duty of discovering, that plaintiff: Rosenfeld could not cross the track to a place of safety. This Court, in consequence, concluded that the doctrine of subsequent negligence was not applicable.
In the Bruer Case the testimony indicated that the plaintiff was on the track for a period of from 30 to 35 seconds, that in the exercise of ordinary care he might have observed the streetcar approaching for a distance of not less than 600 feet, and that he took no action for his own safety. The proofs failed to establish that he could not have driven his car from the track in safety and thus avoided injury to himself. On the basis of the record, the case was distinguished from Golob v. Detroit United Railway, supra. Neither the Rosenfeld nor the Bruer Case may be regarded as at variance with the recent decision in Citizens’ Mutual Automobile Insurance Company v. City of Detroit, 348 Mich 329, or with the conclusions reached in the case at bar. In consequence neither of said prior decisions should be regarded as overruled.
Judgment affirmed.
Dethmehs, C. J., and Sharpe, and Kelly, JJ., concurred with Carr, J.
In Davies the plaintiff, having fettered the fore-feet of an ass belonging to him, turned it into a public highway; and at the time in question the ass was grazing on the off side of a road about 8 rods wide, when the defendant’s wagon, with a team of 3 horses, coming down a slight descent, ran against the ass and knocked it down, and the wheels passing over it, it was killed. Lord Abinger said that even if this ass was a trespasser, and “the defendant might, by proper care, have avoided injuring the animal, and did not, he is liable for the consequences of his negligence, though the animal may have been improperly there.” | [
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Edwards, J.
A building contractor and a plumber had a dispute about whether or not the former owed The latter for fixtures and plumbing work performed under oral contract on a certain house. The plumber sued. In 2 jury trials he prevailed. (A new trial was granted in the first.) The record of the second jury trial is before us.
The only legal issue presented on appeal pertains to the effect of plaintiff’s action in having a set of books made up for him and thereafter discarding his original notes and memoranda. Defendant claims that this action represented spoliation and cites the rule thereon from American Jurisprudence.
“It is a general rule that the intentional spoliation or destruction of evidence raises the presumption against the spoliator where the evidence was -relevant to the case or where it was his duty to preserve it, since his conduct may properly be attributed to his supposed knowledge that the truth would operate against him.” 20 Am Jur, Evidence, § 185, p 191.
The-full section continues, however:
“Such a presumption can be applied only where there was intentional conduct indicating fraud and a desire to destroy and thereby suppress the truth. Moreover, while the spoliation of evidence raises a presumption against the person guilty of such act, yet such presumption does not relieve the other party from introducing evidence tending affirmatively to prove his case, insofar as he has the burden of proof. The spoliation or suppression of evidence is a circumstance open to explanation.”
See, also, Davis v. Teachout’s Estate, 126 Mich 135 ,(86 Am St Rep 531); Pitcher v. Rogers’ Estate, 199 Mich 114.
We cannot hold as a matter of law from the evidence contained in the record that there was “in tentional conduct indicating fraud and a desire to destroy and thereby suppress the truth.” At best, in the event the jury found destruction of records with an intent to suppress the truth, defendant was entitled to an inference that the original records, if available, would not prove favorable to plaintiff. The facts were certainly before the jury. Presumably they were argued.
In the absence of a request to charge on this point (and on another pertaining to a possible verdict in between the stated claims of plaintiff and défénd> ant), wé cannot hold the trial judge’s omission of reference to the issue to be error. Torma v. Montgomery Ward & Co., 336 Mich 468; Kahn v. Minthorn, 178 Mich 312.
All other material issues were issues. ,of fact. Among these were defendant’s claims (1) that the price of $1,900 (which both concede was agreed' on) included the cost of the fixtures; (2) that he had paid in full for the job, and (3) that an attorney’s letter written on behalf of plaintiff and claiming $1,750 due at that time was a final indication of the contract amount. Plaintiff’s denial on all of these issues was supported by testimony and ultimately by the jury’s verdict.
We have reviewed that record with care. The evidence does not clearly preponderate against the jury’s verdict, which was entered as a judgment for plaintiff in the sum of $2,333.75 by the trial judge. We cannot think on this record that we would be justified in attempting to improve on the jury’s decision. Aho v. Conda, 347 Mich 450; Bishop v. New York Central R. Co., 348 Mich 345.
We affirm. Costs to appellee.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Voelker, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred. | [
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Carr, J.
The question at issue in this case is whether an instrument sought to be probated as the last will and testament of Maude Hill, deceased, was executed in compliance with statutory requirements. The facts are not in dispute. On June 4, 1955, Mrs. Hill entered the Chesaning State Bank and went to a window at which the assistant cashier of the bank, George E. Larner, was working. She indicated to him that she had made her will and requested that he notarize it. At his suggestion she affixed her signature to the instrument which was at that time entirely in her handwriting, whereupon Mr. Larner signed the paper and put his notary stamp on it below his signature. He then returned the paper to Mrs. Hill, who remarked that it would be necessary to have 2 witnesses also.
After noting that other employees of the bank who were working in the main room of the establishment were busy, Mr. Larner stated that he could get 2 of the girls in the back room to witness the signature to the document. Apparently that was satisfactory, and thereupon Mr. Larner took the paper and proceeded to the room to which he had referred. The witnesses on the trial in circuit court did not fix definitely the distance between the' window at which Mrs. Hill was- standing and the table at which the employees were seated in the room, at the rear of the-bank. A witness for proponent estimated such distance at from 40 to 50 feet. It clearly appears that a conversation carried on in ordinary tones at the window could not be heard by those in the back room, and the converse is equally true.
It does not appear that there was any conversation between Mrs. Hill and Mr. Larner as to the particular individuals who should be asked to sign as witnesses. It is a fair conclusion that Mrs. Hill was satisfied to allow Mr. Larner, whom she had known-for a number of years, to look after the matter for her, and that neither realized that witnesses should affix their signatures in the presence of the signer of the proposed will. It is not questioned that Mrs. Hill might have accompanied the assistant cashier on his. errand to procure witnesses, but she did not do so. There is testimony also indicating that she might have left her position at the window and have proceeded to a point where she could look into the back room, but such change of position was not suggested to or by her. A witness for proponent, apparently a customer of the bank, was waiting near the window where Mrs. Hill was standing, and testified positively that the latter remained at the window until the return of Mr. Larner.
The assistant cashier wrote the word “Witnesses” in the lower left hand corner of the paper given to-him by Mrs. Hill and procured 2 employees of the bank, Kathleen Spodney and Carrie Paul, to affix their signatures beneath the designation. Each testified on the trial that she knew the signature of Mrs. Hill, and acted in accordance with Mr. Larner’s request. Neither witness saw Mrs. Hill. The situation is indicated by the following excerpt from the testimony of Mrs. Spodney:
“Q. Now, from where you were sitting signing this paper, Mrs. Spodney, could you see any of the people in the public room of the bank?
“A. No, sir, I couldn’t.
“Q. Could any of the people in the public room of the bank see you?
“A. Not where I was sitting.
“Q. Could you distinguish any of the conversation of people in the public room of the bank?
“A. Not if they were talking in a normal, low tone.
“Q. Before George Larner brought that .paper back to you, Mrs. Spodney, do you recall of having heard any conversation concerning that paper?
“A. No, sir.
“Q. You didn’t hear anybody talking about it before he brought it back to you?
“A. No, sir.
“Q. Did Maude Hill see you sign this paper?
“A. No, she didn’t. Not that I know of, she didn’t.”
The testimony of Mrs. Paul was in accord with that of Mrs. Spodney. It is apparent that neither witness had personal knowledge of the presence of Mrs. Hill in the bank,, and that they acted as witnesses solely because of Mr. Larner’s request.
After the signatures of the witnesses had been obtained Mr. Larner returned the paper to Mrs. Hill who took it with her from the bank. After her death, which occurred on September 13,1955, a petition was filed in the probate court of Saginaw county by Myrtle Ordway, a sister of Mrs. Hill, asking that the instrument be admitted to probate. Said petition was contested by Plora B. Price, the mother of Mrs. Hill, and in Mrs. Price’s behalf by the trustees of her estate. Following a hearing, admission to probate was denied, whereupon the proponent appealed to the circuit court. Following trial the circuit judge directed a verdict in favor of proponent, and from the judgment entered on such verdict contestants have appealed to this Court.
The matter of Mrs. Hill’s intent is not open to question. It was her purpose to execute a valid will. However, intent alone is not sufficient to give validity to such an instrument not executed in accordance-with the statutory requirements. As has been repeatedly declared by this Court, the right to make testamentary disposition of property depends wholly on the statute. CL 1948, § 702.5 (Stat Ann 1943 Rev § 27.3178[75]) reads as follows:
“No will made within this State, except sueh nun-cupative wills as are mentioned in the following section, shall be effectual to pass any estate, whether real or personal, nor to charge or in any way affect the same, unless it be in writing and signed by the testator or by some person in his presence, and by his express direction, and attested and subscribed in the presence of the testator by 2 or more competent witnesses; and if the witnesses are competent at tire time of attesting the execution of the will, their subsequent incompetency, from whatever cause it may arise, shall not prevent the probate and allowance of the will, if it be otherwise satisfactorily proved.”
Under the facts in the instant case may it be said that the witnesses attested and subscribed the intended will in the presence of the testator? As before stated, neither of the witnesses saw her nor did she see them. From her position at the window in the bank, where she remained while Mr. Larner went in search of witnesses, she could not have seen either Mrs. Spodney or Mrs. Paul at the time they subscribed their names. She did not request them to attest the instrument but, rather, left the entire matter to her friend, the assistant cashier of the bank. The witnesses did not accompany Mr. Larner back to the window, where Mrs. Hill stood, for the purpose of acknowledging to her that they had signed the paper as requested.
The situation is analogous on the facts to that involved in In re Cytacki’s Estate, 293 Mich 555. The record in that case discloses that Walter Cytacki, being desirous of making a will, discussed the matter at some length with his niece, who wrote the instrument at his request. After due consideration the paper was signed, and the niece was requested to go to the home of a neighbor and to procure him and his wife to sign as witnesses. The distance between the bouses was approximately 9 feet. The niece complied with her uncle’s request, and obtained the signatures as directed by him. Neither of the witnesses saw Mr. Cytacki, nor does it appear that he saw them. There was nothing to prevent his going in person to the home of his neighbor, but he did not do so. Following his death the instrument was offered for probate, such action being contested on the ground that it was not executed in accordance with the statute. As in the case at bar, there was no question of testamentary ability, or of fraud or undue influence* There was no claim that Mr. Cytacki did not intend to make a valid will.' The sole issue there, as here, was whether the requirement of the statute that the witnesses attest and subscribe in the presence of the testator had been disregarded. Following trial in circuit court the will was sustained, but this Court reversed, agreeing with the contention of the contestant that the witnesses had not signed “in the presence of the testator” within the meaning of the expression as used in the statute.
In the case of In re Flynn’s Estate, 142 Misc 7 (253 NYS 638), probate was denied to an alleged will that bore the signature of Richard Flynn and also the signatures of 2 witnesses. It appears that a bank employee had notarized the instrument but had no recollection thereof at the time of the hearing. Tes timony was offered to indicate the custom that was followed in such a situation, it appearing from the proofs that following notarization the employee in question, as a matter of general practice, procured the signatures of other employees as witnesses. It was not customary to bring the witnesses in contact with the person seeking to execute the will. It is a fair conclusion that the practice observed by the bank employees under such circumstances was comparable to that followed in the instant case. Here, however, we have the benefit of uncontradicted proofs as to what occurred, thus excluding the possibility of reliance on a presumption of regularity. It may be noted that in the Flynn Case no reference was made to any such presumption, quite possibly because of the claim that the usual procedure was observed with reference to the witnessing of the will of Mr. Flynn. The court concluded that the procedure claimed to have been followed did not constitute compliance with the statute.
Counsel for appellee has cited in his brief a number of prior decisions of this Court, among which is Cook v. Winchester, 81 Mich 581 (8 LRA 822). There the testatrix was ill in bed. Her proposed will was prepared by a scrivener who wrote the name of testatrix at her direction, she indicating her acceptance thereof by her mark. Testatrix asked 2 ladies who were present to witness the instrument. They complied, stepping into an adjoining room where there was a table. Testatrix was unable to move in bed, and could not see the table. However, the witnesses returned with the scrivener to the room where she was, after complying with the request to sign. The names of the witnesses were shown to her, and according to the testimony in the case she was assured I by one of them in the presence of the other that they ¡had signed. It is a fair conclusion from the facts in the case that the testatrix was aware of what was going on and that her request was being observed.
In the case at bar Mrs. Hill did not request the witnesses to sign, nor does it appear that either she or Mr. Earner knew what employees of the bank would be asked to witness the execution of the instrument. Neither may it be said that she knew what was going on in the back room of the bank. She did not know whether the signatures sought by Mr. Larner were or were not being obtained. She merely saw the names of Mrs. Spodney and Mrs. Paul on the paper when it was returned to her. Neither of the witnesses advised her, as in the Coolc Case, that they had signed in accordance with her request. As before noted, neither of the witnesses saw Mrs. Hill at any time, and she was not in position to see them.
In In re Lane’s Estate, 265 Mich 539, the testator requested his attending physician and a nurse to sign his will as witnesses thereto. There being no table in the hospital room in which the testator was lying at the time, said witnesses went out into the corridor and signed as requested. Thereafter the instrument was shown to the testator, with the names of the witnesses thereon. In sustaining the will, the Court cited with approval Cook v. Winchester, supra. It will be noted that in both of these cases the witnesses who signed did so at the request of the person making the will, within the hearing thereof and so near as “not to be substantially away from him.”
Counsel has cited, also, In re Dalton Estate, 346 Mich 613. There one of the witnesses to the will gave testimony on the trial of the case indicating that he did not sign in the presence of the testator. His testimony was impeached by showing that on prior occasions he had made statements at variance with such claim. In sustaining the will it was considered that in view of the impeachment the testimony of the witness referred to was not entitled to consideration, that the situation stood exactly as though there were no testimony indicating where the witness was at the time he affixed his signature, and that, in consequence, a presumption arose that the will had been executed (p 626) “in accordance with the requirements of the statute and in the presence of the testator.”
Other decisions cited by counsel for appellee do not require comment. They are clearly distinguishable from the instant case on the basis of the facts established by the proofs. The reasons underlying the decision in In re Cytacki’s Estate, supra, are applicable here and require reversal of the judgment of the circuit court. The instrument in question cannot be sustained other than by reading out of the statute the requirement that a will to be valid must be “attested and subscribed in the presence of the testator by 2 or more competent witnesses.” This we may not do.
The case is remanded to the circuit court of Saginaw county with directions to set aside the judgment sustaining the will, and to enter judgment in favor of contestants. Appellants may have costs.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Edwards, Voelker, Kelly, and Black, JJ., concurred. | [
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Black, J.
This is a divorce ease. Tbe innocent victims are 4 daughters, “ranging in ages from 13 years to 5 years” at the time of filing of bill (February 18, 1954). The case is here, on appeal claimed of right by plaintiff, from an order in the cause entered July 18, 1955, by which order an interlocutory decree of divorce, entered March 14, 1955, in favor of plaintiff and against the defendant, was set aside.
The decree did not conform with section 6 of Court Rule No 51, adopted October 13, 1947 (318 Mich xli). There was no finding, on petition or otherwise, of need for making the decree “effective within a shorter period than 6 months,” and the decree did not include the declaration required by paragraph (c) of said section 6. Instead, the following provisions were inserted in the decree:
“Effective date of decree. And it is further ordered, adjudged and decreed, that this decree shall be and is hereby a final decree of divorce in all matters contained herein upon the entry thereof, except as to remarriage, and in that particular it shall be an interlocutory decree and shall not become a final decree until 6 months from and after the date it is entered, at which time it shall automatically become a final decree unless otherwise ordered by the court during said 6 months period. Neither party shall remarry before the decree becomes final.”
Decree having been so entered, defendant filed ■(June 22, 1955) a petition to vacate same alleging certain acts of misconduct on the part of plaintiff occurring since entry thereof. The petition came to due hearing and resulted in entry of the mentioned order of July 18, 1955. On appeal counsel for plaintiff refers to the quoted provisions of the decree in conjunction with PA 1887, No 137 (CL. 1948, § 552.46 [Stat Ann § 25.122]), and says:
“Appellant contends, that the parties intended a final decree when granted and entered in that:
“1. The decree as entered was approved by counsel for appellee as a final decree except as to remarriage.
“2. That the parties following entry of the decree sold real estate in accordance with its provisions as well as dividing cash assets set out in the decree.
“3. That the cause was bitterly contested in the court below negating any possibility of a reconciliation and when the appellee withdrew his answer and cross bill of complaint, there was no need for withholding an absolute decree if the proof so justified.”
First: The order we have identified does not dismiss the bill or otherwise constitute a final determination of the pleaded rights of the parties. It simply adjudges “that the interlocutory decree of divorce heretofore entered by this court on March 14, 1955, be set aside and the same- is hereby set. aside and held for naught.” Adhering to our appellate rules, we might in these circumstances dismiss the appeal for want of application and grant of leave. Nevertheless, 'and in this specially needful instance, a majority of the Court is inclined to dispose of that which has been brought here. The record is complete, and the interests of the 4 daughters suggest that the way to entry of final decree should-be cleared immediately in lieu of possible future proceedings under Court Rule No 60 (1945)’. We i accordingly treat the claim of appeal as a granted' application and turn to such of the plaintiff’s briefed contentions as are presently decisive.
Second: Section 6 of said Court Hule No 51 was in full force and effect when the decree and the subsequent order (of July 18, 1955) were entered in turn. Its provisions were controlling and we must read the required substance of paragraph (c) of the section into this decree. It follows that the chancellor retained control of the decree during the required interlocutory period and that he was at liberty to set it aside for reasons constituting fair exercise of judicial discretion. Since we find no abuse of discretion in such regard, we must uphold the appealed order.
We note that the effect of the appealed and now affirmed order is to leave the case at issue for entry of such decree final as may appear just and equitable to the chancellor, on taking of further testimony or otherwise. We apprehend that the chancellor will, on motion of counsel or otherwise, make such final disposition of the case as will work out the marital difficulties of the parties consistent always with the interests of the mentioned minor children.
Affirmed. No costs, defendant having failed to submit a brief.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Edwards, Voelker, Kelly, and Carr, JJ., concurred.
This section came into Court Bule No 51 (1945) by amendment. It became inapplicable to divorce decrees entered after October 11, 1956, by recent amendment (347 Mich xv). The relevant practice is thus presently governed by PA 1956, No 95 (CLS 1956, § 552.9 [Stat Ann 1957 Bev § 25.89] ). | [
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Sharpe, J.
Defendant, Daniel William Stanley, was informed against under section 413 of the penal code, CL 1948, § 750.413 (Stat Ann 1954 Rev § 28.-645), for taking possession of and driving away a motor vehicle. The section in question reads as follows:
“Taking possession of and driving away a motor vehicle — Any person who shall, wilfully and without authority, take possession of and drive or take away, and any person who shall assist in or be a party to such taking possession, driving or taking away of any motor vehicle, belonging to another, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the State prison for not more than 5 years.”
The facts upon which defendant was arrested and convicted are as follows. On the morning of August 6, 1953, defendant, Daniel William Stanley, and another man appeared at the used-car lot of Thomas J. Hart, located at 3780 Gratiot avenue, Detroit, Michigan, inquired about the price of a 1950 Pontiac automobile, and requested a demonstration. Halt’s porter accompanied the two on the drive. When they returned to the lot in the vehicle, the porter stepped out leaving defendant Stanley seated next to his companion, the driver. The two talked together some 15 to 30 seconds while Hart was engaged on the telephone, and then drove off. Hart testified that he was the owner of the car and did not give Stanley and his companion permission to drive it off. He immediately called the police. The porter testified that the automobile was returned and left in the middle of the lot; the porter got out and went to the office to tell Hart that the 2 prospects wished to pay cash. Hart told him to ask them to wait a minute, but before Hart could get out, the car drove off, with defendant Stanley driving, jumped the curb, almost hit a safety zone, and: sped east on Gratiot avenne. He did not give permission to take the vehicle.
During the trial counsel for defendant requested the court to charge the jury that they must find the defendant intended to steal the car when he drove it away before he could be found guilty. The trial court refused to give this instruction, and stated to the jury that such an intent was not necessary under the statute.
Upon leave being granted defendant appeals and urges. that the trial court erred in charging the jury that the people were not required to prove intent to steal the car in question, as such intent is not a necessary element of the offense charged. Defendant urges that since CL 1948, § 750.414 (Stat Ann 1954 Rev § 28.646), makes it a misdemeanor to take or use without authority another’s motor vehicle “without intent to steal,” it necessarily follows that the statute, above quoted, applies only to those cases where there is a specific intent to steal.
We are not in accord with this theory, for if the intent to steal is involved, then the so-called larceny statute would -have sufficed. The act in question was intended to punish one who wilfully and without authority takes possession of and drives away another’s motor vehicle. Intent to steal is not an ingredient of the offense. We are in accord with the statement of the trial court in his charge:
“It was early discovered that so many automobiles would be taken, but without intent to permanently deprive the owner of the possession of his .property, but merely for the sake of joy-riding or .something of that kind and then abandoning the cars, so the legislature created this crime, and they jcallecl it unlawfully driving away an automobile, and it differs from larceny in that respect, that is, it is not necessary that the State should establish in this type of case any specific intent to permanent ly deprive the owner of the possession of his property.”
In People v. Smith, 213 Mich 351, 353, we had occasion to construe the statute in question. We there said:
“It is clear that, to constitute the offense, possession must be taken, followed by a driving or taking away, and this must be done wilfully or wilfully and wantonly and without authority.”
The judgment is affirmed,
Dethmers, C. J., and Smith, Edwards, Voelker, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred. | [
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Sharpe, J.
(for reversal). This suit was instituted by the township of Kalamazoo and certain other individuals living in said township to test the annexation proceedings whereby a portion of Kalamazoo township was voted to be annexed to the city of Kalamazoo. It appears that in February, 1955, the board of supervisors of Kalamazoo county considered a petition, presented to it under the provisions of the home-rule act, requesting the annexation of the entire township of Kalamazoo to the city of Kalamazoo. The board of supervisors placed the proposal on the April 4,1955, ballot at which time it was defeated.
On May 23, 1956, separate petitions covering separate portions of Kalamazoo township were delivered to the supervisor of Kalamazoo township seeking an election on the annexation of areas known as “Knollwood” and “Burke Acres.” Because these petitions were filed within 2 years of the first petition it was required that they be signed:
“By a number of taxpayers assessed for real property taxes within the area proposed to be annexed whose names appear on the latest assessment rolls * * * equal to 35% of the total number of names which appear on the assessment rolls.” (Italics supplied.) (CL 1948, § 117.8, as amended by PA 1955, No 147 [Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 5.2087].)
On June 6, 1956, the township supervisor filed a statement with the county clerk setting out the number of names on the assessment rolls of Knollwood and Burke Acres. No attempt was made to eliminate duplication of names. The number of names in the 2 parcels of land were as follows: Knollwood, 1,153 ; Burke Acres, 1,694.
After receipt of this statement the county clerk determined the number of different names on the assessment rolls for the areas involved to he as follows: Knollwood, 678; Burke Acres, 1,230.
The county clerk determined that the 35% requirement was satisfied because signatures of names of taxpayers assessed for real-estate property taxes within the areas proposed to be annexed and whose names appeared on such assessment rolls for the areas totalled: Knollwood, 340; Burke Acres, 578.
On June 26,1956, the county clerk reported to the board of supervisors that the petitions appeared to be sufficient and recommended that a resolution be adopted placing the matter of annexation before the voters of the city of Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo township at the August 7th primary election. Following such action upon the part of the county clerk the board of supervisors adopted a resolution for each area finding that: ;
“It appears to this board of supervisors that such petition has been signed by a number of taxpayers assessed for real property taxes within the area proposed to be annexed, whose names appear on the latest assessment rolls therein under the requirements of the general property tax, equal to 35% of the total number of names which appear on the assessment roll as being assessed for real property taxes within the area proposed to be annexed, and, * * *
“It appears to this board of supervisors that said petition is in due and proper form and conforms in all respects with the State law concerning proceedings in this type of matter, as is set forth in * * * [CL 1948, § 117.6 et seq., as amended (Stat Ann 1949 Rev and Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 5.2085 et seq.) ].”
The resolutions placed the question on the annexation of the 2 areas on the ballot for the special election to be held on August 7, 1956, which was the date of the State primary election. On July 13,1956, plaintiffs filed a bill of complaint in the circuit court of Kalamazoo county in which it is alleged in substance :
“1. The petitions were not signed or checked for signing by qualified electors who are freeholders and who reside within the city or township, equal to 1% of the population of the city and township.
“2. The petitions were not signed by taxpayers assessed for real property taxes within the areas proposed to be annexed whose names appear on the latest assessment rolls therein, equal to 35% of the total number of names appearing on such assessment rolls within the areas proposed for annexation.
“3. No description of the land and area represented by a 35% signer followed his signature.
“4. The petitions did not include a map or drawing showing clearly the area proposed to be annexed.
“5. The petitions did not include an accurate description of the boundaries of the territory to be annexed.
“6. A sworn statement did not accompany the petitions showing the total area of the land, exclusive of streets, lying within the areas proposed to be annexed.
■ “7. The petitions were not signed, or checked for signatures, of 850 registered electors in the township or city of Kalamazoo.
“8. The Burke Acres area was neither contiguous to the city of Kalamazoo nor a logical and reasonable addition to the city of Kalamazoo, by virtue of its size, shape and location.
“9. The petitions were not properly checked to ascertain if they complied with the statutory requirements.”
Upon the filing of the bill of complaint an order to show cause was entered and noticed for hearing on July 18, 1956. On July 18, 1956, a motion to dismiss plaintiffs’ bill of complaint was filed by the prosecuting attorney as attorney for the board of .supervisors for the following reasons:
“1. Plaintiffs have a complete and adequate remedy at law by an action in quo warranto, which is the exclusive remedy for this type of action.
“2. The bill of complaint in the above entitled cause is not properly verified since the plaintiff’s, Victor Campbell, Maxine Campbell, Robert A. Hoare and Zell Hamilton, have not verified the bill of complaint.
“3. In the absence of proper verification, the bill of complaint is not supported by affidavits showing a need for the granting of the relief prayed for.
“4. The township of Kalamazoo, as a municipal corporation, has not sufficient interest to maintain said suit since the damages alleged are purely speculative.
“5. The action of the board of supervisors of Kalamazoo county is complete and it is not a proper party defendant.”
On the same day the city of Kalamazoo filed a motion to dismiss for the following reasons:
“1. It affirmatively appears therein that the Kalamazoo county board of supervisors and all other persons involved in the proceedings therein described complied with or substantially complied with all applicable statutes and other applicable rules, regulations or constitutional provisions applicable thereto.
“2. That this court has no jurisdiction to issue the temporary or permanent injunctions therein prayed for.
“3. The bill of complaint discloses on its face that all of the proceedings taken and therein described were regular and in accordance with the Constitution and statutes of the State of Michigan and the powers therein conferred upon the board of supervisors of Kalamazoo county, and other local officers.
“4. That the petitions therein described as filed were sufficient in all material respects.
“5. That section 8 of the home-rule act (PA 1909, No 279, as amended) is constitutional,
“6. That the resolutions adopted by the board of supervisors for Kalamazoo county and therein described, and all parts thereof, were regular and within the scope of the power of such board as defined in the statutes and laws relating'thereto.
“7. That no issues raised therein warrant the issuance of an injunction prohibiting the holding of the elections as therein directed or described.”
On August 1,1956, the trial court entered an order dismissing plaintiffs’ bill of complaint.
Plaintiffs appeal and urge that the trial court was in error in deciding the cause when the same was not at issue, as defendants did not file an answer to plaintiffs’ bill of complaint. It appears that on July 18, 1956, at the hearing to show cause the following transpired:
“Mr. Balm (attorney for board of supervisors): If it please the court, the motion which I have made and just filed with the court deals with jurisdictional matters and asks that the bill of complaint be dismissed on certain grounds relating to jurisdiction. It seems to me it would be proper to hear that matter first because if that were decided by the court, then there would be no further reason to proceed with this hearing after that.
“Mr. Morris (attorney for city of Kalamazoo and Marie Filarski): The motion whieh I have made goes to the merits and alleges that the bill of complaint does not allege a cause of action and should be dismissed on that ground; it would seem to me that that motion should await determination, or at least the hearing, upon the jurisdictional motion.
“Mr. Bauckham (attorney for plaintiffs): It is agreeable with me that they argue their motions first. We might as well proceed with that.
“The Court: It is up to you. Normally I would take a motion under advisement and hear the entire matter so in case there is an appeal the whole situa-ition can be disposed of and not sent back for hearing, but if you prefer, I will hear your motions.
“Mr. Bauchham: Of course, if that is your feeling^ your Honor, that would he agreeable with me. I would just as soon hear the whole matter also and have a decision on the entire matter. * * *
“Mr. David Morris: After a conversation among counsel, your Honor, it is stipulated between counsel in open court that the issue of the temporary injunction will be considered submitted upon the record and arguments as now made with the exception that each side should have the privilege of filing here in the clerk’s office and placing in the mail to your Honor, if you are not here at that time, by not later than next Wednesday noon, any reply brief that either side desires to prepare and submit. In other words, we have decided, both sides, that additional testimony or testimony on the temporary injunction aspect of this case, should be waived.”
In an opinion upon this issue the trial court stated:
“The plaintiffs in this case file this bill of complaint seeking injunctive relief by way of restraining the holding of the above election, and the matter comes before this court upon an order directed to the defendants to show cause, if any there be, why such a restraining order should not issue.
“Pursuant to the direction of the order, a hearing was held and, by agreement, the matter was submitted to the court upon the pleadings filed in the cause, supplemented by briefs of respective counsel.”
In our opinion the plaintiffs consented to the submission of the motions to dismiss. It is now too late to claim that the issues were not submitted on their merits.
Plaintiffs also urge that the action of the hoard of supervisors in passing annexation resolutions pursuant to petition is subject to judicial review. We are not unmindful of the fact that CL 1948, § 117.8, as amended by PA 1955, No 147 (Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 5.2087), provides, “After the adoption of such resolution neither the sufficiency nor legality of the petition on which it is based may be questioned in any proceeding.”
We also note that the same section of the statute provides, “and if, before final action thereon, it shall appear to said board or a majority thereof that said petition or the signing thereof does not conform to this act, or contains incorrect statements, no further proceedings pursuant to said petition shall be had.” We have repeatedly held that the question of lack 'bf jurisdiction may be properly presented and passed upon by a court at any stage of pending proceedings. See In re Cody’s Estate, 293 Mich 697; Township of Warren v. Raymond, 291 Mich 426; Warner v. Noble, 286 Mich 654. Nor can the jurisdiction of the subject matter be given by consent or waiver. See Carpenter v. Dennison, 208 Mich 441. In our opinion that part of the act providing, “After the adoption of such resolution neither the sufficiency nor legality of the petition on which it is based may be questioned in any proceeding,” does not deprive the interested parties or the courts from raising the question of jurisdiction. However, such lack of jurisdiction must clearly appear in said petition before a board of supervisors is deprived from passing on the validity of tll6 S3-1HG.
Under CL 1948, § 117.6 (Stat Ann 1949 Rev § 5.2085) the requirements of the petition are clearly set out. It specifies the number of signers necessary, requires a description of the land and area represented by each signer of the petition, the area to be annexed. CL 1948, § 117.7, as amended by PA 1955, No 33 (Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 5.2086), requires that the petition shall accurately describe the proposed boundaries of the area to be annexed. CL 1948, § 117.8, as amended by PA 1955, No 147 (Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 5.2087), provides that if the above requirements are not shown in the petition, or the petition contains incorrect statements, then no further proceedings shall be had on said petition.
Unless there is substantial compliance with the requirements of the statute the board of supervisors has no jurisdiction to adopt a resolution authorizing an election.
It is urged by plaintiffs that the petition filed with the county clerk did not contain 35% of the total number of names which appear on the assessment rolls. Under the act in question it became the duty of the supervisor of Kalamazoo township to report to the county clerk as of the date the petition was filed the total number of names on such assessment .rolls within the area to be annexed. Acting under such authority the supervisor of Kalamazoo township reported that the total number of names on the assessment rolls within Knollwood was 1,153 and that the total number of names on the assessment rolls within Burke Acres was 1,694.
It also appears that the county clerk determined that the petitions filed contained 340 names for Knoll-wood and 551 for Burke Acres. He also determined that the number of different names on said assessment rolls were as follows: Knollwood, 678; Burke Acres, 1,230, and that the number of .names of taxpayers assessed for real property taxes within the areas proposed to be annexed were as follows: Knoll-wood, 340; Burke Acres, 578, and also reported to the board of supervisors that such petitions for annexation of Knollwood and Burke Acres appeared to be sufficient. In arriving at his conclusion as to the sufficiency of names, the county clerk only, counted the different names on the assessment rolls. Thus if the name “John Smith” appeared on the assessment rolls in 3 or more places, he was only counted once, regardless of the possibility that there may be 3 different persons by the name of “John Smith” on the assessment rolls.
The act in question provides that the township supervisor shall certify to the board of supervisors the total number of names on such assessment rolls. The act does not provide that the township supervisor shall only certify the names of different persons on the assessment rolls nor does the act authorize the county clerk to certify the names on the assessment rolls as was done in the instant case. It clearly appears that under the certification of the township supervisor there were not sufficient names on the petition to warrant the adoption of a resolution submitting the question to the voters.
' We hold that the statuory powers conferred upon boards of supervisors with regard to change of municipal boundaries cannot be legally exercised before a proper petition has been filed with said board. In the case at bar the petition showed an insufficient number of signers to give the board jurisdiction to entertain the petition and authorize an election. That part of the act which reads, “After the adoption of such resolution neither the sufficiency nor legality of the petition on which it is based may be questioned in any proceeding,” has no application to a situation where the board of supervisors has no jurisdiction to entertain a petition or authorize an election.
Defendants urge that a chancery court has no power to entertain a suit to pass upon the legality of a resolution adopted by the board of supervisors and rely upon French v. County of Ingham, 342 Mich 690. In that case we held that a court of equity has no power to interfere to prevent a board of supervisors from performing the duty expressly vested in it by statute. The above case does not apply to the facts in the case at bar. In the instant case a chancery court was resorted to for the purpose of enjoining the board of supervisors from perform ing an unauthorized act. In 18 Am Jur, Elections, § 117, p 255, it is said:
“Most of the courts, while conceding that the holding of elections is a political matter, not ordinarily cognizable by a court of equity, hold that where a proposed election is to be held on a question relating to the change of boundaries in political subdivisions, relocation of county seat, issuance of bonds, or other related matters, and the ordinance or statute under which it is to be held is void, or the election is without apparent authority.of law, equity will enjoin the holding of such election upon the ground of an unlawful expenditure of public funds.”
Under the facts in this case a court of chancery had jurisdiction to entertain a bill of complaint to determine the validity of a resolution adopted by the board of supervisors when such bill of complaint was filed before the authorized election. Other questions have been raised, but in view of our decision in this matter, they require no discussion. It follows that the annexation elections of Knollwood and Burke Acres were illegally held and a decree should be entered setting aside such elections.
No costs will be allowed as the construction of a statute is involved.
Smith, Oaee, and Black, JJ., concurred with Sharpe, J.
Kelly, J.
(for affirmance). I cannot agree with my Brother’s opinion that an illegal election was held and that this Court should order a decree to be entered setting aside such election because “in the case at bar the petition showed an insufficient number of signers to give the board jurisdiction to entertain the petition and authorize an election.”
Appellants contend, and Justice Sharpe so holds, that when the legislature used the words “such petition shall have been signed by a number of taxpayers assessed for real property taxes within the area proposed to be annexed whose names appear on the latest assessment rolls therein under the requirements of the general property tax, equal to 35% of the total number of names which appear on the assessment rolls prepared pursuant to said act as being assessed for real property taxes within the area proposed to be annexed,” that the 35% refers to 35% of the total number of parcels listed on the assessment rolls within the area and not to 35% of the total number of owners within the area.
Appellants endeavor to sustain such a construction of the statute by stating that:
- “Such a construction is a logical and reasonable one. It in no way obstructs or prevents the successful circulation of annexation petitions. It merely determines the exact number of signatures required for an annexation petition. It determines this by the simple method of counting names on an assessment roll without the necessity of being concerned with the complex problem of attempting to subtract those names of persons owning, or appearing to own, more than 1 parcel of property. It also affords the person owning several parcels of property a little more control over whether his property will be made subject to an annexation vote or not. * * *
“This interpretation of the law further coincides with a situation involving the ownership of stock in a private corporation. A person owing 10 shares has 10 votes, and a person owing 1 share has only 1 vote. Here, a person owning 10 platted lots affected by annexation would be counted 10 times on the petition, while a person owning but 1 lot would only be counted once. Any other construction would certainly prejudice the owner of a large number of lots in an area who did not want annexation, but who would have no more to say in the matter of the petition than the owner of one 66 x 132-foot lot.”
Appellees point to the fallacy in plaintiffs’ reasoning, as follows:
“Suppose 4 owners of 40-acre parcels side by side were split on the question of annexing to an adjoining city. Could one of them accomplish his purpose to have an annexation election by simply platting his ground to 10 lots so that his name could be counted 10 times as often as those of his neighbors? Would he be allowed 10 votes to his neighbor’s one at the ensuing election? This is not the intent of the law.”
No question of fraud is presented in this appeal in regard to either the action of the county clerk or the board of supervisors. No one contends that the trial court did not properly find that “it is undisputed that if only the individual names are counted, the petitions as filed contain more than 35% of the total number.”
It is apparent that one property owner within the area affected could possess one parcel of such size and value to be worth 20 times the value of the owner of 20 separate parcels. I cannot construe the statute to mean that the legislature intended that a question of valuation, or a question of ownership of various parcels within an area, should be the determining factor in regard to the sufficiency of petitions for annexation.
The petitions herein were sufficient. A decree should not be entered setting aside such election, •but, instead, the opinion and order of the trial court dismissing the bill of complaint should be affirmed. No costs, a public question being involved.
Dethmers, C. J., and Edwards, and Voelker, JJ., concurred with Kelly, J. | [
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Black, J.
The defendant’s theater in Calumet opens from the street directly into the “theater lobby.” The lobby is a little over 32 feet in length and parallels the street. As the patron enters he finds the ticket office to his left, at end of the lobby, and the rest-room entryways to his right, at the other end. The theater proper is straight ahead.
About 5:50 in the afternoon of February 24, 1955, plaintiff and the presently-identified members of her family left nearby Lake Linden for Calumet, intend ing to see the movie show scheduled that evening— starting at 6:30 — by defendant. The party consisted of plaintiff, her husband, plaintiff’s mother and stepfather, and plaintiff’s daughter. They arrived at the theater shortly after 6 o’clock and, noting that the theater lights had not yet been turned on, waited in their parked automobile until the theater manager and the ticket clerk arrived. As soon as the latter arrived and turned on the theater lights, plaintiff’s party left the parked car and entered the lobby. The stepfather (aged 67), described in the record, as having “high blood pressure and heart trouble and he is awfully excitable and nervous,” needed personal relief. Upon entry the old gentleman inquired of plaintiff for guidance to the men’s room and, being shown the doorway to the right with designation “gentlemen” above the casing, proceeded to enter it.
We turn now to construction details of the doorway and entry. As one faces the .door, it is hinged at the left and opens inward to the left. The opening are is limited to 90 degrees. Just inside the doorway and at level with the lobby floor is a platform measuring 4 feet' and 2 inches (this measurement is straight in from the doorway) by 5 feet (measured parallel to the closed door). A stairway descends straight ahead, from the doorway and platform. It leads to the basement of the building where the rest facilities are located. The stairway consists of 10-inch- steps with 7-inch risers, and it extends far enough to complete k vertical descent of 8 feet (from platform level to basement level). The stairway and platform are supported at the right by a partition leading from the right side of the door casing and at right angles thereto. This partition extends to and beyond the' end of the stairs. A hand rail extends along the partition, from top to bottom of the stairway. Just inside the mentioned doorway and at proper height, an electric switch — set in the par tition wall — provides means of lighting the stairway and platform. Snch lighting equipment was in proper working order hut had not yet been turned on when the stepfather sought to use the mentioned facilities.
The stepfather, having stepped inside to the platform and finding it completely dark inside the doorway, called to plaintiff for aid in finding the light switch. Her husband at the time was at the other end of the lobby, waiting at the ticket office for the latter to open. Plaintiff stepped through the doorway and attempted to find the switch by feeling along the partition wall. At that time her stepfather had. his back to the partition wall near the doorway, and it is apparent that he was thus unwittingly concealing from plaintiff the switch she was looking for. Plaintiff took 2 steps forward, feeling meanwhile for the switch, and thereupon stepped over the first step' of the stairway. She fell to the basement and received personal injuries for which this action was brought against defendant.
Suit having been instituted in the Houghton circuit, the case was tried to court and jury, Honorable Leo J. Brennan, circuit judge presiding, and resulted in a verdict and judgment for plaintiff in the sum of $10,000. Defendant reviews and insists that its mol tion for directed verdict, counting on contributory negligence, and its reserved motion for judgment notwithstanding verdict, should have been granted. It contends further that the verdict was excessive in amount.
. Defendant’s negligence was conceded at close of proofs. The concession is shown this way in the separately-certified transcript:
“The Court: Let the record show at this time at the close of the arguments and before the court instructs the jury, that counsel for the defendant has admitted negligence on the part of the defendant because of its failure to have a light on in the room leading to the men’s toilet when the front door of the theater was unlocked and when patrons were on the premises. Is that a correct statement of the situation?
“Mr. Donnelly (defendant’s counsel): Yes, your Honor.
“The Court: Mr. Messner, you understand that?
“Mr. Messner (plaintiff’s counsel): That is my understanding, yes.”
First: Was plaintiff guilty of contributory negli-gencef
In 1896, following then recent lead of the supreme court, the court of appeals of the 8th circuit prepared a helpful brief addressed to this question. The occasion was a suit for negligence, brought by a Northern Pacific railroad passenger. At near midnight — it was Near Year’s eve — the plaintiff went forward from the rearmost pullman (where plaintiff and wife were berthed) to seek out the conductor for information regarding a proposed stop-over. The passageway of each pullman — at each end — consisted of right angle reverse turns leading to enclosed vestibules. At the time in question, an outer door “opening upon the steps” of one of the vestibules had been left open. This vestibule was unlighted at the time, although dimmed lamps within each car shed some but not much light therein. The plaintiff, having gone forward and having completed his business with the conductor, returned to the vestibule just described and, mistaking the vestibule platform for the passageway turning left and then right in the car to be entered, turned left in the vestibule and fell from the rapidly moving train. The train was proceeding on a trestle over Lake Pend d’ Oreille in an uninhabited region of northern Idaho, and plaintiff: was precipitated into the icy waters below as the train proceeded westward toward the coast. (Yes, he did survive.)
Was he guilty of contributory negligence? The court answered in the negative with this preface, the conception of which took place in Michigan (p 739, 740 of report):
“In Jones v. East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia B. Co., 128 US 443, 445, 446 (9 S Ct 118, 32 L ed 478), the lower court instructed the jury to render a verdict for the defendant upon the ground that the plaintiff had been guilty of contributory negligence, but the supreme court reversed the judgment, saying:
“ ‘But we think these questions [of negligence] are for the jury to determine. We see no reason, so long as the jury system is the law of the land, and the jury is made the tribunal to decide disputed questions of fact, why it should not decide such questions as these as well as others.’
“It does not follow, however, that because it is the exclusive province of the jury to determine the question of negligence, that in no state of facts can the court withdraw the case from the consideration of the jury. Although the rule as to when the case is one for the jury and not for the court has been variously stated, the various statements have the same meaning. The rule is frequently laid- down in these terms: That when the evidence in any given case is conflicting, or the facts disputed, or where the facts are of such a character that different minds might draw different conclusions from them, the case must be left to the jury for their determination. Another statement of the rule is that a case should not be withdrawn from the jury unless the conclusion follows as a matter of law that no recovery can be had upon any view which can be properly taken of the facts the evidence tends to establish. Probably the most satisfactory statement of the rule, and the one easiest to comprehend- and apply (Scott v. City of New Orleans, 75 F 373, 377), is that given by the supreme court in Grand Trunk R. Co. v. Ives, 144 US 408, 417 (12. S Ct 679, 683, 36 L ed 485, 489), where it is thus stated:
“ 'When a given state of facts is such that reasonable men may fairly differ upon the question as to .whether there was negligence or not, the determination of the matter is for the jury. It is only where the facts are such that all reasonable men must draw the same conclusion from them that the question.of negligence is ever considered as one of law for the court/
“And in such cases the court merely declares the evidence is insufficient in law because insufficient in fact. When, therefore, it is said that a given act does or does not constitute negligence in law, the statement means no more than that in the judgment of all reasonable men — not judges alone, for it concerns a fact, and not a question of law — it would "be esteemed such. When it can be affirmed that all reasonable men would agree as to the quality of an act in respect of its being either negligent or prudent, the court may give effect to such concensus of opinion, and direct a verdict in accordance therewith. The direction is given, not because .it is the judge's opinion alone, but because the judge is able to say that it is also the opinion that all reasonable men would entertain of the. question. If there is doubt as,to whether all reasonable men would draw the same conclusion from the evidence, then the question must be submitted to the 12 reasonable men appointed .by the constitution to determine disputed or doubtful questions of fact. The rule on the subject is well stated and illustrated by Judge Cooley in delivering the opinion of the court in Detroit & Milwaukee R. Co. v. Van Steinburg, 17 Mich 99, 120. The learned judge said: (Here follows extended quotation appearing most recently in Davis v. New York Central R. Co., 348 Mich 262, 268, 269).’’
Note-the test-expression — “all reasonable men”-;- and repetitive employment thereof. It is onr test (see full assembly of Michigan cases in Scharman v. Bay County Bridge Commission, 158 Mich.77, 83; and Beach v. City of St. Joseph, 192 Mich 296, 301), and early rales governing its application were stated with definitive care in Lake Shore & Michigan Southern R. Co. v. Miller, 25 Mich 274. When a motion for instructed verdict counting on contributory negligence is presented, - the trial judge becomes a sort of assayer of evidence and his cupel admits of motion-grant only when it discloses that all reasonable men would conclude with unanimity that the plaintiff was guilty of “no care at all” (quotation from Miller, supra, 292).
We turn from these premises to defendant’s contention that Judge Brennan should have directed a verdict in its favor on ground that Mrs. Normand was guilty of contributory negligence, pronounceable by the court. Defendant says — and this is the essence of its motion — that a person exercising ordinary care under corresponding circumstances would have sought help from the manager or ticket clerk and would not have undertaken to search for the switch in darkness. That may be true — we say “may” — , but who should make the pronouncement? The judge on motion, or the jury the parties have selected? Specially aidful in solution of the problem is the rule this Court adopted — from Connecticut— in Brebner v. Sidney Hill Health System, Inc., 269 Mich 541, 544 (followed in Flynn v. Kramer, 271 Mich 500, 505; Warwick v. Blackney, 272 Mich 231; Davis v. New York Central R. Co., supra). It is not what one does, alone and apart from other con siderations, which is to be judged in determining whether ordinary care has been exercised. “What one does or fails to do as relates to the circumstances under which he acts is the test to be applied.” (Quotation from Flynn, p 505 of report.)
What were the circumstances, and the facts,- under which Mrs. Normand assumed to aid her stepfather? Was the time-need of a testy and infirm old gentleman critical? We note that the party entered the théater as soon as it “opened up;” that the ticket office had not yet opened when the party entered and that the theater manager — this is on favorable view of course — was busy getting ready for projection behind closed doors. Was either the manager or clerk immediately available for the assistance defendant says' plaintiff should have sought? Should the plaintiff, a lady, have called her husband from the other end of the lobby to aid her stepfather? Is a theater patron, not familiar with the theater and its facilities, called upon — in law, not fact — to expect that a full length stairway starts descent near the orbit of an inward swinging rest-room door? Were the circumstances such as to place a person of reasonable prudence on guard against entering, in darkness and to the linear extent shown, a public place of such nature?
Mere presentation of these questions shows all too clearly that a jury of the vicinage is better equipped to answer than is a single judge and that we have no right, short of arbitrary usurpation of this jury’s constitutional function, to affirm that all reasonable men would reach conclusion of concurrent fault on Mrs. Normand’s part. The trial judge was consequently right in denying defendant’s said motion and the later motion for judgment notwithstanding verdict (Compare Corfeld v. Douglas Houghton Hotel Co., 324 Mich 459).
In arriving at conclusion that the. question of contributory negligence was properly submitted to the jury, we have not overlooked the authorities defendant relies upon. They are Bedell v. Berkey, 76 Mich 435 (15 Am St Rep 370); Steger v. Immen, 157 Mich 494 (24 LRA NS 246); and Elliott v. Dahl, 299 Mich 380. Examination of these cases discloses- serious question as to existence of a duty of the respective defendants to each plaintiff. They show, too,-that the primary question of negligence was passed oyer in each instance. Such authorities do not apply when the defendant’s causal negligence is either conceded or becomes a question for the jury. As we have previously seen (Clark v. Shefferly, 346 Mich; 332) the question of contributory negligence is usually judged, not alone by what the plaintiff did or did not do, but also by the conjoining facts pertaining to what in the way of legal duty the plaintiff had a right to expect of the defendant. Here, there being no light inside the door and the defendant being causally negligent in failing to provide such light before opening the theater, it is altogether possible that a group of reasonable men might fairly conclude that the combination of dangerous-when-darlc construction within close proximity to the door and the absence of light made up the proximate and hence actionable cause of plaintiff’s injuries.
Second: Was the verdict excessive¶
Plaintiff’s lasting injuries consisted of a cut immediately below the left knee, resulting in a linear scar 3-1/2 inches in length, and a partial loss of supination of the right hand and forearm resulting from fracture of the radius at the elbow. Her physician’s testimony was set to narrative by the trial judge in his opinion denying defendant’s motion for new trial. Such testimony includes the following (direct examination) :
“I sewed the wound on the left knee and gave her some tetanus antitoxin to prevent lockjaw, a seconal injection and dressing on her knee, and instructed her to come back for X-rays of the arm, when we found a broken radius at the elbow, and a cast was put on, and this was treated by immobilization in a .cast, which cast was on, with splints, for about 4 weeks. After the splints were removed Mrs. Normand had difficulty flexing’ the arm and turning it outwards for approximately, I would say, 2 months —relatively large inability to do so — but this gradually improved. To turn it over is called supination. 'I saw her about once a week those early 4 months . after the injury. During visits to my office she gave me complaints of pain and suffering, aside from the elbow which I have discussed, she had pain in her knees, because she had bumped her knees, or had the injuries I have already mentioned to you. I saw her last on April 24th of this year. On April 5th of ' this year she complained of a swelling and pain in both knees, with emphasis on the left knee, and the ' swelling was observable by me. She stated that upon standing and when she stood on the knee she had a burning pain in the knee, and upon getting up from her nightly rest her knees were stiff. I wouldn’t say Mrs. Normand has complete 100% supination in the arm that was injured, but very close to it. With that kind of .an injury at the elbow joint it is difficult to achieve 100%. I think elbow injuries are notorious for the fact that there isn’t complete recovery. Assuming Mrs. Normand does not have complete supination, as I have said, then I believe the disability will be permanent. Mrs. Normand weighs approximately 150 pounds. She may suffer pain and discomfort in one or both knees in the future. I would say she may have pain in the future. And it might be for the rest of her natural life.”
There is some doubt (see In re Boyer’s Estate, 282 Mich 552) whether the noted loss of supination, and the testified knee injuries, are of permanent nature. As to the scar, it of course is permanent. It was exhibited to this jury of men and women. The jury was supplied with superior means of judging the nature and prominence thereof and its embarrassing effect, if any, on the plaintiff. Also, jury members should know as much as we do about the value of good knees in the doing of floor or deck work, and what it means to lose such use of the knees for an indefinite period following injury thereto. Mrs. Normand testified to such loss, and continuity thereof to the time of trial, and defendant does not question such testimony.
Looking now to monetary appraisal of this verdict : $804.50 of the amount awarded is represented by expenses, leaving $9,195.50 attributable to past and prospective pain and suffering (see O’Grady v. Rydman, 347 Mich 606), past and prospective disability, and effect (if any) of the scar. It is said that this is too much, shockingly so. We find it appropriate in the way of answer to say that the jury was entitled to take into account the reduced value of today’s dollar in making its criticized assessment, and that what might in the past have been excessive is not on the same facts necessarily exorbitant today. Judged in such light, we cannot say that this verdict is excessive.
On the very day of this writing (July 15, 1957), the Detroit Free Press observed editorially something this Court may and should judicially notice: “and the pace of inflation has been stepped up from a crawl to a trot.” In 1950 the editorial writers of American Law Reports prepared an exhaustive brief entitled “Changes in cost of living or in purchasing power of money as affecting damages for personal injuries or death” (12 ALR2d 611). (They might well prepare another, bringing 1950 into comparative array with the Free Press’ characterization of 1957.) In such annotation it is shown that the courts of this country are generally agreed that judicial review of verdicts in personal injury cases should take into account the fact that a change has taken place in the purchasing power of money, and in the cost of living, which of right may be reflected in damage awards; further, that such economic developments are so much a matter of common knowledge that judges and juries are entitled to consider them although not expressly proven in evidence (Compare Palmer v. Security Trust Co., 242 Mich 163 [60 ALR 1392] with Graham v. United Trucking Service, Inc., 327 Mich 694, 706).
The appalling effects of this trend are not peculiar or limited to urban and metropolitan centers. The disease of devalued money spreads to all lands and all peoples, and we must assume that folk resident of Michigan’s far away copper country, “way up there where the moon changes,” know its burdens just as we do, here in our downstate quarters. This Houghton county jury came to conclusion that $9,200 was a fair appraisal of Mrs. Normand’s unliquidated damages. It is fair to infer that the members did so according to their appraisal of the value of the dollar amount they reported. This was quite proper and, unless we are prepared to say — I think we are not — that a damage verdict of $4,500 to $5,000, rendered any time before or during the last world wax-on corresponding proof, would then have beexx held excessive, this one assuredly cannot be pronounced a shock to whatever conscience an appellate court, sitting at law, is supposed to have.
We find no error. Judgment affirmed, with costs to plaintiff.
Dbthmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Edwards, Voelker, Kelly, and Carr, JJ., concurred.
See CL .1948, § 691.691 (Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 27.1461). — . Bepobteb.
Bronson v. Oakes (CCA), 76 F 734.
This does not mean that in no ease should a verdict be instructed (see above quotation from Oakes and discussion in Miller commencing at page 293 of report). It does mean that the case must be a very, clear one which would justify the court in so proceeding.
Prom “The Blazed Trail”, by Stewart Edward White (McClure, Phillips & Co., 1902 ed), chap 27, p 246. | [
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Voelker, J.
(for reversal). Tlie plaintiff filed its bill of complaint to foreclose a mechanics’ lien against the Oakland county premises of the defendants Petix, for materials furnished the defendant contractor Bloomfield Homes, Inc., in building a house thereon. The bill was founded on 2 separate items and the plaintiff alleged in its sworn bill of complaint that it caused “to be served on the defendants, Samuel C. Petix and Agatha Petix, his wife, a true copy of each of said statements of account and lien in accordance with the law in such case made and provided.”.
In their sworn answer to this allegation the owner- defendants Petix admitted “receiving a true copy of said statements of account and lien” while the contractor-defendant, Bloomfield Homes, Inc., by its .receiver, neither admitted nor denied the allegation. At thé hearing the testimony disclosed that the defendants Petix were in fact served in Wayne county, where they resided, instead of in Oakland county; where the premises were located, whereupon the receiver for the contractor-defendant through counsel orally moved for dismissal of the bill of complaint on the sole ground of insufficieny of service on the owners at the place and in the manner reí quired by the lien statute. After argument this motion to dismiss was granted by the trial court and this appeal resulted.
The following additional facts are necessary to set our situation in its proper perspective: After the bill was filed and served on the defendants Petix, but before they made' answer thereto, they filed a motion to dismiss on grounds which need not concern us here more than to say that the question of proper service of the statement of account and lien was not there raised. This motion was duly heard and denied, whereupon the defendants Petix made answer as above noted. At no time prior to the hearing on the merits did any of the defendants raise aiiy question or make any affirmative defense regarding the subsequently claimed defective service om the defendants Petix.
The pertinent portion of the lien statute as to service of a copy of the statement of account provides that the lien claimant shall “within 10 days after the filing thereof, serve on the owner * * * if he can be found within the county or in case of his absence from the county, on his agent having in charge of such premises, within the county wherein the property is situated, a copy of such statement or claim; but if neither of such persons can be. found within the county where such premises are situated, then such copy shall be served by posting in some conspicuous place on said premises within 5 days after the same might have been served personally.” (CL 1948, § 570.6 [Stat Ann 1953 Rev § 26.286].)
It. is undenied that the plaintiff did not make service on the owner or his agent in Oakland county, or post the premises there, as provided by the statute, but it appeared that instead it personally served these defendants at their home in Wayne county, all of which was affirmatively shown by the proof of service on file in the office of the register of deeds for Oakland county. It was the claim of the plaintiff during the hearing on the motion to dismiss below (as it is here) that nevertheless it substantially complied with the lien statute, and further that the defendants were barred from claiming such a defense because it was not timely raised and also because the defendants Petix had admitted proper service in •their answer.
The defendants contend that there was not substantial compliance with the lien statute; that the statute unequivocally provides a mandatory mode of service which must be followed in all particulars or 'the plaintiff must fail; that the lien statute being in derogation of common law must be strictly construed, especially upon the question of whether the lien attaches; that where no lien attaches questions-pertaining thereto may never be waived but may be* raised at any time, the plaintiff always having the-burden of proof to show compliance with the statutory requirements giving rise to the lien.
In support of their position the defendants cite a number of cases which seem to hold or say most if not all the ominous things they claim for them (in this field there seems to he support for any proposition one can possibly urge), and we might feel obliged to adopt their position and hold with them were it not for a case cited casually by the plaintiff for the first time on this appeal. That case is Bolhuis Lumber & Manfg. Co. v. Van Tubergen, 250 Mich 686, and one which we believe must be controlling on the disposition of this case. We may add that the plaintiff does little more than cite the Bolhuis Case in his brief, making little if any analysis of it, whereas the defendants, not unlike the-proverbial ostrich, do not so much as cite the cqselet alone attempt to refute it. In fairness to the trial court we should add that the record shows that the Bolhuis Case was not called to its attention nor was it apparently known to counsel during the oral argument on the motion to dismiss below. So we-now proceed to take a deep breath and dissect that case.
In that case the verified bill alleged service upon the defendant owners within the county of situs,. Allegan. The owner defendants made no answer' and in due course were defaulted. There the trustee in bankruptcy for the contractor in his answer neither admitted nor denied proper service, as did the receiver here. At the hearing one of the defaulted owner-defendants, John "Van Tubergen, appeared and testified under oath that the service of, the statement and claim of lien was in fact made upon him in the neighboring county of Ottawa. In both cases it was the contractor defendant who initially sought to avail himself of the claimed insufficiency of service on the owners.
We recognize some differences in the facts in that case and ours. There the bill of complaint specifically alleged that service was made in the county of situs while the bill in our case generally alleges that it was made “in accordance with law.” There the proof of service filed with the register of deeds on its face showed service within the county of situs whereas in our case it shows on its face that it was not. We do not think these differences are controlling. There the owner-defendants Yan Tubergen presumably must have known at all times in which county they were served, as did the owner-defendants Petix in our case, while in our case (unlike in that case) the receiver for the defendant contractor before it made answer had public access to knowledge as to the true place of service. We refer to the return on file in the office of the register of deeds. Here no one was possibly deceived, whereas there the contractor would have learned nothing by consulting the return. If the sufficiency of service cannot thus be put in issue in a case where the owner makes no answer at all and the contractor-defendant neither admits nor denies, we would say that our ease is all the stronger where, as here, the owner-defendant in his answer admits proper service and the contractor still merely neither admits nor denies.
It may be urged that in the Bolhuis Case the lien claimant was surprised by the sudden claim at the hearing that his service on the owners was defective whereas here he could scarcely have been surprised inasmuch as at all times he possessed equal knowledge that service was made out of the county of situs. ¡We do not believe that the knowledge possessed by the lien claimant on this score is controlling; the defendants were placed in no different position because of that knowledge; and we are aware that there are many areas in the law where crucial defensive matter must nevertheless he affirmatively and timely pleaded although the opposite party may possess full knowledge of that defensive matter, the defenses of payment, release, estoppel, statute of limitations and statute of frauds being a few that readily occur to us. In other words the decision in the Boll mis Case, in effect, appears to make the defense there and here sought to be raised an affirmative one.
We are not impressed that in the one case the rectum of service showed on its face “proper” service whereas here it affirmatively showed that there was' not; and the possible companion argument that in our case the lien could thereby never have properly. at tached. Is what appears on the face of the return of 'service the act of magic that attaches the lien?-' And this regardless of the facts! Let us suppose — - as could well be the case, for all the report shows-1— that in the Bolhuis Case the service was in fact madfe in the “wrong” county, despite what the return1 showed on its face. That is precisely what the defense sought to prove and supported by the testimony of one of the owners in the Bolhuis Case. Yet it was held to be too late. It must necessarily have there been held that the lien must have attached despite the actual place of service.
Put another way, if the lien may nevertheless be deemed to attach if the defense does not timely plead defective service in cases where the return is valid' on its face (the Bolhuis Case) we are unable to penetrate the logic of reaching a different result in ouf case. Surely if in fact the service in that case was in the “wrong” countjr, regardless of what the re^ turn said, and the lien could in effect nevertheless be held to attach, then in all logic the result should be no different in onr case of service in the “wrong” county, likewise regardless of what the return said. The point we seek to make is that if the Bolhuis Case is sound law, then the attachment of the lien cannot ever be said to depend merely on what the return of service says.
Put still another way, if the necessary implications of the decision in the Bolhuis Case are sound, then contrary to the claim of the defendants there and here, neither the mode of service or the face of the return is under all circumstances controlling on the question of the attachment of the lien, else logically the question could be raised at any time. At the very least the Bolhuis Case seems necessarily to hold that neither the question of attachment of lien nor sufficiency of service may be made a triable issue unless they are timely raised.
In both cases there was an allegation in the bill of valid service; in the Bolhuis Case the allegation might have been false; at any rate one of the defendants sought to question it and was held to have raised the question too late. In our case the general allegation was made of valid service which in their answer the owner-defendants in effect admitted (although they were peculiarly in a position to know in which county they were served). If the contractor-defendant must be foreclosed from raising the defense in the Bolhuis Case (where had he consulted the return of service in the office of the register of deeds he would still have found no clue that it was defective) we believe that he must all the more be foreclosed here where the claimed “defect” was plain on the face of the return. If positive sworn testimony at the hearing by one of the owners in the Bolhuis Case that he was served in the “wrong” county was not there treated as raising a jurisdictional issue fatal to the attachment of the lien, we do not think such a showing at the time it was made here should likewise be so regarded.
To our mind our decision is not weakened when we note that the mechanics’ lien law itself (CL 1948, §570.10 [Stat Ann 1953 Rev § 26.290]) provides that “all hills sworn to shall be evidence of the matters therein charged, unless denied by answer under oath” and, as to the defendants Petix, that Michigan Court Rule No 27, § 6 (1945), provides:
“A motion attacking a pleading or any part thereof must be filed and served within 15 days after the receipt of the pleading attacked. Such motion shall include all objections to the pleading attacked and to the proceedings up to that date in the case. And all objections to pleadings or proceedings not stated in the motion shall be deemed waived.”
On the first point Mr. Justice Wiest had this to say at page 689 of the Bolhuis Case:
“The sworn bill alleged proper service of the statement of lien. The answer of Moore, trustee, did not deny the alleged service or make the same a triable issue. It was not enough for defendant Moore, by answer, to neither admit nor deny the service alleged and leave plaintiff to its proof, for the statute requires such an issue to be raised, if at all, by denial under oath.”
While we confess we are a little at a loss to determine just how the clairvoyant trustee in the Bolhuis Case could have been expected to divine that service on the owners was not made in the proper county (since the return of service there was valid on its face), that question fortunately does not arise to plague us here, thus in our opinion making our situation even weaker for the complaining contractor-defendant than it was in the Bolhuis Case.
As for the defendants Petix, it is also our understanding that personal service is always better than any form of substituted service, and we find we are unable to generate excessive sympathy or concern for litigants who have actual knowledge of a claim and personal service made upon them, and who now demand strict construction, especially when they nourish their knowledge and lie back and do not raise any question until a hearing on the merits. They had at least 2 cracks at raising the question of service before the hearing (in their motion to dismiss and later in their answer) and yet they did nothing. The very thing that happened in this case perhaps shows the practical wisdom behind the decision in the Bol-huis Case, and all of the parties here might have been saved the delay and expense of this appeal had the defendants not slept on such rights and defenses as they may have had available to them. Nor might a harried and busy trial judge have understandably been caught off guard and led astray if the matter had been timely presented in the manner it should.
This is not to say that lien claimants may henceforth with impunity ignore the lien statute as to mode or place of service. They may not. What we do say and hold is that, under the authority of the Bolhuis Case and under the circumstances of this case, none of the defendants may now raise the question of the attachment of the lien or the validity of service on the owners. We further hold that the sufficiency of service is no longer a triable issue in this case.
If this case may be said to possess any moral it may be this: that our statutes and rules designed to simplify pleadings were never designed to banish them; that the need for careful, intelligent and timely pleading remains undiminished; and finally that, contrary to the misguided notion apparently prevailing in some professional quarters, cases may still be won or lost on the pleadings alone. Let the profession take heed.
The decision below should be accordingly reversed and the cause remanded for further proceedings not inconsistent with this opinion. Costs to appellant.
Addendum: To Opinion
Mr. Justice Sharpe writes in effect that the defendants did timely plead improper service in their motion to dismiss, and that in any case failure to follow the letter of the statute as to service is juris-dictionally fatal and may be raised at any stage of the proceedings. In other words my associate says that the defendants did raise the question of proper service but anyway it doesn’t matter.
We repeat that in our view none of the defendants either by motion or answer or any other pleading adequately raised the question of proper service prior to the hearing on the merits. The contrary view expressed by my associate evidently stems from the already noted motion to dismiss filed by the owner-defendants Petix prior to filing their answer in which they admitted proper service.
The record shows that this motion was confined to but a portion of the lien claim; it is not a motion to dismiss the bill of complaint for improper service but is entitled “Motion to dismiss exhibit B of plaintiff’s bill of complaint;” it carefully recites that appearance is made “for the sole purpose of making this motion to dismiss exhibit B of plaintiff’s bill of complaint;” and it concludes with the restricted prayer that an order be entered dismissing exhibit B.
In our view this was clearly not a motion “made to dismiss plaintiff’s cause of action for the reason that personal service was not made upon defendants in Oakland County,” as my associate would mistak>enly construe it; it was not so urged below by any ¡of the parties or so treated by the trial court; no ¡appeal was taken from the denial of this motion nor ¡is any cross appeal, delayed or otherwise, sought to be made here from such denial; instead these same defendants, after denial, proceeded to file their answer admitting proper service; and nowhere in any of the briefs of any of the parties to this appeal does anyone argue or so much a§ hint that this motion to dismiss then constituted or should now be construed as an adequate and timely raising of the question of proper service. Only Mr. Justice Sharpe alone makes this belated and strained construction of the motion to dismiss.
My associate pursues his syllogism and next asserts that failure of proper service according to the letter of the statute in mechanics’ lien cases is always jurisdictional. He then goes on to assert that courts may on their own motion raise jurisdictional questions at any stage of the proceedings even though the question is not raised by the pleadings or by counsel. In support of this latter proposition he cites many cases, cases ad nauseum, we are inundated by cases, and we find our thoughts turning involuntarily to those poor unsung souls who must compile our citators.
We do not quarrel with the last half of our associate’s assertion; that is so patent and elementary a legal proposition that even we grasp it, however dimly ; but we do say that in our view our associate begs the very question at issue when he says that failure to follow the letter of the statute as to service in mechanics’ lien cases is in every case jurisdictional and fatal. Furthermore we think he is wrong. We grant that such a mechanistic and perfection-or-perish point of view may make for easy decisions — provided only that one is prepared to shut his eyes to whether those decisions are fair or just.
It is our understanding that the purpose of all process is to give litigants an opportunity to appear and be heard and have their day in court. Those rights were preserved here. In mechanics’ lien cases, in addition, one of the main purposes of serving the owner-defendants at all is to make sure that they do not inadvertently pay the contractor. That too was accomplished here. We further say that when these purposes are accomplished, and our courts nevertheless still insist upon following the letter of the law, then the law has degenerated into meaningless litany and become instead a form of legal automation. Blind worship of form has then replaced substance.
Earlier in our opinion we rather ruefully stated that one could apparently find authority for almost any proposition one cared to urge in the tangled jungle of mechanics’ lien law. We thank our associate for his unwitting help in demonstrating the truth of this wry proposition, for nest he proceeds to hang his decision on the language of a venerable Michigan case that indeed says — there is no doubt about it— that the statutory mode of service in mechanics’ lien cases must in every instance be “followed out the window,” so to speak, or the lien fails.
Yet- — and perhaps to further demonstrate the validity of our proposition— we find that in the still more venerable case of Mouat v. Fisher (1895), 104 Mich 262, no attempt whatever was made to follow the statutory mode of service, yet the lien was held to attach. There the owner defendant simply signed and handed the plaintiff a paper stating: “I accept service of a copy of this notice on me in lieu of posting the same on my building, within described, or other notice under the statute.”
In answer to the defendant’s claim that the service had to follow the statute or no lien could attach our Court there said: “After the defendant has thus accepted service in lieu of the statutory service, we think he should not he heard to complain that the statutory steps were not taken, which were still open to the complainant to take. To permit such an ob jection to prevail would be inequitable, and the defendant should be held estopped from raising such a question.” (Emphasis added.)
There was no talk there of jurisdictional gohlins, although there the question of proper service was apparently before the circuit court and our Court at every stage of the proceedings. We cannot resist adding that if supposed jurisdictional questions growing out of the mode of service can be raised by our courts merely when one of its judges feels like it, or otherwise ignored at his pleasure, then we fear that the state of the law in the realm of mechanics’ liens is even more chaotic than we dreamed. If claimed failure to follow the precise mode of service was not jurisdictional in the Bolhuis Case or in the Fisher Case, why does it suddenly loom forward and become sinister and fatal to jurisdiction in this case ? In the Bolhuis Case the owner-defendant appeared and swore on oath that he was served in the wrong county, yet the lien attached. In the Fisher Case the statutory mode of service was not followed at all— there was not any pretense of following it — and yet the lien attached.
To paraphrase Fisher in our case: “after the defendant has in his answer admitted proper service and gone to hearing on the merits we think he should not be heard to complain that the statutory steps were not taken. To permit such an objection to prevail would be inequitable, and the defendant should be held estopped from raising such a question.”
We have already noted that the defendants here attempt to slay the Bolhuis Case by a vast pall of silence. Since we have in the meantime been at considerable pains to try to demonstrate how and why we think the Bolhuis Case does apply, we are moderately dismayed to observe that our esteemed associate now seeks to join the defendants in this enterprise of silence. He cites many cases but he does not cite Bolhuis. "We would, have hoped that if this Court is about to kill Bolhuis we should at least do it the honor to formally declare it dead and give it a decent burial, however brief the obituary; not let it sink into nameless oblivion in an unmarked grave.
Smith, Edwards, and Black, JJ., concurred with Voelker, J.
Sharpe, J.
(for affirmance). I am not in accord with the result attained in the opinion of Mr. Justice Voelker for reasons hereinafter stated.
It is conceded that no personal service was made upon the defendants in Oakland county, where the property is located. The statute provides:
“Every person filing such statement or account as provided in the preceding section, except those persons contracting or dealing directly with the owner, part owner or lessee of such premises, shall within 10 days after the filing thereof, serve on the owner, part owner or lessee of such premises, if he can be found within the county or in case of his absence from the county, on his agent having in charge of such premises, within the county wherein the property is situated, a copy of such statement or claim; but if neither of such persons can be found within the county where such premises are situated, then such copy, shall be served by posting in some conspicuous place on said premises within 5 days after the same might have been served personally, could the principal or agent, as aforesaid, have been found. Proof of such service and the date and manner thereof shall be made by the affidavit of such person serving or posting the same, which proof of such service shall be filed in the office of the register of deeds of [for] such county before any subsequent proceedings shall he taken for the enforcement of such lien.” (CL 1948, § 570.6 [Stat Ann 1953 Bev § 26.286].)
The statute itself clearly and unequivocally recites :
“but if neither of such persons can be found within the county where such premises are situated, then such copy shall be served by posting in some conspicuous place on said premises within 5 days after the same might have been served personally, could the principal or agent, as aforesaid, have been found.”
I am of the opinion that it is a prerequisite before a lien can attach that plaintiff must comply with the statutory requirements to give it a right to a lien. Plaintiff has the burden of proof to establish compliance with statutory requirements to give it a right to a lien. See Roberts v. Miller, 32 Mich 289.
In Smalley v. Terra-Cotta Co., 113 Mich 141, it was said:
“Mechanics’ liens are in derogation of the common law, depending for their existence wholly upon the statute, and therefore, upon the question whether a lien attaches at all, a strict construction of the statute is proper; but, after the lien has once attached, a liberal construction should be put upon the statute, for the pnrpose of fulfilling its objects.” (Syllabus 1.)
Plaintiff urges that defendants were not privileged to raise the defense of improper service because of their failure to plead such defense. It also appears that during the trial of the cause a motion was made to dismiss plaintiff’s cause of action for the reason that personal service was not made upon defendants in Oakland county.
In Hannah & Lay Mercantile Company v. Mosser, 105 Mich 18, we had occasion to discuss this question in a lien case. We there said (p 30):
“The point now raised is whether the service upon the owner must be made within the county. We think that this section fully settles the question that the service, if made upon the owner, must be made within the county. If the owner can be found within the county, notice must be served upon such owner. The section negatives the idea of service anywhere else upon the owner. No other service upon the owner is recognized. If not served upon the owner within the county, then service may be made upon the agent within the county having charge of the property; and, if no service can be made upon either within the county, then by posting upon the building. These are the specified modes of service, and the general rule is that, where a specified mode of service is pointed out, that mode must be followed. This claim must therefore fail for want of proper service of notice, and the cross bill must be dismissed, with costs of the court below to defendant railway company.”
If proper service was not made, the court would lack jurisdiction to proceed with the cause. It appears that the question now before us is the right of defendants to raise this question for the first time during the trial of the cause.
In In re Estate of Fraser, 288 Mich 392, we had occasion to express our views on the power and authority of the court to raise the question of jurisdiction on its own motion. We there said (p 394):
“Courts are bound to take notice of the limits of their authority, and a court may, and should, on its own motion, though the question is not raised by the pleadings or by counsel, recognize its lack of jurisdiction and act accordingly by staying proceedings, dismissing the action, or otherwise disposing thereof, at any stage of the proceeding. 15 CJ, p 852; Bradley v. Board of State Canvassers, 154 Mich 274; J. F. Hartz Co. v. Lukaszcewski, 200 Mich 230; Bolton v. Cummings, 200 Mich 234; Ideal Furnace Co. v. International Molders’ Union of North America, 204 Mich 311; Warner v. Noble, 286 Mich 654. Jurisdiction cannot rest upon waiver or consent. Allen v. Carpenter, 15 Mich 25; Kirkwood v. Hoxie, 95 Mich 62 (35 Am St Rep 549); Hull v. Hull, 149 Mich 500; Maslen v. Anderson, 163 Mich 477; People v. Meloche, 186 Mich 536; Carpenter v. Dennison, 208 Mich 441; Walsh v. Kent Circuit Judge, 225 Mich 51; Shane v. Himelstein, 227 Mich 465; 17 Am & Eng Encyc Law (2d ed), p 1060; Morris v. Gilmer, 129 US 315 (9 S Ct 289, 32 L ed 690); Mansfield, C. & L. M. R. Co. v. Swan, 111 US 379 (4 S Ct 510, 28 L ed 462).”
By virtue of the above authority the decree of the trial court is affirmed, with costs.
Dethmers, C. J., and Kelly, and Care, JJ., concurred with Sharpe, J. | [
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Smith, J.
This case involves a zoning controversy. The defendants own gravel-hearing property in the township of Bloomfield and they wish to develop it commercially. The trouble is that it is in an area zoned for residential purposes. The township, hence, seeks to restrain the operation. The owners, by cross bill, attempt to enjoin the township’s interference with their mining operation. The trial court upheld the ordinance, and the defendants (who will, hereafter be referred to as the owners) took a general appeal. Thus the bare bones of the controversy. Other facts will be filled in as we go on.
Upon appeal the owners assert that the zoning ordinance is invalid because adopted at a special meeting of the township board, is not based upon a plan formulated as required by the enabling act, and that it is invalid and unconstitutional as applied to the owner’s property because it is unreasonable, arbitrary and confiscatory. In addition, they claim a prior, nonconforming use.
The owners had purchased the property now in litigation early in 1951. It is in section 1 of the township, being the southeast 1/4 thereof, bounded on the south by section 12, the southwest by section 11, and on the west by section 2. Since 1913 the appellants have conducted gravel removal operations on their property in section 2. The site in section 1 was purchased in anticipation of the exhaustion of this source. The land in sections 1, 2, 11, 12, and certain others comprising roughly the northeast corner of the township was unzoned until 1952. (The other township property, described as district 1, had been zoned purely residential in 1940.) At a special meeting of the township board on January 30, 1952, the northeast corner was zoned as district 2, npon the same basic plan as was used for district 1.
At this point we face the first of the owners’ objections to the validity of the enactment of the zoning ordinance, namely, that the enactment is not grounded on a basic plan “to promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare” in accordance with the township rural zoning act. The statute, it is urged, provides a mandatory requirement for the enactment of zoning ordinances and sets forth the factors to be considered in formulating a basic plan of zoning for a district, no single one of which, i.e., the conservation of property values, will sustain the ordinance, if there is a total disregard of others, e.g., extraction and conservation of natural resources.
With respect to the plan adopted, it was the testimony of a member of the township zoning commission that they “had experienced people go over the territory,” and that “the territory and surroundings were taken into account.” They had, it was testified, “various experts in, land men who went over the proposition.” In addition, the chairman of the commission testified that the basic plan in force under the zoning ordinance for district 1 of the township (which has been in operation for many years) was considered as the basis for zoning district 2. This was sufficient in their opinion to become the basic plan for this contested ordinance. The ordinance and map were approved by the Oakland county zoning committee.
We cannot conclude, from the above, and the record as a whole before us, that the zoning ordinance was enacted, as charged, without the formulation of a basic plan as required by the statute. The contrary seems to have been the case. The reasonableness of the plan, of course, and consequently of the ordinance, are different, though related, questions. We are unpersuaded that the lower court was in error in its rejection of the argument thus made.
The next objection raised by the owners with respect to the enactment of the ordinance is that it was adopted at a special meeting of the township board. This is said to be in violation of an asserted statutory mandate that such adoption may be accomplished only at a regular meeting. The township admits the enactment at a special meeting. It urges, however, that the distinction between regular and special meetings has, in and of itself, no legal significance with respect to the issue before us, pointing to PA 1951, No 46, which provides, in part, as follows :
“Special meetings of the township board shall be held at such times as may be fixed by the board at any meeting or when in the discretion of the supervisor it appears advisable. * * * However, if all of the members of the said board are present at any special meeting thereof, then any business which might lawfully come before a regular meeting of said hoard may be transacted at such special meeting.” CLS 1954, § 41.72a (Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 5.64[1] ).
We are constrained to agree that the legislative intent, here expressed, is that the township board has the authority to do at any special meeting any matter which might be transacted at a regular meeting provided other statutory requirements are fulfilled. We are mindful in this regard that the burden of proof is upon him who attacks the ordinance to show by competent evidence that it was not legally enacted, Thorne v. Squier, 264 Mich 98 (89 ALR 126), and that an ordinance, like a statute, is presumed valid unless the contrary is shown by competent evidence, Harrigan & Reid Co. v. Burton, 224 Mich 564 (33 ALR 142). The appellants have established only that the ordinance was enacted at a special meeting and the record discloses nothing more ominous. In view of this we cannot say the presumption of validity is rebutted. The trial court’s findings in this respect are worthy of repetition:
“The challenge that the ordinance is invalid because of the failure of a valid statutory enactment is based upon the most exacting of technical objections. A public hearing was held upon the ordinance subsequent to notices for that purpose having been published in the Birmingham Eccentric and the Pontiac Daily Press. The ordinance and maps were submitted to the Oakland county zoning commission and approval received. The ordinance was adopted by the township hoard and published in the Birmingham Eccentric and it was entered in the book of ordinances. There was a substantial compliance with :the statute in the enactment of the ordinance in the ¡opinion of the court to justify holding its validity.”
The owners challenge, also, the constitutionality of this zoning ordinance as applied to their property because it is said to be unreasonable, arbitrary, and confiscatory. The charge made requires an exhaustive examination of the area affected, its location, its use, and the activities now, and in the reasonably foreseeable future, to be found thereon, as well as the nature of the use excluded. The exhibits show an area of gently rolling hills, in part heavily wooded. We may take judicial notice of its proximity to great centers of population in its area. In the decade from 1944 to 1954 the township saw an increase (“mostly all residential”) from an assessed valuation of $8,069,480 to $21,278,635. It is an area of relatively expensive homes. The township officials do not “expect a density of population growth in this area comparable to an urban development.” Immediately south of section 1 is section 12, the adjoining portion of which contains Kentmore subdivision, with homes under construction, ranging in value from $28,500 to $40,000. Not contained in the township, but located in the adjoining Troy township, to the east, is the Charnwood Hills subdivision, the northwest corner of which adjoins the property in question. This contains over a hundred lots, of an average size of 1-1/4 acres, with some 80 homes costing upwards from $25,000 either built or nearing completion. The trial court’s finding that “Bloomfield township as a whole is acknowledged as an area extremely well situated, lending itself to the best type of suburban development” is amply justified by the record.
Gravel, also, is found in the area, and it is the occurrence of this natural deposit in a township so well adapted to,' and so extensively utilized by, residential development which lies at the root of our problem. In section 11, immediately south of section 2 (which contains the owner’s presently operating pit) is located the township gravel pit. We note, in passing, that in section 1, where the property in question is situated, 3 or 4 houses have been built in the last 10 years, while in section 2, in which the mining operations have taken place, no permits have been issued in the same decade. The operation of the owner in section 2 (unquestioned as a nonconforming use) employs “bulldozers and crushers on the property, 2 stone crushers and a vibrator (screening process).” It does “not have a washer.” The primary operation is the “excavation of highway gravel and stock piling it for purchase.” In the opinion of several real-estate brokers, gravel operations upon the property in question would depreciate all of the surrounding property up to a half mile, and “would be definitely and decidedly detrimental to the sale and to the use and enjoyment of residential property in the immediate vicinity.” The testimony of neighbors in the immediate vicinity of the existing operation varied. Some testified that the operation of the gravel pits was not bothersome to them. Another that it was objectionable (noise, dust, and disturbance of rest) and that, with respect to the proposed operation, “We and others attended a meeting of the zoning board and everyone present voiced objections except Mr. Beardslee.” Upon this phase of the case the trial court held that “there was creditable testimony in the case presently before the court to the effect that those lands immediately adjoined to the defendant’s, Floyd Beardslee, presently-operated gravel pit suffered a detrimental effect for residential development.” We agree.
As we have noted heretofore, it was the anticipated exhaustion of the gravel in section 2 which motivated the purchase of the site in section 1 here in controversy. We are impressed that the owners will suffer a heavy loss in anticipated profits if the ordinance before us is sustained as valid, although the township counters that the land will still retain considerable value as residential property. Is the ordinance, upon such facts, and others herein enumerated, invalid and unconstitutional because unreasonable, arbitrary, and confiscatory? It is urged to us that the ordinance prohibits the removal of a natural resource. This, the owner insists, is invalid. “There exists,” we are told, “a legal right to exploit natural resources where they may be found.” If this be the law then the owner has, in truth, been grievously hurt by the action of the township and the lower court. And it is undoubtedly true, as the owner further points out, that the “extraction of natural resources from below the surface must be undertaken at that spot or not at all.”
Attractive though the argument may seem upon its first reading, it must be obvious that a logical application of its principle would be destructive of all zoning. For in each case the particular parcel has, it is always asserted, some peculiar utility: it is an ideal spot for a motel, or a factory, or a junk yard, or what not. It has that contiguity to traffic, that peculiar topographical structure, that supply of water or shade, which makes it unique. Yet, just as the surface user desired by the owner must give way, at times, to the public good, so must the subsurface exploitation. In each case the question is whether, on the peculiar facts before us, the ordinance is a reasonable regulation in the interests of the public good, or whether it is an arbitrary and whimsical prohibition of a property owner’s enjoyment of all of the benefits of his title. The test in such cases has been well stated by the Massachusetts court in City of Pittsfield v. Oleksak, 313 Mass 553, 555 (47 NE2d 930):
“Whether the impact of a zoning ordinance upon the particular use which a landowner desires to make of his land is a reasonable and permissible interference with his rights as owner in the exercise of the police power for the public benefit or is an arbitrary, unreasonable, and oppressive, and therefore forbidden, deprivation of private property without compensation often depends upon the peculiar circumstances of the particular instance. Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co., 272 US 365, 387, 395 (47 S Ct 114, 71 L ed 303, 54 ALR 1016). It may be said that in such cases law and fact march together. The correct decision is to be found in the answer to the question whether the particular interference that causes injury to the individual can reasonably be thought to have some tendency to advance the interests of the public, either in the direct consequences, or indirectly by upholding the integrity of a system that as a whole may reasonably be thought to promote the interests of the public.” '
The validity of similar prohibitions, as applied to particular properties, has been sustained in many jurisdictions, despite the result that the owner thereby lost a valuable natural deposit in the land. See Town of Burlington v. Dunn, 318 Mass 216. (61 NE2d 243, 168 ALR 1181) cert. den., sub nom., Dunn v. Town of Burlington, 326 US 739 (66 S Ct 51, 90 L ed 441); followed in Town of Billerica v. Quinn, 320 Mass 687 (71 NE2d 235); Town of Seekonk v. John J. McHale & Sons, Inc., 325 Mass 271 (90 NE2d 325); Butler v. Town of East Bridgewater, 330 Mass 33 (110 NE2d 922); Beverly Oil Co. v. City of Los Angeles, 40 Cal2d 552 (254 P2d 865); West Brothers Bride Co. v. City of Alexandria, 169 Va 271 (192 SE 881), appeal dismissed, 302 US 658 (58 S Ct 369, 82 L ed 508), rehearing denied, 302 US 781 (58 S Ct 480, 82 L ed 603); Marblehead Land Co. v. City of Los Angeles, 47 F2d 528, cert. den., 284 US 634 (52 S Ct 18, 76 L ed 540); Struyk v. Samuel Braen’s Sons, 17 NJ Super 1 (85 A2d 279). There is nothing in City of North Muskegon v. Miller, 249 Mich 52, 57, inconsistent herewith. (“Practically all the witnesses agreed that the lowland was useless for residential purposes.”)
The factual similarity between the case at bar and the Burlington Case, supra, justifies an extensive excerpt from the case (pp 221, 222):
“In our opinion the bylaw is a valid constitutional regulation of the defendants’ use of their land. We may take judicial notice of the fact that Burlington is a small town, generally residential in character, •located within commuting distance of Boston. There are approximately 50 residences within a radius of half a mile from the premises. The defendants have commenced to remove the soil by. scraping it into piles with a ‘bulldozer’- and taking it away by means of a steam shovel and trucks. The stripping of the top soil from a tract of land is not only likely to produce disagreeable dust and noise during the p'rocess, which may be prolonged, but, more important, after it is ‘completed it leaves a desert area in which for a long period of time little or nothing will grow except weeds and brush. It permanently destroys the soil for agricultural use and commonly leaves the land almost valueless for any purpose. The effect of such an unsightly waste in a residential community can hardly be otherwise than permanently to depress values of other lands in the neighborhood and to render them less desirable for homes. If this process should be repeated upon tract after tract of suburban' land the cumulative effect might well become disastrous to certain localities. The town must continue to maintain roads and 'public services past such blighted areas in spite of the fact that taxable values are destroyed and development retarded. All this concerns the public welfare in the constitutional sense. Wilbur v. Newton. 302 Mass 38, 42, 43 (18 NE2d 365). It is natural that a town of the character and situation of Burlington should-endeavor to protect itself against such consequences.' Aesthetic considerations are in themselves entitled to some weight along with other considerations.”
On the topic, generally, see 8 McQuillin, Municipal Corporations (3d ed), §§25.135, 25.136; 2 Rathkopf, Law of Zoning and Planning (3d ed), p 329 et seq.; 2 Yokely, Zoning Law & Practice (2d ed), § 230; Bassett, Zoning, p 215. The above is not to say, of course, that under the particular facts of a given case the legislation may not be found unreasonable. Such, however, does not appear in the circumstances before us.
Finally, the matter of the nonconforming use, or lack thereof. On this point the owners assert that they had a prior nonconforming use of the land which freed their' property from the operation of the ordinance. The property, as has been noted, was purchased in 1951 with the intention of utilizing it for the removal of gravel. According to the owner, he first took gravel from the premises in April, 1951, “by a dragline” hut “did no processing of this gravel on the property.” Processing was done at the section 2 operation. Additional gravel was removed during 1952 and 1953 by the appellants and the Oakland county road commission. Several witnesses observed digging upon the property or heard the trucks entering and leaving the property. There were no complaints to the township officials of these activities until May, 1953. Until this date, it is not obvious that operations upon the property were extensive or approached full scale. Something over 1,000 cubic yards of gravel was removed. It was about Memorial Day of 1953 that the appellants moved in heavy equipment and complaints were then made to the township officials, resulting in the present litigation.
To establish a nonconforming use there must be work of a “substantial character” done by way of preparation for an actual use of the premises.! Mere “preliminary” operations, e.g., ordering of plans, surveying the land, removal of old buildings, are not sufficient. City of Lansing v. Dawley, 247 Mich 394. Nor do occasional operations upon the land suffice to indicate its appropriation to a particular use. See Mayor and City Council of Baltimore v. Shapiro, 187 Md 623 (51 A2d 273), where the fact that the dismantling, on 2 occasions, of wrecked automobiles upon a lot was held insufficient to appropriate the lots to the nonconforming use of sale of used cars, used parts and the dismantling of wrecks. Also, People v. Hein, 187 Misc 6 (65 NYS2d 318), where the part-time use of the premises by a school boy for radio, battery, and auto repair could not establish a nonconforming use as a junk yard. We cannot state a comprehensive formula. Each case must stand on its own facts. It is recognized that every zoning regulation involves some impairment of rights. Whether the rights have attained a status so sacred, so inviolate, that they rise above the legislative command, i.e., that the owner has a “vested” right in some particular use, involves a balancing of factors, a determination as to whether the owner’s interest is so substantial that its destruction cannot reasonably be justified in the light of the accomplishment of the objectives of the ordinance. It is not a matter susceptible to precise quantitative measurement, so many feet excavated, so many trucks ordered, or so many men hired. Thus, in Town of Billerica v. Quinn, supra, the property owner several days before' the enactment of the ordinance placed a power shovel upon the land and stripped the top soil from an area 30 to 35 feet wide and extending part of the length of the land. No nonconforming use of the premises was found by the court. Its reasoning is enlightening (pp 689, 690):
“It does not necessarily follow from what has been said that an existing use for the operation of a stone quarry, for example, or a sand or gravel business, or even for the removal of loam, can never be continued by increasing the area of extraction after the passage of a zoning ordinance or bylaw excluding such use from the neighborhood. It is conceivable that a larger area than that previously excavated may have been devoted to the use by actual occupation of the land in a manner physically appropriating it to the use, as for example by means of structures, use for storage or ways, preparation of the ground, or even perhaps by fencing ofi; the portion to be used, if the fencing had particular relation to the use. * * * In the case before us nothing had been done amounting to an actual appropriation to the use of any of the land except the particular area stripped. The mere intention to strip the remainder of the land did not amount to an existing use of it.”
This and the guiding principle expressed by this Court in City of Lansing v. Dawley, supra, and again, by the Ohio court in Smith v. Juillerat, 161 Ohio St 424, 431 (119 NE2d 611) seem here decisive :
“The rule seems to be that where no substantial nonconforming use has been made of property, even though such use is contemplated, and money has been expended in preliminary work to that end, a property owner has acquired no vested right to such use and is deprived of none by the operation of a valid zoning ordinance denying the right to proceed with his intended use of the property.”
The trial court, characterizing testimony of the owner’s prior use as “meager,” could not find as a matter of fact sufficient operation to come within the purview of a nonconforming use. We see no compelling reason justifying our overruling its decision.
Upon the record as a whole we are inclined to believe, with the trial court—
“that factually, the operation of a gravel pit as contemplated by the defendants and cross plaintiffs will eventually blight the area. It will add to traffic hazards. It will result in unnecesary regulation and policing of the area. The regulation is not a destruction of the defendants’ property values because they can very profitably appropriate it to a use within the terms of the ordinance.”
It is our conclusion that the ordinance is valid. The deleterious effect of the mining operation upon the surrounding area is clear and clearly shown. It is not, in our opinion, curable by the proposed curtailed operations which would necessarily involve excavation and traffic over a period of years not ascertainable at this time. We do not believe it can reasonably be contended that the prohibition of gravel mining operations in this residential area is clearly arbitrary and unreasonable, and that it has no substantial relation to public safety, health, or general welfare. Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co., 272 US 365 (47 S Ct 114, 71 L ed 303, 54 ALR 1016). We do not substitute our judgment for that' of the legislative body of the municipality on matters of governmental policy and every presumption is in favor of the validity of the ordinance. It is unfortunate that the prohibition before us may cause financial deprivation to the owner but such is often the effect of zoning ordinances. It is a hardship that must be borne in the light of the public good.
Affirmed. Costs to appellee.
Edwards and Carr, JJ., concurred with Smith, J.
PA 1943, No 184, § 3 (CL 1948, § 125.273 [Stat Ann 1949 Rev § 5.2963(3)]). “The provisions of the zoning ordinance shall be based upon a plan designed to promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare, to encourage the use of lands in accordance with their character and adaptability and to limit the improper use of land, to avoid the overcrowding of population, to provide adequate light and air, to lessen congestion on the public roads and streets, to reduce hazards to life and property, to facilitate adequate provision for a system of transportation, sewage disposal, safe and adequate water supply, education, recreation and other publie requirements, and to conserve the expenditure of funds for public improvements and services to conform with the most advantageous uses of the land, resources and properties; and shall be made with reasonable consideration, among other things, to the character of each district, its peculiar suitability for particular uses, the conservation of property values and natural resources, and the general and appropriate trend and character of land, building and population development.”
As originally enacted the section provides (PA 1943, No 184, § 11) : “At the next regular meeting or at any special meeting called for the purpose, after receiving the recommended zoning plan, from the township zoning board, the township board shall consider such recommendations and vote upon the adoption of a zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the township.”
It was amended by PA 1949, No 310 to read, in part, as follows:
“Thereafter at any regular meeting the township board may adopt, in accordance with this act, a zoning ordinance for the unincorporated portions of the township.” CLS 1954, § 125.281 (Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 5.2963 [11]).
Section 16 of the township rural zoning act, PA 1943, No 184 (CL 1948, § 125.286 [Stat Ann 1949 Rev § 5.2963(16)]) and section 3 of the zoning ordinance exempt nonconforming uses.
During 1952 and 1953 the property in question was used, at the township’s request, as a township dump. On appellants’ own-initiative they finally closed the property to use as a dump. As he said, “Because of my experience (fire and scattered refuse) of 2 years with this dump, I decided to quit it.”
† On this topic, generally, see: 8 McQuillin, Municipal Corporations (3d ed), § 25.186; 2 Ratlikopf, Law of Zoning & Planning (3d ed), eh 58, §§ 1-5, pp 1-31; 1 Yokely, Zoning Law & Practice (2d ed), §§ 147-160; Bassett, Zoning, eh 5, pp 105-116. Note, 102 Uof Pa L Rev 91 (1953).
It was estimated that there are 7,163,000 cubic yards of gravel in the acreage. | [
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Kelly, J.
Defendants signed and executed their promissory note in the amount of $1,000, bearing date May 5,1947, and on August 19, 1947, defendant Eric Wohleben signed and executed another promissory note in the amount of $1,000, both notes being payable to the order of Alex or Augusta Kuklish, 1 year after date.
At the dates of execution of said notes Alex and Augusta Kuklish were husband and wife, and remained so until Alex’s death on March 15, 1955.
On September 12, 1955, plaintiff filed her declaration claiming judgment for the amount due for principal and interest on said notes.
Defendants filed special defense, as follows:
“The defendants will plead and insist in their defense that Alex Kuklish made a will during his lifetime, which will is on file in .the probate court for the county of Genesee, and under the terms of said will canceled the indebtedness herein stated, and by virtue of said cancellation, and by virtue of the law in such case made and provided, the defendants insist that the plaintiff is entitled to nothing, and ask’ that the same may be dismissed, with costs to be taxed in their favor.”
Alex Kuklish’s will, signed and witnessed on February 23, 1955, referred to in the above special defense, provided:
“First, I will and direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid in full.
“Second, I give, devise and bequeath to my daughter, Anna M. Wohleben and my son-in-law Eric Woh-leben the following: Two notes held by me in the sum of One Thousand Dollars each. Said notes shall be cancelled and fully discharged in the event of my death.
“(3) All the rest of my estate be the same real or personal shall be divided equally between my daugh ter Anna M. Wohleben and my wife Augusta Kuklish.”
The attorneys for the parties involved stipulated and agreed that 1 suit should be brought on both promissory notes and that in the event judgment was obtained by plaintiff, the judgment should be entered against both defendants in the full amount thereof.
Summary judgment against both defendants was entered January 16, 1956, for the amount due on the principal of said notes, plus interest, by the Honorable Stephen J. Roth, circuit judge for Genesee county.
Appellee contends that said summary judgment was properly granted under CL 1948, § 557.151 (Stat Ann 1957 Rev § 26.211), which provides:
“All bonds, certificates of stock, mortgages, promissory notes, debentures, or other evidences of indebtedness hereafter made payable to persons who are husband and wife, or made payable to them as indorsees or assignees, or otherwise, shall be held by such husband and wife in joint tenancy unless otherwise therein expressly provided, in the same manner and subject to the same restrictions, consequences and conditions as are incident to the ownership of real estate held jointly by husband and wife under the laws of this State, with full right of ownership by survivorship in case of the death of either.”
Appellants contend :
“The will of Alex Kuklish clearly demonstrated that he intended a gift of the money to defendants, or a forgiveness of the indebtedness.”
Appellants state that in the absence of a like Michigan case, they desire this Court to consider the case of Pile v. Pile, 74 Tenn 508 (40 Am Rep 50), dealing with a comparable state of facts as herein presented, where the Tennessee court held the wife could not recover because her husband’s will disclosed that others beside her should have the notes or proceeds. This decision, however, was reversed by the Tennessee supreme court in Smith v. Haire, 133 Tenn 343, 352, 353, 357 (181 SW 161, Ann Cas 1916D, 529), wherein the court overruled its previous decision, and stated:
“Can a husband who fails to reduce his wife’s chose in action to possession during coverture dispose of such property by will and defeat her right of sur-vivorship? We think not, and this we are forced to say, although such conclusion conflicts with a previous expression by this court. * '* *
“It thus seems that, upon reason and authority, Pile v. Pile on this point must be overruled. The will of the husband was not effective to cut off Mrs. Haire’s right of survivorship in these certificates of deposit, which we have held to be joint choses.”
The pleadings in this case raised no question of fact, and the trial court was not in error in entering a summary judgment and holding, under the Michigan statute above set forth, that “when one of the joint payees of a bill or note dies, title to the instrument passes to the surviving payee, to the exclusion of the representatives of the deceased. The cancellation provision of the will of the decedent Alex Kuklish was therefore of no force or effect, title to the instrument having passed completely to Ms wife, Augusta Kuklish, upon his death, and this is true regardless of from which of the 2 payees the consideration moved.”
Judgment affirmed. Costs to appellee.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Edwards, Voelker, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred. | [
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Sharpe, J.
On or about November 1, 1948, the Occidental Life Insurance Company issued to Frederick W. Scharmer a certificate of group life, health and accident indemnity through Local No. 113,. UA'W-CIO, under a plan whereby Frederick W. Scharmer and his employer, Continental Motors Corporation, each contributed a share of the premiums required to be paid for said policy. It was provided in the policy that Frederick W. Scharmer’s beneficiary would receive $3,000 if Frederick W. Scharmer “suffers directly and independently of all other causes, bodily injury effected solely through external, violent and accidental means, which results in death,” and “This policy does not insure * * * if the death * * * shall directly or indirectly, wholly or partly, result from * * * bodily or mental infirmity, disease of any kind, or as a result of medical or surgical treatment therefor.”
The record in this case shows that Frederick W. Scharmer was 64 years of age and had worked for Continental Motors Corporation for about 30 years.. He was married to plaintiff, Clara Scharmer, for 27 years. He apparently was in good health for a man of his age. He worked on March 28, 1955, and returned home from work about 3:45 p.m. After dinner on that evening he complained about a “pressing in his chest and a burping.” He slept normally that night and went to work the next day and continued working the following 2 days and a part of Friday, April 1st, during which time he complained of the burping sensation and pressing in his chest. On the same day Scharmer went to the company’s first-aid, and from there he went home. Mrs. Scharmer took him to Dr. DeVere Boyd, a specialist in internal medicine, including heart disease. A technician took an electrocardiogram (E.K.G-.), which showed only minor changes from normal, but no evidence of coronary thrombosis. ■Scharmer was told to go home and rest half an hour after each meal. Scharmer remained home for the week end until Tuesday, April 5th.
On April 5th Scharmer was admitted to a hospital. On Wednesday, April 6th, an electrocardiogram was taken, but it failed to show any change from the electrocardiogram taken on April 1st. At 1:35 a.m. on Saturday, April 9th, Scharmer suffered a severe pain in the chest and went into shock. An electrocardiogram taken shortly thereafter revealed evidence of a fresh posterior myocardial infarction (cutting off a part of the blood supply to the heart), revealing changes not present before, showing a vessel had clotted and part of the heart wall was robbed of blood. Scharmer died at 9:50 p.m. on April 9, 1955.
An autopsy was performed and it was found that death was due to coronary occlusion, commonly known as a heart attack. Doctors DeLeeuw and Boyd agreed that Scharmer had not suffered any external or violent injuries and that his death was due to natural causes, as opposed to death by violence.
Dr. Boyd testified over objection that Scharmer told him on April 5th that he felt his first, pain on March 28th when he lifted a manhole cover. Dr. Boyd testified that there was a possibility that the exertion in lifting the cover was a precipitating factor in his heart attack. However, there was no direct testimony that Scharmer lifted the manhole cover or strained himself in any way. Dr. Boyd further testified:
“Scharmer had arteriosclerosis in the arterial vessels for a number of years; that he had a blocking of one of the coronary arteries by a clot with the result a part of the heart died because it did not get any more blood supply and finally it let blood from the heart out into the sac surrounding the' heart, finally resulting in death. * * *
“Mr. McCroshey: What effect, Doctor, does arteriosclerosis, this normal amount of arteriosclerosis’ this man had, average for his age, what effect does that have on predisposing, or setting up the stage for such a heart attack as this?
“A. It’s practically a prerequisite, it has to be there. * * *
“Mr. Scharmer had generalized arteriosclerosis. He had arteriosclerotic heart disease and that is what he died from. * * *
“Q. He would not have had this death by heart' disease, he would not have had that coronary occlusion, if he had not had arteriosclerosis, would he?
“A. That’s correct.
“Q. The basis of this whole thing is this disease ■ that he was suffering?
“A. That’s the basic thing, yes. Arteriosclerosis is a disease of the arteries — a disease of the circulatory system.
“Q. In view of what you’ve said, Doctor, concerning there being a connection between the exertion— and I’m assuming now, making the same assumption that Mr. McCroskey did, that he did try to move a manhole cover, but there is no evidence of that up| to this time, if he had not been suffering from arteriosclerosis, if he had not had heart disease, would the effort, or the energy he put in moving that manhole cover, had any effect upon him?
“A. It would not have been likely to. * * *
“A. My interpretation, or what at least is my idea of a natural death, I think it’s a poor term, but nevertheless it implies that death is caused by a process of age, or disease, as contrasted to death from violence, or any injury applied externally. * * *
“A. As I made my examination and gave Scharmer these different tests I found no evidence whatsoever of any external injuries and I found no evidence that he had suffered any violence.”
Dr. Henry DeLeeuw testified:
“I believe the cause of Frederick Scharmer’s death was a coronary occlusion, commonly known as a heart attack. * * *
“Scharmer had arteriosclerosis in his blood vessels. * * *
“Mr. Scharmer came into the hospital apparently suffering from what was thought to be pneumonia. He was placed in an oxygen tent. A cardiograph' was taken that day. It did not show any abnonnali-' ties. They took another cardiograph on the third hospital day and it still did not show any abnormalities. On the fourth day the cardiograph revealed a fresh posterior myocardial infarction. The patient progressed downhill and expired on the fifth day. * * * In making my examination I did not find any abrasions or any evidence of violence or any external marks, scars, or anything like that. * * * I found no scars or bruises to show he had been physically or bodily hurt outside or in an accident. * * *
“Arteriosclerosis is a disease of the arteries. # * *
“Q. "Well, such a disease is a bodily infirmity, then?
“A. We never speak of it (arteriosclerosis) as a bodily infirmity, but I suppose it must be. It is primarily a disease of the arteries, it is a disease.
“Arteriosclerosis is a disease of the circulatory system. A heart attack is a lapse of the circulatory system. * * *
“Scharmer’s death was not a violent death. His heart attack killed him.”
Dr. Robert Fies testified:
“There’s little causal relationship between exertion and a so-called coronary occlusion, or, as we call it, the associated thing, myocardial infarction, * * * has nothing to [do] Avith this case. * * * More of mine have had them in their sleep, or have had them just walking across a parking lot. * * *
“In my opinion arteriosclerosis is a disease of the blood vessels, it is a disease associated with the aging process. * * *
“Q. Then you agree with Dr. DeLeeuw that arteriosclerosis is a prerequisite to a heart attack?
“A. That’s my opinion. I only know — I didn’t hear Dr. DeLeeuw testify. * * *
“Q. In other words, what I’m getting at is this— if Scharmer hadn’t had this arteriosclerosis, he never Avould have had this heart attack, is that it?
‘‘A. That’s the way I feel about it, yes.”
The cause came on for trial, and at the close of plaintiff’s case defense counsel made a motion for a directed verdict for the reason that Scharmer’s death was not caused directly or independently of all other causes by bodily injury suffered solely through external, violent and accidental means, and his death Avas caused directly or indirectly, wholly or partially by bodily infirmity or disease. The trial court denied the motion and submitted the cause to the jury who returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff.
Defendant company appeals and urges that the court committed reversible error in permitting Dr. Boyd to testify as to what Scharmer told him about the pain he suffered while lifting the manhole cover. For the purpose of this case we can assume that the trial court was right in admitting the testimony of Dr. Boyd (but we do not so hold), as the cause can be decided under the admitted facts as applied to the terms of the insurance policy. Defendant urges that Scharmer’s death was not caused directly or independently of all other causes from bodily injury. We note that the policy states, “This policy does not insure * * * if the death * * * shall directly or indirectly, wholly or partly, result from * * * bodily or mental infirmity, disease of any kind, or as a result of medical or surgical treatment therefor.” The evidence shows that arteriosclerosis (heart disease) was the primary cause of Scharmer’s death (Dr. DeLeeuw) and that arteriosclerosis is classified as a disease, is a prerequisite for a heart attack, and that Scharmer died from a heart attack (Dr. Boyd).
In Budzinski v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co., 287 Mich 495, Budzinski took out an insurance policy which insured against death resulting:
“ ‘Directly and independently of all other causes from bodily injury, effected solely through external, violent and accidental means.’ It also provided that, ‘The additional accidental death benefit shall not be payable if the insured’s death results * * * directly or indirectly from infirmity of mind or body; from illness or disease, or from any bacterial infection other than bacterial infection occurring in direct consequence of accidental and bodily injuries.’ ”
The facts of that case were:
“The insured was injured on January 20, 1936,; when he sustained a crushing of the tips of 2 fingersj on his left hand. Following the accident, he suffered extreme pain until his death the next day from a' cerebral hemorrhage. Defendants offered no proof but were content to rely upon the medical testimony adduced by plaintiffs which established that the intense pain caused an increase in blood pressure which became so great as to result in the bursting of a blood vessel in the brain and the hemorrhage which followed. The proof showed deceased to be afflicted with cerebral arteriosclerosis in a marked degree for a man of his years, and it was conceded that due to the consequent weakness of the blood vessels the increased pressure of the blood due to the suffering was sufficient to cause a rupture, resulting in death. It was also conceded, that had it not have been for the existence of the cerebral arteriosclerosis, the accident sustained would not have been sufficient to have caused death.”
In that case we rejected the theory that the beneficiary can recover if the accident was the efficient, dominant, proximate cause of the disability or death, although a pre-existing disease may have contributed to the result. The majority of the Court stated (p 504):
“In Fidelity & Casualty Co. v. Meyer, 106 Ark 91 (152 SW 995, 44 LRA NS 493), the court said:
“ ‘It is the duty of courts to give such construction to a policy, if the language used fairly admits, as will make it of some substantial value and carry out the intention expressed therein that liability is incurred where death occurs from accidental injury. If liability is to depend upon the physical condition of the assured as contributing in some degree to death, then it should be so stated plainly in the policy.’
“From my examination of clause 2 of the policies, I am constrained to hold that there is no liability in the instant cases as bodily infirmity or disease was a contributing cause of the assured’s death. The policies are unambiguous and admit of no other construction.” (Emphasis supplied.)
In Bristol v. Mutual Benefit Health & Accident Association, 305 Mich 145, we had occasion to construe a policy somewhat similar to the policy in the case at bar. We there said (p 152):
“The important question in the case is whether the presence of a terminal disease at the time of a fatal accident bars recovery. In those instances where several causes concur to produce- death, the answer depends upon the language of the policy. If the insuring clause is similar to that in the policy herein relied upon, and each claim can be supported by competent evidence, the decision of the jury is controlling. Hoff v. Mutual Life Insurance Co., 266 Mich 380; Kangas v. New York Life Ins. Co., 223 Mich 238. If the policy expressly excludes liability for death resulting directly or indirectly from bodily infirmity, illness, or disease, the accident itself must have been sufficient to cause death. Rathman v. New Amsterdam Casualty Co., 186 Mich 115 (LRA1915E, 980, Ann Cas 1917C, 459); Budzinski v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co., 287 Mich 495.”
In the case at bar we will again assume that Scharmer suffered an accident while lifting the manhole cover, but it is clear that at the time of the “accident” he was suffering from a pre-existing disease and that the accident would not have caused his death if he had not been affected with the disease. It thus follows that the disease was a contributing factor, if not the primary causé of his death. In order that plaintiff may recover she must show that Seharmer’s death was suffered directly and independently of all other causes. The rule announced in the Budzinski Case is controlling.
The trial court was in error in failing to grant defendant’s motion for a directed verdict. The judgment of the circuit court is reversed, and a judgment of no cause of action will be entered in favor of defendant. Defendant may recover costs.
Dethmers, Kelly, Carr, C. J., and Smith, Edwards, and Black, JJ., concurred. Voelker, | [
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Voelker, J.
These consolidated suits were started for the purpose of having the residential zoning ordinance of defendant township decreed unconstitutional and void, so far as it affects plaintiffs’ 6 vacant lots, and to enjoin the township from enforcing its ordinance as to plaintiffs’ property and to further enjoin the township from classifying said lots other than commercial or industrial. Prom a decree below denying relief and dismissing their bills of complaint, plaintiffs appeal.
At the hearing below it appeared that the 6 lots |in question are part of 18 lots in a row (15 of them ¡vacant) fronting on Eight Mile road and zoned as residential; that of the 6 types of residential zoning in the township, these lots, zoned “B.2,” were in the second to the lowest classification; that they were by this ordinance restricted to single-family dwellings of limited height; that of the Eight Mile road frontage in the defendant township but 8% is zoned residential and the balance of 92% is either industrial or commercial; that all 18 lots are presently unimproved except for 1 fenced-in ranch-type house occupying portions of lots 1, 2 and 3; that to the west of the 6 lots in question there are 7 vacant lots, beyond which there are establishments of industrial nature and so zoned; that immediately east of the parcel are 5 vacant lots, except for 1 house, beyond which, according to the testimony, lie 18 or more ranch-type homes (although there are only 16 lots), the fronts of which face on Westhaven avenue on the north and the backyards of which extend back to Eight Mile road; that these homes are substantial and well kept up and of the average value of from 15 to 18 thousand dollars; that the 8% of residential zoning touching Eight Mile road continues uninterrupted for 1/2 mile, approximately half of which is presently occupied and used for residential purposes but with only 1 house fronting on Eight Mile road; and that the streets running north off of Eight Mile road are almost entirely occupied by residences. Across Eight Mile road lies the boundary of the city of Detroit, the immediate area being occupied by an Edison plant and various commercial enterprises and zoned commercial.
It should also be noted that 4 of the lots were purchased by some of the plaintiffs before the adoption of the zoning ordinance in 1946, and the remaining 2 after; and that all 18 lots, including these 6, were, by recorded restrictions privately imposed in 1940 by the original owner limited to use “for residential or business purposes.”
Plaintiffs produced a traffic engineer employed by the State highway commissioner who testified that Eight Mile road is an increasingly busy highway; that during the past 5 years traffic had increased by approximately 1/3; that the latest traffic count showed that during an average 24-hour period 29,-000 motor vehicles used it, travelling both ways; that he estimated 1/5 of these were commercial; that the future traffic trend on that highway was definitely increasing in volume; and that plans were afoot to further widen Eight Mile road, which would further increase the volume of traffic. Plaintiffs also called 3 real-estate men.
Witness Murphy testified that he had been in the real-estate business for 39 years and was familiar with the area and the lots in question; that the ranch-type dwelling east of the lots in question is the only home fronting on Eight Mile road in the township, possibly excepting 1 or 2 old farm homes; that there is no demand for residential homes on Eight Mile road; that in his opinion the property in question was not suitable for residential purposes; that there is a demand for such property for industrial or commercial purposes; that the area is now in fact established as business rather than residential.
The next witness, Stephens, had approximately 25 years experience and was acquainted with the area and the lots in question. He testified that these lots and all other lots in the subdivision fronting on Eight Mile road were vacant except for the 1 lone'dwelling to the east; that on Eight Mile road in the entire township, except for this lone house, there “might be a few old residential leftovers;” that he knew of only half a dozen such old houses in 6 miles and nothing new. He further testified that the lots were “unsuitable for residential purposes” but were “very ¡marketable as business property;” that the “noise ¡problem” on Eight Mile road4s at a “high state;” that the Federal housing administration would not grant a normal commitment for a mortgage on these parcels; that the area is a fast-growing commercial and industrial area “and is stagnant as confined to residential use.” On cross-examination he testified that it tends to decrease the value of residential property to have industrial property immediately adjacent to it; that the corresponding effect of commercial development would depend upon the type of user, which he conceded could he detrimental.
The last witness, Schuett, had been in the real-estate business in the area for 12 years and was familiar with it. He testified that since 1942 or 1943 he had owned and still owned 2 lots next to the Frendos’; that during that time he had never received an offer to purchase these lots for residential purposes; and that “I definitely do not think that these parcels under discussion should be classified as residential. My belief is that there is a demand for business use.” At the conclusion of the plaintiffs’ case the defendants elected to put in no testimony and rested. As noted, the court denied any relief and dismissed the bill and this appeal has resulted.
In an opinion filed in the case the court below expressed the feeling that the plaintiffs had not established their case by a fair preponderance of the evidence and had not sustained the burden of proof. We find ourselves unable to agree with the court unless we are to conclude that he did not believe the uncontradicted testimony of the plaintiffs’ witnesses. On this score, however, the court stated in its opinion : “I was very much impressed with the testimony of Mr. Murphy and Mr. Stephens. Mr. Stephens was one of the fairest witnesses I have had in my court in a long time.” This is rather inconsistent with any assumption by us that the court might not have believed these witnesses or that we should not. And if he believed these named witnesses then he could scarcely have ignored those portions of the testimony of plaintiffs’ other witnesses who testified similarly.
Possibly the greatest item of comfort afforded defendants by any of plaintiffs’ witnesses was the concession by one of them that a “de-zoning” of these lots to industrial use would be detrimental to the surrounding residences and that a commercial use .could likewise be detrimental, subject to the type of user. We think this is a proposition so patent in all zoning cases of this kind that a judge can almost take judicial notice of the fact. Pew decisions in any such zoning cases fail to harm and displease someone; our job is try to balance the conflicting equities and try to reach a fair working result consistent with the dilemma before us. We grant, then, that any relief given here to the plaintiffs will to some extent harm home owners in the vicinity. Yet a denial of relief will most certainly affect the plaintiffs; .they will be left to pay taxes on lots which we believe .the proofs plainly show are entirely unusable for the purposes to which by this ordinance they are restricted; under this testimony it is inconceivable that any person in his right mind would want to build and occupy a single-family dwelling there; yet about the only way the owners could apparently get any benefit from these lots would be for them to build a series of single-family dwellings and live in -them themselves. This skates pretty close to confiscation.
There are no east-west streets (except for Mel-rose avenue lying 5 blocks north of Eight Mile road) in Baseline Estates subdivision and all the houses face east and west on 3 north-south streets, while almost all the houses in Westhampton subdivision (which abuts Baseline to the east), face north and south because that subdivision, unlike Baseline, is oriented to- 8 east-west streets.
The 16 residential lots in Westhampton subdivision with homes fronting on Westhaven avenue and backing on Eight Mile road (along with the lone fenced-in house on lots 1, 2 and 3 in Baseline subdivision) constitute the entire actual modern residential development in the township in any manner touching on Eight Mile road. All the rest on Eight Mile is industrial or commercial.
A look at the use and zoning maps (exhibits 8 and 8a) of section 35 (in which the subject lots are situated), and section 36 to the east readily reveals why residences have been built' in Westhampton subdivision between Westhaven avenue and Eight Mile road. Westhaven avenue permits the owners there to back up their homes to Eight Mile road. However that avenue stops east of our present lots,and there is no corresponding “escape” road just north of our lots to permit the happy solution found by the fortunate home owners fronting on Westhaven. The backing up solution is out. Instead these lots are marooned in a soft of twilight zone or “no man’s land” amidst residential owners who can escape the full brunt of Eight Mile road, a total industrial use immediately to the west — while teeming Detroit lies across the street. The only possible way out might be up — but the present zoning- ordinance prevents even this.
We hear the case de novo, based on the record (Warner v. City of Muskegon, 344 Mich 408), from which record it appears that these lots were not purchased in the expectation of getting the land rezoned (see Anderson v. City of Holland, 344 Mich 706), and that the noise and heavy volume of traffic make the lots both undesirable and unsuitable for single-family residence (see Bassey v. City of Huntington Woods, 344 Mich 701) or indeed for any type of residence, that the area is a kind of island in an unreasonable buffer area — 2 and a fraction blocks of empty lots zoned for residential purposes out of 6 miles of commercial and industrial user, and so zoned (see Janesick v. City of Detroit, 337 Mich 549), upon which the value as residential property has been greatly depreciated (the Janesick and Bassey Cases, supra), ineligibility for Federal financing for residential building (Janesick Case, supra), and, finally, no market for the lots for the purposes for which they are zoned (Long v. City of Highland Park, 329 Mich 146 and the Bassey Case, supra, p 705).
The trouble out there on Eight Mile road is that the area fronting it is being engulfed by the relentless tidal wave of city “flowing,” as Dean Acheson recently colorfully wrote of another urban area in another context, in The Reporter for September 19, 1957: “flowing over farms, woods, and streams like lava from an urban Vesuvius.” This is nobody’s fault and it is everybody’s. No man can stem it; time will not be halted or the clock pushed back either by kings or township zoning ordinances.
We hold that the residential zoning ordinance here is unreasonable, confiscatory and invalid as it applies to these lots and that as to said lots the defendants should be restrained from enforcing such ordinance and further restrained from treating or classifying them more strictly than commercial, as that term is defined in the existing ordinance. Any industrial user appears to be forbidden by the recorded restrictions imposed in 1940 by the original owner. The decision below is reversed and the cause remanded so that the chancellor may enter a decree in favor of the plaintiffs not inconsistent with this opinion, costs to the prevailing parties.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Edwards, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred. | [
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Edwards, J.
This case in its most important aspect involves an attack upon the constitutionality of the zoning ordinance in the new city of Lathrup Village in Oakland county. The ordinance under fire first restricted certain lots along Southfield road to a residential classification and then by amendment permitted professional buildings (in the nature of doctors’ offices) to be built there.
The plaintiff oil company claims a constitutional right to build a gasoline station on its lots. It points to long-time business restrictions and 20 x 100-foot platting of its 7 lots, along with heavy traffic on Southfield road as rendering the restrictive zoning unreasonable. Lathrup Village, as defendant, points to an immediate neighborhood, of fine homes, the long-time (if by chance interrupted) residential zoning of the particular lots, and the claimed detrimental effect of a gasoline station on nearby, though not adjacent, homes.
The history of Lathrup Village is laid out in this record. It dates back to 1924 when the 9 subdivisions now comprising the new city were originally acquired, carefully planned and platted by Louise Lathrup Kelley and her mother. After many vicissitudes through depression and war (see Craig v. Kelley, 311 Mich 167), the subdivisions developed over the years until they were incorporated in a home-rule city by charter adopted in 1953. As we deal with one of its problems now, the city of Lath-rup Village is a small residential community of about 1,000 homes, most of them valued between $25,000 and $50,000 and located midway between the northern Detroit city limits and the city of Birmingham. The streets of Lathrup Village are winding and shaded. There are only a few commercial buildings in the entire city. There is no manufacturing, and as of now there are no gasoline stations.
The original plan of Lathrup Village included provision for a considerable amount of commercial frontage. In addition to the platting of 20-foot lots .along Eleven and Twelve Mile roads, all of the Southfield road frontage within what is now the village was laid out in 20 x 100-foot lots with an alley to the rear, and with restrictions which permitted business usage. The record seems to indicate that at least for many years the lots thus platted for business proved to number far in excess of demand.
In 1937 the township of Southfield first adopted a zoning ordinance 'which was applicable to the Lath-rup subdivisions, and it is undisputed that that ordinance zoned the property currently in dispute as residential. Such zoning continued at least until the adoption of the charter of the new city in 1953. Section 3.16 of that charter continued its effectiveness as follows:
“The zoning ordinance and the building code of the township of Southfield, under the conditions of section 7.1 hereof, shall continue in full force and effect in the territory incorporated within the city and be administered therein by the city until amended or repealed or found invalid.”
Section 7.1 of the charter thus referred to concerns interim legislation. Section 18.11 of the charter is entitled “Interim Legislation,” and reads as follows:
“Within 30 days after the effective date hereof, the clerk under direction of the council, shall procure, and enter and maintain in a record called ‘Interim Legislation,’ a copy of each existing township bylaw, ordinance, resolution, rule and regulation disclosed by tbe public records of tbe township; and the council shall, within 60 days after such entry, determine the provisions thereof which apply to said territory under authority of this section. The application of such provisions to this home-rule city shall terminate not later than June 7, 1954.”
The new city council did not meet the time schedule contemplated by this last provision and no zoning ordinance had been adopted by the new city as of the fall of 1954. At that time plaintiff Highland Oil was seeking for gasoline station locations and through a real-estate broker entered negotiations with Louise Lathrup Kelley, the original developer of the city who held title to the 7 lots running north from the northeast corner of Southfield and Glen-wood. Obviously relying upon the June 7, 1954, termination date, Mrs. Kelley represented to Highland Oil’s representative that this property was available for construction of a gasoline station since no zoning ordinance was in effect. The record discloses that at the time Mrs. Kelley’s husband was a member of a city board charged with drafting the new zoning ordinance.
After checking the charter provisions and satisfying itself, Highland Oil bought the 7 lots for $31,-000. Mrs. Kelley retained the right to approve or disapprove the plans for the proposed gasoline station, her interest therein amongst others being ownership of most of the adjacent property. The subsequent developments of consequence to our case took place in the following chronology:
April 5, 1955, Highland Oil filed an application for a building permit for a gasoline station on the property it had purchased, with the duly designated building inspector of the new city.
April 8, 1955, this application was referred to the city council with a letter informing the council that the application for this “high-grade” gasoline station did not conform to “the proposed zoning ordinance.”
April 11, 1955, Highland Oil’s representative appeared before the city council and requested issuance of the building permit, but the council instead adopted a resolution referring the application to its zoning committee for recommendation.
On April 15th, Highland Oil filed the presently-considered petition for writ of mandamus to compel the issuance of building permit. This writ was finally granted by the circuit judge after an extended hearing, by an order signed October 26, 1955. But long before that a number of other developments had intervened.
April 22, 1955, a week after the petition for the writ had been filed, the city council adopted ordinance 18 which zoned the property in dispute for residential purposes only and established such front, rear and side yard restrictions as to have the effect of forbidding the use of any 20-foot lot for any purpose unless 4 of them -were accumulated in 1 ownership, or unless there was an exception granted by the board of zoning appeals.
May 5, 1955, the city council passed a resolution acting upon the building permit application for the first time and denying it, citing the newly-adopted zoning ordinance and certain building code deviations which apparently were mentioned at this point for the first time.
July 12, 1955, the city council adopted ordinance 22 which provided in 4 blocks of Southfield frontage, including the property currently discussed, for the establishment of a TP-1 district, as follows:
“In the TP-1 district, no building structure or premises, except as otherwise provided in this ordi nance, shall he erected or used except for 1 of the following uses:
“(a) Any use permitted in single dwelling district R-l, but limited to buildings 1 story in height.
“(b) Professional offices such as for doctors, lawyers, dentists, architects, engineers or similar professions.”
This ordinance likewise provided that no building should he erected on any lots having a frontage less than 50 feet and likewise provided that no building should be built without prior approval of the building inspector as to conformity of the architectural plan to the construction of the adjacent residential neighborhood, with appeal to the zoning board of appeals from his decision. The effect of this ordinance is portrayed visually below in plaintiff’s exhibit 9:
Tlie trial judge took testimony on this matter at some length. Surprisingly, the plaintiff’s witnesses testified that the highest and best use of the lands was for commercial purposes, and that the construction of. a'gasoline station in this location conformed to the needs of the community and sound city planning. Strangely enough, defendants’ witnesses testified that the highest and best use of the land was a TP-1 use for professional offices, and that a gasoline station due to its architecture, lights and noise would prove a detriment to the immediately surrounding neighborhood.
The trial judge, after reciting the facts, brushed aside as essentially fabricated defendants’ contentions concerning building code violation. We agree. He likewise brushed aside defendants’ contention that the oil station contemplated would constitute a nuisance, relying on Sandenburgh v. Michigamme Oil Co., 249 Mich 372. Again, we agree. See Adams v. Kalamazoo Ice & Fuel Co., 245 Mich 261 (ice station) ; Sommers v. City of Detroit, 284 Mich 67 (incinerator for disposing of garbage, citing Sandenburgh) ; Moore v. Johnson, 245 Mich 173 (commercial garage); Lansing v. Perry, 216 Mich 23 (auto sales and service).
Thereafter the trial judge noted that under ordinance 18 no owner of less than four 20-foot lots could build a residence, and under ordinance 22 no owner of less than 3 could build a professional office. Plis opinion continues:
“There is ample authority in prior decisions of the Supreme Court, that an ordinance which limits the use of a lot for residential purposes having a width of only 20 feet is unreasonable. Hering v. City of Royal Oak, 326 Mich 232; Ritenour v. Township of Dearborn, 326 Mich 242; Robyns v. City of Dearborn, 341 Mich 495. * * * Under the authority of these cases, it must be held that ordinance No 18, as applied to plaintiff’s property, bears no relation to public health, welfare or safety and cannot be sustained.
“What has already been said applies with equal force to ordinance No 22.”
It is only fair to note that this opinion was decided in October of 1955 and that the latest, factually closest and we think controlling opinion of this Court — Korby v. Township of Redford, 348 Mich 193 — dealing with the relationship of zoning and previously-platted 20-foot business lots, was decided April 22, 1957. We will not repeat what we believe to be the sound reasoning of this case beyond the following quote (p 198):
“We do not think the case is authority for the proposition that plaintiffs’ property, extensive enough in width to accommodate several residences built in conformity with the ordinance, may escape the classification and restrictions imposed by the ordinance on the ground of unreasonableness merely because the property happens to have been platted with lines at 20-foot intervals for lot boundaries. That is not a fact or circumstance which affects or detracts from the reasonableness of the classification. If it were held to be so, the result would be that it would be competent for landowners to perpetually defeat future zoning restrictions by crisscrossing their lands on a plat map with lines ostensibly dividing the same into parcels so small that each would be unsuited to any foreseeable use unless combined with others. The test of reasonableness may not be distorted or thwarted by any such artificial device.”
Plaintiff here owns, not 1, but 7 lots. As compared with Korby, supra, the record here shows an even longer and more continuous effort at restriction, and that the impact of completely uncontrolled business development upon the adjacent residential neighborhood might be even more severe. The transitional professional classification applied to plaintiff’s 140 feet of frontage is plainly not confiscatory. One of defendants’ witnesses testified:
“Q. Are you familiar with the fair cash market value of the property in question so you can give us your opinion in that regard?
“A. I gave an opinion of $120 per foot, or $17,500 for the subject property — $17,750, rather.”
While there may be differences of opinion in this Court, as perhaps in Lathrup Village, over the avísdom of as strict restriction as this, it is not our Court’s function to pass on the wisdom of legislation. These ordinances are presumptively valid, and the burden is on the plaintiff to prove that it is unreasonable or confiscatory or that it has no reasonable relationship to public health, safety, morals or the general AAmlfare. Korby v. Township of Redford, supra; Austin v. Older, 283 Mich 667; Northwood Properties Company v. Royal Oak City Inspector, 325 Mich 419.
While this disposes of the constitutional question presented to us, and calls for a dismissal of the writ of mandamus issued by the circuit judge, there are other facts of some importance in this record which do not bear directly upon the constitutionality of the zoning ordinance.
We believe from our reading of the charter of the new city of Lathrup Village that in point of fact when plaintiff applied for its building permit there was no zoning ordinance in effect, the previous township zoning ordinance in its application to the new city having expired on June 7, 1954. At that point, in the absence of any valid objection, plaintiff Avas entitled to the building permit it sought. As noted, we consider the late thought-up building code deficiencies a contrivance.
The legal effect of the city’s delay in issuing said permit is not before us on appeal, since plaintiff’s, brief states:
“At the trial, although both zoning ordinances had been adopted by the city after plaintiff’s petition for mandamus was filed, plaintiff’s counsel waived any objections to the legal effect of such procedure.”
But we note that at the time of plaintiff’s purchase of the land in question, the contemplated use was legally permissible.
In defendants’ reply brief, emphasis is placed upon a point previously urged by the city, namely, that plaintiff here had not exhausted its remedy under the city zoning ordinance by appeal or application for exception to the zoning board of appeals. Defendants suggest, “The case of Faucher v. Grosse Ile Township Building Inspector, 321 Mich 193, points out that a zoning ordinance may be unreasonable with respect to the manner in which it is enforced.” And defendants continue, “This case emphasizes the necessity for the plaintiff in the city of Lathrup Village case to have requested relief from the board of appeals.”
One of the exhibits in the instant proceeding sets forth the conditions which plaintiff apparently willingly accepted at the behest of Mrs. Kelley to accord to and fit in with the residential character of the neighborhood:
“A — All exterior Avails, except doors and windows, shall be of red Roman brick (Avith cut stone coping Avhere coping is shown); office floor in Kentile.
“B — There shall be a chimney Avith flue adequate for built-in commercial incinerator which will be built in, Avith door opening only to the interior of th¿ building.
“C — There shall be installed a sewage reduction unit (septic tank) of at least 800 cubic feet, connected to sewer.
“D — Surface and roof water shall not be put into the sanitary sewers.
“E — This is intended primarily as a community service station.
“F — There shall be installed and maintained by the owner a fencing and green-belt screening on the eastern and northern side of the site; and a lattice screen of any toilet exterior door.
“G — All illumination of site shall not be diffused neighborhood lighting, but directed to the operation of the station, only while station is in operation.
“H — The station site and ground shall not be used for any customary outdoor display or merchandise or cars-for-sale or the customary allnight parking of any trucks or automobiles.
“I — There shall not be maintained outdoors on the site or adjacent alley, any garbage or refuse cans or containers, storage boxes, refuse or litter.”
"While defendants’ suggestion was no doubt principally aimed at sustaining its ordinance, we have no doubt that the suggestion was made in good faith, also, and that on any such application by plaintiff (under section 9.4[f] and [g] of ordinance 18), proper consideration would be given to the factors favoring exception noted above.
For the reasons previously noted, we hold that the ordinances under attack are not unreasonable or unconstitutional. An order may be entered dismissing the writ of mandamus previously issued by the circuit judge. On this record, in the discretion of the Court, no costs are awarded.
Dethmers, C. J., and Sharpe, Smith, Voelicer, Kelly, Carr, and Black, JJ., concurred.
Transition professional district. — Repórter.
Bitenour v. Township of Dearborn, supra. — Reporter. | [
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