ASSUMPSIT

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ASSUMPSIT

ASSUMPSIT

ASSUMPSIT, remedies, practice., A form of action which may be defined to be an action for the recovery of damages for the non-performance of, a parol orsimple contract; or, in other words, a contract not under seal, nor ofrecord; circumstances which distinguish this remedy from others. 7 T. R.351; 3 Johns. Cas. 60. This action differs from the action of debt; for, inlegal consideration, that is for the recovery of a debt eo nomine, and innumero, and may be upon a deed as well as upon any other contract. 1 h. Bl.554; B. N. P. 167. If differs from covenant, which, though brought for therecovery of damages, can only be supported upon a contract under seal. SeeCovenant. 2. It will be proper to consider this subject with reference, 1, to thecontract upon which this action may be sustained; 2, the declaration 3, theplea; 4, the judgment. 3.-1. Assumpsit lies to recover damages for the breach of all parolor simple contracts, whether written or not written express or implied; forthe payment of money, or for the performance or omission of any other act.For example, to recover, money lent, paid, or had and received, to the useof the plaintiff; and in some cases, where money has been received by thedefendant, in consequence of some tortious act to the plaintiff's property,the plaintiff may waive the tort, and sue the defendant in assumpsit. 5Pick. 285; 1 J. J. Marsh. 543 3 Watts, R. 277; 4 Binn. 374; 3 Dana, R. 552;1 N. H. Rep. 151; 12 Pick. 120 4 Call. R. 461; 4 Pick. 452. It is the properremedy for work and. labor done, and services rendered 1 Gill, 95; 8 S. & M.397 2 Gilman, 1 3 Yeates, 250 9 Ala. 788 but such work, labor, or services,must be rendered at the request, express or implied, of the defendant; 2Rep. Cons. Ct. 848; 1 M'Cord, 22; 20 John. 28 11 Mass. 37; 14 Mass. 176; 5Monr. 513 1 Murph. 181; for goods sold and delivered; 6 J. J. Marsh. 441; 12Pick. 120; 3 N. H. Rep. 384; 1 Mis. 430; for a breach of promise ofmarriage. 3 Mass. 73 2 Overton, 233 2 P. S. R. 80. Assumpsit lies to recoverthe purchase money for land sold; 14 Johns. R. 210; 14 Johns. R. 162; 20Johns. R. 838 3 M'Cord, R. 421; and it lies, specially, upon wagers; 2 Chit.Pl. 114; feigned issues; 2 Chit. Pl. 116; upon foreign judgments; 8 Mass.273; Dougl. 1; 3 East, 221; 11 East, 124; 3 T. R. 493; 5 Johns. R. 132. Butit will not lie on a judgment obtained in a sister state. 1 Bibb, 361 19Johns. 162; 3 Fairf. 94; 2 Rawle, 431. Assumpsit is the proper remedy uponan account stated. Bac. Ab. Assumpsit, A. It will lie for a corporation, 2Lev. 252; 1 Camp. 466. In England it does not lie against a corporation,unless by express authority of some legislative act; 1 Chit. Pl. 98; but inthis country it lies against a corporation aggregate, on an express orimplied promise, in the same manner as against an individual. 7 Cranch, 2979 Pet. 541; 3 S. & R. 117 4 S. & R. 16 12 Johns. 231; 14 Johns. 118; 2 Bay,109 1 Chipm. 371, 456; 1 Aik. 180 10 Mass, 397. But see 3 Marsh. 1; 3 Dall.496. 4.-2. The declaration must invariably disclose the consideration ofthe contract, the contract itself, and the breach of it; Bac. Ab. h.t. F 5Mass. 98; but in a declaration on a negotiable instrument under the statuteof Anne, it is not requisite to, allege any consideration; 2 Leigh, R. 198;and on a note expressed to have been given for value received, it is notnecessary to aver a special consideration. 7 Johns. 321. See Mass. 97. Thegist of this action is the promise, and it must be averred. 2 Wash. 187 2 N.H. Rep. 289 Hardin, 225. Damages should be laid in a sufficient amount tocover the real amount of the claim. See 4 Pick. 497; 2 Rep. Const. Ct. 339;4 Munf. 95; 5 Munf. 23; 2 N. H. Rep. 289; 1 Breese, 286; 1 Hall, 201; 4Johns. 280; 11 S. & R. 27; 5 S. & R. 519 6 Conn. 176; 9 Conn. 508; 1 N. & M.342; 6 Cowen, 151; 2 Bibb, 429; 3 Caines, 286. 5.-3. The usual plea is non-assumpsit, (q.v.) under which thedefendant may give in evidence most matters of defence. Com. Dig. Pleader, 2G 1. When there are several defendants they cannot plead the general issueseverally; 6 Mass. 444; nor the same plea in bar, severally. 13 Mass. 152.The plea of not guilty, in an action of assumpsit, is cured by verdict. 8 S.& R. 541; 4 Call. 451. See 1 Marsh, 602; 17 Mass. 623. 2 Greenl. 362; Minor,254 Bouv. Inst. Index, h.t. 6.-4. Judgment. Vide Judgment in Assumpsit. Vide Bac. Ab. h.t.; Com.Dig. Action upon the Case upon Assumpsit; Dane's Ab. Index, h.t.; Viner'sAb. h.t.; 1 Chit. Pi. h.t.; Petersd. h.t.; Lawes Pl. in Assumpsit thevarious Digests, h.t. Actions; Covenant; Debt; Indebitatus assumpsit; PadumConstitutiae pecuniae.

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