Trotter v. Brevoort

The affidavit on which the order for the plaintiff’s examination was obtained shows the facts required by subdivisions 1 to 4 inclusive of section 872 of the Code of Civil Procedure, and in addition that he is bedridden and will not be able to attend the trial. This latter is a necessary statutory ground for the examination of a witness before trial (sub. 5). But at the end of subdivision 5 is a provision that it “ does not apply to a case where the person to be examined is a party to the action.” The ground on which this motion is made is that the plaintiff cannot procure his own examination on the ground that he cannot be present at the trial. I do not understand this position. The said subdivision 5 seems to be entirely misunderstood. It imposes restrictions on the right to examine witnesses only. It provides that in order to examine witnesses before trial it must be shown that they cannot be present at the trial because of absence or sickness. But it provides that such restrictions shall not apply to the examination of parties. In deciding whether a party may be examined before trial subdivision 5 is not to be considered at all. It is as though it did not exist. The order to examine a party before trial cannot be vacated because the affidavit on which it was granted shows more than is necessary. There is no reason for being particular to prevent such examinations. The deposition cannot be read on the trial until it be first proved that the party cannot be present from sickness or absence from the state (sec. 882).

Motion denied.