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Knapp v. Fleming

Supreme Court of Colorado. En Banc
Apr 27, 1953
258 P.2d 489 (Colo. 1953)

Summary

striking brief containing “scurrilous” statements, “frequent invectives and vituperations,” and “derogatory remarks concerning the trial judge”; appeal dismissed, at least in part, because of language in the brief

Summary of this case from Martin v. Essrig

Opinion

No. 16,861.

Decided April 27, 1953. Rehearing denied June 1, 1953.

An action for damages resulting from alleged misrepresentations and deficiency of an automobile sold to plaintiff by defendant. Judgment of dismissal.

Writ of Error Discharged.

1. PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE — Rules — Dismissals. Where a plaintiff in error on an attempted review of a cause fails to comply with pertinent rules of procedure, the writ of error will be dismissed.

Error to the District Court of Pueblo County, Hon. Harry Leddy, Judge.

Mr. G. J. KNAPP, pro se.

Mr. WILLIAM H. BOWMAN, for defendants in error.


G. J. KNAPP, plaintiff in error, who was plaintiff in the trial court, brought an action against Herman L. Fleming and Frank Kirtley to recover judgment against defendants in the sum of $250.00, with interest thereon. Upon trial to the court, and at the conclusion of the plaintiff's evidence, on motion of defendants, judgment of dismissal was entered, to reverse which plaintiff brings the case here by writ of error.

It appears from the record that plaintiff is acting here, and acted in the court below, as his own attorney. The trial court repeatedly took this fact into consideration and permitted him to proceed with the presentation of his case in an unorthodox manner. A litigant is permitted to present his own case, but, in so doing, should be restricted to the same rules of evidence and procedure as is required to those qualified to practice law before our courts; otherwise, ignorance is unjustly rewarded.

Plaintiff's brief is scurrilous, containing frequent invectives and vituperations, together with derogatory remarks concerning the trial judge and questioning the latter's ability and integrity. It should be stricken. However, from the record and brief we observe that plaintiff has failed to comply with rule 27, R.C.P. Colo., concerning depositions; rule 59 (f), R.C.P. Colo., respecting the necessity for motions for new trials; and rule 115 (c) (3) R.C.P. Colo., providing for a concise statement of the case.

Plaintiff having failed to comply with our rules as above stated, the writ of error is dismissed.


Summaries of

Knapp v. Fleming

Supreme Court of Colorado. En Banc
Apr 27, 1953
258 P.2d 489 (Colo. 1953)

striking brief containing “scurrilous” statements, “frequent invectives and vituperations,” and “derogatory remarks concerning the trial judge”; appeal dismissed, at least in part, because of language in the brief

Summary of this case from Martin v. Essrig
Case details for

Knapp v. Fleming

Case Details

Full title:KNAPP v. FLEMING ET AL

Court:Supreme Court of Colorado. En Banc

Date published: Apr 27, 1953

Citations

258 P.2d 489 (Colo. 1953)
258 P.2d 489

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