C Christopher (Hove) Ltd v Williams and Another     Practice – Alternative claims against two defendants – Leave to sign judgment against one
defendant – Whether bar to proceeding against other – Election.
A firm of costumiers claimed against a husband and wife the price of various articles
supplied to the wife. An order was made that the plaintiffs, the costumiers, be at liberty to
sign final judgment in the action against the wife, the summons (under RSC Ord 14) against
the husband being adjourned. Judgment was never signed against the wife. The matter went
on to trial against the husband who alleged that in the circumstances of the case he was not
liable in respect of orders given by his wife, even for necessaries.