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16 F. 86

Withers v. Burkett

United States Circuit Court for the Eastern District of Texas · decided 1883-01

<p>Trespass on Read Estate.</p> <p>By the common law, and by the statute law of the state of Texas, neither a devisee of real estate nor the universal legatee of the testator can bring or maintain an action for damages for a trespass committed on said real estate during the life of the testator.</p> <p>Texas Code, arts. 3128,. 4858, 1201.</p>

2 counsel of record

Decided 1883-01

¶1Trespass on Read Estate.

¶2By the common law, and by the statute law of the state of Texas, neither a devisee of real estate nor the universal legatee of the testator can bring or maintain an action for damages for a trespass committed on said real estate during the life of the testator.

¶3Texas Code, arts. 3128,. 4858, 1201.

¶4On Demurrer.

¶5Chilton á Chilton, for plaintiffs.

¶6Herndon é Crain, for defendants.

¶7Pardee, J.

¶8This case has been heard upon a demurrer to action brought by devisee of land and residuary legatee for damages committed during life of testator. The devisee claims by virtue of assignment from residuary legatee, who joins pro forma in the suit for the use of assignee. By the common law such action survives to neither heirs nor executors and administrators. 2 Wat. Tresp. § 980. The common law is the general rule of decision in this state. Texas Code, art. 3128. The law of the state does not authorize the devise of a claim, for damages for trespass to real estate. See article 4858, Texas Code. But such action is saved to the executor or administrator. Article 1201, Texas Code.

¶9It follows that neither of the parties now before the court as plaintiffs have authority to bring the action, and the demurrer should be sustained.

¶10Morrill, J., concurs.

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