Torrence v. Irwin

Decided April 15, 1797

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania · decided 1797-04-15

Trespass for breaking and entering the plaintiff’s close, and cutting down and carrying away certain trees. Pleas, non cut, et liberum, tenementum. The plaintiff became entitled to certain lands in Peters township, under a conveyance, dated 22d March 1777. In 1788, he leased the same to Joseph Grubb, for two years under certain rents, but the lessee was restricted from cutting green timber.

Decided 1797-04-15

■By the court.

¶1This species of action is founded on possession, 4 Term Rep. 490 ; and the plaintiff at the time of the commission of the trespass, must either have an actual or constructive possession. 1 Term Rep. 480. Though it has been held, that where the owner of lands contracts with others for the sowing it &c. on the halves, he only can have clausum fregit, Cro. El. 144, 1 Leon. 315, Goulds. 77, 3 Leon. 213, 2 Tri. per Pais. 545, yet wre know of no case wherein the landlord having leased to another paying rent, and parted with the possession entirely, can support trespass. Vide 3 Lev. 209. 1 Ld. Ray. 739.

¶2Verdict for the defendant.

¶3[A new trial was moved for in December term following, but the court refused it una vocel\