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32 Tenn. 230

White v. Clack

Tennessee Supreme Court

Decided December 15, 1852

Tennessee Supreme Court · decided 1852-12-15

Upon the trial of this action of ejectment in the yircuit court of Giles county at its August Term, 1852, MaetiN, Judge, presiding, there was judgment for the plaintiff, and the defendant appealed in error. cited 1 Smith, L. C., 527; 3 Wils., 121; 1 Coxe, 466; 3 Johns. 481; 1 B. Mon., 198, 200. cited 3 Johns. 481; 1 Harr., & Johns., 403.

Decided 1852-12-15

McKiNNEY, J.,

¶1delivered the opinion of the court.

¶2This was an action of trespass for mesne profits. The only question we think necessary to be considered, arises upon the charge of court.

¶3The court instructed the jury, that in addition to the mesne profits, the plaintiff would also be entitled to recover such reasonable counsel fees, as maf have been paid by him in the prosecution of the action of ejectment.

¶4In this, we think, there is error.

¶5Notwithstanding some discrepancy in the decisions upon this point, the established doctrine seems to be, that, in trespass for mesne profits, the plaintiff may recover not only the reasonable value of the rents and profits, but, also, the costs of the ejectment.

¶6But, by this we understand to be meant, the legal and proper costs taxed in the action of ejectment, not including counsel. fees, or other expenses incurred by the plaintiff in the prosecution of the suit. 2 Stark. Ev., 313; 3 John. Rep., 481.

¶7Upon this ground the judgment must be reversed and the case be remanded for a new trial.

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