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44 Cal. 331

Cook v. Frink

California Supreme Court

Decided July 1, 1872

California Supreme Court · decided 1872-07-01

<p>Appeal from the District Court of the Third Judicial District, County of Santa Clara.</p> <p>The defendant had judgment, and the plaintiff appealed.</p> <p>The other facts are stated in the opinion.</p>

Cited by 1 later decisions — most recently July 1873

1 state decisions

Relies on Long v. Dollarhide

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1872-07-01

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By the Court, Belcher, J.:

¶1This is an action of ejectment to recover the possession of certain premises situated in the County of Santa Clara. Both parties deraign title from one David Allen, who is admitted to have been the owner of the premises in 1848.

¶2The testimony tends to show that one John W. Whisman (through whom the plaintiff claims by regular mesne conveyances) bought the premises of Allen in 1848, paid for them and went into possession. The testimony is meager upon this question, but we think it shows prima facie that there was a fully executed parol sale prior to the execution of the deed.

¶3*332The only question presented for decision is whether the title to the premises could pass from Allen to Whisman by-virtue of a parol sale.

¶4• Under the Mexican law in force here in 1848, parol sales of real estate, when fully executed, were valid and binding between the parties, and passed the title to the vendee. (See Long v. Dollarhide, 24 Cal. 218, and authorities cited in brief of respondents in that case.)

¶5As the case was submitted to the Court below, we think the Court should have found that the title was in the plaintiff.

¶6Judgment and order reversed, and cause remanded.

¶7Mr. Justice Crockett did not express an opinion.

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