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5 Va. 257

Harrison & Co. v. Tomkins

Court of Appeals of Virginia

Decided May 15, 1798

Court of Appeals of Virginia · decided 1798-05-15

The question in this case was, whether a writ of distringas can be issued against the executors of a deceased Sheriff, in order to compel them to sell the property taken by one of his deputies under a writ of fieri facias ?

Decided 1798-05-15

PENDLETON, President.

¶1After stating the case, delivered the resolution of the Court as follows:

¶2On view and consideration of the whole cases on the subject, we find no instance of a distringas to a new She*262riff, to compel the executors of a former Sheriff to sell goods taken in execution by him, nor any principle upon which that mode of proceeding can be extended.

¶3It is, therefore, over-ruled as oppressive to executors, throwing upon them, under a severe penalty, the burthen

¶40f performing a duty, which if they had power to perform it at all, was probably not contemplated by them, when they undertook the office.

¶5What remedy the appellants may be entitled to, is not for the Court to say on this occasion. It is sufficient for us to decide, that they are not entitled to the one applied for.

¶6Judgment of the District Court affirmed. *

¶7[* See act Jan. 19, 1802, c. 134, § 51, 52, 53,1 R. C. p. 543-4, ed. 1819.]

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