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7 Mart. 408

Larche v. Jackson

Supreme Court of Louisiana

Decided March 15, 1821

Supreme Court of Louisiana · decided 1821-03-15

The appellant instituted her suit against John Mitchell, to recover possession of seven and half inches of ground, front on Dorsiere lane, with the depth of 121 feet, part of a lot of ground, 68 feet front, and 121 depth; which she alleges to be her property, and of which she avers that she has been in possession for twenty years.

Decided 1821-03-15

Porter, J.

¶1The petition alleges property in the plaintiff, of a certain lot of ground, situated in this city, on Dorsier-lane; and that a certain J.Mitchell,had entered upon the premises, and cut down and destroyed the gate therefore belonging to the petitioner, to her damage of $500. It is further alleged, that the defendant, acting under the orders of one A. Jackson, had commenced building a brick wall on a lot adjoining, and had placed a part of the said wall, on the lot before mentioned, although expressly forbidden, and warned not to do so. An injunction is prayed for, prohibiting the said Mitchell, from proceeding any further in the erection of the wall, and judgment is asked for the damages already mentioned.

¶2The judge granted the injunction.

¶3The defendant answered, denying the facts and allegations, and setting up special matter in defence. This answer was afterwards withdrawal and a supplemental one filed, vouching A. Jackson, as the owner of the lot, and the person interested in the defence of the suit.

¶4A. Jackson, the person thus cited, in warranty appeared, and filed an answer, which *425contained the general issue, that he was the owner of the lot, and had been in possession of it for ten years. But that if it should be decreed to be the property of the petitioner, still, he had a right of placing half a wall there, not more than 18 inches thick.

¶5Testimony, both oral and written, was taken down on the trial of the cause, which, from the manner the cause comes up, it is unnecessary to set forth at length.

¶6The court gave judgment, dismissing the injunction, but decreeing, that the defendant pay $5, and costs of suit, for the trespass.

¶7From this decision, the defendant appealed, and alleges, that it is inconsistent in dissolving the injunction, and yet decreeing him to pay damages and costs.

¶8It has been already decided by this court, in the case of White vs. Well's executors, 5 Martin, 652, that the party who succeeds on the question of title, in a suit for land, may yet be obliged to pay damages, for an illegal and forcible entry on it.

¶9That decision proceeded on the principle that men should not be permitted to do justice to themselves, by an act of violence ; and from a wish to enforce that principle of our *426law, which guards and protects possession, until title is shewn and proved.

¶10I am of opinion, that the doctrine laid down there, was sound and correct, and applicable to this case.

¶11The evidence supports the conclusion which the parish judge drew from it, and I think the judgment rendered below, should be affirmed with costs.

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