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72 Me. 231

Caleb v. Hearn

Supreme Judicial Court of Maine

Decided May 18, 1881

Supreme Judicial Court of Maine · decided 1881-05-18

<p>Bill in equity. Demurrer. B. 8., e. 64, § 66. Slat. 1874, c. 168-</p> <p> Embezzlement of effects of deceased person. </p> <p>A "bill in equity by an lieir at law is not the proper remedy to pursue against a person charged with embezzling or wrongfully appropriating the goods, chattels and money of a deceased person. The proceedings should be in the name of the executor or administrator of the decedent, who would have an adequate remedy at law and may, if it is desirable, cite the defendant before the judge of probate for examination under the provisions of R. S., c. G-i, § 65, et seq. and stat. 1874, c. 168.</p>

Cited by 2 later decisions — most recently January 1949

2 state decisions

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1881-05-18

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Barrows, J.

¶1On demurrer. If the complainant has suffered in consequence of the misdoings of the defendant charged in the, bill, it is nevertheless indirectly, and complainant has mistaken the remedy. It should be sought by due process of law, and through a legal representative of the deceased, John O. Caleb, whose personal estate the defendant is charged with embezzling and wrongfully appropriating to his own use.

¶2The only relief sought, is compensation in damages for a wrongfully accomplished, and done to the estate of John O. Caleb, whose administrator would have upon the facts alleged, an abundant remedy at law. The bill cannot be maintained for two reasons: 1, because of the want of a proper party plaintiff; 2, because the only party directly injured, has an adequate remedy at law. Fletcher v. Holmes, 40 Maine, 364; Crooker v. Rogers, 58 Maine, 339 ; Ins. Co. v. Hill, 60 Maine, 178. The way is open for inquiry as to the facts and an appeal to the defendant’s conscience under the provisions of R. S., c. 64, § 65, and laws of 1874, c. 168.

¶3 JDemwn-er sustained. Bill dismissed.

Appleton, C. J., Walton, Virgin, Libbey and Symonds, JJ. # concurred.
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