Lindeberg v. Doverspike
Lindeberg v. Doverspike
Opinion of the Court
It is plain, under the law, that the plaintiffs have acquired the right to the use and enjoy
Under my view of the case as the facts present themselves,, it is not necessary either to define with precision all the relative rights of the parties to the suit as respects the manner in which the defendants may, regarding the rights of the plaintiffs, .use the surface waters upon their claim.
The power of courts to grant injunctions is among their extraordinary powers, and “should be cautiously and sparingly-exercised.” Spelling on Injunctions, vol. 1, § 394.
“An injunction against a private nuisance will be generally granted only where there is a strong and mischievous case of pressing necessity, and not because of a trifling discomfort or inconvenience suffered by the complainant.”
There is no evidence that the plaintiffs suffered any pecuniary loss by the discoloring or befouling of their water supply. There is evidence, however, that the defendants continued to sluice for but a few days, while the waters formed by the melting snows of spring lasted. . It is also in evidence that the defendants have withdrawn from the claim, and are not working it, having quitted it some months ago. It is apparent that the discoloration of the waters of the springs was an injury more imaginary than real, and the injury threatened was not a continuing one.
It is only where an action at law will furnish no adeqúate relief that equity will, on account of the injury being irreparable at law, administer the remedy by injunction. In my opinion an action at law will furnish the plaintiffs adequate compensation in damages for any injury, if any, they have suffered by the acts of the defendants; and, inasmuch as the injury, if any, worthy of determination by the court, has been done, and does not promise to be a continuing one, at least at the hands of the defendants, the injunction prayed for should be refused.
And it is hereby ordered that a decree be drawn in accordance with the conclusions now reached.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- LINDEBERG v. DOVERSPIKE
- Cited By
- 1 case
- Status
- Published