Bartholomew v. Chapin
Bartholomew v. Chapin
Opinion of the Court
The question raised upon the exceptions, m the present case, is as to the construction of the Rev. Sts. c. 104, § 10. The general object of this chapter is to make the proper enactments in cases of forcible entry and detainer. Connected with this, however,. is a provision for cases in which the lessee of any lands or tenements shall hold pos
Taking the term “ damages ” in the broadest sense which the word would authorize, it might well embrace the various claims set up by the plaintiff. But the term “ damages,” as used in this connexion with costs, is not a word of recent introduction into our statutes. It is found in the earlier statutes giving appeals and requiring recognizances. The form of the recognizance required by St. 1783, c. 42, § 6, was “ to pay all intervening damages and costs.” It has been considered that the word “ damages,” thus used, added nothing to the liability of the recognizor. See 12 Pick. 119, 120. It is often introduced in cases where it could create no additional charge or liability; as in cases of appeals by a plaintiff, under the statute just cited; or as it was provided in the landlord and tenant act of 1825, c. 89, <§> 2. In the Rev. Sts. c. 104, the provision that the plaintiff shall recognize to pay all “damages,” when he takes the appeal, is
It seems to us, that the true construction of this statute must be, that the proceedings under it are for a limited purpose, and that the damages, intended to be secured by the recognizance, are restricted in their character; that it is at the election of the party to proceed by a writ of entry, or by summary process before a justice of the peace ; that it is the former only which lays the foundation -for a recovery of all damages caused by the illegal detention ; that in proceedings under the statute for forcible entry or detainer, only possession of the premises and the costs of suit are recovered; that in the case of one instituting this process as landlord, the rent is to be secured by the recognizance, if the defendant appeals, and intervening damages, by way of interest on the rent; the rent, however, to be computed at the same rate as was stipulated by the terms of the lease. If other damages, beyond rent at the rate stipulated by the parties, and interest thereon, be claimed, the manner of enforcing such claims must be by instituting a writ of entry, which will open the inquiry in reference to damages in the fullest manner.
The ruling of the court of common pleas was therefore correct, and the exceptions are overruled.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Harris Bartholomew, Jr. v. Daniel M. Chapin & another
- Status
- Published