Tobey v. Smith

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Tobey v. Smith, 81 Mass. 535 (Mass. 1860)
Metcalf

Tobey v. Smith

Opinion of the Court

Metcalf, J.

The counts in tort are bad on demurrer, because they allege a conversion by husband and wife to “ their ” own use; whereas a conversion cannot, in legal contemplation be to the use of the wife. Broom on Parties, § 331. 2 Saund. Pl. & Ev. (2d ed.) 1141. 2 Dane Ab. 204. Formerly this was cause for arresting judgment, or for reversing it on a writ of error. But it was decided by the court of king’s bench, in 1820, that a count thus framed was sufficient after verdict. Keyworth v. Hill, 3 B. & Ald. 685. An action of this kind may be maintained against husband and wife, when they jointly convert property; 2 Saund. (5th ed.) 47 u, note; Newman v. Cheyney, Latch, 126; or when the wife alone converts it; but the declaration should allege that the conversion was to the use of the husband. See Catterall v. Kenyon, 3 Ad. & El. N. R. 310, and 2 Gale & Dav. 545; Estill v. Fort, 2 Dana, 237.

The count in contract is also bad, because it alleges a contract which cannot legally exist; namely, a joint contract by husband and wife with a third person. See Crasser v Eckart, 1 Binn. 586. Demurrer sustained.

Reference

Full Case Name
Miles B. Tobey, Administrator v. Gilbert Smith & wife
Status
Published