Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, 1870

George v. Reed

George v. Reed
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court · Decided March 15, 1870
104 Mass. 366

George v. Reed

Opinion of the Court

By the Court.

This was originally an action of contract, but was changed by amendment into an action of tort. The defendants answered severally, as they had a right to do; and if they prevailed, they were entitled to tax costs separately. West v. Brock, 3 Pick. 303. Fales v. Stone, 9 Met. 316. Davis v. Hastings, 8 Cush. 313. When the plaintiffs moved to change the action to a suit in equity, the judge who allowed the motion had authority to fix the terms, and has done so. All we can do is, to give a construction to his order. We cannot doubt that “ taxable costs ” includes separate costs to each defendant.

Taxation affirmed.

Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.