Fortune v. Center
Fortune v. Center
Opinion of the Court
This writ is prosecuted by Patrick Fortune, and
*We regret that the opinion is not in a condition to enable us to express an opinion upon these questions, and to settle the rights of the parties.
This, however, we can not do without disregarding the ordinary modes of proceeding, and passing upon the rights of parties not legitimately before us. When the legal aspect alone of the proceedings sought to be renewed, is regarded, it amounts to this: John Doe, then in full life, but since deceased (see 2 Con. Debates, 220, 321, and Code passim), sued Richard Roe, whose lawless character and violent conduct have become so notorious as to lead to his destruction (Ibidem), and alleged, as he might, in different counts, that he held the property by demises from Fortune and his wife,
The latter, conscious he was in the wrong, informed Mr. Williams that he had no title, and advised him to appear and be made defendant in his stead. Williams did so, and the result was, John Doe got all he claimed, and Williams lost all he had, and both are satisfied.
But if the lessors of the plaintiff may be regarded as the real plaintiffs (as I admit they may for most purposes), still the case is not bettered. They joined in the same suit to recover a common interest, and succeeded. Among them they have got all they asked, and if one has got more than he ought, as against the other, very obvious remedies exist to right the wrong. But before this can be determined, they must leave Williams out of the controversy, and get upon opposite sides of the record. It is true, it is suggested for Williams, that the plaintiffs recovered more than they were entitled to. That would be a very good reason for reversing the judgment at the instance of one of the plaintiffs. If it is so, it will be in time to correct the error when Williams brings the writ.
The writ was irregularly issued, and must be dismissed.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.