Kincaid v. Neall
Kincaid v. Neall
Opinion of the Court
As to the first ground of objection to the decree in this case: It was not proved that there was no bend taken, as the brief states, but it was inferred from the circumstance that the bond could not be found. Now the court would presume that a bond was taken and has been lost or mislaid. It is always fair to presume that an officer has done. his duty, until the- contrary appears. The bond maj' have been taken, but not returned. The absconding debtor came in three days after and confessed judgement, and the magistrate may have thought that, it was therefore unnecessary to return the bond.
The second ground of objection, at first view,.seems to he more important; but on examination, it cannot prevail; for the act which authorizes constables to take property on attachment, does not say they shall not levy an attachment which is issued for more than twenty pounds, but that they shall not take more than that amount of property into their possession by Virtue of any attachment. The"words of the get are: “ Whereas the seizing of property under attachment is at present confined to sheriffs alone, be it enacted that any constable, within each and every county, may take property under attachment, provided the same does not exceed twentypounds.” (1 Brev.Dig.41.) The limitation of amount has reference to the property, and not to the attachment. This is manifest from the intention of the legislature, as well as the phraseology of the clause. The legislature, while they gave to these subordinate officers the power of taking -property under attachment, meant to guard against their
The motion is dismissed
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.