I. & G. N. R. R. v. Malone
I. & G. N. R. R. v. Malone
Opinion of the Court
Opinion by
§ 232. Petition; damages to land. Where it appears from the petition that plaintiff’s claim for damages is based upon injuries done to his land by the railroad, the crops growing upon the land, and a system of drainage constructed and operated by plaintiff, were part of the land, and injuries to these would be injuries to the land itself.
§ 233. Evidence of non-experts. It was error to admit the testimony of non-experts as to the necessity for the erection of more culverts and sluices, and as to the character and location of same. Questions of science and skill should be elucidated by witnesses who, by their education and experience, are shown to be competent to judge of the matter. [Norman v. Wells, 17 Wend. 137; 1 Greenl. Ev. sec. 440, note 4.]
§ 234. Boad-bed; culverts and sluices. It is expressly provided by statute that “ in no case shall any railroad construct a road-bed without first constructing the necessary culverts or sluices, as the natural lay of the land requires, for the necessary drainage thereof. ” [Rev. Stats, art. 4171.] The duty thus required is imperative, and should damage occur from its non-performance, the rail
Eeversed and remanded.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.