Woodward & Stillman v. Amsden
Woodward & Stillman v. Amsden
Opinion of the Court
The opinion of the court was delivered by
The question is not what fees shall be allowed an officer serving a writ of replevin for getting the property replevied out of the possession of the defendant and for keeping possession of the same until it was within a reasonable time appraised, the bond taken, and the replevied property delivered to the plaintiff; but it is whether anything shall be allowed him for expenses in any of these respects actually and necessarily incurred by him. The statutory fee bill does not provide for such allowance. It does provide that for securing property attached on mesne process a sheriff or other officer shall be allowed a reasonable sum as fees, subject to the revision and allowance of the court. R. L. s. 4503. It also provides, that officers and persons whose duty it is to record proceedings or give copies, shall, when no other provision is made, be allowed seven cents a folio therefor; and for other services such sums as are in proportion to the fees established by law. R. L. s. 4547. In Henry v. Tilson, 17 Vt. 479, it was decided that the right to compensation under this section was not confined to clerks and recording officers merely. To constitute replevin the officer must take the property from the defendant and deliver it to the plaintiff. Miller v. Cushman, 38 Vt. 593. The plaintiff cannot recover as taxable costs the expense of the officer in transporting the property to the plaintiff. Expense in that respect would be an element of damage for the defendant’s wrongful detention. In contemplation of law the plaintiff is at hand to receive the property when taken by the officer from the defendant. No costs are allowable for expense of holding the property
The evidence offered but excluded in this- case would tend to show a basis for the allowance of such item of charge. It was therefore error to exclude it.
The ruling of the County Court is therefore reversed and cause remanded.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- WOODWARD & STILLMAN v. ROLLIN AMSDEN
- Status
- Published