Muller v. Bayard

Robertson, J. This is an application for a certificate that the title to land came in question under §§ 54 and 304 of the Code. The action was for a trespass in entering upon the plaintiff’s premises unlawfully and carrying away certain movables belonging to him. The answer denies every allegation in the complaint not therein specifically admitted. It alleges that the defendant was “ in lawful occupation and possession of the premises in question, with the knowledge, consent, and approval of the plaintiff, and also that the latter took a lease there [451] for, for a year, and it was understood and agreed between them that “ such lease should be for the benefit of the defendant,” and “in aeoordance with that understanding, he occupied the premises and paid the rent.” The rest of the answer refers to the other wrongs alleged. The defence in regard to breaking the plaintiff’s close, therefore, seems to be a justification both by the understanding between the parties, that the interest in the land obtained by the plaintiff should be for the defendant’s benefit, and his occupation of the premises with the former’s consent. This substantially admits the plaintiff’s legal title to the locus in guo, but justifies the act complained of either by the claim of a license to occupy, or tenancy on sufferance, or some right arising out of holding the premises for his benefit. The term “title” in the statute is held to mean “right of possession” (Ehle a. Quackenboss, 6 Hill, 537), and of course legal possession. It does not include either possession in fact or mere right of property (Ib), and where actual possession is enough to maintain the action, evidence in regard to that does not draw the title in question, although it may be the basis of a right. The trespass in this case was a technical one of entering to carry off movables, and a mere temporary one, not extending to retaining possession, which might be justified under a claim of title. The injury committed was the temporary disturbance of possession only. The answer does not defend the act on the score of right adversely to the plaintiff’s title, but in subordination to it by his agreement and permission. A plea of a license does not bring the title to land in question. (Chandler a. Duane, 10 Wend., 563; People a. N. Y. Com. Pl, 18 Ib., 579.) Proof of possession by the plaintiff was all that was necessary under the pleadings, if the defendant had violated it. The evidence given on the trial consisted only of the production of a lease which was admitted in the answer, the rest of the evidence of a trespass consisted in resisting the defendant’s claim of entry and occupation by license of the plaintiff. The principal damage done being by carrying off the personal property, there being no injury to the premises committed, it looks as if the suit were brought for trespass, to get full costs although the damages were under 50 dollars. I do not think it a proper case for a certificate. Application denied.