Allyn v. Burbank

Daggett, J. From the facts stated in the bill, it is very apparent, that the plaintiff’s title is only an equitable one. It may well be doubted whether such a title ever gives a right to foreclose. He who has the legal estate, upon principle, should be permitted to bar the equitable title by foreclosure ; and he who has the equitable title may call for the legal estate upon payment of what is due to him or them in whom the legal title is vested. But this objection has not been taken at the bar, on the trial of this cause ; and it is also the practice of our courts to foreclose, in certain cases, upon the mere equitable title. The defendants insist, that the plaintiffs cannot foreclose them. They say, that upon the principle that these plaintiffs can demand of them payment of their debt, or to be foreclo [161] sed of all right, they could call on the plaintiffs' and make the same demand. Hence the question presented to this Court. for advice, is, whether one of any number of creditors who have obtained a lien on an equity of redemption, by levy of an execution, can foreclose other creditors standing also upon a levy of execution. The plaintiffs say, that they are to be considered as subsequent mortgagees: the defendants say, that their condition is that of levying creditors, and of course, not that of subsequent mortgagees. This question was settled, by this Court, in the case of Punderson v. Brown, 1 Day, 92. There it was decided, that the levy of an execution upon an equity of redemption gave to the creditor all the rights of the mortgagor in the premises; and that it became, by the levy, an irredeemable estate. The Court, in giving their opinion, say, that the levy of an execution, upon an equity of redemption does not operate like a second mortgage; that it discharges the debt, and does not leave the creditor still a creditor, but annihilates the relation between the parties as debtor and creditor to the extent of the amount taken by the execution. But the plaintiffs now insist, in opposition to those principles, so. just, and which are founded upon our statute, that the defendants are to be treated as mortgagors ; that of course, their debts are still outstanding ; — that a lien only is created, by the levy, liable to be satisfied, by the payment of the sum for which the estate was taken ; and that the plaintiff's debt is also still due ; and that the only effect of his levy is a lien or security like a mortgage. Surely, there is no foundation for this doctrine in our statute, authorizing the levy of executions in satisfaction *of debts, nor in any practice under that statute. The doctrine of Punderson v. Brown, sq far as I have any knowledge of the practice of our courts on this subject, has been considered as the settled doctrine in Connecticut. It was incidentally recognized, in Scripture v. Johnson, 3 Conn. Rep. 211. and has been frequently adopted in the levy of executions on this species of property. The plaintiffs, however, rely on what was said, by this Court, in their opinion in Gorham v. Franklin, in 2 Day 142. By adverting to that case, it will be seen, that the only principle decided by the Court, was, that a mortgagor, or one standing in his place, by levy of an execution, could not redeem a part of the mortgaged property, by paying q part of the money due on the mortgage, but must pay the svhole. This is a very clear [162] principle, applicable to this subject, and was doubtless eorrect- { , T J J' „ applied, It was not necessary for the Court to consider the question now made ; nor would any opinion of the Court on this question have been otherwise than obiter. It is strange, that the Court, in giving their opinion, should be deemed to have over-ruled the decision in Punderson v. Brown, made only two years before ; and especially, as it is not mentioned or adverted to, in that opinion.* < On these principles, the plaintiffs’ bill is insufficient; and the superior court should be advised, that the demurrer is well taken- The other Judges were of the same opinion. Demurrer to be sustained and bill dismissed.