28 Conn. 600 | Conn. | 1859
This is an action brought to recover the double value of repairs made by the plaintiffs upon the fence of . the defendant, under the fifth section of the statute concerning fences and common fields. .The question-, reserved for our cónsideration is, whether the proceedings in relation to the sufficiency and value of the repairs made were illegal and void,, because the fence viewers gave to the defendant no notice of their meeting for the examination and valuation of such repairs, and he was not present thereat.
[ *604 ] *It was admitted on the trial that notice of the insufficiency of the defendant’s, fence was duly given, and that no repairs were made .by the defendant within the time prescribed by law. We think the law required no further
It seems to have been the intention of our legislature, while it provided the remedy, to point out the mode in which that remedy should be obtained; and from the fact that one notification is in express terms required, and only one, we are authorized to infer that no other was contemplated, or intended to be required. “ Expressio ■unius, exclusio alterius.” By the notice expressly provided for, the defendant is apprized of the due commencement of the proceedings, and the law informs him
It is not to be supposed that fence viewers will proceed clandestinely, or deny to the defendant, on inquiry, such reasonable information as will enable him to be present at their examinations. All their proceedings should be characterized by publicity, as well as by perfect fairness and impartiality, but we think the notice claimed by the defendant, was not required by law.
A new trial therefore must be advised.
In this opinion the other judges concurred.
New trial advised.