9 La. 149 | La. | 1836
delivered the opinion of the court.
This case cannot be distinguished from that of Depassau vs. Winter et al. decided at the June term, 1834. 7 Louisiana Reports, 1. When that case was argued the bench was not full; some doubts having since arisen, we have reconsidered it with much deliberation.
But, it is contended further, that the defendants are without remedy if turned over to a new action as plaintiffs, and that , . . they cannot maintain a petitory action. I he right of corporate bodies to maintain such an action has several times been recognised in this court, and especially in the case of the Trustees of Natchitoches vs. Coe. 3 N. S., 140.
But, even admitting that the question of a dedication to public use may be examined in this case, it is perhaps doubtful, according to the evidence, whether such dedication in point of fact has been shown. If is not proved to have been’ used by the public under such a dedication. The Supreme Court-of the United States in the case of the City of Cincinnati vs. White, said, “ There is no particular form or J i, . , i. ceremony necessary m the dedication of lands to public use. All that is required is the assent of the owners of the land, and the fact of its being used for the public purposes intended-by the appropriation. This was the doctrine in the case of
Upon< this last point we express no opinion, but upon the whole we think the question of dedication ought to be left open, and in the mean time the plaintiffs maintained in their possession.
It is, therefore, ordered, adjudged and decreed, that the judgment, of the District Court be reversed; and it is further ordered, that the plaintiffs be maintained in their possession, reserving to the defendants the light, if any they have, to institute any legal proceedings for the purpose of establishing the rights claimed by them in favor of the city of Lafayette, or the public in general; the defendants and appellees to pay costs in both courts.