59 Ill. 234 | Ill. | 1871
Appellant brought an action of trespass, for the forcible taking of a cow.
The facts are, briefly: that the cow, at the time of the alleged taking, was in the possession of a third party; that appellant had sold her to one Oliver for $35, and had received in payment $29, and that appellee had purchased her of Oliver and paid for her, and in a conversation between the parties, appellant said, he had sold her to Oliver, and that appellee might take her.
It is contended, in argument, that the alleged trespass was an outrageous invasion of the rights of the citizen. The language of appellee, at the time he took the cow", was reprehensible. He, and those with him, may have been guilty of a riot. A breach of the peace may have been committed.
All this would not constitute-trespass in the taking of the property. Consent was given for that, and then the payment was made to Oliver. The property then belonged to appellee. He was the owner, and had the right to use sufficient force to obtain possession. He was not, however, justified in committing an assault, or a breach of the peace.
After the agreement between the parties it would be manifestly unjust, and in violation of every principle of law and right, to permit appellant to retain the cow. He must abide by his promise fairly made.
The judgment must be affirmed.
Judgment affirmed.