33 Vt. 101 | Vt. | 1860
-I. This case upon the merits of the -defence, seems to us to-be substantially the same as it was when before this court 'and decided two .years ago; 30 Vt. 595. It was ’then held that upon the constitution and by-laws of the society the tax was not so voted and assessed, as to justify the sale of the pew in question.
II. In regard to the objection to the form of the action, we think the doctrine established, upon careful consideration, and elaborate discussion in Bakersfield Congregational Society v. Baxter, 15 Vt. 119, and Kellogg v. Dickinson, 18 Vt. 266, must be considered as settled in this State, that in ordinary cases the pew holders in meeting houses, or churches, built by incorporations under the statute, have only a right of occupancy in their seats, subject to the superior rights of the society owning the fee of the church, and worshiping in it. This is much the same estate which the holder of a pew has in England, in the established church, where the fee of the church is in the rector, and the pew holder has only an easement, or incorporeal hereditament.
In all such eases the appropriate remedy for a disturbance in the enjoyment of the right is trespass on the case. That indeed is the only remedy for the disturbance of the enjoyment of such rights ordinarily. The right to occupy a pew is such that in some cases it is held that trespass or ejectment will lie. But not for a mere disturbance in the use, such as is proved in the present case. In Kellogg v. Dickinson, supra, it is expressly decided that case is the proper remedy for the owner of a pew in a meeting house against one who disturbed him in the possession of his pew unlawfully.
We think both defendants must be regarded as jointly liable for the disturbance, one being accessory to the act of the other ; both are principals and liable to the action.
We think the plaintiff may well maintain the action. As is said in this case, in the 30th Vt. 598, it would seem as if he is the only person who could sue, unless it be the heirs. And so long
The form of the declaration in some respects is not very appropriate to the specific injury sustained, but we think it sufficient upon the general issue and notice of justification. It sufficiently informs the defendant of the cause of action shown on trial.
Judgment affirmed.