| New York Court of Chancery | Jan 25, 1819
The title appears to be disputed; for the defendant has been in possession for a long time, and has joined issue with the plaintiff at law, on the question of title, and the action is still pending undetermined. Under these circumstances, I do not feel myself authorized to grant the injunction.
In Field v. Jackson, (Dickens, 599.) the Lord Chancellor held it to be a general rule, that when the right was doubtful, the court would not grant an injunction. So, in a case before Lord Eldon, (Pillsworth v. Hopton, 6 Ves. 51.) an injunction to restrain waste was not granted against a defendant in possession, claiming by an adverse title. If the plaintiff, in his bill, states such a claim on the part of the defendant, he states himself out of court, as to the injunction. In the present case, the bill does state to that effect, when it states that the defendant has been a long time in possession, and has joined issue with the plaintiff in ejectment. I must know the result of that issue at law before I can interfere.
Motion denied.