Case ID: del-cas_1/html/0548-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Per Curiam. Per Curiam.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

STATE, for the Use of OBADIAH SMITH and P. SMITH, Legaatees of O. Smith, v. WILLIAM HOPKINS, Administrator of J. Stafford.
    Court of Common Pleas. Sussex.
    April, 1818.
    
      Clayton’s Notebook, 57.
    
   Per Curiam.

It may be doubted whether this case is within the words of the Act, 1 Del. Laws 420, but we consider it within the equity of the Act. We are not inclined to narrow the security the law intended to afford to the estates of deceased persons. The probate must be made by the legatees, who are the real plaintiffs in the cause. It will, however, be sufficient if the probate is now made, as it may be exhibited in any stage of the cause before the nonsuit takes place.. Upon the second point, the Court are equally divided and no opinion can be given.

A probate was then made by Obadiah Smith, one of the legatees, and offered to the jury.

The defendant contended that O. Smith and P. Smith, having elected to join in the scire facias, must stand or fall together.

Per Curiam.

The interests of the legatees continue several and distinct, notwithstanding they have joined in the scire facias. It is irregular, but it is every day’s practice.

Nonsuit as to P. Smith.