Case ID: va_16/html/0362-02.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Cornwell v. Truss.
    March, 1811.
    Detinue — Several Chattels — Joint Assessment. — In detinue for several slaves, if their value be j ointly assessed in the verdict, judgment ought not to be entered, but a writ of inquiry to ascertain their respective values should be awarded.
    In an action of detinue in the district court of Suffolk, for several slaves, a verdict was found for the plaintiff, and a gross sum assessed as their joint value. Judgment was entered accordingly, to which a writ of supersedeas was granted by a judge of this court, in conformity with the case of Higgenbotham v. Rucker, 2 Call, 313.
    Wickham, for the plaintiff in error.
    Call, for the defendant.
    
      
       See monographic note on “Detinue and Replevin” appended to Hunt v. Martin, 8 Gratt. 578.
    
   '*The Court reversed the judgment, and remanded the cause to the superior court of Nansemond county, for a writ of inquiry to be awarded, to ascertain the separate prices of the slaves; and thereupon for judgment to be entered in favour of Truss, the original plaintiff, for the said slaves, or their respective prices, and the costs.