Case ID: ed-pa_1/html/0531-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "CADWALADER, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

District Court.
    October 28, 1861.
    ADMIRALTY.
    THE UNITED STATES v. HORSES.
    When the seizure is on land the burden of proof of hostile ownership and of destination to a hostile district, is on the United States.
    PRIZE.
   CADWALADER, J.

I am of opinion that in this case the seizure having been on land the burden of proof is on the United-States, and that the proof is insufficient on their part upon each of the two points of alleged hostile ownership and of the alleged destination to a hostile State or district, and consequently that the prosecution cannot be maintained upon the statute on which it is founded. The claimants praying by their counsel in open court a simple 'decree of restitution without any order on the subject of costs or charges. It is ordered that the property seized be liberated from custody and restored to the claimant.