Case ID: dc_1/html/0188-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "The Court", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Gill v. Patton.
    In an action of covenant for rent, the landlord cannot recover interest.
    Writ of inquiry, upon a judgment on demurrer in an action of covenant on a lease; breach, not paying rent.
    
      Mr. C. Lee, for the defendant,
    contended that as the landlord has a summary process to compel payment, he is not entitled-to interest.
    
      Mr. Youngs.
    
    The action is covenant and sounds in damages, and the jury alone can assess them.
   The Court

instructed the jury that they were as much bound to give interest on the arrears of rent as on any other debt by specialty; that it is in the power of the jury to refuse interest; and if they refuse, it is in the power of the Court to grant a new trial.

Verdict for plaintiff, including interest.

A new trial was afterwards granted on the ground of misdirection of the jury by the Court.