Case Name: REES vs. LAWLESS
Court: Kentucky Court of Appeals
Jurisdiction: Kentucky
Decision Date: 1814-04-15
Citations: 1 Litt. Sel. Cas. 184
Docket Number: 
Parties: REES vs. LAWLESS.
Judges: 
Reporter: Kentucky Reports
Volume: 16
Pages: 184–184

Head Matter:
REES vs. LAWLESS.
April 15.
Neither a writ of forcible entry and detainer nor ejectment will lie for a ferry.
From the Warren Circuit Court.

Opinion:
Opinion of the Court, by
Ch. J. Boyle.
THIS is a writ of error to a judgment for the plaintiff, in a traverse of an inquisition finding the plaintiff in the traverse guilty of a forcible entry upon a ferry, &c.
The only question which is deemed material to be decided, is, whether a warrant for a forcible entry will lie for forcibly taking possession of a ferry, and the banks and shores of a river, where the party so taking possession has a right of ferry established.
We are of opinion it will not lie in such a case. A ferry is of that description of property, which, in technical language, is denominated incorporeal, and which in legal consideration is not tangible. Like a right of way or of common, or other incorporeal right, no entry in point of fact, can in strict propriety be said to be made upon it; nor could the sheriff, in case of a judgment of restitution, deliver possession. In such a case an ejectment would not lie, and upon the same principle a warrant for a forcible entry would not. See Chitty on Plead. 188, and the authorities there cited.
The use of the banks or shores, is a necessary incident to the ferry, and is virtually included in, and composes a part of the right of ferry, and must, therefore, as an incident, follow its principal.
Judgment affirmed with costs.