Case Name: Marion Lewis et al. v. Reuben C. Ratliffe
Court: Kentucky Court of Appeals
Jurisdiction: Kentucky
Decision Date: 1871-04-11
Citations: 4 Ky. Op. 269
Docket Number: 
Parties: Marion Lewis et al. v. Reuben C. Ratliffe.
Judges: 
Reporter: Kentucky Opinions, containing the unreported opinions of the Court of Appeals
Volume: 4
Pages: 269–270

Head Matter:
Marion Lewis et al. v. Reuben C. Ratliffe.
Trespass — Original Trespasser — Conversion by Another — Damages — Joint Liability.
The party who receives property wrongfully taken by another and converts same to his own use is not a joint trespasser, and is therefore not responsible, for damages, as an original trespasser.
APPEAL EROM MORGAN CIRCUIT COURT.
April 11, 1871.

Opinion:
Opinion oe the Court by
Judge Hardin :
The petition in the first paragraph alleges in effect that the •defendant, Marion Lewis, wrongfully took the plaintiff's mare, and in the second paragraph that the other defendants became liable afterwards by having the mare in their possession and converting her to their use, but no joint trespass of the three defendants is alleged or proved, although there is evidence conducing to show a liability on the part of John J. Lewis under the second paragraph, and that Marion Lewis was guilty of the trespass charged in the first. It seems to us, therefore, that the second instruction given, that "If the jury believe the evidence they will find for the plaintiff against Marion Lewis and John J. Lewis the value of the mare and such damages as the plaintiff may have sustained by the wrongful taking of the same," was erroneous in making John J. Lewis liable for the damages sustained in consequence of the original trespass, as to which there was neither allegation nor proof against him.
The instruction asked by the defendants was properly refused.
Rut for the error indicated, the judgment is reversed and the cause remanded for a new trial and for further proceedings not inconsistent with this opinion.
Hazelrigg, for appellant.
Cooper, for appellee.