Case Name: DANIEL CLARK versus EBENEZER CARLTON
Court: New Hampshire Superior Court
Jurisdiction: New Hampshire
Decision Date: 1817-11
Citations: 1 N.H. 110
Docket Number: 
Parties: DANIEL CLARK versus EBENEZER CARLTON.
Judges: 
Reporter: New Hampshire Reports
Volume: 1
Pages: 110–110

Head Matter:
GRAFTON,
NOVEMBER TERM, 1817.
DANIEL CLARK versus EBENEZER CARLTON.
A person cannot maintain trespass for ggods unless he has the actual or constructive possession at the time of the tortious act.
THIS was an action of trespass, for taking a stud horse belonging to the plaintiff. It was proved at the trial at the last term of this court in this county, that the horse was the property of the plaintiff, and that he had been let for hire to one Aldrich, for nine days ; that before the expiration of the nine days, the defendant, being a deputy sheriff, took the horse upon execution from the possession, and as the property, of Aldrich ; and upon a demand made after the nine days had expired, refused to deliver him to the plaintiff''; and the only question was, whether the plaintiff could maintain this action.

Opinion:
Per curiam.
The plaintiff, at the time the horse was taken, had neither possession, nor the right of possession; an action of trespass, therefore, which is founded on possession, is not maintainable on the facts of this case. The plaintiff's remedy was by an action of trover founded on his property in the horse. 4 D. & E. 489, Ward. vs. Macauly & al. — 8 Johnson 432, Putnam vs. Wyley.
Judgment for the defendant.