Opinion ID: 1186922
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Decree in Manby v. Martinez

Text: Contrary to the claims of Suazo, the trial court in Manby clearly addressed the question of aboriginal Indian title with respect to the lands claimed by the Pueblo and found that there was nothing in the record to show that the Pueblo ever had, or held, the exclusive or notorious possession of that land. That court held, on the contrary, that all the land in the Grant had been in the continuous and exclusive possession of Antonio Martinez and his heirs and assigns. This Court, in the Manby case on appeal, in effect held that, as to the Suazo tract, the trial court's findings were supported by substantial evidence and upheld the conclusions derived therefrom. No appeal having been taken to the U.S. Supreme Court, our key question is whether the Manby decision is res judicata as to the claims of Suazo. The trial court so held; and we affirm that decision.