Court Opinion

ID: 9417815
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-02 20:39:25.257498+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:15:03.525302
License: Public Domain

Mr. Justice Brewer
dissenting.
I dissent from the opinion and judgment in this case. In a purely technical sense it may not be open to criticism. But when, as disclosed, it appears that in the state courts by final determinations, beyond any opportunity of review, the legal and equitable title to the tract in controversy has been adjudged to be in Laidley, (even if there be question of the correctness of those decisions,) it seems to me that under the act of March 3, 1875, referred to in the opinion of the majority, the Federal court not only may rightfully but also should hold that whatever may be the state of the pleadings the litigation in that court must stop. Of course, everybody knows that when there has been in separate actions in courts of law and equity final determination as to both the legal and equitable title there is no excuse for further litigation, and I think that we sacrifice substance to form when we hold that the Federal court should not, when these facts are disclosed, act promptly, but must wait until the issues presented by pleadings have been attempted to be supported by testimony and the case is ready for final hearing. Interest reipublicce ut sit finis litium.