Gale v. Inhab'ts of South Berwick
Supreme Judicial Court of Maine
On statement of facts. This was an action of assumpsit to recover the amount of a reward offered by a vote of the defendant town, for the apprehension and conviction of the perpetrator of a murder that had been committed therein. In defence, it was contended, that the town exceeded its authority in voting such offer of reward. It appears by the agreed statement, that a man had been murdered in South Berwick, and that the murderer was not known, or had escaped.
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On statement of facts. This was an action of assumpsit to recover the amount of a reward offered by a vote of the defendant town, for the apprehension and conviction of the perpetrator of a murder that had been committed therein. In defence, it was contended, that the town exceeded its authority in voting such offer of reward. It appears by the agreed statement, that a man had been murdered in South Berwick, and that the murderer was not known, or had escaped. That, to insure his detection and conviction, the inhabitants of the town, at a legal town meeting, authorized the selectmen to offer…
1Opinion of the Court
The opinion of the Court was drawn up by
Appleton, C. J.
A murder having been committed in the defendant town, the inhabitants, at a legal meeting, directed the selectmen to offer a reward for the detection of the murderer, which they did. The murderer was detected, arrested and convicted through the agency of the plaintiff, who, being entitled to the reward according to the terms upon which it was payable, brings this suit therefor. As the money to pay must be assessed and collected, the inquiry arises, whether the defendants have any power to assess and collect for such purpose, as, if they…
2Cases cited2 opinions
- Stetson v. KemptonMassachusetts Supreme Judicial Court · 1816
- Nutter v. RussellCourt of Appeals of Kentucky · 1860
3Cited by13 opinions
- Northern Trust Co. v. SnyderWisconsin Supreme Court · 1902
- City of Winchester v. RedmondSupreme Court of Virginia · 1896
- Squires v. Inhabitants of City of AugustaSupreme Judicial Court of Maine · 1959
- Patton v. StephensCourt of Appeals of Kentucky · 1878
- Felker v. Board of County CommissionersSupreme Court of Kansas · 1904
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