Baker v. Willis
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Tort for the conversion of a cornet attached by the defendant, a deputy sheriff, on a writ against the plaintiff, dated Au - gust 21, 1875. At the trial by jury in the District Court of Southern Berkshire, the plaintiff testified that he was a tinner by trade and had worked at the business for twenty-eight years, and still worked at it; that he earned about $15 a week by such trade ; that he was also a musician, and had worked at that business about fifteen years; and that…
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Tort for the conversion of a cornet attached by the defendant, a deputy sheriff, on a writ against the plaintiff, dated Au - gust 21, 1875. At the trial by jury in the District Court of Southern Berkshire, the plaintiff testified that he was a tinner by trade and had worked at the business for twenty-eight years, and still worked at it; that he earned about $15 a week by such trade ; that he was also a musician, and had worked at that business about fifteen years; and that he always gave a preference to the business of a musician. Another witness testified that the plaintiff worked for him as…
1Opinion of the CourtAmes, J.
The obvious design and effect of the law exempting from attachment a debtor’s tools and implements of trade, necessary for carrying on his trade or business, and not exceeding one hundred dollars in value, were to secure to handicraftsmen the means by which they are accustomed to earn their livelihood in their respective employments. Gen. Sts. e. 133, § 32, cl. 5. Howard v. Williams, 2 Pick. 80. It has been decided that a mechanic does not lose the benefit of this exemption by a temporary suspension of his trade, provided it is with the intention of returning to it when opportunity should…
2Cited by4 opinions
- Terry v. McDanielTennessee Supreme Court · 1899
- Schwartz v. DennisSupreme Court of Louisiana · 1916
- Richards v. HubbardSupreme Court of New Hampshire · 1879
- Rice v. WadsworthSupreme Court of New Hampshire · 1879