Freeland v. Hastings
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Petition by ten taxpayers, and more, of Sutton, setting forth that at the annual meeting of that town held on the 20th of March 1865, the town, under an article in the warrant, voted for the support of schools, $2000; roads and bridges, $2500; and for contingent expenses $9500, making no other or further appropriation thereof; that the objects of raising said sum do not otherwise appear from the proceedings of the town, and are still unknown to the petitioners; that in a…
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Petition by ten taxpayers, and more, of Sutton, setting forth that at the annual meeting of that town held on the 20th of March 1865, the town, under an article in the warrant, voted for the support of schools, $2000; roads and bridges, $2500; and for contingent expenses $9500, making no other or further appropriation thereof; that the objects of raising said sum do not otherwise appear from the proceedings of the town, and are still unknown to the petitioners; that in a warrant for another town meeting held on the 12th of June 1865, the second article was, “ to see if the town will raise by…
1Opinion of the CourtBigelow, C. J.
We have given to the questions raised in this case that deliberate and careful consideration which their interest and importance demand. The power to raise and assess taxes, although essential and necessary to the maintenance and support of civil government, is to be exercised with care, and to be kept strictly within the limits imposed by law. It is the clear right of every citizen to insist that no unlawful or unauthorized exaction shall be made upon him under the guise of taxation. If any such illegal encroachment is attempted, he can always invoke the aid of the judicial tribunals for his…
2Cited by3 opinions
- Bush v. . Board of SupervisorsNew York Court of Appeals · 1899
- Bush v. Board of SupervisorsAppellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York · 1896
- Bush v. Board of SupervisorsNew York Supreme Court · 1895