Legal Opinion

Underwood v. Bailey

Supreme Court of New Hampshire

Decided December 5, 1879PublishedCited by 1 opinion

Appeal from the decision of selectmen, on a petition for laying-out a highway hi Lancaster, for the benefit of the defendant, and from the assessment of damages. In October, 1871, the selectmen, upon the petition of the defendant, laid out a highway over land of the plaintiff, and awarded damages to him for the land taken for the same.

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Appeal from the decision of selectmen, on a petition for laying-out a highway hi Lancaster, for the benefit of the defendant, and from the assessment of damages. In October, 1871, the selectmen, upon the petition of the defendant, laid out a highway over land of the plaintiff, and awarded damages to him for the land taken for the same. The plaintiff duly claimed an appeal, which was referred to the county commissioners, who reported “ that in their opinion said highway is for the sole accommodation and benefit of the defendant, and not for the accommodation of the public ; and that, if in the…

1Opinion of the CourtFoster, J.

This case is determined by the report of the commissioners that the highway “ is for the sole accommodation and benefit of the defendant, and not for the accommodation of the public.” It is settled beyond all controversy that “ individual property can be compulsorily appropriated by the public only for public use.” Dillon Mun. Corp., s. 460; Cooley Const. Lim. 530. “ The appellant cannot be deprived of his property except for a public purpose.” Cushing, C. J., in Underwood v. Bailey, 56 N. H. 187, 190.

Petition dismissed.

Stanley, J., did not sit: the others concurred.

2Cases cited1 opinion

  1. Underwood v. BaileySupreme Court of New Hampshire · 1875

3Cited by1 opinion

  1. Campbell v. WindhamSupreme Court of New Hampshire · 1885

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