Goddard v. Chaffee
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Tort against a deputy sheriff, for taking the plaintiff’s violin and bow by virtue of a writ of attachment against him. At the trial in the superior court, judgment was rendered for the plaintiff, by Morton, J., upon agreed facts, which are stated in the opinion ; and the defendant appealed to this court.
1Opinion of the CourtMerrick, J.
The statute exempts from attachment the implements of a debtor necessary for carrying on his trade or business and not exceeding one hundred dollars in value. Gen. Sts. c. 133, § 32. “ Business ” is a word of large signification, and denotes the employment or occupation in which a person is engaged tc procure a living. The plaintiff is a musician, and *396has for some years been employed in playing upon musical instruments, as a member of military and quadrille bands. He has in that way obtained his whole support and livelihood, has been engaged in no other pursuit, and has had no other trade or…
2Cited by4 opinions
- Vandalia Railroad v. StillwellIndiana Supreme Court · 1914
- Coyle v. DonaldsonSupreme Court of New Jersey · 1919
- Colburn v. AddisonSupreme Court of Iowa · 1919
- Bailey v. School District No. 5Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York · 1923