Lang v. Scott

Action on the case against Lang for erectIng an unauthorized ferry, within two miles of the plaintiff’s ferry, to his damage 2,000 dollars. Demurrer to the' declaration and judgment for the plaintiff.

If a statute is introductory of new rights which did not before exist in the country, and prescribes a penalty for their violation, the persons claiming under the act must depend, for the security of the rights thus claimed, upon the provisions therein specified (1). When there is a pre-existing right at common law, and an affirmative statute intervenes inflicting a new penalty, the law is…