Christy v. Scott
United States Supreme Court
55 U.S. 282 (1852)

- Written by Sean Carroll, JD
Facts
Christy (plaintiff) was in possession of a tract of land. After the United States acquired the land from Mexico, Scott (defendant) forcibly removed Christy from the land. Christy brought suit against Scott, claiming that Christy held title to the land, and that Scott illegally forcibly ejected him from the premises. Scott did not submit evidence that he held legal title to the property, but rather submitted the substantive defense that if Christy held any title to the property, then it was no longer valid. Specifically, Scott submitted evidence that the State of Texas held true legal title to the property. Scott was not associated with the State of Texas. Christy demurred to Scott’s substantive defense. The district court ruled in favor of Scott. Christy appealed. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Curtis, J.)
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