Coffin v. Left Hand Ditch Co.
Supreme Court of Colorado
6 Colo. 443 (1882)
- Written by Richard Lavigne, JD
Facts
Left Hand Ditch Co. (plaintiff) owned property along the banks of St. Vrain creek. Left Hand built a dam and ditch system that diverted water from St. Vrain creek to James creek, and from James creek to Left Hand creek. Coffin (defendant) owned land along the banks of St. Vrain creek downstream from Left Hand’s dam. The diversion created by Left Hand’s dam limited the amount of water available to irrigate Coffin’s land, so Coffin tore down part of the dam. Left Hand filed suit for damages in trespass and an injunction prohibiting Coffin from any further interference with Left Hand’s water diversions. The trial court ruled in favor of Left Hand. Coffin appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Helm, J.)
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