Goddard v. Winchell

52 N.W. 1124 (1892)

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Goddard v. Winchell

Iowa Supreme Court
52 N.W. 1124 (1892)

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Facts

John Goddard (plaintiff) owned a large tract of prairie land. A 66-pound meteorite fragment fell on Goddard’s land. A neighboring landowner dug up the meteorite, carried it off Goddard’s land, and sold it to H.V. Winchell (defendant). Goddard sued Winchell, seeking a writ of replevin—an order for the return of wrongfully obtained personal property. Goddard claimed that the meteorite was personal property and that he was the rightful owner. Goddard asked the court to order Winchell to return the meteorite to Goddard. The trial court held that Goddard became the meteorite’s rightful owner when it fell onto his land and granted the writ. Winchell appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Granger, J.)

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