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Mather v. Chapman
Connecticut Supreme Court
40 Conn. 382 (1873)
- Written by Colette Routel, JD
Facts
A party (plaintiff) sued a second party (defendant) for trespass and conversion after the second party took large quantities of seaweed from the shore, between the tide’s low- and high-water marks. The trial court instructed the jury that seaweed found on the shore between the high- and low-water marks generally belonged to the public and ownership could be acquired by first possession. The jury found for the second party, and the first party appealed. On appeal, the first party argued that riparian owners should have the exclusive right to gather seaweed left on the shore, even if it was below the high-water mark.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Seymour, C.J.)
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