Richland Police Jury v. Debnam
Louisiana Court of Appeal
92 So. 3d 487 (2012)

- Written by Carolyn Strutton, JD
Facts
Cypress Creek flowed through land owned by Donald and Joyce Debnam (defendants). The Debnams built a dam, earthen works, and other structures to block the flow of the creek where it entered their property. These obstructions caused the water that typically flowed through the creek to back up and flood the land that was upstream from the Debnams’ land. The Richland Parish Policy Jury and numerous upstream landowners (plaintiffs) sued the Debnams, seeking an injunction to force them to remove the dam and other obstructions the Debnams had built. At trial, evidence was given that supported a finding that the Debnams’ actions had caused substantial flooding and damages to upstream landowners. The trial court granted a preliminary injunction ordering the Debnams to remove the obstructions to the creek. The Debnams appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Brown, C.J.)
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