Frisbie v. Whitney

We think the facts of this case, as shown hy the evidence, insufficient to maintain the action of forcible entry and detainer. The entry was peaceable. Admitting that the entry was unlawful, within the meaning of the statute relating to this action, as heretofore construed by the supreme court, there is no sufficient evidence of' a forcible detainer to justify a recovery.

The facts proved would be sufficient to authorize a recovery in an action of ejectment, but not in an action for an unlawful entry and forcible detainer. Tbe latter action is highly penal in its character and must be confined to the cases specified in the statute. To sustain the recovery in this case would be to abolish all distinctions between the actions of ejectment, and forcible entry and detainer. The motion for a nonsuit should have been granted.

Judgment reversed and the court below directed to enter a judgment of nonsuit.

We concur: Sanderson, C. J.; Shafter, J.; Rhodes, J.