Morris v. Van Voast

By the Court, Nelson, C. J.

The plea is defective in two respects: 1. In omitting to set forth the execution of the bond to the sheriff in pursuance of the 2d sub. of the', 7 §, 2 R. S. 523; and 2. The limitation of actions against sheriffs, \ 22, 2 R. S. 296, has no application to the case.

The seventh section provides in positive terms, that the writ (of replevin) shtil not be executed in any case unless, *284 The affidavit therein prescribed, be made and delivered with the writ; and 2. That a bond for the return of the property be executed and delivered to the sheriff. The eighth section declares, that upon the receipt of the writ and of the affidavit and bond, the sheriff shall forthwith proceed to execute the writ, &c. The bond was intended to guard the rights of persons .in possession of property, and is therefore made an indispensable prerequisite in all cases to the execution of the writ. See Reviser’s note to sec. also, 12 Wendell, 194 , and Wend. Dig. 575. The sheriff • is bound to return the affidavit and names of the sureties, &c. with the writ, § 20 ; the defendant may except to the sufficiency of the sureties, § 28; and afterwards the officer is discharged from all liability for their sufficiency, &c. § 32, 33.

By the 2 R. S. 296, § 22, “ all actions against sheriffs and coroners, upon any liability incurred by them, by the doing any act in their official capacity, or by the omission of any official duty, (except for escapes,) shall be brought within three years after the cause of action shall have accrued.” This is a new provision, and was designed to relieve the sureties of sheriffs by requiring suits to be speedily brought where they stood responsible for these officers. See Reviser’s note to sec. 3 R. S. 702, and in terms as well as intent, applies only to cases of official liability, such as enables the aggrieved party to resort to the official bond. If the defendant- is guilty of a trespass,, (and unless he is, the plaintiff must fail in the suit,) he cannot maintain that the liability in the cause was incurred by doing an act in his official character. It may have been done colore, but not virtute officii. 2 Esp. R. 540, (k.) Blanch, on Limitations, 198.

The principle of the act of Geo. 2, c. 44, s. 8, has never been enacted in this state as I can find. It provided that no action should be brought against a justice of the peace for any thing done in the execution of his office, or against any constable or other officer acting by his orders, unless commenced within six months, &c. This act has been very liberally expounded by the courts in behalf of the offi *285 Blanch, on Limitations, 195, 200. cers named; but even under it they are not protected where they clearly act without authority, and especially if they must have known it. 2 Esp. R. 540, (n.) 9 East, 364. 5 Id. 233. 2 Maule & Sel. 580. 4 Barn, & Cress. 269, 330~

Judgment for plaintiff.