Ferguson v. Miller

6 Cal. 402

• Court: California Supreme Court
• Decided: July 1, 1856
• Status: Published

Opinion

Mr. Chief Justice Murray, after stating the facts, delivered the opinion of the Court.

Mr. Justice Heydenfeldt concurred.

Miller having purchased from Parks and entered into possession, may be regarded as a mortgagee in possession, and as such had a legal title against the whole world, subject to the rights of the mortgagor. If Miller had been in possession, simply relying on that possession, it is evident that his title would have been sufficient to warrant him in mortgaging the premises. IIow, then, can the fact that he was also a mortgagee, weaken the strength of that possession ? The mechanics who erected the house for Miller, were bound by the previous outstanding mortgages executed by him. It was not their province to determine the legality of his recorded title, but having contracted with him in the face of these encumbrances, they are postponed until they shall be first paid off.

Judgment affirmed.