State v. Robinson

28 Iowa 514

• Court: Supreme Court of Iowa
• Decided: April 22, 1870
• Status: Published

Opinion

Wright, J.—

i. cnniiNAx. evid¿nce!hwa7' The obstruction charged was of a “ highway,” not of a county, state or other “ road.” In this the case differs most materially from State v. Snyder, 25 Iowa, 208. The State was not confined to documentary evidence in proving the existence of this highway, but was properly allowed to show its establishment and continuance by consent and user. And there was evidence tending to show, and,in deed, we may say very clearly showing, that the highway named was opened by the consent of the adjoining proprietors, recognized by the county authorities, and that for more than ten years it was traveled and used by the public, without let or hindrance on the part of defendant or his grantors.

The errors assigned relate to the instructions. Something is said about the sufficiency of the evidence, but this we are justified in dismissing with the suggestion that there was conflict, and that the preponderance was in favor of the theory of the State, rather than of defendant.

To the court’s charge there was no exception, nor does the record in any way show, with certainty, that it is all before us. Assuming it to be, however, we have the less difficulty in disposing of the instructions asked by defendant, and refused. They are twelve in number, and it is in these, if anywhere, that we are to find reversible error, for here alone do we find exceptions duly taken.

We cannot take them up for discussion at length. In almost every instance the very point made is covered with clearness and precision in the instructions in chief. This remark applies to a very large per cent of what were asked. For some others there is no warrant in the testimony, and hence they were properly refused. Aside from these general remarks, applicable to so many cases, but little need be said.

The fact that the county court did not duly establish the highway, following the written consent, might tend to sIioav that there Avas no intention to dedicate the land to the public ; but this is quite a different thing from the proposition that such written consent Avas no evidence of this intention and purpose; and this latter thought is that contained in the third instruction, and properly refused.

And a not dissimilar suggestion applies to the seventh instruction. For while to travel on or use the highway in the manner there stated might not conclusively show a dedication, it would certainly tend to establish the same. The insti’uction asked too much.

3 _wjati of highway. It is not necessary that a highway established, as in this instance, should be of the Avidth of a county or state road, or one established in the manner pro-for by the statute. If the public shall not be content Avith that given or permitted, then a resort may be had to the statutory method. A party.will not be justified, however, in obstructing it, because it is less than the statutory width.

The ignorance of defendant of the rights which the law would give to the public, by traveling over and using the highway, would not excuse him.

And thus we are brought to the conclusion (notwithstanding the well prepared argument of defen dant’s counsel, only failing in its aim, perhaps, by reason of a most imperfect record), that this judgment must stand

Affirmed.