"Worlledge v Manning" (1786) is a notable case in English law, primarily significant for its impact on the understanding and legal treatment of private property rights, especially in the context of gleaners' rights. However, detailed information about this specific case is scarce, as it is not as widely documented as other landmark legal cases.
Overview of the Case
- Date: 1786
- Parties: John Worlledge (Plaintiff) against Benjamin Manning (Defendant)
- Context: The case revolved around the rights of gleaners, individuals who collected leftover crops from farmers' fields after they had been commercially harvested.
Facts
- Incident: The case arose from a dispute over gleaners’ rights during the harvest season. Benjamin Manning, a shoemaker, entered John Worlledge's land to glean, which means to collect leftover barley after the harvest.
- Action Taken: Worlledge disputed Manning’s right to glean on his land and brought an action for trespass in the Court of Common Pleas.
Legal Proceedings and Judgment
- Court Decision: The Court of Common Pleas decided in favor of Worlledge, awarding him damages and costs.
- Outcome: This judgement was significant as it challenged the traditional rights of gleaners and set a precedent in the legal understanding of private property rights.
Legacy and Significance
- Impact on Property Rights: The case is noteworthy for its role in shaping the modern legal understanding of property rights, particularly in the context of agricultural practices and the rights of the poor to glean.
- Further Implications: The case also served as a possible catalyst for the later "Steel v Houghton" case, which further addressed gleaners' rights.
Due to the limited availability of detailed records on "Worlledge v Manning," it's challenging to provide a more comprehensive summary. This case, though less known today, was part of the evolving legal landscape of the late 18th century, reflecting changing attitudes towards property and the rights of the poor in England.
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