The Thorns Case (Hull v. Orynge)
King's Bench
Y.B. Mich. 6 Ed. 4, f. 7, pl. 18 (1466)
Relevant factsFree
Orange (defendant) cut thorns from a hedge on his own land, and some thorns inadvertently fell onto neighboring land owned by Hull (plaintiff). Orange then entered Hull's land to retrieve the fallen thorns, trampling some grass in the process. Hull sued Orange for trespass, and the trial court ruled for Orange; Hull appealed.
IssueFree
Whether a person is liable for damage accidentally and inadvertently caused to another's property, when the underlying conduct involved no legal fault.