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Wildwood Estates of Braintree, Inc. v. Smith

Citations: 3 Mass. App. Ct. 705; 322 N.E.2d 781

Court: Massachusetts Appeals Court; February 3, 1975; Massachusetts; State Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

The judge's finding regarding the respondents' claims for "prescriptive rights" was upheld, as neither exception raised by the respondents was deemed sufficient to challenge its validity. The respondents failed to demonstrate uninterrupted use of the pond for over twenty years, which is a requirement under G. L. c. 187.2. Additionally, the issue of "dedication of rights to the general public" was not addressed in the pleadings. Therefore, the exceptions are overruled.

Legal Issues Addressed

Exceptions and Validity of Judicial Findings

Application: The exceptions raised by the respondents were not sufficient to challenge the validity of the judicial finding regarding prescriptive rights.

Reasoning: The judge's finding regarding the respondents' claims for 'prescriptive rights' was upheld, as neither exception raised by the respondents was deemed sufficient to challenge its validity.

Pleading Requirements for Dedication of Rights

Application: The issue of dedication of rights to the general public was not considered by the court because it was not addressed in the pleadings.

Reasoning: Additionally, the issue of 'dedication of rights to the general public' was not addressed in the pleadings.

Prescriptive Rights under General Laws Chapter 187, Section 2

Application: The court upheld the finding that the respondents did not meet the requirement of demonstrating uninterrupted use of the pond for over twenty years, which is necessary to establish prescriptive rights.

Reasoning: The respondents failed to demonstrate uninterrupted use of the pond for over twenty years, which is a requirement under G. L. c. 187.2.