Norton

Norton v. Sturla

Good Law
1890 Cal. LEXIS 725·83 Cal. 559·23 P. 527
Supreme Court of CaliforniaApril 12, 1890No. 12691California265 words

Opinion

Lead Opinion

Beatty, J.

Action for unlawful holding over after rent due; judgment for plaintiffs; motion for new trial denied, and defendant appeals.

There are two, and only two, material questions in this case.

1. What was the character of defendant’s holding of the demanded premises subsequent to June 21, 1887? Did she hold as vendee in possession under contract of sale, or as lessee under a verbal lease?

2. What extension of time did plaintiffs give her to make payment of the agreed price of the premises, — one year from June 21, 1887, as she claims, or one month, as they claim?

There is a substantial conflict in the testimony on both points; and'the findings of the superior court, which are against the defendant, cannot be set aside.

Time was expressly made of the essence of the contract of sale, and the time of payment expired June 21, 1887. We must accept the finding of the superior court, that it was extended only until July 21st,—one month. When the deed was tendered, August 15, 1887, and pay *561 inent demanded, the defendant distinctly refused to pay before June 21, 1888, and she persisted in this attitude when the offer of the deed was renewed on the trial, — at least, she did not at that…

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