California Surveyors Forums

I have recently created and published compilations of all the Federal and California cases cited in "Brown's Boundary Control and Legal Principles", first through sixth editions. These compilations are not affiliated with "Brown's" authors or publisher.

If you are interested they are available for preview on Amazon.com:
California Land Boundary Cases and Codes
Federal Land Boundary Cases and Codes

I began these collections as supplemental materials for my students, but as I read the cases I thought other professionals would benefit, as I had, from reading the entire case.
While these cases are generally available freely online, graphics (maps) are not included in those digital files. I have included those graphics in these books.
The California cases are direct scans of the official reports and so include the case illustrations. Those are very helpful in explaining cases such as Richfield Oil and Curtis v Upton. I have also added additional maps such as the official GLO plat referenced in Wood v Mandrilla and the Voiget map cited in Ferris v Coover (courtesy of the Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley).

The Amazon preview of the California collection only gives a preview of a code section, so I will attempt to attach the Hanes v Hollowtree Lumber Co case from the book to this post.

The Federal cases have fewer case illustrations, but where they were referenced they have been included. I also put the exhibits for the "Moon Lake" and "Ferry Lake" cases referenced and delineated in the '73 Manual, which apply to the Lee Wilson and Jeems Bayou cases.

In the contents for each collection I have given a cross reference to the chapter, page, and footnote number where the case or code section was cited in each of "Brown's" six editions, so this collection would be of use whichever edition the reader was referencing.

Thank you for your time.
Tom Propst, PLS, CFedS
Irvine, CA
www.tompropst.com

P.S. Oct. 27, 2011 - Chris Johnston has provided me the maps associated with this case, and they shed a great deal of light on the situation. Worthwhile checking out if you've downloaded the case.
All the Best,

I've thought of doing that for my own reference. So much easier to pay $80 and have it bound in a nice book format, cross referenced to BCLP, and all.

Great work, Tom!

I just received my copies from Amazon last night and began looking through them.

Great resource, Mr. Propst!

Thanks.

I just received mine as well. It’s nice to have Browns book in one hand and the case in the other. Is anyone aware of a resource for more recent cases in the last 10 years or so?

Thanks for buying the books, and I hope you all still have the same high opinion after you've had a chance to review them.
Please let me know, and send me the corrections that I know will be necessary. For example, I noticed that in the posted case above, where I give the quote at the beginning, I incorrectly referenced page [622] when it really is page [662].
While it is possible that is the only error in both books, I somewhat doubt it, and will appreciate your review and comments.
These aren't for everybody, but I really believe that anyone who would willingly lay out the cash to purchase these books will enjoy them. Most of the cases are very well written and reasoned, and more than a few have substantial histories of the laws under review.

As far as recent cases go, the CLTA have a nice collection of land title cases they update regularly, and they also have articles of interest written by qualified people.
Their archive is worth a look as well. Check it out:
http://www.clta.org/e-news/index-CourtCases.html

All the Best,
Tom Propst

Thanks for the link Tom that is exactly what I was looking for. Very happy with the books as well.

I left a case out of the "Federal" collection, specifically New Mexico v. Colorado, 267 U.S. 30 (1925)
Here is the errata, containing that case and the proper location of its reference.
I set it up to be printed as a booklet on 8-1/2X11 paper, then to be folded and inserted into the book. If you bought the book and would prefer I mail you a copy just contact me with your request.
Please let me know if you find any other information which needs correction in either of the collections.
Thanks!
Tom Propst