Executors of Stephens v. Smart's Executors, 4 N.C. 471, 1 Car. L. Rep. 471 (1814)

April 1814 · Supreme Court of North Carolina
4 N.C. 471, 1 Car. L. Rep. 471

Executors of Stephens v. Smart's Executors.

The plaintiff’s testator was a resident of South-Carolina, where he died, and where letters testamentary were granted to the plaintiff. The defendant’s testatator was an inhabitant of this State, and never resided in South-Carolina. The question submitted, is, whether the action can be brought upon such letters testamentary.

Court.

We are of opinion that the probate and letters testamentary issued in South-Carolina, are sufficient to enable the plaintiff to sue here. The constitution of the United States and the act of Congress made to carry it into effect, direct us to give “full faith and credit to the records, public acts and judicial proceedings” of other States. A probate is a judicial act of a Court, having competent jurisdiction, and while it remains unrepealed, completely authenticates the right of the executor.