Mesne profits refer to the profits that a person has earned on another person's property during the time that it was under their possession. These profits are distinct from the damages that may be awarded in a civil case, as they are meant to compensate the rightful owner for the profits that they were unable to earn while the property was under the control of someone else.
The concept of mesne profits can be traced back to English common law, where it was used to compensate landowners for the use of their property by someone else without their consent. In modern times, the concept of mesne profits is still used in a variety of contexts, including real estate disputes, business disputes, and even personal injury cases.
In order to recover mesne profits, the rightful owner of the property must be able to demonstrate that they have been deprived of the profits that they would have earned had the property not been taken from them. This can be a complex process, as it requires the owner to provide evidence of the profits that they would have earned, as well as the expenses that they incurred while the property was under the control of someone else.
There are a number of factors that may be taken into consideration when determining the amount of mesne profits that are owed to the rightful owner of the property. These can include the nature of the property, the duration of the possession, the use to which the property was put, and the profits that were actually earned while the property was under the possession of the other party.
In some cases, the courts may also consider the actions of the party in possession when determining the amount of mesne profits that are owed. For example, if the party in possession acted in bad faith or took actions that were designed to reduce the profits that the rightful owner would have been able to earn, this may be taken into consideration when determining the amount of mesne profits that are owed.
Overall, the concept of mesne profits serves an important function in the legal system, as it allows the rightful owner of property to be compensated for the profits that they were unable to earn while the property was under the control of someone else. Whether it is a landlord seeking compensation for the use of their rental property, or a business owner seeking compensation for the use of their equipment, the principles of mesne profits provide a means for individuals to seek justice when their property has been taken from them without their consent.