Public-domain · open source
OpenJurist

1 E.D. Smith 400

Coyle v. Smith

New York Court of Common Pleas

Decided May 15, 1852

New York Court of Common Pleas · decided 1852-05-15

An officer in the hank testified, that the defendant had but a few dollars therein at the date of the cheek, or at any time before the trial, except that a deposit was once made by him, but suffered to remain less than a day. It was also said by the bank officer, that the defendant would not have been allowed to overdraw Ms account. The plaintiff relied upon these facts, without showing a presentment at the bank and demand of payment before suit.

Relies on Harker v. Anderson · Murray v. Judah · Mohawk Bank v. Broderick & Powell

Decided 1852-05-15

By the Court. Ingraham, First J.

¶1Where a man draws a check on a bank, he is presumed to have funds in the bank to meet it, and he is not liable upon the check until it is presented for payment. But such presentment is in some cases unnecessary. Where the drawer, with knowledge that it has not been presented, promises subsequently to pay it, and where the drawer fraudulently withdraws the funds intended for payment of the check; then proof of demand and notice is unnecessary. (1 Hall, 68, 81 ; 1 T. R. 405.)

¶2So when the drawer had no funds in the hand of the drawee, and has not sustained damage from want of presentment. (10 Wend. 306.)

¶3The latter rule applies to this case. The evidence shows that there were no funds in the bank at the time the check was payable, nor since, except upon one occasion, when a deposit was made, and withdrawn almost immediately, and that this check would not have been paid without funds. This evidence was sufficient to dispense with a demand and notice. It is apparent that the defendant has sustained no damage ; that he has made no provision to pay his check; that the bank would not have paid when presented; and his subsequent conduct in withdrawing all the money he deposited, shows he did not intend to pay through the bank, or to leave funds for that pur*402pose. (Murray v. Judah, 6 Cow. 490; Mohawk R. R. v. Bradish, 10 Wend. 306 ; 13 Wend. 133 ; Gough v. Steats, 13 Wend. 552; Harker v. Anderson, 21 Wend. 372, &c.)

¶4The judgment should be affirmed.

/1/edsmith/400 · .json · Public domain