Slaton v. Alcorn
Slaton v. Alcorn
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the court.
The appellant, the administrator of W. C. Martin, deceased, alleges that he, out of his own money, paid the judgment in favor of Trahorn for about one-half of what was due upon it; that in so doing he was actuated by a desire to benefit the estate, and save something for the heirs for whom he was guardian; that at the
The doctrine of substitution is tersely stated by the chancellor in Sanford v. McLean, 3 Paige, 122. It is in cases “ where the person advancing the money stands in the situation of surety, or is compelled to pay it to protect his own rights, that a court of equity substitutes him in the place of the creditor, as a matter of course, and without agreement.” The general rule is that if a party, secondarily bound, pays for the principal debtor, then the right springs up. But there is also comprehended another class, those who have such interests as make it necessary for them to get in an outstanding claim or equity for the protection of their rights in property. Story Eq. Jur., § 1227, and cases cited in Staples v. Fox, 44 Miss., 680-1. In such cases, the party advancing the money may be placed in-the shoes of him whose claim or equity has been bought in or paid off. One man cannot make another his debtor without his consent; that sort of relation ordinarily grows out of contract. Subrogation does not depend upon the act of the creditor, but may be independent of him, and so too of the debtor.
Does the appellant bring himself within the scope of the doc
Not coming within the range of the principle of subrogation by operation of law, he could only claim the judgment by reason of contract or arrangement with the creditor. A judgment may be assigned, then the assignee becomes a purchaser, and takes in that right. If a third person, that is, one who is not bound to pay the judgment, pays the amount to the sheriff or the creditor, the judgment is satisfied, and becomes functus officio. Satisfaction results from the payment, unless there is a sale or assignment, or some contract with the creditor by which the judgment is to be kept alive and effective for his use. Morris v. Lake, 9 S. & M., 526; Doe v. Ingersoll, 11 id., 271-2.
Considering the appellant as standing in the most favorable position, that is, making the payment as a stranger to the judgment, he is not entitled to the relief which he seeks. See Freeman on Judgments, secs. 446, 466; Stephens v. Morse, 7 Greenl., 38, 39.
We think there is no error in the decree, wherefore, it is affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Lewis Slaton v. W. A. Alcorn
- Cited By
- 1 case
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- Syllabus
- 1. Administrator: Payment of a judgment; right of substitution. An administrator is under no personal obligation to pay off a judgment against bis intestate with bis own funds, and if be does, be will not be substituted to the rights of tbe judgment creditor. The doctrine of substitution only applies where tbe party advancing tbe money stands in the situation of a surety, or is compelled to pay tbe judgment to protect bis own rights or interests. 2. Same: Same.. An administrator is entitled to retain out of the assets of an estate what be has advanced for tbe estate. If tbe assets are delivered to the distributees, be can compel reimbursement by them.