Billingsly v. Knight
Billingsly v. Knight
Opinion of the Court
It appears from the case, that Johnson, the witness, had made such a special endorsement to the Plaintiff, as to put it out of the power of the Plaintiff ever
The circumstance of his name appearing on the bond, and that bond being negotiable, can make no sort of difference. I think, ever since the case of Fordaine v. Lasbrook,
I know of but two rules by which the competency of witnesses can be tested, the one interest, and the other infamy. The rule laid down in Walton v. Shelley, has long since been abolished and the competency restored to its former standard. Johnson, the witness, could only be liable in virtue of his endorsement, and being released from that, stood as indifferent as any other individual. He was properly admitted, and I am for discharging theTule.
I can scarcely perceive any question to be decided in this case ; for Johnson is unquestionably disinterested in the event of the suit; his endorsement never made him liable, and if it d:d, the release discharged him. Supposing that the case of Walton v. Shelley had not been overruled, it could be no authority here j for it only decided, that a person should not impeach an instrument to which he had put his name : Johnson is hot called upon to impeach this note, but to support it.
Judgment affirmed.
7 Term 601.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- BILLINGSLY Assignee &c. against KNIGHT
- Status
- Published