Supreme Court of South Carolina, 1814

Richardson v. M'Cray

Richardson v. M'Cray
Supreme Court of South Carolina · Decided November 15, 1814 · Bay, Brevakd, Colcock, Nott, Smith
5 S.C.L. 404

Richardson v. M'Cray

Opinion of the Court

Smith, J.

This doctrine would be monstrous. In the first place, the defendant was not liable for the expenses attendant on the prosecution of his negro for a public offence ; and secondly, because it would thwart every principle of law, to make him so upon the mere act of the plaintiff.

No man can, by a voluntary payment of the debt of another, make himself that man’s creditor. This is the opinion of Lord Kenyon, in 8 Durnf. and East, 613. The same judge gives his opinion on the same ground-, in another case, same book, 310. And the position is so self evident, that it cannot need authorities to maintain it. I am of opinion that a new trial should be granted.

Bay, Nott, Brevakd, and Colcock, Js., concurred.

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