Gaul v. Groat
New York Supreme Court
Certiorari from a Justice's Court» AsSumpsit, by Groat against Gaul, upon a promissory note. The defendant appeared, in person, and pleaded that he was an infant, at the time of giving the note, and the cause was adjourned. At the adjourned day, the defendant’s father offered to appear for . him. His authority being demanded, he admitted that he had no written authority, but said that his son had requested him to attend for him.
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Certiorari from a Justice's Court» AsSumpsit, by Groat against Gaul, upon a promissory note. The defendant appeared, in person, and pleaded that he was an infant, at the time of giving the note, and the cause was adjourned. At the adjourned day, the defendant’s father offered to appear for . him. His authority being demanded, he admitted that he had no written authority, but said that his son had requested him to attend for him. Jacob H. another of his sons, was offered, as a witness, to prove the request. There was some embarrassment and contradiction in his testimony, but it amounted to…
1Opinion of the Court
Curia.
The defendant has a right-to appear by attorney, and can constitute such attorney by parol;(a) but such an authority ought, in general, to be clearly proved. In this case the proof was very loose. The father was a competent witness to prove his authority, if, in truth, he had any. (b) The fact, of not offering himself for that purpose, affords some ground for presuming against his authority. But, considering the relation subsisting between him and the ' defendant, we think the evidence sufficient.
Judgment reversed.
Murray v. House, 11 John. Rep. 464.
Caniff v. Myers, 15 John. Rep. 246.
2Cases cited2 opinions
- Murray v. HouseNew York Supreme Court · 1814
- Caniff v. MyersNew York Supreme Court · 1818