National Surety Co. v. McLeod

Plaintiff sued defendant on a promissory note. Defendant pleaded fraud and duress and asked judgment in his favor for $2,310.10 he claims he paid plaintiff, under duress, at the time the note was executed. A jury found the alleged duress and defendant had verdict and judgment for the money so paid. Plaintiff reviews by writ of error, and the important question presented is whether a father-in-law can avail himself of the doctrine of duress to defeat liability on a note given under threat of the alternative of immediate imprisonment of his son-in-law.

Clyde Haskell, son-in-law of defendant, was…