Case ID: tex_22/html/0053-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Roberts, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Nelson Merrill v. C. P. Smith.
    The mere possession of a non-negotiable note, by a plaintiff, who sues as assignee, without proof of any assignment, or that he gave a consideration for it, is not sufficient to entitle him to judgment.
    Appeal from Travis. Tried below before the Hon. A. W. Terrell.
    
      Hancock and West, for appellant.
    
      Chandler and Turner, for appellee.
   Roberts, J.

Smith brought suit as assignee of a note, not negotiable, which he gave in evidence on the trial, without proving any assignment, or that he had given a consideration for the same. The court charged, that his possession of the note was primé fade evidence of his ownership, and directed a verdict to be found in his favor. Without discussing the question of the propriety of a peremptory direction by the court, to find a verdict on any evidence, which is onljprrniá facie, it will suffice in this case, to say, that the assumed proposition, that such possession is sufficient proof of ownership, either legal or equitable, is erroneous, as it has been directly held in the cases of Merlin v. Manning, 2 Tex. Rep. 351, and Ross v. Smith, 19 Tex. Rep. 171. Judgment reversed, and cause remanded.

Reversed and remanded.