Court Opinion

ID: 9787766
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-31 00:24:11.381121+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:37:00.316592
License: Public Domain

Van Voobhis, J.
(dissenting). Public morals and fair dealing are likely to be advanced by limiting rather than by enlarging the rule that is being extended to the facts of this case. This rule is grounded on considerations of public policy. Courts will not intervene between thieves to compel them to divide the spoils. But in a situation like the present, it seems to me that the effect of this decision will not be to restrain the corrupt influencing of agents, employees or servants but to encourage misappropriation of funds and breaches of faith between persons who do not stand in corrupt relationships with one another. The public interest is not served best by decisions which put a premium on taking unconscionable advantage of such situations, or which drive the enforcement of obligations of this kind underground. I concur in the dissenting opinion by Judge Fboessel.
Judges Dye, Fuld, Burke and Foster concur with Chief Judge Desmond ; Judge Fboessel dissents in an opinion in which Judge Van Voobhis concurs in a separate memorandum.
Order reversed, with costs in all courts, and matter remitted to the Appellate Division for further proceedings in accordance with the opinion herein. Question certified answered in the negative.