Court Opinion

ID: 6540000
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-07-19 22:14:49.81527+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:55:47.648127
License: Public Domain

McClure, C. J. The only question arising in this case is, whether the surety on a bail bond is released from all liability therefrom, by a discharge in bankruptcy. On the 21st of August, 1867, O. E. Jones, the appellant, R. P. Ware and R. D. D. Miller, entered into bond to the state of Arkansas, that one Rickard Q. Jones would bo and appear before and at the circuit court of Arkansas county, on the first day of its next term, to answer to an indictment for forgery, and not depart the court without leave. Richard Q. Jones did not appear in accordance with the conditions of said bond» and scire facias issued, which was served on Oswell F. Jones, R. D. D. Miller and Robert P. Ware, and. Richard Q. Jones was not found. At the November term, the attorney for the state moved for judgment and execution on the bond, which motion was overruled. At the May term, Oswell F. Jones pleaded a discharge in bankruptcy, to which the state demurred, on the ground that the plea is insufficient in law. The demurrer was sustained, and Jones appealed to this court. A discharge in bankruptcy releases the person therein named “from all debts, claims, liabilities and demands which were, or might have been proved against his estate.” (Sec. 34.) This language is broad and comprehensive enough to include the liability sought -to be enforced against the appellant. The bond, which Jones became a surety on, was not a “ debt created by fraud, or embezzlement of the bankrupt, or by his defalcation as a public officer, or while acting in a fiduciary character,” and not being so, it is not included in the exceptions named in the act. The court below erred in rendering judgment against the appellant, and in sustaining the demurrer. For the errors aforesaid, the judgment is reversed, and the cause remanded with instructions to set aside the judgment as to Jones.