McCormick v. Higgins

Roby, C. J. Suit on a promissory note. Answer, non est factum in terms as follows: “Amos D. McCormick, defendant in the above cause, being first duly sworn, upon his oath says, for his separate answer herein, that he did not sign ox execute the note in suit, and that he did not authorize any other person to sign or execute the same for him. Wherefore, he demands judgment for costs.” Trial by jury.' The court gave an instruction in terms as follows: “It is incumbent upon the plaintiff to prove, by a fair preponderance of the evidence, all the material allegations of his complaint, and it is incumbent upon the defendants to prove, by a fair preponderance of the evidence, the allegations of their answer.” The verified answer of non est factum puts in issue the execution of the instrument sued on, and it then devolves upon the plaintiff to prove the execution. Evans v. Southern Turnpike Co. (1862), 18 Ind. 101; Young v. Baker (1902), 29 Ind. App. 130; Cunningham v. Hoff (1889), 118 Ind. 263; Carver v. Carver (1884), 97 Ind. 197. The instruction was therefore erroneous. Ho other question argued is likely to arise subsequently. Judgment reversed, with instructions to sustain the motion for new trial.