NY UCC Art 3 Flashcards
NY UCC Art 3 is about?
Commercial paper = i.e., negotiable instruments = writings calling for the payment of $
Promissory note def/parties
Affirmative promise to pay the payee, the noteholder.
Define “draft.” Parties to draft?
Typically a draft is a check - it contains an order or command. Drawer gives the order. Drawee ordered to pay. Payee is beneficiary. Indorser signs on back.
Reqs of a negotiable instrument: WOSSUPP
- Writing;
- Payable to Order or to bearer;
- Signed by the maker or drawer;
- Reciting a Sum certain;
- Containing an Unconditional promise or order
- Payable on demand or at a definite time; and
- Payable in currency
Who signs note? Who signs draft?
• Instrument must be signed by maker if it is a note; by the drawer if it is a draft.
If instrument states that it is governed by or subject to another agreement, is it negotiable instrument?
No, that’s non-negotiable, so it’s conditional, so it’s not commercial paper.
If instrument states that it is to be paid out of particular source or funds, is it negotiable instrument?
No, that’s non-negotiable, so it’s not commercial paper.
• To be negotiable, instrument must be payable on demand or at a definite time. – what language for each permissible? Impermissible?
o Instrument specifically says “on demand,” or “at sight,” or “on presentation.”
o Definite Time—by the instrument’s terms, it is payable on or before a stated date OR at a fixed period after a stated date.
• Accelerated clauses are permissible.
• But “payable when my first grandchild is born” is non-negotiable because the future event is not linked to a date certain.
• Writing must be payable to order or bearer. Define each. Trick question is _____
o Payable to order: instrument must use the word “order” or “assigns” in connection to payee’s name.
o Payable to bearer: instrument must be payable to bearer, meaning that it is payable to anyone who has it. Pay to “bearer,” “order of bearer,” “cash” or “order of cash.”
o Trick Question: Payable to Andy Garcia—without the magic words—this is NOT negotiable.
Define each
Maker
Indorser
“Without Recourse”
- Maker: Promisor in the promissory note. By signing his name to the instrument, maker enters into a contract to pay the instrument. If he fails to pay, he can be sued.
- Indorser: Signs his name on the back of the instrument. If the check bounces and he is notified, he will pay. If he pays to do so, he can be sued.
- “Without Recourse” accompanies signature: Used by indorsers and drawers. It is a disclaimer of liability. Signor passes the title, but assumes no signature liability.
define
Drawer
Drawee
- Drawer: party who signs the check. By signing, you promise that if it bounces, and you are notified, you will pay. If you fail to do so, you will be sued.
- Drawee: Pays the draft. Typically the bank. Drawee does NOT sign, and therefore, is not liable.
Five Warranties Made by ∆ w/r/t a negotiable instrument
- (1) π has good title to the instrument.
- (2) All signatures are genuine and authorized. Thus, forgery is a breach of warranty
- (3) The instrument has NOT been materially altered. Instrument is defective if tampered with.
- (4) There is no defense or claim good against the ∆, meaning that the instrument is enforceable.
- (5) She has no knowledge of any bankruptcy or insolvency against the maker or drawer.
Who is ∆ with negotiable instruments?
- Any transferor who sells the negotiable instrument. If transferor is not a donor, he can be sued.
- When ∆ indorses, warranties run with the instrument.
- If ∆ did NOT indorse instrument, only ∆’s immediate transferee may sue. Warranties will not run with the instrument.
• Due negotiation = ?
• Due negotiation = transfer of instrument
For payee to transfer instrument….
• Any further negotiation requires that the payee indorse the instrument and deliver it to transferee. (Due negotiation = transfer of instrument)
B. Payable to Bearer requires indorsement for negotiation (transfer) of instrument?
No
C. Types of Indorsements?
• Must be either special or blank; and restrictive or unrestrictive.
Def of 1. Special Indorsement
One that names a particular person as indorsee. Indorsee must sign in order for the instrument to be further negotiated.
Def of 2. Blank Indorsement
One that does NOT name a specific indorsee. It may be negotiated by delivery alone.
Def of 3. Restrictive Indorsement
- One that contains a restriction.
* If transfer is not proper, indorsee can recover from drawee in conversion.
• A holder in due course (HDC) is a holder who takes the instrument…. (reqs)?
. For value; and
• Holder must give value. Value ≠ consideration.
• Mere promise is not value.
• Old value is good value.
o 2. In good faith; and
• Subjective test→Means honesty in fact. Rule of “the pure heart and the empty head.”
o 3. Without notice that it is overdue or has been dishonored or is subject to any defense or claim.
Test of “without notice” for HDC (holder in due course)?
• Objective Test: Did holder know or have reason to know of the problem?
Instances where notice makes holder not an HDC?
- Notice That the Instrument Is Overdue
- Notice of Any Defense or Claim Against the Negotiable Instrument’s Enforcement:
(1) When the instrument’s appearance gives notice
(2) Notice of competing claim to the negotiable instrument
B. Shelter Rule w/r/t neg instru?
• Transferee acquires whatever rights her transferor had. Transferee takes shelter in the status of transferor.
C. Benefits of being an HDC?
• A holder in due course (and subsequent transferees who take “shelter” in that status) takes the instrument free from claims (of superior ownership), free from personal defenses (K defenses), and subject only to real defenses (MAD FIFI).
Real defenses for negotiatble instrument (applicable to HDC and transferee): MAD FIFI
- Material (not a defense if maker was negligent and left blanks on check)
- Alteration
- Duress
- Fraud in the factum (lie in the instrument)
- Incapacity
- Illegality
- Infancy
- Insolvency
“Real” Fraud v. Personal Fraud
- Real fraud = fraud in the factum. Lie in the instrument—did not know he was signing a negotiable instrument. Defense can be asserted against HDC.
- Personal fraud = fraud in the inducement. Knew she was signing a negotiable instrument. Enforceable in the hands of an HDC.
Think of the draft as a___
Commander. It contains an order or command
What does WOSSUPP test?
Whether you’re dealing with a negotiable instrument.