Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of obligations binding a plaintiff (in cases heard by the Supreme Court of Judicature) or an appellant (in appealed cases heard by the Supreme Court or the Court of Errors) and his surety for payment of costs and damages if the decision of the court goes against him.

The instruments are signed by the plaintiff or appellant and by his surety. Bonds could also be required of non-resident or insolvent plaintiffs or trustees for minor plaintiffs, by a rule of the court on motion of the defendant. An appellant by writ of error in Supreme Court or the Court of Errors was required by legislation of 1829 to give bond. Executed bonds bear the affidavits of the sureties that they are worth at least double the amount of the penalty specified in the bond. There are few bonds dating before 1823.