New York State Supreme Court of Judicature (Geneva) Reports of Referees J0006

New York State Supreme Court of Judicature (Geneva) Reports of Referees

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Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:

Creator:

New York (State). Supreme Court of Judicature (Geneva)

Title:

Reports of referees

Quantity:

0.4 cubic feet

1 box

Inclusive Dates:

1830-1847

Series Number:

J0006

Arrangement

Rough chronological order by filing date.

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of reports of referees who were appointed by rule of the court to report the amount of damages (if any) due to a plaintiff in an action which involved complex money accounts. Each report gives the title of the cause, the amount of damages awarded, the signatures of the three referees, and the date of the award. Occasionally the reports are accompanied by a stipulation by the parties that the case be referred, in lieu of a rule of the court; or else by a certified copy of a rule of the court appointing the referees. Attached to a few reports is the signed oath of the referees, by which they swear to "make a just and true report according to the best of our understanding." Referral of complex questions of money accounts, authorized by a law of 1781, was intended to replace, if possible,

actions of assumpsit which had to be brought before a trial jury. Referral of causes was subsequently authorized by legislation of 1813 and 1829.