Broadnax v. Ledbetter
Supreme Court of Texas
99 S.W. 1111 (1907)
Relevant factsFree
A Texas sheriff (defendant) publicly offered a $500 reward for anyone who captured and returned an escaped prisoner. The plaintiff captured and returned the prisoner but, when the sheriff refused to pay, sued for the reward; the sheriff argued in demurrer that the plaintiff never alleged he knew about the reward when he captured the prisoner. The trial court agreed and dismissed the case, and the issue was certified to the Texas Supreme Court.
IssueFree
Whether a person who performs the act called for by a reward offer, without having notice or knowledge of the offer, is entitled to the reward.