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Bank of New York v. Cheng Yu Corp.

Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York, Second Department
Feb 20, 1979
67 A.D.2d 961 (N.Y. App. Div. 1979)

Summary

refusing to enforce a waiver of jury clause where signatory did not read or understand English

Summary of this case from Prosperity Partners, Inc. v. Bonilla

Opinion

February 20, 1979


In an action on a promissory note, defendant Hung Lin Hu appeals from an order of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, dated March 9, 1978, which granted plaintiff's motion to strike his demand for a jury trial. Order reversed, with $50 costs and disbursements, and motion denied. This is an action on a promissory note which contained a clause under which the signer waived his right to a trial by jury in any action brought on the note. Appellant was sued as a personal guarantor of the note. While he admits having signed the guarantee, he alleges that he does not read or understand English and that the contents of the agreement were misrepresented to him by the individual codefendant and a bank officer. He contends that the note was therefore void as to him (see Pimpinello v. Swift Co., 253 N.Y. 159). Appellant's allegations, if proved, would void the instrument as to him, including the jury waiver clause. In these circumstances, the signer is entitled to a jury trial on the defense of misrepresentation (see, e.g., Federal Housecraft v Faria, 28 Misc.2d 155; International Roofing Corp. v. Van Der Veer, 43 Misc.2d 93; Gardner North Roofing Siding Corp. v Champagne, 55 Misc.2d 413; 4 Weinstein-Korn-Miller, N Y Civ Prac, par 4102.13; cf. Freeman v. Island Discount Corp., 5 A.D.2d 778; James Talcott, Inc. v. Wilson Hosiery Co., 32 A.D.2d 524). We conclude, therefore, that Special Term erred in striking appellant's jury demand. Damiani, J.P., Suozzi, Lazer and Rabin, JJ., concur.


Summaries of

Bank of New York v. Cheng Yu Corp.

Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York, Second Department
Feb 20, 1979
67 A.D.2d 961 (N.Y. App. Div. 1979)

refusing to enforce a waiver of jury clause where signatory did not read or understand English

Summary of this case from Prosperity Partners, Inc. v. Bonilla
Case details for

Bank of New York v. Cheng Yu Corp.

Case Details

Full title:BANK OF NEW YORK, Respondent, v. CHENG YU CORP. et al., Defendants, and…

Court:Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York, Second Department

Date published: Feb 20, 1979

Citations

67 A.D.2d 961 (N.Y. App. Div. 1979)

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