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E., 1015", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "139 N. C., 347", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8652575 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/139/0347-01" ] }, { "cite": "150 S. E., 501", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "197 N. C., 720", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8631353 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/197/0720-01" ] }, { "cite": "109 S. E., 31", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "182 N. C., 275", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8655840 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/182/0275-01" ] }, { "cite": "127 S. E., 593", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "189 N. C., 482", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8654490 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/189/0482-01" ] }, { "cite": "62 S. E., 884", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "149 N. C., 117", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11269774 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/149/0117-01" ] }, { "cite": "125 S. E., 398", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "188 N. C., 524", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8654366 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/188/0524-01" ] }, { "cite": "72 S. E., 213", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "156 N. C., 112", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11270335 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/156/0112-01" ] }, { "cite": "152 S. E., 504", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "198 N. C., 522", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8613811 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/198/0522-01" ] }, { "cite": "84 S. E., 847", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "168 N. C., 548", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8661367 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/168/0548-01" ] }, { "cite": "32 N. C., 287", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 1972557 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/32/0287-01" ] }, { "cite": "29 S. E., 97", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 1363, "char_count": 33730, "ocr_confidence": 0.455, "pagerank": { "raw": 7.311345208303468e-07, "percentile": 0.9684929507473216 }, "sha256": "fa657acde91458b50303fddc8561117f7b7b23bcaf6a7351b16949118c46db89", "simhash": "1:b6cbb10e2f07a49b", "word_count": 6103 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T22:25:15.863450+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [], "parties": [ "J. M. DICKERSON v. THE ATLANTIC REFINING COMPANY, E. R. SWAIM and F. G. BRADY." ], "opinions": [ { "text": "Stacy, O. J.\nTo make out a case of malicious prosecution, the plaintiff is required to allege and to prove that the defendant instituted or participated in a proceeding against him maliciously, without probable cause, which ended in failure. Wingate v. Causey, 196 N. C., 71, 144 S. E., 530; Bowen v. Pollard, 173 N. C., 129, 91 S. E., 711; Carpenter Co. v. Hanes, 167 N. C., 551, 83 S. E., 577; Humphries v. Edwards, 164 N. C., 154, 80 S. E., 165; Stanford v. Grocery Co., 143 N. C., 419, 55 S. E., 815; R. R. v. Hardware Co., 138 N. C., 174, 50 S. E., 571; S. c., 143 N. C., 54, 55 S. E., 422; Ely v. Davis, 111 N. C., 24, 15 S. E., 878; Jerome v. Shaw, 172 N. C., 862, 90 S. E., 764; 18 R. C. L., 11.\nA nolle prosequi with leave is sufficient termination of a criminal prosecution to support an action for malicious prosecution based thereon. Winkler v. Blowing Bock Lines, 195 N. C., 673, 143 S. E., 213; Wilkinson v. Wilkinson, 159 N. C., 265, 74 S. E., 740; Marcus v. Bernstein, 117 N. C., 31, 23 S. E., 38; Hatch v. Cohen, 84 N. C., 602.\nIt was beld in Welch v. Cheek, 115 N. C., 310, 20 S. E., 460, S. c., 125 N. C., 353, 34 S. E., 531, that a dismissal of a warrant by a justice of the peace at the instance o-f the prosecutor, without the consent or procurement of the defendant therein, was a sufficient determination of the proceeding to support an action of malicious prosecution based thereon. See, also, Murray v. Lackey, 6 N. C., 368.\nWant of probable cause, since it involves a negative, may be inferred from such facts and circumstances as will reasonably permit the inference, especially in case of nonsuit or directed verdict. Tyler v. Mahoney, 166 N. C., 509, 82 S. E., 870; Moore v. Bank, 140 N. C., 293, 52 S. E., 944. As against a demurrer to the evidence, it is sufficient to show that the proceeding, upon which the action for malicious prosecution is based, was instituted or pursued causelessly. Humphries v. Edwards, supra.\nProbable cause for a criminal prosecution does not depend upon the guilt or innocence of the accused, nor upon the fact as to whether a crime has actually been committed. When one acts upon appearances in preferring a criminal charge, and the apparent facts are such as to lead a discreet and prudent person to believe that a crime has been committed by the party charged, although it turns out that he was mistaken, and the party accused was innocent, still he is justified. 18 R. C. L., 36. It is a case of apparent, rather than actual, guilt.\nJustifiable cause, in a case of this kind, is a well founded belief on the part of the prosecutor in the existence of facts essential to the prosecution, supposing him to be a person of ordinary caution, prudence and judgment. Cabiness v. Martin, 14 N. C., 454. Probable cause for a criminal prosecution, in the sense in which the term is used in actions for malicious prosecution, was defined by Mr. Justice Washington in the case of Munn P. Dupont, 3 Wash., 37, as \u201ca reasonable ground for suspicion, supported by circumstances sufficiently .strong in themselves to warrant a cautious man in the belief that the party is guilty of the offense with which he is charged.\u201d This was approved by the Supreme Court of the United States in the case of Stacey v. Emery, 97 U. S., 642, where the following definition of Shaw, C. J., taken from Ulmer v. Leland, 1 Me., 135, was also quoted with approval: \u201cSuch a state of facts as would lead a man of ordinary caution to believe, or to entertain an honest, and strong suspicion, that the person is guilty.\u201d\nSpeaking to the subject in Smith v. Deaver, 49 N. C., 513, Battle, J., delivering the opinion of the Court, says: \u201cAs a guide to the Court, it is defined to be \u2018the existence of circumstances and facts sufficiently strong to excite, in a reasonable mind, suspicion that the person charged with having been guilty, was guilty. It is a case of apparent guilt as contra-distinguished from real guilt. It is not essential, that there should be positive evidence at the time the action is commenced, but the guilt should be so apparent at the time, as would be sufficient ground to induce a rational and prudent man, who duly regards the rights of others, as well as his own, to institute a prosecution; not that he knows the facts necessary to insure a conviction, but that there are known to him sufficient grounds to suspect that the person he charges was guilty of the offense.\u2019 \u201d\n\u201cProbable cause, in cases of this kind, has been properly defined as the existence of such facts and circumstances, known to him at the time, as would induce a reasonable man to commence a prosecution\u201d\u2014 Hoke, J., in Morgan v. Stewart, 144 N. C., 424, 57 S. E., 149.\nEvidence that the chief aim of the prosecution was to accomplish some collateral purpose, or to forward some private interest, e. g., to obtain possession of property, or to enforce collection of a debt, and the like, is admissible, both to show the absence of probable cause and to create an inference of malice, and such evidence is sufficient to establish a prima facie want of probable cause. McDonald v. Schroeder, 214 Pa., 411, 6 L. R. A. (N. S.), 701; Wenger v. Phillips, 195 Pa., 213; 78 A. S. R., 810; Ross v. Hixon, 46 Kan., 550, 26 A. S. R., 123, and note; 18 R. C. L., 53. Contra: Barton v. Woodward, 32 Idaho, 375, 5 A. L. R., 1090. Qu\u00e6re: McRae v. O'Neal, 13 N. C., 166.\nThe reason for holding that proof of a collateral purpose is sufficient to make out a prima facie want of probable cause, is based upon the hypothesis that a person, bent on accomplishing some ulterior motive, will act upon much less convincing evidence than one whose only desire is to promote the public good. See opinion of Budge, J., in Barton v. W Woodward, supra.\nSpeaking to the subject in Brown v. Selfridge, 224 U. S., 189, 56 L. Ed., 727, Mr. Justice Day, delivering the opinion of the Court, says: \u201cWhile it is true that the want of probable cause is required to be shown by the plaintiff and the burden of proof is upon her in this respect, such proof must necessarily be of a negative character, and concerning facts which are principally within the knowledge of the defendant. The motives and circumstances which induced him to enter upon the prosecution are best known to himself. This being true, the plaintiff could hardly be expected to furnish full proof upon the matter. She is only required to adduce such testimony as, in the absence of proof by the defendant to the contrary, would afford grounds for presuming that the allegation in this respect is true. 1 Greenl. Ev., sec. 78. In other words, the plaintiff was only obliged to adduce such proof, by circumstances or otherwise, as are affirmatively within her control, and which she might fairly be expected to be able to produce. As Mr. Justice Clifford put it, in Wheeler v. Nesbitt, 24 How., 544, 16 L. Ed., 765, the plaintiff must prove this part of the case \u2018affirmatively, by circumstances or otherwise, as be may be able.\u2019 \u201d\nThe criminal prosecution, here in question, ended in failure. The chief purpose of Brady, who swore out the warrant, was to collect a debt. Prima facie, therefore, the prosecution was without probable cause. Johnston v. Martin, 7 N. C., 248; Bostick v. Rutherford, 11 N. C., 83. Malice, in the sense in which it is used in actions for malicious prosecutions (Downing w. Stone, 152 N. C., 525, 68 S. E., 9), is inferable from the absence of probable cause. Turnage v. Austin, 186 N. C., 266, 119 S. E., 359; Kelly v. Traction Co., 132 N. C., 368, 43 S. E., 923; Merrell v. Dudley, 139 N. C., 57, 51 S. E., 777; McGowan v. McGowan, 122 N. C., 145, 29 S. E., 97; Johnson v. Chambers, 32 N. C., 287. This suffices to carry the case to the jury as against the defendant, F. G. Brady. Motsinger v. Sink, 168 N. C., 548, 84 S. E., 847.\nIt is also a permissible inference from the record that Brady, in swearing out the warrant, was acting at the instance of Swaim and under his direction and advice. In addition to what transpired on Saturday afternoon, Swaim took the check to the bank on Monday morning and requested that \u201can insufficient funds tag\u201d be placed upon it. This undoubtedly was for the purpose of using the dishonored check as evidence at the hearing. Failing 'in this, Swaim later saw the plaintiff and said to him: \u201cWe made a mistake; we want you to come up with me and have this warrant withdrawn.\u201d Without the knowledge or consent of the plaintiff, the criminal prosecution was thereafter \"nol. pros\u2019d with leave.\u201d Swaim then presented the check for payment on the following day, 12 February, and it was duly paid by the bank upon presentation. S. v. Crawford, 198 N. C., 522, 152 S. E., 504.\n\u2022 Thus it would seem that Brady and Swaim were acting in concert, first, in an effort to obtain cash for the check; and, second, in undertaking to have it dishonored by the bank in order to use it as evidence before the magistrate. At least, such are the permissible inferences from the evidence appearing on the record. The court erred, therefore, in directing a'verdict for the defendant, E. R. Swaim. Bowen v. Pollard, 173 N. C., 129, 91 S. E., 711.\nOf course, a prima facie showing does not necessarily mean that the plaintiff is entitled to recover. It is sufficient to carry the case to the jury (Brock v. Ins. Co., 156 N. C., 112, 72 S. E., 213), and it is for the jurors to say whether or not the crucial and necessary facts have been established. Speas v. Bank, 188 N. C., 524, 125 S. E., 398; Cox v. R. R., 149 N. C., 117, 62 S. E., 884. We express no opinion as to the weight of the evidence, other than its prima facie character, which means only that it is legally sufficient to carry the case to the jury and to warrant a recovery, nothing else appearing. Hunt v. Eure, 189 N. C., 482, 127 S. E., 593. It neither insures nor compels a recovery, however. White v. Hines, 182 N. C., 275, 109 S. E., 31.\nTwo questions arise in connection with the case as it relates to the Atlantic Refining Company, Inc.:\n1. In prosecuting the plaintiff for uttering the check in question, were Brady and Swaim acting within the course of their employment or in the scope of their authority as employees or agents of the corporate defendant? Martin v. Bus Line, 197 N. C., 720, 150 S. E., 501.\n2. Was the prosecution of the plaintiff previously authorized or subsequently ratified by the corporate defendant? Jackson v. Tel. Co., 139 N. C., 347, 51 S. E., 1015.\nIt is elementary that the principal is liable for the acts of his agent, whether malicious or negligent, and the master for similar acts of his servant, which result in injury to third persons, when the agent or servant is acting within the line of his duty and exercising the functions of his employment. Roberts v. R. R., 143 N. C., 176, 55 S. E., 509. This upon the doctrine of respondeat superior. One who commits a wrong is liable for it, and it is immaterial whether it be done by him in person or by another acting by his authority, express or implied. Qui facit per alium, facit per se. Sawyer P. Gilmers, 189 N. C., 7, 126 S. E., 183; Cotton v. Fisheries Products Co., 177 N. C., 56, 97 S. E., 712; Gallop v. Clark, 188 N. C., 186, 124 S. E., 145; Cook v. R. R., 128 N. C., 333, 38 S. E., 925; Pierce v. R. R., 124 N. C., 83, 32 S. E., 399.\n\u201cA servant is acting in the course of his employment, when he is engaged in that which he was employed to do, and is at the time about his master\u2019s business. He is not acting in the course of his employment, if he is engaged in some pursuit of his own. Not every deviation from the strict execution of his duty is such an interruption of the course of employment as to suspend the master\u2019s responsibility; but, if there is a total departure from the course of the master\u2019s business, the master is\u2019 no longer answerable for the servant\u2019s conduct.\u201d Tiffany on Agency, p. 270.\nIf the wrongdoer, while acting within the range of his authority, does an act which injures another, the principal or master is liable therefor, without reference to whether the intent of the agent or servant was good or bad, innocent or malicious. Sawyer v. R. R., 142 N. C., 1, 54 S. E., 793; Cook v. R. R., 128 N. C., 333, 38 S. E., 925; Pierce v. R. R., supra; Hussey v. R. R., 98 N. C., 34, 3 S. E., 923.\nWhen the tort or wrongful act is done by express command of the principal or master or when it is afterwards adopted or ratified by him, there is little or no difficulty in applying the rule; but it is otherwise wben liability is made to depend upon implied authority. Jackson v. Tel. Co., supra.\nLiability of the principal or the master depends not upon the motive of the agent or the servant, such as his intent to benefit the employer or to protect his property, but upon the question whether in the performance of the act which gave rise tO' the injury the agent or the servant was, at the time, engaged in the service of his employer. Kelly v. Shoe Co., 190 N. C., 406, 130 S. E., 32; Butler v. Mfg. Co., 182 N. C., 547, 109 S. E., 559; Munick v. Durham, 181 N. C., 188, 106 S. E., 665; Clark v. Bland, 181 N. C., 110, 106 S. E., 491; Sawyer v. R. R., supra; Daniel v. R. R., 136 N. C., 517, 48 S. E., 816.\nIt is fully recognized that corporations may be held liable for negligent and malicious torts, and that responsibility will be imputed whenever such wrongs are committed by their employees, servants, or agents, in the course of their employment and within its scope. Ange v. Woodmen, 173 N. C., 33, 91 S. E., 586; Huffman v. R. R., 163 N. C., 171, 79 S. E., 307; Tripp v. Tobacco Co., 193 N. C., 614, 137 S. E., 871.\nThe following from Reinhard on Agency, sec. 335, clearly and cogently states the rule in such cases and the reasons for its adoption by the courts :\n\u201cIt is a general principle of law, as well as of spcial compact, that every one must so conduct himself in the enjoyment of the privileges of life and property as not to injure the person or property of others. . . . If a legal wrong is committed by an accountable being, the party injured may obtain redress therefor in damages. If the wrong was committed by his authorized agent, or servant, the result is the same. By \u2018authorized agent\u2019 it is not meant to imply that the wrongful act itself must be authorized by the principal or master, or that any presumption of that nature must be indulged before the principal can be held responsible: it is sufficient if the agent was authorized to perform the act in the performance of which the wrong was committed; for the principal is responsible, not only for the act itself, but for the ways and means employed in the performance thereof. The principal may be perfectly innocent of any actual wrong -or of any complicity therein, but this will not excuse him, for the party who was injured by the wrongful act is also innocent; and the doctrine is that where one of two or more innocent parties must suffer loss by the wrongful act of another, it is more reasonable and just that he should suffer it who has placed the real wrongdoer in a position which enabled him to commit the wrongful act, rather than the one who had nothing whatever to do with setting in motion the cause of such act. \u2018In such cases,\u2019 says Story, \u2018the rule applies (respondeat superior), and it is founded upon public policy and convenience, for in no other way could there be any safety to third persons in their dealings, either directly with the principal, or indirectly with him, through the instrumentality of agents. In every such case the principal holds out his agent as competent and fit to be trusted, and thereby, in effect, he warrants his fidelity and good conduct in all matters within the scope of the agency.\u2019 \u201d\nContinuing, the same author, in section 336,.says:\n\u201cOf course, if the master or principal authorized or ratified the tort, or participated in it himself, he will be liable for the damages occasioned by it. But if he did not authorize or ratify it he will still be liable if it was done in the course of the agent\u2019s or servant\u2019s employment; and this is so even if the master or principal had actually forbidden the act to be done. The test is, whether the tort was committed in the course of the employment of the servant or agent; if the wrongful act complained of was outside of the course of such employment, the master or principal is not liable, unless it was subsequently ratified.\u201d\nTo like effect is the following from Marlowe v. Bland, 154 N. C., 140, 69 S. E., 752: \u201cAn act is within the scope of the servant\u2019s employment, where necessary to accomplish the purpose of his employment, and intended for that purpose, although in excess of the powers actually conferred on the servant by the master. The purpose of the act rather than its method of performance is the test of the scope of employment. But the act cannot be said to be within the scope of the employment merely because the injuries complained of would not have been committed without the facilities afforded by the servant\u2019s relations to his master, nor because the servant supposed that he possessed authority to do the act in question.\u201d See, also, Cotton v. Transportation Co., 197 N. C., 709, 150 S. E., 505, and cases there cited.\nThe result of the modern cases is, that a corporation is liable civiliier for torts committed by its servants or agents precisely as a natural perj son. Though it may have no mind with which to plot a wrong or hands capable of doing an injury, yet it may employ the minds and hands of others. If the tort of the servant is committed in the course of doing the master\u2019s work, and for the purpose of accomplishing it, it is the act of the master, and he is responsible \u201cwhether the wrong done be occasioned by negligence, or by a wanton and reckless purpose to accomplish the master\u2019s business in an unlawful manner.\u201d Levi v. Brooks, 121 Mass., 501; Denver, etc., Ry. v. Harris, 122 U. S., 597.\nWhen the servant is engaged in the work of the master, doing that which he is employed or directed to do, and an actionable wrong is done to another, either negligently or maliciously, the master is liable, not only for what the servant does, but also for the ways and means employed by him in performing the act in question. Ange v. Woodmen, supra; Reinhard on Agency, supra; Bucken v. R. R., 157 N. C., 443, 73 S. E., 137; May v. Tel. Co., 157 N. C., 416, 72 S. E., 1059; Berry v. R. R., 155 N. C., 287, 71 S. E., 322; Roberts v. R. R., supra.\nIn actions for malicious prosecution, where it is sought to hold the employer liable for an unwarranted proceeding by his employee, the question of liability, as in other eases, is made to depend, firstly, upon whether the proceeding was within the scope of the employee\u2019s duties; and, secondly, ujdou adoption or ratification. Wilson v. Sewing Machine Co., 184 N. C., 40, 113 S. E., 508; Cooper v. R. R., 165 N. C., 578, 81 S. E., 761, S. c., 170 N. C., 490, 87 S. E., 322.\nUndoubtedly, an officer employed to make arrests and to prosecute offenders in proper cases, would be acting within the scope of his authority in carrying out such duties, and the employer would be liable for an unwarranted prosecution instituted by him in the line of his duties. Butler v. Mfg. Co., supra.\nOrdinarily, however, the criminal prosecution of an offender, even where the offense is against the property of the principal or master, is not within the scope of the agent\u2019s or servant\u2019s authority. Daniel v. R. R., supra; Sawyer v. R. R., supra; Powell v. Fiber Co., 150 N. C., 12, 63 S. E., 159; West v. Grocery Co., 138 N. C., 166, 50 S. E., 565; Moore v. Cohen, 128 N. C., 345, 38 S. E., 919; Central Ry. Co. v. Brewer, 78 Md., 394. \u201cIn doing such act the agent acts in response to his duty as a citizen to see that public justice is done by punishing the offender: He, by such act, does not in theory of law seek to punish the supposed thief because he has wronged the company, but because he has wronged the state.\u201d Cameron v. Pacific Express Co., 48 Md. App., 99.\nA distinction is to be made in this connection between those cases in which the action of the agent or the servant could have no effect other than the punishment of the offender, and those in which the prosecution was instituted or pursued with a view to the recovery of the employer\u2019s property or the protection of his business. As said by Justice Blackburn in Allen v. London, etc., E. Co., L. R., 6 Q. B., 65: \u201cThere is a marked distinction between an act done for the purpose of protecting the property by preventing a felony, or of recovering it back, and an act for the purpose of punishing the offender for that which has already been done.\u201d Accordingly, in Wheeler and Wilson Mfg. Co. v. Boyce, 36 Kan., 350, where the unwarranted arrest and detention of the plaintiff was incidental to a replevin suit for the recovery of property belonging to the principal, the latter was held liable. To like effect is the decision in Jackson v. Tel. Co., supra. And in the following cases, where unwarranted arrests were made to enforce collections of debts which the agents believed to be due their principals, the latter were held responsible for the acts of the former. Palmeri v. Manhattan Ry. Co., 133 N. Y., 261, and Dupres v. Childs, 65 N. Y. Supp., 179. See, also, Railroad Co. v. King, 69 Miss., 852.\nIn the instant ease, Swaim and Brady were undoubtedly acting witbin tbe course of their employment as agents or servants of the Atlantic Refining Company, Inc., in making sale and delivery of the gasoline and in undertaking to collect therefor. As to whether they exceeded their authority in resorting to or pursuing the criminal prosecution of the plaintiff, to enforce collection of the check, is the crucial point upon which the liability or nonliability of the corporate defendant in the first instance depends. 26 Cyc., 18; 2 C. J., 848. The check was made payable to \u201cThe Atlantic Refining Co.\u201d It was the property of the corporate defendant when the warrant was sworn out by Brady. It was the property of the corporate defendant when Swaim took it to the bank and asked that it be dishonored for nonpayment. It was the property of the corporate defendant when Swaim later presented it to the bank for payment.\nIf the individual defendants were acting within the scope of their authority as agents or servants of the corporate defendant in accepting the check, and Swaim was acting for the corporate defendant in finally presenting it for payment, which is not controverted, we think the case is one for the jury, under proper instructions from the court, to determine whether the Atlantic Refining Company, Inc., is liable to the plaintiff on either theory, i. e., the theory of authorization or the theory of ratification.\nOn the theory of authorization, as to whether the individual defendants, in instituting or pursuing the criminal prosecution of the plaintiff for uttering the check in question, were about the business of the corporate defendant, acting in the line of their duties as such agents and servants, see: Kelly v. Shoe Co., supra; Beam v. Fuller, 171 N. C., 770,. 88 S. E., 760; Fleming v. Knitting Mills, 161 N. C., 436, 77 S. E., 309; Berry v. R. R., 155 N. C., 287, 71 S. E., 322; Stewart v. Lumber Co., 146 N. C., 47, 59 S. E., 545; Merrell v. Dudley, 139 N. C., 57, 51 S. E., . 777; Kelly v. Traction Co., 132 N. C., 368, 43 S. E., 923; Lovick v. R. R., 129 N. C., 427, 40 S. E., 191; Griffis v. Sellers, 19 N. C., 492; Davenport v. Lynch, 51 N. C., 545.\nOn the theory of ratification, as to whether the .corporate defendant, with full knowledge of the facts, ratified the acts of its agents or servants in instituting or pursuing the prosecution in question, see: Waggoner v. Publishing Co., 190 N. C., 829, 130 S. E., 609; Starkweather v. Gravely, 187 N. C., 526, 122 S. E., 297; Bank v. Justice, 157 N. C., 373, 72 S. E., 1016; Daniel v. R. R., 136 N. C., 517, 48 S. E., 816; Minter v. Express Co., 153 N. C., 507, 69 S. E., 497; Dempsey v. Chambers, 154 Mass., 330; 18 R. C. L., 811; 21 R. C. L., 919; 2 C. J., 470.\nThe decisions in Turnage v. Austin, supra; Powell v. Fiber Co., supra; West v. Grocery Co., supra; Moore v. Cohen, supra, cited and relied on by the defendants, and Lamm v. Charles Stores Co., post, 134, are not at variance with our present position. They are distinguishable by reason of different fact situations.\nThe entire merits of the case are not before us. For aught we know, the jury may find, upon consideration of -all the evidence, that probable cause existed for the prosecution; that it was instituted and pursued without malice, and that the corporate defendant in no event is liable therefor. But upon the record, as presently presented, there was error in directing a verdict for the defendants.\nNew trial.", "type": "majority", "author": "Stacy, O. J." } ], "attorneys": [ "Benbow, Hall & Wilson for plaintiff.", "Frank P. Hobgood for defendants." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "J. M. DICKERSON v. THE ATLANTIC REFINING COMPANY, E. R. SWAIM and F. G. BRADY.\n(Filed 15 June, 1931.)\n1. Malicious Prosecution A a \u2014 Elements necessary to be proved in order to recover in action for malicious prosecution.\nTo make out a case of malicious prosecution, tlie plaintiff is required to allege and prove that the defendant instituted or participated in a proceeding against him maliciously, without probable cause, which ended in failure.\n2. Malicious Prosecution A d \u2014 Nolle prosequi with leave is a sufficient termination of prosecution to support action for malicious prosecution.\nA nolle prosequi with leave is sufficient termination of a criminal prosecution to support an action for malicious prosecution based thereon.\n3. Malicious Prosecution A c \u2014 Definition of probable cause.\nWant of probable cause may be inferred from the facts and circumstances, and it does not depend upon the guilt or innocence of the accused, but upon whether the apparent facts are such as to lead a discreet and prudent man to believe that a crime has been committed by the person charged.\n4. Same \u2014 Proof of a collateral purpose in prosecution is sufficient to establish a prima facie want of probable cause.\nEvidence that the chief aim of a prosecution was to accomplish some collateral purpose, as the collection of a debt or the obtaining of possession of property, is competent to show want of probable caus\u00e9, and is sufficient to establish it prima facie.\n5. Malicious Prosecution A c \u2014 Malice may be inferred from want of probable cause.\nIn actions for malicious prosecution malice may be inferred from want of probable cause.\n6. Malicious Prosecution B c \u2014 Evidence held sufficient to take the case to the jury in this action.\nWhere in a civil action to recover damages for malicious prosecution there is evidence that one of the defendants swore out a warrant for the arrest of the plaintiff for issuing an alleged worthless check, and that he did so at the instance of the other defendant, who sought, to have the cashier of the bank place \u201can insufficient funds tag\u201d on it, and who after-wards told the plaintiff that they had made a mistake and wanted to have the warrant withdrawn, and that thereafter the check was paid upon presentation, and the action nol prossed- without the plaintiff\u2019s knowledge or consent, is held: sufficient to establish a prima facie case against the defendant swearing out the warrant, and to permit the inference that the defendants were acting in concert, and should have been submitted to the jury under correct instructions from the court.\n7. Evidence N a \u2014 A prima facie case is sufficient to take the question to the jury.\nWhere a prima facie case has been made out it is sufficient to carry the ease to the jury and to warrant a recovery, but it neither insures nor compels a recovery, the question of whether the necessary facts have been established being for the jury.\n8. Principal and Agent C d: Master and Servant D b \u2014 Master or principal is liable for acts of servant or agent- in scope of his duties.\nWhere an agent or servant causes injury to a third person while acting in the line of duty and exercising the functions of his employment, the principal or master is liable therefor, without reference to whether the intent of the agent or servant was good or bad.\n9. Same \u2014 Whether act is within scope of duties of agent or servant de-pejids upon whether he was then engaged in service of employer.\nWhether an act causing injury to a third party is within the scope of an agent\u2019s or servant\u2019s employment depends upon whether the agent or servant at the time is engaged in the performance of the duties he is' employed to perform, and not upon intent to benefit the employer or protect his property.\n10. Corporations G i \u2014 Corporation is liable for torts of servants or agents committed in the course of their employment.\nA corporation may be held liable for the negligent or malicious torts of its employees, servants or agents when committed by them in the course of their employment and within its scope, precisely as a natural person.\n11. Principal and Agent C d: Master and Servant D b \u2014 Whether prosecution for issuing worthless check was within scoiie of authority held for jury.\nWhile the criminal prosecution of an offender is not ordinarily within the scope of an agent\u2019s or servant\u2019s authority, a distinction is to be made where the prosecution could have no effect other than the punishment of the offender and those cases where it is instituted to recover the employer\u2019s property or protect his business, and where the evidence tends to show that the- agents or employees of a refining corporation were acting within the scope of their authority in making a sale of gasoline and in accepting a check payable to the corporation in payment of gasoline sold, and in presenting the check for payment: Held, in an action for malicious prosecution, the question of whether the refining corporation is responsible for their act in swearing out a warrant for the arrest of the purchaser of the gasoline for giving an alleged worthless check, either upon the theory of authorization or ratification, is for the determination of the jury, and a directed verdict in favor of the defendant is error.\nAppeal by plaintiff from Sink, Special Judge, at September Term, 1930, of GtjilfoRd.\nCivil action for malicious prosecution.\nIt appears from the record that on Saturday morning, 8 February, 1930, tlie plaintiff, wbo is president and general manager of tbe King-Cotton Garage, Inc., ordered from the Atlantic Befining Company, Inc., 100 gallons of gasoline to- be delivered during the day. The order was given to and received by E. B. Swaim, manager in charge of the Greensboro office of the Atlantic Befining Company, Inc., and delivery was made about 5 p.m. that afternoon by F. G. Brady, truck-driver and deliveryman for the said Befining Company.\nIn payment of the gasoline the plaintiff handed to Brady a check for $18.20, made payable to \u201cThe Atlantic Befining Co.,\u201d and signed \u201cKing-Cotton Garage, Inc., by J. M. Dickerson, Pres.\u201d Brady hesitated to accept the check, but on being assured by the plaintiff that it was all right, he decided to take 'it. Plaintiff testified: \u201cI was not prepared at that time to, give him the cash, but I said \u2018I will be very willing to- have iny men and myself get the gas and return it to you if you don\u2019t -want to receive the check.\u2019 \u201d\nWithin a couple of hours thereafter Brady returned with the check and said he would have to have cash for the gasoline. \u201cHe then got very sore about it.\u201d Plaintiff told him the check was all right and would be paid upon presentation; that he had on hand only enough money to -cover his pay-roll, but that if he would bring the check back later in the evening he thought he would have sufficient cash by 11 o\u2019clock that night to take it up.\nPlaintiff -was arrested about 8 p.m. that evening on a warrant sworn out by F. G. Brady charging him with uttering a worthless check \u2014 the check above mentioned \u2014 in violation of chapter 62, Public Laws 1921. The plaintiff was held in custody several hours until he gave a cash bond for his appearance before the justice of the peace on Tuesday thereafter, 11 February, at 3 o\u2019clock p.m.\nOn the following Monday morning plaintiff went to the bank at 9 o\u2019clock-sharp and made a further deposit of $30 as a certain protection to the check which he had given to Brady for the Atlantic Refining-Company, Inc., the previous Saturday afternoon. He had money in the bank at the time \u2014 amount not stated \u2014 to the credit of King Cotton Garage, Inc. When the plaintiff arrived at the bank he found Mr. Swaim there and overheard a request on his part that the bank put \u201can insufficient funds tag\u201d on the check. This the teller declined to do. Two days later, 12 February, the check was presented to the bank for payment by E. R. Swaim and was paid upon presentation.\nAt 11 o\u2019clock on the morning of 10 February, E. R. Swaim saw the plaintiff and said to him: \u201cWe made a mistake; we want you to come up with me and have this warrant withdrawn.\u201d This the plaintiff declined to do. The constable came to plaintiff\u2019s place of business at 6 o\u2019clock the same day and offered the plaintiff his cash bond back, which he declined to accept. Plaintiff appeared at the magistrate\u2019s office at the time set for the hearing, 3 o\u2019clock p.m., 11 February, and found that \u201cthe ease had been nol pros\u2019d, with leave.\u201d This was without\u2019 his procurement or consent.\nThere was evidence that the plaintiff\u2019s reputation and character had been injured by the prosecution in question.\nAt the close of plaintiff\u2019s evidence, the trial court being of opinion that the plaintiff had failed to make out a case against any of the defendants, directed a verdict in their favor and entered judgment accordingly. Plaintiff appeals, assigning errors.\nBenbow, Hall & Wilson for plaintiff.\nFrank P. Hobgood for defendants." }, "file_name": "0090-01", "first_page_order": 164, "last_page_order": 176 }