Case Details

Aetna Insurance Company v. Alton City Bank

Case # 3041

Appellant/Plaintiff

Aetna Insurance Company

Appellee/Defendant

Alton City Bank

Appellant/Plaintiff Attorneys

Henry S. Baker

Appellee/Defendant Attorneys

Levi Davis

County of Origin

Madison County

Justice

Justice Pinkney H. Walker

Terms of Court

January 1861

Type of Case

Trespass on the Case on Promises

Disposition

Affirmed

Citation

25 Ill 243

Case Summary

Aetna Insurance Company sued the Alton City Bank in an action of trespass on the case on promises in Alton City Court. Aetna Insurance alleged the Alton City Bank failed to accept a bill of exchange and neglected to protest its non-acceptance or provide notice, resulting in a loss for the Aetna Insurance Company. The City Court found for the Alton City Bank, which had fulfilled its duty by transmitting the bill to responsible correspondents. The Aetna Insurance Company appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court, which agreed with the lower court's decision and affirmed the judgment, noting that though debate exists, precedent suggests banks, in such cases, are not liable beyond exercising reasonable care in selecting agents.