Denney v. Reppert
Court
of Appeals of
432
S.W.2d 647.
Facts: Some guys robbed a
bank. The bank put out a $500 reward for
the capture of each robber. The robbers
got caught, and a whole bunch of people fought over who should get the money. The robbers were apprehended by three
cops. They were helped by the bank
employees because they disclosed a lot of important details about the crime. There were also the Reynoldses, who also gave
some information. The Bankers
Association asked the court to determine who should get the reward. The people who didn’t get the reward appealed.
Issue: Who is entitled to the
reward?
Rule: When a reward is offered
for performing some act, anyone can collect it except someone acting within the scope of their employment or
official duties.
Analysis: The court finds that the
bank employees were basically just doing their jobs, so they get nothing. Two of the officers don’t get anything
because they were also just doing their job within their own jurisdiction. But Reppert wins out because he was making an
arrest that he wasn’t bound to make as part of his official duties.
Conclusion: Reppert wins the money!