Citation: RICHE AND RICHARDS v. BROADFIELD, 1 U.S. 16 (1768)
Background
The case involved a mercantile dispute over the sale of goods shipped to New York. The plaintiffs, Riche and Richards, claimed a loss on the goods and sought to prove this loss using an account of sales signed by the factor (a business agent).
Overview
The central issue was whether the account of sales could be admitted as evidence without requiring the factor to testify in court. The defendant, Broadfield, objected, arguing that the factor should have been brought to give evidence or that the account should have been certified under the City Seal of New York.
Court
The case was heard by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania during its April Term in 1768.
Parties to the Case
Plaintiffs: Riche and Richards
Defendant: Broadfield
Judgment
The court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, deciding that for mercantile transactions, the strict rules of law regarding evidence should not be extended. The court allowed the account of sales to be admitted as evidence based on the factor’s handwriting
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