South Carolina § 36-3-420 - Conversion of instrument.

§ 36-3-420. Conversion of instrument.

(a) The law applicable to conversion of personal property applies to instruments. An instrument is also converted if it is taken by transfer, other than a negotiation, from a person not entitled to enforce the instrument or a bank makes or obtains payment with respect to the instrument for a person not entitled to enforce the instrument or receive payment. An action for conversion of an instrument may not be brought by (i) the issuer or acceptor of the instrument or (ii) a payee or indorsee who did not receive delivery of the instrument either directly or through delivery to an agent or a co-payee.

(b) In an action under Subsection (a), the measure of liability is presumed to be the amount payable on the instrument, but recovery may not exceed the amount of the plaintiff's interest in the instrument.

(c) A representative, other than a depositary bank, who has in good faith dealt with an instrument or its proceeds on behalf of one who was not the person entitled to enforce the instrument is not liable in conversion to that person beyond the amount of any proceeds that it has not paid out.

HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 204, SECTION 2, eff July 1, 2008.

Part 5

Dishonor

Editor's Note

2008 Act No. 204, SECTION 1, provides in part as follows:

"The South Carolina Reporters' Comments contained in Chapters 3 and 4 of Title 36, may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or for inclusions in any material which is offered for sale without the express written permission of the Clerk of the South Carolina Senate."

2008 Act No. 204, SECTION 4.A, provides as follows:

"This act applies to a transaction occurring on or after the effective date [July 1, 2008] of this act. This act does not apply to a transaction or event, or obligation or duty arising out of or associated with a transaction or event, before the effective date of this act."

2008 Act No. 204, SECTION 4.B, provides as follows:

"A transaction occurring before the effective date [July 1, 2008] of this act and the rights, obligations, and interests flowing from that transaction are governed by any statute or other law amended or repealed by this act as if repeal or amendment had not occurred and may be terminated, completed, consummated, or enforced under that statute or other law."