This section is from the book "The Law Of Contracts", by William Herbert Page. Also available from Amazon: Commercial Contracts: A Practical Guide to Deals, Contracts, Agreements and Promises.
At law a release given by a joint promisee discharged the debt as to all the promisees.1 Thus a release given by one partner binds his co-partners.2 It has been held that a release by one of two or more joint promisees does not necessarily bar the rights of the other promisees in equity,3 and if the release has been given by a joint promisee in fraud of the rights of bis co-promisees and in collusion with the promisor, equity will grant affirmative relief, and set such release aside.4
Williams, 10 Ohio 442; Sweigart v. Berk, 8 S. & R. (Pa.) 308; Clapp v. Pawtucket Institution, 15 P. I. 489; 2 Am. St. Rep. 915; 8 Atl. 697; Davis v. Ins. Co., 70 Vt. 217; 39 Atl. 1095; Angus v. Robinson, 59 Vt. 585; 59 Am. Rep. 758; 8 Atl. 497.
2 Wright v. McLemore, 10 Yerg. (Tenn.) 235.
3 Cullen v. Knowles (1898), 2 Q. B. 380.
4 Alexander v. Jacoby, 23 O. S. 358.
5 Montana Mining Co. v. Milling Co., 19 Mont. 313; 48 Pac. 305.
1 Martin v. Crump, 2 Salk. 444; Comb 474; sub nomine, Martin v. Crompe. 1 Ld. Raym. 340; McCalla v. Rigg, 3 A. K. Mar. (Ky.) 259; Donnell v. Manson, 109 Mass. 576; Hedderly v. Downs, 31 Minn. 183; 17 N. W. 274: Kinsler v. McCants, 4 Rich. L. (S. C.) 46; 53 Am. Dec. 711.
2 Martin v. Crump, 2 Salk. 444: Comb. 474; sub nom., Martin v. Crompe, 1 Ld. Raym. 340.
1 Rawstorne v. Gandell. 15 M. & W. 304; Clark v. Patton, 4 J. J.
 
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