(a) In an action commenced on a bond, note, bill of exchange, or other instrument which has been lost or destroyed by theft or otherwise, if affidavit is made by the plaintiff of such loss or destruction and the contents thereof and that the same has not been paid or otherwise discharged and accompanies the complaint, it must be received as presumptive evidence both of the contents and loss or destruction of such instrument, unless the defendant by answer, verified by affidavit, denies the execution of such bond, note, or bill or the endorsement, acceptance, or the contents thereof, in which case proof of such execution, endorsement, acceptance, or contents must be made by the plaintiff; provided, that this section must not be so construed as to authorize an action for the recovery of bank notes or bills issued to circulate as money and alleged to be lost or destroyed. When the action is against an executor or administrator, he may controvert the oath of the plaintiff of the loss, destruction, or contents of the instrument sued on by swearing to the best of his knowledge and belief.
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Terms Used In Alabama Code 6-5-284

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Executor: A male person named in a will to carry out the decedent
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
(b) No execution may issue on a judgment in an action on a lost or destroyed instrument until the plaintiff shall furnish such security as the court may require to indemnify the defendant against loss by reason of further claims on the instrument.
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