Question

Ray, a convict, escaped from the County Prison. Local news outlets and social media news feeds reported on the escape and included a picture of the man and a description of him. About the same time Lowry, the County Sheriff, created notices describing the man, and offered a reward of $15,000 for his capture. These were physically posted at various points on trees and poles. Thomas bought a newspaper and was reading it on the way home on the subway when he read the report of the escape. Looking up from the paper, he saw Ray sitting opposite him. Thomas casually walked to the next subway car and immediately called police. Police subsequently arrested Ray after a couple subway stops. Thomas followed the police in a ride-share car to the County Prison so he could tell the Sheriff what happened. Thomas shared his story with the Sheriff and then left the prison and started to walk home. On his way he saw one of the Sheriff’s notices on a tree. He hurried back to the prison and demanded the reward, but the Sheriff refused to give it to him. Thomas sued Lowry for $15,000. Can he recover? Explain, stating the arguments which reasonable might be advanced by each of the parties.

Answer 1

Argument for sheriff:

Since Thomas did not know of the offer ,he is not entitled to the reward since he did his citizen's duty to help make an arrest.

Arguememt for Thomas :

This reward is a statutory reward ,and as per the law anybody who performs the required duty as per the terms of the reward is entitled to it ,regardless of the knowledge of the reward or not.

Ruling : thomas should prevail as he did the required performance and is entitled to the reward therefore.