New York Court of Appeals

Charles Robinson, Appellant v. Hugh J. Jewett, as Receiver

October 8, 1889116 N.Y. 40

Summary

The Court affirmed the judgment for the defendant, holding that the agreement to pay the plaintiff one‑fifth of the net profits was void for lack of consideration because the plaintiff's assignment of the lease was a duty he was already legally bound to perform. The Court noted that, although profits were earned on the premises, the plaintiff could not recover them under the void contract.