prudent person upon inquiry (California) · Go Syfert
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prudent person upon inquiry in California

16 California opinions name it 2 courts 1936–2026 7 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by California courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (10)

CaseFollowedCited
Hobart v. Hobart Estate Co.green
cal · 1945 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 1949–2026
2 sentences

2026Code, § 19 [“Every person who has actual notice of circumstances sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry as to a particular fact has constructive notice of the fact itself”]; Hobart v. Hobart Estate Co. (1945) 26 Cal.2d 412, 437-438 [failure to inquire may constitute negligence]). 2.

1949(Hobart v. Hobart Estate Co., supra, 26 Cal.2d at p. 435; West v. Great Western Power Co., supra, 36 Cal.App.2d 403, 407 ; Adams v. Harrison, 34 Cal.App.2d 288, 299 [ 93 P.2d 237 ].) It is argued by defendants that inquiry made of some of the defendants would have developed the facts constituting the conspiracy, and that if plaintiff had taken depositions in the action of Sunday against B.

22
First Fidelity Thrift & Loan Ass'n v. ALLIANCE BK.green
calctapp · 1998 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 2025–2026
2 sentences

2026“Every person who has actual notice of circumstances sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry as to a particular fact has constructive notice of the fact itself in all cases in which, by prosecuting such inquiry, he or she might have learned that fact.” (§ 19; First Fidelity Thrift & Loan Assn. v. Alliance Bank (1998) 60 Cal.App.4th 1433, 1443 (First Fidelity) [“A person generally has ‘notice’ of a particular fact if that person has knowledge of circumstances which, upon reasonable inquiry, would lead to that particular fact.”].) Whether a buyer is a bona fide purchaser is a question of

2026“Every person who has actual notice of circumstances sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry as to a particular fact has constructive notice of the fact itself in all cases in which, by prosecuting such inquiry, he or she might have learned that fact.” (§ 19; First Fidelity Thrift & Loan Assn. v. Alliance Bank (1998) 60 Cal.App.4th 1433, 1443 (First Fidelity) [“A person generally has ‘notice’ of a particular fact if that person has knowledge of circumstances which, upon reasonable inquiry, would lead to that particular fact.”].) Whether a buyer is a bona fide purchaser is a question of

22
Rabbit v. Atkinsongreen
calctapp · 1941 · cited in 3 California opinions naming this issue, 1960–2022
2 sentences

2022If the sum which the vendor is willing to take is grossly disproportionate to the value of the thing which is the subject of the negotiation, it is strong proof of a defective title, and sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry, and if the purchaser neglects to prosecute such inquiry diligently, he may not be awarded the standing of a bona fide purchaser.” (Rabbit v. Atkinson (1941) 44 Cal.App.2d 752, 757-758 .) Vertical disputes Wardwell’s allegation with evidence that the home was not in good condition.

1962In Rabbit v. Atkinson, 44 Cal.App.2d 752 [ 113 P.2d 14 ], the court had this to say about a purchaser being put on notice when obtaining property for a grossly inadequate consideration, at pages 757-758: “If the sum which the vendor is willing to take is grossly disproportionate to the value of the thing which is the subject of the negotiation, it is strong proof of a defective title, and sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry, and if the purchaser neglects to prosecute such inquiry diligently, he may not be awarded the standing of a bona fide purchaser. ’ ’ (See also Asisten v. Under

13
Witty v. Clinchgreen
cal · 1929 · cited in 2 California opinions naming this issue, 1936–1949
2 sentences

1949More is required, actual knowledge unless ‘the circumstances or suspicions are so cogent and obvious that to remain passive would amount to bad faith’. (8 Cor.Jur. 501.) ” (See, also, Witty v. Clinch, 207 Cal. 779, 783 [ 279 P. 797 ]; Allenberg v. Rapken & Co., Ltd., 108 Cal.App. 99, 103 [ 291 P. 281 ]; Appel v. Morford, 62 Cal.App.2d 36, 40 [ 144 P.2d 95 ].) Conceding that the record contains no direct evidence of actual knowledge on the part of appellant as to any infirmity or defect in the checks, the question remains as to whether, under the evidence, the court was justified in concluding

1949More is required, actual knowledge unless ‘the circumstances or suspicions are so cogent and obvious that to remain passive would amount to bad faith’. (8 Cor.Jur. 501.) ” (See, also, Witty v. Clinch, 207 Cal. 779, 783 [ 279 P. 797 ]; Allenberg v. Rapken & Co., Ltd., 108 Cal.App. 99, 103 [ 291 P. 281 ]; Appel v. Morford, 62 Cal.App.2d 36, 40 [ 144 P.2d 95 ].) Conceding that the record contains no direct evidence of actual knowledge on the part of appellant as to any infirmity or defect in the checks, the question remains as to whether, under the evidence, the court was justified in concluding

12
Melendrez v. D & I INVESTMENT, INC.green
calctapp · 2005 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
2 sentences

2026“Every person who has actual notice of circumstances sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry as to a particular fact has constructive notice of the fact itself in all cases in which, by prosecuting such inquiry, he or she might have learned that fact.” (§ 19; First Fidelity Thrift & Loan Assn. v. Alliance Bank (1998) 60 Cal.App.4th 1433, 1443 (First Fidelity) [“A person generally has ‘notice’ of a particular fact if that person has knowledge of circumstances which, upon reasonable inquiry, would lead to that particular fact.”].) Whether a buyer is a bona fide purchaser is a question of

2026“Every person who has actual notice of circumstances sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry as to a particular fact has constructive notice of the fact itself in all cases in which, by prosecuting such inquiry, he or she might have learned that fact.” (§ 19; First Fidelity Thrift & Loan Assn. v. Alliance Bank (1998) 60 Cal.App.4th 1433, 1443 (First Fidelity) [“A person generally has ‘notice’ of a particular fact if that person has knowledge of circumstances which, upon reasonable inquiry, would lead to that particular fact.”].) Whether a buyer is a bona fide purchaser is a question of

11
ASP Properties Group, L.P. v. Fard, Inc.green
calctapp · 2005 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
2 sentences

2026“Every person who has actual notice of circumstances sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry as to a particular fact has constructive notice of the fact itself in all cases in which, by prosecuting such inquiry, he or she might have learned that fact.” (§ 19; First Fidelity Thrift & Loan Assn. v. Alliance Bank (1998) 60 Cal.App.4th 1433, 1443 (First Fidelity) [“A person generally has ‘notice’ of a particular fact if that person has knowledge of circumstances which, upon reasonable inquiry, would lead to that particular fact.”].) Whether a buyer is a bona fide purchaser is a question of

2026“Every person who has actual notice of circumstances sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry as to a particular fact has constructive notice of the fact itself in all cases in which, by prosecuting such inquiry, he or she might have learned that fact.” (§ 19; First Fidelity Thrift & Loan Assn. v. Alliance Bank (1998) 60 Cal.App.4th 1433, 1443 (First Fidelity) [“A person generally has ‘notice’ of a particular fact if that person has knowledge of circumstances which, upon reasonable inquiry, would lead to that particular fact.”].) Whether a buyer is a bona fide purchaser is a question of

11
Woods v. Shannongreen
mont · 2015 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
2 sentences

2018In the absence of other facts or circumstances, Able, the owner of Whiteacre, and Able's family, tenants, and invitees, are entitled to use the road 24 hours a day by any form of transportation that does not inflict unreasonable damage or unreasonably interfere with the enjoyment of Blackacre." ( Rest.3d Property, Servitudes, § 4.10, com. c, illus. 1; see Woods v. Shannon (2015) 378 Mont. 365 , 344 P.3d 413 , 417, quoting com. c, illus. 1 with approval; 12 Witkin, Summary of Cal. Law (11th ed. 2017) Real Property, § 421, p. 487 ["a grant of a right-of-way without limitations or restrictions pe

2018In the absence of other facts or circumstances, Able, the owner of Whiteacre, and Able's family, tenants, and invitees, are entitled to use the road 24 hours a day by any form of transportation that does not inflict unreasonable damage or unreasonably interfere with the enjoyment of Blackacre." ( Rest.3d Property, Servitudes, § 4.10, com. c, illus. 1; see Woods v. Shannon (2015) 378 Mont. 365 , 344 P.3d 413 , 417, quoting com. c, illus. 1 with approval; 12 Witkin, Summary of Cal. Law (11th ed. 2017) Real Property, § 421, p. 487 ["a grant of a right-of-way without limitations or restrictions pe

11
Appel v. Morfordgreen
calctapp · 1943 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 1949–1949
2 sentences

1949More is required, actual knowledge unless ‘the circumstances or suspicions are so cogent and obvious that to remain passive would amount to bad faith’. (8 Cor.Jur. 501.) ” (See, also, Witty v. Clinch, 207 Cal. 779, 783 [ 279 P. 797 ]; Allenberg v. Rapken & Co., Ltd., 108 Cal.App. 99, 103 [ 291 P. 281 ]; Appel v. Morford, 62 Cal.App.2d 36, 40 [ 144 P.2d 95 ].) Conceding that the record contains no direct evidence of actual knowledge on the part of appellant as to any infirmity or defect in the checks, the question remains as to whether, under the evidence, the court was justified in concluding

1949More is required, actual knowledge unless ‘the circumstances or suspicions are so cogent and obvious that to remain passive would amount to bad faith’. (8 Cor.Jur. 501.) ” (See, also, Witty v. Clinch, 207 Cal. 779, 783 [ 279 P. 797 ]; Allenberg v. Rapken & Co., Ltd., 108 Cal.App. 99, 103 [ 291 P. 281 ]; Appel v. Morford, 62 Cal.App.2d 36, 40 [ 144 P.2d 95 ].) Conceding that the record contains no direct evidence of actual knowledge on the part of appellant as to any infirmity or defect in the checks, the question remains as to whether, under the evidence, the court was justified in concluding

11
Allenberg v. Rapken Co., Ltd.green
calctapp · 1930 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 1949–1949
2 sentences

1949More is required, actual knowledge unless ‘the circumstances or suspicions are so cogent and obvious that to remain passive would amount to bad faith’. (8 Cor.Jur. 501.) ” (See, also, Witty v. Clinch, 207 Cal. 779, 783 [ 279 P. 797 ]; Allenberg v. Rapken & Co., Ltd., 108 Cal.App. 99, 103 [ 291 P. 281 ]; Appel v. Morford, 62 Cal.App.2d 36, 40 [ 144 P.2d 95 ].) Conceding that the record contains no direct evidence of actual knowledge on the part of appellant as to any infirmity or defect in the checks, the question remains as to whether, under the evidence, the court was justified in concluding

1949More is required, actual knowledge unless ‘the circumstances or suspicions are so cogent and obvious that to remain passive would amount to bad faith’. (8 Cor.Jur. 501.) ” (See, also, Witty v. Clinch, 207 Cal. 779, 783 [ 279 P. 797 ]; Allenberg v. Rapken & Co., Ltd., 108 Cal.App. 99, 103 [ 291 P. 281 ]; Appel v. Morford, 62 Cal.App.2d 36, 40 [ 144 P.2d 95 ].) Conceding that the record contains no direct evidence of actual knowledge on the part of appellant as to any infirmity or defect in the checks, the question remains as to whether, under the evidence, the court was justified in concluding

11
Adams v. Harrisongreen
calctapp · 1939 · cited in 1 California opinions naming this issue, 1949–1949
2 sentences

1949(Hobart v. Hobart Estate Co., supra, 26 Cal.2d at p. 435; West v. Great Western Power Co., supra, 36 Cal.App.2d 403, 407 ; Adams v. Harrison, 34 Cal.App.2d 288, 299 [ 93 P.2d 237 ].) It is argued by defendants that inquiry made of some of the defendants would have developed the facts constituting the conspiracy, and that if plaintiff had taken depositions in the action of Sunday against B.

1949(Hobart v. Hobart Estate Co., supra, 26 Cal.2d at p. 435; West v. Great Western Power Co., supra, 36 Cal.App.2d 403, 407 ; Adams v. Harrison, 34 Cal.App.2d 288, 299 [ 93 P.2d 237 ].) It is argued by defendants that inquiry made of some of the defendants would have developed the facts constituting the conspiracy, and that if plaintiff had taken depositions in the action of Sunday against B.

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in California. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (14)

CaseCitedYears
People v. Berríos neutral
prsupreme · 1925
2 sentences

1937(Boyd v. Bearce, 48 Cal. App. 46 [ 191 Pac. 560 ]; Jordan v. Grover, 99 Cal. 194 [ 33 Pac. 889 ].) Certainly this is a circumstance which should put a prudent person upon inquiry both as to the liability of the maker and the title of prior holders.

1936(Witty v. Clinch, 207 Cal. 779 [ 279 Pac. 797 ] ; Flippen v. Abbey, 135 Cal. App. 666 [ 27 Pac. (2d) 792 ]; Jordan v. Grover, 99 Cal. 194 [ 33 Pac. 889 ].) Appellants attempt to establish that the note was obtained from the Bishops not through fraud but upon an unexecuted oral agreement, and cite 19 Cal. Jur. 867, Splivalo v. Patten, 38 Cal. 138 [ 99 Am.

21936–1937
Jordan v. Grover green
cal · 1893
2 sentences

1937(Boyd v. Bearce, 48 Cal. App. 46 [ 191 Pac. 560 ]; Jordan v. Grover, 99 Cal. 194 [ 33 Pac. 889 ].) Certainly this is a circumstance which should put a prudent person upon inquiry both as to the liability of the maker and the title of prior holders.

1936(Witty v. Clinch, 207 Cal. 779 [ 279 Pac. 797 ] ; Flippen v. Abbey, 135 Cal. App. 666 [ 27 Pac. (2d) 792 ]; Jordan v. Grover, 99 Cal. 194 [ 33 Pac. 889 ].) Appellants attempt to establish that the note was obtained from the Bishops not through fraud but upon an unexecuted oral agreement, and cite 19 Cal. Jur. 867, Splivalo v. Patten, 38 Cal. 138 [ 99 Am.

21936–1937
Noronha v. Stewart green
calctapp · 1988
1 sentence

2025Gamerberg and Noronha In the trial court, Krajian argued that Gamerberg is “applicable and informative” and “controlling.” He now claims that Gamerberg was wrongly decided and asks this court to instead follow Noronha v. Stewart (1988) 199 Cal.App.3d 485 (Noronha), in which the court concluded that an irrevocable license is binding on successors to the licensor regardless of the successors’ knowledge of the license.

12025–2025
Berendsen v. McIver green
calctapp · 1954
1 sentence

2025Code, §§ 1213 [“Every 6 conveyance of real property ... recorded as prescribed by law from the time it is filed with the recorder for record is constructive notice of the contents thereof to subsequent purchasers and mortgagees”], 19 [“Every person who has actual notice of circumstances sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry as to a particular fact has constructive notice of the fact itself in all cases in which, by prosecuting such inquiry, he or she might have learned that fact.”].) Berendsen v. McIver (1954) 126 Cal.App.2d 347 (Berendsen) considered and rejected similar arguments i

12025–2025
Zissler v. Saville green
calctapp5d · 2018
1 sentence

2024Code, § 19 [‘Every person who has actual notice of circumstances sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry as to a particular fact has constructive notice of the fact itself in all cases in which, 16 by prosecuting such inquiry, he or she might have learned that fact’].)” (Zissler v. Saville (2018) 29 Cal.App.5th 630, 642 .) The Starrs argue that as bona fide purchasers they were entitled to rely on the language of the recorded deed that gave them unrestricted use of the driveway, including for vehicular ingress and egress.

12024–2024
City of Santa Barbara v. Superior Court green
cal · 2007
1 sentence

2022Code, § 19 [defining “constructive notice” as “actual notice of circumstances sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry as to a particular fact”].) What is more, a “reasonable person” standard is synonymous with a negligence standard because “‘ordinary negligence’ . . . consists of a failure to exercise the degree of care in a given situation that a reasonable person under similar circumstances would employ . . . .” (City of Santa Barbara v. Superior Court (2007) 41 Cal.4th 747, 753 , italics added; Bellman v. San Francisco High School Dist. (1938) 11 Cal.2d 576, 589 ; Anderson v. Fitnes

12022–2022
Bellman v. San Francisco High School District green
cal · 1938
1 sentence

2022Code, § 19 [defining “constructive notice” as “actual notice of circumstances sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry as to a particular fact”].) What is more, a “reasonable person” standard is synonymous with a negligence standard because “‘ordinary negligence’ . . . consists of a failure to exercise the degree of care in a given situation that a reasonable person under similar circumstances would employ . . . .” (City of Santa Barbara v. Superior Court (2007) 41 Cal.4th 747, 753 , italics added; Bellman v. San Francisco High School Dist. (1938) 11 Cal.2d 576, 589 ; Anderson v. Fitnes

12022–2022
Anderson v. Fitness International, LLC green
calctapp · 2016
1 sentence

2022Code, § 19 [defining “constructive notice” as “actual notice of circumstances sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry as to a particular fact”].) What is more, a “reasonable person” standard is synonymous with a negligence standard because “‘ordinary negligence’ . . . consists of a failure to exercise the degree of care in a given situation that a reasonable person under similar circumstances would employ . . . .” (City of Santa Barbara v. Superior Court (2007) 41 Cal.4th 747, 753 , italics added; Bellman v. San Francisco High School Dist. (1938) 11 Cal.2d 576, 589 ; Anderson v. Fitnes

12022–2022
Northrup v. Hayward neutral
minn · 1907
2 sentences

1970It has been held that where the judgment debtor “has notice of facts sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry, it is sufficient to protect the rights of the attorney.” (Northrup v. Hayward, 102 Minn. 307 [ 113 N.W. 701, 703 ], cited in 7 Am.Jur.2d, Attorneys at Law, § 288, p. 207.) This would clearly apply to Richman and inferentially to Granz through Richman. 12.

1970It has been held that where the judgment debtor “has notice of facts sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry, it is sufficient to protect the rights of the attorney.” (Northrup v. Hayward, 102 Minn. 307 [ 113 N.W. 701, 703 ], cited in 7 Am.Jur.2d, Attorneys at Law, § 288, p. 207.) This would clearly apply to Richman and inferentially to Granz through Richman. 12.

11970–1970
Beresford v. Horn neutral
calctapp · 1954
2 sentences

1960The following excerpt from our opinion in Beresford v. Horn, 127 Cal.App.2d 89 [ 273 P.2d 302 ] is sufficient to state both the facts and our conclusions in that case (p. 91) : “Plaintiffs recognize the familiar rule that actual notice of circumstances sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry is deemed to be notice of facts discoverable in the exercise of reasonable diligence in making an investigation.

1960The following excerpt from our opinion in Beresford v. Horn, 127 Cal.App.2d 89 [ 273 P.2d 302 ] is sufficient to state both the facts and our conclusions in that case (p. 91) : “Plaintiffs recognize the familiar rule that actual notice of circumstances sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry is deemed to be notice of facts discoverable in the exercise of reasonable diligence in making an investigation.

11960–1960
West v. Great Western Power Co. green
calctapp · 1940
1 sentence

1949(Hobart v. Hobart Estate Co., supra, 26 Cal.2d at p. 435; West v. Great Western Power Co., supra, 36 Cal.App.2d 403, 407 ; Adams v. Harrison, 34 Cal.App.2d 288, 299 [ 93 P.2d 237 ].) It is argued by defendants that inquiry made of some of the defendants would have developed the facts constituting the conspiracy, and that if plaintiff had taken depositions in the action of Sunday against B.

11949–1949
Boyd v. Bearce green
calctapp · 1920
1 sentence

1937(Boyd v. Bearce, 48 Cal. App. 46 [ 191 Pac. 560 ]; Jordan v. Grover, 99 Cal. 194 [ 33 Pac. 889 ].) Certainly this is a circumstance which should put a prudent person upon inquiry both as to the liability of the maker and the title of prior holders.

11937–1937
Splivallo v. Patten green
cal · 1869
1 sentence

1936(Witty v. Clinch, 207 Cal. 779 [ 279 Pac. 797 ] ; Flippen v. Abbey, 135 Cal. App. 666 [ 27 Pac. (2d) 792 ]; Jordan v. Grover, 99 Cal. 194 [ 33 Pac. 889 ].) Appellants attempt to establish that the note was obtained from the Bishops not through fraud but upon an unexecuted oral agreement, and cite 19 Cal. Jur. 867, Splivalo v. Patten, 38 Cal. 138 [ 99 Am.

11936–1936
Flippen v. Abbey green
calctapp · 1933
2 sentences

1936(Witty v. Clinch, 207 Cal. 779 [ 279 Pac. 797 ] ; Flippen v. Abbey, 135 Cal. App. 666 [ 27 Pac. (2d) 792 ]; Jordan v. Grover, 99 Cal. 194 [ 33 Pac. 889 ].) Appellants attempt to establish that the note was obtained from the Bishops not through fraud but upon an unexecuted oral agreement, and cite 19 Cal. Jur. 867, Splivalo v. Patten, 38 Cal. 138 [ 99 Am.

1936(Witty v. Clinch, 207 Cal. 779 [ 279 Pac. 797 ] ; Flippen v. Abbey, 135 Cal. App. 666 [ 27 Pac. (2d) 792 ]; Jordan v. Grover, 99 Cal. 194 [ 33 Pac. 889 ].) Appellants attempt to establish that the note was obtained from the Bishops not through fraud but upon an unexecuted oral agreement, and cite 19 Cal. Jur. 867, Splivalo v. Patten, 38 Cal. 138 [ 99 Am.

11936–1936

Statutes the citing opinions construe

CA § Cal. Civil Code § 19 (5)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

ND 18 (1982–2021) CA 16 (1936–2026) IA 6 (1887–2007) SD 5 (1974–2010) MN 3 (1921–2003) UT 2 (1987–1990) MO 2 (1884–1890) OH 2 (2022–2022) KS 2 (1914–1932) MT 2 (1988–2007) NY 2 (1891–1910) OK 2 (1923–1924)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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