US vs Catolico GR No 6486 18 Phil 504 02

March 1911

13 Monday Jul 2015

Posted by Rachel Chan in Case Digests, Criminal Law I

Facts: The justice of peace of Cagayan had before him 16 separate civil cases initiated by Juan
Canillas for damages resulting from breach of contract. All cases were decided in favour of
Canillas and all defendants appealed the decision and deposited Php 16 and a bond of Php 50 as
required by law. It appears that the sureties of the bond were insolvent and new bonds were not
presented on the extension given. Canillas appealed. The justice of peace dismissed the appeals
and ordered the sm of money attached and delivered to Canillas in satisfaction of the judgment.
The judge was prosecuted for malversation of funds.

Issue: Whether or not the defendant is guilty of felony.

Decision: Judgment of conviction is reversed and defendant ordered to be discharged from

custody.

The judge decided in good faith under the belief that he was acting judiciously and correctly. It
was a result of erroneous exercise of judicial function and not an intention to deprive any person
of his property feloniously. He acted that debts might be paid t those who they are legally and
justly due and not to enrich himself or another by criminal misappropriation. It was a mistake not
a crime.