Legal Definitions - notice of protest

A notice of protest is a statement given by a notary public to the drawer or indorser of a negotiable instrument, informing them that the instrument was not paid or accepted. This notice is given when a note or bill is not accepted or paid, and a protest is made.

For example, if a person writes a check to another person, and the check bounces because there are insufficient funds in the account, the bank may send a notice of protest to the person who wrote the check. This notice informs them that the check was not paid and that a protest was made.

Another example of a notice of protest is when a shipowner or crew declares under oath that damages to their vessel or cargo were the result of perils of the sea, and that the shipowner is not liable for the damages. This notice is given to protect the shipowner from liability for damages that were not their fault.

These examples illustrate how a notice of protest is used to inform someone that a payment was not made or accepted, and that a protest was made. This notice is important because it protects the rights of the person who made the payment and informs them of the situation.