Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: provisional exit
A paper hanger is someone who writes bad checks. This means they give someone a check even though they know they don't have enough money in their bank account to cover it. They do this because they hope the person won't find out until after the check has been cashed. This is against the law and can get the paper hanger in trouble with the police.
Definition: Paper hanger is a slang term used to describe someone who writes bad checks. This means that they write a check knowing that there is not enough money in their account to cover the amount of the check. They take advantage of the time it takes for the check to clear, which is called the "float."
Example: John wrote a check for $500 to pay for his rent, but he knew he only had $100 in his account. He hoped that the landlord would not deposit the check right away, so he could deposit more money into his account to cover the check before it cleared. John is a paper hanger because he wrote a check that he knew would bounce.
Explanation: This example illustrates how someone can commit paper hanging by intentionally writing a check that they know will not clear. They hope to buy themselves some time to deposit more money into their account to cover the check before it bounces. However, this is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
Example: Sarah wrote a check for $100 to buy groceries, but she forgot that she had already spent all the money in her account. When the check bounced, she realized her mistake and immediately deposited enough money to cover the check. Sarah is not a paper hanger because she did not intentionally write a bad check.
Explanation: This example shows how someone can accidentally write a bad check without intending to commit fraud. Sarah did not know that she did not have enough money in her account, so she did not intentionally write a check that she knew would bounce. Therefore, she is not considered a paper hanger.