In re Steinberg

143 F.2d 942, 1944 U.S. App. LEXIS 3224

Opinion

FRANK, Circuit Judge.

The referee’s finding that the bankrupt “knowingly” made a false oath binds us, for the referee saw and heard the bankrupt testify and we cannot, therefore, go behind his conclusions as to credibility. The only question is whether the oath was “fraudulently made.” We would be inclined to say no, if this were a case of first impression; as the bankrupt had no assets, the omission of the claims of his relatives could not have been designed to prefer them, and it is difficult to perceive any fraudulent purpose, either in those omissions or the failure to include the claim for taxes. Perhaps the omission of the insurance agent’s claim shows a fraudulent purpose. But we need not consider that question. For we bow to the precedents which, in practical effect, have read the word “fraudulently” out of the statute by the use of the phrase, “an intentional untruth in a matter material to the issue which is itself material.” In re Slocum, 2 Cir., 22 F.2d 282, 285; In re Zoffer, 2 Cir., 211 F. 936; In re Marshall, 2 Cir., 47 F.2d 209. Under those authorities it is enough that the false oath here was knowingly made.

Affirmed.