When any reward is offered for the recovery of stolen property, or for information which may lead to the conviction of any criminal, or for both, the court before which conviction is had or the superior court for the judicial district where the offense was committed, at a criminal term, may decide upon the claims of the parties interested in such reward. If there is more than one claimant for the reward, the court in which the conviction was secured or the court for the judicial district wherein the offense was committed, or the presiding judge of such court, shall determine who are justly entitled to the reward, and may apportion it equitably among them.

(1949 Rev., S. 8268, 8273; P.A. 73-116, S. 24; 73-667, S. 1, 2; P.A. 76-436, S. 540, 681; P.A. 78-280, S. 1, 127.)

History: P.A. 73-116 added reference to judicial districts; P.A. 73-667 changed effective date of P.A. 73-116 from October 1, 1973, to April 25, 1973; P.A. 76-436 deleted provision whereby presiding judge of court to which accused was bound over determines amount of reward when accused forfeits his recognizance and authorized court for county or judicial district where offense was committed to determine reward, reflecting transfer of all trial jurisdiction to superior court, effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 78-280 deleted references to counties.

Averments in application. 39 C. 161. Party furnishing merely corroborative evidence, if necessary to conviction, may be entitled to reward. Id., 162. The offer, unless otherwise limited, holds good until a prosecution would be barred by statute of limitations. Id., 163. Policeman detecting burglar cannot demand reward. 51 C. 577. Statutes as to rewards give rise to contractual rights. 78 C. 428. Cited. 143 C. 462.