180

LAWS OF MARYLAND

[Ch. 49

(1)    A protest is a certificate of dishonor made
under the hand and seal of a United States consul or vice
consul or a notary public or other person authorized to
certify dishonor by the law of the place where dishonor
occurs. It may be made upon information satisfactory to
such person.

(2)   The protest must identify the instrument and
certify either that due presentment has been made or the
reason why it is excused and that the instrument has been
dishonored by nonacceptance or nonpayment.

(3)   The protest may also certify that notice of
dishonor has been given to all parties or to specified
parties.

(4)   Subject to subsection (5) any necessary protest
is due by the time that notice of dishonor is due.

(5)   If, before protest is due, an instrument has
been noted for protest by the officer to make protest,
the protest may be made at any time thereafter as of the
date of the noting.

3—510. Evidence of dishonor and notice of dishonor.

The following are admissible as evidence and create
a presumption of dishonor and of any notice of dishonor
therein shown:

(a)   A document regular in form as provided in
the preceding section which purports to be a protest;

(b)    The purported stamp or writing of the
drawee, payor bank or presenting bank on the instrument
or accompanying it stating that acceptance or payment has
been refused for reasons consistent with dishonor;

(c)    Any book or record of the drawee, payor
bank, or any collecting bank kept in the usual course of
business which shows dishonor, even though there is no
evidence of who made the entry.

3—511. Waived or excused presentment, protest or notice
of dishonor or delay therein.

(1)    Delay in presentment protest or notice of
dishonor is excused when the party is without notice that
it is due or when the delay is caused by circumstances
beyond his control and he exercises reasonable diligence
after the cause of the delay ceases to operate.

(2)   Presentment or notice or protest as the case
may be is entirely excused when