A member of the public suffers $20,000 in damages due to a notary's misconduct. The notary has a $15,000 surety bond. What is the maximum amount the injured party can recover from the bond?

AI Explanation

The surety bond is a limited fund. The $15,000 surety bond is described as a 'limited fund' — it provides up to $15,000 to reimburse the public for notarial misconduct. The injured party could recover up to $15,000 from the bond. For the remaining $5,000, the injured party would need to pursue the notary personally in a civil lawsuit, since the bond does not cap the notary's personal liability.