Negotiable instrument

A writing signed by the maker or drawer, containing anunconditional promise or order to pay a specific sum, payable on demand or at adefinite time, and payable to order or to bearer. A draft, check certificate ofdeposit, and note may or may not be negotiable instruments, depending uponwhether the elements of negotiability are satisfied. An ordinary check issuedby an employer to an employee or by a customer to a store is a negotiableinstrument.