A "Holder in Due Course" is a legal term used in negotiable instruments law. It refers to a person who has acquired a negotiable instrument, such as a check or promissory note, in good faith and for value, without any notice of defects or claims against it. This status provides certain protections, allowing the holder to enforce the instrument even if there are issues with the original transaction. To qualify as a Holder in Due Course, the individual must meet specific criteria, including taking the instrument at face value and without any knowledge of fraud or other problems. This status helps promote the reliability of financial transactions by ensuring that those who hold negotiable instruments can trust their validity.