Nelson v. Minder , 41 S.D. 150 ( 1918 )

WH'ITING, P. J.

To plaintiff’s complaint, appellant entered a separate answer pleading a meritorious defense. The cause was noticed for trial by both plaintiff and appellant. When it was reached for trial appellant was not present, a jury was called, plaintiff introduced evidence, a verdict was returned for plaintiff and a judgment entered thereon. Appellant, as soon as he learned of such judgment, applied with due diligence to have the same opened up that he might toe allowed to defend1. He based such application upon the ground of excusable neglect. The trial court denied the relief asked, and, from such ruling, this appeal was taken-

[1] The following propositions stand conceded: Whether or not the neglect of a party will be construed excusable within the meaning of the statutes depends upon the circumstances surrounding each individual case. 'Courts should be liberal in relieving a defendant of. default, if reasonable excuse is shown and1 he appears to have a’ meritorious defense, to the end that cases may be determined on their merits. The right to be relieved of a default is not absolute, but 'rests largely -in the discretion of the trial court; and if that-discretion is not abused the trial court’s order will not ■be reversed.

The undisputed, material facts are as follows: This cause was pending in Roberts county. The defendant Minder was represented toy an attorney resident at Sisseton, the county seat of that county. Appellant’s attorney resided at Mitchell, some 200 miles aw,ay. The term of court was set to open on December 3d. Appellant’s -counsel was furnished a printed calendar showing some 30- criminal causes' pending, and, -besides these, a number of civil

causes, of which this one was No. 18. On December 3d both appellant and his attorney had to be in Pierre in attendance upon court. Because of this fact appellant’s attorney prepared and sent to the attorney for defendant Mindier an affidavit -upon which, if it became necessary, he asked such attorney to base a request for the postponement of this case until appellant and his attorney could reach Sisseton. Appellant’s counsel also communicated with the clerk of the trial court, who, on December 4th, Tuesday, wired him that the criminal work would apparently take the “'biggest part of thlis week.” In answer to the letter written to Minder’s counsel, such counsel, on December 3d, wrote advising appellant’s counsel that he would arrange definitely so that this case1 would not he tried that week, and would later advise 'him as nearly as possible when such, case would be reached. On December 4th appellant’s counsel wrote 'Minder’s counsel advising* him that, because of distance and difficulty in telephoning, he found it difficult to keep posted as to when the case would be readied and requesting such counsel to notify him “by wire” when the case would be readied, and asking answer by wire. On December 5th Minder’s counsel wired that he would let appellant’s counsel know the time the case would be reached1. On December 6th Minder’s counsel wrote to the effect that the criminal calendar was rapidly disappearing, and1 'that “it now looks as though we would1 just about finish the criminal cases this week, and in which' event the Redline case would be the first case Monday, December 10th.” In this letter appellant’s counsel was advised as to train hie would need to take to get to Sisseton on Monday, but this, letter closed, “I will wire you again giving you more definite information.” Minder’s counsel wired no further information. On December 12th appellant’s counsel wrote Minder’s counsel, acknowledging the letter of the 6th, and advising that, “I * * * await your message.” On December 14th appellant’s counsel wired for advice. On December 16th Minder’s counsel wrote advising appellant of the trial of the cause “fihe early part of the week.” Appellant immediately took steps to 'have the judgment vacated. It also appears that on the afternoon of December 6th Minder’s counsel wrote a letter to appellant’s counsel advising* him that the criminal calendar was finished, and that this case would be the first for trial Monday. Appellant’s counsel swears he never received this letter. Before the cause was called) and tried, Minder’s counsel advised the trial court that he had notified appellant’s counsel that the case would be reached Monday.

[2] It is clear from the above that the trial .court was fully justified in allowing the cause to go to trial. We are, however, of the opinion that counsel for appellant acted as a prudent attorney was justified' in acting — that it was highly proper for him' to rely ■ for advice u:p:on counsel appearing for the codefendant. It must be borne in mind that such counsel was an officer of the court. We believe that, in view of the fact that such officer of the court had written him that he would wire him more definite information, he -had, not having received the second letter written to him on December 6th, a right to rest in full confidence that he would be advised in time to reach Sisseton for the trial of said cause.

[3] Respondent not being at fault, appellant should be required to pay terms upon the granting of the relief sought. In view of all the facts appearing we deem $25 adequate terms.

The order appealed! from is reversed, and the cause remanded to the trial court, with directions to enter an order that the judgment against appellant will be vacated upon the payment of $25 terms to plaintiff.