Western Mutual Benevolent Ass'n v. Pace

Reese, Oh. J.

The original action in this case was instituted before a justice of tlie peace, by James Pace. Summons was issued returnable January 30, 1886, and was personally served. On the return day both parties appeared, and by agreement tbe cause was continued until the 8th clay of March, at which time the defendant did not appear, and plaintiff obtained judgment. On March 10th, defendant filed a motion to set aside the judgment, as having been rendered In its absence, and confessed judgment for costs. The motion was sustained, and the judgment set aside, the case being set for trial on the 16th day of March. Notice of the opening of the judgment and time and place for trial were duly given. At the time set for trial, defendant in •error appeared and objected to the jurisdiction of the court, which objection was overruled by the justice. He made no further appearance, and on motion of plaintiff in error, the cause was dismissed, at his costs. The case was then taken to the district court by proceedings in error, where the action of the justice of the peace in setting aside the judgment was reversed and the original judgment reinstated. The defendant in the original action brings the case to this court by proceedings in error as plaintiff in error.

The sole question involved is, whether, under the provisions of section 1001 of the civil code, defendant having appeared on the return day of the summons, and consented to a continuance, then not appearing at the time to which the case was adjourned, such a judgment can be set aside as a judgment rendered against it in its absence?

This question wa's decided in Strine v. Kaufman, 12 Neb., 423, and it need not be here discussed, as we are .satisfied that decision was correct.

The justice, therefore, had no jurisdiction to set aside the judgment, and the decision of the district court, in reversing his action in that behalf, was clearly correct and is affirmed.

Judgment aeeirmed.

The other judges concur.