Pistorius v. Swarthout

Campbell, O. J. In this case the plaintiff sued out a replevin for beasts distrained, making the proper affidavit before a justice. The animals were delivered to plaintiff on a bond which was given before appraisal. Motions were twice made before the justice to quash, and denied. Judgment was there entered upon proofs on default, and appealed by special and general appeal. In the circuit court, the appeal on special grounds, which included jurisdictional questions, [187] was overruled, and defendants pleaded generally, and plaintiff recovered judgment for nominal damages, and costs. The principal question, concerning the jurisdiction of justices in replevin for beasts distrained, is settled by Act No. 188, Laws of 1879, which very clearly gives the jurisdiction. "Whether this law removes the qualification concerning the time of giving the replevin bond, so as to allow it only after appraisal, is a question of some importance, if it properly arises now. But the defendants, having pleaded issuably in the circuit court after their special appeal had been decided, and having gone to trial on the merits, waived any objection going to the regularity of the proceedings, if there was any jurisdiction at all. The jury having found in favor of plaintiff, so that there was no right in defendants, and the plaintiff being entitled to the possession, the irregularity of the bond could in no way prejudice defendants after such judgment, and ought not to affect the judgment. It, if error at all, was an error that is not prejudicial. The j udgment should be affirmed. The other Justices concurred.