Le Tourneau v. Board of County Commissioners

COLLINS, J. This action was tried at the October term for 1898 of the district court for Aitkin county, a jury trial having been waived. After the term had ended, and on December 27, the court filed its findings, with an order for judgment in favor of the plaintiff. Judgment was entered on the same day by consent of the then county attorney. January 11, 1899, the present county attorney gave written notice of a motion for a new trial on the grounds mentioned in the fifth and seventh subdivisions of G. S. 1894, § 5398, to be heard at the court chambers in the city of Brainerd, Grow Wing county, “on the minutes of the court, the minutes of the stenographic reporter, the files, records, and proceedings,” and certain affidavits. At the time and place fixed by the notice, plaintiff’s counsel appeared specially, and objected to a hearing of the motion, on the grounds that the court was without authority to set aside its findings and decision upon a motion made as this was; and also that it could not entertain such a motion at its chambers in another county; and, further, that it was not authorized, under the statute, to hear and determine 83 •such a motion after the term of court had ended at which the cause was heard and tried. These objections were overruled, the motion was argued on the merits, and the court vacated and set aside the judgment, and ordered a new trial. It is to be regretted that this action on the part of the trial court cannot be upheld. But the statute (Gr. S. 1894, § 5399) is very plain. Its provisions are imperative, and cannot be evaded. It is expressly provided that a motion for a new trial, made upon the minutes of the court or on the minutes of the stenographic reporter, “can only be heard at the same term or court at which the trial is heard.” After the term ended in Aitkin county, the court had no right, as .against the objection of counsel, to hear and determine the motion in question. Its subsequent action was therefore erroneous. Nothing further need be said. Order reversed, but, in view of all the circumstances, no statutory costs will be taxed against the defendant.