Carpenter v. Johnson
196 Ohio App. 3d 106
Ohio Ct. App.2011Background
- Carpenter sued Johnson in Miamisburg Municipal Court for $2,500 alleging unlawful conversion of Carpenter's rifle.
- Carpenter claimed Johnson took the rifle at gunpoint after Carpenter wandered onto Johnson's unmarked, unfenced property.
- Johnson contended Carpenter trespassed to hunt deer and offered the rifle in exchange for not contacting police.
- Magistrate found Carpenter gave the rifle under duress; Johnson liable for $2,500; value of rifle set at $3,000; no replevin sought.
- Johnson timely objected and moved for Civ.R. 60(B) relief; magistrate denied; trial court adopted the magistrate's decisions.
- Johnson appealed, arguing the court should grant a new damages hearing or Civ.R. 60(B) relief due to misrepresentation of value.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the trial court erred in denying Civ.R. 60(B) relief on damages | Johnson | Johnson | Denial affirmed; no merits shown for new damages hearing under 60(B). |
| Whether Civ.R. 60(B) applied where there was no final judgment | Johnson | Johnson | Not applicable; objections stayed judgment, no final order yet. |
| Whether Carpenter's rifle value testimony could constitute fraud on the court | Carpenter | Johnson | No fraud; testimony credible; 60(B)(3)/(5) not met. |
| Whether the trial court should have accepted additional evidence on value | Carpenter | Johnson | No failure to allow evidence; owner may testify to value; no abuse. |
Key Cases Cited
- Tokles & Son v. Midwestern Indemn. Co., 65 Ohio St.3d 621 (1992) (expert testimony generally required for value; owner exception)
- Thompson v. Allen, 2010-Ohio-1133 (Ohio) (measures damages by fair market value; owner can testify)
- Squires v. Luckey Farmers Inc., 2004-Ohio-4919 (Ohio) (owner's knowledge used to determine value of personal property)
- Smith v. Padgett, 32 Ohio St.3d 344 (1987) (expert needed for property value unless owner qualifies)
- Coulson v. Coulson, 5 Ohio St.3d 12 (1983) (fraud on the court defined; strict concept)
- In re A.K., 2011-Ohio-4536 (Ohio) (fraud on the court under Civ.R. 60(B)(5))
- In re F.D.M., 2009-Ohio-5609 (Ohio) (Civ.R. 53 procedure for magistrate decisions)