145 Ind. 353 | Ind. | 1896
— The relator, who is a minor, was fined in the Hammond city court, for the violation of an ordinance of said city. On appeal from this judgment to the Lake Superior Court, the relator was found not guilty, and recovered a judgment for costs against the city. On the refusal of the city to pay the judgment so recovered, this action was brought by the relator for a writ of mandate against the appellants, who are the mayor, common council, and clerk of said city, to require the allowance of his claim and the issue of a warrant for its payment. The trial resulted in the granting of a peremptory writ of mandate as prayed for.
The judgment for costs in the original case was general, and did not name any particular items of cost. The amount, however, was ascertainable from
As the record stands, however, it is not altogether clear how the appellants are to avail themselves of the error, if one was committed, as seems to have been the case. If it be true that some of the costs, either before the city court or before the superior court, were made by the city, and being therefore no concern of the relator’s should, consequently, not have been made a part of the judgment in his favor; yet the record does not show that there was any ruling on a motion to tax costs, or any other step taken to modify the judgment. It is not denied that the relator was entitled to a judgment for some costs. But the court, having jurisdiction, the judgment would not be void, simply on the ground that it is excessive, or that items entered into it that should have been omitted. Gum Elastic Roofing Co. v. Mexico Pub. Co., 140 Ind. 158 (30 L. R. A. 700 and notes).
It is plain, however, that in the case at bar it was a question of fact for the court, to ascertain from the
It was said in State, ex rel., v. Burnsville Turnpike Co., 97 Ind. 416, that, under our code, “When the facts are admitted, the relator’s right to a peremptory mandamus becomes a question of law, to be disposed of upon motion, and in the sound -discretion of the court; but that where an issue of fact has 'been formed upon the return, such issue must be tried and determined before final judgment can be rendered.” And it was there held, that an issue of fact in mandate must be tried by a jury, if either party demands it; the proceeding being at law, and not in equity.
In the case before us, issues of fact were formed upon the return by an answer in general denial and by two special affirmative paragraphs of answer. To try the issues so formed the appellants asked for a jury, but the court refused the request. This: was error.
In this decision we have not considered what effect, if any, the statute, section 3513, R. S. 1894 (section 3078, R. S. 1881), which provides, that, “in no case shall the city be liable for costs,” might have had in the original case. Tuley v. City of Logansport, 53 Ind.
The judgment is reversed, with instructions to sustain the motion for a new trial.