229 N.W. 301 | S.D. | 1930
This is an appeal from an order denying appellant’s motion for a trial by jury.
The action was brought to recover on a promissory note and to foreclose a chattel mortgage given to secure the payment of the said note.
Defendant admitted the execution and delivery of the note and mortgage, and that the same had not been paid, but alleged as an affirmative defense that the plaintiff had materially altered said not without the knowledge or consent of defendant.
It is the contention of plaintiff that the action being one for the foreclosure of a chattel mortgage brings it within the equity jurisdiction of the court, and that the fact that the equity issues are eliminated by the answer and the interposition of a legal defense does not deprive the court of its power to retain jurisdiction and dispose of the entire case without the aid of a jury. On the other hand, the appellant contends that, by admitting the execution and 'delivery of the note and mortgage, and admitting that the note had not been paid, and interposing a legal defense, all the equitable features of. the case were eliminated, and the issues of fact presented by the answer were triable by a jury the same as though no equitable question had ever been involved.
“An issue of law must be tried by the court or by the judge. An issue of fact for the recovery of money only or of specific real or personal property must be tried by a jury. * * * Every other-issue is triable by the court which, however, may order the whole issue or any specific question of fact involved therein, to be tried by a jury, or may refer it as provided in sections 2530 and 2531.” Revised Code, § 2492. •
In 21 C. J. 134, § 117, the rule is stated as follows:
“It is a well-settled rule that a court of equity which has obtained jurisdiction of a controversy on any ground, or for any purpose, will retain such jurisdiction for the purpose of administering complete relief and doing entire justice with respect to the subject matter.”
And in Casey v. Smith, 36 S. D. 36, 153 N. W. 918, 920, this court said:
“When a court of equity once acquires jurisdiction of a cause for any purpose, it will retain jurisdiction for all purposes and dispose of all the issues presented.”
The order appealed from is affirmed.