Case Name: MILLER v. SIDEN
Court: Michigan Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: Michigan
Decision Date: 1932-06-06
Citations: 259 Mich. 19
Docket Number: Docket No. 12, Calendar No. 35,923
Parties: MILLER v. SIDEN.
Judges: Clark, C. J., and McDonald, Sharpe, North, Wiest, and Butzel, JJ., concurred with Fead, J.
Reporter: Michigan Reports
Volume: 259
Pages: 19–24

Head Matter:
MILLER v. SIDEN.
1. Chattel Mortgages — Action—Replevin.
Proper action by seller of boiler, who took chattel mortgage for purchase price, and who seeks to recover possession from one who claims to be owner free of mortgage, is replevin.
2. Action — Declaratory Judgment Not Substitute for Common-Law Action.
Proceeding for declaratory judgment is not substitute or alternative for common-law actions (3 Comp. Laws 1929, § 13903 et seq.).
Potter, J., dissenting.
As to declaration of rights or declaratory judgments, see annotation in 12 A. L. R. 52; 19 A. L. R. 1124; 50 A. L. R. 42; 68 A. L. R. 110.
Appeal from Wayne; Toms (Robert M.), J.
Submitted April 21, 1932.
(Docket No. 12, Calendar No. 35,923.)
Decided June 6, 1932.
Petition by Abe Miller against Morris Siden and another for a declaration of rights under declaratory judgment law. Judgment for plaintiff. Defendants appeal.
Reversed.
Kelly, Kelly & Kelly, for plaintiff.
Louis Rosenzweig, for defendants.

Opinion:
Fead, J.
Plaintiff, claiming right of possession of a certain boiler, as mortgagee in a chattel mortgage given for its purchase price, filed a petition under the declaratory judgment law (3 Comp. Laws 1929, § 13903 et seq.), to recover possession from defendant, who claims to be the owner free of the mortgage.
The proper action is replevin. The proceeding for declaratory judgment is not a substitute nor alternative for the common-law actions. Village of Grosse Pointe Shores v. Ayres, 254 Mich. 58, 62.
Judgment for plaintiff reversed, without new trial, and without prejudice to bring the proper action. As the point -was not raised, no costs will be ordered.
Clark, C. J., and McDonald, Sharpe, North, Wiest, and Butzel, JJ., concurred with Fead, J.