Opinion ID: 1272914
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: jurisdiction

Text: Before reaching the legal issues presented for review, it is the duty of an appellate court to settle jurisdictional issues presented by a case. [4] And this case first presents a jurisdictional issue, as Altech's third-party claim against Thunn Construction is still outstanding. The jurisdictional issue in this case presents a conflict between Neb.Rev.Stat. §§ 25-1315(1) and 25-1315.03 (Reissue 2008). Section 25-1315(1) provides: When more than one claim for relief is presented in an action, whether as a claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim, or when multiple parties are involved, the court may direct the entry of a final judgment as to one or more but fewer than all of the claims or parties only upon an express determination that there is no just reason for delay and upon an express direction for the entry of judgment. In the absence of such determination and direction, any order or other form of decision, however designated, which adjudicates fewer than all the claims or the rights and liabilities of fewer than all the parties shall not terminate the action as to any of the claims or parties, and the order or other form of decision is subject to revision at any time before the entry of judgment adjudicating all the claims and the rights and liabilities of all the parties. In this case, the order granting a new trial was not certified as a final judgment under § 25-1315(1). Altech argues that as a result, the order is not appealable until Altech's claim against Thunn Construction is disposed of. R & D disagrees and relies on § 25-1315.03, which provides: An order entering judgment [notwithstanding the verdict] or granting or denying a new trial is an appealable order. The time for and manner of taking such appeal shall be as in an appeal from a judgment, decree, or final order of the district court in a civil action. On appeal from an order granting a new trial, upon a review of an order denying a new trial in the action in which such motion was made, or on appeal from the judgment, the appellate court may order and direct judgment to be entered in favor of the party who was entitled to such judgment. R & D argues that § 25-1315.03 takes precedence here, such that the order granting Altech a new trial is appealable despite the fact that the judgment was not certified under § 25-1315(1). To the extent there is a conflict between two statutes on the same subject, the specific statute controls over the general statute. [5] In this case, we have two statutes dealing with the finality and appealability of the order of a district court. The subject matter of § 25-1315.03 is limited to orders entering a judgment notwithstanding the verdict or granting or denying a new trial; we are presented with an order granting a new trial. On the other hand, § 25-1315(1) contains no language with regard to orders such as this. We therefore conclude that § 25-1315(1) is of more general applicability and that § 25-1315.03 is more specific. The more specific statute, § 25-1315.03, controls in this case. As such, the order of the district court granting a new trial is final and appealable.