Opinion ID: 1934958
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: LANDERS v. GOETZ

Text: By complaint dated January 14, 1977, delivered to the sheriff for service on January 18, 1977, Margie Landers commenced an action against Edmer A. Goetz, Terry Stevens, Richard McClure, Ruth McClure, and Edmer A. Goetz Realty Company, Inc. Hereafter, the individual parties will be referred to by their surnames, the corporation will be called Goetz Realty, and the action will be described as Landers v. Goetz. The complaint alleges false representations as to certain real estate transactions. The prayer for relief asks (1) for a determination that the McClures have no title to or in interest in a duplex or a house on Meadow Lane; (2) for judgment against the McClures for $49,180 with interest from October 27, 1976; (3) that if that sum is not paid, the house on Thirty-second Street be sold and the proceeds applied to the debt; (4) that the plaintiff have judgment against all defendants for any balance; (5) that the plaintiff have judgment against all defendants for mental anguish for $25,000; (6) that plaintiff have judgment against all defendants for exemplary damages of $25,000; and (7) and (8) for such other relief as may be equitable and for costs and disbursements. It will be noted that the only non-monetary relief sought is for a determination of title to two pieces of property as against the McClures only, and that the remaining claims, which are substantial, are for damages against the other defendants as well as the McClures. Since only Goetz and Landers are involved in this appeal (and the claims of Stevens are, we are told, in abeyance), we will limit our discussion hereafter to them, to the extent we can. Goetz served an answer and counterclaim, which he subsequently amended. He sets forth allegedly fraudulent and oppressive actions of Landers, and prays for a dismissal of the complaint, for attorney fees and costs, for $10,000 punitive damages, and for damages of $500 per month until the Meadow Lane property is restored to him, and for such other relief as may be equitable. To this counterclaim Landers served a reply (although it was denominated an answer), asking that the counterclaim be dismissed, and demanding a jury trial. This is the first and only demand for a jury in the case. It is timely. See Rule 38, N.D.R. Civ.P.