Court Opinion

ID: 9791306
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-31 02:08:43.21705+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:37:35.314464
License: Public Domain

CARDINE, Chief Justice,
dissenting.
I would affirm. The court in this opinion notes that the few reported cases in point would find this entry of directed verdict “acceptable.” So would I.
Appellant seeks to recover damage because appellees’ agent, while driving on appellant’s gravel road, broke a 2x4 board. Thereafter, without a breach of the peace, appellees took possession of cars that they were entitled to possess. This they were privileged to do pursuant to W.S. 34-21-962, which provides:
“In taking possession a secured party may proceed without judicial process if this can be done without breach of the peace * * *.”
Undertaking to repossess these cars under the circumstances here existing may have been risky, but that is often the case with repossession by exercise of self help. It is not uncommon for the secured creditor to take possession of property from the debt- or or from his presence without judicial process. If taking possession can be accomplished without a breach of the peace, it is entirely lawful.
The secured party in this case, Colorado Central Credit Union, took possession without a breach of the peace. This was lawful, and the judgment should be affirmed.