Maskell v. Beaulieu

Plaintiffs brought an action for specific performance and damages. Defendant answered and counterclaimed for damages. The action was heard by a court consisting of a presiding judge and two assistant judges.

The court ordered defendant to convey the real property at issue to the Machias and pay damages to the Machias and Maskell. It was further ordered that Maskell pay defendant one dollar on his counterclaim. From this order, defendant appeals. We reverse.

In Pockette v. LaDuke, 139 Vt. 625, 432 A.2d 1191 (1981), we held that a suit in equity should be heard alone and exclusively by the…