Sawyer v. Perkins

John Perkins III and Johnetta Perkins sued Willie Pearl Sawyer and her brother, Cova Sawyer, to establish a boundary line between their respective properties. The Sawyers retained an attorney, answered the complaint, and conducted discovery. The case was set for trial in January 1997 and again for trial in April 1997; it was continued both times by agreement of the parties. The Sawyers' attorney withdrew in August 1997, approximately one month before the September 2, 1997, trial date.

The case was called for trial on September 2, 1997. The Sawyers failed to appear at the trial, and a default…