Ryan v. Iowa District Court for Winneshiek County

McCORMICK, Justice.

The question here is whether a court can enter a judgment in a replevin action against a person who is not a party to the action. We hold that a court cannot do so. Because the district court did so in this case, we sustain plaintiffs certiorari challenge to the order purporting to bind him to the judgment.

Plaintiff Randy J. Ryan was at all material times in possession of a 1981 Chevrolet Caprice automobile which was sought by General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) in a replevin action against Hilsa-beck Chevrolet, Inc., and William J. Hilsa-beck. Ryan was not made a…