Schrock v. Iowa District Court for Polk County

Jim Schrock and McAninch Corporation (defendants in the underlying action) brought this original writ of certiorari challenging the small claims court’s action in setting aside a judgment entered against them in small claims court. They maintain the court exceeded its jurisdiction in addressing a post-trial motion and improperly applied Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure 256 and 257 in setting aside the judgment. We sustain the writ.

I. Background Facts and Proceedings.

On July 12, 1994, Judy Brandon brought a small claims action against Schrock and McAninch (hereinafter plaintiffs) demanding…