Sheeder v. Boyette

Steve Sheeder, the plaintiff in an action seeking damages for deprivation of farm land, appeals from the district court’s ruling setting aside a default judgment. Sheeder asserts that the district court abused its discretion in setting aside the default judgment because the defendant lied to the court as to his reason for not appearing for trial. We agree that “good cause” cannot be based on an untruth. Therefore, we reverse and remand for reinstatement of the original judgment.

I. Background Facts and Proceedings

On July 3, 2006, Sheeder filed an action for deprivation of farmland naming Bern…