Baxter v. Jones

This is an appeal from an unlawful detainer action brought by the landlords, John and Edie Baxter, in which judgment was granted for the tenants, Glen and Susan Jones. The dispositive issue is whether the court erred in terminating the trial before the cross examination of Mr. Jones had been completed and, without further proceedings, rendering its decision. We hold it did and reverse.

The Joneses moved out of the Baxters' home before this unlawful detainer action was tried. Trial proceeded on the issue of damages. Each party basically claimed an oral agreement existed at the outset of the…