IOWA NATIONAL MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY v. Mitchell

REYNOLDSON, Chief Justice.

This appeal requires us to decide whether a party to a small claims proceeding has a constitutional right to a jury trial under article I, section 9, of the Iowa Constitution.

Following a vehicular collision, plaintiffs Sharp and their collision insurance carrier sued defendant Mitchell for $500 for damages to the Sharp auto. Mitchell counterclaimed and unsuccessfully demanded a jury. A judicial magistrate, after trial, rendered judgment for $500 against Mitchell.

Mitchell appealed the small claims judgment, asserting he was entitled to a jury trial under section…