Clayton v. Crossroads Equipment Co.

HOWE, Justice:

The plaintiff, David D. Clayton, brought this action against the defendants Crossroads Equipment Company (Crossroads) and John Deere Company (Deere)1 seeking damages and possession of two John Deere combines which he alleged they wrongfully repossessed from him. The trial court, sitting without a jury, awarded the plaintiff $27,400 representing the amount he had paid on the combines, and $100 nominal damages for “unlawful detention.” Plaintiff was also awarded $20,000 punitive damages against Deere. Crossroads and Deere were awarded the combines as their interest appeared, and…