Charles L. Hardtke, Inc. v. Katz

OPINION

COHEN, Justice.

The question presented is whether the trial court’s specific, timely, initialed docket entry can set aside its prior order dismissing this case for want of prosecution. Under this record, we hold that it can. Consequently, we reverse and remand.

Charles L. Hardtke, Inc. (Hardtke) sued Abe Katz for breach of a loan guaranty. The trial court dismissed the suit for lack of jurisdiction in 1990, concluding that it had long before been finally dismissed for want of prosecution. The first dismissal for want of prosecution was on August 28, 1986. An order of reinstatement…