Mercedes-Benz Credit Corp. v. Rhyne

In this case of first impression, we consider whether a trial court abuses its discretion by denying a jury trial to a litigant who had relied on the court’s order issued a year before the trial date setting the case on the jury docket. The court of appeals affirmed the trial court’s denial. See — S.W.2d-, -. We hold that the trial court abused its discretion, and we therefore reverse the judgment of the court of appeals and remand the ease to the trial court.

I

This case arose when the Mercedes-Benz Credit Corporation repossessed two trucks from Norman A. Rhyne, sold them, and then sued Rhyne…