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Williams Panel Brick Mfg. Co. v. Hudsin
Citations: 188 N.W.2d 235; 32 Mich. App. 175; 1971 Mich. App. LEXIS 1856Docket: Docket 7787
Court: Michigan Court of Appeals; March 30, 1971; Michigan; State Appellate Court
Defendants appeal the trial court's decision to grant a new trial to the plaintiff, Williams Panel Brick Mfg. Co., based on the jury's verdict being "against the great weight of the evidence" and "shocking the judicial conscience." The plaintiff was contracted to remodel the defendants' home for $4,755, but after completing the work, the defendants refused payment, claiming inadequate performance. The plaintiff then sought to enforce a mechanic's lien, while the defendants counterclaimed for $10,000 and requested a jury trial. During proceedings, it was established that the case was equitable, but the trial continued as a jury trial without objection from either counsel. The jury ultimately ruled in favor of the defendants, awarding them $1,200 and finding no cause of action for the plaintiff. The trial court, upon reviewing the case, determined that the jury's verdict reflected a natural prejudice against the home modernization business, which contributed to its decision to grant a new trial. The appellate court analyzed whether the trial court acted within its discretion, referencing legal precedents that support the trial judge's authority to grant new trials based on reasonable interpretations of the record. The appellate court upheld the trial court's decision, affirming the order for a new trial and awarding costs to the plaintiff.