25-7-503. Content of verdict — action for recovery of personal property. In an action for the recovery of specific personal property, if the property has not been delivered to the plaintiff or if the defendant, by the defendant’s answer, claims a return of the property, the jury, if the verdict is in favor of the plaintiff or if the verdict is in favor of the defendant and the jury also finds that the defendant is entitled to a return of the property, shall find the value of the property. However, failure to find all the facts mentioned in this section may not invalidate the verdict. The jury may at the same time assess the damages, if damages are claimed in the complaint or answer, that the prevailing party has sustained by reason of the taking or detention of the property.

Terms Used In Montana Code 25-7-503

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Personal property: All property that is not real property.
  • Personal property: means money, goods, chattels, things in action, and evidences of debt. See Montana Code 1-1-205
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • Property: means real and personal property. See Montana Code 1-1-205
  • Verdict: The decision of a petit jury or a judge.
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