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§ 16-19-701. Dismissal for want of prosecution generally

If the plaintiff fails to appear in person, or by his agent or attorney, on the return day of the summons, or at any other time fixed for the trial, the justice may dismiss the action for want of prosecution, except in the case provided for in § 16-19-703(a).

§ 16-19-702. Judgment on proof on defendant’s nonappearance generally

When the plaintiff’s claim is not founded on a written instrument as described in § 16-19-703(a) and the defendant does not appear, the justice shall proceed to hear the allegations and proofs of the plaintiff, and shall render judgment thereon for the amount to which he shows himself entitled, not exceeding the amount claimed in […]

§ 16-19-704. Setoff on written instrument

In the cases contemplated in §§ 16-19-702 and 16-19-703(b), if the defendant has previously filed a setoff, founded on a written instrument purporting to have been signed by the plaintiff, calling for a certain sum, and if the signature of such plaintiff is not denied under oath, the justice shall allow the setoff in the […]

§ 16-19-706. Compromises — Confession of judgment

(a) After an action for the recovery of money is brought in a justice of the peace court, the defendant may offer to compromise or to confess judgment in the manner prescribed for, and with the same effect as he could or might do, in the circuit court, and shall be entitled to all the […]