Montana Code Annotated 2003

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     7-32-2131. Liability in civil actions. (1) If the sheriff does not return a notice or process in his possession with the necessary endorsement thereon without delay, he is liable to the party aggrieved for $200 and for all damages sustained by him.
     (2) If the sheriff to whom a writ of execution or attachment is delivered neglects or refuses, after being required by the creditor or his attorney, to levy upon or sell any property of the party charged in the writ which is liable to be levied upon or sold, he is liable to the creditor for the value of such property.
     (3) No direction or authority by a party or his attorney to a sheriff in respect to the execution of process or return thereof or any act or omission relating thereto is available to discharge or excuse the sheriff from a liability for neglect or misconduct unless it is contained in a writing signed by the attorney of the party or by the party.
     (4) "Process", as used in this part, includes all writs, warrants, summons, and orders of courts of justice or judicial officers. "Notice" includes all papers and orders (except process) required to be served in any proceeding before any court, board, or officer or required by law to be served independently of such proceeding.

     History: (1)En. Sec. 4387, Pol. C. 1895; re-en. Sec. 3016, Rev. C. 1907; re-en. Sec. 4780, R.C.M. 1921; Cal. Pol. C. Sec. 4179; re-en. Sec. 4780, R.C.M. 1935; Sec. 16-2708, R.C.M. 1947; (2)En. Sec. 4388, Pol. C. 1895; re-en. Sec. 3017, Rev. C. 1907; re-en. Sec. 4781, R.C.M. 1921; Cal. Pol. C. Sec. 4180; re-en. Sec. 4781, R.C.M. 1935; Sec. 16-2709, R.C.M. 1947; (3)En. Sec. 4393, Pol. C. 1895; re-en. Sec. 3022, Rev. C. 1907; re-en. Sec. 4786, R.C.M. 1921; Cal. Pol. C. Sec. 4185; re-en. Sec. 4786, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 426, L. 1977; Sec. 16-2714, R.C.M. 1947; (4)En. Sec. 4380, Pol. C. 1895; re-en. Sec. 3009, Rev. C. 1907; re-en. Sec. 4773, R.C.M. 1921; Cal. Pol. C. Sec. 4175; re-en. Sec. 4773, R.C.M. 1935; Sec. 16-2701, R.C.M. 1947; R.C.M. 1947, 16-2701, 16-2708, 16-2709, 16-2714(part).

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