Mississippi Code
Chapter 51 - Appeals
§ 11-51-91. Trial of cases on appeal from justice of the peace

On appeal from a justice of the peace court to the circuit court the case shall be tried anew, in a summary way, without pleadings in writing, at the first term, unless cause be shown for a continuance; provided, however, that the circuit court shall have the authority and power of its own motion or on motion of any party to require that defenses to the action shall be set up by way of answer in like manner as is required by Section 11-7-59, Mississippi Code of 1972.
If it appear on the trial that the suit was brought before a justice of the peace not having jurisdiction thereof, the circuit court shall reverse the judgment of the justice and dismiss the case. If the defendant be the appellant and judgment be rendered for the plaintiff in the original suit for a sum equal to or greater than he recovered before the justice of the peace, ten per cent (10%) damages upon the amount thereof shall be included in such judgment; and similarly, when there has been an appeal from a justice of the peace court to a county court, and any judgment against an appellant shall be rendered against the principal and his sureties jointly and when there shall be an appeal from the county court to the circuit court and the same shall be affirmed, then, there shall be added five per cent (5%) damages, and judgment shall be rendered against the principal and the sureties on the appeal bond jointly. In all such cases where the amount in controversy exceeds the sum of Fifty Dollars ($50.00), either party shall be entitled to an appeal to the supreme court as in cases originating in the circuit court, and the plaintiff may also appeal to the supreme court in cases where the difference between his demand and the judgment in his favor shall exceed said sum.

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