On the return of the summons before a justice of the peace, or on the day fixed for trial, in cases against nonresidents or parties not served with process, or in cases against unknown owners, the justice shall hear the cause. Any person making claim to the property described in the petition shall be admitted to defend as provided in Section 89-17-15 for cases in the circuit court, and the same mode of procedure shall be followed in the trial as is provided for the trial of civil actions before justices of the peace, under the general laws of the state, and judgment shall be rendered as hereinbefore provided in cases before the circuit court.
Structure Mississippi Code
Title 89 - Real and Personal Property
§ 89-17-1. Abandoned logs, boats, etc., salvaged
§ 89-17-3. Replevin by owner; bond; lien for salvage
§ 89-17-5. Prima facie abandonment
§ 89-17-7. Jurisdiction limited
§ 89-17-9. How claims for salvage service rendered shall be filed and prosecuted
§ 89-17-11. Clerk to issue summons
§ 89-17-13. How notice given where parties are nonresidents of state
§ 89-17-15. Procedure on return of writ; defendant to plead to petition in case of contest
§ 89-17-17. Sheriff to advertise property for sale; proceeds held for result of suit
§ 89-17-19. Failure of defendant to appear at return term; funds condemned to satisfy judgment
§ 89-17-21. Jurisdiction of justice courts; time for trial; notice to parties
§ 89-17-23. Person claiming property admitted to defend
§ 89-17-25. Penalty for converting derelict property to own use
§ 89-17-27. Unlawful to purchase derelict property from finder thereof