Kyes v. Pisco
Kyes v. Pisco
070rehearing
Memorandum Opinion (On Eehearing). This cause is controlled by the recent Supreme Court decision in Buscaino v Rhodes, 385 Mich 474 (1971), decided after our opinion was issued.
We grant plaintiff-appellant’s delayed motion for rehearing and the decision of the trial court is reversed. No costs.
Opinion of the Court
On December 20, 1967, plaintiff instituted suit against defendant for damages arising out of an automobile accident which occurred on December 24, 1964.
On appeal, plaintiff maintains that the statute of limitations had been tolled by delivery of the complaint into the hands of a clerk to a circuit court commissioner. MCLA § 600.5856 (Stat Ann 1962 Rev § 27A. 5856), reads as follows:
“The statutes of limitations are tolled when
“(1) the complaint is filed and a copy of the summons and complaint are served on the defendant, or when
“(2) jurisdiction over the defendant is otherwise acquired, or when
“(3) the complaint is filed and a copy of the summons and complaint in good faith, are placed in the hands of an officer for immediate service, but in this case the statute shall not be tolled longer than 90 days thereafter.”
The critical issue in this case can be framed thus : whether a clerk to a circuit court commissioner who acts as a process server on his own behalf and not
“Any service of process unconnected with the commissioner is beyond the bailiff’s official statutory power. When he accepts papers to be served from another person or entity not connected with the commissioner, the bailiff acts as an ordinary citizen or layman. As such, he is able to serve process on his own, but he cannot be considered an officer of the court for immediate service which would toll the statute of limitations for 90 days under CLS 1961, § 600.5856 (Stat Ann 1962 Rev § 27A.5856[3]).”
Affirmed. Costs to appellee.
As can be easily seen, suit was begun before the statute of limitations had run but service on defendant was not completed until after the expiration of the statute. MCLA § 600.5805 (Stat Ann 1962 Rev § 27A. 5805).
For a contra holding, see Hoseney v. Zantop (1969), 17 Mich App 141.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.