General rule. Actions in justices’ courts must be commenced, and, subject to the right to change the place of trial as provided in this chapter, must be tried:
1. If there is no justice’s court for the township in which the defendant resides, in any township of the county in which he resides.
2. When two or more persons are jointly, or jointly and severally, bound in any debt or contract, or otherwise jointly liable in the same action, and reside in different townships of the same county, or in different counties, in the township in which any of the persons liable may reside.
3. In cases of injury to the person or property, in the township where the injury was committed or where the defendant resides.
4. If for the recovery of personal property or the value thereof, or damages for taking or detaining the same, in the township in which the property may be found or in which the property was taken, or in which the defendant resides.
5. When the defendant is a nonresident of the county, in any township wherein he may be found.
6. When the defendant is a nonresident of the State, in any township in the State.
7. When a person has contracted to perform an obligation at a particular place, and resides in another township, in the township in which the obligation is to be performed, or in which he resides. The township in which the obligation is incurred shall be deemed to be the township in which it is to be performed, unless there is a special contract to the contrary.
8. When the parties voluntarily appear and plead without summons, in any township.
9. In all other cases, in the township in which the defendant resides.
Last modified: February 26, 2006