must state the facts found and the conclusions of law separately, and their decision must be given, and may be excepted to and reviewed in like manner. The report of the referees upon the whole issue stands as the decision of the court, and judgment may be entered thereon in the same manner as if the action had been tried by the court. When the reference is to report the facts, the report has the effect of a special verdict.
Parties may agree on referees, or court may appoint.Sect. 281. In all cases of reference, the parties, except when an infant may be a party, may agree upon a suitable person or persons, not exceeding three, and the reference shall be ordered accordingly; and, if the parties do not agree, the court shall appoint one or more referees, not exceeding three, who shall be free from exception.
Reference cannot be ordered, by what courts.Sect. 282. A reference as provided in this chapter cannot be ordered by any court inferior to the district court, except by consent of parties to the reference and referees.
Referees sign true exceptions, and return same to court.Sect. 283. It shall be the duty of the referees to sign any true exceptions taken to any order or decision by them made in the case, and return the same with their report to the court making the reference.
Judge may make order of reference, when and how.Sect. 284. A judge in vacation, upon the written consent of the parties, may make any order of reference which the court, of which he is a member, could make in term time. In such case, the order of reference shall be made on the written agreement of the parties to refer, and shall be filed with the clerk of the court with the other papers in the [case].
Referees to be sworn or affirmed.Sect. 285. The referees must be sworn or affirmed well and faithfully to hear and examine the cause, and to make a just and true report therein according to the best of their understanding. The oath may be administered by any person authorized to take depositions.
Compensation of referees.Sect. 286. The referees shall be allowed such compensation for their services as the court may deem just and proper, which shall be taxed as a part of the costs in the case.
ARTICLE V.—Exceptions.
An exception.Sect. 287. An exception is an objection taken to a decision of the court upon a matter of law.
