On a second and each subsequent appeal to the supreme court, or when an appeal has once been dismissed for defect or irregularity, the cause must be placed upon the calendar as of the time of filing the first appeal. If an appeal is taken from any judgment or order for or against the state of North Dakota, any state officer, or any board of state officers, as sole plaintiff or defendant, such appeal must have a preference in the supreme court and upon motion of either party thereto may be moved out of the order on the calendar.
N.D.C.C. § 27-02-19