Upon application of either party, a jury trial shall be directed to try the validity of any claim to the affected lands mentioned in section 2A:62-23 of this title, or to settle the facts or any specified portion of the facts upon which the same depends.
When such jury trial is not required, or as to the facts for which the same is not requested, the court shall proceed to inquire into and determine such claims, interests or estates; and shall, upon the verdict, or upon such inquiry and determination, finally settle and adjudge whether such defendant has any estate, or right in such lands, or any part thereof, by virtue of such grant or conveyance in fee, and what such interest, estate or right is, and upon what part of such lands the same exists.