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1501 - 1600 of 12446 results

Gerving v. Gerving 2021 ND 50
Docket No.: 20200291
Filing Date: 3/24/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

State v. Walbert 2021 ND 49
Docket No.: 20200197
Filing Date: 3/24/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Courts possess broad power to control their courtrooms, minimize disruptive behavior, and maintain security.

Restricting movement in and out of a courtroom during testimony of a child witness as an attempt to minimize disruptions did not constitute a closure but instead was within the court’s managerial authority.

Gil v. WSI 2021 ND 48
Docket No.: 20200253
Filing Date: 3/24/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Workers Compensation
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Timely filing a notice of appeal is jurisdictional and procedural rules may not be used to enlarge periods of time conferring jurisdiction that are definitely fixed by statute.

Saucedo v. State 2021 ND 47
Docket No.: 20200265
Filing Date: 3/24/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: An order denying an application for post-conviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(7).

State v. Stands 2021 ND 46
Docket No.: 20200179
Filing Date: 3/24/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: Sufficient competent evidence existed to show a defendant consented to a search of his person when he shrugged, mumbled, nodded, and lifted his hands.

Requests for consent to search during a traffic stop are permissible so long as they do not prolong and measurably extend the duration of the stop.

An officer may extend or expand the scope of a traffic stop if reasonable suspicion exists or the encounter becomes consensual.

Campbell v. State 2021 ND 45
Docket No.: 20200227
Filing Date: 3/24/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: The issue of ineffective assistance of counsel presents a mixed question of law and fact and is fully reviewable on appeal.

Ineffective assistance of trial counsel claims are ordinarily unsuited to summary disposition without an evidentiary hearing.

Solberg v. McKennett 2021 ND 44
Docket No.: 20200207
Filing Date: 3/24/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: Determining when a cause of action accrues is normally a question of fact, but it becomes a question of law when the material facts are undisputed.

Under the discovery rule the accrual of a claim is postponed until the plaintiff knew, or with the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known, of the wrongful act and its resulting injury.

A party alleging fraud must state with particularity the circumstances constituting fraud.

Breeze v. NDDOT 2021 ND 43
Docket No.: 20200267
Filing Date: 3/24/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: An officer must be in an immediate pursuit of a person who is endeavoring to avoid arrest for hot pursuit to apply.

State v. Moore (consolidated w/20200081 & 20200082) 2021 ND 42
Docket No.: 20200080
Filing Date: 3/24/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A district court should not automatically approve public trial waivers without considering the broader interests in open courts and public trials by conducting pre-closure Waller analysis. A defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to a public trial may be waived if the record reflects a knowing, intelligent, and voluntary waiver. A defendant’s failure to object or acquiescence to a trial closure without a knowing, intelligent, voluntary waiver will be reviewed on appeal as a forfeited error subject only to obvious error review.

A district court may conduct proceedings in chambers in some circumstances, including temporary use of a courtroom as if in chambers. But it is the type of proceeding and not the location of the proceeding that determines the need for the Waller analysis. Jury selection, including proceedings relating to juror questionnaires and challenges for cause, are part of the criminal trial and generally must be held in open court consistent with the Sixth Amendment right to a public trial.

A court’s closure of trial proceedings without having obtained a knowing, intelligent, voluntary waiver and without having considered the Waller factors is obvious error.

A speculative risk to a witness’s counseling relationship with the victim is insufficient standing alone to satisfy the Waller requirement for an overriding interest.

State v. Martinez 2021 ND 42
Docket No.: 20190407
Filing Date: 3/24/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A district court should not automatically approve public trial waivers without considering the broader interests in open courts and public trials by conducting pre-closure Waller analysis. A defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to a public trial may be waived if the record reflects a knowing, intelligent, and voluntary waiver. A defendant’s failure to object or acquiescence to a trial closure without a knowing, intelligent, voluntary waiver will be reviewed on appeal as a forfeited error subject only to obvious error review.

A district court may conduct proceedings in chambers in some circumstances, including temporary use of a courtroom as if in chambers. But it is the type of proceeding and not the location of the proceeding that determines the need for the Waller analysis. Jury selection, including proceedings relating to juror questionnaires and challenges for cause, are part of the criminal trial and generally must be held in open court consistent with the Sixth Amendment right to a public trial.

A court’s closure of trial proceedings without having obtained a knowing, intelligent, voluntary waiver and without having considered the Waller factors is obvious error.

A speculative risk to a witness’s counseling relationship with the victim is insufficient standing alone to satisfy the Waller requirement for an overriding interest.

State v. Molina 2021 ND 41
Docket No.: 20200247
Filing Date: 3/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court order denying a petition for writ of prohibition is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4).

Interest of L.T.D. (CONFIDENTIAL) (consolidated w/20210035) 2021 ND 40
Docket No.: 20210034
Filing Date: 3/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: An appeal from a juvenile court order terminating parental rights is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4) and (7).

WSI v. Sandberg, et al. 2021 ND 39
Docket No.: 20200174
Filing Date: 3/3/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Workers Compensation
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: Claimants must prove by a preponderance of evidence that they have sustained a compensable injury and are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

A claimant must prove that the condition for which benefits are sought is “causally related” to a work injury. To establish a “causal connection,” a claimant must demonstrate the claimant’s employment was a substantial contributing factor to the injury and need not show employment was the sole cause of the injury.

A compensable injury must be established by medical evidence supported by objective medical findings, which may include a physician’s medical opinion based on an examination, a patient’s medical history, and the physician’s education and experience.

Lund v. Swanson, et al. 2021 ND 38
Docket No.: 20200147
Filing Date: 3/3/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: A settlement agreement is a contract between parties, and thus contract law applies.

An agreement to transfer oil interests for valuable consideration is an agreement for the sale of real property, or of an interest therein, under the statute of frauds, N.D.C.C. § 9-06-04(3).

Subsection 9-06-04(3), N.D.C.C., provides that an agreement for the sale of real property, if made by an agent of the party sought to be charged, is invalid unless the authority of the agent is in writing subscribed by the party sought to be charged.

To take a contract out of the statute of frauds, the party seeking to enforce the oral contract must establish part performance that is not only consistent with, but that is consistent only with, the existence of the alleged oral contract.

Cases accepting the doctrine of part performance have recognized three major categories of acts by the purchaser that may make an oral contract enforceable: paying the contract price, taking possession of the property, and making improvements.

A party missing out on the benefit of their contractual bargain does not promote an injustice or perpetrate a fraud as to require an agreement to be removed from the statute of frauds.

Friesz v. State 2021 ND 37
Docket No.: 20200169
Filing Date: 3/3/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: In a post-conviction relief proceeding, a petitioner is entitled to a fourteen-day window to respond to a request for dismissal of their petition for post-conviction relief.

WSI v. Cherokee Services Group, et al. 2021 ND 36
Docket No.: 20200166
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Administrative Proceeding
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: Tribal sovereign immunity protects Indian tribes against lawsuits, even ones brought by the State.

Extension of tribal sovereign immunity to businesses relies on a test to determine if they qualify as arms of the tribe.

A manager or governor of a limited liability company cannot be held liable under N.D.C.C. § 65-04-26.1(1) for unpaid premiums and reimbursements when the limited liability company itself is not liable for the amounts.

Workforce Safety and Insurance has no statutory authority to order an insurance company cease and desist from writing coverage in North Dakota.

AE2S Construction v. Hellervik Oilfield Technologies, et al. 2021 ND 35
Docket No.: 20200180
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: An appearance for purposes of N.D.R.Civ.P. 55(a) is any response sufficient to give the plaintiff or his or her attorney notice of an intent to contest the claim.

A party’s disregard of service of process does not constitute mistake, inadvertence, or excusable neglect under N.D.R.Civ.P. 60(b)(1).

Atkins v. State 2021 ND 34
Docket No.: 20200172
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: If an applicant files a N.D.R.Civ.P. 60(b) motion for relief following an order denying post-conviction relief, the motion will be treated as another post-conviction relief application and will not toll the time for appealing the order denying post-conviction relief.

An applicant for post-conviction relief may not allege ineffective assistance of post-conviction counsel.

Orwig v. Orwig (consolidated w/20200124) 2021 ND 33
Docket No.: 20200123
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Divorce - Property
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: In a court trial, any error in admitting a deposition is harmless unless the deposition testimony induced the court to make an essential finding which would not otherwise have been made or otherwise affected a party’s substantial rights.

A district court’s property valuation in a divorce case is not clearly erroneous if it is within the range of evidence presented.

An award of attorney’s fees must generally be supported by evidence upon which the court can determine whether the requested fees are reasonable and legitimate.

Paulson v. Paulson 2021 ND 32
Docket No.: 20200163
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: A district court’s decision on whether to vacate a divorce judgment under N.D.R.Civ.P. 60(b) will not be overturned on appeal absent an abuse of discretion. A party seeking to vacate a divorce judgment entered pursuant to a settlement agreement under N.D.R.Civ.P. 60(b) must demonstrate extraordinary circumstances justifying relief. When considering whether a divorce judgment based on a settlement agreement should be vacated, the district court should inquire: (1) whether the agreement is free from mistake, duress, menace, fraud, or undue influence; and (2) whether the agreement is unconscionable. The party seeking relief from judgment based on fraud has the burden to establish fraud by clear and convincing evidence. Unconscionability may be considered as a ground for relief under N.D.R.Civ.P. 60(b)(6). To vacate a divorce judgment as unconscionable, there must be a showing of both procedural and substantive unconscionability. A disparate settlement is not necessarily substantively unconscionable, particularly in a short-term marriage

Burr v. N.D. State Board of Dental Examiners 2021 ND 31
Docket No.: 20200219
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Personal Injury
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: The test we apply when determining governmental liability and discretionary acts distinguishes between immune discretionary acts and non-immune ministerial acts. In examining the nature of the challenged conduct, the first inquiry a court must consider is whether the action is a matter of choice for the acting employee. Even if ‘the challenged conduct involves an element of judgment or choice, the second inquiry a court must consider is whether that judgment or choice is of the kind that the discretionary function exception was designed to shield.

Oden v. Minot Builders Supply, et al. 2021 ND 30
Docket No.: 20200187
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: Foreign judgments are not entitled to full faith and credit under certain circumstances such as when the rendering court lacks jurisdiction.

Res judicata, or claim preclusion, prevents relitigation of claims that were raised, or could have been raised, in prior actions between the same parties or their privies even if the subsequent claim is based on a different legal theory.

The court was not precluded from giving another judgment res judicata effect because the judgment was final and remained final regardless of a pending appeal.

Grand Prairie Agriculture v. Pelican Township Board of Supervisors 2021 ND 29
Docket No.: 20200226
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Administrative Proceeding
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A township’s decision on a petition for approval of a proposed site for an animal feeding operation may be reversed on appeal if the township misinterprets or misapplies the law.

Under N.D.C.C. § 58-03-11.1, townships only have authority to regulate the setback distance between an animal feeding operation and the nearest residence, building used for nonfarming or nonranching purposes, or land zoned for residential, commercial, or recreational purposes.

Whetsel v. State 2021 ND 28
Docket No.: 20200262
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: Once the State has responded to a petition for post-conviction relief, sua sponte summary disposition by the court is no longer available, and the State is required to move for summary disposition.

A petitioner is entitled to a fourteen-day window to respond to a request for dismissal of their petition for post-conviction relief.

Thompson-Widmer v. Larson, et al. 2021 ND 27
Docket No.: 20200173
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: A publication or communication must be false to be defamatory.

Fulfilling an open records request is a privileged communication and not subject to liability for defamation.

McClintock v. NDDOT 2021 ND 26
Docket No.: 20200164
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: To facilitate compliance with statutory requirements and the foundational element requiring a test be fairly administered, the state toxicologist has established approved methods for administering chemical breath tests.

The approved method for the Intoxilyzer 8000 requires that the device must be installed by a field inspector prior to use.

State v. Spillum 2021 ND 25
Docket No.: 20200156
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: If a motion for judgment of acquittal was made at trial on specified grounds, and those grounds did not include the claim on appeal, the defendant does not preserve that issue for this Court’s review.

The existence of an arrest warrant does not convert a noncustodial situation into a custodial one.

Davis v. Davis, et al. 2021 ND 24
Docket No.: 20200162
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Failure to provide a non-moving party the allotted time to respond under N.D.R.Ct. 3.2(a)(2) is a misapplication of law.

Judgment may be overturned under Rule 60(b) where a motion is promptly made, the grounds of the motion satisfy the requirements of Rule 60(b), and an answer that appears to assert a meritorious defense is presented.

Stoddard v. Singer 2021 ND 23
Docket No.: 20200157
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: A district court’s findings of fact will not be reversed on appeal unless clearly erroneous.

District court findings based on assessment of witness credibility are given deference.

Upon the showing of a prima facie case under a psychological parent claim, the movant is entitled to an evidentiary proceeding.

A district court’s decision whether to appoint a parenting investigator is discretionary and will not be reversed absent an abuse of discretion.

The standard of review in determining whether a district court erred in delaying a hearing on an emergency motion under Rule 8.2, N.D.R.Ct., is abuse of discretion.

Estate of Johnson 2021 ND 22
Docket No.: 20200142
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Probate, Wills, Trusts
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: In an informal, unsupervised probate, an order settling all claims of one claimant is final, even if there are pending claims by other claimants.

This Court does not consider questions not presented to the trial court nor arguments inadequately articulated, supported, and briefed.

Swanson v. Larson, et al. 2021 ND 0216
Docket No.: 20210125
Filing Date: 12/9/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Generally, when a contract is silent as to its duration, it is terminable at will by either party.

Conduct establishing a breach of contract does not subject the defendant to a negligence action, unless the defendant’s conduct also establishes a breach of an independent duty that does not arise from the contract.

Swanson v. Larson, et al. 2021 ND 0216
Docket No.: 20210125
Filing Date: 12/9/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

State v. Youngbird 2021 ND 21
Docket No.: 20200167
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Theft
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A district court has jurisdiction to amend a criminal judgment to include restitution when the State files the motion to amend within the time limit imposed by the court during sentencing.

When a defendant and the State enter into a plea agreement in which the prosecuting attorney agrees to recommend a particular sentence, that agreement does not resolve restitution and a restitution hearing must be held.

Johnson v. Menard 2021 ND 19
Docket No.: 20200126
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Personal Injury
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: During trial, a party can make a motion for judgment as a matter of law alleging insufficient evidence under N.D.R.Civ.P. 50(a). However, after the jury returns its verdict the party must renew the motion under N.D.R.Civ.P. 50(b) to preserve the sufficiency of the evidence issue for review on appeal.

After removing a small claims court action to district court, amending the complaint does not preclude an award of attorney’s fees under N.D.C.C. § 27-08.1-04.

A court does not abuse its discretion when it uses an itemized bill to award a party attorney’s fees under N.D.C.C. § 27-08.1-04.

Under N.D.C.C. § 27-08.1-04, a prevailing plaintiff should be awarded reasonable attorney’s fees for the district court proceedings and for a successful appeal.

State v. Watson 2021 ND 18
Docket No.: 20200109
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: A defendant may not withdraw a guilty plea after the court has imposed a sentence unless the defendant proves that withdrawal is necessary to correct a manifest injustice.

Willprecht v. Willprecht 2021 ND 17
Docket No.: 20200195
Filing Date: 2/18/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: A district court’s use, on remand, of its previous Ruff-Fischer guidelines analysis is not by itself clearly erroneous.

The district court must provide a discernable basis for an award of spousal support.

State v. Bear King 2021 ND 16
Docket No.: 20200254
Filing Date: 2/17/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: The criminal judgment entered after a jury verdict is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3) and (7).

Interest of A.R.S. (CONFIDENTIAL)(consolidated w/ 20200200) 2021 ND 15
Docket No.: 20200199
Filing Date: 2/10/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Juvenile Law
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: District court judgment finding children are deprived is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

Munzal v. State 2021 ND 14
Docket No.: 20200216
Filing Date: 2/3/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: An order denying an application for post-conviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2) and (7).

Matter of Didier 2021 ND 13
Docket No.: 20200217
Filing Date: 2/3/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Civil Commitment of Sexually Dangerous Individual
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court order denying request for discharge from civil commitment as a sexually dangerous individual is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

R & F Financial Services v. North American Building Solutions, et al. 2021 ND 12
Docket No.: 20190287
Filing Date: 1/12/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: All contracts entered into by the parties must be construed together, and only the provisions in the latter contracts which are inconsistent with the prior contracts will supersede.

This Court has recognized the doctrine of frustration of purpose may be used to avoid all or part of a contractual claim. The doctrine of frustration of purpose is applicable when after a contract is made, a party’s principal purpose is substantially frustrated without his fault by the occurrence of an event the non-occurrence of which was a basic assumption on which the contract was made.

State v. Casatelli 2021 ND 11
Docket No.: 20200096
Filing Date: 1/12/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - DUI/DUS/APC
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A district court’s decision on a motion to suppress will be affirmed if there is sufficient competent evidence fairly capable of supporting the trial court’s findings and the decision is not contrary to the manifest weight of the evidence.

An investigative detention must be reasonably related in scope to the circumstances which justified the interference in the first place.

The State must establish that the seizure it seeks to justify on the basis of a reasonable suspicion was sufficiently limited in scope and duration to satisfy the conditions of an investigative seizure.

Interest of M.M. (CONFIDENTIAL) (consolidated w/20200336 - 20200339) 2021 ND 10
Docket No.: 20200335
Filing Date: 1/12/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: An order terminating mother’s parental rights is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

State v. Rivera-Rieffel 2021 ND 9
Docket No.: 20200210
Filing Date: 1/12/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Homicide
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Criminal conviction for murder and child abuse is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3).

Young v. Burleigh Morton Detention Center, et al. 2021 ND 8
Docket No.: 20200153
Filing Date: 1/12/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: A violation of the Sixth Amendment right to counsel does not occur unless the government knowingly intrudes into the attorney-client relationship and the intrusion prejudices the defendant or creates a substantial threat of prejudice.   

A correctional facility’s policy of allowing inmates or their attorneys to register attorney telephone numbers as confidential numbers not to be monitored does not constitute a violation of N.D.C.C. § 12-44.1-14(1), which requires correctional facilities to provide inmates confidential access to their attorneys.



State v. Aune 2021 ND 7
Docket No.: 20200159
Filing Date: 1/12/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Homicide
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: A defendant may not challenge a jury verdict as inconsistent based upon an alleged error he invited by requesting an instruction on a lesser included offense. If a defendant does not object to the introduction of prior convictions at sentencing, and the prior convictions were not relied upon to enhance the term of incarceration, the appropriate standard of review is obvious error. It is not error to consider a defendant’s prior convictions as a part of their criminal history under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-32-04 if there has been no showing that the prior convictions were uncounseled and without proper waiver.

Estate of Seidel v. Seidel, et al. 2021 ND 6
Docket No.: 20200148
Filing Date: 1/12/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Oil, Gas and Minerals
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: The primary purpose in interpreting a deed is to ascertain and effectuate the grantor’s intent at the time of the conveyance. The intent must be ascertained from the writing alone, if possible.

Gravel and other surface minerals are transferred with the surface estate unless specifically reserved by name in the conveyance.

Neppel, et al. v. Development Homes, et al. 2021 ND 5
Docket No.: 20200036
Filing Date: 1/12/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Torts (Negligence, Liab., Nuis.)
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: The district court did not abuse its discretion when it denied an untimely motion to amend the complaint.

An award of attorney fees under N.D.C.C. § 25-01.2-17 requires the successful enforcement of a right guaranteed by the Developmental Disability Act.

The tort of intentional infliction of emotional stress requires a reasonable finding of extreme and outrageous conduct that goes beyond all possible bounds of decency, which is a strenuously high standard.

Issues that are moot will generally not be addressed on appeal.

State v. Evanson (consolidated w/20200057) 2021 ND 4
Docket No.: 20200056
Filing Date: 1/12/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Theft
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: When a defendant fails to object to the introduction of prior convictions at sentencing, and the court did not substantially rely on the convictions as the basis for enhancing a defendant’s sentence or increasing their offense level, obvious error is the appropriate standard of review. A defendant cannot establish obvious error if they cannot first establish that an error has occurred.

Brendel Construction v. WSI 2021 ND 3
Docket No.: 20200161
Filing Date: 1/12/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Workers Compensation
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: On review of an administrative law judge’s findings of fact, this Court determines only whether a reasoning mind reasonably could have determined the findings were proven by the weight of the evidence from the entire record.

Section 65-06-26.2(1), N.D.C.C., allows for the imposition of derivative liability against a general contractor without proof the underling assessment of liability against the subcontractor is final.

Usage of the wage cap in effect per employee reported in the previous payroll report to calculate the amount of the late premiums is permitted under N.D.C.C. § 65-04-19.

Section 28-32-42(1), N.D.C.C., sets the times for appeal for both parties as thirty days from the date of the administrative decision if no petition for reconsideration is timely filed, thirty days after a decision on a petition for reconsideration if a petition is timely filed, or thirty days after the timely filing of a petition for reconsideration if no decision has been issued on the petition.

Potts v. City of Devils Lake, et al. 2021 ND 2
Docket No.: 20200144
Filing Date: 1/12/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Employer/Employee Dispute
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Under North Dakota law no public policy exception to the at-will employment doctrine exists for law enforcement officers who act in self-defense.

Melaas v. Diamond Resorts U.S. Collection Development 2021 ND 1
Docket No.: 20200055
Filing Date: 1/12/2021
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: An order compelling arbitration and dismissing the action is appealable.

A party’s claim that they lacked the capacity to contract, which challenges the existence of the contract, must be decided by the court before arbitration can be ordered under an arbitration provision contained in the contract.

Interest of Buller 2020 ND 270
Docket No.: 20200168
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Civil Commitment of Sexually Dangerous Individual
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: The State’s second petition seeking civil commitment of a sexually dangerous individual was not barred by res judicata.

This Court will not consider an argument that is not adequately articulated, supported, and briefed.

Atkins v. State 2020 ND 269
Docket No.: 20200077
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: Court-appointed appellate counsel is not permitted to file an Anders brief in post-conviction relief proceedings.

State v. Hirschkorn 2020 ND 268
Docket No.: 20190404
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Assault
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A district court’s decision to exclude evidence on the basis it lacks adequate foundation lies within its sound discretion and will not be reversed on appeal absent an abuse of discretion that affected substantial rights.

To authenticate evidence under N.D.R.Ev. 901(a), the proponent must produce evidence sufficient to support a finding that the item is what the proponent claims it is.

The proponent of offered evidence need not rule out all possibilities inconsistent with authenticity or conclusively prove that evidence is what it purports to be; rather, the proponent must provide proof sufficient for a reasonable juror to find the evidence is what it purports to be.

A defendant challenging the sufficiency of the evidence on appeal must show that the evidence, when viewed in the light most favorable to the verdict, reveals no reasonable inference of guilt.

McCarvel, et al. v. Perhus, et al. 2020 ND 267
Docket No.: 20200051
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: A district court’s finding that plaintiffs obtained property through boundary by acquiescence is affirmed.

A district court did not abuse its discretion when it refused to award costs and attorney’s fees under N.D.C.C. §§ 28-26-01(2) and 28-26-31.

State v. Foote 2020 ND 266
Docket No.: 20200145
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - DUI/DUS/APC
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: This Court, in its review, will not weigh conflicting evidence or judge the credibility of witnesses. We will affirm a district court’s decision on a motion to suppress if there is sufficient competent evidence fairly capable of supporting the trial court’s findings, and the decision is not contrary to the manifest weight of the evidence.

An officer is engaged in the role of community caretaker when the officer approaches a parked vehicle to inquire in a conversational manner whether the occupant is okay or needs assistance. A request that the suspect open the door or roll down the window is permissible, but the same would not be true of an order that he do so.

State v. Sackenreuter 2020 ND 265
Docket No.: 20200176
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - DUI/DUS/APC
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: N.D.C.C. § 39-08-01(1)(f) is clear and unambiguous.

When a defendant enters a conditional guilty plea, addressing whether a district court erred in rejecting proposed jury instructions amounts to issuing an advisory opinion.

Twete v. Mullin, et al. 2020 ND 264
Docket No.: 20200106
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: As adopted in North Dakota, the Uniform Trust Code (U.T.C.) does not provide for a statutory award of attorney’s fees in cases of breach of trust. The adoption of the U.T.C. without Section 1006 did not displace the limited authority to award attorney’s fees under the common law in cases of breach of trust. The common fund exception does not apply to cases of breach of trust in which the action was brought by the sole beneficiary of the trust.

NBS Consulting v. Harris, et al. 2020 ND 263
Docket No.: 20200203
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Landlord/Tenant
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: An eviction is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(7).

Lindstaedt v. George 2020 ND 262
Docket No.: 20200127
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A district court’s finding of domestic violence is a finding of fact that will not be overturned unless it is clearly erroneous.

We will not reexamine findings of fact made by the trial court upon conflicting evidence, and a choice between two permissible views of the weight of the evidence is not clearly erroneous.

State v. Rodriguez 2020 ND 261
Docket No.: 20200004
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: A defendant cannot successfully argue their waiver of the Sixth Amendment right to counsel was not voluntary, knowing, and intelligent when the record demonstrates the defendant’s clear desire to represent himself despite an understanding of the risks therein. To challenge a conviction based on the sufficiency of the evidence on appeal, a defendant must move for a judgment of acquittal under N.D.R.Crim.P. 29 at trial. This Court may not consider whether a district court obviously erred if an appellant fails to argue obvious error on appeal.

Discover Bank v. Hornbacher 2020 ND 260
Docket No.: 20200232
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A stipulation providing for entry of judgment in an amount certain followed by an agreed payment schedule to avoid execution is sufficient to require a district court to enter judgment according to the stipulation.

Sather v. Sather 2020 ND 259
Docket No.: 20200137
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: A divorce judgment is final if the district court adjudicates all claims in the divorce proceeding, and does not reserve disposition of an issue.

A district court errs by adopting the parties’ parenting plan without all of the information in N.D.C.C. § 14-09-30(2) being included or, after considering the best interests of the child as required by N.D.C.C. § 14-09-30(1), providing its own findings regarding the same.

Three Aces Properties v. United Rentals (North America) 2020 ND 258
Docket No.: 20200032
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Cost of repairs or diminution of value are both appropriate measure of damages for a breach of contract claim related to a duty to repair under a lease.

Everett v. State 2020 ND 257
Docket No.: 20200099
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: Orders denying leave to file are not appealable.

Curtiss v. State 2020 ND 256
Docket No.: 20200175
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: Any attempt to avoid, defeat or evade a judgment, or to deny its force and effect, in some incidental proceeding not provided for by law, with the express purpose of obtaining relief from that judgment is a collateral attack.

The Uniform Postconviction Procedure Act is the exclusive remedy for collaterally challenging the judgment of a conviction.

State v. Bolme 2020 ND 255
Docket No.: 20200090
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: Under the reasonable suspicion standard, an officer is not required to see a motorist violating a traffic law or rule out every potential innocent excuse for the behavior in question before stopping a vehicle for investigation.

The mere odor of marijuana, detected by a trained and experienced officer, creates a sufficient factual basis to establish probable cause.

Rentz v. BNSF Railway Co. 2020 ND 254
Docket No.: 20200074
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Personal Injury
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: Rule 615, N.D.R.Ev., serves the twin purposes of (1) preventing one witness’ testimony from influencing the testimony of other witnesses; and (2) aiding in detecting false testimony and credibility issues.

The designation of a trial representative pursuant to Rule 615, N.D.R.Ev., is not equivalent to the designation of an organization representative for purpose of deposition testimony as required by Rule 30(b)(6), N.D.R.Civ.P.

A lay witness may testify to a matter to which they have personal knowledge.

The decision to grant or deny a new trial rests within the sound discretion of the trial court, and its decision will not be set aside on appeal absent an affirmative showing of a manifest abuse of discretion.

Pursuant to the “harmless error” rule, Rule 61, N.D.R.Civ.P., only errors or defects which affect substantial rights of the parties will warrant a new trial.

Kuntz v. Leiss, et al. 2020 ND 253
Docket No.: 20200119
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: A property owner must prove actual injury to recover more than nominal damages on a trespass claim.

Failure to award nominal damages does not warrant reversal of a judgment unless a significant right or a question of costs is involved.

Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 32-03.2-11, a party must move to amend the pleadings to claim exemplary damages.

City of Fargo v. Hofer 2020 ND 252
Docket No.: 20200041
Filing Date: 12/17/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - DUI/DUS/APC
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A search warrant does not cure defects in an implied consent advisory if the officer is administering a chemical test under the implied consent statute.

Burgum v. Jaeger, et al. 2020 ND 251
Docket No.: 20200298
Filing Date: 11/24/2020
Case Type: Original Proceeding - Civil - Writ of Mandamus
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Votes cast for an ineligible candidate are counted and considered a protest against the eligible candidate.
A governor’s constitutional gap-filling appointment authority does not apply when the law provides a method to fill a vacancy.
A governor’s constitutional gap-filling appointment authority only applies to vacancies in an office, not in a term.
Section 16.1-13-10, N.D.C.C., applies to vacancies occurring in the office of a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Wisham v. State 2020 ND 250
Docket No.: 20200152
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: The court did not err in summarily disposing of an application for post-conviction relief after petitioner failed to respond to the State’s motion for summary disposition.

Estate of Moore 2020 ND 249
Docket No.: 20200087
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Probate, Wills, Trusts
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: In a case involving expert opinions, a choice between two permissible views of the weight of the evidence is not clearly erroneous.

A district court’s decision under equitable principles will not be reversed on appeal absent an abuse of discretion.

State v. Polk 2020 ND 248
Docket No.: 20200108
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Assault
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: A victim’s testimony alone is sufficient to establish all the elements of a crime.

Under North Dakota Rules of Evidence 608(b), specific instances of conduct, excluding criminal convictions under Rule 609, must be inquired into only on cross-examination for impeachment purposes.

State v. Conry 2020 ND 247
Docket No.: 20200101
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Other
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: The State possesses no statutory right to appeal a restitution order in a criminal case.

State v. Richardson 2020 ND 246
Docket No.: 20200083
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Criminal conviction for felony reckless endangerment summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P 35.1(a)(3).

Christianson v. NDDOT 2020 ND 245
Docket No.: 20200114
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: The Canadian statute making it illegal to drive while intoxicated defines an offense equivalent to North Dakota’s driving under the influence offense for purposes of N.D.C.C. § 39-06-27(1). The Department has jurisdiction to suspend an operator’s license for a conviction under the Canadian statute.

A hearing officer does not fail to provide a fair and impartial hearing by holding separate administrative hearings for suspension based on a foreign administrative suspension and foreign criminal conviction.

State v. Wilkinson 2020 ND 244
Docket No.: 20200117
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Criminal conviction for gross sexual imposition is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3).

WSI v. Oden 2020 ND 243
Docket No.: 20190242
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Workers Compensation
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: Valid service of process is necessary to assert personal jurisdiction over a defendant. If a defendant challenges the court’s exercise of personal jurisdiction, the plaintiff bears the burden of proving jurisdiction exists. The plaintiff must make a prima facie showing of jurisdiction to defeat a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction. If the court relies only on pleadings and affidavits, the court must look at the facts in the light most favorable to the plaintiff.

Although an evidentiary hearing on a motion to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, lack of personal jurisdiction, or insufficiency of service of process may be preferable under certain circumstances, the district court nonetheless retains wide discretion and considerable procedural leeway in deciding the motion.
A district court’s decision whether to grant jurisdictional discovery lies within its sound discretion.
WSI has full power and authority to hear and determine all questions within its jurisdiction, and its decisions are final and are entitled to the same faith and credit as a judgment of a court of record.
Accord and satisfaction is an affirmative defense to a claim. An essential element of accord and satisfaction is an agreement evidencing the parties’ mutual assent.
Except for jurisdictional matters and the taking of judicial notice, the appellate court will generally consider only those issues raised in the district court. The appellate court has discretion whether to grant a parties’ request for judicial notice on appeal.

Grengs v. Grengs 2020 ND 242
Docket No.: 20190339
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: The court lacked jurisdiction to resolve a motion to set aside a judgment during a pending appeal.

Whether a stipulated agreement is enforceable will not be addressed for the first time on appeal.

The court did not abuse its discretion holding the obligor spouse in contempt for failing to secure a security interest and mortgage of a limited liability company as required by judgment.

State v. Vaagen 2020 ND 241
Docket No.: 20200006
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: The timely filing of a notice of appeal is mandatory and jurisdictional, and cannot be waived by the appellate court.

This Court will not consider an argument that is not adequately articulated, supported, and briefed.

Krolik v. Muscha 2020 ND 240
Docket No.: 20200085
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Failure to observe proper hearing date provided in notice of hearing cannot be imputed to the district court.

Interest of K.R.C.W. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2020 ND 239
Docket No.: 20200246
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A juvenile court may terminate parental rights solely on a finding of deprivation when the child has been in foster care for at least four hundred fifty out of the previous six hundred sixty nights.

Burden v. State 2020 ND 238
Docket No.: 20200143
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court order denying an application for post-conviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

State v. Gates 2020 ND 237
Docket No.: 20200154
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Other
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: An appeal may be dismissed when an appellant’s brief fails to provide a court with an opportunity to meaningfully review the alleged error.

Estate of Lindvig (consolidated w/20200136) 2020 ND 236
Docket No.: 20200135
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Oil, Gas and Minerals
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Under N.D.C.C. § 47-10-23.1, a nontestamentary transfer of real property between spouses is conclusively presumed to be for consideration unless otherwise stated in writing.

The interpretation of a power of attorney is governed by its plain language unless the fiduciary relationship requires a special rule.

State, et al. v. P.K. (Confidential) 2020 ND 235
Docket No.: 20200073
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Paternity
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: In a child support action brought by the State on behalf of a parent, a counterclaim by the defendant seeking a determination of primary residential responsibility is not a counterclaim against the State for purposes of N.D.R.Civ.P. 13(d).

A continuance is the proper remedy for a party claiming unfair surprise.

A court’s oral findings on the best interest factors may explain its written findings.

MDU v. Behm 2020 ND 234
Docket No.: 20200122
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: Under the law of the case doctrine, a party cannot on a second appeal relitigate issues that were resolved in the first appeal or that would have been resolved had they been properly presented in the first appeal.

The district court has discretion to award costs and attorney’s fees in an eminent domain action.

Gooss v. Gooss, et al. 2020 ND 233
Docket No.: 20200076
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: The required payment of travel expenses to exercise parenting time constitutes child support and falls under the jurisdiction of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (“UIFSA”).

Under North Dakota’s child support guidelines, a court does not abuse its discretion when granting a downward deviation for child support based on the actual travel expenses and practices of a party.

Jundt v. NDDOT 2020 ND 232
Docket No.: 20200115
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: The implied consent requirements of N.D.C.C. § 39-20-01 do not apply when an individual consents to a chemical test.

State v. Hajicek 2020 ND 231
Docket No.: 20200071
Filing Date: 11/19/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - DUI/DUS/APC
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 44-08-20(3), a law enforcement officer acting outside of his jurisdiction may lawfully respond to a request for assistance from an officer within his jurisdiction, even if the request is solicited by the out-of-jurisdiction officer.

An issue will not be considered on appeal if the issue was not raised in the appellate brief.

Vacancy in Judgeship No. 5, Northeast Judicial District 2020 ND 230
Docket No.: 20200264
Filing Date: 11/6/2020
Case Type: Judicial Administration - Rule - Rule
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: The vacancy in Judgeship No. 5 at Cavalier and Langdon, Northeast Judicial District, will be filled in the manner provided by N.D.C.C. Chapter 27-25.

Disciplinary Board v. Hibl 2020 ND 229
Docket No.: 20200235
Filing Date: 10/29/2020
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer disbarred.

Discover Bank v. Bolinske, Sr. 2020 ND 228
Docket No.: 20200098
Filing Date: 10/27/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Debtor/Creditor
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: This Court will not consider documents in a party’s appendix that did not appear in the district court’s record under N.D.R.App.P. 30(a)(1). A party is not entitled to oral argument on a motion to vacate unless they follow the requirements of N.D.R.Ct. 3.2(a)(3) and secure a time for the argument within 14 days of the request. Issues not adequately briefed will not be addressed on appeal. A party’s appearance, without a pleading showing a meritorious defense, does not protect a party from default judgment. The district court was not required under N.D.R.Civ.P. 52(a)(3) to set forth findings of fact in its order denying the motion to vacate.

Estate of Finstrom (Consolidated with 20190361) 2020 ND 227
Docket No.: 20190360
Filing Date: 10/26/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Probate, Wills, Trusts
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Undue influence is improper influence exercised over a grantor in such a way and to such an extent as to destroy his or her voluntary action by substituting for his will the will of another.
The essential element in recovering under the doctrine of unjust enrichment is the receipt of a benefit by the defendant from the plaintiff which would be inequitable to retain without paying for its value.
Res judicata prevents relitigation of claims that were raised, or could have been raised, in prior actions between the same parties or their privies.
In an unsupervised probate, each proceeding before the court is independent of any other proceeding involving the same estate.
Testamentary capacity is examined at the time a will or codicil is executed.

Matter of Hehn 2020 ND 226
Docket No.: 20190353
Filing Date: 10/21/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Civil Commitment of Sexually Dangerous Individual
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: Civil commitment decisions require detailed findings, including credibility determinations and references to evidence the court relied on in making its decision. Conclusory, general findings do not comply with N.D.R.Civ.P. 52(a).

Titan Machinery v. Kluver 2020 ND 225
Docket No.: 20200021
Filing Date: 10/21/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: In a bench trial, the district court decides credibility issues, and we will not second-guess the district court on its credibility decisions.

Indemnity is an equitable remedy that allows a party to recover reimbursement from another for the payment of a liability that, as between the two parties, should have been paid by the other.

Hunter v. State 2020 ND 224
Docket No.: 20200160
Filing Date: 10/21/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Claims barred by res judicata are not preserved in post-conviction relief proceedings by combining them with claims of ineffective assistance of counsel.

Failure to show prejudice on an ineffective assistance of counsel claim results in failure of that claim.

WSI v. Tolman 2020 ND 223
Docket No.: 20200025
Filing Date: 10/21/2020
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Workers Compensation
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: Statutory interpretation presents a question of law. Statutory provisions are given their plain, ordinary, and commonly understood meaning unless a contrary intention plainly appears.

For purposes of WSI benefits, a compensable injury includes a mental or psychological condition caused by a physical injury, but only when the physical injury is determined with reasonable medical certainty to be at least fifty percent of the cause of the condition as compared with all other contributing causes combined, and only when the condition did not preexist the work injury.

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