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On this page, you can search and view the Supreme Court’s opinions. If you wish to review the docket or documents filed in a matter, please go to the Court’s public portal search page.

401 - 500 of 12358 results

Tracey v. Tracey 2023 ND 219
Docket No.: 20230155
Filing Date: 11/24/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: A district court’s finding of domestic violence may be based on actual harm, or the infliction of fear of imminent harm.

When a petition for a domestic violence protection order is based on the infliction of fear of imminent harm, the petitioner must show a fear of actual or imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or assault.

A district court must make factual findings sufficient to understand the basis for its decision.

Matter of Didier 2023 ND 218
Docket No.: 20230118
Filing Date: 11/24/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Civil Commitment of Sexually Dangerous Individual
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A district court must have sufficient factual findings to show a sexually dangerous individual continues to have an inability to control his behavior. Past conduct is relevant and may be considered with present conduct to determine whether an individual continues to have an inability to control his behavior. The district court’s findings, showing not just a lack of progress, but a lack of participation, are sufficient to show the individual continues to have an inability to control his behavior.

State v. Nelson 2023 ND 217
Docket No.: 20230038
Filing Date: 11/24/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Theft
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: An issue will not be addressed on appeal when an appellant fails to raise it in the district court or brief it under the obvious error standard of review.

The standard for reviewing the sufficiency of evidence is the same for both a bench trial and a jury trial. A conviction will not be set aside if competent evidence allows the trier of fact to draw an inference reasonably tending to prove guilt and fairly warranting a conviction.

Olson Family Limited Partnership v. Velva Parks 2023 ND 216
Docket No.: 20230108
Filing Date: 11/24/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: A movant under N.D.R.Civ.P. 60(b) has the burden of establishing sufficient grounds for disturbing the finality of the judgment. A disregard of service of process does not constitute mistake, inadvertence, or excusable neglect. Bare assertions without credible facts or specific legal grounds do not give rise to an allegation of a meritorious defense.

Benter v. State 2023 ND 215
Docket No.: 20230202
Filing Date: 11/24/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

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

Bravera Bank v. Craft, et al. 2023 ND 214
Docket No.: 20230095
Filing Date: 11/24/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Foreclosure
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: When a district court’s order granting summary judgment is entered on a fully submitted motion without any request for oral argument, and the order fully resolves the pending claims, it may not be necessary for the court to specifically address the remaining motions.

A district court does not err in cancelling a hearing set by the court if its notice was issued after the time for the parties to request a hearing has expired and neither party made a request.

A party opposing summary judgment must explain the connection between the factual assertions and the legal theories in the case. It cannot leave the district court the chore of determining if there are nonbriefed issues material to the claim for relief.

State v. Sparkman 2023 ND 212
Docket No.: 20230134
Filing Date: 11/9/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Misdemeanor
Author: Per Curiam

McGinnis v. State 2023 ND 211
Docket No.: 20230119
Filing Date: 11/9/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court’s order denying postconviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

State v. Anderson 2023 ND 210
Docket No.: 20230145
Filing Date: 11/9/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Assault
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: When the intent element of terrorizing is met based on reckless disregard of the risk, awareness of the risk is not required if the absence is due to self-induced intoxication.

Preventing arrest under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-08-02 includes not only preventing the arrest but also effecting such an arrest. Preventing law enforcement actions such as being placed in handcuffs or being secured for transport could be the basis for a preventing arrest charge.

State v. Morales 2023 ND 209
Docket No.: 20230080
Filing Date: 11/9/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Homicide
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: North Dakota Rule of Criminal Procedure 11(d) governs the withdrawal of a guilty plea. To withdraw a guilty plea after the court has accepted the plea but before sentencing, a defendant must show a fair and just reason for the withdrawal.

State v. Yalartai 2023 ND 208
Docket No.: 20230065
Filing Date: 11/9/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: A defendant moving to withdraw his guilty plea before sentencing bears the burden of establishing a fair and just reason exists.

Among the factors that a district court may consider in determining whether a fair and just reason exists to withdraw a guilty plea before sentencing are: (1) the amount of time that has passed between the entry of the plea and the motion to withdraw; (2) defendant’s assertion of innocence or a legally cognizable defense to the charge; (3) prejudice to the government; (4) whether the plea was knowing and voluntary; (5) whether the plea was made in compliance with Rule 11, N.D.R.Crim.P.; (6) whether adequate assistance of counsel was available to the defendant; (7) the plausibility of the reason for seeking to withdraw; (8) whether a plea withdrawal would waste judicial resources; and (9) whether the parties had reached or breached a plea agreement.

A defendant who voluntarily pleads guilty waives the right to challenge nonjurisdictional defects, including alleged violations of constitutional rights that occur before the guilty plea.

Kaspari v. Kaspari 2023 ND 207
Docket No.: 20230189
Filing Date: 11/9/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Divorce - Property
Author: Bahr, Douglas Alan

Highlight: This Court only has jurisdiction to review judgments which are timely appealed. If we conclude the attempted appeal fails for lack of jurisdiction, we have the duty to dismiss the appeal sua sponte.

A motion under N.D.R.Civ.P. 60 does not toll the time to appeal unless the motion is served and filed no later than 28 days after notice of entry of judgment.

This Court does not consider issues which are not adequately articulated, supported, and briefed.

State v. Kovalevich 2023 ND 206
Docket No.: 20230101
Filing Date: 11/9/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: Bahr, Douglas Alan

Highlight: When a defendant has previously filed a post-conviction relief application, a subsequent motion filed under the Rules of Criminal Procedure will be treated as an application for post-conviction relief when the motion seeks to evade the boundaries of post-conviction proceedings.

When a pre-filing order is in effect, a district court must make the required initial determinations whether a particular litigant’s proffered papers will be filed before ruling on the merits of the proposed filing.

Orders denying leave to file are not appealable.

Vacancy in Judgeship No. 2, NECJD 2023 ND 205
Docket No.: 20230284
Filing Date: 11/2/2023
Case Type: Judicial Administration - Rule - Rule
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Judgeship retained at Grand Forks.

Matter of Reciprocal Discipline of Hill 2023 ND 204
Docket No.: 20230296
Filing Date: 10/26/2023
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer reprimanded.

Interest of A.I. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2023 ND 203
Docket No.: 20230311
Filing Date: 10/26/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Mental Health
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: To comply with the requirements of N.D.C.C. § 25-03.1-21(1), the district court must find by clear and convincing evidence that alternative treatment is not adequate or hospitalization is the least restrictive alternative. However, we cannot order a less restrictive alternative even if it would be sufficient if evidence shows there is no such program currently available.

State v. Gonzales 2023 ND 202
Docket No.: 20230129
Filing Date: 10/26/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-32-08, a district court may enter restitution for damages or expenses sustained by a victim that are immediate, intimate, causally connected and directly related to the criminal offense the defendant pleaded guilty or was found guilty.

State v. Ortiz 2023 ND 201
Docket No.: 20230126
Filing Date: 10/26/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Homicide
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court’s judgment sentencing a defendant to 55 years of incarceration is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2) and (4).

Padilla v. Klimpel, et al. 2023 ND 200
Docket No.: 20230099
Filing Date: 10/26/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Per Curiam

Interest of E.E.J.-C. (Confidential) 2023 ND 199
Docket No.: 20230091
Filing Date: 10/26/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Juvenile Law
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A juvenile court order denying petition for guardianship of a child is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

State v. Montenegro 2023 ND 198
Docket No.: 20230088
Filing Date: 10/26/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Misdemeanor
Author: Per Curiam

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

Severance v. Howe 2023 ND 197
Docket No.: 20230084
Filing Date: 10/26/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Malpractice
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: The tort of battery exists at common law. A person is civilly liable for offensive-contact battery if he or she (1) acts intending to cause a harmful or offensive contact with the person of the other or a third person, or an imminent apprehension of such a contact, and (2) an offensive contact with the person of the other directly or indirectly results.

North Dakota is a notice pleading state. North Dakota’s rules do not require plaintiffs to allege every element of their claim. The formal character of a complaint does not strictly determine the cause of action.

Whether to abrogate a common law claim is a policy matter for the Legislature to decide.

Section 28-01-46, N.D.C.C, which requires plaintiffs to submit an affidavit containing an expert opinion to support a prima facie case of professional medical negligence, does not apply to a claim for the intentional tort of battery.

State v. Whitetail 2023 ND 196
Docket No.: 20230044
Filing Date: 10/11/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Homicide
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Under N.D.R.Crim.P. 29(a), the district court must enter judgment of acquittal upon a defendant’s motion if the evidence presented at trial is insufficient to sustain a conviction. When the sufficiency of evidence to support a criminal conviction is challenged on appeal, the record is reviewed to determine if there is competent evidence allowing the jury to draw an inference reasonably tending to prove guilt and fairly warranting a conviction. The defendant bears the burden of showing the evidence reveals no reasonable inference of guilt when viewed in the light most favorable to the verdict.

Hillestad v. Small 2023 ND 195
Docket No.: 20230006
Filing Date: 10/11/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Bahr, Douglas Alan

Highlight: There is no presumption in North Dakota law for or against equal residential responsibility.

Primary caretakers do not receive presumptive status but may receive recognition in residential responsibility determinations.

A holiday schedule is not clearly erroneous if it is in the best interests of the child.

Tie-breaking decision-making authority must be awarded in the best interests of the child.

Interest of C.K. 2023 ND 194
Docket No.: 20230293
Filing Date: 10/11/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Order terminating parental rights is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2) and (4).

Interest of C.K. 2023 ND 194
Docket No.: 20230293
Filing Date: 10/11/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

State v. Harris 2023 ND 193
Docket No.: 20230033
Filing Date: 10/11/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: The district court order denying a defendant’s motion to suppress is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2) and (7).

State v. Hatzenbuehler 2023 ND 192
Docket No.: 20230017
Filing Date: 10/11/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: The sentencing factors set forth in N.D.C.C. § 12.1-32-04 apply in revocation proceedings. Although entitled to consideration, the sentencing factors do not control the district court’s discretion, are not an exclusive list of all a court may consider, and need not be explicitly referenced in fixing a criminal sentence.

Albertson v. Albertson 2023 ND 191
Docket No.: 20230034
Filing Date: 10/11/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Bahr, Douglas Alan

Highlight: A district court must specially state facts when granting a disorderly conduct restraining order, which allow a reviewing court to understand the basis of the decision.

Section 28-26-01, N.D.C.C., applies to awards of attorney’s fees by the district court, not the Supreme Court.

Kirkpatrick v. NDDOT 2023 ND 190
Docket No.: 20230085
Filing Date: 10/2/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: The North Dakota Department of Transportation has authority to conduct proceedings to suspend an operator’s license if law enforcement has provided it with information essential to showing suspension may be warranted under the law.

The Department lacks authority to suspend an operator’s license when all breath and blood alcohol test results are not provided to the Department.

Matter of Reciprocal Discipline of Roach 2023 ND 189
Docket No.: 20230233
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer reprimaned and placed on probation.

Disciplinary Board v. Baird 2023 ND 188
Docket No.: 20230277
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer disbarred.

Disciplinary Board v. Pilch 2023 ND 187
Docket No.: 20230268
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer disbarred.

Disciplinary Board v. Pilch (consolidated w/ 20230266) 2023 ND 186
Docket No.: 20230265
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer disbarred.

Bd. of Trustees of The N.D. Public Employees' Retirement System v. N.D. (con't) 2023 ND 185
Docket No.: 20230158
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Original Proceeding - Civil - Writ of Injunction
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: The supreme court invokes its original jurisdiction only in cases publici juris and those affecting the sovereignty of the state, its franchises and prerogatives, or the liberties of its people. The supreme court has exercised original jurisdiction in cases where the separation of coequal branches of government and their respective authority have been challenged.

Constitutional provisions are generally given their plain, ordinary, and commonly understood meaning. The overriding objective is to give effect to the intent and purpose of the people adopting the constitutional provision. The intent and purpose of constitutional provisions are to be determined, if possible, from the language itself.

Under North Dakota Constitution Article IV, § 13, “[n]o bill may embrace more than one subject, which must be expressed in its title.” When a bill embraces multiple subjects, all of which are expressed in its title, the whole bill is void due to the manifest impossibility of choosing which parts of the bill are valid and which are void. A court’s attempt to choose between the provisions would improperly inject it into the Legislature’s domain.

Interest of P.R.-K. (CONFIDENTIAL)(consolidated w/20230282) 2023 ND 184
Docket No.: 20230281
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A juvenile court order terminating parental rights is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2) and (4).

Jones v. Rath 2023 ND 183
Docket No.: 20230018
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Only an aggrieved party may appeal from an order or judgment.

For purposes of appellate review, an aggrieved party is someone whose interests are adversely affected by a court’s decision.

A temporary restraining order is not a final appealable order.

Individuals subject to a North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 58 vexatious litigant prefiling order may not raise issues on appeal concerning motions they did not have authority to file.

Interest of K.J. 2023 ND 182
Docket No.: 20230290
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court judgment terminating parental rights is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4).

Interest of K.J. 2023 ND 182
Docket No.: 20230290
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Isac v. State 2023 ND 181
Docket No.: 20230100
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: When a post-conviction relief applicant seeks to withdraw a guilty plea based upon ineffective assistance of counsel, the applicant must satisfy a two-prong test by showing (1) his counsel’s representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness, and (2) there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s errors, the applicant would not have pleaded guilty and would have insisted on going to trial. Under the second prong, the district court is required to determine what the applicant would have done had he received competent advice—not what he would have done with the benefit of hindsight.

Witnesses must testify from personal knowledge. Witnesses may use notes to refresh their recollection, but they may not testify directly from the notes. A district court has broad discretion to control the use of evidence to refresh memory.

State v. Johnson 2023 ND 180
Docket No.: 20230083
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Misdemeanor
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: Terrorizing circumstances are threats of violence or dangerous acts made with an intent to induce fear. No precise words are necessary to convey a threat, and may be bluntly spoken or done by innuendo or suggestion. A threat often takes its meaning from the circumstances in which it is spoken, and words that are innocuous in themselves may take on a sinister meaning in the context in which they are recited.

Williamson v. State 2023 ND 179
Docket No.: 20230069
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: An order denying an application for postconviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4).

State v. Cahoon 2023 ND 178
Docket No.: 20230008
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court judgment following a jury verdict is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3). 

State v. Weah 2023 ND 177
Docket No.: 20220361
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Assault
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court’s judgment entered after a jury convicted the defendant of aggravated assault with permanent loss or impairment and reckless endangerment with extreme indifference is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App. 35.1(a)(3).

State v. Weah 2023 ND 177
Docket No.: 20220361
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Assault
Author: Per Curiam

State v. Powell 2023 ND 176
Docket No.: 20230107
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A criminal judgment entered following denial of a motion to suppress evidence is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

State v. Hanson 2023 ND 175
Docket No.: 20230053
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A criminal judgment and sentencing for child abuse and child neglect are summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35(a)(2) and (4).

State v. Entzel 2023 ND 174
Docket No.: 20230078
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Homicide
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A criminal judgment entered after a jury conviction of conspiracy to commit murder is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3).

Matter of John V. Klein Trust 2023 ND 173
Docket No.: 20230059
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Probate, Wills, Trusts
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: An order granting trustees’ petition for sale of trust’s surface interests and distribution of mineral interests to beneficiaries is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4) and (7).

Discover Bank v. Romanick, et al. 2023 ND 172
Docket No.: 20230227
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Original Proceeding - Civil - Writ of Supervision
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: We exercise our supervisory jurisdiction rarely and cautiously to rectify errors and prevent injustice in extraordinary cases in which no adequate alternative remedy exists.

A party who files a complaint must serve notice of filing on the other parties, except upon defaulting parties.

When a defendant has not appeared, he is not entitled to be notified of the motion for default judgment.

When the plaintiff declares the defendant did not answer or otherwise appear and its claim is for a sum certain—as evidenced through declaration and written instrument—the court abuses its discretion by failing to direct entry of default judgment.

Berger, et al. v. Sellers, et al. 2023 ND 171
Docket No.: 20220322
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A planned unit development is a form of zoning ordinance which is interpreted under rules of statutory construction. Where an incorporated reference is subsequently modified or repealed, that change does not alter the meaning of the law incorporating that reference.

A party is not required to exhaust administrative remedies prior to suit when the issue concerns the interpretation of an unambiguous statute and does not need the exercise of an agency’s expertise in making factual decisions.

The interpretation of a restrictive covenant is generally governed by rules for interpretation of a contract. Restrictive covenants will be given full effect when clearly established.

Whether a fiduciary relationship exists is generally a question of fact, dependent upon a showing of special circumstances.

Violating a requirement in the planned unit development or restrictive covenants constitutes an “unlawful” act for purposes of a statutory private nuisance claim. Homeowners do not have a right to sunlight and open space on adjacent properties.

Conduct that constitutes a breach of contract does not subject the actor to an action in tort for negligence, unless the conduct also constitutes a breach of an independent duty that did not arise from the contract. Section 9-10-01, N.D.C.C., codifies the general duty of care to abstain from injuring property or infringing upon rights. Neighbors who are members of a homeowners’ association owe each other an ordinary duty of care. A homeowners’ association owes homeowners reasonable care in approving construction plans. The fact finder determines how a reasonable homeowners’ association would act under the circumstances and whether the association exercised reasonable care in performing its duties. Generally, a contractor is relieved of liability if he followed the contractee’s plans or specifications which were defective or insufficient, and the defect or insufficiency caused the damage.

Slander is a false and unprivileged publication other than libel. Intentional interference with contract requires a breach of contract. Unlawful interference with business requires an independently tortious or otherwise unlawful act of interference. Negligence requires a breach of duty.

Berger, et al. v. Sellers, et al. 2023 ND 171
Docket No.: 20220322
Filing Date: 9/28/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Vacancy in Judgeship No. 1, SEJD 2023 ND 170
Docket No.: 20230256
Filing Date: 9/20/2023
Case Type: Judicial Administration - Rule - Rule
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Judgship retained at Jamestown.

Disciplinary Board v. Slyva 2023 ND 169
Docket No.: 20230232
Filing Date: 9/18/2023
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer reprimanded.

Suiter v. NDDOT 2023 ND 168
Docket No.: 20230109
Filing Date: 9/14/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: The district court judgment affirming an administrative suspension of a defendant’s driver’s license is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(5) and (7).

Ruiz Ledezma v. State 2023 ND 167
Docket No.: 20230055
Filing Date: 9/14/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: The district court order denying a defendant’s petition for post-conviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4).

Bechtle v. Bechtle, et al. 2023 ND 166
Docket No.: 20230054
Filing Date: 9/14/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court order denying a motion to modify parenting time is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P 35.1(a)(2).

Buller v. Buller 2023 ND 165
Docket No.: 20230050
Filing Date: 9/14/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court’s order regarding primary residential responsibility and valuation and distribution of the martial estate is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

Friends of the Rail Bridge, et al. v. N.D. Dep't of Water Resources, et al. 2023 ND 164
Docket No.: 20230255
Filing Date: 9/14/2023
Case Type: Original Proceeding - Civil - Writ of Mandamus
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: This Court exercises its supervisory jurisdiction when no adequate alternative remedy exists and not merely because the appeal may involve an increase of expense or an inconvenient delay.

Friends of the Rail Bridge, et al. v. N.D. Dep't of Water Resources, et al. 2023 ND 164
Docket No.: 20230255
Filing Date: 9/14/2023
Case Type: Original Proceeding - Civil - Writ of Mandamus
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Interest of A.Z. 2023 ND 163
Docket No.: 20230245
Filing Date: 9/14/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A juvenile court order terminating parental rights is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

Interest of A.Z. 2023 ND 163
Docket No.: 20230245
Filing Date: 9/14/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Disciplinary Board v. Pilch 2023 ND 162
Docket No.: 20230152
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer suspended.

Disciplinary Board v. Pilch 2023 ND 161
Docket No.: 20230147
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer disbarred.

Disciplinary Board v. Overboe 2023 ND 160
Docket No.: 20230090
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer suspended.

Disciplinary Board v. Baird 2023 ND 159
Docket No.: 20230075
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer suspended.

Interest of A.M. (CONFIDENTIAL)(consolidated w/20230210) 2023 ND 158
Docket No.: 20230209
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Order terminating parental rights summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2), (4), and (7).

Interest of A.B. (CONFIDENTIAL) (consolidated w/20230198 & 20230199) 2023 ND 157
Docket No.: 20230197
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A juvenile court order terminating parental rights is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4).

Sayler v. Sayler 2023 ND 156
Docket No.: 20230004
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Bahr, Douglas Alan

Highlight: A motion to relocate is not necessary when residential responsibility has not previously been established. Therefore, consideration of the Stout-Hawkinson factors is not necessary when the district court originally determines parental responsibility of parents living in different states.

The purpose or motive for a unilateral move is one of the many factors courts should consider and weigh when determining parental responsibility.

State v. Petersen 2023 ND 155
Docket No.: 20230049
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - DUI/DUS/APC
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: Law enforcement exceeds its community caretaking function when it opens the door of a sleeping occupant’s parked semi-truck and steps onto the running boards in an attempt to gather information without first attempting to get a response from outside of the vehicle.

Under prong two of the inevitable discovery doctrine, the State must prove that the evidence would have been found without the unlawful activity and must show how the discovery of the evidence would have occurred.

Estate of Froemke 2023 ND 154
Docket No.: 20220321
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Probate, Wills, Trusts
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A witness must demonstrate some basis for forming an intelligent judgment as to the value of land before offering lay opinion testimony about the value of the land.

A property owner may present opinion testimony about the value of his property even when the opinion relies upon information from another.

Out-of-court statements are non-hearsay if they are offered for their independent legal significance where the utterance of the words is, in itself, an operative fact which gives rise to legal consequences.

Estate of Froemke 2023 ND 154
Docket No.: 20220321
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Probate, Wills, Trusts
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Davis, et al. v. Mercy Medical Center, et al. 2023 ND 153
Docket No.: 20220325
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Malpractice
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: In a negligence action, a proximate cause is a cause which, as a natural and continuous sequence, unbroken by any controlling intervening cause, produces the injury, and without which it would not have occurred.

A court will not disturb a jury’s damages verdict unless the verdict is so excessive or inadequate as to be without evidentiary support.

The jury must determine the damages to which a party is entitled within reasonable limits, based upon the evidence. If those limits have been exceeded, it is the court’s duty to make a proper reduction or grant a new trial.

Davis, et al. v. Mercy Medical Center, et al. 2023 ND 153
Docket No.: 20220325
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Malpractice
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

State v. Kollie 2023 ND 152
Docket No.: 20220343
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Homicide
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A sidebar addressing routine evidentiary or administrative matters during trial, even without an adequate record, is not a closure implicating the public trial right.

The plain language of the statute criminalizing murder provides alternative means of committing the offense. A jury is not required to unanimously agree upon which of the alternative means of committing murder it believes the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

For purposes of double jeopardy, criminal offenses are different if each offense contains an element not contained in the other offense.

Irrelevant evidence is not admissible.

Rights of a deceased victim may be exercised by family members and others as provided in N.D. Const. art. I, § 25(4). Section 25 does not provide for the court’s enforcement of a crime victim’s rights on behalf of a deceased victim absent the assertion by an individual listed under § 25(4).

An erroneous evidentiary ruling is disregarded as harmless error under N.D.R.Crim.P. 52(a) if it does not affect the defendant’s substantial rights.

State v. Kollie 2023 ND 152
Docket No.: 20220343
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Homicide
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Wootan v. State 2023 ND 151
Docket No.: 20230036
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: Once the State moves for summary judgment on a post-conviction application, the defendant must provide evidentiary support for their application in response to the State’s motion.

Summary judgment on a post-conviction application is proper when the defendant fails to provide evidentiary support to show a genuine issue of material fact.

Black Elk v. State 2023 ND 150
Docket No.: 20230035
Filing Date: 8/17/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: A part must preserve an issue in district court before it can be reviewed on appeal. A party must preserve a claim of error, as it relates to the admissibility of evidence, by objecting or moving to strike the evidence on record and stating a specific ground for exclusion.

This Court will exercise discretion rarely to consider issues not preserved in post-conviction proceedings, and will do so only if the error is plain and seriously affects the fairness, integrity, or public reputation of judicial proceedings.

A statement is not hearsay when it is offered simply to prove the statement was made. A petitioner at a post-conviction hearing is permitted to testify about the advice given to them by counsel as long as the testimony is submitted to simply show the advice was verbalized.

Advising a defendant that the defendant can deal with a material piece of evidence after a defendant has pled guilty and been sentenced by simply retracting or withdrawing the plea falls below an objectively reasonable standard of a defense attorney.

Goff v. NDDOT 2023 ND 149
Docket No.: 20230115
Filing Date: 8/2/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Substantially justified means justified to a degree that could satisfy a reasonable person.

Interest of D.M.H. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2023 ND 148
Docket No.: 20230028
Filing Date: 8/2/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Juvenile Law
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Absent a change in circumstances, the juvenile court does not err in adopting a prior visitation schedule as the current visitation schedule.

Hennessey v. Milnor School District 2023 ND 147
Docket No.: 20230056
Filing Date: 8/2/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Employer/Employee Dispute
Author: Bahr, Douglas Alan

Highlight: In an appeal from a motion to dismiss under N.D.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(6), the complaint is construed in the light most favorable to the plaintiff and well-pleaded allegations are accepted as true.

Undue influence is improper influence exercised in such a way and to such an extent as to destroy a person’s free agency or voluntary action by substituting for the person’s will the will of another.

In nontestamentary cases, undue influence requires three factors be established: (1) A person who can be influenced; (2) The fact of improper influence exerted; and (3) Submission to the overmastering effect of such unlawful conduct.

The law does not condemn all influence, only undue influence.

State, et al. v. Vetter 2023 ND 146
Docket No.: 20230031
Filing Date: 8/2/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: Rule 60(a), N.D.R.Civ.P., was designed to allow district courts to correct errors created by oversight or omission. Rule 60(a) does not authorize the court to change what has been deliberately done.

Gonzalez v. Perales 2023 ND 145
Docket No.: 20230026
Filing Date: 8/2/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: To be appealable under N.D.C.C. § 28-27-02(1), an order must determine the action and prevent a judgment from which an appeal might be taken.

An order is not appealable under § 28-27-02(5) unless, in effect, it finally determines some substantive legal right of appellant or is dispositive of a substantive issue.

Final order under section 14-14.1-34, N.D.C.C. [UCCJEA §314 (1997)], means an order that finally determines some substantive legal right of a party or is dispositive of a substantive issue.

State v. Larsen (consolidated w/20220375 & 20220376) 2023 ND 144
Docket No.: 20220374
Filing Date: 8/2/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Bahr, Douglas Alan

Highlight: The August 1, 2021 amendment to N.D.C.C. § 12.1-32-07(6) does not apply retroactively. Therefore, upon revocation of a conviction and sentence entered prior to August 1, 2021, a district court’s ability to resentence a defendant is limited to the previously imposed, but suspended, sentence.

State v. Larsen (consolidated w/20220375 & 20220376) 2023 ND 144
Docket No.: 20220374
Filing Date: 8/2/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Bahr, Douglas Alan

DOCR v. Louser, et al. 2023 ND 143
Docket No.: 20230117
Filing Date: 8/2/2023
Case Type: Original Proceeding - Criminal - Writ of Supervision
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has broad authority under N.D.C.C. § 54-23.3-01 to supervise offenders and probationers when directed by the district court.

This Court exercises its supervisory jurisdiction rarely and cautiously, and only to rectify errors and prevent injustice in extraordinary cases when no adequate alternative remedy exists.

Zavanna v. Gadeco, et al. 2023 ND 142
Docket No.: 20220265
Filing Date: 8/2/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Oil, Gas and Minerals
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: The plaintiff bears the burden of proof on its quiet title claim. Where the plaintiff owns a top lease and the defendant owns a bottom lease covering the same oil and gas leasehold interest, the plaintiff bears the burden to prove the bottom lease terminated by its own terms. If the bottom lease contains a cessation of production clause, the plaintiff must prove production ceased for the specified period.

Oil and gas leases are interpreted in the same manner as other contracts. When left undefined, “production” in a savings clause means production in paying quantities, which generally requires a court to consider whether the well yielded a profit over operating costs over a reasonable period of time. As a matter of law, a de minimis amount of production does not equate to production in paying quantities. Where profitability of the well is not at issue so as to affect when production in paying quantities ceased, cessation commences on the first day of no production and ends on the last day of no production. If a total cessation of production exceeds the time period established in the lease’s cessation of production clause, the lease terminates unless it provides conditions preventing termination. In this case, a total cessation of production, including de minimis amounts, triggered the cessation of production clause requiring the well operator to timely commence reworking operations.

Reworking operations must be intimately connected with resolving the physical difficulty that caused the well to cease production, and the well operator must exercise due diligence and make a bona fide effort to restore production as soon as possible. Minimal preparatory steps, such as diagnosing the failure and ordering parts, do not constitute commencement of reworking operations.

An express force majeure clause in a contract must be accompanied by proof that the failure to perform was proximately caused by a contingency and that, in spite of skill, diligence, and good faith on the promisor’s part, performance remains impossible or unreasonably expensive. The party relying on a force majeure clause to excuse performance bears the burden of proving that the event was beyond its control and without its fault or negligence. The party relying on the force majeure clause must show its performance was actually hindered or prevented by the force majeure event, not just potentially or hypothetically hindered or prevented.

Zavanna v. Gadeco, et al. 2023 ND 142
Docket No.: 20220265
Filing Date: 8/2/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Oil, Gas and Minerals
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Edison v. Edison 2023 ND 141
Docket No.: 20220290
Filing Date: 8/2/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: North Dakota law forbids sex bias in custody determinations. Between the mother and father, whether married or unmarried, there is no presumption as to which parent will better promote the best interests and welfare of the child.

An obligor is underemployed if the obligor’s gross income from earnings is significantly less than this state’s statewide average earnings for persons with similar work history and occupational qualifications.

Edison v. Edison 2023 ND 141
Docket No.: 20220290
Filing Date: 8/2/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Legacie-Lowe v. Lowe 2023 ND 140
Docket No.: 20220314
Filing Date: 5/9/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: The district court’s findings are inadequate to understand the basis for the decision.

The Court retains jurisdiction and remands for the district court to make specific findings of fact on whether there was infliction of fear of imminent domestic violence.

Adoption of B.T.H. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2023 ND 139
Docket No.: 20230178
Filing Date: 7/19/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Order and decree terminating parental rights to a minor child and granting a petition for adoption summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2) and (4).

Bullinger v. Sundog Interactive, et al. 2023 ND 138
Docket No.: 20230007
Filing Date: 7/19/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Corporations
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: A district court must make adequate findings under N.D.R.Civ.P. 52(a)(1) to understand the basis for its decision.

Interest of B.R. (CONFIDENTIAL) (consolidated w/20230187) 2023 ND 137
Docket No.: 20230186
Filing Date: 7/19/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Orders terminating parental rights are summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2) and (4).

Redpaint v. State 2023 ND 136
Docket No.: 20230042
Filing Date: 7/19/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: Postconviction relief is governed by statute, and its proceedings are civil in nature and governed by the North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure.

An application for postconviction relief must be filed within two years after the conviction becomes final unless there is newly discovered evidence, delay due to physical disability or mental disease, or newly interpreted law retroactively applicable.

Interest of G.R.D. 2023 ND 135
Docket No.: 20230023
Filing Date: 7/19/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Juvenile Law
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: A juvenile court’s order placing a child into the custody of the Division of Juvenile Services will not be reversed unless the court’s findings were clearly erroneous.

Otten v. Otten, et. al. 2023 ND 134
Docket No.: 20230019
Filing Date: 7/19/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Bahr, Douglas Alan

Highlight: A district court judgment dividing marital property, weighing the best interest factors and awarding parenting time is affirmed.

A district court has broad discretion over the progress and conduct of a trial, and the determination whether to grant a continuance lies within the sound discretion of the district court.

Under N.D.R.App.P. 38, this Court may award attorney’s fees if the appeal is frivolous. An appeal is frivolous if it is flagrantly groundless, devoid of merit, or demonstrates persistence in the course of litigation which evidences bad faith.

Dogbe v. Dogbe, et al. 2023 ND 133
Docket No.: 20230037
Filing Date: 7/19/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: To modify a primary residential responsibility order within the two-year period following the entry of the order the movant must make a prima facie case showing the requirements under N.D.C.C. § 14-09-06.6(5).

The district court can grant relief from an order if the party shows any of the reasons necessary for relief under N.D.R.Civ.P. 60(b).

Attorney's fees awarded by the district court will be reversed if the court abused its discretion.

Hagen v. N.D. Insurance Reserve Fund 2023 ND 132
Docket No.: 20230025
Filing Date: 7/19/2023
Case Type: Original Proceeding - Civil - Writ of Mandamus
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: A district court’s review of in-camera documents is reviewed for an abuse of discretion.

A district court’s conclusion that attorney work product meets the potential liability exception under N.D.C.C. § 44-04-19.1(8) must include a finding that the records relate to circumstances for which there remains a genuine potential for liability.

A public entity that has a legal duty to defend its member agencies may be able to demonstrate that attorney work product is exempt from disclosure if disclosure would reveal records that relate to circumstances for which there remains a genuine potential for liability.

A district court must follow the pronouncements of an appellate court on legal issues in subsequent proceedings of the case.

State v. Knight 2023 ND 130
Docket No.: 20230020
Filing Date: 7/19/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: A motion for new trial is reviewed for abuse of discretion.

Whether a jury verdict was coerced depends on the totality of the circumstances.

The district court does not abuse its discretion when it does not consider a juror declaration pertaining to the mental process of a juror during deliberations when deciding a motion for new trial.

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