Opinions

Riemers v. Anderson, et al. (CONSOLIDATED w/20030318) (see Docket Memo) 2004 ND 109
Docket No.: 20030317
Filing Date: 6/3/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Personal Injury
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: Collateral estoppel, or issue preclusion, generally forecloses the relitigation, in a second action based on a different claim, of particular issues of either fact or law which were, or by logical and necessary implication must have been, litigated and determined in the prior suit.
Questions unnecessary to the determination of an appeal are not answered.

Kostrzewski v. Frisinger 2004 ND 108
Docket No.: 20040009
Filing Date: 6/3/2003
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: As a general rule of statutory construction, a specific statute governs over a more general statute.
When a party files a foreign child custody judgment, a trial court shall confirm the judgment unless a person contesting the validity of the registered judgment establishes one of the three grounds listed in N.D.C.C. 14-14.1-25(4).
Mere registration of a foreign child custody judgment does not require determination of the registering court's jurisdiction under N.D.C.C. 14-14.1-14.

Minto Grain v. Tibert, et al. (Cross-Ref w/20010302, 20030207 & 208) 2004 ND 107
Docket No.: 20030297
Filing Date: 6/3/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: The right to the possession of disputed real estate is the only fact that can be rightfully litigated in a summary eviction action unless damages or rent is claimed.
Adverse possession and acquiescence may be asserted as a defense or counterclaim in a summary eviction action.

State v. Nordahl 2004 ND 106
Docket No.: 20030269
Filing Date: 6/3/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Theft
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: A district court does not abuse its discretion when it revokes probation for failure to pay restitution without holding a hearing when a defendant agreed to restitution as part of a plea agreement.

Baker v. Mayer 2004 ND 105
Docket No.: 20030324
Filing Date: 6/3/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: A trial court's decision to grant a disorderly conduct restraining order will not be reversed unless the trial court clearly abused its discretion.
"Reasonable grounds" for a disorderly conduct restraining order is synonymous with "probable cause."
An alleged victim of disorderly conduct must show more than that the person's actions are unwanted; the alleged victim must show that the actions were intended to adversely affect the alleged victim's safety, privacy, or security.

Duma v. Keena, et al. 2004 ND 104
Docket No.: 20030302
Filing Date: 6/3/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Personal Injury
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: Unopposed instructions become the law of the case.
A special verdict will be set aside only if it is perverse and clearly contrary to the evidence. Reconciliation of a verdict includes an examination of both the law of the case and the evidence in order to determine whether the verdict is logical and probable and thus consistent, or whether it is perverse and clearly contrary to the evidence.

State v. Markel 2004 ND 103
Docket No.: 20030299
Filing Date: 6/3/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Conviction for class B felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3) and (4).

Reishus v. Thompson 2004 ND 102
Docket No.: 20040007
Filing Date: 6/3/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A trial court judgment dismissing a negligence action is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

Disciplinary Board v. Peterson 2004 ND 101
Docket No.: 20040134
Filing Date: 5/28/2004
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Interim suspension of lawyer ordered.

State v. Guthmiller 2004 ND 100
Docket No.: 20030298
Filing Date: 5/7/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: The standard for measuring the scope of a suspect's consent under the Fourth Amendment is that of objective reasonableness.
A district court's decision on a suppression motion is affirmed unless, after resolving conflicting evidence in favor of affirmance, there is insufficient competent evidence to support the decision or the decision goes against the manifest weight of the evidence.

Disciplinary Board v. Balerud (CONFIDENTIAL) 2004 ND 99
Docket No.: 20040113
Filing Date: 5/7/2004
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer placed on disability inactive status until further order of the Court.

State v. McClary 2004 ND 98
Docket No.: 20030237
Filing Date: 5/5/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: A jury verdict is inconsistent when, under the jury instructions and evidence, the verdict cannot be rationally reconciled.
A trial court may not question the jury about how it arrived at its verdict.

Tibert, et al. v. City of Minto, et al. (Cross ref. w/20030208) 2004 ND 97
Docket No.: 20030207
Filing Date: 5/5/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: A district court's legal conclusion of mootness is reviewed de novo.
A common-law dedication must be proven by clear and convincing evidence. The party attempting to establish the existence of the common-law dedication must show there was an intention to dedicate and a public acceptance of the dedication.
Whether a common-law dedication occurred is a question of fact which will not be disturbed on appeal unless clearly erroneous.

Haley v. Dennis, et al. 2004 ND 96
Docket No.: 20030284
Filing Date: 5/5/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Malpractice
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: A jury verdict that assesses a percentage of fault to the defendant after finding the defendant was not negligent is an inconsistent and irreconcilable verdict.
When the jury during deliberations requests additional instruction on a substantive point of law, the court must notify the parties or counsel before responding to the jury's request.

Hilgers v. Hilgers (Cross-reference w/ 20010208) 2004 ND 95
Docket No.: 20030252
Filing Date: 5/5/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: N.D.R.Civ.P. 6(e), permitting an additional three days to be added to the time for service by mail, does not apply to extend the time when the time begins to run only after actual receipt of notice.
A letter opinion is not an appealable order unless followed by a subsequently entered consistent judgment or order.
The Supreme Court exercises its supervisory authority only to rectify errors and prevent injustice when no adequate alternative remedies exist.
A district court abuses its discretion when it fails to address nonfrivolous issues presented to the court.

Jaste v. Gailfus, et al. 2004 ND 94
Docket No.: 20030261
Filing Date: 5/5/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Personal Injury
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: A court errs by deciding summary judgment on a legal doctrine other than those raised by the parties unless the parties are given notice and an opportunity to be heard. The error is reversible if not harmless.

Wetsch v. ND Dept. of Transportation 2004 ND 93
Docket No.: 20030254
Filing Date: 5/5/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: Refusal to submit to an onsite screening test constitutes a violation of informed consent law and may properly result in a one-year suspension of an individual's driver's license.
An individual's demand to have blood drawn for a chemical screening in a medical environment, such as a hospital, constitutes refusal under North Dakota's informed consent statute.

Airport Inn Enterprises, Inc. v. Ramage 2004 ND 92
Docket No.: 20040032
Filing Date: 5/5/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: A condition precedent is one that must be performed or happen before a duty of immediate performance arises on the promise that the condition qualifies.
When an agreement is conditioned upon obtaining financing, a condition precedent to performance of the agreement is created.
When financing is a condition precedent, there is no enforceable agreement until the financing is obtained.

All New Gutter Service, Inc. v. Dusek 2004 ND 91
Docket No.: 20030321
Filing Date: 5/5/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Judgment finding no oral contract after a bench trial is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

State v. Tweeten 2004 ND 90
Docket No.: 20030151
Filing Date: 5/5/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: A district court may not dismiss a case with prejudice for prosecutorial misconduct unless a hearing is held in which it is determined by clear and convincing evidence the prosecution has proceeded in bad faith.

Meyer v. Meyer 2004 ND 89
Docket No.: 20030214
Filing Date: 5/5/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Divorce - Property
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: A change in spousal support, which was initially awarded upon the parties' stipulation, should be made only with great reluctance by the trial court upon a showing of a material change in circumstances.
Findings of fact should be sufficiently stated so the reviewing court is able to understand the factual basis for the trial court's decision, particularly in view of our standards for modification of spousal support.
A case will be remanded if the reviewing court cannot discern the rationale for the result reached by the trial court.

State v. Helm 2004 ND 88
Docket No.: 20030273
Filing Date: 5/5/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Conviction for class C felony terrorizing is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3) and (7).

Reciprocal Discipline of Chinquist 2004 ND 87
Docket No.: 20040100
Filing Date: 4/26/2004
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer suspension ordered.

Oliver-Mercer Electric Coop. v. Davis, et al. (Consol. w/ 20030158) 2004 ND 86
Docket No.: 20030157
Filing Date: 4/19/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: The right to a trial by jury is determined by the character of the issues as framed by the complaint or appearing on the face of the pleadings.
A secured creditor must give reasonable notice of the time and place of a sale of collateral and must conduct the sale in a commercially reasonable manner.
When a secured creditor who failed to give proper notice seeks a deficiency judgment, the fair market value of the collateral is presumed to be equal to the debt.
For purposes of a deficiency judgment, the fair market value of the collateral must be determined at the time of the sale. A secured creditor who failed to properly notify the debtor of a sale of collateral must provide credible evidence from which the trial court can determine the fair market value of the collateral. If a secured creditor has failed to provide the debtor proper notice of the sale of collateral, the selling price of the collateral is not credible evidence.
Every aspect of a sale of collateral must be commercially reasonable, including the method, manner, time, place, and terms.

State v. Clark 2004 ND 85
Docket No.: 20030238
Filing Date: 4/19/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Assault
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: An appellate court exercises its authority to notice obvious error cautiously and only in exceptional circumstances in which the defendant has suffered a serious injustice.
A prosecutor's closing arguments may properly draw reasonable conclusions and argue permissible inferences from the evidence, but a prosecutor may not create evidence by argument or by incorporating personal beliefs into the argument.
An argument that asks jurors to place themselves in the shoes of a party is improper and should be avoided.

Matter of the Reciprocal Discipline of Johannson 2004 ND 84
Docket No.: 20040102
Filing Date: 4/16/2004
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer suspension ordered.

Reciprocal Discipline of Schaefer 2004 ND 83
Docket No.: 20040101
Filing Date: 4/16/2004
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer disbarment ordered.

Peterson v. ND University System, et al. 2004 ND 82
Docket No.: 20030249
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: A writ of mandamus is not the appropriate avenue for judicial review of State Board of Higher Education decisions to dismiss tenured faculty members because tenure rights are contractual and not statutory in nature.
The proper standard of judicial review of a substantive State Board of Higher Education decision to dismiss a tenured faculty member for cause is whether a reasoning mind could have reasonably determined that the factual conclusions were supported by clear and convincing evidence.

Garcia v. State (consolidated w/20030307) 2004 ND 81
Docket No.: 20030162
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: To succeed on a claim for ineffective assistance of counsel, a petitioner must prove counsel's performance was deficient and the deficient performance prejudiced him.
Effectiveness of counsel is measured by an objective standard of reasonableness considering prevailing professional norms.
The prejudice element requires a petitioner to establish a reasonable probability that, but for his trial counsel's errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different.
A petitioner misuses the post-conviction process by initiating a subsequent application raising issues that could have been raised in an earlier proceeding.

Keller v. Bolding 2004 ND 80
Docket No.: 20030221
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: A person's willful failure to destroy or prevent the spread of Canada thistle on land in the person's possession violates North Dakota's public policy.
Forfeitures of estates under leases are not favored.
A condition involving a forfeiture must be interpreted strictly against the party for whose benefit it is created.
A contract cannot be arbitrarily terminated under a provision authorizing termination.
Evidentiary imprecision on the amount of damages does not preclude recovery.

Riemers v. O'Halloran, et al. 2004 ND 79
Docket No.: 20030280
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: A party waives an issue by not providing supporting argument, and without supportive reasoning or citations to relevant authorities, an argument is without merit.
Court-appointed expert witnesses are absolutely immune from suit on the basis of their testimony.
An appeal is frivolous if it is flagrantly groundless, devoid of merit, or demonstrates persistence in the course of litigation which could be seen as evidence of bad faith.

State v. Parizek (consolidated w/20030086 through 20030088) 2004 ND 78
Docket No.: 20030085
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: Police officers may freeze a situation and conduct a limited investigative stop of persons present at the scene of a recently committed crime without violating the Fourth Amendment.
A law enforcement officer may conduct a frisk or pat down search of a person only when the officer possesses an articulable suspicion the individual is armed and dangerous.
Certainty that an object is a weapon is not required before an officer may continue a pat down search to the inner clothing site where the object is located.
Generally, where an object recovered from a suspect during a pat down search is a closed container, the officer may not open the container to examine its contents unless the officer can point to specific and articulable facts supporting a reasonable suspicion that the closed container poses a danger to the officer or others nearby.
Evidence obtained by unlawful police conduct is admissible if the prosecution proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the evidence would have inevitably been discovered by lawful means.

State v. Buchholz 2004 ND 77
Docket No.: 20030275
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: A party's failure to object at trial to references to, and evidence of, other alleged bad acts waives that issue.
A party's failure to submit a proposed jury instruction on consideration of evidence of other bad acts precludes a party from claiming the trial court erred in failing to instruct the jury on that issue.
The statute of limitations in the 1993 version of N.D.C.C. 29-04-03.1 applies to offenses for which the statute of limitations had not expired under prior law.
In the absence of specific language in a sequestration order, N.D.R.Ev. 615 does not apply to witnesses' out-of-court communications during trial.
The failure to raise a violation of the ten-day, pre-sentence report notice at sentencing waives that issue.

Gullickson v. Kline 2004 ND 76
Docket No.: 20030223
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: Only a person who has been the victim of disorderly conduct, or the parent or guardian of a minor who has been a victim, may seek a disorderly conduct restraining order.
Procedural due process requires fundamental fairness, which, at a minimum, necessitates notice and a meaningful opportunity for a hearing appropriate to the nature of the case.

State v. Causer 2004 ND 75
Docket No.: 20030124
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: The State is required to provide prior written notice of the alleged probation violations to a probationer.
The trial court is not required to inform a probationer of his statutory right to appeal from a probation revocation. A probationer has no constitutional right to appeal and there is no notification requirement in North Dakota's statutes or rules of procedure.
A probationer does not have a constitutional right to counsel on appeal from a probation revocation because there is no constitutional right to appeal. A trial court has no duty to inform a probationer of his state-granted right to counsel, nor does a trial court have a duty to appoint counsel for a probationer, absent a probationer's request.
A probationer's right against double jeopardy is not violated by a trial court's imposition of additional probation as part of resentencing after probation is revoked.
North Dakota's statutory scheme provides a probationer with actual notice that a probation violation could result in the imposition of a sentence more severe than his originally imposed sentence.

Danzl, et al. v. Heidinger, et al. 2004 ND 74
Docket No.: 20030239
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: Absent statutory or contractual authority, each party to a lawsuit bears the party's own attorney fees.

Rydberg, et al. v. Rydberg 2004 ND 73
Docket No.: 20030212
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: Issues on appeal are not restricted to those raised in a motion to alter or amend the judgment as long as the issues were raised at the district court.
A statute of limitations acts only to bar the bringing of the specified action and does not affect other remedies.
Paternity can be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence or by a court decree establishing paternity of the child by another man.
Genetic tests are enough to rebut the presumption of paternity by clear and convincing evidence.

Roth v. Hoffer 2004 ND 72
Docket No.: 20030282
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Per Curiam

State v. Guscette 2004 ND 71
Docket No.: 20030177
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: A person is seized under the Fourth Amendment if, in view of all the surrounding circumstances, a reasonable person would believe he or she is not free to leave the area.
A seizure does not occur under the Fourth Amendment simply because a law enforcement officer asks a person questions, and as long as reasonable persons would feel free to disregard the officer and go about their business, the encounter is consensual and no reasonable suspicion of criminal activity is required.
Consent to a search is voluntary if, under the totality of the circumstances, it is the product of an essentially free choice and not the product of coercion.

State v. Lura (Consolidated w/20030186-20030194) 2004 ND 70
Docket No.: 20030185
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author:

Highlight: Drug convictions summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3) and (7).

Weaver v. State 2004 ND 69
Docket No.: 20030325
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Dismissal of second petition for post-conviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(6) and (7).

State v. Provost (cross-ref. w/20030227 & 20030229-20030231) 2004 ND 68
Docket No.: 20030228
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Conviction for simple assault on a peace officer is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3) and (4).

State v. Stensaker 2004 ND 67
Docket No.: 20030204
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Misdemeanor
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Conviction for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3).

Heinz v. Heinz 2004 ND 66
Docket No.: 20030301
Filing Date: 4/13/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Amended divorce judgment summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

Jundt v. Jurassic Resources, et al. (cross-ref. w/20010313) 2004 ND 65
Docket No.: 20030216
Filing Date: 3/26/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: What could have been presented in a prior appeal may not be heard on a later appeal.
A N.D.R.Civ.P. 68 settlement offer must present a clear baseline from which plaintiffs may evaluate the merits of their case relative to the value of the offer.
To trigger the mandatory cost-shifting provision, a defendant seeking costs under N.D.R.Civ.P. 68 must show that the offer was more favorable than the judgment.

Graves v. State Board of Law Examiners 2004 ND 64
Docket No.: 20030137
Filing Date: 3/26/2004
Case Type: Board of Law Examiners - Other - Other
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: The due process clause requires that the State Board of Law Examiners employ fair procedures, including a fair and impartial tribunal, when processing applications for admission to the bar.

St. Benedict's Health Center v. ND Dept. of Human Services 2004 ND 63
Docket No.: 20030289
Filing Date: 3/25/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Administrative Proceeding
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: Administrative regulations for setting Medicaid reimbursement rates involve complex and technical matters calling for agency expertise, and the Department of Human Services' expertise in interpreting its reimbursement regulations is entitled to deference.

Oldham v. Oldham 2004 ND 62
Docket No.: 20030072
Filing Date: 3/25/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: A party waives an issue by not providing supporting argument.
Without supportive reasoning or citations to relevant authorities, an argument is without merit.

Gratech Company, Ltd., et al. v. ND Dept. of Transportation 2004 ND 61
Docket No.: 20030203
Filing Date: 3/23/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: All disputes arising out of any contract entered into by the Department of Transportation for the construction or repair of highways must be submitted to arbitration.
As a condition precedent to arbitration of a highway construction dispute, a contractor seeking additional compensation for work not covered in the contract must file a written notice of claim.

Nodak Mutual Ins. Co., et al. v. Ward Co. Farm Bureau, et al. 2004 ND 60
Docket No.: 20030134
Filing Date: 3/23/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Insurance
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: A defendant must have standing to assert a counterclaim against a plaintiff.
The existence of standing is a question of law which is reviewed de novo.
Individual shareholders generally have no right to bring actions in their individual names and on their own behalf for a wrong committed against the corporation.
To have standing to sue individually, a shareholder must allege an injury separate and distinct from other shareholders.
The statutory right to shareholder access to corporate documents and records provides a right of inspection, not a right to receive answers to questions submitted by shareholders.

Johnson v. ND Dept. of Transportation 2004 ND 59
Docket No.: 20030339
Filing Date: 3/23/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: The twenty-minute waiting period required before the administration of an Intoxilyzer test can begin before arrest.
The waiting period from the S-D2 test can be used when ascertaining the twenty-minute waiting period for the Intoxilyzer test.
Observing someone is not the only way to ascertain that person has had nothing to eat, drink, or smoke during the twenty minutes preceding an Intoxilyzer test.
A fact-finder can draw reasonable inferences from the evidence.

Giese v. Giese (cross-ref. w/20020168) 2004 ND 58
Docket No.: 20030278
Filing Date: 3/23/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Divorce - Property
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: Civil contempt requires a willful and inexcusable intent to violate a court order. The trial court's finding of contempt will not be overturned unless there is a clear abuse of discretion.
A trial court may award attorney fees as part of the compensation to a complainant in contempt proceedings.

Interest of D.V.A. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2004 ND 57
Docket No.: 20030304
Filing Date: 3/23/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Civil Commitment of Sexually Dangerous Individual
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: Experts in proceedings to commit sexually dangerous individuals may rely upon information reasonably relied upon by other experts in the particular field when forming opinions regarding whether an individual is sexually dangerous.
Information relied upon by experts in commitment proceedings under N.D.C.C. ch. 25-03.3 need not be admissible in evidence.
N.D.C.C. ch. 25-03.3 does not require the State to establish a respondent is not mentally retarded.

Ensign v. Bank of Baker 2004 ND 56
Docket No.: 20030234
Filing Date: 3/23/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: The filing of a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement by a nonresident defendant and its two inspections of collateral in the forum state do not constitute a voluntary or purposeful effort to do business in the forum state for purposes of establishing personal jurisdiction over the nonresident defendant.

Groleau v. Bjornson Oil Co., et al. 2004 ND 55
Docket No.: 20030171
Filing Date: 3/23/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Personal Injury
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: Under premises liability law, a defendant must have had control over the property where the injury occurred in order to find the defendant owed a duty to entrants upon the property.
Although a landowner generally owes a duty to lawful entrants to maintain property in a reasonably safe condition, the landowner's duty is limited when a dangerous condition is known or obvious to the entrant.
A landowner is not liable to entrants for injury caused by a known or obvious danger unless the landowner should anticipate the harm despite such knowledge or obviousness.
The determination whether a dangerous condition is open and obvious is generally a question of fact for the trier of fact.

Dettler v. Sprynczynatyk, Director, DOT 2004 ND 54
Docket No.: 20030292
Filing Date: 3/23/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: In an administrative agency appeal, the specifications of error must identify what matters are truly at issue with sufficient specificity to fairly apprise the agency, other parties, and the court of the particular errors claimed.
The purpose of the specificity requirement is to prevent meaningless specifications of error.
Boilerplate specifications of error are insufficient as a matter of law.
A fact-finder can draw reasonable inferences from the evidence.

State v. Schiele 2004 ND 53
Docket No.: 20030294
Filing Date: 3/23/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Conviction for luring a minor by computer is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3).

Interest of K.P. (CONFIDENTIAL) (cross-ref. w/20030175) 2004 ND 52
Docket No.: 20040049
Filing Date: 3/10/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Mental Health
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: The party moving for a change of venue must establish that the convenience of witnesses and the ends of justice would be promoted by the change.
To modify an alternative treatment order and require hospitalization, the district court must find noncompliance with the terms of the order or find the order is insufficient to prevent the individual under the order from inflicting harm or injuries upon the individual or others.
Any amount of noncompliance with an alternative treatment order is cause for modification.

State v. Wilson 2004 ND 51
Docket No.: 20030112
Filing Date: 3/1/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Theft
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: A defendant challenging the sufficiency of the evidence must show that the evidence, when viewed in the light most favorable to the verdict, supports no reasonable inference of guilt.
Failure to give defendant's requested instruction is not error when the requested instruction misstates the law and when the instruction might unnecessarily confuse the jury.

State v. Pettit 2004 ND 50
Docket No.: 20030244
Filing Date: 3/1/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Criminal conviction for accomplice to manufacturing methamphetamine is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3) and (4).

Beaudoin v. South Texas Blood & Tissue Center 2004 ND 49
Docket No.: 20030148
Filing Date: 3/1/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Personal Injury
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: Removing, preserving, and delivery of body parts involves science or art requiring special skills not ordinarily possessed by lay persons and is governed by the two-year statute of limitations for malpractice.
A process server's service of process upon a corporation's Executive Office Manager will be deemed valid if a corporate employee identifies the Executive Office Manager as a proper person to accept service, the process server reasonably relies on that identifying representation, the Executive Office Manager served is of sufficient character and rank to make it reasonably certain that the defendant will be apprised of the service made, and the service results in actual delivery to a person responsible for protecting the corporation's interests in litigation.

State v. Bergstrom 2004 ND 48
Docket No.: 20030160
Filing Date: 2/27/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: A search warrant is valid if it is supported by probable cause and it particularly describes the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.
A four-factor balancing is used to evaluate the validity of a speedy trial claim: length of the delay, reason for the delay, proper assertion of the right, and actual prejudice to the accused.

Vandall v. Trinity Hospitals, et al. 2004 ND 47
Docket No.: 20030255
Filing Date: 2/27/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: There is no common law tort for retaliatory discharge in North Dakota because of the statute.
A 180-day statute of limitations governs a claim for retaliatory discharge.
An individual who merely provides facts concerning the conduct of another to an administrative board possessing the authority to issue charges is not liable for wrongful use of civil proceedings before an administrative board.
In a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress, the conduct must be so extreme in degree as to be beyond all possible bounds of decency and utterly intolerable in a civilized society.
A trial court may award attorneys' fees to a prevailing party in an action for retaliatory discharge brought under the statute.

Muhammed v. Welch 2004 ND 46
Docket No.: 20030182
Filing Date: 2/25/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Personal Injury
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: Service on a decedent's widower is not service on the decedent's estate.
The fraudulent concealment necessary to extend a statute of limitations an additional year under section 28-01-24, N.D.C.C., relates to concealment of the cause of action, not concealment of the death of a party.
Equitable estoppel may preclude application of a statute of limitations as a defense by one whose actions mislead another, inducing that person to not file a claim within the statutory period.
An insurance adjuster acting for an insurance company may be considered the agent of the insured so as to estop the defendant-insured from raising the statute of limitations defense.
Representatives of a deceased defendant may have an affirmative duty to inform the plaintiff of the defendant's death.

Harfield, et al. v. Tate (Cross-ref. w/19980345) 2004 ND 45
Docket No.: 20030039
Filing Date: 2/25/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Personal Injury
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: The commission of an act cannot be proved by showing the commission of similar acts by the same person at other times, or by showing the act was in conformity with the person's character or a character trait.

State v. Lemons 2004 ND 44
Docket No.: 20030029
Filing Date: 2/25/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Assault
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: A trial court's refusal to allow a defense witness to testify by telephone is not an abuse of discretion because the Rules of Criminal Procedure provide that all testimony is to be taken orally in open court.
Denial of a motion for continuance to procure an absent witness is not obvious error when a defendant fails to demonstrate the denial affected a substantial right.
Without a showing of prejudice, a trial court's denial of a motion for new trial is not an abuse of discretion.

State v. Ochoa (Consolidated w/20030133) 2004 ND 43
Docket No.: 20030132
Filing Date: 2/25/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: Without an unequivocal waiver of the constitutional right to counsel or an unequivocal assertion of the constitutional right to self-representation, a trial court is not required to permit self-representation or inquire into the issue of self-representation.
Hybrid representation is not a constitutional right. A defendant's request to proceed in such a manner is not an unequivocal assertion of a defendant's Sixth Amendment right to self-representation.

Wutzke v. Hoberg, et al. 2004 ND 42
Docket No.: 20030300
Filing Date: 2/25/2004
Case Type: Original Proceeding - Civil - Writ of Mandamus
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: A party seeking a writ of mandamus bears the burden of demonstrating a clear legal right to the performance of the particular acts to be compelled by the writ and must demonstrate there is no other plain, speedy, and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law.

Seibel v. Seibel 2004 ND 41
Docket No.: 20030095
Filing Date: 2/25/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Dixon v. McKenzie Co. Grazing Association 2004 ND 40
Docket No.: 20030005
Filing Date: 2/25/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: The governing body of a cooperative grazing association is subject to the general law governing directors of cooperatives.
The good-faith acts of cooperative directors within the cooperative's power and in the exercise of honest business judgment are valid.
A court generally will not interfere with or regulate the conduct of a cooperative's directors in the reasonable and honest exercise of their judgment and duties when their judgment is uninfluenced by personal consideration.

St. Claire, et al. v. St. Claire 2004 ND 39
Docket No.: 20030233
Filing Date: 2/25/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: Although prisoners have diminished constitutional protections, they maintain a due process right to reasonable access to the courts.
Procedural due process requires fundamental fairness, which, at a minimum, necessitates notice and a meaningful opportunity for a hearing appropriate to the nature of the case.
A person's due process right to appear may be satisfied by allowing appearance via telephone.

Interest of D.L.M. 2004 ND 38
Docket No.: 20030240
Filing Date: 2/25/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: The child support guidelines require the imputation of income when an obligor is unemployed.
A court errs as a matter of law when it fails to comply with the requirements of the child support guidelines in determining a child support obligation.
If the trial court finds the presumptively correct child support amount has been rebutted, it must make a specific finding.

Nesvig v. Nesvig 2004 ND 37
Docket No.: 20030041
Filing Date: 2/25/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: The actual nature of the subject matter of an action determines whether an action is a legal malpractice case.
Good faith is not a defense to a legal malpractice action.
A fiduciary relationship exists when one is under a duty to give advice for the benefit of another upon matters within the scope of the relationship.
An attorney may undertake to manage or invest a client's property, and in doing so, the attorney not only must conform to the applicable standard of care and comply with the fiduciary obligations, but also may assume the responsibilities of a trustee.

State v. Utvick 2004 ND 36
Docket No.: 20030103
Filing Date: 2/25/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: Probable cause is not established for a no-knock search warrant when the magistrate is not presented with any information regarding the suspect's ability to destroy the evidence or the ease with which evidence may be destroyed.
State courts apply the good-faith exception to the exclusionary rule in a manner consistent with United States Supreme Court precedent when evaluating whether evidence should be excluded due to a violation of the Fourth Amendment.
The good-faith exception to the federal exclusionary rule must be considered when a no-knock warrant has been issued in error.
A no-knock search warrant is not issued on a per se basis when the officer presents information sufficiently particularized to rebut any legal conclusion that the warrant was issued on a per se basis, even though the information was not sufficiently particularized to provide probable cause for a no-knock provision.

Swancy v. Tjon, et al. 2004 ND 35
Docket No.: 20030263
Filing Date: 2/25/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Judgment dismissing tort claims after a bench trial is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

United Community Bank v. Delorme, et al. (Consolidated w/20030262) 2004 ND 34
Docket No.: 20030251
Filing Date: 2/25/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Foreclosure
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Judgment granting foreclosure and order approving sheriff's sale are summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(1).

Swensrud v. Gates 2004 ND 33
Docket No.: 20030232
Filing Date: 2/25/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Distribution of property is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

Judicial Vacancy in District Judgeship No. 4, Northwest Judicial District 2004 ND 32
Docket No.: 20040017
Filing Date: 2/18/2004
Case Type: Judicial Administration - Rule - Rule
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Judgeship retained at Minot.

Morton Co. S.S.B., et al. v. Schumacher 2004 ND 31
Docket No.: 20030226
Filing Date: 2/2/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: Use of a dangerous weapon without domestic violence is not enough to create a rebuttable presumption against awarding custody under N.D.C.C. 14-09-06.2(1)(j).
Under some circumstances, destroying property with a dangerous weapon could be domestic violence.
If a presumption against custody arises under N.D.C.C. 14-09-6.2(1)(j), the presumption must be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence.
Clear and convincing evidence to rebut a presumption against custody may require the accused to demonstrate why custody with the accuser is not in the child's best interests.
Clear and convincing evidence exists to rebut the presumption when none of the "best interests of the child" factors favor the other party.

State v. Bollingberg (Consolidated w/20020349 & 20020350) 2004 ND 30
Docket No.: 20020348
Filing Date: 1/28/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: A court may look to other parts of a search warrant to determine whether the command portion suffers from a clerical error.
When there is no indication of any logical reason why a requested search was prohibited in a search warrant, this may be evidence of a clerical error.

First Union National Bank v. RPB 2, LLC, et al. 2004 ND 29
Docket No.: 20030021
Filing Date: 1/28/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: Consideration is not required for the release or waiver of a mechanic's lien to be effective.
Once a lien claimant files a signed waiver or release of a mechanic's lien, the lien may not be revived by the subsequent filing of another lien.
Fraud in procuring release of a mechanic's lien must be proved by clear and convincing evidence.

Peters-Riemers v. Riemers 2004 ND 28
Docket No.: 20030081
Filing Date: 1/28/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: A pro se defendant in a contempt proceeding must be informed of the right to court-appointed counsel when a remedial contempt sanction includes the likelihood of incarceration.

Baier v. Job Service ND, et al. 2004 ND 27
Docket No.: 20030287
Filing Date: 1/28/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Unemployment/Job Service
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: A person is disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits if discharged for misconduct in connection with employment.
An employee who deliberately violates or disregards standards of behavior that the employer rightfully expects is guilty of disqualifying misconduct.

Pierce, et al. v. B.P.O. of Elks 2004 ND 26
Docket No.: 20030017
Filing Date: 1/28/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: Whether a lessee has surrendered a lease by operation of law or made a good-faith attempt to mitigate damages for the lessor's breach of the lease is a question of fact not subject to disposition by summary judgment.

Interest of J.P. and D.P. (CONFIDENTIAL)(Consolidated w/20030118) 2004 ND 25
Docket No.: 20030117
Filing Date: 1/28/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Juvenile Law
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: Under state law, a juvenile court may terminate parental rights if a child is deprived, the conditions and causes of the deprivation are likely to continue, and the child is suffering, or will in the future probably suffer, serious physical, mental, moral, or emotional harm.
Under the Indian Child Welfare Act, a petitioner for termination of parental rights must (1) demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that active efforts were made to provide remedial services and rehabilitative programs designed to prevent the breakup of the Indian family and that those efforts were unsuccessful, and (2) prove continued custody of a child by a parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child by proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Gross v. ND Dept. of Human Services (cross-reference w/20020086) 2004 ND 24
Docket No.: 20030224
Filing Date: 1/28/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Administrative Proceeding
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: The Dept. of Human Services may place a Medicaid recipient in the lock-in program for excessive utilization of medical services from more than one provider when those excessive medical services may increase the possibility of adverse affects to the recipient's health or may result in a decrease in the overall quality of care to the recipient and when there is little or no evidence of a medical need.

State v. Roth 2004 ND 23
Docket No.: 20030102
Filing Date: 1/28/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: Irrelevant information in an affidavit for a search warrant will not negate a magistrate's finding of probable cause, if there is also enough other information in the affidavit to support the finding of probable cause. It is the duty of the magistrate to filter out the non-probative information and examine the remaining information to determine whether probable cause exists for issuance of the search warrant.
There was no violation of defendant's right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures when, in executing a valid search warrant with an invalid no-knock provision, officers functionally excised the invalid portion of the search warrant by knocking and announcing their presence prior to entering the residence.

Chapman v. Chapman 2004 ND 22
Docket No.: 20030094
Filing Date: 1/28/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: A party is entitled to have a court decide the merits of a dispute only after demonstrating standing to litigate the issues placed before the court.
Only parties may appeal district court decisions.
Issues may not be raised for the first time on appeal.

Winer v. Penny Enterprises, Inc., et al. 2004 ND 21
Docket No.: 20030114
Filing Date: 1/28/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Personal Injury
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: A dismissal without prejudice is appealable if it has the practical effect of terminating the litigation in the plaintiff's chosen forum.
A state district court lacks subject-matter jurisdiction over an action brought by a non-Indian plaintiff against Indian defendants for damages resulting from a motor vehicle accident on a state highway within the exterior boundaries of an Indian reservation.

Wohlwend v. Wohlwend 2004 ND 20
Docket No.: 20030243
Filing Date: 1/28/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Divorce - Property
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Property division in a divorce is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

Judicial Vacancy in District Judgeship No. 3, East Central Judicial Dt 2004 ND 19
Docket No.: 20040029
Filing Date: 1/28/2004
Case Type: Judicial Administration - Rule - Rule
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Judgeship retained at Fargo.

Matter of Edwardson (CONFIDENTIAL) 2004 ND 17
Docket No.: 20030331
Filing Date: 1/20/2004
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer Debra K. Edwardson transferred to incapacitated status.

Zuger v. State 2004 ND 16
Docket No.: 20030170
Filing Date: 1/20/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Torts (Negligence, Liab., Nuis.)
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: Summary judgment is appropriate if the information available to the trial court does not establish a genuine issue of material fact, and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
Summary judgment is appropriate against parties who fail to establish the existence of a factual dispute on an essential element of a claim on which they will bear the burden of proof at trial.
Factual assertions in a brief do not raise an issue of material fact satisfying N.D.R.Civ.P. 56(e).
The elements of an action for intentional infliction of emotional distress are extreme and outrageous conduct that is intentional or reckless and causes severe emotional distress.

Tank v. Tank 2004 ND 15
Docket No.: 20030111
Filing Date: 1/20/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: On appeal, a trial court's denial of an evidentiary hearing on a motion to modify custody is reviewed de novo.
A party seeking a change of child custody is entitled to an evidentiary hearing if the party presents a prima facie case by alleging, with supporting affidavits, sufficient facts which, if proved, would support a change in custody.
Potential endangerment to a child's physical or mental health or a mature child's reasonable preference to live with one parent may be a significant change of circumstances supporting custody change.
A custodial parent's willful and consistent denial or interference with the non-custodial parent's visitation may also be a significant change warranting custody change, if the denial or interference affects the child's best interests.

Mock v. Mock 2004 ND 14
Docket No.: 20030115
Filing Date: 1/20/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: A party seeking a change of child custody is entitled to an evidentiary hearing if he presents a prima facie case by alleging, with supporting affidavits, sufficient facts which, if uncontradicted, would support a custody change.
Potential endangerment to a child's physical or mental health may be a significant change of circumstances supporting a modification of custody.
The district court may consider pre-divorce conduct when the facts were unknown to the court at the time of the original stipulation.

Disciplinary Board v. Wilkes 2004 ND 13
Docket No.: 20040012
Filing Date: 1/15/2004
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author:

Highlight: Interim suspension of lawyer ordered.

Green v. Mid Dakota Clinic 2004 ND 12
Docket No.: 20030264
Filing Date: 1/14/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Personal Injury
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: Assumption of the risk is no longer an affirmative defense in North Dakota but is one part of the analysis in determining comparative fault.
Negligence and proximate cause are fact questions unless the evidence is such that reasonable minds can draw but one conclusion.

Amsbaugh v. Amsbaugh 2004 ND 11
Docket No.: 20030059
Filing Date: 1/14/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: The owner of real property may testify as to the value of his land without further qualification or special knowledge.
If a property valuation is within the range of evidence, it is not clearly erroneous.
A property division need not be equal to be equitable, but a substantial disparity must be explained.
In determining an equitable allocation of repayment of debts, the trial court may consider which parties have incurred particular debts and the purposes for the debts.
Both economic and non-economic fault are proper factors for the trial court to consider in dividing marital property.
Uncontrolled drinking contributing to the breakdown of a marriage can be considered a matter of fault in determining whether a spouse is disadvantaged.

State v. Morales 2004 ND 10
Docket No.: 20030107
Filing Date: 1/14/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Assault
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: A court does not err by not giving a jury instruction on license or privilege on a criminal trespass charge when there is no evidence to support it.
A court does not err when it does not include a jury instruction on a lesser-included offense when the evidence does not permit the jury to rationally find the defendant not guilty of the greater offense and guilty of the lesser offense.
A jury verdict of assault on a police officer will be affirmed when the evidence is viewed in the light most favorable to the verdict, no rational trier of fact could have found that the essential elements of the crime were established beyond a reasonable doubt.

Nagel v. City of Bismarck 2004 ND 9
Docket No.: 20030265
Filing Date: 1/14/2004
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Employer/Employee Dispute
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: A writ of mandamus may be the proper remedy for a city police officer who claims wrongful termination in violation of city ordinances and police department general orders.
Absent an abuse of discretion, a trial court's denial of a petition for a writ of mandamus will not be overturned.
A party seeking a writ of mandamus bears the burden of demonstrating a clear legal right to the performance of the particular acts sought to be compelled by the writ.
A party seeking a writ of mandamus must have no other plain, speedy, and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of the law.
Mandamus is unavailable if an appeal is authorized from an adverse decision.