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6001 - 6100 of 12418 results

Interest of F.R.S. 2002 ND 191
Docket No.: 20020189
Filing Date: 12/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Maring, Mary

State v. Skorick 2002 ND 190
Docket No.: 20020090
Filing Date: 12/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: A trial court errs when it permits witnesses to remain in the courtroom for purposes of returning as rebuttal witnesses despite a request for sequestration. The error may be harmless when the testimony by the rebuttal witness did not affect the defendant's substantial rights.
The control and scope of opening and closing arguments is largely a matter left to the discretion of the trial court, and a case will not be reversed on the ground that the prosecutor exceeded the scope of permissible closing argument unless a clear abuse of discretion is shown.

State v. Dunn 2002 ND 189
Docket No.: 20020154
Filing Date: 12/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: Persons have a reasonable privacy expectation in their personal property, which is protected by the Fourth Amendment proscription against unreasonable search and seizure.
A warrantless search or seizure of personal property that has been abandoned does not violate the Fourth Amendment. Abandonment is a question of fact.

Interest of D.Q., et al. (Confidential) (Consolidated w/20020079) 2002 ND 188
Docket No.: 20020078
Filing Date: 12/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Juvenile Law
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: A district court's review of a judicial referee's findings and recommendations under Administrative Rule 13, section 11(b), when it is a review of the record, is governed by N.D.R.Civ.P. 53, and the district court is obliged to accept the referee's findings unless they are clearly erroneous.

Walker v. Walker 2002 ND 187
Docket No.: 20020062
Filing Date: 12/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Divorce - Property
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: Use of the Bullock formula to distribute retirement pay is not mandatory if the overall distribution of marital property is equitable.
A property distribution may include offsetting monetary awards when it is impractical or unsound to liquidate essentially nonliquid assets.
In awarding spousal support, the trial court must balance the income and needs of the disadvantaged spouse against the supporting spouse's needs and ability to pay support.
Under appropriate circumstances, termination of temporary spousal support payments may be conditioned upon the supporting spouse's retirement, when the disadvantaged spouse has been awarded a portion of the supporting spouse's monthly retirement benefits.

Myhre v. ND Workers Comp. 2002 ND 186
Docket No.: 20020083
Filing Date: 12/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Workers Compensation
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: A claimant seeking benefits from the workers compensation fund must establish by a preponderance of the evidence a causal relationship between her employment and the medical condition for which benefits are sought.
To have a "compensable injury" under N.D.C.C. 65-01-02(11)(b)(7), a claimant must show the employment substantially accelerated the progression or substantially worsened the severity of a preexisting injury, disease, or other condition.

Hamilton v. Oppen, et al. 2002 ND 185
Docket No.: 20020045
Filing Date: 12/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Torts (Negligence, Liab., Nuis.)
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: Averaging individual jurors' estimates of percentages of fault is not improper in a quotient verdict, but the jurors' prior agreement to be bound by the result of the computation invalidates the verdict.
The trial court's responsibility is to make certain expert testimony is reliable as well as relevant.
Relevant photographs may be excluded from evidence if their probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.

Jensen v. State 2002 ND 184
Docket No.: 20020166
Filing Date: 12/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Judgment denying an application for post-conviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(6).

State v. Robinson 2002 ND 183
Docket No.: 20020070
Filing Date: 12/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Defendant's sentence for accomplice to attempted murder is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(7).

Disciplinary Board v. Asbridge 2002 ND 182
Docket No.: 20020271
Filing Date: 11/21/2002
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer suspended from the practice of law for 30 days.

Jacobson v. Garaas (Consolidated w/ 20020113) 2002 ND 181
Docket No.: 20020103
Filing Date: 11/15/2002
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A petition for discipline is sufficient if it places the attorney on notice of the nature of the allegations against him.
A lawyer's free speech rights are extremely limited in the courtroom during judicial proceedings. Sanctioning a lawyer for disruptive, belligerent, and disrespectful in-court statements does not violate his right to free speech.

Intel-Foods Corporation v. Alexander, et al. 2002 ND 180
Docket No.: 20020112
Filing Date: 11/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Corporations
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: An order denying a motion for a new trial on the basis of newly discovered evidence is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(1) and (4).

Wilson v. Koppy 2002 ND 179
Docket No.: 20020161
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Original Proceeding - Civil - Writ of Mandamus
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: Mandamous is not available when there is another remedy at law.

Adoption of S.A.L. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2002 ND 178
Docket No.: 20020027
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Adoption
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: A parent can effectively waive the right to court-appointed counsel in a parental termination proceeding. An effective waiver must be a voluntary, knowing, and intelligent relinquishment of the benefits of counsel.

Obrigewitch v. Director, N.D. Dept. of Transportation 2002 ND 177
Docket No.: 20020164
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: Probable cause to arrest a person for being in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor can exist without establishing the location of the ignition key.
Continually avoiding or ignoring a police officer's request to submit to a blood alcohol test can be a refusal to submit to a chemical test.

State v. Aune 2002 ND 176
Docket No.: 20020106
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Other
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: A trial court may order a condition of probation requiring the probationer to stay away from a specific place.

Larson v. Norkot Manufacturing, et al. 2002 ND 175
Docket No.: 20020058
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: For a cause of action for an attorney's legal malpractice, there must be damages to the client proximately caused by the attorney's breach of a duty to the client; the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the client has incurred some damages from the alleged malpractice; and the statute of limitations is tolled until the client knows, or with reasonable diligence should know, of the injury, its cause, and the defendant attorney's possible negligence.

Meljie v. ND Workers Comp. Bureau 2002 ND 174
Docket No.: 20020158
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Workers Compensation
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: For determining a worker's average weekly wage for receiving a disability benefit, "seasonal employment" includes an occupation that has periods of forty-five consecutive days of not receiving wages.
Under the 1997 version of N.D.C.C. 65-05-09, a disabled employee is entitled to a weekly benefit equal to two-thirds of the employee's gross weekly wage, subject to a minimum of sixty percent of the state's average weekly wage, but not to exceed one-hundred percent of the employee's preinjury net weekly wage, after deducting social security and federal income tax.

Hilgers v. Hilgers 2002 ND 173
Docket No.: 20010208
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: A decision to appoint a guardian ad litem for a child is within the trial court's discretion, and its determination will not be overturned absent an abuse of discretion.
The trial court errs by not deciding the issue of visitation when both parties present requests for modification that are different from the existing visitation provisions.
The standard of review for the effective date of a child support modification is abuse of discretion. The burden is on the obligor to present sufficient documentation of income to justify a modification.
A party seeking custody modification is entitled to an evidentiary hearing if the party provides sufficient evidence that a material change in circumstances has occurred since the prior order and modification is necessary to serve the best interests of the child.

State v. Fontaine 2002 ND 172
Docket No.: 20020135
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Assault
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Conviction for simple assault of a correctional officer is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3).

State v. Leher 2002 ND 171
Docket No.: 20020085
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Misdemeanor
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: A police officer approaching a stopped vehicle and inquiring in a conversational manner whether the occupant is okay or needs assistance is not a Fourth Amendment seizure. An officer directing a citizen to exit a parked vehicle, or otherwise ordering a citizen to do something may be a Fourth Amendment seizure.

State v. Fitterer 2002 ND 170
Docket No.: 20020076
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - DUI/DUS/APC
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: Moving papers for a motion to suppress evidence require neither exceptional particularity nor supporting affidavits or other evidence, but must provide adequate notice to the trial court and the prosecution of the issues being raised.
At a motion to suppress hearing, the initial burden is the defendant's to show a prima facie case.

State v. Rohde (consolidated w/20020030-20020033) 2002 ND 169
Docket No.: 20020029
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - DUI/DUS/APC
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Appeal from a conviction for driving under suspension or revocation, driving without liability insurance, and driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(1).

Hemmesch v. Bonebrake 2002 ND 168
Docket No.: 20020119
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Divorce - Property
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Property division, temporary spousal support award, and refusal to award attorney fees is summarily affirmed, as modified, under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2) and (4).

Johnson v. ND Dept. of Transportation 2002 ND 167
Docket No.: 20020141
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: License suspension is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(5).

Whiteman v. State 2002 ND 166
Docket No.: 20020163
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Trial court judgment dismissing a petition for post-conviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

Judicial Conduct Commission v. Berg 2002 ND 165
Docket No.: 20020302
Filing Date: 11/4/2002
Case Type: Discipline - Judge - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Former municipal judge censured and prohibited from serving in the future as a municipal judge.

Interest of K.S. and A.S. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2002 ND 164
Docket No.: 20010315
Filing Date: 10/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: To terminate parental rights under N.D.C.C. 27-20-44(1)(b)(1), the juvenile court must find clear and convincing evidence that: (1) the child is a deprived child; (2) the conditions and causes of the deprivation are likely to continue; and (3) the child is suffering, or will probably suffer, serious physical, mental, moral, or emotional harm.

State v. Jones 2002 ND 163
Docket No.: 20020104
Filing Date: 10/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: Without a showing of excusable neglect, a trial court's denial of a request for an extension of time to file a notice of appeal is not an abuse of discretion.

Kimball v. Landeis, et al. 2002 ND 162
Docket No.: 20020100
Filing Date: 10/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Personal Injury
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: Summary judgment is not appropriate in a negligence action if the disputed facts and permissible inferences from those facts are such that reasonable persons could reach different conclusions from those facts and inferences.
Under N.D.R.Civ.P. 4(b)(2)(c), personal service upon an individual for whom a guardian has been appointed is accomplished by serving the individual's guardian.
Absent valid service of process, actual knowledge of a lawsuit is insufficient to effectuate personal jurisdiction over a defendant.
For equitable tolling of a statute of limitations, a plaintiff must have several legal remedies and reasonably and in good faith pursue one of the remedies, thereby tolling the limitation for the other remedies.

Gross v. N.D. Dept. of Human Services 2002 ND 161
Docket No.: 20020086
Filing Date: 10/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Administrative Proceeding
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: A decision by the Department of Human Services to place a medicaid recipient in the lock-in program is an appealable order.

Huntress, et al. v. Griffey 2002 ND 160
Docket No.: 20020063
Filing Date: 10/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: When the trial court's findings of fact are inadequate, an appellate court is unable to properly review the trial court's decision.

Quamme v. Bellino 2002 ND 159
Docket No.: 20020024
Filing Date: 10/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Divorce - Property
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: When there has been an initial award of spousal support, the district court retains jurisdiction to modify the award at least as long as the spousal support continues.
The party seeking a change of spousal support bears the burden of showing a material change in circumstances warranting a modification.
Absent modifying language in the support award, the obligee is entitled to spousal support from the obligor's estate if the obligor predeceases the obligee.

Argenziano v. State 2002 ND 158
Docket No.: 20020101
Filing Date: 10/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Summary judgment dismissing a breach of contract claim is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(1) and (6).

J.B. v. M.R. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2002 ND 157
Docket No.: 20020072
Filing Date: 10/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Paternity
Author:

Highlight: Custody judgment is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2) and (4).

State v. Guthmiller 2002 ND 156
Docket No.: 20020088
Filing Date: 10/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: The trial court's forfeiture order is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(7).

Disciplinary Board v. Butz 2002 ND 155
Docket No.: 20020210
Filing Date: 10/15/2002
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer suspended from the practice of law for 30 days.

Interest of R.O. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2002 ND 154
Docket No.: 20020228
Filing Date: 9/20/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Mental Health
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: Less than 24 hours notice before an involuntary commitment hearing is inadequate notice to permit preparation for the hearing.

Grad v. Jepson 2002 ND 153
Docket No.: 20020043
Filing Date: 9/20/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: The standard of review for a minor child's name change petition is abuse of discretion.
"Proper and reasonable cause" includes consideration of the best interests of the child in the context of a petition to change a minor child's name.

State v. Faleide 2002 ND 152
Docket No.: 20020074
Filing Date: 9/20/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Misdemeanor
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: A trial court may not order permanent forfeiture of personal property as a condition of probation.

Johnson v. Johnson (Cross-reference w/990353) 2002 ND 151
Docket No.: 20010288
Filing Date: 9/20/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: Because parents have a mutual duty to support their children, failure to award interim child support to the custodian of a child is error as a matter of law.
Use of the Bullock formula to distribute retirement pay is not mandatory.
To award spousal support, the trial court must find the requesting spouse is disadvantaged.

Andes v. Brogdin, et al. 2002 ND 150
Docket No.: 20020047
Filing Date: 9/20/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Torts (Negligence, Liab., Nuis.)
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. Keller (CROSS-REF. w/ 20010305, 20020018-20020020) 2002 ND 149
Docket No.: 20010227
Filing Date: 9/9/2002
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Attorney disbarred.

Rose v. United Equit. Ins. Co., et al.(CONSOL.w/20020095) 2002 ND 148
Docket No.: 20020094
Filing Date: 9/3/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Torts (Negligence, Liab., Nuis.)
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: The trial court has broad discretion in determining whether to certify a class action under N.D.R.Civ.P. 23.
Class certification is not automatically precluded by the existence of individual issues which will remain after the common questions of law and fact have been resolved.
To certify a class, the trial court must find that the representative parties will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class.

Abel v. Allen 2002 ND 147
Docket No.: 20020069
Filing Date: 8/29/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: A cause of action accrues when the right to commence it comes into existence, when it can be brought in a court of law without being subject to dismissal for failure to state a claim.
A cause of action for breach of a lease accrues upon the first breach.

Bender, et al. v. Beverly Anne, Inc., et al. 2002 ND 146
Docket No.: 20010280
Filing Date: 8/29/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: Under N.D.R.Civ.P. 60(a), errors in a judgment or order arising from oversights or omission may be corrected by the court at any time of its own initiative or on the motion of any party.
While a prior judgment may be set aside upon a N.D.R.Civ.P. 60(b) motion for relief from a judgment, N.D.R.Civ.P. 60(b) may not be used to impose additional affirmative relief in addition to the relief contained in the prior judgment.

State v. Yineman 2002 ND 145
Docket No.: 20010279
Filing Date: 8/29/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Other
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: To challenge a conviction based on the weight of the evidence, a defendant must make an appropriate motion to adequately preserve the issue for appeal.
To preserve the issue of sufficiency of the evidence for review, a defendant in a criminal jury trial must move for a judgment of acquittal under N.D.R.Crim.P. 29, although no motion for a judgment of acquittal is necessary in a bench trial.

Boehm v. Boehm 2002 ND 144
Docket No.: 20010318
Filing Date: 8/29/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: The decision to grant or deny a motion for continuance is within the trial court's discretion, and its determination will not be overturned absent an abuse of discretion.
A trial court's marital property valuations within the range of evidence are not clearly erroneous.
In setting the child support obligation, a trial court uses the most recent information available.

State v. Berger 2002 ND 143
Docket No.: 20010303
Filing Date: 8/29/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Other
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: The beginning date of a probationary term is determined by the intent of the sentencing court as expressed in the language that created the probationary status.
A condition of probation capable of more than one construction is to be construed in favor of the offender.

City of Fargo v. Wonder 2002 ND 142
Docket No.: 20010263
Filing Date: 8/29/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Misdemeanor
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: When questioning of a suspect does not arise in a "booking" setting, is related to an element of the suspected crime, and is reasonably likely to elicit an incriminating response, the "booking exception" to Miranda does not apply.
The administration of a breath test to determine alcohol consumption is a search.
Only items actually in the record may be included in the appendix on appeal.

Comstock Construction, Inc. v. Sheyenne Disposal, Inc. 2002 ND 141
Docket No.: 20010281
Filing Date: 8/29/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: A trial court's denial of a motion for new trial on the basis of sufficiency of the evidence is reviewed under the abuse-of-discretion standard.
N.D.R.Civ.P. 6(e), which authorizes the addition of three days whenever a party has a set period to do an act after service of notice or other paper by mail, applies to the time for commencing and filing an action after a written demand is served on a lienholder.

Mr. G's Turtle Mountain Lodge v. Roland Township, et al. 2002 ND 140
Docket No.: 20010202
Filing Date: 8/23/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Torts (Negligence, Liab., Nuis.)
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: An attempted appeal from a judgment that has been voluntarily paid and formally satisfied of record fails for lack of jurisdiction.
Summary judgment is appropriate when a party fails to establish the existence of a material factual dispute on an essential element of his claim on which he will bear the burden of proof at trial.
A communication is not libelous if the language used is not fairly susceptible of a defamatory meaning.

Grey Bear v. ND Dept. of Human Services, et al. 2002 ND 139
Docket No.: 20010241
Filing Date: 8/23/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: The statutory assignment granted to the Department of Human Services from a recipient of Medicaid benefits is for any third-party recovery a recipient may have for an injury, but is limited to the amount of medical costs provided by the Department for that injury.
A trial court does not abuse its discretion by refusing to delete an amendment to a judgment that was originally requested by the party seeking to delete the amendment.
A trial court lacks personal jurisdiction over a party when the party was neither served with a summons, nor made a voluntary general appearance.

Hoffman v. ND Workers Comp. Bureau, et al. 2002 ND 138
Docket No.: 20010310
Filing Date: 8/22/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Workers Compensation
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: The Workers Compensation Bureau has an obligation to explain its disregard of evidence favorable to a claimant.
A willful failure to give a maximum consistent effort during a functional capacity evaluation can constitute an act of noncompliance with vocational rehabilitation.

U.S. Bank v. Koenig, et al. 2002 ND 137
Docket No.: 20020038
Filing Date: 8/20/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: Grants in a deed are interpreted in favor of the grantee, except a reservation in any grant is interpreted in favor of the grantor.
Repugnant words in a deed must be reconciled by interpreting the deed in a manner that gives effect to the repugnant clause subordinate to the general intent and purpose of the deed.

Roe v. Doe (CONFIDENTIAL) 2002 ND 136
Docket No.: 20020016
Filing Date: 8/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Paternity
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: Under N.D.R.Civ.P. 60(b)(iv), the burden is on the moving party to show sufficient grounds exist for disturbing the finality of a judgment.
A judgment entered without subject matter jurisdiction is void.
State courts may not exercise jurisdiction over a paternity and support action if state court jurisdiction would infringe on an Indian tribe's right to govern itself.
In general, tribal courts do not have exclusive jurisdiction over claims against tribal defendants that arise outside of the reservation.
To vacate a state court judgment on the paternity of an Indian child, the moving party must show that the state court lacked jurisdiction as a matter of law.

Geinert v. Geinert 2002 ND 135
Docket No.: 20020040
Filing Date: 8/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: A modification of child support should generally be made effective from the date of the motion to modify, absent good reason to set some other date. If the trial court sets some later date, it must specifically explain its reasons for doing so.
Imputing income to a child support obligor who has voluntarily changed employment, but is not unemployed or underemployed, is within the discretion of the trial court.

Ziegelmann v. DaimlerChrysler Corp. 2002 ND 134
Docket No.: 20020041
Filing Date: 8/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Torts (Negligence, Liab., Nuis.)
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: An alleged product defect that has not manifested itself in such a way as to cause an observable adverse physical or economic harm does not constitute an injury that will support a class action lawsuit based on theories of negligence, fraud, and deceit.

State v. Keilen (Consolidated w/20020065 through 20020067) 2002 ND 133
Docket No.: 20020064
Filing Date: 8/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: While the right to appeal is statutory, statutes conferring the right must be liberally construed.
The State has the burden to show a warrantless search falls within an exception to the warrant requirement.
There is no community caretaking role to fill when there is no disturbance and no one is in need of assistance.

Interest of D.Z. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2002 ND 132
Docket No.: 20020190
Filing Date: 8/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Mental Health
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: To show a respondent is a person requiring treatment, the petitioner must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the person is mentally ill and there is a reasonable risk that, if the person is not treated, he poses a serious risk of harm to himself, others, or property.
A person who is found to require involuntary treatment has the right to the least restrictive conditions necessary to achieve the purposes of the treatment.

Howes v. Kelly Services, Inc. 2002 ND 131
Docket No.: 20020014
Filing Date: 8/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Torts (Negligence, Liab., Nuis.)
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: In considering a motion for judgment as a matter of law, a trial court must view the evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party and must accept the truth of the evidence presented by the non-moving party and the truth of all reasonable inferences from that evidence which supports the verdict.
Once one party files a demand for a nine-person jury, other parties are entitled to rely on that demand for the issues it covers, and they need not file their own demand for a nine- person jury.

State v. Bell 2002 ND 130
Docket No.: 20010311
Filing Date: 8/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: Expert witnesses may testify when no objection is made as to their expertise and qualifications.
Effective assistance of counsel is not denied when counsel fails to ask for an instruction that no longer applies.

Rush v. ND Workers Comp., et al. 2002 ND 129
Docket No.: 20010282
Filing Date: 8/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Workers Compensation
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: A claimant seeking benefits from the workers compensation fund must establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the medical condition for which benefits are sought is causally related to the work injury.

Meide, et al. v. Stenehjem, et al. 2002 ND 128
Docket No.: 20010273
Filing Date: 8/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: When a contract is reduced to writing, the intention of the parties is to be ascertained from the writing alone if possible.
Extrinsic evidence is considered only if the language of the agreement is ambiguous and the parties' intentions cannot be determined from the writing alone.

New Town Public School Dist. v. State Bd. of Public School Ed. 2002 ND 127
Docket No.: 20020071
Filing Date: 8/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Administrative Proceeding
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: An administrative agency may deviate from a prior decision if it rationally explains the reason for its departure.
Appellate court gives appreciable deference to agency expertise if the subject matter of agency decision is technical.
A party raising a constitutional claim must provide persuasive authority and reasoning or forego the constitutional challenge entirely.

BeauLac v. BeauLac 2002 ND 126
Docket No.: 20010316
Filing Date: 8/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: To find a person in contempt of a prior court order, that person must have had actual notice or knowledge of that order.
Although the courts do not look favorably upon separating siblings in custody cases, a split custody award is not absolutely prohibited where the trial court finds that type of custody arrangement desirable under the circumstances.
Although a trial court should make specific factual findings and conclusions regarding the statutory presumption against awarding custody to a person who has perpetrated domestic violence, specific findings are not required when there is insufficient evidence of domestic violence to trigger the presumption.

Sjostrand v. ND Workers Comp., et al. 2002 ND 125
Docket No.: 20010271
Filing Date: 8/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Workers Compensation
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: The Workers Compensation Bureau's termination of an injured worker's disability benefits for a false claim or false statement, without first providing an opportunity for an evidentiary hearing, does not violate the worker's right to due process of law.
The Bureau's findings on a false claim or false statement must be affirmed if they are supported by a preponderance of the evidence.

Petition to Change Judgeship No. 2 or No. 6 from Valley City to Jamestown 2002 ND 124
Docket No.: 20020057
Filing Date: 8/2/2002
Case Type: Judicial Administration - Rule - Rule
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Petition to move chambers from Valley City to Jamestown denied.

Interest of N.S. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2002 ND 123
Docket No.: 20020145
Filing Date: 7/17/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Mental Health
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: The district court order for continuing mental health treatment is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

Johnson Farms v. McEnroe 2002 ND 122
Docket No.: 20010148
Filing Date: 1/22/2003
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: A finding of fact is clearly erroneous when, although there is some evidence to support it, the reviewing court is left with a definite and firm conviction a mistake has been made.

State v. Maurstad (CONSOLIDATED W/20010293) 2002 ND 121
Docket No.: 20010292
Filing Date: 7/16/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: Challenges to probationary searches, authorized by a probationer's conditions of probation, are reviewed under the standard of whether the search was reasonable, after examining the totality of the circumstances, including whether the search was performed in a reasonable manner.
Whether a probationary search was conducted as a subterfuge for a criminal investigation is no longer considered.

Lithun, et al. v. DuPaul 2002 ND 120
Docket No.: 20020008
Filing Date: 7/16/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Disorderly conduct restraining order is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4).

Matrix v. TAG Investments, et al. 2002 ND 119
Docket No.: 20020026
Filing Date: 7/16/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: An order and judgment offsetting the amounts the parties owed each other are summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(7), subject to an adjustment of damages and a reduction in costs.

Kautzman v. Kautzman (Cross-ref.w/980004,990328,990386 & 20000083) 2002 ND 118
Docket No.: 20010296
Filing Date: 7/16/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Divorce - Property
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: A change of substance that contradicts the transcript of a deposition is impermissible unless it can plausibly be represented as the correction of an error in transcription.

Brandt v. Milbrath 2002 ND 117
Docket No.: 20010294
Filing Date: 7/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Personal Injury
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: Although prior driving behavior may be probative of negligence and comparative negligence, it may be excluded because of a witness's uncertainty as to the identity of the vehicle or driver.
The district court and appellate court apply different standards when considering a motion for a new trial.
When considering a motion for a new trial, based on insufficient evidence, the district court must weigh the evidence and examine the evidence supporting the verdict and the evidence challenging the verdict.
On appeal, the standard for reviewing an order denying a motion for new trial is, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict, whether there is sufficient evidence to justify the verdict.

State v. Guthmiller (cross-reference 20020088) 2002 ND 116
Docket No.: 20010312
Filing Date: 7/11/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: Whether probable cause exists to issue a search warrant is a question of law, and on appeal, the sufficiency of information before the magistrate is reviewed based on the totality of the circumstances.
For a home search warrant, the evidence before the magistrate must show a nexus between the home and the contraband sought.

Piatz, et al. v. Austin Mutual Ins. Co. 2002 ND 115
Docket No.: 20010082
Filing Date: 7/11/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Insurance
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: When the record on appeal does not allow for a meaningful and intelligent review of an alleged error, we will decline to review the issue.
An insurance company does not waive its defenses regarding the reasonableness and necessity of continued treatment by initially paying no-fault benefits.
A witness need not be licensed in a particular field to be an expert, so long as the witness possesses the requisite knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education in that field.

Shaw v. Shaw 2002 ND 114
Docket No.: 20010268
Filing Date: 7/11/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: A child support obligor is entitled to an adjustment of a child support obligation for extended visitation if the trial court orders visitation or custody for the obligor parent that exceeds sixty out of ninety consecutive nights.

Nodak Mutual Ins. Co., et al. v. Stegman, et al. (Cross-Ref w/20000074) 2002 ND 113
Docket No.: 20010225
Filing Date: 7/11/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Insurance
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: An acknowledgment of satisfaction of judgment must be notarized or otherwise witnessed and authenticated.
A person who does not regain consciousness after an accident and does not suffer conscious pain and suffering may bring a personal injury action against the tortfeasor for other damages, and therefore is an "injured person" under the hospital lien statute, N.D.C.C. 35-18-01.
A hospital lien attaches immediately upon rendering of medical services to a person injured in an accident.
A valid hospital lien has priority over claims of other creditors, and the hospital is entitled to collect the full amount of its lien from the tortfeasor's insurance without equitable allocation with other creditors' claims.

Phipps v. ND Dept. of Transportation 2002 ND 112
Docket No.: 20020055
Filing Date: 7/11/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: A chemical test is performed when a breath, blood, or urine sample is taken and preserved for analysis.
Performance of a chemical test does not ensure the admissibility of the test results.
A chemical test performed exactly two hours after driving is performed within two hours of driving.

Interest of R.K. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2002 ND 111
Docket No.: 20020013
Filing Date: 7/11/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Juvenile Law
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: The definition of a deprived child is broad enough to include a child whose parent, while never having had the opportunity to care for the child, is shown to be presently incapable of providing parental care for the child.
In making a custody disposition under the Uniform Juvenile Court Act, the court has considerable latitude but must rule consistent with the purpose of the Act to provide for the care of the child in a family environment whenever possible, separating the child from a parent only when necessary for the child's welfare or in the interest of public safety.

Sevland v. Sevland 2002 ND 110
Docket No.: 20010231
Filing Date: 7/11/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: Supervised visitation is not required unless there is a serious bodily injury, use of a dangerous weapon, or a pattern of domestic violence.
The visitation statute is not designed to place into the hands of children power over the occurrence, length, time, or place of the visits.

Mayer v. Mayer 2002 ND 109
Docket No.: 20020036
Filing Date: 7/11/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Order refusing to vacate a stipulated divorce decree is summary affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4).

Larson v. McMorrow 2002 ND 108
Docket No.: 20020042
Filing Date: 7/11/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: The district court's issuance of a domestic violence protection order is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(7).

State v. Taylor 2002 ND 107
Docket No.: 20010306
Filing Date: 7/11/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: The trial court's judgment is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

Disciplinary Board v. Edwardson 2002 ND 106
Docket No.: 20020068
Filing Date: 7/11/2002
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A lawyer who cannot comply with a discovery request without jeopardizing the client should withdraw from representation rather than violate the rules of professional conduct.
Lawyer suspended from the practice of law for 60 days.

State v. Jackson (Consolidated w/20010299) 2002 ND 105
Docket No.: 20010298
Filing Date: 7/11/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: It is not ineffective assistance of counsel to fail to move for a judgment of acquittal when the prosecution has presented a prima facie case.

Nowling, et al. v. BNSF Railway, et al. 2002 ND 104
Docket No.: 20010302
Filing Date: 7/11/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: Under N.D. Const. art. XII, sec. 13, the right of way for an operating railroad line is a public highway that is not subject to adverse possession or acquiescence.

Corbett v. Corbett 2002 ND 103
Docket No.: 20020010
Filing Date: 7/11/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Divorce - Property
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: There must be some factual basis in the record for the length of time spousal support is awarded, but a specific plan of rehabilitation is not required.
On questions of spousal support, we do not substitute our judgment for that of the trial court.

State v. Stewart (Consolidated w/20010284) 2002 ND 102
Docket No.: 20010283
Filing Date: 7/11/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - DUI/DUS/APC
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: Under N.D.R.Ev. 609(a)(i), for the purpose of attacking the credibility of a testifying accused, evidence that the accused has been convicted of a felony that meets the time limit of subdivision (b) must be admitted if the court determines that the probative value of admitting that evidence outweighs its prejudicial effect.
Among the factors for a trial court to consider in weighing the probative value of a prior felony conviction and its prejudicial effect are impeachment value of the prior crime, the time of the conviction and the witness's subsequent history, similarity between the prior crime and the charged crime, importance of the defendant's testimony, and the centrality of the credibility issue.

Hansen, et al. v. Scott, et al. 2002 ND 101
Docket No.: 20010195
Filing Date: 6/10/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Torts (Negligence, Liab., Nuis.)
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: A trial court may grant a certification under N.D.R.Civ.P. 54(b) if the issues raised in the appeal will not be mooted by future developments in the trial court.
Rule 4(b)(2), N.D.R.Civ.P., authorizes North Dakota courts to exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident to the fullest extent permitted by due process.
To establish personal jurisdiction over a nonresident under N.D.R.Civ.P. 4(b)(2), the requirements of one of the subparagraphs of Rule 4(b)(2) must be satisfied, and the nonresident must have sufficient minimum contacts with North Dakota so the exercise of personal jurisdiction does not offend traditional notions of substantial justice, fair play, or due process.

Dvorak v. Disciplinary Board 2002 ND 100
Docket No.: 20020127
Filing Date: 6/7/2002
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer reinstated to the practice of law.

Matrix Properties Corp. v. JCG Investments, et al. 2002 ND 99
Docket No.: 20020011
Filing Date: 6/6/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A judgment quieting title to real property and an order denying a motion to alter, amend, or vacate the judgment are summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(1).
The Supreme Court may award attorneys fees under N.D.R.App.P. 38, when the appeal is frivolous.

State ex rel. Clayburgh v. American West Community Promotions, Inc. 2002 ND 98
Docket No.: 20010223
Filing Date: 6/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Tax Realted
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: When a transaction involves the transfer of both tangible personal property and intangible personal property, the true object of the transaction must be examined to determine if the transaction is subject to sales tax.
Sales of coupon books are not subject to sales tax as sales of tangible personal property, consisting of goods, wares, or merchandise.

Skadberg v. Skadberg 2002 ND 97
Docket No.: 20010261
Filing Date: 6/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: To support a petition for a disorderly conduct restraining order, the petitioner must present evidence of specific acts or threats constituting disorderly conduct.
A full hearing on a disorderly conduct restraining order authorizes a district court to hear the evidence on affidavits and cross-examination.

Paul v. ND Workers Comp. Bureau 2002 ND 96
Docket No.: 20010290
Filing Date: 6/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Workers Compensation
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: The Bureau has the burden of establishing that a vocational rehabilitation plan provides a claimant with a reasonable opportunity to obtain employment.

State v. Laib 2002 ND 95
Docket No.: 20010206
Filing Date: 6/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: Whether a defendant establishes statements made in support of a search warrant were intentionally false or made with reckless disregard of the truth is a finding of fact.
A defendant's two prior convictions for class B felony delivery of marijuana qualify as prior offenses to trigger the 20-year mandatory minimum sentence for a current conviction for class A felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver.

Eide v. Eide 2002 ND 94
Docket No.: 20010236
Filing Date: 6/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Divorce - Property
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Order denying a motion for relief from judgment is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4).

Churchill v. Churchill 2002 ND 93
Docket No.: 20020015
Filing Date: 6/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Per Curiam

Kaffar, et al. v. Dschaak, et al. 2002 ND 92
Docket No.: 20010317
Filing Date: 6/4/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Judgment quieting title to a parcel of property and denying claim of acquiescence to a new boundary line is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

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