Opinions

Reciprocal Discipline of Kleinsmith 2013 ND 19
Docket No.: 20130019
Filing Date: 2/12/2013
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer reprimand and probation ordered.

Reciprocal Discipline of Kitchen 2013 ND 18
Docket No.: 20130018
Filing Date: 2/13/2013
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Lawyer suspension ordered.

A.G. Golden, et al. v. SM Energy Company 2013 ND 17
Docket No.: 20120265
Filing Date: 2/1/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: An area of mutual interest clause is not a covenant that runs with the land, but is a personal covenant that is enforceable only between the original parties to the agreement.
An assignment is an expression of intention by the assignor that his duty shall immediately pass to the assignee, and the benefitted party's consent to the transfer can be manifested either expressly or by implication.
An assignee is responsible only for the obligations of the assignor which the assignee contracts to undertake.
A district court cannot grant relief on the basis of issues that are neither pleaded nor voluntarily litigated.
A well operator is not automatically insulated from liability for underpayment of royalties simply because the incorrect payments were made in accordance with an executed division order.

Capps, et al. v. Weflen, et al. 2013 ND 16
Docket No.: 20120184
Filing Date: 1/29/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Certification under N.D.R.Civ.P. 54(b) should not be routinely granted and is reserved for cases involving unusual circumstances where failure to allow an immediate appeal would create a demonstrated prejudice or hardship.

Dakota Heritage Bank v. Pankonin, et al. 2013 ND 15
Docket No.: 20120335
Filing Date: 1/28/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Foreclosure
Author: Per Curiam

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

Riedlinger, et al. v. Steam Brothers, Inc. 2013 ND 14
Docket No.: 20120111
Filing Date: 1/28/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: A contract is ambiguous if rational arguments can be made for different interpretations of the contract.
If a contract is ambiguous, extrinsic evidence may be considered to determine the parties' intent, and the terms of the contract and the parties' intent become questions of fact.

Investors Title Ins. Co. v. Herzig, et al. (Cons. w/20120214) 2013 ND 13
Docket No.: 20120213
Filing Date: 1/23/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: The district court is required to follow pronouncements of an appellate court on legal issues in subsequent proceedings of the case and to carry the appellate court's mandate into effect according to its terms.

Sateren v. Sateren 2013 ND 12
Docket No.: 20120192
Filing Date: 1/23/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Divorce - Property
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: Generally, individuals that unconditionally, voluntarily, and consciously accept a substantial benefit from a divorce judgment waive the right to appeal the judgment.
The appellate court must be able to understand the basis for the district court's decision.
Violations of interim provisions affecting marital property before entry of final judgments in divorce cases are not condoned.

Interest of J.M. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2013 ND 11
Docket No.: 20120253
Filing Date: 1/23/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Civil Commitment of Sexually Dangerous Individual
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: A district court has broad discretion in deciding whether a proffered expert witness's testimony will assist the trier of fact and in evaluating whether there is an adequate factual basis for the expert's opinion.

Coppage v. State 2013 ND 10
Docket No.: 20120267
Filing Date: 1/23/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: N.D.R.Ev. 609 governs the admission of evidence of certain criminal convictions for the purpose of attacking a witness's general character for truthfulness. Rule 609 does not apply to the admission of evidence of a prior conviction for purposes of impeachment by contradiction.
Evidence that is otherwise inadmissible, may be admitted if the opposing party opens the door through his testimony and invites any error.
A district court is required to follow the pronouncement of any appellate court on legal issues in subsequent proceedings and to carry out the appellate court's mandate according to its terms.

Sweeney v. Kirby 2013 ND 9
Docket No.: 20120339
Filing Date: 1/23/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: A party seeking to modify primary residential responsibility who provides competent evidence demonstrating a prima facie case for modification is entitled to an evidentiary hearing.

State v. Chacano 2013 ND 8
Docket No.: 20120187
Filing Date: 1/23/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: A failure to make a proper trial objection to evidence prevents a defendant from arguing on appeal the trial court erred in admitting the evidence.
A prosecutor errs by arguing to the jury the defendant's testimony is a lie.
A defendant must establish his substantial rights were affected by a prosecutor's improper argument for the conviction to be reversed.

Pederson v. State 2013 ND 7
Docket No.: 20120331
Filing Date: 1/23/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

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

State v. Chase 2013 ND 6
Docket No.: 20120332
Filing Date: 1/23/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Conviction of continuous sexual abuse of a child summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3) and (7).

Poitra v. State (cross-reference w/20090339) 2013 ND 5
Docket No.: 20120283
Filing Date: 1/23/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

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

State v. Vetter 2013 ND 4
Docket No.: 20120015
Filing Date: 1/23/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Assault
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: A vehicle may be found to be a dangerous weapon under N.D.C.C. 12.1-01-04(6).

Adoption of D.J.D. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2013 ND 3
Docket No.: 20120278
Filing Date: 1/23/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Adoption
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Civil judgment denying an applicant's petition for adoption is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

Holkesvig v. Moore (Cross-reference w/20110007) 2013 ND 2
Docket No.: 20120356
Filing Date: 1/23/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: District court order denying a motion to vacate judgment is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(1) and (7).

Holkesvig v. State (Consolidated w/20120334) 2013 ND 1
Docket No.: 20120333
Filing Date: 1/23/2013
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Misdemeanor
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: District court judgment summarily dismissing petition for postconviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(6) and (7).

State v. Baesler (consolidated w/20120296) 2012 ND 262
Docket No.: 20120295
Filing Date: 12/24/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Drugs/Contraband
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia convictions are summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

Matter of M.D. (CONFIDENTIAL)(cross-ref. w/20080082 & 20100058) 2012 ND 261
Docket No.: 20120158
Filing Date: 12/18/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Civil Commitment of Sexually Dangerous Individual
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: When a person committed as a sexually dangerous individual petitions for discharge, the State has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the committed individual remains a sexually dangerous individual.
A motion for a continuance may be granted for good cause.

Nuveen v. Nuveen (cross-reference w/20100134 & 20120080) 2012 ND 260
Docket No.: 20120246
Filing Date: 12/18/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: When considering an upward deviation in child support a court does not need to find specific needs that the children lack to justify a deviation.
A district court does not err by offsetting child support obligations before making a deviation.

Specialized Contracting, Inc. v. St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins., et al. 2012 ND 259
Docket No.: 20120195
Filing Date: 12/18/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: The statutory rules for interpreting indemnity contracts are included in every indemnity contract unless a contrary intention appears in the contract.
An indemnity contract does not have to specifically state that the statutory provisions do not apply for a contrary intent to appear in the contract.

Howard, et al. v. Trotter, et al. 2012 ND 258
Docket No.: 20120221
Filing Date: 12/18/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: Congressional section lines are open for public travel without the necessity of any governmental action.
If a county commission orders a public highway to be established along a congressional section line, it is necessary only to establish a public highway where deviations from the section line occur.
Uncertainty as to the amount of damages does not preclude recovery. Damages may be awarded if a reasonable basis for computing the approximate amount is provided.

MayPort Farmers Co-Op v. St. Hilaire Seed Company, Inc. 2012 ND 257
Docket No.: 20120202
Filing Date: 12/18/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Debtor/Creditor
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Conflicts in the evidence will not be reweighed, and credibility of witnesses will not be reassessed on appeal.
A district court's decision on a motion to amend judgment will not be reversed on appeal unless there is a manifest abuse of discretion.

Interest of J.N. (Confidential) (consolidated with 20120390) 2012 ND 256
Docket No.: 20120389
Filing Date: 12/18/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: A specific finding that the child is currently deprived is a necessary prerequisite to termination of parental rights under N.D.C.C. 27-20-44(1)(c).
An appellate court cannot properly review a decision if the trial court does not provide an adequate explanation of the basis for its decision.

Lund v. Lund, et al. 2012 ND 255
Docket No.: 20120210
Filing Date: 12/18/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: The phrase "transacting any business in this state" in the long-arm jurisdiction provision under N.D.R.Civ.P. 4(b)(2)(A) must be given a broad, expansive interpretation.
Contacts sufficient to support personal jurisdiction under N.D.R.Civ.P. 4(b)(2) need not be current but may arise from past conduct, and personal jurisdiction may be exercised over a former resident for claims arising from activities she engaged in while previously residing in the state.

Interest of T.H. (CONFIDENTIAL)(cross reference with 20110084) 2012 ND 254
Docket No.: 20120168
Filing Date: 12/18/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Juvenile Law
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Unless a statute imposing a time limit declares that the time limit is jurisdictional, the time limit will not be treated as affecting the jurisdiction of a court or administrative agency.
Whether a child remains deprived is a finding of fact which will not be reversed on appeal unless it is clearly erroneous.

D.E. v. K.F., et al. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2012 ND 253
Docket No.: 20120069
Filing Date: 12/18/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Paternity
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: A presumption of paternity arises when a man is married to the mother of a child and the child is born during the marriage.
Only a person for whose benefit a statute of limitations inures or someone standing in that person's place may take advantage of the statute. A statute of limitations defense may not be asserted by one party on behalf of another person.
In proceedings to adjudicate parentage, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent a minor or incapacitated child if the child is a party or if the court finds that the interests of the child are not adequately represented.

State v. Benefiel (Consolidated w/20120275) 2012 ND 252
Docket No.: 20120274
Filing Date: 12/18/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Assault
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Two district court orders revoking a defendant's probation and resentencing him to five years' imprisonment are summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P 35.1(a)(2) and (4).

State v. Wolfgram 2012 ND 251
Docket No.: 20120286
Filing Date: 12/18/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Homicide
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Criminal judgment sentencing defendant to imprisonment within statutory range summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4) and (7).

Interest of Voisine (Cross-reference w/20090182 & 20100163) 2012 ND 250
Docket No.: 20120325
Filing Date: 12/18/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Civil Commitment of Sexually Dangerous Individual
Author: Per Curiam

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

Disciplinary Board v. McCray 2012 ND 249
Docket No.: 20120363
Filing Date: 12/3/2012
Case Type: Discipline - Attorney - Original Proceeding
Author:

Highlight: Lawyer suspension ordered.

Deyle v. Deyle 2012 ND 248
Docket No.: 20120157
Filing Date: 11/30/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: District courts must look both forward and backward when making primary residential responsibility findings under N.D.C.C. 14-09-06.2(1)(d) after factor (d) was amended in 2009.
A district court's denial of attorney fees or interim child support must be explained.
A district court's denial of extended summer parenting time between a non-custodial parent and a child of sufficient age must be explained.

State v. Herzig 2012 ND 247
Docket No.: 20110304
Filing Date: 11/28/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Misdemeanor
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: When a legitimate dispute exists as to whether a road is a public road by prescription, resolution should take place civilly and not in a criminal trespass action.

Ehlen v. Melvin, et al. 2012 ND 246
Docket No.: 20120233
Filing Date: 11/27/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: For the existence of a contract, the parties must consent to the agreement, and consent is not mutual unless the parties all agree upon the same thing in the same sense.
The acceptance of a contract must be absolute and unqualified, and a qualified acceptance is a counteroffer.

Niska v. Falconer 2012 ND 245
Docket No.: 20120252
Filing Date: 11/27/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Sandstrom, Dale

Highlight: A district court's finding of domestic violence may be based on actual harm, or the infliction of fear of imminent harm.
A district court's finding of domestic violence must be adequate to understand the basis for its decision.

Muldoon v. WSI, et al. 2012 ND 244
Docket No.: 20120273
Filing Date: 11/27/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Workers Compensation
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: Conflicting testimony will not be reweighed and credibility of witnesses will not be reassessed on appeal.
Willful conduct is conduct engaged in intentionally and not inadvertently. Such a state of mind can rarely be proven directly and must usually be inferred from conduct and circumstantial evidence.
An issue not properly raised before the trial court cannot be brought for the first time on appeal.

State v. Dominguez 2012 ND 243
Docket No.: 20120240
Filing Date: 11/27/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: A trial court may not grant a new trial on its own motion and may act only upon a timely motion made by the defendant.
An order entered by a trial court without jurisdiction is void and may be vacated by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court lacks jurisdiction to decide the merits of an appeal from an order denying an untimely motion for a new trial.

State, ex rel. Madden v. Rustad, et al. 2012 ND 242
Docket No.: 20120305
Filing Date: 11/27/2012
Case Type: Original Proceeding - Criminal - Writ of Supervision
Author: Maring, Mary

Highlight: Under the Confrontation Clause, an accused is entitled to confront witnesses who make testimonial statements in analytical reports.

Haag v. State 2012 ND 241
Docket No.: 20120196
Filing Date: 11/27/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: The Board of Pharmacy has authority to adopt administrative rules designating prohibited controlled substances, and upon becoming effective, a final administrative rule designating a prohibited controlled substance has the force and effect of law.

State v. Tresenriter (Consolidated w/20120027-20120049 & 20120057) 2012 ND 240
Docket No.: 20120026
Filing Date: 11/27/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Assault
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: A party who fails to object at trial to admission of offered evidence waives the objection and may not on appeal challenge admission of the evidence.
A defendant alleging obvious error has the burden to demonstrate plain error that affected his substantial rights, and the error must be a clear deviation from an applicable legal rule under current law.

Schwab v. Zajac 2012 ND 239
Docket No.: 20120172
Filing Date: 11/27/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: A party who voluntarily pays a judgment waives the right to appeal from the judgment.
Evidence of settlement negotiations is not admissible to prove liability for a claim that is disputed as to either the validity or the amount.
Error may not be predicated upon an exclusion of evidence unless a substantial right is affected and the substance of the evidence was made known to the trial court in an offer of proof.
A self-represented litigant is held to the same procedural rules as a litigant represented by counsel.
A plaintiff in a quiet title action involving a slander of title claim is entitled to attorney fees on appeal in defending a favorable judgment.

Holkesvig v. Welte (cons. w/20120204-205) (cross-ref listed in memo screen) 2012 ND 236
Docket No.: 20120203
Filing Date: 11/27/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court judgment finding plaintiff in contempt is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(1) and (4).

Interest of A.J.L.H. (Confidential) (consolidated w/20120383-20120385) 2012 ND 235
Docket No.: 20120382
Filing Date: 11/27/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Juvenile court judgment terminating a mother's parental rights is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

Keita v. Keita 2012 ND 234
Docket No.: 20110252
Filing Date: 11/27/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: Parenting time with a noncustodial parent may be curtailed or eliminated entirely if it is likely to endanger the child's physical or emotional health. A restriction on parenting time must be supported by a preponderance of the evidence and accompanied by a detailed demonstration of the physical or emotional harm likely to result from visitation.
An award of supervised parenting time based on a finding that a party is a flight risk must be supported by specific evidence that the parent has an intent to abscond or flee with the child or that the parent has hindered the other parent's custody of the child.
A district court errs in reserving jurisdiction to award spousal support only to ensure future compliance with its property division and attorney fees award.

Interest of G.L.D. (CONFIDENTIAL) (cross-reference w/20100230) 2012 ND 233
Docket No.: 20120175
Filing Date: 11/27/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Civil Commitment of Sexually Dangerous Individual
Author: Per Curiam

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

Waslaski v. State (consolidated w/ 20120292 & 20120293, cross reference in memo) 2012 ND 232
Docket No.: 20120291
Filing Date: 11/27/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Order summarily dismissing application for post-conviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(6) and (7).

Jordet, et al. v. Jordet 2012 ND 231
Docket No.: 20120185
Filing Date: 11/5/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: The equitable remedy of setoff will be exercised to promote substantial justice and rests largely in the sound discretion of the district court.
Generally, a person who has been denied one remedy by a court is not prohibited from pursuing other available remedies.

State v. Jirinzu 2012 ND 230
Docket No.: 20120247
Filing Date: 10/25/2012
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Theft
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court criminal judgment revoking David Jirinzu's probation and sentencing him to eighteen months of imprisonment is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4) and 35.1(a)(7).