Opinion ID: 2057074
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: [¶ 11] Garrison also challenges the sufficiency of the evidence that the transfer was in the ordinary course of business. Because section 3579(6)(B) is an affirmative defense, York Obstetrics had the burden of proving the defense at trial. See ABN AMRO Mortgage Group v. Willis, 2003 ME 98, ¶ 5, 829 A.2d 527, 529; see also U.F.T.A. § 8, cmt. 1 (1984). [5] [¶ 12] Generally, sufficiency of the evidence challenges by a party who did not bear the burden of proof at trial are resolved by clear error review. See generally Pratt v. Spaulding, 2003 ME 56, ¶ 10, 822 A.2d 1183, 1186; cf. Westleigh v. Conger, 2000 ME 134, ¶ 12, 755 A.2d 518, 520. We therefore examine the record, and the reasonable inferences that may be drawn from the record, in the light most favorable to the trial court's judgment to determine if the facts are supported by competent evidence. See id. The meaning and weight given to the exhibits and testimony of the witnesses by the fact-finder must be upheld unless clearly erroneous. Jenkins, Inc. v. Walsh Bros., Inc., 2002 ME 168, ¶ 7, 810 A.2d 929, 933. [6] [¶ 13] Viewed in the light most favorable to the court's judgment, the record evidence establishes that York Obstetrics regularly paid Wagright rent in a timely manner until it encountered business difficulty. Garrison itself introduced evidence that Wagright acquired the condominium in 1999 and that York Obstetrics has occupied the premises since then as a tenant. Wagright and York Obstetrics had a longstanding landlord/tenant relationship prior to the onset of financial difficulties in 2002-2003. [¶ 14] Although the record could support the opposite conclusion, the evidence was sufficient for the court to conclude that York Obstetrics has met its burden of proof and persuasion as to its affirmative defense. Because it is the factfinder that must consider the weight and significance of evidence, we defer to the Superior Court's determinations regarding the weight and significance of the evidence in this case. See Dombkowski v. Ferland, 2006 ME 24, ¶ 28, 893 A.2d 599, 606 (quotation marks omitted); see also Eaton v. Town of Wells, 2000 ME 176, ¶ 29, 760 A.2d 232, 243; Jenkins, 2002 ME 168, ¶ 7, 810 A.2d at 933. The court could reasonably conclude that the payments of rent that are the subject of this action were made within the ordinary course of York Obstetrics's business, even though the timing of the payments was unique because they were late. The entry is: Judgment affirmed.