Opinion ID: 900831
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: [¶ 4.] Statutory interpretation presents a question of law. Satellite Cable Serv. v. Northern Elec. Coop., Inc., 1998 SD 67, ¶ 5, 581 N.W.2d 478, 480. The construction of [a] statute and its application to [the] facts present questions of law, which we review de novo. State v. Springer-Ertl, 1997 SD 128, ¶ 4, 570 N.W.2d 39, 40. A trial court's findings of fact are to be reviewed under the clearly erroneous standard. State v. Karlen, 1999 SD 12, ¶ 6, 589 N.W.2d 594, 597; State v. Westerfield, 1997 SD 100, ¶ 8, 567 N.W.2d 863, 866. Because this case depends on our interpretation of SDCL 15-6-24(a), we will review this matter de novo.