Opinion ID: 900344
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Retroactivity of SDCL 20-13-1.1

Text: [¶ 17.] Groff argues SDCL 20-13-1.1 establishes the probable cause standard of proof as preponderance of the evidence, and the statute should be applied retroactively to this case. We disagree with the latter assertion. [¶ 18.] First, there is nothing in SDCL 20-13-1.1 which directs retroactive application. SDCL 2-14-21 states: No part of the code of laws enacted by § 2-16-13 shall be construed as retroactive unless such intention plainly appears. We have consistently upheld the directive of the statute. See State of Minn. ex rel. Hove v. Doese, 501 N.W.2d 366 (S.D.1993); West v. John Morrell & Co., 460 N.W.2d 745, 747 (S.D.1990); Schmaltz v. Nissen, 431 N.W.2d 657, 663 (S.D.1988). [¶ 19.] Groff argues SDCL 20-13-1.1 is procedural and therefore falls under the exception that statutes which affect remedy or procedure as opposed to those affecting substantive rights are to be given retroactive effect. Lyons v. Lederle Laboratories, 440 N.W.2d 769, 770 (S.D.1989). We believe statutes delineating standards of proof, because they affect the substantive rights of litigants in general, are substantive in nature, and therefore should not be applied retroactively. Parke-Davis & Co. v. Stromsodt, 411 F.2d 1390 (8thCir.1969); Fitzsimons v. Frey, 153 Neb. 124, 43 N.W.2d 531 (1950). [¶ 20.] Groff further contends the test set forth in Brown v. John Morrell & Co., 511 N.W.2d 277 (S.D.1994) should be applied. That test is: First, the decision to be applied nonretroactively must establish a new principal of law, either by overruling clear past precedent on which litigants may have relied or by deciding an issue of first impression whose resolution was not clearly foreshadowed.... Id. at 278 (quoting Fisher v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 88 S.D. 1, 214 N.W.2d 85 (1974)). [¶ 21.] The Brown test applies when the question whether a new rule or principle of law resulting from a Supreme Court interpretation of a statute should be applied retroactively. Because we are not interpreting SDCL 20-13-1.1, in this case, the Brown test does not apply. We conclude SDCL 20-13-1.1 should not be applied retroactively.