Opinion ID: 3157592
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Standard of Review for Master’s Report

Text: In cases in which this Court appoints a master under Rule 68.03, the Court will sustain the master’s findings and conclusions “unless there is no substantial evidence to support them, they are against the weight of the evidence, or they erroneously declare or apply the law.” State ex rel. Lyons v. Lombardi, 303 S.W.3d 523, 526 (Mo. banc 2010); see also Murphy v. Carron, 536 S.W.2d 30, 32 (Mo. banc 1976). The master’s findings should receive the “weight and deference which would be given to a court-tried case by a reviewing court” due to “the master’s unique ability to view and judge the credibility of witnesses.” State ex rel. Woodworth v. Denney, 396 S.W.3d 330, 336-37 (Mo. banc 2013) (internal quotations omitted). In light of this deference, “[t]his Court should exercise the power to set aside the findings and conclusions [of the master] on the ground that they are against the weight of the evidence with caution and with a firm belief that the conclusions are wrong.” Id. at 337. 26