Opinion ID: 2330300
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Test of the Superior Court ruling.

Text: By what rule is the finding of the single justice to be reviewed? The finding of the single justice shall not be set aside unless clearly erroneous. Rule 52 M.R.C.P. While the criterion by which the finding of the single justice is to be reviewed has been expressed in varying terms, (See Reporter's Notes under Rule 52 M.R.C.P. and § 52.7 Field and McKusick's Maine Civil Practice) such terms are synonymous with clearly erroneous. A finding is `clearly erroneous' when although there is evidence to support it, the reviewing court on the entire evidence is left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed. United States v. United States Gypsum Co. 333 U.S. 364, 395, 68 S.Ct. 525, 542, 92 L.Ed. 746; rehearing denied 333 U.S. 869, 68 S.Ct. 788, 92 L.Ed. 1147. [2] The basis of our civil rule 52 and the test to be applied is that due regard shall be given to the opportunity of the trial court to judge of the credibility of the witnesses. This principle has been affirmed in reviewing a motion to suppress in In re Fried et al. 161 F.2d 453, [1, 2] 457 (2 CCA 1947), certiorari denied, 331 U.S. 858, 67 S.Ct. 1751, 91 L.Ed. 1865 and certiorari dismissed 332 U.S. 107, 68 S.Ct. 105, 92 L.Ed. 384; Burge v. United States 332 F.2d 171, [1-3] 173 (8 CCA 1964).