Opinion ID: 2520257
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: A trial judge's findings of fact in a court-tried case will be liberally construed on appeal in favor of the judgment entered, in view of the trial judge's role as trier of fact. Conley v. Whittlesey, 133 Idaho 265, 269, 985 P.2d 1127, 1131 (1999); Lindgren v. Martin, 130 Idaho 854, 857, 949 P.2d 1061, 1064 (1997). An appellate court may set aside a trial court's findings of fact only if they are clearly erroneous. I.R.C.P. 52(a); McCray v. Rosenkrance, 135 Idaho 509, 513, 20 P.3d 693, 697 (2001). Review of the trial judge's decision is limited to ascertaining whether the evidence supports the findings of fact and whether the findings of fact support the conclusions of law. Conley, 133 Idaho at 269, 985 P.2d at 1131. If the findings of fact are based on substantial evidence, even if the evidence is conflicting, they will not be overturned on appeal. Id. Evidence is substantial if a reasonable trier of fact would accept and rely upon it in determining whether a disputed point of fact has been proven. Weaver v. Millard, 120 Idaho 692, 698, 819 P.2d 110, 116 (Ct.App.1991). The appellate courts also give due regard to the trial judge's special opportunity to judge the credibility of the witnesses. I.R.C.P. 52(a); Marshall v. Blair, 130 Idaho 675, 679, 946 P.2d 975, 979 (1997). This Court exercises free review over questions of law. Conley, 133 Idaho at 269, 985 P.2d at 1131.