Opinion ID: 1318031
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Appellant's Point VII:

Text: VII. By withdrawing motions to strike affidavits in opposition to the motions for summary judgment, defendants waived their objections thereto. The argument presumably is that by reason of the withdrwal of the motions to strike the defective affidavits, the court should now consider such affidavits as though they were qualified  competent and, in all respects, free of defect. The withdrawal of the motions to strike does not relieve the affidavits of the requirements expressed by this court to the effect that they must contain evidence which is as carefully tailored and professionally correct as any evidence which is admissible to the court at the time of trial. Newton v. Misner, supra. Nor, by the withdrawal of the motions to strike, is the plaintiff relieved of the rule of this court expressed in Cook Ford Sales, Inc. v. Benson, supra, where we held that affidavits executed by non-professional witnesses and based on opinion, belief, conclusions of law or hearsay statements do not comply with subdivision (e) of Rule 56, W.R.C.P., supra, and should, therefore not be considered. It is the duty of this court in all cases to determine if there is reasonable ground for an appeal and if it is determined that there was no such ground, to certify to this fact. Rule 72(k), W.R.C.P.; Mader v. Stephenson, Wyo., 552 P.2d 1114, 1115; Nix v. Chambers, Wyo., 524 P.2d 589, 590; In re Brothers, Wyo., 510 P.2d 19, 21. It is our unqualified view that a competent lawyer cognizant of the laws of the State of Wyoming would have, upon examination of the record, determined that this was not a meritorious appeal and did not involve fair questions of law or substantial questions worthy of consideration. If Hawkins were willing to assume the responsibility of the prosecution of this case, he should also have assumed the duty of ascertaining the applicable law in this jurisdiction before undertaking this appeal. A review of this record reveals an unusual case and one which it is our ardent hope is not repeated. We make this observation because it was with great hesitation that we impose the following penalties, believing it proper only in the most aggravated cases. The Clerk of this court is ordered to tax the appellant, as costs, fees, sanctions, penalties and damages, the following: The costs of all briefs filed by the appellees, and to inform the appellant and his attorney, Hawkins, of such costs when ascertained; $300.00 for counsel for appellees; and $500.00 penalty and damages to the appellees. We herewith notify all concerned that the necessity for assessing these costs, penalties, damages and sanctions comes on as a direct result of the fault of California counsel's handling of this case. Affirmed.