Opinion ID: 2378775
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: directed verdict conversion

Text: In its brief, appellant contends the trial court erred in denying its motion for directed verdict based on insufficient evidence that it converted appellees' mobile home. The thrust of appellant's argument is that appellant's repossession of appellees' mobile home was not a conversion because appellees were in default and there was no breach of peace. Appellant relies heavily on Ford Motor Credit Co. v. Herring, 267 Ark. 201, 589 S.W.2d 584 (1979). At the close of all evidence, appellant moved for a directed verdict stating that there was insufficient evidence by the counterclaimants and that if there's been a wrongful conversion because of default, we have sufficient evidence to prove a default. ARCP Rule 50(a) mandates that a motion for directed verdict state the specific grounds therefor. Failure of a motion for directed verdict to comply with Rule 50's requirement that the specific grounds relied on be stated is a sufficient basis for denial of the motion and for affirmance on appeal. Svestka v. First Nat'l Bank in Stuttgart, 269 Ark. 237, 602 S.W.2d 604 (1980). The requirement that the directed verdict motion state the specific grounds therefor is especially necessary when a case involves multiple issues, as does the instant case. Svestka, 269 Ark. 237, 602 S.W.2d 604. Appellees' counterclaim included claims for breach of contract and conversion. Appellant cites us to no authority, nor are we aware of any, standing for the proposition that appellees must prove their lack of default as an element of either of the two asserted claims. Obviously, appellant is confused as to who bore the burden of proving the default in this case. Clearly, appellees were not required to prove they were not in default as an element of their claim for conversion. It was appellant's burden to prove the default as an element of the defense to rightful possession of the mobile home. By interrogatory, the jury specifically found that appellees were not in default. Appellee Johnny Friddle's testimony was somewhat confusing and the parties therefore stipulated as to the issues to be developed through his testimony. Accordingly, upon agreement by both counsel and without objection, the trial court informed the jury that Friddle's testimony was that he was not in default and that he did not make any payments on the second forced placed insurance because he did not know nor did appellant ever inform him what the additional payments were for. The trial court also told the jury that through Friddle's testimony, appellant would show that appellees had not made five payments in default on the second forced placed insurance policy. In support of its argument that appellees were in default, appellant complains of the stipulation of Johnny Friddle's testimony to which it not only failed to object but expressly agreed. We have stated time and time again that objections below are required to preserve arguments for appellate review. Reynolds v. Shelter Mut. Ins. Co., 313 Ark. 145, 852 S.W.2d 799 (1993). The stipulated testimony is substantial evidence to support the jury's verdict and finding that appellees were not in default. Because appellant agreed to the stipulation of Johnny Friddle's testimony, appellant simply cannot complain of this now on appeal.