Opinion ID: 1209446
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: pleading and proof

Text: The trial court did not err in failing to grant appellant's motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim. We find that the complaint adequately sets forth the basis of the tax liability alleged against United Pacific. Technical forms of pleading are not required so long as the complaint shows the plaintiff is entitled to relief. Harris v. Grizzle, Wyo., 599 P.2d 580, 583 (1979). Fair notice is the objective of a pleading. Johnson v. Aetna Casualty & Surety Co. of Hartford, Wyo., 608 P.2d 1299, 1302 (1980); Washakie School District Number One v. Herschler, Wyo., 606 P.2d 310, 316, cert. denied 449 U.S. 824, 101 S.Ct. 86, 66 L.Ed.2d 28 (1980). We find that the complaint is not defective under these standards. Lastly, appellant urges that the State failed to prove its entitlement to relief. In particular, appellant claims that the State failed to introduce any evidence, other than the deficiency notice, of the amount owed by the contractor. It is true that the State must have submitted some evidence upon every element of its claim. Osborn v. Manning, Wyo., 685 P.2d 1121, 1124 (1984). It is also conceded that courts cannot supply evidence. Hendrickson v. Hendrickson, Wyo., 583 P.2d 1265, 1267 (1978). The bonds, however, were introduced as part of Plaintiff's Exhibit No. 1, and indicate the amount of the construction contract. The statute limits the liability of the surety to three per cent of this amount. We find the bonds to be sufficient evidence from which the trial court could reasonably conclude that $53,360.38 was the amount of the tax owed. For the foregoing reasons, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed. THOMAS, C.J., files a dissenting opinion.