Opinion ID: 901139
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: [¶ 7.] Our standard of review for the grant or denial of summary judgments is well settled. In reviewing a grant or a denial of summary judgment under SDCL 15-6-56(c), we must determine whether the moving party demonstrated the absence of any genuine issue of material fact and [established] entitlement to judgment on the merits as a matter of law. The evidence must be viewed most favorably to the nonmoving party[,] and reasonable doubts should be resolved against the moving party.... Our task on appeal is to determine only whether a genuine issue of material fact exists and whether the law was correctly applied. Braun v. New Hope Township, 2002 SD 67, ¶ 8, 646 N.W.2d 737, 739 (quoting South Dakota State Cement Plant Commission v. Wausau Underwriters Ins. Co., 2000 SD 116, ¶ 9, 616 N.W.2d 397, 400-01) (bracketed portions in original). In this case we must determine whether the circuit court correctly applied the law governing liability for actions taken in reliance upon a court order that is reversed on appeal.