Opinion ID: 1860496
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Whether the circuit court erroneously shifted the burden of proof.

Text: ¶ 14. The Town argues that the burden was on the County to establish the essential elements required to obtain the special exception, and since the County only addressed the issue of public need, the decision of the Town should have been affirmed. However, in its opinion and order of the circuit court, clearly stated that the County had the burden of proof: The burden is on the County to show the Town by clear and convincing evidence that a public need existed for the special exception to the current R-1 zoning of the lot so the County could build the new Chancery Courthouse. Fondren North Renaissance v. Mayor of City of Jackson, 749 So.2d 974 (Miss.1999). ¶ 15. The circuit court reviewed the record before it and concluded that the County, notwithstanding the limited time afforded it, proved its case by clear and convincing evidence, and that a substantial evidentiary basis did not exist for the Town's denial of the County's petition. Therefore, the circuit court did not shift the burden of proof, and the County proved by clear and convincing evidence that a public need existed for the special exception.