Opinion ID: 1854562
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Plaintiffs commenced their original action against Holiday June 17, 1963. They then alleged rescission foundationed upon breach of warranty.

Text: Later an amended and substituted petition was filed based on breach of express and implied warranties with demand for damages. Speed Queen was then brought in as an additional defendant. Subsequently plaintiffs amended, again claiming rescission. May 20, 1965, this amendment was withdrawn. Trial commenced the same day on plaintiffs' damage action against both defendants for breach of warranties. Defendant Holiday asserts error in permitting the last amendment by plaintiffs. A trial court has broad discretion in permitting or denying amendments and unless the discretion is abused we will not interfere. And to allow is the rule, not the exception. See Claeys v. Moldenschardt, Iowa, 148 N.W.2d 479, 483; Durant Elevator Co. v. S. J. Hoffman & Sons, Iowa, 145 N.W.2d 25, 26-27; and Webber v. E. K. Larimer Hardware Co., 234 Iowa 1381, 1389, 15 N.W.2d 286. However, an amendment should not be permitted under rule 88, R.C.P., if it materially changes the issues involved. In Akkerman v. Gersema, Iowa, 149 N.W.2d 856, 860, we found no abuse of discretion in permitting a party first seeking relief by declaratory judgment action to amend and ask reformation of contract. See also Cook, Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure, Vol. 1, page 551. Recission is the unmaking of a contract. Breach of warranty means the infraction of an express or implied agreement as to the title, quality, content or condition of a thing sold or bailed. See Rasmus v. A. O. Smith Corporation, D. C., 158 F.Supp., 70, 78-80; Morris Plan Leasing Co. v. Bingham Feed and Grain Co., Iowa, 143 N.W.2d 404, 414; United States Hoffman Machinery Corp. v. Carlson, 253 Iowa 304, 309, 111 N.W.2d 271; and Broer v. Dr. Fenton's Vigortone Co., 231 Iowa 1276, 1278, 4 N.W.2d 416. Breach of warranty may be the foundation upon which rescission is based but in itself does not constitute rescission. United States Hoffman Machinery Corp. v. Carlson, supra, loc. cit., 253 Iowa 307, 111 N.W.2d 271. While thus distinguishable, both still stand in the field of contracts. Rasmus v. A. O. Smith Corp., D.C., 158 F.Supp. 70, 78-79, and Prosser on Torts, Hornbook Series, Third Ed., pages 644 and 651. By the May 20th amendment plaintiffs in effect abandoned the rescission theory and reverted to their earlier action based on alleged breach of warranty. Under these circumstances we find no basis upon which to hold abuse of discretion on the part of the trial court in permitting plaintiffs to fall back upon their May 20th amendment. II. As stated in Morris Plan Leasing Co. v. Bingham Feed and Grain Co., Iowa, 143 N.W.2d 404, 410: This case is not reviewable de novo here but only on errors assigned. The evidence will be viewed in the light most favorable to plaintiffthis is also the light most favorable to the trial court's judgment. Its findings of fact have the effect of a special verdict and are binding upon us if supported by substantial evidence. Citation of authority is unnecessary. Rule 344(f)1, Rules of Civil Procedure. Our question is whether the trial court's findings are supported by substantial evidence, and we will not weigh the evidence or the credibility of the witnesses. (Authorities cited). The rule does not exclude inquiry into the question whether, conceding the truth a finding of fact, a conclusion of law drawn therefrom by the trial court is correct, nor does it apply if in arriving at a finding the court erred in its ruling on evidence or in other respects upon questions of law which materially affect the decision. (Authorities cited).