Opinion ID: 2612514
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Standard on Appeal

Text: Error cannot be presumed on appeal, but requires an affirmative showing, Carpenter v. Double R Cattle Co., 108 Idaho 602, 701 P.2d 222 (1985), and findings of fact made by a trial court will not be set aside unless they are clearly erroneous. I.R.C.P. 52(a); Rueth v. State, 103 Idaho 74, 644 P.2d 1333 (1982); Marshall Bros. v. Geisler, 99 Idaho 734, 588 P.2d 933 (1978); Beall Pipe & Tank Corp. v. Tumac Intermountain, Inc., 108 Idaho 487, 700 P.2d 109 (Ct.App. 1985). Further, the factual findings of the trial court will not be disturbed on appeal where they are supported by substantial and competent evidence, even though such evidence may be conflicting, State v. Tierney, 109 Idaho 474, 708 P.2d 879 (1985); MacNeil v. Minidoka Memorial Hosp., 108 Idaho 588, 701 P.2d 208 (1985); Pointner v. Johnson, 107 Idaho 1014, 695 P.2d 399 (1985); Circle C Ranch Co. v. Jayo, 104 Idaho 353, 659 P.2d 107 (1983), and on appeal the appellate court's responsibility is to review the record to determine whether the trial court's findings are supported by substantial, competent evidence. Heacock v. Madsen, 108 Idaho 65, 696 P.2d 916 (Ct.App. 1985). This reflects the view that deference must be given to the special opportunity of the trial court to assess and weigh the credibility of the witnesses who appear before it. State v. Tierney, 109 Idaho 474, 708 P.2d 879 (1985); Wolford v. Tankersley, 107 Idaho 1062, 695 P.2d 1201 (1984).