Opinion ID: 1187014
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Mullen's Motions for Directed Verdict and for Judgment N.O.V. or New Trial

Text: Mullen argues that the trial court erred in denying his motion for a directed verdict and his motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict or in the alternative for a new trial. See generally Alaska R.Civ.P. 50 and 59. In reviewing denial of motions for a directed verdict or judgment notwithstanding the verdict, this court is not to weigh conflicting evidence or judge the credibility of witnesses. Rather, it is to determine whether the evidence, when viewed in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, is such that reasonable persons could not differ in their judgment as to the facts. Levar v. Elkins, 604 P.2d 602, 603-04 (Alaska 1980); Alyeska Pipeline Service Company v. Aurora Air Service, Inc., 604 P.2d 1090, 1094 (Alaska 1979). A motion for a new trial will be granted when the evidence to support the verdict is completely lacking or is so slight and unconvincing as to make the verdict plainly unreasonable and unjust. Sloan v. Atlantic Richfield Co., 541 P.2d 717, 724 (Alaska 1975); Ahlstrom v. Cummings, 388 P.2d 261, 262 (Alaska 1964). If there is an evidentiary basis for the jury's decision, denial of a new trial must be affirmed. Olson v. McRae, 389 P.2d 576, 577 (Alaska 1964). We will not interfere with the trial court's discretion except in the most exceptional circumstances and to prevent a miscarriage of justice. City of Whittier v. Whittier Fuel & Marine Corp., 577 P.2d 216, 222 (Alaska 1978). We have reviewed the record and conclude that there was an evidentiary basis for the jury's decision, and that the verdict was not plainly unreasonable and unjust. Further, reasonable persons could differ in their judgment as to the facts. Thus the issues were properly submitted to the jury. The evidence presented to prove that TASP existed as a partnership in late 1975 and that Mullen was a partner included the often conflicting testimony of the four partners about the formation of the partnership and its subsequent activities, the partnership agreement (including the corrected copy and three versions of the signature page), the written agreements with Blaser executed in the name of the partnership, the minutes of the telephone meeting and bank documents. Partnership agreements are interpreted according to the principles of contract law. See generally 1 Z. Cavitch, Business Organizations section 14.01 (1981). The jury could properly consider the language and conduct of the parties, the objects sought to be accomplished, and the circumstances surrounding the negotiation of the contract to determine whether the four men agreed to associate as partners. [4] We find that the evidence presented at trial was sufficient to support the jury's conclusion that TASP existed as a partnership and that Mullen was a partner at the time of the Karluk venture. Conflicting evidence was presented as to whether Pletnikoff acted on behalf of TASP during the contract negotiations with the Fishermen. Pletnikoff testified that he did not know who he was working for when he negotiated the agreement, but he thought Mullen had an interest in the profits of the venture. The trip by Blaser and Pletnikoff to Kodiak just before the Karluk venture was similar to other trips they took around Alaska in search of fish pursuant to agreements between TASP and Blaser. Furthermore, Pletnikoff used the TASP bank account while he was in Kodiak and Karluk. The testimony of the partners at trial was often self-serving, evasive and inconsistent. In its special verdict, the jury found that Pletnikoff was acting on behalf of TASP in his negotiations and that TASP was the buyer of the fish. We believe the question is a close one, turning upon the credibility of the witnesses. The jury had the opportunity to observe the witnesses and we accept its decision. See Jackson v. White, 556 P.2d 530, 532 n. 4 (Alaska 1976). Mullen argues the evidence was insufficient to show that TASP and the Fishermen mutually assented to a contract because, he contends, the uncontradicted testimony of the Fishermen showed that they intended to enter into a contract with Blaser, who negligently led them to believe that Pletnikoff was his agent. Mullen further argues that reasonable minds could not differ on this conclusion and the trial court erred in denying his motions for directed verdict and for judgment notwithstanding the verdict. We do not agree. The evidence showed that the Fishermen thought Pletnikoff was acting on behalf of someone else, but they did not know the identity of the principal. They knew Blaser was somehow involved in the company Pletnikoff represented, but they were unsure of Blaser's role. The evidence is sufficient to show that Pletnikoff acted on behalf of TASP in negotiating the contract. As a partially disclosed principal, TASP was a party to the contract made on its behalf by its agent who was acting within the apparent scope of his authority, unless the contract expressly excluded TASP. [5] The evidence that the Fishermen intended to enter into a contract with Blaser or with a company represented by Pletnikoff was subject to varying interpretations. [6] We conclude that the evidence presented to show that the Fishermen intended to enter into a contract with Pletnikoff's principal is sufficient to support the jury's determination that TASP was the buyer of the fish. Mullen next argues the evidence was insufficient to show that TASP and the Fishermen mutually assented to a contract because Pletnikoff did not perceive himself as entering into a contract on behalf of TASP. This argument is without merit. The self-serving testimony of the parties as to their subjective intentions or understandings is not probative evidence of whether the parties entered into a contract or who the parties to the contract are. Peterson v. Wirum, 625 P.2d 866, 870 (Alaska 1981); Day v. A & G Construction Co., 528 P.2d 440, 444 (Alaska 1974). The jury could properly look to objective manifestations of Pletnikoff's intent to enter into a contract with the Fishermen on behalf of TASP and find that the contract was entered into on behalf of TASP. We conclude, therefore, that the trial court did not err in denying Mullen's motions for directed verdict and judgment notwithstanding the verdict or motion for new trial.