Opinion ID: 900319
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: [¶ 5.] A directed verdict motion under SDCL 15-6-50(a) challenges the legal sufficiency of the evidence. Bauman v. Auch, 539 N.W.2d 320, 325 (S.D.1995); Haberer v. Rice, 511 N.W.2d 279, 284 (S.D. 1994); Denke v. Mamola, 437 N.W.2d 205, 207 (S.D.1989); Carlson v. First Nat. Bank, 429 N.W.2d 463, 466 (S.D.1988); Sabag v. Continental South Dakota, 374 N.W.2d 349, 355 (S.D.1985). In ruling on the motion, a court is not free to weigh evidence or credibility. Denke, 437 N.W.2d at 207. Evidence must be viewed in a light most favorable to the nonmoving party. Id.; Carlson, 429 N.W.2d at 466; Kreager v. Blomstrom Oil Co., 379 N.W.2d 307, 310 (S.D.1985). If any legally sufficient basis exists to support a verdict for the nonmoving party, the motion must be denied. Bauman, 539 N.W.2d at 325; Bankwest, Inc. v. Valentine, 451 N.W.2d 732, 734 (S.D.1990)(If sufficient evidence exists so that reasonable minds could differ, a directed verdict is inappropriate.); Dace v. ACF Indus., Inc., 722 F.2d 374, 375-76 (8thCir.1983), on reh'g, 728 F.2d 976 (1984); 1 S. Childress & M. Davis, Federal Standards of Review § 3.01, 3-5 (2d ed. 1992). []