Opinion ID: 484976
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The special record testimony of Barry Miller.

Text: 12 At trial a special record was made of the testimony of one of plaintiff's witnesses, Barry Miller. This testimony concerned a telephone call allegedly made by the director of advertising at Henderson to Can-Am. The alleged purpose of the call was to obtain an original of the color brochure showing Can-Am's wheel covers. Plaintiff argues that this testimony is important as it bears on the intent of Henderson. 13 The error asserted on this issue is that the trial judge failed to rule on whether the special record testimony was admissible or not. We find it unnecessary in resolving this issue to determine whether Judge Freeman admitted this testimony or not. In fact, in a bench trial, a separate record does not serve the same purposes as it does in a jury trial. In a bench trial the judge, unlike the jury in a jury trial, hears the testimony whether it is admitted or not. The presumption, of course, is that the trial judge has the ability to disregard the testimony if it is found to be inadmissible. Since the trial court's opinion does not reference this testimony one way or another, we can only conclude that the trial judge found it inconsequential to his decision. We certainly would characterize the testimony as irrelevant or cumulative. Henderson from the outset admitted that they intentionally used the Can-Am photo. Miller's testimony only supported that which was already admitted. 4 Even if we construe the record to include Miller's testimony it does not change the outcome. 14