Opinion ID: 884920
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: ¶ 14 This Court reviews an order granting summary judgment under Rule 56, M.R.Civ.P. by utilizing the same criteria as the district court. See Bruner v. Yellowstone County (1995), 272 Mont. 261, 264, 900 P.2d 901, 903. Summary judgment is a remedy which should be granted when there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. See Rule 56(c), M.R.Civ.P. The procedure should never be substituted for trial if a material factual controversy exists. See Payne Realty v. First Sec. Bank (1992), 256 Mont. 19, 24, 844 P.2d 90, 93. ¶ 15 When we review a district court's conclusions of law, our standard of review is plenary and we must determine whether the court's conclusions are correct as a matter of law. See Hicklin v. CSC Logic, Inc. (1997), 283 Mont. 298, 301, 940 P.2d 447, 449. ¶ 16 Under our de novo review, if we find any material facts remain in dispute regarding the relevant acts committed by Brad Lane, then summary judgment was improper. Further, if the District Court found that Farmers was entitled to judgment as a matter of law, and the legal basis for this conclusion was incorrect, summary judgment was likewise improper.