Opinion ID: 1160948
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: the jury's verdict (or its functional equivalent the decision of the judge after a bench trial in a case of legal cognizance) is to be accorded the utmost deference on appeal

Text: ¶ 17 Trial by jury is a right guaranteed by the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma. [22] This constitutional provision imposes upon the appellate courts the obligation to accord on review the greatest deference to the determination by the trier of fact. [23] We must not substitute our subjective view for that of the trier unless the trier's decision is manifestly wrong. [24] Although deference to the trier of fact does not relieve appellate courts from their duty to review fact findings, it does mean that judgment on a verdict cannot be disturbed merely because we would have reached a different decision. This constitutional obligation circumscribes appellate scrutiny and compels the decision we reach in this case today. [25]