Opinion ID: 2432968
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Review of Chancery Cases

Text: Chancery cases are tried de novo on the record on appeal. Dopp v. Sugarloaf Mining Co., 288 Ark. 18, 702 S.W.2d 393 (1986); Rose v. Dunn, 284 Ark. 42, 44, 679 S.W.2d 180 (1984); Walt Bennett Ford v. Pulaski County Special School District, 274 Ark. 208, 624 S.W.2d 426 (1981). However, we will not reverse the findings of the chancellor unless clearly against the preponderance of evidence. ARCP 52. After giving due deference to the superior position of the chancellor to determine the credibility of the witnesses and the weight to be given their testimony, we come to the conclusion that some of the findings are clearly erroneous. A finding is clearly erroneous when, although there is evidence to support it, the reviewing court on the entire evidence is left with a definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed. United States v. U.S. Gypsum Co., 333 U.S. 364, 68 S.Ct. 525, 92 L.Ed. 746 (1947). When arguing on appeal, the burden is on the appellant to demonstrate error and to bring up a record which so demonstrates. S.D. Leasing v. RNF Corp., 278 Ark. 530, 647 S.W.2d 447 (1983). It is appellant's burden to present an abstract that will sufficiently show the error. Burgess v. Burgess, 286 Ark. 497, 696 S.W.2d 312 (1985). However, if the appellant's abstract demonstrates error and a portion of the record has been omitted that would support the court's finding, the appellee must respond through Rule 9(e)(1) and supply the deficiency in the abstract. Murphy v. Wilson, 228 Ark. 727, 310 S.W.2d 1 (1958).