Opinion ID: 1430376
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The second error

Text: The next misconception is in the discussion of presumptions. No issue of presumptions is presented. Even if we accept the majority's premise that the preliminary issue is the sufficiency of the evidence to go to the factfinder, then the question is one of inferences, not presumptions. [2] If the evidence and all reasonable inferences therefrom are sufficient to prove the fact in issue, then the proof is sufficient to go to a factfinder regardless of whether those inferences are also embodied in presumptions. A presumption is an inference which the law requires to be made. ORS 41.340. [3] In determining the sufficiency of evidence, it does not matter whether the law directs the factfinder to make an inference or whether the factfinder can reasonably do so on his own. Juries make decisions every day based on inferences they draw without the law directing them to do so. Therefore, the discussion of the majority about presumptions is irrelevant even to the issue which it erroneously poses.