Opinion ID: 1572783
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Trial Court's Factfinding

Text: Nixon contends that the trial court dismissed Dr. Keyes's testimony based on this Court's holding in Cherry. Nixon argues that because Cherry does not set forth the governing legal standard, the trial court's factual determinations were induced by an erroneous view of the law. This argument is yet another attack on Florida's definition of mental retardation and the trial court's application of this definition to the facts of this case. As we previously stated, the trial court followed the correct procedure in determining Nixon's claim. Section 921.137(1) sets forth the governing legal standard and rule 3.203 outlines the procedural requirements for mental retardation claims. The trial judge followed the statute, rule, and caselaw, then he carefully evaluated the testimony from the two experts. He found the testimony of Dr. Prichard more credible than that of Dr. Keyes and concluded that Nixon was not mentally retarded. Resolving all conflicts in the evidence and all reasonable inferences in favor of the trial court's decision, we find there is competent, substantial evidence to support the trial court's determination that Nixon does not meet the criteria for mental retardation.