Opinion ID: 1927643
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Sufficiency of the Evidence of Apparent Authority

Text: Defendant finally asserts that there was insufficient evidence to support the jury's finding of apparent authority. We accord extraordinary deference to the findings of fact made by a civil jury. The applicable standard of review is that [the] verdict must be sustained if any credible evidence, and all justifiable inferences drawn from such evidence, viewed in the light most favorable to the plaintiff, support the verdict. Redlon's Inc. v. Gilman, 485 A.2d 661, 662 (Me.1984) (emphasis added). Even a casual review of the record in the case at bar reveals ample evidence to meet that standard. Catherine Winchester had discussions with Garnache about the project initiated and directed by Hugh; she expressed an understanding of the scope of the project and a desire that it be completed as quickly as possible; she was present when her husband and Garnache discussed the project; she lived on the Kennebunkport farm (which under the bond for a deed she was buying in her sole name) while the construction was under way and made no effort to halt the road work, but rather talked directly with Garnache about it; and she explained the nature and purpose of the project to friends and acquaintances. Moreover, since Hugh and Catherine Winchester at the time of plaintiff's work lived together as husband and wife, the jury was entitled to draw the inference that they discussed, considered, and agreed to enter into a contract with plaintiff for the road work performed that summer on the Winchester property. [11] After hearing that evidence, the jury was specifically instructed by the presiding justice: You must be satisfied that the plaintiff has proven ... that as a result of [defendant's] conduct ... the plaintiff was led to believe that Mr. Winchester was her agent.... Plainly, the jurors answered unanimously that they were so satisfied, and, equally plainly, there was more than sufficient evidence to justify their conclusion. The entry is: Judgment of mechanic's lien in the amount of $27,355.90 plus interest and costs against the subject property affirmed. Judgment for plaintiff in the amount of $27,355.90 plus interest and costs against defendant Catherine Winchester affirmed. All concurring.