Opinion ID: 1350268
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: the record presents a jury question

Text: In reviewing a denial or grant of summary judgment, we apply the same standard as a trial court: construing the evidence in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party, we ask whether a reasonable jury could find in favor of that party. The motion is granted if the answer is no. Put another way, the moving party is entitled to prevail as a matter of law if no reasonable person could conclude that he should not prevail. Teagle v. Fischer & Porter Co., 89 Wn.2d 149, 153, 570 P.2d 438 (1977). We do not, of course, weigh evidence. Nevertheless, much of the majority opinion does. The majority notes that: Giger and Ebling claim that Giger was not a partner in the enterprise and that they never represented to CLS that they were partners, or that Giger had any business or investment purpose in loaning the money to Ebling. Majority, at 77. There was a dispute about this however, which the majority frankly acknowledges: During that call, Walker claims, Ebling said that Giger would be a partner in the mini-mart venture. Majority, at 77. Was Giger represented to be a partner or not? We cannot decide that question. We cannot evaluate the credibility of Giger, Ebling and Walker. Whether Giger was represented to be a partner or not is a classic jury question. Yet in holding for the lender, the majority decides that issue. Similarly the majority argues: Information Giger and Ebling provided to Walker at the loan interview also suggested Giger's involvement in the mini-mart venture. For one, all the loan proceeds were to be handed over to Ebling for investment in the venture. Additionally, the monthly payments on the loan were to come from Ebling, presumably from profits generated by the mini-mart. Thus, Walker perceived Giger to be a backer even though she told him that she would have nothing to do with the venture. Majority, at 77-78. We do not have the authority or the means to determine what Walker perceived. Even if we did, Walker's view of the transaction is only half the equation; a jury would have to decide whether that perception was correct or unjustified. As the majority concedes, Giger told Walker that she would have nothing to do with the venture. Was Walker justified in disregarding that disclaimer? Did that disclaimer mean only that Giger was to be a silent partner? If we interpret the disclaimer that way, should we believe Ebling and Giger that they did not represent her as a partner at all, or should we believe Walker that Giger was represented to be a partner? We cannot and should not answer those questions. This case is before us on summary judgment. If the evidence is in conflict, as the majority opinion suggests, then the case should go to the jury.