Opinion ID: 1634611
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: philosophic view

Text: Dissents are more often frowned upon, than blessed, by the appellate textbook writers. Many academicians believe that the image of justice or the controlling precedent are sorely eroded by a dissent. There is, by and large, a traditional antipathy toward dissents in the appellate world. Historically, however, the healthy growth of law would stagnate and die without the pioneer in law  who is often the dissenter. It goes without saying that in the fields of scientific and social endeavor, without the spirit and gusto for achievement bosomed within the pioneer, America as a Nation would not have risen as the leader of the Free World. As the arrival of birds which foretell spring, dissents serve to predict or foretell a changing view in law. Often, a dissent is based upon existing precedent but refuses to recognize that the majority view has correctly applied the law to the facts of the case. In the latter, less creativity is noted, yet the influence and force of the dissent may impact the law in the future. Perhaps a minority viewpoint will serve the Bar and the Bench as a signal of caution and will linger on amber until it is given a green light in the future. Rehabilitative alimony is a new concept to South Dakota and I fear its expansion where no rehabilitation is necessary. Although not blessed with mystic legal powers, I reasonably foresee onrushing domestic litigation seeking rehabilitative alimony as it is new law in South Dakota. When a new tree suddenly appears in the orchard bearing fruit, it is likely that there are those who would stand under the tree to taste the sweetness of its bounty. The reader should note that it is the majority opinion which has reversed a decision of the lower court holding, in effect, that the lower court did not do equity to a litigant. It is noted that the lower court precisely articulated twenty separate findings of fact and entered thirteen well-reasoned conclusions of law. The trial court presided in a most sensitive case, as it involved another state trial judge, most certainly, and did, exercise the greatest of deliberation, aforethought, and equitable conscience. I am simply not offended by the values of quality here adjudged below and would accordingly affirm the trial court's judgment in its entirety. Thus, in reviewing, I question not the wisdom of the lower court as has the majority but, rather, persist in reviewing the legality of its acts. Is not this my duty and the function of this Court?