Opinion ID: 1212865
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: discussion of the principal issue

Text: It would appear that it is impossible to derive an absolutely literal-interpretation solution of the controversy from the contract language. Paragraph 11 c) is not a sentence and doesn't tell us what is supposed to happen if FCC approval is not obtained within a year. Paragraph 11 a) is also opaque. In attempting to analyze it, we come up with the following reading, which also is not too helpful: This Agreement may be terminated by Seller ... if any of the representations or warranties ... are not performed ... and such inaccuracy of a representation or warranty, failure of performance or an obligation or non-satisfaction of a condition [the remaining part of this thought is not present] if: I) such breach is capable of being cured and has not been cured within thirty (30) days after written demand therefore [sic], or II) has not been waived in writing... . (Emphasis supplied.) Do subparagraphs I and II refer only to breaches or do they also refer to failure of conditions? If they refer to conditions, what is the purpose of the potential requirement of subparagraph I of notice of the breach or non-occurrence of a condition if subparagraph I is alternative to subparagraph II which allows a termination so long as no written waiver has been obtained with respect to the breach or non-occurrence of a condition? Is subparagraph II intended to apply only to breaches or non-occurrences of conditions which, in contrast to those in subparagraph I, cannot be cured within 30 days? This latter query is significant because appellant claims it could have brought about the occurrence of the condition (that the FCC approve the transfer of the broadcast license) within 30 days of the time limit mentioned in subparagraph 11 c). We are unpersuaded that the language of the contract clearly and unambiguously gave the sellers the right to terminate the contract on February 8, 1979, without providing the buyer an opportunity to cure within 30 days the non-occurrence of the condition that the FCC approve the transfer of license. However, we are also of the opinion that the contract may be reasonably interpreted to justify the February 8, 1979, termination without opportunity to cure. It is well-settled law that where the terms of an instrument are plain and unambiguous, its meaning is to be deduced from the language of the instrument alone; but where the language is ambiguous, the intent of the parties may be searched out by resort to extrinsic evidence. E.g., Mauch v. Ballou, Wyo., 499 P.2d 591, 593-594 (1972). Appellant argues that this necessary resort to extrinsic evidence involves factual issues not properly resolved in a motion for summary judgment. In interpreting an ambiguous instrument, the intent of the parties is material extrinsic evidence. Mauch, supra. If there is a material factual dispute, summary judgment is inappropriate. E.g., Weaver v. Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Wyoming, Wyo., 609 P.2d 984 (1980). Moreover, in reviewing an appeal from a summary judgment, the reviewing court looks at the record from the view-point most favorable to the party opposing the motion, giving to him all favorable inferences to be drawn from the facts contained in the record. Weaver, supra. But, are we presented with a material factual dispute in this case? In a recent appeal from a summary judgment, we pointed out that evidence in favor of a contention fatal to the cause of action will suffice to defeat the case on summary judgment if such evidence is not disputed by any direct or indirect contrary evidence. Moore v. Kiljander, Wyo., 604 P.2d 204, 206-207 (1979). Is there any evidence at all which disputes the evidence relied on by the district court? A logical place to start our search for such evidence would be the Statement of the Case section of appellant's brief where, under Rule 5.01(3), W.R.A.P. [1] , there shall be a statement of the facts relevant to the issues presented for review, with appropriate page references to the record. Although appellant's discussion in this portion of its brief details the ambiguities in the contract, no mention is made of facts which put into dispute those relied on by the district court. In Dechert v. Christopulos, Wyo., 604 P.2d 1039, 1044 (1980), we refused to consider an appellant's argument unsupported by a factual discussion as required by Rule 5.01(3), supra. We acknowledge that this court has often said that in reviewing an appeal from summary judgment, this court will put itself in the position of the trial court. E.g., Weaver, supra. In this case, we will review the record even if the appellant has not observed Rule 5.01(3), supra. On the other hand, Rule 1.02, W.R.A.P. [2] , relied on in Dechert, supra, does give this court great discretion to impose sanctions (including the refusal to consider a contention) for violation of the Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure. The purpose of our appellate rules concerning briefs is to help focus the facts, issues and authorities. We appreciate that an advocate's inclination, in some instances, is to shield his client from a piercing revelation of the facts. Even so, an imprecise factual discussion will not profit the advocate's client in this court. We see no reason to tolerate a practice which can only succeed if this court is misled. In this case, we will disregard the appellant's failure to direct our attention to evidence which contradicts the evidence relied on by the district court in awarding summary judgment. In future cases, even those involving summary judgment, we will, however, feel free to exercise our Rule 1.02, W.R.A.P., discretion less leniently. Having examined the record in great detail, we are unable to find any evidence whatsoever that appellant intended an interpretation different than that found by the district court. The evidence is to the contrary. As pointed out by the judge, appellant construed the contract to provide for a termination right if FCC approval was not obtained within one year of requesting it. Mildred Ernst and her son, in their depositions, concurred in this interpretation of the contract. It is true, as appellant points out, that Mildred Ernst was agreeable to granting appellant an extension from the earlier and erroneously computed deadline of November, 1978. However, Strang, the sole stockholder of appellant corporation, understood the extension to be for only two or three weeks. [3] We do not think this waiver on the part of Mildred Ernst is evidence which contradicts the evidence just cited relating to the parties' understanding of the contract. We will affirm the district court because we conclude that there is no material dispute as to the fact issue of the parties' intentions.