Opinion ID: 885254
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/cu1046/Desktop/opinions/99-531%20Opinion.htm (4 of 12)3/30/2007 2:45:35 PM file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/cu1046/Desktop/opinions/99-531%20Opinion.htm ¶16 Our standard of review of appeals from summary judgment is de novo. Motarie v. Northern Montana Joint Refuse Disposal Dist. (1995), 274 Mont. 239, 242, 907 P.2d 154, 156. We apply the same criteria which is applied by the district court pursuant to Rule 56 (c), M.R.Civ.P. Spinler v. Allen, 1999 MT 1960, ¶ 14, 295 Mont. 139, ¶ 14, 983 P.2d 348, ¶ 14. The moving party must establish both the absence of genuine issues of material fact and entitlement to judgment as a matter of law. Hadford v. Credit Bureau of Havre, Inc., 1998 MT 179, ¶ 14, 289 Mont. 529, ¶ 14, 962 P.2d 1198, ¶ 14. Once the moving party has met its burden, the opposing party must present material and substantial evidence, rather than mere conclusory or speculative statements, to raise a genuine issue of material fact. Hadford, ¶ 14.