Opinion ID: 1432389
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Whole Record Review

Text: In reviewing the record for substantial evidence to support the ESD Board of Review decision, the district court indicated it utilized the test in Ribera v. Employment Security Commission, 92 N.M. 694, 594 P.2d 742 (1979), i.e., that of more than merely any evidence or a scintilla of evidence to support the findings. Since Ribera, this Court has adopted whole record review of administrative hearings. Duke City Lumber Co. v. New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board, 101 N.M. 291, 681 P.2d 717 (1984); see also Jones v. Employment Services Division, 95 N.M. 97, 619 P.2d 542 (1980) (Felter, J., dissenting, stating that a whole record review of the agency hearing would have produced a different result on appeal). Implementing whole record review, we find, under the facts of this case, that Alonzo's conduct of refusal to wear a smock on one occasion was an isolated incident in an otherwise good performance record during almost three years of employment. It does not rise to the Mitchell level of wilful or wanton misconduct that would harm her employer's business interests. We reverse the holdings of the ESD and the district court and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. IT IS SO ORDERED. FEDERICI, C.J., and WALTERS, J., concur. STOWERS and RIORDAN, JJ., dissent.