Opinion ID: 1835113
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Malicious Prosecution and Abuse of Process Claims.

Text: Following the dismissal of both the district court action and the appeal, the Wilsons sued Hayes for malicious prosecution and abuse of process. In this action, they claim that Hayes' conduct in initiating the original lawsuit and then continuing the case constituted malicious prosecution. In addition the Wilsons contend that Hayes committed an abuse of process when he sought a personal release instead of dismissing the lawsuit. The Wilsons' claims were filed and tried at law to the court. Following trial, the district court filed extensive findings of fact and conclusions of law. The court held that the Wilsons had failed to prove by a preponderance of the evidence the essential elements of each tort. The Wilsons appealed and Hayes cross-appealed. As to their malicious prosecution claim, the Wilsons contend that, contrary to the district court's findings, they did establish that Hayes lacked probable cause and therefore acted with malice toward them in initiating and continuing the lawsuit. The Wilsons also contend they established their claim of abuse of process. They argue that contrary to the district court's findings, Hayes' primary purpose for continuing the lawsuit was to secure a release for himself. They argue that such conduct was improper and constituted an abuse of legal process. In his cross-appeal Hayes contends the district court erred when it did not sustain his motion for directed verdict. In his motion Hayes had contended that the Wilsons were required to produce expert testimony on lack of probable cause and on whether he properly used legal process. Three organizations have filed Amicus Curiae briefs contending that expert testimony should be required to establish lack of probable cause in a malicious prosecution action against an attorney. These organizations include the Iowa State Bar Association, the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association, and the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers. Our scope of review in actions for malicious prosecution and abuse of process is limited to correction of errors at law. Royce v. Hoening, 423 N.W.2d 198, 200 (Iowa 1988) (citing Iowa R.App.P. 4). Findings of fact in jury-waived cases shall have the effect of a special verdict. Iowa R.App.P. 4. We are bound by the trial court's findings of fact if they are supported by substantial evidence. Iowa R.App.P. 14(f)(1). Evidence is substantial when a reasonable mind could accept it as adequate to reach the same findings. Waukon Auto Supply v. Farmers & Merchants Sav. Bank, 440 N.W.2d 844, 846 (Iowa 1989).