Opinion ID: 1246793
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: A Threshold Issue

Text: Appellants contend that the district judge dismissed plaintiffs' case pursuant to NRCP 41(b) [1] and that therefore the trier of the facts should have accepted as true the plaintiffs' evidence and should have drawn all reasonable inferences in plaintiffs' favor. Bates v. Cottonwood Cove Corp., 84 Nev. 388, 441 P.2d 622 (1968); Havas v. Carter, 85 Nev. 132, 451 P.2d 711 (1969). The record does not support appellants' position. It is true that, in his colloquy with counsel at the conclusion of plaintiffs' case, the district judge stated he would entertain a Rule 41(b) motion, but counsel for the defendants made it clear that they would not make a Rule 41(b) motion, but rather that they would submit the case on its merits. [2] We construe the ruling of the district judge as a decision on the merits of the case. The substantial evidence rule then becomes the standard by which we must consider this appeal to determine whether there is substantial evidence in the record to support the findings and judgment of the district judge. We believe that standard has been met, and we affirm the judgment of the lower court.