Opinion ID: 1152385
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: the standard of review for the nisi prius judgment on demurrer to the evidence

Text: When a trial court considers a demurrer to the evidence [7] it must take as true all evidence (together with all reasonable inferences) favorable to the party against whom relief is sought and disregard any conflicting evidence that may favor the demurrant. [8] A demurrer should be overruled unless there is an entire absence of proof tending to show a right to recover. [9] In short, the demurrer must be denied if the opponent has made out a prima facie case. [10] A reviewing court will examine the record in light most favorable to the plaintiff (disregarding conflicts or contrary inferences) but will disturb the nisi prius sustention of a demurrer only if there is competent evidence to support the material elements of the plaintiff's cause of action. [11]