Opinion ID: 2118215
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The question next to be resolved is the nature of proceedings under Code chapter 663A.

Text: There is no need to engage in any extended discussion of this subject. We are satisfied a statutory postconviction review proceeding, like habeas corpus, stands in this jurisdiction as an action at law, triable to the court. See Code § 663A.7; cf. Holland v. Swenson, 433 F.2d 909, 910 (8 Cir.); 32 F.R.D. 393, 396. See generally ABA Standards, Post-Conviction Remedies, Approved Draft, at 25 et seq. That in turn means, trial courts shall in each such action make findings of fact in writing with separately stated conclusions and appropriate judgment. Code § 663A.7; rule 179, Ia.R.Civ.P. See also United States v. Hayman, 342 U.S. 205, 219-220, 72 S.Ct. 263, 272-273, 96 L.Ed. 232; cf. Townsend v. Sain, 372 U.S. 293, 310-314, 83 S.Ct. 745, 756-758, 9 L.Ed.2d 770. The foregoing is instantly important because we have repeatedly held: In a law action tried to the court as here, our review is not de novo but only on errors assigned. Under this limited extent of review the findings of fact by the trial court have the effect of a special verdict and are equivalent to a jury verdict. If supported by substantial evidence and justified as a matter of law, the judgment will not be disturbed on appeal. Rule 344(f) (1), R.C.P. Stated in other words, in a law action tried to the court its findings of fact having adequate evidentiary support shall not be set aside unless induced by an erroneous view of law. It follows, the rule, does not preclude inquiry into the question whether, conceding the truth of a finding of fact, the trial court applied erroneous rules of law which materially affect the decision. Alsco Iowa, Inc. v. Jackson, 254 Iowa 837, 840, 118 N.W.2d 565, 567; France v. Benter, 256 Iowa 534, 536, 128 N.W.2d 268, 270. We may also interfere when such findings are undisputed or no conflicting inferences may be drawn from them. Beneficial Finance Company of Waterloo v. Lamos, 179 N.W.2d 573, 578 (Iowa). This case will be accordingly considered on appeal. See Evans v. Rosenberger, 181 N.W.2d 152, 154-155 (Iowa); Janvrin v. Haugh, 171 N.W.2d 275, 276 (Iowa); Hoskins v. Bennett, 256 Iowa 1370, 1377, 131 N.W.2d 510; 33 F.R.D. at 473, n. 56. IV. It has also been held, establishment of postconviction remedy legislation is constitutionally proper as a means by which convicted persons may collaterally attack a conviction or sentence in a forum other than that available in habeas actions. See United States v. Hayman, 342 U.S. 205, 219, 72 S.Ct. 263, 272, 96 L.Ed. 232; Handbook of the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (The Handbook), comment at 271-272. For additional discussions relative to the historical background, purpose of postconviction review, and guideline forms, see 50 F.R.D. 153; 45 F.R.D. 199; 39 F.R.D. 281; 33 F.R.D. 452; 32 F.R.D. 391. V. An examination of Code chapter 663A, readily reveals it is, as to content, a legislative codification of the Second Revised Uniform Postconviction Act. See The Handbook at 271; ABA Standards, Post-Conviction Remedies, Approved Draft, at 102, et seq. This, at the threshold, is demonstrated by the fact that Code § 663A.11 specifically declares the Act may, as aforesaid, be cited as the Uniform Postconviction Procedure Act. Also, Code § 663A.10, states: This chapter shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law of those states which enact it. That clearly means we may look to commissioners' comments or notes, decisions of federal courts, and those of sister states for guidance in the interpretation of the instant Act. See The Code 1971, Section 5.4; Sherwood v. Nissen, 179 N.W.2d 336, 339 (Iowa); Hubbard v. State, 163 N.W. 2d 904, 909 (Iowa); 82 C.J.S. Statutes § 362; 50 Am.Jur., Statutes, § 319; cf. The Handbook at 269-270, comment at 275-276.