Opinion ID: 2363985
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: motion for costs and attorney fees

Text: Oxford has filed a motion on appeal for costs and attorney fees alleging that the deficiency of Sterling's abstract necessitated the filing of a supplemental abstract. Sterling has moved to strike Oxford's supplemental abstract arguing that Oxford overly emphasized or selectively highlighted excerpts of the transcript in an improper manner. Ark.Sup.Ct.R. 9(e)(1) provides in pertinent part as follows: If the appellee considers the appellant's abstract to be defective, he may, in his printed brief, call the deficiencies to the court's attention and, at his option, may submit a supplemental abstract. When the case is considered on its merits the court may impose or withhold costs to compensate either party for the other party's non-compliance with this Rule. Rule 9(e)(1) authorizes reimbursement to an appellee only where there has been a clear-cut and demonstrable failure by the appellant to properly abstract matters essential to a full consideration of the issues raised on appeal. Arkota Industries, Inc. v. Naekel, 274 Ark. 173, 623 S.W.2d 194 (1981). Sterling's abstract is a complete 300 page condensation of the record. It is not defective but rather in compliance with Rule 9(e)(1). Therefore, we deny Oxford's motion for costs and attorney fees. Oxford's supplemental abstract consists primarily of passages which Sterling had previously condensed in its abstract. Although these passages are not necessary for a full consideration of the issues on appeal, they are not prejudicial or improper. We deny the motion to strike. Reversed and remanded. HICKMAN and HAYS, JJ., would reverse and dismiss. PURTLE, J., dissents.