Opinion ID: 1256140
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: proffers of evidence

Text: ¶ 8 Both petitioner and the Utah Defense Lawyers Association (UDLA), who appears as amicus curiae, argue that petitioner was denied due process because the trial judge required evidence through proffer over objection, and that in general, the use of proffers in small claims courts should be discouraged. Although we understand that small claims courts are intended to administer speedy justice, and proffers of evidence are one means to accomplish this goal, we agree that the mandatory use of proffers over the objections of a party should not be allowed in small claims courts. In the present case, we note that not all of the evidence was received by proffer  Mr. Kelly did testify on some issues and petitioner's counsel was allowed to cross-examine him. Even so, we conclude that the trial judge abused his discretion by requiring the petitioner to submit all of her evidence by proffer, especially that of her medical expert. ¶ 9 Specifically, as delineated above, the trial judge made several conclusions which resolved disputed issues of fact in Mr. Kelly's favor. The sole evidentiary basis for many of these conclusions was Mr. Kelly's subjective testimony regarding the nature and extent of the pain and injuries he suffered from the accident. This subjective testimony was not counter-balanced by any objective medical testimony, which petitioner was prepared to present. Instead, petitioner was required to proffer her evidence through counsel, even though it included expert testimony on medical issues. In basing his conclusions upon Mr. Kelly's subjective testimony, the trial judge weighed Mr. Kelly's credibility and accepted his testimony as true. Based upon the foregoing, we hold that where the credibility of a witness is critical to the outcome of the case, or where the disputed evidence touches on expert assessments and opinions, the court may not limit a party's evidence to proffers from counsel. Therefore, we conclude that the trial judge abused his discretion in requiring petitioner to proffer her rebuttal evidence. We vacate the trial court's judgment and direct the trial judge to conduct a new trial employing proper evidentiary procedures. ¶ 10 Although resolution of this evidentiary issue is dispositive of the present case, the remaining issues are likely to be raised again at the new trial and we therefore discuss them. See Utah R.App. P. 30(a).