Opinion ID: 4452241
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: standard of review

Text: [1-3] A jurisdictional question which does not involve a factual dispute is determined by an appellate court as a matter of law.21 The meaning and interpretation of statutes and regulations are questions of law for which an appellate court has an obligation to reach an independent conclusion irrespective of the decision made by the court below.22 The determination of whether the procedures afforded to an individual comport with constitutional requirements for procedural due process presents a question of law.23 [4-6] Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 75-136(2) (Reissue 2018), an appellate court reviews an order of the PSC de novo on the record.24 In a review de novo on the record, an appellate 20 Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84-901 to 84-920 (Reissue 2014 & Cum. Supp. 2016). 21 In re Grand Jury of Douglas Cty., 302 Neb. 128, 922 N.W.2d 226 (2019). 22 In re Petition of Golden Plains Servs. Transp., 297 Neb. 105, 898 N.W.2d 670 (2017). 23 Cain v. Custer Cty. Bd. of Equal., 298 Neb. 834, 906 N.W.2d 285 (2018). 24 In re Application No. B-1829, 293 Neb 485, 880 N.W.2d 51 (2016); Telrite Corp. v. Nebraska Pub. Serv. Comm., 288 Neb. 866, 852 N.W.2d 910 (2014). See In re Claims Against Pierce Elevator, 291 Neb. 798, 868 N.W.2d 781 (2015). - 900 - Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets 303 Nebraska R eports IN RE APPLICATION NO. OP-0003 Cite as 303 Neb. 872 court reappraises the evidence as presented by the record and reaches its own independent conclusions concerning the matters at issue.25 When an appellate court makes a de novo review, it does not mean that the court ignores the findings of fact made by the agency and the fact that the agency saw and heard the witnesses who appeared at its hearing.26 Where the evidence is in conflict, the Supreme Court will consider and may give weight to the fact that the agency hearing examiner observed the witnesses and accepted one version of the facts rather than another.27 Lastly, Neb. Ct. R. App. P. § 2-109(D)(1)(d), (e), and (f) (rev. 2014) requires that the brief of an appellant include a separate section for assignments of error, designated as such by a heading, and also requires that the section be located after a statement of the case and before a list of controlling propositions of law.28 When a party fails to follow the rules of the Nebraska Supreme Court, an appellate court may proceed as though the party had failed to file a brief or, alternatively, may examine the proceedings for plain error.29 The Sierra Club attempted to file an appeal in this case, but failed to set forth any assignment of error in its brief. In addition to considering the assignments of error raised by the landowners, Ponca, and Yankton Sioux, we will consider whether the PSC committed plain error. Plain error is error plainly evident from the record and of such a nature that to leave it 25 Id. 26 See, Law Offices of Ronald J. Palagi v. Dolan, 251 Neb. 457, 558 N.W.2d 303 (1997); Department of Health v. Lutheran Hosp. & Homes Soc., 227 Neb. 116, 416 N.W.2d 222 (1987). 27 Dieter v. State, 228 Neb. 368, 422 N.W.2d 560 (1988). 28 Steffy v. Steffy, 287 Neb. 529, 843 N.W.2d 655 (2014); In re Interest of Jamyia M., 281 Neb. 964, 800 N.W.2d 259 (2011). 29 Steffy v. Steffy, supra note 28. See In re Interest of Jamyia M., supra note 28. - 901 - Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets 303 Nebraska R eports IN RE APPLICATION NO. OP-0003 Cite as 303 Neb. 872 uncorrected would result in damage to the integrity, reputation, or fairness of the judicial process.30