Opinion ID: 430751
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: bankruptcy court findings

Text: 22 In his first issue, appellant attacks the findings of the bankruptcy court which are based upon the record of the state court proceeding. Specifically appellant objects to use of the record which contains ambiguities and a general jury verdict made without certain instructions. In the first place, this court is not concerned with the general jury verdict and the absence of so called critical jury instructions. The bankruptcy court was ordered to make an independent determination regarding appellant's conduct. When previously, the bankruptcy court had considered the verdict in attempting to apply the doctrines of res judicata or collateral estoppel, the case was remanded back for further proceedings. In its last consideration, the bankruptcy court appears to have made the necessary independent determination. The Order entered by the bankruptcy court consists of findings of fact and conclusions of law; the factual findings are supported by evidence from the state trial transcript. The bankruptcy court did not rely on the general verdict of the jury, and therefore, that verdict and the instructions upon which it was based are not relevant to a review of the bankruptcy court findings. 23 As for the ambiguity of the record, there is certainly no doubt that the transcript of the trial proceedings contains conflicting evidence. However, such is the case with most trials, and the bankruptcy court as the trier of fact in this situation has the duty to sort through those conflicting facts, weigh the evidence and reach a factual determination. Here, too, it does not matter what or who the jury believed. The bankruptcy court as an independent trier of fact made its own determination, leaving this court the opportunity to reverse that determination only if it is found to be clearly erroneous and unsupported by the evidence. 24 Again this court concedes that the transcript contains much conflicting and tenuous evidence, however, within that evidence there is a substantial basis to support the findings of the bankruptcy court. The fact that the transcript contained evidence which may have led to a different result is not clear indication of error, and no other such showing of error has been made. 25 The transcript of the state court proceedings is competent evidence as we have previously held. Appellant had an opportunity to present any additional evidence at the October 21, 1981 hearing. He chose only to briefly take the stand himself. Presumably that testimony was also considered by the bankruptcy court in reaching its final decision. That decision, upheld by the district court, is supported by substantial evidence in the record, and not clearly erroneous, it must be affirmed. 26