Opinion ID: 874295
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The Judgment Was Proper

Text: The appellants next argue that even if default was properly entered, the case must be remanded for determination of damages because damages were not proven with reasonable certainty in the district court. We decline to address this issue on appeal because the appellants failed to comply with the Idaho Appellate Rule. This Court will not consider an issue not supported by argument and authority in the opening brief. Idaho App. R. 35(a)(6) (The argument shall contain the contentions of the appellant with respect to the issues presented on appeal, the reasons therefor, with citations to authorities, statutes and parts of the transcript and the record relied upon.); Jorgensen v. Coppedge, 145 Idaho 524, 528, 181 P.3d 450, 454 (2008). Consequently, to the extent that an assignment of error is not argued and supported in compliance with the I.A.R., it is deemed to be waived. Suitts v. Nix, 141 Idaho 706, 708, 117 P.3d 120, 122 (2005). In Jorgensen, this Court refused to address an argument concerning an implied agreement when no argument or authority was introduced supporting the proposition. 145 Idaho at 528, 181 P.3d at 454. Similarly, in Huff v. Singleton, this Court refused to address several issues on appeal because the appellant simply attempted to get this Court to reweigh the evidence presented to the trier of fact through attacks on the credibility of the evidence. 143 Idaho 498, 500, 148 P.3d 1244, 1246 (2006). Here, the appellants make a general allegation that damages were not proven to a reasonable certainty. The argument concerning the sufficiency of damages comprises one paragraph that sets forth the standard of review for a damage award, along with a citation to a small portion of the transcript of the hearing to determine damages and the exhibits introduced at that hearing. [5] This, without more, is insufficient to meet the requirements of I.A.R. 35(a)(6). The contention that no meaningful substantive testimony was presented is not supported by any authority or relevant citations to the record. The contention that the damages were not removed from the realm of speculation is much the same. Appellants' argument that Bach failed to prove a condition precedent to liability for slander of title misunderstands the nature of a default judgment. As the district court pointed out when the argument was raised below, a defendant in default is not entitled to contest liability for an award of relief, but may present evidence as to the amount of damages or nature of other relief sought. [6] We find that the district court's position is consistent with the language of I.R.C.P. 55(b)(2), which provides that the determination of the sufficiency of evidence required in support of a default judgment is within the discretion of the district court. Idaho R. Civ. P. 55(b)(2). Accordingly, because the appellants have failed to provide any argument or authority to support their claims, the argument is waived and the judgment of the district court is affirmed.