Opinion ID: 1895852
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Is this a Proper Case For Summary Disposition?

Text: Our conclusion regarding the amended counterclaim, as opposed to the original cross-complaint, dictates the result of the summary judgment issue. Simmons' affidavit, deposition, and documents in evidence demonstrate, within the context of Simmons' amended pleadings, genuine issues of material fact. When viewed in the light most favorable to Simmons, his evidence states a cause of action for fraud, and/or misrepresentation, and/or overreaching. Given our disposition on the amended cross-complaint, it is unnecessary to decide whether the original cross-complaint failed to state a cause of action. [T]he clear and convincing standard required of the evidence to sustain a claim of fraud is certainly met in a summary judgment posture when one witness specifically claims a representation was in fact made. McMullan v. Geosouthern Energy Corporation, 556 So.2d 1033, 1037 (Miss. 1990). Finally, in a motion for summary judgment, a genuine issue of material fact is obviously present where one party testifies to one account of the matter in interest and the other party swears otherwise. Newell v. Hinton, 556 So.2d 1037, 1041 (Miss. 1990). As the facts reveal, clearly there exist disputed material facts. Motions for summary judgment may not be used to determine or decide issues of fact, only to decide whether there are any material fact issues to be tried. American Legion Ladnier Post Number 42 v. City of Ocean Springs, 562 So.2d 103, 106 (Miss. 1990). This opinion should not be construed as resolving the issues of fraud and misrepresentation in favor of Simmons; rather, we are simply saying that, on the basis of the evidence in the record, Simmons is entitled to an opportunity to prove the merits of his case at a trial by jury. As the benefit of the Fdoubt should go to the party opposing the granting of summary judgment, this case is reversed and remanded for trial on the amended counterclaim. Based on the facts and posture of this case, the trial court erred in not allowing Simmons' amendments to his pleadings and in granting summary judgment as there were material facts in conflict. For the foregoing reasons, we reverse and remand this case. REVERSED AND REMANDED. HAWKINS, C.J., DAN M. LEE and PRATHER, P.JJ., and SULLIVAN, PITTMAN, BANKS, JAMES L. ROBERTS, Jr., and SMITH, JJ., concur.