Opinion ID: 1119858
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: the role of the burden of proof

Text: At the beginning of its analysis of the substantiality of the evidence in this case, the majority discusses the burden of proof in the TSPC hearing. 312 Or. at 417-419, 822 P.2d at 1180-1181. The point of including that discussion is not entirely clear, but the majority seems to suggest that the location of the burden of proof has some bearing on the outcome. If that is the majority's meaning, then I disagree. In this case, TSPC did not base any of its conclusions on one party's failure to carry an applicable burden of proof. Rather, it made substantive factual findings, which we are to review in the light of the record that was made. The record either does or does not support those findings, no matter where the burden of proof at the hearing may have rested. Indeed, the majority does not list the location of the burden of proof among the circumstances to be considered in assessing the substantiality of evidence, 312 Or. at 418-419, 822 P.2d at 1181, nor does the commentator on whom the majority principally relies, 3 Davis, Administrative Law Treatise 243-46, § 16-6 (2d ed 1980). Even if the burden of proof were relevant, the burden in this proceeding was on petitioner to establish his good moral character and fitness to serve as a teacher. See ORS 342.143 (stating qualifications for teaching license). He applied to reinstate his teaching license. And if, as the majority notes, the students were readily available to be called as witnesses, they were as available to petitioner  who was represented by counsel  as to TSPC. Petitioner had the opportunity to subpoena the students but, for whatever reason, elected not to.