Court Opinion

ID: 9855774
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-09-24 06:30:44.296711+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:37:01.057693
License: Public Domain

PEDERSON, Justice,
concurring specially-
One of the dictionary definitions of the word “paradox” is “a statement that is false even though it is true.” Although the opinion authored by the Chief Justice does not explicitly say so, this appeal is one which requires the application of Rule 52(a), NDRCivP.
Rule 52(a) requires findings of fact in every case tried to the court where there is a fact issue in dispute. If there is no clear understanding before the trial of what the fact issues are, there is not apt to be evidence introduced to support the necessary finding. If a finding of fact is made by the trial court and there is no evidence to support it, that finding is clearly erroneous. It is the function of trial lawyers — not trial judges — to see that evidence is introduced which will support the findings which will need.to be made if they are to win their lawsuit. See my recent concurrences in Svetenko v. Svetenko, 306 N.W.2d 607 (N.D.1981); Backhaus v. Renschler, 304 N.W.2d 87 (N.D.1981); Steckler v. Miller & Holmes, Inc., 303 N.W.2d 560 (N.D.1981); Krohnke v. Lemer, 300 N.W.2d 246 (N.D.1980); C.B.D. v. W.E.B., 298 N.W.2d 493 (N.D., 1980); and dissents in Keidel v. Rask, 304 N.W.2d 402 (N.D.1981), and Vetter v. Vetter, 267 N.W.2d 790 (N.D.1978).
I sympathize with trial courts and trial lawyers.