Court Opinion

ID: 9670534
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 03:22:06.745774+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:16:05.052716
License: Public Domain

ERICKSTAD, Chief Justice,
dissenting.
The majority opinion, without distinguishing this case from previous cases decided by this Court, has granted a motion on the part of the defense to dismiss the appeal taken by the State without reaching the merits of the case. In so doing, it cites a decision of this Court which lists four questions which should be answered in determining whether or not a motion to dismiss on procedural grounds should be granted. It does not, however, attempt to apply those questions to this case. In Matter of Estates of Kjorvestad, 304 N.W.2d 83 at 85 (N.D.1981).
The basis of the majority opinion seems to be that as our patience is at an end, having admonished states attorneys in the past, we must now set an example by granting the motion to dismiss in this case. This ignores the interest of the public in the prosecution of criminal cases in general and driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor cases in particular. It does not enhance the image of the judicial system nor does it safeguard any constitutional right or principle.
If a sanction is necessary, it would seem that a less harsh one could be found. The solution may in fact lie, not in dismissal nor in sanctions, but in comprehensive training sessions which would not disrupt the judicial system nor reflect adversely upon it.