Court Opinion

ID: 9662507
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 23:11:37.270574+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:14:40.256626
License: Public Domain

HENDERSON, Justice
(dissenting).
Cases involving a state of mind and equitable actions are usually not suited for summary disposition. Wilson v. Great Northern Ry. Co., 83 S.D. 207, 212, 157 N.W.2d 19, 22 (1968). A seminal, and perhaps central, issue in this litigation between Christy Lumber, Inc., and Eagle 2000 is: What was Loren Shantz’ state of mind or impression when he delivered the floor plan to Dave Warren at the business premise of Eagle 2000?
As a state of mind question exists, and as an equitable action was pleaded, and because the deposition (sworn testimony) is subjugated in quality of proof beneath an affidavit (witness the majority opinion), by virtue of the above rationale and authority, I respectfully dissent.
Earnestly, I call to the attention of the Bar and Bench that Summary Judgment is a severe and extreme remedy. Truly, I fear its employment beyond the scope, language, and intent of our holding in Wilson. Most recently, I reaffirmed this language:
Summary judgment is an extreme remedy and should be awarded only when the truth is clear and reasonable doubts touching the existence of a genuine issue should be resolved against the movant. American Indian Agricultural Credit v. Fort Pierre Livestock, Inc., 379 N.W.2d 318 (S.D.1985).
Aase v. State, 400 N.W.2d 269, 274 (S.D.1987) (Henderson, J., dissenting).