Court Opinion

ID: 9640178
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 17:00:11.339634+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:10:27.937008
License: Public Domain

HANEY, Circuit Judge
(concurring).
I concur in the result and in the reasoning leading thereto, except on two points.
First. The case was submitted for decision and decided on December 18, 1937. Appellants had failed to move for judgment and to request special findings in their favor until January 3, 1938. The judgment was thereafter entered on January 11, 1938. I agree with the majority that the question as to ■ the sufficiency of the evidence is before us, but on the ground that under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, 28 U.S.C.A. following section 723c, requests “for findings are not necessary for purposes of review” (Rule 52(a)), and “the question of the sufficiency of the evidence to support the findings may thereafter be raised whether or not the party raising the question has made in the district court * * * a motion for judgment” (Rule 52(b)). Stoltz v. United States, 9 Cir., 99 F.2d 283, 284; Jackson County, Missouri v. Alton Railroad Company, 8 Cir., 105 F.2d 633, July 11, 1930. I think such rules are applicable because submission to us of the appeal is a further proceeding in an action pending on September 16, 1938, and therefore Rule 86 requires application of Rule 52. Compare: McCrone v. United States, 307 U.S. 61, 59 S.Ct. 685, 83 L.Ed. 1108, April 17, 1939.
Second. In deciding the question as to the sufficiency of the evidence, the majority test the validity of the findings by the rule that findings must be sustained if there is any “substantial evidence to support” them. Rule 52(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provide: “Findings of fact shall not be set aside unless clearly erroneous, and due regard shall be given to the opportunity of the trial court to judge of the credibility of the witnesses”. I think that rule is applicable, and applying it, I think the trial court’s findings are not “clearly erroneous”.