Court Opinion

ID: 9577463
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 21:35:13.042918+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:20:38.652703
License: Public Domain

CROCKETT, Justice
(dissenting):
The judgment of $9,715.25 was awarded to the plaintiff under the theory of implied Contract, representing one half of the net income of broker’s commission during the period defendant used plaintiff’s broker’s license. Implied contract arises, as the term imports, where there is no actual oral or written agreement, but where the conduct of the parties makes it reasonable to suppose that the promisor (defendant) reasonably should have expected to pay, and *210the claimed promisee (plaintiff) could reasonably expect to be paid.1 Where, as here, the evidence with respect to the just stated proposition was such that reasonable minds might differ as to their conclusion thereon, the question was one for the trial court to determine. The plaintiff having furnished the defendant something of value, which he desired and requested, under circumstances which the trial court found he should pay for, there was sufficient consideration to support the finding of defendant’s implied promise to pay.2
The court having so resolved the issue just stated in favor of the plaintiff, it follows as a necessary consequence, that she should be entitled to some compensation. The question then arises as to what amount was reasonable and justifiable. This is similarly for the trial court. It is shown, as recited in the main opinion, that the income to the broker during the period in question amounted to $21,930.50, less expenses of $2,500, leaving a net commission for the real estate broker of $19,430.50. Looking at this upon the surface only, the one per cent commission on sales would have gone to the plaintiff as such broker. However, the trial court properly recognized that the defendant had actually done practically all of the work, and that he was also entitled to compensation. Wherefore, the court deemed it wise and just to divide the commission and gave the plaintiff judgment for only one half thereof.
We should look at the total circumstances in the light of the standard Rules of Review which require us not to become finders of the fact, but to recognize the prerogatives of the trial court, to accord verity to his findings and judgment,3 and to sustain the findings and judgment if there is any reasonable and substantial basis in the evidence to support them; and conversely, not to reverse unless there is no such reasonable or substantial basis to support them. In that standard, I am not persuaded that any injustice has resulted, nor that there is any ground shown for reversal. Therefore, I would affirm the findings and judgment of the district court.

. See the leading and often cited case of Western Oil Refining Co. v. Underwood, 83 Ind.App. 488, 491, 149 N.E. 85, 86; see discussion in Ross v. Raymer, 32 Wash.2d 128, 201 P.2d 129; McCollum v. Clothier, 121 Utah 311, 241 P.2d 468.

. See Woods v. McQueen, 195 Kan. 380, 404 P.2d 955; 1 Williston, Contracts, Sec. 102A (3d ed. 1957); 5 Corbin, Contracts, § 1107.

. Hardy v. Hendrickson, 27 Utah 2d 251, 495 P.2d 28.