Court Opinion

ID: 9513674
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-06 22:38:54.624401+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:05:57.835648
License: Public Domain

VANDE WALLE, Chief Justice,
concurring specially.
[¶ 10] I believe the majority opinion comes close to what we said in Steinbach v. State, 2003 ND 46, 658 N.W.2d 355, we would not do, i.e., require the State to prove the negative. However, I agree with the majority there is a difference in the State moving for summary disposition on the basis the petitioner has shown no evidence to support his claims and the State moving for summary disposition on the basis there is nothing in the record to support the petitioner’s claims. The prior allegation would require the petitioner to, without more, present evidence, contrary to N.D.C.C. § 29-32.1-04, while the latter requires the State to have examined the record and to allege there is no evidence to support the petitioner’s claim. Although the difference may, in the face of frivolous allegations appear technical or even nonsensical, the difference is substantial in the case where there are legitimate disputes. Furthermore, we ordinarily are unable to initially separate the frivolous and legitimate claims on their face without an examination of the record. If the State is to request summary disposition, I agree it should be required to allege there is no evidence to support petitioner’s allegations in order to satisfy N.D.C.C. § 29-32.1-04 and thereby put petitioner to his proof.
[¶ 11] DALE V. SANDSTROM, J., concurs.