Court Opinion

ID: 9539723
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 16:09:10.355527+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:59:16.701385
License: Public Domain

CALLISTER, Justice
(dissenting).
I agree with the majority opinion that it would be desirable to have a declaration of the water rights of these litigants. However, the plaintiff, having commenced this action, had the burden of introducing evidence which would establish a water right in himself, its priority, nature, quantity and .extent thereof; also, the rights and priorities of the defendants and that the defendants have deprived him of water to which he is entitled. This the plaintiff failed to do.
As I read the majority opinion, it would have the effect of placing upon the defendants the burden of proving the existence or nonexistence of plaintiff’s rights. The lower court had no alternative but to dismiss the action,1 but should have done so without prejudice.

. See Lost Creek Irrigation Co. v. Rex, 26 Utah 485, 73 P. 660.