Court Opinion

ID: 9513596
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-06 22:38:15.145032+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:05:56.027950
License: Public Domain

SANDSTROM, Justice,
concurring specially.
[¶ 20] Sandbeck v. Rockwell, 524 N.W.2d 846 (N.D.1994), relied on by the majority, remains a blight on our jurisprudence. As noted in the Sandbeck dissent:
The trial court ... notified Rockwell he was to appear and show cause why a protection order should not issue. Relying upon this notice, Rockwell appeared and prepared to present evidence. Only then did the trial court announce affidavits were to be previously filed to present the evidence at the hearing. The notice given to Rockwell nowhere mentions this requirement. The majority contends the filing of affidavits was inferred because of the nature of the “action.” The length of the majority’s analysis belies this inference. Were it a simple question, only a simple answer would be necessary. Because Rockwell, acting pro se, did not receive notice specifying the manner in which to respond to the allegations, and which neither he nor any competent lawyer could infer, Rockwell was denied due process.
In argument to the trial court and to this Court, Rockwell contended he neither threatened nor harassed Sandbeck. He contends that when she saw him with his new special friend, Sandbeck out of jealousy filed this action to impugn his reputation. He contends he has specific evidence, including a witness other than himself, to refute Sandbeck’s allegations of threats and harassment. He was denied the opportunity to present relevant evidence.
Sandbeck, 524 N.W.2d at 853-54.