Datasets:
free-law
/
nm_embeddings

Dataset card Data Studio Files
xet
Community
text
stringlengths
44
390k
embeddings
listlengths
768
768
OPINION BIVINS, Judge. In this worker’s compensation case, the trial court awarded plaintiff a lump-sum payment in lieu of future weekly payments. The employer, CDK Contracting Co., Inc. (CDK), and its worker’s compensation insurer, Wausau Insurance Companies (Wausau), appeal the award, raising two issues: (1) whether plaintiff’s request for a lump-sum award is barred as premature when she and her children are receiving maximum compensation benefits; and (2) whether plaintiff made the proper showing below to justify consideration of the request for a lump-sum award by the trial court. We hold that the action is not premature, but that the evidence presented does not justify a lump-sum award. Accordingly, we reverse. Orlando Zamora died as a result of an accidental injury on January 3, 1984, which arose out of and in the course of his employment with CDK. The worker’s compensation insurance carrier promptly and voluntarily commenced payments of all weekly benefits at the proper rate and continues such payments to date. It has also paid other benefits due on account of the worker’s death. Paula Zamora, on her own behalf as surviving widow, and on behalf of the surviving minor children, initially filed this action for an increase in benefits, claiming failure of the employer to provide a safety device, and also for a lump-sum award of benefits. Defendants moved to dismiss. The parties settled the safety device issue and the trial court entered an order dismissing that claim with prejudice. Shortly thereafter, the trial court issued a letter opinion holding defendants’ contention that plaintiff’s “claim” was premature did not provide a proper basis for dismissal; however, it determined the complaint must be dismissed without prejudice for failure to state the necessary allegations for the court to entertain a claim for a lump-sum award. Before entering an order of dismissal, plaintiff obtained leave to amend her complaint. While admitting the accidental death arising out of and in the course of employment, defendants continued to assert as a bar the premature filing section of the Workmen’s Compensation Act, based on their payment of maximum benefits. Following a hearing, the trial court found in favor of plaintiff and the children, and entered judgment awarding them $90,-660.96, which represents the lump-sum present value of all future compensation benefits, discounted at five percent, less weekly benefits paid from time of judgment to satisfaction. The trial court also awarded costs and attorney fees, and retained jurisdiction to approve plaintiff’s home purchasing plan and oversee investment to assure use for the children. 1. PREMATURE FILING Defendants’ first issue is based upon NMSA 1978, Section 52-1-69, and a number of cases decided thereunder. E.g., Neumann v. A.S. Horner, Inc., 99 N.M. 603, 661 P.2d 503 (Ct.App.1983). Section 52-1-69 provides: No claim shall be filed by any workman who is receiving maximum compensation benefits; provided, however, a workman claiming additional compensation benefits, because of his employer’s alleged failure to provide a safety device, may file suit therefor, but in such event only the safety device issue may be determined therein. [Emphasis added.] Defendants contend they are paying plaintiff maximum compensation benefits and that plaintiff is therefore barred under Section 52-1-69 from claiming a right to compensation. Because lump-sum awards first require a determination of the right to compensation, defendants contend further that plaintiff cannot seek a lump-sum award. We hold that the plain wording of Section 52-1-69 refers only to the “workman.” In previous cases discussing the relationship between Section 52-1-69 and NMSA 1978, Section 52-l-30(B), we have not addressed precisely whether the prematurity defense applies to requests for a lump-sum settlement made by dependents of deceased workers, as opposed to requests for a lump-sum made by permanently, totally disabled workers. We do so now and determine that Section 52-1-69 does not apply to dependents. We give effect to statutes as written. Garrison v. Safeway Stores, 102 N.M. 179, 692 P.2d 1328 (Ct.App.1984). Defendants’ citation to cases where the prematurity defense was raised against dependents’ requests for a lump-sum settlement and held not to apply on other grounds does not persuade us. Defendants cite to Arther v. Western Co. of North America, 88 N.M. 157, 538 P.2d 799 (Ct.App.1975), for the proposition that Section 52-1-69 also applies to suits by dependents of the worker. Contrary to defendants’ citation, however, both Arther and Livingston v. Loffland Brothers Co., 86 N.M. 375, 524 P.2d 991 (Ct.App.1974), allowed dependents to file a claim. Section 52-1-69 expressly applies to “any workman.” It does not say “workman or dependents.” Other provisions of the Act clearly distinguish between workmen and dependents. See, e.g., NMSA 1978, § 52-1-31. “The rights and remedies of the worker * * * are separate and distinct from those of his dependents. A dependent’s claim is not derivative of the worker, but is given him by statute independent of the worker. See generally A. Larson, The Law of Workmen’s Compensation, § 64.-10 (1978).” Pedrazza v. Sid Fleming Contractor, Inc., 94 N.M. 59, 63, 607 P.2d 597, 601 (1980). See NMSA 1978, § 52-1-16 (Cum.Supp.1985) (defining “workman”), and NMSA 1978, § 52-1-17 (defining “dependents”). Valid reasons exist for the legislature’s exclusion of dependents from Section 52-1-69. When the worker is receiving maximum compensation benefits for disability, a claim for benefits, except additional compensation for failure to provide a safety device, is indeed premature. The worker’s entitlement to future compensation payments is contingent upon the totality and permanency of his or her disability. § 52-1-30(B). See Neumann v. A.S. Homer, Inc. (employee must establish permanency and totality of injury to seek a lump-sum payment). The purpose of Section 52-1-69, to avoid unnecessary litigation where the employer is already paying maximum compensation benefits, Armijo v. Co-Con Construction Co., 92 N.M. 295, 296, 587 P.2d 442, 443 (Ct.App.1978), is served. The worker is barred from making a claim for compensation benefits he is already receiving. In contrast, the death of a worker raises different concerns. No question of disability, total or permanent, is raised. Other defenses, such as lack of notice, expiration of a statute of limitations, or the death not arising out of the employment, might be raised. Where these defenses are present, however, the employer would not likely commence payment or, if it did, then within a reasonable time the employer would probably investigate and decide whether to continue payments. On the other hand, even if other defenses exist, in the case of a disabled worker, incentives exist to continue payments. The goal of rehabilitation, balanced with the costs of trial, encourages a carrier to continue payments and to serve best the purpose of the Act. We recognize that the result we have reached might discourage payments to dependents. This is not our intent. Continuing payments to dependents should not be discouraged because when a case is resolved, the carrier will receive credit for the amounts paid. Neither do we intend to encourage dependents to seek blanket commutations to lump-sum benefits. Dependents are still bound by the clear legislative preference for periodic payments and the strict guidelines applicable to commutations. Moreover, dependents receiving periodic payments should be reluctant to seek a lump-sum payment when to do so might result in an adverse decision on defenses the employer was willing to hold in abeyance. We finally point out that had the legislature intended for Section 52-1-69 to bar claims by dependents, it could have so stated. Having decided that Section 52-1-69 does not apply, we must determine whether the trial court had authority under Section 52-l-30(B) to entertain plaintiff’s request for a lump-sum award. Section 52-l-30(B) provides the authority to commute bene fits. However, the right to the benefits must first be established. Arther v. Western Co. of N. Am. The reason is obvious: the trial court cannot commute an award until the amount has been established. This right can be established by: (1) adjudication, Lamont v. New Mexico Military Institute, 92 N.M. 804, 595 P.2d 774 (Ct.App.1979); (2) stipulation, Livingston v. Loffland Brothers Co.; or (3) admissions of the employer, Arther v. Western Co. of North America. In the case of a worker (not decedent), Section 52-1-69 bars a claim to establish such a right while defendants are paying maximum benefits. In our case, we have determined that Section 52-1-69 does not apply to a deceased worker’s dependents. Therefore, in order for plaintiff to petition for a commutation, or for the court to have authority to grant any commutation, a right to compensation must first be established. Defendants have consistently urged that plaintiff’s petition for a lump-sum award is premature because her entitlement to benefits has never been established. We disagree. Defendants, by admitting in their answer the allegations that Mr. Zamora was killed in an industrial accident arising out of and in the course of his employment with CDK, and having failed to raise viable defenses, have, in effect, agreed that the right to compensation for the death has been established. In the present case, defendants continued to pay maximum benefits to decedent’s dependents. See NMSA 1978, § 52-1-46. Defendants only raised the defense of Section 52-1-69, which we have held does not apply to dependents. We find that defendants’ continuous payment of maximum compensation benefits to plaintiff, without contesting plaintiff’s right to compensation or raising viable defenses after a reasonable time to investigate, is sufficient to establish plaintiff’s right to compensation. See Arther v. Western Co. of N. Am. Therefore, plaintiff could properly petition under Section 52-l-30(B), and the trial court had jurisdiction to consider a commutation. Whether a commutation was proper is our next inquiry. 2. PROPRIETY OF LUMP-SUM AWARD Section 52-l-30(B) allows for a lump-sum payment when the district court determines it is for the “best interests” of the persons entitled to compensation. Because periodic payments are the general rule and lump-sum awards are the exception, Spidle v. Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corp., 96 N.M. 290, 629 P.2d 1219 (1981), the appellate courts of this state have adopted a stringent two-pronged test that must be met before a lump-sum award can be approved. This test, first announced in Codling v. Aztec Well Servicing Co., 89 N.M. 213, 216, 549 P.2d 628, 631 (Ct.App.1976), requires that a petitioner for a lump-sum award has the burden of showing that it is in his best interest and that the lack of lump summing would create a manifest hardship where relief is essential to protect claimant and his family from want, privation or to facilitate the production of income or to help in a rehabilitation program. This test has been adopted by our supreme court, Spidle v. Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corp., and followed in subsequent cases, see, e.g., Merrifield v. Auto-Chlor System, 100 N.M. 263, 669 P.2d 739 (Ct.App.1983). Spidle quoted with approval the statement in Codling that: “[E]ach case stands or falls on its own merits. As each request for a lump sum payment is unique, a precise enumeration of what factual ingredients constitute special circumstances is impossible. But in considering the cases which have granted a lump sum award, it becomes apparent that in each a certain factual situation has emerged which, by its quantum and quality of evidence, has convinc ingly portrayed the existence of exceptional circumstances.” Spidle v. Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corp., 96 N.M. at 292, 629 P.2d at 1221. The question presented is whether plaintiff met her burden. Summarizing the trial court’s decision, it found that Mr. Zamora died on January 3,1984, leaving as dependents his wife (plaintiff herein) and three minor children, then aged 5, 4 and 2; that defendants have been and are timely paying all benefits due; that the remaining benefits, discounted to present value, amount to $90,660.96; that plaintiff, aged 26 and unmarried, has a high school education with no additional schooling or training; plaintiff is employed part-time in the nutrition center of a food store where she averages eighteen hours a week and earns approximately $300 monthly; that plaintiff’s total monthly income approximates $2,300, of which $960 is derived from compensation benefits and $1,044 from social security; that plaintiff has savings of approximately $12,800, and the children $2,700; plaintiff’s current monthly expenses total approximately $1,700, plus any additional for consumer goods (currently about $400 monthly); plaintiff pays rent of $400 monthly; that she seeks a lump-sum award to (1) purchase a home, (2) attend photography school, and (3) provide funds for the future education of her children; the home would be built at a cost of approximately $65,000 and with a down payment of $40,000 from the award, plaintiff would finance the balance through a mortgage with payments of $241.26 a month; the balance of the award would be invested in a government-insured certificate of deposit or money market fund; that the house and investment would be owned by plaintiff and the children in proportion to their respective interests; that since her husband’s death, plaintiff has proven to be a responsible and conscientious parent, both in the care of the children and in financial matters; that she has shown an interest and skill in photography; that the worker’s compensation benefits will terminate in nine years, at which time the children will have attained the ages of 14, 13 and 11. Based on those findings, the trial court concluded that it would be in the best interests of plaintiff and her children to receive all future compensation in a lump-sum payment in order “to protect plaintiff and her children from want or privation, to facilitate the production of income and to avoid manifest hardship in the future.” The trial court retained jurisdiction to approve plaintiff’s home-purchasing plan and to monitor the investment to assure use for the children during their minority. Based on the trial court’s findings and conclusions, and its letter decision that was incorporated as a finding, it is clear that the lump-sum award was predicated on the first two criteria from Codling; that is, protection from want or privation and facilitation of the production of income. We are, therefore, not concerned with the third criteria — rehabilitation. In reviewing the first two criteria, we note that the only evidence offered came from plaintiff and one other witness she produced. Defendants put on no evidence. The detailed findings reflect the relevant portions of plaintiff’s proof. Defendants do not claim the evidence does not support the findings of fact; rather, they contend the findings made do not support the conclusions. Thus, the standard of review in this case is not whether substantial evidence supports the findings as made, but, rather, whether those findings will support the conclusions reached. Cf. Arther v. Western Co. of N. Am. (holding the trial court’s findings were insufficient to support a lump-sum award). We hold they do not. Before discussing the findings and conclusions, we take this opportunity to clarify the standard of review of a grant or denial of commutation of benefits. The standard of review for assessing the propriety of a lump-sum determination has become somewhat muddled through successive worker’s compensation cases. Originally, Livingston stated that the findings were amply supported by the evidence, thus using a substantial evidence standard of review. Arther buttressed this approach by holding that the trial court’s findings were insufficient to support a lump-sum award. Accord Codling v. Aztec Well Servicing Co. In Spidle, the supreme court discussed at length the “best interest” standard for awarding lump-sum benefits, as well as the power of the district court to determine the claimant’s best interests. Although basing its decision on the evidence below, the supreme court added, “[W]e do not find that the trial court abused its discretion in making the lump-sum award.” Id., 96 N.M. at 293, 629 P.2d at 1222. After Spidle, this court in Boughton v. Western Nuclear, Inc., 99 N.M. 723, 663 P.2d 382 (Ct.App.1983), reaffirmed the requirement of presenting evidence showing a need for lump-sum benefits. Upon such a showing, this court added, “the matter is vested in the trial court’s discretion whether to grant a lump sum award.” Id. at 724, 663 P.2d at 383. Although concentrating on factual findings and quantum and quality of evidence, this court in Merrifield, 100 N.M. at 264, 669 P.2d at 740, framed the issue in terms of “whether the trial court abused its discretion in awarding a lump-sum payment based on these findings.” Finally, in Sowders v. MFG Drilling Co., 103 N.M. 267, 705 P.2d 172 (Ct.App.1985), this court went one step further in applying an “abuse of discretion” standard by adding the requirement of acting contrary to logic and reason. “[A]n abuse of discretion is an erroneous conclusion and judgment, one that is clearly against the logic and effect of the facts and circumstances before the court, or the reasonable, probable, and actual deductions to be drawn from such facts and circumstances.” R. Bowers, Judicial Discretion of Trial Courts § 12 at 20 (1931) (footnote omitted). The trial judge does not have unlimited discretion to grant or deny lump-sum awards; rather the awarding of lump-sum benefits is fact-dependent, and each case stands or falls on its own merits. See, e.g., Spidle v. Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corp.; Sowders v. MFG Drilling Co. Thus, we read Spidle to mean that review for an abuse of discretion is inherent in the substantial evidence standard of review. Neither the findings nor the proof establish want or privation. In the context used, “want” means “to suffer from the lack of,” and “privation” means “an act or instance of depriving * * * lack of what is desired for comfort or needed for existence.” Webster’s Third New International Dictionary 2574; 1805 (1966). The trial court’s own findings reflect $600 left over each month after payment of regular expenses ($2,300 less $1,700). Additionally, the evidence shows that since Mr. Zamora’s death, plaintiff has purchased a new vehicle for $11,500, an $850 horse, $450 saddle, $850 in bedroom furniture, $1,045 in living room furniture, $500 in dining room furniture, a camera unit and a YCR. There are no anticipated major expenses and plaintiff and her children have no mental or physical health problems. Cf. Boughton v. Western Nuclear, Inc. (child’s medical problems necessitated trips out of state for treatment). Indeed, plaintiff, by choice, is able to limit her employment to part-time work so she has more time with her children. She herself testified that “there is nothing about her family’s condition which she would consider unusual or exceptional.” Plaintiff also testified that the family’s current living situation was “adequate for now.” Neither the proof nor the findings based thereon will support a conclusion of want or privation. The rationale for the conclusion that a lump-sum award is necessary to facilitate production of income and to avoid future hardship is found in the trial court’s letter decision, made a part of its findings: It doesn’t take much foresight to realize that when the periodic payments end, plaintiff will still have three (3) minor children to support with almost $1,000 less in income and still with only a high school education. She will then be dependent upon social security benefits and her part-time employment. However, if she is awarded a lump sum she can build a home, reduce her monthly outlay for shelter from $400 per month to $241.26 which will not increase as rent inevitably will; she will be building an equity in real estate; she can better herself by going to photography school, a skill which she likes and is adept at; and will then have an occupation that can improve her income and she will have created a fund for her children’s education. Therefore, plaintiff has shown that criteria (1) and (2). have been met and she should be awarded a lump sum payment with the condition that she present to the Court proof that the home construction plan has been accomplished and that the remaining funds appurtenant to the children’s interest are properly invested and conserved for the use and benefit of the children. Spidle v. Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corp., 96 N.M. 290 [629 P.2d 1219] (Sup.Ct.); Boughton v. Western Nuclear, Inc., 99 N.M. 723 [663 P.2d 382] (Ct.App.). Examining first the finding that plaintiff has shown an interest and skill in photography, the proof will not support a conclusion that use of a lump-sum payment for that purpose will facilitate production of income. Unlike Boughton, where the widow planned to use between $8,000 and $10,000 to attend nursing school and receive a college degree and specialized training in physical therapy, plaintiff here has no immediate plans to attend school. She has not decided whether to attend photography or secretarial school; has not investigated the schools, the costs or prerequisites for attending. At best, schooling in this case is prospective and speculative. As with want and privation, neither the proof nor the findings based thereon will support a conclusion that future schooling will facilitate the production of income. Use of the lump-sum award solely to invest in a home and securities must also fail. Aside from the fact that the intent of worker’s compensation is to provide a temporary measure of subsistence to prevent claimants from being on the welfare rolls, Codling, as opposed to life insurance, plaintiff’s plan lacks support in the case law and on the facts. In Merrifteld, we reversed a lump-sum award for the deceased worker’s children, where the plan called for investment of the proceeds. See also Arther v. Western Co. of N. Am. In Merrifteld, we held that maximizing benefits through investment would require lump-sum awards in almost every case, since it could be argued that any return on investment would facilitate the production of income. We note that the trial court’s conclusion of law that a lump-sum award will “avoid manifest hardship in the future” is not a factor to consider under the Codling test. Plaintiff’s projected hardship may never materialize. She is not presently destitute, and she can supplement her current savings with additional deposits. In reviewing a lump-sum award, we must consider not only the fear of dissipation, but also the well-being of the entire worker’s compensation system. Actuarial calculations affect the industry’s determination of premium charges, the use of funds, the possibility of spouses remarrying, and other factors. The system prefers periodic payments. See, e.g., Spidle v. Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corp. We will not upset this delicate scheme by allowing lump-sum awards at will. Generally, a lump sum is awarded only when present, pressing need is shown. No such need was shown here. The spectre of distant deprivation to plaintiff is simply insufficient to warrant a lump-sum award. While plaintiff’s plan has a certain appeal, it is easy to see that approval of that plan would require approval in almost every case. We are committed to holding the line by approving a lump-sum award only when “it becomes apparent * * * a certain factual situation has emerged which * * * has convincingly portrayed the existence of exceptional circumstances.” Codling v. Aztec Well Servicing Co., 89 N.M. at 216, 549 P.2d at 631. See also 3 A. Larson, The Law of Workmen’s Compensation § 82.71 at 15-588, -592 (1983); Arther v. Western Co. of N. Am. That has not been shown here. Our holding is buttressed by the most recent version of Section 52-1-30. Section 52-5-12 states an even stronger preference for the periodic payment of benefits. “Lump sum payments * * * shall be al lowed only upon agreement of all parties or under special circumstances, as when it can be demonstrated that lump sum payments are clearly in the best interests of the parties.” (Emphasis added.) Such a policy indicates to us that claiming lump-sum benefits in future cases will be even more difficult, not less. Our holding today accords with this policy. Reversed. IT IS SO ORDERED. ALARID and FRUMAN, JJ., concur. . We note that at least one prior case has relied on Section 52-l-56(B) as authority for granting a lump-sum award in cases of total permanent disability. Arther v. Western Co. of N. Am. This is incorrect. At the time the instant case was filed. Section 52-1-30 applied to lump-sum payments in cases of total permanent disability or death. Cf. NMSA 1978, § 52-5-12 (Cum.Supp. 1986).
[ -0.0100836968049407, -0.04112263768911362, -0.02449920028448105, -0.011797580868005753, 0.03395857661962509, 0.01325689535588026, 0.048730675131082535, 0.023423511534929276, 0.02253466099500656, -0.05133312940597534, 0.00918823666870594, 0.01943054609000683, -0.030074505135416985, 0.03239871561527252, -0.038628775626420975, 0.07030153274536133, 0.02751794084906578, 0.03175754100084305, 0.013837995007634163, -0.006846432574093342, -0.00494786212220788, -0.00971917249262333, 0.04840721935033798, 0.04144686833024025, 0.03496863320469856, 0.013281328603625298, 0.011789503507316113, 0.017132582142949104, -0.03617442771792412, -0.020617010071873665, 0.05398450046777725, 0.0027945602778345346, -0.030079910531640053, -0.03366164118051529, -0.050707653164863586, 0.01993154175579548, 0.0042405626736581326, -0.014031036756932735, -0.019623126834630966, -0.015429909341037273, -0.021246131509542465, 0.017775729298591614, -0.05798694118857384, 0.00010706706962082535, -0.0032317745499312878, 0.0020178856793791056, 0.0072354781441390514, -0.006105645559728146, -0.03642134368419647, -0.01667214371263981, -0.061863210052251816, -0.00962788239121437, -0.008452421985566616, 0.00813982728868723, 0.018840275704860687, 0.03188962861895561, -0.06002767011523247, -0.020491233095526695, 0.009132346138358116, -0.055257901549339294, -0.00419315230101347, -0.03320450708270073, 0.04584183916449547, -0.027254778891801834, 0.028478721156716347, 0.015225822106003761, -0.011315697804093361, 0.035641856491565704, -0.008264139294624329, -0.04584227129817009, -0.01813030242919922, -0.05142929404973984, 0.03783944249153137, 0.024209264665842056, -0.0116012804210186, -0.051198042929172516, -0.01635671779513359, 0.01047995500266552, -0.009131181985139847, 0.057284798473119736, 0.024156346917152405, 0.006720374338328838, 0.020809190347790718, 0.05028601735830307, 0.005901065655052662, -0.05178338289260864, -0.011220681481063366, -0.022021332755684853, -0.037922367453575134, 0.10366126149892807, 0.016302937641739845, -0.0153187932446599, 0.008619176223874092, 0.053966984152793884, -0.022824175655841827, 0.011642028577625751, 0.07295401394367218, -0.0031709419563412666, 0.021899808198213577, -0.008051597513258457, -0.063287653028965, -0.016587765887379646, -0.007347017526626587, 0.040016643702983856, -0.0751972645521164, 0.016545992344617844, -0.021169723942875862, 0.007961511611938477, -0.01664240099489689, -0.004613586701452732, 0.005520237144082785, 0.005653831176459789, 0.006580533925443888, -0.007585147395730019, -0.057809073477983475, 0.06386403739452362, 0.01604432798922062, -0.03953013941645622, -0.01776990294456482, -0.04493299871683121, 0.03461136668920517, -0.0054683140479028225, -0.0049750348553061485, 0.06694532185792923, 0.034087833017110825, 0.001019344199448824, 0.038627732545137405, 0.03058834746479988, 0.0014708989765495062, -0.07007274776697159, 0.024395624175667763, 0.036676641553640366, -0.016692956909537315, -0.004902802873402834, -0.008995972573757172, 0.03952282667160034, -0.0066927047446370125, -0.02660350874066353, 0.016124071553349495, -0.05166523531079292, -0.0057702260091900826, -0.01700630970299244, 0.02806510217487812, 0.016007915139198303, 0.06007593870162964, -0.0541805662214756, 0.04364515095949173, 0.01363200880587101, -0.03706243634223938, -0.007716033607721329, 0.0007372894906438887, -0.010448532178997993, 0.011852548457682133, -0.026416979730129242, 0.011107168160378933, 0.03534850478172302, 0.0843915119767189, -0.07138945907354355, 0.005357916466891766, 0.047922004014253616, 0.04653289169073105, 0.024567358195781708, 0.006949235685169697, 0.010280425660312176, -0.015012473799288273, 0.008933394216001034, 0.016799775883555412, -0.026115840300917625, -0.06231565400958061, 0.032757800072431564, -0.04004108905792236, -0.006486543919891119, 0.044612135738134384, -0.047510236501693726, 0.012060487642884254, -0.01143810898065567, 0.05289274454116821, -0.009151536971330643, 0.024319473654031754, -0.03921956568956375, -0.060039035975933075, 0.0449870340526104, -0.011690866202116013, 0.037554118782281876, 0.013669511303305626, -0.035740941762924194, 0.05121542513370514, -0.009200910106301308, -0.00019616837380453944, -0.005205453373491764, -0.10502613335847855, -0.03716053068637848, 0.020133355632424355, -0.03243129700422287, 0.06306861340999603, 0.01655127853155136, -0.0025339603889733553, 0.047843415290117264, 0.010542524978518486, 0.04608539864420891, -0.00019314965174999088, 0.06367454677820206, 0.04032590985298157, -0.04699855297803879, -0.03921425715088844, 0.04220036789774895, 0.03414284437894821, 0.0016075666062533855, -0.026113752275705338, 0.06909097731113434, 0.024658020585775375, 0.005846266169101, 0.023058682680130005, -0.02244696021080017, -0.011964942328631878, -0.042553458362817764, 0.022697927430272102, -0.014536524191498756, 0.03795934468507767, -0.03613544628024101, 0.008592650294303894, 0.02824854478240013, -0.02117122896015644, 0.046145789325237274, -0.036929357796907425, 0.0789124146103859, 0.04707467555999756, -0.019513670355081558, -0.028488032519817352, 0.013337005861103535, -0.012110440991818905, -0.003706526942551136, -0.02291884645819664, 0.016079967841506004, 0.0355401486158371, -0.018417974933981895, -0.035223569720983505, -0.03463524952530861, 0.05824341997504234, -0.05170058831572533, -0.007352576125413179, 0.06036299467086792, -0.0035815692972391844, 0.045739952474832535, -0.037918977439403534, -0.03334236890077591, -0.00979320053011179, -0.00022411921236198395, -0.02271556295454502, -0.01728435792028904, -0.03707627207040787, 0.022744974121451378, -0.04734306037425995, -0.0048058549873530865, -0.00489281490445137, -0.03744026646018028, -0.030846688896417618, -0.008783601224422455, 0.01531075220555067, -0.002383595332503319, 0.019123824313282967, 0.032821230590343475, 0.015176679939031601, -0.028749817982316017, -0.009592683054506779, -0.03607040271162987, -0.015748165547847748, 0.04200620576739311, -0.017749618738889694, 0.014529556967318058, 0.02898178994655609, 0.0011226893402636051, -0.006344402674585581, -0.009148084558546543, 0.00001539732147648465, 0.013594522140920162, 0.054006680846214294, -0.0070650954730808735, 0.01234601903706789, -0.004793650005012751, -0.021779032424092293, 0.03349744901061058, -0.02172480709850788, -0.024466516450047493, 0.0642496794462204, -0.02316497266292572, 0.02334032952785492, -0.02797112613916397, -0.07477734982967377, 0.03893188387155533, 0.008457832969725132, 0.0236617773771286, -0.005046014674007893, 0.015957582741975784, 0.04572804644703865, -0.005313255824148655, 0.011881902813911438, 0.053385235369205475, 0.009722616523504257, -0.029398679733276367, 0.018629206344485283, -0.024786021560430527, 0.0017585307359695435, -0.024813871830701828, 0.0026660626754164696, 0.0016028101090341806, -0.018135109916329384, -0.03494834899902344, -0.2796463370323181, 0.029248693957924843, -0.025876080617308617, -0.05699384585022926, 0.03099997341632843, 0.024952203035354614, 0.023190941661596298, 0.02207564190030098, -0.04280351102352142, 0.03810156509280205, 0.01796811632812023, -0.014460602775216103, 0.03481679782271385, -0.00814016629010439, 0.02997867949306965, -0.07591469585895538, 0.009570504538714886, 0.018286723643541336, -0.017051832750439644, -0.02106276899576187, -0.00313362549059093, -0.07013680040836334, -0.05639279633760452, 0.014567041769623756, 0.060750123113393784, 0.08816476166248322, -0.010280052199959755, 0.017095424234867096, -0.04665079340338707, -0.02547328732907772, 0.004625548142939806, -0.04423902556300163, 0.05356990173459053, -0.009831564500927925, -0.010329768992960453, -0.007746670860797167, -0.005721393506973982, -0.006156647577881813, -0.005692122038453817, -0.005744653753936291, 0.011136461980640888, -0.05329002067446709, -0.057155970484018326, 0.024904627352952957, 0.04135507345199585, 0.004888005089014769, -0.0680549293756485, 0.037377215921878815, 0.021276067942380905, 0.04360232874751091, 0.04219525307416916, 0.0543447844684124, -0.05064873397350311, 0.005776051431894302, -0.06277084350585938, -0.011799679137766361, -0.06714340299367905, 0.026581354439258575, -0.06160090118646622, 0.05446430668234825, -0.01565447822213173, 0.006195180118083954, -0.012443022802472115, -0.03413731977343559, -0.04186689108610153, -0.05117820203304291, -0.05391835421323776, -0.041243985295295715, 0.09057994931936264, -0.02592150866985321, 0.03160753473639488, 0.015716515481472015, -0.024632832035422325, -0.09388718008995056, 0.013661043718457222, -0.030117090791463852, -0.0330621600151062, -0.017247555777430534, -0.001246159547008574, -0.0006021029548719525, -0.03234521299600601, -0.03265688940882683, 0.06424955278635025, 0.01629134640097618, -0.009556032717227936, -0.006486993283033371, 0.00253224722109735, 0.05370480567216873, -0.03840726986527443, -0.0057913269847631454, 0.05263002961874008, 0.03692766651511192, -0.02842826023697853, 0.01802925579249859, 0.021249011158943176, 0.038463544100522995, -0.02851136215031147, -0.024983923882246017, 0.00010137681965716183, -0.003635422559455037, 0.03142814338207245, -0.07160206884145737, -0.00935703981667757, -0.03939268738031387, -0.01987684704363346, -0.009486062452197075, -0.051437776535749435, 0.012543355114758015, 0.0434986837208271, -0.005554777570068836, 0.02342984825372696, -0.037345245480537415, 0.06407194584608078, -0.04965199530124664, 0.016954360529780388, -0.018389247357845306, -0.007428447715938091, 0.003984465263783932, -0.0025875791907310486, 0.032588422298431396, 0.02221880480647087, 0.012071683071553707, -0.048509493470191956, -0.03168182075023651, -0.05289367213845253, 0.0337313674390316, 0.010916468687355518, 0.021600140258669853, -0.025264868512749672, 0.034749723970890045, -0.001468124333769083, -0.002762379590421915, -0.006015436723828316, -0.010093046352267265, -0.021791163831949234, -0.010519042611122131, -0.04065007343888283, -0.06015437841415405, -0.0005101571441628039, 0.00040432249079458416, 0.02959066443145275, 0.02209128625690937, 0.02102360688149929, -0.01703275367617607, 0.04878409579396248, -0.0049921320751309395, -0.018204383552074432, -0.0027699570637196302, -0.03874833136796951, 0.021532371640205383, -0.013693399727344513, -0.062031276524066925, 0.013212055899202824, -0.06407672166824341, -0.034250952303409576, -0.03451214358210564, 0.023205429315567017, -0.00018665354582481086, -0.013854259625077248, -0.04508625715970993, -0.0030413884669542313, -0.013118896633386612, -0.030647320672869682, -0.054033707827329636, -0.012557601556181908, 0.07037986814975739, -0.04844089224934578, -0.0031246268190443516, -0.029594287276268005, 0.02280435524880886, 0.0012844481971114874, -0.03682040423154831, -0.042327530682086945, 0.005836485885083675, 0.028986884281039238, 0.01734103262424469, -0.013807718642055988, -0.032407909631729126, 0.03397994115948677, 0.018818272277712822, -0.002848092932254076, -0.026906616985797882, -0.031297191977500916, 0.02460215426981449, 0.05621588975191116, -0.021420009434223175, -0.015377620235085487, -0.03276586905121803, -0.019372956827282906, -0.01311734039336443, -0.010721348226070404, -0.0486065037548542, -0.010143724270164967, 0.03457864001393318, -0.044610682874917984, -0.05822203680872917, 0.039820827543735504, 0.0319715291261673, 0.002470133826136589, -0.00605727406218648, -0.03988054394721985, 0.015874585136771202, -0.025839610025286674, 0.00445963442325592, -0.0018417740939185023, -0.0593440905213356, 0.02752784453332424, 0.03358768671751022, 0.012859399430453777, 0.01138582918792963, -0.09725197404623032, 0.005920018535107374, 0.009642750024795532, 0.023774484172463417, 0.06415410339832306, -0.06509329378604889, 0.05423911660909653, 0.004598737228661776, -0.01849372871220112, -0.016970194876194, -0.014177452772855759, -0.04744293913245201, -0.036546189337968826, 0.014322125352919102, -0.038140542805194855, 0.0529969222843647, -0.02094029262661934, -0.0504353865981102, 0.04709106311202049, -0.02647535689175129, -0.008990772999823093, -0.03046681359410286, -0.009264850988984108, 0.0382271483540535, -0.004588001873344183, -0.01024176087230444, 0.025097955018281937, -0.014547426253557205, 0.012631785124540329, 0.02598262019455433, -0.0031496963929384947, 0.040774062275886536, 0.015947019681334496, -0.0490386076271534, 0.019049379974603653, -0.0106210233643651, 0.027420606464147568, -0.009427465498447418, -0.01706014759838581, 0.07029327750205994, -0.006980473175644875, 0.019489850848913193, -0.021415632218122482, -0.021656673401594162, -0.005628714803606272, -0.03119516931474209, -0.018527835607528687, -0.021303297951817513, 0.012041416019201279, 0.06580546498298645, 0.01780584454536438, 0.04795176908373833, -0.0076958355493843555, 0.01638210192322731, 0.03675418719649315, 0.07826689630746841, 0.00036905641900375485, 0.004126734100282192, 0.057167451828718185, -0.06332653015851974, 0.007431316655129194, -0.09850363433361053, -0.0031453287228941917, -0.005098580848425627, -0.02374015934765339, 0.0629926472902298, 0.005235615652054548, -0.008590299636125565, 0.024605240672826767, -0.08553297072649002, -0.026618260890245438, -0.0018032266525551677, -0.056923944503068924, -0.05734531581401825, 0.03521445021033287, -0.02472326159477234, 0.025826379656791687, -0.0017430766019970179, -0.08378700911998749, -0.023228665813803673, 0.003296765498816967, 0.026355793699622154, 0.022209059447050095, -0.001612827181816101, -0.06529244035482407, -0.006209090817719698, 0.043958406895399094, 0.052357062697410583, -0.0173228420317173, 0.0129257682710886, -0.053348179906606674, 0.037104181945323944, 0.003168238326907158, -0.013317924924194813, 0.010405639186501503, 0.022378573194146156, -0.03904198855161667, -0.03514134883880615, 0.030841568484902382, 0.053248241543769836, 0.007119440007954836, -0.05935613811016083, 0.03902597352862358, 0.00732708815485239, -0.027705656364560127, -0.025171151384711266, -0.022645872086286545, -0.021272726356983185, -0.030013633891940117, 0.021279118955135345, 0.019365765154361725, -0.033003389835357666, 0.0850156918168068, 0.018599223345518112, 0.061827920377254486, 0.016721663996577263, 0.007073105778545141, 0.02498535066843033, 0.00933667179197073, 0.08194424211978912, 0.059844519942998886, 0.014825488440692425, 0.036383338272571564, 0.050973113626241684, 0.0013026618398725986, -0.050005000084638596, 0.008029686287045479, -0.031361330300569534, 0.015731502324342728, 0.016949601471424103, 0.014794858172535896, 0.01626616343855858, 0.023982562124729156, 0.04464506730437279, 0.03333944454789162, 0.024542585015296936, 0.05251389369368553, -0.019432757049798965, 0.059547774493694305, 0.033276673406362534, 0.04243747889995575, 0.004429309628903866, -0.004706953186541796, -0.04348110035061836, 0.011840902268886566, 0.03239401802420616, -0.025870850309729576, -0.025572048500180244, -0.008921816945075989, 0.04704538732767105, 0.001998452702537179, -0.05548408627510071, 0.08327927440404892, -0.03238845616579056, -0.04495328292250633, -0.02259187027812004, -0.004142491612583399, 0.006197344046086073, 0.00632315082475543, 0.03326864540576935, 0.014248255640268326, -0.05111514776945114, 0.0018170875264331698, -0.007875829003751278, 0.06574581563472748, 0.01835506223142147, 0.0483882836997509, -0.025485819205641747, 0.03709227591753006, 0.09681395441293716, 0.021519215777516365, -0.006627824157476425, -0.03555198758840561, -0.016799626871943474, -0.04356127232313156, -0.04488571733236313, 0.027190497145056725, 0.05984501540660858, 0.03200072795152664, -0.03428179770708084, 0.006544077303260565, 0.021995902061462402, -0.02952709048986435, 0.01880469173192978, -0.05448048934340477, 0.010562855750322342, 0.05162668600678444, 0.03868453949689865, 0.0043986183591187, 0.04003945365548134, 0.02362051047384739, -0.013305297121405602, 0.005511539522558451, 0.0022371700033545494, -0.030537784099578857, 0.01458781212568283, -0.03013075515627861, 0.020643064752221107, -0.061051901429891586, 0.026047436520457268, 0.014940256252884865, -0.002062683692201972, -0.059475529938936234, 0.05025973543524742, -0.021214254200458527, -0.012973211705684662, 0.0856730192899704, 0.04069400951266289, 0.0020144821610301733, -0.04982085898518562, -0.022103967145085335, 0.013216852210462093, 0.01702643185853958, 0.030936062335968018, -0.019992945715785027, 0.061788108199834824, 0.04643797129392624, -0.0006493873661383986, -0.007143010850995779, 0.03190871700644493, -0.01168025005608797, -0.01880023442208767, -0.05090753361582756, -0.01575188897550106, -0.04260461777448654, -0.06191190332174301, -0.034290533512830734, -0.009350275620818138, -0.02731793187558651, -0.07863177359104156, 0.024292880669236183, -0.023759596049785614, -0.009875813499093056, -0.08765963464975357, 0.028419166803359985, 0.05302402377128601, -0.013283930718898773, -0.02077993005514145, -0.061369288712739944, 0.027020752429962158, 0.014258502051234245, -0.018319224938750267, 0.0004773760447278619, -0.024154840037226677, 0.05489726737141609, -0.009673640131950378, -0.005781457759439945, 0.030032720416784286, -0.007373159285634756, -0.007102657575160265 ]
OPINION PER CURIAM. This matter is before the Court pursuant to NMSA 1978, Rules Governing Discipline (Repl.Pamp.1985) (now SCRA 1986, Rules Governing Discipline) wherein attorney Roma Siler was found to have committed violations of NMSA 1978, Code of Prof. Resp. (Repl.Pamp.1985) (now SCRA 1986, Rules of Professional Conduct) by engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit and misrepresentation and by engaging in other conduct which adversely reflects on her fitness to practice law. We adopt the Disciplinary Board’s findings, conclusions and recommendation. At all times material to these proceedings, Roma Siler (Siler), together with Deborah Labrum James (James) and Omar C. Olivas (Olivas) were owners of an undivided interest in a tract of real estate located in Red River, New Mexico. In April 1986, Siler negotiated with Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Janert concerning a possible sale of the property. Siler received an offer from the Janerts and conveyed the offer to Olivas, who, through counsel, advised Siler that he was not interested in selling the property. Contemporaneously, Siler approached James and informed her of the Janert’s offer. Likewise, James expressed her unwillingness to sell the property. Despite being advised by her co-tenants of their unwillingness to sell the property, Siler signed the names of James and Olivas to a warranty deed conveying title to the Janerts. Siler did not have the authority to sign the names of Olivas and James and after signing the names to the warranty deed, Siler caused Vicki Thady (a notary public) to falsely acknowledge the signatures. That same day Siler exchanged the warranty deed with Janert for the sum of $12,500, which sum was placed in Siler’s trust account. By forging the signatures of Olivas and James on a warranty deed and exchanging that deed for money and by causing a notary public to falsely acknowledge the forged signatures, Siler violated NMSA 1978, Code of Prof.Resp. Rules 1-102(A)(4) and 1-102(A)(6) (now SCRA 1986,16-804(C) and 16-804(H)). Siler said severe financial problems and alcoholism contributed to her conduct. This Court has previously stated in Matter of Harrison, 103 N.M. 537, 710 P.2d 731 (1985) that such factors may be considered, but do not excuse unethical conduct. Although citing financial difficulties and alcoholism as mitigating factors, Siler failed to demonstrate any correlation between her financial situation, her alleged alcoholism and her unethical and dishonest conduct; neither the hearing committee nor the Disciplinary Board made such a finding, and we reject Siler’s contention. Siler’s actions were motivated by her desire for readily available sums of money, she paid no attention to the rights of her co-tenants or to the various avenues of legal relief available to her. Siler’s conduct was not only unethical, but also illegal. We therefore suspend her license to practice law. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that Roma Siler be and hereby is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three years pursuant to SCRA 1986, 17-206(A)(2) commencing on September 14, 1987. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Siler shall not be permitted to apply for readmission, regardless of the elapsed time, until she has shown that the following conditions are fulfilled: 1. That she has taken and passed the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination; 2. That she has successfully completed an alcoholic treatment program and that such treatment center certifies to the Disciplinary Board that she is able to resume her responsibilities as an attorney; and 3. That she had paid the costs assessed against her in this matter. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Siler shall file with this Court evidence of her compliance with all of the requirements of SCRA 1986, 17-212 within ten days of the entry date of this Order (on or before September 24, 1987) and that she serve a copy of her affidavit of compliance upon disciplinary counsel. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of the Supreme Court strike the name of Roma Siler from the roll of those persons permitted to practice law in New Mexico and that this opinion be published in the State Bar of New Mexico Bar Bulletin and in the New Mexico Reports. Costs of this action in the amount of $1,034.68 are assessed against Siler and are to be paid to the Disciplinary Board in eighteen monthly installments of $57.48 payable on or before the 15th of every month commencing in September 1987. IT IS SO ORDERED. WALTERS, J., not participating.
[ -0.040225330740213394, -0.009743438102304935, -0.005421888083219528, 0.0023393931332975626, 0.04213538393378258, -0.02110726572573185, 0.056154441088438034, 0.0354057215154171, 0.03900712728500366, -0.013671468943357468, 0.018973762169480324, 0.04696096479892731, -0.06353683769702911, 0.029231879860162735, -0.018952835351228714, 0.08646645396947861, 0.04424796998500824, 0.02638387493789196, 0.0056367176584899426, -0.009409468621015549, 0.024567224085330963, -0.029983317479491234, 0.021843092516064644, 0.04494110494852066, 0.007736935280263424, 0.01790297031402588, -0.0008641795138828456, 0.008637499995529652, -0.08356394618749619, -0.0034538598265498877, 0.07867865264415741, -0.03484567254781723, -0.03388407826423645, -0.0009976194705814123, -0.009798876941204071, 0.014553680084645748, -0.00925640482455492, 0.012973551638424397, -0.03680484741926193, 0.00927056185901165, -0.03422391414642334, 0.010055474936962128, -0.037384457886219025, -0.025425618514418602, -0.028111660853028297, -0.028673548251390457, 0.013467106968164444, 0.03250293806195259, -0.023634828627109528, 0.006294538266956806, -0.061727236956357956, 0.005012671463191509, -0.009394156746566296, 0.04052937403321266, -0.020313633605837822, 0.012277351692318916, -0.04319143667817116, -0.07842028141021729, -0.0034419118892401457, -0.01356598548591137, 0.015123920515179634, -0.02176188863813877, 0.05593536049127579, -0.024404069408774376, -0.008495131507515907, 0.007155995350331068, 0.028591543436050415, 0.04563094303011894, -0.06617768108844757, -0.010787383653223515, -0.031559500843286514, 0.027351800352334976, 0.011189076118171215, -0.003807768225669861, -0.00718956021592021, -0.05104949697852135, 0.0032120058313012123, 0.043048348277807236, 0.0074935113079845905, 0.040358517318964005, 0.054468948394060135, -0.003688162425532937, 0.012560446746647358, 0.024109572172164917, -0.0011489912867546082, -0.050810229033231735, -0.016185052692890167, -0.0181965921074152, -0.02951790951192379, 0.022474175319075584, -0.009064863435924053, -0.043921176344156265, 0.014273093082010746, 0.043034203350543976, -0.02057741768658161, -0.00507002230733633, 0.05884498730301857, -0.006912504322826862, 0.012952824123203754, 0.005142610054463148, -0.029539329931139946, -0.0551619827747345, -0.014507684856653214, 0.07660897821187973, -0.06640180200338364, 0.003965890500694513, 0.012721383012831211, 0.0006424871389754117, 0.02542976289987564, 0.010841441340744495, -0.026517905294895172, 0.009323938749730587, -0.009109240025281906, -0.0415005125105381, -0.0787118673324585, 0.04155845195055008, 0.018017206341028214, -0.035343702882528305, -0.017933735623955727, -0.020357338711619377, 0.05874519795179367, -0.010125341825187206, -0.021382680162787437, 0.0781068429350853, 0.027257835492491722, -0.01283916737884283, 0.030330318957567215, 0.023906707763671875, -0.05632399022579193, -0.05339386314153671, -0.0018932796083390713, 0.029183728620409966, 0.012929005548357964, 0.015854671597480774, -0.031157325953245163, -0.008641188032925129, 0.013403734192252159, -0.02666773833334446, 0.015836317092180252, -0.033294446766376495, 0.01189563237130642, 0.008190005086362362, -0.006514821667224169, 0.03479502350091934, 0.07570876181125641, -0.020968176424503326, 0.030563410371541977, -0.0024369205348193645, -0.03544333204627037, -0.000896007171832025, 0.040516287088394165, 0.012230167165398598, 0.02231934666633606, -0.015944814309477806, 0.03459363058209419, 0.019095376133918762, 0.0439184196293354, 0.029946813359856606, -0.011497413739562035, 0.0279369056224823, 0.055714961141347885, 0.017632784321904182, 0.017607906833291054, 0.01883702538907528, 0.024527065455913544, 0.016406089067459106, 0.007804441265761852, 0.0005149389035068452, -0.046223126351833344, 0.0512097142636776, -0.04764945060014725, -0.015341809019446373, 0.02205648086965084, -0.030835527926683426, -0.02158852480351925, 0.005277557298541069, 0.039657387882471085, 0.02086927555501461, 0.03459417074918747, -0.02928764559328556, -0.07963196933269501, 0.07380616664886475, -0.023743942379951477, 0.019466299563646317, -0.02704022265970707, 0.00603175163269043, 0.06753697991371155, -0.023578660562634468, 0.016765661537647247, -0.01757211610674858, -0.06636515259742737, -0.010967236943542957, 0.02859179675579071, -0.020120462402701378, 0.05550992488861084, 0.01080803107470274, -0.007799909915775061, 0.024261124432086945, -0.004232888109982014, 0.05494105815887451, 0.0011760917259380221, 0.03665637969970703, 0.014400338754057884, -0.05593835934996605, -0.03479946032166481, 0.03995437175035477, 0.04845798388123512, -0.0028203418478369713, 0.013709424063563347, 0.03472638502717018, -0.02114260382950306, -0.016154902055859566, 0.03613663464784622, 0.018545540049672127, 0.04422535374760628, -0.00301328394562006, 0.036598362028598785, -0.03928258270025253, 0.048255931586027145, -0.03411749377846718, 0.027755150571465492, -0.022157534956932068, -0.012229491025209427, 0.06959635019302368, -0.08068273961544037, 0.06621255725622177, 0.04745233803987503, -0.0451737716794014, -0.04466201364994049, 0.04770156368613243, 0.0012188964756205678, -0.03277700021862984, 0.035236962139606476, -0.019319145008921623, 0.07512591034173965, -0.04507013410329819, -0.019584298133850098, -0.03161646053195, 0.04974198713898659, -0.031156808137893677, 0.003963090945035219, 0.04272332042455673, 0.010099409148097038, 0.0651542991399765, -0.02031788043677807, 0.0004599963722284883, -0.04072737321257591, 0.009769515134394169, -0.007545299828052521, -0.015834949910640717, -0.011764544993638992, 0.0076696183532476425, 0.012902499176561832, -0.027993768453598022, 0.0011076590744778514, -0.03691022843122482, -0.048082489520311356, -0.01033165492117405, 0.03917710855603218, -0.006166910286992788, 0.010422470048069954, 0.04927230253815651, 0.01594259962439537, -0.025432296097278595, -0.024140138179063797, -0.03444603458046913, -0.014241188764572144, -0.004066189285367727, 0.007166528142988682, -0.0013947520637884736, 0.02515431120991707, 0.01138895470649004, -0.02565946988761425, 0.031209681183099747, 0.011393184773623943, 0.020969316363334656, 0.03579556569457054, -0.0011583571322262287, 0.009228171780705452, 0.002387101063504815, -0.0052479966543614864, 0.049425072968006134, -0.022069048136472702, -0.028485719114542007, -0.013685203157365322, -0.03405815362930298, 0.021097108721733093, -0.03856568783521652, -0.029534736648201942, 0.05227968096733093, -0.006883532274514437, 0.03801571950316429, -0.01553181279450655, 0.031116485595703125, 0.0073432959616184235, 0.032505203038454056, 0.014684993773698807, 0.033688344061374664, 0.030402617529034615, -0.01863522082567215, -0.013537921942770481, 0.0076379356905817986, -0.010094070807099342, 0.021426988765597343, 0.037345509976148605, 0.03435570374131203, -0.02909250184893608, 0.023563146591186523, -0.2760632634162903, 0.024778855964541435, -0.031237967312335968, -0.05398498475551605, 0.04748750105500221, -0.0023052897304296494, 0.03812825679779053, -0.02175210975110531, -0.024784786626696587, 0.04846292734146118, -0.02095656469464302, -0.05680743232369423, 0.03645205870270729, 0.022555338218808174, 0.02781272679567337, -0.019209135323762894, -0.006571047008037567, -0.04375114664435387, -0.006859932094812393, 0.051738910377025604, 0.03804274648427963, -0.06117326393723488, -0.0315236859023571, -0.0026667462661862373, 0.03242846205830574, 0.08024103194475174, -0.05532899126410484, 0.014376647770404816, -0.06663653254508972, -0.03790374472737312, -0.00016314827371388674, 0.0017346867825835943, -0.029315592721104622, -0.03331650421023369, -0.01039867289364338, 0.014271656982600689, 0.013021718710660934, -0.02082209847867489, -0.04062233120203018, -0.010348710231482983, 0.016961397603154182, -0.02718670852482319, -0.03820400312542915, 0.023925751447677612, 0.04825155436992645, -0.0008271592669188976, -0.057141851633787155, -0.018497316166758537, 0.0057410490699112415, 0.05347537249326706, -0.06130976974964142, 0.010385794565081596, -0.004938121419399977, 0.00797048769891262, -0.051461245864629745, 0.009191622957587242, -0.05330555513501167, -0.023110756650567055, -0.06453175097703934, 0.05327650532126427, 0.005992382764816284, -0.06589017063379288, -0.031579550355672836, -0.021961111575365067, -0.03196175396442413, -0.05781325697898865, -0.045057643204927444, -0.04105803370475769, 0.09291898459196091, 0.017171980813145638, 0.0003815359086729586, 0.060558442026376724, -0.020577501505613327, -0.09202171862125397, 0.007797642610967159, -0.011343201622366905, 0.030761202797293663, -0.059120118618011475, -0.03208184987306595, 0.014100084081292152, 0.008101869374513626, -0.027188552543520927, 0.02406686544418335, 0.010944739915430546, -0.027341289445757866, -0.0080511923879385, 0.013297871686518192, 0.05551505461335182, -0.06311530619859695, -0.015283511951565742, 0.021044829860329628, 0.04055270180106163, -0.05444329231977463, 0.00625998992472887, 0.02363252080976963, 0.03250730410218239, 0.009148212149739265, -0.039696503430604935, -0.012469102628529072, 0.012214471586048603, 0.05100426450371742, -0.09586603194475174, 0.04852568358182907, -0.038456935435533524, -0.01651599444448948, -0.026856528595089912, -0.04427321255207062, 0.010038210079073906, 0.027197785675525665, -0.0018870655912905931, 0.026631634682416916, -0.02527209185063839, 0.05431746318936348, -0.014817855320870876, 0.006485028192400932, -0.03486885130405426, 0.0016914383741095662, 0.025173403322696686, 0.001369280507788062, 0.0051873829215765, 0.0013993593165650964, 0.02534078247845173, -0.07268592715263367, -0.038835085928440094, -0.08982616662979126, 0.0020539239048957825, 0.02303062193095684, 0.00785933155566454, -0.035714030265808105, 0.0330076739192009, -0.036219652742147446, -0.017088131979107857, 0.003787281922996044, 0.0036617398727685213, 0.025517208501696587, 0.005592959467321634, -0.021567078307271004, -0.05155555531382561, 0.01499002892524004, 0.0056460038758814335, 0.024738382548093796, -0.020192435011267662, 0.040557149797677994, 0.04416650906205177, 0.0285483505576849, 0.0047943382523953915, -0.015366650186479092, -0.0021980104502290487, -0.010173248127102852, 0.05677536502480507, 0.013679251074790955, -0.03965223580598831, 0.021552996709942818, -0.047187723219394684, -0.0196712464094162, -0.012749208137392998, 0.01483205333352089, 0.015240322798490524, -0.005255268886685371, -0.016468588262796402, -0.005306929815560579, -0.018579529598355293, -0.030443623661994934, -0.001519423327408731, -0.0038884328678250313, 0.07850060611963272, -0.03283734992146492, 0.011550487950444221, -0.03738366439938545, 0.05048999935388565, -0.027958227321505547, -0.03700961172580719, -0.021249178797006607, -0.0004380246391519904, 0.014673222787678242, 0.056875813752412796, -0.00855651218444109, 0.011737722903490067, 0.0555439256131649, 0.02785729616880417, -0.01228273380547762, -0.044347137212753296, -0.03002956695854664, 0.0193617083132267, 0.029722532257437706, -0.03433459997177124, 0.013484986498951912, -0.05128584802150726, -0.018956514075398445, -0.008452916517853737, 0.01959121786057949, -0.013467838987708092, -0.01981581561267376, 0.035276878625154495, -0.0653170570731163, -0.06778178364038467, 0.007215976715087891, 0.00801914557814598, 0.02973908558487892, 0.07433328777551651, 0.018820108845829964, -0.007130756042897701, -0.011933176778256893, 0.0035451524890959263, -0.017800014466047287, -0.05612422525882721, -0.007203550077974796, -0.001889311126433313, -0.06872308254241943, 0.029606422409415245, -0.05679519101977348, -0.024611443281173706, -0.002304221037775278, 0.013829649426043034, 0.018292687833309174, -0.07729411870241165, 0.02816573716700077, -0.020451810210943222, -0.031206510961055756, 0.016837872564792633, 0.018505673855543137, -0.03061293251812458, 0.01370927318930626, 0.006346673239022493, -0.04464617371559143, 0.060513049364089966, -0.010810328647494316, 0.015863951295614243, 0.01666317880153656, -0.0358436219394207, 0.048137564212083817, -0.044615473598241806, -0.0010371662210673094, 0.02561001479625702, -0.023486068472266197, -0.0005184095934964716, -0.04098063334822655, 0.002279281383380294, -0.03792453184723854, 0.057123053818941116, 0.029395081102848053, 0.016402529552578926, -0.005488770082592964, -0.041044317185878754, -0.019959084689617157, 0.006522510666400194, 0.019970744848251343, 0.005247891414910555, 0.02165975794196129, 0.05298721790313721, -0.002232273807749152, 0.0133668789640069, -0.014074777252972126, -0.008392179384827614, 0.05404537916183472, -0.07329337298870087, 0.013855703175067902, -0.013825512491166592, -0.045128289610147476, 0.03937910869717598, -0.0025417646393179893, -0.0032323726918548346, -0.024432603269815445, 0.02396428771317005, 0.03964516147971153, 0.04345426708459854, 0.005600607488304377, 0.004221152048557997, 0.04861856997013092, -0.048603568226099014, -0.015358836390078068, -0.10932816565036774, 0.02490091137588024, -0.014395182020962238, 0.01502303034067154, -0.017960691824555397, 0.018261276185512543, -0.03477877378463745, 0.001805000239983201, -0.07892919331789017, -0.04505940526723862, -0.0016617955407127738, -0.029254404827952385, -0.010381324216723442, 0.023949729278683662, -0.030600842088460922, 0.015410583466291428, 0.008277546614408493, -0.13392701745033264, -0.03976263478398323, -0.04447198659181595, 0.015667855739593506, 0.007684760261327028, -0.0064811743795871735, -0.03771485388278961, -0.01959420181810856, 0.04647308960556984, 0.03410053253173828, -0.029310420155525208, 0.036939654499292374, -0.031816449016332626, 0.03737840801477432, 0.0455690398812294, 0.018832847476005554, 0.003131393576040864, -0.002930460497736931, -0.014976801350712776, -0.04549276828765869, 0.002795227337628603, 0.007606795988976955, -0.06289266794919968, -0.07634921371936798, 0.053631916642189026, 0.009904148988425732, -0.04706932604312897, -0.026663752272725105, -0.008110236376523972, 0.0054082730785012245, -0.021601082757115364, -0.01763984188437462, 0.04981597512960434, 0.003739114385098219, 0.06119797006249428, 0.008575817570090294, 0.06280633807182312, 0.04015052318572998, -0.01416860707104206, 0.05451023206114769, 0.01128549687564373, 0.07010117918252945, 0.06804883480072021, 0.010442872531712055, 0.005082121584564447, 0.05168294534087181, -0.017965439707040787, -0.029209408909082413, 0.043879084289073944, -0.026499804109334946, -0.0012566490331664681, -0.00656753359362483, 0.026211993768811226, 0.02119985781610012, 0.004140378441661596, 0.043413929641246796, 0.024689000099897385, -0.024994969367980957, 0.06683050841093063, -0.05832190439105034, 0.02956559509038925, 0.010525604709982872, 0.013373024761676788, -0.029317140579223633, -0.0027470411732792854, -0.046101074665784836, -0.00039329842547886074, 0.01972583495080471, -0.04045683518052101, -0.0038910165894776583, -0.0565025694668293, -0.0059726182371377945, -0.008259973488748074, 0.008537608198821545, 0.0849282369017601, 0.0058028968051075935, -0.01620175503194332, 0.009429260157048702, 0.002168413018807769, 0.02992939203977585, -0.03192748501896858, -0.02789761684834957, 0.004618663806468248, 0.02877415344119072, -0.05209266394376755, 0.01815408654510975, 0.07952988892793655, 0.013745017349720001, 0.05770038440823555, 0.01148148812353611, 0.00647681625559926, 0.03922215849161148, 0.054749879986047745, -0.003479406936094165, -0.030946677550673485, -0.045582156628370285, -0.02214307337999344, -0.05213306099176407, 0.02173837460577488, -0.014355119317770004, -0.03159116581082344, -0.061186663806438446, 0.018073631450533867, -0.01618022844195366, -0.01685524731874466, 0.06229999661445618, -0.034959547221660614, 0.022625071927905083, 0.011439170688390732, 0.055003587156534195, 0.020402558147907257, 0.0005792753654532135, 0.05823373794555664, 0.014498317614197731, -0.03626798093318939, 0.0025237698573619127, -0.028645895421504974, 0.037452422082424164, -0.002222694456577301, 0.014435679651796818, -0.08688323944807053, -0.012485609389841557, -0.0013306561158969998, -0.01556573435664177, -0.0617595873773098, 0.0666293054819107, -0.028279338032007217, -0.012841274961829185, 0.07236544787883759, 0.03813982754945755, -0.023576397448778152, -0.003331008367240429, -0.03845317289233208, 0.02912725880742073, 0.022894468158483505, 0.04915982112288475, -0.03738398477435112, 0.04040747508406639, 0.05075434222817421, -0.030495338141918182, -0.026858292520046234, 0.032764971256256104, 0.022068442776799202, 0.003018457442522049, -0.020921461284160614, 0.008281384594738483, -0.009280749596655369, -0.04504919424653053, -0.05862853676080704, 0.015547964721918106, -0.029199695214629173, -0.04688597470521927, 0.01734943315386772, -0.007576132658869028, -0.011701137758791447, -0.03764435276389122, 0.019351176917552948, 0.06630528718233109, -0.05275503173470497, -0.0701669305562973, -0.02388625778257847, -0.008779776282608509, 0.030167976394295692, 0.016885044053196907, -0.027158362790942192, -0.04761980473995209, -0.0069939568638801575, -0.03464926779270172, 0.05360163003206253, -0.002013764576986432, 0.016210947185754776, -0.00967562384903431 ]
OPINION WALTERS, Justice. Respondents Walgreen’s and the Traveler’s Insurance Company appeal a worker’s compensation award on the ground that the trial court, when computing benefits due, improperly aggregated petitioner’s earnings from both of the worker’s employments. We granted certiorari from the court of appeals’ decision reversing the trial court, and now we reverse the court of appeals. The issue is whether a worker’s average weekly wage for compensation benefits is to be computed on the basis of wages the worker was earning in the employment in which she was injured, or on the basis of her total earnings from all of her employments. FACTS Petitioner was employed as a full-time teacher in the Albuquerque Public School System and, during non-school hours, as a part-time liquor store clerk at Walgreen’s. On March 23, 1984, while lifting a case of liquor at her job at Walgreen’s, she suffered a compensable injury to her back. The trial court determined that as a result of the injury petitioner was totally unable to perform her duties as a liquor store clerk and was unable, to the extent of forty percent, to perform her job either as a teacher or as a sales clerk. The court held that she had sustained a combined disability of sixty percent. The trial court aggregated petitioner’s teaching and Walgreen’s wages to determine the average weekly wage upon which her benefit amount would be calculated. A divided panel of the court of appeals reversed and held that the wage calculation provisions of the Workmen’s Compensation Act, NMSA 1978, Section 52-1-20, as interpreted in Eberline Instrument Corp. v. Felix, 103 N.M. 422, 708 P.2d 334 (1985), do not allow aggregation of wages under the facts of this case. We do not agree that either the statute or Eberline mandated that conclusion, and conclude that Judge Garcia correctly stated the law in his dissenting opinion. Section 52-1-20 governs the method for computing average weekly wages. It provides, in pertinent part: A. whenever the term “wages” is used, it shall be construed to mean the money rate at which the services rendered are recompensed under the contract of hire in force at the time of the accident, * * * B. average weekly wages for the purpose of computing benefits provided in the Workmen’s Compensation Act shall, except as hereinafter provided, be calculated upon the monthly, weekly, daily, hourly or other remuneration which the injured or killed employee was receiving at the time of the injury, * * * C. provided, further, however, that in any case where the foregoing methods of computing the average weekly wage of the employee by reason of the nature of the employment or the fact that the injured employee has not worked a sufficient length of time to enable his earnings to be fairly computed thereunder, or has been ill or in business for himself, or where for any other reason said methods will not fairly compute the average weekly wage; in each particular case, computation of the average weekly wage of said employee [shall be made] in such other manner and by such other method as mil be based upon the facts presented [to] fairly determine such employee’s average weekly wage\f\ (Emphasis added.) We held in Eberline that a worker’s compensation benefits were to be computed on the average weekly wage being earned by the employee at the time of his accident rather than on the average weekly wage he had been earning in his primary employment at some time prior to the accident. The employee, Felix, had been working for Eberline since 1978 as a utility worker. In 1982, Felix was given the choice of being laid off or accepting a lower-grade job as a machine operator at $6.35 per hour. Felix chose to continue working at the lower wage, and it was as a machine operator that he was injured on December 9, 1982. Eberline, 103 N.M. at 423, 708 P.2d at 335. We reasoned that, under the plain wording of Section 52-l-20(B)(4), Felix’s benefits pursuant to the Workmen’s Compensation Act were to be calculated upon the hourly remuneration he was receiving at the time of the injury. It was unnecessary to consider Section 52-l-20(C) to determine Felix’s benefits, because the method provided under Section 52-l-20(B)(4) fairly computed what Felix’s average weekly wage was at the time of the accident. We observed that Section 52-l-20(C) would be controlling in unusual circumstances, as in Kendrick v. Gackle Drilling Co., 71 N.M. 113, 376 P.2d 176 (1962) (injured worker’s income erratic because he worked only a few days at each job), where a worker’s average weekly wage could not “fairly be determined by the precise methods outlined in Section 52-l-20(B).” Id. at 424, 708 P.2d at 336. Respondents vigorously urge that Eberline would limit determination of the average weekly wage to the amount petitioner was receiving under a specific “contract of hire in force at the time of the accident,” and therefore was, as the court of appeals decided, only the hourly wage from her part-time employment at Walgreen’s. They contend that since petitioner’s aver age weekly wage at Walgreen’s is fairly determinable by the precise methods outlined in Section 52-l-20(B), resort to Subsection (C) is inappropriate. That argument overlooks the portion of Section 52-l-20(C) which directly applies to “any other reason [Subsection B] will not fairly compute the average weekly wage.” Eberline does not preclude the aggregation of petitioner’s wages from her two separate but concurrent employments if that is necessary to fairly compute petitioner’s average weekly salary and, in fact, Eberline offers absolutely no insight on the question of an average weekly wage derived from more than a single employment. On the other hand, Eberline makes it clear that fair computation is the essence of the Section 52-1-20 calculation. Subsection (C) permits the trial court, in cases where a worker’s weekly wages are for any reason not fairly determinable by the provisions of Subsections (A) or (B), to utilize such other manner or method as will fairly make that determination. The primary test for disability entitling a worker to compensation is the capacity to perform work. Medina v. Zia Co., 88 N.M. 615, 617, 544 P.2d 1180, 1182 (Ct.App.1975), cert. denied, 89 N.M. 6, 546 P.2d 71 (1976). The trial court determined petitioner to be sixty percent unable to perform any work for which she was fitted by age, education, training, general physical and mental capacity, and previous work experience. Since, according to the trial court’s findings, the injury occurring on the part-time job disabled petitioner from working at 100% capacity at either of her jobs, her capacity as a wage earner patently was impaired beyond the limits of the part-time job. Compensation benefits, therefore, were logically based on her combined wages and correctly reflected her reduced earning capacity in both employments. See American Uniform & Rental Serv. v. Trainer, 262 So.2d 193, 194 (Fla.1972); 2 Larson, Workmen’s Compensation Law, § 60-31(c) (1987). It is the earning capacity of the whole person, not the capacity of the part-time or full-time worker that is at issue. See American Uniform & Rental Serv., 262 So.2d at 194. The fact that petitioner’s earnings with the school system have not diminished does not mean her earning capacity has not been adversely affected. Actual earnings are not the same as earning capacity. Mascarenas v. Kennedy, 74 N.M. 665, 669, 397 P.2d 312, 315 (1964); County of Maricopa v. Ind. Comm’n of Arizona, 145 Ariz. 14,19, 699 P.2d 389, 394 (App.1985). Fairness mandates consideration of what petitioner would have earned, in total, had she not been injured. According to 2 Larson, Workmen’s Compensation Law, § 60.31(a) (1987) at 10-688, a growing number of jurisdictions have held earnings from more than one employment source are to be combined in the calculation of average weekly wages, whether or not the employments are related or similar. Responding to the trial court’s justification for aggregating wages as providing fairness to the employee, Walgreen’s argues that the ruling is not fair to the employer, and grants petitioner more in benefits than she had earned previously from both jobs. Respondent emphasizes that petitioner is still able to perform her primary job as a teacher, and in the meantime she has been given a raise; that, with her disability benefits, she now receives more each year than she earned while working at two jobs. There is ample authority, however, for the proposition that an individual may work while still disabled and entitled to worker’s compensation benefits. Davis v. Homestake Mining Co., 105 N.M. 2, 3, 727 P.2d 941, 942 (Ct.App.), cert. quashed, 104 N.M. 702, 726 P.2d 856 (1986); Roybal v. County of Santa Fe, 79 N.M. 99, 102, 440 P.2d 291, 294 (1968). Walgreen’s has not faced the fact that the amount which petitioner would be earning were it not for the injury would include earnings from all sources — that is, from both Walgreen’s and the school system — including the raise she received subsequent to the accident. As Professor Larson has noted in his text, 2 Larson, Workmen’s Compensation Laws § 60.31(c) (1987), at 10-713, fairness to the employee and fairness to the employ er upon whose job the employee was injured are not necessarily symmetrical nor should the assessment of fairness be judged by the same standards. To the employee, the injury resulting in lost wages is everything; to the employer (and even more to the carrier), this is just one case among many. Only the injured worker bears the burden of reduced wages. But any unfairness to the employer, in the form of the extra cost of an injury to its employee who also is concurrently employed, is eventually offset by the times the employer may benefit when the injury occurs in the employee’s other employment. Spreading the risk is the essential concept of a system such as workers’ compensation. Id. In our view, that is the answer to the discussion of liability raised in the dissent hereto. Liability for compensation is an issue entirely separate from the calculation of benefit entitlement. Our resolution of this case in no way conflicts with but, indeed, reinforces the manner of assessing liability against the employer for whom services were being performed at the time of the injury, as enunciated in Clemmer v. Carpenter, 98 N.M. 302, 309, 648 P.2d 341, 348 (Ct.App.1982). For the foregoing reasons, we reverse the majority decision of the court of appeals, agreeing with rationale of Judge Garcia’s dissent. The judgment of the trial court is AFFIRMED. IT IS SO ORDERED. SCARBOROUGH, C.J., and SOSA, Senior Justice, concur. STOWERS, J., dissents. RANSOM, J., not participating. . Section 52-l-20(B)(4) provides: [WJhere the employee is being paid by the hour, the weekly wage shall be determined by multiplying the hourly rate by the number of hours in a day during which the employee was working at the time of the accident, or would have worked if the accident had not intervened, to determine the daily wage; * *
[ -0.02361849881708622, -0.02170475944876671, -0.004890395328402519, 0.008876923471689224, 0.043338075280189514, -0.0033214171417057514, 0.04238034412264824, 0.029414016753435135, 0.02952435426414013, -0.04490024223923683, 0.02129124291241169, 0.03690972179174423, -0.04545274376869202, 0.03373809531331062, 0.002082502469420433, 0.06720170378684998, 0.06471457332372665, 0.004077283199876547, -0.023729342967271805, -0.021416140720248222, -0.00915562640875578, -0.02255384996533394, 0.025161251425743103, 0.02219555526971817, 0.009328673593699932, 0.007341314572840929, -0.018642539158463478, 0.027631212025880814, -0.04639105871319771, -0.0027465722523629665, 0.03252686932682991, 0.019848857074975967, -0.017681632190942764, 0.008129414170980453, -0.02397635579109192, 0.029225973412394524, -0.009629370644688606, -0.006507733836770058, 0.003493864554911852, -0.023048266768455505, -0.005065656267106533, -0.003321390599012375, -0.0554460734128952, 0.01456253882497549, -0.030142003670334816, 0.010857701301574707, -0.008661297149956226, 0.00591436680406332, -0.059521786868572235, 0.02417229674756527, -0.08345343917608261, 0.021795183420181274, -0.01852169632911682, -0.006312961224466562, -0.01273960992693901, 0.04711032286286354, -0.04413839429616928, -0.026978814974427223, -0.015567856840789318, -0.04691406711935997, 0.00013559096259996295, -0.028170229867100716, 0.04814872518181801, -0.00001189392787637189, 0.037587184458971024, 0.0018387135351076722, 0.02878585457801819, 0.019054673612117767, -0.03562324494123459, 0.0027568594086915255, -0.04500531777739525, -0.038078613579273224, 0.010880555957555771, 0.010170918889343739, -0.02214534394443035, -0.047219015657901764, -0.001376273576170206, -0.00019845178758259863, 0.0010775529081001878, -0.0003705141134560108, 0.010335552506148815, 0.030720658600330353, 0.02425733581185341, 0.0443541519343853, 0.012687666341662407, -0.04895665869116783, -0.011122492142021656, -0.02994323894381523, -0.03741367533802986, 0.05040935054421425, -0.029445400461554527, -0.007610841188579798, 0.0009630845161154866, 0.08883887529373169, -0.01801344007253647, -0.028468040749430656, 0.08891592919826508, -0.03981460630893707, 0.037314724177122116, -0.007265591993927956, -0.002995008835569024, -0.05183056369423866, 0.029352828860282898, 0.03307883068919182, -0.06375933438539505, 0.023965906351804733, 0.013891058973968029, -0.0009112180559895933, 0.0011471252655610442, 0.023804467171430588, -0.04917613044381142, 0.026557382196187973, -0.0371939092874527, -0.006498818285763264, -0.056632690131664276, 0.04557934030890465, 0.040801580995321274, -0.018718170002102852, -0.015007086098194122, -0.04043786600232124, 0.03432384505867958, -0.024099722504615784, 0.01241681631654501, 0.06287837028503418, 0.028942683711647987, 0.015095850452780724, 0.035364896059036255, 0.017570242285728455, -0.005044347140938044, -0.04528774321079254, 0.018933145329356194, 0.03717532381415367, -0.038702137768268585, 0.0266426894813776, -0.015557247214019299, -0.005378206726163626, -0.012840387411415577, -0.012353269383311272, 0.03623437136411667, -0.027006100863218307, -0.005378356669098139, -0.03127579763531685, -0.012191981077194214, -0.0030506649054586887, 0.09756503254175186, -0.05067296326160431, 0.032261889427900314, -0.010708881542086601, -0.02436693385243416, -0.006389703135937452, 0.003819666337221861, 0.021502729505300522, 0.00831922423094511, -0.026390675455331802, 0.008098267950117588, 0.025721842423081398, 0.06902983784675598, -0.012584570795297623, 0.011773093603551388, 0.020291918888688087, 0.03951839357614517, 0.027190543711185455, -0.0061683314852416515, 0.0049877227284014225, 0.005274945870041847, 0.03486472740769386, -0.03894418478012085, -0.02275942824780941, -0.03115239180624485, 0.0593789741396904, -0.05767049640417099, -0.016779232770204544, 0.03327548876404762, -0.04341340437531471, -0.030004281550645828, 0.014285286888480186, 0.04912785440683365, 0.03314751386642456, 0.022266635671257973, -0.03522951528429985, -0.0819002315402031, 0.04246212914586067, 0.0157906636595726, 0.026219679042696953, -0.019490985199809074, -0.02306511253118515, 0.04246090352535248, -0.03905189037322998, 0.030428025871515274, -0.014446331188082695, -0.09617414325475693, -0.05621103197336197, 0.028573092073202133, -0.02596314623951912, 0.04387916997075081, 0.022740956395864487, -0.0318838395178318, 0.05789937451481819, -0.019578194245696068, 0.029667463153600693, 0.013451825827360153, 0.015701966360211372, 0.07626914978027344, -0.03781493008136749, -0.044531695544719696, 0.04369112849235535, 0.050325922667980194, -0.007945970632135868, -0.03139246255159378, 0.07099337130784988, 0.00515311723574996, 0.018455950543284416, -0.009443446062505245, 0.005733939353376627, 0.014859749004244804, -0.02830665558576584, 0.052922993898391724, -0.0398513525724411, 0.05557319521903992, -0.0074591790325939655, 0.0461893267929554, 0.02202005125582218, 0.0391559936106205, 0.031102528795599937, -0.02487071231007576, 0.08143778145313263, 0.047327350825071335, -0.03403272479772568, -0.017018387094140053, 0.042282167822122574, -0.0025630260352045298, -0.026554670184850693, -0.0026939469389617443, 0.03546040132641792, 0.03816307336091995, -0.02835886739194393, -0.045984528958797455, -0.030672593042254448, 0.026346595957875252, -0.06852787733078003, -0.013411572203040123, 0.032786641269922256, 0.011048705317080021, 0.04848304018378258, -0.029090357944369316, -0.011221066117286682, -0.006935786455869675, 0.028340931981801987, -0.006574469618499279, -0.05321335047483444, -0.02707729861140251, 0.007036198861896992, -0.02173556014895439, -0.015028223395347595, 0.001050302293151617, -0.04774249717593193, -0.014662720263004303, 0.014361857436597347, 0.01930748112499714, 0.02818215824663639, 0.02653379924595356, 0.05296009033918381, 0.0616159588098526, 0.006254630163311958, -0.014728078618645668, -0.0661943182349205, -0.061742573976516724, 0.029022658243775368, -0.030492177233099937, 0.01333784218877554, 0.04723937064409256, 0.03648928180336952, -0.015100553631782532, 0.0019043725915253162, -0.014056544750928879, 0.02512463368475437, 0.03947693109512329, 0.004308308940380812, -0.024943143129348755, -0.0037746683228760958, -0.02305792085826397, 0.0419512614607811, -0.014234863221645355, -0.03659198060631752, 0.04617002606391907, -0.055817827582359314, 0.012275461107492447, -0.0566440112888813, -0.04418621584773064, 0.0449950210750103, 0.024098645895719528, 0.03270479664206505, 0.005443452391773462, 0.0012237568153068423, 0.033383678644895554, 0.011015581898391247, 0.009406223893165588, 0.03271309658885002, 0.030325250700116158, -0.00628065038472414, 0.021044636145234108, -0.013548566028475761, 0.0316283144056797, -0.0033810760360211134, 0.021480044350028038, -0.030961191281676292, 0.0011178198037669063, 0.029832566156983376, -0.27427616715431213, 0.003639868227764964, -0.011533917859196663, -0.04104534536600113, 0.03948308899998665, -0.016708916053175926, 0.03257518261671066, -0.013430625200271606, -0.012735639698803425, 0.031990718096494675, 0.0021121979225426912, 0.0040285624563694, 0.007684385869652033, 0.05354749411344528, 0.03966934606432915, -0.01240526046603918, 0.03450068458914757, -0.013502118177711964, 0.0012402866268530488, 0.005931996740400791, 0.011809597723186016, -0.07378684729337692, -0.07455573230981827, 0.011520269326865673, 0.07053779810667038, 0.07272249460220337, -0.0203498937189579, 0.004800731781870127, -0.03624143451452255, -0.018004518002271652, 0.016625719144940376, 0.01237659901380539, 0.023256827145814896, 0.006676985416561365, 0.03535784035921097, -0.00804576463997364, -0.00003110522811766714, -0.03368216007947922, 0.000010451200068928301, -0.015326542779803276, -0.0008575166575610638, -0.03258620947599411, -0.034362953156232834, 0.017335617914795876, 0.06666756421327591, 0.005402720998972654, -0.07611493766307831, 0.021469300612807274, -0.00896076112985611, 0.05438796430826187, 0.0047516473568975925, 0.015729084610939026, -0.0559513121843338, 0.04594173654913902, -0.05962391197681427, -0.01946498081088066, -0.08037622272968292, 0.023889144882559776, -0.06238218769431114, 0.04492653161287308, -0.0008385899709537625, -0.008841259405016899, 0.003686625976115465, -0.04341008886694908, -0.04286610335111618, -0.0607021190226078, -0.06496856361627579, -0.052165642380714417, 0.07520781457424164, 0.016787612810730934, -0.018454475328326225, 0.030838312581181526, -0.03661496192216873, -0.08034976571798325, 0.00947949942201376, -0.0159604474902153, -0.03307677432894707, -0.009095612913370132, -0.0016683654394000769, -0.0034152818843722343, 0.0032513397745788097, -0.03957730904221535, 0.05409182980656624, 0.005948967766016722, -0.020089181140065193, -0.012806208804249763, -0.0034614091273397207, 0.06710894405841827, -0.032822929322719574, 0.011105749756097794, 0.03489299118518829, 0.043885137885808945, -0.03182534873485565, 0.003237043274566531, 0.019261592999100685, 0.04319548234343529, -0.019210118800401688, -0.046759989112615585, -0.011986241675913334, 0.003212511073797941, 0.015439894050359726, -0.07435357570648193, 0.024585038423538208, -0.05184810981154442, -0.018670890480279922, -0.010099232196807861, -0.05705646798014641, 0.017283232882618904, 0.03657276928424835, -0.007981443777680397, 0.028359198942780495, -0.027473172172904015, 0.05606098473072052, -0.02053932100534439, 0.014199849218130112, 0.020866725593805313, 0.013170828111469746, 0.01074066013097763, 0.011796087957918644, 0.014728976413607597, 0.025225702673196793, 0.022474171593785286, -0.06687694042921066, -0.054772086441516876, -0.09809298068284988, 0.02449096366763115, 0.04325408115983009, -0.010916419327259064, 0.015593155287206173, 0.047310326248407364, -0.04823575168848038, -0.029619671404361725, 0.003664218122139573, -0.0022872318513691425, -0.018187671899795532, 0.007820753380656242, -0.012296930886805058, -0.024986863136291504, 0.012867254205048084, 0.017045004293322563, 0.03076229803264141, -0.025264672935009003, 0.009774685837328434, 0.00440659886226058, 0.03270559385418892, 0.01316021103411913, 0.029153084382414818, -0.022119881585240364, -0.06879259645938873, 0.0383325032889843, -0.013088266365230083, -0.05889934301376343, 0.016974618658423424, -0.027672335505485535, -0.05635747313499451, -0.03435671329498291, 0.03605453670024872, 0.02323155477643013, -0.03128776699304581, -0.06690004467964172, 0.01632443442940712, -0.012018987908959389, -0.03317283093929291, -0.02704450488090515, 0.008423849940299988, 0.054172348231077194, -0.005802514962852001, -0.00012318285007495433, -0.04902485013008118, 0.025232141837477684, -0.003940264694392681, -0.01934829354286194, -0.044434621930122375, 0.036600496619939804, 0.01920013129711151, 0.01828538440167904, -0.016841987147927284, -0.043212734162807465, 0.02543821930885315, 0.018398117274045944, 0.007020925637334585, -0.018330182880163193, -0.057337451726198196, -0.006850705482065678, 0.03827143833041191, -0.007547024171799421, -0.032568417489528656, -0.04298506677150726, -0.023006364703178406, -0.017640627920627594, -0.00750260753557086, -0.02093208208680153, -0.03573346138000488, 0.039353013038635254, -0.0542004257440567, -0.05125194787979126, 0.013300145976245403, 0.0371851921081543, 0.012887331657111645, 0.0028682509437203407, -0.042745184153318405, -0.005783636122941971, -0.03064853698015213, -0.0037482348270714283, -0.02556849829852581, -0.055080756545066833, 0.005888920743018389, 0.021668892353773117, 0.0011516432277858257, 0.024405717849731445, -0.0656578540802002, -0.003715199651196599, -0.01069182064384222, 0.002456876216456294, 0.034887637943029404, -0.0767783597111702, 0.05535689741373062, -0.02064315788447857, -0.03725365176796913, 0.016588736325502396, -0.019486568868160248, -0.03128599375486374, 0.001150979194790125, -0.009100668132305145, -0.007565110921859741, 0.046517323702573776, -0.009570467285811901, -0.013521350920200348, 0.03589705750346184, -0.005876168143004179, -0.009002943523228168, -0.040030840784311295, -0.003834788454696536, 0.04620769992470741, -0.02552604489028454, 0.0018579852767288685, -0.037050459533929825, -0.01773000694811344, 0.015489654615521431, 0.0681198462843895, -0.022939050570130348, 0.0006759864627383649, -0.011678679846227169, -0.04479392617940903, 0.014935978688299656, -0.023758690804243088, 0.05475437268614769, -0.017324911430478096, -0.023551996797323227, 0.0573623962700367, 0.020499207079410553, 0.0095681706443429, -0.01814284920692444, -0.00012918197899125516, 0.03275389224290848, -0.049785010516643524, -0.026372889056801796, 0.012971664778888226, -0.013056929223239422, 0.06727597117424011, 0.0008431085734628141, 0.031176157295703888, 0.01388897467404604, 0.008153979666531086, 0.03671596944332123, 0.05702720582485199, 0.029497778043150902, -0.011043638922274113, 0.04765719175338745, -0.09019318968057632, 0.0055411625653505325, -0.09367746859788895, -0.026053065434098244, -0.002694593509659171, 0.06119365990161896, 0.01589171215891838, 0.01169690489768982, -0.031197858974337578, 0.03763272613286972, -0.07595905661582947, -0.05156262591481209, 0.0033129469957202673, -0.02128118835389614, -0.04246348887681961, 0.011730789206922054, -0.02501329593360424, 0.04639668017625809, -0.009578839875757694, -0.08472034335136414, -0.04790065437555313, 0.004183423239737749, 0.03701913729310036, 0.03375563770532608, 0.013082527555525303, -0.050826799124479294, -0.0374736413359642, 0.050121329724788666, 0.025875920429825783, -0.02870899997651577, 0.014883052557706833, -0.07520729303359985, 0.008856040425598621, 0.03941686823964119, -0.021282507106661797, 0.02972555160522461, 0.03742380440235138, 0.030599119141697884, -0.03813602775335312, -0.034264277666807175, 0.04488475248217583, -0.0323018953204155, -0.08020719140768051, 0.05698821693658829, 0.011688063852488995, -0.031072871759533882, -0.034887876361608505, -0.0031692918855696917, -0.010761152021586895, -0.030067622661590576, 0.006464170292019844, 0.01569306291639805, -0.0018800325924530625, 0.07106044888496399, 0.022802315652370453, 0.07410605251789093, 0.03091120719909668, 0.03662635758519173, 0.008965259417891502, 0.037473902106285095, 0.08066641539335251, 0.06708776205778122, 0.04325605556368828, 0.010051773861050606, 0.021105602383613586, -0.040260475128889084, -0.03441768139600754, -0.024238919839262962, -0.038383614271879196, -0.03379342332482338, 0.025696812197566032, 0.044521838426589966, 0.048546478152275085, 0.027059536427259445, 0.026948314160108566, 0.021078674122691154, 0.005475901998579502, 0.03123318776488304, -0.045094288885593414, 0.018960431218147278, 0.01612480729818344, 0.017156057059764862, -0.011080761440098286, -0.013511030934751034, -0.04514222964644432, 0.013489402830600739, 0.007586013991385698, -0.014910920523107052, -0.009257135912775993, -0.04377814382314682, 0.035735566169023514, -0.0033172823023051023, -0.02221396192908287, 0.06420305371284485, -0.06490146368741989, -0.05102670192718506, -0.026424940675497055, 0.025810986757278442, -0.012320728041231632, -0.028425492346286774, 0.028497781604528427, 0.00889313593506813, -0.06769924610853195, -0.011091283522546291, 0.007885727100074291, 0.05811718851327896, 0.010381454601883888, 0.04374314099550247, -0.02440822124481201, 0.028524210676550865, 0.08518555760383606, 0.059615250676870346, -0.033484335988759995, -0.05280214175581932, -0.032331470400094986, -0.030368179082870483, -0.02487046644091606, -0.0020920985843986273, 0.03228357806801796, 0.004886775743216276, -0.03857460618019104, 0.0127188665792346, 0.01611078530550003, -0.02848396636545658, 0.02882074937224388, -0.05005210265517235, 0.027948282659053802, 0.05695106461644173, 0.02821514755487442, 0.024759693071246147, 0.034016046673059464, 0.05474357306957245, -0.02439712919294834, -0.024240458384156227, -0.012772103771567345, -0.02828165329992771, 0.06359688937664032, -0.0183712225407362, 0.009488857351243496, -0.07775627076625824, -0.01104915700852871, 0.03326406702399254, 0.0148856146261096, -0.0687216967344284, 0.0418040007352829, -0.0013261812273412943, -0.01678336225450039, 0.06634452939033508, 0.025152666494250298, -0.01949024572968483, -0.02915477566421032, -0.025767970830202103, 0.013585560023784637, 0.008613771758973598, 0.016023237258195877, -0.031473059207201004, 0.034147243946790695, 0.039956945925951004, 0.007558606564998627, 0.010454066097736359, 0.04829811304807663, -0.001933543710038066, -0.01581496000289917, -0.05049555003643036, 0.005547028034925461, -0.010458794422447681, -0.0482674203813076, -0.06791181862354279, 0.002793967491015792, -0.04712202772498131, -0.060813337564468384, 0.005322391167283058, -0.006438831798732281, -0.013021950609982014, -0.06209312751889229, 0.026595279574394226, 0.02569839544594288, -0.011095046065747738, -0.01570035330951214, 0.0028187574353069067, 0.005245246458798647, 0.002212718827649951, 0.006949957925826311, -0.0022758282721042633, -0.0535745695233345, 0.03653060644865036, -0.02566112019121647, -0.04072681814432144, 0.04199855402112007, 0.03137054294347763, 0.016664717346429825 ]
OPINION DONNELLY, Chief Judge. The garnishee Randal D. Davis appeals from a judgment entered on behalf of Jemko, Inc. (Jemko) authorizing garnishment of a promissory note executed by garnishee in favor of defendant Robert D. Davis and Sherron Davis, his wife. Sherron Davis was not a party to any of the proceedings that resulted in the garnishment judgment. Three issues are presented on appeal: (1) whether the trial court lacked jurisdiction to enter the order of garnishment; (2) whether garnishment of a debt evidenced by a non-negotiable note may properly issue; and (3) claim of error as to attorney’s fees. We affirm in part and reverse in part. The events giving rise to this action had their genesis in a real estate transaction. Following a bench trial, the court entered judgment in favor of Jemko for $343,883.55 plus interest. We affirmed the judgment by memorandum opinion as against Robert Davis and Abdolkarim Liaghat, but reversed as to Larry Davis. See Jemko, Inc. v. Liaghat, Memorandum Opinion, No. 8226 (Filed January 29, 1987). Following entry of the judgment against the defendants, on December 11, 1984, Jemko obtained a writ of garnishment against garnishee Randal Davis. In his answer to the writ of garnishment, Randal Davis stated that he, owes Robert D. Davis [a judgment debt- or] the sum of $95,000.00, pursuant to a non-negotiable note. The payments on these notes [sic] are as follows: The next payment is due September 28, 1985, in the amount of $9,500.00 with similar annual payments until October 28, 1988, when said note shall be paid off at the rate of $908.77 monthly. After a hearing, the trial court entered a judgment finding that there was due and owing $95,000.00 payable under the promissory note executed by garnishee to defendant Robert Davis, and Sherron Davis, his wife, and that the monies dué on the note were subject to garnishment. The trial court ordered that: Garnishee Randal D. Davis shall pay, according to the terms of the * * * Promissory Note, any and all payments, as they become due, directly to Plaintiff JEMKO, INC., until either the full amount due under the said Note, together with the accrued interest thereon, is paid to JEMKO, INC., or the Judgment herein entered against Defendant Robert D. Davis is otherwise satisfied[.] Additionally, Jemko was awarded attorney’s fees in the amount of ten percent of the amount of each payment paid pursuant to the terms of the note. I. ISSUE AS TO JURISDICTION The garnishee, Randal Davis, contends that the judgment of garnishment entered by the trial court against him is void because the judgment obtained by Jemko only applied to the named defendants, including Robert Davis, and not against Sherron Davis, the wife of Robert Davis. Garnishee asserts that the promissory note executed by him was payable to both Robert Davis and Sherron Davis, as husband and wife, and that the garnishment proceedings were void for failure to join an indispensable party. Garnishee contends that absent joinder of an indispensable party, a lawsuit is inherently defective, State v. Hastings, 79 N.M. 338, 443 P.2d 508 (Ct.App.1968), and that failure to join an indispensable party deprives the court of jurisdiction. Holguin v. Elephant Butte Irrigation Dist., 91 N.M. 398, 575 P.2d 88 (1977); cf. Sellman v. Haddock, 62 N.M. 391, 310 P.2d 1045 (1957); see also SCRA 1986, 1-012(B)(7). An indispensable party is one whose interests will necessarily be affected by the judgment so that complete and final justice cannot be done between the parties without affecting those rights. American Gen. Companies v. Jaramillo, 88 N.M. 182, 538 P.2d 1204 (Ct.App.1975). Garnishment proceedings are a statutory remedy which are controlled by statute. NMSA 1978, §§ 35-12-1 to -19 (Orig.Pamp. & Cum.Supp.1986). See also Joe v. Marcum, 621 F.2d 358 (10th Cir.1980); Farmers Ins. Exch. v. Ledesma, 214 F.2d 495 (10th Cir.1954). A garnishment action is a form of attachment. Mendoza v. Acme Transfer & Storage Co., 66 N.M. 32, 340 P.2d 1080 (1959). In New Mexico, Section 35-12-19 expressly invests district courts with jurisdiction to issue writs of garnishment relating to matters pending in their courts in accordance with Sections 35-12-1 to -18. See also SCRA 1986, 1-065.1. Since the judgment of the trial court in the garnishment proceeding indicated that garnishee was indebted on a promissory note to Robert Davis and Sherron Davis, as husband and wife, was the wife required to be joined as a party to the garnishment of the proceeds payable under the note? This question presents an issue of first impression in this jurisdiction. A judgment creditor acting under a writ of garnishment, after due notice to interested parties, can only seize the property that belongs to the judgment debtor. See Dailey v. Walden, 7 Kan.App.2d 712, 648 P.2d 258 (1982) (garnishment of joint tenancy property severs joint tenancy and garnishor can seize only property belonging to judgment debtor, assuming compliance with due process requirements of notice); Yakima Adjustment Serv., Inc. v. Durand, 28 Wash.App. 180, 622 P.2d 408 (1981); see generally Annotation, Joint Bank Account As Subject To Attachment, Garnishment, or Execution By Creditor of One of the Joint Depositors, 11 A.L. R.3d 1465 at 1469 (1967). Although the answer of the garnishee is not conclusive upon the court issuing the garnishment as to the true ownership of the funds sought to be garnished, see Young v. Nicholson, 107 F.2d 177 (D.C.Cir.1939); Zanz v. Stover, 2 N.M. 29 (1880), where it appears that a third party who is not a judgment debtor has or claims an interest in the funds sought to be garnished, it is generally held that the rights of the third-party claimant cannot be adjudicated unless he is a party to the proceeding. Jetco, Inc. v. Bank of Virginia, 209 Va. 482, 165 S.E.2d 276 (1969); see also Perry v. Heflin, 202 Ga. 143, 42 S.E.2d 378 (1947); Maury v. Toledo Logging Co., 163 Wash. 563, 1 P.2d 896 (1931). Generally, a judgment creditor cannot by garnishment reach a debt due jointly to the defendant and a third person who has not been made a party to the garnishment proceeding. Kingsberry Mortgage Co. v. Ellis, 118 Ga. App. 755, 165 S.E.2d 604 (1968). Consistent with this rule, our courts have held that a party claiming an interest in the subject matter of the garnishment should, upon timely application, be permitted to intervene in the garnishment. Joyce-Pruit Co. v. Meadows, 31 N.M. 336, 244 P. 889 (1925) (held insured whose claims paid by insurer not an indispensable party); § 35-12-5(B). In Jetco, Inc. v. Bank of Virginia, the bank obtained a judgment against William Barton and obtained a writ of garnishment which was served on Jeteo, Inc., the defendant, and an endorser. Defendant’s wife was not joined as a party to the garnishment proceeding. Jeteo, Inc. filed an answer stating that it owed monies on a promissory note originally payable to defendant but which defendant had assigned to his wife. The trial court held that the sums payable under the note were subject to garnishment by the plaintiff. On appeal, the supreme court reversed the judgment and remanded for a new trial, holding that determination of the validity of the assignment was vital to Jeteo, Inc., as the maker of the note, and to the endorser in order that they might be protected against double liability thereon and that this issue should have been settled before the court could properly determine what judgment should be entered in the garnishment proceeding. The court further held that: It is well settled that a court may not adjudicate the rights of one who is not a party to the proceedings. 11 Mich. Jurisp., Judgments and Decrees § 19, p. 44. Consequently, in a garnishment proceeding it is generally held that the rights of a third party claimant to the fund sought to be garnished cannot be adjudicated unless he is a party to that proceeding. Metz Mfg. Co. v. Holbeck, 247 Mich. 241, 225 N.W. 536, 537, 538 (1929); Foshee v. Board of Education, 236 Ala. 457, 183 So. 441, 442 (1938); Hanaford v. Hawkins, 18 R.I. 432, 28 A. 605 (1893); Airey & Strouse v. Hoke, 164 La. 998, 115 So. 60, 62 (1927); 6 Am. Jur.2d, Attachment and Garnishment § 572, p. 966; 38 C.J.S. Garnishment § 276, pp. 550, 551. 209 Va. at 486, 165 S.E.2d at 279. The court issuing the garnishment may determine any controversy between the parties when it can be done without prejudice to the rights of others, but when a complete determination cannot be had as to the rights of third parties in the res without the presence, the trial court should cause them to be joined in the action. See Eastham v. Public Employees’ Retirement Ass’n Bd., 89 N.M. 399, 553 P.2d 679 (1976); cf. American Gen. Companies v. Jaramillo, Plaintiff contends, inter alia, that the judgment entered against Robert Davis is a community debt because the underlying tort actually or potentially benefited the community. See Delph v. Potomac Ins. Co., 95 N.M. 257, 620 P.2d 1282 (1980). Plaintiff accordingly asserts that the entire community was not indispensable to the action and that once the debt to the community was before the court through the garnishee, jurisdiction was acquired to effect the garnishment. In Central Adjustment Bureau, Inc. v. Thevenet, 101 N.M. 612, 686 P.2d 954 (1984), our supreme court held that where a wife’s separate property was insufficient to satisfy her separate debt, the creditor of that debt could obtain a judgment of garnishment against her husband’s employer, garnishing that portion of her husband’s wages representing the wife’s community property interest in her spouse’s non-exempt income under NMSA 1978, Section 35-12-7 (Cum.Supp.1983). In rejecting the husband’s contention that the garnishment statute unlawfully allowed seizure of not only the judgment debtor’s property but also that of a third person, the court found that the wife had a legally recognizable community interest in one-half of the husband’s income; that the garnishment of one-half of twenty-five percent of husband’s disposable income effected only the judgment debtor’s property; and that the husband therefore lacked standing to argue deprivation of property without adequate due process of law. Cf. State ex rel. Reynolds v. Allman, 78 N.M. 1, 427 P.2d 886 (1967) (due process entitles all who may be bound or affected by a decree to notice and hearing so that they may have their day in court). In contrast, however, to the result reached in Central Adjustment Bureau, Inc., the trial court in the present case did not enter a finding that the funds sought to be garnished were community property in which the judgment debtor-spouse had a clearly recognizable legal interest. Similarly, no finding was made concerning the date of the marriage of Robert Davis and Sherron Davis, whether they are still married, the date the note was executed, or whether the debt which is the subject of the garnishment was a judgment against Robert Davis. See NMSA 1978, §§ 40-3-10, -11 (Repl.1986). Garnishment is an ancillary proceeding and not an original civil suit. Joe v. Marcum; Mayo v. George, 31 N.M. 593, 248 P. 885 (1926). Hence, where it becomes apparent in a garnishment proceeding that the property rights of persons who are not parties to the proceedings may be affected, the remedy is to have them joined. Cf. Eastham v. Public Employees’ Retirement Ass’n Bd. We therefore remand the cause in order that the trial court may expressly determine whether the promissory note is a community asset. The court on its own motion may direct that Sherron Davis be joined as a party to the garnishment. If the note is not a community asset, both payees under the note should be joined so as to adjudicate their respective rights under the note. The trial court should also determine whether the judgment against Robert Davis which is the subject of the garnishment grew out of a community tort and is therefore a community debt. See Delph v. Potomac Ins. Co. If the note is a community asset, the judgment of the trial court should be amended to properly reflect the extent to which each spouse’s community interest may be subject to garnishment in accordance with the statutory priorities enacted for satisfying community or separate debts. See §§ 40-3-10, -11. If the trial court finds that the note is a community asset, Sherron Davis would be considered a proper but not indispensable party. See City of Albuquerque v. Reynolds, 71 N.M. 428, 379 P.2d 73 (1962). II. NON-NEGOTIABILITY OF NOTE The promissory note sought to be garnished expressly stated that the instrument was a “non-negotiable promissory note.” Garnishee contends that the note, by its terms, was not subject to garnishment and that the district court could not, under the garnishment statute, cause the proceeds thereunder to be paid to another in contravention of the terms of the note and the agreement of the parties. We disagree. Sections 35-12-6 and -19, expressly authorize a judgment creditor to reach monies due a judgment debtor. See also Rule 1-065.1. The insertion of a provision specifying the non-negotiability of the note cannot circumvent a judgment creditor’s right of garnishment. The promissory note executed by garnishee was dated October 1, 1984. The original judgment entered by the trial court against Robert Davis and the other defendants was filed on October 12, 1984. The trial court, on September 21, 1984, shortly prior to the execution of the note, entered its findings of fact and conclusion of law in the original action prior to the execution of the note. Whether or not a chose in action is negotiable does not control the right of the judgment creditor to reach by garnishment monies due to a judgment creditor. The purpose of the garnishment proceeding is to subrogate the plaintiff to defendant’s rights against the garnishee. See Hamil ton v. Hanks, 309 So.2d 229 (Fla.App.1975). The test as to whether funds in the hands of another are subject to garnishment is whether the defendant in the original action could recover such funds directly against the garnishee. See Morgan v. Morgan, 156 Ga.App. 726, 275 S.E.2d 673 (1980); see also Field v. Sammis, 12 N.M. 36, 73 P. 617 (1903); Grimm v. Sinnett, 567 S.W.2d 418 (Mo.App.1978). The non-negotiability of the note does not preclude the underlying debt due from the garnishee to the defendant Robert Davis from being collected by garnishment. Under Section 35-12-5, monies due under a chose in action are subject to garnishment. The promissory note, which was the subject of the garnishment, was not made a part of the record on appeal. Garnishee sought to place the note before this court by attaching a copy of it to his brief. It is improper to attach to a brief documents which are not part of the record on appeal. Strickland v. Roosevelt Rural Elec. Coop., 99 N.M. 335, 657 P.2d 1184 (Ct.App.1982). III. ATTORNEY’S FEES Garnishee’s final point asserts that the trial court erred in refusing to award him attorney’s fees incident to the garnishment proceeding, and that the trial court erred in awarding attorney’s fees against him and in favor of Jemko. The award of attorney’s fees in a garnishment proceeding is governed by statute. § 35-12-16. This statute provides: A. If the plaintiff prevails in a garnishment proceeding, he may be awarded either one or both of the following: (1) [Costs] * * *. (2) a reasonable attorney fee not exceeding ten percent of the judgment entered against the garnishee. B. If the garnishee answers as required by law, the court shall award the garnishee his actual costs and a reasonable attorney fee. The award shall be against the defendant if the plaintiff prevails and against the plaintiff if the garnishee prevails. [Emphasis added.] Under the above statute, the trial court could properly award attorney’s fees to both plaintiff and the garnishee. Attorney’s fees are allowed a garnishee to reimburse him for the cost of filing an answer and appearing in the trial court if his answer is controverted. See Mendoza v. Acme Transfer & Storage Co. The garnishee was entitled to an award of attorney’s fees out of the monies due the judgment debtor based upon the filing of its answer and its claim that the wife was a necessary party to the garnishment proceeding. The order of garnishment is reversed and the cause is remanded to the trial court for further action in accordance with this opinion. The trial court is also directed to award reasonable attorney’s fees to both Jemko and garnishee based upon Section 35-12-16. Garnishee is awarded his costs and the sum of $1,500 for attorney’s fees incident to this appeal. IT IS SO ORDERED. BIVINS and FRUMAN, JJ., concur.
[ -0.01829581893980503, -0.029755163937807083, -0.010333806276321411, 0.012031643651425838, 0.0371449813246727, 0.031705934554338455, 0.019714027643203735, 0.007073625456541777, 0.0046877674758434296, -0.04271284490823746, 0.013151978142559528, 0.050876423716545105, -0.05122041702270508, 0.039476435631513596, -0.03243132308125496, 0.07200092822313309, 0.05033789947628975, 0.015840573236346245, 0.01873558759689331, -0.03919273987412453, 0.04644579440355301, 0.01643962785601616, 0.008355764672160149, 0.02143736742436886, 0.006069101858884096, 0.04563531279563904, -0.008450981229543686, 0.01316993311047554, -0.06769562512636185, -0.05721532180905342, 0.08620326966047287, 0.01118614710867405, -0.008282109163701534, 0.012010106816887856, -0.0018536074785515666, 0.011949327774345875, -0.03085748851299286, -0.03430389240384102, -0.04612963646650314, 0.017424747347831726, -0.009886820800602436, 0.02595054730772972, -0.04635126143693924, 0.006913972552865744, -0.04781890660524368, -0.024106116965413094, -0.010296670719981194, 0.027580562978982925, -0.022235330194234848, -0.022332297638058662, -0.07395657896995544, 0.02521413378417492, -0.0029302306938916445, -0.013885860331356525, -0.011281046085059643, 0.03348349779844284, -0.03707558289170265, -0.03233182430267334, 0.013406345620751381, -0.028558703139424324, 0.0448591448366642, -0.03536465764045715, 0.04918919503688812, 0.000406549806939438, 0.004149110056459904, 0.030199941247701645, 0.02859519235789776, 0.0766158476471901, -0.06181230768561363, -0.007661713752895594, -0.04616241157054901, 0.014318137429654598, 0.044513627886772156, 0.02549140155315399, -0.03661717101931572, -0.04154041036963463, -0.011094403453171253, 0.04856029897928238, -0.0012465424370020628, 0.05176769942045212, 0.04837891086935997, -0.020134201273322105, -0.0004888774710707366, 0.04813787713646889, 0.008257199078798294, -0.0335802286863327, -0.052544012665748596, -0.012035276740789413, -0.033210813999176025, 0.06783901900053024, -0.015738140791654587, -0.02253674529492855, 0.021300891414284706, 0.05059134587645531, -0.03444072976708412, -0.005750889889895916, 0.040193822234869, -0.030803995206952095, 0.029897751286625862, -0.0031932848505675793, -0.03692109137773514, -0.036791641265153885, 0.0006588864489458501, 0.043342966586351395, -0.056157436221838, -0.00538911297917366, -0.031017841771245003, 0.03267296403646469, 0.0013677632668986917, 0.014797947369515896, -0.012794846668839455, 0.042818352580070496, -0.021587030962109566, -0.01327580213546753, -0.04624822735786438, 0.03363526985049248, 0.034832753241062164, 0.0043530939146876335, -0.06528636813163757, -0.013534842059016228, 0.057337112724781036, 0.03282677382230759, 0.035904403775930405, 0.08506274968385696, 0.036229658871889114, -0.019777987152338028, 0.017382929101586342, 0.020653337240219116, -0.029361940920352936, -0.029910685494542122, 0.027231600135564804, 0.041291091591119766, -0.015643920749425888, 0.03441362828016281, -0.06593479961156845, 0.0011236740974709392, -0.009767763316631317, -0.015354318544268608, 0.04333467409014702, -0.04598880559206009, -0.012588090263307095, -0.010081741027534008, -0.01671767607331276, 0.023267505690455437, 0.034575846046209335, -0.035670388489961624, 0.05801784619688988, -0.02642214670777321, -0.0043575335294008255, 0.009714352898299694, -0.003361515002325177, 0.038257479667663574, 0.028594229370355606, -0.0068741654977202415, 0.008524534292519093, 0.0290138628333807, 0.037782810628414154, 0.003983598202466965, -0.015910077840089798, 0.07246304303407669, 0.013517077080905437, 0.05015791580080986, 0.03884197399020195, 0.001489586546085775, -0.04496762901544571, 0.029245901852846146, -0.00006086537541705184, -0.021316759288311005, -0.043530602008104324, 0.001174827921204269, -0.05697033181786537, 0.016286715865135193, 0.0446697473526001, -0.050642553716897964, -0.022581417113542557, 0.04235539957880974, 0.05413409695029259, -0.012573381885886192, 0.032330699265003204, -0.04070805385708809, -0.07839858531951904, 0.035053133964538574, 0.02103547938168049, -0.006802782882004976, -0.011317110620439053, -0.014632235281169415, 0.03845137730240822, -0.05451173707842827, 0.013831544667482376, -0.011085518635809422, -0.08420469611883163, -0.027172628790140152, 0.02183368243277073, -0.03357550501823425, 0.0580843985080719, 0.01803084835410118, -0.04501917213201523, -0.0015314174816012383, 0.02909541316330433, 0.04777505621314049, 0.01294951606541872, -0.0005776929319836199, 0.048967547714710236, -0.035367365926504135, -0.032020363956689835, 0.018737532198429108, 0.05734345316886902, 0.005472148302942514, 0.032002680003643036, 0.04689349979162216, 0.018182167783379555, -0.016816705465316772, 0.021332575008273125, -0.006921408232301474, 0.045714378356933594, -0.0066031538881361485, 0.038484539836645126, -0.04190099239349365, 0.04013356193900108, -0.02904178947210312, 0.0338156558573246, -0.006656062323600054, -0.011026336811482906, 0.033031344413757324, -0.012479385361075401, 0.07892443984746933, 0.05455497279763222, -0.046913161873817444, -0.04427555575966835, 0.06123971939086914, -0.03784386068582535, -0.01106420811265707, 0.005726794712245464, -0.02828788198530674, 0.04656250774860382, -0.013017973862588406, -0.039637669920921326, -0.04822754114866257, 0.0595870316028595, -0.04809163883328438, 0.007227912545204163, 0.0372585654258728, 0.016751816496253014, 0.05571843311190605, 0.0003286414430476725, 0.018162744119763374, -0.006856883876025677, 0.010381617583334446, -0.035060085356235504, -0.0208278801292181, -0.0056746345944702625, 0.009957424364984035, 0.02767709642648697, 0.005833438131958246, 0.012877252884209156, -0.03440384194254875, -0.023899458348751068, -0.012733531184494495, 0.028947792947292328, 0.018084198236465454, 0.027835700660943985, 0.006361227948218584, -0.0063498979434370995, -0.05961329862475395, -0.03160807117819786, -0.05080486834049225, -0.01897268369793892, 0.034716613590717316, -0.004465542733669281, 0.02686998061835766, 0.02416541799902916, -0.02118067443370819, 0.005988830700516701, -0.007439691573381424, -0.029360583052039146, 0.038162339478731155, 0.05104411020874977, -0.02961510606110096, 0.006538173649460077, -0.03594110533595085, -0.00900777243077755, 0.04999709501862526, -0.029910719022154808, -0.01717415452003479, 0.00012544756464194506, -0.04458588361740112, 0.028608232736587524, -0.009214362129569054, -0.06636852025985718, 0.05999169871211052, -0.0003446635964792222, 0.028587570413947105, -0.0469990149140358, 0.032166704535484314, 0.040177587419748306, 0.07370308041572571, 0.04784354194998741, 0.016934072598814964, -0.018362443894147873, -0.01932661607861519, 0.008938026614487171, -0.0041873399168252945, 0.009970316663384438, 0.03638846427202225, 0.012697071768343449, 0.017252208665013313, -0.030808256939053535, 0.0001579123636474833, -0.24998843669891357, 0.005426616873592138, -0.014368430711328983, -0.0590597465634346, 0.02592470683157444, 0.006253628525882959, 0.015073340386152267, -0.01006760448217392, -0.011637636460363865, 0.03738931193947792, -0.05009695142507553, -0.030639279633760452, 0.015338408760726452, 0.037294238805770874, 0.040239788591861725, -0.022496378049254417, 0.012898069806396961, 0.014032729901373386, -0.015081540681421757, 0.04983635991811752, 0.00038044227403588593, -0.08545491844415665, -0.08473474532365799, 0.0001606047444511205, 0.0785333663225174, 0.07048054784536362, -0.013256381265819073, -0.0013197102816775441, -0.0692184790968895, -0.017368007451295853, -0.0028984020464122295, -0.00967362243682146, -0.0032009638380259275, -0.012233413755893707, -0.020052315667271614, 0.013850550167262554, 0.031455088406801224, -0.040404196828603745, -0.026769286021590233, -0.016629109159111977, 0.028165215626358986, -0.01762983202934265, -0.014555494301021099, 0.026438070461153984, 0.07208690792322159, 0.0074343630112707615, -0.057753097265958786, -0.014175415970385075, -0.013709674589335918, 0.04301779344677925, -0.017434295266866684, 0.043290749192237854, -0.03153674304485321, 0.018387751653790474, -0.021261360496282578, -0.0018364976858720183, -0.08402789384126663, -0.001077071065083146, -0.031730666756629944, 0.06842099130153656, 0.004218697547912598, -0.06760280579328537, -0.02184177376329899, -0.0033791353926062584, -0.051957663148641586, -0.05701719596982002, -0.03774943947792053, -0.04066592454910278, 0.08392461389303207, 0.00790715217590332, 0.036127135157585144, 0.040112562477588654, -0.05707426741719246, -0.08059240877628326, -0.0006387166795320809, -0.04709360748529434, 0.0058263023383915424, -0.0008481739205308259, -0.053873300552368164, 0.017285944893956184, -0.004539048299193382, -0.021660691127181053, 0.02974683791399002, 0.039826832711696625, -0.011548814363777637, -0.001119378604926169, -0.02966001257300377, 0.05669094994664192, -0.048368219286203384, 0.0016135043697431684, 0.022375697270035744, 0.013975418172776699, -0.030488641932606697, -0.004285079892724752, 0.0240476131439209, 0.029985563829541206, 0.011998793110251427, -0.030629733577370644, 0.0035228237975388765, 0.026225894689559937, 0.04707368090748787, -0.08305230736732483, 0.03605196624994278, -0.04509533569216728, 0.005616218317300081, -0.006566494703292847, -0.019608937203884125, -0.013560719788074493, 0.06159907579421997, 0.014039017260074615, 0.02901686728000641, -0.01967213675379753, 0.031176866963505745, -0.034059688448905945, -0.011533294804394245, -0.039230238646268845, 0.013429614715278149, 0.03599840775132179, 0.020631946623325348, 0.023277560248970985, 0.000055689593864372, -0.019147899001836777, -0.0893108919262886, -0.043858423829078674, -0.08675826340913773, 0.06395366787910461, 0.019935602322220802, -0.022865930572152138, -0.01768268272280693, 0.021528054028749466, -0.0225367434322834, -0.029676444828510284, -0.027196284383535385, 0.0004379389574751258, 0.04364049434661865, -0.02276054210960865, -0.010206094942986965, -0.043909553438425064, 0.006425445433706045, -0.014947107993066311, 0.02958703227341175, -0.0028235027566552162, 0.032399192452430725, 0.0019006076036021113, 0.03915732353925705, -0.003316862741485238, 0.022739319130778313, -0.004075371660292149, -0.03167179599404335, 0.003947139717638493, 0.0007806030916981399, -0.05099526047706604, 0.037334829568862915, -0.0683988407254219, -0.03723158687353134, -0.057565659284591675, 0.015456139110028744, 0.011979974806308746, -0.005887052044272423, -0.02755805477499962, -0.010620443150401115, 0.009912271983921528, -0.042162004858255386, -0.032266732305288315, -0.0049440315924584866, 0.06041203439235687, -0.046915628015995026, 0.028023524209856987, -0.007884480990469456, 0.0518597774207592, -0.025870783254504204, -0.058400917798280716, -0.005466848611831665, 0.03432103618979454, 0.026768794283270836, 0.039773307740688324, -0.019912002608180046, -0.010395536199212074, 0.010185609571635723, 0.040307819843292236, -0.029089603573083878, -0.04998767003417015, -0.030152054503560066, 0.030118200927972794, 0.035895202308893204, -0.007849709130823612, -0.013123433105647564, -0.017061779275536537, -0.057743702083826065, -0.030734816566109657, -0.05161936208605766, -0.0220466461032629, 0.01897255703806877, 0.00068364676553756, -0.025295527651906013, -0.07081659138202667, 0.00574021739885211, 0.006433543283492327, 0.005363074596971273, 0.03862224891781807, 0.025562185794115067, 0.011895976960659027, -0.041649237275123596, 0.012602021917700768, 0.005236317869275808, -0.048559706658124924, 0.05438315495848656, 0.021337982267141342, -0.012743502855300903, 0.03394756838679314, -0.04581313207745552, -0.009293275885283947, 0.018396109342575073, 0.00976139772683382, 0.03249890357255936, -0.042281027883291245, 0.02419576793909073, -0.042640626430511475, -0.0016971086151897907, -0.01008305698633194, -0.03406335040926933, -0.01630767434835434, -0.014711352065205574, -0.0027726790867745876, -0.03808068856596947, 0.04978497326374054, -0.02565629966557026, -0.013433640822768211, -0.014175544492900372, -0.01820283569395542, 0.008418206125497818, -0.05816694721579552, -0.02038642391562462, 0.033358823508024216, -0.02366763912141323, -0.025507159531116486, -0.0026036484632641077, -0.024189716205000877, -0.008811102248728275, 0.04575146734714508, 0.029743775725364685, 0.029975526034832, 0.02078588679432869, -0.025997072458267212, -0.013494719751179218, -0.01565825380384922, 0.023693393915891647, 0.029068756848573685, 0.018198691308498383, 0.0938701406121254, -0.024371135979890823, 0.0022491475101560354, -0.07204808294773102, -0.0034935362637043, 0.05556488037109375, -0.021131718531250954, 0.024004103615880013, -0.023789677768945694, -0.017332345247268677, 0.07848305255174637, 0.021401016041636467, 0.04400448128581047, -0.012223885394632816, 0.004108917433768511, 0.05941656604409218, 0.03609108924865723, 0.026972388848662376, 0.017764167860150337, 0.03793242573738098, -0.08036033064126968, -0.0014659914886578918, -0.07332871109247208, -0.03506109490990639, -0.0335625559091568, 0.010315598919987679, 0.016262037679553032, 0.012216138653457165, -0.06601789593696594, -0.011547097004950047, -0.08348135650157928, -0.04587783291935921, -0.018536092713475227, -0.031739719212055206, -0.031876593828201294, 0.04078506678342819, -0.02898756042122841, 0.04298773407936096, -0.02433723211288452, -0.07404255867004395, -0.034739043563604355, -0.010023077949881554, 0.0478634238243103, 0.028303449973464012, 0.02471955679357052, -0.01593657210469246, -0.03196432441473007, 0.04431061074137688, 0.04364929720759392, -0.02687753178179264, 0.05090627446770668, -0.07086458802223206, 0.03879578411579132, 0.021344076842069626, -0.0016019168542698026, 0.0056547848507761955, 0.0012095418060198426, 0.014330705627799034, -0.05382510647177696, 0.02714427001774311, 0.03395041823387146, 0.008844331838190556, -0.07057829946279526, 0.06699606031179428, -0.015778375789523125, -0.03775537759065628, -0.03909947723150253, -0.018154101446270943, 0.004797020927071571, -0.02568318508565426, -0.02811763435602188, 0.06428024917840958, 0.0014632841339334846, 0.06528879702091217, 0.02049185335636139, 0.08916745334863663, 0.025398198515176773, 0.015823502093553543, 0.04056474566459656, -0.0007276270189322531, 0.07732263207435608, 0.054372236132621765, 0.01276218518614769, 0.012319928966462612, 0.014979111030697823, -0.027063686400651932, -0.03574010729789734, 0.010667027905583382, -0.038673289120197296, 0.008573907427489758, -0.009916502982378006, 0.03871593624353409, 0.021554628387093544, -0.012039628811180592, 0.0608389712870121, -0.017972666770219803, -0.011765838600695133, 0.07096616178750992, -0.04572724923491478, 0.018067898228764534, 0.005370744038373232, -0.01578867807984352, -0.035689033567905426, 0.00580128189176321, -0.048496514558792114, 0.008694433607161045, -0.0033474890515208244, -0.06279999017715454, 0.01239127665758133, -0.019431553781032562, 0.008315701968967915, -0.004155047237873077, -0.036031629890203476, 0.06258522719144821, -0.017482904717326164, -0.009687703102827072, 0.012679499574005604, 0.007528442889451981, 0.011409350670874119, 0.009972878731787205, 0.00273102312348783, -0.01869836077094078, -0.033527664840221405, -0.011176368221640587, 0.01708553358912468, 0.048638783395290375, 0.023640573024749756, 0.008075439371168613, -0.01114944089204073, -0.0005904127028770745, 0.052488505840301514, 0.07258414477109909, -0.041311051696538925, -0.029338262975215912, -0.029327986761927605, -0.021107172593474388, -0.043429914861917496, 0.03972526639699936, 0.03536013141274452, -0.016984688118100166, -0.06142643839120865, 0.004720644094049931, -0.013001134619116783, 0.009090299718081951, 0.013890347443521023, -0.02860558219254017, -0.02286180667579174, 0.06463024020195007, 0.018146837130188942, -0.0028701911214739084, 0.018294043838977814, 0.059273455291986465, -0.014934821054339409, -0.05599852651357651, -0.007209151051938534, -0.011114036664366722, 0.04424792528152466, -0.011805765330791473, 0.012783907353878021, -0.08428388833999634, 0.014771714806556702, 0.0219207014888525, -0.02919335663318634, -0.05414055660367012, 0.05164482444524765, -0.0008182279416359961, -0.026253530755639076, 0.06501390039920807, 0.06344541162252426, -0.022476764395833015, -0.03574783354997635, -0.03457137197256088, 0.027934033423662186, -0.0016821471508592367, 0.03349656984210014, -0.030258258804678917, 0.05010148510336876, 0.03108714520931244, -0.015275107696652412, -0.007779930252581835, 0.04065079614520073, 0.032886236906051636, -0.03274911269545555, -0.024604996666312218, -0.007553559727966785, 0.021403111517429352, -0.04077624902129173, -0.024512305855751038, -0.014994428493082523, -0.03656051680445671, -0.03567416965961456, 0.00913316011428833, 0.009195677936077118, -0.024431485682725906, -0.02361224964261055, 0.004095981828868389, 0.04184997081756592, -0.04757535457611084, -0.042674172669649124, -0.03607192263007164, -0.002684034639969468, 0.011656883172690868, -0.03228999301791191, 0.015749430283904076, -0.04736681282520294, -0.006465521641075611, -0.05698187276721001, 0.004976533353328705, 0.03272053971886635, -0.002720329212024808, -0.037804923951625824 ]
OPINION SOSA, Senior Justice. Appellee and cross-appellant G. Lambert & Associates (Lambert) filed its complaint for money damages against appellant and cross-appellee, Horizon Corporation (Horizon), alleging that Horizon breached a contract for sale of real property, and that Horizon fraudulently and negligently misrepresented the facts concerning the details of the property. Trial without jury held on August 19, 1986 focused on two issues: (1) whether Horizon conveyed to Lambert less acreage than Lambert had contracted for; and (2) whether Horizon had failed to tell Lambert of an encumbrance on the land consisting of the flood waters of the “Black Arroyo,” raising the possibility that Lambert and other landowners would have to expend large sums of money to construct a concrete drainage ditch or other channel to divert the waters of the arroyo from their properties. As to the first issue, the trial court in its judgment ruled that Horizon conveyed to Lambert 1.3154 acres less than the amount agreed upon in the contract, and that since the price of the contract should have been accordingly reduced by $26,308.00, Lambert was entitled to damages in that amount. (The price for the property was $20,000 per acre; 36 acres were conveyed at a total price of $720,000.) As to the issue of the arroyo, the court in its findings of fact and conclusions of law determined that Lambert was fully knowledgeable as to the facts surrounding the arroyo and that he knowingly and willingly took the land in its natural state, encumbered by the arroyo. Horizon appeals the court’s judgment as to the first issue, and Lambert appeals the court’s judgment as to the second. Lambert contends that the court erred in refusing to issue a declaratory judgment ruling that Lambert has no financial obligation to participate in constructing any channel diverting the waters of the Black Arroyo or in otherwise helping Horizon solve the problem caused by the arroyo’s flooding. We affirm the judgment of the trial court as to both issues. FACTS The contract between the parties reads in pertinent part as follows: Paragraph 6 The property is sold and conveyed “as is”; any statement, representation, or disclosure to the contrary notwithstanding, and no representation has been made by Seller with respect to the value, appreciation, resale, repurchase, condition, use, development, environmental or governmental regulations, zoning laws or regulating or other like representations or any of them. Buyer acknowledges having made a thorough investigation and inspection of the property and does not rely on Seller in any manner in making this purchase. Buyer further acknowledges that it is aware of the natural drainageways flowing across the property and that further work may be required in channelizing the drainage. Buyer agrees that nothing shall be done to change the natural flow of the water in any manner which increases the flow on properties outside of the property being purchased and further agrees to cooperate with Seller, AMAFCA and the County of Bernalillo in working out a reasonable solution of any drainage problems which may exist or arise and to bear its share of any costs thereof. Lambert contends that the words “natural drainageway” are ambiguous, calling for the use of parol evidence to explain the ambiguity. Lambert asserts that he was led to believe by Horizon that “natural drainageway” refers not to the Black Arroyo, but to a surface “swale” which runs across the property. Lambert maintains it has always been willing to assume responsibility for any problems associated with the swale. Horizon contends that the words “natural drainageway” refer to the Black Arroyo. Horizon also contends that the phrase “as is” is likewise self-evident, so that in purchasing the land under the contract Lambert assumed the risk of any deficiency in the acreage of the property. In its findings of fact the court found that “[a]n Arroyo is a natural drainageway.” The court also found that “George Lambert is a knowledgeable and sophisticated real estate broker with 20 years of experience,” and “had inspected and investigated Tracts A, B, C, D and E of Paradise Heights Unit 1 prior to entering into the Contract to purchase these tracts from Defendant Horizon Corporation.” The court nonetheless found for Lambert as to the issue of the acreage conveyed, because “[pjrior to closing, Horizon Corporation did not advise [Lambert] that it had realigned Golf Course Road and that it had not vacated the old alignment of Golf Course Road.” As to the issue of the arroyo, however, the court allowed the contract to speak for itself, and denied Lambert relief, failing to make any statement whatsoever in the judgment concerning the issue of the arroyo, whether supportive of Horizon or of Lambert. Lambert assigns this as error, and asserts that the court’s failure to make appropriate findings of fact and conclusions of law concerning the issue of the declaratory judgment as to its responsibility to help pay for any diversion of the Black Arroyo flood waters and the issues of misrepresentation, may be corrected on appeal, in that we may review the trial court’s record and adopt our own conclusions of law. Lambert’s property, Tracts A, B, C, D and E lie between Dragoon Street (southwest), Benton Avenue (southeast) and Westside Boulevard (north) of the Paradise Heights Subdivision in Albuquerque. Westside Boulevard lies due south of the county line separating Sandoval County and Bernalillo County. Between Tracts D and E to the east and B and C to the west runs Golf Course Road, a road that originally ran straight in a north-south direction intersecting Dragoon Street and Benton Avenue and proceeding north toward West-side Boulevard. In 1974, however, Golf Course Road was realigned to meet a road coming south from Sandoval County. When it was realigned, the road was curved to the west, encroaching onto what eventually became Lambert’s Tract B, when he purchased that tract in 1983. The portion of the original alignment not vacated by Horizon amounts to 0.643 acres. Between the original and new alignment lies 0.0506 acres which are not useable by Lambert. A survey of the property revealed that instead of 36.00 acres having been conveyed, only 35.3782 acres had been conveyed, or 0.6218 acres less than required by the contract. Thus, the total shortage as calculated by the court amounts to: 0.6430 + 0.0506 + 0.6218 = 1.3154 acres, times $20,000 = $26,308 in damages. THE ISSUE OF THE REDUCED ACREAGE Horizon argues on appeal that the court erred in awarding damages under an “as is” contract that was a sale in gross rather than a sale by acre. The evidence at trial disputes Horizon’s contention. For example, James Folkman, Horizon’s vice-president and division manager, testified as follows: Q. Did you quote a price to Mr. Lambert for that property? A. * * * Well, we may have discussed a couple of different prices. I don’t recall. It was sometime ago. $20,000 is certainly a figure that sticks in my mind. Q. Was it $20,000 an acre? A. Yeah, it was $20,000 an acre * * *. I think that probably we had sold a piece to [Lambert] prior to that that was closer to the developed area for $20,000 an acre, which sort of set a base price for the general area. The fact that these parcels were close to an obvious drainage problem we felt that $20,000 an acre was a fair price because even if the arroyo didn’t affect the property, it still was an unsightly thing to have near the property. So we felt that $20,000 an acre was a fair price * * *. Horizon argues that because paragraph 2 of the contract reads, “The purchase price for the property shall be Seven Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($720,000) * * the sale constitutes a sale in gross and such testimony as that given above is parol and inadmissible. Yet, it seems to us that Folkman’s testimony is a legitimate explanation of two ambiguous parts of the contract, paragraph 2, just quoted, and paragraph 1, in which the total acreage is set forth as “36.0 acres.” If there were 36.0 acres sold for $720,000 the question arises whether this was a single tract sold at a single price, or whether the subject of the sale was thirty-six acres, more or less, or thirty-six acres specifically. In resolving this ambiguity it is clear that the testimony, as well as the plan of development, make it clear that it was the latter rather than the former. “Whether [a sale of real estate] was a sale in gross or by acre, depends upon the intention of the parties. In arriving at the intention of the parties, and that is the test to be applied in this class of cases, we must look to the whole contract, rather than to a single recital.” Branch v. Walker, 56 N.M. 594, 601, 247 P.2d 172, 177 (1952). With respect to the “as is” clause of paragraph 6 of the contract and the court’s finding of damages, it is our opinion that an “as is” clause provides absolute protection to a seller such as Horizon only when the buyer and seller possess equal knowledge of the property. Here, while Lambert’s knowledge of the property was equal to that of Horizon’s insofar as most essentials of the contract were concerned, Lambert relied on Horizon for its knowledge of the total acreage in the property, and for such information as would have informed him about the realignment of Golf Course Road. Hence the trial court did not err in finding damages as to the realignment of Golf Course Road despite the “as is” clause. See Archuleta v. Kopp, 90 N.M. 273, 562 P.2d 834 (Ct.App.), cert. dismissed, 90 N.M. 636, 567 P.2d 485 (1977). THE ISSUE OF THE ARROYO If as to the issue of the realignment of Golf Course Road and the total number of acres conveyed the parties were not in possession of equal knowledge, when the issue of the arroyo is raised, it is clear that Lambert did have knowledge of the property equal to that of Horizon. Indeed, it appears from the testimony of past officers of Horizon that Lambert’s knowledge as to the arroyo may in some respects have been superior to that of Horizon. Lambert’s principal argument against the terms of paragraph 6 of the contract insofar as it applies to the arroyo is that he talked to Horizon’s legal counsel before signing the contract and was told that “natural drainageway” did not refer to the arroyo, but referred to a swale running north and south across the property. Yet, the court found in its findings of fact that Lambert (1) “read and agreed to all the terms and conditions of the Contract,” (2) “had personal knowledge of, and had inspected and investigated” the property before entering into the contract, (3) that George Lambert “is a knowledgeable and sophisticated real estate broker with 20 years of experience” and that he had available to him certain engineering drainage studies dealing with the problems of the arroyo, and (4) “[a]n Arroyo is a natural drainageway.” We have no reason to dispute any of these findings since they are all supported by substantial evidence. “[T]he circumstances surrounding the Agreement, the import of that Agreement as a whole, and the undisputed parol evidence of the parties show that [Lambert’s] right to acquire [Horizon’s] interests was not conditioned upon ...” [an interpretation of “natural drainageway” as a “swale”.] Schaefer v. Hinkle, 93 N.M. 129, 131, 597 P.2d 314, 316 (1979); see also Smith v. Price’s Creameries, 98 N.M. 541, 544, 650 P.2d 825, 828 (1982), which likewise involved the issue of a conflict between contractual language and alleged oral assurances modifying the contractual language. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed. IT IS SO ORDERED. WALTERS and RANSOM, JJ., concur.
[ -0.06733693927526474, -0.03856449946761131, -0.02165129967033863, -0.0021422093268483877, 0.016610724851489067, 0.013451446779072285, 0.053675275295972824, 0.02974141575396061, 0.012596102431416512, -0.059152595698833466, -0.0051905494183301926, 0.041418932378292084, -0.05795224383473396, 0.025892088189721107, -0.011383334174752235, 0.06938139349222183, 0.03556486591696739, -0.004607686772942543, 0.011789903976023197, 0.00631306879222393, 0.032759889960289, 0.025268729776144028, 0.007894476875662804, 0.062174759805202484, 0.007324731443077326, -0.0029048954602330923, 0.02650475688278675, 0.023779558017849922, -0.06409315764904022, 0.01033509150147438, 0.02399279922246933, 0.01434050127863884, 0.013576817698776722, -0.0027885320596396923, -0.04062320291996002, 0.010926079005002975, 0.00004207098390907049, -0.007586401887238026, -0.06213448941707611, 0.01635485328733921, -0.03895117715001106, 0.03727830946445465, -0.0480867475271225, 0.015029283240437508, 0.009284703060984612, -0.025419460609555244, 0.013759206980466843, 0.02231597527861595, -0.03843444958329201, 0.0028308264445513487, -0.08048579096794128, -0.018325215205550194, -0.06948328018188477, 0.019499996677041054, -0.0046081519685685635, 0.06357366591691971, -0.02655087225139141, -0.039835087954998016, -0.0005356057081371546, -0.04939356446266174, 0.03241826593875885, -0.01427152007818222, 0.051375482231378555, -0.0362396277487278, -0.005259114317595959, 0.03457949683070183, -0.011337473057210445, 0.0239840280264616, -0.02361767366528511, -0.01829054206609726, -0.01824715919792652, 0.0404994897544384, 0.022421302273869514, -0.020296568050980568, -0.020467592403292656, -0.017429377883672714, 0.01588737778365612, 0.03563571348786354, -0.0022385965567082167, 0.028273187577724457, 0.033398620784282684, 0.0019998126663267612, 0.008877657353878021, 0.06157073378562927, -0.007657285779714584, -0.017120664939284325, 0.002782664727419615, -0.02201814018189907, -0.05004948750138283, 0.021376164630055428, 0.001614484703168273, -0.045421600341796875, 0.034858763217926025, 0.0722980797290802, 0.00884506106376648, -0.0010568787110969424, 0.07709385454654694, 0.0024611519183963537, 0.02663763426244259, -0.031194185838103294, -0.03489532694220543, 0.0048683262430131435, 0.019995493814349174, 0.08843305706977844, -0.08726530522108078, -0.013464968651533127, -0.04380349442362785, 0.024278847500681877, 0.031116090714931488, 0.015985362231731415, 0.024722736328840256, 0.02740447223186493, 0.016869613900780678, -0.03991694748401642, -0.058308862149715424, 0.04856600612401962, 0.017009761184453964, -0.033492814749479294, -0.00485095614567399, 0.013955497182905674, 0.045539047569036484, -0.015084792859852314, 0.002548957709223032, 0.07099975645542145, -0.001650085672736168, 0.01154726929962635, 0.0032433420419692993, 0.028001362457871437, -0.07646771520376205, -0.05129570513963699, 0.017434898763895035, 0.007410046178847551, -0.03734342381358147, -0.027857838198542595, -0.010098692961037159, 0.02008187584578991, -0.00804080069065094, -0.030110465362668037, 0.01826457493007183, -0.05085369944572449, -0.04492112994194031, -0.046323347836732864, 0.02589096687734127, -0.007316778413951397, 0.08771904557943344, -0.005780907813459635, 0.02335539273917675, 0.006952295079827309, -0.07011910527944565, -0.011451087892055511, 0.015280557796359062, -0.0014121964341029525, 0.0032984637655317783, -0.0383925698697567, -0.010803698562085629, 0.04466722533106804, 0.045151807367801666, -0.0028083636425435543, -0.057058315724134445, 0.03332240507006645, 0.02382759377360344, 0.0480351522564888, 0.04704427346587181, 0.023749763146042824, 0.015848839655518532, 0.022684292867779732, 0.03865223750472069, -0.016905194148421288, -0.058790288865566254, 0.02067691646516323, -0.06111156940460205, -0.03754141181707382, 0.05679604411125183, -0.05583592504262924, -0.011745377443730831, 0.013793162070214748, 0.06223619729280472, -0.01150886993855238, 0.026356063783168793, -0.01716708578169346, -0.07471803575754166, 0.046478595584630966, 0.0035627412144094706, 0.010319349355995655, -0.015886740759015083, -0.004829856567084789, 0.04406621679663658, 0.004450855311006308, 0.05249597132205963, -0.0038137200754135847, -0.06287480890750885, -0.05288854241371155, 0.02105170488357544, -0.0012008518679067492, 0.026586521416902542, 0.019238151609897614, -0.00833013653755188, -0.01814027689397335, 0.008089584298431873, 0.03995433822274208, -0.026264196261763573, 0.03397022932767868, 0.02618391625583172, -0.017133383080363274, -0.06449685990810394, -0.00037907742080278695, 0.04642152413725853, 0.01343804132193327, 0.006602879147976637, 0.024886466562747955, 0.00229816185310483, 0.002739385236054659, 0.04082484170794487, -0.011473501101136208, 0.0006735172937624156, 0.01107388362288475, 0.013786448165774345, -0.011265678331255913, 0.06029105558991432, -0.082655169069767, 0.008982036262750626, 0.04228166118264198, -0.020301448181271553, 0.02722270041704178, -0.009124301373958588, 0.06483311206102371, 0.05721220746636391, -0.007187200244516134, -0.019039178267121315, 0.03470086678862572, -0.018060466274619102, -0.029945556074380875, 0.006331754848361015, -0.006095278542488813, 0.04709199443459511, -0.017046302556991577, 0.0056389085948467255, 0.006414005067199469, 0.05059722438454628, -0.029948875308036804, -0.0010078013874590397, 0.0431588850915432, 0.014157263562083244, 0.03267430514097214, 0.0001277133560506627, -0.00984494574368, -0.034017354249954224, -0.0004352123651187867, -0.00407855398952961, -0.032797571271657944, -0.018366260454058647, 0.014784317463636398, 0.022734925150871277, -0.008207861334085464, 0.028204986825585365, -0.08225294947624207, -0.013389859348535538, -0.009996160864830017, 0.04248115420341492, -0.0037324107252061367, -0.004993214271962643, 0.02627975307404995, 0.030268672853708267, -0.01832946576178074, -0.004886385053396225, -0.037782054394483566, -0.04114655777812004, -0.0018822840647771955, -0.03865703567862511, 0.04422415420413017, 0.042161621153354645, -0.03048337809741497, 0.010928704403340816, -0.011717835441231728, 0.018926160410046577, 0.010470160283148289, 0.04461932182312012, 0.0024480889551341534, 0.009134490974247456, 0.013463652692735195, 0.007496153470128775, 0.030623720958828926, -0.058564748615026474, -0.061458081007003784, -0.006962370127439499, -0.02301201969385147, 0.024145787581801414, 0.010870967991650105, -0.02540992759168148, 0.047274015843868256, -0.0044500213116407394, 0.007225861772894859, -0.02073570527136326, 0.046239081770181656, 0.06020117551088333, 0.025351470336318016, 0.0290291216224432, 0.02657831832766533, 0.017023129388689995, 0.004315115511417389, -0.011408990249037743, -0.022110076621174812, -0.01993693970143795, -0.011440354399383068, 0.028964955359697342, 0.03292543441057205, -0.015840385109186172, 0.005040016956627369, -0.24430741369724274, -0.03993280604481697, -0.009456771425902843, -0.05021248385310173, 0.047629427164793015, -0.05494241788983345, 0.02320767566561699, 0.02220175415277481, -0.032143253833055496, 0.05473222956061363, 0.016745200380682945, -0.07097321003675461, 0.04531602934002876, 0.03708132728934288, 0.03697468712925911, -0.026349525898694992, 0.021836377680301666, -0.01737000048160553, 0.026939161121845245, -0.0036701892968267202, 0.0000757695670472458, -0.09001575410366058, -0.04215541109442711, -0.027689803391695023, 0.02527736872434616, 0.07986318320035934, -0.022499581798911095, 0.005732520017772913, -0.01899733394384384, -0.0021581887267529964, -0.016506263986229897, -0.012213265523314476, -0.007928459905087948, -0.0034672149922698736, -0.00024152624246198684, -0.024798279628157616, -0.013925472274422646, 0.005587311927229166, -0.03298300504684448, 0.011488099582493305, -0.0034236321225762367, -0.013258304446935654, -0.023605933412909508, 0.0040717474184930325, 0.01946200616657734, -0.021066153421998024, -0.05465961992740631, 0.01476255152374506, 0.02088463306427002, 0.035956237465143204, -0.011147170327603817, 0.0550796240568161, -0.007773811463266611, -0.006021510809659958, -0.06630422174930573, -0.015733135864138603, -0.017001666128635406, -0.03131866082549095, -0.047987088561058044, 0.04637991264462471, -0.006244840566068888, -0.06284927576780319, -0.029692934826016426, 0.009617059491574764, 0.010794510133564472, -0.0665922462940216, -0.05189691111445427, -0.058445822447538376, 0.10577087104320526, -0.0030280612409114838, 0.03796519711613655, 0.01973050832748413, -0.04199971631169319, -0.09023600816726685, -0.017434263601899147, -0.017495935782790184, -0.019448846578598022, -0.07710019499063492, -0.020833851769566536, -0.04177401214838028, -0.012426636181771755, -0.02005934715270996, 0.04689938575029373, 0.03102387674152851, -0.011265460401773453, -0.05574938654899597, -0.034275203943252563, 0.06683884561061859, -0.03138713538646698, -0.00349463545717299, 0.059698231518268585, 0.02516835927963257, -0.013335704803466797, -0.012329944409430027, 0.04255497828125954, 0.05046985298395157, 0.0031423531472682953, -0.042287856340408325, 0.02446669153869152, -0.00556239252910018, 0.024805426597595215, -0.06369369477033615, 0.011518067680299282, -0.033276818692684174, -0.024211401119828224, 0.007464271038770676, -0.06095840036869049, 0.017931340262293816, 0.0227334126830101, 0.006165659055113792, 0.053163133561611176, -0.008955376222729683, 0.051462966948747635, -0.02667449228465557, -0.004514519590884447, -0.026092709973454475, 0.02815830335021019, 0.03584246709942818, 0.03617316111922264, -0.021062027662992477, -0.0022385544143617153, 0.033999502658843994, -0.032603129744529724, -0.0472053699195385, -0.07358204573392868, 0.01442341972142458, 0.014329900033771992, 0.016313139349222183, -0.024185096845030785, 0.04925418645143509, -0.02887190692126751, -0.024600915610790253, -0.028710559010505676, 0.001939658890478313, 0.0279026348143816, -0.04398249462246895, -0.02283487655222416, -0.06265566498041153, -0.003899606876075268, -0.00019909435650333762, 0.037448737770318985, 0.016023699194192886, 0.04810011759400368, -0.011427746154367924, 0.04256981611251831, -0.003629108425229788, 0.03325920179486275, -0.03841833397746086, -0.0453353188931942, 0.0657668337225914, 0.009904161095619202, -0.059537217020988464, 0.036913447082042694, -0.04393898323178291, -0.03505031764507294, -0.05709096044301987, 0.012141263112425804, 0.011457552202045918, -0.031920913606882095, -0.03729074075818062, 0.012320132926106453, -0.0007990812882781029, -0.03838777169585228, -0.02049354463815689, -0.00007080990326358005, 0.05777338147163391, -0.03373163565993309, 0.046926647424697876, -0.05473887920379639, 0.04532654210925102, 0.02530251257121563, -0.0956781804561615, -0.03261398524045944, 0.015213589183986187, -0.0050963410176336765, 0.05592561140656471, 0.0032638506963849068, -0.03177566081285477, 0.045099467039108276, 0.05929289385676384, -0.0015416909009218216, -0.013276812620460987, -0.04253917187452316, 0.005276923533529043, 0.04585956409573555, -0.04082657769322395, -0.0392688512802124, -0.04333522170782089, -0.02789558842778206, -0.0030243180226534605, -0.044353973120450974, 0.0029375723097473383, -0.052758920937776566, 0.03669850900769234, -0.042568981647491455, -0.07409968227148056, 0.017680246382951736, -0.06330564618110657, 0.0407918356359005, 0.025043556466698647, -0.011505311354994774, -0.019626252353191376, 0.013793966732919216, 0.02051847241818905, -0.012945220805704594, -0.0693848505616188, 0.05917251855134964, 0.0031452784314751625, -0.019316205754876137, 0.05925853177905083, -0.03605916351079941, -0.006027994677424431, -0.008684361353516579, 0.02324744686484337, 0.0044428324326872826, -0.0330623984336853, 0.021640634164214134, -0.034712933003902435, -0.04650091379880905, -0.010737789794802666, 0.006430602166801691, -0.03937559202313423, -0.031147107481956482, -0.015622858889400959, -0.05292101576924324, 0.06995594501495361, -0.019382711499929428, -0.021961435675621033, 0.041890207678079605, -0.03247860446572304, 0.00975892785936594, -0.005678390618413687, -0.015710143372416496, 0.036758314818143845, 0.021900655701756477, -0.0006073775584809482, -0.03662918135523796, -0.02430127188563347, -0.0006647080299444497, 0.01697084866464138, 0.023274200037121773, 0.03960753232240677, 0.015741975978016853, -0.012178454548120499, -0.005800893995910883, 0.01644158735871315, 0.02375248447060585, 0.02700894884765148, -0.03955337032675743, 0.055943191051483154, -0.007953179068863392, 0.011066613718867302, -0.04489652439951897, 0.009362694807350636, 0.029556775465607643, -0.03841571882367134, -0.012236521579325199, 0.03445933759212494, -0.044552382081747055, 0.06368725746870041, -0.0016498100012540817, 0.03661210834980011, -0.006697718985378742, -0.010717201977968216, 0.06232793629169464, 0.02962847612798214, 0.03643660247325897, 0.005246540065854788, 0.019216647371649742, -0.035630349069833755, 0.0144119244068861, -0.1243944838643074, 0.0032295382115989923, -0.003069074358791113, 0.045991506427526474, 0.018383590504527092, 0.01935501955449581, -0.04406670480966568, 0.047045912593603134, -0.06364453583955765, -0.06404541432857513, -0.0007367831422016025, -0.012754717841744423, -0.01449315994977951, 0.04443194344639778, -0.012649030424654484, 0.008447679691016674, 0.021292492747306824, -0.09829839318990707, -0.07865350693464279, 0.0022966752294451, 0.02965029701590538, -0.010184102691709995, 0.023448960855603218, -0.023771759122610092, -0.005034115165472031, 0.03428882732987404, 0.028515610843896866, -0.01780194416642189, 0.041551608592271805, -0.06510626524686813, 0.04938116669654846, 0.03390021622180939, -0.010425088927149773, 0.004749121144413948, -0.005101455375552177, -0.005894981790333986, -0.03620623052120209, -0.01620737835764885, 0.0102400416508317, 0.02143271453678608, -0.03254183009266853, 0.039210546761751175, 0.007550743408501148, -0.02548690140247345, -0.014379346743226051, -0.03601805120706558, 0.004796551540493965, -0.014888542704284191, -0.04594949632883072, 0.03998067229986191, 0.03022930957376957, 0.06001294404268265, 0.0076573314145207405, 0.06604672968387604, 0.0437704399228096, -0.03025479055941105, 0.006016334518790245, 0.05532060191035271, 0.06615529954433441, 0.02056959457695484, -0.0013190812896937132, 0.00369484000839293, 0.04696034640073776, -0.06713391095399857, -0.017942462116479874, 0.028094066306948662, -0.052503813058137894, -0.020154807716608047, -0.009615245275199413, -0.008157899603247643, 0.009150603786110878, 0.01842697151005268, 0.025655165314674377, -0.044035859405994415, 0.010921724140644073, 0.056742046028375626, -0.0295858271420002, 0.029094863682985306, 0.01575949601829052, 0.023153655230998993, 0.007121117319911718, -0.005885752383619547, -0.04718395322561264, -0.014366038143634796, -0.000502765120472759, -0.01206569280475378, -0.017274927347898483, -0.009783990681171417, -0.0064491331577301025, -0.005279101897031069, -0.05214908719062805, 0.060033977031707764, -0.04181889444589615, -0.020972909405827522, 0.014666463248431683, 0.010895528830587864, 0.03555202856659889, 0.013154137879610062, 0.01693594641983509, -0.025342511013150215, 0.02306685596704483, -0.014206009916961193, -0.017429431900382042, 0.07477326691150665, 0.008599277585744858, 0.057160161435604095, 0.013375481590628624, 0.03205899894237518, 0.018217626959085464, 0.04574519768357277, -0.040984056890010834, -0.044509027153253555, -0.04018499702215195, -0.04132185876369476, -0.04760515317320824, 0.02541176974773407, 0.0181454848498106, -0.00792535487562418, -0.04928572475910187, -0.030469782650470734, -0.008257732726633549, -0.019649788737297058, 0.05619687959551811, -0.026868430897593498, 0.02292887307703495, 0.018936678767204285, 0.06607510894536972, -0.008768966421484947, 0.038645900785923004, 0.07469750195741653, -0.012128601782023907, -0.0006763205747120082, 0.010539914481341839, -0.006731486413627863, 0.0365467444062233, -0.012088639661669731, 0.04286012426018715, -0.0827438086271286, 0.011910352855920792, 0.007269577123224735, -0.03761376440525055, -0.05830360949039459, 0.06381186097860336, 0.015588737092912197, -0.032181911170482635, 0.03745031729340553, 0.036061979830265045, 0.011711190454661846, 0.0050297146663069725, -0.01433651801198721, 0.0403805673122406, -0.013462534174323082, 0.050014596432447433, -0.05045168474316597, 0.02987523004412651, 0.03113912232220173, -0.0021792487241327763, -0.005748367868363857, 0.06739389151334763, 0.04781389236450195, -0.026502005755901337, -0.05961115285754204, -0.003413426922634244, -0.009124603122472763, -0.08257224410772324, -0.042510826140642166, 0.0031026117503643036, 0.00031271649640984833, -0.07237540185451508, 0.006192382890731096, 0.01923455111682415, 0.016977272927761078, -0.03932943567633629, 0.003702299203723669, 0.037506893277168274, -0.03993877395987511, -0.053852882236242294, -0.05238395556807518, -0.003214980708435178, 0.030544374138116837, 0.0218439232558012, 0.021693507209420204, -0.03602045774459839, -0.0017052575713023543, -0.025400886312127113, 0.015441156923770905, 0.018598182126879692, -0.004949735477566719, 0.005565726198256016 ]
OPINION SOSA, Senior Justice. A jury convicted defendant Johnny Clifford Zinn (Zinn) of nineteen separate felonies, including murder, kidnapping, criminal sexual penetration, robbery, fraudulent use of a credit card, and extortion, along with conspiracy and solicitation to commit various of the above crimes. Zinn appeals the jury’s verdict and the sentence — life plus ninety-six years. For the reasons stated below, we affirm. FACTS James Scartaccini (Scartaccini) came to know Zinn through Randy Pierce (Pierce) when the latter asked Scartaccini to help find for Zinn a woman who would be willing to perform sexual acts in front of movie cameras for a supposed pornography ring in Farmington. Police investigation carried out subsequent to the course of events discussed herein turned up no pornography ring. Scartaccini had never met Zinn, but Pierce had been living for some time under Zinn’s roof. Pierce had approached the seventeen-year old Scartaccini in early January 1986, holding out the offer of $1500 for any “suitable” woman Scartaccini could find. Scartaccini later told his cousin, Thomas Sliger (Sliger), of Zinn’s offer, and the latter joined forces with Scartaccini in attempting to find a woman who would accept Zinn’s proposal. Scartaccini and Sliger were unsuccessful in procuring a woman for Zinn, principally because Zinn either frightened away or repulsed the women whom Scartaccini and Sliger did manage to introduce to Zinn. Because of this failure, Zinn threatened Scartaccini and Sliger with death if they did not locate a woman by the weekend beginning Friday, January 10. Testimony of other witnesses who observed Scartaccini and Sliger during this time confirmed that the' two men appeared terrified of Zinn. Upon Scartaccini’s and Sliger’s failure to find a woman by Saturday, January 11, Zinn instructed the two men to kidnap a woman, and thus Scartaccini and Sliger cooperated with Pierce in kidnapping a woman from an Albuquerque shopping center and taking her to a motel in Albuquerque, chosen by Zinn. After the victim had been brought to the motel, Zinn arrived and ordered the victim to disrobe. The four men then repeatedly raped and sodomized the victim while taking turns photographing her as she was being sexually assaulted. The photographs were later burned, and no record of them was found by the police. Zinn eventually left the room, placing Pierce in charge of the victim and of Scartaccini and Sliger. Scartaccini later contended that he had participated in the sexual assaults only at the behest of Zinn, but Sliger admitted voluntarily raping the victim on one occasion while his three accomplices were out of the room. Zinn told Pierce to transport the victim out of Albuquerque. After loading the victim into Scartaccini’s truck, Pierce drove the victim along with Scartaccini and Sliger to find Zinn in order to get further instructions. Following a meeting with Zinn at Jerry’s Lounge, Pierce told Sliger and Scartaccini that Zinn had said to take the victim to the Jemez Mountains. During the drive to the Jemez Mountains, Pierce told Scartaccini and Sliger that “these girls don’t come back to Albuquerque.” Shortly after that statement, following a phone call from Pierce to Zinn, Pierce told Scartaccini and Sliger that Zinn had told him (Pierce) over the phone to “get rid of her.” Pierce found a culvert in a deserted area, led the victim to it, and shot her in the head with Scartaccini’s gun. Immediately after the killing, Pierce expressed anger to Scartaccini and Sliger, telling them he had never killed a woman before, and that Zinn would “have to pay” for putting him in a situation in which he (Pierce) had to kill a woman. Earlier, while in the motel room, Zinn had taken the victim’s “Amigo” bank card from her purse and had instructed Pierce and Sliger to take the card to a bank’s automatic teller and withdraw funds. Their incompetent attempts to use the card put bank officials on notice, and at one “Amigo” station, a photograph was taken of Pierce. When the victim was reported as missing, Pierce’s photograph was shown on television, and a former girlfriend of Scartaccini, who had seen Pierce, Sliger and Scarticcini together before the kidnapping, called the police. On Friday, January 17, 1987, Scartaccini and Sliger were arrested and placed in separate facilities — Sliger being taken to the county jail in Albuquerque and Scartaccini to the Juvenile Detention Center in the same city. That Friday evening defense attorney Leon Taylor (Taylor) was retained by Scartaccini’s and Sliger’s parents to represent their sons, and thus Taylor went to interview Scartaccini and Sliger separately at the two detention facilities. On Sunday, January 19, Taylor returned to interview his clients more extensively, each man still being held in a separate facility. Taylor later testified that after the Sunday interview he realized that more than kidnapping was involved (the police at this point did not realize the victim had been murdered), and he requested and received a conference with the district attorney. Taylor’s first offer to the district attorney was “complete immunity — no holds barred, bottom line.” After the district attorney considered Taylor’s proposal, he responded, as Taylor recalls it, with a counteroffer requiring that Taylor’s “information * * * provide a conviction.” Taylor and the district attorney then executed the following immunity agreement (Agreement # 1): 1. Your clients (sic) no involvement in criminal activity other than [the case at bar]. 2. Provide us with all information indicated by Leon [Taylor], and information is truthful. 3. Give us one of following: A. Return of [victim] alive or B. Conviction of her killers if [victim] is dead. 4. Premised on your clients’ A. Not being the killers and B. Presenting reasonable evidence of duress or coersion (sic) in their involvement of the [victim’s murder]. 5. Clients fully cooperate, including truthful testimony, in all cases of which they have knowledge. If you agree to foregoing, we will agree not to prosecute your clients, [signatures of Taylor and district attorney] 1-19-86 (emphasis added). Subsequent to Agreement # 1, on February 28, 1986, another agreement was put into writing (Agreement # 2) that essentially presented the terms of Agreement # 1 in a more formal style, but which omitted any wording as to the conviction of the victim’s killers. Further, whereas Agreement # 1 was executed by the attorneys for the parties without prior knowledge on the part of either Scartaccini or Sliger as to the terms, Agreement # 2 was executed by Scartaccini and Sliger along with Taylor and the district attorney. After the execution of Agreement # 1, Taylor’s associate, Daniel Rakes, met with Scartaccini and Sliger. Rakes testified as to this meeting as follows: I met with the clients at the police substation and I informed them that we had a deal where they would be granted immunity if they would tell the truth and cooperate with the police as to their involvement in the * * * murder. When asked if Scartaccini and Sliger had understood the terms of the agreement, Rakes testified: Whether or not they understood, I really don’t know. One of them had just been driving (sic) out of the detention center— he was asleep in the back of the police car and brought up and both of them were real hyper and excited and I tried to do my best to explain to them what was going on, but the main thrust of what I had told them was to tell the truth and cooperate with the police. Shortly after Rakes met with Scartaccini and Sliger, at separate times and without the other present, each gave the police lengthy statements detailing the facts of the conspiracies, kidnapping, murder and sexual assaults. The statments were transcribed and later introduced into evidence. The statements, insofar as they pertained to Zinn’s and Pierce’s involvement in the crimes, did not deviate significantly from Scartaccini’s and Sliger’s later oral testimony presented both at the preliminary examination and at trial. Likewise, the statement of neither man differed significantly from the statement of the other. At the preliminary hearing, when Taylor was asked by the trial court if it was his understanding that the absence of “conviction of her killers” from Agreement #2 meant that if the killers were acquitted Scartaccini and Sliger “would still have their immunity,” Taylor answered, “That’s correct. My clients walk whether these people get convicted or not.” When Scartaceini and Sliger were questioned at the preliminary examination as to their understanding of Agreement # 1, Scartaccini said nothing about the conviction requirement, while Sliger acknowledged his awareness of that provision. Both men stated they understood they were to tell the truth. Pierce and Zinn were joined as co-defendants, but Pierce eventually entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to life imprisonment plus thirty-six years. Pierce did not testify at Zinn’s trial. The following issues are before us on appeal. I. DID THE IMMUNITY AGREEMENT AND RESULTING INCULPATORY TESTIMONY DEPRIVE ZINN OF A FAIR TRIAL? On appeal, Zinn argues that Agreement # 1, premised as it was on “Return of [victim] alive or conviction of her killers,” was an impermissible condition to the grant of immunity in that it coerced testimony calculated to return a guilty verdict against Zinn regardless of the actual facts. This is an issue of first impression in New Mexico, and the parties in their briefs rely on a substantial number of federal and other out-of-state authority. In doing so, the parties do not disagree as to what the law is. Rather, they disagree as to the applicability of the law to the facts of this case. The leading federal authority is United States v. Dailey, 759 F.2d 192 (1st Cir. 1985), wherein the government granted accomplices an immunity agreement in which the government promised to recommend a specific term of imprisonment “depending principally upon the value to the Government” of certain desired testimony. Id. at 194. The court held that the agreement did not deny the defendant’s right to due process because the trial court had provided the following traditional safeguards: (1) informing the jury of the exact nature of the agreement; (2) permitting defense counsel to cross-examine the accomplices concerning the agreement; and (3) instructing the jury to weigh the accomplices’ testimony carefully. By way of dictum the court stated, “[W]e note that at present we can think of no instance in which the government would be justified in making a promised benefit contingent upon the return of an indictment or a guilty verdict.” Id. at 201. The court in United States v. Waterman, 732 F.2d 1527 (8th Cir.), vacated en banc by an equally divided court, 732 F.2d 1533 (8th Cir.1984), cert. denied, 471 U.S. 1065, 105 S.Ct. 2138, 85 L.Ed.2d 496 (1985) at first reversed the trial court’s decision in a case where the government’s immunity agreement was conditioned on an accomplice’s giving testimony that would lead to further indictments. Without com ment, the court then vacated its decision, so that Waterman stands for the proposition that the agreement under review did not deprive the defendant of a fair trial. The court in Dailey took notice of Waterman, but only to point out that the facts before it did not present as much of a risk to a defendant’s right to fair trial as did the facts reviewed by the Eighth Circuit in Waterman. The dictum in Dailey doubtless was intended as a restrictive comment on Waterman. Generally speaking, the rule in the federal circuits is as follows. So long as an immunity agreement falls short of requiring that an accomplice’s testimony return a conviction against the defendant, and so long as the traditional safeguards outlined in Dailey are provided, the defendant is said not to have been denied a fair trial. See United States v. Miceli, 446 F.2d 256 (1st Cir.1971); United States v. Insana, 423 F.2d 1165 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, 400 U.S. 841, 91 S.Ct. 83, 27 L.Ed.2d 76 (1970); United States v. Vida, 370 F.2d 759 (6th Cir.1966), cert. denied, 387 U.S. 910, 87 S.Ct. 1695, 18 L.Ed.2d 630 (1967); but see United States v. Valle-Ferrer, 739 F.2d 545 (11th Cir.1984), in which an agreement conditioned on testimony resulting in a conviction was said not to have deprived the defendant of a fair trial. Further, so long as permissible agreements as discussed above are involved, the federal circuits do not look upon an accomplice’s testimony under an immunity agreement as a question of admissibility, but as a question of credibility, United States v. Evans, 697 F.2d 240 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 460 U.S. 1086, 103 S.Ct. 1779, 76 L.Ed.2d 350 (1983), and as evidence to be weighed by the jury, United States v. Gomez, 810 F.2d 947 (10th Cir.), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 107 S.Ct. 2488, 96 L.Ed.2d 379 (1987). The rule in the state courts is slightly stricter than in the federal circuits. In People v. Green, 102 Cal.App.2d 831, 228 P.2d 867 (1951), the court struck down a conviction where an immunity agreement was conditioned on an accomplice’s testimony leading to the defendant’s being bound over for trial. In People v. Medina, 41 Cal.App.3d 438, 116 Cal.Rptr. 133 (1974), the court reversed a conviction in a situation where the immunity agreement provided that the accomplice must not deviate in her testimony from her earlier recorded statement given to police. The court interpreted such an arrangement as meaning that the accomplice was placed “under a strong compulsion to testify in a particular fashion.” 41 Cal.App.3d at 455, 116 Cal. Rptr. at 145. The decision in Medina, however, is limited by People v. Allen, 42 Cal. 3d 1222, 232 Cal.Rptr. 849, 729 P.2d 115 (1986), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 108 S.Ct. 202, 98 L.Ed.2d 153 (1987), where an immunity agreement was not executed until after an accomplice made a pre-trial statement. The accomplice then testified in accord with his earlier statement to the police. The court held that the accomplice was not, by the holding in Medina, placed “under a strong compulsion to testify in a particular fashion.” 42 Cal.3d at 1255, 232 Cal.Rptr. at 867, 729 P.2d at 132. As in the federal circuits, so too in the state courts, the principal requirement for the validity of an immunity agreement is that the accomplice testify truthfully, People v. Lucev, 188 Cal.App.3d 551, 233 Cal.Rptr. 222 (1986); likewise, absent an agreement that induces an accomplice to testify in a certain fashion, the testimony of an accomplice goes to credibility, not to admissibility. State v. Blevins, 108 Idaho 239, 697 P.2d 1253 (App.1985), State v. Nerison, 136 Wis.2d 37, 401 N.W.2d 1 (1987). We now turn to an analysis of Agreement # 1. It must be kept in mind that at the time the agreement was executed the district attorney did not yet know that the victim had been murdered or if she had been murdered, who her murderers were. The purpose of Agreement # 1 was to provide the district attorney with “information” leading either to the return of the victim alive or to the conviction of her killers if she was dead. It is obvious then that Agreement # 1 focused on the State’s attempt to investigate its gradually forming case, and not on the State’s efforts to direct its prosecutorial gaze upon Zinn. This fact alone makes the agreement different from any agree ment censured by the cases we have just discussed. Had the State known that Zinn was its principal defendant, then Agreement # 1 would conceivably have been suspect as conditioned upon the accomplices’ giving the State a certain result directed against a certain defendant. As it was, however, the statements which Scartaccini and Sliger made to the police were just as inculpatory of Pierce (if not more so, since he pulled the trigger) than they were of Zinn. The essential question to be asked here is what risk for perjury existed on the night that Scartaccini and Sliger gave their statements to the police. In answering that question, we must keep in mind that unlike the other immunity agreements we have reviewed in the cases above, this was an agreement negotiated between a defense attorney and a prosecuting attorney. The fact that Scartaccini and Sliger were not aware that the negotiations were going on, and had no opportunity to enter into them, greatly reduces the risk that they would perjure themselves in giving their statements. Zinn asks us to make a substantial leap of faith when he argues that once Scartaccini and Sliger learned that Taylor and the district attorney had concluded an agreement, Scartaccini and Sliger from different jail cells simultaneously concocted a false story that was the same in all essentials. Even given the possibility that Scartaccini and Sliger possessed the mental acumen to piece together a virtually identical story of the kidnapping and murder (which seems unlikely, since they initially had failed to construct a credible story placing them in Muleshoe, Texas on the weekend in question), it also must be remembered that it was not Agreement # 1 which was controlling by the time of trial, but Agreement # 2, and the latter agreement said nothing about Scartaccini and Sliger returning a conviction. Finally, Taylor’s recollection of Agreement # 2, as meaning that his clients would be granted immunity regardless of the outcome of Zinn’s trial, likewise demonstrates that the State had used Agreement # 1 not to make a case against Zinn, but simply to make a case. As such, Agreement # 1 was a proper inducement promoting the State’s investigation and was not prejudicial to Zinn, either before or during his trial. II. DID CERTAIN COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE COURT AND JURY PREVENT ZINN FROM RECEIVING A FAIR TRIAL? While the jury was deliberating, the jurors sent several written questions to the court. During the time that five of these questions were presented to and answered by the court, Zinn was not present because his attorney had waived his presence. On appeal, Zinn does not challenge the propriety of the court’s answers. Instead, he challenges the State’s attempted rebuttal of the prejudice presumed by his absence. On the day after the jury was excused (October 1, 1986), we issued our decision in Hovey v. State, 104 N.M. 667, 726 P.2d 344 (1986), in which we held that there is a presumption of prejudice in the precise situation which arose here, and that the State bears the burden of rebutting the prejudice by showing on the record that the communication did not affect the jury’s verdict. The State attempted to do just that, first by presenting testimony from the foreperson, and then by introducing two affidavits signed by all the jurors. In the first affidavit each juror swore as follows: 1. None of the answers to any of the questions effected (sic) the deliberations concerning the murder counts or resulted in a conviction on those counts. 2. No answers received on our questions resulted in the change of our vote on any count. 3. None of the answers, except the definition of a credit card, contributed to or resulted in a conviction on any count and that definition effected (sic) only the Fraudulent (sic) use of a credit card count and not other counts. In the second affidavit each juror swore as follows: 1. None of the answers received resulted in any new discussion or any new areas of discussion. 2. None of the answers received by us resulted in a revote on any of the counts. 3. None of the answers to any questions were discussed during the deliberations on the murder counts. For clarification, we note that the third statement in the first affidavit resulted from a required response to the jury’s question concerning the definition of a credit card as provided in SCRA 1986, 14-1689. Zinn does not challenge the trial court’s response as given. We' conclude that the court correctly ruled that Zinn did not effectively waive his right to be present during the various communications between the court and jury. This was in keeping with Hovey. The next question is whether the State effectively rebutted the prejudice which arose. Zinn contends the State did not, on the strength of State v. McClure, 94 N.M. 440, 612 P.2d 232 (Ct.App.1980), arguing that because the State did not show “that the improper communication occurred after the jury was ‘ready to return a verdict,’ ” (citations omitted), id. at 442, 612 P.2d at 234, the State’s affidavits avail nothing. We disagree. One method by which the State could have rebutted the prejudice would have been by doing as Zinn argues, but that was not the only method by which the State could have rebutted the prejudice. The underlying purpose of the court’s ruling in McClure was to establish a situation in which the jury’s verdict was not affected by the communication: “[T]o overcome the presumption the State must show that the comunication did not affect the verdict.” Id. at 442, 612 P.2d 234. Here, while the State did not show that the communication between court and jury occurred after the jury was ready to return a verdict, it nonetheless showed that the communication, except in the understandable instance of the credit card definition, did not affect the verdict. Zinn argues further, however, that the testimony elicited from the foreperson, and the affidavits signed by all the jurors, were received into evidence contrary to the provisions of SCRA 1986, 11-606(B). That section reads as follows: Upon an inquiry into the validity of a verdict or indictment, a juror may not testify as to any matter or statement occurring during the course of the jury’s deliberations or to the effect of anything upon his or any other juror’s mind or emotions as influencing him to assent to or dissent from the verdict or indictment or concerning his mental processes in connection therewith, except that a juror may testify on the question whether extraneous prejudicial information was improperly brought to the jury’s attention or whether any outside influence was improperly brought to bear upon any juror. Nor may his affidavit or evidence of any statement by him concerning a matter about what he would be precluded from testifying be received for these purposes. Zinn would put the State in a double bind. He argues that the State must rebut the prejudice which arose as a result of the communications in question. Yet, if the State attempts to rebut that prejudice, even, let us assume, by showing that the jury had already agreed on its verdict, how is the State to meet its burden except by making an inquiry into the effect which the court’s answers had on the jury? The purpose of SCRA 1986, 11-606(B) is to prevent tampering and harrassment of the jury and inquiry into its deliberations to the end of casting doubt on the jury’s competence. State v. Barela, 91 N.M. 634, 578 P.2d 335 (Ct.App.), cert. denied, 91 N.M. 610, 577 P.2d 1256 (1978). The State did not contravene that purpose here. Further, it should be kept in mind that SCRA 1986, 11-606(B) is a rule of evidence and not a rule of procedure taking on constitutional dimensions, as Zinn apparently would have it. Like any rule of evidence, this one too may be waived. Zinn raised no objection at trial either to the State’s introduction of the foreperson’s testimony or of the affidavits, and thus he may not be heard now to object to the introduction of that evidence. III. WERE STATEMENTS BY PIERCE IMPROPERLY ADMITTED INTO EVIDENCE? Zinn argues that the court improperly admitted into evidence Scartaccini’s and Sliger’s testimony of Pierce’s statement to them on the way to the Jemez Mountains in which Zinn had told Pierce to “get rid of” the victim. We note that Zinn did not object to the introduction of this testimony when Scartaccini testified as to Pierce’s statement. Six days after Scartaccini testified, Sliger testified to the same effect, and only then did Zinn object. It is obvious that by the time Sliger testified, the jury had had ample opportunity to reflect upon the substance of Scartaccini’s testimony. It would have been of little effect for the trial court to have sustained Zinn’s objection to Sliger’s testimony, even assuming there had been grounds for doing so, because the statement objected to had already been planted — properly—in the jurors’ minds. Nonetheless, we will undertake an analysis of Zinn’s argument as to the introduction of Sliger’s testimony. The admissibility of Pierce’s statement is governed by SCRA 1986, ll-801(D)(2)(e), which allows into evidence a statement that otherwise would be hearsay when the statement is made “by a co-conspirator of a party during the course and in furtherance of the conspiracy.” Under prior decisions it was well-settled that “[o]ut of court statements made by a co-conspirator about matters relating to the conspiracy are not admissible unless and until a prima facie case of conspiracy is shown by other independent evidence.” State v. Harge, 94 N.M. 11, 17, 606 P.2d 1105, 1111 (Ct.App.1979), rev’d sub nom., Buzbee v. Donnelly, 96 N.M. 692, 634 P.2d 1244 (1981). This decision, however, is qualified by that in State v. Mead, 100 N.M. 27, 665 P.2d 289 (Ct.App.), modified sub nom., State v. Segotta, 100 N.M. 498, 672 P.2d 1129 (1983), where the court of appeals held, “We have pointed out that the foundational requirement of proof of a conspiracy by independent evidence need not be met at the time the State offers the co-conspirator’s statement. The trial court may rule conditionally.” Id. 100 N.M. at 30, 665 P.2d at 292. Here the record provides abundant independent evidence to substantiate the testimony of Scartaccini and Sliger. While their testimony is the only evidence depicting what took place within the motel room, there is more than sufficient corroborating evidence as to the events leading up to the kidnapping and sexual assaults to render Scartaccini’s and Sliger’s testimony credible as to the kidnapping, sexual assaults and murder. Further, the events which took place after the victim was transported from the motel room until she was murdered strengthen both Scartaccini’s and Sliger’s story as well as the corroborating testimony provided by the other witnesses. “The gist of conspiracy is the agreement, and such agreements are rarely susceptible of direct proof. Consequently, circumstantial evidence is sufficient to support a conspiracy conviction.” State v. Johnston, 98 N.M. 92, 95, 645 P.2d 448, 451 (Ct.App.), cert. denied, 98 N.M. 336, 648 P.2d 794 (1982). From our reading of the record, there can be no reasonable doubt that Zinn, Pierce, Sliger and Scartaccini entered into agreements to kidnap and sexually assault the victim, and that at least Zinn and Pierce conspired to murder the victim. Independent evidence of a conspiracy to commit murder comes from the Zinn-Pierce meeting at Jerry’s Lounge immediately before the trip to Jemez, and from the Zinn-Pierce telephone conversation immediately before the killing. It is this sequence of events, taken from Zinn’s clear conspiratorial involvement to that point of time, that is independent evidence from which it could have been inferred beyond a reasonable doubt that Zinn conspired to transport the victim to Jemez and that he conspired in her death which followed immediately after his telephone call from Albuquerque to Jemez. Thus, because substantial independent evidence appears in the record as to the conspiracies, the trial court did not err in admitting testimony as to Pierce’s statement. Moreover, even if this were not the case, the Supreme Court has ruled recently that the trial court is not required to ignore the statement being offered if the content of the statement itself is reasonably supportive of a conspiracy when taken together with the other independent evidence of the conspiracy. Bourjaily v. United States, — U.S. -, 107 S.Ct. 2775, 95 L.Ed.2d 144 (1987). Zinn makes the further argument that even if the testimony was properly admitted under the co-conspirator exception to the hearsay rule, the testimony was nonetheless prejudicial because the State did not show that Pierce was unavailable. Thus, Zinn argues, he was denied his constitutional right to confront a witness (Pierce) testifying against him. Zinn’s argument as to this point is without merit. The Supreme Court has also recently ruled that there is no requirement under the Confrontation Clause for the prosecution to show that a nontestifying co-conspirator is unavailable to testify when his out-of-court statement is offered into evidence against the defendant/co-conspirator. United States v. Inadi, 475 U.S. 387, 106 S.Ct. 1121, 89 L.Ed.2d 390 (1986). Zinn next argues that Pierce’s other out-of-court statements and assertions were improperly admitted, such as his statements that he had never killed a woman before and he “would make Zinn pay” for having been ordered to kill the victim. We conclude that the trial court properly admitted this statement as a present sense impression under SCRA 1986, 11-803(A). The remainder of Zinn’s challenges to the evidence are without merit. Finally, we dispose of Zinn’s last challenge on appeal in which he attacks the trial court’s instructions to the jury as to the felony murder count. Zinn argues that because only Pierce’s statements could have justified the instruction which the court gave, because only those statements could have served as a predicate for causality under the felony murder instruction, the felony murder verdict must be reversed. Since, however, we have ruled above that Pierce’s statements were admissible, Zinn’s argument as to this point is without merit. The judgment and sentence of the trial court is affirmed in its entirety. IT IS SO ORDERED. SCARBOROUGH, C.J., and RANSOM, J., concur. STOWERS, J., not participating. WALTERS, J., concurring on issues one and two, dissenting as to issue three.
[ -0.04583553597331047, -0.025641754269599915, -0.019460270181298256, 0.02280520088970661, 0.06211418658494949, -0.02075529471039772, 0.06978512555360794, 0.04058615863323212, 0.011121636256575584, -0.009016173891723156, 0.003268631175160408, 0.009677098132669926, -0.06229060888290405, 0.03155408054590225, 0.01746344193816185, 0.06457944214344025, 0.0424162931740284, -0.04022955149412155, -0.007974200882017612, -0.02248304896056652, 0.004387226887047291, -0.008169416338205338, 0.012490631081163883, 0.012581219896674156, 0.030458493158221245, -0.0025391699746251106, -0.005047073122113943, -0.04602816328406334, -0.05002468451857567, 0.009465341456234455, 0.037419743835926056, -0.026799926534295082, -0.018814584240317345, -0.04855507239699364, -0.04036939516663551, -0.006143423728644848, -0.028602905571460724, -0.03737078234553337, -0.045873869210481644, 0.04006271809339523, -0.03725432977080345, -0.010586841031908989, -0.04880330711603165, 0.0035479373764246702, -0.025789955630898476, 0.005007248837500811, 0.014546817168593407, 0.06398241221904755, 0.01356095913797617, 0.002193948021158576, -0.03891536965966225, 0.018090011551976204, 0.010782397352159023, 0.04442980885505676, 0.01460571400821209, 0.03212280198931694, -0.045786455273628235, -0.05488425865769386, 0.001194869983009994, -0.008067740127444267, 0.009458301588892937, 0.002109898254275322, 0.07440484315156937, -0.00899901520460844, 0.032935190945863724, 0.032361455261707306, 0.001892422093078494, 0.06364142149686813, -0.040515169501304626, -0.0023342398926615715, -0.03551947697997093, 0.023938069120049477, 0.006963140796869993, -0.0005218241130933166, -0.011119546368718147, -0.00817092228680849, 0.03968597203493118, -0.0014388775452971458, 0.03458525612950325, 0.009988687001168728, 0.012932517565786839, -0.002504287986084819, 0.03892730921506882, 0.03576241433620453, -0.005245663691312075, -0.07466429471969604, 0.030587023124098778, -0.01612056791782379, -0.04432933032512665, 0.06163381412625313, -0.025766698643565178, -0.02967795729637146, 0.01618722826242447, 0.05031482130289078, -0.0018621140625327826, -0.010937665589153767, 0.09331421554088593, -0.022661719471216202, -0.012521984986960888, 0.009301140904426575, 0.01949288137257099, -0.03254057839512825, 0.003134573344141245, 0.008756311610341072, -0.09230784326791763, 0.02809923328459263, 0.0006669090944342315, 0.025435233488678932, 0.007804411463439465, 0.002683590166270733, -0.002596409060060978, 0.049703117460012436, -0.044052932411432266, -0.028541777282953262, -0.052659593522548676, 0.03677758201956749, 0.047443993389606476, -0.023913191631436348, 0.011261233128607273, 0.014408860355615616, -0.0037071823608130217, -0.009392037987709045, 0.010523551143705845, 0.0527808852493763, 0.028011392802000046, -0.012479618191719055, 0.05345306172966957, 0.03952416405081749, -0.05519525706768036, -0.061340831220149994, -0.012133730575442314, 0.032480012625455856, -0.04735415801405907, -0.019286269322037697, -0.029834359884262085, -0.05882342532277107, 0.0011860872618854046, -0.022563202306628227, 0.034546367824077606, 0.0006887265481054783, -0.0381593331694603, -0.017940569669008255, -0.010268004611134529, 0.02523864433169365, 0.08319307118654251, -0.02299775369465351, 0.01971842721104622, 0.011496496386826038, 0.0006958344019949436, -0.013566741719841957, -0.006102907471358776, 0.035579316318035126, 0.03685939311981201, -0.05410107225179672, 0.03454924374818802, 0.0512201189994812, 0.04225391149520874, 0.0038518880028277636, -0.021838434040546417, 0.003896261565387249, 0.01631786674261093, 0.018744055181741714, 0.02368086390197277, 0.027375252917408943, 0.01744355633854866, 0.015980765223503113, -0.011536487378180027, -0.030723916366696358, -0.04551008343696594, 0.023055672645568848, -0.05133002623915672, 0.06868211179971695, 0.025989066809415817, -0.03372754156589508, -0.02540459856390953, -0.006850431673228741, 0.0279239434748888, -0.018950745463371277, 0.04282478615641594, -0.09269173443317413, -0.0528734028339386, 0.0524677112698555, -0.005716790910810232, 0.012575732544064522, -0.0438261479139328, -0.02292969450354576, 0.03852544724941254, 0.039929188787937164, 0.005318722687661648, -0.004334414377808571, -0.04693293571472168, -0.01018507406115532, -0.0072764442302286625, -0.011644807644188404, 0.03573528677225113, -0.006812660489231348, -0.02669706754386425, 0.0424317866563797, -0.018242402002215385, 0.03731764853000641, 0.006955375429242849, -0.018308516591787338, 0.05141117796301842, -0.024258065968751907, -0.05671282112598419, 0.011387939564883709, 0.034061968326568604, -0.027240075170993805, 0.023510906845331192, 0.035770393908023834, -0.01190036442130804, 0.0051935347728431225, 0.0151746841147542, -0.001147937960922718, 0.02438560128211975, 0.0010055929888039827, 0.05998532846570015, 0.012353586964309216, 0.02272508107125759, -0.01841660588979721, 0.030835473909974098, -0.04027112200856209, -0.009419837966561317, 0.05268261209130287, -0.016905726864933968, 0.11618266999721527, 0.03443096950650215, -0.06952300667762756, -0.039709534496068954, 0.03707168623805046, 0.010753623209893703, -0.018161911517381668, 0.009853662922978401, 0.06338660418987274, 0.007304857950657606, 0.030601970851421356, -0.03229381889104843, -0.008835162036120892, 0.04444797337055206, -0.053609758615493774, 0.05331893637776375, 0.016018563881516457, -0.025079499930143356, 0.057761821895837784, -0.030671270564198494, -0.028498195111751556, -0.018905315548181534, -0.000019169090592185967, -0.01922149397432804, -0.03687466308474541, -0.015570096671581268, -0.0009473878308199346, -0.013559172861278057, -0.004355601500719786, 0.028532052412629128, -0.0824214518070221, 0.005996265448629856, 0.018754443153738976, 0.050114262849092484, 0.04331325367093086, 0.008059757761657238, 0.03357938304543495, 0.01857505738735199, -0.023791691288352013, -0.04143403097987175, -0.014124158769845963, -0.03060227818787098, 0.019915997982025146, 0.005285967607051134, 0.01243378221988678, 0.02527541294693947, 0.006966763641685247, -0.049848586320877075, 0.018486304208636284, 0.036665067076683044, 0.037485383450984955, -0.0024855437222868204, -0.015538165345788002, 0.04387424886226654, 0.011360877193510532, -0.015078156255185604, 0.025685282424092293, -0.04550057649612427, -0.04467371851205826, -0.01858549565076828, -0.043578553944826126, -0.039840422570705414, -0.01782243885099888, -0.05543394759297371, 0.04250030592083931, -0.012097492814064026, 0.04571111127734184, 0.011968003585934639, 0.008207245729863644, -0.016970999538898468, 0.005038852337747812, 0.02230023965239525, 0.045895207673311234, -0.01137299183756113, 0.01473099272698164, -0.01716417260468006, -0.007908724248409271, 0.007337599527090788, 0.03520466014742851, 0.02425055019557476, 0.02188701368868351, 0.002959473757073283, 0.017692474648356438, -0.26764580607414246, 0.057125821709632874, 0.031757138669490814, -0.02966337651014328, 0.029186679050326347, -0.02278648130595684, 0.03204523026943207, -0.0724220797419548, -0.022123679518699646, 0.05041622370481491, -0.01525995135307312, -0.04874023422598839, -0.02124427631497383, 0.04172750562429428, 0.01758000999689102, -0.03918023034930229, 0.01217774860560894, 0.0012303105322644114, -0.021226979792118073, 0.03187336027622223, 0.045007362961769104, -0.058504000306129456, -0.061262160539627075, 0.011352057568728924, 0.027261579409241676, 0.09534312784671783, -0.04184601828455925, -0.012025725096464157, -0.041117191314697266, -0.012662866152822971, -0.015590593218803406, -0.02488960325717926, 0.03346269950270653, -0.052021756768226624, -0.0026496094651520252, -0.0011499861720949411, -0.008028360083699226, -0.055763836950063705, -0.019203832373023033, 0.012831239029765129, -0.015815438702702522, -0.06193849444389343, -0.009272074326872826, 0.017479905858635902, 0.08550448715686798, -0.011548482812941074, -0.03612111508846283, 0.00027808675076812506, 0.0021282064262777567, 0.05588049814105034, -0.014456208795309067, 0.01166923064738512, -0.01876344159245491, -0.005193628836423159, -0.02499176561832428, 0.019014885649085045, -0.0466819629073143, 0.0017238365253433585, -0.04697749763727188, 0.022602282464504242, 0.003939381800591946, 0.024054793640971184, -0.05270792916417122, -0.0063004218973219395, -0.023427246138453484, -0.020282747223973274, -0.018803784623742104, -0.022893838584423065, 0.07846228033304214, 0.054215677082538605, -0.0027670711278915405, 0.0878162607550621, -0.030617522075772285, -0.0783722773194313, -0.011076278984546661, -0.005871198605746031, -0.01614871621131897, -0.05019727721810341, -0.008747661486268044, 0.010704930871725082, -0.05444493889808655, -0.01409082394093275, 0.012411307543516159, 0.02299031987786293, 0.01911654695868492, 0.005873682908713818, -0.006859785411506891, 0.02320723608136177, -0.06698420643806458, -0.019643668085336685, 0.05537363886833191, 0.04320111870765686, -0.018312418833374977, -0.011433294974267483, 0.02302570827305317, 0.022507650777697563, 0.011566439643502235, -0.03343077003955841, 0.008143197745084763, 0.006153055466711521, 0.04690535366535187, -0.04528680071234703, 0.010503895580768585, -0.044424448162317276, -0.04190036281943321, 0.0012561575276777148, -0.049234166741371155, 0.025514280423521996, 0.03342016413807869, 0.012009583413600922, 0.023101037368178368, -0.004812074359506369, 0.05598359927535057, -0.011536105535924435, 0.01828775927424431, -0.012133285403251648, 0.019708121195435524, 0.02634568139910698, 0.01578197069466114, 0.012983335182070732, -0.014778423123061657, 0.036155324429273605, -0.02714347094297409, -0.040426503866910934, -0.045264240354299545, -0.06319838017225266, 0.01942317932844162, -0.021466480568051338, -0.007474473211914301, 0.03789197653532028, -0.050005294382572174, -0.016177933663129807, -0.025461168959736824, -0.017419438809156418, 0.014471095986664295, 0.0006443570600822568, -0.039534639567136765, -0.08202619850635529, -0.012746874243021011, 0.01801411062479019, 0.022582821547985077, -0.005673501640558243, -0.0006776687223464251, 0.04341297969222069, 0.030934667214751244, -0.008932528086006641, 0.002695476170629263, 0.01362667791545391, -0.02102021872997284, 0.010034020058810711, -0.01560178492218256, -0.025324108079075813, 0.037664275616407394, -0.048208609223365784, -0.01694311574101448, -0.03849578648805618, 0.0422232411801815, 0.04199407622218132, -0.005623532459139824, -0.02338557317852974, 0.02388431318104267, -0.005275240167975426, 0.022614942863583565, -0.019411137327551842, 0.0237086471170187, 0.0321270227432251, -0.023512667044997215, -0.009050721302628517, -0.021388141438364983, 0.03479820862412453, -0.044335123151540756, -0.04386742413043976, -0.01672171987593174, 0.03163393214344978, 0.007783481851220131, 0.0022103916853666306, -0.042399853467941284, 0.009682581759989262, 0.024593932554125786, 0.03984899818897247, 0.0022678617388010025, -0.04072634130716324, -0.06003796309232712, 0.013840380124747753, 0.07478518038988113, -0.01949210837483406, -0.056454092264175415, -0.026365891098976135, -0.023276157677173615, -0.006438010837882757, -0.004992983769625425, -0.013222718611359596, -0.03792187198996544, 0.02836238406598568, -0.05360250920057297, -0.08143896609544754, 0.004867483861744404, 0.03395749628543854, 0.032156869769096375, 0.05200028046965599, -0.01669037900865078, -0.04757076874375343, -0.03611215949058533, 0.02134297415614128, -0.019357124343514442, -0.07822445780038834, 0.03378579393029213, 0.032683126628398895, 0.010239171795547009, 0.0333990752696991, -0.05459959805011749, -0.050507720559835434, 0.004638129845261574, -0.010215261951088905, 0.039374176412820816, -0.04209728166460991, 0.01908258907496929, -0.04257090017199516, -0.03502350300550461, -0.029164886102080345, -0.014304930344223976, -0.07565518468618393, 0.010698354803025723, -0.032335761934518814, -0.025358570739626884, 0.0614846833050251, 0.004229843616485596, -0.02567419968545437, 0.037724968045949936, -0.032726630568504333, 0.03471476212143898, -0.02490503340959549, 0.009110438637435436, 0.03716931492090225, -0.021249018609523773, -0.0174048263579607, 0.0177529975771904, -0.01553670596331358, -0.025277258828282356, 0.07043343037366867, 0.02193301171064377, 0.003130587050691247, 0.016149397939443588, 0.016301069408655167, 0.006380606908351183, 0.009335263632237911, 0.04058820754289627, 0.021533533930778503, -0.008512587286531925, 0.04491017386317253, -0.007772724609822035, 0.03272207826375961, -0.02039484493434429, -0.05884325131773949, 0.0352003388106823, 0.0014844731194898486, -0.018215680494904518, -0.05261174216866493, -0.014993813820183277, 0.02521703951060772, -0.008967733941972256, 0.07110356539487839, -0.04890599474310875, 0.006333164870738983, 0.014073841273784637, 0.011559318751096725, 0.02332565002143383, -0.007803922984749079, 0.03134407103061676, -0.02190130203962326, -0.0034745915327221155, -0.08295457065105438, -0.02853609248995781, 0.020882386714220047, -0.0036350106820464134, 0.03757169097661972, -0.025190791115164757, 0.00801527127623558, 0.05709002912044525, -0.09880594164133072, -0.022775065153837204, 0.0013302823062986135, -0.06103771552443504, -0.026655374094843864, 0.008832263760268688, -0.018012262880802155, -0.007831865921616554, 0.0013986466219648719, -0.07845122367143631, -0.025516945868730545, -0.02912825345993042, 0.04677610844373703, 0.02975277230143547, -0.0015245169633999467, 0.002977155614644289, 0.022091004997491837, 0.02957293950021267, 0.05973544344305992, 0.0274661872535944, 0.02214452624320984, -0.05877326428890228, 0.015114118345081806, 0.044403549283742905, -0.02102474682033062, -0.02676333673298359, -0.06471116095781326, -0.016743715852499008, -0.07199902832508087, 0.009954233653843403, 0.01518611516803503, -0.002924787811934948, -0.05577515810728073, 0.04866072162985802, 0.013210592791438103, -0.09878523647785187, -0.014672788791358471, 0.009012379683554173, 0.0024765226989984512, -0.06783509999513626, -0.020715393126010895, 0.011534880846738815, -0.018736161291599274, 0.0576319545507431, 0.008844973519444466, 0.0663490891456604, 0.03967494145035744, -0.02213696390390396, 0.03192640841007233, -0.039424944669008255, 0.062072403728961945, 0.03113427944481373, 0.012110759504139423, -0.05218617618083954, 0.07446645945310593, -0.008983399718999863, -0.04176910221576691, 0.025879301130771637, 0.004167716950178146, 0.0029422997031360865, -0.0019734124653041363, 0.028327303007245064, 0.034789491444826126, -0.016002345830202103, 0.07006281614303589, 0.04048288241028786, -0.0025805009063333273, 0.015052082017064095, -0.0071554481983184814, 0.0364106185734272, 0.006177301984280348, 0.03739697113633156, -0.019314873963594437, -0.01898694783449173, -0.047674693167209625, 0.05897660553455353, 0.022885115817189217, -0.03295164182782173, 0.06638258695602417, -0.03868571296334267, 0.06736169755458832, -0.008195660077035427, -0.013767529278993607, 0.07499263435602188, -0.053513478487730026, -0.022794021293520927, 0.0220798347145319, -0.0002663324121385813, -0.003690337063744664, -0.047158464789390564, -0.018588364124298096, 0.05631674453616142, -0.012699279002845287, -0.025378692895174026, -0.027207132428884506, 0.10267075151205063, 0.012372220866382122, 0.0059623452834784985, -0.025276297703385353, 0.017750533297657967, 0.04318520426750183, 0.0002657837758306414, -0.017581060528755188, -0.045026130974292755, 0.013179709203541279, -0.01886455900967121, -0.030021032318472862, -0.008186452090740204, 0.018991263583302498, -0.004053354728966951, -0.03983062133193016, 0.03743228688836098, 0.008220209740102291, 0.016098223626613617, 0.09237050265073776, -0.056378088891506195, 0.02368471957743168, 0.0464877188205719, 0.05285843461751938, 0.016752159222960472, 0.01458473689854145, 0.0293179489672184, 0.01852436363697052, -0.05040811747312546, 0.01631202921271324, -0.03470837324857712, 0.05163438618183136, -0.019414186477661133, -0.05367399379611015, -0.08911512792110443, 0.011364040896296501, -0.009628966450691223, -0.04110001027584076, -0.07365603744983673, 0.018830154091119766, 0.011899997480213642, 0.007341495715081692, 0.05445273220539093, 0.055469464510679245, -0.020541325211524963, -0.04378515109419823, -0.0024657598696649075, 0.013367678038775921, -0.00819044653326273, 0.0427614264190197, -0.05837184935808182, 0.040653638541698456, 0.03436686098575592, -0.014311549253761768, 0.0019640419632196426, 0.009926601313054562, 0.04827207699418068, 0.004695400130003691, 0.014179419726133347, 0.0037526742089539766, -0.06504072993993759, -0.061774834990501404, -0.01954059861600399, -0.009219067171216011, -0.03804991394281387, -0.03097691759467125, 0.019883714616298676, -0.008907661773264408, -0.01587802916765213, -0.045488033443689346, 0.014463086612522602, 0.004884508904069662, -0.021442312747240067, -0.030994104221463203, -0.006617238279432058, 0.007534986827522516, -0.0008422127575613558, 0.0018028614576905966, 0.015813689678907394, -0.051034100353717804, -0.007960724644362926, 0.014829279854893684, 0.04466111212968826, 0.003743954934179783, -0.014203854836523533, -0.05010613799095154 ]
OPINION APODACA, Judge. Petitioner Richard Landavazo (applicant) appeals the New Mexico Department of Human Services, Income Support Division (HSD), fair hearing decision upholding its county office’s denial of his application for food stamp benefits. Relying on Cruz v. New Mexico Dep’t of Human Services, 100 N.M. 133, 666 P.2d 1280 (Ct.App.1983), and Saenz v. New Mexico Dep’t of Human Services, 98 N.M. 805, 653 P.2d 181 (Ct.App.1982), we originally proposed summary reversal of HSD’s decision on the basis that the hearing officer should have considered the new evidence applicant offered at the fair hearing concerning his physical disability and the modifications he made to his vehicle after the county office had denied his application. We subsequently reconsidered our proposed disposition and proposed to affirm the hearing officer’s determination. We did so on the basis that the evidence applicant offered at the fair hearing did not tend to establish his eligibility for benefits at the time the county office considered his application. In so doing, we proposed to limit the application of Cruz and Saenz. Applicant has now filed a memorandum in opposition to our proposed disposition. Not being persuaded by the memorandum, we affirm the hearing officer’s decision. Background The county office denied the application because the resource maximum for applicant’s household was exceeded by the value of his vehicle. See 1 HSD Income Support Division Program Manual (ISDP Manual) §§ 428.1 (Revised March 1, 1987); 428.432; 428.4321 (Revised November 1, 1982). Applicant subsequently requested a fair hearing pursuant to NMSA 1978, Section 27-3-3 (Repl.Pamp.1984). Subsequent to denial of the application by the county office, but before requesting the fair hearing, applicant made certain modifications to his vehicle that his doctor considered necessary to accommodate applicant’s physical disability. Applicant argued at the fair hearing that as a result of his physical disability and the modifications he made to his vehicle, his vehicle should be excluded from consideration as a resource because it constituted a “specially equipped” vehicle necessary to transport a physically-disabled household member. See ISDP Manual § 428.431(e) (Revised July 1, 1986). At the fair hearing, applicant presented evidence of his physical condition and the modifications he made to his vehicle. HSD upheld the decision of its county office on the basis that its denial of applicant’s application was correct when taken. The hearing officer did not consider the new evidence concerning applicant’s physical disability and the modifications to his vehicle, nor did she decide whether applicant’s vehicle should be excluded from consideration as a resource under ISDP Manual Section 428.431(e). Issues Applicant raises two issues on appeal: (1) whether HSD’s decision is arbitrary and capricious; and (2) whether HSD failed to follow its own regulations in refusing to exclude applicant’s vehicle from consideration as a resource under ISDP Section 428.-431(e). Discussion We will first address a procedural matter before considering the substantive issues of this appeal. Our second calendar notice proposing summary affirmance was filed on November 20, 1987. Applicant filed a memorandum in opposition on December 3, 1987. See SCRA 1986, 12-210(E)(3). After taking into account the three-day mailing period set out in SCRA 1986, 12-308(B), applicant’s memorandum in opposition was timely. HSD filed a response (response) to applicant’s memorandum in opposition on December 11, 1987. Applicant filed a reply (reply) to HSD’s response on December 22, 1987. Rule 12-210(E)(3) requires memoranda to be filed within ten days of the date of service of a calendar notice. Under these time limits, HSD’s response and applicant’s reply were not timely filed. In addition, our rules of appellate procedure do not provide for the filing of responses and replies back and forth between the parties to their memoranda in support of, or in opposition to, a calendar notice. Thus, we have not considered HSD’s response and applicant’s reply in deciding this appeal. We now proceed to a discussion of the merits. We will not disturb an administrative decision by HSD unless it is: (1) found to be arbitrary, capricious, or an abuse of discretion; (2) not supported by substantial evidence in the record as a whole; or (3) otherwise not in accordance with law. NMSA 1978, § 27-3-4(F) (Repl.Pamp.1984); New Mexico Human Services Dep’t v. Garcia, 94 N.M. 175, 608 P.2d 151 (1980). As noted previously, applicant’s application for food stamp benefits was originally denied by the county office because the resource maximum for the household was exceeded by the value of applicant’s vehicle. See ISDP Manual §§ 428.1 and 428.-4321. Applicant does not claim this original determination was incorrect, or that he was eligible for benefits at that time. Instead, he argues his application should be granted because he became eligible for benefits as a result of the modifications he made to his vehicle after the county office denied his application. Applicant relies on Cruz and Saenz for the proposition that the hearing officer should have considered the new evidence concerning the modifications to his vehicle at the fair hearing. In those cases we stated a hearing officer must consider all evidence presented at the fair hearing. However, Cruz and Saenz are distinguishable. There, the issue was not whether HSD acted properly on the basis of information known at the time of the original determination, but whether new evidence tending to establish the applicants’ eligibility for benefits at the time HSD’s representatives originally took action terminating or denying their benefits should be considered at the fair hearing. In this case, on the other hand, the new evidence concerning the modifications applicant made to his vehicle constituted a change in circumstances after the county office denied his application, and would not establish applicant’s eligibility for benefits at that time. Applicant argues his medical condition for which he modified his vehicle predated the application and therefore does not constitute a changed condition or circumstance. While applicant’s medical condition is a relevant consideration in determining whether his vehicle falls under the exclusion contained in ISDP Manual Section 428.431(e), this is not the only consideration. One other consideration is whether his vehicle constituted a “specially equipped” vehicle. See id. Since the modification of the vehicle constituted a changed condition or circumstance subsequent to the denial of his application by the county office, the hearing officer did not err in refusing to consider the evidence applicant offered at the fair hearing. Cf. Cruz v. New Mexico Dep’t of Human Services; Saenz v. New Mexico Dep’t of Human Services. Applicant does not argue the county office’s denial of his application on April 20, 1987 was incorrect, or that he was entitled to benefits at that time. Moreover, our review of the record indicates the evidence that applicant’s vehicle exceeded the resource maximum for his household was sufficient to deny his application on this basis. See ISDP Manual §§ 428.1 and 428.-4321. Based on the foregoing, we cannot say HSD’s decision upholding its county office’s denial of applicant’s application was arbitrary, capricious, or an abuse of discretion, not supported by substantial evidence in the record as a whole, or other wise not in accordance with law. See New Mexico Human Services Dep’t v. Garcia. We stated in our second calendar notice that, in view of the change in circumstances after the county office initially denied his application, applicant’s proper remedy would be to reapply for benefits rather than to pursue this appeal. In response, applicant argues for the first time on appeal that HSD was remiss because it failed to inform him that he should reapply for benefits after he made the modifications to his vehicle, and instead required him to file this appeal. Thus, applicant alleges, HSD should be “held accountable” to him by being required to approve his initial application. Applicant’s argument must fail for several reasons. First, we find nothing in the statutes or HSD regulations that would impose upon HSD the duty to inform applicant to reapply for benefits. Moreover, although our statutes require HSD to inform applicant of his right to appeal its decision, see Section 27-3-3(D), there is nothing in the record to indicate HSD required or forced applicant to pursue an appeal. In addition, applicant is asking us to award benefits for a period during which he clearly was not eligible, i.e., the month he filed his application, as a punitive measure against HSD. Applicant states no authority for such an action and we know of none. Finally, the question of whether applicant is actually entitled to benefits is not before this court at this time. Applicant is assuming that the modifications he made to his vehicle entitle him to the exclusion of ISDP Manual Section 428.431(e), and therefore to food stamps. However, no determination on that issue has been made by HSD and consequently there is no decision for this court to review. Applicant also contends HSD caused a delay in his fair hearing by negligently misplacing his hearing request, and he was thus precluded from receiving food stamps for a four-month period. Applicant is apparently calculating this period from the date his application was disallowed by the county office, April 20, 1987, until the hearing officer’s decision was issued on August 25. Applicant did not request a fair hearing until June 3, more than six weeks from the date of the disallowance. That period cannot be attributed to delay on the part of HSD. We note that HSD regulations require “everything” be done within sixty days of the request for a fair hearing, ISDP Manual Section 461.14, which, in this case, would have been August 3. In fact, the fair hearing was held on August 12 and the decision was filed August 25. Thus, it appears HSD may have been responsible for a delay of some three weeks. However, even if this is so, applicant has not shown that he was prejudiced by any delay because the hearing officer could properly look only at evidence concerning eligibility at the time the application was filed, and there has still not been a determination that applicant is eligible as a result of the modifications to his vehicle. If applicant believes he is now eligible for benefits, he should reapply. If he takes the position that he has been prejudiced by a delay caused by HSD, his new application should reflect such assertions so that HSD can properly respond to his claims in light of applicable agency regulations. See, e.g., ISDP Manual § 444 (Revised December 15, 1983). Based on the above, we affirm HSD’s decision upholding its county office’s denial of applicant’s application for food stamp benefits on the basis that the county office’s action was correct when taken. No costs are awarded. IT IS SO ORDERED. ALARID and FRUMAN, JJ., concur.
[ -0.03205699846148491, -0.009603478014469147, -0.02576608955860138, 0.044663917273283005, 0.06428328156471252, 0.026441272348165512, 0.005017424002289772, 0.02913629449903965, -0.015949144959449768, -0.05509703606367111, 0.027825001627206802, 0.04176412150263786, -0.050104912370443344, 0.016276363283395767, 0.0179170910269022, 0.03976995497941971, 0.07472505420446396, 0.017550457268953323, -0.0008559409761801362, 0.03399185836315155, 0.03113565407693386, -0.03286096453666687, 0.013155783526599407, 0.0316116102039814, -0.011508329771459103, 0.05675942823290825, 0.0021650148555636406, -0.0034657048527151346, -0.07197806984186172, -0.003175461897626519, 0.020277945324778557, -0.033952098339796066, -0.008587854914367199, -0.004452996887266636, -0.013797018676996231, 0.016273057088255882, -0.015274868346750736, -0.01903104968369007, -0.0019480872433632612, 0.01125065702944994, 0.00612013041973114, -0.006923235021531582, -0.05452582612633705, 0.002842437010258436, -0.03182581067085266, -0.008865825831890106, -0.007455470506101847, 0.01846463792026043, -0.046242110431194305, 0.01394075807183981, -0.06554832309484482, -0.00007478077168343589, -0.037131913006305695, 0.02629321627318859, 0.016438694670796394, 0.015332691371440887, -0.08593650907278061, -0.049060046672821045, -0.01711088791489601, -0.03405343368649483, -0.005602660588920116, -0.037924423813819885, 0.08395890891551971, -0.019963931292295456, -0.005088591482490301, -0.034625329077243805, 0.04992763325572014, 0.056723110377788544, -0.032339487224817276, -0.05302386358380318, -0.05511290952563286, 0.024914240464568138, 0.02430308423936367, 0.020191136747598648, -0.004823865834623575, -0.06270474195480347, 0.007576506584882736, 0.023861249908804893, 0.0021975308191031218, 0.019291887059807777, 0.012797407805919647, -0.02020256780087948, 0.027752408757805824, 0.014142713509500027, -0.01418585330247879, -0.06750810891389847, -0.024999860674142838, -0.014297953806817532, -0.026049120351672173, 0.05717375501990318, 0.00017750501865521073, -0.055970724672079086, 0.04610893502831459, 0.07096920162439346, 0.017611822113394737, -0.026990167796611786, 0.08157043904066086, -0.029076753184199333, 0.038689713925123215, 0.020616769790649414, 0.0013315635733306408, -0.03285452350974083, 0.04543144255876541, 0.05947640538215637, -0.08121652156114578, -0.0010687315370887518, 0.0037669732701033354, -0.01609392650425434, -0.004025605972856283, 0.004962240345776081, -0.012314917519688606, 0.026998037472367287, 0.010414986871182919, -0.019343150779604912, -0.07289888709783554, 0.07161509990692139, 0.04886366426944733, -0.04220011830329895, -0.005349492188543081, 0.004205262288451195, 0.05387908220291138, 0.02203609235584736, -0.002917760517448187, 0.06699544936418533, 0.05877085402607918, -0.018527360633015633, -0.0017151805805042386, 0.014306290075182915, 0.008769956417381763, -0.015868838876485825, -0.024809574708342552, 0.029996279627084732, 0.013938886113464832, 0.026976872235536575, -0.012470008805394173, -0.004851949401199818, 0.013660391792654991, -0.02519102767109871, 0.02666761726140976, -0.013487212359905243, 0.0011041739489883184, 0.008934557437896729, 0.02205083705484867, 0.019098874181509018, 0.058637585490942, -0.025734659284353256, 0.005330252926796675, -0.03259178251028061, -0.014529196545481682, 0.014778475277125835, 0.037831101566553116, 0.031040377914905548, 0.029783038422465324, -0.00995172094553709, -0.002392927184700966, 0.03367017209529877, 0.03052946738898754, -0.039535388350486755, -0.009089102037250996, 0.04778008908033371, 0.028249118477106094, 0.029482942074537277, 0.03473574295639992, -0.00803186185657978, -0.007156268693506718, 0.045012298971414566, -0.025779450312256813, -0.017825428396463394, -0.00776552502065897, 0.04822177812457085, -0.04272333160042763, -0.0416095107793808, 0.060798533260822296, -0.050017327070236206, -0.00640111742541194, -0.001722883083857596, 0.06636647880077362, 0.022898338735103607, -0.001111500896513462, -0.01965365745127201, -0.07989384979009628, 0.03201435133814812, 0.019678683951497078, 0.0033359830267727375, -0.02839932218194008, -0.04265535995364189, 0.015332471579313278, 0.004542138893157244, 0.036569464951753616, -0.024217046797275543, -0.08491067588329315, -0.043429307639598846, 0.04941771179437637, -0.02738814614713192, 0.04661181569099426, 0.017871974036097527, 0.0020396639592945576, 0.02621312066912651, 0.001905927900224924, 0.04839096963405609, 0.021218938753008842, -0.017500003799796104, 0.04666151851415634, -0.05472351610660553, -0.056932590901851654, 0.052082814276218414, 0.05339474231004715, 0.007011388428509235, -0.006710932124406099, 0.04426873102784157, -0.039662763476371765, 0.03054669313132763, 0.0230884812772274, 0.017835833132267, 0.03871288150548935, -0.039678629487752914, 0.06593535095453262, -0.025839913636446, 0.012028091587126255, -0.04627472162246704, 0.05944965407252312, 0.01512230560183525, 0.0014949818141758442, 0.021118884906172752, -0.07518263161182404, 0.057400625199079514, 0.06675636023283005, -0.03696886822581291, -0.0016514164162799716, 0.049859050661325455, 0.00431264191865921, 0.02464872971177101, 0.017938481643795967, -0.0029192506335675716, 0.029945198446512222, -0.02229408174753189, -0.0029029271099716425, -0.0036632574629038572, 0.03709942102432251, -0.05137992650270462, 0.0020117859821766615, 0.04854120314121246, 0.022421929985284805, 0.04041845723986626, -0.056070245802402496, -0.01842302829027176, -0.021179258823394775, 0.022567855194211006, -0.028082646429538727, -0.056085631251335144, -0.02081003040075302, 0.007863768376410007, 0.04054766893386841, -0.01578593999147415, -0.00009514409612165764, -0.04460461065173149, -0.021194860339164734, -0.008095013909041882, 0.014414209872484207, 0.024032415822148323, 0.010698262602090836, 0.025749409571290016, -0.0037797202821820974, -0.011450262740254402, -0.06061258167028427, -0.07357184588909149, -0.0313839316368103, 0.042876049876213074, -0.03229345753788948, 0.020975032821297646, 0.061978090554475784, 0.000397089752368629, -0.0008795860921964049, -0.03325115144252777, 0.022535087540745735, 0.011986467987298965, 0.050493866205215454, 0.007441180292516947, -0.013919741846621037, -0.013001002371311188, -0.011961427517235279, 0.08490927517414093, -0.05445487052202225, -0.04538905620574951, 0.02136634662747383, -0.038780488073825836, 0.021470356732606888, -0.07192298024892807, -0.030542466789484024, 0.0728045105934143, 0.016736913472414017, 0.018998323008418083, 0.01310939621180296, -0.006219196133315563, 0.023272564634680748, 0.00509817898273468, 0.05226452648639679, 0.02161913365125656, 0.04453757032752037, -0.047445252537727356, -0.000024234595912275836, 0.010258059948682785, 0.003878699615597725, 0.007407122291624546, 0.012996711768209934, -0.04115982726216316, -0.009137026965618134, -0.03361682593822479, -0.26544511318206787, 0.0789942815899849, -0.04136689379811287, -0.064776711165905, 0.035067424178123474, -0.042414892464876175, 0.0301507618278265, -0.015119713731110096, -0.009214133955538273, 0.03561331704258919, -0.019565586000680923, 0.0017456752248108387, -0.0014948248863220215, 0.02104569599032402, 0.0010153013281524181, -0.017907962203025818, -0.00001879454794107005, -0.02112386003136635, -0.004363053943961859, -0.0018561093602329493, 0.005558892153203487, -0.05553983524441719, -0.020932039245963097, 0.07918883860111237, 0.0593838170170784, 0.05878258869051933, -0.03879621997475624, -0.007633417844772339, -0.07571765780448914, -0.059245336800813675, 0.039688535034656525, 0.007376319728791714, -0.0001644558651605621, -0.005381729919463396, -0.02343975193798542, 0.04078356549143791, -0.010806629434227943, -0.03428349271416664, -0.005047845654189587, 0.02012716792523861, -0.00007555593037977815, -0.03212833032011986, 0.0030072913505136967, 0.03109220787882805, 0.028817104175686836, 0.001643780735321343, -0.06079807132482529, -0.019064342603087425, 0.002143694320693612, 0.051146432757377625, 0.003216029843315482, -0.01160094141960144, -0.04064851626753807, 0.03340495005249977, -0.020161932334303856, 0.01614658161997795, -0.053910672664642334, 0.0009505398338660598, -0.06143910065293312, 0.04853901267051697, -0.00969925057142973, -0.06587362289428711, -0.06638438254594803, -0.031181473284959793, -0.05403628572821617, -0.05117622762918472, -0.053305115550756454, -0.05345809832215309, 0.07631251960992813, 0.04439074173569679, 0.04023459181189537, 0.021436534821987152, -0.01490887999534607, -0.08675729483366013, 0.012981832027435303, 0.011611639522016048, -0.056344226002693176, -0.044617749750614166, -0.05781242996454239, 0.04634473845362663, 0.02991648204624653, -0.04182349517941475, 0.022014643996953964, 0.025603488087654114, 0.0037836399860680103, 0.009482387453317642, 0.0032513155601918697, 0.06776513159275055, -0.049094345420598984, -0.009809806942939758, 0.025799671187996864, 0.0053765480406582355, 0.004825721029192209, -0.011081088334321976, 0.02925441600382328, 0.03737852722406387, -0.06111147254705429, -0.03652702271938324, -0.05642062425613403, 0.01356872171163559, 0.026070548221468925, -0.03918876126408577, 0.03871197625994682, -0.04408213496208191, 0.01934409700334072, -0.01332327164709568, -0.05273750051856041, 0.00012002965377178043, 0.0656934604048729, 0.011393469758331776, 0.029094062745571136, -0.019823698326945305, 0.017329994589090347, -0.07272617518901825, -0.04820649325847626, -0.025686008855700493, 0.011800892651081085, 0.007474616169929504, 0.009951869025826454, 0.024519378319382668, 0.051542144268751144, -0.012501144781708717, -0.06824925541877747, -0.04025891050696373, -0.10113399475812912, 0.0045843301340937614, 0.011195527389645576, 0.01993357017636299, -0.005610241089016199, 0.036405012011528015, -0.008720677345991135, -0.00003739896055776626, -0.014504162594676018, -0.021116556599736214, 0.03276854753494263, 0.007057220209389925, -0.02847808413207531, -0.033860959112644196, 0.01801413483917713, -0.001791390241123736, 0.03831034153699875, -0.011964143253862858, 0.013594784773886204, -0.0007981868111528456, 0.0392121821641922, -0.010383733548223972, 0.0013949781423434615, -0.0680546760559082, -0.04924563691020012, 0.030516665428876877, 0.020088788121938705, -0.0622759647667408, 0.008287801407277584, -0.05817434564232826, -0.061281345784664154, -0.022279158234596252, 0.0237962044775486, 0.007523249369114637, 0.01960064098238945, -0.04632437601685524, -0.03722007945179939, -0.018182000145316124, -0.023167651146650314, -0.017314163967967033, -0.021942269057035446, 0.0827307254076004, -0.009930748492479324, -0.002623064909130335, -0.00549553195014596, 0.0482100173830986, -0.019575009122490883, -0.05306713283061981, -0.0078597292304039, 0.007517941761761904, -0.006097323261201382, -0.007468438241630793, -0.0009424650343134999, 0.007472482975572348, 0.001532564521767199, 0.0018927971832454205, -0.011930469423532486, -0.012118497863411903, -0.024059413000941277, -0.019850710406899452, 0.05514517053961754, -0.034760989248752594, -0.011416186578571796, -0.028440525755286217, 0.00009348656021757051, -0.03800984099507332, -0.028848448768258095, 0.004542418755590916, -0.032730601727962494, 0.02801230549812317, -0.06637366116046906, -0.0621158741414547, -0.0018790120957419276, -0.036326274275779724, 0.024442125111818314, 0.03455720469355583, -0.005268513225018978, -0.0022001166362315416, -0.0025284115690737963, 0.009827036410570145, 0.010081300511956215, -0.05910713970661163, 0.0171201229095459, 0.024912970140576363, -0.021355604752898216, 0.024647699669003487, -0.03483494371175766, -0.01846197247505188, 0.004141727462410927, 0.014611763879656792, 0.038672734051942825, -0.04635503515601158, 0.041687946766614914, 0.004621562547981739, -0.013301095925271511, -0.012321087531745434, -0.008231048472225666, -0.0007676536333747208, -0.001947549870237708, 0.018184170126914978, -0.023190686479210854, 0.0393131822347641, -0.027391813695430756, -0.03505018725991249, 0.05312270298600197, -0.044249773025512695, -0.007576026022434235, -0.048828888684511185, 0.008223840966820717, 0.05288240313529968, -0.05616123229265213, -0.022417878732085228, -0.01390264555811882, 0.007286387030035257, -0.016728529706597328, 0.09982673078775406, 0.021373756229877472, 0.032157052308321, 0.009451513178646564, -0.04793239012360573, -0.020631620660424232, 0.006308816839009523, 0.031672749668359756, -0.0013479582266882062, 0.011716032400727272, 0.08800667524337769, -0.023525016382336617, 0.008167632855474949, -0.06365710496902466, 0.00866978894919157, 0.03206329420208931, -0.04544292762875557, -0.02851124107837677, -0.010013516992330551, -0.0077458759769797325, 0.0391777902841568, -0.02917506918311119, 0.008728310465812683, 0.014436746947467327, 0.00016194881754927337, 0.013986123725771904, 0.005099189467728138, 0.03541446849703789, -0.030989553779363632, 0.035648684948682785, -0.08852404356002808, -0.040991783142089844, -0.03565205633640289, -0.011071184650063515, -0.02951875329017639, 0.029375014826655388, 0.001998197054490447, -0.004223097115755081, -0.019510965794324875, 0.028692878782749176, -0.058748822659254074, -0.01716906949877739, 0.003739109029993415, -0.00479884585365653, -0.03360811248421669, 0.04415798932313919, -0.004700607620179653, 0.03809468448162079, -0.015141893178224564, -0.04433593899011612, -0.02208617329597473, 0.028652967885136604, 0.02158745564520359, 0.02368026040494442, 0.033141423016786575, -0.022860197350382805, -0.030149508267641068, 0.04472300037741661, 0.035871077328920364, -0.06857585906982422, 0.0019985330291092396, -0.0660485029220581, 0.0689249187707901, 0.022182956337928772, 0.017802076414227486, -0.0065313344821333885, 0.02414371632039547, -0.002408840926364064, -0.05432604253292084, -0.01181295607239008, 0.0333540253341198, -0.02598636783659458, -0.046473778784275055, 0.06378412246704102, 0.014716739766299725, -0.02796243689954281, 0.032008182257413864, -0.015458245761692524, -0.01892475225031376, 0.014835898764431477, -0.019246157258749008, -0.0051510692574083805, -0.027920741587877274, 0.019452154636383057, 0.042556531727313995, 0.08879908919334412, 0.030094807967543602, -0.0316726416349411, 0.009911748580634594, 0.014501730911433697, 0.08057272434234619, 0.04550046846270561, 0.02160198800265789, -0.006635795813053846, 0.0438712015748024, -0.013314468786120415, -0.013818214647471905, 0.028237396851181984, -0.008274422958493233, -0.016874898225069046, 0.005892742425203323, 0.0012347956653684378, 0.05010901764035225, -0.01744571514427662, 0.04190082475543022, 0.07771771401166916, 0.008181729353964329, 0.055978428572416306, -0.021907204762101173, 0.049781035631895065, 0.018830206245183945, 0.007720260415226221, -0.01665264554321766, 0.0012472873786464334, -0.017208347097039223, -0.01684396341443062, 0.03187055513262749, -0.01893351599574089, -0.013775398023426533, -0.0603511705994606, 0.0013730216305702925, -0.017880020663142204, 0.005885931197553873, 0.04041029140353203, -0.014695032499730587, -0.006559660658240318, 0.00015414788504131138, 0.0076140146702528, 0.005577050149440765, -0.022545265033841133, 0.036322277039289474, -0.017599916085600853, -0.017899148166179657, -0.010134818963706493, 0.028135018423199654, 0.0463804267346859, 0.03831968456506729, 0.052302028983831406, -0.03326573967933655, -0.014716528356075287, 0.04077322408556938, 0.011110841296613216, -0.06042475998401642, -0.02845211699604988, -0.03047557733952999, 0.012130994349718094, -0.03755238652229309, 0.009202014654874802, 0.0072334459982812405, -0.002508770674467087, -0.04430783540010452, 0.021078327670693398, 0.0012608650140464306, -0.009469162672758102, 0.03147442266345024, -0.06831216812133789, 0.020510513335466385, 0.04532955586910248, 0.04002122953534126, 0.04961928725242615, 0.04191999509930611, 0.04797513782978058, -0.007796707097440958, -0.03765328601002693, 0.01024196483194828, -0.026207201182842255, 0.026966581121087074, -0.007295816671103239, -0.015290346927940845, -0.08704327791929245, 0.025709977373480797, 0.033648986369371414, 0.01541758794337511, -0.05194716900587082, 0.04543460160493851, 0.02052580937743187, -0.009056401439011097, 0.08233974128961563, 0.03680496662855148, -0.029375869780778885, -0.03628920763731003, -0.023492516949772835, -0.019070075824856758, -0.013720410875976086, 0.04189332202076912, -0.011339792050421238, 0.028639337047934532, 0.03825511783361435, -0.032930888235569, -0.03742855414748192, 0.048475231975317, 0.016340648755431175, 0.02285969816148281, 0.0017848177812993526, -0.022837750613689423, -0.02466716431081295, -0.04024632275104523, -0.016940798610448837, -0.008097916841506958, -0.0367363803088665, -0.03939343988895416, 0.012815163470804691, -0.006003758870065212, -0.022890795022249222, 0.007780015468597412, 0.028106536716222763, 0.03278057277202606, -0.06092366203665733, -0.025569463148713112, -0.061296187341213226, 0.005570882465690374, -0.006009310018271208, 0.009410538710653782, 0.002759528113529086, -0.05814700201153755, 0.001639708993025124, -0.033683646470308304, 0.015053506009280682, 0.0567532554268837, -0.01633877120912075, -0.002661369973793626 ]
OPINION RANSOM, Justice. Javier Aguilar (defendant) was convicted of the commercial burglary of Dexter Hardware. This conviction was affirmed by the court of appeals. We granted certiorari. The defendant raises five issues in his petition for certiorari. We address only one, whether the defendant’s confession should have been suppressed as involuntary. As to that issue, we reverse the opinion of the court of appeals and remand for a new trial, disallowing the admission of the confession. As to the remaining issues, we find them either to be without merit or rendered moot by our disposition of the case. On the night of November 9, 1985, after discovering a broken window at Dexter Hardware, a police officer entered the premises, found the defendant and arrested him. The next day, Dexter Chief of Police Carlos Barela read defendant his Miranda rights. See Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 S.Ct. 1602, 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966). The defendant read and signed an advice of rights waiver. Chief Barela said he read and explained the Miranda warning to the defendant pri- or to questioning him and the Chief thought the defendant understood what was being said. Chief Barela had known the defendant for several years; he knew that the defendant’s family had had problems with the defendant and that the defendant had been committed to the New Mexico State Hospital. Chief Barela acknowledged that he encouraged the defendant to confess to the Dexter Hardware burglary by assuring him that a confession to the crime would be taken into favorable consideration by everyone concerned. Chief Barela further admitted having told the defendant that the police had found the perpetrator’s fingerprints at the scene of the burglary, although no fingerprints were introduced at trial. Finally, Chief Barela admitted having implied that, if the defendant did not confess, the defendant could be charged in connection with unrelated incidents of vandalism in Dexter. Chief Barela explained on cross-examination: “[W]hat I intended to convey to him was that if I had to work and the D.A.’s had to put a lot of work into it, this would not be good.” The defendant confessed. Defendant has a history of mental illness. He was diagnosed as suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. In the eighteen months preceding his arrest, he was twice committed to the New Mexico State Hospital suffering from both visual and auditory hallucinations. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was on a discharge plan from the state hospital that required him to take antipsychotic medication daily and to attend weekly mental therapy counseling. In addition, defendant’s I.Q. of seventy placed him on the borderline of mental retardation. Frank Everitt, a forensic evaluator, opined that the interrogation would have been stressful to the defendant, possibly causing him to act impulsively. Further, Everitt testified that due to the defendant’s subnormal intelligence and his mental illness, defendant more than likely had difficulty in appreciating the meaning of Chief Barela’s assurances and in distinguishing whether a deal had been made. The de-'' fendant stated to Everitt that he thought the Chief of Police was promising him a “good deal.” The appropriate standard of review applicable to coerced confession claims is adequately set out in the court of appeals opinion. As there stated, appellate courts have a duty to examine the entire record and the circumstances under which the confession was made, and to make an independent determination of the ultimate question of voluntariness. See, e.g. Payne v. Arkansas, 356 U.S. 560, 78 S.Ct. 844, 2 L.Ed.2d 975 (1958). Accordingly, New Mexico has adopted the “totality of the circumstances” test. State v. Tindle, 104 N.M. 195, 718 P.2d 705 (Ct.App.1986); State v. Aguirre, 91 N.M. 672, 579 P.2d 798 (Ct.App.), cert. denied, 91 N.M. 751, 580 P.2d 972 (1978). Although the court below announced the correct standard, the majority does not appear to have applied it. Rather than examine the totality of the circumstances, the court of appeals focused upon only that evidence favorable to a finding of voluntariness. See State v. Aguilar, (Ct.App.1987) (Bivins J., concurring in part, dissenting in part). [Opinion attached herewith to Justice Stowers’ dissenting opinion.] In any event, our review on certiorari entails an independent examination of the record to determine whether evidence of voluntariness preponderates. The court of appeals relied upon the following evidence to affirm the trial court’s determination that the defendant’s confession was voluntary. The defendant was no stranger to the criminal justice system. The defendant signed an advice of rights waiver. Although the defendant had a history of mental illness, his behavior during the interrogation appeared normal. The defendant’s I.Q. of seventy could possibly be the result of the test being conducted in English while Spanish is the defendant’s primary language. Notwithstanding his subnormal I.Q. and failure to graduate from high school, the defendant had a tenth grade reading level. In examining voluntariness claims, we follow the three phase analytical framework set out in Culombe v. Connecticut, 367 U.S. 568, 81 S.Ct. 1860, 6 L.Ed.2d 1037 (1961). The first phase addresses the total ity of circumstances surrounding the procurement of the contested confession. The second and third phases of the analysis involve the largely inferential determination of how the accused reacted to the external facts and the application of the due process standards to the court’s perception of how the defendant reacted. Under these phases of the analysis, the appellate court must draw its own conclusions based on the totality of the circumstances. Id. at 604-06, 81 S.Ct. at 1880-81; see also Schneckloth v. Bustamonte, 412 U.S. 218, 93 S.Ct. 2041, 36 L.Ed.2d 854 (1973). The due process standards are that the confession must have been freely given and not induced by promise or threat. State v. Turnbow, 67 N.M. 241, 354 P.2d 533 (1960); State v. Tindle, 104 N.M. at 198, 718 P.2d at 708. The state bears the burden of establishing voluntariness. State v. Tindle, 104 N.M. at 198, 718 P.2d at 708. If the state fails to prove voluntariness by a preponderance of the evidence, the trial court must rule that the confession was involuntary as a matter of law. Id. Consequently, if the state only adduces evidence proving an equal likelihood that the confession was either voluntary or involuntary, the state has not satisfied its burden. We find that the state did not meet its burden. Here, due to the subnormal intelligence and mental illness of the accused, he unquestionably had difficulty in appreciating the meaning of the assurances given to him by Chief Barela and in distinguishing whether a deal had been made. See Colorado v. Connelly, 479 U.S. 157, 107 S.Ct. 515, 520, 93 L.Ed.2d 473 (1986) (“[A]s interrogators have turned to more subtle forms of psychological persuasion, courts have found the mental condition of the defendant a more significant factor in the ‘voluntariness’ calculus.”). See also Townsend v. Sain, 372 U.S. 293, 307-08, 83 S.Ct. 745, 754, 9 L.Ed.2d 770 (1963). Further, the forensic evaluator testified that the interrogation would have been so stressful to the defendant that he might have acted impulsively. Chief Barela’s interrogation alternated between threatening the defendant with charges in connection with unrelated incidents of vandalism in Dexter and assuring the defendant that a confession to the burglary would be looked upon favorably by all concerned. In the totality of the circumstances, this interrogation technique is preponderant. In comparison with all evidence to the contrary, these implied threats and promises, especially when knowingly made to a defendant with diminished mental capacity, rendered the confession involuntary as a matter of law. See State v. Tindle, 104 N.M. 195, 718 P.2d 705 (Ct.App.1986). Therefore, under the standard of review set forth above, and in view of the totality of the circumstances, we conclude that the state did not meet its burden of establishing that the confession of the defendant was freely given and not induced by promise or threat. We remand to the district court for a new trial, disallowing the admission of defendant’s confession. IT IS SO ORDERED. SCARBOROUGH, C.J., SOSA, Senior Justice, and WALTERS, J., concur. STOWERS, dissents.
[ -0.0391882099211216, -0.027235830202698708, -0.018751131370663643, 0.049087561666965485, 0.04423106461763382, 0.010875600390136242, 0.05173581838607788, 0.04781472310423851, 0.021349173039197922, -0.005571376066654921, 0.004567496478557587, 0.02958875522017479, -0.05123572051525116, 0.04402455314993858, -0.02176201529800892, 0.07808386534452438, 0.07298900187015533, -0.0007692977087572217, 0.010137244127690792, 0.044680751860141754, 0.04849689081311226, -0.048898931592702866, -0.0005155319231562316, 0.022820627316832542, 0.00039875516085885465, 0.011103156954050064, 0.005178555380553007, 0.024314161390066147, -0.0810059905052185, 0.011367141269147396, 0.050301965326070786, -0.021488485857844353, 0.008868418633937836, -0.031524065881967545, -0.0020995072554796934, -0.005492802243679762, -0.010298553854227066, 0.01986987330019474, -0.006857354659587145, 0.06062120571732521, -0.04458595812320709, 0.0037932414561510086, -0.058269619941711426, -0.024180367588996887, -0.06312339752912521, 0.011724596843123436, 0.03553931787610054, 0.038646165281534195, -0.024514272809028625, -0.026431474834680557, -0.04386696219444275, 0.023860633373260498, -0.006732945330440998, 0.02769932709634304, 0.0021673347800970078, 0.010372558608651161, -0.013526976108551025, -0.057757746428251266, -0.022164098918437958, -0.03599775955080986, -0.019686171784996986, -0.03300175070762634, 0.09687111526727676, -0.011407861486077309, 0.014817824587225914, -0.004637214355170727, 0.02709699049592018, 0.03511885926127434, -0.034403927624225616, -0.03942669928073883, -0.010195305570960045, -0.009067118167877197, -0.0068272375501692295, -0.02533220313489437, -0.027185805141925812, -0.028854364529252052, 0.005390204023569822, 0.013344448059797287, -0.0028256643563508987, 0.04585862532258034, 0.05224919319152832, 0.015120124444365501, 0.027322109788656235, 0.04647123068571091, 0.015135819092392921, -0.05608292669057846, 0.005244419910013676, -0.020923128351569176, -0.06439806520938873, 0.035551369190216064, -0.04573901370167732, -0.02641758881509304, 0.023226842284202576, 0.05095956102013588, -0.0015012240037322044, 0.01488330215215683, 0.07780442386865616, -0.03312873840332031, 0.013266204856336117, -0.0024463911540806293, 0.033107973635196686, -0.02793247625231743, 0.012952247634530067, 0.01595931686460972, -0.06309149414300919, 0.011235147714614868, -0.0024213639553636312, 0.008368696086108685, -0.01625525765120983, 0.0021800766699016094, -0.020807797089219093, 0.004470368847250938, -0.016241980716586113, -0.014718874357640743, -0.04791155457496643, 0.06499812006950378, 0.046787720173597336, -0.03536142036318779, -0.012131612747907639, 0.010659681633114815, 0.015271255746483803, 0.016917550936341286, 0.001897420734167099, 0.07120254635810852, 0.013459348119795322, -0.003444946836680174, 0.01680898852646351, 0.03773139417171478, -0.005604553036391735, -0.061254605650901794, -0.01596509851515293, 0.02842799574136734, -0.009664604440331459, -0.013143579475581646, -0.024418499320745468, -0.02793596126139164, -0.002232244936749339, -0.02506323531270027, 0.014022152870893478, -0.04394569247961044, 0.006605471018701792, -0.06106588616967201, 0.024518445134162903, 0.00210719951428473, 0.08320704102516174, -0.02079201303422451, 0.0016280780546367168, -0.005299652926623821, -0.019373711198568344, -0.008870316669344902, 0.039223719388246536, 0.044623151421546936, 0.018177727237343788, -0.03354984149336815, 0.023341426625847816, 0.04146163910627365, 0.030658498406410217, -0.03053511120378971, -0.0012493293033912778, 0.037664931267499924, 0.030815158039331436, -0.0031590876169502735, 0.001216081203892827, -0.006792618427425623, 0.0008001430542208254, 0.053941693156957626, 0.01311612781137228, -0.005272418726235628, -0.040410153567790985, 0.013429938815534115, -0.044340476393699646, 0.024133875966072083, 0.022563757374882698, -0.051474977284669876, -0.030741285532712936, 0.024277755990624428, 0.03920485079288483, 0.008220763877034187, 0.018030162900686264, -0.05498761311173439, -0.051538847386837006, 0.05302716791629791, -0.025007445365190506, -0.0014297644374892116, -0.05684481933712959, -0.014722008258104324, 0.023231590166687965, 0.02996831014752388, 0.003972368314862251, 0.015476957894861698, -0.054688166826963425, 0.012630444020032883, 0.008061135187745094, -0.0017352050635963678, 0.03308385610580444, 0.032242488116025925, -0.012478379532694817, 0.04184737429022789, -0.003816052805632353, 0.05415007099509239, -0.005966182332485914, 0.0012481026351451874, 0.06007397547364235, -0.04114503785967827, -0.04658975824713707, 0.020627461373806, 0.0643126592040062, 0.013265252113342285, 0.025358950719237328, 0.045427098870277405, -0.025962790474295616, -0.012744373641908169, 0.04621823877096176, -0.00024452549405395985, 0.024477586150169373, -0.03763292357325554, 0.049363475292921066, -0.011423962190747261, 0.04556269198656082, -0.06860888749361038, 0.027030285447835922, -0.0049658059142529964, -0.02697458490729332, 0.0704115480184555, -0.046131495386362076, 0.09832344204187393, 0.04905574396252632, -0.057742808014154434, 0.01712993159890175, 0.027492420747876167, -0.004535115323960781, -0.024783054366707802, 0.02586277946829796, 0.006102612242102623, 0.01746303401887417, 0.056188859045505524, -0.009424073621630669, -0.010800883173942566, 0.031194331124424934, -0.0613216906785965, 0.019915983080863953, 0.0426131896674633, 0.015759076923131943, 0.06437886506319046, -0.011680900119245052, -0.019749579951167107, 0.006136952433735132, -0.009524391032755375, -0.02388834021985531, -0.025556465610861778, -0.03943892940878868, 0.013019932433962822, 0.024821812286973, 0.010892116464674473, 0.042433399707078934, -0.06392640620470047, 0.041641730815172195, -0.03708909824490547, 0.004690474830567837, 0.05863282084465027, 0.00291994446888566, 0.043803684413433075, -0.0048729549162089825, -0.012114876881241798, -0.03577845171093941, -0.03560401126742363, -0.027014611288905144, 0.010250994935631752, -0.003925379365682602, 0.022599320858716965, 0.005988361779600382, 0.00200601271353662, -0.02296927198767662, 0.014296776615083218, -0.015545761212706566, 0.013320245780050755, 0.026739226654171944, -0.016266698017716408, -0.025716595351696014, 0.008015116676688194, 0.005232864525169134, 0.03546644002199173, -0.05223214253783226, -0.06696217507123947, -0.022424671798944473, -0.07870058715343475, 0.0007583191036246717, -0.043699998408555984, -0.06912624090909958, 0.04420752823352814, 0.026978010311722755, 0.024177715182304382, 0.006102894898504019, 0.011765917763113976, -0.005156633444130421, 0.006950418930500746, 0.012362109497189522, 0.02677961252629757, 0.04922988638281822, -0.012085641734302044, 0.022907106205821037, 0.026649996638298035, 0.014147723093628883, 0.041152626276016235, 0.014208449050784111, 0.005318020470440388, 0.021343469619750977, -0.009619354270398617, -0.2779567837715149, 0.019567014649510384, 0.02397076226770878, -0.08087147772312164, 0.05676116421818733, 0.001305852667428553, -0.0052538104355335236, -0.024349547922611237, -0.02061859332025051, 0.026335854083299637, 0.0289491955190897, -0.041652973741292953, 0.014262477867305279, 0.024497143924236298, 0.046799398958683014, -0.05267385393381119, -0.017006563022732735, -0.017735492438077927, -0.004891700576990843, -0.002823049668222666, 0.02114265039563179, -0.07073324173688889, -0.05667220056056976, -0.015293404459953308, 0.04017758369445801, 0.068805031478405, -0.07027442008256912, 0.02437349408864975, -0.07210057228803635, -0.040268220007419586, -0.02915383130311966, 0.026474447920918465, -0.05066653713583946, -0.0038684888277202845, -0.03448302671313286, 0.005726122763007879, 0.033578794449567795, -0.019660577178001404, -0.038953106850385666, 0.03627258539199829, 0.01480894722044468, -0.014734952710568905, -0.022244643419981003, 0.04356824606657028, 0.06893989443778992, -0.023627040907740593, -0.0389702282845974, -0.009754975326359272, -0.04215092211961746, 0.05277528986334801, -0.025890979915857315, 0.02246147021651268, -0.06918790936470032, 0.01311756856739521, -0.028537005186080933, 0.009068844839930534, -0.03237130492925644, -0.03323917090892792, -0.060915507376194, 0.05445609614253044, 0.03515414148569107, -0.013857604004442692, -0.05222831666469574, -0.02681460790336132, -0.026937779039144516, -0.025304051116108894, -0.002646181732416153, -0.04264869913458824, 0.08782051503658295, 0.03621172159910202, 0.022870514541864395, 0.052714210003614426, -0.008778935298323631, -0.09270317107439041, 0.045917607843875885, -0.011851449497044086, -0.016840720549225807, -0.046171434223651886, -0.023689595982432365, -0.0014643046306446195, 0.0019582253880798817, -0.02217220887541771, 0.032114919275045395, 0.012210273183882236, -0.0023784483782947063, -0.004623837303370237, -0.026611490175127983, 0.03647973760962486, -0.06488614529371262, 0.005954313091933727, 0.03676595166325569, 0.04966577887535095, -0.04849036782979965, -0.028205227106809616, -0.031545963138341904, 0.028516244143247604, -0.001869071857072413, -0.008909349329769611, -0.03537040203809738, -0.01720394194126129, 0.033590707927942276, -0.042029570788145065, 0.01813940890133381, -0.05618160590529442, 0.007858873344957829, 0.018969105556607246, -0.05597667396068573, -0.006087074056267738, 0.07116706669330597, -0.011978225782513618, 0.012921465560793877, 0.002857295796275139, 0.04893657937645912, -0.02093510329723358, 0.010858884081244469, -0.018064139410853386, 0.04679889231920242, 0.016104044392704964, 0.024353984743356705, 0.014441843144595623, -0.002143518067896366, 0.017174886539578438, -0.0116560198366642, -0.009742023423314095, -0.06594627350568771, -0.010224753990769386, 0.005353380460292101, 0.009159844368696213, 0.020468128845095634, 0.03895081952214241, -0.02420581504702568, -0.015238831751048565, -0.0075465175323188305, -0.025557655841112137, 0.023077579215168953, 0.03048311360180378, -0.028614036738872528, -0.07360298186540604, 0.0009229920688085258, -0.013470785692334175, 0.05979238450527191, -0.02611677534878254, 0.01962774433195591, -0.0003758023667614907, 0.0625467300415039, -0.023264644667506218, -0.0023262121248990297, -0.020095055922865868, -0.026607193052768707, 0.025109339505434036, 0.0128178084269166, -0.06359072774648666, 0.0379822701215744, -0.053330760449171066, -0.010853046551346779, -0.03609413281083107, 0.009296477772295475, 0.04445330426096916, -0.0664215236902237, -0.029781078919768333, 0.010614224709570408, -0.04549835994839668, -0.01809779927134514, -0.029891163110733032, 0.03072836995124817, 0.03256949782371521, -0.05787958949804306, 0.033952828496694565, -0.0095369853079319, 0.05506587028503418, -0.02976573444902897, -0.056689098477363586, 0.011359534226357937, 0.010715233162045479, 0.01898317039012909, 0.013172638602554798, -0.04191840440034866, 0.01281316950917244, 0.023585939779877663, 0.01904873736202717, 0.01545792631804943, -0.02440432645380497, -0.0376250296831131, 0.004326358437538147, 0.07437972724437714, -0.04600729048252106, -0.010976968333125114, -0.061088308691978455, -0.03109266236424446, -0.004356302320957184, -0.03704409673810005, -0.0190585944801569, 0.0027450514025986195, 0.034009695053100586, -0.059896551072597504, -0.09179570525884628, -0.005454862955957651, 0.013375850394368172, 0.030110009014606476, 0.02080901712179184, 0.00016036370652727783, -0.0015008868649601936, -0.03173359856009483, 0.017947044223546982, 0.025578299537301064, -0.04211238771677017, 0.02415953390300274, 0.025275109335780144, 0.027501024305820465, 0.024037817493081093, -0.03988657891750336, -0.054386675357818604, -0.012744043953716755, 0.015875909477472305, 0.04124511405825615, -0.06010166183114052, 0.010403336957097054, -0.030269525945186615, -0.038416504859924316, 0.024871058762073517, -0.008423504419624805, -0.025640828534960747, -0.005568039137870073, 0.01256545726209879, -0.05016155168414116, 0.052431099116802216, -0.0069704605266451836, -0.0389263853430748, 0.03364637494087219, -0.030889127403497696, 0.02203916385769844, -0.02907716855406761, 0.050576843321323395, 0.0546056367456913, -0.04849446937441826, -0.02705700509250164, -0.021283604204654694, -0.034407153725624084, -0.05203697457909584, 0.07766268402338028, 0.021997813135385513, 0.01190186571329832, 0.007586863357573748, -0.04485715180635452, -0.028432246297597885, -0.009013769216835499, 0.02096414938569069, 0.01769779995083809, -0.019274478778243065, 0.06236312910914421, -0.029089830815792084, -0.004934039432555437, 0.0003277152718510479, -0.0203293114900589, 0.02040407806634903, -0.034655313938856125, 0.0018690336728468537, -0.00037224331754259765, -0.021539978682994843, -0.004797277040779591, -0.008825789205729961, -0.015260267071425915, 0.004339719191193581, 0.026381608098745346, 0.023763708770275116, 0.028497997671365738, 0.0006533745327033103, -0.019177639856934547, 0.05484792962670326, -0.05224387347698212, 0.0032575831282883883, -0.051070574671030045, 0.032462406903505325, 0.013701588846743107, 0.02378992550075054, 0.012570096179842949, 0.018124861642718315, -0.014072648249566555, 0.024157334119081497, -0.09296785295009613, -0.03674560785293579, 0.018711283802986145, -0.0248126070946455, -0.044574033468961716, -0.004667528904974461, -0.021132471039891243, 0.010788332670927048, 0.010647867806255817, -0.10405152291059494, -0.05203785374760628, 0.00878540426492691, 0.035057853907346725, 0.047386664897203445, 0.035875461995601654, 0.009795905090868473, 0.024018341675400734, 0.014035617932677269, 0.04252970591187477, 0.005808571819216013, 0.02790391445159912, -0.0519627183675766, 0.04292665049433708, 0.012811622582376003, -0.013041089288890362, -0.020238149911165237, 0.01858619786798954, 0.02792694792151451, -0.05751907452940941, -0.03412932902574539, 0.018256276845932007, -0.027533680200576782, -0.048554323613643646, 0.043651629239320755, 0.00007827813533367589, -0.06167140603065491, -0.02706230990588665, 0.0270916149020195, 0.004255032632499933, -0.06982922554016113, -0.003552896436303854, 0.012754898518323898, 0.008368905633687973, 0.05493878200650215, 0.015465433709323406, 0.06453559547662735, 0.04111355170607567, 0.016242656856775284, 0.029575461521744728, 0.012232277542352676, 0.052764229476451874, 0.0614829920232296, 0.0002933322102762759, -0.0105182696133852, 0.05208207294344902, -0.05044344812631607, 0.004611945245414972, 0.05023617297410965, -0.02054062858223915, -0.025312740355730057, 0.019497785717248917, 0.04481525719165802, 0.018406180664896965, -0.03905749320983887, 0.06754718720912933, 0.017017634585499763, 0.01140444166958332, 0.04557623341679573, 0.020387979224324226, 0.028480513021349907, 0.04342518746852875, -0.0004354914999566972, -0.02158821001648903, -0.016964823007583618, -0.0054459404200315475, -0.022130358964204788, 0.01563500426709652, -0.020093966275453568, 0.0009219144703820348, -0.07807240635156631, -0.0048688254319131374, -0.020967191085219383, -0.0384003110229969, 0.08815637230873108, -0.05367709696292877, -0.004857199266552925, 0.0014680206077173352, -0.015789231285452843, 0.020193303003907204, -0.03326365351676941, 0.0016014456050470471, -0.009623849764466286, -0.0032405771780759096, -0.027175037190318108, -0.01697521284222603, 0.049313243478536606, 0.02941497601568699, 0.038449227809906006, 0.0025917361490428448, -0.0032869589049369097, 0.02255737967789173, 0.013352409936487675, -0.040314506739377975, -0.04401057958602905, -0.044402237981557846, -0.006568048149347305, -0.041006095707416534, -0.004618357867002487, 0.023582542315125465, 0.009809182025492191, -0.05568254366517067, 0.0351782962679863, -0.001081291469745338, -0.00804818794131279, 0.04409614950418472, -0.0478716641664505, -0.006095678545534611, 0.017822662368416786, 0.06481017172336578, 0.013432691805064678, -0.0035510496236383915, 0.03372444212436676, -0.0020792086143046618, -0.07599393278360367, -0.0140713294968009, -0.017122551798820496, 0.025023164227604866, -0.02553381957113743, 0.011860588565468788, -0.09722907841205597, 0.00853738933801651, 0.00017311834380961955, -0.02191799320280552, -0.10781759768724442, 0.003394216066226363, -0.01479786355048418, -0.026570938527584076, 0.1004929319024086, 0.05074048414826393, 0.0016547649865970016, -0.04120376706123352, -0.013736541382968426, 0.022199317812919617, 0.009850221686065197, 0.0859638899564743, -0.02250136435031891, 0.041976310312747955, 0.05179087072610855, 0.0076944525353610516, -0.031660277396440506, 0.008112113922834396, 0.04699871689081192, -0.015745600685477257, -0.005267957225441933, 0.001916832639835775, -0.016189074143767357, -0.0507599338889122, -0.02601582184433937, 0.019959868863224983, -0.03705102950334549, -0.06523220241069794, 0.025729971006512642, -0.032243333756923676, 0.01212635263800621, -0.01892685331404209, 0.011134463362395763, 0.03620767965912819, -0.038844864815473557, -0.016703443601727486, -0.016036128625273705, 0.020523326471447945, -0.018263820558786392, -0.013606303371489048, 0.02773186005651951, -0.0381372831761837, 0.006456698291003704, -0.006569904740899801, 0.028114499524235725, 0.016821037977933884, -0.004683061968535185, -0.020565280690789223 ]
OPINION SOSA, Senior Justice. Our original opinion in this case was filed on September 1, 1987, 106 N.M. 498, 745 P.2d 1146. The State filed its motion for rehearing and we granted the State’s motion. Upon consideration of the State’s motion, we deny the relief sought by the State and amend our original opinion by adding the following thereto. In our original opinion we overruled Rutledge v. Fort, 104 N.M. 7, 715 P.2d 455 (1986), insofar as that decision holds that a defendant’s knowledge as to the identity of a police officer is not a necessary element of the crimes defined in NMSA 1978, Sections 30-22-22 and 30-22-24 (Repl.Pamp. 1984 & Cum.Supp.1987). We issued our opinion without realizing that the case we were deciding (Reese v. State) was in fact the same case as to Rutledge v. Fort. In Rutledge we issued a writ of superintending control prohibiting the trial court from giving a jury instruction which would require a finding that the defendant knew that the man he had assaulted was a police officer. When that case (styled Reese v. State) came before us on appeal, we ruled that a necessary element of the crime of assaulting a police officer is the defendant’s knowledge of the identity of his victim. The State argues on rehearing that we have arrived at an impossible conclusion because the law of the case precludes our reaching a result on appeal that differs from the result we initially reached when granting the writ of superintending control. We disagree with the State. The State did not advise us that the real parties in interest in Reese v. State and Rutledge v. Fort were the same. The State in fact filed no response to Reese’s petition for writ of certiorari, and for that reason alone the State could be held to have waived its subsequent claim that the law of the case precludes our variant ruling in Reese. We do not, however, base our decision here on the State’s waiver of its claim to assert the law of the case. Instead, we base our decision on the broader policy rationale underlying the doctrine of the law of the case. We long ago stated the theory underlying this doctrine as follows: The doctrine of the law of the case is not a rule to which we are bound by any legislative enactment. In so far (sic) as we are bound, it is because we have so bound ourselves, or choose so to bind ourselves by our decisions. By those courts which refuse, under some circumstances, to be bound by it, it is pointed out that when we conclude that a former decision is erroneous, and we still have the opportunity to correct it as affecting those parties whose interests are concerned in the original ruling, we should apply the law of the land rather than the law of the case. * * * [W]e feel that is better and more just to apply in this case what we find to be the law of the land. As affects the parties concerned, the evil effects of so doing are trivial as compared to the unfortunate consequences of perpetuating the error. Farmers’ State Bank v. Clayton Nat’l Bank, 31 N.M. 344, 355-56, 245 P. 543, 548 (1925). This decision is in keeping with the majority understanding of the doctrine of the law of the case which has been stated as follows: [Sjince the doctrine of the law of the case is merely one of practice or court policy, and not of inflexible law, so that appellate courts are not absolutely bound thereby, but may exercise a certain degree of discretion in applying it, there are many holdings in which the courts have retreated from any inflexible rule requiring the doctrine to be applied regardless of error in the former decision, and it has been said that the doctrine should not be utilized to accomplish an obvious injustice, or applied where the former appellate decision was clearly, palpably, or manifestly erroneous or unjust. 5 Am.Jur.2d Appeal and Error § 750 at 194 (1962). See also Killeen v. Community Hosp. at Glen Cove, 101 Misc.2d 367, 369, 420 N.Y.S.2d 990, 992 (1979) (law of the case is discretionary); Greene v. Rothschild, 68 Wash.2d 1, 414 P.2d 1013 (1966) (if application of the doctrine would work a manifest injustice to one party the erroneous decision should be disregarded and set aside); Note, Successive Appeals and the Law of the Case, 62 Harv.L.Rev. 286, 288 (1948) (“Today almost all courts would probably reverse the prior ruling if convinced that it stated a bad rule of law and should be overruled.”) Note, The Doctrine of the Law of the Case, 17 Miss.L.J. 170 (1945) (law of the case must not be confused with stare decisis and res judicata, both of which are binding, while law of the case is discretionary); Vestal, Law of the Case; Single-Suit Preclusion, 1967 Utah L.Rev. 1 (application of the doctrine can be misleadingly broad), see generally Annotation, Erroneous Decision as Law of the Case on Subsequent Appellate Review, 87 A.L.R.2d 271 (1963). It is obvious from the above that we may deviate from the law of the case doctrine in the situation before us if to apply the doctrine would result in a manifest injustice. We hold that such would be the case here. Were we to adhere immutably to the law of the case, the defendant Reese would be denied a fair trial. As we stated in our original decision, to deny Reese the right to have the jury informed as to his apprehension of the identity of the person he assaulted would be to deny him the right to have the jury apprised of a necessary element of the crime for which he was charged, and that in turn would be to deny Reese his constitutional guarantee of due process of law. Accordingly, the State’s motion for rehearing is denied, and the holding in our original opinion is affirmed for the reasons set forth herein. IT IS SO ORDERED. WALTERS, J., concurs. RANSOM, J., specially concurring in opinion on rehearing. SCARBOROUGH, C.J., dissents. STOWERS, J., dissents, with opinion.
[ -0.06546243280172348, -0.04629138857126236, -0.010967892594635487, 0.01362348347902298, 0.04197787865996361, 0.017236294224858284, 0.07483893632888794, 0.01525376457720995, -0.0060492269694805145, -0.0460139699280262, 0.02159138396382332, 0.007956898771226406, -0.07801250368356705, 0.03536510467529297, -0.01333766058087349, 0.07156292349100113, 0.05584324151277542, -0.012229676358401775, 0.041406892240047455, -0.003114564111456275, 0.025201469659805298, 0.02305842563509941, 0.009419409558176994, 0.05022556334733963, 0.011863352730870247, 0.020456824451684952, 0.006530662067234516, 0.003707322757691145, -0.04750586301088333, -0.01194678246974945, 0.026270398870110512, -0.02938360720872879, -0.028194181621074677, 0.00790721271187067, -0.013067063875496387, 0.03197057917714119, 0.0065818065777421, -0.010376174002885818, -0.01115699764341116, 0.017705291509628296, -0.02644019015133381, 0.01103786751627922, -0.03325580805540085, -0.04514853656291962, -0.03861011937260628, -0.02614321932196617, 0.004023917019367218, 0.02330237627029419, -0.018615586683154106, 0.010741695761680603, -0.0732727199792862, 0.0006146625964902341, -0.03180130943655968, 0.01893305405974388, 0.01647990569472313, 0.007585159968584776, -0.0660688504576683, -0.05149390920996666, -0.022385364398360252, -0.017567185685038567, 0.007391634862869978, -0.02776476927101612, 0.051299624145030975, -0.006581856869161129, 0.0021543316543102264, -0.0014113693032413721, 0.00486703822389245, 0.028277046978473663, 0.010384844616055489, 0.02430332824587822, -0.05197804793715477, 0.01752583496272564, 0.008238800801336765, 0.007109872531145811, -0.014183862134814262, 0.002628585323691368, 0.038009703159332275, 0.01962968334555626, -0.017597710713744164, 0.026789482682943344, 0.027376782149076462, 0.00031375966500490904, 0.021622149273753166, 0.0370718352496624, 0.008255565539002419, -0.02202553302049637, -0.0304374061524868, -0.03562280535697937, -0.05528053641319275, 0.02915341407060623, -0.05323079973459244, -0.04571239650249481, 0.051481906324625015, 0.06899137794971466, -0.010728892870247364, 0.0029798427131026983, 0.07123701274394989, -0.025897106155753136, 0.02440052293241024, -0.019529089331626892, -0.02447398565709591, -0.04550844430923462, -0.005349284503608942, 0.07976438850164413, -0.07536372542381287, 0.004037513397634029, 0.0007923539960756898, -0.0014762500068172812, -0.024087045341730118, -0.019147120416164398, 0.0012628801632672548, 0.0591665580868721, 0.00841211061924696, -0.05464858561754227, -0.06613974273204803, 0.0674058049917221, 0.05552315339446068, -0.0525800958275795, -0.005377588793635368, 0.016976462677121162, 0.01597469113767147, 0.01243031956255436, 0.0009707032004371285, 0.06151260808110237, 0.07037930935621262, 0.011992367915809155, 0.006647211033850908, 0.047291554510593414, -0.02764149010181427, -0.05657564848661423, 0.012153655290603638, 0.061090029776096344, -0.0020672674290835857, 0.02660217136144638, -0.046003758907318115, 0.0009911848464980721, 0.01494429912418127, -0.038233477622270584, 0.04000672325491905, -0.009724579751491547, -0.00416711438447237, 0.007038879208266735, -0.006644847337156534, 0.013483410701155663, 0.055405378341674805, -0.03964128717780113, 0.04322577640414238, 0.02730507031083107, -0.04633433371782303, -0.009516260586678982, 0.04382426291704178, 0.0350738950073719, -0.002931330120190978, -0.024758238345384598, -0.01237549725919962, 0.05873091146349907, 0.04490995779633522, -0.020358024165034294, -0.01912955939769745, 0.03787502273917198, 0.050727661699056625, 0.011776149272918701, 0.049720022827386856, 0.022080637514591217, 0.005144623573869467, 0.02979792281985283, -0.014491375535726547, -0.012633263133466244, -0.022666048258543015, 0.0455806739628315, -0.007034429349005222, -0.038895849138498306, 0.013849414885044098, -0.03221515566110611, 0.014058553613722324, -0.002666521817445755, 0.03171262890100479, 0.005358734168112278, 0.04485404118895531, -0.04156721383333206, -0.04547472298145294, 0.040645986795425415, -0.002913416363298893, 0.02572622336447239, -0.06676001101732254, -0.019764509052038193, 0.055693063884973526, -0.009937344118952751, 0.03333315998315811, -0.04003394395112991, -0.06764903664588928, -0.017899151891469955, 0.033146824687719345, -0.023166745901107788, 0.03936377912759781, 0.016138378530740738, -0.0361323319375515, 0.011825225315988064, 0.0061765084974467754, 0.055637963116168976, 0.03549793362617493, 0.0037121493369340897, 0.045491963624954224, -0.03337840363383293, -0.04512052237987518, 0.04301420971751213, 0.021264592185616493, -0.020979899913072586, 0.013741417787969112, 0.06725495308637619, -0.001690183999016881, -0.011254927143454552, 0.0304866973310709, -0.026229025796055794, 0.03785372152924538, -0.028647545725107193, 0.06354722380638123, -0.008489809930324554, 0.03684962913393974, -0.07280222326517105, 0.02290528267621994, -0.02360665425658226, -0.007341126911342144, 0.03819599747657776, -0.052283212542533875, 0.08345945179462433, 0.033764004707336426, -0.04554225131869316, -0.035185784101486206, 0.013968346640467644, -0.0025822860188782215, -0.04407206550240517, 0.002747148275375366, 0.02136988565325737, 0.045641448348760605, 0.004197265952825546, 0.004462986718863249, 0.033826254308223724, 0.015982268378138542, -0.05754993483424187, -0.003019338008016348, 0.032969117164611816, 0.001193448668345809, 0.05199284851551056, -0.047812286764383316, -0.030070697888731956, 0.02235827036201954, 0.008257493376731873, -0.017189817503094673, -0.014739458449184895, -0.022933294996619225, 0.010102322325110435, 0.012212393805384636, 0.01572878286242485, 0.053235944360494614, -0.02680686116218567, -0.03021814487874508, -0.02897234447300434, 0.036070503294467926, -0.020165789872407913, -0.014405420981347561, 0.01772788166999817, 0.005695439875125885, -0.02435029111802578, -0.06024662405252457, -0.04965199902653694, -0.009356038644909859, 0.04140063375234604, -0.028515204787254333, 0.08205749094486237, 0.009490149095654488, -0.025868428871035576, 0.044609811156988144, 0.016635654494166374, -0.008315586484968662, 0.023537080734968185, 0.03515389934182167, 0.012036523781716824, -0.00788761954754591, 0.018925918266177177, 0.009420723654329777, 0.029566455632448196, -0.010864395648241043, -0.04662015289068222, -0.002696956740692258, -0.04719363898038864, -0.0012217347975820303, -0.020773131400346756, -0.034608837217092514, 0.025335757061839104, 0.004159973468631506, 0.023854684084653854, -0.01617010124027729, -0.020411040633916855, -0.004242237191647291, -0.005256135482341051, 0.006413468159735203, 0.06706183403730392, 0.010310125537216663, -0.011313220486044884, -0.008712807670235634, -0.0026071248576045036, -0.004886999726295471, 0.0018830368062481284, 0.029979512095451355, 0.021028483286499977, 0.004090440925210714, 0.012752648442983627, -0.2645615339279175, -0.014555693604052067, -0.020328201353549957, -0.039707910269498825, 0.05059042572975159, -0.0018030630890280008, 0.04778613895177841, -0.010697760619223118, -0.041195906698703766, 0.03170343115925789, -0.010126045905053616, -0.028019126504659653, 0.04198326915502548, 0.020363904535770416, 0.012309176847338676, -0.07529313117265701, 0.013872920535504818, -0.02344338595867157, -0.023604437708854675, -0.0031130348797887564, 0.007087842095643282, -0.05800073966383934, -0.05506514757871628, 0.001154966070316732, 0.02869522199034691, 0.08209618180990219, -0.050951726734638214, 0.01137650478631258, -0.03289541229605675, -0.06036275252699852, -0.035379957407712936, 0.028923623263835907, 0.006164702121168375, -0.015873610973358154, 0.00040332245407626033, -0.004598723724484444, 0.0028208945877850056, -0.0156418289989233, -0.030595261603593826, -0.014136710204184055, -0.0057978080585598946, -0.06306420266628265, -0.015424905344843864, 0.028502274304628372, 0.03982820361852646, -0.0005181049928069115, -0.03840726613998413, 0.002904727589339018, -0.016160454601049423, 0.035483431071043015, -0.017664257436990738, -0.0070553990080952644, -0.02710329182446003, 0.015099753625690937, -0.04220614582300186, -0.025450807064771652, -0.0012019556015729904, 0.0008106072200462222, -0.057920996099710464, 0.023185953497886658, -0.0038947402499616146, -0.05311830714344978, -0.03887854889035225, -0.031234905123710632, -0.028695210814476013, -0.07008964568376541, -0.05367449298501015, -0.02072884514927864, 0.07038259506225586, 0.037092868238687515, -0.007385773118585348, 0.024203818291425705, -0.021020235493779182, -0.08356563001871109, -0.017762107774615288, -0.024969305843114853, -0.025340965017676353, -0.07120642066001892, -0.03184241056442261, 0.046701375395059586, -0.017370566725730896, 0.0026223836466670036, 0.007467254064977169, 0.01797184720635414, -0.01218645740300417, 0.00039641070179641247, -0.0019654904026538134, 0.06823491305112839, -0.03696669638156891, -0.022153252735733986, 0.0328160785138607, 0.055805765092372894, -0.034808672964572906, -0.006074194796383381, 0.040449392050504684, 0.035755835473537445, -0.0364774726331234, -0.026784054934978485, 0.0002759124618023634, -0.02961140312254429, 0.023002739995718002, -0.060398735105991364, 0.04017240181565285, -0.054818421602249146, 0.004063621629029512, 0.012159648351371288, -0.05043040215969086, 0.002106255851686001, 0.053268712013959885, 0.007867738604545593, 0.056572914123535156, 0.0023140874691307545, 0.0548676922917366, -0.02724331058561802, 0.019822081550955772, -0.05199146643280983, 0.01735897734761238, 0.00036242217174731195, 0.008557751774787903, 0.01683051325380802, 0.0007527932175435126, 0.03335775434970856, -0.0660005733370781, -0.036851443350315094, -0.10479516535997391, -0.042175665497779846, 0.038838982582092285, 0.018070325255393982, -0.047478027641773224, 0.033628109842538834, -0.04829727113246918, -0.036063626408576965, -0.004529817029833794, 0.004473160486668348, 0.026609020307660103, -0.017206262797117233, -0.01148598175495863, -0.030033830553293228, 0.0006983299390412867, -0.000406482518883422, 0.040848392993211746, 0.008150921203196049, 0.07015158236026764, 0.013844218105077744, 0.04460892081260681, -0.016732271760702133, 0.027517033740878105, -0.014665253460407257, -0.051626577973365784, 0.03295252472162247, 0.04837662726640701, -0.06993856281042099, -0.011780839413404465, -0.07884059846401215, -0.0314658097922802, -0.03090727888047695, 0.016227249056100845, 0.02052481099963188, -0.04084211587905884, -0.0531112365424633, -0.03283892571926117, -0.05803893879055977, -0.022291556000709534, -0.0653478130698204, 0.004562000744044781, 0.04924846813082695, -0.0240470003336668, 0.00986980739980936, -0.045784056186676025, 0.032866451889276505, -0.033018823713064194, -0.058164726942777634, -0.02895740419626236, 0.009162776172161102, -0.007651905529201031, 0.03074912168085575, 0.006678213365375996, -0.010023954324424267, 0.04968192055821419, 0.04273687303066254, 0.013830753974616528, -0.005508691072463989, -0.02310178615152836, 0.01257563941180706, 0.05692332237958908, -0.03671472147107124, -0.02663365937769413, -0.04897284880280495, -0.02248264104127884, -0.02931620553135872, -0.03537494316697121, -0.021944701671600342, -0.024302929639816284, 0.03844621777534485, -0.03170374408364296, -0.0738544911146164, 0.01101034414023161, -0.047284889966249466, 0.009525504894554615, 0.013542632572352886, 0.021574322134256363, -0.016313845291733742, -0.01909104734659195, 0.021691221743822098, -0.006915444973856211, -0.04206664860248566, 0.035400714725255966, -0.007905016653239727, 0.019075730815529823, 0.040379103273153305, -0.07435891777276993, -0.013073067180812359, 0.019019920378923416, 0.0011035343632102013, 0.06057947129011154, -0.05775165930390358, 0.02519121952354908, -0.03296970576047897, -0.033144261687994, 0.0009453010861761868, 0.011698206886649132, -0.054257139563560486, -0.021920420229434967, 0.030053697526454926, -0.04983526095747948, 0.06213194504380226, -0.002956991083920002, -0.007921786047518253, 0.061704475432634354, -0.014253316447138786, 0.01358091738075018, -0.015826977789402008, 0.037002019584178925, 0.04230191931128502, -0.024611668661236763, -0.018272461369633675, 0.0002832729078363627, -0.022969208657741547, 0.0025895009748637676, 0.07019481062889099, 0.038707174360752106, 0.04243161156773567, 0.010643444024026394, -0.022346826270222664, -0.03337717801332474, -0.027969980612397194, 0.028482865542173386, 0.00801477674394846, -0.042514655739068985, 0.07793337851762772, -0.0033839335665106773, -0.00727061228826642, -0.028910169377923012, 0.005711373407393694, 0.02805468440055847, -0.0535757802426815, -0.004866430070251226, 0.004076851066201925, -0.013483960181474686, 0.04022667929530144, 0.0033189733512699604, 0.02102271094918251, -0.022477436810731888, -0.025726603344082832, 0.01709543541073799, 0.023347150534391403, 0.010339582338929176, 0.023482773452997208, 0.04469308629631996, -0.07381919026374817, 0.0038085910491645336, -0.1015203520655632, 0.017583977431058884, 0.0014684671768918633, 0.03831150382757187, 0.06156987324357033, 0.0316382497549057, -0.027985496446490288, 0.0610225647687912, -0.04770374670624733, -0.029244733974337578, -0.004421875346451998, -0.009851799346506596, -0.030558474361896515, 0.014147373847663403, -0.03817971795797348, 0.04040440544486046, -0.008766697719693184, -0.07658987492322922, -0.021930428221821785, -0.02542591094970703, 0.0020771424751728773, 0.03932119160890579, 0.033209264278411865, -0.024684567004442215, -0.008367530070245266, 0.038224391639232635, 0.0480990968644619, 0.012384729459881783, 0.021178169175982475, -0.032450493425130844, 0.034297604113817215, 0.02322310581803322, -0.01883244514465332, -0.05039766803383827, 0.0021154345013201237, -0.024699656292796135, -0.04197680950164795, 0.029313692823052406, -0.0026910901069641113, -0.0013864306965842843, -0.05060097947716713, 0.06928076595067978, -0.007837639190256596, -0.02608051896095276, 0.0014915532665327191, -0.01777314394712448, -0.026257090270519257, -0.03900390490889549, -0.041185736656188965, 0.029434606432914734, 0.038249947130680084, 0.07649553567171097, 0.025184081867337227, 0.09797905385494232, 0.0471205934882164, -0.013471487909555435, 0.022143036127090454, 0.008719063363969326, 0.08138961344957352, 0.0016402642941102386, 0.008159235119819641, 0.0097275972366333, 0.07192062586545944, -0.015272052958607674, -0.01852203905582428, 0.04808802530169487, 0.0022002265322953463, -0.0040887221693992615, 0.014783037826418877, 0.03638310730457306, 0.012077998369932175, -0.016270501539111137, 0.04512816295027733, 0.010888198390603065, -0.0028591197915375233, 0.1037219986319542, -0.003662761766463518, 0.0436919741332531, 0.014511801302433014, 0.012222232297062874, -0.04030396416783333, -0.009230571798980236, -0.0736384391784668, -0.012438501231372356, -0.008837415836751461, -0.019588414579629898, -0.037148457020521164, -0.05400002747774124, 0.036446668207645416, -0.041670311242341995, -0.026597769930958748, 0.08289743959903717, -0.029284348711371422, 0.0006641841027885675, -0.0033281599171459675, 0.02007889561355114, 0.008380669169127941, -0.0033405774738639593, -0.0116701889783144, 0.010187054052948952, 0.024896861985325813, -0.03058093972504139, 0.015182235278189182, 0.0625133365392685, 0.003497385187074542, 0.07303126156330109, -0.011365511454641819, -0.01016757171601057, 0.031864650547504425, 0.015764852985739708, -0.019470596686005592, -0.024928729981184006, -0.044859662652015686, -0.004505780525505543, -0.03206099942326546, -0.0067671830765903, 0.03581591695547104, -0.0038610573392361403, -0.02208968810737133, 0.025317538529634476, -0.018245594576001167, -0.026876429095864296, 0.011990146711468697, -0.020099299028515816, 0.058258056640625, 0.055261097848415375, 0.04319639876484871, 0.007605569902807474, 0.038164734840393066, 0.03971495106816292, 0.023344848304986954, -0.015009421855211258, -0.003934712149202824, -0.009722095914185047, 0.03676489740610123, 0.017001722007989883, 0.002804124029353261, -0.060098543763160706, 0.014534044079482555, 0.002848922275006771, -0.040175631642341614, -0.07144007086753845, 0.016290191560983658, -0.04169435054063797, -0.013687683269381523, 0.0733007937669754, 0.022657189518213272, -0.020843299105763435, -0.018180137500166893, -0.024830657988786697, 0.02103388123214245, 0.004060130566358566, 0.08110296726226807, -0.05786440521478653, 0.034575313329696655, 0.03328615799546242, -0.009003210812807083, -0.041343796998262405, 0.039534833282232285, 0.054072462022304535, -0.026396850124001503, 0.00732873659580946, -0.013690546154975891, 0.005062292795628309, -0.0770111083984375, -0.039063844829797745, 0.005182264372706413, -0.016384942457079887, -0.05522340536117554, -0.0029908218421041965, -0.0044256593100726604, 0.010056906379759312, -0.031801674515008926, 0.014493833296000957, 0.048057857900857925, -0.0461164154112339, -0.025777233764529228, -0.02370624616742134, -0.013238426297903061, 0.016637498512864113, 0.009212365373969078, 0.03538495674729347, -0.06653225421905518, 0.005989158060401678, -0.04519548639655113, 0.014898907393217087, 0.030944421887397766, -0.035051558166742325, -0.01298107486218214 ]
OPINION OP THE COURT. HANNA, J. (after stating the facts as above.) The petition presents a novel question, and one of first impression in this jurisdiction, not without its difficulties, and the solution of which has developed a wide divergence of opinion in those courts which have had the question before them; the principal question presented being whether the act of the district couit, in ordering a suspension of the sentence fixed by its judgment, was an encroachment upon the power vested by the Constitution in the executive to pardon and reprieve. Numerous cases are to be found in the books holding that the power to suspend sentence is inherent in all courts of record, and essentially a judicial function, although this view of the matter has not been adopted by all the courts, and a minority strongly adhere to a contrary rule. "We are not confronted with this phase of the question, however, because the question does not arise upon the theory that the attempted exercise of this power is one necessarily inherent in the court; but the question as presented for our consideration must be determined by a consideration of whether or not section 1 of chapter 32 of the Laws of 1909 by conferring upon courts, in their discretion, the right to suspend any sentence after conviction for felonies, is violative of the provisions of section 6 of article 5 of our state Constitution, conferring upon the Governor the power to grant reprieves and pardons after conviction for all offenses, except treason, and in cases of impeachment. The act of the Legislature referred to, which is incorporated in the New Mexico Code of 1915 as section 5075, is as follows: “Every person who shall be convicted of a felony or other crime punishable by imprisonment in the penitentiary, if judgment be not suspended or a new trial granted, shall be sentenced to the penitentiary. The court in imposing such sentence shall fix the maximum and minimum duration of the same. The term of the imprisonment of any person so convicted shall not exceed the maximum nor be less than the minimum term fixed by the court. The release of such person shall be determined as hereinafter provided: Provided, that the court may, in its discretion, suspend any sentence imposed upon such terms and conditions as it shall deem proper, and such sentence shall go into effect upon order of the court upon a breach of any of such terms or conditions by the person convicted.” The solution of the question as to whether or not the foregoing act of the territorial Legislature is unconstitutional is, as stated, the first matter presented for our attention. By the petitioner it is contended that the act is constitutional, and that the action of the district court in suspending sentence was one within its jurisdiction, but that, before the petitioner can be committed under the judgment, it is necessary that he should be found guilty of the subsequent offense, if any there be, in a manner prescribed by law, and that the action of the district court in taking the testimony of witnesses, and finding that the condition of the suspended sentence had been violated, was an erroneous exercise of jurisdiction, in that the district court, by so doing, was usurping the functions of the trial jury- The Attorney General takes the position that the act authorizing the suspension of a sentence is in conflict with the provision of the Constitution vesting in the executive the power to grant reprieves and pardons after conviction for all offenses. This provision of our state Constitution is as follows: “Subject to such regulations as may be prescribed by law, the Governor shall have power to-grant reprieves and pardons, after conviction for all offenses except treason and in cases of impeachment.” Section 6, art. 5. Assuming this to be true, the Attorney General argues that the action of the district court in suspending the sentence imposed upon the petitioner was a nullity, and that' the commitment upon the judgment and sentence imposed on October 21, 1914, could therefore issue at any time, upon the theory that the judgment imposed is not satisfied until the sentence has been served. The right of the district court to withhold its judgment, or to temporarily delay the pronouncement of sentence, is not brought into question. As we understand the contention of the Attorney General, it would appear that he has assumed that the Legislature has no right to authorize any court to suspend a sentence already imposed, and in this wé might agree that the Attorney General is correct ; but such is not the state of facts presented, for our consideration at this time. The judgment of the district court here questioned was complete in all particulars, but contained the condition, contemplated by the statute as a concluding part of the judgment, that the judgment and sentence of the court be suspended during the good behavior of the defendant, and upon payment of the costs accrued in the cause. The condition was, therefore, a part of the judgment, and it was not an attempt to suspend a judgment previously imposed, but was, as is clearly indicated by the language of the judgment, a suspension thereof during good behavior, and to that extent, affects only the degree of the punishment imposed for the offense charged. It is clearly within the province of the Legislature to denominate and define all classes of crime, and to prescribe for each a minimum and maximum punishment. This the Legislature has done as to practically all offenses known to .the common law, and many others created by statute, and in a venr large number of offenses for which punishment has been prescribed the Legislature has shown an intent to vest in the trial courts a large discretion in the matter of the degree of punishment to be imposed in individual cases, upon the theory, doubtless, that justice can be best served by a .proper exercise of a discretion vested in the courts, as they, having all the facts and circumstances surrounding the individual cases before them, can best administer the justice which the public has a right to exact, and yet at the same time temper the same with that de gree of mercy which the individual case and peculiar circumstances thereof may demand. This disposition of Legislatures to relax the harsh penalties of the common law is more clearly apparent in legislation of the character of the act of 1909 now under consideration than in the general or special statutes referred to. In this act there is shown a clear intention of the Legislature to modify in given cases the penalties prescribed for any felony or other crime punishable by imprisonment in the penitentiary, and to permit the suspension of judgment in any such case in the discretion of the trial court. It is clear, therefore, that this statute must be read in connection with every statute prescribing the punishment to be imposed for the commission of any crime denominated as a felony, and it may well be considered that the Legislature, by the act of 1909, has vested in the courts the right to say that in given eases no punishment at all shall be imposed, provided the defendants in such cases comply with the terms and conditions which the judge, in the exercise of a sound discretion, shall attach to and incorporate in his judgment. If this reasoning be sound, it may well be said that there can be no conflict between a legislative act of this character and the power to reprieve and pardon vested in the executive, because the element of punishment or the penalty for the commission of a wrong, while to be declared by the courts as a judicial function under and within the limits of law as announced by legislative acts, concerns solely the procedure and conduct of criminal causes, with which the executive can have nothing to do. As was well said by the New York Court of Appeals in the case of People ex rel. Forsyth v. Court of Sessions, 141 N. Y. 288, 36 N. E. 386, 23 L. R. A. 856: “The power to suspend sentence and the power to grant reprieves and pardons, as understood when the Constitution was adopted, are totally distinct and different in their origin and nature. The former was always a part of the judicial power. The latter was always a part of the ex ecutive power. The suspension of the sentence simply postpones the judgment of the court temporarily or indefinitely, but the conviction and liability following it, and all civil disabilities, remain and become operative when judgment is rendered.” The discussion by this court in the case cited is so apropos of the state of facts in the present case, and so comprehensive of the entire question, that we take the liberty of quoting from that opinion somewhat extensively, believing that it is the only logical solution of the question here presented for consideration. The court said: “We therefore conclude that a statute which in terms authorizes courts of criminal jurisdiction to suspend sentence in certain cases after conviction — a power inherent in such courts at common law, which was understood when the Constitution was adopted to be an ordinary judicial function, and which ever since its adoption has been exercised by the courts — is a valid exercise of legislative power under the Constitution. It does not encroach in any just sense upon the powers of the executive as they have been understood and practiced from the earliest times. The power to suspend the judgment during good behavior, if understood as expressing a condition, upon the compliance with which the offender would be absolutely relieved from all punishment and freed from the power of the court to pass sentence, is open to more doubt. The Legislature cannot authorize the courts to abdicate their own powers and duties, or to tie their own hands in such a way that, after sentence has been suspended, they cannot, when deemed proper and in the interest of justice, inflict the proper punishment in the exercise of a sound discretion. Nor can the free and untrammeled exercise of this power or the right to pass sentence according to the discretion of the court be made dependent upon compliance with some condition that would require the court to try a question of fact before it could render the judgment which the law prescribes. The statute must not be understood as conferring any new power. The court may suspend sentence as before, but it can do nothing to preclude itself or its successors from passing the proper sentence whenever such a course appears to be proper. This, we think, is all that the statute intends, and that was the only effect of the judgment. It is a power which the court should possess in furtherance of justice, to be used wisely anl discreetly, and it is perhaps creditable to the administration of justice in such cases that, while the power has always existed, no complaint has been heard of its abuse.” We are not unaware of the fact that the weight of authority may be against the right of the courts to suspend sentence during good behavior, except for short periods pending the determination of motions or other considerations arising in the cause after verdict, though in most of the cases which we have examined the question arose upon a right of the court to suspend sentence as an inherent power of court, and in a few cases the question is squarely presented under a statute conferring the power, and it is held that the statute is unconstitutional, either upon the ground that the court loses jurisdiction where the sentence is deferred to some future time, or, as in the case of United States v. Wilson (C. C.) 46 Fed. 748, where the court held that a suspension of sentence for an uncertain time, as where the defendant should continue to remain so favorably impressed with the laws of the land as to obey them, was not a mere suspension of sentence, but operated as a condonation of the offense, and the exercise of a pardon power which was never conferred upon the court, and in the exercise of which the court clearly transcended its authority. In New York it has been held that the Court of Special Sessions has the power at common law to suspend sentence indefinitely, or for a limited period, and that this power is impliedly recognized, if not expressly given, by statute. People ex rel. Dunnigan v. Webster, 14 Misc. Rep. 617, 36 N. Y. Supp. 745; People v. Graves, 31 Hun. 382. And in People v. Markham, 114 App. Div. 387, 99 N. Y. Supp. 1092, the right to suspend judgment was impliedly recognized, although not expressly declared. In People v. Bork, 78 N. Y. 346, at page 350, the court said: “There was in the Oyer and Terminer a conviction, but sentence was suspended. There was, therefore, in that court no judgment, because the sentence is the judgment.” The authorities in those states possessing statutes authorizing the release of defendants after conviction upon probation are of necessity based ujoon similar reasoning, and in a number of them the right of the court to so release the defendant is recognized. See Spade v. State, 44 Ind. App. 529, 89 N. E. 604; Smith v. Hess, 91 Ind. 424. In a number of cases the question has arisen under statutes authorizing the courts to suspend sentence in criminal cases after conviction, where the courts have held that the power conferred by statute does not encroach upon the constitutional power of the executive to grant reprieves and pardons. See People v. Stickle, 156 Mich. 557, 121 N. W. 497, in which case the court said, although the question was not raised in the court below: “We cannot assume that interference with the judicial power was intended [referring to the constitutional provision], or that the design was to confer any new power.” See, also, People ex rel. Sullivan v. Flynn, 55 Misc. Rep. 639, 106 N. Y. Supp. 925, where the court said: “This statute was what might be called the initiative step in the establishment of the beneficent feature in our criminal procedure of probation, through which the erring, in the exercise of a wise discretion by the judge presiding, are to be given an opportunity of reclaiming or retrieving themselves under given conditions and regulations.” See, also, People ex rel. Forsyth v. Court of Sessions, supra. In the case of State v. Smith, 173 Ind. 388, 90 N. E. 607, the Supreme Court of Indiana, in construing a statute similar to the one now under consideration, said: “It is evident that said statute does not attempt to authorize such courts ‘to suspend sentence’ and ‘parole such persons’ after final judgment has been rendered in such case. The order suspending sentence and paroling such person must be entered as a part of the judgment of conviction, and if such order is not then made and entered the court has no authority under such statute to mate such order afterwards.” The statute of Indiana under construction provided that, upon the entry of judgment of conviction, the courts should have the power to suspend the sentence and parole the defendant by an order of the court duly entered of record as a part of the judgment of the court in such case. While our statute is not as specific as to when the order of suspension should be made, if made, the entire section, when read together, clearly indicates that “the court, in imposing such sentence,” may in its discretion suspend the same upon “such terms and conditions as it shall deem proper”; and the act further provides that such sentence shall go into effect upon order of the court upon a breach of such conditions, all of which would clearly indicate that the conditions are to be imposed at the time the sentence is declared, as otherwise it would go into effect without terms or conditions, and therefore, this being true, the order of suspension of the sentence must necessarily be a part of the judgment, and, as pointed out heretofore, have to do solely with the trial of the case, leaving nothing to be done after final judgment which might be said to conflict with the power of the executive to reprieve or pardon, a right which would not exist until after final judg ment had been pronounced and the jurisdiction of the court concluded. In State v. Mallahan, 65 Wash. 287, 118 Pac. 42, it was held that the court had authority to suspend the sentence and later commit the appellant, under the provisions of section 1 of chapter 24 .of the Session Laws of 1905, in force when the plea of guilty was entered, and section 28, chapter 249, of the Session Laws of 1909, in force when appellant was finally committed. The provisions of these statutes do not appear, but the court held in this case that a power existed in the court to enforce a suspended sentence under these statutory provisions, or otherwise the effect of an order of suspension would be to finally discharge the prisoner and deprive the trial court of further jurisdiction over him. This authority is of little weight, except as impliedly recognizing the validity of the statute authorizing the suspension in criminal cases. In Ex parte Giannini, 18 Cal. App. 166, 122 Pac. 831, a California statute somewhat similar to ours, but limited as to the time within which a sentence might be suspended, directing that such suspension should continue for a period of time not exceeding the maximum possible term of the sentence, was under consideration by the District Court of Appeal of the Second District of California, and while an attack was not made upon the constitutional validity of this act,- at least so far as the opinion discloses, the court said, referring to the act in question: “We are not of opinion that section 1203, Penal Code, as now existing, interferes in any way with the functions and duties of the chief executive of the state. We think it competent for the Legislature, and an exceedingly wise provision, to confer upon the courts this power of suspension of sentence, to be exercised in proper instances, and that its enactment in no wise impairs the function of a co-ordinate branch of the government.” In the ease of Weber v. State of Ohio, 58 Ohio St. 616, 51 N. E. 116, 41 L. R. A. 472, the court held that the power to stay the execution of a sentence in whole or in part in criminal cases was inherent in every court having final jurisdiction in such cases, unless otherwise provided by statute. Many other authorities might be cited to the same effect, where the power has been held to be. an inherent power’of the court. We do not desire to unduly lengthen this opinion by a consideration of the numerous cases cited holding that no inherent power exists in a court to suspend sentence indefinitely. Many, if not all, of them can be distinguished. We may, however, point to two of the leading cases among the more recent authorities. The first is Fuller v. State (Miss.) 57 South. 6, 39 L. R. A. (N. S.) 242, in which case the court held that the power to suspend the execution of sentence had not been conferred upon any court in the state by «the Constitution or statutes, and was not necessarily an inherent power. It was clearly pointed out in the additional opinion that the question of the court’s power to suspend the imposition of a sentence was not involved; the sole question being the power of the court to suspend the execution of the sentence after it had been imposed. This presents an entirely different phase of the question, as we have indicated in this opinion. The case of State v. Abbott, 87 S. C. 466, 70 S. E. 6, 33 L. R. A. (N. S.) 112, Ann. Cas. 1912B, 1189, was another case where no statutory power had been conferred upon the courts, and in which the Supreme Court of South Carolina held that the attempted exercise of such power was violative of the statute law of the state, in that it was purely a legislative function to fix punishment for crime, which power was invaded where the courts attempted to suspend the sentence. It is therefore clearly to be seen that we have a different state of facts here presented, in that the Legislature has in this jurisdiction specifically authorized the so-called trespass upon its power or function. We therefore conclude that our statute, authorizing the courts in their dis cretion to suspend any sentence imposed upon persons convicted of a felony, upon such terms and conditions as they shall deem proper, being section 1 of chapter 32, Laws of 1909, as the same appears in the Code of 1915 as section 5075, does not encroach upon the constitutional power of the executive to grant reprieves and pardons. Our conclusion upon the question of the constitutionality of the act of 1909 brings us to the only other question in the case, which involves the power of the court to set aside the order of suspension and commit the accused to the penitentiary for the breach of the condition imposed by the judgment. It is pointed out that there is no procedure provided by the statute in question to be followed by the court in determining whether or not a breach of the condition has arisen. It is contended that the lower court could have no jurisdiction to commit the defendant under such suspended sentence until after the defendant had been found guilty of the alleged bad behavior in a regular proceeding, after formal charge, presentation, and conviction. The contention of relator, as we understand it, is that the court has, by its investigation looking to the determination of whether or not the condition upon which the suspension of sentence was based has been broken, proceeded to the trial of a criminal case and determined the guilt of the relator. Were this true, the contention of relator would be sound, and we do not agree that the vesting of any such power in the district court was contemplated by the statute, or could, in fact, be conferred upon the court, without impairing the constitutional rights of relator. It is our conclusion, however, that the district court was not determining, by its inquiry, whether or not the second offense had been committed, for the purpose of a trial as to that offense within the purview of legal procedure; but the inquiry was solely for the purpose of determining whether or not the condition imposed upon as a part of the first judgment had, as a matter of fact, been breached, and the commitment clearly indicates that its issuance was directed as a result of the breach of the condition of the judgment formerly entered. We do not consider that any new power was vested in the courts of this state by tbe statute in question, or that any of the established rules of criminal procedure have been abolished, and, having held that it was within the power of the district court to make the order of suspension under the conditions and circumstances pointed out, it must necessarily follow that the court, having the power to make the order, necessarily possessed the power, upon a violation of the order, to set aside the same and commit the defendant.. As was held by this court in the case of Ex parte Lujan, 18 N. M. 310, 137 Pac. 587: “If it be conceded that the court had the power to make the order, suspending the execution of the judgment, it would follow necessarily that, upon violation of the order, the court would have the right to revoke the order and commit the defendant.” We therefore conclude that it is within the power of the district court to issue the commitment after determination of the fact of the breach of the condition imposed as a part of the judgment entered by the district court of Grant county,'on the 21st day of October, 1914, for which reason the prisoner will be remanded to the custody of the sheriff of Grant county, to be dealt with according to law, and the writ of habeas corpus will be discharged; and it is so ordered. Eoberts, C. J., and Parker, J., concur.
[ -0.01497425977140665, -0.04570741578936577, -0.057964399456977844, 0.01799708977341652, 0.030291350558400154, -0.005566276144236326, 0.056479938328266144, 0.03862491995096207, -0.002780535025522113, -0.039211079478263855, 0.011257090605795383, 0.025018004700541496, -0.06003686785697937, 0.025847529992461205, -0.02799382619559765, 0.07690248638391495, 0.056930720806121826, 0.008320100605487823, 0.009768321178853512, -0.0013876850716769695, 0.04720836505293846, -0.0005375403561629355, 0.005509124603122473, 0.03998575732111931, 0.0035833786241710186, 0.0025936479214578867, -0.0143631836399436, 0.02533842995762825, -0.06837648898363113, 0.01395326852798462, 0.02390323393046856, 0.003964044153690338, -0.02807207591831684, 0.02713310718536377, -0.021311435848474503, 0.014603921212255955, -0.00509819807484746, -0.01853841170668602, 0.0030719125643372536, 0.052845798432826996, -0.01271012332290411, 0.00023797580797690898, -0.019156476482748985, -0.012477941811084747, -0.06564848124980927, 0.00003755823490791954, 0.013617211952805519, 0.04252050071954727, -0.022306520491838455, 0.01023463997989893, -0.07988834381103516, 0.01922648772597313, -0.026016201823949814, 0.006956314668059349, 0.00019163699471391737, 0.0006355080404318869, -0.07159853726625443, -0.03204062208533287, -0.030179131776094437, -0.03581059351563454, 0.03825961425900459, -0.032225798815488815, 0.11064315587282181, -0.001801392063498497, -0.033796776086091995, -0.012389382347464561, 0.0017551213968545198, 0.03806348517537117, -0.06469401717185974, -0.0028612164314836264, -0.050366245210170746, 0.012064467184245586, 0.026685485616326332, 0.0230243019759655, -0.013740799389779568, -0.031493742018938065, 0.004327578470110893, 0.04315072298049927, -0.0032122822012752295, 0.044882263988256454, 0.008242418989539146, -0.00131236354354769, 0.04656404256820679, 0.04686930775642395, 0.004259680397808552, -0.04042258486151695, -0.03283899277448654, -0.012399124912917614, -0.040279366075992584, 0.033557504415512085, -0.0010043724905699492, -0.030085960403084755, 0.003009053412824869, 0.039740484207868576, 0.008872671984136105, -0.0286847073584795, 0.07699944823980331, -0.017423344776034355, 0.0280116256326437, 0.025508064776659012, 0.011862523853778839, -0.05797984078526497, 0.02363847754895687, 0.07454433292150497, -0.06780034303665161, -0.01781911961734295, 0.007948070764541626, 0.00028935656882822514, 0.01794516108930111, 0.012897766195237637, 0.0017972192727029324, 0.04121151566505432, 0.01697395183146, -0.006563796661794186, -0.06844782829284668, 0.049963947385549545, 0.0387994609773159, -0.03125930204987526, -0.0072533199563622475, 0.007957184687256813, 0.021338194608688354, 0.03275322914123535, 0.01351095363497734, 0.08240479230880737, 0.024710461497306824, -0.0068578533828258514, 0.019939353689551353, 0.02998458407819271, -0.025017576292157173, -0.05027259141206741, -0.006441610399633646, 0.01946590654551983, -0.012535368092358112, 0.014371964149177074, -0.05181952193379402, -0.031058769673109055, -0.01805729605257511, -0.057659633457660675, 0.04729244485497475, -0.032294563949108124, -0.027660716325044632, -0.03595324978232384, -0.011234910227358341, 0.017507310956716537, 0.07699256390333176, -0.05037909001111984, 0.017294161021709442, -0.0005227748188190162, -0.015033746138215065, -0.008900472894310951, 0.020757438614964485, 0.020183324813842773, 0.01634332723915577, -0.019818980246782303, -0.019319290295243263, 0.031110860407352448, 0.04029244929552078, 0.005995188374072313, -0.015136937610805035, 0.0615667849779129, 0.05347833409905434, 0.031195800751447678, 0.01350151002407074, 0.0042793722823262215, -0.01042935624718666, 0.006007710937410593, 0.0007343292236328125, 0.022521471604704857, -0.046338412910699844, 0.03431272134184837, -0.01359045971184969, 0.0053481291979551315, 0.03601952642202377, -0.05367628484964371, -0.023555533960461617, 0.010989915579557419, 0.03624995797872543, 0.037289541214704514, -0.010257584042847157, -0.029434461146593094, -0.06552128493785858, 0.03879610821604729, -0.010803554207086563, 0.029340315610170364, -0.04456999525427818, -0.03193085268139839, 0.07116030156612396, -0.0011192536912858486, 0.0073556662537157536, -0.04961558058857918, -0.07738325744867325, -0.03337431699037552, -0.011988579295575619, -0.026272177696228027, 0.04764334112405777, 0.014063620008528233, -0.03084631636738777, 0.07744705677032471, -0.0010956734186038375, 0.07668022066354752, 0.03304196894168854, -0.016242535784840584, 0.07522857189178467, -0.07768315821886063, -0.06972377747297287, 0.026887858286499977, 0.017973562702536583, 0.03623376414179802, 0.018848638981580734, 0.05351085588335991, -0.03571353107690811, 0.003636070294305682, 0.03100489266216755, -0.03128725290298462, 0.022458123043179512, -0.022530972957611084, 0.05115956813097, -0.0566159188747406, 0.06694014370441437, -0.03708652779459953, 0.01729629747569561, 0.007144203409552574, -0.005004141479730606, 0.06949425488710403, -0.049105480313301086, 0.06909006834030151, 0.03345230594277382, -0.05437013506889343, -0.022333476692438126, -0.010928085073828697, 0.009303979575634003, -0.0364680252969265, 0.01876458153128624, 0.0333920493721962, 0.031359702348709106, 0.045847292989492416, -0.010150918737053871, 0.001042946008965373, 0.04024306312203407, -0.05675380304455757, 0.004625499248504639, 0.05057479441165924, 0.03317711129784584, 0.048151351511478424, -0.03991778567433357, -0.001009032828733325, -0.0007044586818665266, -0.00008662157051730901, -0.009732579812407494, -0.01482617948204279, -0.007417733781039715, -0.006172106601297855, 0.026024959981441498, -0.017965950071811676, 0.04826876148581505, -0.03323497623205185, -0.03692939877510071, -0.040200166404247284, 0.04069351404905319, 0.015381823293864727, -0.03170491009950638, 0.028767837211489677, 0.01782638393342495, -0.016222890466451645, -0.04927157610654831, -0.048964161425828934, -0.01074611023068428, 0.03738277032971382, -0.028402991592884064, 0.03163132071495056, 0.05155767500400543, 0.01524390373378992, 0.003186495043337345, -0.014839652925729752, -0.008370033465325832, 0.040960002690553665, 0.034571047872304916, -0.012284202501177788, -0.011872801929712296, -0.017466170713305473, -0.023625019937753677, 0.02681492082774639, -0.03842479735612869, -0.056578800082206726, 0.019580340012907982, -0.06527622044086456, 0.05381867662072182, -0.042810335755348206, -0.04048551991581917, 0.0468989796936512, 0.02306550368666649, 0.031170574948191643, 0.0030358671210706234, 0.007551613729447126, 0.01711459457874298, 0.015591738745570183, 0.012011243030428886, 0.025668015703558922, 0.0279137771576643, -0.0391058474779129, 0.016489312052726746, 0.006271035876125097, 0.010391122661530972, 0.0025475500151515007, 0.02119581401348114, 0.03936184197664261, -0.0023821124341338873, 0.04251817241311073, -0.2752847373485565, 0.008802078664302826, 0.004308904521167278, -0.0669638067483902, 0.022093147039413452, -0.022154435515403748, -0.003318482544273138, -0.025674529373645782, -0.01930086500942707, 0.016602788120508194, -0.026692433282732964, -0.024250049144029617, 0.020173903554677963, 0.05959648638963699, 0.03399569168686867, -0.03762466832995415, -0.010916389524936676, -0.019010473042726517, -0.04214276000857353, 0.026690544560551643, 0.047208428382873535, -0.07204879075288773, -0.04138642176985741, 0.013750757090747356, 0.06264173984527588, 0.057150699198246, -0.03852901980280876, 0.014507222920656204, -0.06920908391475677, -0.03534792363643646, -0.03695356100797653, -0.013638666830956936, -0.006760645192116499, -0.013816680759191513, -0.014235997572541237, 0.024912605062127113, 0.018620118498802185, -0.005039295647293329, -0.005144152324646711, 0.03360143303871155, -0.011675595305860043, -0.07604693621397018, -0.007752070669084787, 0.0346202589571476, 0.05325013026595116, 0.027579449117183685, -0.05482430011034012, 0.009389014914631844, -0.02149348333477974, 0.045934565365314484, -0.005390757229179144, -0.014339184388518333, -0.04293033853173256, 0.020892301574349403, -0.005219825077801943, 0.0004850876284763217, -0.05765698477625847, -0.010721268132328987, -0.027509476989507675, 0.025791041553020477, -0.011550295166671276, -0.053012654185295105, -0.05701347440481186, -0.008314121514558792, -0.04696904122829437, -0.056638091802597046, -0.05329662188887596, -0.012464931234717369, 0.09934122115373611, 0.031198957934975624, 0.02172815054655075, 0.029589539393782616, -0.030704481527209282, -0.08072105050086975, -0.0024821737315505743, 0.005040500313043594, -0.05021620914340019, -0.03326985239982605, -0.02611389383673668, 0.02891046740114689, -0.034429050981998444, -0.008054252713918686, 0.032501235604286194, 0.008359662257134914, 0.019490255042910576, -0.0017159362323582172, -0.005468506366014481, 0.07556185871362686, -0.04844361171126366, -0.0008244406199082732, 0.04783590883016586, 0.012767823413014412, -0.04384690523147583, -0.029941076412796974, 0.020056340843439102, 0.019608458504080772, -0.000275282101938501, -0.02776246890425682, -0.02521754428744316, 0.021958064287900925, 0.039009664207696915, -0.05421699211001396, 0.04773209989070892, -0.02453664131462574, -0.010221709497272968, -0.01594257913529873, -0.06586883217096329, 0.03577855974435806, 0.05587206035852432, 0.032677408307790756, 0.01655370369553566, -0.02675553224980831, 0.04371725395321846, -0.01827036589384079, -0.01123323105275631, -0.022416625171899796, 0.00574704073369503, -0.004440894816070795, 0.019039826467633247, 0.021708611398935318, -0.01697882078588009, 0.040080148726701736, -0.05229785293340683, -0.03170086443424225, -0.10611240565776825, 0.017635248601436615, 0.018633613362908363, 0.002573632402345538, -0.0026286528445780277, 0.02274961769580841, -0.038880474865436554, -0.03641370311379433, 0.017092086374759674, -0.010068616829812527, -0.02193690463900566, -0.04074377566576004, -0.036294981837272644, -0.026151815429329872, -0.008359897881746292, 0.008733508177101612, 0.023974668234586716, -0.03979284688830376, 0.037496086210012436, 0.005582723766565323, 0.0323120541870594, 0.005265749525278807, 0.02703631855547428, 0.014093277975916862, -0.046272870153188705, 0.036983512341976166, 0.015111779794096947, -0.04350971430540085, 0.001212000846862793, -0.06962744146585464, -0.046221956610679626, -0.03598223254084587, 0.03396981954574585, 0.03717651218175888, 0.0014151094947010279, -0.021632080897688866, -0.014786371961236, -0.06760115921497345, -0.01392434909939766, -0.014634042978286743, -0.021413471549749374, 0.05477272719144821, -0.0494268536567688, 0.030502745881676674, -0.03331049904227257, 0.024108119308948517, -0.010444383136928082, -0.028408503159880638, -0.04770175740122795, 0.007215382065623999, 0.026474038138985634, 0.03419966995716095, -0.0021328721195459366, 0.02705349586904049, 0.001076134154573083, 0.014041990973055363, -0.017056506127119064, -0.04700782895088196, -0.02725384011864662, 0.006593025289475918, 0.03921082243323326, -0.030090313404798508, 0.00991055928170681, -0.026437971740961075, -0.016938811168074608, -0.02137206494808197, -0.010493823327124119, 0.027238892391324043, 0.011315571144223213, 0.020145269110798836, -0.047324299812316895, -0.05117866396903992, -0.021132824942469597, -0.012936927378177643, 0.04134337976574898, 0.052428796887397766, 0.022919973358511925, -0.0119254095479846, -0.02140733413398266, 0.02113267034292221, 0.005312539637088776, -0.05279260128736496, 0.042274218052625656, 0.030016541481018066, -0.005608983803540468, 0.026295358315110207, -0.057677462697029114, -0.04783117398619652, -0.011653048917651176, 0.007444915361702442, 0.04537235200405121, -0.06268417835235596, 0.03139752522110939, -0.021098479628562927, -0.04911588504910469, -0.030054794624447823, -0.004383486229926348, -0.0394112691283226, 0.01665114052593708, -0.0023771903943270445, -0.04083031788468361, 0.05386490747332573, -0.007179510314017534, -0.0003265147970523685, 0.07085184752941132, -0.024073826149106026, 0.010801981203258038, -0.02075324021279812, 0.0012157749151811004, 0.031292904168367386, -0.02793344110250473, -0.037150993943214417, -0.022113699465990067, -0.009808311238884926, -0.05741235986351967, 0.049248501658439636, 0.026568938046693802, 0.021304184570908546, -0.005431338679045439, -0.033397991210222244, -0.04139811918139458, 0.012075820937752724, 0.0434410385787487, 0.022266892716288567, -0.03660864755511284, 0.09324279427528381, -0.026085561141371727, -0.007846596650779247, -0.04024776443839073, -0.02885591611266136, 0.03819476440548897, 0.0038529017474502325, 0.004852785728871822, 0.018923988565802574, -0.014626613818109035, 0.04606472700834274, -0.005885282997041941, -0.012726995162665844, -0.01521129161119461, -0.009324070997536182, 0.0023760891053825617, 0.03038330189883709, 0.02698371186852455, 0.006779992487281561, 0.05702183023095131, -0.058534715324640274, -0.0062040057964622974, -0.08950254321098328, -0.0004017846076749265, -0.0015632837312296033, 0.04260031878948212, 0.02514243870973587, 0.004598087631165981, -0.00844730343669653, 0.029733896255493164, -0.06924929469823837, -0.039967723190784454, -0.006241888739168644, -0.022515952587127686, -0.014740677550435066, 0.05643269047141075, -0.043539971113204956, 0.018669771030545235, -0.004132786765694618, -0.08845242112874985, -0.06080000102519989, 0.002757282694801688, 0.03562835976481438, 0.07147981971502304, 0.001494523836299777, -0.016415242105722427, 0.00870481226593256, 0.03416898846626282, 0.0364747978746891, -0.010603530332446098, 0.017123296856880188, -0.048926860094070435, 0.012713820673525333, 0.023877281695604324, 0.00836198776960373, -0.04078955948352814, 0.01824072003364563, -0.000301713211229071, -0.06099006161093712, 0.009476342238485813, 0.023249534890055656, -0.005807665176689625, -0.055072613060474396, 0.03916408121585846, -0.025783658027648926, -0.03205064684152603, -0.005634847562760115, 0.004874490201473236, -0.03140982612967491, -0.037561193108558655, -0.018715394660830498, 0.017370516434311867, 0.011191243305802345, 0.06925170123577118, 0.02269674651324749, 0.07159024477005005, 0.02999041974544525, -0.018521623685956, 0.019544843584299088, 0.010240954346954823, 0.08469419181346893, 0.05929505079984665, 0.031189044937491417, -0.0077492715790867805, 0.04670485109090805, -0.00148108194116503, -0.03435108810663223, 0.02035239338874817, -0.014623998664319515, -0.030816053971648216, 0.029439277946949005, 0.02426181361079216, 0.025784807279706, -0.036209262907505035, 0.04488257318735123, 0.01988595351576805, 0.007894341833889484, 0.03765401989221573, -0.024535179138183594, 0.011159852147102356, 0.038071297109127045, 0.003907689359039068, -0.039942417293787, 0.008609568700194359, -0.02474128268659115, 0.01962013728916645, 0.03625446557998657, -0.007112719584256411, -0.011814811266958714, -0.054020509123802185, -0.015395650640130043, -0.005194366909563541, -0.030248545110225677, 0.07938490808010101, -0.017701588571071625, 0.0017652097158133984, 0.04800505191087723, -0.004899757914245129, 0.026106545701622963, -0.024529583752155304, -0.008268808014690876, 0.034911297261714935, -0.031597744673490524, 0.02029690146446228, 0.0053621623665094376, 0.05229742079973221, 0.01539077702909708, 0.03251389041543007, 0.010675951838493347, 0.03606795519590378, 0.02306658960878849, 0.02191234938800335, -0.037383489310741425, -0.02302989922463894, -0.050835154950618744, -0.023121384903788567, -0.019698141142725945, 0.03499120473861694, 0.04495735466480255, -0.045651327818632126, -0.07106022536754608, -0.007127211894840002, -0.013617027550935745, -0.03619547560811043, 0.02083439752459526, -0.032189734280109406, 0.02848796732723713, 0.0352485217154026, 0.04682417958974838, 0.040542036294937134, 0.015264606103301048, 0.09236933290958405, -0.006984792184084654, -0.014394738711416721, -0.019541824236512184, -0.00853243749588728, 0.050216194242239, 0.024230098351836205, 0.00015694367175456136, -0.08621750771999359, -0.001880433177575469, 0.0004787803627550602, -0.014185949228703976, -0.06973055005073547, 0.030834883451461792, -0.01924278773367405, 0.010480929166078568, 0.060994282364845276, 0.005469514522701502, -0.003963217604905367, -0.025990286841988564, -0.008906721137464046, -0.00603932561352849, -0.010919928550720215, 0.06787171959877014, -0.016507204622030258, 0.04866837337613106, 0.035829201340675354, -0.013413128443062305, -0.0379524864256382, 0.030775664374232292, 0.026061752811074257, -0.030797600746154785, -0.02070995792746544, 0.0160981435328722, 0.0064855837263166904, -0.046435773372650146, -0.0368533618748188, 0.023082293570041656, -0.05772171914577484, -0.051983416080474854, 0.009984208270907402, -0.001932190265506506, -0.028964515775442123, -0.0318034291267395, 0.019827768206596375, 0.02380109392106533, -0.05031483247876167, -0.023237768560647964, -0.02264011837542057, 0.008002504706382751, 0.002091142348945141, 0.03526654094457626, -0.005351932253688574, -0.0564885288476944, -0.0024168153759092093, -0.04884525015950203, 0.029477430507540703, 0.033629778772592545, -0.05717725679278374, -0.02456245757639408 ]
OPINION OF THE COURT. ROBERTS, C. J. — This action was instituted in ihe court below by appellants, Moses B. Jones, county treasurer of Roosevelt county, and school district No. 30' of said county, to enjoin said defendants from advertising-for sale, negotiating, selling, or transferring certain bonds, voted by said school district, for the purpose of constructing a new schoolhouse therein, and which the treasurer of said county, it was alleged, was proceeding to advertise and sell, under the statute. To the second amended complaint a demurrer was filed by appellees, which was sustained generally by the court, and .judgment was entered for the appellee. From this judgment appellants prosecute this appeal. Seven legal propositions were presented by the demurrer, which will be discussed here; the facts being stated in connection with the consideration of each separate point. The third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and tenth paragraphs of the complaint, to which the first and sixth paragraphs of the demurrer wore addressed, alleged, in substance, that on or about the 5th day of March, 1914, a petition purporting to have been signed by 20 residents of said district, and no more, was presented to the county superintendent of schools of said county, asking that such superintendent order the school directors of school district No. 30; said county, to hold an election for the purpose of voting on the question of the issuance of $5,000 in bonds of such district for the purpose of- erecting a new schoolhouse. This allegation is followed by others, showing that, pursuant to such petition, the superintendent ordered the board of directors to submit such question to the voters of such district; that tbe directors, pursuant to such petition and order, did so submit such question; and that at such election bonds were voted by a majority of one vote. The complaint further shows that such district already had a school building, and alleges that two of the signers of such petition were not qualified petitioners, setting up the ground of disqualification. ¿Á.ppellees contend that the directors of the school district had the power and authority to call and hold the-election of their own volition, the district having a school building, and that it will be presumed that tbe directors acted voluntarily in the matter, notwithstanding the petition to and order of the county superintendent. Section 1542, C. L. 1897, authorizes the school directors of any school district to submit to- the voters of their district at any annual or special election, called for that purpose, the question of the issuance of bonds for tho purpose of constructing a school building. Under this' section the proposition as to whether bonds shall be voted for a new building may be submitted to the. voters of the district, upon the initiative of the directors, regardless of the fact that such district has or has not1 a school building. In, 189,9 the Legislature, by chapter 4-6, Laws •of 1899, provided . that the county superintendent of schools should have the j>ower, in cases where any school district in his county does not own a schoolhouse, upon'a petition signed by 20 residents of such school district, etc., to order the school directors of such district to submit the •question of issuing, bonds of such district for the purpose ■of building a schoolhouse, and gave the superintendent the right to remove directors for failure to submit such question when so ordered. Appellees contend that chapter 46,' supra, had no application to the 'election held in this case, it being governed b}1' section 1542, C. L. 1897, which' reqtiired no petition to or action by the county superintendent; that the ■complaint, failing to allege that the school directors acted' against their own best judgment, or that they were coerced into calling the election bjr the order of the county superintendent, stated no cause of action, in this regard. The position taken by appellees is correct. There being a schoolhouse in 'this district, the county superintendent' had no power or authority to order'the directors to hold the election in question. Presumably the directors knew the law, and did hot act in the premises because of .the ■order issued by the' superintendent. There existed statutory authority for. the calling and holding of the election by the directors, and the statute was followed in the present case, in so far as we are advised by the' complaint. The fact even that the directors thought they were acting under the' act of 1899, rather than section 1542,' supra, would not affect the case, if the acts done by them were legal under said section. “The authority and powers of officers are determined by the law, considered as a whole, and a mistaken conception- on the part of an officer' as to the statute under which he has acted will not affect the validity of his action, provided he actually had legal authority.” 29 Cyc. 1431. In the case of Davis v. Brace, 82 Ill. 542, a county officer extended certain taxes. lie thought he was acting under one statute, whereas his power to do the act was derived from another. The court said: “It would seem, therefore, especially in a court of equity, whólly unimportant under what law the clerk intended to make the extension. It is sufficient that there is a law which confers authority to do what he has done.” In the case of In re Rockaway Park Imp. Co., 83 Hun. (N. Y.) 263, 31 N. Y. Supp. 386, the supervisors of a county recited a repealed statute as the source of their authority. The repealing statute conferred upon the board the power to do the act, which they undertook to-do under the repealed act. The court said: “If the board thus had full power to do what they did, their action was not rendered illegal by a mistake in the recitation of the source of its power.” See, also, Pope v. Davenport, 52 Tex. 206. The above being true, the court properly sustained these paragraphs of the demurrer.' The seventh paragraph of the complaint was as follows r “Seventh. Plaintiffs allege: That the majority of the qualified electors of said school district voting in said election did not vote for the issuance of the bonds of said district in that the following named persons, who voted for the issuance of the bonds of said district at said election, and whose votes were counted therefor, were not qualified electors and voters at said election: Willie Mae Culberson and Z. H. Woods. That said Willie Mae Culberson and Z. H. Woods, or .either of them, at the time they voted at said election as aforesaid, were not bona fide residents of said school district, and entitled to vote at said election. Plaintiffs allege that they are- informed and believe that Mrs. I. V. Chapman, Mrs. Hawkins, Amanda Moran, and Fidelia Vincent, whose true Christian names are to the plaintiffs otherwise unknown, who voted at said election for the issuance of said bonds, were not qualified voters and electors at said election, in that they were not bona fide residents of, and did not have their domicile in, said school district at the time they voted at said election, and that all the above-named illegal votes were counted at said election in favor of the issuance of the bonds of said district.” To this paragraph of the complaint the third paragraph of the demurrer was evidently directed, which reads as follows: . “(3) Because the alleged disqualifications of the alleged illegal voters are not sufficiently set forth, so that the court may judge-whether or not such disqualifications actually exist, and for the further reason that it is nowhere alleged that the votes cast against the issuance of said bonds were all legal, and consequently the court is unable, from the pleadings, to determine whether or not the majority of legal votes were for or against the proposition of issuing the bonds.” This paragraph of the demurrer presents two legal propositions, which are: First, whether the alleged disqualification of the voters was sufficiently set forth; and, second, whether it was necessary to allege that all the votes cast against the issuance of the bonds were cast by legal voters. Appellee admits that a person, to be a qualified voter at a school election, must bé a resident of the school district at the time he offers to vote at an election held therein. That this is true is indisputable. Such being the ease, if Willie Mae Culberson and Z. H. Woods and the other persons named in the seventh paragraph of the complaint were not residents of the said school district, they were not entitled to vote therein at the election in question. The complaint, alleged that all these parties were “not bona fide residents” of said school district and entitled to vote at said election. As the complaint further showed that there were 59 votes in favor of the issuance of the bonds and 58 against said proposition, the facts alleged clearly showed that the majority of the legal voters did not vote in favor of such bond issue. The allegation in question was, we believe, sufficient as against the demurrer. If the appellees conceived that the allegations were not sufficiently specific, they should have filed a motion to make the same more definite and certain. Parties are only required to plead the ultimate facts, and residence is a question of fact. The persons named were either residents or nonresidents of the school district. If bona fide residents of the school district for the time required, they were qualified voters, otherwise they were not. The pleading alleged .that they were not such residents, which pleaded an issuable fact. The second paragraph of this ground of the demurrer was also not well taken. The complaint, in the sixth paragraph, alleged that the bond issue was carried by one vote, and the disqualification of the two voters above named, which is positively alleged, would have changed the result of the election. When an elector is permitted to deposit his ballot, the presumption is in favor of the legality of the vote. 15 ‘Cyc. 416. This being true, it would be presumed that all the-votes cast at this election were cast by legal voters. , The complaint alleges that certain of the votes cast in favor of the bond issue were cast by persons not qualified to vote at such election. All votes not so attacked by the' complaint would be presumed to have been east by legal voters; and, this being true, the 58 votes cast against the proposition presumptively were cast by legal voters. If they were not, it was matter which the defense should have pleaded. A pleading need not and should not, bj' its averments, anticipate a defense thereto and negative of avoid it. 31 Cyc. 109. The complaint herein, in the eleventh paragraph, alleged that the majority -.of the legal votes were east against the issuance of the bonds, and that, if the illegal votes named in the complaint had not been counted in favor of the issuance of the bonds, the result would have been, etc.; and. in the seventh paragraph it was alleged that the majority of the qualified electors of said school district voting-at said election did not vote for the issuance of the bonds-of such district. These allegations, in connection with the. matters set forth in the seventh paragraph of the complaint, were a.11 that the complainants were required t.o allege in this regard. Appellees cite three cases which they claim 'support their contention that it was necessary for the .complainants to allege that no illegal votes were cast ¿gainst the issuance of such bonds. These are Wade v. Oates, 112 Ala. 325, 20 South. 495; Lehlbach v. Haynes, 54 N. J. Law, 77, 23 Atl. 422, and Hannah v. Shepherd, (Tex. Civ. App. 137) 25 S. W. 137. The first two of these were contested election cases, where the statute.set forth .the facts which the petitioners must allege, and the decisions were based upon the statutory requirements. They are not in point here. In the last case cited, the complaint failed to allege that the majority of the legal votes cast was against the adoption of the fence law. The defect there does not exist in the complaint in- this¡ cáse,, for it is alleged that the majority of the legal votes were-cast against the issuance of the 'bonds. 1 .- ■: .- ■ The eighth paragraph of the' complaint proceeds upon the theory that it was necessary for a woman, in order-to become a qualified voter at a school election] .assuming that the election in question was such, td have paid a property tax or a poll tax in such school district or- county. Under section 1532, C. L. 1897, it was provided, relative to elections for school directors, that: > " “Only legal voters, residing and. paying.- taXes in said district, shall be qualified tó vote, at said election.” . ' • Section 1542, which made provision: for voting, bonds, under which this election was-held, provided for'-the1 submission of the question of issuing bonds to the voters of the district. In 1909 the Legislature, by chapter 95.; Laws 1909, amended section 1532, supra, by adding to it the following paragraph: ’ . “All legal voters, residing in a school district, who have paid the poll tax of the current .year in said district, shall be considered qualified voters of said district, entitled to vote theirein.” The first provision quoted from the original section 1532 was undoubtedly repealed by section 20, ch. 105, Laws 1909, which provided: “All laws, acts and parts of acts required as one of the qualifications of voters at any election in this territory for any purpose that they shall be taxpayers or that they shall have paid their taxes, are hereby repealed.” And waiving the question, as to whether the last-quoted provision operated to repeal chapter 95, Laws 1909, both acts having been approved by the Governor on the same day, it certainly cannot be argued, with any consistency, that women, in order to be qualified to vote at a school election, must have paid a poll tax. Under the territorial and state law, women have never been required to pay a poll tax. This tax is only levied on “male citizens, over the age of twenty-one years.” The state Constitution (section 1, art. 7), after prescribing the qualifications of those “qualified to vote at all elections for public officers,” which right is conferred upon male citizens of the United States, possessing the named qualifications, proceeds: “Women possessing the qualifications prescribed in this section for male electors shall be qualified electors at all school elections.” It is well settled that, where the Constitution of a state fixes the qualifications and determines who shall be deemed qualified voters in direct, positive, and affirmative terms, these qualifications cannot be added to by legislative enactment. 15 Cyc. 281; Cooley’s Constitutional Limitations (7th Ed.) p. 99, note 3. This being true, and our state Constitution prescribing the' qualifications which women voters shall have, and saying, in express terms, that they shall have the right to vote at all school elections when they possess the prescribed qualifications, it would not be competent for the Legislature to add to these requirements. This being true, the demurrer to tliis paragraph of the complaint was properly sustained. The ninth paragraph of the complaint proceeds upon the theory that the election held for the purpose of voting on the question of the issuance of bonds by a school district is not a “school election,” within the meaning of section 1, art. 7, of the state Constitution, which confers upon women possessing certain qualifications the right to vote at “all school elections.” The portion of said section in question reads as follows: “All school elections shall be held at different times from other elections. Women possessing the qualifications prescribed in this section for male electors shall be qualified electors at all such school elections.” Section 11, art. 9, of the state Constitution, in so far as material, reads as follows: “No school district shall borrow money, except for the purpose of erecting and furnishing school buildings or purchasing school grounds, and in such cases only when the j^roposition to create the debt shall have been submitted to the qualified electors of the district, and aj>proved by a majority of those voting thereon.” Appellant argues that the words “qualified electors,” used in the last-quoted section, refer only to male electors; that, as women are only given the right of suffrage in a narrow and limited sense, it is not supposed that the framers of the Constitution would refer to them as “qualified electors,” without placing any restriction upon the language used. The case of Oppegaard v. Board of County Commissioners, 120 Minn, 443, 139 N. W. 949, 43 L. R. A. (N. S.) 936, is cited in support of this contention. As we read the case, however, it is not in point. There the court was construing a statute, providing for the enlargement of a school district upon the petition of a “majority of the legal voters residing within such school district,” and held that the term “legal voter” applied only to male electors, notwithstanding the Constitution gave women the right to vote at “any election held for the pur pose of choosing any officer of schools, * * * or upon any measure relating to schools.” The court said: “We do not mean to say, nor do we think Mr. Justice Mitchell meant to say, that there may not be educational matters other than elections of school officers upon which women, under the Constitution, would be entitled to vote.” The petitioning for a change in boundaries of a school district is not an election, and, where no constitutional provisions govern, it would be competent for the Legislature to prescribe the qualifications requisite for a petitioner. That the holding might have been different, had the question been as to the right of women to vote at an election, is clearly shown by the following language in the opinion: “If the question here were upon the right of women to vote upon some school measure, under a statute providing for the submission of such matter to the ‘legal voters’ at an election, it might be that the case cited (referring to Hall v. Madison, 128 Wis. 132, 107 N. W. 31) would'be in point to the proposition that, under our Constitution, women would have to be accorded the right to vote in order to save the statute.” The first clause quoted from our Constitution gives women the right to vote at all “school elections,” who possess the prescribed qualifications. They are by the Constitution made qualified electors at all “school elections,” and, for all school election purposes they are qualified electors. This being true, when the framers of the Constitution used the term “qualified electors of the district,” it is only reasonable to suppose that they referred to the class of persons theretofore made qualified electors of the school district at all school elections. That an election for the purpose of determining whether bonds of a school district shall be issued for the construction of a school house is a “school election” can hardly be doubted. Hnder section 1542, C. L. 1897, which had been in force for more than 20 years at the time the Constitution was adopted, an election was provided for the purpose of determining such question. This question, under the statute, could be submitted to the voters at any annual election of school officers or at a special election called for that purpose. If the voting upon the question of the issuance of bonds is not a school election, we would be confronted with the anomalous situation that such question could not be submitted to the voters of a school district at an election held for the purpose of electing school officers, but it could be submitted at the regular biennial election for- state and county officers. The first sentence quoted above from section 1, art. 7, provides that “all school elections shall be held at different times from other elections.” Again, had the constitutional convention intended that women should only have the right to vote for officers of a school district, it would have been easy to have said so, but the broader term “all such school elections” was employed. We fail to understand why an election for the purpose of voting on the proposition of issuing the bonds of a school district for the erection of a school building is not a “school election,” within the meaning of the Constitution. Such question can only be determined by an election (section 11, art. 9, of the Constitution), and certainly the question of having suitable sehoolhouses, wherein the children may receive instruction, is as intimately connected with educational affairs as the election of school directors. If the voting for school directors is a “school election,” why would not the voting for the erection of a new school building, or the authorization of the same, be a school election The members of the constitutional convention knew, as we all know, that women are vitally interested in educational matters. Every mother urges her children to study, talks with them daily about their school work, drills them in their lessons, has the opportunity to know and knows the work being done by the teachers. They also keep in daily touch with the schools and know the needs and requirements for new school buildings and additional school facilities. These facts prompted the enactment of tire provisions found in our Constitution, and the courts should be very slow to restrict or impair rights thus granted. Support for our position is found in the adjudicated cases. In the case of Hall v. Madison, 128 Wis. 132, 107 N. W. 31, the court was called upon to decide whether an election to determine whether a city should issue bonds for the purpose of building a sehoolhouse was an “election pertaining to school matters,” within the meaning of chapter 211, Laws of 1885, which had the effect of a constitutional provision by reason of its submission to the voters of the state. It was provided that every woman, etc., “who has resided within the state one year, and in the election district where she offers to vote ten days next preceding any election pertaining to school matters, shall have a right to vote at such election.” The court said: “Is not the borrowing of money to build a sehoolhouse an act pertaining to school matters as much as the expenditure of moneys in hand for that purpose? Suppose there were a law providing that, whenever a city proposed to build a sehoolhouse or purchase a new school site costing more than a given sum, the question whether such a sum should be spent for that purpose should be submitted to vote; would not the election held under such a law be strictly an election pertaining to school matters? Would the fact that the expenditure of municipal funds was involved take from the proposition its character as an election pertaining to school matters ? In fact, does not any proposition relating to the better management of the schools necessarily involve the question of the expenditure of corporate funds? And, if women are to be denied the right to vote because the expenditure or the borrowing of money is involved, does not the law become a mere husk without the kernel? These questions bring us to the broader question of the general purpose of the law. It must, of course, be assumed that it was passed to give some sub stantial right to women which they did not before possess. To suppose that the Legislature or the people intended, by the use of vague language or glittering generalities, to ‘make a promise to the ear and break it to the hope/ or to seem to give a right which was, in fact, substantially withheld, cannot be entertained without an imputation of bad faith to both Legisla: ture and people. If the purpose had been to limit the right to school district meetings, or to voting for school officers or employes, it would have been easy to do so by simple and appropriate language. No such purpose can, in our •judgment, be spelled out either from the language of the act or its title. On the other hand, the very broad and general nature of the language used indicates clearly the intent to cover a broad field rather than a narrow one. The title of the act (chapter 211, Laws of 1885) exhibits .this'intent most persuasively. It is: ‘An act relating to the exercise of the right of suffrage by women upon school matters.’ It is not the right to vote at school district meetings (which can only be called the right of suffrage in a limited ■ sense), or the right to vote for school officers, but the right of suffrage upon school matters, to which, the Legislature declares by the title, the act refers. Nor is this declaration of intent narrowed or limited by the wording of the act itself. The act, in terms, gives women the right to vote at any election (not at any district school meeting) ‘pertaining to school matters/ and further it provides that the form of the ballots to be used by the people in voting upon the law should be ‘For woman suffrage in school matters/ and ‘Against woman suffrage in school matters.’ These broad general words indicate the intent to give the full right or suffrage in school matters, or else they indicate an intent to deceive by apparently giving much while in fact giving little or nothing. The latter intent cannot be entertained for a moment.” See, also, Olive v. School District, 86 Neb. 135, 125 N W. 141, 27 L. R. A. (N. S.) 522, where the syllabus summarizes the holding of the court as follows: “Women entitled to vote at school elections may lawfully vote for or against school district bonds.” The demurrer to this paragraph of the complaint was properly sustained. Section 1545,”C. L. 1897, provides, in part: “That no bonds of any district shall be issued or any special tax levied until the boundaries of said districts shall have been established and the property marked by monuments or by natural objects as provided by law.” It is alleged in the thirteenth paragraph of the complaint that at the time of the holding of the election, and at the time the bonds in question were issued by the board of directors of said district and delivered to the county treasurer for countersigning and selling, as directed by law, that boundaries of said district were not established, and the boundaries and property marked by monuments, or by natural objects, as.required by section 1545, C. L. 1897. The demurrer to this paragraph of the complaint proceeds upon the theory that the bonds were not “issued” until countersigned by the treasurer and delivered to the purchaser; consequently the complaint, not alleging that the boundaries of the district were not established and the boundaries and property marked at the time the complaint was filed, or that said treasurer was about to sell the bonds and deliver them to the purchaser before these provisions of the statute were complied with, failed to state a cause of action. In other words, it is appellees’ contention that the boundaries need not be established and monumented prior to the election, or the signing of the bonds by the president of the board; that the word “issued,” used in the statute, refers to final delivery of the bonds to the purchaser, and not to any of the precedent steps required by the statute. The verb “to issue” means to emit or send forth, and it does not embrace the preliminary acts of calling and holding the election, or signing and dating the bonds, but is confined to the delivery, unless the context of the statute requires that a different meaning should be accorded to the words. Perkins County v. Graff, 114 Fed. 441, 52 C. C. A. 243; Corning v. Board of Com’rs, 102 Fed. 57, 42 C. C. A. 154. Appellant argues that the meaning of the word “issued,” in section 1545, is controlled by the language of section 1543, which, after providing for the calling and holding of the election, proceeds: “And if a majority of all the votes cast upon that question, be in favor of the issue of such bonds, then said board shall issue bonds to the amount votgd.” ' We cannot agree with this contention. The two sections of the statute, which evidence the object in view by the Legislature, and the purpose to be accomplished, are sections 1541 and 1547. The first section limited - the amount of indebtedness which might be incurred by any school district to 4 per centum of the value of the taxable property within the district. The last section provided: “That in any school district where a special tax is in contemplation of being levied, or of bonds being issued, and after the boundaries of the district have been properly determined and marked for that purpose, it shall be the duty of the county assessor to visit said district and make an assessment of all taxable property, both personal and real, within said school district, as fully and completely as he is now required to make the assessment of the county, and he shall be governed by the same rules, especially including in such assessment all kinds of live stock which graze wholly within the limits of such district. The county assessor shall provide each board of district directors with a copy of such lists of taxable property in the several districts.” The last section was evidently for the protection of the purchaser of bonds, so that he might know in advance just what the assessed value of the property in the district was, and thereby refuse to purchase the bonds in case the issue, added to the outstanding indebtedness, exceeded the limitations fixed by section 1541. Again the purpose in having the boundaries of the district monumented was twofold: First, to settle definitely and beyond dispute the property upon which the bonds would become a lien; and, second, to enable the county assessor to ascertain just what property was within the district, and assess the same. This being true, the time of establishing and marking the boundaries of the district would be immaterial, so long as the acts were done prior to the sale of the bonds by the county treasurer. Had the Legislature intended that such acts should precede the election, it would have been an easy matter to have said so. Presumably the boundaries of every school district are known. We do not understand that the law gives to the county surveyor the right to arbitrarily establish the boundaries of such district. In running the lines and monumenting the boundaries, he would be governed by the theretofore known boundaries of the same. All that he could do, under the section quoted, would be to mark on the ground and record in field notes the boundaries of such districts. He has no authority to add to or subtract any land from said district. He simply ascertains, as stated, the boundaries, and mar^s and records the same. This being true, this ground of the demurrer was well taken. The ninth ground of the demurrer was directed to the verification of the complaint. The insufficiency of the affidavit or verification to a pleading is not ground for demurrer. 31 Cyc. 285; 39 Century Digest, tit. "Pleadings,” § 423. The tenth ground of the demurrer raises the question as to whether plaintiffs had an adequate remedy at law by contest, under the statute. It is only necessary to say that our statutes contain no provision for contesting such an election as the one now under consideration. The second ground of the demurrer challenged the sufficiency of the complaint to state a cause of action. The seventh paragraph of the complaint alleging facts, which, if true, invalidated the election, this ground of demurrer was not well taken. The cause will be reversed and remanded, with directions to the district court to overrule second, third, ninth, and tenth grounds of demurrer, and to proceed in accordance with this opinion; and it is so ordered. Hanna and Parker, J.J., concur.
[ -0.0020833031740039587, 0.012284963391721249, 0.0019416938303038478, 0.03330328315496445, 0.05410431697964668, 0.017786426469683647, 0.05213972181081772, 0.009478430263698101, 0.017804019153118134, -0.054847195744514465, 0.02730894647538662, 0.010896759107708931, -0.06583168357610703, 0.0677793100476265, -0.028373854234814644, 0.07881274819374084, 0.04670466110110283, 0.04021758586168289, 0.009268497116863728, -0.016975020989775658, 0.012127545662224293, 0.011819143779575825, -0.011319591663777828, 0.03372539207339287, -0.0045562549494206905, 0.050865959376096725, 0.05652215704321861, 0.02124941721558571, -0.053410910069942474, -0.00396587373688817, 0.025456145405769348, 0.01462261937558651, -0.0076746344566345215, 0.044531285762786865, -0.04139852896332741, -0.0006130897672846913, 0.023394498974084854, -0.05528717860579491, -0.012575838714838028, 0.03655259683728218, -0.02935286983847618, 0.003929833881556988, 0.0015277762431651354, 0.006878417916595936, -0.047762803733348846, -0.039015643298625946, 0.004682968370616436, 0.056590136140584946, -0.030459221452474594, 0.022638637572526932, -0.08906654268503189, 0.01052186731249094, -0.011171583086252213, 0.007323123048990965, -0.025397365912795067, 0.04214869812130928, -0.056392643600702286, -0.04568837955594063, 0.041193459182977676, -0.023317692801356316, 0.0066005815751850605, -0.027321061119437218, 0.08866389840841293, 0.004007367417216301, 0.009209212847054005, -0.01092974841594696, -0.018206490203738213, 0.04825945571064949, -0.06584764271974564, -0.02089977078139782, -0.0442374125123024, 0.029172517359256744, 0.02271443046629429, -0.00509877922013402, 0.024339666590094566, -0.01881399378180504, 0.024480288848280907, 0.041287895292043686, -0.027443381026387215, 0.046986985951662064, 0.015484203584492207, 0.0034684850834310055, 0.01298992894589901, 0.05419968068599701, 0.0069737304002046585, -0.06403028219938278, -0.04192790761590004, 0.004160573240369558, -0.023598818108439445, 0.06955938786268234, 0.001475949422456324, -0.04173410311341286, -0.008638706058263779, 0.05166783928871155, 0.02583036758005619, -0.03742009773850441, 0.06039420887827873, -0.039969202131032944, 0.04143712297081947, -0.017916575074195862, -0.037610430270433426, -0.018997933715581894, 0.035174641758203506, 0.06731928884983063, -0.08797811716794968, 0.0034511052072048187, 0.024021413177251816, -0.027751252055168152, 0.004157007671892643, -0.01330915279686451, -0.016278406605124474, 0.030369702726602554, -0.0055700065568089485, -0.0520164854824543, -0.042284972965717316, 0.0550413653254509, 0.04030486196279526, -0.024419259279966354, -0.04405170679092407, -0.025136467069387436, -0.00020869153377134353, 0.02046564221382141, 0.019577760249376297, 0.08403611928224564, 0.015892263501882553, 0.010179945267736912, 0.012630321085453033, 0.02455999329686165, -0.048364173620939255, -0.04543902724981308, 0.005369963124394417, 0.02869410626590252, 0.003348077181726694, 0.042781539261341095, -0.0044466350227594376, -0.009195924736559391, -0.022811446338891983, -0.03685479238629341, 0.05355963110923767, -0.045483026653528214, -0.00998589489609003, -0.01917070709168911, 0.005967024713754654, 0.02041555568575859, 0.01941004768013954, -0.022942353039979935, 0.022440753877162933, -0.01093708910048008, -0.020544247701764107, 0.02168308198451996, 0.001646387274377048, 0.026682276278734207, 0.014230480417609215, 0.001810921705327928, -0.0012143378844484687, 0.0538378581404686, 0.03565328195691109, -0.006419662851840258, 0.01976650208234787, 0.06153220310807228, 0.03094518557190895, 0.012803817167878151, 0.019553283229470253, 0.005925237666815519, 0.002917611040174961, 0.03634054586291313, -0.015045968815684319, -0.022854425013065338, -0.021720213815569878, -0.007184256333857775, -0.028082294389605522, -0.020842576399445534, 0.06610682606697083, -0.061970338225364685, -0.00022956427710596472, 0.003973972983658314, 0.034194041043519974, 0.001755512785166502, 0.025666195899248123, -0.04793595150113106, -0.09279528260231018, 0.013801677152514458, -0.004468161147087812, 0.0052938093431293964, -0.02363990992307663, -0.008186529390513897, 0.030430231243371964, -0.021201934665441513, 0.02241903357207775, -0.03814318776130676, -0.07786630094051361, -0.0511588416993618, 0.015027099289000034, -0.0586060993373394, 0.049238380044698715, 0.029463419690728188, -0.06916786730289459, 0.00203551328741014, 0.03805294260382652, 0.029899217188358307, -0.010948163457214832, -0.014614494517445564, 0.07320604473352432, -0.06799224764108658, -0.048779189586639404, -0.012549427337944508, 0.05287840962409973, -0.003895427566021681, 0.00899602472782135, 0.0245759766548872, -0.015752358362078667, 0.018978457897901535, 0.062407445162534714, -0.01602269522845745, 0.02686721459031105, -0.011681593954563141, 0.054056327790021896, -0.030296865850687027, 0.06779327988624573, -0.027010956779122353, 0.035142384469509125, -0.002214668318629265, -0.03083224780857563, 0.05046236887574196, -0.027401316910982132, 0.046139903366565704, 0.0630737692117691, 0.00019513978622853756, -0.025168059393763542, 0.0024727717973291874, -0.026652224361896515, 0.013715680688619614, 0.016354050487279892, -0.014281879179179668, 0.043207213282585144, -0.04249921068549156, -0.03077957034111023, 0.00011552180512808263, 0.019227929413318634, -0.07181539386510849, 0.033253975212574005, 0.060167331248521805, 0.030818674713373184, 0.03291305527091026, 0.012624942697584629, 0.030918654054403305, 0.001364978845231235, 0.021971601992845535, -0.019347816705703735, -0.05418768525123596, 0.0130527438595891, -0.004716263618320227, 0.03972345218062401, -0.05114303156733513, 0.04148680344223976, -0.0529712550342083, 0.01737750694155693, -0.027473321184515953, 0.022068094462156296, 0.020941082388162613, 0.007296003866940737, 0.03261752426624298, -0.005330294836312532, -0.015184237621724606, -0.023125333711504936, -0.03314286097884178, -0.03475572168827057, 0.007208274211734533, -0.010974535718560219, -0.010955571196973324, 0.034896161407232285, 0.006557620130479336, 0.03666150942444801, -0.022616839036345482, -0.015265610069036484, 0.016543002799153328, 0.058726899325847626, 0.01909543015062809, -0.022693922743201256, -0.012327414937317371, -0.029032142832875252, 0.0453258752822876, -0.02026335522532463, -0.07229400426149368, -0.02396700344979763, -0.047287944704294205, 0.02924271859228611, -0.03823566064238548, -0.05701911449432373, 0.053350355476140976, 0.02142682671546936, 0.048460133373737335, -0.03119049407541752, 0.038033172488212585, 0.030985169112682343, 0.052368972450494766, 0.01198105700314045, 0.02120271883904934, 0.024157125502824783, -0.05035822466015816, -0.002669038949534297, 0.003032529493793845, -0.049796123057603836, 0.0013303455198183656, 0.03125771880149841, 0.037689413875341415, -0.03020922653377056, 0.03426821902394295, -0.2464294135570526, -0.004899478517472744, -0.01313032303005457, -0.06382940709590912, 0.029581379145383835, -0.06175924465060234, 0.03669823706150055, -0.05310932546854019, -0.022537030279636383, 0.03255944699048996, -0.028002381324768066, -0.046430185437202454, 0.015358926728367805, 0.029994696378707886, 0.04742854833602905, -0.02623697742819786, 0.0020116716623306274, -0.01376925315707922, -0.015603925101459026, 0.017759142443537712, 0.023721901699900627, -0.05841854214668274, -0.07361046224832535, 0.002370832720771432, 0.047791946679353714, 0.05344599485397339, -0.03920171037316322, -0.02113499492406845, -0.046876054257154465, -0.0009400424896739423, 0.02217712067067623, 0.007771003060042858, 0.03060992993414402, 0.0085877925157547, -0.00866846926510334, 0.030626796185970306, 0.02040877938270569, 0.022969042882323265, -0.000827023119200021, 0.023603150621056557, 0.0027895544189959764, -0.040740352123975754, -0.05248536169528961, -0.0009318335796706378, 0.00891704112291336, -0.028383174911141396, -0.04826284945011139, -0.029934804886579514, -0.030416779220104218, 0.0620247945189476, -0.0009096320136450231, 0.018817128613591194, -0.014862320385873318, 0.006161254830658436, -0.008297588676214218, 0.00007152736361604184, -0.08559702336788177, 0.0007266657776199281, -0.06455572694540024, 0.04325329512357712, -0.005175574216991663, -0.03393161669373512, -0.06912866979837418, 0.0037369600031524897, -0.05471154674887657, -0.07171665132045746, -0.06278746575117111, -0.03756675124168396, 0.04577968269586563, 0.02909058891236782, 0.014147968962788582, 0.045262411236763, -0.04074015095829964, -0.06461501866579056, 0.007539656944572926, 0.0036238415632396936, -0.03996061906218529, -0.04287653788924217, -0.024263132363557816, 0.06099797040224075, 0.004778063856065273, -0.01224864274263382, 0.04127591848373413, 0.03902139514684677, -0.01176978088915348, -0.017680035904049873, -0.042881958186626434, 0.06703615188598633, -0.004438651725649834, -0.021835291758179665, 0.02372727170586586, 0.013482301495969296, -0.035184770822525024, 0.01490778848528862, 0.029178334400057793, 0.056474681943655014, -0.011392537504434586, -0.06508166342973709, 0.02650265581905842, 0.03111114911735058, -0.0027015407104045153, -0.04235975071787834, 0.05021670460700989, -0.033538248389959335, -0.009522931650280952, -0.0372825562953949, -0.05879750847816467, 0.007810143753886223, 0.05213319510221481, 0.01304533053189516, 0.035426508635282516, -0.04914792627096176, 0.027594178915023804, -0.016228273510932922, -0.007456382270902395, -0.05066516622900963, 0.0379432775080204, 0.005149456672370434, -0.01284834835678339, 0.019865600392222404, 0.018603216856718063, 0.040463317185640335, -0.08212251216173172, -0.03330964967608452, -0.10264585167169571, 0.009285543113946915, 0.029910769313573837, 0.009706437587738037, -0.03316655382514, 0.01064873207360506, -0.024220045655965805, -0.060272060334682465, -0.009993202053010464, -0.013203381560742855, 0.003262828104197979, -0.0038973037153482437, -0.024843081831932068, -0.05426027253270149, 0.002717637922614813, 0.008777863346040249, 0.023317843675613403, -0.005193140357732773, 0.04121467098593712, -0.012414426542818546, 0.052176810801029205, -0.0053048813715577126, -0.013048773631453514, 0.026114268228411674, -0.03964931145310402, 0.0107565987855196, -0.0406256839632988, -0.06397373229265213, -0.0014963066205382347, -0.033614519983530045, -0.050661008805036545, -0.02825804054737091, 0.025233888998627663, 0.009791262447834015, -0.009818836115300655, -0.011984043754637241, -0.015332416631281376, 0.005934528075158596, -0.013836151920258999, -0.015237607061862946, -0.018144508823752403, 0.053503405302762985, -0.035297591239213943, 0.08499394357204437, 0.003119261236861348, -0.002882806584239006, 0.010132751427590847, -0.06124740093946457, -0.035904742777347565, -0.001471199793741107, 0.018778609111905098, 0.021771077066659927, -0.004162640310823917, 0.03124767728149891, 0.00986441969871521, 0.06103917956352234, -0.034985560923814774, -0.02260245755314827, 0.0036551649682223797, 0.0006844039889983833, 0.046671293675899506, -0.039531078189611435, -0.024052396416664124, -0.034032151103019714, -0.00515651935711503, -0.011198817752301693, -0.04095466062426567, -0.02152215875685215, -0.017630424350500107, 0.031101906672120094, -0.05104975402355194, -0.07027099281549454, 0.004111104644834995, -0.04654036834836006, 0.020869014784693718, 0.003774428041651845, 0.001391763798892498, -0.018205242231488228, -0.008581511676311493, 0.01811598241329193, -0.01778259500861168, -0.045713406056165695, 0.033620309084653854, 0.016447870060801506, -0.00905632134526968, 0.015309738926589489, -0.042259253561496735, -0.03212728723883629, 0.012502291239798069, 0.01272722240537405, 0.017410021275281906, -0.03354109823703766, 0.05589817836880684, -0.0020144733134657145, -0.024018514901399612, -0.02725355699658394, 0.026043284684419632, -0.02381773851811886, 0.005284120794385672, -0.01663888245820999, -0.018520504236221313, 0.04553676396608353, -0.011908017098903656, -0.029172677546739578, 0.024261461570858955, -0.04297575354576111, 0.00738040916621685, -0.0013088042614981532, 0.03187895566225052, 0.05460137501358986, -0.006933988071978092, -0.03920770809054375, -0.007885906845331192, 0.010517074726521969, 0.0013769124634563923, 0.05616243556141853, 0.027048956602811813, 0.043632619082927704, -0.009333986788988113, -0.017375418916344643, -0.005633617751300335, -0.0024554207921028137, -0.001673049759119749, -0.014813787303864956, 0.027181342244148254, 0.061663758009672165, -0.0006516121793538332, 0.02863733097910881, -0.046996451914310455, -0.010042036883533001, 0.022136501967906952, -0.006133595015853643, -0.021430011838674545, 0.03648513928055763, -0.015560478903353214, 0.08407597243785858, -0.004855557344853878, 0.035794105380773544, 0.021327482536435127, -0.017980558797717094, 0.02509959228336811, 0.025664102286100388, 0.0166962668299675, -0.041942473500967026, 0.04393431916832924, -0.09962581843137741, -0.029210103675723076, -0.07755769789218903, -0.005345173645764589, -0.04706405848264694, 0.050473134964704514, 0.02247876301407814, -0.026938289403915405, -0.004492721986025572, -0.00256503582932055, -0.03318766877055168, -0.05837203189730644, -0.014431389980018139, -0.013690811581909657, -0.006475438363850117, 0.024065811187028885, -0.03373371809720993, -0.0002921919513028115, 0.02439933456480503, -0.07119587063789368, -0.06414318084716797, -0.0056486534886062145, 0.02104518562555313, -0.0072584315203130245, -0.009464872069656849, -0.048567499965429306, 0.03412909060716629, 0.008207084611058235, 0.061118196696043015, -0.016571108251810074, 0.036587029695510864, -0.07231297343969345, 0.021460089832544327, 0.034296050667762756, -0.03341185674071312, -0.00936318002641201, 0.012036358006298542, -0.0006692356546409428, -0.04692583903670311, -0.026252178475260735, 0.018128205090761185, -0.005576810333877802, -0.038061778992414474, 0.07868284732103348, 0.003904143115505576, -0.03966309130191803, -0.0075105102732777596, 0.015819184482097626, -0.005758030340075493, -0.006297859828919172, -0.03335535153746605, 0.010104859247803688, 0.012838575057685375, 0.07070555537939072, 0.03160097822546959, 0.08064258098602295, 0.03341977670788765, 0.002625569235533476, 0.0137155307456851, -0.021028125658631325, 0.061943333595991135, 0.034250374883413315, 0.008855195716023445, -0.0164361409842968, 0.046022649854421616, -0.027531147003173828, -0.0353500060737133, 0.00034869753289967775, -0.042326465249061584, -0.005587068852037191, 0.037643153220415115, 0.017270611599087715, 0.034572433680295944, -0.0018735029734671116, 0.05283302068710327, 0.007742124143987894, 0.007506304886192083, 0.03614030405879021, -0.021311525255441666, 0.0434572696685791, 0.0015740039525553584, -0.0007271234062500298, -0.053758129477500916, 0.008362533524632454, -0.013363917358219624, 0.0030839131213724613, 0.02264191396534443, -0.025193801149725914, 0.04264307767152786, -0.030139395967125893, -0.009128534235060215, 0.0038186758756637573, -0.02465771697461605, 0.048526741564273834, -0.033620305359363556, -0.0033314023166894913, 0.02339990623295307, 0.029830673709511757, 0.05825042352080345, -0.014515905641019344, 0.02179710753262043, -0.0023673397954553366, -0.03459664434194565, -0.01214656513184309, -0.02613098733127117, 0.043166641145944595, 0.012763463892042637, 0.009427042677998543, -0.005883810576051474, -0.0028260736726224422, 0.04446593299508095, 0.02871772088110447, -0.022830329835414886, -0.05484669283032417, -0.04425356909632683, -0.02192636765539646, -0.06844612956047058, 0.06344439089298248, 0.04642869159579277, -0.02967003919184208, -0.06444928795099258, -0.017767740413546562, -0.024173203855752945, 0.0218359287828207, 0.04127531871199608, -0.03582362085580826, 0.01832825504243374, 0.028288686648011208, 0.08062531054019928, 0.053450047969818115, 0.056191232055425644, 0.06889285892248154, -0.021943163126707077, -0.04468604549765587, -0.017765600234270096, -0.003644428215920925, 0.047400228679180145, -0.010997945442795753, 0.001685700612142682, -0.10340286791324615, 0.027587316930294037, 0.025783728808164597, -0.002462489064782858, -0.03370187431573868, 0.03502226248383522, -0.01196329016238451, 0.0064668552950024605, 0.07989927381277084, 0.03168848529458046, -0.05042476952075958, 0.00876818597316742, -0.033346377313137054, 0.03554423525929451, -0.012579617090523243, 0.06496761739253998, -0.04444362595677376, 0.04276394844055176, 0.00293376250192523, -0.02575506828725338, -0.031153066083788872, 0.04905196651816368, 0.04452824220061302, -0.02531258761882782, -0.016149837523698807, -0.002761918818578124, 0.00016984232934191823, -0.049331605434417725, -0.0647808387875557, -0.008700508624315262, -0.02009197510778904, -0.04650399833917618, 0.0014908061129972339, 0.01895107887685299, 0.014450754970312119, -0.0057715666480362415, 0.02110011875629425, 0.02893398515880108, -0.048147350549697876, -0.011482237838208675, -0.04437388479709625, 0.00364542449824512, 0.007868929766118526, 0.0398506335914135, -0.024269983172416687, -0.056708261370658875, 0.00874998327344656, -0.04834872856736183, 0.03375958278775215, 0.03145456314086914, -0.01652919501066208, 0.0071533783338963985 ]
OPINION OP THE COURT. HANNA,, J. — Appellant was indicted by a grand jury of the county of Quay, state of New Mexico, charged with the murder of one Dudley Anderson. A trial resulted in a verdict of murder in the first degree, from which verdict and judgment of the district court this appeal is sued out. Numerous assignments of error have been made, but most of them have reference to the admission or rejection of testimony and the giving or refusal to give instructions, and are based upon conditions and facts not llkeiy to again arise in the retrial of this case, which we find it necessary to award. We therefore deem it necessary to consider but one assignment of error, which is predicated upon the refusal of the court to given to the jury requested instruction No. 11, which is as follows: “The court instructs the jury that the real issue raised in this case by the plea of self-defense is whether, at the time the fatal shot ivas fired, the defendant believed, and had reasonable grounds to believe, that he was in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm, and it is not necessary that you find the defendant to have been in actual danger at the time he fired; but if you find from the evidence that he was in apparent danger of death or great bodily harm at the time he fired the fatal shot, then his act was justifiable, and in determining whether or not the defendant was in apparent danger you are to view the circumstances at the time as they appeared to him situated as he was at the time.” ' As to this contention it is our opinion that Mr. Wharton, in his work on Homicide (3d Ed. § 226), correctly states the law in the following language: “It is the apparent, and not the real, necessity to kill in self-defense against death or great bodily harm, which controls on the question of justification; in such cases one has the right to act on the reasonable appearance of things.” This principle of law is supported by the great weight of authority, and numerous cases are cited by the author in a note to the text. It would therefore seem quite apparent that error had been committed in the refusal to give this instruction, unless the instructions given by the court were sufficiently definite and certain with respect to the element of danger existing as the same appeared to the defendant acting as a reasonable man. The court did give an instruction. which apparently attempted to cover this element of the ease, his instruction being as follows: “In this case the defendant admits killing the said Dudley Anderson, but attempts to justify his act on the ground that it was done in self-defense. As to this defense you are instructed that before any one can avail themselves of the plea of self-defense, and justify himself for the killing of another, it must appear from the evidence that there was reasonable ground on his part to apprehend the design on the part of his assailant to do him great personal injury. It must appear that at the very time he inflicted the injury which he claims was done in self-defense that-there was imminent danger of his assailant doing him great personal injury, and that he then honestly believed that he was in imminent danger of receiving from his assailant some great personal injury, and that his ássailant was in a position and had the ability then and there to do him great personal injury, and that the facts and circumstances were at the time sufficient to convince him that he was in imminent danger of receiving great personal injury from his assailant.” But it is to be noted from the foregoing instruction that the court .said: “It .must appear that at the very time that he inflicted the injury which he claims was done in self-defense that there was imminent danger of his assailant doing him personal injury.” This portion of the instruction, which' is not modified or explained by any other portion of the instruction, would seem to import that the danger under which the defendant was laboring was an actual, existing danger, and not necessarily one that was only apparent under the conditions and circumstances as they appeared to the defendant at the time. This vice inhering in the instruction may be said to be more clearly indicated also by a subsequent portion of the instruction, wherein the court said “that his assailant was in a position and had the ability then and there to do him great personal injury,” which would seem to indicate that the court had in mind that actual danger must be existent in order to justify the defendant under his plea of self-defense. Although as to the latter argument it is perhaps to be said that the court might have had in mind that this statement was a qualification of what had been previously incorporated in his instruction as to the honesty of his belief as to imminent danger and the ability of the deceased to do him great personal injury. However, it seems conclusive to us that the jury was not sufficiently instructed as to the distinction between actual and apparent danger. It is well settlel that, to warrant killing another in self-defense, the danger and necessity must have been real, or so manifestly apparent as to create a reasonable belief of present impending peril to life or limb. Wharton on Homicide (3d Ed.) §§ 22G and 230. While believing that other errors have been pointed out in the brief of appellant, we think it is so improbable that' the questions will be presented in such a manner on the retrial of this cause as to again raise the same questions, should this case be again brought to this court, that we do not feel disposed to pass upon the alleged errors referred to. Our conclusion upon the assignment of error herein discussed necessitates the reversal of the judgnient of the district court, and to award him a new trial; and it is so ordered. Roberts, C. J., and Parker, J., concur.
[ -0.03224858269095421, -0.00484371418133378, -0.0457618348300457, 0.011320799589157104, 0.04873579740524292, 0.0008459891541860998, 0.08549689501523972, 0.009785949252545834, 0.03419100493192673, -0.04120035469532013, 0.017168331891298294, 0.023091202601790428, -0.06339330971240997, 0.03984836861491203, -0.026645055040717125, 0.0960049256682396, 0.05178017169237137, 0.018262797966599464, 0.016537325456738472, -0.008061894215643406, -0.00401128688827157, -0.0098701948300004, 0.012105175293982029, 0.03840668499469757, 0.043770380318164825, 0.017309922724962234, 0.01843421161174774, 0.02879655919969082, -0.05969893932342529, -0.016141492873430252, 0.03868508338928223, -0.009788556024432182, -0.02682117559015751, -0.02565043605864048, -0.034834347665309906, -0.00446101650595665, -0.006655614823102951, -0.03075803630053997, 0.003396392799913883, 0.06973299384117126, -0.054513588547706604, 0.026985686272382736, -0.03616543859243393, -0.01994556188583374, -0.045143455266952515, -0.033558644354343414, 0.011894788593053818, 0.014981506392359734, -0.018291311338543892, -0.007079788483679295, -0.07345335930585861, 0.03066842630505562, -0.043918222188949585, 0.017161890864372253, -0.0028054460417479277, 0.014709984883666039, -0.033080875873565674, -0.0449160598218441, -0.0013789667282253504, -0.022749023512005806, -0.010004905052483082, -0.011299548670649529, 0.06877177208662033, 0.0020249991212040186, -0.009705521166324615, 0.00997607596218586, -0.012009499594569206, 0.032934222370386124, -0.05104191228747368, 0.001257327850908041, -0.04846813157200813, 0.006522223819047213, 0.006786643993109465, -0.01301121711730957, -0.012384118512272835, -0.05005762353539467, 0.03156862407922745, 0.022005464881658554, -0.019273608922958374, 0.04641805216670036, 0.050285592675209045, -0.029120782390236855, 0.022972149774432182, 0.031190142035484314, 0.016546670347452164, -0.05531851574778557, 0.004380496684461832, -0.03131081536412239, -0.03345932438969612, 0.04501114413142204, -0.020369255915284157, -0.04078260436654091, 0.025290675461292267, 0.03960982710123062, -0.008073218166828156, 0.0022006912622600794, 0.06632204353809357, -0.012047960422933102, -0.010244090110063553, 0.016243545338511467, -0.030244437977671623, -0.019835125654935837, -0.013596412725746632, 0.08181245625019073, -0.06095772609114647, 0.009081603959202766, 0.01156249362975359, -0.00875744130462408, 0.02830992266535759, 0.029640326276421547, 0.001789552508853376, 0.051249660551548004, -0.001004476915113628, -0.0556299202144146, -0.06990890949964523, 0.05186527594923973, 0.030858036130666733, -0.010464302264153957, -0.012647492811083794, -0.0071705980226397514, 0.009001067839562893, 0.0143812894821167, 0.01032205019146204, 0.08567029237747192, 0.024778347462415695, -0.019507499411702156, -0.0019206212600693107, 0.03611282259225845, 0.0029427625704556704, -0.03409820795059204, -0.010811029002070427, 0.04831738397479057, 0.02517218515276909, -0.03408770635724068, -0.04264448210597038, -0.009024028666317463, -0.0405537448823452, 0.0027497555129230022, 0.028352657333016396, -0.012280565686523914, -0.009056893177330494, -0.04223420470952988, 0.00787553284317255, 0.026954883709549904, 0.09974080324172974, -0.05140429735183716, 0.03578353300690651, -0.008665367029607296, -0.027460964396595955, 0.01433077547699213, 0.02784501388669014, 0.04129261150956154, -0.00468584755435586, -0.018159663304686546, -0.006436649709939957, 0.06771683692932129, 0.06248805671930313, 0.011700795963406563, -0.010277433320879936, 0.022952022030949593, 0.008076786994934082, 0.027814282104372978, 0.0026227273046970367, -0.014216875657439232, -0.008027528412640095, 0.017099617049098015, -0.009056166745722294, -0.018882788717746735, -0.04727984964847565, 0.029362846165895462, -0.028767606243491173, -0.007616635411977768, 0.050627514719963074, -0.051647771149873734, -0.020916925743222237, 0.002386385342106223, 0.019704168662428856, 0.011412041261792183, 0.048427604138851166, -0.06183663010597229, -0.05206523835659027, 0.03391105309128761, -0.005552011076360941, -0.001583969104103744, -0.034391917288303375, -0.024797391146421432, 0.052653003484010696, -0.028775010257959366, 0.0027433745563030243, -0.004601069260388613, -0.0699319913983345, -0.01569085195660591, -0.011036179028451443, -0.02323712222278118, 0.06871557980775833, 0.00931535940617323, -0.04133026674389839, 0.052577562630176544, 0.02533741109073162, 0.025710688903927803, 0.014362592250108719, 0.0017908576410263777, 0.05862922966480255, -0.024199556559324265, -0.029121773317456245, 0.034859418869018555, 0.053247399628162384, -0.002610650612041354, 0.019260773435235023, 0.048026345670223236, -0.024239463731646538, -0.0025662581901997328, 0.03472993150353432, -0.021059930324554443, 0.03082539513707161, -0.05693721026182175, 0.07036268711090088, -0.02049744315445423, 0.06131758913397789, -0.06694567203521729, 0.040196165442466736, 0.026386236771941185, 0.012986176647245884, 0.04272827133536339, -0.016821889206767082, 0.07913032174110413, 0.056177347898483276, -0.03361852467060089, 0.005526307970285416, -0.028886735439300537, -0.002152560278773308, 0.0009561893530189991, 0.03850172460079193, 0.02770255133509636, 0.007067598402500153, -0.02103767730295658, 0.010343149304389954, -0.004935638979077339, 0.035552989691495895, -0.06456977874040604, 0.014278256334364414, 0.08221358805894852, 0.004469133447855711, 0.055638279765844345, -0.032229479402303696, -0.004439046140760183, 0.00041890834108926356, 0.003589322790503502, -0.005628249607980251, -0.03678881376981735, 0.02009417489171028, -0.005432907026261091, 0.01919112354516983, -0.003324457909911871, 0.054260026663541794, -0.05387444421648979, -0.039090149104595184, -0.03831551969051361, 0.017357302829623222, -0.004515634384006262, -0.016595229506492615, 0.031278956681489944, 0.025603406131267548, 0.005218960344791412, -0.044546499848365784, -0.013941226527094841, -0.039454881101846695, 0.021862007677555084, -0.03673804551362991, 0.01678728498518467, 0.04567890241742134, -0.0013461369089782238, -0.004454619716852903, -0.0022681576665490866, -0.011668568477034569, 0.02131420187652111, 0.051863398402929306, -0.01888568140566349, -0.010906722396612167, 0.033319637179374695, -0.034212566912174225, 0.03173229098320007, -0.03944617882370949, -0.0485776923596859, 0.01875901222229004, -0.03854868933558464, 0.006538241170346737, -0.043814633041620255, -0.06414320319890976, 0.032967936247587204, -0.026069311425089836, 0.043519727885723114, -0.021211422979831696, 0.02401403710246086, 0.039759062230587006, 0.008463469333946705, 0.009558048099279404, -0.006165582221001387, 0.01821514405310154, -0.016025949269533157, 0.015283023938536644, 0.0006047404604032636, -0.03544987365603447, 0.008211161941289902, 0.018355725333094597, 0.03136947751045227, -0.019577467814087868, 0.06138122081756592, -0.2859436869621277, 0.016767341643571854, 0.013609498739242554, -0.03474830836057663, 0.04737287759780884, -0.015858029946684837, 0.01720472238957882, -0.011071264743804932, -0.026913778856396675, 0.05329791456460953, 0.022576654329895973, -0.044081397354602814, 0.026720819994807243, 0.03329937532544136, 0.040084172040224075, -0.06605864316225052, -0.016978558152914047, -0.020324476063251495, -0.03394303098320961, 0.008375369943678379, 0.051831748336553574, -0.038981370627880096, -0.047250110656023026, 0.034207381308078766, 0.05069654434919357, 0.06249109283089638, -0.03836509585380554, 0.0484900139272213, -0.04609644040465355, -0.022038936614990234, -0.01618383079767227, -0.026009326800704002, -0.02879733219742775, -0.028567388653755188, 0.0032856028992682695, 0.026150772348046303, 0.032017357647418976, -0.013502838090062141, -0.0015343970153480768, 0.014670893549919128, -0.03423130884766579, -0.054142195731401443, -0.04137970879673958, 0.0357893668115139, 0.050255630165338516, -0.0103345001116395, -0.054611850529909134, 0.020584700629115105, 0.005637811496853828, 0.03842862695455551, -0.02669498510658741, 0.016791462898254395, -0.03220139071345329, 0.0017465829150751233, 0.0062914700247347355, 0.00012097639410058036, -0.0425698347389698, -0.0037936449516564608, -0.051037903875112534, 0.020794427022337914, -0.018567007035017014, -0.02025076374411583, -0.06746654957532883, 0.0029503193218261003, -0.027192208915948868, -0.0477958619594574, -0.0358172208070755, -0.04597027227282524, 0.0760076642036438, 0.030589839443564415, 0.007091233041137457, 0.05755008012056351, -0.015212767757475376, -0.08439037948846817, -0.006597290746867657, 0.012317311950027943, -0.04251779988408089, -0.05103939399123192, -0.008251279592514038, 0.0003449973009992391, -0.025223327800631523, -0.009004701860249043, 0.03726388141512871, 0.033723413944244385, 0.0031469191890209913, 0.0018989910604432225, -0.019374247640371323, 0.032123710960149765, -0.04009605199098587, 0.007729743607342243, 0.049692217260599136, 0.03114916756749153, -0.026639414951205254, 0.013969369232654572, 0.0023259283043444157, 0.026404671370983124, 0.008317838422954082, -0.017987921833992004, -0.010868137702345848, -0.030415914952754974, 0.029345029965043068, -0.039803050458431244, 0.04140210524201393, -0.04369102790951729, -0.00236879987642169, -0.003325310768559575, -0.05492539703845978, 0.017392748966813087, 0.04371993988752365, -0.03278074786067009, 0.01227722130715847, -0.00698865856975317, 0.03621266782283783, 0.016109174117445946, -0.0014407765120267868, -0.0526740625500679, 0.02468603104352951, 0.0026388512924313545, 0.01641886495053768, 0.008337129838764668, 0.0008283425122499466, 0.027200300246477127, -0.041268669068813324, -0.04250996559858322, -0.07585147023200989, 0.0059911711141467094, 0.03850223124027252, 0.015272704884409904, -0.033437833189964294, 0.018093697726726532, -0.03322286903858185, -0.009202619083225727, -0.0261954627931118, 0.009974592365324497, -0.015859680250287056, -0.023364990949630737, -0.00706184608861804, -0.025830214843153954, 0.008727801963686943, 0.012908998876810074, 0.0414867140352726, -0.0010077494662255049, 0.014637394808232784, -0.02158283069729805, 0.0528000183403492, -0.005693771410733461, 0.03144294023513794, 0.004154323134571314, -0.0570770762860775, 0.032525043934583664, 0.0274965763092041, -0.03211885690689087, 0.013832321390509605, -0.04402659833431244, -0.04389762133359909, -0.014185375533998013, -0.014514043927192688, 0.01659572683274746, -0.02041267603635788, -0.016148781403899193, -0.012689502909779549, -0.04120942950248718, -0.013238885439932346, -0.02611253410577774, -0.0017976403469219804, 0.04986598715186119, -0.048893045634031296, 0.02950982190668583, -0.02941780537366867, 0.025917526334524155, -0.006755615118891001, -0.031759195029735565, -0.036950308829545975, 0.01752927154302597, 0.006951205898076296, 0.03470935672521591, -0.040195636451244354, 0.007893498055636883, 0.013836346566677094, 0.032995644956827164, 0.0012014596723020077, -0.045699071139097214, -0.03928806632757187, -0.00885501317679882, 0.05796855688095093, -0.058182064443826675, -0.010010399855673313, -0.06606651097536087, -0.037223465740680695, -0.03595995903015137, -0.0377197340130806, -0.020472683012485504, 0.002191645558923483, 0.029858605936169624, -0.05370815470814705, -0.04064910486340523, 0.03505105897784233, -0.011520803906023502, 0.03649982064962387, 0.062197811901569366, 0.04854418337345123, -0.01535998098552227, -0.049856044352054596, 0.004910213872790337, -0.0071610938757658005, -0.05811711400747299, 0.04102645069360733, 0.018196534365415573, -0.0024671766441315413, 0.03357561305165291, -0.0745808407664299, -0.024121088907122612, -0.007087104022502899, 0.005289302207529545, 0.040460191667079926, -0.05969452112913132, 0.018139416351914406, 0.005168337840586901, -0.051200445741415024, -0.031097734346985817, 0.006600796710699797, -0.02260122075676918, -0.005340320523828268, 0.022620704025030136, -0.04104602336883545, 0.06770861893892288, 0.010476415045559406, -0.00613360432907939, 0.06954021006822586, -0.04368511587381363, -0.0010554761392995715, -0.010707209818065166, -0.0069915843196213245, 0.037525974214076996, -0.010887473821640015, -0.04924808070063591, -0.025460081174969673, -0.025625010952353477, -0.03669198602437973, 0.033271417021751404, 0.0327497236430645, 0.037602346390485764, 0.021164461970329285, -0.018215946853160858, 0.013786799274384975, -0.010615752078592777, 0.02627449296414852, 0.012255639769136906, -0.027392251417040825, 0.06647718697786331, -0.015220660716295242, -0.0014231716049835086, -0.008509431034326553, -0.002586586866527796, 0.011039639823138714, -0.054938267916440964, 0.017028378322720528, 0.021702338010072708, -0.02893187664449215, 0.06947660446166992, 0.03704194724559784, 0.042350053787231445, -0.005316820461302996, -0.022617647424340248, 0.026200445368885994, 0.06042637303471565, 0.038721952587366104, -0.020162729546427727, 0.05249591916799545, -0.05850284546613693, -0.04394344240427017, -0.09840115159749985, -0.004813615698367357, -0.006928554270416498, 0.033721089363098145, -0.00619671493768692, -0.007886216044425964, -0.002518857829272747, 0.017188677564263344, -0.07625211030244827, -0.02092014066874981, -0.0061851791106164455, -0.0015770503086969256, -0.0791926309466362, 0.050078243017196655, -0.03611275926232338, 0.04162682220339775, 0.016856448724865913, -0.09919852018356323, -0.054161760956048965, -0.008522875607013702, 0.036361176520586014, 0.03973215073347092, 0.004833583254367113, -0.01838773861527443, -0.027393223717808723, 0.04260985925793648, 0.06502354890108109, -0.012566657736897469, 0.030944837257266045, -0.04807737469673157, 0.05771014466881752, 0.005942075047641993, 0.009680393151938915, 0.000854231184348464, -0.01812727190554142, -0.01320885680615902, -0.07516705244779587, -0.017096025869250298, 0.0035846740938723087, -0.010260667651891708, -0.060925159603357315, 0.04238282889127731, 0.010107404552400112, -0.061588939279317856, -0.03533663973212242, -0.0036101373843848705, -0.009061625227332115, -0.04075593501329422, -0.011969534680247307, 0.01863214559853077, -0.010987593792378902, 0.08473969250917435, -0.0004985759733244777, 0.09914521127939224, 0.030635623261332512, 0.004433128982782364, 0.037501413375139236, -0.019370172172784805, 0.0843593180179596, 0.04806269332766533, 0.014125908724963665, -0.016355039551854134, 0.048059407621622086, -0.023769740015268326, -0.006678019184619188, 0.042269326746463776, -0.03969782590866089, -0.00448336498811841, 0.004938311874866486, 0.03197668865323067, 0.03352520242333412, -0.020091574639081955, 0.04388485103845596, -0.0013256754027679563, 0.01543672475963831, 0.04563631862401962, -0.00342588871717453, 0.02313757687807083, 0.00404271250590682, 0.008258556947112083, -0.021348917856812477, 0.02842441387474537, -0.04054534062743187, 0.010005012154579163, 0.009629706852138042, 0.0018591475673019886, 0.0017809346318244934, -0.05649204179644585, 0.020023943856358528, -0.05489911884069443, -0.04122056066989899, 0.10852502286434174, -0.03611140325665474, -0.030476221814751625, 0.008905758149921894, 0.015903204679489136, 0.0035605088341981173, -0.03405087813735008, 0.03635777533054352, -0.011864722706377506, -0.04823910444974899, -0.029825422912836075, -0.011230679228901863, 0.04449576139450073, -0.005578662734478712, 0.04678381234407425, -0.010360781103372574, 0.010327338241040707, 0.03401803597807884, 0.009365694597363472, 0.005007560830563307, -0.05150114372372627, -0.043379202485084534, 0.009604433551430702, -0.035000335425138474, 0.014777319505810738, 0.03353668376803398, -0.05297330021858215, -0.02110159397125244, 0.01309913769364357, -0.006731931120157242, -0.02839655987918377, 0.026498999446630478, -0.05351944640278816, -0.014401430264115334, 0.06141668185591698, 0.04609673470258713, 0.0438702255487442, 0.030337408185005188, 0.01486916746944189, 0.013450101017951965, -0.04609046131372452, -0.0194757841527462, -0.03694871440529823, 0.0364910252392292, -0.015910115092992783, 0.026514213532209396, -0.0960163027048111, 0.021610315889120102, 0.024895409122109413, 0.02292073518037796, -0.06442021578550339, 0.02616284042596817, -0.035994578152894974, -0.003170447889715433, 0.06615655869245529, 0.030747948214411736, -0.013325488194823265, -0.02607632428407669, -0.012514570727944374, 0.002870750380679965, 0.018805956467986107, 0.058410950005054474, -0.06191782280802727, 0.038800813257694244, 0.02839570865035057, -0.01524089090526104, -0.027819762006402016, 0.029197365045547485, 0.03818469122052193, -0.034777745604515076, 0.00011487096344353631, -0.008403215557336807, -0.030154744163155556, -0.038882430642843246, -0.024782147258520126, 0.04654669016599655, -0.02693958580493927, -0.036726247519254684, 0.03029409609735012, 0.007114815060049295, -0.006105114705860615, 0.02012881264090538, 0.00512349558994174, 0.030805915594100952, -0.0683148056268692, -0.04892774671316147, -0.006216900423169136, 0.059944167733192444, -0.0031786072067916393, -0.0004149333108216524, -0.0006187655963003635, -0.07649675011634827, -0.01697087287902832, -0.03464878350496292, 0.02340056002140045, 0.008281882852315903, -0.015016162768006325, -0.013564200140535831 ]
OPINION OP THE COURT. MECIiEM, District Judge. — Counsel for appellant raises but one point, namely, that the judgment of the lower court is not sustained by a preponderance of the evidence. The trial judge heard the cause upon depositions and testimony-taken 'by an examiner. Following the practice as announced in Gallup Electric Light Co. v. Pacific Improvement Co., 16 N. M. 86, 113 Pac. 848, we have reviewed the entire record as if trying the case in the first instance, and upon such review our conclusions differ in no wise from those of the trial court. - - Judgment of the lower court is affirmed. Roberts, C. J., and Parker, J., concur.
[ 0.00992603600025177, -0.012790735810995102, -0.02104593813419342, 0.019724247977137566, 0.05418470874428749, 0.009975636377930641, 0.04978166148066521, 0.04021551087498665, -0.021949952468276024, -0.04913163557648659, 0.04480661079287529, 0.044554535299539566, -0.04853825643658638, 0.06486330926418304, -0.01751718856394291, 0.07382642477750778, 0.05437777563929558, 0.01764027029275894, 0.06080318242311478, -0.014319110661745071, 0.0273017305880785, -0.002760240575298667, -0.020075248554348946, 0.04425187408924103, 0.0002466913138050586, 0.008436454460024834, -0.002980524906888604, 0.034095119684934616, -0.058743737637996674, 0.018192006275057793, 0.05880945175886154, -0.0017992244102060795, -0.0023536202497780323, -0.0074106790125370026, -0.01252931822091341, 0.020104262977838516, 0.02239098586142063, -0.023235458880662918, -0.037019480019807816, 0.04192052781581879, -0.0702495202422142, 0.0011075854999944568, -0.0331215038895607, 0.003902743337675929, -0.04343033581972122, 0.014499453827738762, 0.004199724644422531, 0.02659810706973076, -0.025376096367836, 0.02132910117506981, -0.06518056243658066, -0.0030989127699285746, 0.01807078719139099, 0.018711823970079422, -0.047333974391222, 0.02056230418384075, -0.03005646914243698, -0.017497330904006958, 0.01997210457921028, -0.02909795008599758, 0.0022275843657553196, -0.0135581586509943, 0.06617316603660583, -0.004787701182067394, 0.03936632350087166, 0.0017851701704785228, 0.006995461415499449, 0.03777041658759117, -0.015578137710690498, -0.010085481218993664, -0.05916593223810196, -0.0013370325323194265, -0.008182568475604057, -0.016919003799557686, -0.025752386078238487, -0.03312995284795761, -0.00896949227899313, 0.03472180664539337, 0.002630406990647316, 0.05256335809826851, -0.0028662816621363163, 0.01720510795712471, 0.02643282525241375, 0.06699672341346741, -0.0139692984521389, -0.04608913138508797, -0.003965215757489204, -0.015204946510493755, -0.04151676595211029, 0.06176559254527092, -0.026607146486639977, -0.009140445850789547, 0.01919756457209587, 0.05820632353425026, -0.01296412106603384, -0.030021952465176582, 0.07445701956748962, -0.012458705343306065, 0.014939682558178902, -0.0307086780667305, -0.012643006630241871, -0.020602397620677948, 0.011064376682043076, 0.07097800076007843, -0.07715697586536407, -0.0013388729421421885, 0.0018187247915193439, -0.01421021856367588, -0.029350612312555313, 0.015899736434221268, -0.004701399710029364, 0.013176883570849895, -0.003362610936164856, -0.0034280186519026756, -0.0553242564201355, 0.05892007797956467, 0.05520294979214668, -0.03728106990456581, -0.02703186124563217, -0.007484034635126591, 0.06646283715963364, 0.024598009884357452, 0.072644904255867, 0.05460020527243614, -0.013513288460671902, 0.013874789699912071, -0.021967366337776184, 0.02634068764746189, -0.024995258077979088, -0.0315268337726593, 0.005490195006132126, 0.04325408115983009, 0.0004587408038787544, -0.02897496707737446, -0.01722312904894352, -0.006188311614096165, -0.024174721911549568, -0.03916636109352112, 0.026979515329003334, -0.02380823716521263, -0.018673645332455635, -0.033795036375522614, 0.029114389792084694, 0.011443747207522392, 0.037434887140989304, 0.002983208978548646, 0.04007598012685776, -0.05311676114797592, -0.05780709907412529, -0.020411552861332893, 0.010426871478557587, 0.036892496049404144, -0.008753207512199879, -0.00866368692368269, -0.013387221843004227, 0.020847855135798454, 0.061852190643548965, -0.01825166493654251, -0.016098158434033394, 0.04030079394578934, 0.016487037762999535, 0.013025147840380669, 0.042737945914268494, 0.025863422080874443, 0.004459632094949484, 0.03512336313724518, 0.0049110776744782925, -0.010570541024208069, -0.0289235208183527, 0.06512866169214249, -0.05283926799893379, 0.03056894987821579, 0.04464317485690117, -0.028650661930441856, 0.017117682844400406, 0.027061838656663895, 0.03330541029572487, 0.01596469059586525, 0.0026233522221446037, -0.05279971659183502, -0.0780324637889862, 0.02813000977039337, -0.01870563253760338, 0.0012603806098923087, -0.05413907766342163, -0.029633842408657074, 0.06343936920166016, -0.03522861748933792, 0.00405473867431283, -0.015856778249144554, -0.07861226797103882, -0.05396053194999695, 0.018809322267770767, -0.048653069883584976, 0.06364770233631134, 0.005191360134631395, -0.04732145369052887, 0.04168665409088135, 0.0460788868367672, 0.05394065007567406, -0.0037940724287182093, 0.005064825527369976, 0.07170143723487854, -0.03511104732751846, -0.07227004319429398, 0.02366047166287899, 0.06454326212406158, 0.036315906792879105, -0.016534140333533287, 0.04438629001379013, -0.012018948793411255, -0.002145469421520829, 0.027929741889238358, -0.027919484302401543, -0.002345324493944645, -0.028238417580723763, 0.03814464807510376, -0.020994385704398155, 0.010258798487484455, -0.018439091742038727, 0.037508077919483185, 0.0014877530047670007, -0.009091855958104134, 0.04056791588664055, -0.03218477964401245, 0.09606409072875977, 0.03916238620877266, -0.019865108653903008, -0.01935056410729885, 0.009721028618514538, -0.02735099010169506, 0.012686668895184994, -0.007926439866423607, -0.031002940610051155, -0.014943422749638557, 0.009298893623054028, -0.016875673085451126, -0.0006561573245562613, 0.032253365963697433, -0.05401315540075302, 0.019716311246156693, 0.022110305726528168, 0.005413652863353491, 0.0519668348133564, -0.008210483007133007, -0.029957782477140427, -0.018842412158846855, 0.02015622891485691, -0.04436499997973442, -0.020071355625987053, 0.012384586036205292, 0.0031632049940526485, 0.0010482292855158448, 0.028011154383420944, 0.021362796425819397, -0.058880094438791275, -0.042927905917167664, -0.008033144287765026, 0.04043348878622055, 0.0029864362441003323, 0.006763980258256197, 0.035249076783657074, 0.020395079627633095, -0.026472201570868492, 0.011159548535943031, -0.03595038875937462, -0.0150641780346632, 0.0352240651845932, -0.02387838065624237, 0.024395234882831573, 0.07191997021436691, -0.004757355432957411, 0.0075223795138299465, -0.006912590935826302, -0.04130442440509796, 0.02922704629600048, 0.015629669651389122, 0.012758739292621613, -0.0017616611439734697, -0.0003582920762710273, -0.0323733352124691, 0.03957511484622955, -0.028317103162407875, -0.03351796418428421, -0.010130099020898342, -0.04284115880727768, 0.006200977135449648, -0.01466783881187439, -0.041045356541872025, 0.044563986361026764, -0.025458144024014473, 0.030851637944579124, -0.030183924362063408, 0.0004921794170513749, 0.05751664564013481, 0.06029858440160751, 0.008922812528908253, 0.0016833280678838491, 0.021586507558822632, -0.05249564349651337, 0.02982746623456478, -0.046070393174886703, 0.043173789978027344, 0.027816912159323692, -0.004064927808940411, 0.0013447304954752326, -0.01616872288286686, 0.014278868213295937, -0.25648805499076843, 0.020113615319132805, 0.029599007219076157, -0.04721345007419586, 0.04767891392111778, -0.012177729047834873, 0.014171847142279148, -0.0010165692074224353, -0.018318772315979004, 0.01815461739897728, -0.03908902034163475, 0.004882218316197395, 0.014958824031054974, 0.00837649591267109, 0.020626410841941833, -0.02940777875483036, 0.03046749345958233, 0.004316020291298628, 0.006256358698010445, 0.023401392623782158, 0.0238506942987442, -0.05641555041074753, -0.029520900920033455, 0.04027238488197327, 0.05420676991343498, 0.0354856438934803, -0.015254102647304535, 0.021541927009820938, -0.049644775688648224, -0.030764393508434296, -0.008604745380580425, -0.019447727128863335, -0.019611485302448273, -0.0010193054331466556, 0.007253867574036121, 0.016890790313482285, 0.04071790352463722, -0.030299173668026924, -0.022789765149354935, 0.027426311746239662, 0.01594802923500538, -0.03918345645070076, -0.020052265375852585, 0.03619086369872093, 0.03136738762259483, -0.0024234182201325893, -0.0578884556889534, 0.017011065036058426, -0.009741602465510368, 0.06402608007192612, 0.024556243792176247, 0.05213315412402153, -0.04375902935862541, -0.02333400957286358, -0.03220617026090622, 0.015451259911060333, -0.002615648088976741, 0.00037972794962115586, -0.025610733777284622, 0.00025100578204728663, -0.024373207241296768, -0.03155621513724327, -0.04926621913909912, 0.0018682361114770174, 0.011050660163164139, -0.052963484078645706, -0.04460248351097107, -0.04777669161558151, 0.06664865463972092, -0.022625552490353584, 0.012530269101262093, 0.02549052983522415, -0.03981013223528862, -0.10740017890930176, 0.02833971567451954, -0.011421667411923409, -0.026134077459573746, 0.007507142145186663, 0.0011246982030570507, 0.017128881067037582, -0.002852333476766944, 0.005280731245875359, 0.04801727086305618, 0.013536949642002583, -0.009737988002598286, -0.007900864817202091, -0.03284872695803642, 0.08885710686445236, -0.042161013931035995, 0.010530694387853146, 0.05061088502407074, 0.03982929885387421, -0.03158168867230415, -0.00361283659003675, 0.023297781124711037, 0.0508226677775383, -0.013895648531615734, 0.03746190294623375, 0.009941673837602139, 0.010162982158362865, -0.02038542926311493, -0.0617985799908638, 0.06173129379749298, -0.014690825715661049, -0.008508005179464817, -0.04379652068018913, -0.07733840495347977, 0.0024809117894619703, 0.037202075123786926, -0.012333926744759083, 0.03198099136352539, 0.0031077105086296797, 0.061165254563093185, -0.0013460462214425206, 0.04312931001186371, -0.04980933293700218, 0.014519552700221539, 0.004937384277582169, -0.01081392727792263, 0.01017126813530922, -0.010102693922817707, 0.03477252274751663, -0.08317019790410995, -0.016331084072589874, -0.06485945731401443, 0.006835523527115583, 0.020230283960700035, 0.014133673161268234, -0.03340457007288933, 0.02821781113743782, -0.023105744272470474, -0.017912404611706734, -0.0027647900860756636, 0.027278326451778412, -0.0024925549514591694, -0.020019033923745155, -0.00896394718438387, -0.03980105370283127, 0.00019343238091096282, 0.02612670697271824, 0.02183348871767521, 0.007688591722398996, 0.03907638415694237, -0.03541458025574684, 0.05777104198932648, -0.0058494084514677525, 0.02882196009159088, -0.014045223593711853, -0.011578445322811604, -0.008106870576739311, 0.002972149755805731, -0.0775432214140892, -0.002740943105891347, -0.04855530709028244, -0.01980176568031311, -0.018071655184030533, -0.00031689080060459673, 0.02756190486252308, -0.04817495495080948, -0.04075506329536438, -0.02558206394314766, -0.041574813425540924, -0.00573734799399972, -0.05513325333595276, -0.009996657259762287, 0.050260573625564575, -0.010942688211798668, 0.01969609595835209, 0.0034069030079990625, 0.01971036195755005, -0.009652857668697834, -0.08053840696811676, -0.04340929165482521, -0.017766833305358887, 0.021963225677609444, 0.04865840822458267, -0.015140602365136147, -0.029445698484778404, 0.004977326840162277, 0.017948349937796593, 0.004992303904145956, -0.022043678909540176, -0.038171667605638504, 0.030542222782969475, 0.06411362439393997, -0.03934982791543007, -0.01746649295091629, -0.013265730813145638, -0.014931597746908665, -0.05573805421590805, -0.03170858323574066, -0.023621859028935432, 0.01622026227414608, 0.017883919179439545, -0.033194512128829956, -0.058207202702760696, 0.018800538033246994, -0.00684118177741766, 0.03025662526488304, -0.03365229442715645, 0.011691904626786709, -0.04089106246829033, -0.05741763114929199, -0.027061987668275833, 0.0018182421335950494, -0.08338163048028946, 0.04550076276063919, 0.03674514219164848, -0.02070636861026287, 0.02230866812169552, -0.04714227840304375, -0.04787576571106911, -0.011044245213270187, 0.00947151705622673, 0.013561392202973366, -0.05098288878798485, 0.028929267078638077, -0.018652871251106262, -0.0318945050239563, -0.04090181738138199, 0.02111118659377098, -0.06446328014135361, -0.041304849088191986, -0.0022491454146802425, -0.022536633536219597, 0.04823286086320877, -0.0415121465921402, 0.00321290479041636, 0.036250390112400055, -0.048754800111055374, -0.003045654157176614, -0.034668561071157455, 0.02939891256392002, 0.06429070234298706, -0.016943076625466347, 0.0024264275562018156, -0.01584533601999283, -0.0011261217296123505, -0.041680146008729935, 0.03781529888510704, -0.007091517560184002, 0.02949315309524536, -0.021446585655212402, -0.008064668625593185, 0.022688431665301323, 0.01919064112007618, 0.017627445980906487, -0.019802408292889595, -0.0391414538025856, 0.11080554872751236, 0.024058958515524864, 0.028656037524342537, -0.006356777623295784, -0.026425283402204514, 0.018687522038817406, -0.021277284249663353, -0.017425179481506348, -0.016518712043762207, -0.036661744117736816, 0.031290195882320404, -0.006328099872916937, -0.015896225348114967, 0.03356660157442093, 0.004868077114224434, 0.01657094620168209, 0.06172656640410423, 0.013928922824561596, 0.025573985651135445, 0.016605578362941742, -0.07046131789684296, 0.014080222696065903, -0.0976007878780365, 0.024748874828219414, -0.03374270722270012, -0.009130260907113552, 0.032199837267398834, -0.023933863267302513, -0.03910466656088829, 0.03803981468081474, -0.0619201585650444, -0.0354517363011837, -0.04042752459645271, -0.027429617941379547, -0.0447048544883728, 0.01781490445137024, -0.04015243798494339, 0.03747186437249184, 0.002940518083050847, -0.09394745528697968, -0.05159581080079079, -0.007002492435276508, 0.0527314767241478, 0.054827842861413956, -0.016916045919060707, -0.014781131409108639, 0.005900308024138212, 0.04061651974916458, 0.04769980534911156, -0.026994094252586365, 0.013285947032272816, -0.050519559532403946, 0.04304908215999603, 0.05660149082541466, -0.003798716701567173, -0.02063143625855446, 0.028027471154928207, -0.03531085327267647, -0.03494493290781975, 0.016699042171239853, -0.02157309465110302, -0.012378300540149212, -0.03257855027914047, 0.04520789161324501, 0.01991630531847477, -0.04124371334910393, -0.02311100624501705, -0.0007691769278608263, -0.0326562374830246, -0.05218886956572533, 0.015406923368573189, 0.035212352871894836, -0.009842578321695328, 0.05606913939118385, 0.022887542843818665, 0.06340665370225906, 0.007066087331622839, 0.02074778638780117, 0.026698851957917213, 0.012718168087303638, 0.06818351149559021, 0.07034282386302948, 0.020831653848290443, 0.03690586984157562, 0.06832566857337952, 0.008152028545737267, -0.03828422725200653, -0.002041867468506098, -0.051879409700632095, -0.01376437395811081, -0.003196612000465393, 0.03219709172844887, 0.02285410836338997, 0.05654704198241234, 0.040298834443092346, -0.0033566977363079786, 0.032232798635959625, 0.044759925454854965, -0.009572582319378853, 0.02218513935804367, 0.044965971261262894, 0.003942841198295355, -0.0365818552672863, 0.013494433835148811, -0.037569910287857056, -0.010905550792813301, 0.021009428426623344, -0.020808566361665726, 0.004760551732033491, -0.0370866023004055, -0.01911543309688568, 0.0018399052787572145, -0.02577796019613743, 0.05907006189227104, -0.0472814105451107, -0.053848449140787125, 0.011489233002066612, 0.021341480314731598, 0.0034400452859699726, 0.0016413183184340596, 0.022840069606900215, 0.025046641007065773, -0.00561854662373662, 0.005431674420833588, -0.0016321811126545072, 0.03545752540230751, 0.021907489746809006, 0.06940027326345444, -0.02806430496275425, -0.005570019595324993, 0.11160726100206375, 0.06460963934659958, -0.013725622557103634, -0.034589823335409164, -0.030405867844820023, -0.023865319788455963, -0.03846403956413269, 0.04000990465283394, 0.057625122368335724, -0.08885399252176285, -0.03294821456074715, -0.015430300496518612, -0.015553939156234264, -0.02674747444689274, 0.004934458527714014, -0.06234630569815636, -0.00920916348695755, 0.06301598250865936, 0.038404084742069244, 0.035796135663986206, 0.01552395150065422, 0.048599012196063995, 0.031730521470308304, -0.010451694019138813, 0.0202171690762043, -0.025256648659706116, 0.030512681230902672, -0.0703619197010994, -0.0029942793771624565, -0.09583237022161484, 0.02299506962299347, -0.01885056309401989, -0.011782840825617313, -0.06533145904541016, 0.03411161154508591, -0.04050581529736519, -0.03449801728129387, 0.05366658791899681, 0.049036987125873566, -0.004979327321052551, -0.030659135431051254, -0.03978715464472771, -0.018265370279550552, 0.031331539154052734, 0.05364062264561653, -0.008623635396361351, 0.062221597880125046, 0.003567865351215005, 0.0011280913604423404, -0.0023867657873779535, 0.02688242495059967, 0.009148383513092995, -0.02623438648879528, -0.054977431893348694, -0.02984119951725006, -0.014527049846947193, -0.06630000472068787, -0.052829988300800323, -0.005694500636309385, -0.02268279902637005, -0.06091379001736641, 0.010143197141587734, -0.03133327513933182, 0.0011052520712837577, -0.0510224811732769, 0.03568027541041374, -0.0015656182076781988, -0.07316875457763672, -0.038889866322278976, -0.019284918904304504, 0.0011055547511205077, 0.03219735622406006, 0.0006991354748606682, 0.010041819885373116, -0.054595012217760086, 0.03737487271428108, -0.03448430448770523, 0.021972939372062683, 0.04613952338695526, 0.013221828266978264, -0.060295846313238144 ]
OPINION OF THE COURT. PABKEE, J. — This is a suit to quiet title resulting in a decree for plaintiffs and appellees. Plaintiffs relied upon certain mesne conveyances showing a good paper title, which are not questioned by defendants and appellants. Appellants relied upon a tax title. The tax sale was made April 10, 1886, and the tax deed was made April 15, 1890. Both parties claim under a common former owner. It therefore becomes necessary to examine the tax title of appellants, the lower court having held the same to be void. The assessment and levy of the taxes which resulted in the tax deed under which appellants claimed were made in the years 1883, 1884, and 1885. Tire assessment and levy in 1883 were for the years 1876 to 1883, inclusive. By stipulation the original schedule for the three years above mentioned are -before us as a part of the record. They disclose that in each instance the property was listed as the property of “the heirs of Santos Orcasitas and Anastacia G-arcia.” They also disclose the fact that in no instance were the schedules signed by the owners, and- in only one instance, that of 1885, is the schedule signed by the assessor. The schedules purport to have been made out by the assessor, and they will be so considered by us. The tax rolls for the same years show the same designation of the owners of the'property, as do. also, the record of tax sales, and the tax deed. The claim is made by appellants that the listing of property by the assessor to “the heirs” of a former owner was expressly authorized by the statute of the territory then in force, while the appellees claim that property, in these circumstances, was required to be assessed to “unknown owners.” The statute governing tax proceedings at the time this tax was laid is chapter 62, Laws of 1882, which was compiled as sections 2806 to 2922, inclusive, of the C. L. 188-1. This was a comprehensive act and purports to cover the whole field of the assessment of property for taxation, and the levy and collection of taxes. The pertinent provisions of the act, as compiled, in 1884, are as follows: “Sec. 8212. Every inhabitant of this territory, of full age and sound mind, shall assist the assessor in listing all property subject to taxation in this territory of which he is the owner or has the control or management, in the manner hereinafter directed: The property of a ward is to be listed by his guardian; of a minor, by his father, if living, if not by his mother, if living, and if not by the persons having the property in charge; of a married woman, by herself or husband; of a beneficiary for whom property is held in trust, by the trustee; the personal property of a decedent, by the executor or administrator; of a body corporate, company, society or partnership, by the principal accounting officer, agent, or pártner; property under mortgage or lease is to be listed by and taxed to the mortgagor or lessor, unless it be listed by the mortgagee or lessee.” “Sec. 2814. Any person required to list property belonging to another, shall list it in the same county in which he would be required to if it were his own, except as herein otherwise directed, but he shall list it separately from his own, giving to the assessor the name of the person or estate to whom it belongs; but the individual j>roperty of a person deceased belonging to his heirs, may be listed as belonging to his heirs without enumerating them.” “Sec. 2821. When the name of the owner of any real estate is unknown, by reason of the failure of the owner to list the same, and the assessor finds it impracticable to obtain the name, it shall be lawful to assess such real estate without connecting therewith any name, but inscribing at the head of the page the words, ‘owners unknown/ and such property, whether lands or town lots, shall be listed, as near as practicable, in the order of the numbers thereof, and in the smallest subdivision thereof possible.” “Sec. 2830. If the owner or claimant of any property, not listed by another person, is absent or unknown, the assessor must make an estimate of the value of such property, and if the name of the absent owner is known to the assessor, the property must be assessed in his name; if unknown, the property must be assessed to ‘unknown owners.’ ” “Sec. 2831. If any tract of land is claimed by several persons having or claiming undivided interests therein, and the same is not listed for taxation by any one, the assessor shall make an estimate of the value of such tract, and list and assess the same to ‘unknown owners/ designating the property by its name as commonly known, and such description as he can obtain thereof from the public records or otherwise.” Section 2812 provides who shall be authorized and required to list property for taxation. Section 2814 provides that where property is listed by one other than the •owner, as contemplated by section 2812, it may be listed in a proper case as belonging to “the heirs” of a deceased, person, without enumerating them. It is perfectly clear that, under these two sections, the guardian or father or mother, or the person having the property in charge, might have listed the same as belonging to “the heirs” of a deceased owner. On- the other hand, when the statute comes to treat of ¿he duties of the assessor, an entirely different principle is adopted. Thus by section 2821 it is provided that, where by reason of the failure to list the property the name of the owner is unknown and it is impracticable to obtain the name, the assessor may list the same to “unknown owners.” Here no authority is given the assessor to list property in the name of “the heirs,” but there is a clear intent to require him to obtain the name of the owner, if practicable, and to list the same in his name. So by section .28.30, if the name of the absent owner is known to the assessor the property must be listed in his name; but, if' his name is unknown, it must be listed to “unknown owners.” Section 2831 would seem to apply, in terms, to the situation in this case. It provides that where undivided interests are claimed or owned, as in this case, the assessor, in case of failure to list by the owners, shall list the-property to “unknown owners.” It thus clearly appeals that the assessor is nowhere authorized to list property for taxation as the property of “the heirs” of deceased owner, but, on the contrary, he is required to list the property in the name of the owner, when known, or when it is practicable to obtain the same, and otherwise he must list the-property in the name of “unknown owners”; and in cases like the present, where the interest is an undivided one, and has not been returned by the owners, he must, in any event, list the property to “unknown owners.” Counsel for appellants calls attention to the fact that the assessor is required to visit each precinct in his county and exact from each taxpayer a list of his property upon blanks furnished by the assessor, and if any taxpayer fails to render-such list, it is the duty of the assessor to make out such list and assess a penalty of 25 per cent, of the value of the property, as provided by sections 2822, 2823, 2824, and 2825, C. L.' 1884. The argument is made thereon that the assessor, himself, is one of the persons “required to-list property belonging to another,” as provided in section 2814, above referred to, and may therefore list it in the-names of “the heirs” of the deceased owner. The argument is clearly faulty. The word “person” in the section evidently refers to those persons mentioned in section-2812, above quoted. If it had been intended to include- the assessor, the words “persons or officers” would clearly Lave been employed. Counsel also relies upon section 2893, C. L. 1884 (section 4101, C. L. 1897), which makes provision as to the probative force of a tax deed, and which provides in effect that such deeds shall be prima facie evidence that all of the tax proceedings have been regular. Counsel asserts that the lists for 1883 and 1885 were made by either tire asséssor or collector, but that the list for 1884 must be presumed, under the provisions of section 4101, C. L. 1897, supra, to have been made by the owners, or some authorized person for them, there being no evidence to the contrary, and that this assessment alone will support the tax title. The trouble with'the argument, however,, is that the prima facie showing made by the tax deed has been overthrown by the proofs in the case, which show that the listing and assessment of the property was without authority of law. The conclusion that it has thus been overthrown is based upon the assumption that the tax lists, including that for 1884, show that they were not made by the owners or any other authorized person for them, as provided by sections 2812 and 2814, C. L. 1884, supra, and, consequently, must have been made by the assessor, who is the onty other authorized person or officer to do the same. That neither the owners, nor any authorized person for them, listed the property, is apparent. The statute requires that the list be made out by the owner, or some person for him, and that it be verified by the person making the same. See sections 2822, 2823, 2824-, C. L. 1884. In this case none of the lists were signed or verified by any on'e, except in the case of the list for 1885, which was signed by a person purporting to be the assessor. The conclusion is irresistible that the list was not signed or made by the owners or any person for them, and, the assessor being the only authorized officer to list the property at the time it was listed, the further conclusion is drawn that the property was listed and assessed by the assessor. This proof is deemed sufficient to overcome the prima facie proof by the tax deed. It follows from what has been said that the action of the trial court, holding the tax title of appellants to be unavailing, and awarding the relief prayed for, was correct, and should be affirmed, and it is so ordered. ITanna, J., concurs. Roberts, C. J., being absent, did not participate in this decision.
[ -0.03800090029835701, -0.043511614203453064, -0.003169114701449871, 0.013039135374128819, 0.047396086156368256, 0.013894829899072647, 0.03750460222363472, 0.012978306971490383, 0.005864743608981371, -0.06444751471281052, 0.017109157517552376, 0.03173593804240227, -0.0392351932823658, 0.040169551968574524, -0.051868125796318054, 0.08421888947486877, 0.04732562601566315, 0.02437746338546276, 0.027760829776525497, -0.035093456506729126, 0.014825882390141487, 0.003313175169751048, -0.004960866644978523, 0.061334580183029175, 0.017098713666200638, 0.00794441532343626, 0.02335452474653721, 0.021188292652368546, -0.08162371069192886, 0.011264035478234291, 0.017722174525260925, 0.00898834876716137, -0.03707054629921913, 0.004702399950474501, -0.03060843236744404, 0.024771135300397873, 0.012592179700732231, -0.050318047404289246, -0.0406293161213398, 0.02415328472852707, -0.017782334238290787, -0.00101357395760715, 0.008098737336695194, -0.007528702262789011, -0.057187892496585846, 0.027755534276366234, 0.01639639213681221, 0.018976788967847824, -0.02183772437274456, 0.006405733525753021, -0.0663461908698082, 0.011058803647756577, -0.04100966453552246, 0.0661688968539238, -0.025650253519415855, 0.05317990481853485, -0.07766225934028625, -0.016147898510098457, 0.013102392666041851, -0.04319116845726967, 0.04398117959499359, -0.020598461851477623, 0.06134911999106407, -0.0016700387932360172, 0.007140919100493193, 0.007964126765727997, -0.006679053418338299, -0.006990599911659956, -0.016898786649107933, -0.03438326343894005, -0.025098253041505814, 0.02394101954996586, 0.019134722650051117, -0.029909588396549225, -0.002783962292596698, -0.03934111446142197, 0.006864859256893396, 0.03520579636096954, -0.008792675100266933, 0.046074625104665756, 0.031976401805877686, 0.006826607510447502, 0.007999223656952381, 0.06033927947282791, -0.006671407260000706, -0.04754415899515152, -0.003660588525235653, -0.020904535427689552, -0.055956337600946426, 0.036268386989831924, -0.004223591182380915, -0.042476069182157516, 0.05330081656575203, 0.03765587881207466, -0.026298215612769127, -0.012502370402216911, 0.07931813597679138, -0.01862366497516632, 0.02406747080385685, 0.0020420297514647245, -0.04018242657184601, 0.011027512140572071, 0.027673905715346336, 0.06851455569267273, -0.08517228811979294, -0.014478418976068497, 0.014843955636024475, 0.01670537143945694, 0.012630362063646317, -0.0170142725110054, 0.00903752725571394, 0.026832375675439835, -0.007440084591507912, -0.004301656968891621, -0.034830931574106216, 0.03246520087122917, 0.04219181835651398, -0.024140777066349983, -0.03779268637299538, -0.004990443121641874, 0.03652964159846306, -0.015492766164243221, -0.0006652830052189529, 0.07559512555599213, 0.023545296862721443, -0.02034396305680275, 0.02414236217737198, 0.035948723554611206, -0.03141680359840393, -0.0763147845864296, -0.010684329085052013, 0.002727398881688714, 0.00004932299998472445, 0.013284693472087383, 0.0057672918774187565, -0.040802571922540665, 0.017609473317861557, 0.015458699315786362, 0.04522160813212395, -0.0811736062169075, -0.0431022047996521, -0.034193288534879684, -0.012112123891711235, 0.026830356568098068, 0.05999502167105675, -0.00955040194094181, 0.012266518548130989, -0.034176021814346313, -0.05104134976863861, 0.00014605287287849933, 0.022802995517849922, -0.006036515813320875, 0.02148945815861225, -0.02534373477101326, -0.005083079449832439, 0.02473367378115654, 0.03438906371593475, -0.007553663570433855, -0.018760306760668755, 0.027983319014310837, 0.0213311817497015, 0.017001673579216003, 0.05731874331831932, 0.021153470501303673, -0.002658918732777238, 0.011008796282112598, 0.022525377571582794, 0.03600161150097847, -0.0038888456765562296, 0.024019373580813408, -0.05856885761022568, -0.04148157685995102, 0.03601005673408508, -0.05665264651179314, -0.05487281456589699, 0.02727726474404335, 0.06126226857304573, -0.02088194712996483, 0.03307502344250679, -0.0372772216796875, -0.08845354616641998, 0.05698585510253906, 0.02420847862958908, -0.006128450855612755, -0.02117876522243023, -0.003924046643078327, 0.028494378551840782, -0.02676546387374401, 0.048244234174489975, -0.02176475152373314, -0.08285397291183472, -0.06276735663414001, 0.006332943215966225, -0.05328203737735748, 0.0332416296005249, 0.025102440267801285, -0.053008776158094406, 0.011889404617249966, 0.04607611522078514, 0.05351686105132103, -0.04650038853287697, 0.02194688655436039, 0.07863219827413559, -0.03243585303425789, -0.05539491027593613, 0.022377433255314827, 0.004289102274924517, 0.013834827579557896, 0.025886420160531998, 0.05013911798596382, 0.004495095461606979, 0.026030419394373894, 0.07074662297964096, -0.02857869677245617, 0.023965662345290184, -0.013157261535525322, 0.05555730313062668, -0.02754676155745983, 0.07016128301620483, -0.0485089085996151, 0.029116351157426834, 0.027865277603268623, -0.020445169880986214, 0.04029056802392006, -0.03352827951312065, 0.05982235074043274, 0.05732760205864906, -0.04074947535991669, -0.010604100301861763, -0.003692810656502843, -0.0278615802526474, -0.027571169659495354, 0.003855339717119932, -0.026457231491804123, 0.09335058182477951, -0.01749451272189617, -0.01661190576851368, -0.008324114605784416, -0.005540220998227596, -0.021000582724809647, 0.008988316170871258, 0.05842194706201553, 0.02252611331641674, 0.03502997010946274, -0.004474383778870106, 0.018338536843657494, -0.012357866391539574, 0.00028606117120943964, -0.02481444925069809, -0.016336243599653244, 0.014658481813967228, 0.025626549497246742, 0.008940193802118301, -0.013469848781824112, 0.04749297350645065, -0.07381702214479446, -0.010528702288866043, -0.028271295130252838, 0.04165167734026909, 0.015342200174927711, -0.01643669605255127, 0.03621000796556473, 0.0090212756767869, 0.0031204496044665575, 0.009306618943810463, -0.03519119322299957, 0.011626550927758217, 0.03729422390460968, -0.02562672831118107, 0.023980548605322838, 0.048742346465587616, -0.007371780928224325, 0.022876249626278877, -0.009248045273125172, 0.0011907439911738038, 0.0282267015427351, 0.013959200121462345, 0.024297313764691353, -0.03587767854332924, -0.01858438365161419, 0.005280555225908756, 0.025834543630480766, -0.04824930801987648, -0.054080747067928314, 0.0010343606118112803, -0.10169453918933868, 0.04455586522817612, -0.031362175941467285, -0.045198794454336166, 0.0268273763358593, 0.019305281341075897, 0.027140377089381218, -0.03238479048013687, 0.026912640780210495, 0.03762056678533554, -0.00974370539188385, -0.002011545468121767, 0.005227113142609596, 0.022294040769338608, -0.05675747990608215, -0.01730913110077381, -0.04690450057387352, -0.026954995468258858, -0.0028909340035170317, 0.026016315445303917, 0.01217238325625658, -0.05198192596435547, 0.009487845003604889, -0.2656201124191284, 0.005967541132122278, -0.02130964770913124, -0.06512289494276047, 0.04603572562336922, -0.04341190308332443, 0.03775286301970482, 0.0066073196940124035, -0.05268004536628723, 0.018903568387031555, 0.004727134946733713, -0.03640303388237953, 0.025768645107746124, 0.028010433539748192, 0.04659053310751915, -0.023280102759599686, -0.004941144026815891, -0.0011477625230327249, -0.008856793865561485, 0.008662926964461803, 0.0012165819061920047, -0.04177488014101982, -0.02975369803607464, -0.005302529316395521, 0.06540500372648239, 0.04226236790418625, -0.035088032484054565, 0.0006556481239385903, -0.07082871347665787, 0.000707690604031086, -0.01100143976509571, 0.013669593259692192, 0.0331716351211071, 0.005497143138200045, -0.03749547526240349, -0.026222966611385345, 0.03421211987733841, 0.012120505794882774, -0.03384620323777199, 0.01638733223080635, 0.002915906487032771, -0.02681518904864788, -0.03528240695595741, 0.02253306284546852, 0.04728839918971062, -0.016789108514785767, -0.051428552716970444, -0.018463680520653725, -0.005922501441091299, 0.0630703717470169, 0.011767557822167873, 0.03492525964975357, -0.04793507605791092, -0.00028158555505797267, -0.02696993201971054, 0.0038876330945640802, -0.00561652472242713, -0.030999723821878433, -0.07832933217287064, 0.05705663934350014, 0.018045471981167793, -0.01915544643998146, -0.04560674726963043, -0.0219269972294569, -0.008968967013061047, -0.06603871285915375, -0.046396732330322266, -0.04550689458847046, 0.053392648696899414, 0.02948235720396042, 0.035728320479393005, 0.024416673928499222, -0.021258242428302765, -0.07798650860786438, -0.02214120328426361, -0.0016132574528455734, -0.02769864909350872, -0.04042251780629158, -0.019700491800904274, 0.0016307560727000237, 0.01673143170773983, -0.009763556532561779, 0.06001708284020424, 0.00399716105312109, -0.01263973768800497, -0.0076025668531656265, -0.023425551131367683, 0.09043814986944199, -0.04025723785161972, -0.03134921193122864, 0.04834231734275818, 0.025084111839532852, -0.021236801519989967, -0.01538156159222126, 0.01821781136095524, 0.023709001019597054, -0.014881073497235775, -0.05110491067171097, 0.0008494299836456776, 0.04155467078089714, 0.03270683065056801, -0.05671509727835655, 0.025614425539970398, -0.0036925014574080706, -0.0104048578068614, -0.013822545297443867, -0.07452623546123505, 0.008696950040757656, 0.08638648688793182, 0.0071128434501588345, 0.021919602528214455, -0.039806563407182693, 0.038849469274282455, -0.020551130175590515, -0.004032456316053867, -0.04895024001598358, 0.004670405760407448, -0.01887928694486618, 0.03433182090520859, -0.007531697861850262, 0.011768828146159649, 0.026935884729027748, -0.0908242017030716, -0.022001836448907852, -0.08658961206674576, 0.012747143395245075, 0.01624196395277977, 0.014683263376355171, -0.04511437565088272, 0.009052843786776066, -0.0393691249191761, -0.012917005456984043, -0.00530030345544219, 0.00024693168234080076, 0.024615531787276268, 0.013499288819730282, 0.012882621958851814, -0.08244282007217407, -0.0027363470289856195, -0.008874822407960892, 0.00812066812068224, -0.02850150689482689, 0.048276133835315704, 0.02131030708551407, 0.03499041125178337, -0.0012036621337756515, 0.030861951410770416, 0.0005951221683062613, 0.008941441774368286, 0.03105437383055687, 0.005362765397876501, -0.034952230751514435, 0.0004324872570578009, -0.05759309604763985, -0.01770213060081005, -0.04748830199241638, 0.02374761737883091, 0.030326126143336296, -0.023617181926965714, -0.022381465882062912, -0.018313130363821983, -0.022593069821596146, -0.016709744930267334, -0.02300834096968174, -0.019696176052093506, 0.056591056287288666, 0.002041921718046069, 0.014528105035424232, -0.04723536595702171, 0.029497507959604263, 0.006820796523243189, -0.08715570718050003, -0.012162978760898113, -0.027493292465806007, 0.009418248198926449, 0.02756228856742382, 0.009390116669237614, 0.01970876194536686, 0.043427519500255585, 0.05282428488135338, -0.001910857972688973, -0.04134390130639076, -0.007968426682054996, 0.0015344806015491486, 0.05762147530913353, -0.029584230855107307, 0.006813832093030214, -0.04283230006694794, -0.012985181994736195, -0.004266983829438686, -0.04088742285966873, -0.0009449926437810063, -0.024337200447916985, 0.02766629122197628, -0.06073815003037453, -0.05492345988750458, 0.06167943403124809, -0.02648560144007206, -0.008145714178681374, 0.01188698597252369, 0.026425667107105255, 0.0029097425285726786, -0.004519541747868061, 0.02491145394742489, 0.03654574975371361, -0.052920855581760406, 0.04646890610456467, 0.019653884693980217, -0.035081878304481506, 0.033197071403265, -0.007888187654316425, -0.0007688101613894105, 0.00010926528193522245, 0.03460707515478134, 0.015232320874929428, -0.04412397742271423, 0.01989123784005642, -0.02206851728260517, -0.03212885186076164, -0.021290551871061325, 0.04337550699710846, -0.02942441590130329, -0.024380147457122803, -0.0009097569854930043, -0.029256338253617287, 0.10027269273996353, -0.01300310529768467, 0.009727454744279385, 0.06192100793123245, -0.0580909363925457, 0.011979812756180763, -0.04355587437748909, -0.003797406330704689, 0.016500039026141167, -0.020037205889821053, -0.012896412052214146, -0.002598705468699336, -0.02741783857345581, -0.016616178676486015, 0.043110404163599014, -0.0007086695986799896, 0.05097474530339241, -0.004599251318722963, -0.023339297622442245, 0.00968779344111681, -0.019643371924757957, 0.03187192603945732, -0.015545036643743515, -0.020249785855412483, 0.06738757342100143, -0.007912665605545044, 0.03520994260907173, -0.06525789946317673, 0.013850370422005653, 0.03235397860407829, -0.04258488863706589, -0.03115207515656948, 0.04620189964771271, -0.045341599732637405, 0.055919285863637924, 0.003634986700490117, 0.031723231077194214, 0.025871576741337776, 0.017821315675973892, 0.04970753192901611, 0.00758029380813241, 0.0034351178910583258, 0.010272677056491375, 0.01774732954800129, -0.05206501856446266, 0.005010328721255064, -0.08258190006017685, -0.0006682038074359298, -0.035645801573991776, 0.05561045557260513, 0.024802399799227715, 0.01875024475157261, -0.027434872463345528, 0.045875899493694305, -0.05938522517681122, -0.041604313999414444, 0.0043408311903476715, -0.021604716777801514, -0.0013118230272084475, 0.019087161868810654, -0.01965402252972126, -0.009001421742141247, 0.06821601837873459, -0.06633193045854568, -0.013889689929783344, -0.015660034492611885, 0.03577110543847084, 0.03066099062561989, 0.01242320891469717, -0.04208650067448616, 0.007982679642736912, 0.042350105941295624, 0.01134224608540535, -0.049722880125045776, 0.028933679684996605, -0.06692381948232651, 0.030969560146331787, 0.02615177258849144, -0.029314275830984116, -0.011184357106685638, 0.009791620075702667, -0.01548218633979559, -0.041892245411872864, -0.012324639596045017, -0.013248906470835209, -0.008018312975764275, -0.04575187340378761, 0.04760325327515602, -0.01277864258736372, -0.02131037414073944, -0.03300067409873009, -0.021887946873903275, -0.030534416437149048, -0.03588089719414711, -0.009204217232763767, 0.030935004353523254, -0.003774689044803381, 0.06331754475831985, 0.03548090159893036, 0.05681101605296135, 0.011051083914935589, -0.01369484793394804, 0.02414592169225216, 0.010605144314467907, 0.07661042362451553, 0.03864295780658722, 0.01926642470061779, -0.026240507140755653, 0.061922408640384674, -0.017911482602357864, -0.021494843065738678, -0.0015544003108516335, -0.01421271450817585, 0.0043439497239887714, 0.0012928203213959932, 0.013131002895534039, 0.011822213418781757, 0.000316646764986217, 0.04041004925966263, -0.035463057458400726, 0.022303173318505287, 0.08387397229671478, -0.04896743968129158, 0.017837338149547577, -0.0010901549831032753, 0.00412041274830699, -0.0062425159849226475, -0.0036397522781044245, -0.036078743636608124, 0.003136847633868456, 0.034621790051460266, -0.024496275931596756, 0.004819707944989204, -0.0076297433115541935, -0.007694150321185589, -0.008516494184732437, -0.02769152633845806, 0.08527736365795135, 0.009974295273423195, -0.0389096736907959, -0.0011718348832800984, 0.04092862084507942, 0.055803000926971436, -0.01189255528151989, 0.006213166750967503, -0.0022599559742957354, -0.009119904600083828, -0.014702464453876019, 0.03243035823106766, 0.07336080074310303, 0.011936547234654427, 0.05455755069851875, -0.013634955510497093, -0.029360145330429077, 0.06517758220434189, 0.01645352691411972, -0.045232612639665604, -0.03596220538020134, -0.039973706007003784, -0.011896960437297821, -0.06623057276010513, 0.04577765241265297, 0.017377374693751335, -0.007703927345573902, -0.051929738372564316, -0.007564523722976446, -0.02280627191066742, -0.0076493630185723305, 0.046138737350702286, -0.06412132829427719, 0.001953475410118699, 0.015903016552329063, 0.04737846180796623, 0.04746672883629799, 0.020749656483530998, 0.06934463232755661, 0.009194940328598022, -0.03180672973394394, -0.022740324959158897, 0.004803306423127651, 0.02515680342912674, -0.027021488174796104, 0.04619193077087402, -0.08366493135690689, 0.02914716675877571, 0.004091060254722834, -0.02739892154932022, -0.06305302679538727, 0.05800657346844673, -0.014091869816184044, -0.06086583063006401, 0.025298424065113068, 0.03162587434053421, -0.020327957347035408, -0.0030905911698937416, -0.022633755579590797, 0.02842584066092968, 0.011487522162497044, 0.015214060433208942, -0.03902379423379898, 0.05149014666676521, 0.020221959799528122, -0.018893364816904068, -0.021246567368507385, 0.01545316819101572, 0.07037272304296494, 0.011087663471698761, -0.0361100509762764, -0.007317718584090471, -0.004934281576424837, -0.06091073900461197, -0.0563192255795002, -0.03285970538854599, -0.031904470175504684, -0.04739985242486, 0.003858251729980111, -0.00004246392927598208, 0.022738011553883553, -0.042431265115737915, 0.008189954794943333, 0.026101280003786087, -0.020735612139105797, 0.010725482366979122, -0.054133329540491104, 0.006591503974050283, 0.0013886706437915564, 0.06535450369119644, 0.01852496899664402, -0.05863189324736595, 0.012165706604719162, -0.0505949929356575, 0.02151080034673214, 0.006182805169373751, -0.02562199905514717, 0.004059641156345606 ]
OPINION OP THE COURT. BOBEBTS, C. J. (after stating the facts as above.) — The action of the court in sustaining the demurrer to the second count of the counterclaim forms the basis of appellant’s first assignment of error. In this count, after setting forth the preliminary facts, showing his purchase of certain lands from appellee, which said land formed a part of a larger tract owned by appellee, it was alleged in paragraphs 2 and 3: “(2) That said tract of land was a part of a larger tract of land at the time of conveyance thereof, as aforesaid, owned by plaintiff; that on said tract of land there was situated a dwelling house, and from said dwelling house there was, as defendant is informed and believes, a road or right of way leading from said house to the public and legally established highway, which said road has existed for more than 20 years next preceding the filing of the complaint here in. “(3) That at the time of said purchase, there was no other means of ingress and egress to said land, purchased as aforesaid, except over said road or right of way, which said road in part extended over the remaining land of the grantor; that such road is a necessity to defendant, and has been a necessity to defendant ever since his ■.purchase of said described land.” While the fourth paragraph showed that the claimed "way' of necessity” passed over the strip of ground, the title to which appellee sought to quiet in himself, and other lands owned by appellee, and the fifth paragraph alleged that appellee was attempting to fence up the said claimed' outlet) and the prayer was for an injunction and a debree establishing appellant's right 'to a “way of necessity” over appellee’s lands, the sufficiency of the facts set forth to constitute a cause of action depends upon the allegations contained in the second and third paragraphs, above set forth. Appellant contends that the facts alleged in the second paragraph are sufficient to show that there had been a right of way over the lands of the appellee, Michelet, for 20 years, leading to the house on the particular 60 acres purchased by him from appellee; that this was a valuable appurtenant to said tract of land so purchased by him, and that such right of way passed by the deed to him, because of the recital in the deed, following the description •of the real estate conveyed, “together with all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances thereto belonging.” It is -not clear whether appellee bases his claim under this paragraph upon a prescriptive right, or .upon the ground that, inasmuch as the way was in existence ■and apparent at the time of the making of the deed, it passed as incident and appurtenant to the land conveyed, by force and operation of the terms employed in the deed. Upon either theory, however, the facts are insufficient. Certainly, appellee owning both tracts of land, it could not be contended successfully that he could establish a prescriptive right against himself. Not a single element •of a prescriptive-right is alleged. A party cannot have an easement in his own land, us all the uses of an easement are fully comprehended -and embraced in his general right of ownership. ' The facts alleged show that appellee, prior to the sale to appellant, •owned the land, for which the easement was claimed and sought to be established. Just how long prior to the sale appellee was invested with the title to both tracts is not ■apparent, but that is wholly immaterial, for if it be conceded that at one time the 60-acre tract purchased by appellant was owned by some one other than appellee and separate and apart from the other lands owned by appellee, and over which it was sought to establish the easement, it does not appear that at the time of the sale to ■appellant, appellee owned both tracts of land. This being true, if it be conceded that an easement over appellee’s land existed at one time, the right would cease when appellee became invested with the title to both parcels of land. As was said by the New Jersey Court of Errors and Appeals in the case of Fetters v. Humphreys, 19 N. J. Eq. 471: “A way comes within the description of a non-apparent easement. If existent before the seisin of the two tenements is united in the same person, it is extinguished by such unity of seisin; and, whether if was a pre-existent right of way, or is a way opened by the owner and used by him, for the convenient occupation and enjoyment of tire premises, it has no legal existence during the continuance of the unity of seisin, and upon the severance of the tenements does not pass unless it is a way of necessity, or the operative words of the conveyance' are sufficient to grant it de novo. 11 Vin. Abr. 446, 449, Extinguishment, C; Worthington v. Gimson, 2 El. & El. 616; Pearson v. Spencer, 1 Best & S. 571; Dodd v. Burchell, 1 Hurlst & Colt, 113; Stuyvesant v. Woodruff, 21 N. J. Law, 133 [57 Am. Dec. 156]; Grant v. Chase, 17 Mass, 443 [9 Am. Dec. 161].” The general rule is, to which we know of no exception, that no right in a way, which has been used during the unity of possession, will pass upon the severance of the tenements, unless proper terms are employed in the conveyance to show ah intention to create the right de novo. Pearson v. Spencer, 1 B. & S. 571; Oliver v. Hook, 47 Md. 301. In the case of May v. Smith, 3 Mackey (11 D. C.) 55, the court said: “The only words in the deed to Minnick that could possibly be 'relied on to convey the right of way in question are: 'All and every the rights, privileges, appurtenances and advantages to the same belonging, or in any wise appertaining/ If there was a way belonging to the estate, as a pre-existing easement, such way would pass by force of these terms, or even without the use of them; but such terms, used in a conveyance of part of a tract of land, as in this cáse, will not create a new easement, nor give a right to use a way Avhich has been used with one part of thé land over another part, while both parts belonged to the same owner, and constituted an entire estate. A party cannot have an easement in his own land, as all the uses of an easement are fully comprehended and embraced in his general right of ownership. Whally v. Thompson, 1 Bos. & Pul. 371; Gayetty v. Bethune, 14 Mass. 49 [7 Am. Dec. 188]; Grant v. Chase, 17 Mass. 442 [9 Am. Dec. 161]; Pheysey v. Vicary, 16 M. & W. 483; Worthington v. Gimson, 2 El. & El. 624; Thompson v. Waterlow, L. Rep. 6 Eq. Cas. 36. If apt and appropriate terms had been used in the deed, such as, ‘with the ways now used/ or ‘used with the land hereby conveyed/ they would have passed the right to such ways as had been actually used in connection with the part granted, not, however, as existing easements, but those terms would have operated to create new easements for the benefit of the estate granted. Washb. on Eas. (3d Ed.) 59.” Other eases to the same effect are Parsons v. Johnson et al., 68 N. Y. 62 [23 Am. Rep. 149] ; Morgan v. Meuth, 60 Mich. 238, 27 N. W. 509. And see note to Elliott v. Bhett, 57 Am. Dee. 766, where many other eases will be found collected. In the third paragraph appellant attempts to plead facts showing his right to the road as a way of necessity. While the pleading it not to be commended, and would have'been subject to a motion to make more definite and certain, still we believe it was sufficient to withstand a general demurrer, for wapt of sufficient facts. It is alleged that, at the time of the purchase: “There was no other means of ingress and egress to said land, purchased as aforesaid, except over said road or right of way. * * * That such road is a necessity to defendant and has been a necessity to defendant ever since his purchase of said described land.” Appellee contends that the foregoing are only legal conclusions, but, assuming this to be true, the pleading does .allege in a general way that there was no other means of ingress and egress to the lands in question except over the marked roadway, at the time of appellant’s purchase, and that such road is a necessity to defendant and has been ever since his said purchase. That it is a necessity is, of course, the ultimate fact to be established, depending necessarily upon certain primary facts, and, whether the allegations be treated as a conclusion of law, or a conclusion of fact, it was sufficient to withstand a general demurrer. An objection to a complaint, or a cross-complaist, that it does not state facts sufficient to constitute a, cause of action is good only when there is a total failure to allege some matter which is essential to the relief sought, and is not good when the allegations are simply incomplete, indefinite, or statements of conclusions of law or fact. Union Street Railway Co., v. Stone, 54 Kan. 83, 37 Pac. 1012; Lambe v. McCormick, 116 Iowa, 169, 89 N. W. 241; Harris v. Halverson, 23 Wash. 779, 63 Pac. 549; Roberts v. Pendleton, 92 Nan. 847, 142 Pac. 289. In the case of Bennett v. U. S. Land, Title & Legacy Co., 141 Pac. 717, the Supreme Court of Arizona said: “Yet on demurrer the court should not pay any attention to forms if it can ñnd in the com plaint any allegation which, under any view of them, may give the plaintiff the right to recover.” Pomeroy, in his book on Code Remedies (4th Ed.) § 443, states the rule as follows': “The true doctrine to be gathered from all the cases is that if the substantial facts which constitute a cause of action are stated in a complaint or petition, or can be inferred by reasonable intendment from the matters which are set forth, although the allegations of these facts are imperfect, incomplete, and defective, such insufficiency pertaining, however, to the form rather than to the substance, the proper mode of correction is not by demurrer, nor by excluding evidence at the trial, but by a motion before the trial to make the averments more definite and certain by amendment. * * * Thus, if instead of alleging the issuable facts the pleader should state the evidence of such facts, or even a portion only thereof, unless the omission was so extensive that no cause of action at all was indicated, or if he should aver conclusions of law, in place of fact, the resulting insufficiency and imperfection would pertain to the form rather than to the substance, and the mode of correction would be by a motion, and not by a demurrer.” Appellee contends that the owner of the lands, over which a way of necessity is to pass, has the right to- determine its location, subject to the restriction that the way located must be reasonably convenient, and that appellant has failed to allege that he ever applied to appellee to designate a way, and therefore the cross-bill is defective because of this failure to so- allege. The rule stated is correct, but here appellant alleges that the particular route designated is a necessity, thereby impliedly saying that there could be no other way which would accomplish the purpose. It is further argued that the facts set forth in appellant’s second cause of counterclaim cannot be pleaded properly as such in this case because such facts do not arise out of the contract or transaction set forth in the complaint, and is not in any manner connected with the subject of action. It appears, only inferentially possibly, that the claimed way passed over a portion of the-three-acre tract to which appellee was seeking to quiet his title, as against the appellant. If it does so, certainly appellant would be entitled to set up his claim thereto, and thereby prevent appellee from recovering an unqualified judgment against him. But this question is not involved here, because not raised by the demurrer. . If a counterclaim is filed in an action which states facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action, but the cause of' action stated cannot property be pleaded as a counterclaim, an objection thereto cannot be reached by a. general demurrer for want of sufficient facts. The proper practice is to move to strike it out. In the case of Howlett v. Dilts, 4 Ind. App. 23, 30 N. E. 313, the court said: “Following the case of Boil v. Simms, supra, 60 Ind. 162, we must hold that, inasmuch as the set-off does state a cause of action against the plaintiff, the question of the appellee’s right to interpose his set-off in this action — which is the real question involved and discussed by counsel —was not properly raised by the demurrer filed to the answer of set-off, and therefore it cannot be said that the court erred in refusing to sustain the demurrer.” From the foregoing it follows that the demurrer to the second count of the counterclaim should have been overruled. This being true, it is unnecessary for us to pass upon the question, as to1 the sufficiency of the evidence to sustain the findings and judgment of the trial court upon the issue tried, because, if appellant’s counterclaim could be established, he would be entitled to a roadway across the disputed strip, his right to which is foreclosed by the judgment entered, quieting appellee’s title thereto and awarding him possession of the land, without reservation. For the reasons stated the judgment of the lower court is reversed, with directions to overrule the demurrer to the second count o'f the counterclaim, and to award appellant a new trial; and it is so ordered. I-Ianna and Parker, J.J., concur.
[ -0.007086607161909342, -0.039618298411369324, -0.006429838482290506, -0.00011398660717532039, 0.04948226362466812, -0.0008588948403485119, 0.0815463662147522, 0.003393737366423011, -0.005437901709228754, -0.04429386556148529, 0.011195065453648567, 0.024904368445277214, -0.06170596927404404, 0.03248661383986473, -0.02340514026582241, 0.06986194849014282, 0.048282843083143234, 0.009435438551008701, 0.008622568100690842, -0.03871728852391243, -0.008190157823264599, 0.007823328487575054, 0.012072778306901455, 0.05977340042591095, 0.05276738852262497, 0.03898083046078682, 0.0093794921413064, 0.026917679235339165, -0.05667820945382118, 0.0165762547403574, 0.040722429752349854, 0.030682222917675972, -0.015684692189097404, -0.009095764718949795, -0.03421974182128906, -0.014809678308665752, -0.018689507618546486, -0.011157478205859661, -0.030085699632763863, 0.016478875651955605, -0.041253987699747086, 0.024535300210118294, -0.015088913030922413, -0.00039393987390212715, -0.05085824802517891, -0.01726999692618847, 0.015311450697481632, 0.015392523258924484, -0.021248411387205124, -0.01808186247944832, -0.06164689362049103, 0.01117045246064663, -0.05350486934185028, 0.04933903366327286, -0.01841740868985653, 0.03549395501613617, -0.05591271445155144, -0.06869489699602127, 0.024244727566838264, -0.013382883742451668, 0.023459356278181076, -0.001582034514285624, 0.07336520403623581, 0.00841630157083273, -0.002722499892115593, -0.0041396585293114185, -0.011750292964279652, 0.035415153950452805, -0.017790619283914566, -0.020428290590643883, -0.0654623880982399, 0.0034759126137942076, 0.011071800254285336, 0.033562544733285904, -0.015729567036032677, -0.026325345039367676, 0.023328209295868874, 0.023098168894648552, 0.008425451815128326, 0.05169755220413208, 0.015567438676953316, 0.007010187488049269, -0.01839660108089447, 0.037935636937618256, -0.002115102717652917, -0.017993593588471413, 0.002631652867421508, -0.0037247342988848686, -0.06778676807880402, 0.05602869763970375, -0.014281771145761013, -0.012627944350242615, 0.004407378379255533, 0.062450286000967026, -0.03125087171792984, -0.011552589014172554, 0.07568413019180298, -0.020883183926343918, 0.011145519092679024, -0.00007061904761940241, -0.04247686639428139, 0.009214580990374088, 0.0038240822032094, 0.07640114426612854, -0.06108497828245163, 0.02029438130557537, -0.01727738045156002, 0.053012460470199585, 0.008851546794176102, -0.001100237132050097, 0.016952792182564735, 0.03746991977095604, -0.03664381057024002, -0.007436397019773722, -0.053062234073877335, 0.027063703164458275, 0.010345331393182278, -0.03653990104794502, -0.034475039690732956, -0.0008959149708971381, 0.05487032234668732, 0.0034246877767145634, 0.014424190856516361, 0.08640678226947784, 0.0068881516344845295, -0.004899584222584963, 0.002081499667838216, 0.02788332663476467, -0.07454269379377365, -0.05404306948184967, 0.011139797046780586, 0.02456437610089779, 0.004194740206003189, 0.006756260991096497, -0.024026714265346527, 0.002142698969691992, 0.009454234503209591, -0.021619247272610664, 0.033710118383169174, -0.045202646404504776, -0.05219925194978714, -0.028721537441015244, 0.01128344051539898, -0.003036228474229574, 0.06098303571343422, 0.0051047103479504585, 0.02646695263683796, -0.011539721861481667, -0.022465143352746964, -0.0013967176200821996, 0.00003279536758782342, 0.03288351371884346, 0.00330787873826921, -0.03470141068100929, 0.008378226310014725, 0.04493943974375725, 0.028956511989235878, -0.003526414278894663, -0.002519911853596568, 0.05397893488407135, 0.03872891142964363, 0.05936756357550621, 0.04521962255239487, 0.017860157415270805, 0.029985537752509117, 0.009119301103055477, -0.011037711054086685, 0.001338559202849865, -0.01890096627175808, 0.015533777885138988, -0.07750923186540604, -0.0232732854783535, 0.06650279462337494, -0.051065489649772644, -0.017771592363715172, 0.0420299731194973, 0.061694253236055374, 0.01424500159919262, 0.0107774268835783, -0.030925925821065903, -0.09104018658399582, 0.07056770473718643, 0.03448367491364479, 0.010618986561894417, -0.02152605913579464, -0.020709652453660965, 0.043524593114852905, -0.0020827839616686106, 0.03274201974272728, -0.024216819554567337, -0.04518205299973488, -0.06264171004295349, 0.011122305877506733, -0.042289216071367264, 0.023402584716677666, 0.019326413050293922, -0.050570834428071976, 0.03883552551269531, 0.011181182228028774, 0.04471229016780853, -0.020617958158254623, 0.009186523035168648, 0.03869590163230896, -0.04591256380081177, -0.04560794681310654, 0.05357695743441582, 0.030575020238757133, 0.023824568837881088, 0.03246288001537323, 0.0626671314239502, -0.018485045060515404, -0.007824230007827282, 0.048767656087875366, -0.01729651354253292, 0.02222980558872223, -0.02309725247323513, 0.0587310753762722, -0.05353175476193428, 0.04275261610746384, -0.07946255803108215, -0.005883202888071537, 0.022610493004322052, -0.009015870280563831, 0.060744136571884155, -0.04046465829014778, 0.07722358405590057, 0.06542956084012985, -0.011449584737420082, -0.034945160150527954, -0.008761881850659847, -0.04255193844437599, 0.03168824315071106, -0.011898377910256386, -0.031701184809207916, 0.04868876188993454, -0.018069695681333542, 0.0161588117480278, -0.0031356732361018658, 0.019010061398148537, -0.027016736567020416, 0.023310525342822075, 0.03942478075623512, 0.016067607328295708, 0.024633118882775307, -0.03224249184131622, 0.014306980185210705, 0.006589779630303383, 0.006508713588118553, -0.019917257130146027, -0.040999364107847214, -0.015124212950468063, -0.03278840333223343, -0.0018076658016070724, 0.011725119315087795, 0.004517367109656334, -0.0905524492263794, -0.014798568561673164, -0.009687229059636593, 0.0132873160764575, 0.026845861226320267, -0.0213649719953537, 0.050321392714977264, -0.003398110391572118, -0.0399344339966774, 0.010248953476548195, -0.012651666067540646, -0.023998260498046875, 0.03928470239043236, -0.011032182723283768, 0.04755641892552376, 0.03246830403804779, -0.02141152136027813, 0.0009279132937081158, -0.006538972724229097, 0.009054815396666527, 0.02037101238965988, 0.062278758734464645, 0.006096139084547758, -0.00772982370108366, 0.01773310825228691, -0.03689386695623398, 0.03348837420344353, -0.05377316102385521, -0.03849422559142113, 0.03167729824781418, -0.048372868448495865, 0.04316164553165436, -0.03061022236943245, -0.02917799912393093, 0.0855972021818161, 0.019417935982346535, 0.03222201019525528, 0.005590028129518032, 0.02365288697183132, 0.06063515692949295, 0.040509212762117386, -0.008172188885509968, 0.00828572828322649, 0.03067891113460064, -0.03029598854482174, -0.03326161578297615, -0.013105296529829502, -0.015866337344050407, 0.02350083366036415, 0.029724540188908577, 0.0029882509261369705, -0.02142191492021084, 0.03425661846995354, -0.2911134660243988, -0.006166223902255297, 0.008040505461394787, -0.055953528732061386, 0.033799417316913605, -0.02297891490161419, 0.025268495082855225, -0.03321600332856178, -0.027596130967140198, 0.05923377349972725, -0.012949886731803417, -0.06897825747728348, 0.013073447160422802, 0.012377924285829067, 0.05383363738656044, -0.004100559279322624, 0.011841858737170696, -0.04023067653179169, -0.014189647510647774, 0.03249024972319603, -0.01215132512152195, -0.07036460936069489, -0.02920657768845558, -0.006149148568511009, 0.06302236765623093, 0.05472370609641075, -0.03342515602707863, -0.006476173643022776, -0.03675740212202072, 0.004919918719679117, -0.02319350466132164, 0.015064029023051262, 0.05081792175769806, -0.02970975451171398, -0.05795569717884064, -0.00849571730941534, 0.00952564924955368, 0.0021313512697815895, -0.021153468638658524, -0.008501763455569744, 0.0030913064256310463, -0.034440115094184875, 0.013062111102044582, 0.010278051719069481, 0.01867966167628765, -0.04109915345907211, -0.04250204563140869, -0.011509661562740803, 0.009611127898097038, 0.044458940625190735, 0.0181867815554142, 0.032581835985183716, -0.03823848441243172, -0.013476135209202766, -0.04166865348815918, 0.019909918308258057, -0.06666985899209976, -0.034928541630506516, -0.05532020330429077, 0.06325289607048035, 0.013617206364870071, -0.06052858382463455, -0.043938491493463516, 0.0016549162101000547, 0.026941215619444847, -0.0639967992901802, -0.0529169961810112, -0.021009955555200577, 0.06332606822252274, 0.015504246577620506, 0.006968279834836721, 0.015186014585196972, -0.014409310184419155, -0.07191678881645203, -0.0025512927677482367, -0.027826867997646332, -0.04018598049879074, -0.04696137085556984, -0.005613019689917564, 0.005093789659440517, -0.01035225111991167, 0.010219021700322628, 0.03347788378596306, 0.028472986072301865, 0.0020950713660568, -0.011874970048666, -0.031189799308776855, 0.06275299191474915, -0.0333462655544281, 0.02561335451900959, 0.020305411890149117, 0.019515132531523705, -0.006135094445198774, -0.013958600349724293, 0.019207846373319626, 0.04011162370443344, -0.012524138204753399, -0.032328758388757706, 0.032589931041002274, 0.02915339358150959, 0.02748785726726055, -0.042511265724897385, 0.04515666514635086, -0.06195056438446045, -0.026531780138611794, 0.01645955815911293, -0.04814344272017479, -0.006440510042011738, 0.07043813169002533, 0.03195969760417938, 0.006259232759475708, -0.019149120897054672, 0.055538371205329895, 0.0009202474029734731, 0.003658463479951024, -0.03575046360492706, 0.0006826566532254219, 0.010679750703275204, 0.02562817931175232, -0.007330345455557108, -0.013645445927977562, 0.01680745743215084, -0.054177310317754745, -0.03565695881843567, -0.050877299159765244, 0.024874690920114517, 0.017261195927858353, 0.005495808087289333, -0.01780702918767929, 0.03854167088866234, -0.013858743943274021, -0.042680300772190094, -0.005726584233343601, 0.01752335950732231, 0.0232420414686203, -0.01699335314333439, 0.0006177149480208755, -0.06222984939813614, -0.01278082188218832, 0.018314572051167488, -0.007073637098073959, -0.04644710570573807, 0.046640172600746155, 0.023907961323857307, 0.05394737794995308, -0.016470758244395256, 0.022736022248864174, 0.013067360036075115, -0.018714968115091324, 0.05512949451804161, 0.011825483292341232, -0.038664381951093674, 0.07368557900190353, -0.04460272938013077, -0.0006113958661444485, -0.0414557121694088, 0.0017020601080730557, 0.004116162657737732, -0.01814853586256504, -0.015678640455007553, -0.0009625152451917529, -0.012141633778810501, -0.008942870423197746, -0.03675414249300957, -0.022693119943141937, 0.06203144043684006, -0.030713452026247978, -0.0032498743385076523, -0.030697744339704514, 0.03971327096223831, 0.017450695857405663, -0.08360110968351364, -0.055055007338523865, 0.00035387370735406876, 0.015670744702219963, 0.04192935302853584, -0.00998857244849205, 0.0004025496309623122, 0.044183339923620224, 0.011509129777550697, 0.0004190475447103381, -0.01011867169290781, -0.02421509101986885, 0.009628143161535263, 0.06526017189025879, -0.03590739518404007, -0.014054699800908566, -0.050550591200590134, 0.009876287542283535, 0.003446875372901559, -0.013526977971196175, 0.005351646803319454, 0.0022994629107415676, 0.05114344507455826, -0.054043326526880264, -0.06450828164815903, 0.028288302943110466, -0.004091981332749128, 0.02460785210132599, 0.017617106437683105, -0.0054389797151088715, -0.03836652636528015, -0.022279901430010796, 0.014401964843273163, 0.02979516051709652, -0.05689597502350807, 0.054167069494724274, -0.020909519866108894, -0.025605544447898865, 0.049464087933301926, -0.06011887267231941, -0.02544463239610195, -0.021885322406888008, -0.004805160686373711, 0.020618675276637077, -0.04395056515932083, 0.015638547018170357, -0.027519579976797104, -0.014391777105629444, -0.005259254481643438, -0.013506309129297733, -0.037322722375392914, -0.014283350668847561, 0.005828645545989275, -0.05447067692875862, 0.04662765562534332, -0.03681178390979767, 0.01216801255941391, 0.037630289793014526, -0.06321349740028381, 0.004687830805778503, -0.037878286093473434, 0.008741813711822033, 0.05226895213127136, -0.011378313414752483, -0.026048827916383743, 0.018195804208517075, -0.0032621382270008326, -0.021910324692726135, 0.06261762231588364, -0.0016354421386495233, 0.020961474627256393, -0.0018625383963808417, -0.04516006261110306, 0.025233455002307892, 0.008774515241384506, -0.019962234422564507, -0.0009760437533259392, -0.03552846983075142, 0.06487005949020386, -0.020517736673355103, 0.014361860230565071, -0.05169603228569031, 0.007188717368990183, 0.03608817979693413, -0.023764070123434067, -0.0026852793525904417, 0.007291331887245178, -0.028726600110530853, 0.05166831985116005, 0.013829702511429787, -0.006856752093881369, -0.007830454967916012, 0.020893661305308342, 0.045266807079315186, -0.009940562769770622, 0.019154008477926254, -0.04107751324772835, 0.01783391460776329, -0.054159071296453476, -0.01457056775689125, -0.0907103642821312, -0.0060454802587628365, -0.02257576771080494, 0.03172473981976509, 0.028615903109312057, 0.012921066954731941, -0.02898511476814747, 0.04303424432873726, -0.05553281679749489, -0.010412248782813549, -0.004066820722073317, -0.011382434517145157, -0.012759622186422348, 0.013726141303777695, -0.002324896864593029, 0.020817125216126442, 0.04147522523999214, -0.10367409139871597, -0.06374716758728027, -0.026211943477392197, -0.009689834900200367, 0.021298663690686226, 0.007090840023010969, -0.016255898401141167, -0.023492658510804176, 0.023712312802672386, 0.022666141390800476, -0.007295345887541771, 0.035399340093135834, -0.08911579102277756, 0.0453953742980957, 0.02335076406598091, -0.02752424031496048, -0.01789228618144989, 0.024851670488715172, -0.02419472672045231, -0.054828815162181854, -0.01636836677789688, 0.01036208774894476, -0.0014685440110042691, -0.038554877042770386, 0.049726080149412155, 0.002274643862619996, -0.039306290447711945, -0.05369162932038307, -0.004678077530115843, -0.01743200793862343, -0.012863591313362122, -0.0008493677596561611, 0.038905397057533264, 0.01447590347379446, 0.05796065554022789, 0.009602958336472511, 0.08212300390005112, 0.06094486266374588, 0.006495919544249773, 0.03332805633544922, -0.0024248596746474504, 0.06129653379321098, 0.05328750982880592, 0.018695902079343796, -0.012770196422934532, 0.05315910652279854, -0.029877441003918648, -0.008290686644613743, 0.0014477799413725734, -0.032738566398620605, 0.00032243726309388876, 0.02831966057419777, 0.000424159225076437, 0.06405080854892731, 0.036899175494909286, 0.06225857883691788, -0.04164367914199829, 0.013872315175831318, 0.044015686959028244, -0.001928619691170752, 0.05006835609674454, 0.038184236735105515, 0.002343106549233198, -0.04913237318396568, 0.05082404613494873, -0.040937501937150955, 0.009437141939997673, 0.0344109870493412, -0.0014782266225665808, -0.004608988296240568, -0.044869471341371536, 0.018910687416791916, -0.023473326116800308, -0.024128757417201996, 0.08615070581436157, -0.02130015194416046, -0.005027022212743759, 0.004165132530033588, 0.015467607416212559, 0.03389166668057442, -0.005994472652673721, 0.0207686610519886, 0.0058451490476727486, 0.0009755162755027413, -0.025363881140947342, -0.03578717261552811, 0.03005559928715229, -0.012400014325976372, 0.003662003669887781, -0.028379276394844055, -0.015026320703327656, 0.05353585258126259, 0.05581782013177872, -0.05074015259742737, -0.008370072580873966, -0.060140181332826614, -0.009521028026938438, -0.03550707921385765, 0.024510521441698074, 0.014024768024682999, -0.04057493060827255, -0.05275101214647293, -0.016703300178050995, -0.03183574974536896, -0.01849592849612236, 0.028336061164736748, -0.038199055939912796, 0.022491296753287315, 0.03827400133013725, 0.057249974459409714, 0.030237257480621338, 0.022343028336763382, 0.05987890809774399, -0.02438698150217533, -0.030192775651812553, -0.03585255518555641, -0.03873816132545471, 0.04834546521306038, -0.003403247334063053, 0.02675483003258705, -0.10827069729566574, 0.004548578057438135, -0.023124713450670242, -0.005840762984007597, -0.06949044018983841, 0.03761747479438782, -0.02946615405380726, -0.03582869842648506, 0.0424807146191597, -0.0012038946151733398, -0.0009009778150357306, -0.025470636785030365, -0.019196996465325356, 0.02412249706685543, -0.034359898418188095, 0.02603314444422722, -0.03828548640012741, 0.01946343667805195, 0.0034545797389000654, -0.006656413432210684, -0.036068957298994064, 0.04949595034122467, 0.06278201937675476, -0.025896579027175903, -0.0633549764752388, -0.00234123133122921, -0.009144620038568974, -0.06129998713731766, -0.045426368713378906, 0.003673550672829151, -0.054331157356500626, -0.0618482306599617, 0.018093647435307503, -0.010458528064191341, -0.02487037517130375, -0.03174370527267456, 0.012027503922581673, 0.0425519235432148, -0.045282408595085144, -0.03542537987232208, -0.03807247057557106, 0.02103806473314762, 0.04898606240749359, 0.015022529289126396, 0.027141958475112915, -0.04264168441295624, 0.035311006009578705, -0.051380276679992676, 0.04176958650350571, 0.013235893100500107, -0.011235127225518227, 0.00867242831736803 ]
OPINION OP THE COURT. EOBEETS, C. J. Section 4-123, C. L.- -1897, provides for the steps to be taken -by an applicant to secure a retail liquor license; whore tire license is to be used outside the limits of an incorporated town or city. . Section 4124, C. L. 1897, reads as follows: “See. 4124. Dpon every license granted under the provisions -of this act for the retail sale of malt, vinous and spirituous liquors there shall be collected before such license is issued, a tax as follows, viz.: For such license to do business in a precinct, village or town without the limits of any village, town or city having not more than five hundred inhabitants, and in such towh or city having not more than five hundred inhabitants, one hundred dollars; in a precinct, village, town or city of not less than five hundred and not more than one thousand inhabitants, two hundred dollars; in a precinct, village, town or city having more than one 'thous? and inhabitants, four hundred dollars.” 5 In 1905, this section was amended by. section 1, c. 115, Lv. 1905/by adding to it the following proviso: “Sec. 1..: -That section 4124 of the Compiled Laws of the territory of New Mexico of 1897, is hereby .-amended: by adding thereto the following :■. -‘Provided, that no license shall be granted for the sale - of malt, vinous or spirituous liquors at any-pMce in- any county of this territory, except within the limits of -a city, town or village containing at least one-.hundred inhabitants; and any officer authorizing or issuing a license contrary to, this-provision shall be deemed guilty of av misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall.be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dol.Jars.” .- The -controverted proposition in this case turns upon the question as ’ to whether or not the building wherein liquor was to-be'-sold at retail, under the license sought, was '-within the -limits of the village of Allison. The, word “village”" is, defined in Bouvier’s Law Dictionary tornean: “Any small assemblage of houses for dwellings or business, or both, in the country, whether they are situated upon regularly laid out streets and alleys or not.” In a case note to the case of People v. McCune, 35 L. B,.:A. 396, will be found a collection of cases from the various states, wherein- the courts have defined the term, and an examination of these cases wall disclose that the meaning of the word is by no means fixed and unvarying. The .editor of-the case note says: “Questions as to its meaning most often arise in respect to the construction of statutes, and in such cases will, of course, depend upon the context as showing the' intent of the Legislature.” - Prior, to the Act of 1905, liquor licenses, for the sale of liquor-at any place, whether within or without the limits oL cities, towns, and villages, could be legally issued by boards of .county commissioners. The rule announced in Kent’s Commentaries, § 462, for the interpretation of statutes, and generally, followed by the courts, is as follows: “When the words are not explicit, the intention is to be collected from the context, from the occasion and necessity of the law, from the mischief felt, and the objects and remedy in.view; and the intention is to be taken or presumed, according to what is consonant to reason and good discretion.” In view of the statute law, under which a license could be obtained for the sale of intoxicating liquor at any place within the territory, however remote the building in which it was proposed to carry on business under the license might be from other habitations, prior to the enactment of the proviso of 1905, it was the evident intention of the Legislature to restrict the issuance of such licenses to the more populous sections of the country. It is properly inferable, we believe, that the chief object which the Legislature had in view was the restriction of the place of sale of intoxicating liquors to such buildings as were located in close proximity to other inhabited buildings, so that opportunities for the commission of crimes, the perpetration of which, as is well known and recognized, in many instances, is incited by strong drink, would be thereby lessened. Experience has demonstrated that it is unwise to permit the sale of intoxicating liquor in buildings far removed from other habitations, for here there is absolutely no restraint, and, when reason is dethroned by drink, or where unscrupulous and criminal minds so elect, the laws of society are held for naught and indescribable orgies enacted, men robbed and even murdered, with but slight fear of apprehension and subsequent punishment. The above being true, this court would not be justified in placing such a construction upon the meaning of the term “village” as would impair the legislative intent. In this case the stipulated facts show that the building in which appellant proposed to carry on the liquor business is distant more than 1,836 feet from the nearest house in the village of Diamond; that it is located upon a tract of land embracing 160 acres patented as a homestead; that the village of Diamond is unorganized, and consists, of .more than 50 buildings used for residential purposes, together with a store building and a schoolhouse; that' the buildings are arranged along regular streets and are situated from 60 to 120 feet apart; that the buildings above named were all constructed by the Diamond Coal Company, on its own land, for the use of its employés; that there are no houses beyond appellant’s said house for some distance, in that direction; and that the country round about the main group of buildings within the village is very sparsely settled. Appellant 'argues that, because the Legislature, in 1912, provided -(chapter 27, Sess. Laws 1912) "that the territory embraced in the proposed incorporated village shall not be less than one mile square nor more than three miles square, nor shall any such village be incorporated unless the' same shall contain at least one hundred and fifty people,” that the Legislature has construed the extent of the limits of a village, and that we should give to the term "village” used in the prior act the same construction as to boundaries; that is to say, that we should hold that an unorganized village embraces territory at least one mile square and not more than three miles square. Yery little consideration, however, will dispose of this contention. Suppose we should say that it embraces a scope of country at least one mile square, what point shall' we select as- the center of the square? Shall it be the store, the post office, the schoolhouse, or some other arbitrary monument? It is clear that the statute referred to affords no assistance in the interpretation of the Act of 1905, here under consideration. Appellant also quotes extensively from the case of People v. McCune, 14 Utah, 156, 46 Pac. 659, 35 L. R. A. 396, in support of his contention that his building in question was within the limits of the village of Allison. That case «rose under a statute making it an offense for any person to establish and maintain any corral, camp, or bedding-place for the purpose of herding, holding or keeping any cattle, horses, or sheep within seven miles of any city, town, •or village, where the refuse or filth froln said corral, camp, ■or bedding -plage would naturally find its way into any .-stream of water used by the inhabitants of any ¡city, town, ■or village for domestic purposes. ' It appeared from the ■evidence in the ease that Plateau was a settlement, con •sisting of 14 families and a population of about 70 persons, and that they resided along Otter creek for a distance •of about 2ys miles, some of the residences being 40 rods from each other and some being a distance of 1 mile or more, and that their occupation was farming. -The Utah •court said: , . j ■ “From an examination of the act, which is amended by, the section above .quoted, it seems clear that by the use of. the word Milage’ ■ the intent of the Legislature was to include such settlements as the one in question, and there appears to be no reason why the .people of such a settlement, who are using the water of a stream for domestic purposes* should not have extended to them the protection which the law affords.” From the above it will.be seen that the court simply held that this settlement came within the purview of the ■act, because it was manifestly the intention of the Legislature to protect the water supply of such a settlement. 'This case is only authority for the proposition that it is 'the duty of the court to ascertain the legislative • intent, ■and give it effect, if it can be legally done. , Following the rule, we are compelled to conclude .that by the use of the said term “village,” in the Act of 1905, •the Legislature intended to prohibit the licensing of the ■sale of intoxicating liquor in buildings not , within the assemblage of houses used for business and residential purposes, reasonably contiguous to each other; that- an isolated building more than 1,836 feet from any other building within such village is not “within the limits” of the village, within the meaning of said act. ■ Another reason might be advanced, were it necessary, in support of our conclusion, viz.,-the building owned by appellant is located, or was intended to be located, upon his patented homestead claim.’ The residents of the vil lage, as stated, are all employed by the Diamond Coal Company, and are engaged in and about the mining of" coal. The village was established and founded for coal mining purposes. All its residents have a common interest, while appellant, on the other hand, resides upon his patented claim, with divergent interests. He is not a coal miner, has no interest in common with the inhabitants of the village, is engaged in a different pursuit, and has no interest in the affairs of the village, further than to secure his mail, vote therein, and possibly trade at the store. If we were to include as residents of villages all those like circumstanced in those respects, there would be-absolutely no limit upon the right to issue licenses for the-sale of intoxicating liquor. For the reasons stated, the judgment of the District Court dismissing the petition will be sustained, and it is so ordered. Hanna and Parker, JJ., concur.
[ -0.009493399411439896, 0.01965440809726715, -0.011300679296255112, 0.0036757877096533775, 0.020490607246756554, 0.017694346606731415, 0.057968880981206894, 0.04567970335483551, 0.024510042741894722, -0.012459073215723038, -0.011602286249399185, 0.042693983763456345, -0.09073077887296677, 0.02986639365553856, 0.011498390696942806, 0.0676339715719223, 0.08131058514118195, 0.031718842685222626, 0.01860523596405983, -0.029107272624969482, 0.02856471762061119, 0.008043070323765278, 0.009448741562664509, 0.053116802126169205, -0.005799754057079554, 0.03875437751412392, 0.016563229262828827, 0.03578773885965347, -0.08496527373790741, 0.008166111074388027, 0.023928003385663033, -0.002516605192795396, -0.0032842194195836782, -0.010836341418325901, -0.028071146458387375, 0.006607298273593187, 0.005472204647958279, -0.02621583640575409, 0.0072191497310996056, 0.013545905239880085, -0.046019937843084335, -0.0022142089437693357, 0.0009275078191421926, -0.0235748253762722, -0.04070236161351204, 0.02187236025929451, 0.007614584639668465, 0.03105131909251213, -0.027369104325771332, -0.02333216182887554, -0.07427950203418732, 0.0183073990046978, -0.0447811484336853, 0.08369354903697968, -0.0008301566122099757, 0.0193154439330101, -0.057315219193696976, -0.04583461955189705, 0.02223408780992031, -0.03727381303906441, 0.0655616819858551, -0.020626086741685867, 0.07822342216968536, -0.012261844240128994, -0.005943891126662493, 0.010663515888154507, -0.018491510301828384, 0.025711670517921448, -0.06577439606189728, -0.03504807874560356, -0.011635025963187218, 0.020973647013306618, -0.011694164015352726, -0.04568280279636383, -0.023236539214849472, -0.04516192898154259, -0.034858644008636475, 0.008476952090859413, 0.0008226513746194541, 0.033090826123952866, 0.01088570337742567, -0.015419740229845047, 0.00671329814940691, 0.0504000298678875, -0.011681998148560524, -0.06773659586906433, -0.022279243916273117, -0.02065953239798546, -0.044593073427677155, 0.04297461360692978, -0.04400189593434334, -0.011738195084035397, 0.04692944511771202, 0.010983089916408062, -0.04485321789979935, -0.042761173099279404, 0.026053402572870255, 0.004469343926757574, 0.0421619676053524, -0.0007081633084453642, 0.009973026812076569, -0.033440180122852325, 0.03114408254623413, 0.05591566860675812, -0.10010689496994019, 0.03581556677818298, 0.044233545660972595, -0.011487646028399467, 0.016210580244660378, -0.047754086554050446, -0.027202481403946877, 0.031421687453985214, -0.02035621926188469, 0.01828153058886528, -0.04629264771938324, 0.037355028092861176, 0.04090212285518646, -0.019804464653134346, 0.016902988776564598, -0.039255570620298386, 0.03523818030953407, -0.032947052270174026, 0.03176466003060341, 0.0701231136918068, 0.01083811093121767, 0.0003872294910252094, -0.021941276267170906, 0.035945646464824677, -0.007857966236770153, -0.04957474395632744, 0.005987114738672972, 0.03294298052787781, 0.007790752220898867, 0.03227046877145767, -0.0050810882821679115, -0.036693867295980453, -0.004671894013881683, -0.04670727252960205, 0.058897729963064194, -0.07230261713266373, -0.0312763974070549, -0.003417171537876129, -0.019678879529237747, -0.015609930269420147, 0.06374683976173401, -0.018875328823924065, -0.009614355862140656, -0.07848524302244186, -0.04453064128756523, 0.006656296085566282, 0.07471909373998642, 0.051050834357738495, 0.011969437822699547, -0.04021475464105606, 0.05487033352255821, 0.024241743609309196, 0.013643231242895126, 0.025034137070178986, -0.04274732246994972, 0.05297364667057991, 0.022893235087394714, 0.04289467632770538, 0.012129356153309345, -0.00823950208723545, 0.00048656214494258165, -0.03344760835170746, -0.00025064649526029825, 0.007730759214609861, -0.03217550367116928, 0.027892393991351128, -0.041784629225730896, -0.0027717354241758585, 0.018717441707849503, -0.055415358394384384, -0.008126910775899887, 0.043440837413072586, 0.08937064558267593, 0.02539706416428089, -0.0055182818323373795, -0.010295974090695381, -0.08370540291070938, 0.08905531466007233, 0.048849351704120636, -0.008041197434067726, -0.04733777791261673, -0.029749196022748947, 0.06648308783769608, -0.004639103077352047, 0.04383420571684837, -0.008800813928246498, -0.02767588011920452, -0.028801502659916878, -0.009234590455889702, -0.028974851593375206, 0.05763822793960571, 0.003073953092098236, -0.059989169239997864, 0.026178641244769096, 0.02178218774497509, 0.034433454275131226, -0.05120890215039253, -0.014429304748773575, 0.08612945675849915, -0.07382408529520035, -0.07154390960931778, 0.029485028237104416, 0.030132951214909554, -0.015277709811925888, -0.007438499014824629, 0.05679702013731003, -0.029689081013202667, -0.04312364384531975, 0.004229098092764616, -0.035818930715322495, 0.020692793652415276, 0.009100038558244705, 0.04681586101651192, 0.0004248695622663945, 0.08817862719297409, -0.03601198270916939, 0.02851823903620243, 0.007524894084781408, -0.01689336635172367, 0.03500702232122421, -0.05832468718290329, 0.0767136737704277, 0.024139266461133957, -0.02869531325995922, -0.0025624821428209543, 0.020941216498613358, -0.005241289269179106, -0.036683693528175354, 0.047306399792432785, -0.02520989067852497, 0.04496672376990318, -0.014551823027431965, 0.005321655888110399, -0.000007029352218523854, 0.0141022689640522, -0.052416957914829254, -0.0020446216221898794, 0.06008592247962952, -0.012553664855659008, 0.03426758199930191, 0.016611386090517044, -0.025507407262921333, -0.011345764622092247, -0.005946526303887367, 0.004627416376024485, -0.02532113902270794, -0.009020284749567509, -0.008731933310627937, 0.018671119585633278, 0.0008224544581025839, -0.000881725165527314, -0.05047463998198509, -0.005979291629046202, 0.04032651335000992, 0.06123300641775131, 0.018415873870253563, 0.0010598552180454135, 0.01390689704567194, -0.018611649051308632, 0.01845766231417656, -0.02550627663731575, -0.01911133900284767, -0.012856741435825825, 0.0431426577270031, -0.03455575183033943, 0.022597771137952805, 0.045549094676971436, 0.016552167013287544, -0.007232207804918289, -0.0005098158726468682, 0.040857039391994476, 0.07004108279943466, 0.04799170792102814, 0.023991281166672707, -0.03555687144398689, -0.016717519611120224, -0.006376858800649643, 0.03518739342689514, -0.0260009728372097, -0.046806611120700836, -0.0052381944842636585, -0.030799025669693947, 0.0006472002132795751, 0.008944535627961159, -0.06173377484083176, -0.014129925519227982, 0.03212476894259453, 0.04211723431944847, 0.014431691728532314, 0.012297196313738823, -0.024076610803604126, 0.02235379070043564, 0.0013849962269887328, 0.023944217711687088, 0.03329721838235855, -0.005372564774006605, -0.00396692706272006, 0.02481885440647602, -0.008069759234786034, 0.00468495674431324, 0.019829872995615005, 0.04231246933341026, -0.02849152870476246, 0.03217359632253647, -0.28722384572029114, 0.037972427904605865, -0.06557326763868332, -0.03681595250964165, 0.03533066064119339, -0.017786961048841476, 0.026329057291150093, -0.0038256675470620394, -0.02285609394311905, 0.04934244602918625, -0.018442802131175995, -0.04140867292881012, -0.002179460134357214, 0.03360813111066818, 0.04454103857278824, -0.03054783120751381, 0.030494481325149536, -0.032669294625520706, -0.02493291348218918, 0.007952967658638954, 0.03572060540318489, -0.05204818397760391, -0.02896960824728012, -0.012770574539899826, 0.041698843240737915, 0.05110158398747444, -0.01966375857591629, 0.007351125590503216, -0.049076128751039505, -0.016283009201288223, -0.016470516100525856, -0.01815645396709442, -0.006471483036875725, 0.024515680968761444, 0.0005436941864900291, -0.00403252150863409, -0.018713029101490974, 0.005200949497520924, 0.012612797319889069, -0.057546671479940414, -0.025137998163700104, -0.02520771510899067, -0.007664283737540245, 0.045711249113082886, 0.07658597826957703, -0.0281541645526886, -0.06417333334684372, 0.028943726792931557, -0.00043014076072722673, 0.034349676221609116, 0.0008493865025229752, -0.02858433499932289, -0.03997987136244774, 0.01616840250790119, -0.013250214047729969, -0.007967068813741207, -0.025123121216893196, 0.030786827206611633, -0.03102984093129635, 0.041732002049684525, 0.029159585013985634, -0.03429821506142616, -0.060201700776815414, -0.0023170083295553923, -0.04103418067097664, -0.053201984614133835, -0.038149990141391754, -0.021840019151568413, 0.02517850324511528, 0.049396246671676636, 0.002392068039625883, 0.024755273014307022, -0.04307815060019493, -0.06379952281713486, 0.024207215756177902, -0.0363653302192688, -0.027460508048534393, -0.07140663266181946, -0.03045390360057354, 0.042897384613752365, 0.044410690665245056, 0.001728867762722075, 0.043069399893283844, 0.015111173503100872, 0.0032420943025499582, -0.013141559436917305, 0.019107775762677193, 0.04891187325119972, -0.05858365446329117, -0.04593069106340408, 0.029820943251252174, 0.017253611236810684, -0.03925827890634537, 0.003627452999353409, 0.010365871712565422, 0.00578171806409955, -0.0033723791129887104, -0.05618495121598244, -0.0410589836537838, 0.05081711709499359, 0.0483667217195034, -0.0539432130753994, 0.022648360580205917, -0.040378496050834656, 0.007697281427681446, 0.0047654504887759686, -0.06172288581728935, 0.009306946769356728, 0.03028675727546215, -0.023609260097146034, 0.032262180000543594, 0.05034692585468292, 0.025911197066307068, -0.01827484928071499, -0.033081211149692535, -0.037526123225688934, 0.04533596709370613, -0.02538343146443367, 0.031851042062044144, 0.008141121827065945, 0.030145632103085518, 0.05933251976966858, -0.036554135382175446, -0.016005396842956543, -0.07152965664863586, -0.01595248468220234, 0.03303656727075577, -0.01066708192229271, -0.019659310579299927, 0.01744248904287815, -0.015476603992283344, -0.027818942442536354, 0.016564223915338516, -0.043529897928237915, 0.008781400509178638, 0.010192714631557465, -0.01004701852798462, -0.0361974760890007, 0.008274148218333721, 0.021067390218377113, 0.045380935072898865, -0.03225632756948471, 0.07008951157331467, 0.04044562205672264, 0.031728796660900116, 0.008572752587497234, 0.02192760445177555, -0.033837102353572845, -0.031238552182912827, 0.04219185560941696, -0.020952120423316956, -0.02568289265036583, 0.0017835607286542654, -0.023753266781568527, -0.008968288078904152, -0.053936585783958435, 0.040245212614536285, 0.026313893496990204, 0.04357345402240753, -0.050681643187999725, -0.0025171921588480473, -0.06288011372089386, 0.0017968316096812487, -0.013489414937794209, -0.00853992160409689, 0.06439604610204697, -0.0016115003963932395, 0.029109623283147812, -0.032737091183662415, 0.06462111324071884, -0.037732284516096115, -0.020947307348251343, -0.04915628954768181, -0.003674711799249053, 0.000215636842767708, 0.006718120537698269, -0.0392705500125885, 0.005650394596159458, 0.030410045757889748, 0.030856989324092865, 0.010685807093977928, -0.0045537883415818214, -0.03518492728471756, -0.014426831156015396, 0.053895771503448486, -0.0606856532394886, -0.03459031879901886, -0.038248803466558456, 0.005444694776087999, 0.014612804166972637, -0.02023845911026001, 0.022030126303434372, -0.00617819931358099, 0.04795589670538902, -0.0712493285536766, -0.046008337289094925, -0.01003257930278778, 0.04043315351009369, 0.021309155970811844, 0.03233226761221886, -0.006199311465024948, -0.02134927175939083, -0.03657156601548195, 0.003210320370271802, 0.043474890291690826, -0.03533930703997612, 0.010976596735417843, -0.001831433386541903, -0.02513761818408966, 0.020706433802843094, -0.019564714282751083, -0.02242128923535347, 0.006355917546898127, 0.008312880992889404, 0.0034376622643321753, -0.053220998495817184, 0.014686900191009045, 0.000581467233132571, -0.033933915197849274, -0.00490117771551013, 0.03545168414711952, -0.054511792957782745, -0.040893323719501495, 0.005031798034906387, -0.017830926924943924, 0.08274810761213303, -0.024357981979846954, -0.018730510026216507, 0.031288016587495804, -0.008004266768693924, 0.015655165538191795, -0.05184389278292656, -0.0025062800850719213, 0.02945309691131115, -0.01322646252810955, 0.0070558832958340645, -0.012622482143342495, 0.0025593724567443132, -0.03177458792924881, 0.051546208560466766, 0.002721871715039015, 0.05496995151042938, -0.00042534881504252553, -0.03401301056146622, 0.0036573794204741716, -0.013719352893531322, 0.013214520178735256, -0.012515928596258163, -0.005756786558777094, 0.01756797358393669, -0.020186027511954308, -0.012703540734946728, -0.0150767732411623, -0.012286816723644733, 0.0404057577252388, -0.0021238657645881176, -0.022236084565520287, 0.0529656708240509, 0.01356820110231638, 0.11174982786178589, -0.008679370395839214, 0.010861631482839584, -0.008657783269882202, 0.022854676470160484, 0.02238752692937851, 0.03714358061552048, 0.0076188379898667336, -0.03374563157558441, 0.03579246625304222, -0.04170414060354233, -0.03004818968474865, -0.09180773049592972, 0.0003294154885224998, -0.013692965731024742, 0.06173336133360863, -0.029606761410832405, 0.01221239659935236, -0.05623592063784599, 0.021827638149261475, -0.061357155442237854, -0.029862454161047935, -0.0022889627143740654, -0.024271350353956223, -0.0031253297347575426, 0.03112398087978363, -0.0027943765744566917, 0.0034139109775424004, 0.024793291464447975, -0.08151042461395264, -0.0432758592069149, -0.009255390614271164, 0.02494039013981819, 0.02285483106970787, 0.046428125351667404, -0.02559354342520237, 0.00514019513502717, 0.07172635942697525, 0.02411298081278801, 0.011088111437857151, 0.052756503224372864, -0.03480814769864082, 0.04315991699695587, 0.04890257492661476, -0.023317616432905197, -0.0007186736329458654, 0.01923399604856968, 0.013629882596433163, -0.06060950458049774, 0.041714902967214584, 0.011206136085093021, 0.02204609476029873, -0.07330725342035294, 0.05606428161263466, 0.006091671995818615, -0.04798610880970955, -0.010942861437797546, 0.031871434301137924, -0.008109352551400661, -0.052324701100587845, -0.000050831426051445305, 0.017721524462103844, 0.016391348093748093, 0.04252741113305092, 0.035179056227207184, 0.09451187402009964, 0.029093662276864052, -0.0025611850433051586, 0.020982490852475166, 0.015689833089709282, 0.029639780521392822, 0.04387056455016136, -0.03265392780303955, -0.018927836790680885, 0.03869649022817612, -0.03336874023079872, -0.02684698812663555, 0.00257293158210814, -0.03250456601381302, 0.0016737213591113687, -0.018353890627622604, -0.015838369727134705, -0.005653176456689835, -0.03468897566199303, 0.04411480948328972, 0.04713275283575058, 0.011262532323598862, 0.01942787505686283, -0.022581763565540314, 0.030529718846082687, 0.03788663446903229, -0.022667789831757545, -0.018413998186588287, -0.003664590884000063, -0.002414093818515539, 0.0319388248026371, -0.01403684914112091, -0.012390556745231152, 0.0058094896376132965, -0.04794228821992874, -0.010733435861766338, 0.006322362460196018, 0.033171396702528, 0.07389038056135178, -0.03645894303917885, -0.01467643678188324, -0.006416991353034973, -0.007403806783258915, 0.017459524795413017, -0.028118476271629333, -0.01704246737062931, -0.015038235113024712, -0.03127586841583252, -0.012088474817574024, -0.008851500228047371, 0.023243634030222893, 0.015843886882066727, 0.044028691947460175, -0.021584561094641685, -0.017289934679865837, 0.016349393874406815, -0.0011658469447866082, -0.024876609444618225, -0.018544603139162064, -0.03913107141852379, -0.04025943949818611, -0.06325632333755493, 0.02399662509560585, -0.03401918336749077, -0.0267579834908247, -0.05995868518948555, -0.030141565948724747, 0.021156474947929382, 0.004087559878826141, 0.009110696613788605, -0.038917265832424164, 0.018257100135087967, 0.02402067370712757, 0.03382251784205437, 0.04602953791618347, 0.007651565596461296, 0.06865730881690979, 0.010966858826577663, -0.05520789697766304, -0.007496926002204418, -0.01698760874569416, 0.05033573508262634, -0.025310968980193138, 0.04305770993232727, -0.06495264172554016, 0.032501302659511566, -0.01339297741651535, 0.025252513587474823, -0.07425538450479507, 0.0365932397544384, -0.024273958057165146, -0.029247235506772995, 0.03720648214221001, 0.013869187794625759, -0.015312612056732178, -0.014054731465876102, -0.023018037900328636, 0.024781297892332077, -0.01198448333889246, 0.011116664856672287, -0.04863210767507553, 0.03990478068590164, 0.018133075907826424, -0.053017742931842804, -0.012279989197850227, 0.03950301185250282, 0.055847473442554474, -0.006982511840760708, -0.05886491388082504, 0.01669413037598133, 0.02177472785115242, -0.05291052907705307, -0.00602851714938879, -0.006975559052079916, -0.037454020231962204, -0.06819175183773041, -0.01891055703163147, 0.005925607401877642, -0.048190079629421234, 0.005979977082461119, 0.0044159372337162495, 0.03484010696411133, -0.03299693018198013, 0.0003391711798030883, 0.013450490310788155, 0.04120960831642151, 0.0011264490894973278, -0.03338516876101494, -0.00999356061220169, -0.06680762767791748, 0.03153054416179657, -0.0663880780339241, 0.007318972609937191, -0.025404542684555054, -0.005499595310539007, 0.0032088037114590406 ]
OPINION OF THE COURT. HANNA, J. (after' stating the facts as above.) — The first assignment of error is that the complaint does not state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action. Appellant, in support of this assignment of error, makes fhree contentions, the first being that the complaint did not proceed upon a definite and distinct theory, citing Gallegos v. Sandoval, 15 N. M. 216, 106 Pac. 373. The action, it is pointed out, is predicated upon the indemnity bond given by Hattie Mills as principal, and the appellant as suret}r, which is conditioned that said obligation shall save harmless the said C. H. Hannum, the sheriff making the levy, from all damages, costs, and expenses which he might incur by reason of levying the writ of attachment upon the property described in the bond, or by holding the same by virtue of said writ of attachment, appellant’s contention being that appellee has mistaken her remedy in not electing to sue in trespass, rather than upon the indemnity bond set out in her complaint, and that she is precluded from suing upon the indemnity bond because there is no privity of contract between her and the surety company furnishing the indemnity bond, which contention is set out as the second ground of attack under this assignment. It is also further urged by appellant that the indemnity bond was given for the benefit of the sheriff only, who alone can sue thereupon, which is but another way of stating that there is no privity of contract between the surety company and the appellee. These several grounds of objection, which can be considered together, will dispose of this ease, unless a right of action is given by our statute providing that: “Any person interested in any bond by virtue of the attachment and replevin laws, may maintain suit thereon without any assignment by the officer to whom the same is given.” Subsection 222, § 2685, C. L. 1897, as amended by section 1, c. 107, Laws 1907. In this connection it is seriously contended by appellant that this statute can only be held to apply to attachment or replevin bonds, and cannot be considered as having anything to do with or any application to an indemnity bond, such as the one here sued upon. With this contention we agree. It is to be conceded that our statute does not confer upon a sheriff the right to demand an indemnity bond. But it has been held that a sheriff is entitled to require indemnity where he has reason to believe that there is doubt as to the title of property, which he is requested to seize under an attachment, or that a controversy may arise in relation to such property. Smith v. Cicotte, 11 Mich. 383; Waples on Attachment, 148; Drake on Attachment, § 189. This is said by an eminent court to be the rule, even where there is no express statutory authority therefor, the common law giving the right to require the indemnity. Chamberlain v. Beller, 18 N. Y. 118. See, also, Porter v. Stapp, 6 Colo. 32; Mihalobitch v. Barlass, 36 Neb. 491, 54 N. W. 826; Shriver v. Harbaugh, 37 Pa. 399. The indemnity bond, however, even under this view of the matter, does not arise or have existence by virtue of the attachment statute, and the right of action cannot, therefore, exist by virtue of the act of 1907, referred to. Our conclusion in this respect necessitates a reversal of the judgment of the trial court in this cause; and it is so ordered. Roberts, C. J., and Parker, J., concur.
[ -0.03044712543487549, -0.02188691683113575, -0.01387803815305233, 0.024268709123134613, 0.03397798538208008, 0.012632068246603012, 0.05834926664829254, -0.012408814392983913, -0.0014539607800543308, -0.031567223370075226, 0.011622864753007889, 0.03557135909795761, -0.05702687054872513, 0.022609984502196312, -0.045284371823072433, 0.08068988472223282, 0.06192857027053833, 0.026286806911230087, 0.0005324045778252184, -0.009672312997281551, -0.024168508127331734, 0.0008995628450065851, 0.013266470283269882, 0.03425543010234833, 0.03767279163002968, 0.022427460178732872, 0.020802032202482224, 0.00733492337167263, -0.07685793936252594, 0.012313625775277615, 0.06134774535894394, 0.019026760011911392, -0.03299330919981003, 0.010077194310724735, -0.03074018470942974, 0.01809375174343586, 0.0032398623879998922, -0.020905649289488792, -0.022624287754297256, 0.014899014495313168, -0.027059614658355713, 0.0329841785132885, -0.03478657826781273, -0.01601969078183174, -0.05533123388886452, -0.007427511271089315, -0.016067201271653175, 0.014712867327034473, -0.007909862324595451, -0.0024001593701541424, -0.09335893392562866, 0.012276004068553448, -0.03835252299904823, 0.022901233285665512, -0.021081184968352318, 0.04394502565264702, -0.05872631072998047, -0.05987035855650902, 0.013579004444181919, -0.047094833105802536, 0.022963110357522964, -0.0008029536693356931, 0.08503170311450958, -0.018605947494506836, 0.034295909106731415, 0.02252361923456192, 0.00481059355661273, 0.036517634987831116, -0.03855445981025696, 0.0010594537016004324, -0.03657083585858345, 0.01320889312773943, 0.028091149404644966, 0.02312985248863697, -0.013998275622725487, -0.022825267165899277, 0.004547614138573408, 0.03203772380948067, 0.01035262830555439, 0.06953581422567368, 0.04128434881567955, 0.03649400547146797, 0.021060166880488396, 0.03792077675461769, 0.009936870075762272, -0.03585909307003021, -0.009295611642301083, -0.008243752643465996, -0.031410977244377136, 0.06365052610635757, 0.012635085731744766, -0.026785913854837418, 0.01819237507879734, 0.05646919459104538, -0.006762061733752489, -0.04008490964770317, 0.08850099891424179, -0.005397365428507328, 0.021879421547055244, 0.0077567510306835175, -0.053113654255867004, -0.022440915927290916, 0.015689317137002945, 0.0687682256102562, -0.05596043914556503, -0.0011301265330985188, 0.013130669482052326, 0.0024064246099442244, -0.012048907577991486, 0.000360688689397648, 0.008571102283895016, 0.02684093452990055, -0.0036003109999001026, -0.04984544962644577, -0.07329487800598145, 0.04179375618696213, 0.030839335173368454, -0.008522032760083675, -0.012394915334880352, -0.013493292964994907, 0.03768498823046684, -0.004369143396615982, 0.0030907788313925266, 0.07136110961437225, 0.03665825352072716, 0.03324030339717865, -0.023396998643875122, 0.036230213940143585, -0.06066108122467995, -0.04725837707519531, 0.001488594221882522, 0.04407773166894913, -0.027198944240808487, 0.00792484637349844, -0.015565786510705948, 0.004485845100134611, -0.014532982371747494, -0.020529823377728462, 0.014483083039522171, -0.03538336604833603, -0.03822197765111923, -0.019592013210058212, -0.0006361986161209643, 0.011405033990740776, 0.051025111228227615, -0.02419009804725647, 0.02910861372947693, -0.004926061257719994, -0.07495908439159393, -0.006386278197169304, 0.006010035052895546, 0.04449494555592537, -0.006083929445594549, 0.0067297713831067085, 0.0019491040147840977, 0.058916863054037094, 0.060932766646146774, 0.01332072913646698, -0.03947274386882782, 0.062303975224494934, 0.015144920907914639, 0.025960581377148628, 0.0396142452955246, 0.0195042435079813, -0.004167592152953148, 0.01104763988405466, 0.004173870664089918, 0.023898068815469742, -0.020224235951900482, 0.011818147264420986, -0.04086023569107056, -0.020370643585920334, 0.052735473960638046, -0.06654941290616989, -0.008448871783912182, 0.0617513507604599, 0.031039033085107803, -0.005725113674998283, 0.03080545738339424, -0.02859354019165039, -0.06377451866865158, 0.04407048225402832, 0.0026460664812475443, 0.010589733719825745, -0.020342113450169563, -0.021662719547748566, 0.04622182622551918, -0.021545756608247757, 0.007081862539052963, -0.03695064038038254, -0.06787043064832687, -0.0421268604695797, 0.0049057272262871265, -0.04404088854789734, 0.05218100547790527, 0.005899194162338972, -0.04463544487953186, 0.024704189971089363, -0.013313239440321922, 0.038874030113220215, 0.0005164367030374706, 0.024430859833955765, 0.0435682013630867, -0.05199022591114044, -0.038959916681051254, 0.05931440368294716, 0.03201504796743393, 0.029579786583781242, -0.011112445034086704, 0.05741890147328377, -0.011361788958311081, 0.013388354331254959, 0.055427681654691696, -0.043733861297369, 0.028030911460518837, -0.0229667779058218, 0.07354816794395447, -0.03534423187375069, 0.0475698858499527, -0.04943621903657913, 0.006013117730617523, 0.004202368203550577, -0.03347678482532501, 0.041932132095098495, -0.03294346109032631, 0.05384056270122528, 0.04730679467320442, -0.013904137536883354, -0.04608934745192528, 0.0026294721756130457, -0.00868113525211811, -0.017622897401452065, -0.008308681659400463, -0.01593194156885147, 0.019112665206193924, -0.034004878252744675, -0.0012460905127227306, 0.005965812597423792, 0.03528115898370743, -0.05487508699297905, 0.034295789897441864, 0.07129094749689102, 0.004922143183648586, 0.07635322213172913, -0.053897906094789505, 0.031165998429059982, -0.02550768107175827, -0.02623889222741127, -0.018832053989171982, -0.035448748618364334, -0.018310880288481712, -0.015066917054355145, 0.024332983419299126, -0.012758851982653141, 0.020557820796966553, -0.0626145601272583, -0.049475301057100296, -0.01873215287923813, 0.01980329118669033, 0.022035518661141396, -0.01871616579592228, 0.026880506426095963, 0.023281676694750786, -0.0343053974211216, -0.0016146451234817505, -0.0065790205262601376, -0.022025011479854584, 0.03720145672559738, -0.024300703778862953, 0.029118753969669342, 0.04218341410160065, -0.022983724251389503, 0.003480374813079834, -0.007867682725191116, -0.0044331736862659454, 0.039833441376686096, 0.06246637925505638, -0.015449165366590023, -0.01134802307933569, -0.0073186783120036125, -0.01697402261197567, 0.04578196257352829, -0.04398193582892418, -0.033549755811691284, 0.04067426547408104, -0.06886178255081177, 0.02857370302081108, -0.042531561106443405, -0.04332030564546585, 0.07668367773294449, 0.007518013007938862, 0.011905487626791, -0.0009216482867486775, 0.019847771152853966, 0.024701492860913277, 0.036799825727939606, 0.011341785080730915, 0.03753437474370003, 0.029802238568663597, -0.04400444030761719, -0.006459795869886875, 0.010227379389107227, -0.0402224063873291, 0.0005321898497641087, 0.018430102616548538, 0.004355024080723524, -0.0317176915705204, 0.03746093064546585, -0.275523841381073, 0.017952585592865944, -0.00029086676659062505, -0.013540362939238548, 0.011857230216264725, -0.0031694306526333094, 0.04154687374830246, -0.0030304170213639736, -0.03500862419605255, 0.023194575682282448, -0.006226145662367344, -0.06382698565721512, 0.04265604168176651, 0.013294567354023457, 0.036045581102371216, -0.06200912594795227, 0.00808623991906643, -0.03681667149066925, -0.006093746982514858, 0.012617729604244232, -0.010583855211734772, -0.06503090262413025, -0.055649932473897934, -0.0031132178846746683, 0.03249448537826538, 0.03936121612787247, -0.021980270743370056, -0.01487228088080883, -0.05977587029337883, -0.011162759736180305, -0.038013435900211334, 0.00982645247131586, -0.009149782359600067, -0.039883632212877274, -0.018944263458251953, -0.018945716321468353, 0.026005089282989502, -0.02992795780301094, -0.02759685181081295, -0.010832663625478745, 0.002597931306809187, -0.016553325578570366, 0.01719246618449688, 0.04404670000076294, 0.04739345610141754, -0.02132389321923256, -0.055847786366939545, -0.010605412535369396, -0.008599155582487583, 0.059909410774707794, -0.008519158698618412, 0.04021136462688446, -0.03253675997257233, -0.00022487483511213213, -0.023388901725411415, -0.005831211805343628, -0.05336689203977585, -0.05426068976521492, -0.04811009392142296, 0.03382078558206558, -0.007028586231172085, -0.0689842700958252, -0.06148533523082733, 0.019191132858395576, -0.03708387166261673, -0.05326816439628601, -0.054944392293691635, -0.04734330624341965, 0.07664014399051666, 0.006399701349437237, 0.013921880163252354, 0.059263650327920914, -0.019490288570523262, -0.08172871172428131, -0.026749132201075554, -0.004777608904987574, -0.04463960975408554, -0.03509196266531944, -0.015041605569422245, 0.016403337940573692, -0.011829194612801075, -0.03306755796074867, 0.02874043397605419, 0.020452018827199936, -0.013885757885873318, -0.016965847462415695, 0.00177521794103086, 0.03642734885215759, -0.02718891203403473, 0.01866847276687622, 0.013233351521193981, 0.05384538322687149, -0.04058150574564934, 0.015104236081242561, 0.008506820537149906, 0.009206240996718407, -0.012221770361065865, -0.027025338262319565, 0.0227198526263237, 0.01295448374003172, 0.02457628957927227, -0.06554600596427917, 0.031857915222644806, -0.047227002680301666, -0.02070351503789425, -0.015924029052257538, -0.014713304117321968, 0.012351022101938725, 0.060866933315992355, 0.014354977756738663, 0.02689683809876442, -0.03873346000909805, 0.06681637465953827, -0.0017566268797963858, -0.0015574217541143298, -0.05016433075070381, 0.023910049349069595, 0.01078783068805933, -0.013048072345554829, -0.017948277294635773, 0.011953147128224373, 0.03664478659629822, -0.0655394047498703, -0.020796433091163635, -0.07118082046508789, 0.01834152638912201, 0.023595226928591728, 0.006051278673112392, -0.03330143541097641, 0.04448080435395241, -0.029099075123667717, -0.03396223857998848, -0.011238415725529194, -0.0015754521591588855, 0.011643225327134132, -0.029330946505069733, -0.0029786983504891396, -0.031634725630283356, 0.013555358164012432, -0.00323865027166903, 0.013728168793022633, 0.013627730309963226, 0.00228118896484375, 0.007512896321713924, 0.09742845594882965, -0.007050716783851385, 0.016514591872692108, -0.004519218113273382, -0.025079654529690742, 0.04358557239174843, -0.0040732077322900295, -0.06673287600278854, 0.01603204570710659, -0.03177987039089203, -0.025861117988824844, -0.031321797519922256, 0.03113608807325363, 0.012507354840636253, -0.020994894206523895, -0.01799449510872364, -0.015025055035948753, -0.03629684820771217, -0.009551226161420345, -0.01558108814060688, -0.0006157116149552166, 0.037702418863773346, -0.05152856931090355, 0.01416289247572422, -0.00751070911064744, 0.03677385672926903, -0.002040857682004571, -0.050612617284059525, -0.012290099635720253, -0.0053813280537724495, -0.016009274870157242, 0.07732026278972626, -0.023945361375808716, -0.005760344676673412, 0.030303671956062317, 0.03489898517727852, -0.014340652152895927, -0.042149391025304794, -0.021933631971478462, 0.012762732803821564, 0.06767061352729797, -0.0662405863404274, 0.01093290839344263, -0.041662901639938354, -0.007964937016367912, -0.02230682224035263, -0.02283186838030815, -0.014403697103261948, 0.009014257229864597, 0.046065155416727066, -0.058175090700387955, -0.05972035601735115, 0.0378655306994915, -0.038297154009342194, 0.03979365527629852, 0.03435457497835159, 0.009744543582201004, -0.008165625855326653, -0.045673344284296036, 0.02522713504731655, -0.0017918593948706985, -0.06104573607444763, 0.020703677088022232, 0.010704598389565945, -0.01946089044213295, 0.06044130027294159, -0.07693292200565338, -0.025754297152161598, -0.02551315352320671, 0.01465422660112381, 0.04768483340740204, -0.047169964760541916, 0.015357996337115765, -0.02137422189116478, -0.03596480190753937, -0.011462925001978874, -0.0032336460426449776, -0.03235752508044243, -0.018994668498635292, 0.01147603988647461, -0.036801327019929886, 0.04576728120446205, -0.013628534972667694, -0.00839721504598856, 0.06001198664307594, -0.04575689509510994, 0.008432917296886444, -0.030702095478773117, 0.027415908873081207, 0.06497063487768173, -0.010236450470983982, -0.008328692056238651, -0.01534371916204691, -0.024022450670599937, -0.0058748070150613785, 0.028534438461065292, 0.02271791361272335, 0.014599937945604324, 0.005400604568421841, -0.028979411348700523, 0.016114549711346626, -0.011287865228950977, 0.0128786014392972, -0.013223370537161827, -0.0032194526866078377, 0.06722626090049744, 0.002498743124306202, 0.006529457867145538, -0.04782615974545479, 0.023473311215639114, 0.026356268674135208, -0.026005221530795097, 0.021942028775811195, 0.03914407268166542, -0.016217276453971863, 0.06134648248553276, 0.017288051545619965, 0.02030414342880249, -0.01844050921499729, 0.0028316976968199015, 0.01626160927116871, 0.04386935010552406, 0.029535552486777306, -0.030684523284435272, 0.0271344892680645, -0.033096570521593094, 0.0051334029994904995, -0.08661176264286041, -0.01427222415804863, -0.029040426015853882, 0.038174547255039215, 0.04498827084898949, -0.005029592197388411, -0.022832127287983894, 0.03225124254822731, -0.07259368151426315, -0.018000783398747444, -0.007943931967020035, -0.018611865118145943, -0.029637226834893227, 0.025247177109122276, -0.011124702170491219, 0.013661124743521214, 0.010024633258581161, -0.10378574579954147, -0.050137486308813095, 0.006483385805040598, 0.03283313289284706, 0.04310404136776924, -0.008819909766316414, -0.022343600168824196, -0.029275959357619286, 0.019816163927316666, 0.04568670317530632, 0.0021472442895174026, 0.021591264754533768, -0.06959474831819534, 0.03228067606687546, 0.044741880148649216, -0.041887879371643066, -0.00673487177118659, 0.00006073559052310884, -0.007663069758564234, -0.06724787503480911, 0.020600443705916405, -0.003988080192357302, -0.024396032094955444, -0.06579896807670593, 0.04559825360774994, 0.0021932844538241625, -0.0367865115404129, -0.04331403970718384, -0.019155845046043396, 0.0030781652312725782, -0.01684390939772129, -0.008775499649345875, 0.037323400378227234, 0.015327205881476402, 0.061118513345718384, 0.015879204496741295, 0.088808074593544, 0.043267279863357544, 0.00400535250082612, 0.055229075253009796, -0.022167570888996124, 0.07969522476196289, 0.04653031751513481, 0.009715198539197445, -0.008565125055611134, 0.06318779289722443, 0.002907141810283065, -0.006432395428419113, 0.0167533066123724, -0.04724695906043053, 0.0010988101130351424, 0.0034185212571173906, 0.025175144895911217, 0.03400501236319542, 0.01940268650650978, 0.060641005635261536, -0.016079718247056007, 0.02508615143597126, 0.04658324643969536, 0.005378295201808214, 0.03352542221546173, 0.02838890627026558, -0.006528128869831562, -0.001167004695162177, 0.02429554983973503, -0.04108157753944397, 0.007151011843234301, 0.02400914765894413, 0.007619417272508144, 0.000024329478037543595, -0.07238730788230896, 0.022083107382059097, -0.0052456785924732685, -0.03437022492289543, 0.07125712931156158, -0.033198658376932144, -0.03322773426771164, 0.02311680093407631, 0.05601750686764717, 0.06410287320613861, -0.002726095262914896, 0.012236764654517174, -0.008244816213846207, -0.008128882385790348, -0.028663866221904755, -0.016550138592720032, 0.03941747918725014, 0.011329191736876965, 0.03905613347887993, 0.004983285441994667, -0.028823036700487137, 0.021084856241941452, 0.003313946072012186, 0.013520820066332817, -0.0114285908639431, -0.021336253732442856, -0.006341743282973766, -0.036231428384780884, 0.016795199364423752, -0.002117169089615345, -0.05771743133664131, -0.0386611633002758, -0.0020520195830613375, -0.05988895520567894, -0.030251039192080498, 0.022061051800847054, -0.05353756621479988, 0.02101193368434906, 0.046090513467788696, 0.0671977773308754, 0.02862205170094967, 0.018543202430009842, 0.06611880660057068, -0.023770855739712715, -0.027858735993504524, -0.014250311069190502, -0.019426625221967697, 0.01805553212761879, -0.012089317664504051, 0.046734850853681564, -0.09680800884962082, 0.03146639093756676, 0.00003515702337608673, -0.018506046384572983, -0.061398960649967194, 0.028062382712960243, -0.01663694716989994, -0.034905873239040375, 0.07480186223983765, 0.024574466049671173, -0.03298844024538994, -0.023710263893008232, -0.028037644922733307, 0.02697812393307686, -0.02421124093234539, 0.041276127099990845, -0.043289665132761, 0.06193836033344269, 0.0016614602645859122, 0.008813413791358471, -0.01825821027159691, 0.06681106239557266, 0.04545603320002556, -0.01253054104745388, -0.03128958120942116, -0.03959997370839119, 0.011291824281215668, -0.06898374110460281, -0.059654511511325836, 0.04036865010857582, -0.031252313405275345, -0.04739495366811752, 0.04925667867064476, -0.010236483067274094, -0.012301166541874409, -0.024658184498548508, 0.026466242969036102, 0.04522481560707092, -0.06452077627182007, -0.029039554297924042, -0.054416898638010025, 0.035090863704681396, 0.0036619023885577917, 0.0180975329130888, 0.004565367009490728, -0.06587900221347809, 0.023425592109560966, -0.06449181586503983, 0.01671304553747177, 0.009784441441297531, -0.025398993864655495, 0.013339345343410969 ]
OPINION OP THE COURT. ROBERTS, C. J. (after stating the facts as above) — The first' count of the accusation charges respondent with unprofessional conduct in that he counseled and advised the taking and procuring of property without process of law. It is admitted by all parties that the title to the horses was in dispute. On the one hand, Mrs. Cooper claimed to own the property, while on the other hand James and Yancy Head claimed that they owned the property. The horses had been sold to James Head. One of the horses had been listed as the property of the estate of James W. Cooper, deceased. It is unnecessary to decide the true ownership of this property, and nothing herein contained shall be construed' as adjudicating the title to the same. The question for decision of this court, under this one point, is whether an attorney is guilty of unprofessional conduct of such a nature as to require his disbarment, for counseling and advising another to procure and obtain possession of property without the aid of and directly against legal process. It is urged on the part of the respondent that he believed Mrs. Cooper to be the true and lawful owner of the horses, and that he was justified in advising and counseling an agent of the true owner to take possession of property without the aid of the process of the court. He relied upon the statements of ownership made by Mrs. Cooper and Wilson, and hon estly believed, perhaps, that the title of Mrs. Cooper was superior to that of either of the Heads, or of Henry Smith. He desired that Mrs. Cooper obtain possession of the property so that title thereto might be litigated in the courts. ' It is also urged by respondent that he did not subject Mirs. Cooper, A. J. Wilson, or McDade to criminal liability because Mrs. Cooper was -the true owner of the property, and that she could not be deemed guilty of larceny, nor could any person acting as her agent in that regard, because of the positive negation of a felonious intent in the asportation of the property. As a general proposition, it must be admitted that there can be no larceny without a felonious intent. But we fail to see how that doctrine can redound to the benefit or credit of this respondent. As a member of a high profession he is charged with implicit respect towards the orderly processes of the law and those who administer it. The accusation does not charge him with the commission of larceny, but with doing acts unbecoming a member of the profession. When a person becomes a member of the bar he obligates himself, expressly or impliedly, to act uprightly and in accordance with the law. He is presumed to be specially learned in the law on account of having devoted himself to the study of it. This learning he obtains for the benefit of those who do not specialize in law. He advises of law, not against law. It is said that lawyers of the highest ability and intellect differ as to what is the law, and that respondent ought not to be deemed guilty because his view of the law may have been incorrect. We agree that respondent cannot be condemned for whatever view' of the law he may have taken. The ulterior purpose of the advice given Wilson by respondent is thus characterized by the Assistant Attorney General: “The principal object of getting possession of this property, of course, was to eventually reimburse Mrs. Cooper for her alleged loss. But as an end to that object possession must be had. Possession could not be obtained by legal process, of which respondent by his own statements was well advised, so we see respondent exercising much ingenuity to obtain possession by unlawful, unauthorized, illegal, and unethical practices. The law gives him no right to obtain possession by legal means, except by execution upon a duly rendered judgment, so he determines he will act independent of law. To obtain possession means that he may be adjudged, or his client adjudged, owner and entitled to the possession of this property by the weakness of the proof of his adversary, without ever having put his client to one iota of legal proof of her ownership. Hie can obtain a most important advantage, he must have concluded, by taking this property according to primitive methods. The burden of proving his ownership, or right of possession, is upon him until he gets possession of the property, but when he once obtains possession, that burden is no longer upon him, but upon his adversary.” We cannot sanction the practices of the respondent in this regard. His duty was to assist Mrs. Cooper to obtain her rights according to the prescribed law of the land. He journeyed away from the circumscribed sphere of an attorney in advising remedies not known to or sanctioned by the law. In doing this he has embarrassed the courts, to which he has declared his allegiance and fidelit}1', and has violated his duty to the courts of which he is an officer. His duty was to point out legal and authorized means of obtaining relief for his client, so that the force of law might remedy a wrong, not the force of strength or stealth. He well knew that the title of the property was in dispute. To sanction such practices by attorneys would be to disregard the fundamental principles of our government. In view of what we have heretofore said it is unnecessary to discuss the question of the respondent aiding and abetting in the concealment of the horses. However, in our opinion, the proof does not justify a finding that be is guilty of that charge. The evidence of the state, as well as the evidence of the respondent himself, justifies the conclusion that the respondent conversed with and obtained from members of the grand jury for the October, 1913, term of the district court for Quay county information and advice of an official character, and that respondent obtained this information when the said jury was in session. Section 987 of the Compiled Laws of 1897 provides that any juror who shall not keep secret what he himself, or any other grand juror, may have said, or in what manner he or any other grand juror may have voted, on a matter before them shall be punished by a fine. So far as the juror himself -is concerned, it is immaterial whether the jury was in session at the time he may have divulged matters specified in said section or not. Iiis duty is that of secrecy forever, except as otherwise provided by statute. An attorney owes an especial duty to the court and the people to refrain from obtaining information from members of the grand jury. That respondent was conversant with the actions of the district attorney before the grand jury is not open to doubt. His statements to the district attorney indicate his knowledge of what had transpired before that jury and this was at the time when the grand jury was in session. The attempted corrections of damaging statements of respondent do not suffice to justify us in finding that-respondent did not converse with grand jurors during the times they were in actual session, concerning official matters. Therefore we find that the allegations of the accusation in this regard are proved beyond a reasonable doubt, and disagreeable as it is to us, we must find the respondent guilty of the first and third counts in the accusation. It will therefore be the judgment and sentence of this court that the respondent, Charles H. Hittson, be disbarred as an officer and attorney of this court; and it is so ordered. Hanna and Parker, J.J., concur.
[ -0.015447137877345085, -0.04722212255001068, -0.03475208953022957, 0.0029600528068840504, 0.07381115108728409, -0.015361078083515167, 0.05148099735379219, 0.009746190160512924, 0.027607588097453117, -0.02167421765625477, 0.018786130473017693, 0.06452017277479172, -0.09027635306119919, 0.04093979671597481, -0.013352001085877419, 0.08247517049312592, 0.051467351615428925, 0.013446275144815445, -0.016550937667489052, -0.019835803657770157, 0.016848532482981682, 0.013623835518956184, -0.03212426230311394, 0.03555331751704216, 0.00577125046402216, 0.02534080296754837, 0.02687055990099907, 0.02844090946018696, -0.07152372598648071, -0.004298148211091757, 0.07130484282970428, -0.012984106317162514, -0.03083908185362816, -0.008239749819040298, -0.029761167243123055, -0.03528410196304321, 0.023865211755037308, -0.029363835230469704, -0.034890420734882355, 0.011339960619807243, -0.045199282467365265, 0.011837689206004143, -0.06010790541768074, -0.014298866502940655, -0.07064700126647949, -0.0433986559510231, 0.01581035926938057, 0.023431533947587013, 0.016318337991833687, -0.01274417620152235, -0.07213638722896576, -0.007831944152712822, -0.03684210777282715, 0.033114563673734665, 0.015138667076826096, 0.005801077466458082, -0.06682980060577393, -0.06276515126228333, -0.0009326336439698935, -0.034400757402181625, 0.009173654019832611, -0.012323739938437939, 0.0738573670387268, -0.006685757543891668, 0.004807149525731802, 0.021520592272281647, 0.02240890823304653, 0.039127249270677567, -0.03971200808882713, -0.017966801300644875, -0.00975383073091507, -0.026523638516664505, 0.029230717569589615, 0.018839554861187935, -0.016370093449950218, -0.04208001866936684, 0.027328183874487877, 0.027424942702054977, 0.01752971112728119, 0.07062770426273346, 0.02463858760893345, 0.0023729586973786354, 0.007351526524871588, 0.04390033707022667, -0.026057567447423935, -0.04218133166432381, 0.05649720877408981, -0.01863955333828926, -0.05774781107902527, 0.06932027637958527, -0.006595267448574305, 0.00015173375140875578, -0.005395160987973213, 0.03162423521280289, -0.016296183690428734, 0.014059972949326038, 0.08991354703903198, -0.026802683249115944, -0.02068585902452469, 0.020717134699225426, -0.054264236241579056, -0.007214369717985392, 0.001617410103790462, 0.04127965122461319, -0.055442266166210175, 0.004304807633161545, 0.04459881782531738, -0.011511334218084812, 0.011839942075312138, 0.0144907021895051, -0.009836611337959766, 0.020073799416422844, -0.019784322008490562, -0.015323221683502197, -0.03400292247533798, 0.03130650147795677, 0.009408390149474144, -0.0009109582169912755, -0.02462860755622387, -0.011593883857131004, 0.03238343074917793, 0.0023151214700192213, 0.00684027886018157, 0.080486960709095, 0.0019977926276624203, -0.015791170299053192, -0.006494996603578329, 0.022360555827617645, -0.03838709741830826, -0.07145007699728012, 0.008344855159521103, 0.023960817605257034, -0.02567332424223423, 0.014687773771584034, -0.03572189807891846, -0.009387293830513954, -0.0013921204954385757, -0.01282495353370905, 0.0194040946662426, -0.014927437528967857, -0.027592498809099197, -0.02640371397137642, 0.01187853328883648, 0.028647437691688538, 0.055646590888500214, 0.005952696781605482, 0.012005448341369629, -0.0006870196084491909, -0.016096830368041992, 0.023393860086798668, 0.005757227074354887, 0.022931965067982674, -0.01000132504850626, -0.040506985038518906, 0.027720307931303978, 0.05507553741335869, 0.040364593267440796, 0.019922398030757904, -0.018203185871243477, 0.03849218785762787, 0.05202733352780342, 0.003695254446938634, 0.024152550846338272, 0.006510636769235134, 0.03644748777151108, 0.036775603890419006, 0.004947376437485218, 0.02829350344836712, -0.06020737811923027, 0.01753043569624424, -0.05566786602139473, -0.01238254178315401, 0.05561087280511856, -0.05667084455490112, -0.0108556617051363, 0.052860110998153687, 0.05171915143728256, 0.0043824114836752415, 0.053501445800065994, -0.021028222516179085, -0.09211983531713486, 0.04237774759531021, -0.012723145075142384, 0.010406036861240864, -0.029379883781075478, -0.020147301256656647, 0.050183285027742386, -0.018124498426914215, 0.009316567331552505, -0.014688894152641296, -0.045811984688043594, -0.054459746927022934, -0.03118840605020523, -0.04608224704861641, 0.06689787656068802, 0.00606656726449728, -0.04144322872161865, 0.018054991960525513, -0.007315102964639664, 0.016852647066116333, 0.00647532707080245, 0.017217857763171196, 0.030855875462293625, -0.055871862918138504, -0.07910649478435516, 0.0355844683945179, 0.030490605160593987, 0.006073432508856058, 0.01044971402734518, 0.019142750650644302, -0.015818269923329353, 0.022545065730810165, 0.06362234801054001, -0.003865553066134453, 0.0345088429749012, 0.004743895027786493, 0.06998559832572937, -0.03170380741357803, 0.05705587565898895, -0.050942983478307724, 0.03338513895869255, -0.008042092435061932, 0.005713846534490585, 0.03305421769618988, -0.03577723726630211, 0.08523058891296387, 0.04593992978334427, -0.02143693156540394, -0.040994469076395035, -0.010690185241401196, -0.014184042811393738, -0.01780036836862564, -0.01274735014885664, -0.004717118106782436, 0.019547350704669952, -0.01860954612493515, -0.0052318270318210125, 0.008542628027498722, 0.0213610976934433, -0.03864767774939537, 0.03224522992968559, 0.05975819379091263, -0.012359345331788063, 0.04672057554125786, -0.03952181711792946, 0.014348534867167473, -0.010436796583235264, 0.006433609873056412, -0.036001887172460556, -0.038952071219682693, -0.005181892774999142, -0.024057738482952118, 0.03345680236816406, 0.001414428697898984, 0.013109921477735043, -0.05651066079735756, -0.04979293420910835, 0.002312043681740761, 0.013890854083001614, 0.029749423265457153, -0.012677465565502644, 0.05215657129883766, -0.028280427679419518, -0.010771782137453556, -0.007500393316149712, -0.008055321872234344, -0.019551526755094528, 0.0077582113444805145, -0.0022111660800874233, -0.00023664391483180225, 0.024053551256656647, -0.0014372938312590122, 0.013259504921734333, -0.013726257719099522, 0.002077881945297122, 0.03859509527683258, 0.014785688370466232, -0.011200523935258389, 0.023555776104331017, 0.018218234181404114, -0.05565604940056801, 0.03609571233391762, -0.0417296327650547, -0.02756459265947342, 0.0177427027374506, -0.060043852776288986, 0.00459051039069891, -0.04122699052095413, -0.028866402804851532, 0.029655039310455322, 0.0032375785522162914, 0.014255035668611526, 0.011322707869112492, 0.033309563994407654, 0.016590161249041557, 0.017574993893504143, 0.040815405547618866, 0.023553794249892235, 0.012153701856732368, -0.00908068846911192, -0.039771538227796555, -0.011792253702878952, -0.0050117443315684795, -0.012369321659207344, 0.044744137674570084, 0.03129984810948372, -0.025650540366768837, 0.0317099466919899, -0.2869052588939667, 0.011200763285160065, 0.008528991602361202, -0.03594523295760155, 0.033468566834926605, -0.019459009170532227, 0.047982241958379745, -0.050453390926122665, -0.0162457637488842, 0.05935973301529884, -0.024072324857115746, -0.07172037661075592, 0.008883124217391014, 0.01831202208995819, 0.05704033374786377, -0.019868377596139908, 0.011455632746219635, -0.026909634470939636, -0.04007472097873688, 0.046465009450912476, 0.011375694535672665, -0.03946155682206154, -0.059583935886621475, 0.016054952517151833, 0.03685157746076584, 0.07930578291416168, -0.04667073115706444, 0.01505010761320591, -0.04628673568367958, -0.010709123685956001, -0.005964313633739948, -0.0067499359138309956, 0.007644665893167257, -0.028245730325579643, -0.017986273393034935, -0.023993365466594696, 0.03451777622103691, -0.02066338248550892, -0.040015969425439835, -0.01322986837476492, 0.001379510504193604, -0.05581190437078476, 0.009496703743934631, 0.01775326021015644, 0.024678632616996765, 0.003307719947770238, -0.051878444850444794, -0.009928761050105095, -0.002027923474088311, 0.07429741322994232, -0.051319047808647156, 0.04534294828772545, -0.03806644305586815, -0.014798706397414207, -0.02783467061817646, 0.028602540493011475, -0.05809374153614044, -0.004518285393714905, -0.08073413372039795, 0.043095629662275314, 0.014721060171723366, -0.062069159001111984, -0.01461036130785942, 0.008574864827096462, -0.00553875882178545, -0.04836806654930115, -0.04144293814897537, -0.0078004165552556515, 0.08800920844078064, 0.00720196682959795, 0.004154968075454235, 0.041957348585128784, -0.026300814002752304, -0.07252268493175507, 0.0014827086124569178, 0.015445832163095474, -0.017321264371275902, -0.026596127077937126, 0.0066222851164639, 0.015841932967305183, 0.027541181072592735, -0.018480082973837852, 0.04422115162014961, 0.023036306723952293, -0.00900464877486229, -0.0382542721927166, -0.019394712522625923, 0.05426854267716408, -0.06999653577804565, 0.018677959218621254, 0.03785425052046776, 0.03711380437016487, -0.032246239483356476, 0.014154098927974701, 0.014608296565711498, 0.03451734036207199, 0.03315814584493637, -0.0732535719871521, 0.027806175872683525, 0.030226513743400574, 0.04407457634806633, -0.07533548027276993, 0.05389555171132088, -0.029662955552339554, -0.019171569496393204, -0.07117074728012085, -0.03870439529418945, 0.0035607116296887398, 0.06167566776275635, 0.015823623165488243, 0.04311424866318703, -0.034404147416353226, 0.07394025474786758, -0.026870649307966232, 0.005853641778230667, -0.011364483274519444, 0.04050499573349953, 0.0067724245600402355, -0.00108101568184793, 0.022513696923851967, 0.005990916863083839, 0.00887285079807043, -0.07002771645784378, -0.04737250134348869, -0.08914853632450104, 0.006514804903417826, 0.042725224047899246, -0.02568632923066616, -0.05253910273313522, 0.006526754703372717, -0.027512241154909134, -0.07288920879364014, -0.01803511753678322, -0.019190512597560883, 0.014852668158710003, 0.008383190259337425, -0.02853894606232643, -0.05671679973602295, 0.011381762102246284, 0.02415149286389351, 0.045411426573991776, -0.02719840221107006, -0.015196782536804676, 0.03321807458996773, 0.04894830659031868, 0.0108353141695261, 0.02787080965936184, 0.006574127823114395, -0.012757956050336361, 0.03254058212041855, 0.0017904886044561863, -0.03575916588306427, 0.019480442628264427, -0.014676064252853394, -0.0320592038333416, -0.05073826387524605, 0.001804476953111589, 0.01515605766326189, -0.050911497324705124, -0.013387835584580898, -0.02145557850599289, -0.023612771183252335, -0.003941940143704414, -0.028059549629688263, 0.004740557633340359, 0.051034972071647644, -0.018264802172780037, 0.0015579318860545754, -0.03188489377498627, 0.05016778036952019, 0.016049524769186974, -0.058645568788051605, -0.009069129824638367, -0.007337772753089666, 0.029304903000593185, 0.04226077347993851, 0.0029133171774446964, -0.011513080447912216, 0.04949968680739403, 0.03825274109840393, -0.013206030242145061, -0.018614137545228004, -0.015445146709680557, 0.030593769624829292, 0.03176306560635567, -0.04273618385195732, -0.0034947232343256474, -0.05517687648534775, -0.010809443891048431, 0.039859920740127563, -0.014999701641499996, 0.012007876299321651, 0.00007628408638993278, 0.07619572430849075, -0.05590362474322319, -0.05357220396399498, 0.01350367907434702, -0.010609946213662624, 0.029568230733275414, 0.053888071328401566, 0.028210921213030815, -0.02609887719154358, 0.006620247848331928, 0.00028582365484908223, -0.019989468157291412, -0.050090495496988297, 0.029048515483736992, 0.00025060263578779995, -0.03954702615737915, 0.047090865671634674, -0.04959935322403908, -0.024630166590213776, -0.026929382234811783, 0.01456301100552082, 0.03510025143623352, -0.02569248154759407, 0.039222102612257004, -0.027222080156207085, -0.040301281958818436, -0.03196854144334793, 0.04085494205355644, -0.048162706196308136, -0.022852323949337006, 0.016449453309178352, -0.014097207225859165, 0.05409250408411026, -0.004662450402975082, -0.013067946769297123, 0.05220947042107582, -0.04942727088928223, 0.007169609889388084, -0.043343838304281235, -0.0011257048463448882, 0.028927210718393326, -0.028630364686250687, -0.016466088593006134, 0.00002445369136694353, -0.004511471837759018, -0.008271426893770695, 0.04953504726290703, 0.05272265896201134, 0.04699939489364624, 0.009208979085087776, -0.042612768709659576, -0.001620295224711299, -0.01749419793486595, -0.010948090814054012, -0.018751272931694984, 0.02965148165822029, 0.0473734512925148, 0.0009907110361382365, 0.016958627849817276, -0.018447840586304665, 0.009837111458182335, 0.02589927799999714, -0.06619981676340103, 0.018659425899386406, 0.022257590666413307, -0.02129817008972168, 0.09962714463472366, 0.01219747681170702, 0.024139324203133583, -0.045635633170604706, 0.013183790259063244, 0.05603117123246193, 0.022877153009176254, 0.004761171527206898, -0.030081244185566902, 0.03094617836177349, -0.04626984894275665, 0.011393233202397823, -0.06843897700309753, -0.005368040408939123, -0.0018741231178864837, 0.0075723095797002316, 0.024077637121081352, -0.016874907538294792, -0.04344147443771362, 0.02916620299220085, -0.0721995085477829, -0.018253039568662643, -0.0236967783421278, -0.04258512333035469, -0.006662566680461168, -0.002451081993058324, -0.027621455490589142, 0.01870131678879261, 0.018413878977298737, -0.07321092486381531, -0.05297141894698143, -0.028446011245250702, 0.02204059436917305, 0.04049210250377655, -0.009459222666919231, 0.010645081289112568, -0.005575754214078188, 0.035623468458652496, 0.06815037876367569, -0.011547221802175045, 0.04789630323648453, -0.08243858814239502, 0.027454013004899025, 0.009071167558431625, -0.038988884538412094, -0.03420974686741829, -0.013664652593433857, 0.007863788865506649, -0.05398782342672348, -0.019812654703855515, 0.009545555338263512, -0.0035648616030812263, -0.055430661886930466, 0.032729435712099075, 0.01789991371333599, -0.027731215581297874, -0.07640519738197327, -0.0163680762052536, -0.010809611529111862, -0.01608915627002716, -0.02399328723549843, 0.026239199563860893, 0.014631501398980618, 0.033260803669691086, 0.028480909764766693, 0.062235668301582336, 0.037977851927280426, -0.01818271167576313, 0.07670961320400238, -0.006579977925866842, 0.032790135592222214, 0.026343023404479027, 0.005314765498042107, -0.00838805828243494, 0.03913285955786705, -0.002974921138957143, -0.03443445265293121, 0.017778689041733742, -0.03372795879840851, 0.012821968644857407, 0.0041889166459441185, 0.030566954985260963, -0.0012170583941042423, 0.008892098441720009, 0.05381651222705841, -0.0002930769987870008, -0.010757967829704285, 0.04527600482106209, -0.08133643865585327, 0.02385612204670906, 0.028178682550787926, 0.020837709307670593, -0.004231528844684362, 0.025635290890932083, -0.04233011230826378, 0.010733416303992271, 0.012542109936475754, -0.04134325683116913, 0.02391132339835167, -0.05647461116313934, 0.010746718384325504, -0.006983504630625248, -0.004150354769080877, 0.07338903844356537, -0.017079558223485947, 0.00968175195157528, 0.0014503824058920145, 0.05953070893883705, 0.030513344332575798, -0.019234230741858482, -0.0038495592307299376, 0.0019336676923558116, 0.016529183834791183, -0.0054732803255319595, -0.011391718871891499, 0.054198186844587326, 0.012408909387886524, 0.05268058925867081, -0.018689963966608047, -0.0016547100385650992, 0.03736582025885582, 0.03613055869936943, -0.03310118988156319, -0.02380085363984108, -0.03191526234149933, -0.04148198291659355, -0.060822948813438416, 0.022806942462921143, 0.024667883291840553, -0.04756367579102516, -0.02524440921843052, 0.009024839848279953, -0.050510555505752563, 0.010578970424830914, 0.08569495379924774, -0.03749609366059303, -0.013421126641333103, 0.022874437272548676, 0.03571248799562454, 0.02557840757071972, 0.02777143381536007, 0.05323685333132744, 0.0030531228985637426, -0.041650112718343735, -0.0059320153668522835, -0.0053188009187579155, 0.02267962321639061, -0.012257593683898449, -0.00012040651199640706, -0.09542693197727203, 0.042706672102212906, -0.007893784902989864, -0.052964307367801666, -0.04682013764977455, 0.041595276445150375, -0.026821745559573174, -0.04423468932509422, 0.05494140088558197, 0.0370553694665432, -0.00763850100338459, -0.022004488855600357, -0.03959380462765694, 0.04163337126374245, 0.004031835589557886, 0.04222239926457405, -0.029373425990343094, 0.06610677391290665, -0.0011915711220353842, -0.017092904075980186, -0.05052190646529198, 0.06291278451681137, 0.03575312718749046, 0.0022928747348487377, -0.048075444996356964, -0.00753780035302043, 0.025286534801125526, -0.04934688284993172, -0.045346423983573914, 0.03008010797202587, -0.029451437294483185, -0.04556110501289368, 0.024633996188640594, 0.002265431685373187, 0.01421385258436203, -0.004797035828232765, 0.024033967405557632, 0.03175749257206917, -0.03830311819911003, -0.04984966665506363, -0.025756942108273506, 0.010209857486188412, 0.011950253508985043, 0.015943504869937897, -0.025921009480953217, -0.03746659681200981, -0.0040192557498812675, -0.018767662346363068, 0.010416573844850063, -0.009533191099762917, -0.014680266380310059, -0.014297275803983212 ]
OPINION OP THE COURT. PARKER, J. — This is a proceeding for an injunction brought by the plaintiff against the state auditor. The complaint in the court below alleged, in substance, that the plaintiff is a citizen of the state, and a resident of the city of Santa Fé, county of Santa Fé, and that he is a taxpayer in said county and state, and contributes annually to the treasury of the state .as taxes for said purposes a large sum of money; that he brings this action for and on behalf of himself and other taxpayers of the state, all of whom, he alleges, are similarly situated; that the defendant is the state auditor of the state; that heretofore the Legislature passed a bill which is known as House Bill No. 294; that said Legislature convened at noon on the 12th day of January, A. D. 1915, and that said session terminated by law at the hour of 12 o’clock of the 12th day of March, 1915; that on the 8th day of March said bill was presented to the Governor of the state for his approval, and that on the 12th day of March the said Governor returned said bill to the House of Representatives, where it originated, with his objections; that thereafter, in the forenoon of the said 1.2th day of March, the said bill was approved by two-thirds of the members of and voting in said House of Representatives, the Governor’s objections to the contrary notwithstanding; that said bill was thereupon transmitted by the said House to the Senate of said Legislature, and that afterwards, at some time be tween the hour of 12:40 p. • m. of said day and the hour of 2 p. m. of said day, the said bill was approved by the vote of two-tliirds of the persons theretofore constituting the ' membership of the said Senate, the Governor’s objections to the contrary notwithstanding; that there is not now, nor has there been at any time since the close of said session, a journal of the proceedings of said Senate on file with the secretary of state; that on the 1st day of April, 1915, the defendant, the state auditor, under the provisions of said bill pretendedly appointed one A. G. Whittier as state traveling auditor, and one P. A. Hall as assistant traveling auditor, and one Earl Wiley as assistant traveling auditor, and one Edith Wilemañ as stenographer of the office of state traveling auditor; that the defendant holds out and threatens that he will, on the 30th day of April, 1915, draw warrants upon the treasurer of the state for large sums of money under the alleged authority of said alleged law, as salaries for the payment of said alleged state traveling auditor, his assistants and said stenographer, and will deliver said warrants to said persons; and that the said alleged law is not a valid law in this behalf, in that the subject of said alleged law is not clearly expressed in the title thereof, and in that there is no valid power or authority conferred by said alleged law on the defendant as state auditor for the drawing and delivery of the said warrants for the payment of said pretended salaries. A demurrer was interposed to the amended complaint raising all of the points which will be discussed in the opinion, and was sustained by the trial court, and the plaintiff has appealed. It is argued that House Bill No. 294 never became a valid act of the Legislature, because it -was passed over the Governor’s veto after the expiration of the time for the sitting of the Legislature. We have discussed this point in the case of Howell Earnest, as Traveling Auditor and Bank Examiner of the State of New Mexico, v. William G. Sargent, 150 Pac. 1018, in an opinion just handed down, and we have held that the act was passed within the time prescribed by the Constitution. It is contended by plaintiff that the act in ques tion is not sufficient to confer authority upon the state auditor to pay the salaries for t'he officers holding the offices created thereby. He argued that the act fails to disclose a legislative intent to make an appropriation: First, on account of the language used therein; and, second, because an item in the general appropriation bill passed at the same session of the Legislature, but vetoed by the Governor, of which he asks the court to take judicial notice, negatives an intent on the part of the Legislature to have made such an appropriation in House Bill No. 294. The language used in House Bill No. 294 (Laws 1915, c. 59) is: “The state traveling auditor shall receive an annual salary of $2,400 and his actual and necessary traveling expenses while in the discharge of his duties.’’. The plaintiff does not contend, as we understand the argument, that we might not, under some acts creating offices, fixing salaries, and providing the time and manner of payment, and specifying the fund out of which the salary is to be paid, properly hold that such acts would constitute a continuing appropriation, and that no general appropriation would be required. Counsel argue, however, that this act, merely creating the office, and declaring the amount of salary which the officers shall receive, and failing to specify the fund out of which the salary is to be paid and the manner and time of payment, fails to indicate a legislative intent to make the appropriation for the salaries in the same act. The argument has much force. If this act had provided that the salary of the state traveling auditor and his assistants and clerks should be paid monthly out of the general salary fund in the same manner as other public officers, there could be no doubt: that the Legislature intended then and there to make the appropriation for the payment of the salaries. The absence of such a provision in the act throws much doubt upon the legislative intent. But it is a cardinal rule that all legislation is to be construed in connection with the general body of the law, and in this case we find several sections of the statute which greatly aid and add to the words of House Bill Ho. 294. By section 2597, C. L. 1897, it is provided that the salaries of all officers provided by law shall be paid out by the treasurer of the territory upon the warrant of the auditor. This is an old statute, having been passed in 1852, and has been upon the statute books ever since, and was re-enacted in the Code of 1915 as section 5338. In 1889 an act was passed establishing the fiscal year for the territory. Section 1 of that act is compiled as section 4015, C. L. 1897. The original act was chapter 32, Laws of 1889. Section 2 of that act provides for the establishment of certain funds, among which is the salary fund. In section 3 of the act it is provided that the salary fund shall be used only for the purpose of paying all salaries provided by law. For some reason, which we do not understand, the compilers of the Compiled Laws of 1897 saw fit to regard these sections 2 and 3 of chapter 32 of the Laws of 1889 as either obsolete or repealed, but we have searched in vain for any repeal of the same, and know of no reason why they should be regarded as obsolete. Constant reference is made in subsequent legislation to this salary fund, and it is preserved and maintained by the auditor and treasurer down to the present time. We therefore treat them as still in full force and effect. That being the case, when House Bill No. 294 was passed, it was passed in view of these two sections, and they should be construed in connection with the provisions of House Bill No. 294 under consideration. This act then, in legal effect, is to be read as follows: “The state traveling auditor shall receive an annual salary of $2,400.00 and his actual and necessary traveling expenses while in the discharge of his duties, and shall be paid his said salary out of the salary fund, upon the warrant of the state auditor, by the state treasurer.” It is true that no- provision exists as to just when this salary shall be paid, whether monthly, quarterly, or at the end of the year, but we regard this circumstance as entirely immaterial. If the state traveling auditor is entitled to an annual salary of $2,400, it is a mere matter of administration of the auditor’s and treasurer’s offices as to whether they shall pay him monthly or quarterly, or at the end of the year. A taxpayer has no- interest as to just when his salary shall be paid, so long as the officer is not overpaid, or paid prior to the rendition of his services. In view of this situation, it- seems clear that House Bill No. 294, construed in connection with- the former statutes as above pointed -out, amounts to a continuing appropriation for the salary of the state traveling auditor. Similar statutes have been held in some of the- states to amount to an appropriation. Thus in Nichols v. Comptroller, 4 Stew. & P. (Ala.) 154, the statute allowed an annual salary of $1,749, payable quarter yearly out of an}' money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated to the superintendent of the building of the State Capitol of the state of Alabama. The Supreme Court of Alabama conceded that no money could be drawn from the treasury but in pursuance of an appropriation made by law, but it held that, there being a general law fixing the salary of: the superintendent, and requiring it to be paid out of the treasury annually or quarter annually, the statute amount: ed to a- continuing appropriation. This case was cited with approval and followed in Reynolds v. Taylor, 43 Ala. 420. In that case the salary provided by law was $2,000 per annum, and the Legislature attempted by an appropriation bill to cut down the salary to $1,000 per annum. The court held that the Legislature had no power by an appropriation of a smaller amount to deprive the office1’ of his full salary as provided by the act creating his office, and that it is not necessary that there should be a special annual appropriation by act of the Legislature where there is a general law fixing the amount of the salary and prescribing its payment at particular periods. In People ex rel. Hegwer v. Goodykoontz, 22 Colo. 507, 45 Pac. 414, it was held that an act establishing the office of steam boiler inspector, and providing that such inspector should receive a stated amount as salary “payable another state officers,” taken in connection with the act making the salaries of other state officers payable in monthly installments at the end of each month, constituted an appropriation within the constitutional provision that no money should be drawn from the treasury except upon appropriations made by law. In State ex rel. Hawes v. Mason, 153 Mo. 23, 54 S. W. 524, it was held that an act of the Legislature providing for cities of over 300,000 a board of police commissioners, and investing it with power to employ and appoint a police force, as well as the amount of the officers’ salaries, which were to be payable monthty, constituted an appropriation authorizing the auditor to draw his warrant for pay rolls certified ro him. In State ex rel. Maddox v. Kenney, 11 Mont 555, 29 Pac. 89, it was held that a statute prescribing a certain standard of compensation for the work of reporter for the Supreme Court, and authorizing the auditor upon its completion, to draw his warrant for the amount due, constituted an appropriation of money. In State ex rel. Henderson v. Burdick, 4 Wyo. 272, 33 Pac. 125, 24 L. R. A. 266, the Constitution provided that a state examiner should be appointed by the Governor aud confirmed by the Senate, and that his compensation should 'be fixed by law. A subsequent statute was passed to the effect that the state examiner should receive an annual salary of $2,000, which same was to be paid by the treasurer of the state in the same manner as other salaries are paid. The first state Legislature made an appropriation for the state examiner, but the second state Legislature failed to make an appropriation for his salary and expenses for the years-1893 and 1894. The Constitution of Wyoming, like ours, provided that no money should be paid from the treasury of the state except upon appropriations. Const. N. M. art 4, § 30. It also- contained a provision that the salaries of officers could be neither increased nor diminished during their term of office as ours does. Article 4, § 27. The court said: “In our state Constitution salaries provided for .certain state officers, the Governor, secretary-of state, auditor, and treasurer, are temporarily fixed ‘until otherwise provided by law,’ with the rule — repeated in almost every instance where salaries are mentioned — that such salaries shall not be increased or diminished during the period for which such officers were elected or appointed, and, in addition to this, there is a general rule 'prescribed that no law shall increase or diminish the salary of any public officer after his election or appointment. This was intended to secure official independence, and to prevent the Legislature from being assailed by the demands of importunate officials, to the detriment of public business. The stability and permanence of the salaries of public officials were guaranteed by the Constitution, after once fixed, secure during the official term from legislative control. * * * Although some courts seem to distinguish between the salaries fixed by the Constitution and those fixed by an unrepealed statute, it seems that this is a distinction more nice than wise. In either case the people have given their assent to the measure — in one method by their organic law, which they have accepted,, adopted, and ratified by their votes; and in the other by their representatives in the Legislature. The salaries are to be fixed by law, and all such officers, whether of the state, county, city, town, or school, ‘shall be paid fixed and definite salaries/ * * * The law relating to the state examiner provides that he ‘shall receive’ an annual salary of $2,000, and the Constitution requires that his compensation shall be fixed by law, and shall be a fixed and definite salary, which shall not be increased or diminished after his election or appointment. It will be conceded that the second Legislature could not have reduced his salary during his term, either by a direct act for that purpose or in an appropriation bill. It is equally clear that they could not take it away directly or indirectly. * * * It is true that no time of payment of the salary of the examiner is provided in the act, but I do not think this is material. It has been the custom to pay state officers in this state monthly, where there is no particular time prescribed by statute when they shall be paid, or at what intervals payments may be made on account of their salaries. This was conceded on argument, and is so alleged in the petition, which must be taken as true on demurrer. It can make no difference to the state that this method is pursued, and it may be left to the auditing department to fix such a rule of monthly payments, when there is no provision of the law to the contrary. There being no statutory or constitutional provision fixing the time of payment • of certain state officers, including the examiner, the auditor and treasurer may very properly make a rule that the salaries of such officers may be paid monthly.” See, also, State ex rel. Davis v. Eggers, 29 Nev. 469, 91 Pac. 819, 16 L. R. A. (N. S.) 630. We have recently had occasion to examine this same question in connection with another statute in the case of State ex rel. Fornoff v. Sargent, 18 N. M. 272, 136 Pac. 602, and we have no reason to depart from the holding in that case. In that case we held that a general law fixing the amount of salary of a public officer and prescribing its payment at particular periods amounted to a continuing appropriation. This case was approved in State ex rel. Jacobo Chaves v. Sargent, State Auditor, 18 N. M. 627, 139 Pac. 144. We therefore have concluded that House Bill No. 294, creating the office of state traveling auditor and fixing his salary, in connection with the former statutes mentioned, amounts to a continuing appropriation for such salary. While many of the statutes under which decisions have been rendered are somewhat more specific than House Bill No. 294, in that they provide specifically that the salaries shall be paid either as other state salaries are paid, or prescribe that they be paid monthly or quarterly, as the "ease may be, still we regard this omission from our statute as immaterial. It is a curious fact in this connection that we have no .statute in the state which provides for the payment of salaries at any specific time. A practice of long standing lias grown np to pay all officers monthly, unless either the Constitution or a statute specifically provides otherwise. This officer is upon the same footing as all other state officers not specifically provided for by law, and is entitled to his pay monthly according to this long-course of practice and procedure. The first case on this subject, and which may be considered a leading case, is the case of Thomas v. Owens, 4 Md. 189. It arose upon a constitutional provision which established a treasury department of the state, “consisting of a comptroller chosen by the qualified electors of the state at each election of the members of the House of Delegates, who shall receive an annual salary of $2,500; and of a treasurer to be appointed by the two houses of the Legislature at each session thereof on joint ballot, who shall receive an annual salary of $2,500.” In commenting on the fact of this constitutional provision, and after-pointing out the difference between an arbitrary and a constitutional government, and tire reason why the people who contribute to public revenue should be consulted as to the expenditure of the same, as provided in the usual constitutional provision that no money shall be drawn from the treasury except in accordance with’ an appropriation made by law, it is said: “These being the purposes and objects of the clause, the question .is: Have the people given their consent to the payment of the salary of the comptroller? That they have done so is palpably manifest. They have said he 'shall receive an annual salary of $2,500.’ They have not merely said he may-claim such a sum, but, .emphatically, that he 'shall receive’ it. It is impossible for human language to he less ambiguous or more positive. The people, in their organic law, which is paramount to all other law, have not only given their consent, hut they have imperatively issued their commands that the particular officer 'shall receive’ it. How is their will obeyed if it be within the power of the treasurer, or any one else, to withhold it from caprice, unfaithfulness to duty, or from mistaken judgment? To allow of such a power in that officer would be to put him above the Constitution, whose creature he is. It would be to invest him with authority to annul the sovereign will; in fact, to stop the wheels of government and reduce things into the wildest confusion. The Constitution has said the officer ‘shall receive’ his salary, and this fiat of the supreme will is not to be nullified by the mere ipse dixit of a mere ministerial officer; for such, and none other, is the treasurer. “In assigning the powers of government to three different departments, the Constitution intended to secure to each its independency of action, and the more certainly and effectually to insure this it has ascertained and appropriated the salary they are severally to receive, and it has inhibited the Legislature from diminishing it. Were it not for such a provision, the whole government would exist only by the permission of the Legislature. It can only be carried on through the instrumentality of individuals, and their services can only be obtained by being paid for. The framers of the Constitution and the people who adopted it, aware of this, determined not to submit the durability of their work to the caprice, passion, or prejudice, which possibly might, at times of great excitement, triumphantly rule the action of the Legislature, and therefore wisely did the work themselves, by ingrafting in the organic law a provision for the protection of those rvlio should be charged with its execution; in other words, they made the appropriation. “An- opposite interpretation would countenance this paradox, that a co-ordinate branch of the government could stop its whole machinery by- refusing to -pay the salaries of those upon whom is devolved the discharge of the duties of the other branches; and this, too, when the Constitution expressly declares that these officers 'shall receive’ their salaries, and that they 'shall not be diminished.’ 'It would be giving to the Legislature a practical and real omnipotence with the same'breath which professes to restrict their powers within narrow limits. It is prescribing limits and declaring that those limits may be passed at pleasure.’ [Marbury v. Madison] 1 Cranch, 178 [2 L. Ed. 60]. “Now it is presumed it would not be contended by any one, however hazardous, that if the Legislature were to pass an act diminishing the salary of the governor, or óf any other officer whose salary is fixed by the Constitution, that such an exercise of power would be rightful and constitutional. If it be not competent to the Legislature to take away a part, by what process of reasoning can it be maintained that they can take away the whole ? And yet this is the extent to which the argument addressed to us goes. It seems to us to be but necessary to state the proposition to cause its instantaneous rejection'.” It is true that in this case the court was considering a constitutional provision," but we see no reason for a distinction between a case where the salary of a constitutional officer is involved, and one where the salary of a statutory officer is involved. The statutory officer’s duties may be as highly important as those of a constitutional officer. He must be in a position of independence. Once in office, he must be free to exercise its functions according to the best of his abilities, and in consonance with his conscience. If he be subservient to either the legislative, executive, or judicial departments of the government, he cannot be expected to render the services to the people which the functions of his office demand. In the case at bar the state traveling auditor is in office: he must have a salarjr to maintain himself during his term of office; and the Legislature has declared that he shall receive that salary. We think the same considerations apply in this case with equal force as are set out in the Maryland opinion supra. We are aware that in several of the states the distinction has been drawn between a constitutional and a statutory officer in this regard. We can see no good reason for such a distinction, and must decline to follow the same. It is argued in opposition to this conclusion that the legislative intent not. to malee such an appropriation in House Bill Ho. 294 is manifested by an item in the appropriation bill, chapter 86 of the same session, whereby there was appropriated money for the payment of the salaries of the traveling auditor and bank examiner and his assistants and clerks, with the proviso that they should not become available in the event that House Bill No. 294 passed and became a law, and in the latter event the items appropriated should become available for the payment of the salaries and necessary expenses of the officers filling the offices created by House Bill No. 294. It is objected by the Attorney General that we have no right to take judicial notice of this item in the appropriation bill for the reason that it was vetoed by the Governor and never became a law. But, assuming that we have the right to notice this item, we do not believe, under all the circumstances attending this legislation, that it shows a legislative construction of House Bill No. 294 contrary to the one which we have above declared. This item was inserted in the form in which it was, evidently for one of two reasons, viz.: Either as a precautionary measure so that in any event money should be available to pay some traveling auditor, be he the old traveling auditor and bank examiner or the new state, traveling auditor, so that the interests of the state might not be sacrificed; or it was done as a means of restoring to the salary fund the money which had been diverted to the traveling auditor and bank examiner, who, in case House Bill No. 294 became a law, would be out of office, and no longer entitled to any salary. The section went further, and made the items available for the payment of the state traveling auditor and his assistants. In that sense it was a new appropriation, but the substance and effect of the section was evidently to restore to the salary fund for the uses the Legislature desired the amount of money appropriated for the traveling auditor and bank examiner. The passage of House Bill No. 294 indicates a legislative determination to abolish the office of state traveling auditor and to transfer to the latter all of the powers and duties theretofore exercised by the former. If they should fail in this purpose, the Legislature did not wish to see the state left without a traveling auditor, and therefore made the appropriation mentioned in this section. Having succeeded in ousting the old traveling auditor and bank examiner, and creating the office of state traveling auditor, and desiring 1o provide for either contingency, they inserted the provision that the money appropriated to the traveling auditor and bank examiner should be restored to the treasury. It clearly appears from what has been heretofore said that the plaintiff.has no cause of action for an injunction, and the judgment of the court below will be affirmed; and it is so ordered. Hanna, J., concurs.
[ -0.04165443778038025, -0.05373306944966316, -0.00005972239887341857, 0.029153017327189445, 0.01842031441628933, -0.009104002267122269, 0.05012894049286842, 0.03123634122312069, 0.002744109835475683, -0.03607308864593506, 0.022819815203547478, 0.02785930410027504, -0.07690110057592392, 0.026751728728413582, -0.02185213752090931, 0.0696234479546547, 0.04528814181685448, -0.0027897050604224205, 0.055601246654987335, -0.021879887208342552, 0.003709677839651704, -0.011361032724380493, 0.046708397567272186, 0.04743127152323723, -0.002597678219899535, 0.014714635908603668, -0.02699303813278675, 0.059097178280353546, -0.06798486411571503, 0.024411562830209732, 0.04034806415438652, 0.022775880992412567, -0.05566786602139473, 0.016810791566967964, -0.010124835185706615, -0.00048771154251880944, 0.017976395785808563, -0.04887119680643082, -0.030836425721645355, 0.03796888515353203, -0.006721070967614651, -0.0016811988316476345, -0.011068250052630901, -0.004500033333897591, -0.04487685114145279, -0.02601827308535576, -0.01354470755904913, -0.006215384695678949, -0.038322046399116516, 0.04070867598056793, -0.061584144830703735, 0.041777871549129486, -0.028909945860505104, 0.007594118360430002, -0.030604852363467216, 0.033309802412986755, -0.0715576782822609, -0.05408304184675217, -0.03180874139070511, -0.022632965818047523, 0.04442686215043068, -0.0280854981392622, 0.069826640188694, 0.0012156744487583637, -0.0049369498156011105, 0.007042999844998121, 0.016198132187128067, 0.03072848729789257, -0.03758934140205383, 0.0026808916591107845, -0.04173295199871063, 0.047097425907850266, 0.004564591217786074, 0.01955815963447094, 0.005233676638454199, -0.028500758111476898, 0.0006459868745878339, 0.015017753466963768, -0.0005433580372482538, 0.05641172081232071, 0.024623772129416466, 0.0015510055236518383, 0.030412280932068825, 0.07069699466228485, 0.023905064910650253, -0.07175569981336594, -0.03246384114027023, -0.026567962020635605, -0.02401316724717617, 0.045522209256887436, -0.014498474076390266, -0.06832538545131683, 0.008753516711294651, 0.04103151708841324, -0.012834889814257622, -0.032248836010694504, 0.08400445431470871, -0.052575696259737015, 0.008687191642820835, 0.010821969248354435, -0.0035995258949697018, -0.03782292455434799, 0.025479407981038094, 0.06530588120222092, -0.048258643597364426, 0.03770415112376213, -0.0070683714002370834, 0.01403843704611063, 0.012192431837320328, 0.025440644472837448, 0.012976784259080887, 0.013808266259729862, -0.022289689630270004, -0.03211672231554985, -0.03665652871131897, 0.0357169471681118, 0.03571302443742752, -0.06105652451515198, -0.004410619847476482, -0.009334794245660305, 0.030789047479629517, -0.005376727785915136, -0.007947846315801144, 0.07406587898731232, 0.05284075066447258, 0.002178983762860298, 0.03536774218082428, 0.038812294602394104, -0.029941115528345108, -0.03694627061486244, -0.020890504121780396, 0.01758010871708393, 0.0068916575983166695, 0.010242368094623089, -0.026593683287501335, -0.04060209169983864, -0.04073766991496086, -0.0070665739476680756, 0.03043612837791443, -0.0392024926841259, 0.015563548542559147, -0.01465609297156334, -0.006792644038796425, -0.0014467412838712335, 0.0665651187300682, -0.02091839537024498, 0.026997776702046394, -0.03457705304026604, -0.029253631830215454, 0.039390310645103455, 0.026299603283405304, 0.04869728907942772, -0.0067227743566036224, 0.0023516996297985315, 0.008046331815421581, 0.02008848264813423, 0.04385459050536156, 0.006303934846073389, 0.006360853090882301, 0.05276261642575264, 0.044741928577423096, 0.029518084600567818, 0.00923517718911171, 0.010849555023014545, -0.01671484485268593, 0.03803253546357155, -0.008977129124104977, 0.0057030292227864265, -0.04389502853155136, 0.042442359030246735, -0.044563665986061096, -0.019668765366077423, 0.056709174066782, -0.041321463882923126, 0.002114332979544997, 0.00787699781358242, 0.027243157848715782, -0.01702023111283779, 0.024206766858696938, -0.02884039282798767, -0.08105010539293289, 0.04944335296750069, 0.0021297114435583353, 0.021646074950695038, -0.024706782773137093, -0.0024374995846301317, 0.036913447082042694, -0.014063018374145031, 0.001877089962363243, -0.03546901047229767, -0.08954595029354095, -0.046396899968385696, -0.009993143379688263, -0.011222411878407001, 0.043184809386730194, 0.015480712987482548, -0.025240672752261162, 0.012962931767106056, 0.02680833637714386, 0.03325701504945755, 0.0039024746511131525, -0.002012702403590083, 0.03122534416615963, -0.02667512185871601, -0.051346998661756516, 0.04322902113199234, 0.04183737933635712, 0.017118992283940315, 0.0037845070473849773, 0.039049483835697174, -0.011562814004719257, 0.007947803474962711, 0.023258564993739128, -0.032973259687423706, 0.01969911903142929, -0.0289523396641016, 0.03995131328701973, -0.04884810745716095, 0.06172046810388565, -0.05905839800834656, 0.05116506293416023, 0.017444560304284096, -0.011047846637666225, 0.0612955279648304, -0.03241328150033951, 0.06679922342300415, 0.049524325877428055, -0.03501444682478905, -0.01622636802494526, -0.0038932820316404104, -0.004235281143337488, -0.0018094874685630202, 0.0035376783926039934, -0.03530564531683922, 0.05972528085112572, -0.012258818373084068, -0.008091941475868225, -0.007355942856520414, 0.015934184193611145, -0.02764059416949749, 0.009476198814809322, 0.06798608601093292, 0.030339429154992104, 0.035452570766210556, -0.042836517095565796, -0.0013382992474362254, -0.007808302994817495, 0.03663425147533417, 0.004238129127770662, -0.024403922259807587, 0.00925741158425808, -0.006617619656026363, 0.004971155896782875, -0.01644580252468586, 0.04799678921699524, -0.06334881484508514, -0.03540166839957237, -0.032266877591609955, 0.03702317550778389, 0.03239656239748001, -0.034844301640987396, 0.04765282943844795, 0.013584722764790058, -0.005495863035321236, -0.010419675149023533, -0.030501913279294968, -0.03596904128789902, -0.005232423078268766, -0.03283333405852318, 0.02403646521270275, 0.08455564826726913, -0.00396368931978941, 0.004574550315737724, -0.011565367691218853, -0.006796117406338453, 0.018858620896935463, 0.03605220839381218, 0.011485942639410496, 0.005131341051310301, -0.007182026747614145, -0.0097945686429739, 0.04754676669836044, -0.060611337423324585, -0.06451903283596039, -0.012387756258249283, -0.07422583550214767, 0.018033625558018684, -0.013664072379469872, -0.027889037504792213, 0.055263642221689224, 0.045476458966732025, 0.03192219138145447, -0.040065158158540726, 0.018600348383188248, 0.015180920250713825, 0.05820463225245476, 0.03595775365829468, 0.0533045195043087, 0.03737442195415497, -0.0638953223824501, -0.004948534071445465, -0.02895664982497692, -0.0066218082793056965, 0.017098411917686462, 0.034021686762571335, -0.03202282264828682, -0.036404360085725784, 0.0100922966375947, -0.27891433238983154, 0.009821068495512009, -0.009348546154797077, -0.05813636630773544, 0.06468313932418823, -0.02972572110593319, 0.046190883964300156, -0.024555537849664688, -0.02700115367770195, 0.02079024538397789, -0.027596868574619293, -0.015102106146514416, -0.018565261736512184, 0.036784809082746506, 0.042256105691194534, -0.039791811257600784, -0.04505806416273117, -0.0322858989238739, -0.007142128888517618, 0.012881054542958736, 0.03171495720744133, -0.05384916812181473, -0.008048675023019314, 0.03219813480973244, 0.0776478573679924, 0.03794744238257408, -0.054991912096738815, -0.011643989942967892, -0.04215673729777336, 0.002438914030790329, 0.0006951862596906722, 0.006765451747924089, 0.03090713918209076, -0.030529730021953583, 0.009257439523935318, 0.010596259497106075, 0.04612428694963455, 0.0022630069870501757, -0.028430892154574394, 0.012972790747880936, -0.025211647152900696, -0.034428492188453674, -0.033856362104415894, -0.01360300648957491, 0.015173390507698059, -0.01840207166969776, -0.00772198848426342, -0.01903638057410717, -0.003885496174916625, 0.04333951696753502, -0.026588767766952515, 0.01580788567662239, -0.016537580639123917, -0.004364524036645889, -0.034195128828287125, 0.007995698601007462, -0.0709163099527359, 0.02628600224852562, -0.06213409826159477, 0.042865652590990067, -0.008518756367266178, -0.041853006929159164, -0.0705767497420311, -0.007943962700664997, -0.058549664914608, -0.060629360377788544, -0.027366286143660545, -0.014354126527905464, 0.07917401194572449, 0.03305027261376381, 0.03439898043870926, 0.038858406245708466, -0.011334295384585857, -0.08538547903299332, 0.03480852395296097, -0.006618883926421404, -0.025593331083655357, -0.05001329630613327, 0.03071836195886135, -0.022794190794229507, -0.011446969583630562, -0.03822284936904907, 0.04480045288801193, 0.004803607240319252, 0.002619730308651924, -0.015070038847625256, -0.02308787778019905, 0.07066788524389267, -0.02900552563369274, -0.0011201160959899426, 0.04361957311630249, -0.0038086194545030594, 0.00008640375745017081, 0.0029328574892133474, 0.026768416166305542, 0.05634748563170433, -0.01589568331837654, -0.02215719036757946, 0.00518424715846777, 0.01697552762925625, 0.02101331390440464, -0.054877009242773056, -0.00043788409675471485, -0.04752316698431969, 0.0013229773612692952, -0.023371612653136253, -0.044299881905317307, -0.011720800772309303, 0.0514911413192749, 0.002435373142361641, 0.03271522372961044, -0.04551531746983528, 0.02630610764026642, -0.028136296197772026, -0.01265941932797432, -0.017290551215410233, 0.011634370312094688, -0.03249101713299751, 0.010079982690513134, 0.04833729565143585, 0.0066077751107513905, 0.02789291739463806, -0.05316242203116417, -0.02533402480185032, -0.10084322094917297, 0.03277431055903435, -0.00899049174040556, 0.018636412918567657, -0.015554077923297882, 0.0345713309943676, -0.01492422167211771, -0.042158786207437515, -0.024143880233168602, 0.013077551499009132, 0.03884785249829292, 0.007089392282068729, 0.004005183931440115, -0.06202397495508194, -0.023018209263682365, -0.01806548796594143, 0.030753884464502335, -0.014772728085517883, 0.024954332038760185, 0.0054541281424462795, 0.03268404304981232, 0.012157676741480827, 0.012331913225352764, -0.0007060830248519778, -0.021893810480833054, 0.05021914839744568, 0.014811001718044281, -0.06617079675197601, -0.002431160770356655, -0.041690368205308914, -0.06075255572795868, -0.019260473549365997, 0.04584384709596634, 0.005309783387929201, -0.004669002257287502, -0.012519209645688534, -0.030723409727215767, -0.04187586158514023, 0.0011183639289811254, -0.022212717682123184, -0.032830860465765, 0.03760826960206032, -0.036416277289390564, 0.008493294939398766, -0.04170171916484833, 0.05445127561688423, 0.005726923700422049, -0.019197646528482437, -0.02145880088210106, -0.0030718978960067034, 0.039085160940885544, 0.013041785918176174, -0.014211385510861874, 0.014183944091200829, 0.04299415647983551, 0.06957026571035385, -0.017733003944158554, -0.01217907015234232, -0.03427339717745781, -0.04582277685403824, 0.06022801622748375, -0.03045743703842163, -0.02066250517964363, -0.043313704431056976, 0.012536070309579372, 0.009255950339138508, -0.04734570160508156, 0.0028809811919927597, -0.04853569716215134, -0.003500182181596756, -0.04775305464863777, -0.04199148342013359, -0.00046965008368715644, -0.019757002592086792, 0.01678340882062912, 0.029408762231469154, -0.011973422020673752, -0.04125170037150383, 0.01557124499231577, 0.010264788754284382, -0.03211533650755882, -0.05455193668603897, 0.0026664892211556435, 0.01915900595486164, -0.016011683270335197, 0.03802250698208809, -0.054588984698057175, -0.0061022271402180195, 0.020717930048704147, 0.0031735829543322325, 0.04153847694396973, -0.04011940211057663, 0.04189453274011612, -0.012773804366588593, -0.0008886362775228918, -0.017665816470980644, -0.014998463913798332, -0.028485191985964775, -0.032960712909698486, -0.02784484066069126, -0.027729881927371025, 0.02926628477871418, 0.001786333043128252, -0.0324518084526062, 0.009374056942760944, -0.058953940868377686, 0.04495276138186455, -0.03494821488857269, 0.016683699563145638, 0.0739697590470314, -0.008439191617071629, -0.0136653957888484, -0.023136315867304802, 0.01600462570786476, -0.03006681054830551, 0.05492696166038513, 0.026421496644616127, 0.02236156538128853, 0.03758685290813446, -0.03669968992471695, -0.022158144041895866, 0.035625290125608444, 0.045774608850479126, -0.002953116549178958, -0.021169783547520638, 0.0988670289516449, -0.019511695951223373, 0.036748845130205154, 0.013718174770474434, 0.028739696368575096, 0.039491020143032074, -0.06456084549427032, 0.003347407327964902, 0.03807956352829933, -0.01287899911403656, 0.029898256063461304, 0.012222710996866226, 0.016558164730668068, -0.018415085971355438, -0.029467811807990074, 0.02211286500096321, 0.004512856714427471, 0.05292525887489319, -0.013838621787726879, 0.06389515101909637, -0.07062657922506332, -0.03365097567439079, -0.056992121040821075, 0.0016063954681158066, -0.020996546372771263, 0.030286215245723724, 0.014652357436716557, -0.007046495098620653, -0.02826439030468464, 0.0044413162395358086, -0.06197298690676689, -0.05805288255214691, -0.018430162221193314, -0.011907517910003662, -0.0167792160063982, 0.014548612758517265, -0.02581878751516342, 0.004357404075562954, 0.008635815232992172, -0.08565551042556763, -0.03778776898980141, 0.024068117141723633, -0.0066604819148778915, 0.01648256927728653, -0.006447892636060715, -0.010049818083643913, -0.0074207293801009655, 0.018843017518520355, 0.04972404986619949, -0.04129743203520775, 0.0649578720331192, -0.07504976540803909, 0.04234829172492027, 0.0453980416059494, 0.008102240040898323, -0.028992868959903717, -0.001541285659186542, -0.03584124892950058, -0.059437792748212814, -0.012030909769237041, 0.024153271690011024, -0.014049763791263103, -0.08066646754741669, 0.05109065771102905, 0.02312767319381237, -0.05884060636162758, -0.041741978377103806, -0.027415640652179718, -0.041555047035217285, -0.01658422313630581, -0.0329253226518631, -0.014065822586417198, -0.023996207863092422, 0.0450003519654274, 0.0528353676199913, 0.07271372526884079, 0.0228885505348444, 0.026379836723208427, 0.037539612501859665, -0.029945172369480133, 0.09646114706993103, 0.06594811379909515, 0.011435345746576786, -0.02734486386179924, 0.04884915426373482, 0.011653867550194263, -0.0005792061565443873, 0.030896924436092377, -0.04332058131694794, -0.00466883135959506, 0.01670702174305916, 0.00869233813136816, 0.052182216197252274, 0.02163325808942318, 0.05065217986702919, -0.02241344004869461, 0.0013812895631417632, 0.06030568480491638, -0.04284127429127693, 0.045394957065582275, 0.01991857960820198, -0.002622421830892563, -0.03553635627031326, 0.006449604872614145, -0.0355767197906971, 0.0026166571769863367, 0.023758480325341225, -0.022062893956899643, 0.0324861966073513, -0.050878070294857025, -0.024233320727944374, 0.006722749676555395, -0.011367973871529102, 0.05425625294446945, -0.036301255226135254, -0.025737598538398743, -0.0013263220898807049, 0.014882565476000309, 0.01216513104736805, -0.006976251490414143, -0.01514341775327921, 0.019551904872059822, -0.0342368520796299, -0.030092280358076096, 0.03272192180156708, 0.06654665619134903, 0.01872614026069641, 0.041676316410303116, -0.022500144317746162, 0.006791858002543449, 0.04294055327773094, 0.03587278351187706, -0.05080120265483856, -0.05234033986926079, -0.03904516249895096, -0.017682213336229324, -0.024442847818136215, 0.04450364410877228, 0.013264743611216545, -0.04654049873352051, -0.06514107435941696, -0.0083407461643219, -0.0008673082920722663, -0.002396809635683894, 0.022138679400086403, -0.03795017674565315, 0.01832439936697483, 0.019888553768396378, 0.060222327709198, 0.04252989590167999, 0.03516929969191551, 0.07424058020114899, -0.01645461469888687, -0.03198529779911041, -0.00938181858509779, -0.003730135504156351, 0.03626003488898277, -0.004661863204091787, 0.030210232362151146, -0.09846056997776031, -0.009847288951277733, 0.02285635843873024, -0.012192236259579659, -0.048289213329553604, 0.034205105155706406, 0.011806294322013855, -0.027671435847878456, 0.04198555648326874, 0.03154627978801727, -0.029639018699526787, -0.0076220897026360035, -0.0005020223907195032, 0.018552536144852638, -0.01259682234376669, 0.04773425683379173, -0.025640198960900307, 0.03882474824786186, 0.04672589525580406, -0.0036853260826319456, -0.040005654096603394, 0.05173439905047417, 0.010055686347186565, -0.020440328866243362, -0.035835254937410355, -0.006981230340898037, -0.001975391758605838, -0.026747487485408783, -0.05729581415653229, 0.005082567688077688, -0.03657219931483269, -0.01875179260969162, 0.022183172404766083, 0.022949593141674995, -0.02298581972718239, -0.005662993527948856, 0.03574099764227867, 0.024700533598661423, -0.06404455751180649, -0.024090109393000603, -0.06335862725973129, 0.03499416261911392, 0.02033349685370922, 0.05221845954656601, -0.018409013748168945, -0.05033415928483009, 0.000042172301618847996, -0.04734332859516144, 0.043705280870199203, 0.025183040648698807, -0.012827537022531033, 0.024338508024811745 ]
OPINION OF THE COURT. HANNA, J. (after stating the facts as above.)- — Although numerous errors were assigned, most of them have been waived, and we will consider those presented for our consideration in the order in which they are referred torn appellant’s brief; the first error being that there is not sufficient proof to sustain a verdict of guilty. This assignment .presents a double aspect,’ as argued by appellant; his first contention being that there is a total failure of proof as to practically all the material allegations of the indictment. Because of this assignment we have set out the facts at length, and it is our conclusion, after reading the evidence as contained in the record as a whole,’ that there was substantial evidence, if believed by the jury, to support the verdict. It has been held on numerous occasions, not only by this court, but by the territorial Supreme . Court, that where there is substantial evidence to support a verdict the appellate court will not disturb it. State v. Padilla, 139 Pac. 143; State v. Roberts, 138 Pac. 208; State v. Eaker, 17 N. M. 479, 131 Pac. 489. The second aspect of this assignment, as presented by appellant, is based upon the alleged inadmissibility of the evidence of the two witnesses, Bautista and Molina, which was to the effect that appellant had attempted to bribe them. It is contended that this evidence, having gone to the jury over appellant’s objection, undoubtedly tending to prejudice the jury against him, nevertheless did not tend to prove the offense charged against him, except as to a portion of the evidence of one of the witnesses which went to show that this witness had seen blood upon the shirt of the defendant. Further objection was made to the evidence of the witness Bautista on the ground that there was no attempt to qualify him. as an expert witness, until after his testimony in.chief, and upon the suggestion of the court. Upon the first phase of this question — namely, the evidence going to show an attempt to bribe — we believe it is a well-established rule of evidence, in both civil and criminal cases, that a party’s fraud in the preparation or presentation of his ease, such as the suppression or the attempt to suppress evidence by the bribery of witnesses, can be shown against him as a circumstance tending to prove that his case lacks honesty and truth. State v. Constantine, 48 Wash. 218, 93 Pac. 317. As to the objection that the Indian witness, Bautista, was not qualified as an' expert, we are not disposed to agree that this evidence was of a character to be properly denominated as expert evidence. The witness merely detailed the facts which had come under his observation, and, aside from the fact that he identified the tracks which he followed as the tracks of the defendant, basing his testimony upon his subsequent observation of other tracks known to be those of the defendant, it cannot be said that hi's ■ evidence in any wise assumed the character of expert testimony. 'And, as to the latter fact, we be lieve there can be no objection upon the grounds as stated. The opinion of the witness in this respect was based upon measurements of the different tracks, which were compared by the witness, for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not they corresponded with one another. It is laid down as a rule of criminal evidence that: “Evidence of the identity of the accused with the person who committed the theft, derived from a comparison of the foot tracks, is admissible.” Underhill on Crim. Ev., p. 364. The same author also says in the same work, at page 400, that: “The comparison of footprints proved to have been made by the prisoner with other tracks or footprints found near the scene of the homicide is relevant, if a doubt arises on the evidence which was the slayer.” The same author, at page 438, further says: “A witness who has measured the tracks of man or beast and compared his measurement with the footwear of the accused, or of a horse owned by him, may testify to the results and may state that, in his opinion, a correspondence exists in size and shape.” Mr. Wharton, in his work on Criminal Evidence (section 936), states that the weight of authority sustains the rule that the witness may always testify to the facts and circumstances of the footprints or tracks, but that the courts are about equally divided upon the question of whether or not the witness may express an opinion as lo their identity. In this case the witness testified the tracks were the same, which, of course, might be contended was, in effect, stating that the particular tracks at the scene of the crime were those of the defendant, as he was connected with the tracks made later, and which were used for the purpose of comparison. We fully appreciate the fact that great caution should be exercised in admitting evidence of this character, but we believe in this case the facts jus tify the admission of this particular evidence, and the-evidence in question was more closely approximating evidence of the fact in question rather than the conclusion or opinion of the witness which might have required a showing of expert ability, and it was the only evidence, in our opinion, that could have been adduced to prove the fact. For this reason it bears some similarity to the case of State v. Cooley, recently decided by this court, and reported at 140 Pac. 1111, at 1118, 52 L. R. A. (N. S.) 230. As stated in that opinion: “The witness, in effect, describes the facts when he gives his opinion. It is Ms way o,f stating them. Such testimony is admitted from necessity. A witness can seldom give in detail all the points and particles which go to make up his belief, but he can characterize them.” So, in the present case, the witness characterized the-tracks which were the subject of inquiry, ánd said that they were the same. He could not detail the circumstances which led him to believe that they were the same, and this evidence is admissible by reason of the necessity of the case, and because of the fact that the jury could not be informed upon the matter of the identity of the-tracks except upon such evidence as this. We thereto re-are of the opinion that no error was committed upon this ground of the assignment. The next assignment of error urged by appellant is predicated upon the refusal of the trial court to allow the defendant to show by a witness, Demécio Baca, what the statement of the prosecutrix was immediately after she regained consciousness after the alleged offense. One-of the grounds upon which error in this action of the trial court is predicated is that the statement was a part of the-res gestae, but it is further contended that the alleged statement in question was admissible as independent evidence. In our opinion, there are several reasons why this assignment is not well taken. First of all, it cannot be-seriously urged that this testimony was a part of the res gestae. The time of the crime is not definitely fixed, but it occurred at some hour during the night. The child was. found some time after she was missed in the morning, and was returned to her home, additional time thereby elapsing which is not fixed or certain. At a later time after her return to her home, which by the witness referred to was said to be a very little while after, a question was propounded to the child by the aunt, who, it is alleged, asked her who took her from home. The answer to this question, which was excluded by the court upon the ground that the child was an incompetent witness, is the action upon which error is predicated. It does ■ not appear from the record what the answer would have been had it been admitted, and, so far as the record discloses, the answer might have been that the defendant was the person who took her from home. In other words, there was no-oiler to prove any fact which would indicate that the defendant had been prejudiced by the' exclusion of the testimony. As stated by Mr. Elliott, in his work on Appellate Procedure, § 592: “A ruling must appear by the record, and from the record it'must be shown to be erroneous in the strict sense; that is, it must appear that the ruling was wrong, and that it probably so operated as to bring about a wrong final result.” In other words, the error must appear from the face of the record, and we believe it to be well established thar errors must not only appear upon the face of the record, but must appear to be probably prejudicial. Harter v. Eltzroth, 111 Ind. 159, 12 N. E. 129. We therefore conclude that this assignment pf error is not well taken, as it does not appear that , the defendant was prejudiced by the exclusion of the evidence in question. The third assignment of error presented for our consideration is predicated upon alleged error in the trial court’s refusal to grant a change of venue. Appellant, in his -affidavit, asserted a belief that he could not obtain a fair trial in Valencia county, by reason of prejudice of the inhabitants thereof against him, arising.out of public excitement and local pretndioe, which affidavit was supported by 'the affidavit of two witnesses, who swore they were disinterested and believed the matter alleged in the affidavit -of'-the appellant. The court caused the testimony; of'the'supporting witnesses to be taken, which resulted -in a- showing that they had heard some conversation, concerning-the case, and talk that the defendant ought to be punished, but did not know whether the appellant could -obtain a fair trial in the county or not. Whereupon the court denied the motion for a change of venue. It - is contended by appellant that the inquiry of the court into the merits of the affidavits upon which the application for- change of venue was based could only be directed to- the interest of the witnesses, and that the court- was limited in its inquiry thus far. It is argued that there' is nothing in the statute (section 2881, C. L. 1897) that authorizes the court to inquire into the source of knowledge of the witnesses; the only question before the court being, Are the two witnesses supporting the affidavit disinterested? it being contended that, if the court so finds, the statute is fully complied with, and it is mandatory upon the court to grant the change of venue. This question is ably discussed in the learned brief of the Attorney General, and we do not desire to cumber this opinion with a full discussion of the matter as presented therein, believing it is sufficient to say that we consider that the question is fully disposed of by the territorial Supreme Court in the case of Territory v. Cheney, 16 N. M. 476, 120 Pac. 335, where the court said: “The witnesses produced in support of the application should be examined in court, as to knowledge and interest, and, if the presiding judge is of the opinion that their testimony does not' establish the grounds of the motion, he should' deny it.” We also fully agree with the holding of the territorial Supreme Court in the case last referred'to, which we believe to be applicable to the present case, that an order of the district court denying the motion for a change of venue will not be reversed by this court unless the record shows an abuse of discretion, which in this case it does not. For the reasons stated, we cannot hold that the assignment as to the denial of the change of venue is well taken. The only remaining assignment of error urged by appellant- in his brief is that the court erred in refusing to quash the indictment, and also in permitting the Stale to introduce testimony over defendant’s objection, for the reason that no offense against the state was charged in the indictment. It is asserted that this indictment,- being based upon sections 1090 and 1091 of the Comjpiled Laws of 1897, is defective, in that the indictment nowhere charged that the defendant was either over the age of 14 years or, being under that age, had the - physical ability to commit the offense, which, it is insisted, were essential ingredients of the offense that it was incumbent upon the state both to allege and prove. Appellant cites in support of this assignment the case of Hubert v. State, a Nebraska case found in 74 Neb. 220, 104 N. W. 276, 106 N. W. 774, and the case of Schramm v. People, 220 Ill. 17, 77 N. E. 117, 5 Ann. Cas. 111, and also the case of Wistrand v. People, 213 Ill. 72, 72 N. E. 748, in which case the several courts held that proof-of the defendant’s age was necessary and material in order to establish the corpus delicti. It is to be observed, however, that the statutes upon which the several indictments in these cases were based were substantially different from that of ours, in that the element of age was an essential part of the statute. As in the Nebraska case, where the statute read, “Or if any male person of the age' of eighteen years or upwards,” etc., and in the Illinois statute, upon which both the Illinois cases were based, the'statute read, “Every male person of the age of sixteen years and upwards, who shall,” etc., necessarily 'the age of' the accused must be specified in an indictment based upon either of these statutes. Our statute (section 1091) provides as follows: “No conviction for rape can be had against one who is under the age of fourteen years at the time of the act alleged, unless his physical ability to accomplish penetration is proved as an independent fact beyond a reasonable doubt.” Section 1090, C. L. 1897, which defines the crime of rape, does not contain any limitation as to the age of the person charged with the crime, as in the case of Nebraska and Illinois statutes, but simply provides “that a person perpetrating” shall be punished as therein provided. And it was under this section of the statutes that the- defendant is accused by the indictment in question. If it should appear at the trial that the accused was a person under the age of 14 years, the provisions of section 1091 would apply, and the statute in question might be urged in bar of the conviction, should the evidence fail to prove the physical ability as defined in the statute. It would also be sufficient to say, in connection with this assignment of error, that the point cannot now be raised for the first time, not having been previously called to the attention of the trial court during the progress of the trial. The record, however,- we desire to say, discloses that the appellant was a married man, and the father of two children, which would at least show that the assignment was not meritorious in point of fact, if valid as a technical legal objection. Finding no errors in the record, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.; and it is so ordered. Eoberts, C. J., and Parker, J., concur.
[ -0.018935274332761765, -0.015286841429769993, -0.04601815715432167, 0.050075385719537735, 0.032599981874227524, 0.0274342093616724, 0.05114639550447464, 0.02070867270231247, -0.015130100771784782, -0.03628387302160263, 0.043962184339761734, 0.040432434529066086, -0.05676701292395592, 0.011545275337994099, -0.03488396853208542, 0.07191373407840729, 0.0462581031024456, 0.019439697265625, 0.03617126867175102, -0.01895183138549328, 0.032281070947647095, 0.016003509983420372, -0.00027870864141732454, 0.03915786370635033, 0.03709643706679344, 0.009843082167208195, 0.010099105536937714, 0.0076547120697796345, -0.054304007440805435, -0.011080713011324406, 0.0640769898891449, -0.005444685462862253, -0.04443593695759773, -0.004566637333482504, -0.036039408296346664, 0.010481417179107666, -0.013927368447184563, -0.011907299049198627, -0.011319498531520367, 0.038883939385414124, -0.035121090710163116, 0.024970900267362595, -0.01932676136493683, -0.010009275749325752, -0.06190325319766998, -0.0004418837488628924, 0.02408299222588539, 0.04394679516553879, -0.026345979422330856, 0.009489966556429863, -0.05315372347831726, 0.004250282887369394, -0.042962126433849335, 0.02752293273806572, -0.021688206121325493, 0.023905478417873383, -0.0373491570353508, -0.03579454496502876, 0.003643917152658105, -0.0312647819519043, 0.004768036771565676, 0.002506959019228816, 0.07835281640291214, -0.009566906839609146, 0.028605367988348007, 0.001088996883481741, 0.027345091104507446, 0.0543777272105217, -0.024977685883641243, 0.013286560773849487, -0.03532400727272034, 0.014249211177229881, 0.0015630333218723536, 0.005885126534849405, -0.032308146357536316, -0.061095550656318665, 0.017571212723851204, 0.039105091243982315, -0.006392653565853834, 0.03192342817783356, 0.04283713921904564, -0.0012992661213502288, 0.04335781931877136, 0.05083661898970604, 0.0015979032032191753, -0.05336945876479149, 0.0044899978674948215, -0.044887006282806396, -0.03878990560770035, 0.040712982416152954, -0.01196197234094143, -0.009224277921020985, 0.032074667513370514, 0.07343693822622299, -0.03221948444843292, -0.020092671737074852, 0.0557434968650341, -0.013963867910206318, -0.005259294994175434, -0.010842815972864628, -0.037755902856588364, -0.004153615329414606, 0.0026230206713080406, 0.07923533022403717, -0.06400192528963089, -0.002360910177230835, -0.0012647021794691682, 0.023820478469133377, -0.020967351272702217, 0.03744485229253769, 0.026948558166623116, 0.033677421510219574, -0.002455412410199642, -0.027156643569469452, -0.07226986438035965, 0.03611050546169281, 0.03308847174048424, -0.04466305300593376, -0.03517545387148857, -0.017674392089247704, 0.03907807171344757, 0.02189996838569641, 0.02120799571275711, 0.0782981738448143, 0.01666450873017311, 0.010620586574077606, 0.006051984149962664, 0.02479017898440361, -0.025342101231217384, -0.05158486217260361, -0.0035129482857882977, 0.052064694464206696, -0.030922722071409225, 0.02190747857093811, -0.03760703653097153, -0.04837825521826744, -0.003724480979144573, -0.03783857077360153, 0.012375421822071075, -0.02586541511118412, -0.021733155474066734, -0.039009153842926025, 0.027044683694839478, 0.014103448949754238, 0.06229647621512413, -0.018598562106490135, 0.009276632219552994, -0.018048597499728203, -0.04486484080553055, -0.012825816869735718, 0.029605090618133545, 0.015339536592364311, 0.0069220904260873795, -0.01685624197125435, 0.001571296132169664, 0.050227850675582886, 0.04812280088663101, 0.01219557598233223, -0.02850722149014473, 0.03851266950368881, 0.028737811371684074, 0.02272593043744564, 0.03225327283143997, -0.018731199204921722, -0.007366560865193605, 0.021508406847715378, 0.010745121166110039, 0.03286329656839371, -0.03184967860579491, 0.022990671917796135, -0.01816622167825699, -0.013254993595182896, 0.04086758941411972, -0.04460709169507027, -0.040930528193712234, 0.04554670304059982, 0.027536869049072266, 0.035141002386808395, 0.04128709062933922, -0.0407949723303318, -0.06413689255714417, 0.04525410756468773, -0.011238212697207928, 0.006590633653104305, -0.03159056603908539, -0.01837451383471489, 0.05109307914972305, 0.013930127955973148, -0.00038105202838778496, 0.009241852909326553, -0.048581331968307495, -0.04249107837677002, -0.012936190702021122, -0.03857775777578354, 0.04629499837756157, 0.01093054749071598, -0.04434620216488838, 0.014652720652520657, 0.02576097659766674, 0.042301617562770844, 0.03715182840824127, 0.028240319341421127, 0.05016756430268288, -0.06148802489042282, -0.044266991317272186, 0.031775154173374176, 0.06326199322938919, 0.04807978495955467, 0.0006296426872722805, 0.07253336161375046, -0.04406667873263359, 0.010112704709172249, 0.02672049216926098, -0.01981251686811447, 0.017264122143387794, -0.024252524599432945, 0.07873541116714478, -0.026332350447773933, 0.055811043828725815, -0.04679250717163086, 0.017956174910068512, -0.0004977634525857866, -0.016762737184762955, 0.0734744742512703, -0.021639378741383553, 0.08861653506755829, 0.07055846601724625, -0.016066329553723335, -0.024886490777134895, -0.031680069863796234, -0.0006157064926810563, -0.030086010694503784, 0.0055005112662911415, -0.01379601750522852, -0.002715187380090356, -0.0019069345435127616, -0.04229457676410675, -0.003500887891277671, 0.04294899106025696, -0.04868616536259651, 0.028271574527025223, 0.04485205560922623, 0.030658168718218803, 0.0528210811316967, -0.031059933826327324, -0.014826646074652672, -0.007984881289303303, -0.0034551210701465607, -0.008757781237363815, -0.020551279187202454, -0.00583566864952445, -0.02524484321475029, 0.0018113601254299283, -0.01991485431790352, 0.007215688470751047, -0.05330238118767738, -0.016058556735515594, -0.029667416587471962, 0.024169709533452988, 0.029858088120818138, -0.028423551470041275, 0.04141736030578613, 0.008755728602409363, -0.021214084699749947, 0.004509082064032555, -0.019022289663553238, -0.06385736167430878, 0.051343370229005814, -0.03311186656355858, 0.017850151285529137, 0.04584886506199837, 0.01875259540975094, -0.0209581907838583, -0.005201893858611584, -0.024009784683585167, 0.025416191667318344, 0.04544137790799141, -0.0003925871860701591, -0.02165469340980053, 0.022471783682703972, -0.022860826924443245, 0.041036833077669144, -0.029195338487625122, -0.021687958389520645, -0.006576045416295528, -0.0574892982840538, 0.01577952317893505, -0.06913327425718307, -0.03831759840250015, 0.04389159381389618, -0.01947467215359211, 0.040417324751615524, 0.014480735175311565, 0.0004700303543359041, 0.03288032487034798, 0.0015606089727953076, 0.020164256915450096, -0.001720993546769023, 0.023578735068440437, -0.027025610208511353, -0.019198277965188026, -0.02372150681912899, -0.025608813390135765, 0.0077833570539951324, 0.02568550780415535, 0.013135397806763649, -0.03619341552257538, 0.04979066923260689, -0.26122021675109863, 0.017230285331606865, 0.022666992619633675, -0.06133638694882393, 0.03936178982257843, -0.034314267337322235, 0.019741889089345932, -0.01874546892940998, -0.021517805755138397, 0.043717626482248306, -0.0001693627127679065, -0.022121960297226906, 0.005192738026380539, 0.049038439989089966, 0.049428585916757584, -0.03579721599817276, -0.00045922890421934426, -0.027800902724266052, -0.013629838824272156, 0.025774460285902023, 0.01606176421046257, -0.08052796870470047, -0.03518560901284218, 0.02031535655260086, 0.05570235475897789, 0.06165028363466263, -0.0215461365878582, 0.019036369398236275, -0.08559747040271759, -0.01230846531689167, -0.02855640836060047, 0.0024747836869210005, -0.00526681262999773, -0.004238787107169628, -0.018477030098438263, 0.017962705343961716, 0.03550906106829643, -0.02931346371769905, -0.02753954753279686, -0.0036679168697446585, -0.01956615224480629, -0.055128876119852066, 0.011516217142343521, 0.027094189077615738, 0.06181979551911354, 0.006060195621103048, -0.051235076040029526, 0.0066584148444235325, -0.012463453225791454, 0.049877941608428955, -0.012586069293320179, 0.0060713947750627995, -0.05636189877986908, -0.004490871448069811, -0.03361744433641434, -0.012330057099461555, -0.026962444186210632, -0.009900799952447414, -0.08089124411344528, 0.024463795125484467, 0.013556229881942272, -0.052091825753450394, -0.050451550632715225, 0.002686617663130164, -0.03981456905603409, -0.034493446350097656, -0.03863595053553581, -0.039058342576026917, 0.09696011990308762, 0.026751045137643814, 0.00927106011658907, 0.05313926190137863, -0.015861911699175835, -0.07534170895814896, 0.007061585783958435, 0.006615529302507639, -0.046368446201086044, -0.022919584065675735, -0.023511452600359917, 0.012347190640866756, -0.028377648442983627, -0.0015028686029836535, 0.03596136346459389, 0.009334705770015717, -0.012545200996100903, -0.01851482503116131, -0.004015701822936535, 0.061982233077287674, -0.04500800371170044, 0.014940432272851467, 0.02749009057879448, 0.021534156054258347, -0.02505178563296795, 0.0072877355851233006, 0.004980719182640314, 0.03573262318968773, -0.0032931382302194834, 0.0010052126599475741, 0.010026080533862114, -0.01366042997688055, 0.013007326051592827, -0.06892476230859756, 0.05551542714238167, -0.04911525920033455, -0.023000620305538177, 0.004909018985927105, -0.05352059751749039, -0.01007337961345911, 0.025255948305130005, -0.018331272527575493, 0.046886369585990906, -0.012904617004096508, 0.07578868418931961, 0.022690432146191597, 0.023900043219327927, -0.03469739109277725, 0.0204471442848444, 0.010527794249355793, 0.013161527924239635, 0.008769800886511803, -0.015606516040861607, 0.028434405103325844, -0.06915058940649033, -0.03373624011874199, -0.08359982818365097, -0.006546726915985346, 0.015893755480647087, 0.011741135269403458, -0.038141023367643356, 0.026807209476828575, -0.02263667806982994, -0.03570842370390892, 0.004352125804871321, 0.025882486253976822, -0.0011286160442978144, 0.007367738988250494, -0.02314242161810398, -0.056287262588739395, 0.04179438203573227, 0.008655386045575142, 0.02823013626039028, -0.005448079667985439, -0.008256266824901104, -0.011223753914237022, 0.07056345045566559, -0.03270493447780609, 0.004915538709610701, -0.012820287607610226, -0.031986676156520844, 0.033701732754707336, -0.0008239339804276824, -0.05016063153743744, 0.008702557533979416, -0.033692508935928345, -0.022041356191039085, -0.036621417850255966, 0.012089349329471588, 0.03522642329335213, -0.0590163916349411, -0.01356601994484663, -0.010060918517410755, -0.02521316148340702, -0.011651581153273582, -0.01648050732910633, -0.005077194422483444, 0.0403372086584568, -0.047705017030239105, 0.014159741811454296, -0.002712119370698929, 0.0463729202747345, -0.015795232728123665, -0.06380802392959595, -0.015541010536253452, -0.006979705300182104, 0.008417450822889805, 0.035408783704042435, -0.002888232236728072, 0.003367590019479394, 0.03176869451999664, 0.02316746488213539, -0.01882500760257244, -0.05034541338682175, -0.0323304757475853, 0.0015190527774393559, 0.07741118967533112, -0.02799757942557335, -0.03284911438822746, -0.07229023426771164, -0.005197181366384029, 0.0016124245012179017, -0.035635486245155334, -0.0069266860373318195, 0.03019576519727707, 0.040355995297431946, -0.06673315912485123, -0.0574369914829731, 0.014687227085232735, -0.017058853060007095, 0.03252585977315903, 0.03559450805187225, 0.006872726138681173, -0.012494989670813084, -0.04116293042898178, 0.015493067912757397, 0.013805132359266281, -0.05721168592572212, 0.009156418964266777, 0.028637005016207695, -0.03978404402732849, 0.03289955481886864, -0.06994599848985672, -0.025079671293497086, -0.006257693748921156, 0.0105193005874753, 0.053522441536188126, -0.048972975462675095, 0.016701536253094673, -0.004323356319218874, -0.021023569628596306, -0.004995178431272507, 0.019940683618187904, -0.02484302781522274, -0.039767902344465256, 0.01767643541097641, -0.03109901212155819, 0.044888686388731, -0.021793195977807045, -0.009834342636168003, 0.05032210424542427, -0.04027092456817627, 0.009459903463721275, -0.031213752925395966, 0.01765734888613224, 0.07890217751264572, 0.006096486002206802, -0.02203541435301304, -0.015501445159316063, -0.03553688898682594, -0.03905507177114487, 0.042927779257297516, 0.003233144758269191, 0.0024503336753696203, 0.017479315400123596, 0.014970796182751656, -0.02096012979745865, -0.013916962780058384, 0.013904241845011711, 0.018247779458761215, -0.012416234239935875, 0.08446631580591202, 0.015530153177678585, 0.03218374401330948, -0.018983693793416023, 0.006368068978190422, 0.03113301657140255, -0.01275903731584549, 0.03424038738012314, 0.027199897915124893, -0.021622510626912117, 0.06419239938259125, 0.016126273199915886, -0.0035217523109167814, 0.029315480962395668, -0.007830336689949036, 0.014635846950113773, 0.005120941437780857, 0.019678417593240738, -0.026531081646680832, 0.027463838458061218, -0.05823051556944847, -0.011109043844044209, -0.09243690222501755, 0.004931998904794455, -0.038067933171987534, 0.022259466350078583, 0.04696640372276306, -0.0026210143696516752, -0.032039716839790344, 0.04185886308550835, -0.09086520224809647, -0.016661547124385834, -0.013525349088013172, -0.04203081876039505, -0.02792065031826496, -0.010135119780898094, -0.04226420447230339, 0.017941072583198547, 0.02480427175760269, -0.10532624274492264, -0.049423519521951675, -0.006863052025437355, 0.04002055898308754, 0.060185935348272324, 0.006113121751695871, 0.0012737467186525464, -0.003077288856729865, 0.013769293203949928, 0.05864860489964485, -0.028239907696843147, 0.03990360349416733, -0.05212879553437233, 0.03645546734333038, 0.03998032957315445, -0.019775688648223877, 0.0020950231701135635, 0.0055310376919806, -0.023407984524965286, -0.0711885616183281, 0.004018853418529034, -0.012003101408481598, -0.0312848836183548, -0.04971000552177429, 0.03907059505581856, -0.01498270034790039, -0.05649562552571297, -0.05704990774393082, -0.005835697986185551, -0.009624226950109005, -0.025937296450138092, 0.004240148700773716, 0.05140531808137894, -0.009504808112978935, 0.04774075746536255, -0.0024800896644592285, 0.06597264111042023, 0.035169754177331924, 0.00858322624117136, 0.03436293080449104, -0.021184736862778664, 0.06358883529901505, 0.05579986423254013, 0.01887795701622963, 0.004598666448146105, 0.0522647351026535, -0.021756496280431747, -0.009346190840005875, 0.014560912735760212, -0.05175481364130974, 0.011286182329058647, 0.02203245460987091, 0.0441996194422245, 0.05613340064883232, 0.005429236218333244, 0.054910704493522644, -0.010739739052951336, 0.03758999705314636, 0.029752761125564575, -0.013632882386446, 0.01061143260449171, 0.05427544564008713, -0.005122167058289051, -0.01733190380036831, 0.0022024079225957394, -0.02641357108950615, 0.026174036785960197, 0.019883185625076294, -0.017773177474737167, -0.0046873497776687145, -0.09489498287439346, 0.03918527811765671, -0.02401781640946865, -0.021312227472662926, 0.07904308289289474, -0.04091152548789978, -0.026892561465501785, 0.027676083147525787, 0.018467435613274574, 0.05957722291350365, -0.01019743736833334, 0.013059530407190323, -0.02401759661734104, -0.01920747011899948, -0.04256843030452728, -0.01806866005063057, 0.06616909056901932, 0.007506938185542822, 0.029790572822093964, -0.003377931658178568, 0.004145690239965916, 0.03298897668719292, 0.037172943353652954, -0.020729731768369675, -0.036643821746110916, -0.019784461706876755, 0.013074575923383236, -0.021280404180288315, 0.018552502617239952, 0.03151042014360428, -0.05326509848237038, -0.053202129900455475, 0.0016209312016144395, -0.03552917763590813, 0.005060493480414152, 0.055563680827617645, -0.05973491072654724, -0.0035071256570518017, 0.0436391606926918, 0.07366134971380234, 0.04487866908311844, -0.006240584421902895, 0.03394313529133797, 0.004973751492798328, -0.04584530368447304, -0.01604602113366127, -0.034136272966861725, 0.03181827440857887, -0.030051397159695625, 0.03601222485303879, -0.09437765181064606, 0.001989923417568207, -0.009940414689481258, -0.01695767603814602, -0.0709473043680191, 0.022825006395578384, -0.03107266128063202, -0.006486260797828436, 0.06385884433984756, 0.041178710758686066, -0.01994851790368557, -0.024388916790485382, 0.003401070134714246, -0.01518877875059843, 0.008249209262430668, 0.06474640220403671, -0.029675127938389778, 0.059412334114313126, 0.018521632999181747, 0.011461666785180569, -0.05733433738350868, 0.024367734789848328, 0.05608333274722099, -0.03726012259721756, -0.04431997984647751, -0.011836311779916286, 0.02532557211816311, -0.06507140398025513, -0.055374156683683395, -0.0045212870463728905, -0.029459424316883087, -0.06973113864660263, 0.019938118755817413, -0.03528272733092308, -0.0027065551839768887, -0.041406963020563126, 0.01514267735183239, 0.03892228379845619, -0.07824691385030746, -0.010225452482700348, -0.03285187855362892, 0.048014167696237564, 0.008243962191045284, 0.03225572407245636, -0.00031132291769608855, -0.07067855447530746, -0.005658832844346762, -0.04679169878363609, -0.012775504030287266, 0.03285057470202446, 0.006885649170726538, -0.023914214223623276 ]
OPINION OF THE COURT. ROBERTS, C. J. — Appellant was tried and convicted, in the district court of Santa Eé county, upon an indictment charging him with stealing and selling one head of neat cattle, the property of óne Estanislao Gallegos. The principal ground here urged for a reversal is that the verdict of the jury, upon which judgment was entered, is not supported by the evidence. This contention necessitates an examination of the facts in the case, proven upon the trial, for the purpose of ascertaining whether there is substantial evidence to support the verdict of the jury. Where the verdict of a jury is not supported by substantial evidence, the appellate court will set aside the judgment entered thereon. The indictment upon which this prosecution is based was drawn under section 79, O. L. 1897, which provides: “Any person who shall * * * knowingly * * * sell * * * or in any manner deprive the owner of the immediate possession of any neat cattle, * * * shall be deemed guilty of a felony. * * .* ” The Attorney General admits that it was necessary for the state to prove that the appellant knowingly stole.or sold the property of another; in other words,, in so far as this particular case is concerned, that it was incumbent upon the state to show that-the defendant did not sell the animal in question under the honest, although mistaken belief, that it was his own property. The facts, briefly stated, are as follows: Some six or seven years prior to the selling of the animal in question the appellant owned a cow, which bore his brand upon its .side. He sold or traded this cow to Antonio J. Romero, now deceased, then the husband of Minerva Romero, now Gallegos, one of the witnesses for the state. Romero placed his brand “A. R.” upon the right hip of the animal. Upon his death the cow became the properry of his widow, now Minerva Gallegos. Some time necor-j the alleged larceny of the cow and calf Mrs. Gallegos gave this cow, along with some others, to Estanislao Gallegos on a partido contract, under which he became and vas the owner of the calf following the cow in question at the time of the alleged larceny. The calf was not branded, but it had certain marks thereon, which was the earmark claimed by his father. In July, 1912, the appellant, in company with one Entemio Roybal, were in the mountains searching for some stray animals belonging to each of them. They came upon the cow in question, accompanied by the calf, which apparently was still suckling its mother. Upon the side of the cow they saw distinctly the brand of the appellant, and neither of them observed any other brand or mark upon the animal. Appellant remarked that there was a cow belonging to him, to which Roybal'replied, “It bears your brand.” The parties wont on searching for estrays and found two bulls, one belonging to each of the parties. These they drove back to where they had seen the cow and calf, but the latter had disappeared during their further search for estrays. They left the bulls and went in search of the cow and calf, which appellant found and drove back to where the bulls were left:.. 'In"the meantime the bull belonging to Roybal had disappeared. Appellant said to Roybal that he would take the cow, calf, and bull on to Santa Fé and sell them. Roybal accompanied him for a mile or two toward Santa Fé, then' left him and went in search of his bull. Up to the time Roybal left Lopez, it did not appear that Lopez had noticed any other marks or brands upon the cow. Lopez brought the animals into Santa Fé and sold .them to Andres Pacheco, a butcher. The animals arrived at Pacheco’s shop about 10 a. m. Pacheco testified that lie did not see any brand upon the cow, other than'the brand of appellant, which was plainly discernible. Pie killed the animals and noticed no other brand upon the cow. Some days later, some question having arisen as to the ownership of the animals, probably induced by statements made by appellant as to his having found the cow and calf upon the range to some near neighbors of the prosecuting witness, Pacheco, together with a cattle inspector, examined the hide of the cow. While the hide was dry,' they were not able to see the “A. R.” brand upon it, but could distinctly see appellant’s brand. They procured' water and wet the hair upon the hide and then saw, very dimly, however, the “A. R.” brand. Later the hides were examined by the prosecuting witness and others. Upon these facts, the defendant, an old man 70 years of age, presumably hitherto of good moral character, was found guilty. The witnesses, upon whose evidence the conviction was had, were all more or less related to appellant, and it appears circumstantially from the evidence that ill-feeling existed on the part of some of the witnesses against appellant. . We believe the facts in this case fail to show a criminal intent on the part of appellant. While it is true the evidence established the fact that the cow and calf in ques-' tion were the property of others, yet it is clear that appellant sold them under the mistaken belief that they belonged to him. The calf was following and suckling a cow, bearing his brand, and also it is true another brand, but which was clearly not seen or observed by appellant. He drove them away in the presence of a witness, well known to the owners of both the cow and calf. He sold them tó Pacheco, the butcher, in the presence of other witnesses. He told his neighbors, upon his return home about the transaction. All these circumstances show conclusively, in our opinion, a lack of knowledge on the part of appellant that he was selling the property of others. The verdict not being supported by substantial evidence, the trial court should have sustained appellant’s motion for a new trial. The judgment is reversed, with directions to sustain the motion for a new trial; and it is so ordered. Hanna, J'., concurs.
[ 0.0054445709101855755, -0.019245974719524384, -0.031817078590393066, 0.03197901323437691, 0.0678369551897049, 0.0030364589765667915, 0.04032205045223236, 0.014956551603972912, -0.008353106677532196, -0.0126041816547513, 0.025711789727211, 0.03481992334127426, -0.05116400122642517, 0.03292222321033478, -0.03412279486656189, 0.08776223659515381, 0.04231436923146248, 0.014710069634020329, 0.03708646446466446, -0.017942868173122406, 0.0231319572776556, -0.018900541588664055, -0.021754387766122818, 0.06165776401758194, 0.005553585477173328, 0.02303922548890114, 0.03294744715094566, 0.0210453849285841, -0.07018010318279266, -0.005700541194528341, 0.0438213087618351, -0.005493160802870989, -0.017064852640032768, 0.013070432469248772, -0.04981736093759537, -0.021630357950925827, -0.00017666828352957964, -0.06563333421945572, -0.03634761646389961, 0.02713138610124588, -0.04788007214665413, 0.01794247329235077, 0.002883542561903596, 0.009168118238449097, -0.05048542469739914, -0.03517824038863182, 0.024686913937330246, 0.04829517751932144, -0.034003689885139465, 0.018836507573723793, -0.08374074101448059, -0.0022924060467630625, -0.050990886986255646, 0.013729681260883808, -0.03255677595734596, 0.021773695945739746, -0.044990699738264084, -0.054259467869997025, -0.00814734771847725, -0.047158729285001755, 0.005293121561408043, -0.019156495109200478, 0.0794791728258133, -0.025508567690849304, 0.004019820597022772, 0.030327819287776947, 0.028633005917072296, 0.031611405313014984, -0.03943534567952156, -0.022205865010619164, -0.03939070925116539, -0.0006031702505424619, 0.0108041325584054, 0.006377512589097023, -0.01232161745429039, -0.05270816385746002, 0.002607991686090827, 0.026341866701841354, -0.012257290072739124, 0.05919751152396202, 0.03154406696557999, -0.008381277322769165, -0.002287511480972171, 0.0375533290207386, 0.033787764608860016, -0.06297112256288528, -0.02237963303923607, -0.04580898582935333, -0.053977686911821365, 0.07744123041629791, -0.00872725248336792, -0.03095896542072296, 0.008968817070126534, 0.07006382197141647, -0.01200934685766697, -0.010892165824770927, 0.09466496109962463, -0.06500526517629623, -0.00876844022423029, -0.025382213294506073, -0.062470171600580215, -0.017265627160668373, 0.05374746024608612, 0.04303206130862236, -0.07827005535364151, 0.006624523084610701, -0.010264166630804539, 0.025509556755423546, 0.0212427768856287, 0.012282953597605228, -0.0062704733572900295, 0.022080296650528908, -0.005232252646237612, -0.008280953392386436, -0.05095044896006584, 0.04501768574118614, 0.03608192503452301, -0.019093595445156097, -0.02616926282644272, -0.01815134286880493, 0.04033147171139717, 0.021322399377822876, 0.0028628986328840256, 0.0885208398103714, 0.03050493821501732, -0.006045800633728504, 0.006930028088390827, 0.021091420203447342, -0.019290706142783165, -0.05060077831149101, 0.0005602298188023269, 0.013831979595124722, -0.015176577493548393, 0.022336993366479874, -0.03072907216846943, -0.015504373237490654, -0.0209767147898674, -0.03358681499958038, 0.009781255386769772, -0.02484731376171112, -0.004644456785172224, -0.03979789838194847, 0.003612666390836239, 0.029747772961854935, 0.0544515922665596, -0.01316613145172596, 0.02408326417207718, -0.01869630068540573, -0.028073934838175774, 0.009890608489513397, 0.01256738230586052, 0.019449882209300995, -0.009196246974170208, -0.031005723401904106, 0.0007074362365528941, 0.04910387843847275, 0.05028571933507919, -0.040467020124197006, -0.002241449896246195, 0.029362311586737633, 0.038255322724580765, 0.01769878715276718, 0.031380545347929, -0.02519952319562435, -0.011499167419970036, 0.02049907296895981, 0.025649724528193474, 0.021623797714710236, -0.055166859179735184, 0.021894928067922592, -0.05379202216863632, -0.012700407765805721, 0.07632984966039658, -0.05766836181282997, -0.0427539236843586, 0.01456854585558176, 0.026659639552235603, -0.01319570280611515, 0.03143871948122978, -0.022676413878798485, -0.06006794050335884, 0.01902170479297638, -0.009194698184728622, 0.005247027613222599, -0.038617365062236786, -0.01322829257696867, 0.05242958292365074, -0.02985980734229088, 0.01741020195186138, 0.008533989079296589, -0.08566276729106903, -0.03998783230781555, 0.0009544113418087363, -0.02011200599372387, 0.03540017455816269, 0.024087095633149147, -0.039667222648859024, 0.017565598711371422, 0.014462661929428577, 0.010367774404585361, -0.03364701569080353, 0.015647001564502716, 0.07009212672710419, -0.0524965263903141, -0.062653549015522, 0.030355196446180344, 0.050306979566812515, 0.028150836005806923, 0.03561994433403015, 0.04757150635123253, -0.02684045396745205, 0.03417510539293289, 0.05918755382299423, -0.010217186063528061, 0.030670346692204475, -0.006634030025452375, 0.07254796475172043, -0.019784269854426384, 0.048026688396930695, -0.050526127219200134, 0.025563564151525497, 0.008571281097829342, -0.02004443109035492, 0.03714122623205185, -0.008207718841731548, 0.08302763104438782, 0.06236992031335831, -0.005482439883053303, -0.0034030356910079718, -0.009674964472651482, -0.003932509571313858, -0.026624659076333046, 0.032085031270980835, 0.004015750717371702, 0.02113351598381996, -0.008318731561303139, -0.01991444081068039, -0.009659371338784695, 0.03206923231482506, -0.050554096698760986, 0.05228692665696144, 0.04505409672856331, 0.01803014427423477, 0.04535462334752083, -0.01762581430375576, 0.007162618450820446, 0.0008124211453832686, 0.007100638467818499, -0.02961253561079502, -0.03994503244757652, 0.028560029342770576, -0.01177935115993023, 0.04156797006726265, 0.022638224065303802, 0.03691907599568367, -0.054508283734321594, -0.023586293682456017, -0.03352636843919754, 0.021971775218844414, 0.018303319811820984, -0.005011401604861021, 0.03263173997402191, 0.02656489983201027, -0.01700170710682869, -0.005611978471279144, -0.012441500090062618, -0.024669840931892395, 0.008582542650401592, -0.016386456787586212, -0.021593447774648666, 0.03265335038304329, 0.00005665360004059039, 0.0037923678755760193, 0.0019638757221400738, 0.003466772148385644, 0.0035336057189852, 0.036212608218193054, -0.007401739712804556, 0.0008104057051241398, 0.005642353557050228, -0.054363127797842026, 0.04257287457585335, -0.031727373600006104, -0.03557683899998665, -0.02360408566892147, -0.07176820188760757, 0.01855221763253212, -0.054765813052654266, -0.02083905227482319, 0.045314110815525055, 0.027440447360277176, 0.03135539963841438, 0.006929429713636637, 0.031063059344887733, -0.015956208109855652, 0.018564725294709206, 0.055612921714782715, 0.015081924386322498, 0.021867111325263977, -0.03274013102054596, 0.003006465034559369, 0.0016852078260853887, 0.010100613348186016, 0.014830069616436958, 0.03795551508665085, 0.012314380146563053, -0.014394513331353664, 0.04474563151597977, -0.2529294192790985, 0.013176872394979, -0.015448341146111488, -0.06597376614809036, 0.028184743598103523, -0.031778838485479355, 0.025629520416259766, -0.013575740158557892, 0.001812537549994886, 0.022637011483311653, -0.00226714089512825, -0.05799383297562599, 0.011428342200815678, 0.02472594939172268, 0.0510285422205925, -0.00949966162443161, -0.026439053937792778, -0.019242247566580772, -0.02525358460843563, 0.023111330345273018, 0.0186375193297863, -0.06622156500816345, -0.060539454221725464, 0.05413588136434555, 0.043027203530073166, 0.06395933777093887, -0.05734025314450264, 0.0027733121532946825, -0.0554669126868248, 0.007637233007699251, -0.022588467225432396, 0.006053073797374964, -0.017504269257187843, -0.004534478299319744, -0.011137783527374268, 0.03765657916665077, 0.02169962413609028, -0.01796010322868824, 0.00011608596832957119, 0.01907976344227791, -0.0011079958640038967, -0.03167195990681648, -0.006253829691559076, 0.046933531761169434, 0.02496255375444889, -0.007773678749799728, -0.022729067131876945, 0.007411986123770475, -0.003795207478106022, 0.046336956322193146, -0.04193291813135147, 0.0004962369566783309, -0.06240909919142723, 0.014748375862836838, -0.0031764309387654066, 0.0008269568206742406, -0.03807884827256203, -0.02038608305156231, -0.07125431299209595, 0.032459426671266556, 0.02189651131629944, -0.07790417224168777, -0.059677716344594955, -0.018410613760352135, -0.035090722143650055, -0.030318886041641235, -0.02971768192946911, -0.02837996743619442, 0.08642701804637909, 0.021124599501490593, 0.00562664121389389, 0.052257150411605835, -0.03990740329027176, -0.07978956401348114, 0.00020884488185402006, -0.01858123391866684, -0.028577882796525955, -0.025622470304369926, -0.0352456234395504, 0.009026325307786465, 0.004683435894548893, -0.015563370659947395, 0.04012007638812065, 0.00826388318091631, -0.006568114273250103, -0.03408578783273697, -0.03622831404209137, 0.05650051310658455, -0.040912337601184845, 0.019170589745044708, 0.04077484458684921, 0.05081554129719734, -0.019325871020555496, -0.003723002504557371, 0.01615026593208313, 0.06086039915680885, 0.01764330081641674, -0.05419540777802467, -0.0048775505274534225, 0.00026917076320387423, 0.04850837215781212, -0.07554260641336441, 0.04770444333553314, -0.04493299499154091, -0.03203639015555382, -0.010860588401556015, -0.07017964124679565, 0.02478310465812683, 0.036461055278778076, -0.002604815410450101, 0.044403038918972015, -0.03147675842046738, 0.05477631464600563, -0.011228290386497974, 0.006983718369156122, -0.03248465433716774, 0.035258661955595016, -0.003995517268776894, 0.03432943671941757, 0.007925321348011494, 0.009333604015409946, -0.002057434991002083, -0.07803595811128616, -0.04845653101801872, -0.08000889420509338, -0.02175954170525074, 0.04167722165584564, 0.025751661509275436, -0.06838974356651306, 0.0002890621544793248, -0.037979163229465485, -0.03458816185593605, 0.005822858307510614, -0.007121111266314983, 0.004275352694094181, 0.026881122961640358, -0.029681049287319183, -0.06886167824268341, 0.029726313427090645, 0.0037689157761633396, 0.0029266958590596914, -0.01695256493985653, 0.018125280737876892, 0.019737817347049713, 0.04657483473420143, -0.008114864118397236, 0.00006421047146432102, -0.009293523617088795, -0.044705163687467575, 0.05797339975833893, -0.010246725752949715, -0.040306560695171356, -0.001231120084412396, -0.008360112085938454, -0.03913472220301628, -0.04295309633016586, 0.008244127966463566, 0.05584542825818062, -0.010070119984447956, -0.030826451256871223, -0.01615118235349655, -0.005731131415814161, 0.024485807865858078, -0.022355813533067703, -0.018111785873770714, 0.045888837426900864, -0.01357308216392994, 0.0029863822273910046, -0.006489634048193693, 0.05800658464431763, -0.02463049627840519, -0.05715961009263992, -0.00850068312138319, -0.010240580886602402, 0.007980776019394398, 0.015632614493370056, 0.0033393059857189655, -0.010352272540330887, 0.02932220883667469, 0.053911443799734116, -0.012858973816037178, -0.03577520698308945, -0.023960702121257782, -0.010181521065533161, 0.04727786406874657, -0.011271567083895206, -0.019059067592024803, -0.07350758463144302, 0.0036028868053108454, 0.01476043276488781, -0.03880472108721733, 0.015922807157039642, 0.027688724920153618, 0.05001390725374222, -0.06189386546611786, -0.05695534124970436, 0.009438990615308285, -0.027422960847616196, 0.031375952064991, 0.01694975234568119, 0.02133142575621605, -0.01668689399957657, -0.023840218782424927, -0.0015292598400264978, -0.007155901752412319, -0.04936204478144646, 0.05394723266363144, 0.029237965121865273, -0.024069245904684067, 0.04016207158565521, -0.04258466139435768, -0.027054250240325928, 0.003543870523571968, 0.0024813287891447544, 0.04295000806450844, -0.05299244448542595, 0.04398616775870323, -0.00035567444865591824, -0.028442468494176865, -0.0028890075627714396, 0.019891981035470963, -0.02882968634366989, -0.017164306715130806, 0.02655552700161934, -0.026789631694555283, 0.051673442125320435, -0.02149824984371662, -0.030392464250326157, 0.05254502221941948, -0.04388042539358139, -0.008157181553542614, -0.047878019511699677, -0.022004209458827972, 0.03886104375123978, -0.04399854689836502, -0.011136975139379501, 0.008695858530700207, -0.006912197917699814, -0.008293510414659977, 0.059888944029808044, 0.04418475180864334, 0.05011153593659401, 0.01894630864262581, 0.004897904582321644, -0.00020846155530307442, -0.023783354088664055, -0.010972648859024048, -0.00035979473614133894, 0.02620076946914196, 0.04983406141400337, 0.002877266611903906, 0.009442787617444992, -0.024145619943737984, 0.008727331645786762, 0.03730025142431259, -0.05906134843826294, 0.005916587542742491, 0.04474873095750809, -0.016748622059822083, 0.05047290027141571, 0.014779491350054741, 0.024615220725536346, 0.03957603871822357, -0.015743538737297058, 0.024735864251852036, 0.0069291782565414906, 0.0062152729369699955, -0.013736605644226074, 0.053922440856695175, -0.05919664725661278, 0.023360099643468857, -0.06781116873025894, 0.022092659026384354, -0.025666987523436546, 0.02985442988574505, 0.028064318001270294, -0.02208731509745121, -0.05148840695619583, 0.003376540495082736, -0.062250178307294846, -0.03711041808128357, -0.028420334681868553, -0.03863269463181496, -0.03334695100784302, 0.003914532717317343, -0.04636332392692566, 0.009108398109674454, 0.01828094758093357, -0.07892486453056335, -0.04537055641412735, -0.019888749346137047, 0.028957271948456764, 0.04286135733127594, -0.024240767583251, 0.007806772831827402, -0.012355735525488853, 0.025839591398835182, 0.0626993179321289, -0.015579801984131336, 0.017886245623230934, -0.06642886251211166, 0.034047551453113556, 0.035701170563697815, -0.04654381051659584, -0.0058554308488965034, 0.00507323769852519, -0.024103466421365738, -0.06064750626683235, -0.05189578980207443, 0.007187875919044018, -0.007736212573945522, -0.057308379560709, 0.048229653388261795, 0.014218482188880444, -0.04599892720580101, -0.026591137051582336, -0.02568110264837742, -0.015493412502110004, -0.02423521876335144, 0.00213117734529078, 0.05334921553730965, -0.0046967328526079655, 0.06908097118139267, 0.019385606050491333, 0.08742894232273102, 0.041853807866573334, -0.04525891691446304, 0.04752735421061516, 0.010635536164045334, 0.03725964203476906, 0.010673179291188717, 0.008472759276628494, -0.01079939678311348, 0.050901148468256, -0.028075573965907097, -0.008568142540752888, 0.02344442717730999, -0.051445018500089645, 0.0022124226670712233, 0.018315376713871956, 0.023087359964847565, 0.02470264583826065, -0.00856001302599907, 0.06397628784179688, -0.014623036608099937, -0.002027742797508836, 0.04301365837454796, -0.06624256819486618, 0.04004335775971413, 0.043760765343904495, 0.01118764653801918, -0.04768529534339905, 0.03266744688153267, -0.02027520351111889, -0.004278373904526234, 0.008083305321633816, -0.02380421757698059, 0.01691083237528801, -0.06587574630975723, 0.021709715947508812, -0.0017388435080647469, -0.0027990275993943214, 0.059465862810611725, -0.029677964746952057, 0.010114967823028564, 0.027424903586506844, 0.04712730273604393, 0.02393294870853424, 0.011855431832373142, 0.02431247942149639, -0.015268501825630665, -0.02992471121251583, -0.029669063165783882, 0.011035837233066559, 0.09252288192510605, 0.028496328741312027, 0.04803473874926567, 0.002545780036598444, -0.016757166013121605, 0.05083012580871582, 0.0003259979421272874, -0.009089513681828976, -0.04149281606078148, -0.03988304361701012, -0.020765261724591255, -0.06304876506328583, 0.0015762454131618142, 0.027866994962096214, -0.02776394598186016, -0.06088335067033768, 0.000895785866305232, -0.013861488550901413, 0.025674235075712204, 0.06420733034610748, -0.028678862378001213, 0.005816034972667694, 0.03721843659877777, 0.07470589876174927, 0.032672565430402756, 0.019022824242711067, 0.04698387533426285, -0.010838243179023266, -0.041016850620508194, -0.02095854841172695, -0.0036509502679109573, 0.036613721400499344, -0.03818405419588089, 0.027972938492894173, -0.08756514638662338, 0.029782837256789207, 0.010743153281509876, -0.0330151692032814, -0.06823337823152542, 0.033484868705272675, -0.02346017397940159, -0.007135254796594381, 0.04964977130293846, -0.0018745239358395338, -0.025336673483252525, -0.015073453076183796, -0.04478608816862106, -0.00475742481648922, -0.004089055582880974, 0.07972902804613113, -0.021791525185108185, 0.06502369791269302, 0.039011433720588684, 0.005047583021223545, -0.0740029588341713, 0.06066882237792015, 0.04409152269363403, 0.005714076571166515, -0.05423542857170105, -0.0015041332226246595, 0.01545864436775446, -0.06546011567115784, -0.049179840832948685, -0.009387906640768051, -0.004886943381279707, -0.050093185156583786, 0.008557263761758804, -0.01357431523501873, -0.0006361635751090944, -0.02164197899401188, 0.01583089865744114, 0.014811290428042412, -0.048320282250642776, -0.022188784554600716, -0.061530329287052155, 0.03790383040904999, -0.0007368864607997239, 0.052472714334726334, -0.0044100163504481316, -0.06522947549819946, -0.005675936583429575, -0.015845969319343567, 0.03413914144039154, 0.0021968705113977194, 0.009985605254769325, -0.011027848348021507 ]
OPINION OE THE COURT. BOBERTS, C. J. — Elias Garcia died intestate on the 9th day of July, A. D. 1910, the owner of real estate involved in this suit. The plaintiff claimed to be the illegitimate child of said Garcia, and that he had been recognized as such in writing, and brought this action in ejectment to recover possession of the real estate of which his alleged father died seized. TJpon the trial it was stipulated that all the property described in the complaint was the property of Elias Garcia at the time of his death; that said Garcia was never married; that, in the absence of direct heirs, all the property would be inherited by his mother, Petra G. Garcia, and that the said Petra G. Garcia was at all times mentioned in the complaint in possession of the same. The case was tried to a jury upon issue framed upon two questions, viz.: (1) Was the plaintiff the illegitimate son of Elias Garcia; and (2) was he recognized as such in writing? The jury returned a general verdict for the defendant, upon which judgment was rendered for defendant, from which judgment this appeal is proseciited. Section 2038, C. L. 1897, reads as follows: “Illegitimate children shall inherit from the mother and the mother from the children; they shall inherit from the father whenever they have been recognized by him as his children, but such recognition must have been general and notorious, or else in writing. And they shall inherit only when the father has no legitimate children.” Appellant claims that there is no evidence to support the verdict returned by the jury. In view of this contention, it is necessary to review the facts in the case. On behalf of the plaintiff, his mother testified that Elias Garcia was the father of the child: that it was be- gotten in Albuquerque, N. M., in September or October, 1899; that she was married to one Jacob Grates in March or April, 1900, and that the child was born about throe months after her marriage to Jacob Grates; that some timo afterwards she received a letter from Garcia in which he acknowledged that he was the father of the child; that the letter had been lost or destroyed. She also testified in detail of the relations which existed between the parties and the facts in the case. The above statement, however, summarizes briefly the material portions of her evidence. Two other witnesses, the sister of the plaintiff’s mother and her husband, were produced by plain-tic, who testified to having seen the alleged letter wherein it was claimed Garcia had recognized that he was the father of plaintiff, and as to the contents of the letter. On behalf of the defendant three witnesses were introduced who testified that Garcia was not in Albuquerque between August, 1899, and January or February, 1900; one of said witnesses having roomed with him constantly in Kansas City, Mo., during a large portion of the time while he was so absent from Albuquerque. It being conceded that Paul Grates was born in lawful wedlock, the presumption arises that he was the legitimate child of such marriage. This rule is universal, and is laid down by Prof. Jones, in his “Blue Book on Evidence, vol. 1, § 93, as follows: “There is no presumption of law more firmly established and founded on sounder morality and more convincing reason than the presumption that children born in wedlock are legitimate.” See, also, Gaines v. New Orleans, 6 Wall. 642, 18 L. Ed. 950; Gaines v. Hennen, 24 How. 553, 16 L. Ed. 770; Adger v. Ackerman, 115 Fed. 124, 52 C. C. A. 568; Zachmann v. Zachmann, 201 Ill. 380, 66 N. E. 256, 94 Am. St. Rep. 180; Weatherford v. Weatherford, 20 Ala. 548, 56 Am. Dec. 206, and note. This presumption being thus raised, the mother was not a competent witness, under the facts in this case, to prove that the child was not begotten by the man who became her husband before its birth (Jones on Evidence, § 97; Wallace v. Wallace, 137 Iowa, 37, 144 N. W. 527, 126 Am. St. Rep. 253, 15 Ann. Cas. 761, and note, 14 L. R. A. [N. S.] 544, and note), and the court should not have permitted her to testify that the child was begotten by Garcia. But, even assuming that her testimony could be considered by the jury, she was disputed by the evidence that at the time conception must have occurred Garcia was not- in Albuquerque, where she was, and by other facts and circumstances, so that the question as to whether Garcia was the father of the child was a disputed question of fact for the jury to decide. The jury having determined that Garcia was not the father of the child, and its verdict being supported by substantial evidence, this court will not interfere with or disturb the same, and the remaining questions attempted to be raised by appellant become of no importance. Finding no prejudicial error in the record, the judgment will be affirmed; and it is so ordered. Hanna and Parker, JJ., concur.
[ -0.02573578804731369, -0.013852761127054691, -0.022675124928355217, 0.012933827005326748, 0.06141491234302521, -0.005583374295383692, 0.04718523845076561, 0.036608558148145676, 0.013312955386936665, -0.03786896541714668, -0.0003381436981726438, 0.02078353427350521, -0.06493424624204636, 0.028952745720744133, -0.04778363183140755, 0.057994913309812546, 0.06337623298168182, 0.029201094061136246, 0.010004066862165928, -0.039524298161268234, 0.0016044593648985028, -0.008856111206114292, -0.014286067336797714, 0.062338512390851974, 0.008686079643666744, 0.06715183705091476, 0.0026796343736350536, 0.0060117547400295734, -0.08531971275806427, -0.01807321049273014, 0.03676595538854599, -0.0036929079797118902, -0.02016582526266575, -0.02359742857515812, -0.06548842787742615, -0.011869587935507298, -0.03444183990359306, -0.013952084816992283, -0.023555336520075798, 0.024462874978780746, -0.02058899588882923, -0.01826293021440506, -0.025607366114854813, 0.02322494238615036, -0.07619993388652802, 0.0068603986874222755, -0.01665317453444004, 0.046147674322128296, -0.05825135111808777, 0.019733944907784462, -0.039502907544374466, 0.019032418727874756, -0.022048724815249443, 0.03581429272890091, 0.018324552103877068, 0.037180345505476, -0.055525973439216614, -0.035060249269008636, 0.015240761451423168, -0.026807477697730064, -0.008844190277159214, -0.012036903761327267, 0.08347540348768234, -0.020578760653734207, 0.0024697573389858007, 0.008535766042768955, 0.00459229527041316, 0.02467583492398262, -0.018446726724505424, 0.03298378363251686, -0.01751820370554924, 0.02659175544977188, 0.028691865503787994, -0.0002869851887226105, -0.0018649062840268016, -0.052687227725982666, 0.018464569002389908, 0.052059125155210495, 0.018278563395142555, 0.026367077603936195, 0.024718930944800377, -0.017964962869882584, 0.031055975705385208, 0.040047962218523026, 0.02351236902177334, -0.05444657802581787, 0.0025740705896168947, -0.014808175154030323, -0.04090070351958275, 0.031250983476638794, -0.04560483619570732, -0.049620747566223145, 0.0586237795650959, 0.045773670077323914, -0.026451729238033295, -0.03340321406722069, 0.05777103081345558, 0.018170597031712532, 0.0038304710760712624, -0.02333763800561428, -0.021336780861020088, 0.0011602092999964952, 0.004386343527585268, 0.018934056162834167, -0.05720094218850136, 0.0017523302230983973, -0.016856582835316658, 0.06345418095588684, 0.022350428625941277, -0.005444216076284647, 0.004381138365715742, 0.045991115272045135, -0.021740589290857315, -0.033529844135046005, -0.07530876994132996, 0.007903330028057098, 0.02252390794456005, -0.02781582437455654, -0.003621384035795927, -0.002680617617443204, 0.02514445222914219, -0.0022691520862281322, 0.0036643778439611197, 0.0840434804558754, 0.029005635529756546, -0.007992937229573727, 0.035561077296733856, 0.04125053063035011, -0.03892982378602028, -0.0438879169523716, 0.02204529568552971, 0.026600390672683716, -0.020764390006661415, 0.0009735984494909644, -0.043923262506723404, -0.03170626237988472, -0.013701745308935642, -0.009786139242351055, 0.029482144862413406, -0.024189278483390808, -0.058035507798194885, -0.05519116297364235, -0.0006722219986841083, 0.015847239643335342, 0.07780580967664719, -0.03081670217216015, 0.03560375049710274, -0.01736138015985489, 0.024830453097820282, 0.013063373044133186, 0.051745835691690445, 0.03673248738050461, -0.007632771972566843, -0.046690683811903, -0.004060458391904831, 0.03282544016838074, 0.00917886197566986, -0.028801457956433296, -0.005400028079748154, 0.040827445685863495, 0.006380896084010601, 0.02206677943468094, 0.04475745931267738, -0.013284508138895035, -0.00002771436993498355, 0.02339104935526848, 0.055323369801044464, 0.011921831406652927, -0.016234101727604866, 0.03985990211367607, -0.06672973185777664, -0.007992133498191833, 0.04938773438334465, -0.05196880176663399, -0.08118727803230286, -0.010828707367181778, 0.02420700527727604, -0.016345776617527008, 0.022686567157506943, -0.008751483634114265, -0.0714932382106781, 0.048260558396577835, -0.0052986894734203815, -0.05732760578393936, -0.03437016159296036, -0.016240164637565613, 0.061729539185762405, -0.02612922713160515, 0.05031811445951462, 0.006618794519454241, -0.09472451359033585, -0.04309530183672905, 0.005727869458496571, -0.008208874613046646, 0.010260861366987228, 0.0038319008890539408, -0.04959888011217117, 0.039428792893886566, 0.038895025849342346, 0.05637829378247261, -0.003243989311158657, -0.009429721161723137, 0.0554715134203434, -0.03593035414814949, -0.008402826264500618, 0.02329624630510807, 0.03788871318101883, -0.013035326264798641, 0.033349715173244476, 0.03580199182033539, 0.011146685108542442, 0.020394522696733475, 0.0334213450551033, 0.002280304441228509, 0.005657400470227003, 0.004964380990713835, 0.06051811948418617, -0.05622755363583565, 0.02878892607986927, -0.021150603890419006, 0.03892246633768082, 0.005880238953977823, -0.003402804723009467, 0.04120410606265068, 0.0005647602956742048, 0.08894462138414383, 0.08343463391065598, -0.0175896305590868, -0.004814815707504749, -0.0029354291036725044, -0.007090148515999317, -0.041804276406764984, 0.047538090497255325, 0.01269407570362091, 0.05542680248618126, -0.003894184250384569, -0.041181422770023346, -0.011357341893017292, 0.03678751364350319, -0.037056662142276764, 0.012629993259906769, 0.025088051334023476, 0.0025602267123758793, 0.03123096562922001, -0.00586343789473176, 0.0009033222449943423, -0.03550238534808159, -0.018167242407798767, -0.016386210918426514, -0.019877387210726738, 0.0270213820040226, -0.008599678985774517, -0.02708934247493744, -0.017535727471113205, 0.029940638691186905, -0.0767040103673935, -0.02480195090174675, 0.00798692088574171, 0.017435260117053986, 0.010621190071105957, -0.019620534032583237, 0.0175949539989233, 0.0028151553124189377, 0.006470432039350271, -0.0009283613762818277, 0.015676070004701614, -0.03516460582613945, -0.005918898619711399, -0.018148524686694145, 0.019418641924858093, 0.03675590455532074, 0.019219256937503815, -0.00007787027425365523, -0.01023776363581419, 0.008029596880078316, 0.030729344114661217, -0.004129231907427311, -0.00982210785150528, -0.013094821013510227, 0.0022965725511312485, -0.0340380035340786, 0.08608222752809525, -0.049584951251745224, -0.07434847950935364, -0.01464840304106474, -0.07790280133485794, 0.01119210571050644, -0.019592711701989174, -0.00905834324657917, 0.008733220398426056, -0.006850870791822672, 0.045846644788980484, -0.003447014605626464, 0.003858099691569805, 0.04392721876502037, 0.028221851214766502, 0.02551591955125332, 0.019421571865677834, -0.005026028025895357, -0.015124156139791012, -0.010390554554760456, -0.040479350835084915, -0.006643752567470074, 0.0382586307823658, 0.02401365339756012, 0.07646210491657257, 0.0008794431341812015, 0.01958617754280567, -0.246246337890625, 0.03683258220553398, -0.020560871809720993, -0.06259256601333618, 0.05931924656033516, -0.0026599550619721413, 0.031352121382951736, 0.008856899105012417, 0.0013768075732514262, 0.03519030660390854, -0.010189849883317947, -0.023643042892217636, 0.04588133096694946, 0.033976439386606216, 0.05662136524915695, 0.000568741699680686, -0.011034516617655754, -0.007992666214704514, -0.048295412212610245, 0.05019073560833931, -0.018393924459815025, -0.04811966419219971, -0.04511962831020355, 0.013431435450911522, 0.04202307015657425, 0.017886461690068245, -0.07468754798173904, 0.0103949885815382, -0.051674988120794296, -0.007160998415201902, -0.021655812859535217, 0.012236242182552814, -0.034567005932331085, -0.0036581773310899734, -0.019237302243709564, 0.014614044688642025, 0.023295648396015167, 0.00010855910659302026, -0.0683506429195404, 0.0019742147997021675, -0.01784193329513073, -0.052545491605997086, -0.04776749759912491, 0.003315455513074994, 0.019325947389006615, 0.01528395339846611, -0.04489320144057274, 0.009059445932507515, 0.020324988290667534, 0.05643066018819809, -0.02135440893471241, 0.0014305743388831615, -0.0052896179258823395, 0.0023225184995681047, -0.037203676998615265, 0.013009675778448582, -0.06750501692295074, -0.017702873796224594, -0.056914638727903366, 0.03943706303834915, 0.029434744268655777, -0.029004914686083794, -0.002486610785126686, -0.016950421035289764, -0.022884679958224297, -0.06318415701389313, -0.03525562211871147, -0.04805533215403557, 0.07911545038223267, 0.018009956926107407, 0.04048888757824898, 0.03852842375636101, -0.012752540409564972, -0.08127287030220032, -0.004484496545046568, -0.0022131274454295635, -0.0018465593457221985, -0.05321061983704567, -0.036280933767557144, -0.0035108926240354776, 0.02898273430764675, -0.007354100234806538, 0.016394590958952904, 0.007235970348119736, 0.01030872855335474, 0.010449596680700779, -0.006758326198905706, 0.02090330421924591, -0.044009868055582047, 0.007253708783537149, 0.06714603304862976, 0.05333500728011131, -0.028696950525045395, 0.0022789142094552517, -0.009073103778064251, 0.007323476951569319, -0.005852553062140942, -0.01820501498878002, 0.007615551818162203, 0.03940214961767197, 0.02723253332078457, -0.0733579620718956, 0.03698530048131943, -0.012752223759889603, 0.029411137104034424, -0.01971614733338356, -0.07369788736104965, 0.014236338436603546, 0.039638541638851166, 0.009650840424001217, 0.010327243246138096, 0.023419346660375595, -0.010734014213085175, -0.0033302444498986006, 0.013822896406054497, -0.04190672188997269, 0.04556652531027794, -0.008401907980442047, 0.02531423419713974, -0.010611996985971928, 0.02042551152408123, 0.027113638818264008, -0.04454473406076431, -0.03752763196825981, -0.06878045201301575, -0.007027348503470421, 0.008579275570809841, -0.015030593611299992, -0.03709472715854645, 0.011791684664785862, -0.02210688218474388, 0.00693980697542429, -0.009902204386889935, 0.0378224179148674, 0.03494914621114731, 0.012332621961832047, -0.027164747938513756, -0.05363958328962326, 0.040769368410110474, 0.009516566060483456, 0.0006504570483230054, -0.0703449547290802, 0.0531042218208313, 0.025195693597197533, 0.044478390365839005, 0.026154156774282455, -0.0028574320022016764, -0.009832911193370819, -0.058639250695705414, 0.04697132110595703, 0.02997451275587082, -0.027117501944303513, 0.04513800889253616, -0.03187945485115051, -0.05784207955002785, -0.01772470772266388, 0.0021141162142157555, 0.03301344811916351, -0.015414167195558548, -0.017784154042601585, 0.002748004160821438, -0.019003169611096382, 0.007137903943657875, 0.020122500136494637, -0.05901670083403587, 0.0462789423763752, -0.006809006445109844, 0.022872351109981537, -0.07291930168867111, 0.016024332493543625, 0.005401053931564093, -0.08197686821222305, -0.01815871149301529, -0.006102944258600473, 0.0360337533056736, 0.02280387468636036, -0.007452038116753101, 0.02015894278883934, 0.04354182630777359, 0.008491751737892628, -0.034300487488508224, 0.015538498759269714, -0.054191943258047104, 0.002977992407977581, 0.040715888142585754, -0.015251491218805313, -0.00322256819345057, -0.06887837499380112, -0.017815357074141502, -0.010039610788226128, -0.022470548748970032, 0.02408187836408615, 0.008223027922213078, 0.044828638434410095, -0.05244479328393936, -0.07193329185247421, 0.023598499596118927, 0.01246520783752203, 0.03654474392533302, 0.03411515802145004, 0.009011908434331417, 0.002602532273158431, -0.04591303691267967, 0.009726254269480705, 0.007722077891230583, -0.05771157145500183, 0.024539286270737648, 0.018065210431814194, -0.05248631164431572, 0.03779948875308037, -0.044139254838228226, -0.021542347967624664, -0.0009480628650635481, 0.03197092190384865, 0.017428668215870857, -0.04989229887723923, 0.07329990714788437, -0.0033954784739762545, -0.06330358237028122, -0.026417503133416176, 0.04401824623346329, -0.003564616432413459, 0.03192921355366707, 0.01195563841611147, -0.04671698808670044, 0.08069632947444916, -0.034459199756383896, -0.0075655048713088036, 0.05098874866962433, -0.01221949141472578, 0.018805328756570816, -0.044097479432821274, -0.02270464599132538, 0.04174453765153885, -0.016990825533866882, -0.029888687655329704, -0.0010487926192581654, 0.00016295163368340582, 0.004614333156496286, 0.0700109526515007, 0.03164062276482582, 0.032814037054777145, 0.023161813616752625, -0.014233170077204704, 0.017479009926319122, 0.028951456770300865, 0.0053345803171396255, -0.00036768728750757873, -0.011713634245097637, 0.07775048166513443, 0.002175080357119441, 0.01481697615236044, -0.044054191559553146, -0.004495048429816961, 0.04131022468209267, -0.08943233639001846, -0.009238386526703835, -0.01761387102305889, -0.00783779937773943, 0.03363022953271866, 0.01939709670841694, 0.013530575670301914, 0.005224004853516817, 0.03154280409216881, 0.03821364417672157, 0.02615376003086567, 0.033175792545080185, 0.0019842551555484533, 0.02089916728436947, -0.05513494461774826, 0.011722308583557606, -0.06506399065256119, -0.011850131675601006, -0.036474622786045074, 0.01548945251852274, 0.054238367825746536, -0.005319166928529739, -0.03591806814074516, 0.015313862822949886, -0.07890937477350235, -0.05120795965194702, -0.008383385837078094, 0.00778607651591301, -0.04750824719667435, -0.009157192893326283, -0.02602413110435009, -0.011868615634739399, 0.04923206567764282, -0.08825977891683578, -0.04610862955451012, -0.017438068985939026, 0.019708670675754547, 0.024846302345395088, 0.03747718408703804, 0.04117231443524361, -0.021705828607082367, 0.017694303765892982, 0.07027662545442581, 0.0011673218104988337, 0.013561428524553776, -0.0389617420732975, 0.04074900224804878, -0.0010142881656065583, 0.013297876343131065, -0.01716751605272293, 0.004834397695958614, -0.00807659886777401, -0.0728868842124939, -0.009620447643101215, -0.0051569631323218346, -0.01799136772751808, -0.0628688782453537, 0.0237642303109169, 0.0009685102850198746, -0.07175417244434357, 0.0037980799097567797, -0.002271982142701745, 0.012395692057907581, -0.03654748573899269, -0.021203583106398582, 0.0485370047390461, -0.0401882641017437, 0.06473522633314133, 0.024826064705848694, 0.07751225680112839, 0.03733186796307564, -0.048511262983083725, 0.042385783046483994, -0.002256834413856268, 0.06591092795133591, 0.05413496866822243, -0.00608572643250227, -0.022851690649986267, 0.05973571538925171, 0.017065593972802162, 0.005235615186393261, 0.009152728132903576, -0.04762920364737511, -0.017427165061235428, 0.02123400755226612, 0.008609232492744923, 0.03821735456585884, -0.031952500343322754, 0.0569058321416378, 0.00263412669301033, 0.01413499191403389, 0.050731632858514786, -0.054981380701065063, 0.030446790158748627, 0.01642175391316414, -0.006698272656649351, -0.028847411274909973, 0.0061736381612718105, -0.04362336918711662, 0.009520896710455418, 0.01837424375116825, -0.018463626503944397, 0.03490617498755455, -0.02648610807955265, -0.0018858769908547401, -0.041144855320453644, -0.03737988695502281, 0.0725468099117279, -0.042151644825935364, -0.022145239636301994, 0.016646062955260277, 0.006971653550863266, 0.01823977380990982, 0.011780698783695698, -0.0031204838305711746, 0.000674545590300113, -0.04393512010574341, -0.054799098521471024, 0.05224226415157318, 0.05939832702279091, -0.013057149015367031, 0.056394174695014954, -0.0016917599132284522, -0.016342077404260635, 0.023654265329241753, 0.026965677738189697, -0.03849570080637932, -0.01654743403196335, -0.059227317571640015, -0.009921016171574593, -0.11636344343423843, 0.0502471923828125, -0.007061947602778673, -0.03839791193604469, -0.051960092037916183, 0.0023479140363633633, -0.011492971330881119, 0.00118984782602638, 0.06998792290687561, -0.032467469573020935, 0.004454164765775204, 0.024593360722064972, 0.04288134723901749, 0.02122415229678154, 0.031952954828739166, 0.044587209820747375, 0.020688841119408607, -0.026212111115455627, -0.03889983519911766, -0.0076055629178881645, 0.04539770632982254, -0.014828919433057308, -0.01872086711227894, -0.08693161606788635, 0.027101023122668266, -0.017495211213827133, -0.0330563448369503, -0.05860618129372597, 0.030570300295948982, -0.03619969263672829, -0.024879151955246925, 0.040211260318756104, -0.02406548149883747, -0.03888043016195297, -0.0024954848922789097, -0.028990458697080612, -0.009545855224132538, -0.009320469573140144, 0.03491216525435448, -0.030773058533668518, 0.06594263017177582, 0.020094115287065506, 0.002246516989544034, -0.052931226789951324, 0.022389307618141174, 0.0404798723757267, 0.009062312543392181, -0.011282060295343399, 0.025573810562491417, -0.01828361302614212, -0.04208523407578468, -0.07603316009044647, -0.005416424013674259, -0.018810585141181946, -0.045281022787094116, 0.0028491197153925896, 0.010647570714354515, -0.00433575501665473, -0.035014212131500244, 0.03783680498600006, 0.04785860329866409, -0.07587182521820068, -0.02045031078159809, -0.029831768944859505, -0.013364965096116066, -0.01193729043006897, 0.05488533526659012, 0.01552383229136467, -0.03251881152391434, -0.003452963661402464, -0.06818534433841705, 0.005688567645847797, -0.006372456438839436, 0.014240401796996593, -0.023531096056103706 ]
OPINION OP THE COURT. EOBEETS, C. J. — This- action was instituted in the court below by appellee against the appellant to recover damages occasioned to cattle shipped over appellant railroad from some point west of El Paso to a point east of Dalhart, Texas. The grievance complained of was that appellant failed to unload said cattle for water, feed, .and rest at Tucumcari, although said cattle had been without food, rest, and water for almost 28 hours when such point on appellant’s line of railroad was reached and although appellant was requested by appellee to unload said cattle at such station. The complaint in the case alleged that Tucumcari was a regular station on appellant’s railroad, and that it was customary to unload, feed, and water cattle at such point. The damage alleged was the death of a stated number of cattle and the injury to others. The defense relied upon was that, shortly before the cattle arrived at Tucumcari, appellee, who was accompanying the cattle in shipment, signed a written request to the' appellant company to continue the cattle in shipment from Tucumcari to Sedan, Kan., without unloading, etc., for a period not exceeding 36 hours; that, pursuant to such signed request, it carried said cattle to Dalhart, Tex., where they were unloaded within 36 hours for feeding, etc. Appellee, in his reply, admitted signing the request set forth in the answer, but alleged that he signed the same without knowing the weakened condition of the cattle, and that, when the shipment arrived at Tucumcari, be examined the cattle and found that they could not be safely carried further without food and water, whereupon he notified the agents of appellant that he desired to unload and feed the cattle. The appellant refused to so do. The cause was tried to a jury, which returned a verdict for appellee for $1,298.50, upon which judgment was entered. From such judgment this appeal is prosecuted. The first error relied upon by appellant for a reversal was the refusal of the trial court to give its first requested instruction, which read as follows.: “Gentlemen of the jury, you are instructed that the plaintiff signed a request asking the defendant to keep the cattle in question on the train for a period of 36 hours, and therefore waived all claims for damage arising out of the refusal or failure of the defendant to unload, feed, rest, and water the cattle at Tucumcari, N.' M.” The facts, upon which this instruction was predicated, are that, about one or two hours before the cattle arrived at Tucumcari, appellee signed a request that the shipment be continued in transit for a period of time not exceeding 36 hours. When he arrived at Tucumcari and examined the cattle, he changed his mind and requested that the cattle be unloaded, fed, and watered there. Appellant does not contend that it had facilities for unloading and feeding cattle at any other place upon its lino between Tucumcari and Dalhart, or between the place oE signing such request and Tucumcari; its contention being that appellee, having signed the request, could, not change his mind and retract, and cause it to unload, feed, water, and rest such cattle under the 36-hour period. Tim reason assigned by it for not unloading the cattle at Tucumcari was the crowded condition of its yard. At common law a carrier, among his other duties, is primarily bound to provide food and water, a place for sleeping, and, if necessary, a place for exercise, during transportation of animals intrusted for shipment. The request signed by appellee that the cattle be continued in shipment for 36 hours was without consideration moving to him, or detriment to appellant, and, so long as it remained executory, he had the right to rescind it. The railroad company does not contend that it altered its position in any way, by reason of the request, or that any consideration moved to appellee. This being true, appellee had the right, upon the arrival of the shipment at Tueumcari, to rescind the request and have the cattle unloaded. This being true, the court properly refused to give the requested instruction. The second requested instruction involved the same proposition, differently stated, and was properly refused. The court gave to the jury the following instruction : “The court instructs the jury that tire law imposes upon a common carrier, such as the defendant, the duty to furnish reasonable facilities and opportunities to care for, feed, water, and tend to stock during transportation; and if you believe from the evidence in this case that when the shipment in question arrived at Tueumcari, it was necessary for the safety of said cattle that they be unloaded and fed and watered, and that the defendant did not have at said place and at said time proper means and facilities for so doing, and that, by reason thereof, said stock was damaged, then you should allow the plaintiff such damages as he has sustained, unless you further find that the plaintiff, by his acts and conduct, waived such unloading, watering, feeding, etc., at Tueumcari, and you will assess his damages in accordance with the following instruction.” Appellant claims that this instruction was erroneous, because, as shown by the pleadings and evidence, the shipment was an interstate shipment and controlled by the United States statutes (Act June 29, 1906, c. 3594, 34 Stat. 607 [U. S. Comp. St. 1913, § 8651]), which fixes the time cattle can be kept in transit by the railway company at 28 hours. A brief excerpt from 4 R. C. L. § 451, disposes of this contention: “The object of the federal statute being to prohibit the confinement of animals longer than the time specified, the statute is not a grant of privilege to the carrier authorizing it to confine the stock for the period of time therein mentioned, irrespective of the question of negligence in so doing.. The question of negligence, as to such confinement, is still left as .at common law, notwithstanding the statute.” This being true, the instruction was not objectionable on the ground stated. The remaining proposition of law discussed by appellant is whether an additional party plaintiff may be added by trial amendment. Subsection 82 of section 2685 authorizes the amendment of a complaint at any time before final judgment by adding the name of a party plaintiff. • This being true, the court committed no error in allowing the amendment, and the instructions requested raising this point were properly refused. No available error having been assigned, the judgment will be affirmed; and it is so ordered. Hanna and Parker, JJ., concur.
[ -0.004146389197558165, -0.04183847829699516, -0.04378197714686394, 0.04261792078614235, 0.04855279624462128, 0.0018885068129748106, 0.052366722375154495, 0.044993750751018524, 0.020912926644086838, -0.036203403025865555, 0.02183433622121811, 0.03448057547211647, -0.0570259615778923, 0.04952486604452133, -0.009045654907822609, 0.06488870829343796, 0.042405568063259125, -0.00043553661089390516, 0.02259017713367939, -0.016440605744719505, 0.04019704461097717, -0.05478844419121742, 0.024186350405216217, 0.043981023132801056, 0.02249407395720482, -0.012545709498226643, 0.017166823148727417, 0.03744494169950485, -0.06783521175384521, 0.00874439999461174, 0.045418139547109604, 0.012642175890505314, -0.024318495765328407, -0.020255757495760918, -0.058845266699790955, 0.0132827740162611, -0.016491204500198364, -0.03160689398646355, -0.03423075005412102, 0.030779095366597176, -0.04016541689634323, 0.007744942791759968, -0.03717096522450447, -0.0026088778395205736, -0.02691740356385708, 0.011699769645929337, 0.03854326903820038, 0.008383705280721188, -0.016423912718892097, -0.009253180585801601, -0.08890613168478012, 0.010242369957268238, -0.023076346144080162, -0.0023631048388779163, -0.01863003894686699, 0.020656028762459755, -0.049531105905771255, -0.06788569688796997, 0.027062024921178818, -0.050772543996572495, 0.028518784791231155, 0.008006633259356022, 0.09102608263492584, -0.012790784239768982, -0.03661080449819565, 0.014275047928094864, 0.010100355371832848, 0.015724727883934975, -0.013675179332494736, -0.03798872232437134, -0.034058503806591034, -0.01058995258063078, 0.007149647921323776, 0.00479508563876152, -0.0007598355878144503, -0.060945842415094376, -0.023383889347314835, 0.011458104476332664, 0.015502536669373512, 0.07329650223255157, 0.03287778049707413, 0.005439218133687973, -0.007605930790305138, 0.03377489745616913, 0.012454596348106861, -0.008083456195890903, -0.026849588379263878, -0.0356660857796669, -0.055160075426101685, 0.06076924130320549, 0.02166496217250824, 0.0031260577961802483, 0.023677082732319832, 0.06656006723642349, -0.019332172349095345, -0.01644245721399784, 0.06979792565107346, -0.054571088403463364, 0.007968359626829624, 0.012923842296004295, -0.041226036846637726, -0.029551483690738678, 0.032628804445266724, 0.07199695706367493, -0.04973538964986801, -0.002397904871031642, -0.01589958183467388, 0.03108302317559719, 0.019014466553926468, 0.004833104554563761, -0.007977928966283798, -0.008322997950017452, -0.01649533584713936, -0.021485427394509315, -0.05743260309100151, 0.03387037292122841, 0.032114651054143906, 0.00282871350646019, -0.007932140491902828, -0.018499678000807762, 0.03884555399417877, -0.0004510142607614398, 0.009338398464024067, 0.07394912838935852, -0.006817810703068972, -0.006055579986423254, -0.0017461004899814725, -0.01629018411040306, -0.06088181212544441, -0.03799133002758026, 0.015643713995814323, 0.02725694142282009, 0.006643459666520357, -0.0037876064889132977, -0.03446492180228233, -0.008498906157910824, 0.00028276274679228663, -0.038947973400354385, 0.004066803492605686, -0.05685483664274216, -0.06743954867124557, -0.02760750614106655, -0.02822420746088028, 0.02366168238222599, 0.05730801820755005, -0.02809176594018936, -0.0008012365433387458, -0.006232930812984705, -0.007820806466042995, 0.006385426037013531, 0.025938458740711212, 0.01476033590734005, -0.014094870537519455, -0.029405565932393074, -0.006409408990293741, 0.018957173451781273, 0.02761334925889969, -0.029250817373394966, -0.007528855465352535, 0.029577750712633133, 0.016924746334552765, 0.019655907526612282, 0.04323064535856247, -0.03525993227958679, -0.0026500008534640074, 0.00246447860263288, 0.02973383665084839, -0.02082318440079689, -0.06066498905420303, 0.030017640441656113, -0.0642378032207489, -0.007687415461987257, 0.06861478090286255, -0.0362667590379715, -0.03275943920016289, 0.015446038916707039, 0.053503040224313736, -0.0011104483855888247, -0.0016128107672557235, -0.018932729959487915, -0.06474672257900238, 0.033481765538454056, 0.03127087280154228, 0.015085697174072266, -0.009810165502130985, -0.02117590419948101, 0.052594251930713654, -0.04350756108760834, 0.028876470401883125, -0.0028620001394301653, -0.08897116780281067, -0.05619845166802406, -0.007340801879763603, -0.033006902784109116, 0.0669059082865715, -0.008089426904916763, -0.04031114652752876, 0.024855878204107285, -0.01955661177635193, 0.03691690042614937, -0.022434506565332413, 0.03441496193408966, 0.020754223689436913, -0.0896669253706932, -0.07578966021537781, 0.04985397681593895, 0.07656251639127731, -0.0009603887447156012, 0.02929840423166752, 0.052256274968385696, -0.029568564146757126, 0.027761485427618027, 0.032290980219841, -0.019782625138759613, 0.027545761317014694, -0.0094008669257164, 0.060580696910619736, -0.048223208636045456, 0.07023581117391586, -0.0836985632777214, 0.04071544110774994, 0.024964863434433937, -0.028319144621491432, 0.03628527373075485, -0.009380119852721691, 0.06737449020147324, 0.07369443774223328, -0.012865337543189526, 0.0039184922352433205, -0.020705822855234146, -0.0014107375172898173, -0.007916931994259357, 0.011159295216202736, 0.0011756301391869783, 0.022538138553500175, -0.020788855850696564, -0.004058880731463432, -0.019918013364076614, 0.03037056140601635, -0.047544896602630615, -0.011808757670223713, 0.0839395672082901, 0.01666809804737568, 0.04223762825131416, -0.026899684220552444, 0.009970976039767265, 0.03429975360631943, 0.004194030072540045, -0.009116041474044323, -0.050687190145254135, 0.042539697140455246, 0.014247939921915531, 0.022951645776629448, 0.013991785235702991, 0.019163308665156364, -0.07870179414749146, -0.035326436161994934, -0.022754831239581108, 0.032316844910383224, 0.02564328908920288, -0.01780284009873867, 0.035624079406261444, -0.007437942549586296, -0.03772248327732086, 0.028363868594169617, -0.04233856871724129, -0.025778528302907944, 0.004947872832417488, -0.006166920997202396, 0.015616750344634056, 0.027172664180397987, -0.015367599204182625, -0.02157476358115673, 0.0065750861540436745, -0.006607441231608391, 0.005994466133415699, 0.03414774686098099, -0.015525481663644314, 0.012512974441051483, 0.03261198848485947, -0.02566390484571457, 0.03491286188364029, -0.048263177275657654, -0.04990173876285553, 0.0242485161870718, -0.06170305237174034, 0.03049951232969761, -0.023291612043976784, -0.04704802855849266, 0.049045778810977936, 0.024706624448299408, -0.0022298824042081833, 0.0038344315253198147, 0.007277322467416525, -0.0003079339221585542, 0.005428569857031107, 0.04626839607954025, 0.04368401691317558, 0.06581665575504303, -0.02908610925078392, 0.0017006293637678027, -0.032956812530756, 0.016376953572034836, 0.031038081273436546, 0.01613251492381096, 0.0009002388105727732, -0.03870558738708496, 0.02543485537171364, -0.25769922137260437, 0.006988729815930128, 0.007271381560713053, -0.06528270989656448, 0.02969060279428959, -0.0322662889957428, 0.030623292550444603, 0.009251194074749947, -0.004853941034525633, 0.03152488172054291, 0.010991773568093777, -0.00983655545860529, -0.00412225816398859, -0.004357496276497841, 0.06724619120359421, -0.03710351884365082, 0.041562750935554504, -0.02392355538904667, 0.014064831659197807, 0.027401672676205635, 0.025040853768587112, -0.054354000836610794, -0.05095241218805313, 0.042883966118097305, 0.05165408179163933, 0.04052942618727684, -0.05886845663189888, 0.002717749448493123, -0.02379165217280388, -0.0006477016140706837, -0.02127416804432869, -0.013343725353479385, 0.012702581472694874, -0.0135214664041996, -0.0079249432310462, -0.0027374650817364454, 0.01602555438876152, -0.007076559122651815, -0.010086040012538433, 0.016906095668673515, -0.0028525867965072393, -0.03695058077573776, 0.0038365349173545837, 0.016305923461914062, 0.02777133136987686, -0.03760967031121254, -0.04989398643374443, 0.026054035872220993, 0.014353505335748196, 0.052818894386291504, -0.020025281235575676, 0.01473155152052641, -0.04144287109375, 0.005171955097466707, -0.034764792770147324, -0.0020324671640992165, -0.07346422970294952, -0.008094776421785355, -0.029539870098233223, 0.04881413280963898, 0.024502186104655266, -0.06500054150819778, -0.05554234981536865, -0.04086187854409218, -0.03510666638612747, -0.05991425737738609, -0.02435358241200447, -0.01978483237326145, 0.08387897163629532, 0.012046664953231812, 0.0026808874681591988, 0.046011921018362045, -0.049723148345947266, -0.08386004716157913, 0.011820337735116482, -0.022714337334036827, -0.05737536773085594, -0.02691284567117691, -0.009148168377578259, -0.013115323148667812, -0.0036860653199255466, 0.00046635049511678517, 0.06871819496154785, 0.009972979314625263, 0.02183956652879715, -0.04175547510385513, -0.06302255392074585, 0.029552513733506203, -0.031616974622011185, 0.02097860537469387, 0.031339745968580246, 0.031048238277435303, -0.026916423812508583, -0.006836582440882921, 0.003914450760930777, 0.0688600242137909, 0.017961859703063965, -0.04649205505847931, -0.0021604353096336126, 0.017851220443844795, 0.0030069397762417793, -0.02965063974261284, 0.019185345619916916, -0.03725209832191467, -0.013595827855169773, -0.00788133591413498, -0.04688681289553642, 0.012880713678896427, 0.035287998616695404, 0.033349256962537766, 0.02756803296506405, -0.008416500873863697, 0.03630863502621651, -0.023942403495311737, -0.03268224000930786, -0.008646916598081589, 0.030920349061489105, 0.017765842378139496, 0.016920726746320724, 0.007233429234474897, -0.006967400666326284, 0.0073277149349451065, -0.08265306800603867, -0.012216730043292046, -0.05366251990199089, 0.01165611669421196, 0.05010882019996643, -0.0028287603054195642, -0.039494700729846954, 0.0038645523600280285, -0.016953567042946815, -0.036575865000486374, 0.005712080281227827, 0.013779648579657078, -0.0003830495406873524, -0.003808872075751424, -0.029930206015706062, -0.06500668823719025, 0.015439202077686787, 0.007391024846583605, -0.0037206322886049747, -0.0011407409328967333, -0.014945918694138527, 0.004228497389703989, 0.0691659078001976, 0.012499573640525341, -0.0007469825795851648, -0.015455636195838451, -0.02316656894981861, 0.08150553703308105, -0.013414225541055202, -0.039160266518592834, 0.026530560106039047, -0.019721729680895805, -0.040166743099689484, -0.0623968206346035, 0.03640163317322731, 0.021556302905082703, 0.005893099587410688, -0.02299066260457039, -0.028848271816968918, -0.02311093546450138, 0.0077382405288517475, -0.01771095022559166, 0.0022551354486495256, 0.02876974828541279, 0.00005642571341013536, -0.015051194466650486, -0.03533634915947914, 0.010113067924976349, -0.025962481275200844, -0.05922224745154381, -0.035897448658943176, 0.014593741856515408, 0.020170677453279495, -0.002189515857025981, -0.030703503638505936, -0.038935013115406036, 0.06038850545883179, 0.05901256576180458, -0.0015754905762150884, -0.05071791261434555, -0.008811453357338905, 0.017111482098698616, 0.04158630222082138, -0.02354739047586918, -0.005582054611295462, -0.05005656182765961, 0.008308988995850086, 0.00936791580170393, -0.024318695068359375, 0.014996727928519249, 0.03668636456131935, 0.03821805492043495, -0.04372415319085121, -0.07282962650060654, 0.02802921086549759, -0.028193514794111252, 0.05762580409646034, 0.036557283252477646, 0.0283570047467947, -0.019947659224271774, -0.034961070865392685, 0.017782269045710564, -0.005523245315998793, -0.06730270385742188, 0.046790607273578644, 0.01825760118663311, -0.02105451561510563, 0.032709795981645584, -0.03351646289229393, -0.03726760298013687, -0.0030884582083672285, 0.03623200207948685, 0.04271341487765312, -0.04125147685408592, 0.05053846538066864, -0.01325295027345419, -0.025067362934350967, -0.008271266706287861, 0.010155138559639454, -0.025752151384949684, -0.0357486754655838, 0.008206418715417385, -0.05739744380116463, 0.046418771147727966, -0.009345842525362968, -0.03684452176094055, 0.04051021486520767, -0.044717948883771896, 0.00030655620503239334, -0.03422146290540695, -0.02548842318356037, 0.051746077835559845, -0.01805926114320755, -0.0162510946393013, -0.00851132906973362, -0.03147275373339653, 0.009421220980584621, 0.04920230060815811, 0.01060762070119381, 0.0449117086827755, 0.02326253056526184, -0.029911119490861893, 0.016118796542286873, -0.00471915677189827, 0.013104550540447235, 0.00711357407271862, 0.01581663265824318, 0.037940483540296555, -0.0023737128358334303, 0.002456971909850836, -0.03516446799039841, 0.01892002671957016, 0.013945174403488636, -0.0493587851524353, 0.006071215029805899, 0.044690798968076706, -0.008106417953968048, 0.07234253734350204, 0.0020185664761811495, 0.027615003287792206, -0.003608615603297949, 0.017020585015416145, 0.034660182893276215, 0.02606324851512909, 0.044460829347372055, -0.011749361641705036, 0.04346082732081413, -0.0556221604347229, -0.006670413538813591, -0.08454922586679459, 0.003981318790465593, 0.010902699083089828, 0.050235774368047714, 0.030461344867944717, 0.016555165871977806, -0.028913525864481926, 0.030658889561891556, -0.033447250723838806, -0.01291339285671711, -0.015046168118715286, -0.031168460845947266, -0.040118008852005005, 0.021808966994285583, -0.020255785435438156, 0.00909299124032259, 0.015442836098372936, -0.09586922824382782, -0.050884850323200226, 0.012697434052824974, 0.026620667427778244, 0.02757381834089756, -0.018177852034568787, 0.00439488235861063, -0.01064966805279255, 0.0072182053700089455, 0.02552463486790657, -0.02012750878930092, 0.03736475482583046, -0.08871453255414963, 0.047369953244924545, 0.020782073959708214, -0.04723092541098595, 0.01745777577161789, 0.024581607431173325, -0.014402056112885475, -0.04332733899354935, -0.016867171972990036, 0.022645439952611923, -0.0016426363727077842, -0.054835908114910126, 0.04055856913328171, 0.021539870649576187, -0.024792058393359184, -0.038633957505226135, -0.02203061617910862, -0.021146800369024277, -0.03633088991045952, -0.018065836280584335, 0.03221096843481064, -0.009142899885773659, 0.06674665957689285, 0.031710200011730194, 0.10285217314958572, 0.054059941321611404, -0.006715640425682068, 0.06337589025497437, -0.00520266592502594, 0.07778356224298477, 0.026921654120087624, 0.010913848876953125, -0.01827220804989338, 0.01962241902947426, -0.02158263325691223, -0.006882297806441784, 0.03351752460002899, -0.024820931255817413, -0.011005817912518978, 0.01822476089000702, -0.006674674339592457, 0.018015867099165916, 0.01685742661356926, 0.052053261548280716, 0.0065628341399133205, 0.0044997986406087875, 0.07041653990745544, -0.049344733357429504, 0.037864603102207184, 0.022780288010835648, -0.024838438257575035, -0.027787115424871445, 0.02925208956003189, -0.020951328799128532, -0.014429074712097645, 0.011299524456262589, -0.008166161365807056, 0.0069488221779465675, -0.053858235478401184, 0.011876463890075684, -0.006918757222592831, -0.0032133455388247967, 0.08687571436166763, -0.05893632769584656, 0.009809495881199837, 0.009729756973683834, 0.04610154777765274, -0.030103109776973724, -0.007100277114659548, 0.030046522617340088, -0.028576107695698738, -0.023682227358222008, -0.023097826167941093, -0.0038928629364818335, 0.10367739200592041, 0.03341258689761162, 0.0519336499273777, -0.004571597091853619, -0.014871122315526009, 0.053393494337797165, 0.017818965017795563, -0.04431682825088501, -0.04213256016373634, -0.052744414657354355, -0.017415106296539307, -0.04913802444934845, -0.0007870718836784363, 0.028093677014112473, -0.03457699716091156, -0.0741984024643898, 0.011433877982199192, -0.01852385699748993, -0.0054813954047858715, 0.02537311054766178, -0.036023445427417755, -0.0032082749530673027, 0.02468051016330719, 0.05201432853937149, 0.04595213755965233, 0.02246568724513054, 0.07343381643295288, -0.010442988947033882, -0.028239674866199493, -0.018212635070085526, 0.0010259387781843543, 0.04749266803264618, -0.022212933748960495, 0.03274868056178093, -0.10122917592525482, 0.021274760365486145, 0.02453717030584812, -0.024713704362511635, -0.05380172282457352, 0.044584084302186966, -0.012999028898775578, -0.05958063155412674, 0.026783380657434464, -0.009425088763237, -0.009397606365382671, -0.04444245994091034, -0.021834859624505043, 0.003251204965636134, 0.010603097267448902, 0.052479200065135956, -0.03931139409542084, 0.036868494004011154, 0.026811597868800163, 0.015066268853843212, -0.038204535841941833, 0.07611546665430069, 0.0646081268787384, -0.01114552654325962, -0.07907915860414505, -0.00911108497530222, 0.004748779349029064, -0.06170563027262688, -0.03954053670167923, 0.033667661249637604, -0.014909721910953522, -0.04834050312638283, 0.03305073082447052, 0.022126251831650734, 0.0008739996701478958, -0.015297755599021912, 0.017330974340438843, -0.008156980387866497, -0.05832884833216667, -0.03599338233470917, -0.04589904844760895, 0.04490809515118599, 0.013138513080775738, 0.0033501225989311934, 0.0052607012912631035, -0.043620482087135315, 0.018000150099396706, -0.046369947493076324, 0.021880002692341805, 0.01735108532011509, -0.012217573821544647, 0.013759873807430267 ]
OPINION OP THE COURT. BOBEBTS, C. J. — Appellant was tried and convicted in the district court of Guadalupe county of the larceny of 24 head of neat cattle of the property of one Florencio Spitz. The principal ground upon which he relies for a reversal is that the verdict of the jury is not supported b3r any substantial evidence. The facts established upon the trial, briefly summarized, are as follows: The cattle in question belonged to Mrs. Lucinda Spitz, but were in charge of, and under the management and control of, Florencio Spitz. They were grazing upon the open range in parts of Eoosevelt, Quay, and Guadalupe counties, and were last seen, prior to the larceny, in Guadalupe county. In March, 1911, Spitz discovered that the cattle were missing, and after some more or less diligent search he failed to find them. A year later Spitz discovered them in possession of the appellant, who, upon affidavit of ownership by Spitz and another man, voluntarily surrendered them to Spitz. The cattle at the time they were stolen bore the Spitz brand, which consisted of an X on the shoulder, X on the side, and X on the hip. At the time of the recovery the brands had been changed, so that the brands on the hip and shoulder were the figure “8.” Appellant accounted for his possession of the cattle by proof of tire following facts, which stand uncontradicted in the record: Some time in March, 1911, a man who gave his name as Black brought the cattle in question to the ranch of a man named Crenshaw to be pastured. Wren tire cattle were taken to the Crenshaw ranch they were dehorned and freshly branded. Black left the cattle at Crenshaw’s place, which was 60 or 70 miles from appellant’s home, for six weeks, at which time he came and got them. Appellant was a deputy assessor of Quay county, and was engaged in assessing property in said county during the months of March, April, and a part of May. One night when he returned to his home he found there a man named Davis, who was a cousin to appellant’s wife, and a stranger named Black. Both men were asleep, and he did not disturb them. The next morning appellant was introduced to Black, and went out with him to a lot where Black had turned in some cattle, which Black stated he was driving through to some point in Texas. Appellant had been buying and selling cattle for some jrears, and was also engaged in the cattle raising business. He offered to buy the cattle, and, after some negotiations with Black, purchased the cattle in question, paying Black $50 in cash, and giving him a cheek on the International Bank of Tucumcari for the balance, $390. Black, Davis, and appellant went from appellant’s home to the residence of M. B. McDonald, a justice of the peace, for the purpose of having prepared and executed a bill of sale for the cattle from Black to appellant. The bill of sale was written out by appellant, signed by Black, and acknowledged before the justice of the peace. The bill of sale was recorded in the recorder’s office of Quay county. The check was produced upon the trial, and showed that it had been indorsed by Black and paid by the bank upon which it was drawn. Appellant testified that in February, 1912, he ■met a man named Letrick, who told him that he was looking for -some missing cattle belonging to Mrs. Spitz, de scribing tbe cattle and the brands, and he stated the cattle were now running under the 8X8 brand. Appellant told Letrick he had the cattle. This statement was not contradicted by the state. The Assistant Attorney General says that the theory of the state was that the appellant, the fictitious Mr. Black, and Claude Davis were in a conspiracy, and that the bill of sale was executed as a subterfuge and to throw off suspicion; that in reality the property was stolen by Davis and the fictitious Mr. Black at the behest of appellant; and that the cheek for $390 given to Black by appellant was indorsed in the name of Black by appellant and cashed. Assuming this to have been the state’s theory, the evidence produced upon the trial failed to substantiate the same. Indeed, the Assistant Attorney General admits as much, for he says in his brief: “A review of the record in the case at bar will probably demonstrate that the proof was.entirely insufficient to justify the jury in finding the defendant guilty of either unlawfully taking and stealing or unlawfully and knowingly driving away the property of another. Our personal opinion is that the appellant should have been acquitted, but, as the jury found the defendant guilty upon the evidence adduced, we feel that it is not our duty, nor does it become our duty, to suggest a reversal of this case on that ground.” The state, in making out its case, relies exclusively upon the fact that appellant was found in possession of the stolen property one year after the alleged larceny. Recent possession of stolen goods, when unexplained, has been held sufficient, by many of the courts, to warrant a conviction, and the fact that the defendant had possession of goods stolen may be proved, notwithstanding the length of time elapsed; that circumstance affecting the weight of the evidence, and not the competency. In this case the presumption to be drawn from the possession of the animals in question by the appellant would not be strong, owing to the length of time that had elapsed from the al leged larceny. There were no other facts or circumstances, save possession, which pointed to the guilt of the appellant. Iiis explanation of possession was reasonable and consistent with his innocence. No contradictory statements as to such possession were shown to have been made by him, but all his statements were in accord with the testimony which he gave as a witness, iiis evidence was fully corroborated by other witnesses; he had placed on the public records of Quay county the bill of sale which he had received for the cattle; he made no effort to conceal the cattle, but confined them in a pasture where they could readily be seen by others; when he learned that inquiry was being made for cattle bearing the brand which he had purchased, he voluntarily admitted having the cattle in his possession. In addition, he established a good reputation for honesty and integrity by numerous witnesses residing in his neighborhood, all of whom had known him intimately for years, and no attempt to show otherwise was made by the state. No attempt was made by the state to show that the appellant had ever been within the confines of Guadalupe county, or that there was no such person as Black. The conviction of a defendant cannot be upheld in this court, unless there is substantial evidence in the record which, if true, warranted a verdict of guilty. The evidence in this case is insufficient to sustain the verdict, and the appellant should have been awarded a new trial in the court below. For the reasons stated, the judgment of the trial court will be reversed, with instructions to award the appellant a new trial, and it is so ordered. Hanna and Parker, J. J., concur.
[ -0.0035676052793860435, -0.04196600615978241, -0.033373232930898666, 0.040681347250938416, 0.051445797085762024, -0.014208091422915459, 0.03788093104958534, 0.03642638772726059, 0.030892249196767807, -0.023080676794052124, 0.009112637490034103, 0.04947910085320473, -0.04728907719254494, 0.02607032097876072, -0.03782837465405464, 0.07263283431529999, 0.03730800747871399, -0.002171487547457218, 0.04142514243721962, -0.013964740559458733, 0.04980137571692467, -0.046307217329740524, -0.012897680513560772, 0.061464786529541016, 0.01523960754275322, 0.01341235637664795, 0.044084593653678894, 0.002073239302262664, -0.09020765870809555, 0.005630808882415295, 0.03479832038283348, 0.007240764331072569, -0.006218301597982645, 0.00543461786583066, -0.03737814724445343, -0.00022812515089754015, -0.012042976915836334, -0.046713922172784805, -0.025217024609446526, 0.007485578767955303, -0.050577741116285324, 0.017016446217894554, -0.028841445222496986, -0.0008405042462982237, -0.04154548794031143, -0.03723786398768425, -0.0030890502966940403, 0.03324976935982704, -0.04097766429185867, -0.009965592063963413, -0.05768439918756485, 0.02386006899178028, -0.0205870158970356, 0.02641930803656578, -0.015483571216464043, 0.02756975032389164, -0.04215243086218834, -0.046278730034828186, 0.005238151643425226, -0.01928800344467163, 0.011818748898804188, -0.03274431824684143, 0.05842074751853943, -0.019895894452929497, -0.009447768330574036, 0.025352120399475098, 0.02971966192126274, 0.04605681449174881, -0.02745928429067135, -0.03617045655846596, -0.031550291925668716, 0.007059235591441393, -0.027998482808470726, 0.014280295930802822, 0.014566397294402122, -0.04026026651263237, 0.02645208314061165, 0.02330181561410427, -0.00632194010540843, 0.04793010652065277, 0.023177137598395348, -0.003580753691494465, -0.01948467269539833, 0.05380001291632652, 0.03602571412920952, -0.06539401412010193, -0.03516631945967674, -0.02692616917192936, -0.05066194757819176, 0.08165502548217773, -0.007218565791845322, -0.024795031175017357, 0.01689963787794113, 0.07761171460151672, -0.03922007232904434, -0.04660849645733833, 0.07647708803415298, -0.04785117134451866, 0.030993293970823288, -0.013198916800320148, -0.021604174748063087, -0.03687731549143791, 0.046646520495414734, 0.028264962136745453, -0.06930021941661835, 0.008341028355062008, -0.032675307244062424, 0.040097661316394806, 0.019941922277212143, 0.01502633560448885, -0.011467225849628448, 0.017498452216386795, -0.01867455616593361, 0.01210110541433096, -0.04826012998819351, 0.04221344739198685, 0.030002610757946968, -0.05675695091485977, -0.00010105558612849563, -0.0007145669078454375, 0.0360095240175724, 0.01686146669089794, -0.0005730443517677486, 0.08892200887203217, 0.007214181125164032, -0.012371458113193512, 0.01356159895658493, 0.017384732142090797, -0.023829342797398567, -0.04134376347064972, 0.009707360528409481, 0.02624247781932354, 0.031076554208993912, 0.026525722816586494, -0.031160492449998856, -0.03484213724732399, 0.016552049666643143, -0.05513736605644226, 0.00069759925827384, -0.023023279383778572, -0.025702938437461853, -0.05942977964878082, -0.0018148587550967932, 0.023057665675878525, 0.061973895877599716, -0.033718086779117584, 0.03145559877157211, -0.007448398508131504, 0.005367274396121502, -0.010183313861489296, 0.014081521891057491, 0.003452317789196968, 0.015384910628199577, -0.02098955400288105, 0.0015358664095401764, 0.035829972475767136, 0.03961120918393135, -0.030507441610097885, -0.006067730486392975, 0.030374515801668167, 0.048319876194000244, 0.041910406202077866, 0.04323911666870117, -0.008706440217792988, 0.0041423761285841465, 0.0017334952717646956, 0.03303482383489609, -0.02257886528968811, -0.07158463448286057, 0.02107606641948223, -0.034137144684791565, 0.012172969058156013, 0.06908063590526581, -0.05518360808491707, -0.02388901449739933, 0.002991111483424902, 0.03398604318499565, -0.015643766149878502, 0.008822065778076649, -0.034168168902397156, -0.05885409936308861, 0.05834381282329559, 0.010231858119368553, 0.02146013453602791, 0.0025337955448776484, -0.019916119053959846, 0.06107528135180473, -0.029326971620321274, 0.05125612020492554, -0.004052172414958477, -0.0900464653968811, -0.05145099014043808, 0.018051626160740852, -0.01842714287340641, 0.049765922129154205, -0.006928165443241596, -0.002901277272030711, -0.0022565340623259544, -0.024306470528244972, 0.03995894640684128, -0.054573964327573776, -0.005298571661114693, 0.015664106234908104, -0.06383204460144043, -0.0493813082575798, 0.03629893809556961, 0.04577791318297386, -0.02053573913872242, 0.017340051010251045, 0.033683039247989655, -0.0022175959311425686, 0.007401945535093546, 0.026715489104390144, 0.014834931120276451, 0.032680898904800415, 0.0334143303334713, 0.04853630065917969, -0.026645150035619736, 0.04732082411646843, -0.07486414164304733, 0.04702316224575043, -0.0014123707078397274, -0.04259872063994408, 0.03402237594127655, -0.022470790892839432, 0.07812513411045074, 0.07400558888912201, -0.00808808859437704, -0.007913146167993546, 0.013885235413908958, 0.03337268531322479, -0.0006087833316996694, 0.03261462226510048, -0.007012653164565563, 0.03845035284757614, -0.006803767755627632, -0.009276465512812138, -0.030927905812859535, 0.029364902526140213, -0.03344392403960228, 0.046106819063425064, 0.022730475291609764, 0.02103828266263008, 0.03834665194153786, -0.031127844005823135, -0.002479070797562599, 0.007393066305667162, -0.0038119603414088488, -0.026873508468270302, -0.06242084875702858, 0.009927407838404179, 0.016339914873242378, 0.02294703759253025, 0.0032009449787437916, 0.03377614915370941, -0.047570448368787766, -0.01774008572101593, -0.012422237545251846, 0.018468394875526428, 0.025388753041625023, 0.0009217119077220559, 0.03180690109729767, -0.010483351536095142, -0.04007217660546303, -0.003180406056344509, -0.04410757124423981, -0.003216652199625969, 0.013676444999873638, -0.021616870537400246, -0.002053990960121155, 0.02985323965549469, 0.00821834895759821, -0.030480409041047096, -0.014649749733507633, 0.03827742487192154, 0.012393800541758537, 0.01872325874865055, -0.0066278851591050625, 0.04253614321351051, 0.016840860247612, -0.03929956257343292, 0.018740296363830566, -0.03429609164595604, -0.028674831613898277, 0.008811230771243572, -0.07331456243991852, 0.015635281801223755, -0.008046711795032024, -0.0339491106569767, 0.03934665769338608, 0.02437019720673561, 0.03296433761715889, 0.013048571534454823, 0.019593404605984688, -0.023574214428663254, 0.023303808644413948, 0.055391084402799606, -0.0009301123791374266, 0.03831892088055611, -0.0013124890392646194, 0.028886493295431137, 0.0033852383494377136, 0.010884558781981468, 0.020857175812125206, 0.007475300692021847, -0.009505212306976318, -0.04234764724969864, 0.01570926420390606, -0.26103314757347107, 0.033904992043972015, -0.03530441224575043, -0.08464653044939041, 0.036428920924663544, -0.061147671192884445, 0.021264702081680298, -0.02616150677204132, -0.02319467067718506, 0.01869324781000614, -0.012764728628098965, -0.06300979107618332, 0.016908103600144386, 0.007088012993335724, 0.060849856585264206, -0.030601898208260536, 0.03439771384000778, -0.025553561747074127, -0.026453182101249695, 0.031929291784763336, 0.02456742338836193, -0.07531055063009262, -0.07751287519931793, 0.030775437131524086, 0.04424236714839935, 0.08427555114030838, -0.06677954643964767, 0.003568423679098487, -0.03988160938024521, 0.005788537207990885, -0.032794833183288574, 0.013688788749277592, -0.02254321239888668, -0.007340855430811644, -0.016475727781653404, 0.020735856145620346, -0.008358253166079521, -0.055104177445173264, -0.03213461861014366, 0.0331835001707077, 0.006545678712427616, -0.04293156787753105, -0.02450263686478138, 0.053437087684869766, 0.014151429757475853, -0.0016835358692333102, -0.036794211715459824, -0.005847461521625519, -0.024489382281899452, 0.031061211600899696, -0.026193050667643547, 0.0019751633517444134, -0.02778145670890808, 0.0021553747355937958, -0.03449741005897522, 0.026630088686943054, -0.05785248428583145, -0.022711552679538727, -0.03449368476867676, 0.045347269624471664, 0.025059999898076057, -0.09126026183366776, -0.060802821069955826, -0.024109257385134697, -0.027331775054335594, -0.04439939931035042, -0.031737420707941055, -0.030237896367907524, 0.09319616854190826, 0.022700151428580284, 0.007705115247517824, 0.03848206624388695, -0.03722923994064331, -0.07380306720733643, 0.008480710908770561, 0.003410611068829894, -0.03098643384873867, -0.03426186367869377, -0.02233934961259365, -0.009421412833034992, -0.008700447157025337, 0.00010133266914635897, 0.025915997102856636, 0.014800958335399628, 0.008557528257369995, -0.02956964261829853, -0.0715336874127388, 0.05270087718963623, -0.02435111813247204, -0.00008501912088831887, 0.041104286909103394, 0.030719272792339325, -0.025718748569488525, -0.02212844416499138, 0.007316120900213718, 0.07877040654420853, 0.03098869137465954, -0.056224994361400604, -0.03198207914829254, 0.024702446535229683, 0.04652424529194832, -0.037876810878515244, 0.03591636195778847, -0.05583803728222847, -0.03545099496841431, -0.020339371636509895, -0.04496551305055618, 0.05682051181793213, 0.05429956689476967, -0.007108597084879875, 0.01181398518383503, -0.016707351431250572, 0.022815590724349022, -0.05121990293264389, -0.014035250060260296, -0.024815591052174568, 0.017116442322731018, 0.015963565558195114, 0.06190657243132591, 0.04115498438477516, 0.016872353851795197, -0.0013153367908671498, -0.06263196468353271, -0.016260331496596336, -0.08300689607858658, -0.044829897582530975, 0.03789827972650528, 0.015645457431674004, -0.03541139140725136, 0.009665091522037983, -0.00857498962432146, -0.0405566580593586, -0.020276829600334167, 0.019685516133904457, 0.014671029523015022, 0.03464684635400772, -0.03533383086323738, -0.07575353980064392, 0.010028965771198273, 0.004985379055142403, 0.00808050949126482, -0.01189813856035471, -0.023043882101774216, 0.04270698502659798, 0.061880581080913544, 0.017217323184013367, 0.022013435140252113, -0.0341680645942688, -0.023788096383213997, 0.052530258893966675, -0.019037339836359024, -0.0296745914965868, -0.012629324570298195, -0.014365085400640965, -0.02598857879638672, -0.08115670084953308, 0.02159390039741993, 0.03391953930258751, 0.022163162007927895, -0.016675574705004692, 0.004649369977414608, -0.012731974944472313, 0.010565010830760002, -0.002773243933916092, -0.04218309745192528, 0.05369305610656738, 0.009659125469624996, -0.009129650890827179, -0.007494624238461256, 0.041106633841991425, -0.011528233997523785, -0.10483748465776443, 0.006718341261148453, 0.023736407980322838, -0.01991267502307892, -0.0008772806031629443, -0.017467286437749863, -0.0004392800328787416, 0.03110230527818203, 0.054791294038295746, -0.020050683990120888, -0.03392913565039635, -0.020957238972187042, 0.045073650777339935, 0.03590032458305359, -0.022215766832232475, -0.03242062032222748, -0.0666322335600853, -0.00035446780384518206, 0.022927599027752876, -0.024654163047671318, -0.0021611943375319242, 0.039828330278396606, 0.030553152784705162, -0.08025053143501282, -0.06543048471212387, 0.027601147070527077, -0.03116128221154213, 0.02145463600754738, 0.03185882791876793, -0.023564569652080536, 0.0025890793185681105, -0.004230204503983259, 0.000040789571357890964, -0.0022636305075138807, -0.03872982785105705, 0.03217175230383873, 0.024049226194620132, -0.0200835969299078, 0.028574036434292793, -0.02140221744775772, -0.06044221669435501, 0.01359682995826006, 0.0502060167491436, 0.025005513802170753, -0.025720587000250816, 0.06125365570187569, -0.0031941747292876244, -0.02470323070883751, 0.02247277833521366, 0.027247196063399315, -0.015227960422635078, -0.01837100274860859, 0.014181029982864857, -0.024610523134469986, 0.06486794352531433, -0.01730954274535179, -0.03367245942354202, 0.04263526201248169, -0.06627144664525986, 0.005086117889732122, -0.05399368330836296, -0.0013817291473969817, 0.03511626273393631, -0.0301374439150095, 0.005493256263434887, 0.013674773275852203, -0.015036780387163162, 0.0002588375355117023, 0.05756247788667679, 0.033352080732584, 0.04941408708691597, 0.021776258945465088, -0.018229853361845016, -0.00007255501259351149, -0.02317875437438488, 0.023421356454491615, 0.00707399845123291, 0.0038716145791113377, 0.049803268164396286, -0.0007345013436861336, 0.02529742941260338, -0.04076309874653816, 0.028405535966157913, 0.009869535453617573, -0.025692900642752647, -0.018291432410478592, 0.024107955396175385, -0.025240223854780197, 0.05535227432847023, -0.004941639490425587, 0.04422886297106743, 0.005836306605488062, 0.005271856673061848, 0.016829758882522583, 0.009221110492944717, 0.026224926114082336, -0.015863241627812386, 0.03893301635980606, -0.02517714537680149, 0.005092698615044355, -0.06808582693338394, 0.000229558369028382, -0.007119562942534685, 0.03494122624397278, 0.04000690579414368, -0.030990349128842354, -0.03381510078907013, 0.006414500530809164, -0.05918833613395691, -0.028560176491737366, -0.01151796244084835, -0.030974701046943665, -0.020700549706816673, 0.046588946133852005, -0.02820788323879242, -0.006913232617080212, -0.0035231802612543106, -0.08392257988452911, -0.046876635402441025, -0.0037354573141783476, 0.009418067522346973, 0.014417118392884731, -0.00048072091885842383, 0.01673390157520771, -0.04075752943754196, 0.030166953802108765, 0.04105541110038757, -0.002650766633450985, 0.005934043321758509, -0.06975706666707993, 0.0515456385910511, 0.04042336717247963, -0.03790510073304176, 0.005995008163154125, 0.010813732631504536, -0.01742727868258953, -0.06686187535524368, -0.044385019689798355, 0.03933698311448097, -0.012412619777023792, -0.08200514316558838, 0.04837137460708618, -0.010158399119973183, -0.029033107683062553, -0.009304429404437542, -0.025241080671548843, 0.015500415116548538, -0.03951896354556084, -0.027565335854887962, 0.04991878569126129, -0.02123284339904785, 0.05600259453058243, 0.03365946561098099, 0.08014387637376785, 0.0485188327729702, -0.02282848209142685, 0.03619401156902313, 0.014557138085365295, 0.05335986614227295, 0.03603861480951309, 0.011356130242347717, -0.03454795479774475, 0.023270290344953537, -0.029789458960294724, -0.005527712404727936, 0.016182076185941696, -0.03204097971320152, 0.002086677821353078, 0.01595062017440796, -0.009007597342133522, 0.024070315062999725, 0.01572679728269577, 0.043739914894104004, -0.013660546392202377, 0.0056925262324512005, 0.046375203877687454, -0.060785964131355286, 0.039695143699645996, 0.03794079273939133, -0.002152039436623454, -0.01806032843887806, -0.018942981958389282, -0.018963098526000977, -0.015182540751993656, 0.00691603310406208, 0.007003074046224356, 0.021166086196899414, -0.05280587822198868, 0.012352616526186466, -0.01374070718884468, -0.024107471108436584, 0.07216058671474457, -0.041588835418224335, -0.005211859475821257, 0.041987188160419464, 0.038809169083833694, -0.01985238306224346, -0.00682835141196847, 0.005180745851248503, -0.006213167682290077, -0.015812620520591736, -0.0045943111181259155, 0.007062339689582586, 0.10952485352754593, 0.02256047911942005, 0.04170122742652893, -0.030285649001598358, -0.007920845411717892, 0.053287308663129807, 0.028832290321588516, -0.009418531320989132, -0.032042067497968674, -0.041108280420303345, -0.008812995627522469, -0.055599141865968704, -0.018438655883073807, 0.012633146718144417, -0.024541262537240982, -0.0893431082367897, 0.01964849792420864, -0.031292375177145004, 0.02724253013730049, 0.039704643189907074, -0.01700722612440586, 0.013195984996855259, 0.023919658735394478, 0.08049262315034866, 0.016661308705806732, 0.03191636875271797, 0.059353020042181015, -0.013905064202845097, -0.03148721158504486, -0.013569952920079231, -0.04566972702741623, 0.03682071715593338, -0.03359901160001755, 0.04134584218263626, -0.06111609935760498, 0.04100016504526138, 0.011784837581217289, -0.03369392454624176, -0.05124181509017944, 0.022627389058470726, -0.02055698074400425, 0.007106655742973089, 0.040363602340221405, -0.006162365432828665, -0.017045367509126663, -0.04048673063516617, -0.026297716423869133, -0.007976138032972813, -0.019541935995221138, 0.05483139306306839, -0.011774256825447083, 0.051672086119651794, 0.014670895412564278, 0.001854604110121727, -0.03797593712806702, 0.058684661984443665, 0.05910324305295944, -0.0033680303022265434, -0.01533769816160202, 0.0010682175634428859, -0.0032761634793132544, -0.06702208518981934, -0.03727209195494652, 0.021923383697867393, -0.029923586174845695, -0.04905875772237778, 0.037352126091718674, -0.007183633744716644, -0.027200384065508842, -0.02678581327199936, 0.05229117348790169, 0.020138075575232506, -0.04106440395116806, -0.010898098349571228, -0.05185237526893616, 0.03898926451802254, -0.027449792250990868, 0.03042842261493206, -0.015599938109517097, -0.04203169792890549, -0.005927476100623608, -0.030513878911733627, 0.05457352101802826, 0.004982547368854284, 0.0034485156647861004, -0.02119526080787182 ]
OPINION OP THE COURT. HANNA, J. — This is an application for a writ of prohibition against Hon. Thomas D. Leib, as judge of the district court of the Eighth judicial district, for the purpose of'prohibiting and restraining the said court from suspending ■ the relator from his office of sheriff of Union county, and from removing and attempting to remove him from his said office, or in any wise interfering with him or with his duties as such sheriff, and seeking to prohibit the said court from continuing one Thomas J. Crumley in the office of said sheriff of Union county, and further seeking to prohibit the said court from requiring the said relator to stand trial upon tbe alleged complaint now pending in the said court, and from further, proceeding under said ■complaint in any manner whatsoever and from continuing to hold the order of suspension of said relator from said ■office and the appointment of said Crumley in effect, or to operate in any way against the said relator. Tire proceeding in the district court, which is here sought to be prohibited, was instituted pursuant to the provisions of chapter 80, Code of 1915, which provides for the removal of officers and establishes a procedure therefor. The complaint against the sheriff of Union county set up several grounds of alleged misconduct in ■office, and it is not contended that these grounds do not fall within the purview of the statute. But it is contended that the complaint against the sheriff conferred no jurisdiction upon the district court. The basis of this contention is that by section 3957 of. the Code of 1915 jurisdiction is given the district courts to entertain a proceeding for the removal of public officers, as provided by the ■statute referred to, where there has been a presentment by a grand jury, or, under the provisions of section 3971, where an accusation is presented by the district attorney to the judge in vacation, or term time, when there is no grand jury in the county where tire same is presented for a period of at least 80 days after the presentment by said district attorney. It is contended in this case that the complaint for suspension and removal from office was not such a formal presentment by the district attorney as is contemplated by the statute in question, but was a complaint on the relation of certain parties named, and therefore insufficient to confer jurisdiction. It is contended by the relator that there must be a formal presentment by either a grand jury or a district attorney in his official capacity. It is contended by relator that the word “presentment” is used in the statute in the sense in which that term was known at common law, as the informal finding of a grand jury, charging the person with a certain offense, and that in this sense it is incumbent upon the district attorney to present tlie accusation in his official capacity in the same manner in which an accusation would be presented by the-grand jury; the only difference being that the district attorney must support his presentment by sworn affidavits submitted therewith for the information of the court. The-sufficiency of the complaint filed in the district court against the sheriff of Union county is the' only question necessary for our decision. The complaint, as filed, so far as it is necessary in our opinion to consider the same, reads as follows: “Comes now the plaintiff in the above-entitled cause, by George E. Eemley, district attorney, and Orie L. Phillips, assistant district attorney, of the Eighth judicial district of the state of New Mexico, on relation of the above-named parties, and complains of the defendant and for cause of action alleges.” The title of the complaint is: “State of New Mexico, on Eelation of C. L. Collins, Joseph Gill, Hugh B. Woodward, Prank Parris, Grover C. Smith, and Ed. Starks, Plaintiff.” ÍWe conclude that the pleader clearly attempted to point out that the state of New Mexico was the plaintiff in the cause as instituted in the district court, and the prayer for relief likewise indicates that the state was recognized as the party plaintiff; the complaint being signed by the assistant district attorney of the Eighth judicial district and supported by the affidavits of the persons named in the-title of the ease, who clearly were the informants or persons who had called the matter to the attention of the-district attorney, and whose supporting affidavits were required under the provisions of'section 3973 of the Code-of 1915. This court has held that a proceeding for the removal of public officers, such as' the one here questioned, is a-civil proceeding in its nature. State ex rel. Mitchell v. Medler, 17 N. M. 644, 131 Pac. 976, Ann. Cas. 1915B, 1141. We are not unmindful of the fact that the trial provided for by section 3966, Code 1915, nrnst be by jury and conducted “in all respects in the .same manner as a trial on an information or indictment for a misdemeanor.” As was pointed out in the case cited, the provision as to the conduct of the trial was designed to throw around the defendant the same safeguards with which the law clothes a defendant in a criminal action; that is, the same rules governing the introduction of evidence must be followed, and the guilt of the defendant must be established by the same degree of positive proof as is required in criminal prosecutions generally. But it does not necessarily follow from this that a proceeding commenced in pursuance of tire act in question is to be classed as a criminal action. There is'in our opinion a clear legislative intention shown not to require the same formality customarily required in indictments or informations. This is indicated by section 3958, Code 1915, which provides that: “The accusation must state the offense charged in ordinary and concise language without repetition and in such manner as to enable a person of common understanding to know what is intended.” This provision is more in conformity with the liberal rules of code procedure than the strict rules of criminal procedure, and it was doubtless the intention of the Legislature that such should be the case. If the contention of the relator be sustained, we must necessarily hold that the accusation contemplated by the act for the removal of officers must be accompanied by all that strict technical form of pleading usually required in the case of indictments or informations. With this contention of relator we cannot agree, and we believe our view- of the matter is further supported by other provisions of the same statute. For example, it is provided by section 3972 of the Code that, wherever sworn evidence is presented to the district attorney, showing that' any of the officers of the class provided for in this chapter are guilty of any of the matters therein mentioned as causes for removal, he must present the accusation to the court as provided in the next preceding section, which provides that the accusation may be presented by the district attorney to the judge in vacation or term timé when there will be no grand jury in that county where the same is presented for at least 20 days after the- presentment of the accusation, clearly indicating that the term “presentment” is used in its ordinary •sense, as defined by the New Standard Dictionary, as “that which is presented or exhibited.” By section 3973 of the Code it is provided that: "When the accusation is presented by the district attorney as provided in the preceding section, the same must be supported by sworn affidavit or affidavits, and the court must forthwith investigate the matter, and if a jury is in attendance at the time such accusation is presented, the court must order a citation to the defendant and thenceforth the case must proceed as provided in this chapter where the accusation is by a grand jury.” By this section it is clearly indicated that the accusation to be presented to, the court by the district attorney may be one based upon information of others and not a formal charge upon information of the district attorney, and in our opinion this statute clearly shows a legislative intent inconsistent with the contention here made by relator. It is ihade the duty of the district attorney by section 3972 of the Code to bring the matter of the complaint against the official to the attention of the court. In other words, he must bring the matter to the attention of the court by statement of the offense in ordinary and concise -language, without repetition, and in such manner as to enable a person of common knowledge to know what is-intended, and support such statement by the affidavit or affidavits of those having knowledge of the facts. Our conclusion in this respect might be different, were we inclined to believe that the statutes in question, providing for the removal of public officers, contemplated that strict formality in the matter of the accusation, which is ordinarily required in the case of indictments returned by grand juries or informations presented by district attorneys; but it is our understanding that the Legislature clearly intended to provide a more liberal form of procedure so far as the accusation is concerned, while at the same time providing that the conduct of the trial should be in all respects as a trial on an information or indictment for a misdemeanor. Such being the case, our opinion is that the application for the writ of prohibition must be denied. Our conclusion makes it unnecessary for us to determine whether or not the writ of prohibition is a proper remedy under the circumstances of this ease. Therefore the application for a writ of prohibition is denied, and the respondent is discharged from the rule to show cause,, with costs in his behalf sustained; and it is so ordered. Roberts, C. J., and Parker, J., concur.
[ -0.04334015026688576, -0.01745493896305561, -0.0248592346906662, -0.015392747707664967, 0.037702783942222595, -0.03159709647297859, 0.05539965629577637, 0.026714764535427094, 0.004210527986288071, -0.05990182235836983, -0.009831778705120087, 0.030284738168120384, -0.0827280580997467, 0.06373821198940277, -0.018580688163638115, 0.08174027502536774, 0.025936882942914963, -0.00835062563419342, 0.035091836005449295, -0.04230676218867302, 0.03322972357273102, -0.0015974624548107386, -0.02827194333076477, 0.0269809290766716, 0.02582181803882122, 0.03006175346672535, 0.02441905438899994, 0.022363847121596336, -0.07938043028116226, 0.012052305974066257, 0.025132065638899803, 0.019341757521033287, -0.021636489778757095, 0.012449905276298523, -0.0431269109249115, -0.003916212357580662, -0.0018549069063737988, -0.030695147812366486, 0.00011094338697148487, 0.028003918007016182, -0.023041876032948494, 0.03184160590171814, -0.010003572329878807, -0.0022132210433483124, -0.018589193001389503, 0.003811791306361556, -0.012460845522582531, 0.041782692074775696, -0.03749912604689598, -0.017106477171182632, -0.07848010212182999, 0.022012576460838318, -0.03547612205147743, 0.0331544429063797, 0.001209734007716179, 0.01604006439447403, -0.03658195585012436, -0.044149935245513916, 0.012575671076774597, -0.008643347769975662, 0.02941777929663658, -0.037325747311115265, 0.09289704263210297, 0.0192330963909626, -0.004147089086472988, -0.017758972942829132, 0.00018799661484081298, 0.03532635420560837, -0.06195254623889923, -0.006305065471678972, -0.018555473536252975, 0.0027519280556589365, 0.01731734164059162, 0.02659834548830986, 0.03849632665514946, -0.015045383013784885, 0.040367163717746735, 0.021445155143737793, -0.02036936953663826, 0.05955560505390167, 0.02774953655898571, -0.03842277452349663, 0.03587251901626587, 0.03162729740142822, 0.01143273152410984, -0.030850810930132866, -0.07184166461229324, -0.02411613054573536, -0.011555606499314308, 0.040476661175489426, -0.02046355791389942, -0.0013460757909342647, -0.004961642436683178, 0.02757851593196392, -0.024014558643102646, -0.05576889589428902, 0.07535593956708908, -0.03222208470106125, -0.009517627768218517, -0.012220739386975765, -0.01201030146330595, -0.020110519602894783, 0.044021591544151306, 0.04711337387561798, -0.0700557678937912, -0.00835611391812563, 0.02913978323340416, -0.0073653594590723515, 0.01142247673124075, 0.010378288105130196, 0.008097691461443901, 0.054525814950466156, -0.0029880465008318424, -0.008391554467380047, -0.053553178906440735, 0.06507979333400726, 0.02061256766319275, -0.04448498785495758, -0.005582068115472794, -0.03758206591010094, 0.03625023737549782, 0.023510506376624107, 0.031080175191164017, 0.07371678948402405, 0.03542381525039673, -0.03304549306631088, -0.007187133654952049, 0.03411363065242767, -0.013575240038335323, -0.028331898152828217, 0.013249687850475311, 0.033227186650037766, -0.014278322458267212, 0.020782791078090668, -0.016246037557721138, -0.021373411640524864, -0.047301169484853745, -0.044198743999004364, 0.05987856909632683, -0.018185418099164963, -0.01935015246272087, -0.035062242299318314, 0.00985932070761919, -0.03093806467950344, 0.052551478147506714, -0.03031819500029087, 0.03664281591773033, -0.004322496242821217, -0.001999523723497987, -0.004888985306024551, 0.02231961116194725, 0.02786898799240589, -0.0011630739318206906, -0.011693147011101246, 0.013721168972551823, 0.06419123709201813, 0.04955829679965973, -0.013744774274528027, 0.012263074517250061, 0.05490637943148613, 0.034578561782836914, 0.028233159333467484, 0.020484447479248047, 0.0036090724170207977, 0.014030767604708672, 0.029173213988542557, 0.028298959136009216, 0.011818758212029934, -0.021588923409581184, 0.03767481818795204, -0.05463433265686035, -0.013216065242886543, 0.044204097241163254, -0.06475479900836945, -0.01837599277496338, 0.00646189833059907, 0.06881290674209595, -0.003389518242329359, 0.012938800267875195, -0.04670509323477745, -0.08007161319255829, 0.030921868979930878, 0.011284107342362404, 0.016763638705015182, -0.00406703632324934, -0.015022823587059975, 0.06906019896268845, -0.03142958879470825, 0.01338968425989151, -0.03192609176039696, -0.04491828754544258, -0.04153115302324295, 0.01772332191467285, 0.008684425614774227, 0.05057346448302269, 0.03960380330681801, -0.025370579212903976, 0.033331356942653656, 0.03137357160449028, 0.06949635595083237, 0.014330738224089146, -0.0023441817611455917, 0.06516898423433304, -0.06061740219593048, -0.05395776778459549, 0.014823340810835361, 0.014665830880403519, -0.0010466042440384626, 0.02280602976679802, 0.021823197603225708, -0.005513466894626617, 0.006527851335704327, 0.022325363010168076, -0.03890698403120041, 0.026677142828702927, 0.009366678074002266, 0.06671765446662903, -0.04585176706314087, 0.037696823477745056, -0.04049227014183998, 0.024873241782188416, 0.02066299319267273, -0.031078198924660683, 0.04307114705443382, -0.012940674088895321, 0.08043863624334335, 0.02646571584045887, -0.010175381787121296, -0.027430716902017593, 0.0011690182145684958, -0.0061580161564052105, -0.018709508702158928, 0.008031129837036133, -0.010532506741583347, -0.008284976705908775, -0.0335533432662487, -0.019285496324300766, -0.030642587691545486, 0.0377521738409996, -0.0782865509390831, 0.025948554277420044, 0.05742289498448372, 0.041767992079257965, 0.0370112881064415, -0.0019442157354205847, 0.012968749739229679, 0.018031084910035133, 0.013643695041537285, 0.020757317543029785, -0.04877954721450806, -0.012130442075431347, -0.030372288078069687, 0.016330841928720474, -0.01674845814704895, 0.03097197785973549, -0.05254600942134857, -0.02534332126379013, 0.01951736956834793, 0.0013689625775441527, 0.009578917175531387, -0.004855656530708075, 0.022336479276418686, -0.03020407259464264, -0.02579847350716591, -0.06816153973340988, -0.04284791275858879, -0.015502399764955044, 0.023612335324287415, -0.003765917383134365, 0.020745899528265, 0.05595007911324501, -0.0016265304293483496, 0.014867827296257019, -0.008634790778160095, -0.01781618595123291, 0.02783491648733616, 0.04696468263864517, 0.026448706164956093, -0.013925283215939999, -0.024338973686099052, -0.023266980424523354, 0.025462523102760315, -0.01137574017047882, -0.049949876964092255, 0.007734130602329969, -0.04798510670661926, 0.044828012585639954, -0.036175210028886795, -0.050122737884521484, 0.026562390848994255, 0.02254023589193821, 0.04142044112086296, -0.0015186740783974528, 0.013878341764211655, -0.001097744214348495, 0.04066013917326927, 0.017076173797249794, 0.026395972818136215, 0.014114787802100182, -0.03986189886927605, -0.017677875235676765, 0.030932581052184105, 0.005577558651566505, -0.005223296582698822, 0.037339162081480026, 0.03495010733604431, -0.030777696520090103, 0.02445673756301403, -0.28233960270881653, 0.01118780579417944, -0.03469038009643555, -0.05913577228784561, 0.03517938032746315, 0.01874680072069168, 0.025791794061660767, -0.04032097011804581, -0.033278875052928925, 0.0169715266674757, -0.06368771195411682, -0.04538579285144806, 0.04860645532608032, 0.03671783581376076, 0.0458158440887928, -0.04966055601835251, 0.007080080918967724, -0.012441958300769329, -0.022273236885666847, 0.032284077256917953, 0.03179623931646347, -0.06934559345245361, -0.05498543754220009, 0.010880321264266968, 0.06127597764134407, 0.05504593253135681, -0.020271386951208115, 0.01034469436854124, -0.06872034817934036, -0.030449582263827324, 0.0038393884897232056, -0.006118657998740673, 0.00048264971701428294, 0.002265924820676446, -0.022337181493639946, 0.007832186296582222, 0.0007423320785164833, 0.0009894408285617828, 0.037388477474451065, -0.003668474964797497, 0.025624945759773254, -0.05173613131046295, -0.018461469560861588, 0.014588668942451477, 0.0234538484364748, 0.022993631660938263, -0.048238687217235565, -0.0013093346497043967, 0.0014513636706396937, 0.06057033687829971, -0.01842481456696987, -0.01529306173324585, -0.010920371860265732, 0.013684283941984177, -0.009596139192581177, 0.025846045464277267, -0.06600698828697205, 0.013772924430668354, -0.061077870428562164, 0.04017403721809387, -0.030521467328071594, -0.07629594951868057, -0.05607723817229271, -0.006431885063648224, -0.0564020536839962, -0.04659653082489967, -0.047633200883865356, -0.03448101878166199, 0.07007507979869843, 0.02529801055788994, 0.023954730480909348, 0.03185654431581497, -0.014404955320060253, -0.07612127810716629, -0.0024414947256445885, -0.004943415522575378, -0.057710401713848114, -0.056892115622758865, -0.014540375210344791, 0.04612811654806137, -0.008835596963763237, -0.040227726101875305, 0.018221426755189896, 0.028838567435741425, 0.012239309959113598, -0.030070273205637932, 0.019464023411273956, 0.05496842786669731, -0.03133176639676094, -0.02877466008067131, 0.028052788227796555, 0.019209109246730804, -0.06549462676048279, 0.01950312778353691, 0.018247202038764954, 0.05114949867129326, 0.02234969101846218, -0.06780917197465897, -0.008100110106170177, 0.012265116907656193, 0.011368089355528355, -0.023507650941610336, 0.034621503204107285, -0.0375082790851593, 0.04599659517407417, -0.017427068203687668, -0.06675942242145538, 0.02920394390821457, 0.026170510798692703, 0.024339208379387856, 0.050302546471357346, -0.03750762715935707, 0.06921926140785217, -0.06841600686311722, 0.0077013238333165646, -0.020157214254140854, 0.018368419259786606, -0.003955612890422344, 0.017045635730028152, 0.019185462966561317, 0.002502152696251869, 0.04876483231782913, -0.05578731372952461, -0.036592770367860794, -0.08652301132678986, -0.004482069052755833, 0.03143768385052681, 0.002593338256701827, -0.0250192079693079, 0.02024764008820057, -0.006928390357643366, -0.03855269402265549, -0.006183701567351818, -0.010638125240802765, -0.009945775382220745, -0.007420922629535198, -0.051181256771087646, -0.0714382454752922, -0.016734221950173378, 0.03699294105172157, 0.04011417180299759, -0.006742972880601883, 0.05408357456326485, -0.021886415779590607, 0.033488258719444275, -0.0064707850106060505, 0.006831956095993519, -0.002144655678421259, -0.013842260465025902, 0.02359255589544773, -0.037787359207868576, -0.05610546097159386, -0.0005942700081504881, -0.05534627288579941, -0.03321182727813721, -0.016096604987978935, 0.04144607484340668, 0.003123941132798791, 0.004164170939475298, -0.020672114565968513, -0.0004992596223019063, -0.026388291269540787, -0.042596250772476196, -0.03931708633899689, -0.0747753381729126, 0.04722832515835762, -0.030832339078187943, 0.042674947530031204, -0.014929832890629768, 0.009575862437486649, -0.01903429999947548, -0.027426356449723244, -0.04040324687957764, 0.03093770332634449, -0.013605053536593914, 0.006569358985871077, -0.02120959386229515, 0.0015325644053518772, 0.025445520877838135, 0.034753043204545975, -0.015745656564831734, -0.004044652450829744, -0.043952617794275284, 0.030225098133087158, 0.05308045074343681, -0.03382854163646698, -0.01989070326089859, -0.04249752685427666, -0.014821718446910381, -0.006123155355453491, -0.016970790922641754, 0.007576477248221636, -0.005108187440782785, 0.030786452814936638, -0.04433969035744667, -0.06256103515625, 0.029525011777877808, -0.015601465478539467, 0.014542913995683193, 0.03756621479988098, 0.0010856147855520248, -0.029520709067583084, -0.031774889677762985, -0.009749703109264374, 0.007810540031641722, -0.08337253332138062, 0.055014241486787796, 0.03068104013800621, -0.005920297000557184, 0.06734808534383774, -0.03847920149564743, -0.053959887474775314, 0.011183404363691807, -0.016423655673861504, 0.04916420578956604, -0.011119003407657146, 0.05249125137925148, 0.0027891870122402906, -0.01833999715745449, -0.0002580572909209877, 0.00748049421235919, -0.022312255576252937, -0.037534069269895554, 0.029157059267163277, -0.017771771177649498, 0.04305844381451607, 0.01785906031727791, -0.04112528637051582, 0.03078327141702175, -0.024517767131328583, -0.005420258734375238, -0.04238368198275566, 0.014070099219679832, 0.06498074531555176, -0.03558948636054993, -0.041827280074357986, -0.027474647387862206, -0.01328548975288868, -0.04377005621790886, 0.058360692113637924, 0.05172567814588547, 0.028258556500077248, 0.028628824278712273, -0.034072015434503555, -0.013814257457852364, 0.001053932006470859, 0.037396952509880066, 0.019695842638611794, -0.003510823007673025, 0.0343465730547905, 0.009758549742400646, 0.016038715839385986, -0.042803868651390076, -0.005080981645733118, 0.02608809433877468, -0.0049983724020421505, 0.0240896325558424, 0.029399611055850983, -0.022553570568561554, 0.07331524044275284, 0.002815371146425605, 0.0017561702989041805, 0.011608216911554337, -0.013496976345777512, -0.0045248968526721, 0.033018264919519424, -0.00033662046189419925, -0.005969597492367029, 0.06415898352861404, -0.062314603477716446, -0.030608177185058594, -0.0627298578619957, 0.007002428639680147, -0.021200120449066162, 0.019398221746087074, 0.03640007600188255, 0.0015155298169702291, -0.03980160504579544, 0.015611373819410801, -0.040867943316698074, -0.03841134160757065, -0.006577559746801853, -0.002256145002320409, -0.01448366791009903, 0.015609614551067352, -0.03155970200896263, 0.029614856466650963, -0.01725693978369236, -0.07807937264442444, -0.06299550086259842, 0.01881147362291813, 0.0257496926933527, 0.027317125350236893, -0.008202312514185905, -0.015729188919067383, 0.006078323349356651, 0.01558933686465025, 0.037712883204221725, -0.02175242267549038, 0.020786385983228683, -0.09264805912971497, 0.006192244589328766, 0.043039724230766296, -0.03994981572031975, -0.028610732406377792, 0.01918426714837551, 0.0071305991150438786, -0.05597437545657158, -0.03482011333107948, 0.03696015849709511, 0.004019514191895723, -0.05416164919734001, 0.07299261540174484, -0.00561487814411521, -0.014630678109824657, -0.018090300261974335, 0.017304489389061928, 0.013833758421242237, -0.010786782950162888, -0.034720294177532196, 0.01921650394797325, -0.009459919296205044, 0.04510508105158806, 0.011130409315228462, 0.08615231513977051, 0.027045898139476776, -0.041865404695272446, 0.024093972519040108, -0.01594020240008831, 0.05809881165623665, 0.07548145204782486, 0.006871510297060013, -0.018262051045894623, 0.04603341594338417, -0.0007131106685847044, -0.0345318578183651, 0.024953478947281837, -0.045659713447093964, -0.03590841218829155, 0.028914140537381172, -0.009015113115310669, 0.05687200278043747, -0.005600092466920614, 0.07605443149805069, 0.039904531091451645, 0.020964959636330605, 0.0327763594686985, -0.03103061206638813, 0.03671983256936073, 0.0012285540578886867, -0.0019337708363309503, -0.02567526325583458, 0.00041725861956365407, -0.04186952859163284, -0.004033146426081657, 0.027614833787083626, -0.016183117404580116, 0.023081379011273384, -0.04669048637151718, -0.0016664271242916584, -0.010158048011362553, 0.003734084079042077, 0.06630688160657883, -0.03315778076648712, -0.012774861417710781, 0.01692359521985054, 0.07213973999023438, -0.0012163949431851506, -0.027876224368810654, -0.003386403899639845, 0.0006331813638098538, 0.0001652842474868521, 0.01725079119205475, 0.023385871201753616, 0.05362938344478607, 0.003312945133075118, 0.046132441610097885, -0.0015583422500640154, 0.006245885044336319, 0.01589645817875862, 0.022035550326108932, -0.03350646421313286, -0.006809135898947716, -0.03165168687701225, -0.005827834364026785, -0.0596897266805172, 0.007372342515736818, 0.0010460607009008527, -0.04479207471013069, -0.03417005389928818, 0.003361709648743272, 0.003366341581568122, -0.022664468735456467, 0.04205995425581932, -0.032350022345781326, 0.023520512506365776, 0.031466223299503326, 0.058773986995220184, 0.06389422714710236, 0.04756852239370346, 0.06533362716436386, -0.007053081411868334, -0.03688357397913933, -0.03809058666229248, -0.04803982004523277, 0.05165687948465347, 0.0190920140594244, -0.04197226092219353, -0.10062664747238159, 0.026112163439393044, -0.0005290904664434493, 0.0062608434818685055, -0.06290571391582489, 0.03521508723497391, -0.024520039558410645, 0.005570370238274336, 0.06534622609615326, 0.024994146078824997, -0.016830872744321823, -0.03155023232102394, -0.00946140754967928, -0.010649273172020912, -0.007767952512949705, 0.08672045916318893, -0.03692646697163582, 0.05315084382891655, -0.0033308647107332945, -0.01977129466831684, -0.0011202506721019745, 0.027231557294726372, 0.052649036049842834, -0.028501426801085472, -0.027301691472530365, -0.02508544735610485, 0.009555009193718433, -0.04607810825109482, -0.037473853677511215, 0.016293372958898544, 0.0061659920029342175, -0.049661219120025635, 0.01039670780301094, -0.01204149704426527, -0.04713597521185875, -0.01854473538696766, 0.026803556829690933, 0.03778864070773125, -0.05689096823334694, -0.014321178197860718, -0.054640572518110275, 0.011070193722844124, 0.006849984638392925, 0.02518162690103054, -0.02605762705206871, -0.04105543717741966, 0.017619885504245758, -0.07593516260385513, 0.004753577057272196, 0.025270139798521996, -0.04549659788608551, -0.017969639971852303 ]
OPINION OP THE COURT. ROBERTS, C. J. — This action was instituted in the court below by Trinidad Baca and other named plaintiffs against the unknown heirs of Jacinto Palaez, deceased, and other named defendants, for the partition of a tract of latid known as the “La Majada grant,” embracing approximately 54,404.1 acres, situated in the counties of Sandoval and Santa Fé, this state. Upon issue joined, the caus'e was, by agreement of the parties, siibmitted to Harry P. Owen, as referee, who took the evidence and reported the same to the court with his findings of fact and conclusions of law stated thereon. Exceptions to the finding's of fact and conclusions of law were filed by certain of the defendants, represented by T. B. Catron and O. C. Catron, which were overruled by the trial court, except ás to that part of the report providing for compensation to certain attorneys, and an order with the exception stated was entered approving the findings made by the referee and the conclusions of law stated thereon, and judgment of partition was entered. This judgment set out in detail the interest of each of the parties to the suit, approximately 175 in number, and ordered partition thereof among the several owners in accordance with the decree. Some of the defendants, but not all, have ap pealed from-the decree, and seek to have reviewed in this court certain questions of law and fact, all more or less dependent upon the evidence taken before the referee. Appellees contend that none of the questions presented by appellants can be considered by this court because the appellants did not file or print such transcript of record as is required by law, but that the same shows, upon its face that it is so imperfect and insufficient that none of the questions attempted to be raised can be reviewed by this court. Because of the state of the record appellees move to dismiss the appeal. Appellees contend that a record on appeal must, be on its face perfect, and, if it shows that it is imperfect, the court will not consider it; that, when a party attempts to take up less than the whole record, the burden is upon him to show that the portion of the record taken up contains, all tha¡t is necessary to a review of the points involved. . ■ • It is true that a record on appeal must, show that it contains a transcript of all that portion of the record of the. trial court necessary for a consideration of the questions presented for review, and the duty of having such a transcript properly prepared and filed rests upon the appellant or plaintiff in error. • Section 31, c. 57, S. L. 1907, provides a method by which less than the entire record may be incorporated into the- transcript, but under this section all that portion of the record, essential to a review in the Supreme Court of the questions presented, must be incorporated into the transcript of the record. In the case of Witt v. Cuenod, 9 N. M*. 143, 50-Pac. 328, the territorial - Supreme Court, in considering a similar statute, said: “The option granted of talcing up only such part of the record as appellant or plaintiff ip error 'deems 'necessary for a review of the judgment or decree/ instead of the whole record, was intended to lighten the burden of expenses, but not in any way to put the opposite party to any disadvantage, or change his position in any respect. "Under the act of 1889, just as former ly, the appellant or plaintiff in error should have his ease in this court, with nothing to be desired for a full and proper determination of the question of error or want of error in the lower court.” The praecipe filed, and the record in this case, show that appellants deliberately omitted important portions of the record; that they failed to include in the transcript all of the evidence essential to a determination of the questions presented; that that portion of the evidence which is included in the transcript is not properly certified, and cannot be reviewed by this court; that all'of the exhibits, numbering more than 175, were omitted from the transcript, and were sent to this court as original documents. The record shows that answers were filed by Margarita S. De Salazar and a large number of other defendants, who joined in the prayer for partition. There was an intervention upon behalf of Melquíades Ramirez and others which was brought into the record, and the matter was referred to the referee for trial; but the judgment disposing of this matter was not brought into the transcript. The amended and supplemental answer of T. B. Catron, filed January 6, 1912, was copied in the record; but .the order allowing the same and fixing the terms upon which it might be filed was omitted. No bill of exceptions was ever made up, and, as stated, only a portion of the evidence-was attempted to be carried into the transcript. Appellant sought to overcome the necessity of a bill of exceptions by having Harry P. Owen, the referee, make up and certify to the portion of the evidence which is incorporated in the record. Section 24, c. 57, S. L. 1907, provides a method by which the • testimony, in all actions tried without a jury, may be made a part of the record without a bill of exceptions. The material portion of this section reads as follows: “In all actions tried without a jury the testimony taken before a court or that taken by a referee, the transcribed notes of the stenogra pher in such cases, properly certified by the court or referee, * * * shall become * * '* a pdrt of • the record for the purpose of having the cause reviewed by the supreme court upon appeal'or;' writ of error, without any bill of exceptions.”- ' . The report of the referee, included in' the récord, was filed on the 1st day of July, 1910; the partition decree was entered on the 16th day of July, 1913. It appears from the record that certain issues were referred to the referee, but his report upon the second reference is not included in the transcript. His certificate, fió that portion of the transcript of the evidence which is- incorporated in the record, was made on the 2d day "of-'Décember, 1913. The decree having been entered''on the 16th day of July, 1913, it is evident that, some time prior thereto the referee must have filed his report .under the second reference. This being true, any power which the referee had must have terminated at some date ¡prior to the decree of July 16, 1913, and, waiving the ''question as to his power to determine what portion of the evidence is essential to a review of the questions raised 'or to be raised upon appeal, it is evident that he would be devoid of power to do any act, or perform any: function after bis power and functions have terminated. Judge Brewer, writing the opinion in Arn v. Coleman. 11 Kan. 461, says: “ ‘A referee is born of an order - without it he is not/ And when he has performed the duty imposed by that order he is functus officio, and his acts are no more than the acts of a private individual. Hp to the time his report is -made- and filed he can modify and change it, he can alter and amend it. But when once it has been filed and bepome a record of the court, his power over it is at an end, and his relation to the case has ceased.” See, also, 34 Cyc. 849, and cases cited under note 19. This being true, on the 2d day of December, 1913, when Harry P. Owen signed the certificate appended to the transcript of the evidence, he was not the referee, and his act was only the act of a. private individual, which gave no life or vitality to the certificate. The section of the act of 1907, quoted supra,, contemplates the incorporation in the transcript of the record the report of the evidence taken before the referee, properly certified by that official, and filed by him with his report, or before lie became functus officio. By reason of the foregoing, no portion of the evidence can be reviewed by this court. While the foregoing disposes of this appeal and necessitate? a dismissal of the same, there is another question of procedure which should be disposed of, involving as it does a construction of a rule of this court. Sections 1 and 2 of Eule 22 reads as follows: "(1) Voluminous exhibits, which are important only as to the fact of their existence or as to small portions of their subject-matter or as establishing a negative fact shall not be included in full in the record unless the trial judge shall so order; but a statement of their existence or substance with so much of their contents as shall be necessary to properly present the point at issue shall be agreed upon by the parties or settled by the trial judge and included in the record in place of the exhibits as omitted. “(2) Whenever it shall be necessary or proper in the opinion of the judge of any district court that original papers of any kind should be inspected in this court, upon appeal or writ oE error, such judge may make such rule or order for the safe-keeping, transporting and return of such original papers as to him may seem proper, and this court will receive and consider such original papers in connection with a transcript of the proceedings.” Appellants have construed this rule to authorize the omission from the transcript of the record of all of the documents and exhibits introduced in evidence upon the trial of the cause, and the transmission of the same to this court, by order of the district court, in lieu of incorporating the same in the transcript of the evidence. This is an erroneous interpretation of the language of the rule. The appellate procedure act (chapter 57, S. L. 1907) does not authorize the insertion in the transcript of the record of the originál of any of the papers, pleadings, etc., on file in the- office of the clerk of the district court, nor the sending of such papers to this court detached from the record, and not certified and proved by the signature ■of the qlerlc and the seal of the court. It provides for a ^transcript of the record,” which must be filed in this court, the correctness of which is established by the signature of the clerk and the seal of the district court, every paper, or exhibit, filed in a cause tried in the district court, becomes a part of the files of the case in that court, where they- should remain, so that the record in that court will always be full and complete. The transcript of the record, which is a copy of the records and files in the ease certified as before stated, constitutes and is the record in this court, upon which the appeal is heard and determined, which remains permanently on file in the office of tlie- clerk of this court. Thus each court, both being courts of record, have complete records of the cause. If the practice of sending original papers to this court in lieu of a transcript thereof had the sanction of law, which it, has not, it would result in intolerable confusion, for parties would- be required to search the records of both courts whenever it became necessary to examine the files of a case, for any purpose, which had been appealed to this court, and, in addition, there would always be the attendant danger of loss and destruction of the files during transmission. The first section of the rule above quoted contemplates the incorporation into the transcript of the record the substance of- voluminous exhibits, or exhibits which are important only as to the fact of their existence or as to small portions of their subject-matter or as establishing a negative- fact, either by agreement of the parties as to the statement of the contents thereof, or a statement -o£ the contents of the same settled by the trial judge; but it makes no provision for the sending of the original ex hibits to this court, and their omission, or the omission of the statement mentioned, from the transcript of record.. Where the substance is incorporated into the record, in either of the two modes, the statement of the same becomes a part of the record, and in like manner as other* files or records in the case, and its verity is established in the same manner as other portions of the records by 'the certificate of the clerk and seal of the court. The second section of the rule was not designed to obviate the necessity of incorporating copies of exhibits in the transcript of the record, but its only purpose was Lo authorize the sending of original exhibits to this courf, whenever, in the opinion of the district judge, an inspection of the original paper would disclose some fact which, could not be made to ■ appear by a copy thereof. Such, for example, as a comparison of handwriting, an attempted erasure, alteration, authenticity of documents or their age. Many other familiar illustrations might be suggested. The use of such exhibits in this court is only temporary,- and, when they have been received and inspected, of course they will be returned to the files of the .district court, where they properly belong. They are only withdrawn from the files of the district court, by order of the judge of that court, and sent to this court when in the' opinion of the judge of that court, it is necessary and proper that this court should have before it the original-exhibit or exhibits when it considers the case. Such exhibits do not become a part of the files of this court, but remain, as is proper, a part of the files of the district court. The rule of court, thus construed — and the language used permits of no other interpretation — harmonizes with the appellate procedure act referred to. To give it any other construction would necessarily create a conflict between the statute and the rule, for, as stated, the statute requires a transcript of the record, properly certified, to be sent to the clerk of this court, and makes no provision whatever for sending any original pleading, exhibit, or other part of the record to this court. If this court could, by rule, dispense with the necessity of incorporating into the transcript a copy of exhibits introduced in evidence, it could, with equal propriety, provide that no transcript should be filed, but that all the original papers filed in the clerk’s office of the district courts should be transmitted to this court, upon which it would review the case on appeal. In the case of Dowagiac Mfg. Co. v. Brennan & Co. (C. C.) 156 Fed. 213, a rule of the Circuit Court" of Appeals in the identical language of the second subdivision of our rule 22 was construed by Judge Evans. In that case the parties stipulated that the exhibits should not be copied into the transcript of the record, but that such exhibits should be transmitted to the Circuit Court of Appeals and considered by that court. Application was made to the district court for an order accordingly, which was denied. In the case of Immanuel Presbyterian Church v. Riedy, 104 La. 314, 29 South. 149, the original exhibits were transmitted to the Supreme Court by order of the district court, and were not incorporated into the transcript of record. The court said: “We have sometimes, upon the express written consent of all the. parties to the litigation, to avoid expense, permitted them, on specifications of what papers are covered by such consent, acted upon records and papers irregularly before the court; but the district judge is without authority by an ex parte order to vary the law touching what should be inserted in or sent up on appeal, dehors the transcript. Papers sent up not covered by the clerk’s "certificate reach us with no official proof either of authenticity or of having been received in evidence in the trial court, and, outside of any question of authority, innumerable disputes between counsel would be the inevitable result of sanctioning such a departure from correct practice. Counsel of appellee strenuously objects to our taking cognizance of anything outside of the record and of the clerk’s regular legal certificate, and his objection is well grounded.” Without express statutory authority, no original paper, document, or entry in a cause can be incorporated in the transcript filed on appeal in the Supreme Court, but all papers, documents, and entries must be copied into the transcript, and if any such original paper,, document, or entrjr is incorporated in the transcript it will be disregarded. Mankin v. Pennsylvania Co., 160 Ind. 447, 67 N. E. 229; Bottigliero et al. v. Cozzi, 176 Ill. App. 311; Cornell v. Matthews, 28 Mont. 457, 72 Pac. 975; Wallace v. Coons, 48 Ind. App. 511, 95 N. E. 132; Courier Journal Job Printing Co. v. Columbia Fire Ins. Co. (Ky.) 54 S. W. 966. In this case the exhibits in ques tion were not incorporated in the transcript, at all, but were sent to the clerk of this court in a box. In the case of Leach v. Mattix, 149 Ind. 146, 48 N. E. 791, the court said: “It has been held by this court that, in the absence of statutory authority, an original paper or document cannot be certified to this court so^ as to become a part of the record. Goodwine v. Crane, 41 Ind. 335; Reid v. Houston, 49 Ind. 181.” Eor the reasons stated, this court could not receive and consider the original exhibits certified to this court in this case, even though we were not required to dismiss the appeal. Appellees’ motion to dismiss the appeal will be sustained, and it is so ordered. Hanna and Parker, J.J., concur.
[ -0.03481251001358032, -0.032964304089546204, -0.015051440335810184, 0.014751270413398743, 0.04500972852110863, -0.0015020048012956977, 0.04426494613289833, 0.020944980904459953, 0.004218066111207008, -0.03236296400427818, -0.008396444842219353, 0.028850745409727097, -0.03841906040906906, 0.0325457900762558, -0.02010178379714489, 0.07978450506925583, 0.04349839314818382, 0.010456864722073078, 0.04282528534531593, 0.00021958054276183248, 0.019846832379698753, 0.009113631211221218, -0.001578688039444387, 0.05412104353308678, 0.026172691956162453, 0.018976615741848946, 0.03253006562590599, 0.021971924230456352, -0.07127954810857773, -0.021263878792524338, 0.03768172860145569, -0.018310490995645523, -0.009731332771480083, -0.003204700304195285, -0.04940587654709816, -0.05348726361989975, -0.02149643562734127, -0.019883114844560623, -0.012328301556408405, 0.014413644559681416, -0.026140136644244194, 0.006622609682381153, -0.0336383692920208, 0.012982388958334923, -0.06151659041643143, 0.004126761108636856, -0.01140763983130455, 0.03278028219938278, -0.04908908158540726, 0.03145487979054451, -0.05544007569551468, 0.021610835567116737, -0.02982867695391178, 0.011311390437185764, -0.031148850917816162, 0.03307274356484413, -0.07847005873918533, -0.028272707015275955, -0.010988844558596611, -0.02875366061925888, 0.016583042219281197, -0.018413454294204712, 0.09895925968885422, -0.017095185816287994, 0.02361440844833851, 0.003606601618230343, 0.018599076196551323, 0.025096070021390915, -0.03533976897597313, -0.001318128313869238, -0.03896393999457359, 0.024413583800196648, 0.04771886020898819, -0.016133219003677368, -0.02344667911529541, -0.05183438956737518, 0.008886327035725117, 0.03451428934931755, 0.014502963051199913, 0.03129124268889427, 0.034374065697193146, -0.02283453196287155, 0.029972640797495842, 0.04935719072818756, 0.00815129280090332, -0.05679132416844368, -0.02108711749315262, -0.03535391017794609, -0.027511993423104286, 0.05986747890710831, -0.035306286066770554, -0.04448983073234558, 0.041291434317827225, 0.05100074037909508, 0.024752160534262657, -0.031009523198008537, 0.07618523389101028, -0.036967623978853226, 0.012610220350325108, 0.0030771163292229176, -0.04697446525096893, -0.030483586713671684, 0.020259426906704903, 0.07530268281698227, -0.06399890035390854, 0.014128094539046288, -0.028919260948896408, 0.03134498372673988, 0.003640239592641592, 0.02513360232114792, 0.037077825516462326, 0.013728835619986057, -0.00653584860265255, -0.03383783623576164, -0.045238055288791656, 0.02972695417702198, 0.04398517683148384, -0.02193664014339447, 0.005418512038886547, -0.02109653688967228, 0.04418634623289108, 0.0324338860809803, 0.02459706924855709, 0.08894537389278412, 0.008116411045193672, -0.009603263810276985, 0.012885602191090584, 0.006963886320590973, -0.03857874497771263, -0.0533832386136055, 0.02950897067785263, 0.02358917146921158, 0.007742708083242178, 0.011558936908841133, 0.0030993798281997442, -0.05241378769278526, 0.0001918738998938352, -0.014654207974672318, 0.032197851687669754, -0.02310708351433277, -0.027771318331360817, -0.04363440349698067, 0.01154894195497036, 0.015066506341099739, 0.07378771156072617, -0.0007166218128986657, 0.022810745984315872, -0.028963619843125343, -0.028600506484508514, 0.007546953856945038, 0.04041923210024834, 0.05596982687711716, -0.012715554796159267, -0.02242385223507881, -0.016420893371105194, 0.049946993589401245, 0.0352916494011879, -0.021101204678416252, -0.020509598776698112, 0.03288564085960388, 0.02481129951775074, 0.03680131956934929, 0.06869567930698395, -0.014738395810127258, -0.02455185353755951, 0.021139124408364296, 0.05088884383440018, 0.009295937605202198, -0.04683171585202217, 0.0361480638384819, -0.048687249422073364, -0.024797676131129265, 0.056071821600198746, -0.0581769235432148, -0.04108525812625885, 0.009888073429465294, 0.05790632590651512, 0.021107777953147888, 0.011984472163021564, -0.0354779027402401, -0.0680118203163147, 0.026035960763692856, -0.006875264924019575, -0.010025477968156338, -0.007613043300807476, -0.016667259857058525, 0.07958339899778366, -0.02284996770322323, 0.046467557549476624, 0.002538420958444476, -0.07612082362174988, -0.04930761829018593, -0.0016704279696568847, -0.019854139536619186, 0.046276286244392395, 0.024334175512194633, -0.04504413530230522, 0.03822886943817139, 0.01627311296761036, 0.03588887304067612, -0.026868538931012154, 0.04097534716129303, 0.08351263403892517, -0.04833269491791725, -0.04965796694159508, 0.027006614953279495, 0.04352397844195366, 0.024325747042894363, 0.03301384672522545, 0.052023258060216904, -0.026662630960345268, 0.04160311818122864, 0.03436584770679474, -0.011091729626059532, 0.012158085592091084, -0.03194839134812355, 0.0746266320347786, -0.05565785616636276, 0.059873584657907486, -0.04926491528749466, 0.0387878492474556, 0.004278490785509348, -0.025998800992965698, 0.05412207171320915, -0.008026395924389362, 0.08173821121454239, 0.05615461617708206, -0.024407317861914635, 0.0028042022604495287, -0.01699831336736679, -0.016939084976911545, 0.0017833266174420714, 0.00638729939237237, 0.008029873482882977, 0.03823300823569298, -0.010152635164558887, -0.025282513350248337, -0.017084991559386253, 0.0220049861818552, -0.023767543956637383, 0.0007035793969407678, 0.040644679218530655, 0.03447527065873146, 0.04634760320186615, -0.0268641896545887, -0.013512762263417244, 0.0050444588996469975, 0.003183506429195404, -0.014627790078520775, -0.029546821489930153, 0.017261018976569176, -0.0029681830201298, 0.0034671975299715996, -0.017795836552977562, 0.027008622884750366, -0.055502813309431076, -0.01644391566514969, -0.03320808708667755, 0.00639805244281888, 0.016949452459812164, -0.016920097172260284, 0.02821923978626728, 0.014877225272357464, -0.012079626321792603, -0.0030517568811774254, -0.03972190245985985, -0.01718672551214695, 0.031697701662778854, -0.01187337376177311, 0.017629273235797882, 0.03171181306242943, -0.005015502218157053, 0.02869865857064724, -0.025770748034119606, 0.002329698298126459, 0.024913892149925232, 0.03671196103096008, -0.015643160790205002, -0.040464337915182114, 0.012325217016041279, -0.014398793689906597, 0.04410763084888458, -0.038565218448638916, -0.044146809726953506, 0.004089532420039177, -0.06073826923966408, 0.05393940210342407, -0.058627184480428696, -0.021486518904566765, 0.07928475737571716, 0.024998661130666733, 0.0031405005138367414, 0.011983821168541908, -0.0032712945248931646, 0.02426331304013729, -0.0037202409002929926, 0.03188853710889816, 0.02454359270632267, 0.0016303617740049958, -0.05383947119116783, -0.028202470391988754, 0.009034360758960247, -0.002227284712716937, 0.016314242035150528, 0.025223160162568092, 0.015134953893721104, -0.018775831907987595, 0.05516115948557854, -0.2621680200099945, 0.02689620852470398, -0.010570785030722618, -0.05822613090276718, 0.03694677725434303, -0.023039478808641434, 0.017278002575039864, -0.019401242956519127, -0.02033061906695366, 0.0033888830803334713, -0.03698579967021942, -0.028351441025733948, 0.00258486345410347, 0.04822761192917824, 0.0516919307410717, 0.007605560589581728, -0.020892323926091194, -0.01754623092710972, -0.012947316281497478, 0.01867470145225525, 0.007074984721839428, -0.04599158093333244, -0.03398057818412781, 0.03335970267653465, 0.07440270483493805, 0.037933867424726486, -0.04153362289071083, 0.0075882114470005035, -0.07054382562637329, 0.012558378279209137, -0.0035614941734820604, 0.020980577915906906, -0.009543005377054214, -0.023698868229985237, -0.0435669906437397, 0.005098977126181126, 0.013046474196016788, -0.016671106219291687, -0.02421753853559494, 0.014962183311581612, 0.0034726441372185946, -0.035543203353881836, -0.043857403099536896, 0.04129726439714432, 0.007787390146404505, -0.005605712067335844, -0.04628754407167435, 0.012453006580471992, 0.027206163853406906, 0.04647872969508171, -0.028908247128129005, 0.011526309885084629, -0.038945961743593216, -0.011217733845114708, -0.05278009548783302, 0.02231857366859913, -0.07003862410783768, -0.018000595271587372, -0.06102791428565979, 0.06527359038591385, 0.022955067455768585, -0.06937117874622345, -0.029808837920427322, -0.020093578845262527, -0.023827211931347847, -0.04877818003296852, -0.06095093488693237, -0.054961398243904114, 0.09348718822002411, 0.03552386164665222, 0.018146079033613205, 0.01436519343405962, -0.03033258207142353, -0.08716964721679688, -0.006210407242178917, 0.007813864387571812, -0.061890747398138046, -0.029914971441030502, -0.018888739868998528, 0.0438356027007103, -0.014069272205233574, 0.0006518333102576435, 0.02294408157467842, -0.01749035343527794, 0.005667751654982567, -0.01494153868407011, -0.023228470236063004, 0.05765600502490997, -0.03364311531186104, -0.002513172337785363, 0.05627501755952835, 0.01653190515935421, -0.0006769736646674573, -0.020227856934070587, 0.028439879417419434, 0.028102342039346695, -0.0160870011895895, -0.017224397510290146, -0.008243260905146599, 0.010071984492242336, 0.028653739020228386, -0.06738842278718948, 0.06924395263195038, -0.02594742737710476, 0.02092423103749752, -0.030296800658106804, -0.0693821981549263, 0.01869647018611431, 0.022790662944316864, 0.02393350936472416, 0.023747673258185387, -0.03513495251536369, 0.05304167792201042, -0.02231634221971035, 0.012677815742790699, -0.034572258591651917, 0.02520862966775894, -0.007636550813913345, 0.04305782541632652, 0.002441713120788336, 0.015020610764622688, -0.010358918458223343, -0.044590387493371964, -0.026144834235310555, -0.07776345312595367, -0.004299982916563749, 0.022218123078346252, -0.0038071463350206614, -0.03607448190450668, 0.011179857887327671, -0.020683541893959045, -0.03470972180366516, 0.01908341981470585, -0.005508588161319494, 0.026631580665707588, -0.03001328743994236, -0.04209309443831444, -0.054290205240249634, 0.019298862665891647, 0.011872380040585995, -0.01631111651659012, -0.019414499402046204, 0.0133303701877594, 0.015355076640844345, 0.049944907426834106, -0.004254965577274561, 0.0037700042594224215, -0.012307723984122276, -0.010543727315962315, 0.03751937672495842, -0.018612636253237724, -0.04662520810961723, 0.008859138004481792, -0.052644841372966766, -0.07360108941793442, -0.047840047627687454, -0.018019044771790504, 0.009181033819913864, -0.002428097417578101, -0.03515147045254707, -0.014766179025173187, -0.023363564163446426, -0.037209782749414444, -0.007791053969413042, -0.027293309569358826, 0.07211218029260635, -0.029018718749284744, 0.014740921556949615, -0.024705002084374428, 0.06283420324325562, 0.021135622635483742, -0.0762990415096283, -0.029432188719511032, -0.02678496018052101, -0.002320370404049754, 0.045519161969423294, -0.015837116166949272, 0.030314970761537552, 0.025867963209748268, 0.04025796055793762, -0.0305945947766304, -0.02201130799949169, -0.011195150204002857, -0.007467745803296566, 0.0565507598221302, 0.002162614604458213, 0.009554034098982811, -0.051517270505428314, -0.008493082597851753, -0.015327833592891693, -0.023154133930802345, 0.015630071982741356, 0.0196637362241745, 0.022108735516667366, -0.05641074851155281, -0.08059464395046234, 0.03923669457435608, 0.0032547570299357176, 0.03703158721327782, 0.011615511029958725, 0.003143174108117819, -0.00155564583837986, -0.03070046752691269, 0.029508735984563828, -0.002595199504867196, -0.0637371763586998, 0.023968014866113663, 0.018687736243009567, -0.05078939348459244, 0.013072943314909935, -0.05206003412604332, -0.026922905817627907, -0.005096595734357834, 0.010887605138123035, 0.06725813448429108, -0.042166050523519516, 0.01783628575503826, -0.0011242472101002932, -0.024931760504841805, -0.004780340474098921, 0.020877517759799957, -0.039317771792411804, -0.021170353516936302, 0.015807054936885834, -0.04779183119535446, 0.050880588591098785, -0.02298717200756073, -0.039255496114492416, 0.06063630059361458, -0.0730341449379921, 0.02920539490878582, -0.03555857017636299, -0.015915432944893837, 0.057957399636507034, -0.01582213304936886, -0.00047405215445905924, -0.003180913859978318, -0.013525876216590405, -0.03257416933774948, 0.06264381855726242, 0.030969904735684395, 0.01381947286427021, 0.022125311195850372, -0.030122071504592896, -0.0028779341373592615, -0.0036740112118422985, 0.004737932700663805, 0.0050580501556396484, 0.006794394925236702, 0.06743904948234558, 0.011481624096632004, -0.001320128096267581, -0.05163934826850891, -0.0017362053040415049, 0.02448790892958641, -0.03888975828886032, -0.01233781035989523, 0.019091114401817322, -0.04015948995947838, 0.06325740367174149, 0.017634563148021698, -0.010547582060098648, 0.005288648419082165, -0.023550936952233315, 0.043127741664648056, -0.005170482210814953, 0.03479636460542679, -0.007305236998945475, 0.049816664308309555, -0.062467027455568314, -0.005959630943834782, -0.07563596218824387, -0.0060106622986495495, -0.043180376291275024, 0.03673848882317543, 0.03686008229851723, -0.009009858593344688, -0.06630839407444, 0.025441903620958328, -0.06770454347133636, -0.05737299472093582, -0.011339991353452206, -0.003687608754262328, -0.02547604776918888, 0.03594091534614563, -0.019169867038726807, 0.013498644344508648, 0.05102925002574921, -0.0954928994178772, -0.025625484064221382, -0.007653848268091679, 0.03632313758134842, 0.027784911915659904, -0.0006592017598450184, -0.0023784320801496506, -0.018585052341222763, 0.023825932294130325, 0.05623094365000725, -0.002509139245375991, 0.03649379685521126, -0.053515758365392685, 0.038898617029190063, 0.029757654294371605, -0.026997491717338562, 0.004231245722621679, -0.015994224697351456, -0.03074491210281849, -0.04355590417981148, -0.019964266568422318, 0.00467265397310257, -0.03322793170809746, -0.05397164821624756, 0.039718471467494965, -0.0028864427004009485, -0.0471322163939476, -0.013408931903541088, -0.030198976397514343, -0.029443539679050446, 0.009389705955982208, -0.006325984839349985, 0.03808499127626419, 0.028693698346614838, 0.03840856999158859, 0.022563043981790543, 0.10661140084266663, 0.03619159385561943, -0.03291885927319527, 0.0076788607984781265, 0.007805796340107918, 0.048547081649303436, 0.05377841740846634, 0.012205379083752632, -0.016605369746685028, 0.04425922408699989, -0.026698226109147072, -0.01859140954911709, 0.024954715743660927, -0.012489395216107368, 0.011281195096671581, 0.01720130443572998, 0.022841881960630417, 0.026055019348859787, -0.006016340106725693, 0.05704496055841446, 0.006945853121578693, 0.012482646852731705, 0.059707239270210266, -0.024436604231595993, 0.05267774686217308, 0.020261256024241447, -0.0023000275250524282, -0.015235792845487595, 0.026522336527705193, -0.04656494781374931, -0.002008190844208002, 0.04110173135995865, -0.02541138045489788, 0.02088851109147072, -0.04457574337720871, 0.002724068472161889, -0.02668510191142559, -0.001094567822292447, 0.05284010246396065, -0.013063862919807434, -0.0028146780095994473, 0.024873506277799606, 0.00979843083769083, 0.023653391748666763, -0.010878822766244411, 0.03672584891319275, 0.010706505738198757, -0.03351224958896637, 0.00018298975192010403, 0.005586990620940924, 0.07243020087480545, 0.017989305779337883, 0.01418848056346178, -0.0018251410219818354, 0.01410488598048687, 0.02585829235613346, 0.03809443488717079, -0.01813081093132496, -0.022942204028367996, -0.030100610107183456, -0.014485854655504227, -0.053496021777391434, 0.011130142956972122, 0.008693399839103222, -0.050375450402498245, -0.04403048753738403, 0.002745245350524783, -0.03630196303129196, 0.01982194185256958, 0.04697054624557495, -0.0571758933365345, -0.0012480602599680424, 0.0374426394701004, 0.05388632416725159, 0.04132554680109024, 0.035546641796827316, 0.06361237168312073, 0.007863192819058895, -0.023496374487876892, -0.025389695540070534, -0.02454957365989685, 0.03563300892710686, -0.035802870988845825, 0.02293168194591999, -0.09251431375741959, 0.03547609597444534, -0.000891076517291367, -0.01870904490351677, -0.06512293219566345, 0.040508419275283813, -0.02611597813665867, -0.009053361602127552, 0.07699386030435562, -0.0013002497144043446, -0.024010974913835526, -0.011984062381088734, -0.012787137180566788, -0.0207148976624012, -0.008854104205965996, 0.060284558683633804, -0.01321907714009285, 0.027197740972042084, 0.04083972051739693, 0.011960546486079693, -0.09063757956027985, 0.059662409126758575, 0.05371551960706711, -0.00788586400449276, -0.017786797136068344, -0.002395231043919921, 0.01092342659831047, -0.06730776280164719, -0.027630679309368134, -0.013762420043349266, -0.05441293865442276, -0.06677421927452087, -0.0017710634274408221, 0.008103691041469574, -0.007952441461384296, -0.06272480636835098, 0.044882550835609436, 0.0018163315253332257, -0.04791621118783951, -0.03483220189809799, -0.05184716358780861, 0.04393915832042694, 0.013261659070849419, 0.03952647000551224, -0.013043380342423916, -0.050602350383996964, -0.006045350339263678, -0.030144888907670975, 0.010637982748448849, -0.0034497797023504972, -0.013383557088673115, -0.02961966022849083 ]
OPINION OF THE COURT. BOBEETS, C. J. (after stating the facts as above).— Appellee concedes that the adoption proceedings are not binding upon appellant, as she was not made a party or served with notice therein. This being true, the only question for determination here is whether, upon the facts as disclosed by the record and found by the court, judgment was properly rendered for the respondent. It is true the trial court expressed the conclusion, upon the facts found and after an interview with the child, that “in the judgment of the court the best interests and welfare of the child requires that he be left in the care and custody of tire defendant, Mary Mfunger, and not taken from that care and custody”; but, if this conclusion is not supported by the facts, it can have no bear ingupon the decision here. There was no dispute as. to the facts in the case. Both the mother and Mrs. Munger, the respondent, were shown to be most excellent women, and suitable and proper persons to have the care and custody of children. The moral influence in both homes was apparently above reproach, and, while neither the petitioner nor the respondent was wealthy, yet each was shown to have sufficient resources to enable her to properly care for the child. It is true the child expressed a desire to the trial judge to be allowed to remain with his foster mother; but this was only natural, because he was taken from his own mother when but two or three years of age, and naturally looked upon her as a stranger. He had received from Mrs. Munger the kindest of treatment, and returned it with his love and affection. We do not believe, however, that the expressed desire of a child, 10 years of age, should control; for it is a matter of common knowledge that children of this age bestow their afeotions upon those who are kind to them, and soon forgot their parents, when they are taken from them by death or other causes. In the case of Moore v. Christian, 56 Miss. 408, 31 Am. Rep. 375, the court said: “The boy, it is true, expresses a preference to remain with the appellee; but, while in doubtful cases the wishes of a child of this age will be sought, and to some extent be observed, we cannot for a moment agree that a boy of 13 can be allowed, at pleasure, to abandon his filial duties, and select elsewhere a home more agreeable either to his desires or his wordly interests. So to hold -would simply be to offer a premium to the children of the poor to shirk the duties to which their station in life has called them, and to permit them, at the sacrifice of all the natural affections, to set about bettering their condition, at a period of life when the law dedicates both their persons and their services to parental control.” This being true, we must eliminate the expressed desire of the child from consideration, unless it appears from the evidence that there is a doubt as to the capability of the natural mother to care for the child in a proper manner. No such doubt exists in this case; therefore we are relegated to the simple question as to which of the two women, both shown to be equally capable and worthy, should the custody of the child have been given — one being the natural mother, the other the foster mother, of the child. On this question there can be no doubt but that the natural mother is entitled to its custody. Any other rule would run counter to the law of nature and to every emotion of the human heart. While Mrs. Munger is doubtless deeply attached to the boy and-loves him devotedly, yet the mother who gave him birth, and suckled him as a babjq and from whom he was stolen, has the first claim upon him, under both the human and divine law, unless by her dissolute life, or for other reasons, she has forfeited this claim. This case is to be distinguished from those cases, wherein the parents have surrendered voluntarily the custody of their child, or children, to others, who have cared for them for years, when the parents seek to recover them. In such eases some of the courts refuse to aid them. 'Here the child was stolen from tire mother, who ever since has expended all the money she could spare in a ceaseless search for him, which was finally rewarded by finding him in the possession of the respondent. If it be assumed that in this case, under the peerdiar facts which exist, the court could properly enter upon an inquiry as to what would be for the best interest of the child, it must likewise be apparent that the burden of showing that the welfare of the child would be best subserved by allowing it to remain with its adopted mother would be upon her, and not upon the natural mother to show that its best interests would be subserved by awarding her its custody. . Any other rule would place the parent at a decided disadvantage, and would enable strangers to take and hold possession of children, unless the parents were able to establish that the children would be better eared for and raised by them than by the parties having them in custody. The presumption is that the child will be better cared for by its own parents than by strangers, and therefore it is incumbent upon the stranger to show to the contrary, if he would retain the custody of the child under this rule. Weir v. Marley, 99 Mo. 484, 12 S. W. 798, 6 L. R. A. 672; State v. Deaton, 93 Tex. 243, 54 S. W. 901. In State v. Richardson, 40 N. H. 272, the court said: “The discretion to be exercised is not an arbitrary one; but, in the absence of any positive disqualification of the father for tlje proper discharge of his parental duties, he has, as it seems to us, a paramount right to the custody of his infant child, which no court is at liberty to disregard. And while we are bound also to- regárd the permanent interests and welfare of the child, it is to be presumed that its interests and welfare will be best -promoted by continuing that guardianship which the law had provided, until it is made plainly to appear that the father is no longer worthy of the trust.” “A mother of high character, who was well able to- take care of her infant daughter, was entitled to her custody, though parties who had attempted to adopt the child under proceedings subsequently declared void were in better pecuniary circumstances than the mother.” Carter v. Botts, 77 Nan. 765, 93 Pac. 584. For other cases in which the courts have held similarly, see Com. v. Briggs, 33 Mass. (16 Pick.) 203; Terry v. Johnson, 73 Neb. 653, 103 N. W. 319; Sloan v. Jones, 130 Ga. 836, 62 S. E. 21; Ex parte Jones, 153 N. C. 312, 62 S. E. 217, 138 Am. St. Rep. 670; Hammond v. Hammond, 90 Ga. 527, 16 S. E. 265; Wakefield v. Ives, 35 Iowa, 238. In this case the burden was upon the appellee to show that the natural mother, because of some vice, or some other lawful reason, was not the proper person to have the care and custody of her child. This she failed to do, and the court found: “That said petitioner, Mrs. F. A. Foeks, has been a good, responsible, and worthy mother, and one against whose character or capacity to take care of said child, Wallace Peters, there are no charges.” Such being the state of the case, the trial court should .have awarded the custody of the child to the appellant. The judgment of the trial court will be reversed, with instructions to enter judgment awarding the custody of the child, Wallace Peters, to the petitioner, Mrs. F. A. Foeks; and it is so ordered. Hanna and Parker, J.J., concur.
[ -0.03561471030116081, -0.018017873167991638, -0.004789379425346851, 0.007082496769726276, 0.06645467877388, 0.05134279280900955, 0.04435642808675766, 0.017815036699175835, -0.006909608840942383, -0.06259161233901978, 0.02446002885699272, 0.00029824074590578675, -0.07771176099777222, 0.02353551611304283, -0.07130838185548782, 0.07998266071081161, 0.04160672053694725, 0.0027795990463346243, 0.0024856864474713802, -0.060983266681432724, -0.0010470919078215957, 0.002164951292797923, -0.005449609365314245, 0.06406056135892868, 0.03209405019879341, 0.018187452107667923, 0.04793020337820053, -0.010242937132716179, -0.040986448526382446, 0.0023991186171770096, 0.033102478832006454, 0.004122589249163866, -0.03325914219021797, -0.010798328556120396, -0.06102000176906586, -0.01563229225575924, -0.009095387533307076, 0.0007386109791696072, -0.036344122141599655, 0.033712342381477356, -0.042859893292188644, -0.005588695872575045, 0.010798337869346142, -0.0059057013131678104, -0.051050372421741486, -0.016758527606725693, -0.006025926675647497, 0.04001723974943161, 0.011416265740990639, -0.007876615040004253, -0.034245263785123825, -0.0033174012787640095, -0.002295230282470584, 0.052076589316129684, -0.0014094924554228783, 0.01784144900739193, -0.042436666786670685, -0.05376114323735237, 0.025227468460798264, -0.041519202291965485, 0.012044031172990799, 0.006332587916404009, 0.1263713240623474, 0.019215034320950508, 0.018395105376839638, 0.008671954274177551, -0.0025919147301465273, 0.0380157046020031, -0.047361359000205994, -0.005307411774992943, -0.04116130247712135, -0.010990201495587826, 0.01825859397649765, 0.010282497853040695, 0.031499430537223816, -0.02742805890738964, 0.006379685364663601, 0.023225117474794388, 0.046092577278614044, 0.018360508605837822, 0.00020528596360236406, 0.005252218339592218, -0.01045875996351242, 0.026985952630639076, 0.01812729239463806, -0.03750021755695343, 0.022015394642949104, 0.015921926125884056, -0.08515293896198273, 0.06559094786643982, 0.01693802699446678, -0.02367248944938183, 0.02452095039188862, 0.0740528330206871, -0.03478243947029114, 0.004864112474024296, 0.047808073461055756, -0.03871208801865578, 0.011655573733150959, 0.01242787204682827, -0.05150279402732849, 0.017045892775058746, 0.0015931937377899885, 0.03957459703087807, -0.07550393790006638, 0.0031546892132610083, 0.0030070189386606216, 0.017593076452612877, 0.0008837971254251897, 0.00566638819873333, 0.000400163495214656, 0.04767744243144989, 0.017895158380270004, -0.03792320564389229, -0.06753527373075485, 0.042577072978019714, 0.012471852824091911, -0.0444633923470974, -0.04001963883638382, -0.024679770693182945, 0.053395092487335205, -0.016251608729362488, 0.001845117541961372, 0.036239732056856155, 0.03084057755768299, 0.006406279280781746, 0.010495422407984734, 0.03865877538919449, -0.023889219388365746, -0.04007600620388985, 0.003748648799955845, 0.0383625403046608, -0.0029631711076945066, 0.013305786065757275, -0.048002202063798904, -0.013083606958389282, -0.02167799510061741, -0.02996845729649067, 0.0357312373816967, -0.012947453185915947, -0.013567264191806316, -0.040100447833538055, 0.009754760190844536, 0.023358967155218124, 0.0718512237071991, -0.011653137393295765, -0.002224014839157462, 0.0170764047652483, -0.026991818100214005, -0.0171735268086195, 0.03894154354929924, 0.029941769316792488, 0.008559578098356724, -0.03347998857498169, 0.014679229818284512, 0.020196901634335518, 0.022207042202353477, 0.016580188646912575, -0.0191173292696476, 0.05118343234062195, 0.018203694373369217, 0.06554843485355377, 0.03283204138278961, -0.005322825629264116, 0.02681240253150463, 0.011378147639334202, -0.0003144486399833113, -0.012311584316194057, -0.05248738452792168, 0.030383849516510963, -0.03463095799088478, 0.021191854029893875, 0.04294726997613907, -0.05308574438095093, -0.030474428087472916, 0.03130047023296356, 0.06099298596382141, 0.02087603695690632, 0.03129665553569794, -0.054405681788921356, -0.09214171022176743, 0.06598658114671707, -0.004026508890092373, 0.02111881598830223, -0.028468921780586243, -0.025297246873378754, 0.050849154591560364, -0.008610266260802746, 0.018699277192354202, -0.013607127591967583, -0.06494901329278946, -0.05536464601755142, -0.014158256351947784, -0.03411327302455902, 0.04394027590751648, -0.009600929915904999, -0.05028461292386055, 0.03808726742863655, 0.014113947749137878, 0.05048581585288048, 0.024345623329281807, -0.022419724613428116, 0.04489515721797943, -0.038736503571271896, -0.041040364652872086, 0.0350208505988121, 0.03771624341607094, 0.0036306092515587807, 0.004067708738148212, 0.04481085389852524, 0.0068540326319634914, 0.035289231687784195, 0.044613033533096313, -0.018356816843152046, 0.03057274781167507, -0.029175210744142532, 0.04809765890240669, -0.05382046848535538, 0.057725340127944946, -0.015314877033233643, -0.001152729382738471, 0.01956840604543686, -0.005340701900422573, 0.021357102319598198, -0.01397799700498581, 0.054035086184740067, 0.05201978236436844, -0.03275946527719498, -0.018708445131778717, 0.018331386148929596, -0.023587903007864952, 0.013133752159774303, 0.005466563161462545, -0.0017844211542978883, 0.04743942618370056, -0.011797568760812283, -0.023132573813199997, 0.021792400628328323, 0.027642179280519485, -0.04432668536901474, 0.01236039213836193, 0.03740011155605316, 0.03726345673203468, 0.030760610476136208, -0.04608272761106491, 0.002498967107385397, -0.03222926706075668, 0.0019828984513878822, -0.03182397410273552, -0.014863970689475536, 0.016731686890125275, -0.03245460242033005, 0.0015928491484373808, 0.0023943367414176464, 0.04591818153858185, -0.06878548115491867, -0.03258045017719269, -0.009519502520561218, 0.0028786277398467064, 0.029445813968777657, -0.015969421714544296, 0.004592120181769133, -0.0012774248607456684, -0.01671520620584488, -0.022203998640179634, -0.025667091831564903, -0.033884283155202866, 0.025090696290135384, -0.04418565332889557, 0.032475896179676056, 0.0047269463539123535, -0.0009886157931759953, -0.015294346027076244, 0.015549604780972004, -0.0015512837562710047, 0.04411933943629265, 0.02854876220226288, -0.015137622132897377, 0.01928679645061493, 0.031130412593483925, -0.03527049720287323, 0.03927852585911751, -0.0388297401368618, -0.032577574253082275, 0.010688932612538338, -0.06899363547563553, 0.050018392503261566, -0.03203543275594711, -0.021702805534005165, 0.03415897488594055, 0.03158682584762573, 0.020506713539361954, 0.02298264391720295, 0.008283041417598724, 0.040602780878543854, 0.060134582221508026, 0.04775707423686981, 0.0499759279191494, 0.008941678330302238, -0.01811699941754341, -0.012150012888014317, -0.01574878580868244, 0.021300556138157845, 0.03149142488837242, 0.03979692980647087, 0.03036539815366268, -0.03322283923625946, 0.022601595148444176, -0.2773708999156952, 0.012461655773222446, -0.014422422274947166, -0.06902199238538742, 0.05094601586461067, -0.0486096628010273, 0.06187882274389267, -0.041535262018442154, -0.018557587638497353, 0.07244247943162918, 0.0008438172517344356, -0.05000331625342369, -0.001875951886177063, 0.0372820608317852, 0.021820515394210815, -0.020105496048927307, 0.004467148799449205, -0.021948229521512985, -0.028185084462165833, 0.016955574974417686, 0.002841072389855981, -0.06529738754034042, -0.03884473443031311, 0.02264188975095749, 0.05708392709493637, 0.0505002923309803, -0.0070680552162230015, -0.013108593411743641, -0.0691223219037056, -0.019051818177103996, -0.017530817538499832, -0.006167429964989424, 0.031494442373514175, -0.04925582930445671, -0.014027202501893044, 0.011746124364435673, 0.034834083169698715, -0.009660081006586552, -0.010316532105207443, 0.0202180128544569, 0.009608692489564419, -0.03757531940937042, -0.01203641202300787, 0.02087286114692688, 0.020059408619999886, -0.013002925552427769, -0.07347343862056732, -0.00973177794367075, -0.004102359525859356, 0.07132083922624588, -0.03694840148091316, 0.03590518608689308, -0.06287256628274918, -0.023619143292307854, -0.04685801640152931, 0.006237134337425232, -0.04098032787442207, -0.0039101699367165565, -0.05888133868575096, 0.00737307034432888, -0.008940959349274635, -0.036820437759160995, -0.034739017486572266, -0.012354261241853237, -0.023445960134267807, -0.06292645633220673, -0.07714255899190903, -0.015024879015982151, 0.05958792567253113, 0.019557461142539978, 0.007543792482465506, 0.0044740973971784115, -0.023697352036833763, -0.08099766820669174, -0.014949613250792027, 0.012098470702767372, -0.047171059995889664, -0.03542153909802437, -0.029019346460700035, 0.01742173545062542, -0.003938296344131231, -0.0050102826207876205, 0.057952720671892166, 0.040068868547677994, -0.013517794199287891, -0.01117213536053896, -0.04432417079806328, 0.03529435023665428, -0.05950228124856949, -0.002855603350326419, 0.02808424085378647, 0.0360700897872448, -0.0497276596724987, -0.010897025465965271, 0.016886234283447266, 0.04171144217252731, -0.0073434230871498585, -0.02657543495297432, 0.036436986178159714, 0.02838565595448017, 0.013921549543738365, -0.019726121798157692, 0.029671836644411087, -0.013425683602690697, -0.03708815947175026, -0.030053189024329185, -0.0868365541100502, -0.0048592668026685715, 0.03574133291840553, 0.02599913999438286, 0.019349493086338043, -0.048200447112321854, 0.05076952278614044, -0.02973245084285736, -0.0035479841753840446, -0.06441152840852737, -0.00324426032602787, 0.0005399390356615186, -0.010638657957315445, 0.01567714661359787, -0.015377474948763847, 0.013101666234433651, -0.07180730998516083, -0.006684985943138599, -0.09253714233636856, -0.006795230787247419, 0.0502929650247097, 0.014006254263222218, -0.06883680820465088, 0.05299536883831024, -0.008785239420831203, -0.03462126851081848, -0.000644390529487282, -0.01743365451693535, 0.03057456947863102, 0.002007166389375925, -0.013873973861336708, -0.054522935301065445, 0.005580183118581772, 0.01239882130175829, -0.000579809071496129, 0.003878332208842039, 0.030091261491179466, 0.006976342294365168, 0.04982511326670647, 0.012646916322410107, 0.06087062135338783, 0.00027418023091740906, -0.018086697906255722, 0.00887320563197136, -0.00924904365092516, -0.07903516292572021, 0.03592664375901222, -0.02507871575653553, -0.06807567179203033, -0.04933014512062073, 0.02743646688759327, 0.03688453137874603, -0.034185368567705154, -0.015658579766750336, -0.06771570444107056, -0.05511334538459778, -0.008931329473853111, -0.06018459424376488, -0.011323916725814342, 0.062162935733795166, 0.022063810378313065, 0.013700836338102818, -0.03376512601971626, 0.051217857748270035, -0.029327386990189552, -0.030419543385505676, -0.026281066238880157, 0.012336845509707928, 0.012746568769216537, 0.03590741381049156, -0.0032539996318519115, -0.019850604236125946, 0.03300198167562485, 0.015139062888920307, -0.02008320949971676, -0.053120940923690796, -0.009293146431446075, -0.00771418958902359, 0.04768885299563408, 0.004858204163610935, -0.0007269190391525626, -0.05277043953537941, -0.037322551012039185, 0.0030208926182240248, -0.008913704194128513, 0.015281041152775288, 0.0053276363760232925, 0.05422785133123398, -0.0712299570441246, -0.048042379319667816, 0.015384603291749954, -0.03619742766022682, 0.03985049948096275, 0.07282388210296631, 0.00012252191663719714, -0.039431776851415634, -0.044216372072696686, 0.03151550516486168, 0.017626434564590454, -0.06394021958112717, 0.004625579342246056, 0.04984759911894798, -0.056555598974227905, 0.03180118650197983, -0.03728773072361946, -0.025871360674500465, 0.008249405771493912, 0.020319797098636627, 0.02428349480032921, -0.013641778379678726, 0.020625269040465355, -0.005837455857545137, -0.016978327184915543, -0.011264552362263203, -0.018797004595398903, -0.057491037994623184, -0.03652108460664749, 0.018483420833945274, -0.029319919645786285, 0.055620282888412476, 0.021078133955597878, -0.027531735599040985, 0.03510792925953865, -0.03977298364043236, -0.003001345321536064, -0.05009986460208893, -0.0055357892997562885, 0.049759652465581894, -0.027269501239061356, -0.026628585532307625, -0.0009109604288823903, 0.006919283419847488, 0.0039328765124082565, 0.04397963359951973, 0.05514565110206604, 0.006135017145425081, 0.011046403087675571, -0.02419396862387657, 0.010212141089141369, 0.012602388858795166, 0.00015166177763603628, -0.016497207805514336, -0.006544564384967089, 0.09468789398670197, -0.009225472807884216, -0.014520557597279549, -0.03209523856639862, -0.025696182623505592, 0.06118788197636604, -0.025958243757486343, -0.01150057464838028, 0.00836323481053114, 0.008629193529486656, 0.04259311780333519, 0.005907784681767225, -0.012217090465128422, -0.027329009026288986, -0.006564967334270477, 0.02304886281490326, 0.021760879084467888, 0.037641823291778564, 0.0025699916295707226, 0.04129067063331604, -0.0507214218378067, 0.003062683390453458, -0.05533821880817413, -0.007573490031063557, -0.023891955614089966, 0.020751306787133217, 0.042411502450704575, -0.00604280037805438, -0.008333398960530758, 0.049248117953538895, -0.04948986694216728, -0.010303528979420662, 0.0336114764213562, -0.018314072862267494, -0.01859680749475956, 0.019932514056563377, -0.029805246740579605, 0.03140629827976227, 0.026191165670752525, -0.08080960065126419, -0.0359296090900898, 0.006080089136958122, 0.0342932790517807, 0.02713841013610363, 0.03133736923336983, -0.0010614891070872545, 0.02280648797750473, 0.008419136516749859, 0.042869020253419876, -0.02143421396613121, 0.024165049195289612, -0.060410041362047195, 0.034355759620666504, 0.019072996452450752, -0.024713175371289253, 0.0004057382175233215, -0.0023209641221910715, -0.013498707674443722, -0.04823257401585579, -0.05289340764284134, 0.01402629166841507, -0.024677323177456856, -0.04328741878271103, 0.049128297716379166, 0.005730346776545048, -0.05074194818735123, -0.02670948952436447, -0.011264433152973652, -0.029971275478601456, -0.027265625074505806, -0.024850569665431976, 0.03678976744413376, 0.0270677637308836, 0.05687420070171356, -0.0003886722552124411, 0.06048635393381119, 0.0271297674626112, 0.011918019503355026, 0.02631731703877449, -0.019875966012477875, 0.077736996114254, 0.0382615327835083, 0.019864538684487343, 0.00828032847493887, 0.07341329008340836, 0.024134693667292595, -0.03640486299991608, -0.005097223445773125, 0.006436338648200035, 0.004061960149556398, 0.031134815886616707, 0.018269816413521767, 0.06044008210301399, -0.00400150939822197, 0.03462393209338188, 0.012582815252244473, 0.01987450383603573, 0.043606843799352646, -0.04166344180703163, 0.024159766733646393, -0.009653715416789055, -0.019628554582595825, -0.03816714137792587, 0.013760455884039402, -0.019930964335799217, 0.00009143308852799237, 0.05913335829973221, 0.009912928566336632, 0.008934834972023964, -0.04561084881424904, 0.010027987882494926, -0.04953942820429802, -0.01762799732387066, 0.08944036066532135, -0.05358888953924179, 0.019045349210500717, -0.02404194138944149, 0.05380689725279808, 0.0026145195588469505, -0.015409188345074654, 0.005383966024965048, -0.014307317323982716, -0.031332600861787796, 0.0065707433968782425, -0.030235128477215767, 0.04872913286089897, -0.009588208980858326, 0.021997064352035522, -0.027419613674283028, -0.016481030732393265, 0.04603371396660805, 0.02090812660753727, -0.03853776305913925, -0.00549039663746953, -0.03827030211687088, 0.006455033086240292, -0.029733171686530113, 0.062134917825460434, 0.011323302984237671, -0.026396241039037704, -0.040256086736917496, 0.012712323106825352, 0.0009612980647943914, -0.015016359277069569, 0.03762035071849823, -0.07475924491882324, -0.021561026573181152, 0.03785361722111702, 0.043987806886434555, 0.03956378623843193, 0.0325583852827549, 0.054087989032268524, 0.010348035953938961, -0.06063079088926315, -0.03191779926419258, -0.009445452131330967, 0.02835705131292343, 0.020427661016583443, 0.021725855767726898, -0.10541685670614243, 0.021913202479481697, -0.0018228148110210896, -0.03111250512301922, -0.05821102485060692, 0.032097090035676956, -0.02599242702126503, -0.035705626010894775, 0.0632537305355072, 0.03976655378937721, -0.009222845546901226, -0.010044663213193417, -0.02079012431204319, 0.00802026130259037, -0.005331439897418022, 0.07113566249608994, -0.03230683505535126, 0.051939141005277634, 0.02372741512954235, -0.012844154611229897, -0.05012594535946846, 0.0204368494451046, 0.08021527528762817, 0.031147537752985954, -0.028637254610657692, 0.011965343728661537, 0.020942267030477524, -0.0528714619576931, -0.05266788974404335, 0.002554324921220541, -0.030864588916301727, -0.05689723417162895, -0.004984560888260603, -0.007281532045453787, -0.0009140912443399429, -0.032512955367565155, 0.007185890339314938, 0.02179853618144989, -0.021060025319457054, -0.024590782821178436, -0.03426293656229973, -0.00617177551612258, -0.011945515871047974, 0.02252250723540783, -0.0016522289952263236, -0.08420109003782272, -0.010942470282316208, -0.06392879039049149, 0.015513711608946323, 0.018625948578119278, 0.004677113611251116, 0.029210329055786133 ]
OPINION BUSTAMANTE, J. {1} This is an appeal from a decision by the district court to terminate the parental rights of Maria C. (Mother), pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 32A-4-28(B)(2) (2001). Mother argues that the order should be set aside as a matter of due process because she was denied any opportunity to be present at the two permanency hearings that preceded the final termination hearing (TPR hearing). We address two issues: (1) whether the initial and subsequent permanency hearings merit due process protection; and (2) if so, whether the procedures afforded Mother in the neglect and abuse proceedings denied her due process. FACTS AND PROCEDURES {2} Maria C. is the natural mother of Roberto C., Alvaro C., Cassandra L., and Anthony M. On August 25, 2000, Mother and the biological father (Father) of Anthony M. were arrested at their home by federal authorities on charges of drug possession and drug trafficking. The children, who ranged in age from nine months to eleven years, were taken into the custody of the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). During the entire abuse and neglect proceedings, Mother and Father were incarcerated as federal prisoners. Although the children are United States citizens, both parents are Mexican Nationals. {3} Following the arrest, CYFD filed petitions against Mother and Father alleging they had abused and neglected their children. At the custody hearing, the district court found both parents were unable to care for the children due to their incarceration. The district court ordered CYFD to retain legal custody, arrange for regular visitation, explore relative placement, and conduct a psychosocial evaluation of Mother and a paternity test on Father who denied being the natural father of Anthony M. {4} At the adjudicatory hearing on October 16, 2000, Mother was represented by counsel and appeared by telephone, with the assistance of an interpreter. Mother pleaded no contest to the allegation of neglect based on Mother’s incarceration, under NMSA 1978, Section 32A-4-2(E)(4) (1999), and on concerns about substance abuse. The district court subsequently entered a judgment, finding that the children were neglected and ordering that legal custody remain with CYFD. A disposition order was entered on December 7, 2000; the district court adopted the findings of the predisposition study and treatment plan, but withdrew its previous order allowing Mother to have contact with the children, apparently in response to them wishes. {5} On February 27, 2001, after the children were placed in relative foster care in Santa Fe, venue was transferred to the First Judicial District Court, and Mother was transferred from the Sandoval County Detention Center to the Santa Fe County De tention Center. Dennis Quintana was appointed as Mother’s new counsel on April 30. The first judicial review hearing was held on July 24, 2001. Although Quintana filed an order to transport Mother and appeared on her behalf, Mother was not present at the hearing. The permanency plan for the children through this time was reunification. {6} The first permanency hearing was held on August 21, 2001. Once again, Mother was not present, and although Quintana was present, he never spoke on her behalf. Instead, Father’s counsel, Art Michael, represented that he was speaking on behalf of both parents. Michael explained that Quintana had filed a transport order, but because both parents were in federal prison, they needed a writ of habeas corpus for their release to the hearing. He also stated that the social worker had provided him information to contact the federal marshal, and indicated that he would prepare the necessary paperwork so they could attend the next hearing. CYFD informed the court that it intended to change the permanency plan to adoption, since both parents were expected to serve long sentences in federal prison, and CYFD wanted them present for relinquishment counseling. CYFD also alerted the court that telephonic appearances might be necessary if the parents were moved to federal prison. A continuance was granted and the hearing was reset for September 18, 2001, to afford counsel more time to arrange for transporting the parents. {7} Despite this accommodation, counsel failed to obtain a writ, and as a result, neither parent appeared at the September permanency hearing either. Speaking on behalf of both parents, Michael stated that he talked to the marshal, obtained the writs and instructions on how to prepare them, and that he understood the steps he needed to take to accomplish the task, but he did not do it. The court suggested that the parents could appear by telephone, but Michael rejected this alternative because “they want to be here,” and he assured the court that he would get them transported; “I’ve... just got to get the stuff done____So there is no excuse not to bring him here.” Without admonishing counsel or addressing the issue, the court reset the hearing for November 18, 2001. Although this Court was not provided a transcript of the November hearing, there is no indication that the situation improved: no writ was filed, counsel were not admonished, and the hearing was continued. {8} Even by the fourth setting on January 8, 2002, nearly nine months after Quintana was appointed, Mother was still not present. In fact, counsel admitted he had never spoken to her and did not even know where she was incarcerated. Nor was Father present. Michael advised the court that Father had recently been sentenced to thirty-two months, had served roughly sixteen months of that sentence, and was incarcerated at La Tuna federal prison in Anthony, New Mexico-Texas. Astoundingly, even though he admitted that he had never talked to her federal defense attorney, Michael also represented that Mother pleaded to the same charges, and, while she was not yet sentenced, it was her second conviction, so she would be serving “a pretty good sentence.” The record indicates that Mother actually pleaded guilty on June 22, 2002, and was later sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by four years probation, with credit for time served. Father was actually sentenced to thirty-seven months in federal prison. {9} CYFD moved the district court to find that the presumption for return was rebutted due to incarceration and requested the court to change the plan to adoption, because Father had at least sixteen months to serve and Mother could get more time because she was facing a second conviction. Michael stipulated that the presumption was sufficiently rebutted, but asked that the reunification plan be continued because Father would be out in sixteen months. Quintana, who remained silent during most of the hearing, agreed with Michael’s representations and made no attempt to argue on behalf of his client. Based on counsels’ stipulation, the court found that the presumption was rebutted because both parents were incarcerated and changed the permanency plan to adoption; “[although 16 months is not very long in adult life, it is very long in a child’s life.” {10} On March 7, 2002, CYFD filed a Motion for TPR. In the interim, a second permanency hearing was held on April 2, 2002, addressing the futility issue. Once again, counsel filed a transport order but neglected to file a writ of habeas corpus. Not surprisingly, neither parent was present. Quintana attempted to get Mother on the telephone at the hearing, but to no avail. Quintana then requested a continuance; his reason, self-evident, was that “the transport order is not adequate,” and “evidently what’s needed is a writ.” The district court denied the continuance, and for the first time, admonished counsel for their inability to secure their clients’ presence at the hearings, despite knowing for months that a writ was necessary. The district court found that Mother was unable to rebut the presumption for adoption because she was absent and that CYFD was not required to make further efforts to reunite the family. After the ruling, Quintana, who met with Mother for the first time on March 25, made an offer of evidence: Mother and the older children had exchanged letters; she had participated in several jail programs to improve her parenting skills; and she was trying to get into an early release program. {11} A pretrial hearing was held on May 7, 2002. Quintana finally successfully obtained a writ of habeas corpus and Mother appeared at the hearing. Father appeared by telephone. The district court advised the parties of its primary concern that the children have permanency and stability in their lives. Mother informed the district court that she was not yet sentenced; she also requested visitation, submitted documentation of the several programs she had completed in jail, related that she and the children had exchanged cards and letters, and requested the district court to consider placing the baby with Father’s brother. As a result, the district court reinstated written contact between Mother and the children and ordered CYFD to make an individual assessment of whether visitation was appropriate for each child and to determine whether relative placement of the baby was viable. {12} The TPR hearing for Mother was held on July 22, 24, and August 20, 2002. Mother was present and testified extensively over a three day period. CYFD called two witnesses, both social workers who were assigned to the case. The district court issued its decision, along with findings of fact and conclusions of law on September 13, 2002, finding that the children were abused and neglected as defined in the Children’s Code. The district court further found that efforts to reunite the family were impossible because of Mother’s incarceration as a federal prisoner since August 2000, and that visits were not recommended because of the disruptive effect on the children, as well as their placement. Considering [Mother’s] history related to drug trafficking, considering the detriment to the relationship between [Mother] and the children resulting from her two incarcerations, considering the circumstances involving deportation which will exist once [Mother] is released from federal prison, considering the exposure to drug culture the children have experienced while in the care of [Mother], and considering the privation demonstrated by the children when they were first placed in petitioner’s legal custody, there is no reason to believe that [Mother] will overcome the causes and conditions of abuse and neglect of the children at any time in the foreseeable future[,] ... [and, under] [t]he circumstances in this case ... any efforts to reunite the children with [Mother] would be futile. {13} The district court found adoption was in the childrens’ best interest: “[t]he children are currently placed in homes where they are well adjusted, where their needs are being met, and where they are likely to be adopted.” Further, the children “do not wish to return to Mexico,” and the older boys “wish to continue to live with their current foster parents.” Although the girl “desires to live with her siblings, ... she does not believe her mother should have a second chance to have the children placed with her.” The baby, who “has been placed in his current foster home for most of his life, has bonded to his foster mother, [and] does not remember his [Mother].” The district court concluded that termination was in their best interest and terminated Mother’s parental rights to all four children. Mother timely filed a notice of appeal from the final order terminating her parental rights, which was entered on December 9, 2002. PRESERVATION {14} CYFD urges this Court not to consider Mother’s due process claim because it was not preserved below. Although the argument made by counsel for Mother at the initial permanency hearing was not well articulated, we find the discussion regarding due process was sufficient to alert the district court to a due process claim. At the permanency hearing on January 8, 2001, CYFD requested the district court to find that the presumption of return was rebutted and to change the permanency plan to adoption because Mother and Father were incapable of earing for their children in the foreseeable future due to their incarceration and the expectation that they would serve lengthy sentences of sixteen months or more. CYFD argued that, under New Mexico case law, Mother’s absence from the permanency hearing did not raise any due process concerns, so long as she received due process at the TPR hearing. Michael, who was speaking on behalf of both parents, stipulated that they were in jail but objected to a change in the permanency plan. Michael stated that he did not know about the cases which CYFD referred to regarding due process but he argued that it was “ridiculous” to change the plan because “this guy has had nothing from his lawyer, from the courts, from anything.” Quintana agreed, but chose not to argue the point any further. The district court did not respond to the arguments on the record. While it was advisable for counsel to request a ruling on the issue, their failure to do so is not fatal to Mother’s claim. {15} Quintana raised the due process claim again at the TPR hearing. At closing, he argued that termination was improper because Mother was denied her due process right to participate in the earlier hearings. The court ruled that the claim was precluded by the fact that Mother was present at the TPR hearing to defend against the charges, and because Mother’s absence was based on ineffective assistance of counsel, not due process. Under these facts, we find that the court was sufficiently alerted to the claimed error and that Mother preserved her claim. See Rule 12-216(A) NMRA 2004; Madrid v. Roybal, 112 N.M. 354, 356, 815 P.2d 650, 652 (Ct.App.1991). DUE PROCESS {16} As a starting point, we note that Mother does not challenge the sufficiency of the evidence in support of the termination of her parental rights. Mother’s claim is that due process rights attach at the permanency hearing and that proceeding with these hearings in her absence, especially in the face of counsel’s gross incompetence and acknowledged inability to defend her at the permanency hearing, violated her due process right to be heard at a meaningful time and in a meaningful manner, increasing the risk of an erroneous decision at the permanency hearings and the TPR hearing. STANDARD OF REVIEW {17} New Mexico parents have a due process right to participate meaningfully in TPR hearings, including the right to present evidence on their behalf and the right to review and challenge the evidence presented against them. State ex rel. Children, Youth & Families Dep’t v. Lorena R., 1999-NMCA-035, ¶ 25, 126 N.M. 670, 974 P.2d 164. The legal question whether due process attaches earlier in the proceedings, however, is an issue of first impression. We review issues of law de novo. Williams v. Williams, 2002-NMCA-074, ¶ 8, 132 N.M. 445, 50 P.3d 194. STATUTORY RIGHTS IN NEGLECT AND ABUSE PROCEEDINGS {18} The Abuse and Neglect Act details the procedures and timelines the State must follow when it invokes the jurisdiction of the district court to take physical and/or legal custody of a child whom it alleges to be abandoned, neglected, or abused. NMSA 1978, §§ 32A-4-1 to -33 (1978, as amended through 2003) (Abuse and Neglect Act). To place the permanency hearings in context, we briefly describe the general course of these proceedings. CYFD must file a petition within two days after it takes custody of a child for neglect or abuse by a parent. § 32A-^F-7(D). A custody hearing is held within ten days of filing to determine whether CYFD should retain legal custody pending adjudication of the petition. § 32A-4-18(A). The district court has sixty days from service to hold an adjudicatory hearing, after which, it must enter a disposition on the allegations, along with specific findings and approval of a treatment plan. §§ 32A-4-19 to -22. A judicial review hearing is held within sixty days of the disposition to assess the progress with the treatment plan, as well as the child’s safety. § 32A-4-25(A). {19} Within six months of the judicial review, an initial permanency hearing is held to determine permanent placement of the child. § 32A-4-25.1(A). The district court considers whether the best interest of the child is served to return home, adoption, or other permanent placement. § 32A-4-25.1(D). There is a rebuttable presumption that the child’s interest will be best served by returning the child to the natural home. § 32A-4-25.1(B) (parental presumption). If CYFD fails to rebut the presumption by a preponderance of the evidence, the court may either dismiss the case and return the child home or maintain legal custody of the child with CYFD and continue the reunification plan for up to six months. § 32A-4-25.1(C). If CYFD rebuts the presumption, however, the court must change the permanency plan to adoption or other permanent placement. § 32A-4-25.1(D). {20} If the plan is not changed or a TPR motion is not filed, a second permanency hearing must be held within three months. § 32A-4-25.1(D), (E). At this stage, the presumption is that adoption or other permanent placement is in the child’s best interest. § 32A-4-25.1(E). If the parents fail to rebut this presumption by a preponderance of the evidence, the district court must enter an order changing the plan to adoption and relieving CYFD of any further efforts to reunite the child and parent. § 32A-4-25.1(F). If the presumption is rebutted, the child can be returned and the case dismissed or the child can remain in CYFD’s custody and the plan for reunification continued for not more than six months. § 32A-4-25.1(G) {21} Parents do not have an unlimited time to rehabilitate and reunite with their children. Under the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), states receive fifteen months of “time-limited reunification services” and must move quickly to find permanent placement for children. See 42 U.S.C. § 629a(a)(7)(A) (2000); see also State ex rel. Children, Youth & Families Dep’t v. Patricia H., 2002-NMCA-061, ¶26, 132 N.M. 299, 47 P.3d 859. Under the ASFA time table, disposition must occur one month after adjudication; the initial judicial review must be held two months after disposition; the initial permanency hearing within six months of the initial judicial review; and the second permanency hearing must convene three months after the initial hearing. New Mexico Child Welfare Handbook, A Legal Manual on Child Abuse and Neglect § 20.2 (N.M. Judicial Educ. Ctr., Inst. Pub. Law 2003). Although these guidelines are flexible, they must be harmonized with the requirements of state law. Patricia H, 2002-NMCA-061, ¶ 26, 132 N.M. 299, 47 P.3d 859. State law allows a reunification plan to be maintained for a maximum of fifteen months as well. See §§ 32A-4-25.1(C), (G), -29(K). {22} Barring exceptional circumstances, the Abuse and Neglect Act requires a termination motion to be filed when the child has been in foster care for fifteen out of twenty-two months. § 32A-4-29(A), (K). Parental rights may be terminated when the court finds that (1) the child has been abandoned, neglected, or abused by his or her parents; (2) those circumstances are unlikely to change in the foreseeable future, despite reasonable efforts by CYFD to assist the family; and (3) further efforts would be futile. § 32A-4-28(B). Because a TPR hearing irrevocably divests parents of all legal rights in them children, we require a more formal hearing, and CYFD carries the burden of proof by clear and convincing evidence. § 32A~4-29(M); see State ex rel. Children, Youth & Families Dep’t v. Vanessa C, 2000-NMCA-025, ¶ 13, 128 N.M. 701, 997 P.2d 833. {23} The express purpose of the Abuse and Neglect Act is to: (1) make the best interest of the child paramount; (2) preserve the unity of family, to the maximum extent possible; and (3) to assure that “the parties [receive] a fair hearing and their constitutional and other legal rights are recognized and enforced.” NMSA 1978, § 32A-1-3(B) (1999). To facilitate these goals, the Act accords parents a right to counsel from the inception of the proceedings. § 32A-4-10. CYFD must give parents notice if it files a petition, as well as notice of any hearing, up to and including the TPR hearing. §§ 32A-4-7(C), -18(B), -25(C), -25.1(H), -29(D). Parents also have a statutory right to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses during the judicial review and permanency hearings, although the rules of evidence are not applicable. §§ 32A-^r-25(D), (E); 32A-4-25.1(B), (E), and (I). Finally, CYFD has a continuing duty to make reasonable efforts to preserve and reunify the family, until the district court finds that its efforts would be futile. §§ 32A-4-25(D), (H)(5), -25.1(F)(2). PARENTS ARE ENTITLED TO DUE PROCESS AT THE PERMANENCY HEARINGS {24} Although we give substantial weight to the judgment of our legislators that the procedures they have provided assure fundamental fairness, see Mathews v. Eldridge, 424 U.S. 319, 349, 96 S.Ct. 893, 47 L.Ed.2d 18 (1976), the procedures which they have deemed necessary do not define minimum due process requirements. See Santosky v. Kramer, 455 U.S. 745, 755, 102 S.Ct. 1388, 71 L.Ed.2d 599 (1982). Root principles of fairness dictate that procedural due process be afforded whenever a government decision threatens to deprive an individual of a fundamental liberty or property interest. Mathews, 424 U.S. at 332-33, 96 S.Ct. 893. A parent’s fundamental liberty interest in the care, custody, and management of their children is well established. Santosky, 455 U.S. at 753, 102 S.Ct. 1388; accord Lassiter v. Dep’t of Soc. Servs., 452 U.S. 18, 27,101 S.Ct. 2153, 68 L.Ed.2d 640 (1981); see State ex rel. Children, Youth & Families Dep’t v. Mafin M., 2003-NMSC-015, ¶ 18, 133 N.M. 827, 70 P.3d 1266; State ex rel. Children, Youth & Families Dep’t v. Joe R., 1997-NMSC-038, ¶ 29, 123 N.M. 711, 945 P.2d 76. “[T]he parent-child relationship is one of basic importance in our society ... sheltered by the Fourteenth Amendment against the State’s unwarranted usurpation, disregard, or disrespect.” State ex rel. Children, Youth & Families Dep’t v. Anne McD., 2000-NMCA-020, ¶ 22, 128 N.M. 618, 995 P.2d 1060 (alteration in original) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). “Even when blood relationships are strained, parents retain a vital interest in preventing the irretrievable destruction of their family life.” Santosky, 455 U.S. at 753, 102 S.Ct. 1388. Thus, we have recognized that process is due when a proceeding affects or interferes with the parent-child relationship. State ex rel. Children, Youth & Families Dep’t v. Stella P., 1999-NMCA-100, ¶ 14, 127 N.M. 699, 986 P.2d 495; see State ex rel. Children, Youth & Families Dep’t v. Rosa R., 1999-NMCA-141, ¶ 13, 128 N.M. 304, 992 P.2d 317 (recognizing that constitutionally adequate procedures must be in place before the State can investigate or terminate the parent-child relationship). {25} The statutory scheme which our legislature enacted to protect children and adjudicate parental rights represents a continuum of proceedings which begins with the filing of a petition for neglect or abuse and culminates in the termination of parental rights. Watson v. Div. of Family Servs., 813 A.2d 1101, 1106 (Del.2002). Because due process is a flexible right, the amount of process due at each stage of the proceedings is reflective of the nature of the proceeding and the interests involved, as well as the nature of the subsequent proceedings. See Santosky, 455 U.S. at 758, 102 S.Ct. 1388 (extent of due process afforded to the individual is “influenced by the extent to which he may be ‘condemned to suffer [a] grievous loss’ ”) (citation omitted); see also Vanessa C., 2000-NMCA-025, ¶¶ 11-20, 128 N.M. 701, 997 P.2d 833 (observing that the TPR hearing is more formal than other abuse and neglect hearings because of the “weighty issues” involved which was critical to its holding that a formal hearing was not constitutionally required at the judicial review stage in that case where mother had notice and an opportunity to challenge evidence, which was corroborated and clarified at a formal TPR hearing); Anne McD., 2000-NMCA-020, ¶ 19, 128 N.M. 618, 995 P.2d 1060 (recognizing that parents have a “more critical need for procedural protections [at TPR hearings] than do those resisting state intervention into ongoing family affairs”) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). “What might constitute due process when lesser rights are involved, might not constitute due process when the state seeks to terminate parental rights.” Id. ¶ 22. Consequently, the more vital the proceeding is to a parent’s interest, the more process they are due. See Santosky, 455 U.S. at 753,102 S.Ct. 1388. {26} The essence of due process is notice and “an opportunity to be heard at a meaningful time and in a meaningful manner.” Mafin M., 2003-NMSC-015, ¶ 18, 133 N.M. 827, 70 P.3d 1266 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); Lorena R, 1999-NMCA-035, ¶17, 126 N.M. 670, 974 P.2d 164 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); accord Cleveland Bd. of Educ. v. Loudermill, 470 U.S. 532, 542, 546, 105 S.Ct. 1487, 84 L.Ed.2d 494 (1985); Mathews, 424 U.S. at 333, 96 S.Ct. 893. Fair notice is at bottom effective notice, ‘Teasonably calculated, under all the circumstances, to apprise interested parties of the pendency of the action and afford them an opportunity to present their objections.” In re Ronald A. v. State ex rel. Human Servs. Dep’t, 110 N.M. 454, 456, 797 P.2d 243, 245 (1990) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). The opportunity to be heard in a “meaningful manner,” generally includes an opportunity to review and present evidence, confront and cross examine witnesses, and consult with counsel, either by way of an informal or formal hearing. See Lorena R., 1999-NMCA-035, ¶ 26, 126 N.M. 670, 974 P.2d 164. {27} To be heard at a “meaningful time” in the context of a multi-stage criminal proceeding, both the United States Supreme Court and the New Mexico Supreme Court have recognized that due process attaches at critical stages in the proceedings. See, e.g., Rushen v. Spain, 464 U.S. 114, 117, 104 S.Ct. 453, 78 L.Ed.2d 267 (1983) (per curiam) (recognizing that defendants have a right to be present at critical stages when their absence would deny their right to a fair hearing); Coleman v. Alabama, 399 U.S. 1, 7-10, 90 S.Ct. 1999, 26 L.Ed.2d 387 (1970) (holding that defendant has a right to counsel at all critical proceedings, including the preliminary hearing stage); State v. Padilla, 2002-NMSC-016, ¶ 11, 132 N.M. 247, 46 P.3d 1247 (acknowledging that defendants have a constitutional right to be present with assistance of counsel at all critical stages of a trial). Both Courts have held that critical stages include: (1) proceedings in which fundamental rights might be lost or adversely affected and where prejudice might be avoided if defendant and counsel are present; Coleman, 399 U.S. at 7, 90 S.Ct. 1999; accord Padilla, 2002-NMSC-016, ¶ 11, 132 N.M. 247, 46 P.3d 1247; (2) the proceedings which bear a substantial relationship to a defendant’s opportunity to better defend at trial and presence at the proceedings would be useful or beneficial to the defense; Kentucky v. Stincer, 482 U.S. 730, 745, 107 S.Ct. 2658, 96 L.Ed.2d 631 (1987); see State v. Martinez, 2002-NMSC-008, ¶ 14, 132 N.M. 32, 43 P.3d 1042 (holding that defendant had a right to be present at a plea reconstruction hearing because he could have provided important information to aid in his defense); or (3) proceedings where vitally important statutory rights are at stake. Kent v. United States, 383 U.S. 541, 556-57, 86 S.Ct. 1045, 16 L.Ed.2d 84 (holding that juvenile transfer proceeding protects vitally important statutory rights that entitles defendant to a fair hearing); accord Christopher P. v. State, 112 N.M. 416, 418, 816 P.2d 485, 487 (1991) (reasoning that the Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination extends to transfer proceeding because it is a critically important proceeding that exposes a child to adult criminal liability and essential due process is required). {28} Because the process due reflects the nature of the proceeding and the interests involved, we have no doubt that a parent, like a criminal defendant, has a constitutional right to fair notice and an opportunity to participate in all critical stages of abuse and neglect proceedings. Critical stages in abuse and neglect cases, as in criminal cases, include proceedings that threaten a parent’s liberty interest in raising their child or provide an early opportunity to prepare and mount a defense or affect vital statutory rights. See Santosky, 455 U.S. at 762, 102 S.Ct. 1388 (noting that a TPR pro ceeding “bears many of the indicia of a criminal trial”). {29} Permanency hearings can represent a critical stage in all three regards. The permanency hearings are a crucial juncture in abuse and neglect proceedings that might very well lead to profound consequences for' the parent-child relationship. Even though parental rights are not irrevocably decided at a permanency hearing, the general purpose of these hearings “is to compel a resolution of the case so the child does not remain indefinitely in the system.” New Mexico Child Welfare Handbook, supra § 19.1 (internal quotation marks omitted). As a result of these hearings, the district court adopts a permanency plan with a goal of reunification, adoption, or other permanent placement. Id. § 19.8.2. If the court does not adopt a permanency plan or make the reasonable efforts determination at the first hearing, a second hearing is held to decide which permanency plan is in the child’s best interest and whether further efforts to reunite the family are required. Id. §§ 19.9.1, 20.1. Once the plan is changed to adoption or other permanent placement outside the home, however, a motion for termination of parental rights is inevitable. See id. § 19.8.2. {30} Permanency hearings not only threaten substantial prejudice to parental rights, they bear a direct relation to the TPR hearing. The motion to terminate is based largely on conduct between the petition and the permanency hearing. Watson, 813 A.2d at 1106. Hence, the factual basis for termination is largely established at the permanency hearing, even though a formal TPR hearing follows. See id; see also Glen C. v. Superior Court, 78 Cal.App.4th 570, 93 Cal. Rptr.2d 103, 111 (2000) (observing that “[t]he critical decision regarding parental rights will be made at the dispositional or review hearing, that is, that the minor cannot be returned home and that reunification efforts should not be pursued”) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). Given the statutory and federal timelines that compel quick resolution of the permanent placement decision, once services are withdrawn and an adoption plan is adopted, the course is set for termination, even though reunification is still theoretically possible. {31} Permanency hearings might also impact vital statutory rights. At the first hearing, there is a parental presumption; the presumption shifts to adoption at the second hearing. Depending on their compliance with the treatment plan, a parent might avoid the loss of parental rights at either hearing by having the case dismissed and the child returned to them. If an immediate return home is not recommended, parents can invoke the discretion of the district court to continue the reunification plan, so long as the child can be returned home in the near future. Parents can also request additional services or contact with the child to improve their chances for reunification. On the downside, parents risk the loss of any further assistance from CYFD and loss of their child if the plan is changed to adoption. A loss of services and a change of plans from reunification without an opportunity to hold the State to its burden or defend at this early stage is likely to be prejudicial to a parent. {32} We emphasize that unlike a criminal case, the parents and the State share an interest in informed decisions regarding the parent-child relationship. Santosky, 455 U.S. at 760-61, 102 S.Ct. 1388. In addition to the parent’s strong liberty interest, the State has an equally strong interest in protecting the child’s welfare. Lorena R, 1999-NMCA-035, ¶ 19, 126 N.M. 670, 974 P.2d 164. The interest in an accurate and just decision is, of course, strongest at the TPR hearing stage where the State seeks to destroy the parent-child relationship. See Lassiter, 452 U.S. at 27, 101 S.Ct. 2153; see also Mafin M., 2003-NMSC-015, ¶ 18, 133 N.M. 827, 70 P.3d 1266 (requiring the State to conduct proceedings with “scrupulous fairness” to the parents when it seeks to sever the legal relationship of a parent and child). But, permanency hearings determine the direction of the proceedings and can increase the risk that the natural family will be de stroyed. Thus, there is a strong shared interest in an accurate, appropriate decision at the permanency stage as well. {33} Nonetheless, we are mindful that the “privilege of presence is not guaranteed when presence would be useless, or the benefit but a shadow.” Stincer, 482 U.S. at 745, 107 S.Ct. 2658 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). A parent has a compelling right to be present only “if his [or her] presence would contribute to the fairness of the procedure.” Id. Thus, a fundamental right to be present exists only when prejudice to a parent’s liberty interest might be avoided if the parent is present or where their presence might be beneficial or useful to them defense. See id.; Coleman, 399 U.S. at 9, 90 S.Ct. 1999. We believe, as a general matter, notice and the opportunity to participate in a permanency hearing would contribute to the overall fairness of the procedure by giving parents an opportunity to present their side of the story, prepare a defense if termination is in the offing, or avoid the TPR hearing altogether by having the case dismissed. See Stella P., 1999— NMCA-100, ¶¶ 17-19, 127 N.M. 699, 986 P.2d 495 (indicating that parents have a fundamental right to defend against a proposed TPR). Effective counsel might also expose weaknesses in the State’s case and cross examination could be useful as an impeachment tool. Testimony from the parents regarding their efforts to rehabilitate might influence the court’s decision where credibility or veracity is at issue. Cf. Vanessa C, 2000-NMCA-025, ¶ 19, 128 N.M. 701, 997 P.2d 833 (finding mother’s due process rights were not violated, in part, because oral testimony was unnecessary to the court’s decision on the futility issue at the judicial review hearing). The parents might also invoke the discretion of the district court to obtain additional services or visitation or to reinstate contact with the children to increase their chances of reunification. {34} These opportunities can be particularly important because termination proceedings are largely based on the parent’s conduct from the time the child is taken into custody until the court decides further assistance to the parent is futile. Watson, 813 A.2d at 1106. If parents are not afforded an early opportunity to defend against charges of abuse and neglect before the end stage, termination may very well be a foregone conclusion. See id. (concluding that the outcome is almost inevitable if an indigent parent does not have appointed counsel until petition to terminate has been filed). In light of the foregoing, we hold that as a general matter, parents have a due process right to fair notice and an opportunity for meaningful participation at the permanency stage, including the right to present evidence and cross examine witnesses, when their presence or additional safeguards would be useful or beneficial to their defense. See LorenaR, 1999-NMCA-035, ¶25, 126 N.M. 670, 974 P.2d 164 (holding incarcerated parents have right to meaningful participation in TPR hearing). {35} Nonetheless, we are mindful that the TPR hearing is the final checkpoint for parental rights in these proceedings. In Vanessa C., we held that the failure to take formal testimony from witnesses at the judicial review stage did not deprive the mother of a fair trial. 2000-NMCA-025, ¶¶ 11, 19, 128 N.M. 701, 997 P.2d 833. We reasoned that the TPR hearing corroborated or clarified the issues addressed at the review hearing, and the mother had an opportunity to testify. Although she had notice and an opportunity to defend at the review hearing, the mother’s live testimony was not required because the court relied on written documentation, and her only risk was in her expectation of assistance, which she had obtained on her own. See id. ¶¶ 10, 14, 17-19. Because the statutory scheme is unitary in nature, the process due at each stage should be evaluated in light of the process received throughout the proceedings. See City of Albuquerque v. Chavez, 1998-NMSC-033, ¶¶ 9, 14, 125 N.M. 809, 965 P.2d 928. With these principles in mind we address the issue of whether Mother was denied due process in the proceedings below. MOTHER WAS NOT DENIED DUE PROCESS UNDER THE MATHEWS TEST {36} Although we have determined that there generally exists a due pro cess right to notice and a meaningful opportunity to participate in the permanency hearings, we must now assess whether Mother’s due process rights were violated under the facts and circumstances of her case. We apply a de novo standard of review to answer the question of whether a parent was afforded due process in abuse and neglect proceedings. See Mafin M., 2003-NMSC-015, ¶17, 133 N.M. 827, 70 P.3d 1266. {37} Due process is not an abstract or static principle “unrelated to time, place and circumstances[;]” it is a flexible right that “calls for such procedural protections as the particular situation demands.” Mathews, 424 U.S. at 334, 96 S.Ct. 893 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); Stella R, 1999-NMCA-100, ¶ 15, 127 N.M. 699, 986 P.2d 495. The guiding principles in a due process analysis are the rights of the parties and the interests at stake. Anne McD., 2000-NMCA-020, ¶ 17, 128 N.M. 618, 995 P.2d 1060. Thus, when evaluating a claim that a party was denied due process, “[w]e employ the balancing test articulated [by the Supreme Court] in Mathews.” Mafin M., 2003-NMSC-015, ¶ 19, 133 N.M. 827, 70 P.3d 1266. “The Mathews test requires the weighing of Mother’s interest; the risk to Mother of an erroneous deprivation through the procedures used, and the probable value, if any, of additional or substitute procedural safeguards; and the government’s interest.” Id. As we have stated, Mother has a strong interest in raising her children. Id. ¶20. The State has an equally compelling interest in preserving and promoting the welfare of the children. Lorena R., 1999-NMCA-035, ¶ 19, 126 N.M. 670, 974 P.2d 164. Thus, our inquiry focuses on the second factor; “whether the procedures used increased the risk of an erroneous deprivation of [Mother’s] interest and whether additional safeguards would eliminate or lower that risk.” Anne McD., 2000-NMCA-020, ¶24, 128 N.M. 618, 995 P.2d 1060. Our determination does not depend on a showing that Mother would have succeeded if she was present at the permanency hearings or if they were held at an earlier time. Loudermill, 470 U.S. at 544, 105 S.Ct. 1487. Mother need only demonstrate that there is a reasonable likelihood that the outcome might have been different. See id. {38} The crux of Mother’s claim is that her absence from both hearings and her inability to consult with counsel prior to the second hearing, increased the risk of an erroneous decision at the permanency hearing, and also increased the risk at the TPR hearing by interfering with her ability to avoid termination and improve her chances of reunification early on in the proceedings. More specifically, she argues that the risk of error was increased by her inability to: (1) present and cross examine witnesses or otherwise mount a defense at the permanency hearings, (2) invoke the court’s discretion to obtain services and reinstate visitation or contact with the children to improve her chances of reunification, (3) demonstrate her efforts to fulfill her parental obligations while she was incarcerated, and (4) give the court an opportunity to evaluate her sincerity. Mother argues that her window of opportunity to avoid termination was effectively lost by the time of the pretrial conference when termination was imminent. She urges that the risk could have been reduced if the court had disciplined or removed counsel when it became apparent that he could not secure her presence at the first permanency hearing. The question for this Court then is whether Mother’s absence from the permanency hearings substantially increased the risk of an erroneous deprivation through the decision to change the plan to adoption or, ultimately, terminate parental rights, and whether disciplining or removing counsel from the ease to ensure her presence at an earlier time might have changed these decisions. {39} As we have stated, there is a substantial relation between the permanency hearings and the TPR hearing. The critical decision at the permanency stage is the proposed permanent placement of the child. This decision often turns on the parent’s compliance with the treatment plan and whether additional efforts by CYFD would be useful. If the parent is not making progress and further efforts would be futile, the permanent plan changes to adoption, and the motion for TPR soon follows. Termination can be avoided in some cases if a parent can demonstrate reasonable efforts and progress or request additional assistance at these hearings. In such cases, the bare essentials of due process can be critical. However, under the circumstances of this case, we find Mother’s arguments regarding the importance of her presence at the permanency hearings unpersuasive. {40} Mother theorizes that the risk of an erroneous decision increased because she did not have the opportunity to present evidence or cross examine witnesses at the permanen'ey hearing. Yet, she has not identified any witnesses or substantive evidence to support her claim that the adoption plan or TPR might have been avoided had these additional procedures been available. Most critically, Mother had a full opportunity to present evidence and cross examine witnesses at the TPR hearing; she testified extensively over three days and cross examined the two social workers who testified on behalf of CYFD, and she concedes that there was evidence to support each of the court’s findings. Yet, these findings are substantially the same facts that were in the record at the permanency hearings, and we fail to see how she could have defended against them differently then. {41} It is also unlikely that the risk of error increased because she was unable to obtain additional services. Although this may be true in the abstract, the district court here was effectively powerless to order any treatment programs or services for Mother, even if she was present to request them. The record indicates that services are not available to federal prisoners until they are transferred to a federal facility. Mother was in federal custody at the Sandoval County and Santa Fe County jails during these entire proceedings. So far as’ we can determine, she was unable to participate in any programs that could have been initiated, regardless of what the district court ordered. {42} Moreover, Mother did avail herself of services in jail and the district court was aware of her efforts to rehabilitate well before the first setting in August 2001. The social worker’s report which was submitted for the judicial review hearing on July 24, 2001, indicates that as of March 2001 Mother had completed her GED, learned computer skills, and was studying English. Counsel also informed the district court of Mother’s efforts at the second permanency hearing in April 2002 and Mother supplemented and documented this information at the pretrial conference in May. Mother also testified extensively about her accomplishments and goals at the TPR hearing. While her efforts are admirable, unfortunately, all the efforts and sincerity in the world could not alter the harsh reality of- her long-term incarceration and inability to care for her children within the required time period. {43} We also find it unlikely that the outcome would have been different if Mother had been present to request visitation. The district court’s standing order was to allow supervised visitation at CYFD’s discretion. The record reflects that Mother had one visit with the children in jail but that visitation was rescinded because the children did not want to see her. Mother also had supervised telephone contact with the children between February and March 2001, but that was discontinued because of the increasingly negative effect it had on the two children who participated and because the oldest child did not want to speak with her. {44} Further, as early as the September 18, 2001, permanency hearing, the social worker who personally met with Mother in jail advised the district court that Mother wanted to visit her children, but that visits were logistically difficult and potentially adverse to their best interest at that time. The children were in three separate foster homes: one in Taos, two in Santa Fe, and one in Moriarty. The two older boys did not want to visit Mother and displayed significant behavioral problems. The ten year-old girl, who did want to visit Mother, was in treatment foster care because of sexual abuse issues and it was believed that it would be detrimental to her stability to visit Mother at that time. The baby was environmentally at risk for developmental delay when he was removed from Mother’s home, requiring speech and other specialized therapy. Although the social worker conceded that visits with the baby could be arranged, she advised the district court that Mother was a stranger to him and he had bonded with his foster mother. Both counsel and CYFD brought Mother’s desire to resume contact with her children and her opposition to relinquishment to the attention of the district court again at the January 2002 permanency hearing. Ultimately, however, even though the court approved written contact and ordered CYFD to reassess visitation at the pretrial conference, it was Mother’s incarceration that made reunification impossible, not her' absence from the permanency hearings. {45} In balancing the interests and assessing the risks, we are also mindful of the child’s interest in a timely and permanent placement. See Mafin M., 2003-NMSC-015, ¶ 24, 133 N.M. 827, 70 P.3d 1266. In terms of placement, “best interests” is interpreted as solutions that are not detrimental or harmful to the child; not necessarily the best choice. Joe R., 1997-NMSC-038, ¶28, 123 N.M. 711, 945 P.2d 76. Prolonged uncertainty and instability is particularly detrimental to the child. Thus, it is critical for the district court to make a timely decision regarding placement. Anne McD., 2000-NMCA-020, ¶ 40, 128 N.M. 618, 995 P.2d 1060. The children in this case had a pressing need for permanency given the family history. {46} Consequently, no matter what her defense, or what services she received, or efforts she made, or sincerity she had, the overwhelming obstacle in this case for Mother was that the children would be in foster care for well over five years until she could be available to care for them, with no guarantees that placement with Mother after her release would be in their best interest. This impediment, compounded by the poor parenting history, a four year absence due to a past incarceration, the marked privation of the children when they were taken into CYFD custody, and the prospect of deportation after her release, made the risk of error due to her absence minimal. The fact is Mother could not take the children in August 2001 or even in July 2002, and she would not be able to take them at any time in the near future. {47} For all of the reasons indicated above, we conclude that there would be little, if any, value in disciplining or even removing counsel as Mother advocates. The facts in this case sealed the family’s fate, not Mother’s presence or absence at the permanency hearings. Accordingly, we find no due process violation under the circumstances of this case. {48} Nevertheless, we have grave concerns over the conduct of counsel in the proceedings below. Due process encompasses a parent’s Sixth Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel at abuse and neglect proceedings. See Vanessa C., 2000-NMCA-025, ¶ 32, 128 N.M. 701, 997 P.2d 833; see also Patterson v. LeMaster, 2001-NMSC-013, ¶ 16, 130 N.M. 179, 21 P.3d 1032 (“The purpose of guaranteeing effective assistance of counsel is to ensure fairness throughout the course of [the proceedings].”). Although Mother chose not to pursue an ineffective assistance claim on appeal, there is no disagreement that counsels’ role in the proceedings below was a travesty; even counsel admitted that they had done nothing for their clients. It cannot be over emphasized that counsel must be a zealous advocate for his client, including making reasonable efforts to locate and facilitate their attendance at neglect and abuse proceedings, “despite opposition, obstruction or personal inconvenience.” See Stella P., 1999-NMCA-100, ¶ 30, 127 N.M. 699, 986 P.2d 495 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); accord Rosa R., 1999-NMCA-141, ¶ 16, 128 N.M. 304, 992 P.2d 317; see also Rule 16-103 NMRA 2004, ABA Comment; New Mexico Child Welfare Handbook, supra § 5.3. Holding counsel to a reasonable standard of practice promotes accuracy and better advocacy by both sides. In re Termination of Parental Rights of James W.H., 115 N.M. 256, 258, 849 P.2d 1079,1081 (Ct.App.1993). {49} Both counsel for Mother and Father knew by August 2001 that the only way to secure their clients’ release was to file a motion for habeas corpus. The record is void of any reasonable explanation for their failure to do so for nine months, long after the second permanency hearing was concluded, despite counsel’s representations that CYFD had given him contact information for the federal marshal in August 2001 and that a United States attorney had sent him a thirteen page paper describing how to get a federal prisoner out in September 2001. Moreover, Mother’s counsel admits that he never so much as talked to Mother until just prior to the second permanency hearing in April 2002, one year after his appointment as her counsel, and, even more egregiously, that he allowed Father’s counsel to make representations on her behalf. {50} It is also incumbent on the State to ensure that scrupulously fair procedures are followed when it interferes with a parent’s right to raise their children. Lorena R, 1999-NMCA-035, ¶ 19, 126 N.M. 670, 974 P.2d 164. When a child has been taken away from the parents and into the State’s custody, both CYFD and the court have a constitutional duty to ensure that a parent’s due process rights are protected at each stage of the proceedings that lead up to and include termination of those rights. “[W]hen notice is a person’s due, process which is a mere gesture is not due process.” Ronald A, 110 N.M. at 454, 797 P.2d at 243 (alteration in original) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). The State must exert every effort to ensure that they have provided full and fair notice, “reasonably calculated, under all the circumstances, to apprise [parents] of the pendency of the action and afford them an opportunity to present them objections.” Id. at 456, 797 P.2d at 245 (emphasis in original) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). {51} Although CYFD did provide notice to counsel, they were well aware that counsel was not relaying that information to Mother and that counsel was having difficulty in even locating her. The record indicates that CYFD knew where Mother was at most relevant times and met with her in jail at least twice, yet there is no indication that CYFD made any effort to notify her directly of the hearings, disclose her whereabouts to counsel, or assist in securing her presence at the hearing, beyond the mere disclosure of a telephone number and contact person. A constitutional duty does not end simply because notice is given to opposing counsel, where the party charged with giving that notice has reason to believe that the notice is effectively inadequate. CYFD had an affirmative duty to make reasonable efforts to ensure that parents have actual notice of the hearings and an opportunity to attend. While we do not expect CYFD to act as Mother’s counsel, we remind counsel that their role as an attorney for CYFD is analogous to the role of prosecuting attorneys. The prosecutor’s “obligation is to protect not only the public interest but also the rights of the accused.” Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Similarly, CYFD “must seek not only to protect the children involved; they must see to it also that the parents are dealt with in scrupulous fairness.” Id. {52} In the final analysis, however, it is the district court that is charged with protecting a parent’s due process rights. Id. The district court has an affirmative duty to ensure the parents due process rights are protected from the initiation of abuse and neglect proceedings, not just at the end. See Rosa R, 1999-NMCA-141, ¶ 12, 128 N.M. 304, 992 P.2d 317 (holding the court has responsibility to inquire whether mother waived her due process right to be present at TPR hearing). It was insufficient for the court to merely continue the permanency hearing so that the parents could attend. The district court was alerted to a potential problem with counsel as early as the periodic review in July 2001 when the parents failed to appear for that hearing. Yet the district court did nothing to alter the status quo until it admonished counsel at the April 2002 permanency hearing. The district court may not assume a passive role in any of these proceedings. Due process requires the district court to inquire explicitly and on the record the reasons for a parent’s absence from these hearings. See Stella P., 1999-NMCA-100, ¶ 21, 127 N.M. 699, 986 P.2d 495. At minimum, the district court must assess what reasonable efforts were made to arrange for the parents to be present and what corrective measures counsel intends to employ to facilitate their presence in the future. If the court is not satisfied, it may utilize its contempt powers. Rule 10-113(D) NMRA 2004. Without inquiry and follow through, the fundamental interest of the parents and the best interests of the child, as well as legislative command, are simply ignored. Parties are not required to “move heaven and earth” to notify parents and arrange for their participation in these proceedings, but they must make reasonable efforts to do so to comply with due process. See Rosa R., 1999-NMCA-141, ¶ 17, 128 N.M. 304, 992 P.2d 317. SUFFICIENCY OF EVIDENCE AT THE INITIAL PERMANENCY HEARING {53} Lastly, to the extent Mother argues that the district court improperly found the parental presumption was sufficiently rebutted by CYFD at the first permanency hearing based solely on the judicial notice it took of her incarceration, we disagree. Mother correctly points out that incarceration by itself is an insufficient reason to terminate custody. Joe R., 1997-NMSC-038, ¶ 11, 123 N.M. 711, 945 P.2d 76. However, we disagree with her assumption that incarceration cannot be the sole legal ground for changing a permanency plan. As we have stated, “[t]he purpose of permanency hearings ... is to compel a resolution of the case so the child does not remain indefinitely ‘in the system.’ ” New Mexico Child Welfare Handbook, supra § 19.1. Under timelines imposed by state and federal law, parents do not have an unlimited period of time to be available for their children. See Hughes v. Div. of Family Servs., 836 A.2d, 498, 505 (Del.2003) (en banc); Patricia H., 2002-NMCA-061, ¶ 26, 132 N.M. 299, 47 P.3d 859. If an incarcerated parent is unable to take the children, a reunification plan can be maintained only if they will be released in the near future or the children can be placed with relatives or other substitute care provider. See § 32A-4-25.1(C), (G) (providing that the court can order the child to remain in the custody of CYFD with a reunification plan for not more than six months). If the parent will not be available within a reasonable time, and there are no substitute care providers, the court must change the permanency plan to adoption or other permanent placement. See id. 32A-4-25.1(F). Courts must also recognize that the child’s best interest is paramount throughout the proceedings. See Mafin M., 2003-NMSC-015, ¶24, 133 N.M. 827, 70 P.3d 1266; Lorena R., 1999-NMCA-035, ¶ 30, 126 N.M. 670, 974 P.2d 164. Thus, the district court need not place children in a legal holding pattern, while waiting for the parent to resolve the issues that caused their children to be deemed neglected or abused. Mafin M., 2003-NMSC-015, ¶24, 133 N.M. 827, 70 P.3d 1266. {54} Even at the initial permanency hearing in January 2002 the district court noted and counsel stipulated that neither parent could receive their children. Father was expected to be incarcerated for another sixteen months, and Mother, in fact received a nine year sentence — five years in prison and four years of probation. At that time, the children were already in foster homes for seventeen months, well beyond the statutory time limit to file for termination of parental rights, and they would be in foster care for at least three years before they could be returned to their parents, barring deportation and assuming they were fit. § 32A-4-29(K). Moreover, the biological fathers of the three older children could not be located, and the only suitable relative placement was unsuccessful. The bare fact was that the district court had no option but to change the permanency plan to adoption because no one was available to care for the children. {55} In light of the foregoing, we affirm the decision of the district court below and find no due process violation. {56} IT IS SO ORDERED. ALARID and KENNEDY, JJ., concur. . Although California has a somewhat different procedure for TPR hearings than New Mexico, we suspect the court’s observation is effectively the same for many parents facing a termination of parental rights hearings in New Mexico. . In this regard, our analysis is different from a harmless error analysis which is an "outcome-based search for actual prejudice,” rather than an interest analysis under Mathews that looks to whether the error produced an unjustifiable risk of an erroneous decision. D.M. v. Div. of Family & Youth Servs., 995 P.2d 205, 218 (Alaska 2000) (Bryner, J., dissenting).
[ -0.05713507533073425, -0.013353260233998299, -0.012172968126833439, 0.024979494512081146, 0.055614642798900604, 0.009814780205488205, 0.05031483247876167, 0.027970079332590103, -0.025688212364912033, -0.05188239365816116, 0.004371360410004854, 0.032827358692884445, -0.03910238295793533, 0.04111327975988388, -0.006641684100031853, 0.043644215911626816, 0.060716938227415085, 0.028307532891631126, 0.04421967267990112, -0.007062391843646765, -0.010948634706437588, -0.0383804626762867, 0.01631462201476097, 0.03922295942902565, 0.00495917396619916, 0.03224841132760048, 0.0002527878386899829, -0.003725220449268818, -0.05232538655400276, -0.020127100870013237, 0.051140327006578445, -0.07871179282665253, -0.016790486872196198, -0.006332488730549812, -0.0006350812036544085, 0.015458277426660061, -0.024714738130569458, -0.013451522216200829, -0.022426018491387367, 0.007549905218183994, -0.02515156753361225, -0.029394278302788734, -0.04816371574997902, -0.04186714440584183, -0.05953644588589668, 0.006732718553394079, 0.00020062527619302273, 0.019864484667778015, 0.01067754253745079, -0.006748395971953869, -0.09625540673732758, 0.007477987557649612, 0.02656790241599083, 0.0037025040946900845, 0.02378244139254093, -0.006716858595609665, -0.06962849199771881, -0.06046308949589729, -0.035529494285583496, -0.03674977272748947, -0.011849839240312576, -0.04261735454201698, 0.06338740140199661, 0.01444920338690281, 0.004048331640660763, -0.03039395995438099, 0.044998593628406525, 0.03939400613307953, -0.05126634240150452, -0.028573885560035706, -0.027494685724377632, -0.0005411721067503095, 0.015838509425520897, 0.027739575132727623, 0.0036341873928904533, -0.019001241773366928, 0.018071966245770454, 0.023760352283716202, 0.016732441261410713, 0.04917725548148155, 0.02270468883216381, 0.0002599075378384441, 0.03337404876947403, 0.00025940040359273553, 0.0038307823706418276, -0.044320423156023026, 0.01210594829171896, -0.003680321853607893, -0.00014974066289141774, 0.026781493797898293, -0.02011321671307087, -0.021890610456466675, 0.020589681342244148, 0.0450778566300869, 0.014401400461792946, -0.008367338217794895, 0.04957481846213341, -0.017236575484275818, -0.0002681710757315159, 0.021184036508202553, 0.011574087664484978, -0.03406038507819176, -0.02160617522895336, 0.03112557716667652, -0.04751087352633476, -0.03096061199903488, -0.014801508747041225, -0.009837090969085693, -0.01947609707713127, 0.009056071750819683, -0.024864565581083298, 0.04832645133137703, 0.013754122890532017, -0.019719552248716354, -0.07365839928388596, 0.040475115180015564, 0.006963319610804319, -0.029425738379359245, 0.0004343679756857455, -0.027401627972722054, 0.06847915053367615, 0.017989449203014374, -0.009469610638916492, 0.05018201097846031, 0.050213657319545746, -0.01594802737236023, 0.02979964390397072, 0.03390179201960564, 0.016490334644913673, -0.05856282263994217, -0.02446051500737667, 0.0318947359919548, 0.0753563866019249, 0.006337650120258331, -0.02404368668794632, -0.036260586231946945, 0.0040534865111112595, -0.06477601826190948, 0.06921661645174026, 0.0004892708966508508, 0.003574310103431344, -0.017373021692037582, 0.022742539644241333, 0.0014166663167998195, 0.06619901210069656, -0.07945886254310608, -0.017024612054228783, -0.008343921042978764, -0.007615445181727409, 0.027294950559735298, 0.00527621153742075, 0.03185006603598595, -0.004005598369985819, -0.05392801761627197, -0.04350553825497627, 0.010782443918287754, -0.0015731899766251445, -0.023207519203424454, -0.05132914334535599, 0.030139604583382607, 0.05748872086405754, 0.037776168435811996, 0.013889258727431297, -0.005000031553208828, 0.001379072549752891, 0.024504458531737328, 0.031084872782230377, 0.002806110540404916, -0.013887882232666016, 0.04902368783950806, -0.031053462997078896, -0.004866988398134708, 0.055033158510923386, -0.05821565166115761, -0.03894469514489174, -0.03265547379851341, 0.024501651525497437, 0.008301018737256527, -0.007378521375358105, -0.0150283919647336, -0.07868073135614395, 0.06364362686872482, -0.04717617854475975, 0.016751470044255257, -0.05182977393269539, -0.021155918017029762, 0.07567965984344482, -0.02977798879146576, 0.016676392406225204, 0.005969826597720385, -0.05832277983427048, -0.03903826326131821, 0.01537814550101757, -0.014667683281004429, 0.04350843280553818, 0.04785732552409172, -0.03813420236110687, 0.048157356679439545, -0.012468037195503712, 0.061322398483753204, -0.0020361640490591526, 0.018097924068570137, 0.03834874927997589, -0.059943944215774536, -0.05483704060316086, 0.03649630397558212, 0.05233968049287796, -0.023937314748764038, 0.03820565342903137, 0.055957067757844925, -0.03736235573887825, 0.03387634456157684, 0.02719848044216633, 0.0038063116371631622, 0.03730706125497818, -0.03187406063079834, 0.05200305953621864, -0.05578256770968437, 0.006581427529454231, -0.026339594274759293, 0.04423633962869644, -0.030499709770083427, 0.0055609880946576595, 0.04585982859134674, -0.02995757944881916, 0.05611571669578552, 0.04204264283180237, -0.023298973217606544, -0.008333883248269558, 0.03161318600177765, 0.030294669792056084, -0.0006447440828196704, -0.004524615127593279, 0.02402208372950554, 0.05597748979926109, 0.01384632010012865, -0.033147312700748444, 0.03137994185090065, 0.02068268321454525, -0.03643089532852173, 0.012323354370892048, 0.02286469005048275, 0.023945152759552002, 0.05260692536830902, -0.0336051881313324, 0.012719484977424145, -0.025582414120435715, -0.028197795152664185, -0.02124183252453804, -0.021345367655158043, -0.006071295123547316, 0.02419336326420307, -0.002181766787543893, 0.014803728088736534, 0.054725248366594315, -0.05647924914956093, -0.07627955824136734, -0.023808429017663002, 0.017533814534544945, 0.006742917466908693, -0.012126076966524124, 0.027802960947155952, 0.004865078721195459, 0.005270516499876976, -0.06402451545000076, -0.04695999249815941, 0.011036684736609459, 0.006417805328965187, 0.0128824757412076, 0.0411757156252861, 0.022605326026678085, -0.0035403824876993895, 0.009649531915783882, 0.007100481074303389, 0.024089764803647995, 0.028394516557455063, 0.006956533063203096, 0.010644577443599701, -0.0231955423951149, -0.007647285237908363, 0.008663615211844444, 0.03544188290834427, -0.031947456300258636, -0.04526766389608383, 0.0018325289711356163, -0.03666268661618233, 0.046699803322553635, -0.04846737161278725, -0.02615787647664547, 0.03169934079051018, -0.006664663087576628, -0.010236239060759544, 0.013257626444101334, -0.0053487904369831085, 0.052705809473991394, 0.028106162324547768, 0.0028624634724110365, 0.05268952623009682, 0.020074903964996338, -0.03867197409272194, -0.011562300845980644, -0.010365410707890987, -0.01931413821876049, 0.01231583021581173, 0.026138484477996826, 0.037201087921857834, -0.01641296036541462, 0.012135363183915615, -0.25697505474090576, 0.03889570012688637, -0.0465618260204792, -0.017302239313721657, 0.03931793197989464, -0.03345903381705284, 0.04827107489109039, -0.034828513860702515, -0.004771408159285784, 0.02719167433679104, -0.017226330935955048, 0.01520922314375639, 0.01436850056052208, 0.051103509962558746, -0.013296617195010185, -0.0026020288933068514, -0.012058164924383163, -0.023987092077732086, -0.009001529775559902, 0.04024164378643036, 0.0433700755238533, -0.027400892227888107, -0.01900378242135048, 0.023215094581246376, 0.06501853466033936, 0.05532040074467659, -0.031188398599624634, 0.03906990587711334, -0.07422977685928345, -0.059374917298555374, -0.0011312857968732715, -0.0027546475175768137, -0.034076012670993805, -0.036487605422735214, -0.036193858832120895, 0.02703690528869629, 0.03554703667759895, 0.005220061168074608, -0.019111836329102516, -0.025896964594721794, 0.0016212976770475507, -0.0804125964641571, -0.028051095083355904, 0.009930341504514217, 0.025087086483836174, 0.01923384517431259, -0.049556195735931396, -0.02373988926410675, -0.017834648489952087, 0.07530583441257477, -0.0383751355111599, -0.009732343256473541, -0.012031330727040768, 0.014768349006772041, -0.04180046543478966, 0.013218775391578674, -0.06222953647375107, -0.02194460853934288, -0.044116776436567307, 0.04282325133681297, 0.018176883459091187, -0.053847551345825195, 0.0019844211637973785, -0.028655216097831726, -0.04445720091462135, -0.030501501634716988, -0.055535461753606796, -0.05278054624795914, 0.06697408854961395, 0.02549676038324833, 0.01673429273068905, 0.01456381008028984, -0.0415782630443573, -0.08194038271903992, -0.01412761490792036, -0.016095902770757675, -0.04531871899962425, -0.04812699183821678, -0.04243241995573044, 0.007792883552610874, 0.030362753197550774, -0.019838571548461914, 0.037096429616212845, 0.04122522473335266, -0.016893407329916954, 0.00644207326695323, -0.021655160933732986, 0.01815013773739338, -0.062140583992004395, -0.032770708203315735, 0.06027503311634064, 0.025849182158708572, -0.031048357486724854, -0.03651046380400658, 0.025682341307401657, 0.028022661805152893, -0.026791905984282494, -0.005670181009918451, 0.002264904323965311, 0.009717000648379326, 0.040219277143478394, -0.0522875152528286, 0.02489333786070347, 0.012003624811768532, 0.007057542447000742, -0.026321282610297203, -0.056366804987192154, 0.02430599182844162, 0.04226204380393028, 0.014658571220934391, 0.02271045371890068, -0.024598294869065285, 0.03127450495958328, -0.04482664167881012, -0.028812818229198456, -0.04219077527523041, 0.02207438088953495, -0.007028583902865648, 0.012491551227867603, -0.009742951951920986, -0.029042324051260948, -0.0004511429578997195, -0.07935558259487152, -0.019153133034706116, -0.09556250274181366, -0.03488358110189438, 0.0465332493185997, 0.017734726890921593, -0.027881916612386703, 0.0619283951818943, -0.04871634766459465, -0.025827128440141678, 0.01241864450275898, 0.0004320635925978422, 0.0369824655354023, -0.016244348138570786, -0.01989096589386463, -0.03251355513930321, 0.018895816057920456, -0.026907121762633324, 0.03634122014045715, 0.007967766374349594, 0.03862537816166878, -0.01276775449514389, -0.011578395031392574, 0.039664220064878464, 0.006440348923206329, -0.03955509513616562, -0.022188136354088783, 0.00014240109885577112, 0.03703590855002403, -0.035959187895059586, 0.016917672008275986, -0.02993328869342804, -0.031233638525009155, -0.025665806606411934, 0.029883811250329018, 0.012375026941299438, -0.012730973772704601, -0.04200364276766777, -0.026430748403072357, -0.030289363116025925, -0.021121909841895103, -0.07541833817958832, -0.05336768925189972, 0.09295350313186646, -0.0005732779973186553, 0.03311024233698845, -0.011221330612897873, 0.04501880705356598, -0.011838738806545734, -0.047470614314079285, -0.0325874388217926, 0.023173080757260323, 0.0038930950686335564, 0.05329643562436104, -0.015995007008314133, 0.018285920843482018, 0.022615427151322365, 0.014642500318586826, -0.015514549799263477, -0.05464103817939758, 0.01058946829289198, -0.0010261144489049911, 0.018841542303562164, 0.00044614975922740996, -0.015898076817393303, -0.04858001694083214, -0.036361388862133026, 0.005902216769754887, 0.001274276990443468, 0.025076009333133698, -0.037356287240982056, 0.01148685161024332, -0.04186219722032547, -0.07181689888238907, -0.002197589259594679, 0.02413865551352501, 0.025127464905381203, 0.07946539670228958, 0.01900988072156906, -0.013664360158145428, -0.017597254365682602, 0.00944167748093605, 0.019635304808616638, -0.041575174778699875, 0.0372493714094162, 0.04779998958110809, -0.006163675803691149, 0.030588896945118904, -0.04150236025452614, 0.015442386269569397, 0.005939257796853781, 0.006066878791898489, 0.02319279871881008, -0.028412770479917526, 0.04168042913079262, 0.008709663525223732, -0.046448588371276855, 0.015608764253556728, 0.00425138883292675, -0.038142215460538864, 0.003119357628747821, 0.002545568160712719, -0.04116739332675934, 0.0435652881860733, 0.022767022252082825, -0.015402793884277344, 0.05362304672598839, -0.0065696281380951405, -0.0232780110090971, -0.06121646985411644, 0.017461217939853668, 0.020290637388825417, -0.052942078560590744, -0.02281944826245308, -0.020208876579999924, -0.006082330364733934, 0.01354400534182787, 0.07952935993671417, 0.010114339180290699, -0.013664246536791325, -0.004753648303449154, 0.0005191722302697599, 0.01392797939479351, -0.009968637488782406, 0.00469055725261569, -0.01619463972747326, 0.020511139184236526, 0.09939035028219223, -0.03714563697576523, 0.005475545302033424, 0.005448195617645979, -0.03264231979846954, 0.04689054191112518, -0.04037531465291977, -0.022873135283589363, -0.01986650563776493, 0.019753530621528625, 0.04790310934185982, -0.013101399876177311, -0.019853975623846054, -0.017222559079527855, 0.007345856633037329, 0.05182771012187004, 0.05114363506436348, -0.006135899573564529, -0.022836219519376755, 0.051943257451057434, -0.09038706123828888, -0.01741807907819748, -0.07741332799196243, 0.027464736253023148, -0.007521789520978928, 0.013224619440734386, 0.008927828632295132, 0.03875938057899475, -0.00751180574297905, 0.05875127762556076, -0.05287593603134155, -0.026523062959313393, 0.015646889805793762, -0.021046211943030357, -0.010383587330579758, 0.04978872463107109, -0.022436628118157387, 0.024927694350481033, 0.007327218074351549, -0.08538220077753067, -0.025374390184879303, 0.04152965918183327, 0.06045382097363472, 0.03328132629394531, 0.02427900768816471, 0.005550943315029144, -0.00575212249532342, 0.010950589552521706, 0.061008330434560776, -0.04409964755177498, 0.011352122761309147, -0.05198939889669418, 0.030953355133533478, 0.017697211354970932, -0.0075502838008105755, -0.0338764563202858, -0.01515132375061512, 0.01034717820584774, -0.03998091444373131, -0.017112206667661667, 0.034795764833688736, -0.005837672855705023, -0.055574968457221985, 0.05745459720492363, -0.048379283398389816, -0.07197508960962296, 0.03734932467341423, 0.003937318455427885, 0.0017037747893482447, 0.00682678259909153, -0.03102608397603035, 0.057277828454971313, -0.006212220061570406, 0.03215450793504715, 0.021953241899609566, 0.06126273050904274, 0.046793222427368164, -0.028382305055856705, 0.017042485997080803, 0.014018506743013859, 0.07428865134716034, 0.05344909057021141, -0.022612476721405983, 0.03446095809340477, 0.03244222328066826, 0.003275603987276554, -0.01391473039984703, 0.009112291038036346, -0.0035314245615154505, 0.011726976372301579, 0.006565236020833254, 0.05835922807455063, 0.05492357537150383, -0.043329380452632904, 0.05016152560710907, 0.05922919139266014, 0.02480560727417469, 0.04811127111315727, -0.020220158621668816, 0.040374305099248886, -0.019132722169160843, 0.024559136480093002, -0.023506153374910355, 0.0031317330431193113, -0.040529415011405945, -0.018069643527269363, 0.03226751834154129, -0.011694561690092087, 0.022417739033699036, -0.059123482555150986, -0.011371266096830368, -0.03319401293992996, 0.006697269156575203, 0.05608353391289711, 0.011261818930506706, -0.02153862826526165, -0.002025648020207882, 0.036443036049604416, 0.03870084136724472, 0.011173457838594913, 0.013503641821444035, -0.008591990917921066, -0.014469444751739502, -0.033169884234666824, -0.010310521349310875, 0.046385038644075394, -0.00019764674652833492, 0.03433573618531227, 0.009777422994375229, -0.010819396935403347, 0.03413752093911171, -0.003268489148467779, -0.03962988778948784, -0.026081426069140434, -0.06550970673561096, -0.01929284818470478, -0.026157448068261147, 0.025456208735704422, 0.026082517579197884, -0.014328834600746632, -0.031172439455986023, 0.013544371351599693, 0.023672791197896004, -0.038910917937755585, 0.018528444692492485, -0.06516186147928238, 0.024393534287810326, 0.03007259964942932, 0.03321036696434021, 0.04550541937351227, 0.004819126799702644, 0.03127865120768547, 0.016242042183876038, -0.055104296654462814, -0.0036672409623861313, -0.021411772817373276, 0.02541458047926426, 0.010530250146985054, 0.003062308067455888, -0.09848669171333313, 0.03902296721935272, -0.004495873115956783, -0.005122683942317963, -0.06570249795913696, 0.03402562811970711, -0.007690902333706617, 0.008467523381114006, 0.10773177444934845, -0.019853297621011734, -0.0214111115783453, -0.030058836564421654, -0.019014185294508934, -0.000058283407270209864, -0.029273226857185364, 0.09816549718379974, -0.04750913009047508, 0.0227110106498003, 0.06032886356115341, 0.02047092467546463, -0.06846953928470612, 0.0327160470187664, 0.05237811058759689, 0.025441765785217285, 0.010901400819420815, 0.021081306040287018, -0.005379694979637861, -0.056237880140542984, -0.0342986173927784, 0.004710712470114231, 0.005087211262434721, -0.07484374195337296, 0.020779045298695564, -0.017562061548233032, 0.01022664550691843, -0.05455384775996208, 0.042118147015571594, 0.004995392635464668, -0.0488402396440506, -0.04047852382063866, -0.06355459243059158, -0.026277778670191765, 0.008359341882169247, 0.016196617856621742, -0.04171932861208916, -0.06796061247587204, -0.011109893210232258, -0.052700143307447433, 0.021182596683502197, 0.042008958756923676, 0.0046216645278036594, -0.0026937115471810102 ]
OPINION ALARID, Judge. {1} Plaintiffs appeal the dismissal of their civil complaint brought on behalf of Decedent for medical malpractice, wrongful death, and strict products liability. Below, Defendants moved to dismiss the complaint because it was filed after the three-year statute of limitations had run under NMSA 1978, § 41-2-2 (1961) (Wrongful Death statute). Plaintiffs argued below that a discovery rule should apply to the statute of limitations under the Wrongful Death Statute. The trial court disagreed and dismissed the complaint without prejudice. We affirm for the reasons discussed in this opinion. BACKGROUND {2} Some time prior to his death, Decedent was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea and it had been recommended that he not use sedative medications. On April 8, 1998, Dr. Pereira, with the recommendation of Dr. Brasher, prescribed methadone for Decedent’s pain, despite its potential for causing drowsiness. That same day, Decedent began to take the methadone. Decedent died on April 10,1998, and an autopsy was performed. Dr. Yousef, who performed the autopsy, concluded that he died of methadone intoxication. The medication log taken at the time of death indicated that Decedent was taking methadone, along with Amitriptyline, PCN, Promethazine, Propulsid, Zantac, and Zyrtec. The autopsy revealed methadone, antidepressants and sleep medication in Decedent’s system. {3} On March 23, 2000, the FDA announced that marketing of Propulsid would be discontinued on July 14, 2000, due to its association with 341 reports of heart rhythm abnormalities and 80 reports of deaths, as of December 31, 1999. Plaintiffs filed their initial complaint on August 31, 2000. On May 9, 2001, just over three years after Decedent’s death, Dr. Brasher was deposed. Dr. Brasher testified that it appeared that Decedent had taken twice the recommended dose of prescribed methadone over the two days before his death. He testified that he did not know what killed Decedent, but that, in his opinion, Propulsid would be “at the top of the list” if he were autopsied today. Dr. Brasher testified that it would not have been known on the date of Decedent’s death, in 1998, that Propulsid would have ranked high as a suspect. Dr. Brasher further noted that there was a possibility of interactions with other medications taken by Decedent, but concluded that, if the autopsy was performed “today,” Propulsid “would be blamed if no other obvious explanation was present.” Based on this information, Plaintiffs were allowed to amend their complaint to add Defendants Johnson & Johnson (J & J), and Janssen Pharmaceutica Inc. (Janssen) relative to their products liability claim and concerning the drug Propulsid. {4} The amended complaint was filed on March 22, 2002. Defendants successfully moved to dismiss the amended complaint as to J & J and Janssen based on the fact that it was filed over three years after Decedent died. {5} Plaintiffs appeal the trial court’s decision. According to Plaintiffs, the issue on appeal is whether the specific language in the Wrongful Death statute, stating that a cause of action accrues as of the date of death, “prevents the application of the discovery rule in the case of death.” DISCUSSION Standard of Review {6} Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint under Rule 1-012(B)(6) NMRA 2004. Plaintiffs responded, arguing that a discovery rule should apply to the statute of limitations under the Wrongful Death statute. Following a hearing on the motion, the amended complaint was dismissed. Plaintiffs contend that the order of dismissal should be viewed as an order granting summary judgment because the trial court considered matters outside the pleadings. It appears that Plaintiffs are referring to the documents attached to then-response to Defendants’ motion to dismiss, which included an affidavit, portions of the deposition of Dr. Brasher, the autopsy report, the list of medications used by Decedent, and an article announcing the position of the FDA with respect to the withdrawal of Propulsid from the market. Defendants argue that the trial court “must not have considered matters outside the pleadings” for several reasons. Defendants point out that the trial court was presented with a Rule 12-012(B)(6) motion to dismiss and entered an order titled, “Order Granting Johnson & Johnson, Inc. and Janssen Pharmaeeutica Inc.’s Rule 1-012(B)(6) Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs’ First Amended Complaint.” Defendants, citing a federal ease, also argue that the affidavit attached to the response cannot be considered under a Rule 1-012(B)(6) standard, and the attachments to the response could not change the motion to a motion for summary judgment because Defendants restricted their argument at the hearing to the allegations in the complaint and did not rely on the information contained in the attachments. See Dunn v. McFeeley, 1999-NMCA-084, ¶¶ 10-11, 127 N.M. 513, 984 P.2d 760 (determining that, although the literal language of the rule states that a motion to dismiss is converted to a motion for summary judgment if matters outside the pleadings are presented to and not excluded by the trial court, where the parties restricted their argument to the allegations of the amended complaint and did not purport to rely on attachments, and the trial court and the parties treated the motion as simply a motion to dismiss, appellate court will not decide the case on grounds not relied on by the trial court but will treat the motion as a motion to dismiss). {7} Based on the transcript of the hearing, the parties did not rely on the factual information in the attachments to Plaintiffs’ response when making their arguments to the trial court. Instead, the parties presented only legal argument regarding interpretation of the Wrongful Death statute. The trial court also did not consider the facts included in the attachments when making its decision on Defendants’ motion. In fact, during the hearing, when Plaintiffs’ attorney stated that he had included in the response “some of the facts about the knowledge that was apparent to the Plaintiffs at the time that they filed the case and as they proceeded,” the trial court responded, “I don’t have any problem with the facts,” and then asked a question concerning the legal arguments that had been made. The trial court made a legal determination that “the legislature has tinkered” with the Wrongful Death statute a number of times and, if the legislature felt it necessary to change the act, it would have done so. The trial court determined that the legislature had been “fairly clear about it,” and dismissed the case based on existing case law. In other words, the trial court treated the motion only as a motion to dismiss. Plaintiffs did not protest the trial court’s actions, did not argue that the motion had been converted to a summary judgment motion, and did not make an offer of proof or preserve any argument regarding the factual information included in the attachments. The trial court did not review the motion as a summary judgment motion, and we will not do so either. {8} We review, de novo, a motion to dismiss under Rule 1-012(B)(6), accepting as true all of the well-pleaded facts alleged in the complaint, and “resolving all doubts in favor of the sufficiency of the complaint.” See Envtl. Control, Inc. v. City of Santa Fe, 2002-NMCA-003, ¶ 6, 131 N.M. 450, 38 P.3d 891. We test the legal sufficiency of the complaint by reviewing only the law applicable to the claims, and not the facts in support. Id. As discussed below, we affirm the trial court’s dismissal of the amended complaint. Dismissal of the Amended Complaint {9} Plaintiffs encourage this Court to interpret the Wrongful Death statute to allow accrual of a cause of action on the date when a plaintiff knows, or with reasonable diligence should know, of the injury and its cause — otherwise known as a discovery rule. The Wrongful Death statute provides that: Every action instituted by virtue of the provisions of this and the preceding section [NMSA 1978, § 41-2-1] must be brought within three years after the cause of action accrues. The cause of action accrues as of the date of death. Section 41-2-2. The second sentence of the Wrongful Death statute provides for a specific date on which a cause of action accrues, namely “as of the date of death.” Plaintiffs do not argue that the statutory language is ambiguous. Instead, Plaintiffs claim primarily that the legislative history indicates the intent to insure that survivors of a deceased person would have an equal amount of time to file a claim for wrongful death as that allowed for an injured person to file a claim for injuries. Plaintiffs also argue that the Wrongful Death statute should be construed liberally in its application, and that there are policy reasons for applying a discovery rule to the Wrongful Death statute. In support of these arguments, Plaintiffs refer to other statutes in New Mexico to which a discovery rule has been applied, and refer to out-of-state cases where a discovery rule has been applied to a wrongful death statute of limitations. We note that the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals thoroughly addressed similar arguments in Lujan v. Regents of Univ. of CA., 69 F.3d 1511 (10th Cir.1995), and looking at New Mexico law, determined that it could anticipate that our Supreme Court would not apply a discovery rule to actions for wrongful death. Plain Meaning of Wrongful Death Statute {10} Plaintiffs do not argue that the language of the Wrongful Death statute is ambiguous. Cf. Irvine v. St. Joseph Hosp., Inc., 102 N.M. 572, 575, 698 P.2d 442, 445 (Ct.App.1984) (pointing out that the plaintiff did not argue that the statute in question was ambiguous, but asked the Court to “adopt one of his suggested meanings of the statute simply by ignoring the statutory wording”). Nevertheless, in any case involving construction of a statute, we begin with an examination of the language used by the legislature in drafting the statute. See Bd. of Comm’rs of Doña Ana County v. Las Cruces Sun-News, 2003-NMCA-102, ¶ 19, 134 N.M. 283, 76 P.3d 36. {11} As pointed out by Defendants, our Supreme Court has stated that, “[i]n the absence of explicit instructions from the legislature, when a cause of action accrues under a statute of limitations is a judicial determination.” See Roberts v. Southwest Cmty. Health Servs., 114 N.M. 248, 252, 837 P.2d 442, 446 (1992) (citations omitted). Based on the plain language in the Wrongful Death statute, the legislature did provide “explicit instructions” as to the accrual date of a wrongful death cause of action — it accrues as of the date of death. See Las Cruces Sun-News, 2003-NMCA-l02, ¶ 19, 134 N.M. 283, 76 P.3d 36 (noting that “[t]he primary indicator of legislative intent is the statute’s plain language,” and if that language is clear, the appellate courts “give the statute its plain and ordinary meaning and refrain from further interpretation”). Moreover, the legislature is presumed to take existing law into account when enacting new law, and absent a change by the legislature in an existing statute, “we presume that the Legislature continues to intend that the statute apply according to its original meaning.” Id. ¶23. Under the plain meaning rule of interpreta tion, the statute clearly states that a cause of action for wrongful death is subject to a three-year statute of limitations, accruing from the date of death. Because we find that plain meaning of the statute to be unambiguous, we need not resort to rules of statutory construction. However, despite the plain language of the statute, Plaintiffs present several arguments for applying a discovery rule to the Wrongful Death statute. We briefly address those arguments below. Legislative History {12} Plaintiffs appear to claim that review of the legislative history of the statute will show that relying only on the literal language of the statute would lead to an unfair result in cases such as this. Plaintiffs claim that past amendments to the Wrongful Death statute indicate an attempt by the legislature to expand the time allowed for bringing a cause of action under the statute. The parties do not disagree on the historical progression of the Wrongful Death statute. The statute, created in 1882, originally provided that an action for wrongful death must be brought within one year “after the cause of action shall have accrued.” Our Supreme Court interpreted the language of the statute according to its plain meaning and determined that a cause of action for wrongful death arose when the injury occurred, rather than when the death occurred. See Natseway v. Jojola, 56 N.M. 793, 799-800, 251 P.2d 274, 277-78 (1952). The Court stated that, because there was no ambiguity in the statute as written, it could not read into the statute any meaning other than that stated in the statute. Id. The dissent in Natseway, on the other hand, contended that the cause of action does not even come into existence until death, and therefore, the cause of action does not accrue until death occurs. Id. at 801, 251 P.2d at 279. In 1953, very soon after the opinion in Natseway was issued, the legislature amended the statute to provide for a period of three years, rather than one year, in which to bring a cause of action for wrongful death. After the 1953 amendment, the Supreme Court, in deciding whether an incompetent decedent’s administrator need file suit within three years of the date of the injury or within one year of the date of the death, noted that, although the time period for filing wrongful death claims had been extended to three years, that time still ran from the date of the decedent’s injury. See Kilkenny v. Kenney, 68 N.M. 266, 268, 361 P.2d 149,151 (1961). Perhaps in response to the Kilkenny decision, the legislature again amended the wording of the statute in 1961 to specifically provide that an action for wrongful death “accrues as of the date of death.” See § 41-2-2. {13} Plaintiffs claim that, prior to the 1961 amendment, the statute contained an open-ended accrual date that matched the accrual date for personal injuries under NMSA 1978, § 37-1-8 (1976). Id. (stating that actions “for an injury to the person or reputation of any person” must be brought within three years). This Court has, in certain cases, interpreted that section to include a discovery rule. See Martinez v. Showa Denko, K.K., 1998-NMCA-111, ¶ 19, 125 N.M. 615, 964 P.2d 176 (applying discovery rule to personal injury cases involving products liability); Hardin v. Farris, 87 N.M. 143, 146, 530 P.2d 407, 410 (Ct.App.1974) (applying discovery rule to injury cases involving fraudulent concealment). {14} Plaintiffs argue that if the legislature had not found it necessary to reverse the decision in Kilkenny it would not have changed the language and the Wrongful Death statute would still provide for an open-ended accrual date. Plaintiffs conclude that the 1961 amendment indicated a clear intent by the legislature to equalize the period of limitations for injuries and wrongful death. In other words, Plaintiffs argue that, had the legislature envisioned that a discovery rule might be applied to the Wrongful Death statute, it would not have changed the statutory language as it did, but would have left it open-ended for courts to interpret in the same manner as Section 37-1-8 has been interpreted. We reject this contention. The legislature has had over forty years in which to amend the Wrongful Death statute to allow for application of a discovery rule. As discussed above, the language of the Wrongful Death statute referring to the accrual of a cause of action is very specific, and despite many cases adopting a discovery rule with respect to other statutes, the legislature has apparently not felt it necessary to amend that language. When language in a statute enacted by the legislature is unambiguous, we apply it as written, and any alteration of that language is a matter for the legislature, not for this Court. See Irvine, 102 N.M. at 576, 698 P.2d at 446. “The decision to extend the scope of an existing statute ... is a matter for the Legislature, and absent an amendment to [a statutory section], we presume that the legislature continues to intend that the statute apply according to its original meaning.” State v. Cleve, 1999-NMSC-017, ¶ 15, 127 N.M. 240, 980 P.2d 23. Application of Discovery Rule to Other Statutes {15} Plaintiffs argue that our Courts have interpreted statutes of limitations in other contexts to include a discovery rule, based on open-ended accrual language. Plaintiffs specifically point to decisions involving products liability, legal malpractice, and non-qualified providers in medical malpractice. Plaintiffs cite to Showa Denko, Roberts, and Sharts v. Natelson, 118 N.M. 721, 885 P.2d 642 (1994), in support of their position. However, the injury statutes applied in those cases did not contain the absolute accrual language that is included in the Wrongful Death statute. Therefore, they are not relevant to the inquiry in this case. Other States Have Applied Discovery Rule {16} Plaintiffs rely on public policy and six out-of-state cases to argue that a discovery rule should be applied to our Wrongful Death statute. Those cases, in which a discovery rule has been applied to the wrongful death act in those states, are distinguishable. Five of the cases involved either exceptional circumstances or situations where it was impossible for the plaintiff to know the cause of the decedent’s death in order to be able to timely file a wrongful death claim. See Maughan v. SW Servicing, Inc., 758 F.2d 1381 (10th Cir. 1985); Hanebuth v. Bell Helicopter Inti, 694 P.2d 143 (Alaska 1984); Frederick v. Calbio Pharm., 89 Cal.App.3d 49, 152 Cal.Rptr. 292 (1979); Fure v. Sherman Hosp., 64 Ill.App.3d 259, 21 Ill.Dec. 50, 380 N.E.2d 1376 (1978); Praznik v. Sport Aero, Inc., 42 Ill.App.3d 330, 355 N.E.2d 686 (1976). {17} Maughan, Frederick, and Shaughnessy v. Spray, 55 Or.App. 42, 637 P.2d 182 (1981) are distinguishable in that the wrongful death statutes construed in those eases do not contain any specific language defining the date of accrual of the statute of limitations. Given this lack of specificity, these courts were free to apply their normal limitations rules in the wrongful death context. {18} We acknowledge that the Illinois cases {Pure and Praznik) and Hanebuth are not similarly distinguishable. The wrongful death statute in Illinois provides that “[e]very such action shall be commenced within two years after the death of such person.” Ill.Rev.Stat.1969, ch. 70, par. 2. The Alaska statute is very similar. AS 09.55.580 (“The action shall be commenced within two years after the death.”) However, given the history of New Mexico’s statute and its explicit language, we do not believe we can adopt their approach. {19} We understand the practical effect of enforcing the statute in accordance with its clear terms: defendants are better off in some cases causing the death of someone rather than leaving them alive. This result is in some ways an anomaly, but we cannot ignore or override the clear language the Legislature chose to enact. CONCLUSION {20} Unlike the limitations provisions contained in other statutes, the Wrongful Death statute contains an explicit statement as to when a cause of action under that statute accrues — at the time of death. We are not at liberty to ignore that plain language, especially where the legislature has had ample opportunity to consider the issue and has not seen fit to add a discovery rule. The trial court’s decision is therefore affirmed. {21} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: JAMES J. WECHSLER, Chief Judge, and MICHAEL D. BUSTAMANTE, Judge.
[ -0.028340773656964302, -0.0008819829090498388, -0.055192939937114716, -0.012675471603870392, 0.07566852867603302, -0.017754729837179184, 0.059296004474163055, 0.030475452542304993, 0.020999517291784286, -0.04056564345955849, 0.03647134080529213, 0.06513579189777374, -0.02356944978237152, 0.06339380145072937, 0.011742019094526768, 0.09652181714773178, 0.08192314952611923, -0.01782413199543953, 0.03558014705777168, -0.00836863648146391, 0.016631366685032845, -0.06514288485050201, -0.003363586962223053, 0.05528365820646286, 0.016368091106414795, 0.04587211459875107, -0.04371862858533859, 0.04223557934165001, -0.07166004925966263, -0.027380896732211113, 0.03958041965961456, -0.0036647033412009478, -0.03229432553052902, -0.01642237976193428, -0.011066376231610775, 0.027967650443315506, -0.006376340519636869, 0.020956626161932945, -0.035369306802749634, -0.007518627215176821, -0.10232169181108475, -0.012269685976207256, -0.03167007863521576, -0.023474078625440598, 0.01833728328347206, -0.012713911011815071, 0.014013207517564297, 0.01588449440896511, 0.007749298587441444, 0.027506493031978607, -0.045577745884656906, -0.01936379261314869, 0.012493901886045933, 0.024673689156770706, -0.015214353799819946, 0.05487634614109993, 0.005040689371526241, -0.05034193769097328, 0.016350198537111282, -0.006135738454759121, 0.0007700395071879029, 0.021916097030043602, 0.026368984952569008, -0.0061106630600988865, 0.01782931014895439, -0.002331838710233569, -0.0015068436041474342, 0.037787627428770065, -0.04272716864943504, 0.009641267359256744, -0.05410115048289299, 0.01793031394481659, 0.028793828561902046, -0.007830345071852207, 0.017186732962727547, 0.0012778876116499305, -0.026617683470249176, -0.013903847895562649, 0.046914681792259216, 0.03461692854762077, 0.01067129336297512, -0.008690834045410156, 0.020690379664301872, 0.04305655509233475, -0.03364231809973717, -0.03180227801203728, 0.0062695881351828575, 0.005402598064392805, -0.048017967492341995, 0.03623532876372337, -0.012374754063785076, -0.0345594547688961, 0.03263569623231888, 0.04619525745511055, -0.04061169922351837, -0.006425819825381041, 0.06587573885917664, -0.02570965699851513, -0.013725236989557743, 0.0018781139515340328, -0.025163806974887848, -0.02616424299776554, -0.01989150419831276, 0.03177335485816002, -0.05095495283603668, -0.006234933156520128, -0.022158807143568993, 0.03417433425784111, 0.004514825996011496, 0.05025189742445946, -0.029425248503684998, 0.05226343497633934, -0.032621122896671295, -0.03067702054977417, -0.0701417401432991, 0.07969275861978531, 0.022209271788597107, -0.000823725014925003, 0.018842078745365143, -0.043843258172273636, 0.0009778428357094526, -0.01148335449397564, -0.01097129750996828, 0.061735495924949646, 0.01953313872218132, -0.03209289163351059, 0.011338353157043457, 0.0225120410323143, -0.03455536812543869, -0.05996199697256088, 0.038535941392183304, 0.016460126265883446, -0.03070336952805519, -0.008164403028786182, -0.043784044682979584, 0.013657805509865284, -0.0014548910548910499, -0.004708115942776203, 0.028864199295639992, -0.06100853905081749, -0.012393428944051266, -0.01521261129528284, -0.01006451528519392, 0.014691454358398914, 0.07374594360589981, -0.04602786898612976, 0.04953845962882042, -0.04317454248666763, -0.02684379741549492, -0.007763896603137255, 0.035137247294187546, 0.05022374168038368, 0.012182225473225117, -0.019209664314985275, 0.011122995987534523, 0.03928408771753311, -0.0004861507914029062, 0.0027788286097347736, -0.051162950694561005, 0.017929602414369583, 0.020850766450166702, 0.03980894759297371, 0.013127355836331844, -0.012267565354704857, 0.044535305351018906, 0.020411966368556023, -0.026235349476337433, -0.0138074466958642, -0.013543146662414074, -0.015518700703978539, -0.058266591280698776, -0.011088017374277115, 0.0012383399298414588, -0.08214499801397324, 0.019897468388080597, 0.01954701356589794, 0.030095916241407394, 0.03231625258922577, -0.015445619821548462, -0.050343479961156845, -0.08079495280981064, 0.07737770676612854, -0.02898574061691761, -0.03003680147230625, 0.012665462680161, -0.019233616068959236, 0.05713939666748047, -0.04826816916465759, 0.027741217985749245, -0.014081713743507862, -0.05723290145397186, -0.03908088430762291, 0.03269745782017708, -0.029380489140748978, 0.029028721153736115, 0.014459666796028614, -0.05608414113521576, 0.04788307473063469, 0.019223986193537712, 0.04393261298537254, -0.001071333303116262, 0.004235908389091492, 0.028241731226444244, -0.04438653215765953, -0.029483074322342873, 0.04679924249649048, 0.009246557019650936, -0.03740856051445007, 0.031076543033123016, 0.047238171100616455, 0.04786831513047218, 0.004295119550079107, 0.0014984337612986565, -0.01020423136651516, 0.03976717218756676, 0.005243568681180477, 0.056222766637802124, 0.002595151076093316, 0.02177608199417591, -0.0493004210293293, 0.01159329991787672, -0.0065130023285746574, -0.01616731472313404, 0.028310274705290794, -0.030014969408512115, 0.11392834037542343, 0.044014494866132736, -0.0684296190738678, -0.058300700038671494, -0.0038619760889559984, -0.012146493420004845, 0.010764846578240395, 0.007728899363428354, -0.02131185308098793, 0.012002924457192421, 0.017674071714282036, -0.05818835273385048, -0.0312504842877388, 0.04236917197704315, -0.04337872192263603, 0.024617377668619156, 0.05180436745285988, 0.025937236845493317, 0.03929741308093071, -0.024874484166502953, 0.01830485835671425, -0.04235744848847389, 0.024098630994558334, -0.07472578436136246, -0.015002546831965446, 0.004909655544906855, -0.016001125797629356, 0.004767714999616146, 0.034594763070344925, 0.009753217920660973, -0.060255955904722214, -0.06225835159420967, 0.043986447155475616, 0.011748217046260834, 0.0034973593428730965, -0.0409950353205204, 0.0781642347574234, 0.04710901901125908, -0.013597010634839535, -0.02169756032526493, -0.02986983023583889, -0.041988253593444824, 0.05272417142987251, 0.012947958894073963, 0.018870258703827858, 0.03177092969417572, -0.02381516806781292, 0.02679903246462345, 0.007562503684312105, -0.021092401817440987, 0.012389264069497585, 0.0408594124019146, 0.03233849257230759, -0.00935972761362791, -0.014278417453169823, -0.006387084722518921, 0.08982743322849274, -0.0033369995653629303, -0.050775256007909775, -0.045313142240047455, -0.047164302319288254, 0.0031592361629009247, -0.024484172463417053, -0.02861855924129486, 0.041156742721796036, -0.009186974726617336, 0.009353001601994038, -0.014788917265832424, 0.01000166404992342, 0.02761855162680149, 0.00931684672832489, 0.021282749250531197, 0.06223232299089432, -0.004967285320162773, -0.015098433941602707, -0.006607511080801487, -0.0173728559166193, -0.006764552555978298, 0.007085898891091347, 0.0266579519957304, 0.027934232726693153, -0.03410143032670021, 0.027426179498434067, -0.2359166145324707, 0.012456049211323261, -0.03914700448513031, -0.041846487671136856, 0.05843082070350647, 0.020651021972298622, 0.038538187742233276, -0.023536816239356995, 0.005663579795509577, 0.03327881172299385, 0.0065023209899663925, -0.016799358651041985, 0.0577208437025547, 0.021007567644119263, 0.03601164370775223, 0.02742454968392849, 0.0009054297115653753, -0.019569024443626404, -0.017524724826216698, 0.03610898181796074, 0.050658565014600754, -0.024181950837373734, -0.08274292200803757, 0.03927590698003769, 0.00837879627943039, 0.07146156579256058, -0.03872652351856232, 0.04261669144034386, -0.051233310252428055, -0.022819330915808678, 0.024165092036128044, -0.015639154240489006, -0.02124587446451187, 0.0016531777800992131, -0.027683457359671593, -0.007097145542502403, 0.0141851045191288, -0.014303319156169891, -0.00706010265275836, -0.017624210566282272, -0.00541652413085103, -0.047633834183216095, -0.053272705525159836, -0.009255698882043362, 0.013576755300164223, 0.034915741533041, -0.047006942331790924, -0.019284890964627266, 0.011518644168972969, 0.05233054608106613, 0.0364597886800766, 0.00314690382219851, -0.07086405158042908, -0.018183238804340363, -0.02278175577521324, -0.002054587472230196, -0.07825099676847458, -0.012436163611710072, -0.07489705830812454, 0.048732414841651917, 0.025471152737736702, -0.010027526877820492, -0.039178431034088135, -0.06198135390877724, -0.037874337285757065, -0.019897932186722755, 0.015722520649433136, -0.04382983595132828, 0.05934196338057518, 0.03814074769616127, 0.01200022455304861, 0.026603028178215027, -0.06415721029043198, -0.06912829726934433, -0.012804697267711163, -0.01143792737275362, 0.003701604437083006, -0.04870885983109474, -0.012101811356842518, 0.028348619118332863, 0.037360671907663345, 0.0010183836566284299, 0.021658044308423996, 0.0003839583951048553, -0.024004297330975533, 0.00942169688642025, -0.009382624179124832, 0.04146592691540718, -0.05643149092793465, -0.010089908726513386, 0.05137553811073303, 0.0418139211833477, -0.041161708533763885, 0.0036332884337753057, 0.008349134586751461, 0.02625129371881485, -0.0013312719529494643, -0.005384419113397598, -0.012539575807750225, -0.014601468108594418, 0.03007686883211136, -0.05813602730631828, 0.02421789988875389, -0.06508739292621613, 0.004245395306497812, -0.015009189955890179, -0.04446077346801758, -0.006472866050899029, 0.015389601700007915, -0.02749559096992016, 0.006319702602922916, 0.010480094701051712, 0.029713530093431473, -0.03281866014003754, 0.011661830358207226, -0.08347775787115097, 0.03112643212080002, 0.033059801906347275, 0.050568416714668274, -0.03727089241147041, 0.00582123314961791, 0.01286196056753397, -0.005603469908237457, -0.013715132139623165, -0.033274680376052856, -0.0003297969524282962, 0.03955923020839691, -0.001365856034681201, -0.013552015647292137, 0.0609879307448864, -0.01570744998753071, -0.016265640035271645, 0.004589736461639404, 0.024136392399668694, 0.024176497012376785, -0.022335249930620193, -0.05682510882616043, -0.04633218050003052, 0.00891079381108284, -0.008544244803488255, 0.025143688544631004, -0.026391517370939255, 0.02520151436328888, -0.017895866185426712, 0.07029188424348831, 0.01908290944993496, 0.012321725487709045, -0.00977518130093813, -0.006120739504694939, 0.036170005798339844, 0.017309749498963356, -0.010488861240446568, -0.0004079696082044393, -0.03108241595327854, -0.03274918720126152, -0.022186987102031708, 0.043334588408470154, 0.03450919687747955, -0.006322646979242563, -0.06915551424026489, -0.0412248820066452, -0.014574438333511353, -0.03949432075023651, -0.04097088426351547, -0.025762243196368217, 0.055840618908405304, -0.036509595811367035, -0.017820896580815315, 0.0020148956682533026, -0.012863172218203545, 0.004853145685046911, -0.06137397512793541, -0.022355232387781143, 0.024256885051727295, 0.013224683701992035, 0.031468022614717484, -0.014253826811909676, 0.02687586098909378, 0.03320176526904106, 0.03366683050990105, 0.001565187587402761, -0.046059928834438324, -0.04724312946200371, -0.002991999499499798, 0.054798636585474014, -0.02814250811934471, -0.029242485761642456, -0.03748494014143944, -0.08494756370782852, 0.016684507951140404, -0.014453300274908543, -0.001337778870947659, -0.025611521676182747, 0.02081402949988842, -0.047671034932136536, -0.061262112110853195, 0.03417522460222244, 0.020622428506612778, 0.017642872408032417, 0.05472715571522713, 0.01800214685499668, 0.013374216854572296, -0.03513213247060776, 0.011710110120475292, -0.00026997679378837347, -0.07251722365617752, 0.04587641358375549, 0.03241703286767006, -0.009647917002439499, 0.05476481840014458, -0.04728974029421806, -0.012973645702004433, -0.0008197731804102659, -0.005506240762770176, 0.02630618028342724, -0.03933010995388031, 0.03800458833575249, -0.03500712290406227, -0.017676731571555138, -0.04203512519598007, 0.016971789300441742, -0.03227708488702774, -0.02231490984559059, 0.021720657125115395, -0.04329758137464523, 0.07813247293233871, 0.006181263830512762, -0.012175697833299637, 0.06572595238685608, -0.006221191491931677, -0.001011302461847663, -0.04801075533032417, -0.01637282595038414, 0.03450068086385727, -0.02824442647397518, -0.026431595906615257, 0.0010737729026004672, -0.0011107471073046327, -0.021225780248641968, 0.08382272720336914, 0.03179624676704407, 0.02008925937116146, -0.019672073423862457, -0.02501351200044155, -0.0012645208043977618, 0.01591627672314644, 0.003006383078172803, -0.032682035118341446, -0.006130436901003122, 0.07709001749753952, -0.05323607102036476, 0.018231375142931938, -0.03525547683238983, -0.04467140883207321, 0.05408763512969017, -0.025596601888537407, -0.01691560260951519, -0.03780122101306915, -0.03974265605211258, 0.039892490953207016, 0.015236391685903072, 0.06587918847799301, -0.015239372849464417, -0.0036574644036591053, 0.04481330141425133, 0.04462035745382309, 0.042003992944955826, -0.014285186305642128, 0.03545084968209267, -0.04775243252515793, -0.012745754793286324, -0.0746329054236412, 0.002946087857708335, 0.018992772325873375, 0.03756660223007202, 0.0389920249581337, 0.019017046317458153, -0.009089713916182518, 0.03249084949493408, -0.04917953535914421, -0.03271746262907982, -0.01371362991631031, -0.011965754441916943, -0.003210253780707717, 0.026079198345541954, -0.029389336705207825, 0.04044858738780022, 0.01141572929918766, -0.09030450135469437, -0.06415735185146332, 0.021718818694353104, 0.019857656210660934, 0.027774682268500328, -0.005618865601718426, -0.0018527234205976129, -0.019865894690155983, 0.033899467438459396, 0.049406997859478, 0.0017845039255917072, 0.0036120235454291105, -0.0351419672369957, 0.02961655706167221, 0.04450666159391403, -0.015043787658214569, -0.03944641351699829, 0.015363221056759357, 0.02276432514190674, -0.04006277397274971, -0.0049096327275037766, 0.02382919192314148, -0.010884041897952557, -0.05613163113594055, 0.04657215252518654, 0.01519826427102089, -0.04266639053821564, -0.02642325684428215, -0.021406134590506554, -0.012083584442734718, 0.0040460871532559395, -0.02742035873234272, 0.051729366183280945, -0.018240706995129585, 0.07790827006101608, 0.009496386162936687, 0.06270376592874527, 0.04096026346087456, 0.007950532250106335, 0.024541771039366722, 0.01433675829321146, 0.06718674302101135, 0.04499264806509018, 0.01759159564971924, 0.016740474849939346, 0.039909664541482925, -0.0029390952549874783, -0.006863750051707029, 0.01046806015074253, -0.04609832167625427, -0.012932910583913326, -0.003781331703066826, 0.050722792744636536, 0.022745545953512192, 0.015595930628478527, 0.051220618188381195, 0.021960150450468063, 0.02215561456978321, 0.0307098850607872, -0.029114363715052605, 0.08678896725177765, -0.06324639171361923, -0.03865262120962143, 0.009227992035448551, 0.010405912064015865, 0.003601365489885211, -0.020350566133856773, 0.038124196231365204, -0.021410835906863213, -0.016226550564169884, -0.03612174838781357, 0.017676658928394318, -0.020314080640673637, -0.04405451938509941, 0.08178050816059113, -0.03191511332988739, -0.0013850373215973377, -0.0050034369342029095, 0.010121709667146206, 0.009946838021278381, 0.0068435040302574635, 0.0015830672346055508, 0.026753731071949005, -0.029028592631220818, -0.02348203770816326, 0.029464108869433403, 0.012550008483231068, -0.0287410207092762, 0.019813774153590202, -0.03569333255290985, 0.0013156549539417028, 0.0707981064915657, 0.01346672885119915, -0.04831143841147423, -0.03845839202404022, -0.049739908427000046, 0.009856166318058968, -0.03720282390713692, 0.03424742817878723, 0.016264546662569046, 0.010735935531556606, -0.038926344364881516, 0.013177852146327496, -0.018027616664767265, 0.005466804839670658, 0.0009191112476401031, -0.026484569534659386, 0.035554785281419754, 0.06947582960128784, 0.0025801542215049267, 0.0007598329684697092, 0.043335240334272385, 0.0416860431432724, -0.02562427520751953, -0.04486721381545067, -0.01432159636169672, -0.024818379431962967, 0.04997977614402771, -0.020323453471064568, 0.019164301455020905, -0.07576194405555725, 0.049455296248197556, -0.038928378373384476, 0.0021804242860525846, -0.05208185687661171, 0.03182058781385422, -0.018432730808854103, -0.005588821601122618, 0.035352449864149094, 0.014038179069757462, -0.042072396725416183, -0.021506253629922867, -0.026717409491539, 0.0016375265549868345, -0.002108213258907199, 0.055068518966436386, -0.02882981300354004, 0.045414287596940994, 0.056039683520793915, 0.0066199470311403275, -0.015572999604046345, 0.032208967953920364, 0.019675279036164284, -0.01261893194168806, -0.022256435826420784, -0.03298221156001091, -0.041671495884656906, -0.04758221656084061, -0.033043235540390015, -0.0009216188918799162, -0.07156460732221603, -0.0702730342745781, 0.027027811855077744, 0.049717143177986145, -0.007523345295339823, -0.025481756776571274, -0.004850981757044792, 0.019341973587870598, -0.053095992654561996, -0.0757572129368782, -0.07060694694519043, -0.05624045059084892, -0.0038096276111900806, -0.016478100791573524, 0.008711867034435272, -0.04736209288239479, 0.04999127611517906, -0.01944509521126747, 0.017143359407782555, 0.026312513276934624, 0.0010673440992832184, -0.05361698567867279 ]
OPINION WECHSLER, Chief Judge. {1} Defendants, Murphy Enterprises, Inc. (Murphy), and Spectacular Attractions, Inc. (Spectacular), the sole shareholder of Murphy, appeal from a jury verdict awarding compensatory and punitive damages to Plaintiff. Defendants acknowledged their own negligence, but argued at trial that others were comparatively negligent. They also argued that punitive damages were not justified. Following a verdict finding Defendants 66% liable for Plaintiffs actual damages and awarding punitive damages, Defendants attack the punitive damage award, jury instructions, and evidentiary and legal rulings. Because we are not persuaded that any error in this ease justifies reversing the jury verdict, we affirm. Background {2} On September 26, 1998, Vanessa Atler was injured on the Cliff Hanger ride at the New Mexico State Fair when the car in which she was riding flew off and crashed to the ground because of a missing bolt. The Cliff Hanger was owned by Butler Amusements, Inc. (Butler), but Butler had leased the ride to Defendants to use during the 1998 State Fair and agreed to provide “qualified experienced personnel required to operate and maintain the ride.” Joel Roy, who had been working for Butler since July 1998, traveled to New Mexico to operate the Cliff Hanger at the State Fair in September 1998. Roy was accompanied by Julie Worley, and there was evidence at trial that Defendants told Roy the location and hours for the ride, that Roy and Worley were paid by Defendants, and that Roy was in charge of other employees of Defendants who worked on the ride, although Defendants denied that Roy was them employee. In their contract with the State Fair, Defendants agreed to keep the rides in safe operating condition, to hire personnel to operate and maintain the equipment, and to provide a sufficient number of personnel to do so. In addition, the contract required Defendants to comply with the Carnival Ride Insurance Act, NMSA 1978, §§ 57-25-1 to 57-25-6 (1993, as amended through 1996). Section 57-25-3(E) specifically requires that the “owner or operator of the ride shall inspect the ride each day the ride is operated.” {3} In her second amended complaint, Plaintiff named as defendants the State of New Mexico; the New Mexico State Fair; the New Mexico State Fair Commission; Murphy; Dartron Industries, Inc. (Dartron) (the manufacturer of the ride); Butler; Don Becker, Inc. (a safety inspector); Donald W. Becker; Safety Counselling, Inc. (SCI) (a safety inspector); W. Brock Carter (president of SCI); and Spectacular. Plaintiff settled with Butler, Dartron, SCI, Carter, Don Becker, Inc., and Donald Becker. Plaintiff also dismissed her claims against the State of New Mexico and the State Fair. Thus, only Murphy and Spectacular remained as defendants at trial. Defendants admitted they had acted negligently but denied that their negligence was the proximate cause of Vanessa Atler’s injuries and denied that their conduct was reckless or wanton. {4} The jury awarded $371,330.11 in compensatory damages to Vanessa Atler and $28,160 for Dora Atler. The jury found Defendants to be liable to 66% of Plaintiff’s compensatory damages. The jury then awarded punitive damages in the amount of $998,725. The court denied various post-trial motions, and Defendants appealed, raising five issues in their brief in chief: whether the trial court erred (1) in improperly instructing the jury on the standard for punitive damages; (2) in not rejecting, as a matter of law, claims for punitive damages based on the conduct of Roy or managerial employees of Murphy; (3) in failing to offset the damage award by the amount of Plaintiffs settlement with the other defendants who settled before trial; (4) by refusing to include SCI on the special verdict form allocating fault among all defendants; and (5) by instructing the jury not to consider remedial measures in determining Dartron’s negligence. The Jury Instruction on Punitive Damages {5} Defendants argue that the trial court erred in instructing the jury on the standard for punitive damages because Instruction 9, based on UJI 13-302B NMRA, was inconsistent with Instruction 31, based on UJI 13-1827 NMRA. Both instructions described two bases for awarding punitive damages. Instruction 9, the instruction that provided the jury with an overview of the case', informed the jury that this case was a civil action in which Plaintiff sought damages for injuries that she claimed were the result of Defendants’ negligent or reckless/wanton conduct. Instruction 9 informed the jury that it could •find Defendants had acted recklessly or wantonly if Plaintiff established either (1) that Roy had acted recklessly or wantonly and “Roy was left or placed in a managerial or supervisory capacity as an employee of Murphy Enterprises at the 1998 New Mexico State Fair,” or (2) that Defendants “demonstrated corporate indifference or a'cavalier attitude in the face of serious risks of danger, considering the cumulative conduct of its officers and employees individually or as a whole, (including Joel Roy if you find he was an employee of Murphy).” Similarly, Instruction 31, the standard punitive damages instruction, provided that punitive damages could be awarded against Defendants if (1) the jury found Defendants’ own conduct was reckless or wanton, or (2) the jury found Roy had acted recklessly “in the scope of his employment by Murphy Enterprises, Inc. and Spectacular Attractions, Inc. and had sufficient discretionary or policy-making authority to speak and act for them with regard to the conduct at issue, independently of higher authority.” {6} As Defendants state, “[w]e review jury instructions de novo ‘to determine whether they correctly state the law and are supported by the evidence introduced at trial.’ ” Chamberland v. Roswell Osteopathic Clinic, Inc., 2001-NMCA-045, ¶ 11,130 N.M. 532, 27 P.3d 1019 (quoting Gonzales v. N.M. Dep’t of Health, 2000-NMSC-029, ¶ 28, 129 N.M. 586, 11 P.3d 550). However, Plaintiff argues that the issue of whether the two instructions were inconsistent was not properly preserved below. Our review of the transcript confirms that at the conference settling the jury instructions, the issue of inconsistency was not clearly before the trial court. “To preserve an issue for review on appeal, it must appear that appellant fairly invoked a ruling of the trial court on the same grounds argued in the appellate court.” Woolwine v. Furr’s, Inc., 106 N.M. 492, 496, 745 P.2d 717, 721 (Ct.App.1987). {7} The two instructions were discussed separately. Instruction 31, the punitive damages instruction, was addressed first, and Defendants objected to the section of the instruction that explained that Defendants could be liable for punitive damages based on Roy’s conduct. Specifically, Defendants objected that Plaintiffs requested instruction assumed Roy was an employee of Murphy. The court then adopted Defendants’ version of the instruction, which required the jury to find that Roy was acting in the scope of his duties and had sufficient policy-making authority to speak or act for Defendants. The court also deleted the words “malicious” and “willful” from the instruction at Plaintiffs request. {8} The court proceeded to discuss Instruction 9, the instruction that gave the jury an overview of the case. Defendants first argued that Plaintiffs requested instruction had too much detail and repeated the specific punitive damages instruction set out in Instruction 31. Next, Defendants argued that in order to find them hable for punitive damages based on Roy’s conduct, Plaintiffs instruction needed to state that the jury had to find Roy was an employee of Murphy, and the discussion focused on how to clarify the instruction. Defendants agreed to modify the instruction to state that Plaintiff had to prove that Roy was an employee with managerial capacity in order to find Defendants liable for his conduct. {9} The parties then discussed the standard for punitive damages based on Defendants’ own corporate misconduct, which did not necessarily include the reckless or wanton conduct of Roy. The parties and the court discussed the different definitions for reckless and wanton conduct, and Defendants appear to have objected to the contents of the third paragraph of Plaintiffs requested instruction. The Court removed the part of those paragraphs stating that Murphy willfully failed to comply with its safety obligations. The precise nature of Defendants’ objection is not clear from the record, but it does not appear to have focused on inconsistency between Instruction 9 and Instruction 31. Indeed, although defense counsel stated that he objected to “that,” without further clarification, he then stated, “But other than that, it seems to be consistent with the first one” anyway. {10} In them reply brief, Defendants respond to Plaintiffs lack of preservation arguments, arguing generally that Defendants indicated a conflict between the two instructions. As we have noted, although there was some discussion about the standard for punitive damages, and there was some discussion about which elements Plaintiff had to prove, there was no specific discussion about whether Instruction 9 and Instruction 31 provided inconsistent standards for punitive damages. {11} As this Court has stated in Gillingham v. Reliable Chevrolet, 1998-NMCA-143, ¶¶ 16-18, 126 N.M. 30, 966 P.2d 197, Rule 1-051(1) NMRA requires that to preserve an error in jury instructions, “objection must be made to any instruction given, whether in UJI Civil or not; or, in ease of a failure to instruct on any point of law, a correct instruction must be tendered, before retirement of the jury.” Moreover, the objection cannot be made in general terms. It is necessary to inform the trial court of the specific error so it may have the opportunity to correct the error. Echols v. N.C. Ribble Co., 85 N.M. 240, 246, 511 P.2d 566, 572 (Ct.App.1973). The trial court in this case was not sufficiently advised of the specific error Defendants raise on appeal; thus, we do not reach the issue of whether any inconsistency resulted in reversible error. Punitive Damages {12} Defendants next argue that the trial court erred, as a matter of law, by not rejecting claims for punitive damages based on the conduct of Roy or managerial employees of Murphy. Defendants make three arguments in support of this issue. First, Defendants contend that there was insufficient evidence to find them vicariously liable for punitive damages based on Roy’s conduct because he did not have sufficient discretionary or policy-making authority to speak and act for Murphy. Second, Defendants state there was insufficient evidence to find liability on the basis of the conduct of Murphy’s managerial employees. Third, Defendants argue that the award violated due process. Substantial Evidence to Support an Award of Punitive Damages {13} In reviewing a substantial evidence claim, “[t]he question is not whether substantial evidence exists to support the opposite result, but rather whether such evidence supports the result reached.” Las Cruces Prof'l Fire Fighters v. City of Las Cruces, 1997-NMCA-044, ¶ 12,123 N.M. 329, 940 P.2d 177. “Additionally we will not reweigh the evidence nor substitute our judgment for that of the fact finder.” Id. “Jury instructions become the law of the case against which the sufficiency of the evidence is to be measured.” State v. Smith, 104 N.M. 729, 730, 726 P.2d 883, 884 (Ct.App. 1986). {14} As we have already stated, the court instructed the jury on two grounds for awarding punitive damages. It was instructed that it could award punitive damages if it found “that the conduct of Murphy Enterprises, Inc. and Spectacular Attractions, Inc. was reckless or wanton.” It also instructed that the jury could award punitive damages based on Roy’s conduct if it found that Roy was “acting in the scope of his employment” with Defendants and “had sufficient discretionary or policy-making authority to speak and act for them with regard to the conduct at issue, independently of higher authority” or if Defendants “in some way authorized, participated in or ratified the conduct” of Roy. {15} The court correctly instructed the jury that “[a] corporation can act only through its officers and employees. Any act or omission of an officer or an employee of a corporation, within the scope or course of his or her employment, is the act or omission of the corporation.” Reckless conduct was correctly defined as “the intentional doing of an act with utter indifference to the consequences,” and wanton conduct was correctly defined as “the doing of an act with utter indifference to or conscious disregard for a person’s safety.” {16} When the jury instructions provide two alternative bases for awarding punitive damages, we will uphold the jury verdict if there is substantial evidence in the record to support either. Because there was sufficient evidence to support an award of punitive damages based on Defendants’ conduct separate from any acts or omissions of Roy, we do not address the alternative basis. As Plaintiff points out, in determining whether Defendants had the requisite culpable mental state to support an award of punitive damages, this Court views “the actions of the employees in the aggregate.” Clay v. Ferrellgas, Inc., 118 N.M. 266, 270, 881 P.2d 11, 15 (1994). {17} The jury had before it the following evidence of Defendants’ reckless or wanton conduct. Under their contract with the State Fair, Defendants were granted the éxelusive right to operate the midway in 1998, when this accident occurred. Under that contract, Defendants agreed to inspect all rides operating at the Fair on a daily basis. Defendants also agreed to keep their Attractions and Support Equipment in a good and safe state of repair and upkeep, use every known practicable safety device for the protection and safety of passengers and the public, and not bring onto the New Mexico State Fairgrounds, or operate thereon, any Attraction or Support Equipment which may be deemed by the Fair to be unsafe, inappropriate, illegal, or otherwise objectionable. It appears that Defendants did not view the Cliff Hanger as falling within this requirement because it was owned by Butler. However, Butler had leased the Cliff Hanger to Defendants, and Defendants paid all expenses associated with the ride and retained all the proceeds. Butch Butler, the owner of the Cliff Hanger, who had leased the ride to Defendants, testified that once the ride reached the State Fair, Defendants “had full control of it, whatever they did, where it sat, what time they were going to open up, what time they closed, the employees, [they] had full control.” {18} While there was evidence that Defendants conducted daily inspections of rides they considered their own, there was evidence that they never inspected the Cliff Hanger or any other independent ride. Richard Dueberry, one of Defendants’ ride superintendents, testified that Defendants bore no responsibility for the independent rides. Dueberry admitted that Defendants did not instruct the operators of independent rides on inspection procedures. In fact, Due-berry testified that he assumed it was not his job to perform spot safety checks on independently owned rides, and he instructed his employees that they were not responsible for the independent rides. The ride superintendent also testified that he never inspected the Cliff Hanger, that he did not know how much training the operator had, and that Defendants had not told him that he had a responsibility to completely inspect the Cliff Hanger. {19} One of Defendants’ ride supervisors testified that he had “absolutely nothing to do with the independent rides” and did not “have to do a damn thing” to ensure that the independent ride operators were complying with the State Fair rules. The supervisor testified that Defendants’ employees had “absolutely nothing to do with the independent rides from other shows or their operation or their set-up or their ride operators or their tear-down, period,” and Gerald Murphy, Sr.’s son, Jerry, admitted that Defendants did nothing to train any operators of independent rides at the fair or to check the equipment, that Defendants had no system in place to inspect independent rides, and that it was possible that Defendants’ employees never inspected the Cliff Hanger during the 1998 State Fair. {20} There was also evidence that Defendants failed to provide a sufficient number of qualified personnel to maintain and operate the Cliff Hanger, especially considering its long hours of operation, and that some workers who were sent to help smelled of alcohol and had difficulty walking. Roy testified that Defendants did not seem to have much interest in the way he operated the Cliff Hanger. One of Defendants’ employees hired to assist Roy in operating the Cliff Hanger testified that he was frequently the only one working on the ride, as Roy and Worley were frequently asleep under the ride, and that he never saw anyone other than Roy conduct a safety inspection of the ride. Thus, there was evidence that Defendants did not properly oversee the Cliff Hanger’s operation. {21} Gerald Murphy, Sr. testified that Defendants’ personnel did not verify the qualifications of operators sent by Butler, but took it for granted that Butler would send qualified people. He also acknowledged that he mostly stayed in his office while at the fair so that no one would see him. His testimony indicated that he did not respect the general manager of the State Fair, and this attitude was reflected in the testimony of one of his ride supervisors, who complained that the general manager “rode around in her golf cart, and made sure everyone obeyed the rules, as far as dress and uniform, da-da, dada, da-da.” {22} Thus, our review of the record leads us to the conclusion that there was substantial evidence from which the jury could conclude that Defendants demonstrated an utter indifference to the consequences or a conscious disregard for public safety when they failed to conduct the required inspections and abdicated their responsibility to operate the Cliff Hanger in a safe manner. As a result, there was evidence to support a finding that Defendants’ conduct was reckless or wanton, justifying an award of punitive damages. Reasonableness of Punitive Damage Award {23} Defendants argue briefly that the punitive damages awarded against them are unreasonable in relation to the reprehensibility of their conduct. Defendants correctly point out that we review the reasonableness of a punitive damage award de novo. Aken v. Plains Elec. Generation & Transmission Coop., Inc., 2002-NMSC-021, ¶ 17, 132 N.M. 401, 49 P.3d 662. “Any doubt in the mind of the appellate court concerning the question of what appropriate damages may be in the abstract, or owing to the coldness of the record, should be resolved in favor of the jury verdict.” Id. ¶ 19. In undertaking a de novo review, we consider three criteria: 1) the degree of reprehensibility of the defendant’s misconduct; 2) the disparity between the harm (or potential harm) suffered by the plaintiff and the punitive damages award; and 3) the difference between the punitive damages awarded by the jury and the civil penalties authorized or imposed in comparable cases. Id. ¶ 20 (citing BMW of N. Am., Inc. v. Gore, 517 U.S. 559, 574-75, 116 S.Ct. 1589, 134 L.Ed.2d 809 (1996)). Defendants’ argument focuses only on the first factor, citing Aken for the principle that the reprehensibility of the conduct is, perhaps, the most important guidepost in the analysis. See Aken, 2002-NMSC-021, ¶ 21, 132 N.M. 401, 49 P.3d 662. In analyzing the reprehensibility of a defendant’s conduct, our Supreme Court discussed the relevance of whether the defendant had notice of the wrongfulness of his conduct to the constitutionality of a large punitive damage award. Id. {24} In this case, Defendants failed to comply with the terms of their contract with the New Mexico State Fair and with the Carnival Ride Insurance Act, Sections 57-25-2(E) and 57-25-3(E), which required Defendants to conduct daily inspections of the rides. Because the purpose of such inspections is to prevent the type of harm that occurred in this case, and because the responsibility to conduct such inspections was set forth in the contract and statute, Defendants cannot claim to be surprised by a large award of punitive damages, especially when the result of such a failure was so tragically predictable. In addition, as Plaintiff points out, the punitive damage award was only 3.79 times Defendants’ portion of the award of compensatory damages. As the United States Supreme Court stated in State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. v. Campbell, 538 U.S. 408, 424-25, 123 S.Ct. 1513, 155 L.Ed.2d 585 (2003), it has been reluctant to ATLER v. MURPHY Cite as 136 N.: set “concrete constitutional limits” on the ratio between compensatory and punitive damages. However, the Court wrote that “in practice, few awards exceeding a single-digit ratio between punitive and compensatory damages, to a significant degree,' will satisfy due process.” Id. at 425,123 S.Ct. 1513. In this case, the award was within the constitutional parameter indicated by the Supreme Court. We conclude that Defendants’ conduct was sufficiently reprehensible to justify the award of punitive damages and was not excessive. Plaintiffs Settlement with Other Defendants {25} Defendants argue that Plaintiffs jury award should have been offset by the amount Plaintiff received in settlement with the other defendants who were originally in the ease. Defendants argued below, and now on appeal, that under NMSA 1978, § 41-3^1 (1947), A release by the injured person of one joint tortfeasor, whether before or after judgment, does not discharge the other tortfeasors unless the release so provides; but reduces the claim against the other tortfeasors in the amount of the consideration paid for the release, or in any amount or proportion by which the release provides that the total claim shall be reduced, if greater than the consideration paid. Both parties agree that under Hinger v. Parker & Parsley Petroleum Co., 120 N.M. 430, 447-48, 902 P.2d 1033, 1050-51 (Ct.App. 1995), a credit for amounts paid by other defendants is improper if the verdict is based on principles of comparative fault. Thus, Defendants’ argument presumes that the verdict was based on principles of joint and several liability and not comparative fault. [15] {26} Defendants premise their argument that they are entitled to offset the amount of Plaintiffs settlement with the other defendants from the jury verdict on the assertion that Plaintiff argued at trial that Defendants had a non-delegable duty to insure Vanessa Atler’s safety and were therefore liable for any and all damages suffered. ENTERPRISES, INC. 7Q9 VI. 701 (App.) Plaintiffs argument to the jury, however, that the non-settling Defendants were 100% at fault, is not sufficient to support Defendants’ argument that the case was tried and the jury instructed on a theory of joint and several liability. As Plaintiff argues in her answer brief, all Plaintiffs claims for joint and several liability were dismissed before trial, and the case was tried on the basis of comparative fault, an argument supported by the record, which shows that the special verdict forms requested by both parties instructed the jury to apportion damages based on principles of comparative fault. [16] {27} Defendants argue in their brief in chief that Instruction 24, which instructed the jury not to consider evidence that had been introduced of Plaintiffs settlement with other defendants in determining a damages award against Defendants, was almost identical to the uniform instruction to be used in cases of when a joint tortfeasor has been released. As Plaintiff points out, however, Defendants never made this argument below and thus have not preserved this issue for appeal. See Woolwine, 106 N.M. at 496, 745 P.2d at 721. We also note that, in their reply brief, Defendants have not replied to Plaintiffs arguments that this issue was not preserved. [17] {28} Because we do not find support in the record for Defendants’ contention that this case was presented to the jury on a theory of joint and several liability, this case is controlled by Hinger, which holds that there is no right to reduction of a jury award based on out-of-court settlements when the case is tried on a theory of comparative fault. Hinger, 120 N.M. at 447-48, 902 P.2d at 1050-51 (citing NMSA 1978, § 41-3A-1(E) (1987), and Wilson v. Galt, 100 N.M. 227, 232, 668 P.2d 1104, 1109 (CtApp.1983)). Accordingly, we affirm the district court’s ruling that Defendants were not entitled to offset from the jury verdict the amount of Plaintiffs settlement with the other defendants. The Special Verdict Form [18,19] {29} Defendants argue that the trial court erred by refusing to list Defen- dant SCI on the special verdict form as one of the defendants to whom the jury could allocate fault. It is well settled that if a legal theory is supported by the evidence, a party is entitled to have the jury instructed on that theory. Thompson Drilling, Inc. v. Romig, 105 N.M. 701, 705, 736 P.2d 979, 983 (1987). As this Court has previously stated, we review the trial court’s refusal to include a non-party on a verdict form to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to state a claim for the non-party’s negligence. See Jaramillo v. Kellogg, 1998-NMCA-142, ¶ 5,126 N.M. 84, 966 P.2d 792. However, whether sufficient evidence exists to support a claim or defense is a question of law. In re Estate of Kimble, 117 N.M. 258, 260, 871 P.2d 22, 24 (Ct.App.1994); see also State v. Apodaca, 118 N.M. 762, 766, 887 P.2d 756, 760 (1994) (stating that a sufficiency of the evidence review involves a two-step process: viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict, then making a legal determination of “whether the evidence viewed in this manner could justify a finding by any rational trier of fact that each element of the crime charged has been established beyond a reasonable doubt”) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). {30} To prove SCI’s negligence, Defendants would have had to show that SCI had a duty recognized by law, that SCI breached its duty, and that the breach proximately caused Vanessa Atler’s injuries. See Jaramillo, 1998-NMCA-142, ¶ 7, 126 N.M. 84, 966 P.2d 792. In this case, the trial court refused to include SCI on the special verdict form because there were “causation and proximate causation and independent intervening cause problems with Safety Counseling and having any liability in this case.” {31} Defendants argue that apportionment of fault is a factual question for the jury to consider, and rely on Yardman v. San Juan Downs, Inc., 120 N.M. 751, 756, 906 P.2d 742, 747 (Ct.App.1995), to argue that sufficient evidence of SCI’s negligence existed to send the issue to the jury. Defendants argue that evidence of SCI’s negligence in two areas was presented at trial: that Plaintiffs experts testified that SCI’s inspection of the Cliff Hanger was inadequate, and that SCI was negligent in not recommending the installation of a safety cable to backup the single point suspension, which would have prevented the accident. Defendants point out that another of Plaintiffs experts testified that the inspection should have been conducted by safety design engineers and that SCI’s employees were not qualified and conducted the inspections negligently. Defendants argue there was also evidence that SCI only conducted a visual inspection of the bolts instead of using a torque wrench or other tool. {32} In response, Plaintiff argues that this case can be distinguished from Yardman, in which a jockey who was injured when the horse he was riding threw him against a post and track railing sued the race track. Yardman, 120 N.M. at 755, 906 P.2d at 746. In Yardman, there was evidence that the jockey, who had participated in more than seventy-five races at the track, was negligent in riding at the track because he was aware of the dangerousness of the track conditions. Id. at 755-57, 906 P.2d at 746-48. Thus, this Court determined that the jury should have received the requested comparative negligence instruction. {33} Plaintiff contends that the district court correctly refused to include SCI on the special verdict form in this case because there was no evidence that SCI knew the bolt was loose or missing at the time of its inspection or that SCI’s failure to point out the lack of a safety cable caused the accident. She points out that the last day on which SCI conducted inspections at the State Fair was September 15, 1998 when Don Becker, who was on the special verdict form, took over inspections. The accident in this case did not occur until eleven days later, on September 26, 1998. Plaintiff argues that Defendants concede that there is no evidence of when the bolt became loose and fell out, and thus it cannot be demonstrated that SCI was negligent in not finding the loose or missing bolt. In addition, Plaintiff argues that Don Becker informed Defendants that the Cliff Hanger had no safety cable and that Defendants did not act on the information. Thus, Plaintiff -asserts that SCI’s failure to warn Defendants was not the proximate cause of the áceident. {34} We agree with Defendants that issues of negligence and proximate cause are generally questions of fact. Herrera v. Quality Pontiac, 2003-NMSC-018, ¶¶ 6, 8, 134 N.M. 43, 73 P.3d 181. However, as we stated earlier, the question of whether sufficient evidence exists to state a claim for pegligence is one of law. In re Estate of Kimble, 117 N.M. at 260, 871 P.2d at 24. We first address whether there was evidence that SCI’s failure to recommend the installation of a safety cable constituted negligence that proximately caused Vanessa Atler’s injuries. Under the facts of this ease, Defendants’ argument is unpersuasive. Viewing the facts in a light most favorable to upholding the jury-verdict, we are compelled to agree with Plaintiff that because Don Becker, who conducted inspections after SCI had completed its inspections, informed a Murphy employee of the absence of a backup safety strap, any negligence on SCI’s part was cured by Becker’s action and thus was not the proximate cause of Vanessa Atler’s injuries. {35} In addition, we are not persuaded that Defendants met their burden of showing that SCI was negligent in failing to detect the loose bolt or that any negligence proximately caused Vanessa Atler’s injuries. As Plaintiff points out, Defendants did not demonstrate that the bolt was loose at the time that SCI was conducting inspections. Nor do we believe that the testimony of Robert Coil, the owner of Dartron, supports Defendants’ argument. Coil testified that it was “impossible” to determine how long it took for the bolt to work its way out of the ride and speculated that “an opinion might be that it took several days to work its way out.” Viewing this testimony in a light most favorable to upholding the jury verdict, we agree with Plaintiff that this testimony is too speculative to support a claim that any negligence on SCI’s part was a proximate cause of Vanessa Atler’s injuries. {36} Accordingly, we affirm the trial court’s ruling that there was insufficient evidence of comparative negligence to include SCI on the special verdict form. Evidence of Subsequent Remedial Measures {37} During trial, Defendants sought to introduce evidence that after the accident, the manufacturer of the Cliff Hanger, Dartron, had made changes to the safety manual that instructed operators about conducting a safety check and had modified the ride itself by installing a backup safety strap. Defendants sought to introduce this evidence to demonstrate that some of the fault for Vanessa Atler’s injuries should be attributed to Dartron. The parties acknowledge that some evidence of Dartron’s subsequent remedial measures was initially admitted into evidence. Subsequently, however, the court reconsidered its ruling and then instructed the jury not to consider subsequent remedial measures as evidence of negligence. {38} The admission or exclusion of evidence is reviewed for abuse of discretion. Coates v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 1999-NMSC-013, ¶ 36, 127 N.M. 47, 976 P.2d 999. A trial court abuses its discretion when it applies an incorrect standard. N.M. Right to Choose/NARAL v. Johnson, 1999-NMSC-028, ¶ 7, 127 N.M. 654, 986 P.2d 450. Under Rule 11-407 NMRA, evidence of measures taken after an event “which, if taken previously, would have made the event less likely to occur, ... is not admissible to prove negligence.” However, in Couch v. Astee Industries, Inc., 2002-NMCA-084, ¶ 26, 132 N.M. 631, 53 P.3d 398, we stated that the prohibition against evidence of subsequent remedial measures set out in Rule 11-407 does not apply to measures taken by non-defendants, such as Dartron. {39} Plaintiff does not argue that the court was correct in excluding the evidence. She simply argues that Defendants have not demonstrated that they were prejudiced by the exclusion of evidence of subsequent remedial measures made by Dartron. Plaintiff argues that because evidence of the measures was introduced earlier in trial, the excluded evidence was cumulative, and Defendants have not shown that they were prejudiced by the exclusion. She notes that in closing arguments both she and Defendants agreed that Defendants were negligent, and the jury attributed 30% of the fault to Dartron. Thus, Plaintiff argues that any error does not justify reversal. Defendants argue that the court’s instruction to the jury not to consider evidence of remedial measures, in effect, eradicated any evidence that had been admitted earlier and that they were prejudiced by this complete exclusion. They contend that the exclusion of evidence of remedial measures by Dartron was highly prejudicial because “[i]t provided extremely persuasive corroboration to the opinions of the experts that there was a design defect, and that the accident would not have occurred if it had been designed in accordance with the subsequent repair.” They state that evidence of subsequent remedial measures would have demonstrated how easily Dartron could have improved the safety of the Cliff Hanger. Failing to include this evidence, Defendants argue, “undermined the jury’s negligence calculus and apportionment of fault.” {40} As our Supreme Court wrote in Kennedy v. Dexter Consolidated Schools, 2000-NMSC-025, ¶ 26, 129 N.M. 436, 10 P.3d 115 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted), “[i]n civil litigation, error is not grounds for setting aside a verdict unless it is inconsistent with substantial justice or affects the substantial rights of the parties.” Under this standard, we are not persuaded that Defendants were prejudiced by the exclusion of evidence of subsequent remedial measures. Although the jury was instructed not to consider evidence of remedial measures, it heard evidence to support a finding that Dartron was negligent. Gary Thompson, Plaintiffs expert engineer, testified that the Cliff Hanger was “unsafe to operate as it was built and assembled and allowed to operate at the state fair[.]” Thompson testified that there were problems with the way the bolt was designed and secured. He also testified that he would have set up an inspection requirement and that a backup safety strap would have prevented the car from falling. Robert Coil testified that the Cliff Hanger did not contain a backup safety strap that was used on another Dartron ride, the Star Trooper. Joel Roy testified that Coil told him that Dartron would take full responsibility for the accident, that the ride had been badly designed, and that Roy had not been required to inspect the bolt that had fallen out of the ride. Bradford Mosher, state ride inspector for Florida, testified that had he been inspecting the Cliff Hanger, he would have asked the operator and his supervisor if it should have had a safety cable because in his opinion all rides like the Cliff Hanger, which have single-point suspension, should have that type of backup safety device. {41} In closing argument, Defendants argued to the jury that they should find Dartron 50% negligent for Vanessa Atler’s injuries. They emphasized that Coil told Roy that the accident was Dartron’s fault. They stressed that Thompson testified that the ride had been badly designed and should have had a safety strap. Although Defendants were not permitted to refer to any changes Dartron made to the Cliff Hanger after the accident, they were permitted to argue in closing that the manual that Roy used to inspect the ride did not require him to look at the bolt that fell out. Defendants argued at length that Dartron used the manual to train Butler, who then gave the manual to Roy. They also told the jury, without objection, that there were two manuals, “the manual that was made afterwards and the manual before,” and that the jury would see that the earlier version included “no provision for inspecting this bolt.” Defendants also pointed out that installation of a backup safety strap was not new technology, but had been used on an earlier ride manufactured by Dartron. Having asked the jury to attribute 50% of the fault to Dartron, Defendants asked them to attribute 25% of the fault to Don Becker, the inspector for the State Fair, and 25% to Defendants and Butler, attributing 15% and 10% to those parties, depending on whom the jury believed employed Roy. {42} In light of all this evidence presented of Dartron’s fault, we cannot say that Defendants were prejudiced because the trial court instructed the jury not.to'consider evidence that Dartron had subsequently added a safety cable and rewritten their manual. We therefore hold that Defendants were not prejudiced by the trial court’s instruction to the jury that it should not consider subsequent remedial measures in determining negligence. Conclusion {43} We hold that the trial court did not err in instructing the jury on-the standard for punitive damages and that the award of punitive damages was supported by substantial evidence and did not violate due process. We also hold that the trial court correctly determined Defendants were not entitled to offset Plaintiffs settlement from the jury award and did not err in omitting SCI from the special verdict form. Finally, we hold that Defendants were not prejudiced when the trial court instructed the jury not to consider evidence of subsequent remedial measures in determining Dartron’s comparative fault. Accordingly, we affirm. {44} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: MICHAEL D. BUSTAMANTE and CELIA FOY CASTILLO, Judges.
[ -0.04454503580927849, -0.022119563072919846, -0.020913373678922653, 0.012928021140396595, 0.025034409016370773, -0.01811337098479271, 0.03457794338464737, 0.0387774221599102, -0.007343207020312548, -0.016224343329668045, 0.00026497209910303354, 0.039756037294864655, -0.06450393795967102, 0.028348000720143318, -0.0424138605594635, 0.052330903708934784, 0.06667450070381165, -0.01398930698633194, -0.013591046445071697, -0.0077932667918503284, 0.0009075075504370034, -0.04899982362985611, 0.00525212986394763, 0.04480759799480438, -0.0181651059538126, -0.013963826932013035, 0.026205427944660187, 0.01498047448694706, -0.05271480605006218, -0.005765104200690985, 0.022856269031763077, 0.008212958462536335, -0.031019316986203194, 0.006731714121997356, -0.03502776101231575, -0.007680112030357122, -0.01642022095620632, -0.016860121861100197, -0.029867427423596382, 0.02716543897986412, -0.012886501848697662, 0.021877648308873177, -0.035753145813941956, -0.02549573965370655, -0.021806828677654266, 0.016503512859344482, 0.047158606350421906, 0.023504074662923813, -0.012309451587498188, 0.01210895273834467, -0.11365436762571335, 0.023337991908192635, -0.06211894750595093, 0.03935358673334122, -0.03111293911933899, -0.003563340287655592, -0.041459716856479645, -0.04600707069039345, -0.018429145216941833, -0.04529688134789467, 0.021313585340976715, 0.005080677568912506, 0.09073353558778763, -0.012438435107469559, -0.017099138349294662, 0.011902601458132267, 0.02661846950650215, 0.032762810587882996, -0.0330972783267498, -0.022381823509931564, -0.010248742997646332, 0.011081608012318611, 0.05322681739926338, -0.017074275761842728, 0.02010347880423069, -0.0568913109600544, -0.011069142259657383, 0.00448237918317318, -0.0024367780424654484, 0.044489119201898575, 0.04751267656683922, -0.00054740539053455, 0.06582048535346985, 0.05495829880237579, -0.001379960449412465, -0.03671165555715561, -0.034186385571956635, -0.041396185755729675, -0.06692912429571152, 0.04815998300909996, -0.03624070808291435, -0.01735413819551468, -0.001391303725540638, 0.05241132900118828, 0.0038720136508345604, -0.008640341460704803, 0.08719659596681595, -0.022527355700731277, 0.02930430695414543, 0.012670501135289669, -0.014915555715560913, -0.03401191532611847, 0.006105216220021248, 0.03027639538049698, -0.09034213423728943, -0.018261447548866272, 0.00004197670932626352, -0.0017443967517465353, 0.004944999236613512, 0.029294196516275406, -0.025471702218055725, 0.005556708201766014, -0.03451395034790039, -0.032941654324531555, -0.05927913263440132, 0.05127169191837311, 0.019578132778406143, -0.021954942494630814, -0.01867428794503212, -0.002999803749844432, 0.04049888625741005, -0.00039144293987192214, 0.009899420663714409, 0.0832996517419815, -0.010179124772548676, 0.041703563183546066, -0.0010520919458940625, 0.029288869351148605, -0.021333295851945877, -0.06412996351718903, 0.023066679015755653, 0.03812330961227417, -0.025762062519788742, -0.0024672960862517357, -0.02020668424665928, -0.022623887285590172, 0.028151830658316612, -0.02022167667746544, 0.02070954069495201, -0.02850923128426075, -0.013971516862511635, -0.03900281339883804, -0.007861641235649586, 0.011270282790064812, 0.05164745822548866, -0.04048699885606766, 0.023762963712215424, -0.004923574160784483, -0.044320520013570786, 0.02104661613702774, 0.004828896373510361, 0.022614415735006332, -0.030406244099140167, -0.021732669323682785, 0.01669916696846485, 0.05865680053830147, 0.08913878351449966, -0.00987911131232977, -0.030752593651413918, 0.04616512730717659, 0.03732999414205551, 0.008432254195213318, 0.0015545969363301992, 0.007393981795758009, -0.012409099377691746, 0.034352853894233704, -0.004649276379495859, -0.023204240947961807, -0.0200529582798481, 0.0020151950884610415, -0.027696354314684868, -0.018145330250263214, 0.03608613833785057, -0.04860597476363182, 0.008300450630486012, -0.028342539444565773, 0.05094005912542343, 0.025017132982611656, 0.02844013273715973, -0.022912658751010895, -0.0601324625313282, 0.03429538756608963, -0.01701425202190876, 0.03766913712024689, -0.008345340378582478, -0.036392271518707275, 0.04845184460282326, -0.023310843855142593, -0.003764539724215865, -0.02337867021560669, -0.07998283952474594, -0.03819171339273453, -0.004259082954376936, -0.05227884650230408, 0.06935115158557892, -0.014898085966706276, -0.01846824586391449, 0.0027585814241319895, 0.015906576067209244, 0.02683865837752819, -0.004311366472393274, 0.018056068569421768, 0.054442934691905975, -0.03118254989385605, -0.07993157207965851, 0.03669038787484169, 0.05645300820469856, -0.006662747822701931, 0.013904893770813942, 0.03780132159590721, -0.017373666167259216, 0.03161456063389778, 0.04217609018087387, 0.00021012846264056861, 0.03216582536697388, -0.046540841460227966, 0.05841265246272087, -0.011751288548111916, 0.038452357053756714, -0.04866069555282593, 0.04356580600142479, 0.02257639728486538, -0.020516756922006607, 0.03973798081278801, -0.044906944036483765, 0.10945083945989609, 0.03793701156973839, -0.0373058058321476, -0.003226084401831031, 0.04502551630139351, -0.02081785723567009, 0.01104041002690792, 0.014881111681461334, 0.015557491220533848, 0.046522095799446106, 0.010117004625499249, -0.014803505502641201, -0.00541480490937829, 0.03547007963061333, -0.06600170582532883, 0.0061031244695186615, 0.029877351596951485, -0.02115562930703163, 0.07966810464859009, -0.015485796146094799, -0.018200069665908813, 0.016124343499541283, -0.015538359060883522, -0.06052754819393158, -0.05056954175233841, 0.02736455202102661, 0.002860562177374959, 0.02586447261273861, 0.003541820915415883, 0.037653811275959015, -0.02767452970147133, -0.04405510425567627, -0.007621027994900942, 0.01536510605365038, 0.02287089079618454, 0.02920871414244175, 0.03410458564758301, -0.004887383431196213, -0.03172960504889488, -0.022282695397734642, -0.06054720655083656, -0.026207957416772842, 0.020091507583856583, -0.007217410486191511, 0.023043543100357056, 0.035543423146009445, -0.004861180204898119, 0.0067160106264054775, 0.004088112618774176, -0.017380112782120705, 0.05454344302415848, 0.03776323422789574, -0.021233325824141502, 0.006315591745078564, 0.004834470339119434, -0.021617788821458817, 0.020245570689439774, -0.03276548534631729, -0.05376000702381134, 0.04296424984931946, -0.012717148289084435, -0.0013465131632983685, -0.047872066497802734, -0.05547957122325897, 0.04465185105800629, 0.02203083038330078, -0.011337808333337307, -0.015259651467204094, 0.017874637618660927, -0.009247832000255585, 0.04068795219063759, 0.04460040107369423, 0.05923203378915787, 0.0064200665801763535, -0.03778482973575592, -0.018436478450894356, 0.0028136696200817823, -0.0019391521345824003, 0.0009473912068642676, 0.020856240764260292, 0.035172633826732635, -0.0361965037882328, 0.004177985247224569, -0.2597387433052063, -0.016725918278098106, 0.001823627040721476, -0.05383962020277977, 0.024393782019615173, -0.010178927332162857, 0.03031124547123909, 0.013635916635394096, -0.013318072073161602, 0.03213232010602951, 0.033863749355077744, -0.01612607203423977, 0.006082652136683464, 0.021348265931010246, 0.039767976850271225, -0.03567948192358017, 0.011313281953334808, -0.028364868834614754, -0.002948939800262451, 0.003765724366530776, 0.03982863947749138, -0.09094277769327164, -0.08721762895584106, -0.006580001674592495, 0.04148034751415253, 0.08505445718765259, -0.03537137061357498, 0.016071563586592674, -0.07666531205177307, -0.014265082776546478, 0.02314344234764576, -0.020660005509853363, -0.040036290884017944, -0.05173873156309128, 0.006449849810451269, -0.008818838745355606, -0.007392806001007557, -0.037409570068120956, -0.0020651319064199924, 0.0049821301363408566, -0.02943990007042885, -0.036301933228969574, -0.011694454587996006, -0.0023726709187030792, 0.03534981980919838, -0.017698826268315315, -0.022186599671840668, 0.013797535561025143, -0.0029607617761939764, 0.06018804386258125, 0.022640230134129524, 0.03528827428817749, -0.02533205971121788, 0.03630508854985237, -0.0258431788533926, -0.011857995763421059, -0.0801737904548645, -0.005494533572345972, -0.0433502197265625, 0.06609349697828293, 0.0015652428846806288, -0.03678532689809799, -0.07970070093870163, -0.011725395917892456, -0.03524142876267433, -0.04109460487961769, -0.03572026267647743, -0.03851822018623352, 0.06810176372528076, -0.016002198681235313, 0.011287515051662922, 0.03172551840543747, -0.024631710723042488, -0.07063033431768417, 0.0030185177456587553, 0.015229355543851852, 0.01271086186170578, -0.029857760295271873, -0.0050169057212769985, 0.007877175696194172, 0.0005040919641032815, -0.054718978703022, 0.03282137215137482, -0.0010293383384123445, -0.015401811338961124, 0.007572905160486698, 0.004982663318514824, 0.06141746789216995, -0.015974950045347214, -0.009939326904714108, 0.03602418303489685, 0.029323529452085495, -0.029043104499578476, -0.00577526492998004, 0.0011241446482017636, 0.047527700662612915, 0.0032446717377752066, -0.041220445185899734, 0.0041987113654613495, -0.00783597957342863, 0.03230530768632889, -0.0855361670255661, 0.06609400361776352, -0.0278933085501194, -0.031405363231897354, 0.00778236286714673, -0.03058445267379284, -0.0193888358771801, 0.05707477405667305, -0.011338483542203903, 0.04197550565004349, -0.02155786007642746, 0.058723125606775284, -0.026797734200954437, 0.008398202247917652, -0.02911868318915367, 0.03132258355617523, 0.031213980168104172, 0.0030959679279476404, 0.035016462206840515, 0.02110479399561882, 0.0024698982015252113, -0.05967461317777634, -0.01949208602309227, -0.06296661496162415, 0.004599419888108969, 0.040574345737695694, 0.021453088149428368, 0.042595554143190384, 0.015332739800214767, -0.04216868057847023, 0.03379218280315399, 0.0027104855980724096, 0.032138701528310776, -0.00919037964195013, -0.0026897001080214977, -0.03438574820756912, -0.03208227828145027, 0.020556548610329628, -0.006844431161880493, 0.05153130367398262, 0.015072344802320004, 0.006627499125897884, 0.009226596914231777, 0.03212856501340866, -0.008950624614953995, -0.021985752508044243, -0.029619809240102768, -0.02668270282447338, 0.04263683781027794, 0.02738460712134838, -0.027257254347205162, 0.00017710941028781235, -0.06941280514001846, -0.056982897222042084, -0.007813551463186741, 0.02083803154528141, -0.02590729109942913, -0.004953157156705856, -0.043008800595998764, 0.014933202415704727, -0.001269975327886641, -0.0021241805516183376, -0.008554375730454922, -0.00901979859918356, 0.075651615858078, 0.017449088394641876, -0.0031691354233771563, -0.023594697937369347, 0.014066606760025024, -0.022327635437250137, -0.02512781322002411, -0.01000304240733385, -0.005466679111123085, 0.030655033886432648, 0.026975397020578384, -0.023914221674203873, -0.019921479746699333, 0.06368996948003769, 0.03887348622083664, -0.024906164035201073, -0.008451919071376324, -0.007130059413611889, -0.005191102623939514, 0.011862830258905888, -0.009317045100033283, -0.00116306624840945, -0.04522144794464111, -0.01488154660910368, -0.01158337201923132, -0.002655605785548687, -0.012628138065338135, -0.01715768128633499, 0.039606884121894836, -0.07493328303098679, -0.06356151401996613, 0.006381735671311617, -0.0302530899643898, 0.038544680923223495, 0.02100938744843006, -0.022012274712324142, -0.03298426792025566, -0.014899162575602531, -0.004909259267151356, -0.013925458304584026, -0.06185777112841606, -0.016854986548423767, 0.015051646158099174, 0.037503644824028015, 0.017167143523693085, -0.07691403478384018, -0.034438397735357285, -0.003488479880616069, 0.040852680802345276, 0.045369427651166916, -0.08901283144950867, 0.045747607946395874, -0.0810241624712944, -0.012912322767078876, 0.01982419565320015, 0.03512047976255417, -0.05158539488911629, -0.04700469225645065, -0.04075997695326805, -0.06213242560625076, 0.04148224741220474, -0.006756140850484371, -0.06571505963802338, 0.019705774262547493, -0.028788594529032707, -0.0025066498201340437, -0.018505124375224113, 0.011797783896327019, 0.05140402540564537, -0.017772426828742027, 0.0009148131939582527, -0.025985145941376686, 0.0032361105550080538, -0.03780589997768402, 0.02674291841685772, 0.042135756462812424, 0.039798930287361145, 0.015892114490270615, -0.05680672824382782, -0.01772460900247097, -0.0022998969070613384, 0.0005728346877731383, 0.03110923059284687, 0.0025901226326823235, 0.07847022265195847, -0.03483952581882477, 0.023126892745494843, -0.033489685505628586, 0.03271142393350601, 0.018021071329712868, -0.052602268755435944, -0.008964015170931816, 0.009796195663511753, -0.011119038797914982, 0.016251543536782265, -0.02129361778497696, 0.07246516644954681, -0.018172182142734528, -0.004219056572765112, 0.012507759965956211, 0.07176637649536133, -0.01436866819858551, -0.007689149584621191, 0.04093276709318161, -0.08172863721847534, 0.034101955592632294, -0.07749549299478531, -0.0010785358026623726, -0.01158344279974699, 0.05009981617331505, 0.05106942728161812, 0.018644971773028374, -0.05950329080224037, 0.045564375817775726, -0.0805586725473404, -0.01774006150662899, 0.036801405251026154, -0.036393824964761734, -0.0221399012953043, 0.030252061784267426, -0.046953778713941574, 0.039476435631513596, 0.004768401850014925, -0.0942048653960228, -0.018779374659061432, -0.026079008355736732, 0.010756985284388065, 0.014714159071445465, -0.0010130014270544052, -0.011788389645516872, -0.027473490685224533, 0.06959589570760727, 0.04955316334962845, -0.021686285734176636, 0.046085186302661896, -0.045329637825489044, 0.040317386388778687, -0.033017173409461975, -0.03459552302956581, -0.012954688630998135, -0.002622229978442192, 0.003503370564430952, -0.053114406764507294, 0.033386047929525375, 0.0338519848883152, -0.05159122124314308, -0.06268227100372314, 0.03322204202413559, 0.03924977034330368, -0.026754658669233322, 0.004258898086845875, -0.00962015613913536, -0.01692781038582325, -0.0038600952830165625, -0.002575583290308714, 0.026241909712553024, 0.017218684777617455, 0.08260157704353333, 0.013354535214602947, 0.05850132554769516, 0.028240881860256195, -0.008300725370645523, 0.021429263055324554, 0.030530882999300957, 0.08012926578521729, 0.07007869333028793, 0.01593434065580368, 0.013625559397041798, 0.04167643189430237, -0.024722658097743988, -0.029467860236763954, 0.03563196584582329, -0.015007130801677704, -0.00201649428345263, -0.05053740367293358, 0.005405679810792208, 0.01235443539917469, 0.022649042308330536, 0.045290011912584305, 0.04291520267724991, 0.02411884441971779, 0.04588055983185768, -0.01727144792675972, 0.03542131185531616, 0.032455578446388245, 0.02446652390062809, -0.04872315004467964, 0.04000120609998703, -0.043326765298843384, 0.03927837312221527, 0.04543111100792885, -0.02265753783285618, -0.009563947096467018, -0.03707972541451454, 0.024782046675682068, 0.0023171601351350546, 0.004371983464807272, 0.05866644158959389, -0.018467171117663383, 0.004125742241740227, -0.015241342596709728, 0.000369882007362321, 0.015085686929523945, -0.03186006471514702, 0.01867322064936161, 0.0007719214772805572, -0.0454808808863163, -0.040861569344997406, 0.00958595797419548, 0.060921311378479004, 0.03276936709880829, 0.056083597242832184, -0.03296790271997452, 0.029424626380205154, 0.029609864577651024, 0.024383751675486565, -0.023169688880443573, -0.025220962241292, -0.005460305139422417, 0.003175396705046296, -0.0582791268825531, 0.027027012780308723, 0.039796680212020874, -0.005654989276081324, -0.03254987671971321, 0.013032222166657448, -0.013154762797057629, -0.0062307813204824924, 0.028055457398295403, -0.05382154881954193, 0.02653750404715538, 0.024746723473072052, 0.013233999721705914, 0.007290808483958244, 0.03273772448301315, 0.07305371016263962, 0.04052254557609558, -0.040360454469919205, 0.02746463567018509, 0.007522332947701216, 0.04349729046225548, -0.035394348204135895, 0.03329221531748772, -0.07571704685688019, 0.0012775856303051114, 0.011950534768402576, 0.0023599176201969385, -0.06448060274124146, 0.045532673597335815, -0.00996248610317707, -0.08271092921495438, 0.04181929677724838, 0.03555526211857796, -0.02462608925998211, -0.037710752338171005, -0.03056163154542446, 0.0034726327285170555, -0.024788610637187958, 0.055015601217746735, -0.026559291407465935, 0.0427883118391037, 0.026971537619829178, -0.004565396811813116, -0.03384969383478165, 0.05642310157418251, 0.02366415411233902, -0.017425039783120155, -0.049535397440195084, 0.03239898756146431, -0.023112118244171143, -0.06775673478841782, -0.03263133019208908, 0.019316496327519417, -0.0142948217689991, -0.01740472950041294, -0.017447762191295624, 0.009858788922429085, 0.0013255077647045255, -0.03988282009959221, 0.0198983121663332, 0.01347037497907877, -0.032036192715168, -0.024364646524190903, -0.04993605241179466, 0.005639937706291676, -0.0026944666169583797, 0.0303797610104084, -0.014460754580795765, -0.03591037541627884, 0.01648024097084999, -0.03692011535167694, 0.022335540503263474, -0.004444702062755823, 0.02031703107059002, -0.020209643989801407 ]
OPINION WECHSLER, Chief Judge. {1} The State of New Mexico appeals the district court’s grant of Defendant’s motion to suppress evidence because Defendant was driving on a road within the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation and was stopped by a New Mexico state police officer. The State argues that the district court erred in concluding that there was no agreement be tween the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and/or the Mescalero Apache Tribe and the New Mexico state police authorizing the state police to patrol the Mescalero Reservation. In the alternative, the State argues that even if there was no agreement authorizing the state police to patrol the Mescalero Reservation, the state police officer who arrested Defendant conducted a citizen’s arrest. Because we conclude that the officer was without authority to enforce Mescalero tribal traffic ordinances and because the State did not preserve its remaining argument, we affirm. Factual and Procedural History {2} The facts are not in dispute. On August 31, 2002, New Mexico State Police Officer Gerard Silva was patrolling Highway 70 in the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation. He observed Defendant driving 45 mph in a 35 mph zone on Mescalero 6, which is not within a state right-of-way and is not maintained by the state. Officer Silva turned on his emergency lights and pursued Defendant, who pulled over a short time later on Highway 244, a state road not located on the Mescalero Reservation. Officer Silva observed Defendant “staggering” and “swaying” as he emerged from his vehicle. The events following the stop resulted in Defendant being charged with DWI, driving with a suspended or revoked license, two counts of resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer, and one count of speeding. {3} Defendant filed a motion to suppress evidence, arguing that Officer Silva’s initial traffic stop was unlawful because, as a New Mexico state police officer, Officer Silva did not have authority to enforce Mescalero Apache traffic ordinances. At the hearing on the motion, Officer Silva testified that he believed he had “full, unfettered authority” to conduct traffic stops within the reservation. Officer Silva also testified that he patrolled the Mescalero Reservation at the request of the Mescalero tribal police. Officer Silva stated that his captain had been asked by the tribe to have state police officers patrol the reservation in order to augment tribal police, who were shorthanded. {4} The State also called Chief Morgan Troy Bolen as a witness. Chief Bolen testified that he was a BIA officer and additionally acted as Chief of Police for the Mescalero Tribe. Chief Bolen stated that after he became Chief of Police in 1999, he determined that he did not have a sufficient number of officers to patrol the reservation. He therefore entered into an informal verbal agreement with the New Mexico state police and the Otero County Sheriffs Office. According to Chief Bolen, the agreement was an “open invitation” to the state and county officers to patrol highways on the Mescalero Reservation. Under the agreement, when a state police officer makes a stop on the reservation, the officer must determine whether the individual is a Native American. If the person is Native American, the individual is cited to tribal court; if not, the individual is cited to state court. Chief Bolen also testified that the tribal council members and tribal courts were aware of, and did not object to, the informal verbal agreement. {5} On cross-examination, Chief Bolen acknowledged that as a BIA officer he was an employee of the federal government, and, based on 25 U.S.C. §§ 2802, 2803 (1990), the BIA had authority to patrol the reservation. Chief Bolen also acknowledged that he was unaware of any authority authorizing the informal agreement he described. At the conclusion of his testimony, the State argued that Officer Silva had authority to stop Defendant on tribal land because (1) the State has jurisdiction over victimless crimes by non-Indians, (2) there was sufficient evidence of an informal agreement between the state police and the Mescalero Tribe conveying authority to Officer Silva, and (3) the agreement did not infringe on the authority of the tribe. Defendant argued that evidence should be suppressed because neither Congress nor the Mescalero Tribe expressly authorized state police officers to patrol highways on reservation land and because there was no legal authority for the informal agreement. {6} The district court took the issue under advisement and asked the parties to brief the applicability of 25 U.S.C. § 2804 (2000) and whether it authorized the informal agree ment upon which the State relies. Because the State indicated that there might possibly be a written form of the agreement, the district court allowed the State two weeks to produce the agreement in written form. The State never produced the agreement and instead argued that no agreement was necessary because Defendant was a non-Indian and New Mexico has exclusive jurisdiction over non-Indians on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. The district court found that there was no written agreement and that Officer Silva was not commissioned to enforce ordinances of the Mescalero Tribe. As a result, the district court concluded that Officer Silva “was without authority to stop” Defendant and granted Defendant’s motion to suppress. Authority to Enforce Tribal Traffic Ordinances {7} The State argues that the district court erred in concluding that there was no agreement between the BIA and/or the Mescalero Tribe and the New Mexico state police authorizing the state police to patrol the reservation. It contends that there was an actual verbal agreement made by Chief Bolen, which was accepted implicitly by the Mescalero Tribe. Because the State never produced a written agreement, the issue in this case is whether a verbal agreement between the BIA and/or the Mescalero tribal police and the New Mexico state police, and a lack of objection to such an agreement on the part of the Mescalero tribal leaders, is legally sufficient to confer upon the New Mexico state police the authority to enforce tribal traffic ordinances on tribal land. {8} In reviewing the district court’s grant of Defendant’s motion to suppress, “[w]e review the district court’s ruling ... to determine whether the law was correctly applied to the facts, viewing the facts in the light most favorable to the prevailing party.” State v. Cline, 1998-NMCA-154, ¶6, 126 N.M. 77, 966 P.2d 785. We review the legal issue of whether the district court correctly determined that a verbal agreement is insufficient to confer authority upon the New Mexico state police under a de novo standard of review. See State v. Nieto, 2000-NMSC-031, ¶ 19, 129 N.M. 688, 12 P.3d 442 (observing that application of law to facts is subject to de novo review). {9} The State does not cite any authority generally giving the New Mexico state police jurisdiction or authority to enforce tribal laws on tribal lands. However, § 2804(a) authorizes the BIA to enter into agreements with state law enforcement personnel for the purpose of aiding in enforcement of federal or tribal law within a reservation. Similarly, the New Mexico Mutual Aid Act authorizes “mutual aid agreements” for law enforcement purposes between state agencies and tribal governments or the BIA. NMSA 1978, § 29-8-3 (1971) (Mutual aid agreements). {10} Section 2804(a) states in pertinent part: The Secretary may enter into an agreement for the use ... of the personnel or facilities of a Federal, tribal, State, or other government agency to aid in the enforcement or carrying out in Indian country of a law of either the United States or an Indian tribe that has authorized the Secretary to enforce tribal laws. We agree with the State that Chief Bolen, as a BIA employee, ostensibly had the authority to enter into an agreement contemplated by § 2804. See 25 U.S.C. § 2803(8) (2000) (stating that the Secretary of Interior may authorize employees of the BIA to “when requested, assist ... any Federal, tribal, State, or local law enforcement agency in the enforcement or carrying out of [tribal law]”). The question remains as to whether § 2804 authorizes verbal agreements. We do not believe that it does. {11} Our duty, when interpreting federal statutes, is to give effect to the intent of the legislative body. State v. Cleve, 1999-NMSC-017, ¶ 15, 127 N.M. 240, 980 P.2d 23. In this instance, we endeavor to give effect to the intent of Congress. Great Am. Ins. Co. v. Brown, 86 N.M. 336, 339, 524 P.2d 199, 202 (Ct.App.1974) (Hendley, J., specially concurring). When doing so, we may find guidance in federal case law interpreting federal statutes. See id. at 340, 524 P.2d at 203 (relying on “principle[s] of federal statutory interpre tation” to aid in construing a federal statute which granted the United States exclusive jurisdiction over Indians residing on Indian land). {12} There is no express language within § 2804, and the State cites to no authority, indicating that Congress intended to grant the BIA authority to enter into verbal or implicit agreements. See N.M. Cattle Growers Ass’n v. United States Fish & Wildlife Serv., 248 F.3d 1277, 1281 (10th Cir.2001) (stating that an appellate court’s primary task in construing statutes is to determine congressional intent by using traditional tools of statutory interpretation beginning with the plain language of the law); United States v. Hess, 194 F.3d 1164, 1170 (10th Cir.1999) (stating that when construing a federal statute, a court will “give effect to the will of Congress, and where its will has been expressed in reasonably plain terms, that language must ordinarily be regarded as conclusive” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). {13} It makes sense that Congress intended agreements entered into under § 2804 be written. Such agreements involve the law enforcement obligations and relationships of federal, state, and tribal governmental entities. We would not expect that Congress would intend that existing obligations and relationships be modified without the formality of a writing for the protection of each of the entities. We also would expect that Congress would intend that issues of jurisdiction be formally set forth because of the effect of jurisdictional boundaries on the rights of citizens subject to the laws of the interested government entities. Cf. Chem. Weapons Working Group, Inc. v. United States Dep’t of the Army, 111 F.3d 1485, 1490 (10th Cir. 1997) (stating that statutes are not to be construed in a manner that would lead to an irrational result). Therefore, because of the parties involved and the subject matter of an agreement under § 2804, we cannot accept the State’s expansive interpretation of the statute without a clearer indication of congressional intent. Cf. DeVargas v. Mason & Hanger-Silas Mason Co., 911 F.2d 1377, 1388 (10th Cir.1990) (declining to imply that Congress intended that a statute be applied retroactively when Congress chose to remain silent on that issue). {14} Moreover, the State’s position is not supported under New Mexico law. The State characterizes the verbal agreement between the New Mexico state police and the Mescalero Tribe as an “implicit agreement.” The Mutual Aid Act states: Any state, county or municipal agency having and maintaining peace officers may enter into mutual aid agreements with any public agency as defined in the Mutual Aid Act [29-8-1 NMSA 1978], with respect to law enforcement, provided any such agreement shall be approved by the agency involved and the governor. Section 29-8-3. Similar to our interpretation of § 2804, we believe that because the Mutual Aid Act addresses governmental agencies and their exercise of law enforcement jurisdiction, the legislature intended that a mutual aid agreement be written. Moreover, by adding the limiting language that mutual aid agreements must be approved by both the agency involved and the governor of the State of New Mexico, we believe that the legislature contemplated a written agreement. Otherwise, there would be too much opportunity for misconstruction. We must be mindful of our duty when interpreting statutes to “find that interpretation which can most fairly be said to be imbedded in the statute in the sense of being most harmonious with its scheme and with the general purpose of the legislature.” Smith Mach. Corp. v. Hesston, Inc., 102 N.M. 245, 247, 694 P.2d 501, 503 (1985) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). {15} The legislature’s intent with regard to the validity of verbal mutual aid agreements can also be discerned from looking to a statute similar to the Mutual Aid Act. See State v. Ogden 118 N.M. 234, 243, 880 P.2d 845, 854 (1994) (stating that “[sjtatutes on the same general subject should be construed by reference to each other, the theory being that the court can discern legislative intent behind an unclear statute by reference to similar statutes where legislative intent is more clear”) (citation omitted). NMSA 1978, § 29-1-11(B) (2002) governs “cross commissioning” of peace officers. The statute states in pertinent part: The chief of the state police is granted authority to issue commissions as New Mexico peace officers to members of the police or sheriffs department of any New Mexico Indian tribe or pueblo or a law enforcement officer employed by the bureau of Indian affairs to implement the provisions of this section. The procedures to be followed in the issuance and revocation of commissions and the respective rights and responsibilities of the departments shall be set forth in a written agreement to be executed between the chief of the state police and the tribe or pueblo or the appropriate federal official. Id. It is inconsistent for the legislature to require a written agreement for the issuance of a cross commission under Section 29-1-11 between state law enforcement and Indian tribal police officers and not require a written agreement for mutual aid agreements under Section 29-8-3. Cf. State v. Herrera, 86 N.M. 224, 226, 522 P.2d 76, 78 (1974) (“We will not construe statutes to achieve an absurd result.”). {16} Officer Silva initially stopped Defendant for speeding on the Mescalero Reservation. Because Officer Silva did not have authority to enforce Mescalero tribal traffic ordinances, the district court did not err in granting Defendant’s motion to suppress. Unpreserved Issue {17} The State argues for the first time on appeal that even if there is no agreement authorizing the state police to patrol the Mescalero Reservation, Officer Silva had authority because he was conducting a citizen’s arrest. Because the State did not raise this issue below, it was not preserved and we do not consider it. See State v. Vandenberg, 2003-NMSC-030, ¶ 52,134 N.M. 566, 81 P.3d 19 (“To preserve a question for review it must appear that a ruling or decision by the district court was fairly invoked.” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)); State v. Javier M., 2001-NMSC-030, ¶ 8, 131 N.M. 1, 33 P.3d 1 (same). Conclusion {18} The district court did not err in granting Defendant’s motion to suppress. Accordingly, we affirm the district court’s decision. {19} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: LYNN PICKARD and MICHAEL E. VIGIL, Judges.
[ -0.008003415539860725, -0.02661299519240856, 0.0003100275935139507, 0.03464093804359436, 0.034303370863199234, -0.0325702428817749, 0.07408368587493896, 0.010736269876360893, 0.02660117857158184, -0.05549196898937225, 0.02677791938185692, 0.05612398311495781, -0.025854531675577164, 0.07548700273036957, -0.020735928788781166, 0.06663649529218674, 0.05264102295041084, 0.022972937673330307, 0.009166548028588295, -0.0210887398570776, 0.042112287133932114, -0.013480217196047306, 0.024905653670430183, 0.03731201961636543, 0.021395299583673477, 0.033289942890405655, 0.014727359637618065, -0.015038135461509228, -0.05279087647795677, -0.001203116960823536, 0.0730401873588562, -0.024196192622184753, -0.007540619932115078, 0.004011520650237799, -0.005121530964970589, 0.03575539588928223, -0.03247680887579918, -0.01494461391121149, -0.018465613946318626, 0.03090207651257515, -0.02660796046257019, 0.027845628559589386, -0.03239576891064644, -0.02487614005804062, -0.04479294642806053, 0.0006164249498397112, 0.015995865687727928, 0.03164871409535408, -0.055354174226522446, -0.0021379217505455017, -0.08652245253324509, 0.010800430551171303, 0.006392787676304579, 0.026962079107761383, 0.017871785908937454, 0.011286857537925243, -0.08267871290445328, -0.0888797789812088, 0.007436160929501057, -0.009317629970610142, 0.052267711609601974, -0.013807638548314571, 0.03838125988841057, -0.00937421154230833, 0.007167366798967123, -0.029753897339105606, 0.017222806811332703, 0.05261712893843651, -0.003081558970734477, -0.03567539528012276, -0.029689986258745193, 0.009017476812005043, -0.007234134245663881, -0.002904353430494666, -0.007531128358095884, -0.040527813136577606, 0.022828370332717896, 0.038191068917512894, -0.007610594853758812, 0.039298269897699356, 0.02278810553252697, -0.03925808146595955, 0.03236212581396103, 0.037281475961208344, -0.03968683257699013, -0.06224564090371132, -0.027055565267801285, -0.03421056643128395, -0.03820148855447769, 0.018334398046135902, -0.05263926833868027, -0.019392745569348335, 0.03778494894504547, 0.04869382083415985, 0.0373227633535862, -0.024041133001446724, 0.07876121252775192, -0.055620282888412476, 0.042109619826078415, -0.005498080980032682, 0.036871183663606644, -0.04688626527786255, 0.034501247107982635, 0.09768807888031006, -0.06226901710033417, -0.0069955140352249146, -0.016018828377127647, -0.0095963841304183, -0.02803889848291874, -0.00867823138833046, -0.00511038675904274, 0.011328177526593208, -0.006158080417662859, -0.030774373561143875, -0.04389842599630356, 0.06508950144052505, 0.042004454880952835, -0.055085908621549606, 0.0028780444990843534, 0.018307533115148544, 0.026820950210094452, 0.036607466638088226, 0.021077554672956467, 0.07980471104383469, 0.01265550684183836, 0.012096164748072624, 0.005590425804257393, 0.03171514719724655, -0.04884908348321915, -0.07445361465215683, -0.019543156027793884, 0.039958655834198, 0.05531042069196701, 0.006087190005928278, -0.0011220835149288177, -0.05711806192994118, 0.005282763857394457, -0.04333572834730148, 0.026977838948369026, -0.038723792880773544, -0.0079885832965374, -0.010983153246343136, 0.02383248694241047, 0.006718560121953487, 0.0608292892575264, -0.003966798074543476, 0.016225840896368027, -0.03521175682544708, -0.028908008709549904, -0.03372354060411453, 0.010902952402830124, 0.0016461351187899709, -0.007762981113046408, -0.03369893133640289, -0.021327245980501175, 0.014538101851940155, 0.06481309235095978, -0.015357708558440208, 0.0027341912500560284, 0.030183155089616776, 0.040868740528821945, -0.0014910229947417974, 0.01872790791094303, -0.017488306388258934, -0.00821541715413332, 0.016980363056063652, -0.015424222685396671, 0.027515294030308723, -0.011560820043087006, 0.07289506494998932, -0.03946711868047714, -0.04642471298575401, 0.03495987877249718, -0.03136998414993286, -0.013292035087943077, 0.010451902635395527, 0.03852911293506622, 0.013837556354701519, 0.025928661227226257, -0.00036319682840257883, -0.07424033433198929, 0.014176763594150543, 0.005660053808242083, -0.011425884440541267, -0.049517277628183365, -0.00004388365778140724, 0.06680217385292053, -0.0014872533502057195, 0.012722741812467575, -0.036105573177337646, -0.056096501648426056, -0.010961784049868584, 0.04380206763744354, -0.019997620955109596, 0.0564192458987236, 0.03444686159491539, -0.006541708949953318, 0.017018508166074753, 0.0011082749115303159, 0.0520169697701931, 0.02577495202422142, 0.026854069903492928, 0.0943293571472168, -0.016841590404510498, -0.07643771171569824, 0.06070473790168762, 0.04308318346738815, -0.014839565381407738, 0.020669961348176003, 0.05650527775287628, -0.05428741127252579, 0.012946067377924919, 0.00024287427368108183, 0.013153310865163803, 0.011255449615418911, -0.013796409592032433, 0.03496815264225006, -0.04883943498134613, 0.04903128370642662, -0.044973224401474, 0.0461893305182457, -0.03683329001069069, -0.06232384219765663, 0.059372447431087494, -0.033461086452007294, 0.09204710274934769, 0.061883341521024704, -0.018691036850214005, -0.00902895350009203, 0.025087902322411537, -0.01778377592563629, 0.0021737925708293915, 0.013052195310592651, 0.025431649759411812, 0.04555780440568924, -0.000998375122435391, 0.03880491852760315, 0.006501147989183664, 0.02305850014090538, -0.024665512144565582, 0.0025341424625366926, 0.005105234682559967, 0.019760366529226303, 0.05761940777301788, -0.04548047110438347, 0.014992881566286087, 0.027501117438077927, 0.0014463776024058461, 0.0038947132416069508, -0.04253869876265526, 0.018702300265431404, 0.012920578010380268, 0.020752528682351112, -0.038682721555233, 0.026784729212522507, -0.07404247671365738, -0.027251435443758965, -0.05147996172308922, 0.06200461834669113, 0.0411241240799427, 0.030998962000012398, 0.0401700995862484, -0.010582872666418552, -0.023241687566041946, -0.04651965573430061, -0.07671348750591278, -0.007134334649890661, 0.03866644948720932, -0.009835758246481419, 0.048129063099622726, 0.02840488590300083, 0.01435825601220131, 0.046122949570417404, -0.0016262027202174067, 0.0054007722064852715, 0.050066567957401276, 0.0084550641477108, 0.020871741697192192, -0.030317487195134163, 0.030561577528715134, 0.004012636840343475, 0.027275489643216133, -0.00893939845263958, -0.034050386399030685, 0.009841999970376492, -0.04400121048092842, 0.03652074560523033, -0.04594757780432701, -0.051290906965732574, 0.039069242775440216, 0.025032544508576393, 0.015910524874925613, -0.01348831132054329, -0.01120071206241846, 0.007590199820697308, 0.016602467745542526, 0.007289031986147165, 0.023111550137400627, 0.0494624488055706, -0.029730746522545815, 0.002601749962195754, 0.005949209909886122, 0.016485704109072685, 0.0063658906146883965, 0.0017904879059642553, 0.0005151374498382211, -0.01847945712506771, 0.008873464539647102, -0.23587489128112793, 0.05410385504364967, -0.02827797643840313, -0.049420300871133804, 0.016545169055461884, -0.005420224741101265, 0.012940928339958191, -0.0331440269947052, -0.01721949689090252, 0.036539170891046524, -0.008599118329584599, 0.007303434424102306, 0.03770513832569122, 0.05521629750728607, 0.02447136491537094, -0.045485008507966995, -0.014569137245416641, -0.034021005034446716, 0.016607088968157768, 0.03375260531902313, -0.00022969735437072814, -0.010960635729134083, -0.0003526990476530045, -0.03672976791858673, 0.055134549736976624, 0.06558825075626373, -0.045762013643980026, 0.012276739813387394, -0.058611366897821426, -0.016780534759163857, -0.006197168026119471, 0.0021553952246904373, -0.007453129161149263, -0.00782900769263506, -0.043270181864500046, 0.014801093377172947, -0.0015550891403108835, -0.027491264045238495, -0.029124706983566284, 0.01047493051737547, -0.007462465204298496, -0.036592062562704086, 0.01796979084610939, -0.011676089838147163, 0.04654588922858238, 0.013543188571929932, -0.051500558853149414, 0.014190318062901497, 0.02983342669904232, 0.03968494385480881, -0.03943433240056038, 0.025752536952495575, -0.04033268243074417, -0.003089405130594969, -0.03901371359825134, 0.011480070650577545, -0.042789679020643234, -0.0010406514629721642, -0.06642445176839828, 0.05297462269663811, 0.015794523060321808, -0.06750974804162979, -0.05953151732683182, -0.04835226759314537, -0.012712819501757622, -0.06405013799667358, -0.02930852770805359, -0.05370880290865898, 0.0583934485912323, 0.02516898885369301, 0.040001146495342255, 0.04350682720541954, -0.037669047713279724, -0.0839703232049942, 0.008807116188108921, -0.03316878527402878, -0.0077405995689332485, -0.05392320454120636, -0.04678249731659889, 0.025205079466104507, 0.001383126829750836, -0.000056049171689664945, 0.021864555776119232, -0.0050522079691290855, -0.011547927744686604, 0.006336824968457222, 0.028846029192209244, 0.02641747146844864, -0.02642514742910862, -0.005487668793648481, 0.057771019637584686, 0.052248500287532806, 0.005010510794818401, -0.008084419183433056, 0.03327152505517006, 0.03094768524169922, -0.02117711678147316, -0.004822504706680775, -0.02145734429359436, -0.0161023810505867, 0.04171231761574745, -0.05469702184200287, 0.055995162576436996, -0.024679621681571007, 0.016316602006554604, 0.0584740974009037, -0.0032326052896678448, 0.007128740660846233, 0.06335575133562088, 0.006523470394313335, 0.028756100684404373, -0.015184138901531696, 0.04714474827051163, -0.04206026718020439, 0.007518250495195389, -0.035264402627944946, 0.017921404913067818, 0.005944761447608471, 0.02807297371327877, -0.0004702530859503895, 0.0060256109572947025, 0.009039193391799927, -0.06851980090141296, -0.01866753213107586, -0.07336333394050598, 0.008606907911598682, 0.015317249111831188, 0.03570612147450447, 0.011006665416061878, 0.02954399399459362, -0.06307772547006607, -0.007182176224887371, -0.002445485210046172, 0.016002584248781204, 0.0056516132317483425, -0.0029460955411195755, -0.030561385676264763, -0.04262589290738106, 0.0009743518312461674, 0.003270853543654084, 0.021989425644278526, 0.0013101770309731364, 0.04296932741999626, 0.018303673714399338, 0.03737877309322357, -0.006005791015923023, -0.01489185355603695, -0.03857326880097389, -0.0352025106549263, 0.035388149321079254, 0.05626621097326279, -0.034973643720149994, -0.011391687206923962, -0.0374910905957222, -0.025970807299017906, -0.011188896372914314, 0.022120146080851555, 0.023793380707502365, -0.03192536160349846, -0.04080763831734657, -0.015380652621388435, -0.01764216460287571, -0.002277406631037593, -0.03734659403562546, -0.031145500019192696, 0.07500344514846802, -0.010927394963800907, -0.007918589748442173, 0.015026923269033432, -0.003805015468969941, 0.0205976739525795, -0.08941907435655594, -0.0339379720389843, 0.0016948599368333817, -0.010865462943911552, 0.028308197855949402, -0.02371254190802574, 0.01281067542731762, -0.0019337607081979513, 0.02399877831339836, -0.0046598766930401325, -0.020262332633137703, -0.03156430274248123, -0.007034596521407366, 0.01980314776301384, -0.03562774881720543, -0.0026123621501028538, -0.07110890746116638, 0.004192708060145378, -0.013365809805691242, -0.0038501855451613665, 0.0027440148405730724, -0.04728183150291443, 0.01442219503223896, -0.04182278737425804, -0.0747290775179863, 0.05350162461400032, -0.028452087193727493, 0.03731878474354744, -0.006853878032416105, 0.026529422029852867, -0.011784879490733147, 0.004405240062624216, 0.004067133646458387, -0.004510004073381424, -0.052586667239665985, 0.002958965487778187, 0.022171324118971825, -0.013307150453329086, 0.022322628647089005, -0.055946674197912216, -0.029551073908805847, -0.04114513471722603, 0.041953474283218384, 0.0456819050014019, -0.07653949409723282, 0.03169514238834381, -0.023612771183252335, 0.0026097765658050776, 0.030078338459134102, 0.03108237311244011, -0.012341161258518696, -0.02517685480415821, 0.006060540676116943, -0.015226118266582489, 0.05484159663319588, -0.043612077832221985, 0.0020582550205290318, 0.04576202854514122, -0.05423019081354141, -0.00006356238009175286, -0.033923979848623276, -0.010834882967174053, 0.02616390958428383, -0.02686016634106636, -0.011291815899312496, -0.011278128251433372, -0.037807680666446686, -0.016560934484004974, 0.07441149652004242, 0.009998827241361141, 0.03471215069293976, -0.034344520419836044, -0.03538062423467636, -0.009348628111183643, -0.0020892613101750612, 0.022621331736445427, -0.004394718445837498, -0.021832074970006943, 0.07967786490917206, -0.034100402146577835, -0.008438287302851677, -0.004889529198408127, -0.028705038130283356, 0.037353720515966415, -0.019846662878990173, -0.012743783183395863, -0.0029401660431176424, -0.008122432045638561, 0.021586911752820015, -0.008211023174226284, 0.009625434875488281, -0.0072089629247784615, -0.03342203423380852, -0.0037344247102737427, -0.002931100782006979, -0.026355206966400146, -0.01967940293252468, 0.04010875150561333, -0.09409252554178238, -0.005287074483931065, -0.11304190009832382, 0.00238546053878963, -0.022342830896377563, 0.022784428671002388, 0.04579772427678108, 0.014289763756096363, -0.007775783538818359, 0.020160509273409843, -0.07016365975141525, -0.03368460386991501, 0.0015654440503567457, 0.010515376925468445, -0.03764653205871582, 0.014211258850991726, -0.04529063403606415, 0.02521786279976368, 0.03006247617304325, -0.05935406684875488, -0.038403015583753586, -0.05384618416428566, 0.020770052447915077, 0.039740078151226044, -0.003678615903481841, 0.001944125397130847, -0.0195454154163599, 0.06580646336078644, 0.06886832416057587, -0.026376422494649887, 0.0037810206413269043, -0.03858465701341629, 0.03272157534956932, 0.015907498076558113, -0.00872105360031128, -0.044632453471422195, 0.0033318609930574894, -0.014956037513911724, -0.04543115198612213, 0.04221879690885544, -0.0038267571944743395, -0.026801476255059242, -0.04621606320142746, 0.0798860639333725, 0.0031227795407176018, -0.051489006727933884, 0.0017340260092169046, 0.004027725197374821, 0.026489851996302605, -0.03367514908313751, -0.029532907530665398, 0.06498458981513977, 0.017527638003230095, 0.04881427809596062, 0.014115705154836178, 0.08545853197574615, 0.029344122856855392, -0.006648540031164885, -0.003321412019431591, -0.011099012568593025, 0.07609830796718597, 0.058602966368198395, 0.014952954836189747, -0.0015274278121069074, 0.044877614825963974, 0.001979604596272111, -0.01556180790066719, 0.02307347021996975, 0.013596497476100922, -0.021455341950058937, 0.006750601809471846, 0.023798910900950432, 0.033505842089653015, -0.03805898502469063, 0.03450144827365875, 0.0152706578373909, 0.0021966726053506136, 0.06209099292755127, -0.026425549760460854, 0.04393704980611801, 0.007924165576696396, -0.0032705599442124367, -0.03942105919122696, 0.025729164481163025, -0.009234188124537468, -0.026361940428614616, 0.019001048058271408, -0.027473293244838715, -0.016789184883236885, -0.033306438475847244, -0.03374739736318588, -0.025546738877892494, 0.004735338035970926, 0.07391336560249329, -0.035870522260665894, -0.011960343457758427, 0.01808406226336956, 0.006081321742385626, -0.019271409139037132, -0.026428811252117157, 0.012952173128724098, 0.010286851786077023, 0.043162424117326736, -0.06048383563756943, -0.02388870343565941, 0.03972766920924187, -0.013926839455962181, 0.04066965728998184, 0.001958593726158142, -0.018758920952677727, 0.03757157549262047, 0.023649927228689194, -0.05742112919688225, -0.015854308381676674, -0.051776472479104996, 0.03903872147202492, -0.05363617464900017, 0.018783360719680786, 0.04994245246052742, -0.03601505979895592, -0.05339783802628517, 0.004114433191716671, -0.016254495829343796, -0.05304894223809242, 0.010987930931150913, -0.04262096807360649, 0.008528080768883228, 0.060557182878255844, 0.03422180190682411, 0.004144171252846718, 0.03156200051307678, 0.06801588833332062, -0.007020906545221806, -0.014077886939048767, -0.021408256143331528, -0.031936414539813995, 0.028718765825033188, -0.03445150703191757, -0.006846389267593622, -0.07320307195186615, -0.01171109639108181, -0.009883538819849491, 0.009894799441099167, -0.0853009819984436, 0.03192510828375816, -0.042190201580524445, -0.017975039780139923, 0.0917506068944931, 0.003996472340077162, -0.017296940088272095, -0.030971672385931015, -0.05108319967985153, -0.038483794778585434, -0.019683651626110077, 0.086183562874794, -0.014582518488168716, 0.05016857013106346, 0.028334829956293106, 0.003879326628521085, -0.04449143260717392, 0.052510324865579605, 0.05783041939139366, -0.020718073472380638, -0.02713317982852459, 0.025553930550813675, -0.014946759678423405, -0.06675118207931519, -0.04609641805291176, -0.0039868964813649654, -0.030724428594112396, -0.06492775678634644, 0.005828117020428181, -0.006265315692871809, -0.045845527201890945, -0.04214082285761833, 0.023088926449418068, 0.008335481397807598, -0.04254421219229698, -0.0636821836233139, -0.025761382654309273, 0.031862612813711166, -0.019552595913410187, 0.01578754186630249, 0.0006446688203141093, -0.04822905734181404, -0.0026290349196642637, -0.01303431112319231, 0.01281092967838049, 0.020447377115488052, -0.0046911961399018764, -0.00018253274902235717 ]
OPINION MINZNER, Justice. {1} Defendant Mario Hector Alvarez-Lopez was convicted by a jury of aggravated burglary, contrary to NMSA 1978, § 30-16-4 (1963); conspiracy to commit burglary, contrary to NMSA 1978, § 30-28-2 (1979); and one count each of larceny over $250 and larceny of a firearm, contrary to NMSA 1978, § 30-16-1 (1987). At Defendant’s trial, the district court admitted into evidence under the hearsay exception for statements against penal interest, see Rule 11-804(B)(3) NMRA 2004, certain hearsay statements by an accomplice made while in custody. On appeal, the Court of Appeals held the admission of those statements did not violate Defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to confrontation, but the Court also held Defendant’s convictions for both larceny over $250 and larceny of a firearm violated his Fifth Amendment right not to be placed in double jeopardy. State v. Alvarez-Lopez, 2003-NMCA-039, ¶35, 133 N.M. 404, 62 P.3d 1286. Both Defendant and the State petitioned us to review the Court of Appeals’ opinion. We granted certiorari on both petitions pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 34-5-14(B) (1972) and Rule 12-502 NMRA 2004. We now consolidate the two appeals pursuant to Rule 12-202(F)(2) NMRA 2004 and reverse. {2} The parties briefed the issues on which we granted certiorari, and we heard oral argument. After oral argument and before rendering our opinion in this case, the United State Supreme Court decided Crawford v. Washington, 541 U.S. 36, 124 S.Ct. 1354, 158 L.Ed.2d 177 (2004), which substantially altered the federal Confrontation Clause analysis for statements against penal interest. Consequently we ordered supplemental briefing. In briefing, the State raised the possibility Defendant had forfeited his constitutional right to confrontation by absconding before his trial. We hold he did not. We also hold under Crawford the district court erred in admitting into evidence testimonial statements made by an accomplice inculpating Defendant. “Where testimonial evidence is at issue, ... the Sixth Amendment demands what the common law required: unavailability and a prior opportunity for cross-examination.” Id. at 1374. Finally, we hold the error was not harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. Because the issue may arise on remand, we also hold Defendant was not placed in double jeopardy by his convictions for both larceny over $250 and larceny of a firearm. As a result of our holding on Defendant’s Confrontation Clause claim, we reverse each of his convictions; however, on remand, if the State retries Defendant, the Double Jeopardy Clause does not prevent Defendant from being convicted of both larceny over $250 and larceny of a firearm. I {3} On April 19, 1993, the victim’s house was burglarized. The victim testified he was at work that day when he received a phone call informing him that someone was looking in a window of his mobile home. He drove home to cheek on the situation and when he arrived the victim saw a turquoise ear parked in front of his residence. Defendant appeared from behind the house. The victim asked him what he was doing and Defendant told the victim he was looking for someone who dealt with horses. The victim told him there were no horses there and the man got in the turquoise car and drove away. The victim then walked behind his house and encountered a man later identified as Benjamin Perches coming out of the residence carrying a tape measure and a box cutter belonging to the victim. Perches spoke only Spanish and could not say what he had been doing in the house. The victim went into the mobile home and found his VCR, shoes, and guns piled in the hallway. The victim came back outside and held Perches at gunpoint until the police arrived and arrested him. {4} At the sheriffs department, Perches waived his right to remain silent and described the burglary to Sgt. Ed Miranda. Perches claimed that Defendant wanted to burglarize a house and planned the burglary. When they got to the victim’s house, Defendant broke a window with a tire iron to gain entry into the house. Perches stated he only wanted to take a VCR and some shoes from the house, but Defendant broke into the victim’s gun cabinet and gathered rifles. While Perches was trying to take the VCR, Defendant told him, “Let’s go! Let’s go! Bring the rifles and let’s go.” As Perches was leaving the house, he was stopped and questioned by the victim. The victim went inside his house, and when he came back he held Perches at gunpoint until officers from the sheriffs department arrived. During the interrogation, Perches admitted he went into the house and took the VCR, but claimed Defendant was the one who took the rifles. {5} Defendant was indicted in April 1993. Following his indictment, Defendant absconded and was a fugitive for over seven years. In July 2000, Defendant informed the district court that he was incarcerated on federal charges. Perches had completed his prison sentence and had been deported to Mexico the previous month. The State unsuccessfully attempted to locate Perches to have him testify at Defendant’s trial. The district court found Perches’ statements to the police admissible as statements against penal interest under Rule 11-804(B)(3) and allowed Sgt. Miranda to summarize the statements to the jury. Defendant was convicted of aggravated residential burglary, conspiracy to commit residential burglary, larceny over $250, and larceny of a firearm. The Court of Appeals affirmed each conviction, other than the conviction for larceny over $250. See Alvarez-Lopez, 2003-NMCA-039, ¶ 35, 133 N.M. 404, 62 P.3d 1286. II {6} We first address the issues raised by Defendant’s appeal, arising out of the admis sion of Perches’ statements. Defendant argues his constitutional right to confrontation was violated when the district court allowed Sgt. Miranda to summarize for the jury Perches’ statements made to him during interrogation. In addressing this argument, we must determine whether Defendant forfeited his right to confrontation by absconding, whether his right to confrontation was actually violated, and, if so, whether that violation can be deemed harmless. The Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment guarantees all criminal defendants, state and federal, the right “to be confronted with the witnesses against” them. U.S. Const, amend. VI; Pointer v. Texas, 380 U.S. 400, 406, 85 S.Ct. 1065, 13 L.Ed.2d 923 (1965) (applying federal Sixth Amendment to the states). As an initial matter, we do not find it necessary in this case to interpret the Confrontation Clause of our state constitution, see N.M. Const. art. II, § 14, any more broadly than the federal Confrontation Clause. As in State v. Toney, 2002-NMSC-003, ¶ 8,131 N.M. 558, 40 P.3d 1002, we limit the following discussion to an analysis under the federal Confrontation Clause. A {7} Before turning to the merits of Defendant’s Sixth Amendment claim, we first consider whether, as the State has contended in supplemental briefing, Defendant by his wrongdoing forfeited his right to confrontation. Defendant’s trial was originally scheduled for December 9, 1993. At that time, Perches had pleaded guilty to several charges and was serving his prison sentence. The State subpoenaed Perches to be a witness against Defendant. However, Defendant failed to show up for his trial and a bench warrant was issued. Defendant was a fugitive for over seven years before personally notifying the district court and the district attorney, in July 2000, that he was incarcerated in Arizona on federal charges and wished to have his New Mexico case resolved. Perches had been deported to Mexico the previous month and was unavailable to testify at Defendant’s trial. At Defendant’s trial on November 27, 2000, the district court admitted into evidence Perches’ previous statements to the police. Based on these facts, the State argues Defendant forfeited his right to confrontation by his wrongful act of absconding. {8} The United States Supreme Court has long held a Defendant’s right to confrontation may be forfeited by his own wrongdoing. See Reynolds v. United States, 98 U.S. 145, 158, 25 L.Ed. 244 (1878). The rationale underlying such a rule of forfeiture is “the law [will not] allow a person to take advantage of his own wrong.” United States v. Mastrangelo, 693 F.2d 269, 272 (2d Cir.1982) (quotation marks and quoted authority omitted); see also United States v. Cherry, 217 F.3d 811, 815 (10th Cir.2000) (“To permit the defendant to profit from [wrongful] conduct would be contrary to public policy, common sense and the underlying purpose of the confrontation clause.”) (quotation marks and quoted authority omitted). As the Second Circuit Court of Appeals stated in Mastrangelo: [I]f a witness’ silence is procured by the defendant himself, whether by chicanery, by threats, or by actual violence or murder, the defendant cannot then assert his confrontation clause rights in order to prevent prior grand jury testimony of that witness from being admitted against him. Any other result would mock the very system of justice the confrontation clause was designed to protect. 693 F.2d at 272-73 (internal citations omitted). {9} For these reasons, the Federal Rules of Evidence were amended in 1997 to include Rule 804(b)(6), which permits the introduction of otherwise inadmissible hearsay when the “statement [is] offered against a party that has engaged or acquiesced in wrongdoing that was intended to, and did, procure the unavailability of the declarant as a witness.” Rule 804(b)(6) “was intended to codify the waiver-by-miseonduct rule as it was applied by the courts at that time.” United States v. Dhinsa, 243 F.3d 635, 653 (2d Cir.2001). The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals has thus applied Rule 804(b)(6) in determining when a criminal defendant is estopped by his or her wrongdoing from objecting to the admission of certain hearsay statements on Confrontation Clause grounds. See Cherry, 217 F.3d at 816 (reading Rule 804(b)(6) “to permit the admission of those hearsay statements that would be admissible under the constitutional doctrine of waiver by misconduct”) (emphasis added). We recognize Rule 804(b)(6) is a federal rule of evidence that has not been adopted into our rules of evidence; however, we are bound to apply federal law in determining the minimum level of a criminal defendant’s constitutional right to confrontation. State v. Javier M., 2001-NMSC-030, ¶24, 131 N.M. 1, 33 P.3d 1. Consistent with Cherry, we rely on the terms of Rule 804(B)(6) in determining whether Defendant has forfeited his federal right to confrontation by absconding and remaining a fugitive for seven years. {10} The burden is on the State to show by a preponderance of the evidence that Defendant forfeited his right to confrontation by his misconduct. Dhinsa, 243 F.3d at 653; see also Fed.R.Evid. 804(b)(6) advisory committee’s note (“The usual Rule 104(a) preponderance of the evidence standards has been adopted in light of the behavior the new Rule 804(b)(6) was designed to discourage.”). The elements that must be shown for Rule 804(b)(6) to apply are: (1) the declarant was expected to be a witness; (2) the declarant became unavailable; (3) the defendant’s misconduct caused the unavailability of the declarant; and (4) the defendant intended by his misconduct to prevent the declarant from testifying. See generally Fed.R.Evid. 804(b)(6) (including forfeiture by wrongdoing as an exception to the hearsay rule when the defendant is unavailable); see also James F. Flanagan, Forfeiture By Wrongdoing and Those Who Acquiesce in Witness Intimidation: A Reach Exceeding Its Grasp and Other Problems with Federal Rule of Evidence 801(b)(6), 51 Drake L.Rev. 459, 479-87 (2003). {11} The State clearly established the first element. The record shows Perches was subpoenaed to be a witness against Defendant at his original trial in 1993. The parties dispute each of the remaining elements. As for the second element of Rule 804(b)(6)— which is the unavailability of the declarant— Defendant argues the State failed to show Perches was deported before being notified by Defendant that he was incarcerated. According to Defendant, the State could have attempted to either schedule a trial date before Perches was deported or prevent the deportation of Perches until after Defendant’s trial. Furthermore, Defendant argues that even if the State did not receive the notice from Defendant prior to Perches’ deportation, the State still failed to show it made a reasonable effort to locate Perches. It is unclear from the record how aggressively the State attempted to locate Perches; however, we do note that any efforts by the State may have been futile. See United States v. Theresius Filippi, 918 F.2d 244, 246 n. 2 (1st Cir.1990) (“The United States has no subpoena power over a foreign national in a foreign country.”). We assume for the purposes of this analysis that Perches was unavailable to testify at Defendant’s trial. {12} We now address the third element of Rule 804(b)(6), which is whether the defendant’s misconduct caused the declarant’s unavailability. The State argues Defendant’s act of absconding and remaining a fugitive for seven years caused Perches’ unavailability. The State’s argument is based on the fact that if Defendant had not absconded, Perches would have been available to testify at Defendant’s trial in 1993. We construe causation in light of the language used in the federal rule, that the defendant committed “wrongdoing that was intended to, and did, procure the unavailability of the declarant as a witness.” Fed.R.Evid. 804(b)(6) (emphasis added). Defendant’s absconding did not in any way “procure” Perches’ deportation to Mexico. Although that deportation may, in some indirect and attenuated sense, have been a consequence of Defendant having absconded, that is not a sufficient causal relationship to satisfy the rule. {13} The final element the State must show is that Defendant intended by his act of absconding to procure Perches’ unavailability. The State “need not ... show that [Defendant’s] sole motivation was to procure the declarant’s absence; rather, it need only show that the defendant ‘was motivated in part by a desire to silence the witness.’ ” Dhinsa, 243 F.3d at 654 (quoting United States v. Houlihan, 92 F.3d 1271, 1279 (1st Cir.1996)). In this ease, the State failed to show Defendant absconded with the specific intent of preventing Perches from testifying. It may be sufficient to infer under certain facts that a defendant intended by his misconduct to prevent the witness from testifying. For example, we may be able to infer a criminal defendant’s murder of a key prosecution witness was intended to prevent the witness from testifying at the defendant’s trial. Under the facts of this case, what little the record reveals, we have no basis to infer anything about Defendant’s motive in absconding and remaining a fugitive, other than the self-evident fact that he fled from the likely consequences of a successful criminal prosecution. {14} One of the primary purposes of the forfeiture by wrongdoing rule is “to deter criminals from intimidating or ‘taking care of potential witnesses.” United States v. Thompson, 286 F.3d 950, 962 (7th Cir.2002). Without a showing that Defendant intentionally prevented Perches from being a witness against him, this purpose is not served by admitting the testimony. Under these circumstances, we hold the State has not established that Defendant forfeited his right to confrontation. We now turn to the merits of Defendant’s constitutional claim. B {15} The Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment was first interpreted by the United States Supreme Court “to prevent depositions or ex parte affidavits ... [from] being used against the prisoner in lieu of a personal examination and cross-examination of the witness.” Mattox v. United States, 156 U.S. 237, 242, 15 S.Ct. 337, 39 L.Ed. 409 (1895). The Mattox Court recognized that a defendant’s general right of confrontation is not absolute and must at times surrender to other considerations of public policy and necessity. Id. at 243, 15 S.Ct. 337. Otherwise, the Confrontation Clause “would abrogate virtually every hearsay exception, a result long rejected as unintended and too extreme.” Ohio v. Roberts, 448 U.S. 56, 63, 100 S.Ct. 2531, 65 L.Ed.2d 597 (1980); accord Idaho v. Wright, 497 U.S. 805, 814, 110 S.Ct. 3139, 111 L.Ed.2d 638 (1990). The overlap between the Confrontation Clause and hearsay rules, however, has never been held to be complete. See California v. Green, 399 U.S. 149, 155-56, 90 S.Ct. 1930, 26 L.Ed.2d 489 (1970). {16} Recognizing that the Confrontation Clause may be violated even when an out-of-court statement falls within a proper hearsay exception, the Supreme Court in Roberts developed a general approach for determining whether admissible hearsay evidence is indeed a violation of the Confrontation Clause. First, a rule of necessity required the prosecution to “either produce, or demonstrate the unavailability of, the declarant whose statement it wishes to use against the defendant.” Roberts, 448 U.S. at 65,100 S.Ct. 2531. Second, after a witness was shown to be unavailable, the trial court considered whether the statement possessed adequate “indicia of reliability.” Id. at 65-66, 100 S.Ct. 2531. A hearsay statement was deemed sufficiently reliable to satisfy the Confrontation Clause when (1) the evidence fell within a “firmly rooted hearsay exception” or (2) the statement possessed “particularized guarantees of trustworthiness.” Id. at 66, 100 S.Ct. 2531. {17} In prior cases, we have evaluated our hearsay exception for statements against penal interest within this framework. Rule 11-804(B)(3) provides that a statement is not excluded by the hearsay rule if (1) the declarant is unavailable as a witness and (2) the statement “at the time of its making ... so far tended to subject the declarant to civil or criminal liability ... that a reasonable person in the declarant’s position would not have made the statement unless believing it to be true.” In State v. Torres, 1998-NMSC-052, ¶ 30, 126 N.M. 477, 971 P.2d 1267, we held this exception “is a firmly rooted exception to the hearsay rule and poses an insignificant risk of unreliability under the Confrontation Clause.” Our holding was based on the “ ‘exception’s historical longevity and widespread acceptance,’” id. (quoting State v. Ross, 1996-NMSC-031, 122 N.M. 15, 24, 919 P.2d 1080, 1089), and our belief at the time that Rule 11-804(B)(3) was “narrowly tailored in such a way as to limit admissibility to statements bearing adequate indicia of reliability.” Id. {18} Shortly after we issued our opinion in Torres, the United States Supreme Court’s opinion in Lilly v. Virginia, 527 U.S. 116, 119 S.Ct. 1887, 144 L.Ed.2d 117 (1999) forced us to reconsider our holding in Torres. In Lilly, the Supreme Court specifically addressed the application of the federal Confrontation Clause to Virginia’s statement-against-penal-interest exception. A plurality of the Supreme Court held “accomplices’ confessions that inculpate a criminal defendant are not within a firmly rooted exception to the hearsay rule as that concept has been defined in our Confrontation Clause jurisprudence.” Id. at 134,119 S.Ct. 1887 (Stevens, J., plurality) (emphasis added). Although the Lilly plurality left open the possibility such statements might be admitted if the prosecution can show they contain “particularized guarantees of trustworthiness,” as a general matter, such a showing would be possible only in the most exceptional of cases. Id. at 136, 119 S.Ct. 1887. The Court said: It is highly unlikely that the presumptive unreliability that attaches to accomplices’ confessions that shift or spread blame can be effectively rebutted ... when the government is involved in the statements’ production, and when the statements describe past events and have not been subjected to adversarial testing. Id. at 137,119 S.Ct. 1887. {19} The Supreme Court’s splintered opinion in Lilly generated much scholarly discourse and debate on the constitutionality of state hearsay rules admitting statements against penal interest, see, e.g., Sarah D. Heisler, My Brother, My Witness Against Me: The Constitutionality of the “Against Penal Interest” Hearsay Exception in Confrontation Clause Analysis, 90 J.Crim. L. & Criminology 827 (2000), as well as created confusion in state and federal courts on the admissibility of such statements, see generally Roger W. Kirst, Appellate Court Answers to the Confrontation Questions in Lilly v. Virginia, 53 Syracuse L.Rev. 87 (2003). Following Lilly, we continued to adhere to our holding in Torres that our statement-against-penal-interest exception was “firmly rooted” and thus any evidence properly admitted under Rule 11-804(B)(3) would survive constitutional scrutiny. See State v. Desnoyers, 2002-NMSC-031, ¶ 10,132 N.M. 756, 55 P.3d 968; State v. Reyes, 2002-NMSC-024, ¶40, 132 N.M. 576, 52 P.3d 948; State v. Martinez-Rodriguez, 2001-NMSC-029, ¶27, 131 N.M. 47, 33 P.3d 267; State v. Gonzales, 1999-NMSC-033, ¶ 19, 128 N.M. 44, 989 P.2d 419. {20} Recently, in Crawford, 541 U.S. at -, 124 S.Ct. at 1371, the United States Supreme Court described the Roberts framework as “so unpredictable that it fails to provide meaningful protection from even core confrontation violations.” In Crawford, the defendant had stabbed a man who allegedly tried to rape his wife. Id. at 1357. At trial, the defendant asserted self-defense, based on his belief the victim had drawn a weapon before the defendant assaulted him. Id. The defendant’s wife gave a statement to the police that cast doubt upon the self-defense claim; the wife’s statement indicated the victim reached for something only after he had been stabbed by the defendant. Id. The defendant’s wife did not testify at the trial because of the state law marital privilege. Id. The state law privilege did not extend “to a spouse’s out-of-court statements admissible under a hearsay exception.” Id. at 1358. Therefore, the trial court allowed the government to introduce the wife’s tape-recorded statements to the police as evidence the stabbing was not in self-defense on the basis the statement bore “particularized guarantees of trustworthiness.” Id. at 1358. On appeal, the Washington Supreme Court affirmed. Id. at 1358. {21} The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari to determine whether admission of the statement violated the federal Confrontation Clause. Id. at 1359. The Court distilled two fundamental principles from the history of the Confrontation Clause. “First, the principal evil at which the Confrontation Clause was directed was the civil-law mode of criminal procedure, and particularly its use of ex parte examinations as evidence against the accused.” Id. at 1363. The Court determined the Confrontation Clause was primarily concerned with “testi monial” hearsay, which, although not clearly defined in the opinion, includes “interrogations by law enforcement officers.” Id. at 1365. Second, “the Framers would not have allowed admission of testimonial statements of a witness who did not appear at trial unless he was unavailable to testify, and the defendant had had a prior opportunity for cross-examination.” Id. {22} Although, the Court believed the results of its prior Confrontation Clause decisions reflected those principles, the Court concluded its rationales did not. Id. at 1369. Specifically, the Roberts test departed from those two principles because the test was both too broad and too narrow. It was too broad because it applied “the same mode of analysis whether or not the hearsay consists of ex parte testimony.” Id. It was too narrow because “[i]t admits statements that do consist of ex parte testimony upon a mere finding of reliability.” Id. The Court noted that while the Confrontation Clause’s “ultimate goal is to ensure reliability of evidence,” the Clause demands “reliability be assessed in a particular manner: by testing in the crucible of cross examination.” Id. at 1370. The Court held: Where nontestimonial hearsay is at issue, it is wholly consistent with the Framers’ design to afford the States flexibility in their development of hearsay law — as does Roberts, and as would an approach that exempted such statements from Confrontation Clause scrutiny altogether. Where testimonial evidence is at issue, however, the Sixth Amendment demands what the common law required: unavailability and a prior opportunity for cross-examination. We leave for another day any effort to spell out a comprehensive definition of “testimonial.” Whatever else the term covers, it applies at a minimum to prior testimony at a preliminary hearing, before a grand jury, or at a former trial; and to police interrogations. These are the modern practices with closest kinship to the abuses at which the Confrontation Clause was directed. Id. at 1374 (footnote omitted). Applying this test to the facts of Crawford, the Court held the defendant made out a violation of the Sixth Amendment and reversed the judgment of the Washington Supreme Court. Id. {23} As a result of the Supreme Court’s Confrontation Clause analysis as set forth in Crawford, we must overrule Torres to the extent we held custodial confessions implicating the accused fall within a firmly rooted hearsay exception and do not violate the federal Confrontation Clause. See Torres, 1998-NMSC-052, ¶32, 126 N.M. 477, 971 P.2d 1267. We note, however, that Crawford may not be applicable to statements made to friends or acquaintances that satisfy our Rule U-804(B)(3) analysis. Crawford, 541 U.S. at-, 124 S.Ct. at 1364 (“An accuser who makes a formal statement to government officers bears testimony in a sense that a person who makes a casual remark to an acquaintance does not.”). Nevertheless, we need not address in this case the continued vitality of our Confrontation Clause opinions regarding statements against penal interest made to eodefendants, friends, family, or acquaintances. See, e.g., Gonzales, 1999-NMSC-033, ¶ 34, 128 N.M. 44, 989 P.2d 419 (distinguishing a statement made to an acquaintance from one given to the police). {24} Seen through the newly shaped lens of Crawford, the State has conceded the district court erred in admitting Perches’ statements in Defendant’s trial. The statements were made during custodial interrogation. The Crawford rule is then applicable because the statements were “testimonial.” See Crawford, 541 U.S. at-, 124 S.Ct. at 1374. It is clear from the facts that Defendant had no opportunity to cross-examine Perches at a preliminary hearing, grand jury proceeding, or otherwise on these testimonial statements. Therefore, Defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to confrontation was violated by the admission of these statements into evidence at his trial. C {25} Finally, we must determine the appropriate remedy for this constitutional error. The State argues reversal of Defendant’s convictions is unnecessary because any error in the admission of Perches’ statements was harmless. Whether the violation of a federal constitutional right is harmless is a federal question. Chapman v. California, 386 U.S. 18, 21, 87 S.Ct. 824, 17 L.Ed.2d 705 (1967). Under federal law, the burden is on the State to establish that the constitutional error in this case was “harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.” Brecht v. Abrahamson, 507 U.S. 619, 630, 113 S.Ct. 1710, 123 L.Ed.2d 353 (1993). Federal constitutional error cannot be deemed harmless if “ ‘there is a reasonable possibility that the evidence complained of might have contributed to the conviction.’ ” Chapman, 386 U.S. at 24, 87 S.Ct. 824 (quoting Fahy v. Conn., 375 U.S. 85, 86-87, 84 S.Ct. 229, 11 L.Ed.2d 171 (1963)); accord State v. Padilla, 2002-NMSC-016, ¶ 22, 132 N.M. 247, 46 P.3d 1247. {26} At times, the United States Supreme Court may have used language in its opinions suggesting that constitutional error was harmless whenever the properly admitted evidence at trial provided overwhelming support for a determination of guilt. See, e.g., United States v. Hasting, 461 U.S. 499, 510-12, 103 S.Ct. 1974, 76 L.Ed.2d 96 (1983). We believe “the way we phrase the governing [harmless error] standard is far less important than the quality of the judgment with which it is applied.” Brecht, 507 U.S. at 643, 113 S.Ct. 1710 (Stevens, J., concurring). Nevertheless, we take the opportunity provided by the facts of this case to review the role that overwhelming evidence of a defendant’s guilt plays in an analysis of federal constitutional harmless error. {27} First, criminal defendants have a constitutional right to have a jury decide guilt or innocence, not appellate court judges during review on appeal. As Justice Frankfurter stated almost sixty years ago, “it is not to be supposed that Congress intended to substitute the belief of appellate judges in the guilt of an accused, however justifiably engendered by the dead record, for the ascertainment of guilt by a jury under appropriate judicial guidance, however cumbersome that process may be.” Bollenbach v. United States, 326 U.S. 607, 615, 66 S.Ct. 402, 90 L.Ed. 350 (1946). This point was recently reiterated by the Supreme Court in Sullivan v. Louisiana, 508 U.S. 275, 113 S.Ct. 2078, 124 L.Ed.2d 182 (1993). In that case, the Court held that an erroneous jury instruction on the definition of reasonable doubt is a structural error that is not subject to harmless error review. Id. at 281, 113 S.Ct. 2078. Although the Court did not conduct a harmless error analysis in Sullivan, the Court nonetheless took the opportunity to explain Chapman: Consistent with the jury-trial guarantee, the question [Chapman ] instructs the reviewing court to consider is not what effect the constitutional error might generally be expected to have upon a reasonable jury, but rather what effect it had upon the guilty verdict in the case at hand. Harmless-error review looks, we have said, to the basis on which the jury actually rested its verdict. The inquiry, in other words, is not whether, in a trial that occurred without the error, a guilty verdict would surely have been rendered, but whether the guilty verdict actually rendered in this trial was surely unattributable to the error. That must be so, because to hypothesize a guilty verdict that was never in fact rendered — no matter how inescapable the findings to support that verdict might be— would violate the jury-trial guarantee. Id. at 279, 113 S.Ct. 2078 (quotation marks and quoted authority omitted). {28} In Neder v. United States, 527 U.S. 1, 15, 119 S.Ct. 1827, 144 L.Ed.2d 35 (1999), the Supreme Court refused “to extend the reasoning in Sullivan from a defective ‘reasonable doubt’ instruction to a failure to instruct on an element of the crime.” However, the Neder Court did not indicate disapproval with the Sullivan Court’s explanation of the Chapman harmless error analysis. In fact, the Court had “no hesitation” in reaffirming its decision in Rose v. Clark, 478 U.S. 570, 106 S.Ct. 3101, 92 L.Ed.2d 460 (1986). Neder, 527 U.S. at 17,119 S.Ct. 1827 n. 2. In Rose, the Court noted that a trial court judge cannot direct a verdict of guilty against the defendant “regardless of how overwhelmingly the evidence may point in that direction.” 478 U.S. at 578, 106 S.Ct. 3101 (quoting United States v. Martin Linen Supply Co., 430 U.S. 564, 572-73, 97 S.Ct. 1349, 51 L.Ed.2d 642 (1977)). To do so would be a violation of the defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to a jury trial. See id. In conducting a harmless error review, we believe the appellate court must be similarly conscious of its limitations. In conducting a review for harmlessness of a constitutional error, we need to be conscious of the burden on the State, as well as the particular significance the admission or exclusion of evidence had in the trial that occurred. Otherwise, as when the district court directs a verdict of guilty, “the wrong entity [will have] judged the defendant guilty.” Id. {29} Aside from invading the province of the jury, appellate courts are “poorly equipped” to determine guilt or innocence, which “counsels against the practice of focusing solely on the question of factual guilt.” Harry T. Edwards, To Err is Human, But Not Always Harmless: When Should Legal Error Be Tolerated?, 70 N.Y.U. L.Rev. 1167, 1193-94 (1995). In one sense, appellate courts have traditionally deferred to the factual determinations of juries because the trial record often fails to provide a complete picture of the evidence. The jury had the opportunity to observe firsthand the testimony and evidence presented at trial, which places them “in a much better position than appellate judges to assess the facts.” Gregory Mitchell, Against “Overwhelming” Appellate Activism: Constraining Harmless Error Review, 82 Calif. L.Rev. 1335, 1353 (1994). In another sense, the record contains too much information for the appellate court to independently determine guilt, because the court often possesses knowledge, provided by inadmissible evidence, which may be very probative of guilt but inappropriate to consider. Id. at 1354. {30} Furthermore, if we were to focus our harmless error analysis exclusively on whether the trial record consisted of overwhelming evidence of the defendant’s guilt, we risk inadvertently concluding that constitutional error was harmless simply because there was substantial evidence to support the conviction. See, e.g., State v. Lopez, 2000-NMSC-003, ¶ 21, 128 N.M. 410, 993 P.2d 727 (holding a constitutional error harmless because there was substantial evidence to support the verdict). When reviewing a conviction for substantial evidence, “[t]he relevant question is whether, after reviewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.” State v. Garcia, 114 N.M. 269, 274, 837 P.2d 862, 867 (1992) (quoting Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 61 L.Ed.2d 560 (1979)). The evidence is viewed “in the light most favorable to the verdict, resolving all conflicts and indulging all permissible inferences to uphold the conviction, and disregarding all evidence and inferences to the contrary.” State v. Perea, 2001-NMSC-026, ¶ 5, 130 N.M. 732, 31 P.3d 1006. The jury verdict should not automatically be afforded deference when a constitutional error has infected the trial. Rather, in a proper harmless error analysis, the appellate court defers to the jury verdict only when the State has established beyond a reasonable doubt that the jury verdict was not tainted by the constitutional error. {31} Last, but certainly not least, when we hold errors harmless based solely on our assessment of the defendant’s guilt, we run the danger of undermining some of our most important legal principles. “[0]ur Constitution, and our criminal justice system, protect other values besides the reliability of the guilt or innocence determination.” Rose, 478 U.S. at 588, 106 S.Ct. 3101 (Stevens, J., concurring). These values are not adequately protected by a harmless error analysis that focuses solely on whether there is overwhelming evidence of a defendant’s guilt, because that test “ignores the argument that, even if conviction appears inevitable, there is a point at which an error becomes too great to condone as a matter of constitutional integrity and prosecutorial deterrence.” Mitchell, supra, at 1366; cf. State v. Barber, 2004-NMSC-019, ¶ 18,135 N.M. 621, 92 P.3d 633 (stating fundamental error may be premised on “a mistake in the process [that] makes a conviction fundamentally unfair notwithstanding the apparent guilt of the accused”). {32} For the above reasons, we conclude that constitutional error cannot be deemed harmless simply because there is overwhelming evidence of the defendant’s guilt. Our focus must remain squarely on assessing the likely impact of the error on the jury’s verdict. However, this does not mean that evidence of the defendant’s guilt is irrelevant to the analysis. The strength of the properly admitted evidence is a factor in evaluating the likely impact on the jury of the constitutional error. See Neder, 527 U.S. at 17, 119 S.Ct. 1827 (holding that where an erroneously omitted element is both uneontested and supported by overwhelming evidence, such error is harmless beyond a reasonable doubt); Delaware v. Van Arsdall, 475 U.S. 673, 684, 106 S.Ct. 1431, 89 L.Ed.2d 674 (1986) (listing “the overall strength of the prosecution’s case” as one factor in the harmless error analysis). As for whether the admission of an accomplice statement in violation of a defendant’s right of confrontation is harmless, the Supreme Court specifically stated in Schneble v. Florida, 405 U.S. 427, 430, 92 S.Ct. 1056, 31 L.Ed.2d 340 (1972) that “the properly admitted evidence of guilt [may be] so overwhelming, and the prejudicial effect of the codefendant’s admission [may be] so insignificant by comparison, that it is clear beyond a reasonable doubt that the improper use of the admission was harmless error.” {33} Before turning to whether the constitutional error in this case is harmless, we believe it is appropriate to address the concern that we are overruling numerous New Mexico cases. See Dissenting Op. ¶ 62. We read the cases cited by the dissent somewhat differently. We do not understand them to hold that overwhelming evidence of the defendant’s guilt automatically renders constitutional error harmless. In most of the eases, the strength of the prosecutor’s ease was considered but was not determinative. See, e.g., State v. Herrera, 102 N.M. 254, 258, 694 P.2d 510, 514 (1985) (noting that the erroneous admission of evidence “contributed little, if anything, to the conviction”). At any rate, even if one or more of those opinions are in conflict with the constitutional harmless error analysis we describe today, see, e.g., State v. Roybal, 107 N.M. 309, 312, 756 P.2d 1204, 1207 (Ct.App.1988) (stating in dicta that “[w]here the record contains other properly admitted and overwhelming evidence that independently establishes defendant’s guilt, admission of the challenged evidence is harmless error”), those opinions would be inconsistent with the federal law we are bound to apply in this case. {34} We now consider whether the State has met its burden of establishing that there is no reasonable possibility that the admission of Perches’ statements contributed to Defendant’s convictions. Perches’ statements implicated Defendant for aggravated burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and two counts of larceny. In Arizona v. Fulminante, 499 U.S. 279, 111 S.Ct. 1246, 113 L.Ed.2d 302 (1991), the United States Supreme Court was faced with determining whether a criminal defendant’s involuntary confession, which was unconstitutionally admitted into evidence against him at his trial, contributed to his conviction. In that ease, the Court noted: [Confessions have profound impact on the jury, so much so that we may justifiably doubt its ability to put them out of mind even if told to do so____[A] full confession in which the defendant discloses the motive for and means of the crime may tempt the jury to rely upon that evidence alone in reaching its decision... .[T]he risk that the confession is unreliable, coupled with the profound impact that the confession has upon the jury, requires a reviewing court to exercise extreme caution before determining that the admission of the confession at trial was harmless. Id. at 296, 111 S.Ct. 1246. We believe similar caution must be exercised before determining that the erroneous admission of an accomplice’s confession that implicates the defendant is harmless. Like a defendant’s own confession, the incriminating statements of an accomplice often have a profound impact on the jury’s verdict. {35} Toward the beginning of the interrogation, Perches stated that Defendant planned a burglary and “wanted to burglarize a house.” These statements provided the only direct evidence of an agreement between Defendant and Perches to burglarize the house, thus we cannot say there is no reasonable possibility these statements did not contribute to Defendant’s conviction for conspiracy to commit burglary. Perches also stated that Defendant got out of the car with a tire tool, broke the window, and went into the house. This statement placed a weapon in Defendant’s hands and described how he gained entry into the residence. Again, we cannot say there is no reasonable possibility this statement did not contribute to Defendant’s conviction for aggravated burglary, especially since it was the only evidence presented at trial showing Defendant was armed at the time of burglary. Defendant was convicted of aggravated burglary based on his use of the tire iron to break into the victim’s house. The next set of Perches’ statements concerned the items Perches intended to take from the victim’s home and those Defendant intended to take. Perches claimed he only wanted to take a VCR and tennis shoes, but Defendant broke into the gun cabinet and intended to take firearms. Because this was the clearest evidence of the defendant’s intent to commit larceny, we cannot conclude beyond a reasonable doubt these statements did not contribute to the defendant’s two larceny convictions. {36} In short, the properly admitted evidence at trial only established Defendant’s presence near the victim’s house at approximately the same time Perches was caught leaving the house. While there may have been sufficient evidence aside from Perches’ statements to support each of Defendant’s convictions, we nonetheless believe those statements that were admitted against Defendant in violation of his federal right to confrontation likely contributed to each of Defendant’s convictions. Defendant’s convictions for aggravated burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, larceny over $250, and larceny of a firearm are reversed. Ill {37} The second issue we address is whether Defendant’s convictions for both larceny over $250 and larceny of a firearm violated his right not to be placed in double jeopardy. We reversed both of Defendant’s larceny convictions on Confrontation Clause grounds but address this issue to provide guidance to the district court if the issue arises again on remand. See Hinkle, Cox, Eaton, Coffield & Hensley v. Cadle Co., 115 N.M. 152, 158, 848 P.2d 1079, 1085 (1993). Defendant was convicted of larceny over $250 (and under $2500) based on the VCR and shoes found in the victim’s hallway. He was also convicted of larceny of a firearm under $2,500 based on the rifles and shotguns found piled in the same hallway. Each of these two counts of larceny are fourth-degree felonies. See § 30-16-1. {38} The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, made applicable to the states by the Fourteenth Amendment Due Process Clause, see Benton v. Maryland, 395 U.S. 784, 786, 89 S.Ct. 2056, 23 L.Ed.2d 707 (1969), and Article II, Section 15 of the New Mexico Constitution each protect defendants against multiple punishments for the same offense. Illinois v. Vitale, 447 U.S. 410, 415, 100 S.Ct. 2260, 65 L.Ed.2d 228 (1980); State v. Pierce, 110 N.M. 76, 84, 792 P.2d 408, 416 (1990). Whether a defendant has been unconstitutionally subjected to multiple punishments is a matter of law, which we review de novo. State v. Mora, 2003-NMCA-072, ¶ 16, 133 N.M. 746, 69 P.3d 256. Two different types of multiple punishment cases exist. See Swafford v. State, 112 N.M. 3, 8, 810 P.2d 1223, 1228 (1991). In “unit-of-prosecution” eases, “the accused is charged with multiple violations of a single statute, committed against either single or multiple victims, based on what may or may not be deemed a single course of conduct.” State v. Barr, 1999-NMCA-081, ¶ 11, 127 N.M. 504, 984 P.2d 185. Alternatively, “double-description cases” deal with “violations of multiple statutes that may or may not be deemed the same offense for double jeopardy purposes.” Swafford, 112 N.M. at 8, 810 P.2d at 1228. While the analysis for each type of case focuses on whether the Legislature intended multiple punishments, see id., the particular canons of construction we apply in ascertaining the Legislature’s intent depend on the specific type of multiple punishment case in front of us. {39} The general larceny statute, Section 30-16-1, at issue provides: Larceny consists of the stealing of anything of value which belongs to another. Whoever commits larceny when the value of the property stolen is one hundred dollars ($100) or less is guilty of a petty misdemeanor. Whoever commits larceny when the value of the property stolen is over one hundred dollars ($100) but not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) is guilty of a misdemeanor. Whoever commits larceny when the value of the property stolen is over two hundred fifty dollars ($250) but not more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) is guilty of a fourth degree felony. Whoever commits larceny when the value of the property stolen is over two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) but not more than twenty thousand dollars ($20,-000) is guilty of a third degree felony. Whoever commits larceny when the value of the property stolen is over twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) is guilty of a second degree felony. Whoever commits larceny when the property of the value stolen is livestock is guilty of a third degree felony regardless of its value. Whoever commits larceny when the property of value stolen is a firearm is guilty of a fourth degree felony when its value is less than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500). Section 30-16-1 defines the offense of larceny and sets the level of punishment based generally on the value and, in specific instances, the nature of the items taken. {40} Since both of Defendant’s larceny convictions are based on violations of a single statute, Section 30-16-1, we view this as a unit-of-proseeution case. “The relevant inquiry in [unit-of-prosecution] cases is whether the [Legislature intended punishment for the entire course of conduct or for each discrete act.” Swafford, 112 N.M. at 8, 810 P.2d at 1228. If the statute clearly creates two separate offenses, then “we must follow the statute.” State v. Morro, 1999-NMCA-118, ¶ 9, 127 N.M. 763, 987 P.2d 420. If the Legislature’s intent is unclear, we presume “the [Legislature did not intend to fragment a course of conduct into separate offenses.” Swafford, 112 N.M. at 8, 810 P.2d at 1228. We indulge in this “rule of lenity” because “criminal statutes should be interpreted in the defendant’s favor when insurmountable ambiguity persists regarding the intended scope of a criminal statute.” State v. Ogden, 118 N.M. 234, 242, 880 P.2d 845, 853 (1994). {41} In applying these principles to the larceny statute, we believe the statute explicitly provides for separate punishments for three separate categories of property. One unit of prosecution exists for larceny of “generic” property, with gradations of punishment based on the monetary value of the property, all of which are placed in the first part of the statute. Separate units of prosecution exist for the larceny of two “specific” types of property, each appearing at the end of the list of offenses within the first unit. If the specific property stolen is livestock, then under Section 30-16-1, the defendant may be found guilty of a third-degree felony, regardless of the livestock’s value. Likewise, under Section 30-16-1, if the specific property stolen is a firearm valued at less than $2,500, then the defendant may be convicted of a fourth-degree felony. We believe under the structure of the statute, where the property stolen includes both generic property and a firearm, larceny of the firearm is punishable as a separate offense. While Section 30-16-1 could certainly have been clearer, see, e.g. NMSA 1978, § 30-16-8 (1995) (“Each separate incident of embezzlement or conversion constitutes a separate and distinct offense.”), we do not believe there is “insurmountable ambiguity” so as to trigger the rule of lenity. See Ogden, 118 N.M. at 242, 880 P.2d at 853. {42} Our construction of Section 30-16-1 is also justified on policy grounds. In Swafford, 112 N.M. at 14, 810 P.2d at 1234, we stated that “[sjtatutes directed toward protecting different social norms and achieving different policies can be viewed as separate and amenable to multiple punishments.” While that assertion is not a rule of law, but instead a “guiding ... principle[ ] for divining legislative intent,” id., we note the firearms provision of the statute addresses different social concerns and reflects different policies than the general larceny provisions. The Legislature likely intended to discourage the larceny of firearms for a number of obvious safety reasons. See State v. Luna, 99 N.M. 76, 78, 653 P.2d 1222, 1224 (Ct.App. 1982) (“Crimes involving violence or the use of firearms are among those most abhorrent to our society.”). We believe the structure of Section 30-16-1 indicates the Legislature considered the larceny of firearms to be so serious it warranted a separate punishment; therefore, the Legislature created a separate offense within the general larceny statute for the unlawful taking of a firearm valued at less than $2,500. {43} Defendant urges us to apply the single-larceny doctrine, which provides that “[w]hen several articles of property are stolen by the defendant from the same owner at the same time and at the same place, only one larceny is committed.” State v. Rowell, 121 N.M. 111, 116, 908 P.2d 1379, 1384 (1995) (quoted authority omitted). Although the single-larceny doctrine has been adopted and applied in many different ways in a number of other jurisdictions, see, e.g., State v. White, 348 Md. 179, 702 A.2d 1263 (1997), the doctrine is a canon of construction used when the Legislature’s intent regarding multiple punishments is ambiguous. The single-larceny doctrine is inapplicable in this case because the Legislature has made its intent clear. {44} If the State, on retrial, can prove Defendant intended to take a VCR, shoes, and firearms, Defendant may receive multiple punishments. Under the circumstances, Defendant’s constitutional right to be free from double jeopardy would not be violated, if he were convicted of larceny over $250 and larceny of a firearm under $2,500. We note that if we have misstated the Legislature’s intent regarding the scope of Section 30-16-1, the Legislature certainly has the power to amend the statute. Cf. Rowell, 121 N.M. at 118, 908 P.2d at 1386 (noting that Section 30-16-8 was specifically amended by the Legislature to make each separate incident of embezzlement a separate offense in response to our holding to the contrary in State v. Brooks, 117 N.M. 751, 755, 877 P.2d 557, 561 (1994)). IV {45} We reverse each of Defendant’s convictions because admission into evidence of the testimonial statements of a non-testifying accomplice violated his federal constitutional right to confrontation. Defendant’s case is remanded to the district court for proceedings consistent with this opinion. {46} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: PETRA JIMENEZ MAES, Chief Justice, RICHARD C. BOSSON, and EDWARD L. CHÁVEZ, Justices. PATRICIO M. SERNA, Justice (concurring in part, dissenting in part).
[ -0.04475238919258118, -0.04184670373797417, -0.024560103192925453, 0.03176889568567276, 0.051691923290491104, 0.02083185687661171, 0.06743170320987701, 0.002058009384199977, -0.00943001639097929, -0.006685467436909676, 0.024107713252305984, 0.028319597244262695, -0.046758271753787994, 0.02942727506160736, 0.007822234183549881, 0.0457468256354332, 0.05437963828444481, -0.0031497145537286997, 0.03280916437506676, 0.033233173191547394, 0.01896660402417183, -0.003978134132921696, 0.0300171859562397, 0.025268318131566048, 0.04476195201277733, 0.009729156270623207, 0.0074136448092758656, 0.0017966339364647865, -0.06881096214056015, 0.016189351677894592, 0.03428712859749794, -0.014729802496731281, 0.01571812853217125, -0.021101148799061775, 0.0005608167266473174, 0.011887249536812305, -0.013606367632746696, -0.007930762134492397, 0.018714016303420067, 0.04324029013514519, 0.011097733862698078, 0.018581336364150047, -0.04349442943930626, -0.03955690190196037, -0.057748109102249146, -0.01715228520333767, 0.006781771779060364, 0.00894221942871809, -0.041321247816085815, -0.005919874180108309, -0.07501669228076935, 0.01701730489730835, -0.058397360146045685, 0.02616751752793789, -0.024512821808457375, 0.026503244414925575, -0.05492730438709259, -0.0943983718752861, -0.03886156529188156, -0.029205914586782455, 0.00571708008646965, -0.04116717353463173, 0.07321466505527496, -0.02265620045363903, 0.01531596016138792, 0.018073195591568947, 0.06769413501024246, 0.0488465242087841, -0.043130263686180115, -0.017380760982632637, -0.027527615427970886, 0.01220816932618618, -0.000647595850750804, -0.01877291314303875, -0.018707314506173134, -0.03236386924982071, 0.02480914443731308, 0.026559336110949516, 0.005317944101989269, 0.07423403114080429, 0.023291392251849174, -0.009865065105259418, 0.03081587329506874, 0.024354275315999985, -0.005213201977312565, -0.059450533241033554, -0.03189603611826897, -0.011324162594974041, -0.019265275448560715, 0.024894973263144493, -0.04490247368812561, -0.05273683741688728, 0.054343633353710175, 0.05728871375322342, 0.027688242495059967, -0.023821905255317688, 0.0615818127989769, -0.0417419858276844, 0.03390529006719589, 0.0044189682230353355, -0.0025733867660164833, -0.036473192274570465, 0.013806483708322048, 0.05102761089801788, -0.06062727048993111, 0.022352077066898346, -0.024107009172439575, -0.005720037501305342, 0.0073333377949893475, 0.020338239148259163, 0.004461908247321844, 0.02199753001332283, 0.0032739518210291862, -0.059185564517974854, -0.04628688469529152, 0.05711953341960907, 0.050868287682533264, -0.046992022544145584, -0.01014698389917612, 0.0023131819907575846, 0.04211682081222534, 0.019614694640040398, 0.00248962314799428, 0.08371570706367493, 0.021294184029102325, -0.004965254571288824, 0.022206991910934448, 0.03426132723689079, -0.03182889148592949, -0.07097773998975754, -0.029004495590925217, 0.01931312307715416, 0.0224046241492033, 0.017563773319125175, -0.03115830197930336, -0.038458917289972305, -0.01824570633471012, -0.04846187308430672, 0.060626499354839325, -0.042655911296606064, 0.005829021334648132, -0.0005426923162303865, 0.01430702768266201, -0.0004000284243375063, 0.05890025198459625, -0.04503192752599716, 0.030699096620082855, 0.0048607815988361835, -0.023108014836907387, -0.0098595404997468, 0.055097028613090515, 0.015292574651539326, 0.008410240523517132, -0.040182434022426605, 0.006446709856390953, 0.05599821358919144, 0.026500506326556206, 0.0049016219563782215, 0.0032059387303888798, 0.03484877943992615, 0.035798393189907074, 0.0310454573482275, -0.0022531705908477306, 0.009785855188965797, 0.0025948642287403345, 0.015082204714417458, -0.023904576897621155, 0.01125890389084816, -0.02901969477534294, 0.020257364958524704, 0.00229053245857358, -0.031674761325120926, 0.048666298389434814, -0.03069058246910572, -0.01994880475103855, 0.01472280453890562, 0.02400459721684456, 0.047082170844078064, 0.0328550860285759, -0.05950699746608734, -0.04772311449050903, 0.03713890537619591, -0.03628118708729744, 0.0035870103165507317, -0.010220385156571865, -0.00004793686093762517, 0.044789720326662064, -0.03717857226729393, 0.0017642697785049677, -0.004862276371568441, -0.04296252131462097, -0.03717770799994469, -0.006309413816779852, -0.043597567826509476, 0.055267319083213806, 0.03214975446462631, -0.02773606777191162, 0.02462071180343628, 0.0021861311979591846, 0.0584191232919693, 0.015821529552340508, -0.001202882849611342, 0.05480501055717468, -0.050720006227493286, -0.05777639150619507, 0.01721765100955963, 0.043219830840826035, -0.018519828096032143, 0.011280135251581669, 0.07417722791433334, -0.034855637699365616, 0.015120456926524639, 0.012676558457314968, -0.01837798021733761, 0.04261075705289841, -0.013188822194933891, 0.06449350714683533, -0.023657232522964478, 0.04803083837032318, -0.06980737298727036, 0.046099703758955, -0.009392406791448593, -0.007799048908054829, 0.06311383843421936, -0.04141511023044586, 0.09354843944311142, 0.06100201979279518, -0.05714167654514313, 0.00960574857890606, 0.019834047183394432, 0.024420950561761856, -0.030747264623641968, 0.016972629353404045, 0.018766043707728386, 0.05824001133441925, 0.0129540478810668, -0.0030657637398689985, 0.021016167476773262, 0.03953098878264427, -0.050406694412231445, 0.01841040514409542, 0.04384108632802963, 0.025925394147634506, 0.05524918809533119, -0.05947486311197281, -0.007130169775336981, -0.03234723210334778, 0.003342576790601015, -0.0004112491733394563, -0.05954785645008087, 0.004087570123374462, 0.00019213356426917017, 0.023663820698857307, -0.0189571063965559, 0.04960726946592331, -0.04194425791501999, -0.004894706420600414, -0.02613287977874279, 0.01995556801557541, 0.015882594510912895, 0.00899454951286316, 0.042891647666692734, 0.020399151369929314, -0.016419144347310066, -0.051178786903619766, -0.027066949754953384, -0.02677629329264164, 0.008869897574186325, -0.01234609354287386, 0.010562002658843994, 0.035588979721069336, 0.01305783074349165, 0.002594571327790618, 0.012540163472294807, 0.0015415659872815013, 0.029744815081357956, 0.02172780968248844, -0.000021426763851195574, -0.028614403679966927, -0.001940744579769671, -0.016215460374951363, 0.031481556594371796, -0.05219987407326698, -0.05045874044299126, 0.0063999672420322895, -0.07539788633584976, 0.031213510781526566, -0.04598606377840042, -0.022993454709649086, 0.06695109605789185, -0.00494476780295372, 0.017492083832621574, 0.013696229085326195, 0.002065228298306465, 0.017564797773957253, 0.015325875021517277, 0.013764793984591961, 0.04540347680449486, 0.03747756406664848, -0.02769845351576805, -0.005399526096880436, 0.006630552001297474, 0.0003178341721650213, -0.0034431046806275845, 0.02571810595691204, 0.004793320782482624, -0.02028282918035984, 0.029798507690429688, -0.26608431339263916, 0.04599962756037712, -0.027778729796409607, -0.03578251227736473, 0.053116317838430405, -0.01852252334356308, -0.006565936375409365, -0.03463800996541977, -0.0036759250797331333, 0.03762258216738701, 0.00673549622297287, -0.059480275958776474, 0.006527407560497522, 0.054853733628988266, 0.008161846548318863, -0.047681309282779694, -0.0099196070805192, -0.014883231371641159, -0.012235129252076149, -0.008545377291738987, 0.014937911182641983, -0.06127721443772316, -0.03934808820486069, 0.0228074099868536, 0.04317747801542282, 0.08081505447626114, -0.047860752791166306, -0.0036629813257604837, -0.07427379488945007, -0.04912135750055313, -0.036258768290281296, 0.02263457328081131, -0.037762392312288284, 0.0008801242220215499, -0.004501305986195803, 0.02230929583311081, 0.02110990695655346, -0.019386686384677887, 0.0007277564727701247, -0.012541139498353004, -0.007656607311218977, -0.0188131146132946, 0.026279505342245102, 0.037080369889736176, 0.04188637435436249, -0.021908191964030266, -0.03956063464283943, -0.016395961865782738, -0.05262557789683342, 0.04879532381892204, -0.02825426310300827, 0.021073993295431137, -0.030774500221014023, 0.018063070252537727, -0.035229578614234924, -0.02876652404665947, -0.03281083330512047, -0.028451984748244286, -0.04404764994978905, 0.04960601404309273, 0.010661624372005463, -0.03020215779542923, -0.05613721162080765, -0.02636110596358776, -0.021206969395279884, -0.03392450138926506, -0.036118216812610626, -0.046753570437431335, 0.10699819773435593, 0.011010263115167618, -0.004673714283853769, 0.03457817807793617, -0.030138429254293442, -0.08043745905160904, 0.010021090507507324, 0.003225201042369008, -0.024662304669618607, -0.06740640103816986, -0.026625294238328934, 0.0067952158860862255, -0.017850711941719055, -0.017971275374293327, 0.03544824942946434, -0.0010385934729129076, -0.003253961680456996, -0.003920259885489941, -0.010853985324501991, 0.0619816891849041, -0.04141728952527046, -0.010753435082733631, 0.04896453768014908, 0.044124774634838104, 0.0140841631218791, -0.05482536554336548, -0.0006340834079310298, 0.052454400807619095, -0.012838971801102161, -0.0343116857111454, -0.030985675752162933, 0.01029675081372261, 0.03166227787733078, -0.06754538416862488, 0.019969135522842407, -0.04298431798815727, -0.010792084038257599, 0.011302594095468521, -0.04228189215064049, 0.001984649570658803, 0.06419506669044495, -0.004909809213131666, -0.0014543671859428287, -0.02791859768331051, 0.03573983535170555, -0.006553563755005598, 0.01148848794400692, -0.0546317920088768, 0.01802690699696541, 0.00195041683036834, 0.02899002470076084, -0.007253657095134258, -0.020047513768076897, 0.025820966809988022, -0.054010409861803055, -0.0439649261534214, -0.06587694585323334, 0.00021737867791671306, 0.016847219318151474, -0.007378099020570517, -0.018368316814303398, -0.004513800144195557, -0.028690114617347717, -0.005707370582967997, 0.0037863445468246937, 0.011134236119687557, 0.02954598143696785, 0.01091937255114317, -0.0072713023982942104, -0.05076119303703308, -0.01356743834912777, -0.004138612654060125, 0.04131279140710831, -0.058725737035274506, 0.03471142798662186, 0.04247956722974777, 0.03428706154227257, -0.031130800023674965, 0.03193971514701843, 0.005812999326735735, -0.05476510524749756, 0.04650595411658287, 0.026559006422758102, -0.08381988853216171, 0.02533881366252899, -0.06189890205860138, -0.05370798707008362, 0.017352569848299026, -0.007182867266237736, 0.046438898891210556, -0.04565007984638214, -0.052052874118089676, 0.023126835003495216, 0.006711017806082964, 0.028439240530133247, -0.01503724418580532, -0.003974976483732462, 0.051117878407239914, -0.025509903207421303, 0.024123651906847954, -0.015784628689289093, 0.041508883237838745, -0.036629438400268555, -0.09262469410896301, -0.018883585929870605, -0.001380016328766942, 0.01792658306658268, 0.0377214141190052, -0.0029111194889992476, 0.00920817069709301, 0.01690778136253357, 0.010360904037952423, -0.0049456520937383175, -0.041232358664274216, -0.045060187578201294, 0.004872919991612434, 0.03655340522527695, -0.016760582104325294, -0.021906789392232895, -0.08364582061767578, -0.035357050597667694, -0.014428820461034775, -0.010190975852310658, -0.023282956331968307, -0.003133252030238509, -0.008553258143365383, -0.07558394223451614, -0.06624253839254379, -0.02093043550848961, -0.013182743452489376, 0.05469834804534912, 0.04122763127088547, 0.013639651238918304, -0.007999209687113762, -0.05207017809152603, -0.0004761327290907502, 0.023088525980710983, -0.05147487670183182, 0.04832129925489426, 0.018286168575286865, -0.010872414335608482, 0.019007233902812004, -0.05779542401432991, -0.022647688165307045, 0.008972137235105038, 0.018757153302431107, 0.052249010652303696, -0.06772392243146896, 0.02819974161684513, -0.031434766948223114, -0.04717585816979408, 0.009226171299815178, -0.0002913983480539173, -0.03983201086521149, 0.013996906578540802, 0.008365130051970482, -0.04796052724123001, 0.059966325759887695, -0.01857069693505764, -0.0017105387523770332, 0.07341264933347702, -0.04216744750738144, 0.033961307257413864, -0.051275353878736496, 0.04427025467157364, 0.015076740644872189, -0.03346212953329086, -0.019502222537994385, -0.020515087991952896, -0.002371795941144228, -0.054249778389930725, 0.057726770639419556, 0.0030003245919942856, 0.037450239062309265, 0.006759582087397575, -0.026854217052459717, -0.034585267305374146, -0.017204485833644867, 0.030466310679912567, -0.017946533858776093, 0.011096394620835781, 0.08059823513031006, -0.044527843594551086, -0.002610619645565748, -0.014494387432932854, -0.007915668189525604, 0.04124358296394348, -0.047178901731967926, 0.019612617790699005, 0.015293541364371777, -0.00012176916789030656, 0.03177883103489876, -0.013620258308947086, 0.020434901118278503, -0.041877537965774536, -0.015053012408316135, 0.027367951348423958, 0.027449777349829674, -0.004647693131119013, -0.0022595752961933613, 0.02741263061761856, -0.05716780573129654, -0.04255038499832153, -0.08159896731376648, 0.013540511019527912, 0.00030402670381590724, 0.01262353453785181, 0.041276637464761734, 0.038099490106105804, -0.02668345347046852, 0.0212022103369236, -0.06690668314695358, -0.034896936267614365, -0.008874251507222652, -0.013520200736820698, -0.03856179490685463, 0.052039410918951035, -0.04288118705153465, 0.0222524031996727, 0.007267281878739595, -0.10853157192468643, -0.03505590930581093, 0.0009708012803457677, 0.021994460374116898, 0.026344195008277893, 0.018856436014175415, 0.003501456929370761, 0.01834816299378872, 0.03082589991390705, 0.0488724559545517, -0.007417024578899145, 0.02060540020465851, -0.05010058730840683, 0.03359665721654892, 0.04839535057544708, 0.0016172085888683796, -0.03138057887554169, -0.0013724438613280654, -0.008737141266465187, -0.06793656945228577, 0.010417159646749496, 0.006956406403332949, -0.05359277129173279, -0.06691915541887283, 0.05211401358246803, -0.00854102335870266, -0.04539048671722412, -0.01545605156570673, 0.030933331698179245, -0.009415809065103531, -0.026670008897781372, -0.021880727261304855, 0.022225093096494675, 0.0025035948492586613, 0.06514593958854675, 0.02974020130932331, 0.06979691237211227, 0.029120076447725296, -0.024743657559156418, 0.015499215573072433, 0.026713121682405472, 0.048513952642679214, 0.03371439129114151, 0.0035190852358937263, 0.0019091959111392498, 0.04321913793683052, -0.027567289769649506, -0.010648578405380249, 0.030105262994766235, -0.015391642227768898, 0.013237414881587029, -0.007223478984087706, 0.034113816916942596, 0.039005935192108154, -0.0649644136428833, 0.031277623027563095, 0.03419479727745056, -0.00482030538842082, 0.053606003522872925, -0.01362442784011364, 0.0410018116235733, 0.030563462525606155, 0.023295672610402107, -0.021528972312808037, 0.005545137450098991, -0.013896026648581028, 0.0030790502205491066, 0.0005867353756912053, -0.03481846675276756, -0.00743325287476182, -0.07891982793807983, 0.031130846589803696, -0.008692814037203789, -0.0008121616556309164, 0.09092161059379578, -0.04107999801635742, -0.008979668840765953, 0.01579214073717594, -0.025063537061214447, 0.039859406650066376, -0.015499958768486977, 0.026339787989854813, 0.018360449001193047, 0.016933288425207138, -0.01788916625082493, -0.0011457715881988406, 0.039849329739809036, 0.026883894577622414, 0.03793004900217056, 0.010119401849806309, 0.00016792774840723723, 0.006214869674295187, 0.019818192347884178, -0.002344111679121852, -0.05991878733038902, -0.04478691890835762, -0.017746221274137497, -0.028130656108260155, 0.01841721124947071, 0.015440509654581547, -0.027461839839816093, -0.04096295312047005, 0.034593384712934494, -0.005341654177755117, -0.016384243965148926, 0.06362989544868469, -0.05563658848404884, -0.004279986023902893, 0.05133407562971115, 0.05004514008760452, 0.029520075768232346, 0.03462722525000572, 0.04304615035653114, -0.0018659821944311261, -0.05307423323392868, 0.015163347125053406, -0.00847708247601986, 0.032001473009586334, -0.025465454906225204, 0.02190871722996235, -0.056721337139606476, 0.012455143965780735, -0.027449624612927437, 0.004182127770036459, -0.06999820470809937, 0.024932270869612694, -0.013066199608147144, -0.015952689573168755, 0.09387529641389847, 0.03448336198925972, -0.012321843765676022, -0.014329115860164165, 0.0018566360231488943, -0.01116960309445858, -0.011399519629776478, 0.0542948842048645, -0.049210455268621445, 0.040126923471689224, 0.05899405851960182, -0.024397972971200943, -0.03343869373202324, 0.011878629215061665, 0.05396744981408119, -0.03027181327342987, -0.007782537490129471, -0.000394166330806911, -0.015089756809175014, -0.04931924119591713, -0.059748027473688126, 0.017523853108286858, 0.003005092963576317, -0.04664098843932152, 0.027832482010126114, -0.018354738131165504, 0.009772107005119324, -0.021453699097037315, 0.03954548388719559, 0.03879986330866814, -0.05109165981411934, -0.02155713550746441, -0.015747172757983208, 0.005171430762857199, 0.0030144613701850176, 0.026083121076226234, -0.014333231374621391, -0.04641793295741081, -0.026995228603482246, 0.0024327777791768312, 0.05387622490525246, 0.021949466317892075, -0.006417061667889357, -0.018862074241042137 ]
OPINION BUSTAMANTE, Judge. {1} The district court certified a nationwide class action against Federal Kemper Life Assurance Company (Kemper) seeking damages assertedly caused by Kemper’s modal premium program for life insurance policies. Kemper appealed from the certification order pursuant to Rule 1-023(F) NMRA 2004. Affirming in part and reversing in part, we address a number of issues of first impression under New Mexico’s class action rule, including: (1) standards for consideration of Rule 1-023(A) requirements of numerosity, commonality, typicality, and adequate representation; (2) the difficulties posed by multistate class actions; and (3) appropriate methods for considering and resolving the questions of predominance and superiority under Rule 1-023(B)(3). FACTS AND PROCEDURES {2} This is one of several class action cases pending in New Mexico asserting various claims by insureds against insurance companies based on their modal premium schemes. Reflecting variations in policy language and marketing approach, the suits are not identical but they generally assert that the defendant insurers have failed to properly inform their policy holders of the different rates charged when premiums are paid more often than once a year. {3} In this case, the First Amended Complaint alleges that because Plaintiff Charles Berry (Berry) chose to pay semi-annually, Kemper charged him $122 more per year than the “Guaranteed Maximum Premiums after the First Policy Year” stated in the policy. Coupling this basic factual assertion with allegations that Kemper intentionally or otherwise failed to disclose the dollar value of, or an equivalent interest rate for, the different premiums, Plaintiff pleaded a number of potential causes of action, including: Count 1, common law breach of contract; Count 2, common law breach of duty to disclose material facts; Count 3, common law breach of duty of good faith and fair dealing during contract performance; Count 4, unjust enrichment; and Count 5, violation of New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act. The district court limited its certification to the breach of contract and the good faith and fair dealing theories. {4} The common law breach of contract claim relies on the language of the class representative’s Kemper policy. Pertinent portions of the policy are attached to this opinion as Appendix 1. The class emphasizes the language on the “Policy Specifications” page specifying “Total Premiums” for the first year — broken down by payment made— and the language immediately following, which provides “Annual ‘current premiums after the first policy year’ are shown beginning on the next page. Annual ‘guaranteed maximum premiums after the first policy year’ are shown on the pages that follow ‘current premiums after the first policy year.’ ” The following page of the policy is labeled “Current Premiums After First Policy Year” and, under the column headed “Total Annual Premiums,” lists $3050 as the amount payable through year ten of the policy. {5} The class also relies on a definitional provision that includes an integration clause and a list of the items that make up the contract between Kemper and its insured. This policy, with any proper changes, is the entire contract between you and us. Only our president, vice-president, secretary, or assistant secretary can change, modify, or waive any provisions of this policy. This policy includes: 1. the Policy Specifications; 2. the attached application; and 3. any supplemental applications, riders, amendments or endorsements made a part of this policy. {6} Kemper, of course, acknowledges these terms of its standard form policy. In response, Kemper points to Berry’s application for coverage in which he agreed to make semi-annual payments in the amount of $1586, combined with a policy provision that incorporates the application and makes it “a part of this policy.” Kemper argues these provisions prove Berry unqualifiedly agreed to the premium he has been paying since the policy went into force. {7} Kemper also emphasizes the “Premium Payment Section” of the policy which includes this language: “After the first policy year, the semi-annual, quarterly, or preauthorized monthly payments for each policy year will be determined on the same basis as that used to determine the premium for the selected mode for the first policy.” Kemper argues this provision makes it clear the premium amount set in the policy application will continue for the initial ten-year guaranteed rate term. {8} The failure-to-disclose and breach of the duty of good faith counts are based on assertions that Kemper does not inform insureds they will pay more if they choose to pay their premiums on a schedule other than once a year. Kemper responds that the arithmetic difference between annual and other modes of payment is obvious on the face of its policies. Kemper also asserts that at least some selling agents explain the dollar difference in premium rates during the sale process. Kemper acknowledges that the dollar difference between premium modes is never expressed as an interest rate or APR. {9} Apart from discovery wrangles, the procedural history of the case is relatively simple. Kemper filed a motion to stay or dismiss “based on the primary jurisdiction and filed rate doctrines,” seeking to have the entire matter referred to the New Mexico Superintendent of Insurance. The district court denied the motion and Kemper has not sought to appeal that denial. Some of Kemper’s arguments in support of this motion do appear here in support of its position that federalism concerns and principles of state sovereignty prohibit recognition of a nationwide class. {10} Kemper also filed a second motion to dismiss pursuant to Rule 1 — 012(B)(6) NMRA 2004, prior to filing an answer. Following briefing, the district court denied the motion in its entirety. The district court’s rationale in denying the motion is not directly relevant to this appeal, except in one respect. One paragraph of the Order denying dismissal states: “As to Defendant’s argument that the language of the insurance policy was clear such as to preclude breach of contract, common law disclosure or Unfair Practices Act claims, it appears there were omissions raising issues of ambiguity and materiality precluding dismissal under Rule 1 — 012(B)(6).” As will become clear, this language has become a bone of contention between the parties on appeal. {11} Plaintiff filed his motion for class certification on the heels of the district court’s oral denial of Kemper’s motion to dismiss. The motion proposed certification of a class “composed of all persons who reside in the United States who, at any time between January 1, 1985, and the date of class certification, have made premium payments to [Kemper] with respect to an individual life insurance policy on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis.” The motion also requested certification of a fifteen-state subclass — including New Mexico — for Plaintiffs Unfair Trade Practices claims asserting that the statutory provisions in these jurisdictions were “comparable to, and consistent with, New Mexico’s.” {12} The motion to certify was litigated primarily on paper. The parties stipulated to the documentary evidence the district court should consider. The parties also designated portions of deposition testimony for the district court to review rather than present live testimony. {13} The record thus compiled reveals that Kemper’s term life insurance policy forms issued at least since 1994 — including class representative Berry’s — were identical in all aspects pertinent to this case. That is, with minor variations, all of the policy forms address the annual and modal premium structure as described above. Only the forms issued in Pennsylvania provide specific instructions in the policy about how an insured can calculate the modal premium amount. The district court excluded residents of Pennsylvania from the class. {14} The record also reveals that the life insurance application forms Kemper used for the policies involved here were the same, with small variations. All of the application forms request the applicant to select a premium payment mode. While some forms did not disclose all of the premium payment modes available, most allowed a choice of monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual to be selected. None of the application forms provided any information about the specific dollar amount of each payment made, or the dollar difference between modes, and none expressed the difference in cost as an annual interest or percentage rate. If premium illustrations were provided detailing all four payment modes, the dollar difference could be computed arithmetically. {15} The record also contains representative copies of the General Agent’s Agreements Kemper has used during the time frame covered by the certification order. Used because Kemper does not have an in-house sales force, the agreements are essentially identical, and all contain limitations on the agent’s ability to (1) modify Kemper’s policies, contracts, or other forms; (2) make any representations about Kemper’s policies unless they are contained in materials furnished or previously approved in writing by Kemper; and (3) use any advertising or sales material unless it has previously been approved by Kemper. Kemper witnesses agreed these provisions were uniformly enforced by Kemper. {16} The same witness testified he never saw any advertising material that disclosed the dollar difference between the annualized cost of the various premium modes. Kemper neither required agents to disclose nor forbade agents from disclosing the comparative costs of the various modes of payment. {17} The only direct evidence in the record of agent practices during sales is contained in four affidavits attached to Kemper’s brief in response to the motion for class certification. The affidavits are by four individual selling agents — two from Illinois, and one each from Ohio and California. Each of the agents describes his individual approach to selling insurance, in particular with regard to explaining the different modes available for paying premiums. One of the agents typically provides premium illustrations for monthly, semi-annual, and annual payment schedules. The other three only provide the annual premium initially. All four of the agents aver that they explain (in varying degrees of detail) the dollar difference between the modes if payment obligations become an issue in the sales conversation. They also state that they explain that the client must pay the premium set for the mode chosen in order to keep the policy in force, subject to a client-driven change in mode. None of the affidavits address directly whether there is any explanation given as to how the “Guaranteed Maximum Premiums” and “Current Premiums After the First Policy Year” provisions of the policy relate to or affect the insured’s modal premium choice. {18} Plaintiff also provided the district court with statutory and case law surveys as part of its effort to demonstrate that the law concerning interpretation of contracts, breach of contracts, and the duty of good faith and fair dealing is sufficiently uniform across the country to allow efficient management of the litigation in New Mexico. {19} The district court held a hearing on the motion, at which the named Plaintiff and proposed class representative, Berry, testified briefly. The majority of the certification hearing was devoted to argument by counsel and queries from the district court. The district court announced its ruling and explained its rationale at the conclusion of the hearing. The district court declined to enter formal findings of fact with the order certifying the class. However, because the district court explicitly stated that its oral explanation was the basis for its ruling, we will refer to its remarks as appropriate when addressing the parties’ arguments. Ledbetter v. Webb, 103 N.M. 597, 603, 711 P.2d 874, 880 (1985) (reviewing court may look to remarks of district court to clarify basis for its orders); Jeantete v. Jeantete, 111 N.M. 417, 419, 806 P.2d 66, 68 (Ct.App.1990) (same). {20} In his oral remarks at the close of the certification hearing, the district court addressed each of the Rule 1-023(A) factors in turn and found each was met, along the way resolving certain factual disputes — in particular concerning the propriety of Berry continuing as the class representative. The district court also stated there was “no question” that substantially similar contract terms were involved, and it asserted its belief that there are “generally standardized procedures for the dealings between ... the members of the class and Federal Kemper.” The district court observed that in its view, “there really are comparatively small damages involved on an individual basis.” {21} Turning to the Rule 1-023(B) requirements, the district court quickly decided that subsections (B)(1) and (B)(2) were not met. The class has not appealed this ruling. With regard to Rule 1-023(B)(3), the district court found that common issues of law and fact predominated with regard to the contract claim because of the similarity between policies and between applications. In the district court’s view, these factual similarities raised common questions of law as to the terms of the contract, whether the language of the contracts is plain and unambiguous, and, ultimately whether there was a breach by Kemper. The district court decided there were common issues with regard to the duty of good faith claim; specifically whether “Kemper had a duty to disclose the dollar difference or the APR related to the various payment plan choices,” and whether a failure to disclose had a tendency to deceive the insureds. {22} The district court recognized there was an issue whether an individualized inquiry would be necessary to determine each class member’s understanding based on information they may have received outside the policy and application, primarily from their sales agents. The district court decided that most of the issues raised by Kemper defenses were common issues subject to common proof. The district court determined that while there may be some individual issues, they did not overwhelm the common issues. {23} The district court also addressed management and superiority issues. Taking into consideration the small size of individual claims, the lack of other such litigation involving Kemper, the relative desirability of concentrating the litigation in New Mexico, and relying to some degree on the court’s ability to adjust the class as the case progressed, the district court decided the certification was appropriate. {24} The district court spoke at length about the difficulties posed by the nationwide reach of the class. The district court recognized that it faced choice of law issues with constitutional implications. Citing Sollenbarger v. Mountain States Tel. & Tel. Co., 121 F.R.D. 417, 438 (D.N.M.1988), the district court decided it could entertain the action if the applicable law in other states was sufficiently similar to New Mexico’s law, or if the law of New Mexico at least did not clearly contradict the law of the other forums. See Phillips Petroleum Co. v. Shutts, 472 U.S. 797, 815, 105 S.Ct. 2965, 86 L.Ed.2d 628 (1985). The district court concluded, after reviewing the law surveys provided by the class, that there was sufficient uniformity in law to allow it to proceed with the contract and good faith and fair dealing claims. The district court apparently intends to apply New Mexico law to these claims. The district court did alert the parties that it retained jurisdiction to decertify or adjust the class as the case proceeded. ANALYSIS Standard of Review {25} Appellate courts typically review a district court’s decision to grant or deny class certification for an abuse of discretion. Thiessen v. Gen. Elec. Capital Corp., 267 F.3d 1095, 1110 (10th Cir.2001); In re Cardizem CD Antitrust Litig., 200 F.R.D. 326, 334 (E.D.Mich.2001); Howe v. Microsoft Corp., 656 N.W.2d 285, 287-88 (N.D.2003); In re S.D. Microsoft Antitrust Litig., 657 N.W.2d 668, 671 (S.D.2003). The district court abuses its discretion when it misapprehends the law, New Mexico Right to Choose/NARAL v. Johnson, 1999-NMSC-028, ¶ 7,127 N.M. 654, 986 P.2d 450, or when its decision is unreasonable. Bustamante v. City of Las Cruces, 114 N.M. 179, 181, 836 P.2d 98, 100 (Ct.App.1992); Wirth v. Commercial Res., Inc., 96 N.M. 340, 347, 630 P.2d 292, 299 (Ct.App.1981). If the district court has applied the correct law, we will uphold its decision if it is supported by substantial evidence. In re Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litig., 280 F.3d 124, 132 (2d Cir.2001) (applying a deferential standard to certification ruling if the correct legal standard was applied); Bustamante, 114 N.M. at 181, 836 P.2d at 100 (noting the relationship between the abuse of discretion and substantial evidence standards). {26} An abuse of discretion standard appropriately recognizes the practical, fact-bound, and ease-specific nature of the class certification process. The judge who will handle the case is best able to craft the most efficient, manageable, and just means of providing all parties a reasonable forum and remedy. See Eisen v. Carlisle & Jacquelin, 417 U.S. 156, 184-85, 94 S.Ct. 2140, 40 L.Ed.2d 732 (1974) (Douglas, J., concurring and dissenting in part) (discussing the relationship between the trial court’s discretion and Rule 23’s flexibility to manage the case); see also In re Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litig., 280 F.3d at 140-41 (indicating that the certification issue is peculiarly within the discretion of the trial court as management is “always a matter of justifiable and serious concern for the trial court” and the trial court has a great deal of flexibility to manage the class as necessary) (internal quo tation marks and citation omitted); State v. Ferguson, 111 N.M. 191, 192-93, 803 P.2d 676, 677-78 (Ct.App.1990) (recognizing discretionary review is given to trial judge who is thought to be in a better position than appellate judges to decide certain matters wisely and justly). Thus, within certain parameters designed to encourage the district courts to explicitly consider and resolve the issues inherent in the class action vehicle, appellate courts should leave certification requests to the prudent discretion of the district courts. General Considerations {27} Identical to its federal counterpart, Rule 1-023 currently provides in pertinent part: A. Prerequisites to a class action. One or more members of a class may sue or be sued as representative parties on behalf of all only if: (1) the class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable; (2) there are questions of law or fact common to the class; (3) the claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims or defenses of the class; and (4) the representative parties will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class. B. Class actions maintainable. An action may be maintained as a class action if the prerequisites of Paragraph A of this rule are satisfied, and in addition: (3) the court finds that the questions of law or fact common to the members of the class predominate over any questions affecting only individual members, and that a class action is superior to other available methods for the fair and efficient adjudication of the controversy. The matters pertinent to the findings include: (a)the interest of members of the class in individually controlling the prosecution or defense of separate actions; (b) the extent and nature of any litigation concerning the controversy already commenced by or against members of the class; (c) the desirability or undesirability of concentrating the litigation of the claims in the particular forum; (d) the difficulties likely to be encountered in the management of a class action. C.Determination by order whether class action to be maintained; notice; judgment; actions conducted partially as class actions. (4) When appropriate: (a) an action may be brought or maintained as a class action with respect to particular issues; or (b) a class may be divided into subclasses and each subclass treated as a class, and the provisions of this rule shall then be construed and applied accordingly. Rule 1-023(A), (B)(3), (C)(4). {28} The class action procedure has been in use for hundreds of years, starting with the English Equity courts. 7A Charles Alan Wright, Arthur R. Miller & Mary Kay Kane, Federal Practice & Procedure Civ.2d § 1751 (2004) (hereinafter Wright). The federal courts included a class action provision in the Equity Rules in 1833. Smith v. Swormstedt, 57 U.S. 288, 16 How. 288, 14 L.Ed. 942 (1853) (mem.). Class action practice was included in the new federal rules of civil procedure in 1938. Increasing dissatisfaction with the original Rule 23 led to the 1966 revision which forms the bulk of the rule as it stands today. Ortiz v. Fibreboard Corp., 527 U.S. 815, 832-35, 119 S.Ct. 2295, 144 L.Ed.2d 715 (1999). {29} Thus, the current rule is but the latest version of a series of provisions addressing the problem of how best to manage claims involving losses dispersed over large numbers of persons but caused by an arguably common agent. Class actions aggregate many claims into a single proceeding, potentially saving the courts from dealing with large numbers of individual claims involving similar factual and legal patterns. Aggregation increases the chances that a claim will be heard when the small size of an individual’s claim makes it uneconomic — and therefore unlikely — to be brought. The United States Supreme Court has recognized the protection of small claims as one of the prime purposes of the class action. Amchem Prods., Inc. v. Windsor, 521 U.S. 591, 617, 117 S.Ct. 2231, 138 L.Ed.2d 689 (1997) (noting that the advisory committee had “dominantly in mind vindication” of small individual claims). {30} Aggregation, on the other hand, carries its own difficulties. The most obvious is the subjugation of individual claims with their unique elements to the aggregate. The result may be an increased potential for error in any given case. If the individual claim is relatively small, the perniciousness of error may be of small concern, but, as Rule l-023(B)(3)(a) recognized, should loom larger as the relative size and consequence of each individual’s claim increases. Similarly, homogeneity of the class must be considered in order to reduce intraclass conflicts. And, simple management of a class action can be a concern depending on the size of the class, its geographic reach, and the number and complexity of the factual and legal issues involved. {31} At the far end of the spectrum, courts must guard against collusive pressure and behavior. Premature settlement of an action on terms favorable to class counsel in the form of fees and to the defendant in the form of a quick resolution, with no admission of liability but a broad definition of the class and the legal claims settled, is a problem courts must take into account in every settlement approval process. {32} All of these problems have been highlighted over at least the last two decades by the increasing incidence of mass tort litigation. Cases involving nationwide classes sometimes numbering in the millions have presented unprecedented challenges to court resources and imaginations as they tackle issues as basic as identifying and notifying members of the class and as esoteric as deciding choice of law questions. See Georgine v. Amchem Prods., Inc., 83 F.3d 610 (3rd Cir.1996) aff'd, 521 U.S. 591, 117 S.Ct. 2231, 138 L.Ed.2d 689 (1997) (decertifying a nationwide settlement class of all persons exposed to asbestos but not currently ill); Castano v. Am. Tobacco Co., 84 F.3d 734, 737 (5th Cir.1996) (decertifying a nationwide class including all nicotine-dependent persons, and their estates and living “spouses, children, relatives and ‘significant others’ ” for a class period starting in 1943). {33} The effects and causes of increasing class action litigation have received increasing attention from the courts, academia, and policy think tanks. See Symposium: MASS TORTS, 148 U. Pa. L.Rev. 1851-2274 (2000); Class Actions in the Gulf South Symposium, 74 Tul. L.Rev. 1603-2255 (2000); Deborah R. Hensler, et al., Class Action Dilemmas: Pursuing Public Goals for Private Gain, RAND Institute for Civil Justice (2000). These materials are but a small fraction of the scholarly attention given to the issue recently. {34} The literature indicates that the courts have grown more cautious over the years about the class action vehicle. The early idea that courts should err on the side of granting certification, Esplin v. Hirschi, 402 F.2d 94, 99 (10th Cir.1968), has been demonstrably tempered, at least in the mass tort arena. The Seventh Circuit has asserted that “[m]ost federal courts ... refuse to permit the use of the class-action device in mass-tort cases.” In re Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Inc., 51 F.3d 1293, 1304 (7th Cir.1995). This is not surprising in a sense given the potential for individual variations among tort plaintiffs with regard to liability and causation issues. In fact, the Advisory Committee that drafted the current version of Rule 23 noted that “mass accident [or mass tort]” cases are “ordinarily not appropriate” for class treatment. 39 F.R.D. 69, 103 (1966). {35} However, concern over the use of class actions has spilled over to other types of cases. See, e.g., Banks v. N.Y. Life Ins. Co., 737 So.2d 1275, 1282 (La.1999) (decertifying a so-called “vanishing premium” case class limited to Louisiana residents); Allison v. Citgo Petroleum Corp., 151 F.3d 402, 418 n. 12 (5th Cir.1998) (decertifying a Rule 23(b)(2) class asserting employment discrimi nation under the Civil Rights Act of 1991 and affirming the district court’s refusal to certify the class under Rule 23(b)(3)). {36} Further, states (such as Louisiana) formerly seen as relatively friendly to class actions have recently placed more stringent requirements on their certification processes. See Henry Schein, Inc. v. Stromboe, 102 S.W.3d 675, 693-95 (Tex.2002) (decertifying action against software provider on theories of fraud, breach of express warranty, negligent misrepresentation, promissory estoppel, and deceptive trade practices because class could not demonstrate that individual issues of reliance did not preclude finding of predominance); Southwestern Refining Co. v. Bernal, 22 S.W.3d 425, 436 (Tex.2000) (adopting a stringent version of the federal approach to Rule 23 and decertifying a class action arising from a tank explosion); Ex parte Am-South Bancorporation, 717 So.2d 357, 359 (Ala.1998) (per curiam) (decertifying class asserting fraud, securities fraud, breach of implied contract, and breach of fiduciary duties because claims rested on oral statements rather than documents); Ex parte Green Tree Fin. Corp., 684 So.2d 1302, 1307-09 (Ala.1996) (decertifying a class due to a lack of evidentiary underpinnings for the finding required by the rule). {37} We provide this background not because it is dispositive, but because it teaches that the mood across the country, in particular with regard to nationwide class actions, is marked by caution. See Stromboe, 102 S.W.3d at 699 nn. 91-92. No court has ruled that a nationwide class involving breach of contract and breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing is impossible. Indianer v. Franklin Life Ins. Co., 113 F.R.D. 595, 607 (S.D.Fla.1986) (noting “[i]t would be wrong to conclude that breach of contract claims are never appropriate for nationwide class treatment”). See Am. Airlines, Inc. v. Wolens, 513 U.S. 219, 233 n. 8, 115 S.Ct. 817, 130 L.Ed.2d 715 (1995) (noting that “contract law is not at its core diverse, nonuniform, and confusing.” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). But, when considering the propriety of such an action, courts should bear uppermost in mind whether the matter can be reasonably managed in such a way that the potential efficiencies of the class action tool are actually realized without trammeling the defendant’s ability to develop its defenses. {38} This background also provides context for the United States Supreme Court’s few observations concerning the approach courts should take when considering class certification requests. In Gen. Tel. Co. v. Falcon, 457 U.S. 147, 161, 102 S.Ct. 2364, 72 L.Ed.2d 740 (1982), the court made clear that trial courts must conduct a “rigorous analysis” of a plaintiffs compliance with Rule 23(a) before ruling on any class certification. The Court did not elaborate on what a rigorous analysis would entail, but presumably it was reacting to the fact that the district court there had not conducted any kind of evidentiary hearing before certifying the class. {39} The Supreme Court has also made it clear that the text of federal Rule 23 embodies real limits on “judicial inventiveness” in using the class action tool. Amchem Prods., Inc., 521 U.S. at 620, 117 S.Ct. 2231. The rule provides safeguards, not just “impractical impediments” to case management. Id. at 621, 117 S.Ct. 2231. The Court in Am-chem Prods., Inc. observed that Rule 23(b)(3) was seen as an “adventuresome innovation” that invited a close look before a case was accepted as a class action. Id. at 592-93,117 S.Ct. 2231. Echoing the Supreme Court’s observation that the policy objectives of the class action Rule “may be endangered by those who embrace [Rule 23] too enthusiastically just as [they are by] those who approach [the Rule] with distaste,” we turn to the merits of the certification issue. Id. at 629, 117 S.Ct. 2231 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Rule 1-023(A) {40} All class actions must meet the minimum requirements of Rule 1-023(A), commonly referred to as numerosity, commonality, typicality, and adequacy of representation. Kemper challenged each below and the district court found in favor of the class on each. {41} Numerosity under Rule 1-023(A)(1) is concerned with joinder issues. The primary considerations are whether there are so many potential plaintiffs that they cannot be joined as a practical matter, and whether there are other obstacles, such as personal jurisdiction issues, to individual joinder. Wright, supra § 1762. Kemper argues that the class has not proven how many of the 200,000 or so policy holders in the class actually agree with the theory of the case. Kemper’s position apparently is that numerosity should depend on the number of class members who may ultimately seek a recovery. This is not an appropriate standard. Weiss v. Tenney Corp., 47 F.R.D. 283, 289 n. 2 (S.D.N.Y.1969) (noting that numerosity is determined on basis of “who might have such a claim — and not the number of those who will ultimately recover”). Here, the sheer size of the class lends ample support to the district court’s finding concerning numerosity. {42} The commonality requirement of Rule 1-023(A)(2) is relatively easily met because it is deemed to require only that a single issue be common to the class. Smith v. Behr Process Corp., 113 Wash.App. 306, 54 P.3d 665, 673 (2002); 1 Alba Conte & Herbert B. Newberg, Newberg on Class Actions § 3.10 (3d ed.1992) (hereinafter New-berg). This low threshold is met here because the insurance policies and application forms at issue are essentially identical. As may be expected, the commonality requirement is usually subsumed by the predominance requirement of Rule 1-023(B)(3). Amchem Prods., Inc., 521 U.S. at 623-24, 117 S.Ct. 2231 (noting that even if commonality is met, predominance “is far more demanding”); Wright, supra § 1763, at 227-28. {43} The typicality requirement of Rule 1-023(A)(3) is used to gauge in general how well the proposed class representative’s case matches the class factual allegations and legal theories. Smith, 54 P.3d at 673-74; Wright, supra § 1764; Newberg, supra § 3.13. The fit need not be perfect. If the alleged unlawful conduct affects both the named plaintiff and the class members, varying fact patterns in individual claims will not usually defeat typicality unless the variation is so great that there is a conflict created between the named parties and the class. Wright, supra § 1764, at 247. {44} Kemper argues that Berry’s claims are not typical because he admits he had to pay $1586 every six months — the modal premium set in his application — to keep his policy in force. Kemper also points out that Berry initially did not understand the significance of the APR allegation. The class responds with reference to other parts of the record, which seem to indicate that Berry understands the theory of the case, agrees with it, and believes he personally has a viable claim. Even assuming Kemper’s assertions have some factual merit, we see no abuse of discretion in the district court’s decision. The district court could reasonably rely on those portions of the record that support Berry’s view of the case. See Mersay v. First Republic Corp. of Am., 43 F.R.D. 465, 469 (S.D.N.Y.1968) (noting that named plaintiff need not prove every element of her individual claim to meet typicality requirement). {45} Rule 1-023(A)(4) requires that the class representative “fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class.” “What constitutes adequate representation is a question of fact that depends on the circumstances of each case.” Wright, supra § 1765, at 271. On appeal, Kemper limits its argument to two factors: (1) Berry did not enter into a contingency fee agreement until more than a year after the case was filed, after Kemper raised the issue; and (2) Berry does not understand the claim. We have already noted that the district court had conflicting testimony as to the latter assertion. With regard to the fee agreement, we see no abuse of discretion, in particular since Kemper has not challenged in any way the competence or propriety of the class counsel. Rule 1-023(B)(3) {46} Rule 1-023(B)(3) does not provide a definition of predominance or superiority. It does provide a list of “matters pertinent to the findings,” but it does not explain how they are to be weighed in individual cases. Id. (B)(3)(a)-(d). {47} As envisioned by the Advisory Committee, federal Rule 23(b)(3) class actions would encompass “those cases in which a class action would achieve economies of time, effort, and expense, and promote uniformity of decision as to persons similarly situated, without sacrificing procedural fairness or bringing about other undesirable results.” 39 F.R.D. at 102-03. These considerations suggest that courts should strive to achieve a reasonable balance between judicial convenience and the rights of the parties. Whether a case should be certified for class treatment is a fact-driven, pragmatic inquiry guided by the twin objectives of judicial efficiency and the need to provide a forum for the vindication of dispersed losses. Amchem Prods., Inc., 521 U.S. at 617, 117 S.Ct. 2231; Allison, 151 F.3d at 420 (noting that the “most compelling rationale for finding superiority in a class action” is the existence of a “negative value suit” where the potential recovery by any individual is too small to pay the cost of the suit) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); Wright, supra § 1778, at 528. The end goal of the predominance inquiry is to determine whether a proposed class is “sufficiently cohesive to warrant adjudication by representation.” Amchem Prods., Inc., 521 U.S. at 623, 117 S.Ct. 2231. {48} Clearly, the inquiry cannot be reduced to a formula, but, generally, predominance may be found when the “issues in the class action that are subject to generalized proof, and thus applicable to the class as a whole, ... predominate over those issues that are subject only to individualized proof.” Rutstein v. Avis Rent-A-Car Sys., Inc., 211 F.3d 1228, 1233 (11th Cir.2000) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Common questions “need not be dispositive” of the entire case; they need only predominate. In re Cardizem CD Antitrust Litig., 200 F.R.D. at 339 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); Wright, supra § 1778, at 528-29. And, predominance is not determined by a simple quantitative measure of the time that may be spent on common rather than individual issues, though that calculation can be a factor properly taken into account. Id. at 527. {49} Stated in the abstract these tests for predominance have a circular, if not ad hoe, flavor to them. They serve primarily to remind courts that the inquiry should focus on the relationship between common and individual issues. That relationship can only be measured in the context of particular cases. See In re Potash Antitrust Litig., 159 F.R.D. 682, 693 (D.Minn.1995) (noting there are no bright lines to determine when common questions predominate in a particular case); In re Catfish Antitrust Litig., 826 F.Supp. 1019, 1039 (N.D.Miss.1993) (noting that “suitability for Rule 23 certification is, by design and necessity, a fact sensitive process for each case”). {50} Because of the need to measure in context, courts recognize that the “class determination generally involves considerations that are ‘enmeshed in the factual and legal issues comprising the plaintiffs cause of action.’ ” Coopers & Lybrand v. Livesay, 437 U.S. 463, 469, 98 S.Ct. 2454, 57 L.Ed.2d 351 (1978) (quoting Mercantile Nat’l Bank v. Langdeau, 371 U.S. 555, 558, 83 S.Ct. 520, 9 L.Ed.2d 523 (1963)). This “probe behind the pleadings” is necessary because the district court must understand the elements of the plaintiffs’ causes of action — and the likely defenses — in order to assess what kind of proof will be necessary to decide the issues. Knowing what proof will be necessary allows the district court to assess the extent to which evidence common to the class is potentially available to meet a plaintiffs burden or whether individualized proof will be necessary. Similarly, understanding the potential defenses to liability should help the district court assess the extent to which the defendant may be entitled to insist on presenting individualized proof. The focus for* the district court is whether the proof at trial will be predominantly common to the class or primarily individualized. In re Polypropylene Carpet Antitrust Litig., 996 F.Supp. 18, 23 (N.D.Ga.1997) {51} This peek into the merits of the case — without deciding them — should be relatively straightforward if the court is dealing with the law of only one state. The inquiry can become decidedly more involved, however, if the law of different states must be determined and applied. Here, the district court certified a nationwide class. The difficulties posed by multistate classes are of three general varieties. First, multistate classes bring into sharp focus the Rule 1-023(B)(3)(c) requirement that courts consider the relative desirability of concentrating litigation in the particular forum. Second, the district court must ascertain what the law governing the cause of action in each state actually is and compare it with the forum state law. Having completed this difficult task, the court must decide which law to apply. Applying the wrong law raises problems of constitutional dimension. See Phillips Petroleum Co., 472 U.S. at 815-23, 105 S.Ct. 2965 (holding that it was improper to apply the law of the forum state to all issues and members in a class action in the face of conflicting substantive features unless the forum state had sufficient contact with the members of the class located in other states to satisfy due process requirements). Third, if the forum state decides to apply the law of other states, the court must consider the difficulty of managing the trial of sub-classes to the same jury. See Ilhardt v. A.O. Smith Corp., 168 F.R.D. 613, 619-20 (S.D.Ohio 1996) (detailing the difficulties potentially encountered at trial of a case where multiple state laws must be applied). See Stephen R. Bough & Andrea G. Bough, Conflicts of Laws and Multi-State Class Actions: How Variations in State Law Affect the Predominance Requirement of Rule 23(B)(3), 68 UMKC L.Rev. 1 (1999). {52} We turn now to consider whether the district court properly considered these concerns and whether it abused its discretion in its decision. » A. Breach of Contract Predominance Inquiry {53} We start the predominance analysis by examining how the parties intend to litigate the case with particular attention to the evidence they intend to introduce. This initial discussion will rely solely on New Mexico insurance contract law since the district court assumed that was the law it would be applying. We will address the propriety of that decision in a later section of the opinion. {54} Plaintiffs position is that the class can prove its case without individualized evidence. In fact, Plaintiff argues that it would be improper to admit individual evidence, citing Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 211(2) (1981) (providing that standardized agreements are to be “interpreted wherever reasonable as treating alike all those similarly situated, without regard to their knowledge or understanding of the standard terms of the writing”). Plaintiff emphasizes that all of the documentary evidence is essentially identical for the entire class; that is, the policy language (outlined above and attached as Appendix A), the application forms, the agent training, and sales materials are all the same and do not require individual explanation. In Plaintiffs view the meaning of these standardized forms must be common to all of the class members. {55} Further, Plaintiff argues that the policy can and should be interpreted in favor of the class without resort to individual testimony. Plaintiff notes that the district court has not yet decided whether there is an ambiguity in the standardized forms, and that the question of ambiguity — or, more precisely, conflicting reasonable interpretations — is not before this court. Plaintiff envisions a procedure in which the district court will “use accepted canons of contract construction, and ‘traditional rules of grammar and punctuation’ ... in determining whether an ambiguity exists and in determining how to resolve it.” If the district court finds an ambiguity, Plaintiff expects the district court to resolve it by the “universally recognized principle that ambiguity is always to be construed against the drafter, in this case Kemper.” {56} Kemper has two approaches to the issue of interpretation. It first argues that the policy, including the application, unambiguously sets the amount of the premium no matter what mode is chosen by the insured. That is, insureds cannot reasonably assert they did not understand the obligation to make premium payments at the level set in their applications for the mode chosen. In this view, the fact that the figure given in the policy for “Current Premiums After First Policy Year” does not match the modal premium is simply irrelevant or clearly not applicable to non-annual payees. As a back-up position, Kemper argues that if the policy is ambiguous it must be allowed to present extrinsic evidence to prove that individual insureds share its view of the meaning of the policy. Kemper has not as yet presented any evidence from any insured. It did provide the four agent affidavits described above. {57} In sum, Plaintiff and Kemper offer polar views of the case and the likely course of the litigation. We believe the litigation is more likely to take a middle course, though Plaintiff may be a bit closer to the mark. {58} New Mexico case law indicates that insurance contracts should be construed in the same manner as other contracts. Rummel v. Lexington Ins. Co., 1997-NMSC-041, ¶ 18,123 N.M. 752, 945 P.2d 970. The insurance contract will be reviewed as a whole, starting, of course, with the language of the agreement itself. Id. ¶ 20. The traditional rules of presentation, syntax, and grammar should be employed in the normal course of interpretation. Id.; C.R. Anthony Co. v. Loretto Mall Partners, 112 N.M. 504, 510 n. 5, 817 P.2d 238, 244 n. 5 (1991). {59} Of course, language is at times difficult to understand. These difficulties of interpretation — generically referred to in the cases as ambiguities — can arise in a variety of circumstances, such as “when separate sections of a policy appear to conflict with one another, when the language of a provision is susceptible to more than one meaning, when the structure of the contract is illogical, or when a particular matter of coverage is not explicitly addressed by the policy.” Rummel, 1997-NMSC-041, ¶ 19, 123 N.M. 752, 945 P.2d 970. These examples are not necessarily discrete phenomena; that is, they may overlap within the same sentence, paragraph, or section of a policy. All are simply examples of lack of clarity in the expression of the agreement. {60} Whether a policy is reasonably susceptible to different interpretations is a question of law to be determined by the court. C.R. Anthony Co., 112 N.M. at 509, 817 P.2d at 243. An ambiguity is not established simply because the parties disagree on the proper interpretation. Trujillo v. CS Cattle Co., 109 N.M. 705, 709, 790 P.2d 502, 506 (1990). Reasonableness is the touchstone for determining whether there is a true lack of clarity. Id. {61} The concept of reasonableness has a somewhat specialized meaning in the insurance context, however. When evaluating competing interpretations of a policy, the courts should view the language issue from the standpoint of “a hypothetical reasonable insured.” Computer Corner, Inc. v. Fireman’s Fund Ins. Co., 2002-NMCA-054, ¶¶ 7, 13, 132 N.M. 264, 46 P.3d 1264; see also Rummel, 1997-NMSC-041, ¶19, 123 N.M. 752, 945 P.2d 970. Thus, the question the court should ask itself initially is what understanding a reasonably intelligent, non-lawyer lay person might glean from the policy, in light of the usual meaning of the words and the circumstances leading to purchase of the policy. Id. Specialized knowledge of the insurance industry case law, academic treatments, and industry norms or standards should not enter into the inquiry. Computer Comer Inc., 2002-NMCA-054, ¶¶ 7, 13, 132 N.M. 264, 46 P.3d 1264. {62} Confronted with assertions of conflicting interpretations, the court should look first to the language itself. If the language is plain enough “that no reasonable person could hold any way but one, then the court may interpret the meaning as a matter of law.” Mark V, Inc. v. Mellekas, 114 N.M. 778, 781, 845 P.2d 1232, 1235 (1993). Absent such clarity, or in aid of the basic inquiry as to whether there is a reasonable conflict in interpretation, courts may accept extrinsic evidence of the circumstances surrounding entry into the agreement. In this regard we disagree with Plaintiffs argument that the Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 211(2) would preclude introduction of any evidence concerning specific conversations between insureds and their agents concerning modal premium differentials and how they would operate in light of the provision of the policies. Section 211(2) does not require such an outcome and we see no reason to change New Mexico’s settled approach to contract interpretation here. {63} If the parties do not offer extrinsic evidence probative of the issue, the court may proceed to resolve the conflict as a matter of law. Mark V, Inc., 114 N.M. at 782, 845 P.2d at 1236. As we noted in Computer Comer, Inc., “[i]f we are alerted to an interpretation supporting coverage to which the language of the policy is reasonably susceptible and which does not violate public policy, we generally will construe the provision against the insurer and in favor of coverage.” 2002-NMCA-054, ¶7, 132 N.M. 264, 46 P.3d 1264. This can have powerful consequences given New Mexico’s commitment to meeting the reasonable expectation of insureds. Computer Corner, Inc. is an example of a case in which, apparently, no extrinsic evidence about the circumstances surrounding issuance of the policy was available. It is reasonable to assume that there were in fact no conversations between Fireman’s Fund and its insured about what the “Intentional Acts” or “Business Risk” exclusions meant. The result in Computer Corner, Inc. was a change in the policy itself, at least from the insurer’s viewpoint. {64} This outcome is appropriate and just in this context because of the nature of the insurance transaction. Policies are difficult, technical documents. And lack of communication about the specific policy language is typical, in particular in purely consumer transactions, where the usual practice is to deliver the actual policy sometimes weeks after coverage is extended and the premium paid. The policy when delivered is a form created by the insurance company and not subject to negotiation. Enforcement of the hypothetical insured’s reasonable expectations acts as an alert to insurers to clarify the language of their policies. Id. {65} This process has obvious implications for class actions. It is possible to litigate actions such as this purely on the basis of the common documents and other common evidence. That is how the class apparently intends to proceed. However, Kemper also has the right to try and prove as an affirmative defense that specific insureds shared its idea of what the agreement was with regard to the premium structure. Parties to a contract should always have the opportunity to prove where their minds actually met. {66} Kemper goes a bit further. It asserts that this right in and of itself precludes a finding of predominance in favor of the class because it makes each class member’s ease an inherently individual matter. We do not agree. On a factual level, the district court only had the four agents’ affidavits as extrinsic evidence. The district court could interpret the affidavits as indicating that at least some of the class members received information about the modal premium cost differential, though none of the affidavits addresses whether the “Guaranteed Maximum Premiums” language in the policy form was explained to the policy owners. However, we do not believe the district court abused its discretion in deciding that this factual showing was not sufficient to overcome the factors it saw supporting its decision that common questions predominated. Of course, Kemper would be free to augment its showing in an attempt to demonstrate that individual inquiries will in fact reach a critical mass that swamps the common questions. {67} Finally, we simply disagree with Kemper’s argument that its affirmative defense of waiver by performance — that is, that all insureds continue to pay their modal premiums — requires individual hearings. In a case such as this, where the crux of the claim is a lack of adequate information because it is not included in standardized documentation, the effect of continued performance is most appropriately dealt with as a common question. The analysis is potentially different, as we shall see, where the claim relies on misinformation given in individual transactions. B. Implied Good Faith Duty to Disclose Claim {68} Plaintiff pleads the good faith and fair dealing claim in the First Amended Complaint as follows: “Kemper’s ongoing concealment and failure to state or disclose the dollar difference and the annual percentage rate and/or annual rate of interest which Berry and its other policyholders have been required to pay constitutes a breach of Kemper’s duty of good faith and fair dealing in its performance under its policies.” Plaintiff argues that this claim is provable by essentially the same common evidence applicable to the breach of contract claim; that is, the documentary forms are all essentially identical and Kemper admits that none of the forms or sales manuals explicitly discloses the dollar amounts of the modal premium differentials. Kemper also admits that none of its materials provide any way to calculate an APR or interest rate interpretation of the differential. And, Plaintiff presented expert testimony concerning the value to consumers of such information. {69} Kemper argues that the duty to disclose cases inherently require individual consideration and resolution because the “core issues” in such cases “are whether the plaintiff was in fact aware of the information that allegedly was concealed, and if not, whether the information would have mattered to the plaintiff if it had been provided.” We will refer to the two concerns as the “awareness” and the “materiality” issues. {70} The awareness issue is subject to the same analysis as the breach of contract claim. There are significant indicators of common conduct that can be proven by common evidence. The evidence of diverse facts — agent’s affidavits — could reasonably be viewed by the district court as not significant enough to threaten the predominance of the common issues. From this standpoint, we see no abuse of discretion. {71} We are not persuaded by Kemper’s blanket assertion that failure-to-disclose cases are uniformly refused certification. Kemper relies heavily on a number of so-called “vanishing premium” cases. Review of the cases reveals a pattern of non-uniform documentary material and reliance on misrepresentations at their factual core. Given the clearly disparate information provided to the putative class members, these courts were understandably reluctant to proceed by class action. See Keyes v. Guardian Life Ins. Co., 194 F.R.D. 253, 256 (S.D.Miss.2000) (refusing to certify class where court found that substantially nonstandardized sales presentations to insureds were involved); Adams v. Kan. City Life Ins. Co., 192 F.R.D. 274, 278-79 (W.D.Mo.2000) (refusing certification where court found that agents did not receive uniform training, use uniform sales scripts, use uniform policy illustrations, or distribute uniform marketing materials); Cohn v. Mass. Mut. Life Ins. Co., 189 F.R.D. 209, 214-17 (D.Conn.1999) (refusing certification because of insufficient showing of uniformity in sales materials or oral presentations); In re Hartford Sales Practices Litig., 192 F.R.D. 592, 606 (D.Minn.1999) (denying class certification where plaintiff relied on breach of oral promises made by sales agents). {72} Other courts have certified class actions in vanishing premium eases where the plaintiffs did not rely on oral misrepresentations as the factual basis of their claim. These courts decided that this narrowing allowed for reasonable control of individual issues. See Varacallo v. Mass. Mut. Life Ins. Co., 332 N.J.Super. 31, 752 A.2d 807, 816 (Ct.App.Div.2000); In re Great S. Life Ins. Co. Sales Practices Litig., 192 F.R.D. 212, 216 (N.D.Tex.2000) (certifying class that relied on omissions from uniform sales literature as the factual basis of claims); Cope v. Metro. Life Ins. Co., 82 Ohio St.3d 426, 696 N.E.2d 1001, 1005-06 (1998) (certifying class where gravamen of complaint was that defendant intentionally omitted certain state-mandated warnings from uniform sales material and class did not rely on oral or affirmative misrepresentations). On balance we believe Plaintiffs case is more closely related to the cases granting certification. We do not see any abuse of discretion by the district court in viewing the case that way. {73} The materiality issue is of a different nature, perhaps because of the way the covenant of good faith is being used here: to impose a duty of disclosure. It is unclear to us (though not necessary to resolve here) which provision of the policy gives rise to this duty to disclose. In the more typical case the covenant of good faith springs from a wrongful failure to properly perform under a policy provision (e.g. the obligation to defend or pay a claim) or from an improper exercise of a clause. UJI 13-832 NMRA 2004 Comm, cmt. {74} Nevertheless, the parties agree about the basic nature of the claim here. Kemper analogizes the materiality question here to the issue of reliance in fraud cases. We glean this observation from the fact that the cases Kemper cites to support the existence of the issue are fraud claims. See Lotspeich v. Golden Oil Co., 1998-NMCA-101, ¶ 9, 125 N.M. 365, 961 P.2d 790; Parker v. E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., 121 N.M. 120, 132, 909 P.2d 1, 13 (Ct.App.1995). Kemper argues that this aspect of the case necessarily makes liability individual and fact-specific— similar to its argument about the need to get transaction-specific evidence in the breach of contract claim. {75} Treating the materiality issue as akin to reliance — as Kemper appears to do — we believe the proper response is that materiality, like reliance, is properly presumed here. Like proving a negative, it is obviously difficult to prove that one relied on the fact that something was not disclosed. Or, put another way, it would be an unrealistic burden on a plaintiff to prove how he would have acted if the omitted material information had been disclosed. This concept underlies those cases which impose a presumption of reliance “where a defendant makes materially misleading omissions.” Ackerman v. Price Waterhouse, 252 A.D.2d 179, 683 N.Y.S.2d 179, 198 (N.Y.App.Div.1998). A court may presume reliance where it is logical to believe that a reasonable person — or insured — would attach importance to the omitted fact in his choice of action on the transaction in question. Spark v. MBNA Corp., 178 F.R.D. 431, 435-36 (D.Del.1998) (certifying a class of credit card holders against card issuer and applying a presumption of reliance on material contained in advertised offer). Plaintiffs presented expert testimony describing the value to consumers of disclosing dollar differential between modes and their interest equivalents. This evidence is sufficient to support a presumption that the undisclosed matter would be important to the reasonable insured. Thus, in eases involving primarily a failure to disclose, it is unnecessary to provide positive proof of reliance, or, in Kemper’s formulation, that it “mattered.” Affiliated Ute Citizens v. United States, 406 U.S. 128, 153-54, 92 S.Ct. 1456, 31 L.Ed.2d 741 (1972) (applying federal securities statute); In re Great S. Life Ins. Co. Sales Practices Litig., 192 F.R.D. at 220; Steiner v. Southmark Corp., 734 F.Supp. 269, 272 (N.D.Tex. 1990); Rael v. Am. Estate Life Ins. Co., 79 N.M. 379, 382, 444 P.2d 290, 293 (1968) (holding that materiality of medical information withheld from insurer could be presumed material to insurer); Cope, 696 N.E.2d at 1008. C. Conflict of Laws [48] {76} In Phillips Petroleum Co., 472 U.S. at 821-22, 105 S.Ct. 2965, the United States Supreme Court held that the Full Faith and Credit Clause (Art. IV, § 1) and the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment limit a forum state’s ability to apply its own law when dealing with multistate class actions. Drawing a distinction between a state’s power to assert jurisdiction over a multistate class and the law it could apply, the Supreme Court held that if there is a conflict with another state’s law, the forum state must have a “ ‘significant contact or significant aggregation of contacts’ to the claims asserted by each member of the plaintiff class, contacts ‘creating state interests,’ in order to ensure that the choice of [its] law is not arbitrary or unfair.” Id. (quoting Allstate Ins. Co. v. Hague, 449 U.S. 302, 312-13, 101 S.Ct. 633, 66 L.Ed.2d 521 (1981)). The opposite corollary to the rule, of course, is that “[t]here can be no injury in applying [the forum’s] law if it is not in conflict with that of any other jurisdiction connected to this suit.” Id. at 816, 105 S.Ct. 2965. {77} In Phillips Petroleum Co., the Supreme Court reversed the Kansas Supreme Court’s decision to apply Kansas law to decide whether interest was due to all claimants on withheld royalty payments because of potential significant conflicts it found with Texas and Oklahoma law. On remand, the Kansas courts reviewed their prior decisions in light of Phillips Petroleum Co. and held once again that it was appropriate to apply a uniform interest rate because there was no clear indication that the other states would not apply the rate in accord with the Kansas approach. Wortman v. Sun Oil Co., 241 Kan. 226, 755 P.2d 488, 490-91 (1987) (relying on Phillips Petroleum Co., 732 P.2d at 1290). On certiorari once again, the United States Supreme Court refused to second-guess the Kansas Court’s approach to the issue, holding: To constitute a violation of the Full Faith and Credit Clause or the Due Process Clause, it is not enough that a state court misconstrue the law of another State. Rather, our cases make plain that the misconstruction must contradict law of the other State that is clearly established and that has been brought to the court’s attention. Sun Oil Co. v. Wortman, 486 U.S. 717, 730-31, 108 S.Ct. 2117, 100 L.Ed.2d 743 (1988). {78} Together, Phillips Petroleum Co. and Wortman teach that courts dealing with multistate class actions must consider and evaluate how the laws of other states apply to the class claims. The forum state cannot simply assume that its law will govern. In this context, conflicts of law are potentially of constitutional dimension. On the other hand, the forum court will not commit constitutional error if it simply misconstrues the law of the other states. Neither is the forum court required to try to match or divine the result of the case as if it were being decided in the other states. The forum court is only bound by “clearly established” law brought to its attention. Sun Oil Co., 486 U.S. at 731, 108 S.Ct. 2117. {79} The implications of Phillips Petroleum Co. and Wortman for the predominance inquiry are clear. The more different laws are applicable, the more difficult it will be to say that common issues of law apply. On a practical level, the more variations in law there are, the more difficult it will be to conduct the trial. At some point— we cannot say where — the likely confusion to the jury of considering different jury instructions reflecting different laws becomes unmanageable and unfair. These potential difficulties implicate Rule l-023(B)(3)(c) and (d) in particular, and must be addressed in each case. However, we do not join those courts which have expressed an “unfriendly skepticism” about class actions as an acceptable litigation tool. In re Masonite Corp. Hardboard Siding Prods. Liab. Litig., 170 F.R.D. 417, 421 (E.D.La.1997) (refusing to certify a nationwide class action in part because of perceived variation in state law as to negligence and products liability claims). Our approach is neither favorable nor antagonistic. Rather, we will take a pragmatic approach of reviewing each case on its own merits as to its feasibility and appropriateness for class treatment. In re Telectronics Pacing Sys., Inc., 172 F.R.D. 271, 293 (S.D.Ohio 1997) (certifying a nationwide class medical monitoring class). {80} Plaintiffs bear the burden of demonstrating that a case is appropriate for class treatment. It is the plaintiffs’ responsibility in the first instance to provide the district court with appropriate law surveys for each state included within the proposed class definition. The surveys should be detailed enough to show the current state of the law in each state with regard to the legal claims subject to certification. If the law is not uniform and consistent with New Mexico law, plaintiffs must catalog the differences and provide the district court with a plan for managing the differences through trial. If defendants disagree with the plaintiffs’ survey results, or interpretations, it is incumbent on defendants to inform the district court of any errors they perceive. The district court cannot be faulted if “clearly established” contradictory law is not brought to its attention. Wortman, 486 U.S. at 730-31, 108 5.Ct. 2117. Generalizations about the general state of the law will not do, whether presented by plaintiffs or defendants. {81} In this case, Plaintiff provided the court with nationwide surveys of the law covering breach of contract in the insurance context and the duty of good faith and fair dealing. The district court relied on the surveys to decide that the law across the country was uniform and essentially identical to New Mexico’s law. The district court determined it would litigate these two claims under New Mexico law. We turn now to evaluate whether the district court properly evaluated the effect of the law surveys under the standards earlier discussed. 1. Breach of Contract {82} We have reviewed Plaintiffs breach of contract survey in light of our explanation of New Mexico law and in view of the constitutional standard of Phillips Petroleum Co. and Wortman. We are convinced that the district court did not err in its assessment that the law in this area is uniform enough that our traditional notions of fair play and justice would not be offended by litigating the issue under New Mexico law. We simply see no significant variation in the cases from the standard approach to interpretation of insurance contracts: starting with plain language and progressing through rules of grammar, consideration of context and extrinsic evidence and ending, if necessary, with construction favoring the insured, if other approaches fail. This final step is an expression of contra proferentem which “all courts unanimously” apply. 2 Eric Mills Holmes & Mark S. Rhoades, Holmes Appleman on Insurance, 2d, § 6.1, at 134 (1996); Kunin v. Benefit Trust Life Ins. Co., 910 F.2d 534, 539 (9th Cir.1990) (noting contra proferentem to be “the most familiar expression in the reports of insurance cases”) (citing 2 G. Couch, et al., Couch on Insurance 2d § 15:74, at 334 n. 6 (rev. ed.1984) (internal quotation marks omitted)). {83} We will respond to each of Kemper’s specific arguments in turn. First, we acknowledge there are a number of cases refusing certification based on “variations in state contract law.” We have already discussed the mass tort eases and their effect on class actions generally. Some of the contract claim cases cited by Kemper are examples of the “unfriendly skepticism” attitude we have already rejected. See Ex parte Green Tree Fin. Corp., 723 So.2d 6, 11 (Ala. 1998) (reflecting “grave concerns as to whether any national class of plaintiffs” can satisfy the predominance requirement). Other cases, Kemper simply misinterprets. For example, the court in Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Elizabethtown, Inc. v. Coca-Cola Co., 95 F.R.D. 168, 178 (D.Del.1982) did not “determine” that Delaware law differs from other states; it assumed it did without any attempt at analysis. Forecasting conflicts issues which it did not detail, and predicting that individual factual issues would inform the legal analysis, the court decided it would not attempt a class action. Our approach is that the analysis must be conducted and then a decision made. That is what the district court did here. {84} Second, Kemper asserts that there are different rules among the states as to the “ramifications of a party’s performance of a contract.” We have already noted that this defense is most properly dealt with as a common defense. We see no difference in the eases concerning the requirements for giving effect to a particular interpretation of a contract based on continued performance; that is, the purported interpretation must be based on “knowledge of the nature of the performance.” Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 202(4) (1981). Because the claims center on the charge that standardized forms omitted key information, the district court can make a collective determination as to whether the forms imparted the necessary “knowledge” to find waiver by performance. {85} Third, Kemper asserts generally that contra proferentem as applied varies from state to state. We have already noted that our review reveals no significant variation from the interpretative approach stated above, certainly none calling into play the constitutional concerns evinced by Phillips Petroleum Co. and Wortman. To the extent Kemper asserts that Maryland does not follow contra proferentem, it is mistaken. The case Kemper cites, Bushey v. Northern Assurance Co., 362 Md. 626, 766 A.2d 598, 600-01 (2001) actually provides a thumbnail overview of Maryland’s rules for interpreting insurance policies which would fit comfortably in any New Mexico case on the subject. Its one proviso is that policies will not be construed “most strongly” against the insurer. Id. at 601. That comports with New Mexico’s standard that any construction must be reasonable in the context of each case. Rummel, l997-NMSC-04l,1ffl 21-22, 123 N.M. 752, 945 P.2d 970. We see no constitutionally significant difference. {86} Fourth, Kemper argues that there is “significant divergence among the States as to the use of extrinsic evidence” when construing a contract in that some states require its admission while New Mexico seems to allow discretion. We have reviewed the three cases Kemper cites. Rockstad v. Global Fin. & Inv. Co., 41 P.3d 583 (Alaska 2002) (involving a real estate lease); Morey v. Vannucci, 64 Cal.App.4th 904, 75 Cal.Rptr.2d 573 (1998) (involving a contract for sale of a concrete plant); Lazy Dog Ranch v. Telluray Ranch Corp., 965 P.2d 1229 (Colo.1998) (involving use of extrinsic evidence to interpret a deed). We see no difference between the rules stated in them and New Mexico’s — as well as other states’ — approach to the issue under C.R. Anthony Co. and Mark V, Inc. Hoggard v. City of Carlsbad, 121 N.M. 166, 169-70, 909 P.2d 726, 729-30 (Ct.App.1995), where the district court heard extrinsic evidence and simply decided it was not helpful, is not to the contrary. {87} Fifth, Kemper asserts there are differences in the application of the reasonable expectations doctrine, citing two cases where states have rejected it. Allstate Ins. Co. v. Mangum, 299 S.C. 226, 383 S.E.2d 464, 466-67 (Ct.App.1989); Sterling Merch. Co. v. Hartford Ins. Co., 30 Ohio App.3d 131, 506 N.E.2d 1192, 1195-96 (1986). Our review of these cases indicates they reject the most muscular version of the doctrine where court action may result in essentially a new contract of insurance being imposed. We do not believe that version of the doctrine has been accepted in New Mexico as such. In New Mexico, reasonable expectations is more a particular version of contra proferentem than a separate doctrine. Thus, we see no fatal contradictions of law. In addition, if litigation appears to be heading toward a request to utilize the doctrine in its most virulent form, the district court can and should reevaluate the certification issue with regard to these states. {88} Sixth, Kemper asserts that whether the policy would be deemed ambiguous “could” vary from state to state. There are two responses to this concern. First, the decision about ambiguity as to Kemper’s policy has yet to be made in this case, and, second, we see no significant variation among the states concerning how that decision is made. Kemper speculates that in a “four corners” jurisdiction where ambiguity is decided solely on the basis of the document, it might win a motion to dismiss. However, there is no need to forecast how the inquiry would actually be resolved in any other court because the case is here, and the decision is to be made here in accordance with reasonably uniform rules. 2. Good Faith and Fair Dealing {89} Plaintiffs good faith and fair dealing claim appears to be of a slightly different order from the contract claim with regard to uniformity of the law. There do seem to be variations in the way a few states define and apply their version of the duty of good faith, which preclude application of New Mexico law across the board, and Plaintiff concedes as much. {90} For example, it is fair to read the cases in Arkansas, Indiana, and Connecticut to require a level of conduct much more wrongful than required in New Mexico to state a cause of action. See Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co. v. Broadway Arms Corp., 281 Ark. 128, 664 S.W.2d 463, 468 (1984) (Hickman, J., concurring in part, dissenting in part); Gupta v. New Britain Gen. Hosp., 239 Conn. 574, 687 A.2d 111, 122 (1996); Hoosier Ins. Co. v. Audiology Found, of Am., 745 N.E.2d 300, 310 (Ind.Ct.App.2001). We disagree with Kemper that New Jersey is among these states. The description of the duty of good faith given in Seidenberg v. Summit Bank, 348 N.J.Super. 243, 791 A.2d 1068, 1078-79 (Ct.App.Div.2002) is indistinguishable from New Mexico’s. However, we will allow Kemper to try and convince the district court otherwise on remand. {91} We also agree that there is a question whether Delaware’s definition of the duty is similar to New Mexico’s. Corporate Prop. Assocs. 6 v. Hailwood Group Inc., 792 A.2d 993, 1002-03 (Del.Ch.2002) does seem to include an added element that the covenant will be applied only when it is clear from the express agreement that the parties would have proscribed the challenged conduct if they had dealt with it more clearly in the contract documents. Again, we leave it to the district court to deal with the specifics of how to resolve this difference in the context of this class action. We disagree that Nevada is in this camp. In our view, the description of the duty of good faith found in Morris v. Bank of America Nevada, 110 Nev. 1274, 886 P.2d 454, 457 (1994) is entirely consistent with New Mexico law. {92} We disagree with Kemper’s other assei'tions of legal variation. Kemper cites two cases for the proposition that in “several” states the implied covenant does not create a duty of disclosure. Both are distinguishable on their facts, Perez v. Citicorp Mortgage, Inc., 301 Ill.App.3d 413, 234 Ill. Dec. 657, 703 N.E.2d 518, 525 (1998) involved a mortgagee’s claim that his mortgagor owed him a duty to disclose how private mortgage insurance (PMI) payments could be stopped. The court found there was no provision requiring disclosure in the mortgage; rather, the mortgage required PMI payments ostensibly for the life of the loan. And, the court found no other basis in the nature of the relationship to otherwise require disclosure. This situation says little if anything about the role of the duty of good faith in the insurance context. Saint Alphonsus Reg'l Med. Ctr., Inc. v. Krueger, 124 Idaho 501, 861 P.2d 71, 79 (Ct.App.1992), is another commercial, arms-length construction contract case not involving insurance. Interestingly, however, Idaho’s description and application of the duty of good faith in the insurance context is indistinguishable from New Mexico’s. See White v. Unigard Mut. Ins. Co., 112 Idaho 94, 730 P.2d 1014 (1986). {93} Kemper argues that some states use the duty only to govern a party’s exercise of discretion under a contract where the contract expressly confers discretion. Kemper has simply misread the two cases it cites. The issue in the cases Kemper relies on was whether the grant of discretion obviated application of the duty of good faith. In each case the court essentially said “no, it depends on how the discretion is exercised.” Thus, the cases strengthen Plaintiffs position. See Wells Fargo Bank v. Ariz. Laborers, Teamsters & Cement Masons Local No. 395, Pension Trust Fund, 201 Ariz. 474, 38 P.3d 12, 30 (2002); Olympus Hills Shopping Ctrs, Ltd. v. Smith’s Food & Drug Ctrs., Inc., 889 P.2d 445, 450 (Utah Ct.App.1994). {94} In sum, the law related to the duty of good faith is not sufficiently uniform to allow New Mexico law to be applied nationwide. Certification on this issue will be reversed and the case remanded for reconsideration under the principles stated in this opinion. Superiority {95} The other general consideration under Rule 1 — 023(B)(3) is whether “a class action is superior to other available methods for the fair and efficient adjudication of the controversy.” Kemper has not addressed the superiority inquiry in its Brief, choosing to emphasize predominance. While we do not wish to view the lack of attention as a waiver of the issue — since they are intertwined — neither will we dwell on the question. {96} Subject to the district court’s reconsideration of the duty of good faith, we see no problems with superiority. We will use the four “matters pertinent to the findings” as our organizing point: 1. Given the potentially small value of individual claims, we do not believe that class member interest in controlling their own claims is strong. Rather, the relatively small value argues in favor of the class action vehicle. Rule 1 — 023(B)(3)(a). 2. The parties have not cited any other cases asserting these claims against Kemper; thus, there is no competition or danger of undue burden from duplicative litigation. Rule 1 — 023(B)(3)(b). 3. The relative desirability of concentrating the litigation in New Mexico is implicit subject to this opinion thus far. Here the question of predominance overshadows other concerns. If the district court reasonably believes the cause can be efficiently handled by his court, and the parties believe New Mexico is a suitable forum, we will generally accede to the district court’s decision. Rule 1 — 023(B)(3)(c). 4. The difficulties of management are again intertwined with the issue of predominance. If the desired efficiencies which are the raison d’etre of class action will be difficult to achieve because of proliferation of individual inquiries, certification may not be appropriate. In this regard it would be extremely helpful if the class would prepare a plan for litigation of the case through trial. Such a plan would help focus all parties on the actual potential difficulties in managing the case. Simple management difficulties in an otherwise appropriate case will rarely result in non-certification. {97} In this ease we have no litigation plan as yet. However, we have found that common questions predominate as to the contract claim. The duty of good faith claims is subject to revision on remand. We see no abuse of discretion by the district court thus far. Full Faith and Credit/State Sovereignty {98} Lastly, Kemper argues that any decision by New Mexico courts in a nationwide class action will unconstitutionally impinge on the rights of the other states to control insurance disclosure rules and “the meaning of insurance contracts” within then-borders. Kemper relies on the fact that the insurance forms it issued were all approved by state regulators. Kemper also relies on the effect of the McCarran-Ferguson Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1012 (1947) in relegating to the states the power to regulate insurance practices to assert that a decision here will not be respectful of other states’ sovereignty. We disagree. {99} Kemper’s argument is based on its position that the law of the several states is inherently different — and perhaps unknowable to another state’s courts. We agree that nuance in a general area of the law can be very important and must be recognized and respected. Our lengthy discussion above concerning the predominance issue as it is impacted by potential differences in state law is evidence of that. But when the law is substantially uniform even when taking nuance into account, there can be no constitutional insult to a sister state simply because the law is enforced by New Mexico. {100} We give more weight to the assertion that a decision here might unduly interfere with legislative and administrative regulation. If, for example, the district court or we had been cited foreign statutes or regula tions that prohibited disclosures of the kind the class seeks, we would be well-advised to consider carefully whether we could act to the contrary. However, we have not been cited any such statute or regulation. None of the regulations cited by Kemper prohibits the disclosures the class seeks. Kemper relies on testimony from one of its witnesses describing his conversations with various insurance commissioners about modal premium disclosure issues. These “brief’ encounters reveal little about the commissioner’s memories or personal opinion on the issue. They reveal nothing about any official state position. This testimony does not raise any constitutional or comity concerns. {101} Further, Kemper does not refute the basic idea that regulatory approval is not binding on courts. Final authority with regard to matters of fairness, completeness, compliance with statutory requirements, and certainly breach of contract, rests with the courts. See Montano v. Allstate Indem. Co., 2004-NMSC-020, 135 N.M. 681, 92 P.3d 1255 (2004); Azar, 2003-NMCA-062,¶ 69, 133 N.M. 669, 68 P.3d 909; Sandoval v. Valdez, 91 N.M. 705, 710, 580 P.2d 131, 136 (Ct.App.1978) (Sutin, J., specially concurring) (noting that insurance superintendent’s authority to approve forms was not final). This is not to say that insurance regulators are simply to be ignored. Charged with regulatory responsibility and possessed of a level of expertise, their position can be valuable and should be taken into due account. But their view should not simply be accepted as the only answer. Courts have an independent responsibility to decide issues properly brought before them. CONCLUSION {102} We affirm the district court’s certification of the breach of contract class. We reverse the certification of the duty of good faith class and remand for further consideration in accordance with this opinion. {103} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: A. JOSEPH ALARID and CYNTHIA A. FRY, Judges. APPENDIX . We take this opportunity to state a strong preference for district courts entering formal findings of fact and conclusions of law in support of their ruling in Rule 1-023 proceedings. Findings will make review on appeal more informed and will force the parties to explicitly address the Rule's requirements. See Salcido v. Farmers Ins. Exch., 2004-NMCA-006, ¶ 19, 134 N.M. 797, 82 P.3d 968. . It is clear that certification is not an appropriate time to examine or decide the substantive merits of the case. In re Visa Check/MasterMoney Antitrust Litig., 280 F.3d at 135; Anderson v. City of Albuquerque, 690 F.2d 796 (10th Cir. 1982). . We appreciate that Computer Comer, Inc. involved coverage issues. We do not believe that diminishes its applicability to other policy issues. . After the briefing in this Court was almost completed, this Court issued two other cases involving modal premium claims. Smoot v. Physicians Life Ins. Co., 2004-NMCA-027, 135 N.M. 265, 87 P.3d 545 and Azar v. Prudential Ins. Co., 2003-NMCA-062, 133 N.M. 669, 68 P.3d 909. These cases may have an impact on the good faith and fair dealing claim here. However, with one exception, we will not attempt to decipher that impact in the first instance. The potential effect, if any, of Smoot on the merits of this case particularly are better considered initially by the district court. The one exception is the reiteration in Azar that a good faith and fair dealing claim will not lie for any conduct occurring before a contract is entered into. Id. ¶ 53. That holding is clear enough to be readily applied here without further argument. Thus, our discussion about Plaintiff's good faith and fair dealing claim will assume it is limited to a duty to disclose during the life of the policy. Plaintiff does not argue otherwise. . We recognize that in Azar we reversed summary judgment in favor of the plaintiffs because there were issues of material fact related to whether the modal premium differentials constituted material information that the insurer had a duty to disclose. 2003-NMCA-062, ¶¶ 71-73, 133 N.M. 669, 68 P.3d 909. However, the plaintiffs in Azar did not malte the argument that materiality should be presumed. . Plaintiffs also provided surveys covering fiduciary duties and unfair trade practice statutes. The district court refused to certify these claims for class treatment in part because it was not satisfied that the law was sufficiently uniform to allow for reasonable management of the claims. The district court was thus clearly aware of the problems created by non-uniform law. . On motion for reconsideration, the court in the Coca-Cola litigation in fact certified a class with regard to the interpretation of earlier consent decrees and whether defendant had violated the consent decrees. See Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Elizabethtown, Inc. v. Coca-Cola Co., 98 F.R.D. 254 (D.Del. 1983).
[ -0.029991870746016502, -0.031031545251607895, 0.010773864574730396, 0.026279881596565247, 0.04759198799729347, -0.008192394860088825, 0.04473196342587471, 0.025135766714811325, 0.02687373384833336, -0.030001260340213776, 0.00026632111985236406, 0.047611337155103683, -0.041029270738363266, 0.03867734968662262, 0.007575359661132097, 0.06519874185323715, 0.051795169711112976, 0.031070658937096596, -0.022944699972867966, -0.0018464050954207778, -0.0036229018587619066, -0.03764806315302849, 0.039451196789741516, 0.021349748596549034, 0.03909434750676155, -0.007507067173719406, 0.003624880686402321, 0.035043951123952866, -0.07844672352075577, 0.00016566511476412416, 0.010847965255379677, 0.021382467821240425, -0.028276361525058746, 0.015456626191735268, -0.0011523461434990168, -0.007875082083046436, -0.013765465468168259, 0.00366293266415596, -0.018202845007181168, 0.02839919552206993, -0.03731263056397438, 0.004593579564243555, -0.05674990266561508, -0.0018156568985432386, -0.04292864352464676, -0.0012878157431259751, -0.010143082588911057, -0.004121027886867523, -0.013835245743393898, 0.0015629635890945792, -0.046186935156583786, -0.013220970518887043, -0.009915840812027454, 0.01747533492743969, -0.02141738496720791, 0.06296996772289276, -0.032248735427856445, -0.047035712748765945, -0.0033777854405343533, -0.062114231288433075, 0.007516711018979549, 0.008729453198611736, 0.06531096249818802, -0.02616019733250141, 0.010820555500686169, 0.030690720304846764, 0.01421879418194294, 0.048059213906526566, -0.06660011410713196, -0.049163270741701126, -0.05238782614469528, -0.012393707409501076, 0.057137515395879745, -0.03059845231473446, -0.021755915135145187, -0.06972548365592957, 0.003944012802094221, 0.020844116806983948, 0.0085058668628335, 0.03102007694542408, 0.031465522944927216, 0.02041040174663067, 0.04663609340786934, 0.04351092502474785, 0.007318418938666582, -0.046621304005384445, -0.006321460008621216, -0.036308132112026215, -0.03135054558515549, 0.06423234194517136, -0.017428064718842506, -0.044111981987953186, 0.015838555991649628, 0.0581001453101635, -0.03565644100308418, 0.01854844205081463, 0.06450314074754715, -0.01867671310901642, 0.04117416962981224, -0.02116738073527813, -0.045526448637247086, -0.027147389948368073, -0.005636266898363829, 0.056148461997509, -0.0553806871175766, 0.0008826509583741426, -0.014737853780388832, -0.007033730391412973, 0.016224494203925133, 0.01013518963009119, -0.046936165541410446, 0.018630366772413254, -0.018134228885173798, -0.017363524064421654, -0.07653401046991348, 0.06302616745233536, 0.028030777350068092, -0.05724691227078438, -0.019293706864118576, -0.01868298463523388, 0.04407114535570145, 0.02296476997435093, -0.010953404009342194, 0.06889980286359787, 0.009336821734905243, 0.030722452327609062, -0.026682060211896896, 0.03613424301147461, -0.036729998886585236, -0.06403807550668716, 0.00918765738606453, 0.01174447126686573, 0.004709301982074976, 0.03544793650507927, 0.017041021957993507, 0.003132663667201996, 0.00865154154598713, -0.018178774043917656, 0.021451756358146667, -0.07233215123414993, 0.036189671605825424, -0.029414482414722443, -0.0018621477065607905, 0.0188770592212677, 0.06636354327201843, -0.04736083373427391, 0.040629394352436066, -0.004633646924048662, -0.013850295916199684, 0.024510852992534637, 0.02328086644411087, 0.014181881211698055, 0.008363376371562481, -0.011047802865505219, -0.020358042791485786, 0.017675844952464104, 0.03168221935629845, -0.012761982157826424, 0.028321398422122, 0.04646576568484306, 0.043298378586769104, -0.018476514145731926, 0.024397065863013268, -0.008638772182166576, 0.016037343069911003, 0.005139441229403019, 0.028993645682930946, 0.003031444502994418, -0.04375356435775757, 0.044385310262441635, -0.055882036685943604, -0.0191964004188776, 0.02178674377501011, -0.035706233233213425, 0.0469961017370224, -0.007999923080205917, 0.04248791188001633, -0.0023717384319752455, 0.032522980123758316, -0.03644471615552902, -0.06593789160251617, 0.05716903880238533, 0.007172946352511644, 0.004844914190471172, -0.0013624673010781407, -0.03395025059580803, 0.038753386586904526, -0.04426997900009155, 0.04670228436589241, -0.021158935502171516, -0.07052094489336014, -0.023760493844747543, 0.038517504930496216, -0.05743910372257233, 0.0642627626657486, 0.014802356250584126, -0.017670517787337303, 0.01783158630132675, 0.02468390017747879, 0.018696827813982964, 0.036641065031290054, 0.04836566746234894, 0.008004382252693176, -0.011000989004969597, -0.033561110496520996, 0.05195777863264084, 0.03483816608786583, -0.020424913614988327, -0.02464989945292473, 0.0325058177113533, -0.012924104928970337, 0.01735495775938034, 0.021185358986258507, 0.029256435111165047, 0.0477931872010231, -0.03503823280334473, 0.05010365694761276, -0.024907991290092468, 0.047130998224020004, -0.044453319162130356, 0.033339835703372955, 0.006154250353574753, 0.01444773469120264, 0.023199506103992462, -0.058446887880563736, 0.07579994946718216, 0.03845716267824173, -0.045396894216537476, -0.014640170149505138, 0.054704323410987854, -0.021335678175091743, -0.013933977112174034, 0.01205570250749588, -0.0037517796736210585, 0.08115685731172562, -0.011071940883994102, -0.017973799258470535, -0.03761971369385719, 0.05022440478205681, -0.05386560782790184, 0.0001227526372531429, 0.034622788429260254, 0.004054265096783638, 0.036215223371982574, -0.038075100630521774, 0.0022881010081619024, -0.002649774309247732, -0.0014270958490669727, -0.03275156393647194, -0.028687700629234314, -0.029855243861675262, 0.01708179898560047, 0.012249710969626904, -0.009309249930083752, 0.00662109674885869, -0.03044712357223034, -0.036139268428087234, -0.001113792764954269, -0.00804648082703352, 0.013167420402169228, 0.036285948008298874, 0.04045003652572632, 0.006141487043350935, -0.009856343269348145, -0.056226544082164764, -0.03698556870222092, -0.04031074047088623, 0.01580747216939926, -0.00823817029595375, 0.038324035704135895, 0.02725941687822342, 0.01769758015871048, 0.0033339867368340492, 0.004215703345835209, 0.004231231287121773, -0.004615537356585264, 0.05317049100995064, 0.03217581659555435, 0.00201557669788599, 0.005402498412877321, -0.045614417642354965, 0.06890378147363663, -0.013362995348870754, -0.04951202869415283, 0.006766576319932938, -0.034393299371004105, 0.010095047764480114, -0.0558834969997406, -0.03124064952135086, 0.051222581416368484, 0.005286929197609425, 0.000984808662906289, 0.015750853344798088, 0.045248739421367645, 0.019760850816965103, -0.006166526116430759, -0.011399563401937485, 0.031046420335769653, 0.018836306408047676, -0.020106229931116104, -0.023907780647277832, -0.023186834529042244, 0.003491773037239909, -0.006583701353520155, 0.009375925175845623, 0.03161970525979996, -0.05373207479715347, 0.010420814156532288, -0.2522389888763428, 0.00883429404348135, 0.006615625228732824, -0.028994768857955933, 0.045387737452983856, -0.03625117987394333, 0.03240020200610161, -0.01912250928580761, 0.0012064564507454634, 0.03238987177610397, -0.002764333738014102, -0.008367134258151054, 0.013356061652302742, 0.0179313812404871, 0.010307849384844303, -0.019285596907138824, -0.013365846127271652, -0.022986585274338722, -0.026505576446652412, 0.0004519108624663204, 0.032179851084947586, -0.0363575778901577, -0.03873950615525246, 0.036194588989019394, 0.030728643760085106, 0.039134569466114044, -0.04125095158815384, 0.02796855941414833, -0.041630979627370834, -0.01187486108392477, 0.009044667705893517, -0.015864478424191475, -0.0019773906096816063, 0.0030671004205942154, 0.008907473646104336, 0.009370844811201096, 0.0010996331693604589, -0.01622690074145794, -0.046087946742773056, 0.026408076286315918, -0.0052622039802372456, -0.034588973969221115, -0.03379642218351364, 0.01804163120687008, 0.030126184225082397, 0.008339288644492626, -0.06328228116035461, -0.021105051040649414, -0.019809266552329063, 0.059767622500658035, 0.004875355865806341, 0.007826095446944237, -0.020433906465768814, 0.035773247480392456, -0.06367241591215134, 0.007327754981815815, -0.052767280489206314, -0.003272698260843754, -0.030702682211995125, 0.05818430706858635, -0.026688911020755768, -0.03287138044834137, -0.04536724463105202, -0.01128739956766367, -0.008034559898078442, -0.06975499540567398, -0.08041553944349289, -0.04184553399682045, 0.0910855159163475, 0.013351274654269218, -0.028529545292258263, 0.05037279054522514, -0.030125817283988, -0.0913119837641716, 0.008256492204964161, -0.02925832010805607, 0.037705689668655396, -0.047412365674972534, -0.013414974324405193, 0.017935944721102715, 0.04508514702320099, -0.017604734748601913, 0.052210353314876556, 0.012648864649236202, -0.014287677593529224, -0.00041219114791601896, 0.02291892096400261, 0.021962586790323257, -0.007495195604860783, -0.041655611246824265, 0.04947632923722267, 0.03286030516028404, -0.030766097828745842, 0.028550218790769577, 0.00807118695229292, 0.04593721777200699, -0.04025239124894142, -0.03497103974223137, -0.03541504964232445, -0.010265080258250237, 0.015827875584363937, -0.08751781284809113, 0.007835004478693008, -0.03762422502040863, -0.028282515704631805, -0.024116385728120804, -0.05957376956939697, -0.004321245942264795, 0.02212396077811718, -0.006274842191487551, 0.017869843170046806, -0.009790976531803608, 0.042697418481111526, -0.007062232121825218, 0.009375039488077164, -0.044361766427755356, -0.009085997007787228, -0.008707425557076931, 0.001013422035612166, 0.021244967356324196, 0.07487848401069641, 0.04501207545399666, -0.0486246682703495, -0.011873963288962841, -0.0755465179681778, 0.0027851019985973835, 0.014423850923776627, -0.009902182035148144, -0.06646700203418732, 0.027113202959299088, -0.0048846774734556675, 0.026178928092122078, 0.0037189796566963196, -0.0190716739743948, 0.03814822435379028, -0.011204060167074203, -0.023541269823908806, -0.07997816056013107, -0.009742720052599907, 0.028473107144236565, 0.0374659039080143, -0.037139758467674255, 0.037642303854227066, 0.02702505700290203, 0.013362238183617592, 0.0020793299190700054, 0.016835488379001617, -0.006504596211016178, -0.0385499969124794, 0.0538189597427845, 0.02524130791425705, -0.0559045746922493, 0.005166098941117525, -0.05888184532523155, -0.017877377569675446, -0.018474683165550232, 0.03320235013961792, -0.0067114317789673805, -0.019183948636054993, -0.029646774753928185, 0.06880516558885574, 0.004286140203475952, -0.03033073991537094, -0.06639944761991501, 0.030048128217458725, 0.08559592068195343, -0.05701123923063278, -0.010045579634606838, -0.050804249942302704, 0.019390905275940895, 0.013993238098919392, -0.07113947719335556, -0.038397978991270065, 0.0025154761970043182, 0.04417097568511963, 0.010553787462413311, -0.017677713185548782, -0.01278632041066885, 0.03267449885606766, 0.03438398614525795, 0.02484961971640587, -0.029915383085608482, -0.024463724344968796, 0.0021807514131069183, 0.03493683040142059, -0.011940502561628819, -0.011174982413649559, -0.02928796224296093, -0.03774900361895561, -0.02865331806242466, -0.011953048408031464, -0.03326761722564697, -0.052713699638843536, 0.03550746291875839, -0.05865003913640976, -0.06318770349025726, 0.010959421284496784, 0.03558594733476639, 0.015023044310510159, 0.012859463691711426, -0.0016992829041555524, -0.009614786133170128, -0.053389500826597214, -0.001629403792321682, -0.012221146374940872, -0.042916424572467804, 0.03501022234559059, 0.02103354223072529, -0.041676003485918045, 0.04522205889225006, -0.07487651705741882, -0.04395812377333641, -0.012257315218448639, -0.021363258361816406, 0.01816610060632229, -0.04252266138792038, -0.013483303599059582, -0.03822174295783043, -0.034470971673727036, 0.009084178134799004, -0.02905075065791607, -0.059548817574977875, 0.021100075915455818, -0.011372355744242668, -0.04705934599041939, 0.05896831303834915, 0.001886178506538272, 0.0265873521566391, 0.0388219952583313, -0.026661764830350876, 0.021105101332068443, -0.029552036896348, 0.005188256502151489, 0.02789849042892456, -0.011886566877365112, -0.0017712872941046953, -0.030162706971168518, -0.010204303078353405, 0.02423146925866604, 0.013273567892611027, -0.025316137820482254, 0.04696047306060791, -0.008960208855569363, -0.054544076323509216, 0.0062028793618083, 0.009193887934088707, 0.04009288549423218, 0.006958714220672846, -0.007360782008618116, 0.07789728045463562, 0.000056028267863439396, 0.01671559177339077, -0.030047418549656868, 0.014915956184267998, 0.020082099363207817, -0.07268733531236649, -0.026634162291884422, -0.024784395471215248, -0.04739902541041374, 0.04175640642642975, 0.011183492839336395, 0.028620107099413872, 0.010364166460931301, -0.0008086055750027299, 0.05999374017119408, 0.028008675202727318, -0.005257319193333387, 0.01517949067056179, 0.025521527975797653, -0.05903910845518112, 0.03156954422593117, -0.07386883348226547, 0.02747587487101555, 0.03945428133010864, 0.056907787919044495, 0.027975566685199738, -0.047935571521520615, -0.05312628298997879, 0.058073729276657104, -0.05452785640954971, -0.032780155539512634, -0.011512882076203823, -0.014667150564491749, -0.04583816975355148, 0.005002952180802822, -0.044178858399391174, 0.005754620302468538, -0.005070180632174015, -0.1079527735710144, -0.04832836985588074, -0.052536312490701675, 0.029412945732474327, 0.013717176392674446, 0.031421780586242676, -0.04738679900765419, -0.004810861311852932, 0.05205874890089035, 0.011073016561567783, 0.01757662184536457, 0.0034608193673193455, -0.034849345684051514, 0.0666564330458641, 0.024087615311145782, 0.021814949810504913, -0.009037667885422707, 0.013509073294699192, -0.036425329744815826, -0.06547960638999939, 0.035516053438186646, 0.021151090040802956, -0.07649651914834976, -0.06876589357852936, 0.023566370829939842, 0.022974960505962372, -0.00804620236158371, -0.020837852731347084, -0.0071487026289105415, -0.025081710889935493, -0.04056677222251892, -0.014264262281358242, 0.05025588721036911, 0.0025141334626823664, 0.06268446892499924, 0.017530621960759163, 0.07989557832479477, 0.031125430017709732, -0.028801951557397842, 0.038058266043663025, 0.04803072661161423, 0.08181987702846527, 0.05872700735926628, 0.048194631934165955, -0.0010022670030593872, 0.04670476168394089, -0.017050545662641525, -0.03399546444416046, 0.006544558797031641, -0.012542531825602055, -0.030435577034950256, 0.030783021822571754, 0.0152118019759655, 0.030600599944591522, 0.03754904121160507, 0.035995014011859894, 0.03883956000208855, 0.0034487356897443533, 0.044679250568151474, -0.026505114510655403, 0.05458837375044823, 0.01836385391652584, 0.017105162143707275, -0.006678294390439987, -0.005326474085450172, -0.03273838013410568, 0.0015816125087440014, -0.029741410166025162, -0.013641627505421638, 0.01268588937819004, -0.039920855313539505, -0.010823105461895466, -0.012881034053862095, -0.023440586403012276, 0.10080064088106155, -0.014157549478113651, -0.03842081129550934, 0.035536423325538635, 0.014674166217446327, 0.005981517024338245, -0.023557275533676147, 0.03154276683926582, -0.0020631446968764067, -0.034654248505830765, -0.013360499404370785, 0.017658786848187447, 0.037093717604875565, 0.011859343387186527, 0.042318835854530334, -0.010049891658127308, -0.010574723593890667, 0.0650547668337822, 0.05323271453380585, 0.0009103151387535036, -0.0652056485414505, -0.04129200801253319, -0.016956742852926254, -0.06266222149133682, -0.0028435690328478813, 0.03308577835559845, 0.023981045931577682, -0.03696157783269882, -0.0000066343791331746615, -0.025836268439888954, -0.04200834035873413, 0.053676899522542953, -0.06485110521316528, 0.025781432166695595, 0.0601203590631485, 0.04451654851436615, 0.04713623225688934, 0.010344560258090496, 0.05307167395949364, 0.005817485507577658, 0.004701339639723301, 0.040569692850112915, -0.046271663159132004, 0.006044918671250343, -0.03438837081193924, 0.04128240421414375, -0.08537465333938599, -0.011639507487416267, 0.020895520225167274, 0.0026141481939703226, -0.06590145081281662, 0.05439883470535278, -0.01924489624798298, -0.014852724969387054, 0.07798227667808533, 0.062229037284851074, 0.01063408050686121, -0.01745687797665596, -0.038745902478694916, -0.004050493706017733, 0.01876790262758732, 0.028792032971978188, 0.02090851590037346, 0.0252157561480999, 0.05263879522681236, 0.0021728782448917627, -0.016170300543308258, 0.062132708728313446, -0.0046041845344007015, -0.035577841103076935, -0.03886306285858154, -0.003319211071357131, 0.007111263461410999, -0.01462838239967823, -0.022460829466581345, 0.040098417550325394, -0.02468506060540676, -0.041672203689813614, 0.026143459603190422, 0.013120580464601517, -0.005311883985996246, -0.01565895602107048, -0.007381728384643793, 0.004034559708088636, -0.030637843534350395, -0.06591016054153442, -0.026282209903001785, -0.0011813994497060776, 0.02333335019648075, -0.036364492028951645, -0.010407569818198681, -0.067450612783432, 0.008796918205916882, -0.07249924540519714, 0.020599080249667168, 0.03910469636321068, 0.025887789204716682, -0.011392434127628803 ]
OPINION MINZNER, Justice. {1} Defendant Luis Rosales, Jr., appeals from a judgment and sentence entered following his convictions of both first-degree murder, contrary to NMSA 1978, § 30-2-1(A)(1) (1994) (deliberate intent murder), and conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence, contrary to NMSA 1978, §§ 30-22-5 (1963, prior to 2003 amendment) (tampering with evidence) and 30-28-2 (1979) (conspiracy). Defendant received a sentence of life imprisonment plus eighteen months. We have jurisdiction in this case pursuant to Article VI, Section 2 of the New Mexico Constitution and Rule 12-102(A)(1) NMRA 2004. We hold, under the facts of this case, the district court did not abuse its discretion in excluding the testimony of two defense witnesses that may have established a third person’s motive to commit the murder for which Defendant was charged. While the evidence was relevant, Defendant’s insufficient offer of proof prevents us from determining on direct appeal whether the district court properly excluded the evidence as hearsay. Therefore, we affirm Defendant’s convictions. I {2} At Defendant’s trial, Sammy Martinez was an important witness for the prosecution. Martinez testified that he was at his auto shop on January 17, 2002. Also present at Martinez’s auto shop were Defendant, Gabriel Sedillo, Peter Aleorta, and Wayne Sharp (“the victim”). The victim wanted to borrow Martinez’s Chevrolet Blazer to go cheek on his unemployment payment. Martinez saw Defendant and the victim leave together, and he assumed Sedillo accompanied them because Sedillo was no longer around the shop. Defendant and Sedillo returned some time later, and Martinez noticed blood inside the vehicle. When Martinez asked about the blood and the victim, Sedillo said something to the effect that “[the victim] is not here anymore.” {3} Martinez testified that the three men then left the shop, because Defendant and Sedillo wanted to go to the lake to clean the vehicle. In the vehicle, Defendant confessed to Martinez that he had killed the victim. After dropping Defendant off at a friend’s house, Martinez and Sedillo went to a car wash to clean the Blazer. Martinez cleaned the vehicle. Blood would not come off some of the upholstery, so later that night Sedillo, Aleorta, and Martinez cut the upholstery out of the Blazer. Sedillo put the upholstery in a plastic bag. The group left the shop and went to a creek where Sedillo appears to have disposed of the plastic bag and one of the seat cushions from the Blazer. A few days after the murder, Martinez voluntarily went to the police and described what happened. Martinez ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of tampering with evidence and was placed on probation for two years. As a condition of his probation, Martinez agreed to testify against Defendant and Sedillo. {4} At trial, Defendant attempted to create reasonable doubt as to whether he committed murder by raising the possibility that it was Martinez who had killed the victim. The evidence showed the murder had taken place in Martinez’s vehicle. Martinez’s pocket knife was used to cut the upholstery out of the Blazer. The police suspected the knife used by Martinez could have also been the murder weapon that was never recovered. Martinez told the police he had thrown the knife out of his vehicle. At trial, however, Martinez testified that the knife was left in the Blazer when he brought the vehicle to the police to be searched. Also, Martinez actively participated in covering up the murder by helping clean the Blazer and assisting Sedillo in disposing of upholstery from the vehicle. {5} In support of his theory that Martinez actually murdered the victim, Defendant presented the testimony of Leticia Rodriguez, a roommate of the victim at the time he was murdered. Rodriguez testified about Martinez’s relationship to the victim. She stated there was tension in the relationship and a couple of times she heard Martinez make threats against the victim’s life. A couple of weeks before the murder, Rodriguez recalled Martinez stating with respect to the victim, “One of these days I’m going to take that motherf-r for a ride.” Rodriguez understood this statement to be a threat because Martinez’s tone was serious and he appeared “pissed off’ when he made the statement. Rodriguez testified that Martinez had made similar remarks on several other occasions, such as “One of these days I’m going to get rid of that motherf-r.” {6} Although the district court permitted Defendant to present evidence of the animosity between Martinez and the victim, the court excluded testimony from Rodriguez and Candace Campbell regarding statements they allegedly heard the victim make concerning a debt Martinez owed him. The State moved to exclude any testimony by either of those two witnesses pertaining to statements that the victim might have made a few weeks prior to the murder about Martinez owing him money and the reason for the supposed debt. The State argued the testimony was hearsay and was not admissible under any exception. Defendant responded that the statements were not hearsay — they were not being offered to prove the existence of a debt, but were offered instead as evidence of a motive for Martinez to murder the victim. Defendant’s theory was that Martinez apparently found it more profitable to kill the victim than pay him back the money he owed him. The district court excluded the statements, because they were “too far removed” and “too remote.” II {7} On appeal, Defendant argues that the district court erred by refusing to allow Rodriguez and Campbell to testify to statements made by the victim concerning a debt Martinez owed him. Defendant argues that his constitutional right to present a defense was violated by the district court’s ruling. A criminal defendant has a fundamental right under the Due Process Clause of the United States Constitution “to present his own witnesses to establish a defense.” Washington v. Texas, 388 U.S. 14, 19, 87 S.Ct. 1920, 18 L.Ed.2d 1019 (1967). However, that right has never been absolute or unlimited. The United States Supreme Court has held that a defendant’s interest in presenting evidence may at times “bow to accommodate other legitimate interests in the criminal trial process.” Rock v. Arkansas, 483 U.S. 44, 55, 107 S.Ct. 2704, 97 L.Ed.2d 37 (1987). Specifically, state rules of evidence “do not abridge an accused’s right to present a defense so long as they are not ‘arbitrary’ or ‘disproportionate to the purposes they are designed to serve.’ ” United States v. Scheffer, 523 U.S. 303, 308, 118 S.Ct. 1261, 140 L.Ed.2d 413 (1998) (quoting Rock, 483 U.S. at 56, 107 S.Ct. 2704). {8} Our traditional rules of relevancy and hearsay are designed to ensure reliability in the fact-finding process and are not arbitrary or disproportionate to this legitimate purpose. See State v. Sanders, 117 N.M. 452, 459-60, 872 P.2d 870, 877-78 (1994) (“A defendant’s right to present evidence on his own behalf is subject to his compliance with ‘established rules of procedure and evidence designed to assure both fairness and reliability in the ascertainment of guilt and innocence.’ ”) (quoting Chambers v. Mississippi 410 U.S. 284, 302, 93 S.Ct. 1038, 35 L.Ed.2d 297 (1973)). The United States Supreme Court has “never questioned the power of States to exclude evidence through the application of evidentiary rules that themselves serve the interests of fairness and reliability — even if the defendant would prefer to see that evidence admitted.” Crane v. Kentucky, 476 U.S. 683, 690, 106 S.Ct. 2142, 90 L.Ed.2d 636 (1986). Therefore, the evidence complained of by Defendant is not admissible unless it satisfies our relevancy and hearsay rules. {9} We believe the district court might have excluded the evidence in this case be cause it appeared to be hearsay and because no exception seemed to apply. That was the State’s argument, so it would be reasonable to believe the district court’s decision reflected that analysis. The words the district court used, however, the reference to “remoteness,” make us uncertain whether the ruling, at least in part, reflected a sense that, on balance, the probative value of the statements was outweighed by other considerations. We consider the latter possibility first, because “we may affirm on grounds upon which the trial court did not rely unless those grounds depend on facts that [the opposing party] did not have a fair opportunity to address in the proceedings below.” State v. Torres, 1999-NMSC-010, ¶22, 127 N.M. 20, 976 P.2d 20. There is authority in other jurisdictions that would support affirmance on this ground. A {10} A number of courts in other jurisdictions have held that the motive of a third person is not admissible, unless there is at least some other evidence to connect the third person to the offense. For example, the Alaska Supreme Court has held that evidence of a third party’s motive is only admissible if the defense produces other evidence that tends to directly connect the third person with the commission of the crime charged. Smithart v. State, 988 P.2d 583, 586 (Alaska 1999); accord State v. Hill, 196 Conn. 667, 495 A.2d 699, 703 (1985) (same rule). The rationale generally offered for such a rule is that the evidence could confuse the issues and waste judicial resources. See Smithart, 988 P.2d at 586-87 (“[I]f evidence of motive alone upon the part of other persons were admissible ... in a case involving the killing of a man who had led an active and aggressive life it might easily be possible for the defendant to produce evidence tending to show that hundreds of other persons were possible suspects in the murder.”) (quotation marks and quoted authorities omitted). {11} We believe, though, that a special rule of admissibility is not required for evidence of a third person’s motive to commit the offense for which the defendant has been charged. Our general rules of relevancy are sufficient to decide the issue. Rule 11-402 NMRA 2004 provides that “[a]U relevant evidence is admissible, except as otherwise provided by the constitution, by statute, by these rules or by other rules adopted by the supreme court.” Evidence is “relevant” if it has “any tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action more probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence.” Rule 11-401 NMRA 2004. Defendant argues that any evidence implicating a third person in the victim’s murder has a tendency to make it less probable Defendant committed the murder. We agree. See Joyner v. State, 678 N.E.2d 386, 389 (Ind.1997) (“Evidence which tends to show that someone else committed the crime logically makes it less probable that the defendant committed the crime, and thus meets the definition of relevance in Rule 401.”). Evidence that Martinez may have murdered the victim to get out from under a debt is probative of Defendant’s guilt or innocence. {12} However, even relevant evidence may be excluded under Rule 11-403 NMRA 2004. That rule addresses the concerns for admitting third person motive evidence expressed by the Alaska Supreme Court in Smithart. When determining whether the defendant’s evidence of a third person’s motive to commit the offense for which he or she is charged, the district court may properly conclude that the “probative value [of the evidence] is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues or misleading the jury, or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time or needless presentation of cumulative evidence.” Rule 11-403. The district court “is vested with great discretion in applying [Rule 11-403], and it will not be reversed absent an abuse of that discretion.” State v. Chamberlain, 112 N.M. 723, 726, 819 P.2d 673, 676 (1991). {13} On one side of the Rule 11-403 balancing test, we consider the probative value of the evidence at issue. Evidence that Martinez had a motive to murder the victim to get out from under a debt is highly probative on the issue of Defendant’s guilt or innocence. The statements at issue appear to have occurred only a couple of weeks before the murder. At trial, other evidence showed that Martinez had recently threatened the life of the victim, the victim was killed in Martinez’s vehicle, and the murder weapon might have been a pocket knife owned by Martinez. The motive of Martinez to murder the victim, though, was a missing piece of evidence that undercut Defendant’s theory of the case. In its closing argument to the jury, the State seized upon the omission of a motive to refute Defendant’s theory: [Tjhat was certainly a very eloquent closing by [Defendant’s attorney], but now let’s get back to the facts. [Martinez] had a motive. What motive was that? Anybody remember a motive [Martinez] had? Yeah, he was a little perturbed about his vehicle having been brought back in that condition but that was afterwards ladies and gentlemen. What motive did [Martinez] have beforehand that might have gotten him involved in this or is that something else that was covered up in this apparent conspiracy between the Sheriffs Office and [Martinez] to frame this poor Defendant over here. Are we to believe that [Martinez] killed [the victim] simply because that’s his vehicle? That is what [the defense] is asking you to believe ladies and gentlemen in all of this. All of that fancy talk, all that going round and round in circles, [the gist] of what the defense is saying is [Martinez] must have killed [the victim] because it’s his vehicle. That’s all they’re saying. {14} On the other side of the Rule 11-403 balancing test, we consider whether other considerations substantially outweighed the probative value of the evidence. The other evidence of motive the district court permitted is an indication that additional evidence of motive would have been helpful, rather than confusing. Furthermore, we believe that testimony regarding Martinez’s motive would not have caused undue delay in the ease or have been a waste of time. The proffered testimony does not appear to be particularly complex or time-consuming to present. Under these circumstances, Rule 11-403 does not afford an opportunity to affirm the district court on an alternative ground. B {15} We next consider whether the testimony was properly excluded as hearsay. Under Rule 11-802 NMRA 2004, “[h]earsay is not admissible except as provided by [the Rules of Evidence] or by other rules adopted by the supreme court or by statute.” “Hearsay” is defined as “a statement, other than one made by the declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted.” Rule 11-801(0) NMRA 2004. “[I]f an out-of-court statement is offered in evidence merely for the purpose of establishing what was said at the time, and not for the truth of the matter, the testimony is not hearsay.” State v. Reyes, 2002-NMSC-024, ¶29, 132 N.M. 576, 52 P.3d 948. {16} Defendant argues that the testimony of Rodriguez and Campbell was not offered for the truth of the matter asserted, that is, that Martinez actually owed the victim money. Rather, Defendant asserts that the testimony was being offered as evidence of Martinez’s motive to murder the victim. In State v. Johnson, 99 N.M. 682, 687, 662 P.2d 1349, 1354 (1983), we reaffirmed the “longstanding rule” of State v. Alberts, 80 N.M. 472, 474-75, 457 P.2d 991, 993-94 (Ct.App.1969) (emphasis added), where the Court of Appeals noted: Extrajudicial statements or writings may properly be received into evidence, not for the truth of the assertions therein contained, or the veracity of the out-of-court declarant, but for such legitimate purposes as that of establishing knowledge, belief, good faith, reasonableness, motive, effect on the hearer or reader, and many others. See also McCord v. Ashbaugh, 67 N.M. 61, 64, 352 P.2d 641, 643 (1960) (“When an extrajudicial statement or writing aids in proving knowledge, belief, good faith, reasonableness or motive, it is admitted as circumstantial evidence thereof.”). {17} If it had been shown that Martinez heard the victim’s statements, then Defendant’s theory that the evidence was not being offered for its truth would have been clearer. Evidence is not hearsay if admitted as circumstantial evidence of the motive of the listener. See 2 Kenneth S. Broun et al., McCormick on Evidence § 249, at 102 & n. 12 (John W. Strong ed., 5th ed.1999). If Martinez heard the victim’s statements, then the facts of this case would be remarkably similar to those in State v. Alvarez, 216 Conn. 301, 579 A.2d 515 (1990). In that ease, the trial court admitted certain statements of a drug dealer made to the defendant that the victim owed him money for drugs and he wanted the victim dead as a result. Id. at 519-20. The Supreme Court of Connecticut held that the statements were admissible “not for the truth of the matter asserted therein, but rather to show the effect of the statements upon the defendant” and that “[t]he jury could infer from the statements that the defendant had a motive to kill the victim.” Id. at 521. {18} However, the record does not clearly establish that Martinez heard or was otherwise aware of the victim’s claim that Martinez owed him a debt. “Motive ... is the inducement which impels or leads the mind to indulge in a criminal act.” State v. Segotta, 100 N.M. 18, 25-26, 665 P.2d 280, 287-88 (Ct.App.), rev’d on other grounds, 100 N.M. 498, 672 P.2d 1129 (1983). If Martinez was unaware of the victim’s claim, then Defendant’s theory that the evidence was not being offered for its truth is difficult to understand. If Martinez was unaware of the victim’s claim, but a debt actually existed, Martinez may have known of the debt. In those circumstances, the truth of the testimony would be necessary to provide the motive. See 2 John Henry Wigmore, Evidence in Trials at Common Law § 389, at 417 (James H. Chadbourn rev., 1979) (“[T]he circumstance said to have excited the emotion must be shown to have probably become known to the person; because otherwise it could not have affected his [or her] emotions....”). The victim’s statements that Martinez owed him a debt would have been offered for the truth of the matter asserted and thus properly excluded as hearsay under Rule 11-802. If, on the other hand, Martinez heard the claim of a debt, then we could agree with Defendant’s argument on appeal that the statement came in the context of an argument and “it is the fact that there was animosity between Martinez and [the victim] that was at issue, not the legal status of the debt.” Under such a scenario, the statement would not have been offered for its truth, and the existence of the debt would not be necessary to establish the motive; it would be sufficient that Martinez heard the accusation. {19} Rule 11-103(A)(2) NMRA 2004 provides that error may not be predicated on the exclusion of evidence unless “the substance of the evidence was made known to the court by offer or was apparent from the context within which questions were asked.” See also Williams v. Yellow Checker Cab Co., 77 N.M. 747, 750, 427 P.2d 261, 264 (1967) (“When error is based on an improper exclusion of evidence, an offer of proof is essential to preserve the error for appeal.”). An offer of proof is necessary for two purposes. First, an offer of proof is needed “to inform the [district] court so that it may make a reasoned and intelligent decision.” State v. Aragon, 116 N.M. 291, 294, 861 P.2d 972, 975 (Ct.App.1993). Second, “[a]n offer of proof is needed to enable [the] reviewing court to determine whether exclusion of the particular evidence was reversible error.” 1 Jack B. Weinstein & Margaret A. Berger, Weinstein’s Federal Evidence § 103.20[1], at 103-33 (Joseph M. McLaughlin ed., 2d ed.2003). To achieve both purposes, the offer of proof must be sufficiently specific to allow the district court to determine in the first instance whether the evidence is admissible and to allow appellate courts in the second instance to review the determination made by the district court. {20} The offer of proof in this case was insufficient because we cannot determine on appeal whether Martinez heard the victim’s statements or not. At trial, the State moved to exclude “any testimony by either Leticia Rodriguez or Candace Campbell pertaining to statements that [the victim] allegedly might have made about Sammy Martinez owing him money and the reason for Sammy Martinez owing him money.” Despite stating several grounds for the admission of the testimony, Defendant failed to adequately describe the proffered testimony. If the testi mony would have been that Martinez heard the victim’s statements, then we believe the evidence should have been admitted because it was not offered to prove its truth and because its probative value appears to have been greater than other considerations. However, if only the witnesses heard the statements, then we believe the district court properly excluded the evidence because it must have been offered to prove its truth and, as the concurring opinion explains, no hearsay exception was applicable. Since the appellate record is unclear on this point, we cannot hold that the district court abused its discretion in excluding the testimony. In view of our disposition, we do not address the issue of whether exclusion of the evidence was harmless error. Ill {21} We hold that the district court in this case did not abuse its discretion in excluding the testimony of two defense witnesses that may have established a third person’s motive to commit the murder for which Defendant was charged. Thus, we affirm Defendant’s convictions. {22} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: PETRA JIMENEZ MAES, Chief Justice, RICHARD C. BOSSON, and EDWARD L. CHÁVEZ, Justices. PATRICIO M. SERNA, Justice (concurring in result).
[ -0.013007543981075287, -0.022996563464403152, -0.04281599074602127, 0.028919575735926628, 0.0716216117143631, -0.014615485444664955, 0.05950479581952095, 0.04551245644688606, 0.028103968128561974, -0.029568970203399658, 0.03920373320579529, 0.059272002428770065, -0.04699256271123886, 0.02051934413611889, -0.01280853059142828, 0.06957375258207321, 0.059096917510032654, 0.024866700172424316, 0.03942227363586426, 0.03374389186501503, 0.018252849578857422, -0.035496924072504044, 0.03292558714747429, 0.014881521463394165, 0.013570783659815788, 0.043800853192806244, -0.002064214088022709, 0.009675519540905952, -0.09267392754554749, 0.0162629596889019, 0.03855898976325989, -0.013921915553510189, -0.02141181193292141, -0.002433519111946225, -0.004320408217608929, 0.015506410971283913, -0.028940660879015923, -0.019362814724445343, -0.003982268739491701, 0.034265466034412384, -0.021374747157096863, -0.000386855099350214, -0.05132593959569931, -0.01965912990272045, -0.06609887629747391, -0.00683153560385108, 0.029120799154043198, 0.004074361640959978, -0.04458959773182869, -0.024530833587050438, -0.02489028126001358, -0.010215479880571365, -0.028692224994301796, 0.04273142293095589, 0.01324196346104145, 0.03550880402326584, -0.04921262711286545, -0.06410092860460281, -0.033552877604961395, -0.029676860198378563, -0.005850140005350113, 0.0033157803118228912, 0.057355042546987534, -0.013369841501116753, -0.008332357741892338, -0.012484157457947731, 0.04606939107179642, 0.022095657885074615, -0.043780259788036346, -0.046611618250608444, -0.02586521953344345, -0.0006885165930725634, -0.016931695863604546, -0.005971964448690414, -0.0030981083400547504, -0.04439658671617508, 0.010998987592756748, 0.013365381397306919, 0.01564987748861313, 0.057567350566387177, 0.023013878613710403, 0.0137808658182621, 0.049610260874032974, 0.0458025224506855, -0.020240554586052895, -0.05732906982302666, -0.029318563640117645, 0.00015075443661771715, -0.02337324060499668, 0.056010834872722626, -0.04361496865749359, -0.049126457422971725, 0.0634002834558487, 0.05854521691799164, 0.002586641116067767, -0.025045529007911682, 0.09100158512592316, -0.0013363981852307916, 0.007285492494702339, 0.01625227928161621, -0.00715502817183733, -0.03240443021059036, -0.003912071231752634, 0.0669810026884079, -0.05525631085038185, 0.03509955108165741, -0.02632204070687294, 0.026160111650824547, 0.012595509178936481, -0.02594383992254734, 0.01759987138211727, 0.003380978712812066, -0.0029098885133862495, -0.00255153002217412, -0.08637881278991699, 0.06410270929336548, 0.03566640987992287, -0.06635142862796783, -0.008009335026144981, -0.0008701783954165876, 0.04423394426703453, 0.03010060079395771, 0.0354229100048542, 0.07934059202671051, 0.03125185891985893, -0.010003000497817993, 0.011381911113858223, 0.028637796640396118, -0.020262595266103745, -0.05549953877925873, 0.016373923048377037, 0.028301971033215523, 0.013520544394850731, -0.0032889486756175756, -0.027533438056707382, -0.04463331401348114, -0.03068365342915058, -0.03696884214878082, 0.04269751161336899, -0.02130424976348877, 0.004816692788153887, -0.011527479626238346, 0.025820909067988396, 0.005473204422742128, 0.09079864621162415, -0.0626901313662529, 0.027204880490899086, -0.0036315901670604944, -0.006017756182700396, -0.015255896374583244, 0.045120321214199066, 0.022508302703499794, 0.00009072756802197546, -0.039630260318517685, 0.014921309426426888, 0.05546727403998375, 0.0165111031383276, -0.017410628497600555, -0.02209281176328659, 0.03553658723831177, 0.03608628734946251, 0.03446408733725548, 0.004403180442750454, 0.007845482788980007, 0.011493701487779617, 0.013823938556015491, -0.0034178467467427254, 0.008833779953420162, -0.006320952903479338, 0.00040566574898548424, -0.027624065056443214, -0.01608092524111271, 0.05358172580599785, -0.049074117094278336, 0.0017902848776429892, 0.011274982243776321, 0.045766040682792664, 0.03325442969799042, 0.008970580995082855, -0.04022357240319252, -0.054625120013952255, 0.05468077212572098, -0.029050389304757118, 0.007175401318818331, 0.008460944518446922, -0.03283222019672394, 0.04601852223277092, -0.013128304854035378, 0.0029941427055746317, -0.025188753381371498, -0.07261044532060623, -0.03341859579086304, 0.005306856706738472, -0.04687138646841049, 0.035001374781131744, 0.02270910143852234, -0.019450677558779716, 0.041413191705942154, -0.014182532206177711, 0.061573147773742676, -0.017855804413557053, 0.00864297803491354, 0.028208693489432335, -0.08711482584476471, -0.038281429558992386, 0.012620889581739902, 0.04723518714308739, -0.013862842693924904, 0.0004377838340587914, 0.08256843686103821, -0.03810284286737442, 0.00874630082398653, 0.010590962134301662, -0.0037713206838816404, 0.04154858738183975, -0.033100374042987823, 0.061980556696653366, -0.05275949835777283, 0.03229584917426109, -0.06012401729822159, 0.011664975434541702, -0.0009504829649813473, -0.024711735546588898, 0.04224802181124687, -0.054566752165555954, 0.09667326509952545, 0.07095956802368164, -0.06128409132361412, 0.006412395276129246, 0.032122403383255005, 0.030316580086946487, 0.00029590449412353337, 0.016085747629404068, 0.013139852322638035, 0.03668536990880966, -0.00141614256426692, -0.018548091873526573, 0.007337185088545084, 0.01224021427333355, -0.03541477397084236, 0.0329354889690876, 0.05894250422716141, 0.02876473218202591, 0.0383642204105854, -0.04835284873843193, -0.01157483458518982, -0.026220668107271194, -0.015177277848124504, -0.041261911392211914, -0.03387466445565224, -0.006059376988559961, -0.008927451446652412, 0.019229168072342873, -0.034333497285842896, 0.03112470544874668, -0.04087451100349426, -0.05146509408950806, -0.02546568587422371, 0.00008135232928907499, 0.028260838240385056, 0.02265051379799843, 0.024038970470428467, 0.0016119311330839992, -0.02078399434685707, -0.03929401934146881, -0.06288548558950424, -0.04238695278763771, 0.018124230206012726, -0.008686679415404797, 0.04574279114603996, 0.012687616981565952, 0.02166350744664669, -0.002720348071306944, 0.019429411739110947, 0.009908325970172882, 0.0319807194173336, 0.017156407237052917, -0.025691820308566093, -0.008864983916282654, 0.015829961746931076, -0.018746085464954376, 0.03383636474609375, -0.028072446584701538, -0.04891949146986008, -0.017579039558768272, -0.05979226157069206, 0.008739021606743336, -0.05131865665316582, -0.047547850757837296, 0.02403290569782257, -0.015893254429101944, 0.02294033393263817, 0.02462157793343067, 0.007720055989921093, 0.0006418547709472477, 0.004628053866326809, 0.0063262395560741425, 0.023310620337724686, 0.04445347934961319, -0.024035556241869926, -0.025278108194470406, -0.004160323180258274, -0.0013280115090310574, 0.009006183594465256, 0.04905698075890541, 0.021241560578346252, -0.018959959968924522, 0.013444679789245129, -0.2661290466785431, 0.05865433067083359, -0.02807917632162571, -0.057109978049993515, 0.06546316295862198, -0.005915337707847357, 0.0059921713545918465, -0.032881490886211395, -0.0034474527928978205, 0.018175890669226646, -0.00011078943498432636, -0.020254554226994514, 0.008683266118168831, 0.029666196554899216, -0.004641456995159388, -0.023195724934339523, 0.008868446573615074, -0.013154913671314716, -0.00514634232968092, 0.0034850367810577154, 0.012392580509185791, -0.08920489251613617, -0.044506922364234924, 0.016977060586214066, 0.041937366127967834, 0.09273671358823776, -0.0447106659412384, 0.017896419391036034, -0.08271010220050812, -0.03655480965971947, -0.00015173536667134613, 0.019164934754371643, -0.04642455652356148, -0.03183794394135475, -0.029052289202809334, 0.01808023452758789, -0.014677580446004868, -0.03937054052948952, -0.029384929686784744, -0.02105749398469925, -0.01027318648993969, -0.02378915622830391, 0.009399483911693096, 0.00676235044375062, 0.05187556892633438, 0.0006117754965089262, -0.06451474875211716, -0.02332046441733837, -0.012925855815410614, 0.07552029192447662, -0.028454657644033432, -0.013304797001183033, -0.023982642218470573, 0.012374354526400566, -0.027824392542243004, -0.022683238610625267, -0.047449011355638504, -0.018209250643849373, -0.040063925087451935, 0.03101763315498829, 0.014669230207800865, -0.028922569006681442, -0.04449159651994705, 0.007516233250498772, -0.010031238198280334, -0.038612473756074905, -0.006874439772218466, -0.02915712632238865, 0.11107860505580902, 0.02818993851542473, 0.01928546093404293, 0.05036352574825287, -0.041338492184877396, -0.07572053372859955, 0.0075688231736421585, 0.02769341692328453, 0.006106065586209297, -0.06210886687040329, -0.022767500951886177, 0.04567520692944527, -0.018053486943244934, 0.0024147150106728077, 0.02459234744310379, -0.012386070564389229, 0.0012254564790055156, 0.008965037763118744, 0.015653658658266068, 0.06041286513209343, -0.04261213168501854, 0.0010802707402035594, 0.04563185200095177, 0.01289228443056345, -0.009816906414926052, -0.031359873712062836, 0.006131399422883987, 0.051529016345739365, -0.015063541010022163, 0.010644388385117054, -0.029456093907356262, -0.021929003298282623, 0.046080298721790314, -0.06666693091392517, 0.057599764317274094, -0.04780697450041771, 0.0012783772544935346, -0.0036728489212691784, -0.03406135365366936, 0.018962044268846512, 0.03235038369894028, -0.01950148120522499, 0.018556641414761543, -0.0033528865315020084, 0.046700190752744675, -0.009760691784322262, 0.027042368426918983, -0.03259066864848137, 0.03446584567427635, 0.013177393935620785, 0.034346096217632294, -0.001403959235176444, -0.004670083988457918, 0.02870360016822815, -0.08898290991783142, -0.02602531388401985, -0.05670865997672081, -0.02906467206776142, 0.038115691393613815, 0.0206743236631155, 0.009969421662390232, 0.022061306983232498, -0.04641396552324295, 0.014800753444433212, -0.005822689272463322, 0.009767967276275158, 0.0183674655854702, -0.019060930237174034, -0.04266048222780228, -0.04518003389239311, -0.010030779987573624, 0.02021227963268757, 0.056856006383895874, -0.027480965480208397, 0.02817152440547943, 0.021023675799369812, 0.03998478129506111, 0.003710139309987426, 0.01906104013323784, -0.009497190825641155, -0.05997811630368233, 0.047547921538352966, 0.04077223688364029, -0.03411500155925751, 0.020657021552324295, -0.05923520028591156, -0.01721038483083248, -0.010791135020554066, 0.007477734237909317, 0.03788693621754646, -0.021355990320444107, -0.03528215363621712, 0.0030859496910125017, -0.02403738908469677, -0.011227549985051155, 0.018333204090595245, -0.027985287830233574, 0.056821558624506, -0.043680887669324875, -0.028565257787704468, 0.0074020130559802055, 0.06553182750940323, -0.03590775281190872, -0.08686307072639465, -0.03949110582470894, -0.0051643201150000095, 0.020325815305113792, -0.0029111409094184637, -0.010457934811711311, 0.0059111095033586025, -0.004568565636873245, -0.001982324756681919, -0.03550299257040024, -0.01398105826228857, -0.034920550882816315, 0.007222720887511969, 0.061285603791475296, -0.021709682419896126, -0.010505982674658298, -0.06918893754482269, -0.01968921162188053, 0.0034188348799943924, 0.007050847634673119, -0.022336585447192192, -0.023768197745084763, 0.0010828528320416808, -0.06935681402683258, -0.06070001795887947, 0.00444967532530427, 0.01006854698061943, 0.04593844711780548, 0.04748712480068207, 0.008912257850170135, 0.011501492001116276, -0.011614736169576645, 0.009991112165153027, 0.0068731666542589664, -0.07883462309837341, 0.041746750473976135, 0.023546427488327026, -0.024776963517069817, 0.0296646635979414, -0.06353450566530228, -0.026822375133633614, -0.001826323103159666, 0.04149547219276428, 0.06777729094028473, -0.02377469465136528, 0.03683682158589363, -0.03426031395792961, -0.027211003005504608, 0.003484430955722928, 0.0015741015085950494, -0.028717592358589172, 0.012198083102703094, 0.009953402914106846, -0.021536309272050858, 0.06022663041949272, -0.006131293252110481, -0.02621004916727543, 0.0398157462477684, -0.006598478648811579, 0.048447370529174805, -0.06929457187652588, -0.006930135190486908, 0.04728541523218155, -0.007458019535988569, -0.032550059258937836, 0.002351884264498949, -0.028576506301760674, -0.015469539910554886, 0.030891207978129387, 0.014552141539752483, 0.04271159693598747, 0.0020564550068229437, -0.03530115261673927, -0.01577373407781124, 0.016834009438753128, 0.028811980038881302, -0.008937624283134937, 0.006659769453108311, 0.10194593667984009, -0.03791689872741699, -0.0015761710237711668, 0.017112823203206062, -0.0008090479532256722, 0.018700802698731422, -0.03463520109653473, 0.003831724636256695, -0.017393451184034348, 0.006818683817982674, 0.01567235216498375, -0.01209457591176033, 0.016408801078796387, -0.03550679609179497, -0.0213130172342062, 0.01863734796643257, 0.0062833321280777454, 0.01711389236152172, -0.0002888983581215143, 0.048778656870126724, -0.043545499444007874, -0.041313618421554565, -0.06369874626398087, 0.005919612478464842, 0.025424331426620483, 0.02945048362016678, 0.035848814994096756, 0.042713459581136703, -0.03723502159118652, 0.025868620723485947, -0.0733635425567627, -0.04254095256328583, -0.011645077727735043, -0.005584951490163803, -0.025600256398320198, 0.014580746181309223, -0.03392418473958969, 0.018987465649843216, -0.002388462657108903, -0.09908399730920792, -0.030571620911359787, -0.0037716366350650787, 0.006560970097780228, 0.05196499451994896, 0.012273168191313744, 0.03519941866397858, -0.014464023523032665, 0.05548583343625069, 0.03438187763094902, -0.020662888884544373, 0.014477526769042015, -0.0214801337569952, 0.042684707790613174, 0.017283281311392784, -0.011921457014977932, -0.013269848190248013, -0.01082104817032814, 0.016861770302057266, -0.06179731339216232, 0.012128966860473156, 0.002774203894659877, -0.025736195966601372, -0.0664757564663887, 0.05955582857131958, 0.010843769647181034, -0.05531472712755203, -0.023683788254857063, -0.010868432000279427, -0.004835146013647318, -0.04408770427107811, -0.004861895926296711, 0.03851605951786041, -0.022973213344812393, 0.04915352165699005, -0.0023359712213277817, 0.050303198397159576, 0.03585267439484596, -0.024504398927092552, 0.03235159069299698, -0.01641649566590786, 0.06392422318458557, 0.03220371901988983, 0.025098975747823715, 0.011355939321219921, 0.04144059121608734, -0.031669363379478455, -0.0015229606069624424, 0.023890428245067596, -0.01646232046186924, 0.01698782481253147, 0.011220377869904041, 0.020202597603201866, 0.02094271034002304, -0.0255760308355093, 0.04581937566399574, 0.0669940933585167, -0.02616659551858902, 0.038800809532403946, -0.0364508330821991, 0.05842728167772293, 0.044935766607522964, 0.009056933224201202, -0.03987586498260498, -0.006122696213424206, -0.022181864827871323, -0.0019231688929721713, -0.0117729427292943, -0.031167851760983467, -0.016211556270718575, -0.08982883393764496, 0.03543802723288536, -0.0329497791826725, -0.0258442685008049, 0.0705532431602478, -0.02631256729364395, -0.01716814562678337, 0.0022460725158452988, -0.02040008455514908, 0.02293569967150688, -0.046462282538414, -0.004111376125365496, -0.0012805109145119786, -0.03886890783905983, -0.040439046919345856, 0.01711682416498661, 0.052814893424510956, 0.022563684731721878, 0.07265101373195648, 0.014041273854672909, -0.026323804631829262, 0.04013802483677864, 0.013862211257219315, -0.014145378954708576, -0.03775511309504509, -0.043797872960567474, -0.013497333973646164, -0.030233867466449738, 0.00961844902485609, 0.01034473441541195, -0.0034742325078696012, -0.04300263896584511, 0.05336820334196091, -0.01625840552151203, -0.04216092452406883, 0.02087419293820858, -0.06335866451263428, 0.016023794189095497, 0.03119969740509987, 0.06560464203357697, 0.005459198262542486, 0.005682079121470451, 0.03907003626227379, 0.011782641522586346, -0.07166740298271179, 0.005188000854104757, -0.02920532040297985, 0.027790438383817673, -0.019790276885032654, 0.025304898619651794, -0.07081067562103271, 0.025902168825268745, 0.0051335059106349945, -0.010953345336019993, -0.08600567281246185, 0.01565561816096306, -0.02960955537855625, -0.0534081757068634, 0.07942900061607361, 0.01288771815598011, 0.006529064383357763, -0.007094198372215033, -0.006694576237350702, -0.01158381812274456, -0.00123477797023952, 0.05440777540206909, -0.020908353850245476, 0.033584170043468475, 0.026424590498209, 0.0057678683660924435, -0.037101421505212784, 0.04433518275618553, 0.018082063645124435, -0.009529129602015018, -0.0023074422497302294, 0.022814882919192314, -0.008404312655329704, -0.05218568071722984, -0.06737156212329865, 0.020863981917500496, -0.011162348091602325, -0.03737389296293259, 0.03854704648256302, -0.01777666248381138, -0.02465997263789177, -0.0399181991815567, 0.013747641816735268, 0.04054306074976921, -0.06761396676301956, -0.012126199901103973, -0.01902690902352333, 0.01742366887629032, 0.001476038247346878, 0.036581847816705704, -0.03902735188603401, -0.03409344702959061, 0.023287532851099968, -0.03538302704691887, 0.06460040807723999, 0.030796322971582413, 0.02554609812796116, -0.026761118322610855 ]
OPINION ROBINSON, J. {1} Petitioner Josephine Deem (Grandmother) appeals from the district court order terminating visitation with her granddaughter (Child). See Grandparent’s Visitation Privileges Act (the GVA), NMSA 1978, § 40-9-1 to -4 (1993, as amended through 1999). Relying upon Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57, 120 S.Ct. 2054, 147 L.Ed.2d 49 (2000) (plurality opinion), the district court determined that a change in the joint custody arrangement between Child’s parents to sole custody with Father provided a sufficient basis to terminate visitation. On appeal, Grandmother raises the following arguments: the district court misapplied the United States Supreme Court decision in Troxel; the change in the custody arrangement did not constitute a showing of good cause under Section 40-9-3(A) of the GVA; and the district court erred when it terminated the existing court-ordered visitation without an evidentiary hearing. We reverse and remand with instructions. BACKGROUND {2} Grandmother is the maternal grandmother of Child. Parents (Mother and Father) of Child were divorced in August 1995 when Child was one year old. The parenting plan agreed upon at the time of the divorce granted joint legal custody to Mother and Father, with Father having primary physical custody of Child. In the first few years of Child’s life, Grandmother developed a good relationship with Child, and, after the divorce, Mother’s visitation with Child took place at Grandmother’s home. Subsequently, however, relations between Grandmother and Father became strained and her visits with Child all but ended. In December 1998, Grandmother filed a petition seeking regular visitation with Child to which Father objected. {3} On February 7 and 11, 2000, after Father requested a continuance of the trial, District Court Judge James Hall conducted a hearing on temporary visitation privileges while the trial on the merits of the visitation petition was pending. See Section 40-9-2(H). At the conclusion, the district court determined that it was in the best interests of Child to have visitation with Grandmother, and temporary visitation was ordered pending a full hearing. The court stated that the interim visits would also serve to provide information to the court for the hearing on the merits. In response to Father’s expressed concerns, the district court imposed several restrictions on the visitation, including that it be supervised, that the supervisor report to the court on the visits, that Grandmother’s son and daughter not be present, and that Father’s sister or brother could attend the visits as observers. {4} On May 3 and 8, 2000, Judge Hall conducted a trial on the merits of Grandmother’s petition for visitation. After considering the factors set forth in Section 40-9-2(G) and giving special weight to the parents’ wishes under Troxel, Judge Hall determined that it was in Child’s “best interests to have regular, limited visitation with [Grandmother] under certain conditions.” Again, in response to Father’s concerns, the court set limitations on the visitation, including continuing the supervised visitation, prohibiting Grandmother from giving Child any gifts during visitation, prohibiting Grandmother’s son and daughter from being present, and allowing Father to provide an additional observer at visitation. Judge Hall entered his findings of fact and conclusions of law on July 24, 2000. None of the findings of fact was challenged by either party. See Stueber v. Pickard, 112 N.M. 489, 491, 816 P.2d 1111, 1113 (1991) (stating that the unchallenged finding of the district court was binding on appeal). {5} On October 2, 2001, Mother and Father entered into a stipulated order in the divorce case giving Father sole legal and physical custody of Child “until such time as [Mother] petitions this court for a modification thereof.” The order had been signed by Mother and Father and their respective divorce attorneys and also stated “that this order shall have no adverse effects on the association rights of [Mother’s] family with [Child].” However, when the order was submitted to the district court, Judge Carol Vigil presiding, the court deleted that provision of the stipulated order on jurisdictional grounds because the grandparent visitation case was before Judge Hall. With that modified order, Father then moved within two weeks to terminate Grandmother’s visitation, claiming that as the sole legal custodian of Child he was now entitled to the presumption that his decision regarding visitation was in Child’s best interests. Grandmother responded that this single change in circumstance between the parents regarding legal custody was insufficient under the GVA to terminate the court-ordered visitation. {6} A hearing on Father’s motion was set with an initial time allocation of one and one-half hours. In support of continued visitation, Grandmother subpoenaed three wit nesses: Mother, Mother’s attorney in the divorce proceedings, and the supervisor of the visits between Grandmother and Child. When the hearing was called, howevei’, the court had set aside only thirty or forty minutes to hear the motion. Grandmother reminded the court of the amount of time that had initially been scheduled for the hearing and pointed out that she had three witnesses prepared to testify. The district court, with Judge Daniel Sanchez now presiding on rotation, did not allow Grandmother to call the witnesses and permitted only a proffer of them testimony by Grandmother’s attorney. Mother would have testified that she did not intend for the change in custody to affect Grandmother’s visitation and that had been one of the conditions for giving sole custody to Father. Her attorney would have testified that all parties had signed off on that condition in the stipulated order before Judge Vigil struck that provision from the order. The visitation supervisor would have testified about what she observed during the visits between Grandmother and Child and also that she thought the visits were good for Child. Grandmother argued to the court that Judge Hall had previously conducted a full hearing on whether visitation would be in the best interests of Child and applied a Troxel analysis to the facts of the case before granting visitation. Therefore, she argued, Father now had the burden under the GVA to come forward with evidence that there was a change in the best interests of Child after the court had awarded visitation. {7} After hearing the arguments of counsel and reviewing the stipulated order regarding custody, the court summarily ruled that Troxel gave Father, as the sole custodial parent, the discretion to terminate the visitation. Under Troxel, the court opined, Father “as a fit parent and sole legal custodian” was “entitled to a presumption that his decision not to allow visitation between his child and [Grandmother] is in the best interests of his child.” The district court also found that the change in legal custody was a material change in circumstances. The court then granted the motion to terminate Grandmother’s visitation effective immediately even though a visit with Child was scheduled for later that day. This appeal ensued. DISCUSSION {8} Grandmother argues that the district court’s misapprehension of Troxel led to the erroneous termination of the previously ordered visitation with Child. She argues that the court erred by not permitting her to present evidence to rebut the presumption stated in Troxel that a parent’s decision with regard to grandparent visitation is made in a child’s best interest. Finally, she contends that the court incorrectly concluded that the change in Child’s legal custody provided a sufficient basis to terminate the visitation. Grandmother contends that under the GVA a change in legal custody between the parents does not by itself constitute good cause for modifying the original court order granting visitation. See § 40-9-3. “This appeal raises questions of law, which we review de novo.” Williams v. Williams, 2002-NMCA-074, ¶ 8,132 N.M. 445, 50 P.3d 194. {9} Father responds that the sole basis of Judge Hall’s decision to grant visitation was that the district court felt that it had to make the decision because Mother and Father disagreed over visitation by Grandmother. Father argued below that under Troxel he was entitled to a presumption that his decision not to allow visitation was in the best interests of Child. He stated that he continued to oppose any court-ordered visitation between Child and Grandmother, and that, as sole legal and physical custodian, he alone had the discretion to make the determination regarding visitation. On appeal, he argues that the district court, relying on Troxel, correctly deferred to Father’s decision regarding visitation with Grandmother. He also contends that because Mother relinquished joint custody, her wishes regarding with whom Child may associate “no longer [have] legal significance.” Troxel v. Granville {10} In Troxel, the United States Supreme Court held in a plurality opinion that a Washington state statute authorizing non-parental visitation with a child, as applied to the facts of that case, unconstitutionally infringed on the due process right of the mother to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of her children. Troxel, 530 U.S. at 66-67, 75, 120 S.Ct. 2054. The Supreme Court articulated several concerns raised by the case. The first concern was the “breathtakingly broad” nature of the Washington statute. Id. at 67, 120 S.Ct. 2054. The statute allowed any third party seeking visitation to bring any decision by parents concerning visitation with their children to a state court for review. Id. Second, the Supreme Court noted, “[t]he problem here is not that the [trial court] intervened, but that when it did so, it gave no special weight at all to [the mother’s] determination of her daughters’ best interests.” Id. at 69, 120 S.Ct. 2054. Third, the Supreme Court was concerned that the trial court had “placed on [the mother], the fit custodial parent, the burden of disproving that visitation would be in the best interest of her daughters.” Id. The Supreme Court stated this decisional framework “directly contravened the traditional presumption that a fit parent will act in the best interest of his or her child.” Id. Finally, the Court noted that the mother had not denied visitation entirely to the grandparents. Id. at 71, 120 S.Ct. 2054. The dispute had not been over whether visitation should be allowed, but rather over how much visitation there should be. Id. The combination of these factors led the plurality to conclude that the visitation order in that case was unconstitutional. Id. at 72, 120 S.Ct. 2054. {11} But the Court in Troxel specifically declined to find either the statute in question or grandparent visitation statutes in general to be unconstitutional. Id. at 73, 120 S.Ct. 2054. Observing “the changing realities of the American family,” id. at 64, 120 S.Ct. 2054 and that, in response to those changes, all fifty states had enacted grandparent visitation statutes, id. at 73 n. *, 120 S.Ct. 2054 the plurality concluded that “[b]ecause much state-court adjudication in this context occurs on a case-by-case basis, we would be hesitant to hold that specific nonparental visitation statutes violate the Due Process Clause as a per se matter,” id. at 73, 126 S.Ct. 2054. Grandparent’s Visitation Privileges Act {12} In New Mexico, grandparent visitation privileges are conferred by statute. “No grandparent visitation right existed at common law.” Gutierrez v. Connick, 2004-NMCA-017, ¶ 15, 135 N.M. 272, 87 P.3d 552 (relying on Lucero v. Hart, 120 N.M. 794, 799, 907 P.2d 198, 203 (Ct.App.1995)). In New Mexico, the GVA states that in certain defined circumstances a “district court may grant reasonable visitation privileges to a grandparent of a minor child.” See § 40-9-2(A). In this case, Grandmother petitioned for visitation under Section 40-9-2(A) which applies in the event of a dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or the establishment of a parent-child relationship. Factors to be assessed by the district court when considering whether to grant visitation privileges to a grandparent include the following: (1) any factors relevant to the best interests of the child; (2) the prior interaction between the grandparent and the child; (3) the prior interaction between the grandparent and each parent of the child; (4) the present relationship between the grandparent and each parent of the child; (5) time-sharing or visitation arrangements that were in place prior to filing of the petition; (6) the effect the visitation with the grandparent will have on the child; (7) if the grandparent has any prior convictions for physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect; and (8) if the grandparent has previously been a full-time caretaker for the child for a significant period. Section 46-9-2(G). “[Gjrandparents, in seeking application of the GVA, have the burden to show that visitation is appropriate.” Ridenour v. Ridenour, 126 N.M. 352, 356-57, 901 P.2d 776, 774-75 (Ct.App.1995); Williams, 2062-NMCA-074, ¶ 16, 132 N.M. 445, 50 P.3d 194. Under the GVA, grandparents must first meet the threshold requirements listed in Section 40-9-2(A)-(F) to be entitled to pursue visitation and then must present evidence relevant to the factors listed in Section 40-9-2(G)(1)-(5). Ridenour, 120 N.M. at 356, 901 P.2d at 774. {13} Further, in Lucero, this Court recognized additional factors which may be taken into account by the district court when considering a petition for grandparent visitation privileges, which included: (1)the love, affection, and other emotional ties which may exist between the grandparent and child; (2) the nature and quality of the grandparent-child relationship and the length of time that it has existed; (3) whether visitation will promote or disrupt the child’s development; (4) the physical, emotional, mental, and social needs of the child; (5) the wishes and opinions of the parents; and (6) the willingness and ability of the grandparent to facilitate and encourage a close relationship among the parent and the child. Lucero, 120 N.M. at 800, 907 P.2d at 204; accord Williams, 2002-NMCA-074, ¶ 9, 132 N.M. 445, 50 P.3d 194. {14} This Court analyzed the GVA in light of the Troxel opinion in Williams, 2002-NMCA-074, 132 N.M. 445, 50 P.3d 194. The parents in Williams had challenged the award of the grandparent visitation, arguing that it was a violation of their rights and that the district court had been “constitutionally required to defer to their opinion.” Id. ¶ 8. They also argued that the district court had not given special weight to their opposition to grandparent visitation. Id. ¶ 15. After a careful comparison of the parents’ case to Troxel, this Court affirmed the award of grandparent visitation, concluding that the district court had given “appropriate weight to the wishes of Parents and did its best to accommodate those wishes in fashioning its visitation order.” Id. ¶24. In arriving at this conclusion, we stated the following: We agree with Parents that, as a general proposition, Troxel does require courts to give special consideration to the wishes of parents, and appropriately so. However, we do not read Troxel as giving parents the ultimate veto on visitation in every instance. Troxel may have altered, but it did not eradicate, the kind of balancing process that normally occurs in visitation decisions. Id. ¶ 23. Similarly, in this case, Father argued that Grandmother’s visitation should be terminated because he was now the sole legal custodian of Child and did not want visitation between the two. {15} Section 40-9-3(A) of the GVA permits the district court to “modify the privileges or order [granting visitation privileges] upon a showing of good cause by any interested person.” In this case, the court determined that the change of Child’s legal custody constituted “a material change of circumstance.” Grandmother argued that the change in the custody arrangement between Mother and Father was not by itself sufficient to constitute “good cause shown” under the GVA for terminating the original visitation order. In this case, she pointed out, Father had always been the de facto sole custodian of Child, and Judge Hall had considered that as one of the factors in granting visitation. {16} This Court has previously held that grandparent visitation privileges are not derivative of the rights of the parents but rather exist independently under the GVA. “Grandparent visitation rights are derived from statute and are not contingent on the continuation of the parent-child legal relationship.” Lucero, 120 N.M. at 798, 907 P.2d at 202 (quoted authority and quotation marks omitted); see also Ridenour, 120 N.M. at 357, 901 P.2d at 775. In Lucero, this Court held that the trial court, upon the proper showing, “could authorize grandparent visitation even though Grandmother’s son had relinquished his parental rights” to permit stepparent adoption. 120 N.M. at 798, 907 P.2d at 202; see § 40-9-2(F). Under the GVA, grandparents may petition for visitation in other circumstances including when the grandchild has been adopted, Section 40-9-2(E), and when one or both parents have died, Section 40-9-2(B). {17} There is nothing in Troxel or the resulting case law to suggest that the Supreme Court considered the presumption that a fit parent acts in the best interests of his or her child to be other than a rebuttable presumption. See Troxel, 530 U.S. at 87, 120 S.Ct. 2054 (Stevens, J. dissenting); accord McGovern v. McGovern, 201 Ariz. 172, 33 P.3d 506, 511 (Ct.App.2001); Fenn v. Sher riff, 109 Cal.App.4th 1466, 1 Cal.Rptr.3d 185, 195 & n. 4 (2003); Crafton v. Gibson, 752 N.E.2d 78, 96-97, 98 (Ind.Ct.App.2001); Herrick v. Wain, 154 Md.App. 222, 838 A.2d 1263, 1273 (Ct.Spec.App.2003); Blakely v. Blakely, 83 S.W.3d 537, 545 (Mo.2002); Glidden v. Conley, 820 A.2d 197, 204-05 (Vt. 2003). {18} As this Court has stated, the presumption does not create a “bright-line test for the consideration of parental rights in the visitation context” that would give parents the “ultimate veto on visitation in every instance.” Williams, 2002-NMCA-074, ¶¶ 16, 23, 132 N.M. 445, 50 P.3d 194; see also Herrick, 838 A.2d at 1273 (“If the custodial parent’s preference were absolute, the need for a grandparent visitation statute would be obviated, for a parent could deny visitation without recourse.”). The presumption simply alters the weighing process to give special weight to the wishes of the parents. Williams, 2002-NMCA-074, ¶ 23, 132 N.M. 445, 50 P.3d 194. The district court must still engage in a fact-specific analysis as it weighs the factors set forth in the GVA. Judge Hall, after a four day trial, had crafted a resolution that considered the factors defined in the GVA and our case law, as well as giving special weight to the parents’ wishes under Troxel. In this case, there was already a court order in place granting Grandmother visitation. Because Father was attempting to modify that order, he had the burden of establishing good cause for that modification under Section 40-9-3(A). The court relied on the language in Troxel that “there is a presumption that fit parents act in the best interests of their children,” 530 U.S. at 68, 120 S.Ct. 2054 to summarily terminate the visitation between Grandmother and Child without allowing Grandmother the opportunity to rebut that presumption. However, Troxel does not shift the burden away from a parent who seeks to modify an existing order granting grandparent visitation. Consequently, the district court erred when it perfunctorily deferred to Father in the matter of visitation. See Fenn, 1 Cal.Rptr.3d at 195 (“Giving the parent’s determination ‘special weight’ is different than insulating the parent’s determination from any court intervention whatsoever.”). Additional Issues on Appeal {19} Father raises two arguments on appeal. First, he claims that after Troxel the GVA on its face is unconstitutional and, second, that in Williams this Court violated the separation of powers between the legislature and the judiciary. Father’s constitutional claim is that Troxel requires a court to give special weight to the wishes of the parents, while the GVA does not require the court to do so. He acknowledges that Lucero, in listing additional factors for consideration, stated that a court “may consider” the parents’ wishes but contends that this language falls short because it is not mandatory. See Lucero, 120 N.M. at 800, 907 P.2d at 204. {20} New Mexico has adopted certain rules of statutory construction for determining the constitutionality of a statute. City of Farmington v. Fawcett, 114 N.M. 537, 540, 843 P.2d 839, 842 (Ct.App.1992). A reviewing court begins its inquiry with a presumption that a statute is valid. City of Albuquerque v. Jones, 87 N.M. 486, 488, 535 P.2d 1337, 1339 (1975); accord 2A Norman J. Singer, Sutherland Statutory Construction § 45.11 (6th ed.2000). “A court must uphold a statute unless satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the legislature exceeded the bounds of the constitution in enacting it.” State ex rel. Pub. Employees Ret. Ass’n v. Longacre, 2002-NMSC-033, ¶ 10, 133 N.M. 20, 59 P.3d 500. “[A]ll doubts as to its constitutionality” must be resolved “in favor of the validity of the law.” Gruschus v. Bureau of Revenue, 74 N.M. 775, 777, 399 P.2d 105, 106 (1965). A party challenging the constitutionality of a statute “has the burden of establishing its invalidity.” City of Albuquerque, 87 N.M. at 488, 535 P.2d at 1339. That burden has not been met in this case. {21} Contrary to Father’s contentions, Troxel does not mandate a determination that the GVA is facially unconstitutional. Troxel does not prohibit judicial intervention when a parent refuses grandparent visitation, but does require that a court accord “some special weight to the parent’s own determination” when applying a nonparental visitation statute. 530 U.S. at 70, 120 S.Ct. 2054. The GVA is capable of, and has been, interpreted to accord deference to the parents wishes, although the statute itself does not specifically require such deference. See, e.g., Con-nick, 2004-NMCA-017, ¶17, 135 N.M. 272, 87 P.3d 552; Williams, 2002-NMCA-074, ¶ 21-24, 132 N.M. 445, 50 P.3d 194; Ridenour, 120 N.M. at 354, 901 P.2d at 772. We note that the language of the GVA is more narrowly drafted than that of the Washington statute at issue in Troxel. If the Supreme Court did not conclude that the “breathtaMngly broad” Washington statute was invalid on its face, then it is reasonable for this Court to conclude that GVA is not unconstitutional on its face. Further, in Troxel the Supreme Court stated that it would be hesitant to hold specific nonparental visitation statutes unconstitutional per se. 530 U.S. at 73, 120 S.Ct. 2054. Rather, the Supreme Court, agreeing with Justice Kennedy in his dissent, stated that “the constitutionality of any standard for awarding visitation turns on the specific manner in which that standard is applied.” Id. {22} Father also contends that this Court violated the separation of powers between the legislature and the judiciary in Williams. As we understand Father’s argument, he is claiming that the Williams Court added parental fitness as a factor to be considered under the GVA. Father appears to misapprehend the discussion in Williams. See 2002-NMCA-074, ¶¶ 25-28, 132 N.M. 445, 50 P.3d 194. The parents in that case, not this Court, argued that Troxel, not the GVA, required a finding by the district court of parental unfitness before grandparent visitation could be granted against their wishes. Id. ¶ 25. Without such a finding, the parents argued, the district court “was constitutionally required to defer to their opinion.” Id. ¶ 8. This Court concluded that, as a matter of law, that Troxel did not impose such a requirement and rejected parents’ argument. Id. ¶ 25. CONCLUSION {23} We reverse the district court’s order terminating Grandmother’s visitation. Mindful of the time that has passed since the termination order was granted, we remand to the district court for an evidentiary hearing. In the interest of judicial economy, given the history of this case and the fact-specific nature of the inquiry, we remand the ease to the original presiding judge, Judge Hall, to determine whether, at the present time and as circumstances now exist, it would be in Child’s best interests to continue visitation with Grandmother and whether a guardian ad litem should be appointed for Child. See Lucero, 120 N.M. at 799, 907 P.2d at 203 (stating that when there is a parental challenge to grandparent visitation, the court “should also consider whether it would be beneficial to appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child in the face of conflicting interests”). {24} IT IS SO ORDERED. ALARID and KENNEDY, JJ., concur.
[ -0.0502157099545002, -0.030631456524133682, 0.01933102309703827, -0.05201416462659836, 0.034807343035936356, -0.030471649020910263, 0.042589910328388214, 0.01896343007683754, -0.05380472168326378, -0.0527489110827446, 0.0021429259795695543, 0.010365518741309643, -0.05089467391371727, 0.07637634128332138, -0.04116447642445564, 0.06333086639642715, 0.039806801825761795, -0.0007302063750103116, -0.016586527228355408, -0.036237407475709915, 0.011508558876812458, -0.027272820472717285, 0.014130944386124611, 0.03493465855717659, 0.012739219702780247, 0.021895892918109894, 0.027429142966866493, 0.006368914153426886, -0.039716415107250214, -0.0499783530831337, 0.03055509738624096, -0.023018009960651398, -0.017127476632595062, 0.03881268948316574, -0.002940503181889653, -0.01432799082249403, -0.011213576421141624, -0.05276056379079819, -0.004558269400149584, 0.014448954723775387, -0.02379506640136242, -0.02279934659600258, -0.03672150522470474, -0.020069468766450882, -0.02724897302687168, 0.018488405272364616, 0.00780286081135273, 0.004161300137639046, -0.011025599204003811, -0.012392216362059116, -0.07567906379699707, -0.005199408158659935, 0.018808823078870773, 0.013769141398370266, 0.011009574867784977, -0.005901535507291555, -0.02604885958135128, -0.03463342413306236, 0.003304447513073683, -0.0408310666680336, 0.050417058169841766, -0.009260956197977066, 0.06912145763635635, 0.017776012420654297, -0.002172634704038501, 0.018884049728512764, 0.009593362919986248, 0.05606946721673012, -0.03703324496746063, -0.007096512708812952, -0.04767199978232384, 0.000738064874894917, 0.05461940914392471, 0.05101786181330681, -0.03779071941971779, 0.029033945873379707, 0.003383320989087224, -0.0028170349542051554, 0.036022596061229706, -0.00992653239518404, -0.0057058511301875114, -0.03116970881819725, 0.018920425325632095, -0.016087396070361137, 0.006654500029981136, -0.04320909455418587, -0.038753800094127655, 0.006032937206327915, -0.05824971944093704, 0.04945964366197586, -0.02180681936442852, -0.027769923210144043, 0.01965481974184513, 0.053956493735313416, 0.009953630156815052, -0.02933754213154316, 0.08322230726480484, -0.055672042071819305, 0.03603271394968033, 0.011682122014462948, 0.012457609176635742, -0.01885981671512127, 0.0025679327081888914, 0.04464796558022499, -0.10305580496788025, -0.024149436503648758, 0.015469824895262718, 0.00715920003131032, -0.012357617728412151, -0.00024430808844044805, -0.02140064164996147, 0.08901093900203705, 0.030156774446368217, -0.0038584410212934017, -0.05902749300003052, 0.06936641037464142, -0.034284792840480804, -0.028910189867019653, -0.01867440529167652, -0.036742594093084335, 0.0675930604338646, -0.0102912038564682, -0.006392284296452999, 0.056486811488866806, 0.04194619134068489, -0.004126458428800106, 0.035433828830718994, 0.06303326040506363, -0.025767141953110695, -0.05545343831181526, 0.0072492328472435474, 0.014940697699785233, 0.03592424839735031, 0.014189079403877258, -0.031790439039468765, -0.021147141233086586, -0.015937786549329758, -0.036416295915842056, 0.0517265610396862, -0.049484651535749435, 0.03503391519188881, 0.014185809530317783, 0.005676965694874525, -0.029082531109452248, 0.04730595648288727, -0.05738990381360054, 0.037115052342414856, 0.015505627728998661, -0.02181250788271427, 0.01712781749665737, 0.039010997861623764, 0.04384266585111618, 0.026385216042399406, -0.0479702465236187, 0.003165941685438156, 0.008742268197238445, 0.017900316044688225, 0.01481575146317482, -0.02963760681450367, 0.0500824898481369, 0.038257140666246414, 0.029936455190181732, 0.020289748907089233, 0.02587917633354664, -0.0003184626984875649, 0.07757262140512466, 0.020263494923710823, -0.010429676622152328, -0.022238604724407196, 0.042614489793777466, -0.023472275584936142, -0.024451520293951035, 0.032849814742803574, -0.060509487986564636, -0.03306853398680687, 0.01410611066967249, 0.04429442808032036, -0.014656849205493927, 0.028514070436358452, -0.034994546324014664, -0.07530030608177185, 0.025323988869786263, 0.018056675791740417, 0.014676799066364765, -0.006432941183447838, -0.038833245635032654, 0.04615258425474167, -0.02428804524242878, -0.028295811265707016, -0.006278382148593664, -0.06588666141033173, 0.010777742601931095, 0.015999482944607735, -0.03076895885169506, 0.05655097961425781, 0.027537332847714424, -0.016758007928729057, 0.07112208008766174, 0.010041756555438042, 0.06686554104089737, 0.03855682164430618, 0.0452759824693203, 0.03868876397609711, -0.02682006172835827, -0.04788145422935486, 0.04219266027212143, 0.0027566510252654552, -0.012916353531181812, 0.01523940172046423, 0.0811411663889885, -0.025167876854538918, 0.04371735081076622, 0.010401200503110886, 0.017030449584126472, 0.029769161716103554, -0.022062035277485847, 0.04871894419193268, -0.0547543503344059, 0.021580085158348083, -0.01505180075764656, 0.027402065694332123, -0.006381108891218901, -0.02510528452694416, 0.029123974964022636, -0.023849675431847572, 0.06559605151414871, 0.0775710716843605, -0.0006958808517083526, -0.014031145721673965, 0.02301560714840889, -0.02718937024474144, -0.004148849751800299, 0.03722032532095909, -0.00011133729276480153, 0.047814421355724335, 0.016081761568784714, -0.026905257254838943, 0.023283949121832848, 0.01338614709675312, -0.04952135309576988, -0.014574865810573101, 0.04496767371892929, 0.03769388422369957, 0.0539899505674839, -0.02451631985604763, 0.01566670462489128, -0.0012117435690015554, -0.02771766297519207, -0.019879356026649475, -0.05686824023723602, 0.0073631987906992435, -0.0034835573751479387, 0.009283440187573433, 0.0006072090473026037, 0.010058924555778503, -0.043027713894844055, -0.035338886082172394, 0.015353746712207794, 0.014342006295919418, 0.03813768923282623, -0.007616903632879257, 0.03238969296216965, -0.0029881668742746115, -0.026938093826174736, -0.06175816059112549, -0.031682178378105164, -0.023226022720336914, -0.00905759446322918, -0.025146914646029472, 0.047218602150678635, 0.018075674772262573, -0.0019283767323940992, 0.057524144649505615, -0.019081389531493187, -0.0059751104563474655, 0.039866626262664795, 0.025416141375899315, 0.022520586848258972, 0.016941070556640625, -0.011430177837610245, -0.010464100167155266, 0.028820334002375603, -0.03167792037129402, -0.027828749269247055, 0.01777084544301033, -0.07162710279226303, 0.01873897947371006, -0.07787374407052994, 0.0022649154998362064, 0.04800115525722504, 0.042551152408123016, 0.02064971625804901, 0.017685970291495323, 0.0016069771954789758, 0.03251609578728676, 0.03407701849937439, -0.0022147400304675102, 0.0765070766210556, 0.00621466850861907, -0.026882261037826538, -0.026590922847390175, -0.053394921123981476, 0.008563302457332611, -0.000400237157009542, -0.031080063432455063, 0.02167193405330181, -0.055108875036239624, -0.0031604596879333258, -0.2464384287595749, -0.008945131674408913, -0.05852823704481125, -0.04621557518839836, 0.008002806454896927, -0.0012269082944840193, 0.08631192147731781, -0.0313345231115818, -0.013221153058111668, 0.0770048126578331, -0.01270825881510973, -0.005441599525511265, 0.030820626765489578, 0.035255707800388336, -0.01207753550261259, 0.01154797151684761, -0.01642134040594101, -0.024997634813189507, -0.0062278457917273045, 0.02253110334277153, 0.017618440091609955, -0.034371063113212585, -0.04498903453350067, 0.02016746625304222, 0.03582552447915077, 0.04537568241357803, -0.03319293633103371, -0.03075304627418518, -0.09149255603551865, -0.026638800278306007, 0.010015038773417473, -0.03810355067253113, -0.029707202687859535, -0.0028082046192139387, -0.014934934675693512, 0.010881847701966763, 0.04905099421739578, 0.000302595755783841, -0.005476257763803005, -0.04312434419989586, 0.012703143991529942, -0.03976162523031235, -0.05220445618033409, 0.03793368116021156, 0.027414940297603607, 0.03693169727921486, -0.0379415862262249, -0.028485571965575218, -0.004155877977609634, 0.06431853026151657, -0.00423439359292388, 0.01819961704313755, -0.023947499692440033, -0.003418627427890897, -0.06496024876832962, -0.009139248169958591, -0.0722607672214508, -0.0011502796551212668, -0.045752786099910736, 0.01619422249495983, 0.0008424441330134869, -0.04282815754413605, -0.023309260606765747, -0.06684170663356781, -0.07654879242181778, -0.05296387895941734, -0.08155354857444763, -0.02730659767985344, 0.07552172988653183, 0.011158577166497707, -0.02024628408253193, 0.012390418909490108, 0.022545643150806427, -0.08111455291509628, -0.03901053965091705, -0.053527869284152985, -0.02625095471739769, -0.03245463967323303, -0.03755560517311096, 0.018961431458592415, 0.01341104507446289, -0.006934893783181906, 0.020138641819357872, 0.07680254429578781, 0.03492695838212967, -0.03597062826156616, -0.02480572834610939, 0.04434545710682869, -0.054383937269449234, -0.04347081482410431, 0.07605817914009094, 0.017312582582235336, -0.027972418814897537, -0.01663227193057537, 0.04175763949751854, 0.04653289541602135, -0.014304911717772484, -0.005168163683265448, 0.008512608706951141, -0.00943310372531414, 0.05212201178073883, -0.040840994566679, 0.03625642880797386, -0.008882841095328331, 0.0030576162971556187, -0.022405359894037247, -0.07621856033802032, -0.003627547761425376, 0.010171478614211082, 0.020760536193847656, 0.014679870568215847, -0.011541425250470638, 0.036190133541822433, -0.06450869888067245, -0.020952962338924408, -0.036516521126031876, 0.009601077996194363, 0.010465272702276707, 0.030004916712641716, 0.027136927470564842, -0.024898946285247803, 0.024398596957325935, -0.07864272594451904, -0.002074499847367406, -0.07076248526573181, 0.02162773162126541, 0.024330195039510727, 0.02759893424808979, -0.03389513120055199, 0.07150986045598984, -0.02847721241414547, -0.017442431300878525, 0.03477606922388077, -0.01136635709553957, 0.01628837361931801, -0.015256832353770733, -0.02411670982837677, -0.033454637974500656, -0.016405615955591202, 0.006110750138759613, 0.012191718444228172, 0.000008069620889727958, 0.025210630148649216, -0.05132409557700157, 0.001329118269495666, -0.014115463942289352, 0.02436400018632412, 0.0028061093762516975, -0.03322366252541542, -0.008549068123102188, 0.02861400693655014, -0.04817593842744827, 0.03722769394516945, -0.06676092743873596, -0.019752301275730133, -0.025674739852547646, -0.005681225564330816, 0.015817757695913315, 0.0114962263032794, -0.055339265614748, -0.0026128145400434732, -0.037486519664525986, -0.004474910441786051, -0.0650409534573555, -0.04099882021546364, 0.08970626443624496, 0.00534394895657897, 0.03636019304394722, -0.05837959796190262, 0.024669669568538666, 0.006150323431938887, -0.01496883761137724, -0.026612618938088417, 0.0233717430382967, 0.011905625462532043, 0.045862555503845215, 0.007730770390480757, 0.001950728357769549, 0.0397627167403698, 0.012135214172303677, -0.014510146342217922, -0.017178133130073547, -0.040662702172994614, -0.00027707734261639416, 0.005365836899727583, 0.009424364194273949, 0.010960914194583893, -0.03786361217498779, -0.027108076959848404, 0.014897511340677738, 0.007796607445925474, 0.01919010654091835, -0.02923576720058918, 0.02576311118900776, -0.05531289055943489, -0.08148445188999176, -0.008813445456326008, 0.021018093451857567, 0.01816982962191105, 0.012669301591813564, -0.02091008983552456, 0.01676756888628006, -0.020794175565242767, 0.020249024033546448, 0.009198029525578022, -0.06411886215209961, 0.035202398896217346, 0.03443571925163269, -0.021117547526955605, 0.025854716077446938, -0.05580941215157509, 0.013315385207533836, -0.0007764312904328108, -0.02721462957561016, 0.08305048197507858, -0.006751439534127712, 0.02843073382973671, -0.020564265549182892, -0.018200797960162163, 0.024665748700499535, 0.010224083438515663, -0.046650514006614685, 0.018087008967995644, -0.008030850440263748, -0.040038060396909714, 0.05167940631508827, 0.027064066380262375, -0.03343542665243149, 0.050249118357896805, -0.09539168328046799, -0.040621742606163025, -0.0211974885314703, -0.013950292952358723, 0.0045408448204398155, -0.05543547123670578, -0.05803355574607849, 0.02198423258960247, -0.011796066537499428, 0.038414668291807175, 0.07329671829938889, 0.034948524087667465, 0.03545495495200157, -0.010067678987979889, -0.03792189434170723, -0.015269344672560692, -0.013998965732753277, 0.01817154325544834, -0.030732648447155952, 0.022351214662194252, 0.06594057381153107, -0.006674695294350386, 0.004709635395556688, -0.03598083555698395, -0.03201476112008095, 0.05621366947889328, -0.08412691205739975, -0.01261063851416111, -0.0016783406026661396, 0.007972011342644691, 0.05387839674949646, -0.015295174904167652, 0.010038081556558609, 0.003692256286740303, 0.008123048581182957, 0.04400838539004326, 0.03453824296593666, 0.024470306932926178, 0.009384188801050186, 0.025444557890295982, -0.0741105005145073, -0.03255544230341911, -0.049325015395879745, 0.012787485495209694, -0.03916619345545769, -0.002548939548432827, -0.010511035099625587, 0.01672288030385971, 0.004354522097855806, 0.06488445401191711, -0.052472032606601715, -0.010402783751487732, -0.014523493126034737, 0.023701680824160576, -0.04800146818161011, 0.04121584817767143, -0.033243853598833084, 0.007559503894299269, -0.0069379257038235664, -0.06022106856107712, -0.02454492263495922, 0.01714618317782879, 0.022193701937794685, -0.000950664165429771, 0.052935101091861725, 0.004967567045241594, 0.00007834132702555507, 0.029148507863283157, 0.06701701134443283, -0.021023640409111977, -0.007130532059818506, -0.04990822821855545, 0.016468480229377747, 0.005170897580683231, -0.007578521966934204, -0.011835305020213127, -0.002740110969170928, 0.026768235489726067, -0.043035365641117096, 0.01276122685521841, 0.03312570974230766, -0.02688564918935299, -0.06453398615121841, 0.05743344500660896, -0.0018445270834490657, -0.058629415929317474, 0.028501881286501884, -0.010436104610562325, -0.013168196193873882, -0.004494651220738888, -0.0590362623333931, 0.01408835593611002, 0.03752058744430542, 0.04075571522116661, 0.005057934205979109, 0.06798477470874786, 0.043009333312511444, 0.010570745915174484, 0.0010732117807492614, -0.002987876068800688, 0.05996841937303543, 0.07307207584381104, -0.0001282652374356985, 0.043819837272167206, 0.0423855260014534, 0.04684847965836525, -0.04673556610941887, 0.010178688913583755, -0.0016921720234677196, -0.005251749884337187, 0.01832679659128189, 0.04142604023218155, 0.050298091024160385, -0.009722300805151463, 0.05294010415673256, 0.028209054842591286, 0.033811721950769424, 0.03977121040225029, -0.02070033922791481, 0.022708434611558914, -0.00952193420380354, 0.012459857389330864, -0.0037753188516944647, 0.0026155998930335045, -0.02128984034061432, -0.0051414258778095245, 0.03332757204771042, -0.025185594335198402, 0.003171308198943734, -0.034577853977680206, 0.013531137257814407, -0.02557850256562233, -0.021551091223955154, 0.05373895540833473, -0.03162970393896103, 0.015956103801727295, -0.009688736870884895, 0.018655993044376373, 0.010720677673816681, 0.021980714052915573, 0.02763456664979458, 0.034495431929826736, -0.031355131417512894, 0.021976923570036888, 0.011445516720414162, 0.05754475295543671, -0.023177068680524826, 0.03231672942638397, -0.012091627344489098, -0.010518807917833328, 0.020553048700094223, 0.045836444944143295, -0.01816992461681366, -0.01896427385509014, -0.07168139517307281, -0.05845453590154648, -0.02567639760673046, 0.03728187829256058, -0.0070891063660383224, -0.031700972467660904, -0.03552248701453209, -0.012291847728192806, 0.012886466458439827, 0.00014346017269417644, 0.02559512108564377, -0.035907961428165436, -0.009125572629272938, 0.05577797815203667, 0.0351807102560997, 0.05776325613260269, 0.032483868300914764, 0.045982908457517624, 0.002866193186491728, 0.004795091692358255, -0.020941417664289474, 0.02732069604098797, 0.050336677581071854, -0.00778693612664938, -0.008095171302556992, -0.06108397617936134, 0.008585339412093163, -0.015601514838635921, -0.04323500767350197, -0.06518526375293732, 0.025480717420578003, -0.026107214391231537, 0.005993237253278494, 0.0724526047706604, 0.041575778275728226, -0.012146086432039738, -0.015754571184515953, -0.02219829149544239, -0.007040004711598158, 0.008032581768929958, 0.043277811259031296, -0.04632807895541191, -0.0009452052763663232, 0.03294149041175842, 0.0008524837321601808, -0.015620168298482895, 0.051391489803791046, 0.06179896369576454, -0.026060758158564568, -0.027031676843762398, -0.020724046975374222, -0.036621879786252975, -0.06586714088916779, -0.04764750599861145, -0.015144635923206806, 0.0019282210851088166, -0.04256175458431244, -0.03699816018342972, -0.007283247075974941, 0.03140829876065254, -0.03461925685405731, 0.04674072191119194, 0.010354286059737206, -0.006035525817424059, -0.020708253607153893, -0.05626716464757919, 0.006201745942234993, -0.03318518027663231, 0.012094398960471153, -0.003906492609530687, -0.05666879564523697, -0.013544056564569473, -0.06417471170425415, -0.02615499496459961, -0.0035611216444522142, -0.007196449674665928, 0.010320908389985561 ]
OPINION FRY, Judge. {1} Plaintiff Systems Technology, Inc. (STI) appeals an order requiring STI to participate in an existing arbitration of a dispute with Bryan E. Hall and Stacey L. KnutsonHall (the Halls). STI and the Halls disagree " about whether another party, Arlin Pennington, is also bound by the contract that contains the arbitration clause. The district court referred part of the dispute to the arbitrator, including the issue of the identity of the parties to the arbitration agreement. {2} The issues on appeal primarily concern the interpretation of the arbitration agreement. In the course of analyzing these issues, this Court questioned whether the order appealed from is a final order. See Khalsa v. Levinson, 1998-NMCA-110, ¶ 12, 125 N.M. 680, 964 P.2d 844 (explaining that whether an order is final “is a jurisdictional question that an appellate court is required to raise on its own motion”). We instructed the parties to file briefs addressing this concern, but only the Halls filed a brief. Although STI asked for and was granted an extension of time within which to file its brief, our records show that STI never filed a brief. {3} We conclude the order appealed from is not a final order. We are unable to determine whether the district court intended to certify its order for interlocutory appeal, or to certify it as a final judgment pursuant to Rule 1-054(B)(1) NMRA. Whatever the court’s intention, we conclude that (1) if the court intended to certify the order for interlocutory appeal, STI’s application for leave to file such an appeal was untimely; and (2) if the court intended certification under Rule 1-054(B)(1), it abused its discretion. We therefore dismiss the appeal. BACKGROUND {4} This controversy stems from a purchase and sale agreement for the construction of a log cabin home on a parcel of land belonging to the Halls. Litigation began when “Systems Technology Inc., d/b/a Enchanted Log Homes” filed a complaint for foreclosure of a mechanic’s lien on the home. STI’s complaint averred that it had completed construction of the log cabin, and that the Halls refused to pay the balance due under the agreement. STI’s complaint also named M & T Mortgage Corporation (M & T) as a defendant and sought a determination that its lien had priority over M & T’s mortgage on the home. {5} In response to the complaint, the Halls moved to dismiss the foreclosure action on the ground that STI did not timely request arbitration of the dispute as required by the purchase and sales agreement. The agreement’s arbitration clause provided that “[a]ny controversy or claim arising our [sic] of or related to this contract, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration” and also that the “[cjlaimant must initiate the De mand for Arbitration within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date the dispute arises.” {6} The district court denied the motion to dismiss, ordered the Halls to answer the complaint, and also directed the Halls to submit an arbitration demand for any counterclaims they intended to pursue against STI. In January 2003, the Halls submitted a demand for arbitration. The demand for arbitration is not part of the record on appeal; however, the parties appear to agree that although STI was the named party that initiated the foreclosure proceeding against the Halls in the district court, the Halls named “Arlin M. Pennington d/b/a Enchanted Log Homes” in their demand for arbitration and statement of counterclaims. There is no order in the record referring the matter to arbitration. {7} In May 2003, STI filed a motion to stay arbitration. In the motion, STI also sought a determination of who is a proper pai’ty to the lawsuit. The Halls’ response to that motion set out their contention that STI is “a shell corporation with insufficient assets to satisfy any judgment the Halls might obtain.” According to the Halls, they sought to arbitrate claims against Pennington because “that is the party with whom the Halls believe they contracted.” {8} On June 13, 2003, the district court entered the order from which STI has tried to appeal. The order is entitled “Order Denying Plaintiffs Motion to Stay Arbitration and Compelling Arbitration,” but the body of the order does not say anything about compelling arbitration; it simply states that STI’s motion to stay arbitration should be denied and STI should be added as a respondent to the AAA arbitration involving Hall v. Pennington d/b/a Enchanted Log Homes. The order also contains certification language that we discuss in more detail below. {9} STI immediately filed a notice of appeal from the order. Seventeen days later, STI filed an application for interlocutory appeal in this Court as an “alternative” to its notice of appeal. We denied the application and STI filed a motion to reconsider, to which it attached an August 13, 2003 letter from the district court to the parties indicating that the district court was under the impression its June 13, 2003 order was a final order. Shortly thereafter, this Court assigned this case to the general calendar and the parties filed their briefs. DISCUSSION {10} The June 13, 2003 order from which STI appeals contains ambiguous language apparently attempting to permit an immediate appeal. On the one hand, the order states that “this matter involves a controlling question of law as to which there is substantial ground for difference of opinion, [and] that an immediate appeal from this Order may materially advance the ultimate termination of this litigation,” which is the language required to certify an order for interlocutory appeal. NMSA 1978, § 39-3-4(A) (1999). On the other hand, the order also states “there is no just reason for delay of the entry of this Order,” which is the language certifying an order for immediate appeal as of right under Rule 1-054(B)(1). But see Khalsa, 1998-NMCA-110, ¶ 18, 125 N.M. 680, 964 P.2d 844 (observing that courts have generally interpreted Rule 1 — 054(C)(1) (since renumbered as Rule 1 — 054(B)(1)) “to require both an express determination that there is no just reason for delay and an express direction for entry of judgment” (emphasis added)). We first address the finality of the order in question and we then consider in turn the effect of each type of certification. Finality of the June 13, 2003 Order {11} “An order is not considered final unless all issues of law and fact have been determined and the case disposed of by the trial court to the fullest extent possible.” In re Estate of Griego, 2000-NMCA-022, ¶ 13, 128 N.M. 676, 997 P.2d 150. Here it appears that the hierarchy of liens as between STI and M & T was not referred to arbitration, and therefore it remained for the district court to decide. As the Halls point out in their supplemental brief, this issue cannot be determined until the arbitration has resolved several preliminary matters, including whether there was an agreement between the Halls and STI, and whether STI has a valid mechanics lien. {12} In addition, the parties’ actions following entry of the June 13, 2003 order suggest that they viewed the order as non-final. For example, on June 13, 2003, the same day as the order denying the motion to stay arbitration, the district court granted the Halls’ motion to extend a discovery deadline and to vacate a trial setting. On June 23, 2003, the Halls filed a motion for summary judgment on Plaintiffs foreclosure complaint. All of this activity suggests that the district court and the parties believed there were issues that remained for the district court to decide. {13} Although we do not have the benefit of a supplemental brief from STI, it appears STI would rely on the August 13, 2003 letter from the district judge that STI attached to a pleading filed in this Court. In that letter the district judge stated, “In light of the fact that I believe I ordered the whole case to arbitration when STI was added to the arbitration order, I believe the direct appeal to the Court of Appeals has divested me of jurisdiction to proceed.” This letter is inconsistent with the June 13, 2003 order, which included language consistent with an attempt to certify a non-final order for appeal. In addition, the letter is not in the record filed in this Court. See State v. Reynolds, 111 N.M. 263, 267, 804 P.2d 1082, 1086 (1990) (“Matters outside the record present no issue for review.”). Therefore, because we cannot rely on the August 13, 2003 letter, and because there appear to be substantive issues as yet undecided by the district court, we conclude that the June 13, 2003 order was not final for purposes of appeal. We now turn to a consideration of the district court’s attempts to certify the order for appeal. STI’s Application for Interlocutory Appeal Was Untimely {14} When a district court certifies an order for interlocutory appeal, the appealing party must seek permission from the appellate court for leave to file an appeal by filing an application within fifteen days of entry of the order in district court. Rule 12-203(A) NMRA. Assuming the district court intended to certify its order for interlocutory appeal, STI did not file an application for interlocutory appeal in this Court until June 30, 2003, seventeen days after the filing of the district court’s order. “Neither the statute nor rules authorize this court to entertain late applications for interlocutory appeals or extensions of time for filing late applications.” Candelaria v. Middle Rio Grande Conservancy Dist., 107 N.M. 579, 581, 761 P.2d 457, 459 (Ct.App.1988). Moreover, this Court denied STI’s application on July 30. We therefore conclude that STI’s attempt to perfect an interlocutory appeal was unavailing. The District Court Abused Its Discretion In Certifying the Order Under Rule 1-054(B)(1) {15} If the district court properly certified its June 13, 2003 order pursuant to Rule 1 — 054(B)(1), then STI’s notice of appeal filed on the same day was timely. See Rule 12-201 NMRA (stating that notice of appeal must be filed within thirty days of the order appealed from). Rule 1 — 054(B)(1) provides that “when more than one claim for relief is presented in an action, ... the court may enter a final judgment as to one or more but fewer than all of the claims only upon an express determination that there is no just reason for delay.” We review a certification under this rule for abuse of discretion. Khalsa, 1998-NMCA-110, ¶20, 125 N.M. 680, 964 P.2d 844. A court abuses its discretion “when the issues decided by the judgment are intertwined, legally or factually, with the issues not yet resolved, or when resolution of the remaining issues may alter or revise the judgment previously entered.” Id. {16} Here the issues referred to arbitration — which, according to the Halls, include (1) whether there was an agreement between the Halls and STI, (2) whether STI was properly licensed, (3) whether STI has a valid mechanics lien, (4) the amount of any lien, and (5) whether STI is entitled to foreclose its lien — are intertwined with the issue remaining in the district court, which is the priority of M & T’s mortgage. For example, if the arbitrator concludes that STI has a valid lien subject to foreclosure, then the district court will have to determine, as be tween STI and M & T, whose lien has priority. Thus, if we were to decide the issues raised in the present appeal, we may well have to consider a second appeal when the arbitration is completed and the district court rules on the pending issue before it. In light of our strong policy disfavoring piecemeal appeals, Valley Improvement Association v. Hartford Accident & Indemnity Co., 116 N.M. 426, 429, 863 P.2d 1047, 1050 (1993), we hold the district court abused its discretion in certifying its June 13, 2003 order under Rule 1-054(B)(1). CONCLUSION {17} Having determined that the June 13, 2003 order is not a final, appealable order, we hereby dismiss this appeal. {18} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: MICHAEL D. BUSTAMANTE and IRA ROBINSON, Judges.
[ -0.044660784304142, 0.012105312198400497, 0.00743436673656106, 0.008783847093582153, 0.04243651032447815, 0.020041100680828094, 0.04489675164222717, 0.021176204085350037, 0.009369567967951298, -0.013883010484278202, -0.03647294268012047, 0.05036674812436104, -0.05259157344698906, 0.0656750500202179, -0.005987429991364479, 0.07190032303333282, 0.026610974222421646, 0.034894444048404694, 0.023266227915883064, -0.003308982588350773, -0.017177799716591835, -0.029223540797829628, 0.01321210153400898, -0.0007235314697027206, 0.0022319161798805, 0.026780670508742332, -0.005899279844015837, 0.015440816059708595, -0.06541457772254944, -0.025160394608974457, 0.06985289603471756, -0.023596545681357384, -0.03993913531303406, -0.00925523042678833, -0.012669323943555355, -0.007347955368459225, -0.01674196496605873, -0.027793584391474724, -0.05345866456627846, 0.03352681174874306, -0.03686748072504997, -0.007803884334862232, -0.05837748944759369, -0.0014493155758827925, -0.03427492827177048, 0.027043387293815613, -0.02408882975578308, 0.008202984929084778, -0.020196598023176193, -0.006933931261301041, -0.07269249111413956, 0.020359253510832787, -0.028447654098272324, 0.01601792313158512, 0.001456719939596951, 0.02602344937622547, 0.011097733862698078, -0.051713526248931885, 0.0012445672182366252, -0.02754887565970421, 0.0607888326048851, -0.0350029394030571, 0.061001963913440704, 0.0038882670924067497, 0.026959260925650597, 0.004551134537905455, 0.015023262239992619, 0.03125087916851044, -0.016103822737932205, -0.007076031528413296, -0.07297341525554657, -0.006384695414453745, 0.033128559589385986, 0.023776652291417122, 0.0014706660294905305, -0.045856233686208725, -0.0025775020476430655, 0.0582987479865551, 0.042757339775562286, 0.04478609934449196, 0.030797911807894707, 0.04436647146940231, 0.010501634329557419, 0.01807299815118313, -0.006033018231391907, -0.028756532818078995, -0.0031361044384539127, 0.010114968754351139, -0.04239357262849808, 0.043455176055431366, -0.01185044925659895, -0.04130549356341362, 0.03247553110122681, 0.058186981827020645, 0.01868513412773609, -0.001796377939172089, 0.038435302674770355, -0.007787119131535292, 0.009210748597979546, -0.006436600349843502, -0.011777682229876518, -0.0036371974274516106, -0.011702682822942734, 0.04463214799761772, -0.038726381957530975, -0.019392171874642372, 0.0173459742218256, -0.005147760268300772, 0.019422214478254318, 0.015665223821997643, -0.013498545624315739, 0.023864880204200745, 0.013216492719948292, -0.030911067500710487, -0.07303514331579208, 0.06201673299074173, 0.019827041774988174, -0.06277475506067276, -0.024302849546074867, -0.0007708972552791238, 0.02759852632880211, 0.03175211325287819, 0.005434065591543913, 0.05615229532122612, 0.050309620797634125, 0.0037657280918210745, 0.0255569014698267, 0.03801458328962326, -0.06414592266082764, -0.07829361408948898, -0.014206239953637123, 0.02726992405951023, -0.0021910129580646753, 0.04265037551522255, -0.009991858154535294, 0.027765443548560143, -0.0012457375414669514, -0.0543425977230072, 0.0515424869954586, -0.021571915596723557, -0.023152893409132957, -0.04934549331665039, 0.007377330679446459, 0.01903628371655941, 0.042978156358003616, -0.06335906684398651, 0.01534334197640419, -0.03423113003373146, -0.028627660125494003, -0.0052370792254805565, -0.0025833717081695795, 0.044297683984041214, 0.04115739464759827, -0.03965042531490326, -0.0026174222584813833, 0.041918836534023285, 0.035391662269830704, 0.010272146202623844, -0.013775094412267208, 0.08819662034511566, 0.015534856356680393, 0.02357862889766693, 0.038008783012628555, -0.0030626445077359676, 0.00530237378552556, 0.023573171347379684, -0.014372717589139938, -0.038679856806993484, 0.019912824034690857, 0.031014500185847282, -0.041120391339063644, -0.04403514787554741, 0.04013475775718689, -0.03574724867939949, 0.010778430849313736, 0.03594048321247101, 0.06561064720153809, 0.008795608766376972, 0.042988695204257965, -0.018568743020296097, -0.08002735674381256, 0.04659908264875412, -0.02003953792154789, -0.0132499560713768, -0.014643387869000435, -0.009254989214241505, 0.03200412541627884, -0.04028131440281868, 0.016365764662623405, -0.028849314898252487, -0.07049310207366943, -0.04133569821715355, 0.005333981942385435, -0.03731635957956314, 0.026738019660115242, -0.003933448810130358, -0.03141411393880844, 0.010643835179507732, 0.033624935895204544, 0.02687991037964821, 0.004140906501561403, 0.007566609885543585, 0.050508782267570496, -0.028463762253522873, -0.06183205917477608, 0.015583711676299572, 0.0002532223588787019, -0.02241465076804161, 0.006945494562387466, 0.042042117565870285, -0.02334447018802166, -0.006467963568866253, 0.04927022010087967, -0.031105104833841324, 0.05599374696612358, -0.059070173650979996, 0.004893474746495485, -0.026865066960453987, -0.001100703258998692, -0.06969151645898819, 0.04540859907865524, 0.01993218995630741, 0.010549533180892467, 0.04840113967657089, -0.024777362123131752, 0.07925330847501755, 0.05057861655950546, -0.06444622576236725, -0.027408624067902565, 0.05201532691717148, -0.002724048215895891, 0.007849879562854767, -0.013263441622257233, -0.010699818842113018, 0.04492366686463356, -0.002891987096518278, 0.009041717275977135, 0.024665145203471184, 0.04294612258672714, -0.04021579772233963, 0.01761808805167675, 0.03688393905758858, -0.009321802295744419, 0.044881369918584824, -0.002135822782292962, 0.007377931848168373, -0.0005354067543521523, -0.03437257558107376, -0.03651338815689087, -0.026399074122309685, -0.034540511667728424, -0.0048688724637031555, -0.011788222938776016, -0.0012668372364714742, -0.016975540667772293, -0.07200324535369873, -0.027614019811153412, 0.011547613888978958, 0.025083500891923904, 0.015251841396093369, -0.02549881301820278, 0.0018666393589228392, -0.010160503908991814, -0.016318099573254585, -0.02760941907763481, -0.043649718165397644, -0.022389179095625877, -0.0210917629301548, -0.011378397233784199, 0.0034497983288019896, 0.030974015593528748, -0.01579471118748188, -0.01871650665998459, -0.015843482688069344, -0.033882226794958115, 0.028571227565407753, 0.04760776460170746, -0.009056533686816692, 0.021713286638259888, -0.010813284665346146, -0.005520047154277563, 0.057571541517972946, -0.027918312698602676, -0.07404625415802002, 0.008130313828587532, -0.054862700402736664, -0.012509265914559364, -0.05861296132206917, -0.043632011860609055, 0.03689989820122719, -0.003505139844492078, 0.012498403899371624, -0.0413837693631649, 0.04266124218702316, 0.05623790994286537, 0.06965158879756927, 0.04647648334503174, 0.02725036069750786, 0.014998460188508034, -0.03354768827557564, -0.0009401258430443704, 0.0046307421289384365, 0.01743944361805916, 0.036974601447582245, 0.011129796504974365, 0.00478759640827775, 0.0004840902693103999, -0.01865895465016365, -0.256378173828125, 0.002008127747103572, -0.005994644481688738, -0.031039711087942123, 0.03492753952741623, -0.004289436619728804, 0.04066837951540947, -0.046913910657167435, 0.00411281269043684, 0.05239148065447807, -0.003667784621939063, -0.025873467326164246, 0.04588751122355461, 0.040761787444353104, 0.026271026581525803, -0.013980010524392128, 0.042984019964933395, -0.06645438075065613, -0.012405643239617348, 0.02595321647822857, 0.027464602142572403, -0.049007248133420944, -0.022762389853596687, -0.0022566216066479683, 0.07687442749738693, 0.06911791861057281, -0.037916362285614014, 0.0230101328343153, -0.054716747254133224, -0.01526984665542841, -0.05001981556415558, 0.016423342749476433, -0.029622064903378487, -0.028156818822026253, -0.002982306992635131, 0.023330746218562126, 0.008148222230374813, -0.04670685529708862, -0.028823284432291985, 0.0036303396336734295, 0.01562877558171749, 0.02045995183289051, -0.0342903807759285, 0.011438099667429924, 0.030939223244786263, -0.01957407407462597, -0.06792396306991577, -0.015397559851408005, -0.018904637545347214, 0.05796293169260025, -0.00635807029902935, 0.035713545978069305, -0.01287290919572115, 0.025985784828662872, -0.05626387521624565, -0.019018543884158134, -0.03617672994732857, -0.029854165390133858, -0.02883809246122837, 0.08016000688076019, -0.04889319837093353, -0.053611014038324356, -0.04229886084794998, -0.03281361982226372, -0.011011440306901932, -0.04043721407651901, -0.04461308568716049, -0.03717555105686188, 0.04510978236794472, -0.005002693273127079, 0.01004023291170597, 0.03696417436003685, -0.03673618286848068, -0.10877349972724915, -0.003544094506651163, -0.029850129038095474, 0.009981357492506504, -0.056128308176994324, -0.02531585469841957, 0.009179791435599327, 0.04831394553184509, -0.0494585819542408, -0.015286838635802269, 0.03759358450770378, -0.028293214738368988, -0.0050577991642057896, 0.014589851722121239, 0.02082902193069458, 0.012774142436683178, 0.0035480523947626352, 0.04580971971154213, 0.026068303734064102, -0.015684936195611954, -0.022208739072084427, 0.039610669016838074, 0.011012168601155281, -0.03093053214251995, -0.03240566328167915, -0.016428038477897644, 0.020735858008265495, 0.04357472062110901, -0.057346031069755554, 0.002945325570181012, -0.0349401980638504, -0.02929490990936756, -0.029261514544487, -0.04169216752052307, -0.03700345382094383, 0.055450089275836945, 0.03610872104763985, 0.0158621147274971, -0.0407913476228714, 0.029314013198018074, -0.04137828201055527, 0.011429830454289913, -0.057004667818546295, 0.025575926527380943, 0.02872886322438717, 0.03283040225505829, -0.014575704000890255, 0.03379584848880768, 0.012728642672300339, -0.024508295580744743, -0.037330593913793564, -0.08874689042568207, 0.014928855933248997, 0.010105912573635578, 0.01017661951482296, 0.011158676818013191, 0.06103614717721939, -0.011585870757699013, -0.019413843750953674, 0.013686317950487137, -0.014528509229421616, 0.015475553460419178, -0.014482823200523853, 0.010895747691392899, -0.03302350640296936, -0.016772957518696785, 0.012202393263578415, 0.0023968471214175224, 0.016557972878217697, 0.020198481157422066, 0.042423296719789505, -0.023508984595537186, 0.004387310706079006, 0.02383074350655079, -0.004402702674269676, 0.002637566067278385, 0.061269212514162064, -0.02103712409734726, -0.09986560046672821, 0.03090125322341919, -0.028436757624149323, 0.007548252586275339, -0.03737357258796692, 0.041245464235544205, 0.0191787276417017, -0.014021412469446659, -0.041602399200201035, 0.04088703170418739, -0.005057243630290031, -0.034160811454057693, -0.02404606342315674, 0.0013400078751146793, 0.051916223019361496, -0.020143063738942146, 0.017824264243245125, -0.061058517545461655, 0.0076082078740000725, -0.015241292305290699, -0.027896111831068993, -0.028911950066685677, 0.01394551433622837, 0.016184616833925247, 0.05924038961529732, -0.02838125452399254, 0.01265327911823988, 0.04875968396663666, 0.00922546535730362, -0.001305870828218758, -0.021991124376654625, -0.07206738740205765, 0.04726479575037956, 0.02870718203485012, -0.042442940175533295, 0.023022817447781563, -0.011723312549293041, -0.022357311099767685, -0.000393546448322013, -0.01113829668611288, -0.01846667006611824, -0.01434970460832119, 0.011455902829766273, -0.026684392243623734, -0.051148828119039536, 0.03278831019997597, -0.02597592957317829, 0.013892017304897308, 0.012084359303116798, 0.007997514680027962, 0.011435437947511673, -0.0409192256629467, 0.004971496760845184, 0.016262071207165718, -0.07428644597530365, 0.05502508580684662, 0.022843144834041595, 0.005746487528085709, 0.0444907583296299, -0.04708361253142357, -0.020918892696499825, -0.009438459761440754, 0.004071914125233889, 0.03700197488069534, -0.06278901547193527, 0.016853811219334602, -0.01700642891228199, -0.02173139527440071, 0.028319308534264565, -0.019278256222605705, -0.03340356796979904, 0.019818037748336792, -0.0192547794431448, -0.08059517294168472, 0.02278171479701996, 0.01827034167945385, 0.038660477846860886, 0.042568888515233994, -0.043340470641851425, 0.043211549520492554, -0.06412211805582047, -0.0014183293096721172, 0.024970240890979767, 0.010239011608064175, 0.015403201803565025, -0.03822041302919388, -0.022701403126120567, -0.008249401114881039, 0.05349406972527504, 0.004132335539907217, 0.020999569445848465, -0.01446811854839325, -0.06098266690969467, -0.01421741396188736, -0.008850514888763428, 0.03360908105969429, 0.03710092604160309, -0.014031033031642437, 0.09680966287851334, -0.02190357632935047, 0.027296917513012886, -0.05514168739318848, 0.001153951627202332, 0.03388866409659386, -0.08459486812353134, 0.01826663129031658, -0.016796506941318512, -0.016686948016285896, -0.0001787956280168146, -0.047049593180418015, 0.051528263837099075, -0.023122360929846764, 0.01212465763092041, 0.05339322239160538, 0.07101856917142868, -0.00047859433107078075, -0.019071316346526146, 0.03469105809926987, -0.08046140521764755, -0.05275436490774155, -0.05973569676280022, 0.02492697909474373, -0.027994373813271523, 0.017444204539060593, 0.0014192514354363084, 0.04909048229455948, -0.01159049104899168, 0.020006470382213593, -0.05171104148030281, -0.05143024027347565, 0.021208666265010834, -0.002442779019474983, -0.011900795623660088, 0.02464701235294342, -0.0047485241666436195, -0.009095583111047745, -0.024161189794540405, -0.07762537896633148, -0.04333389177918434, -0.004716384224593639, -0.002849254524335265, 0.009437757544219494, 0.06760598719120026, -0.05184651166200638, -0.037019677460193634, 0.004678353201597929, 0.047531627118587494, -0.009061642922461033, 0.03383390232920647, -0.05918943136930466, 0.03087655082345009, 0.05206366255879402, -0.013090651482343674, -0.00986350979655981, -0.012777845375239849, -0.00667539844289422, -0.059409577399492264, 0.015156667679548264, 0.017056316137313843, -0.017005641013383865, -0.07168196886777878, 0.052313774824142456, 0.0067635877057909966, -0.04895656555891037, -0.0007336737471632659, 0.02799731306731701, -0.012853891588747501, -0.011058419942855835, -0.04318323731422424, 0.013583902269601822, -0.038551151752471924, 0.08535896241664886, 0.036062054336071014, 0.07591821998357773, 0.040736179798841476, 0.011691249907016754, 0.008274612948298454, 0.011739104054868221, 0.08655595034360886, 0.07117977738380432, 0.02225562185049057, -0.012193472124636173, 0.03779071196913719, 0.0033385155256837606, -0.04606306180357933, 0.014731800183653831, 0.003463724162429571, -0.016920628026127815, 0.042007990181446075, 0.024413391947746277, 0.041735704988241196, 0.005609640385955572, 0.06264714151620865, -0.03296110779047012, 0.022799180820584297, 0.0517096221446991, -0.022649753838777542, 0.031823497265577316, 0.03254690766334534, -0.043773800134658813, -0.008830394595861435, 0.005109013989567757, -0.04893520846962929, -0.025962458923459053, 0.014584801159799099, -0.03399604186415672, 0.02038399502635002, -0.015257087536156178, -0.017914526164531708, -0.010211710818111897, -0.00842081569135189, 0.08117736130952835, -0.0075385174714028835, -0.015135260298848152, -0.028320811688899994, 0.03939926251769066, 0.020605985075235367, 0.01831696927547455, 0.012134895659983158, 0.020707428455352783, -0.005224868655204773, -0.02673761174082756, -0.0001798840385163203, 0.050693437457084656, -0.02743345871567726, 0.048370424658060074, -0.0007222858257591724, 0.015750683844089508, 0.04238525778055191, 0.018854156136512756, -0.007107078563421965, -0.057403720915317535, -0.05433117598295212, -0.018192628398537636, -0.03818359971046448, 0.03545989468693733, 0.04760037362575531, -0.020945968106389046, -0.06834480911493301, -0.04487500712275505, 0.0015822722343727946, -0.010784508660435677, 0.03339916467666626, -0.06614843010902405, 0.020783603191375732, 0.04250096529722214, 0.013463812880218029, 0.0038171594496816397, 0.03672894835472107, 0.06710504740476608, -0.01342808362096548, -0.008365650661289692, -0.0015320772072300315, 0.0014939811080694199, 0.02654125541448593, -0.00928632915019989, 0.0016242146957665682, -0.08118795603513718, -0.011781103909015656, 0.014068519696593285, 0.006081052590161562, -0.053447745740413666, 0.03074648417532444, -0.014472126960754395, -0.031913742423057556, 0.05637260153889656, 0.0393340177834034, 0.0008153209346346557, -0.0019540786743164062, -0.03640907630324364, 0.04678164795041084, 0.015547661110758781, 0.005708686076104641, -0.012164485640823841, 0.06494978815317154, 0.065604567527771, -0.012704533524811268, 0.025896713137626648, 0.03348591551184654, 0.01603182591497898, -0.017611896619200706, -0.02294149436056614, -0.03145558014512062, -0.005279833916574717, -0.07425633072853088, -0.05429677665233612, 0.01485634408891201, 0.008371777832508087, -0.06354986131191254, 0.04346015304327011, 0.011545621789991856, -0.0601341649889946, 0.00010192437912337482, 0.04282769933342934, 0.029417099431157112, -0.017778189852833748, -0.04164065048098564, -0.052287209779024124, -0.024621756747364998, 0.04902314394712448, -0.001477306941524148, 0.021437879651784897, -0.05125977471470833, 0.010658599436283112, -0.06479275971651077, 0.01648681052029133, 0.05089835450053215, 0.01828550361096859, -0.007236443925648928 ]
OPINION WECHSLER, Chief Judge. {1} Defendant Bertha Montoya Guzman appeals from her conviction of vehicular homicide, accidents involving death or personal injuries, tampering with evidence, and aggravated driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquors. She argues on appeal that the district court erred in denying her motion to dismiss for the State’s failure to comply with Rule 5-604 NMRA 2004 and that the evidence was insufficient to support her convictions. We affirm. Procedural History {2} The State commenced this prosecution by criminal information. Defendant waived arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty on August 9, 2000, establishing the latest date to commence trial under Rule 5-604(B)(l) as February 9, 2001. Trial was set for January 8, 2001 before Judge Neil P. Mertz, the original judge assigned to this case. On January 2, the State filed a stipulated joint motion for a continuance. The motion stated that the State had failed to provide Defendant with all discovery and witness interviews and that the district attorney’s office was not prepared for trial because of a change of administration. Defendant stipulated to the continuance. On January 5, Judge Richard A. Parsons, who was assigned to the ease as judge pro tempore after the death of Judge Mertz, granted the motion for continuance without a hearing. On January 19, the court sent notice to counsel setting trial for April 30 and further stating “Counsel to seek extension of time, if necessary.” {3} On February 27, eighteen days after the date for commencement of trial under Rule 5-604, the court entered a nunc pro tunc order opposed by Defendant, stating: This matter coming on for consideration by the Court upon Petition of the State of New Mexico, by and through Clint Well-born, Seventh Judicial District Attorney, for an extension of time pursuant to Rule 5-604 NMRA of the District Court Rules, and the Court having considered said petition and being sufficiently advised, The Honorable Richard A. Parsons (Pro Tempore), District Court Judge and trial judge in this cause; NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that an extension of time is GRANTED to and including May 7, 2001, pursuant to the District Court Rules. {4} On March 30, Defendant filed a motion to dismiss for failure to timely commence trial. The State responded, arguing that Judge Parsons had orally granted a sixty-day extension on January 5, and that he had subsequently granted an additional thirty-day extension because the April 30 trial date was outside of the sixty-day extension originally granted. The State contended that it had been delayed in sending Judge Parsons a written order on the extension until February 27 “[d]ue to the press of business.” {5} Judge Kevin R. Sweazea held a hearing on the motion to dismiss on April 20. At the hearing, Defendant argued that the rule was not followed, mandating dismissal, because a verified petition was necessary and the judge could not enter an order without a verified petition several days after the date to commence trial had passed. Defendant further argued that the order was not a proper nunc pro tunc order because the acts necessary to support the order had not been performed and the judge did not have the authority to grant the order without the proper procedure being followed. She contended that the State had the obligation to seek an extension and that she did not need to show prejudice, but that she did file her jury instructions, motion in limine, and voir dire, as required by the court. She asserted that the prosecutor had made no attempt to abide by the rule, and therefore, there could be no technical violation of a rule that was not followed in the first place. {6} The State called Judge Parsons as a witness over Defendant’s objection. Judge Parsons testified that he had more than thirty jury trials set starting January 8. He granted the continuance on January 5. During the week of January 16, after the original prosecutor left the district attorney’s office, Judge Parsons orally granted a sixty-day extension to the successor prosecutor in an ex parte communication. Although Judge Parsons thought that there was a sixty-day extension, the prosecutor did not prepare an order. When the order was ultimately prepared in the latter part of February, Judge Parsons signed the nunc pro tunc order filed on February 27 knowing that it was opposed. He did not recall granting an additional thirty-day extension, but testified that his intent was to extend the time to commence trial through May 7. {7} After Judge Parsons’ testimony, Defendant additionally argued that she did not agree to an extension of the time to commence trial. Defendant acknowledged that the State had argued what amounted to good cause to have extended the rule, but contended that the failure to file a verified petition was fatal, even without prejudice to Defendant, because the State had the burden under the rule. {8} Judge Sweazea denied the motion to dismiss. He found that Judge Parsons acted sua sponte by orally granting the extension in January and memorialized his action in the February 27 order and that Defendant, although objecting to the order, did not file a motion to reconsider or to set aside the order. He concluded that Judge Parsons had the inherent authority to grant an extension for a maximum of ninety days sua sponte by virtue of Rule 5-604(E). Judge Sweazea certified the order for interlocutory appeal. Defendant filed an application for an interlocutory appeal from Judge Sweazea’s order. This Court granted and then quashed the application. A jury convicted Defendant of all charges after trial in January 2002. Application of Rule 5-604 {9} The purpose of Rule 5-604 is to “assure the prompt trial and disposition of criminal cases.” State v. Flores, 99 N.M. 44, 46, 653 P.2d 875, 877 (1982); State v. Eden, 108 N.M. 737, 741-42, 779 P.2d 114, 118-19 (Ct.App.1989). It is to be applied with common sense and not used to effect technical dismissals. Id. The operation of the rule is not jurisdictional. See State v. Vigil, 85 N.M. 328, 332, 512 P.2d 88, 92 (Ct.App.1973). By analogy to civil eases, it is not designed to allow a defendant to “sleep upon” rights under the rule while the state continues “prosecution of a case which is subject to being dismissed upon motion.” Id. at 332, 512 P.2d at 92. A defendant must file a motion to dismiss to trigger a dismissal. Id. {10} Although Judge Sweazea may not have denied the motion to dismiss specifically based on Defendant’s failure to act in filing the motion to dismiss, he found that Defendant did not move to reconsider or set aside the February 27 order. The timeliness of Defendant’s actions was part of the record before Judge Sweazea. Therefore, to the extent Judge Sweazea did not base his ruling on Defendant’s actions in the case, it would not be unfair to Defendant to rely on that ground even though it was not relied on by Judge Sweazea. See State v. Franks, 119 N.M. 174, 177, 889 P.2d 209, 212 (Ct.App. 1994) (stating that the district court’s ruling may be affirmed on basis not relied upon by the district court as long as the new basis is not unfair to appellant). We review Judge Sweazea’s decision under the de novo standard of review. See State v. Wilson, 1998-NMCA-084, ¶ 8, 125 N.M. 390, 962 P.2d 636 (‘We review the district court’s application of Rule 5-604 de novo.”). {11} The verified petition required by Rule 5-604 ensures that the judge has the information necessary to determine if an extension is proper. Although the State did not follow the rule by filing a verified petition, when we consider Defendant’s actions in their entirety, we do not believe that dismissal comports with the purpose of Rule 5-604. Trial was set with thirty-one days remaining to commence trial. Defendant stipulated to a continuance. Judge Parsons informed the prosecutor that he intended to grant an extension, but the rule date passed without an order because the prosecutor did not take appropriate action. Defendant did not have any responsibility until that point; she did not have any obligation to “bring on [her] trial.” State v. Mascarenas, 84 N.M. 153, 155, 500 P.2d 438, 440 (CtApp.1972) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). When the rule date passed, trial was set in eighty days. To obtain a dismissal, Defendant then had the responsibility to file a motion to dismiss rather than “sleep upon” her rights. Vigil, 85 N.M. at 332, 512 P.2d at 92 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Defendant did not take action, but the prosecutor and the judge did. Even though the prosecutor did not act properly under the rule by filing a verified petition for an extension, eighteen days after the rule date, the judge entered an order extending the time for trial. After the order, Defen dant waited another thirty-one days before filing a motion to dismiss. {12} Giving consideration to the purpose of Rule 5-604 to assure a prompt trial and the way Rule 5-604 is to be applied, we do not agree with Defendant that Judge Sweazea misapplied the rule. Although Defendant did not agree to an extension under the rule, she stipulated to a joint motion for continuance which, as she concedes, set forth good cause for an extension. When the time came for her to take action to assert her rights under the rule, she did not do so. She did not even act within a reasonable time after the prosecutor and the judge took action to correct the oversight that resulted in the passing of the rule date. {13} Although Defendant had the right to a prompt trial under Rule 5-604, Defendant’s actions do not indicate that she believed her rights under the rule to be significant. She did not act promptly to protect them. We agree with Defendant that the State has the obligation to conduct the prosecution of its case in a timely manner. See State v. Sanchez, 2000-NMCA-061, ¶ 9, 129 N.M. 301, 6 P.3d 503. However, a defendant may waive the requirements of the rule. See State v. Sanchez, 109 N.M. 313, 316, 785 P.2d 224, 227 (1989) (stating that the defendant and his attorney’s actions in signing a plea agreement after the rule date had passed indicated an implicit agreement to suspend the rule such that prudence and common sense would not require an extension); State v. Eskridge, 1997-NMCA-106, ¶¶ 10, 12, 124 N.M. 227, 947 P.2d 502 (affirming denial of the defendant’s motion to dismiss because the defendant had waived his rights under the rule). Given Defendant’s actions, dismissal of this case would be a technical application of the rule. It is contrary to our common sense to apply the rule to dismiss this ease because there was not a prompt trial when we consider the way Defendant herself treated her right to a prompt trial. Cf. State v. Jaramillo, 2004-NMCA-041, ¶ 15, 135 N.M. 322, 88 P.3d 264 (N.M.Ct. App. 2004) (declining to ignore the defendant’s failure to move for dismissal when such action indicated the defendant intended to benefit from, and was not unduly delayed by, delay in bringing case to trial). Defendant waived her rights under Rule 5-604 by her actions. Sufficiency of the Evidence {14} Defendant argues that the evidence was insufficient to support her convictions for vehicular homicide, accidents involving death or personal injuries, and tampering with evidence. The State presented evidence at trial that Defendant consumed six to eight beers before leaving the Golden Spur tavern and heading home on Elm Street at approximately 2:00 a.m. The victim left the Golden Spur minutes before Defendant, carrying a twelve pack of Budweiser beer. Defendant admitted that she hit something as she drove home and that she stopped and made a U-turn in order to investigate but did not see anything. Upon arriving home, Defendant told Johnny Simmons, her boyfriend, that she had hit something. Simmons, a part-time deputy sheriff, was also intoxicated. Defendant and Simmons went outside and discovered part of a twelve pack of Budweiser beer lodged in the damaged grille of Defendant’s truck. Simmons left, stating that he would investigate and return. Defendant went to sleep. Simmons located the victim’s body near the intersection of Elm and Third Streets and informed the police. The police also found dark green vehicle parts and scattered beer cans near the victim’s body. The victim was wearing dark clothing and had a blood alcohol content of .319 at the time of his death. {15} The next morning, at approximately 5:45 a.m., two state police officers went to Defendant’s house. The officer who testified observed that Defendant’s green pickup truck had damage to its front right side and windshield. Defendant told the officer that she had not consumed any alcoholic drinks after the accident. The officer took Defendant to the hospital where her blood was drawn and tested, showing a blood alcohol level of .13. {16} We review the evidence in the light most favorable to supporting the district court’s verdict and resolve all conflicts and indulge all inferences in favor of upholding the verdict. State v. Alvarez-Lopez, 2003-NMCA-039, ¶ 26, 133 N.M. 404, 62 P.3d 1286. We do not reweigh the evidence or determine the credibility of witnesses. See In re Ernesto M., Jr., 1996-NMCA-039, ¶ 15, 121 N.M. 562, 915 P.2d 318. Instead, a “conviction stands if there is evidence of either a direct or circumstantial nature to support a verdict of guilty beyond a reasonable doubt with respect to every element essential to the conviction.” State v. Curry, 2002-NMCA-092, ¶ 13, 132 N.M. 602 52 P.3d 974. {17} In order to convict Defendant of vehicular homicide, the State had to prove: (1) Defendant operated a motor vehicle; (2) while under the influence of intoxicating liquor; (3) causing the death of the victim. UJI 14-240 NMRA 2004. The jury was instructed: A person is under the influence of intoxicating liquor when as a result of drinking such liquor the person is less able, to the slightest degree, either mentally or physically, or both, to exercise the clear judgment and steady hand necessary to handle a vehicle with safety to the person and the public. UJI 14-243 NMRA 2004. The jury was additionally instructed that the State had to prove that: The act of the defendant was a significant cause of the death of [the victim]. The defendant’s act was a significant cause of death if it was an act which, in a natural and continuous chain of events, uninterrupted by an outside event, resulted in the death and without which the death would not have occurred. UJI 14-251 NMRA 2004. {18} Defendant contends that there was no “[e]vidence of a causal link” between Defendant’s driving while intoxicated and the victim’s death. See State v. Munoz, 1998-NMSC-041, ¶ 23,126 N.M. 371, 970 P.2d 143. She points out that the State’s accident reconstruction expert assigned the cause of the accident to “pedestrian error” and that the expert agreed with Defendant that she was operating her vehicle in a safe manner. Defendant further suggests that she “could only reasonably be expected to evade a pedestrian who was visible to her; [the victim’s] dark clothing and doubtlessly erratic movements would have precluded this.” {19} Even though the victim was wearing dark clothing and was intoxicated when hit, as Defendant argues, a jury could reasonably find that there was a significant causal link between Defendant’s intoxicated driving and the victim’s death. See id. An autopsy revealed that the victim was struck by a vehicle, suffered a skull fracture, and died of blunt force head injuries. There was no indication at the scene that Defendant took any evasive action prior to hitting the victim. A toxicologist testifying for the State testified that once a blood alcohol level exceeds .10, the individual’s field of vision narrows “significantly” and reaction time is slowed. This evidence allows the reasonable conclusion that if Defendant had not been driving intoxicated, she could have avoided hitting the victim. See id. ¶ 22 (observing that when the State presents evidence that had the defendant not been driving intoxicated, she could have “applied [her] brakes or otherwise been able to avoid ramming the victim}]”, and therefore it was proper to hold the defendant criminally responsible for the consequences of her unlawful behavior). There was substantial evidence to support the conviction. {20} There was also substantial evidence to support Defendant’s conviction for accidents involving death or personal injuries. In order to convict Defendant of accidents involving death or personal injuries, the State was required to prove that Defendant (1) operated a motor vehicle; (2) was involved in an accident which caused great bodily harm or death of the victim; (3) failed to stop and/or failed to remain at the scene of the accident; and (4) failed to render reasonable aid to the victim. NMSA 1978, § 66-7-201 (1989); NMSA 1978, § 66-7-203 (1978). Defendant, while driving her truck, collided with the victim and admitted that she thought he could have been a person on a bicycle. She went home after making a U-turn to investigate. Defendant argues that it was reasonable for her to leave the scene upon not seeing the victim and to report the accident to her intoxicated boyfriend, an off-duty deputy, who then went to investigate. However, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict, we cannot say that the jury could not have concluded otherwise. See State v. Clifford, 117 N.M. 508, 512, 873 P.2d 254, 258 (1994) (stating that we will not “reweigh the evidence nor substitute our judgment for that of the jury”). {21} Defendant similarly argues that there was insufficient evidence to support her conviction for tampering with evidence. Defendant argues that the State failed to prove, as required by NMSA 1978, § 30-22-5 (1963), that the tampering was done with “intent to prevent the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of any person or to throw suspicion of the commission of a crime upon another.” The State’s theory, as reflected in the jury instructions, was that Defendant placed “parts and pieces from her [truck] in a bag and placed the bag in her home and/or aided or abetted ... Simmons in removing and/or hiding a package of beer that was lodged in the grille of her [truck]” with the intent “to prevent the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of herself.” {22} Generally, intent is established by circumstantial evidence. See State v. Gallegos, 109 N.M. 55, 66, 781 P.2d 783, 794 (Ct.App.1989) (stating that intent is usually inferred from the facts of the case, rather than direct evidence); State v. Gattis, 105 N.M. 194, 200, 730 P.2d 497, 503 (Ct.App. 1986) (stating that intent can be inferred from an accused’s acts, conduct, and words). Agent- Blakeney, one of the investigating agents, testified that he found a partial twelve pack of Budweiser and motor vehicle parts in a bag in Defendant’s home. Defendant told Blakeney that Simmons had removed the beer cans from the grille of her truck. Simmons denied removing the beer cans from Defendant’s grille even though his fingerprints were found on one of the cans and on the bumper of Defendant’s vehicle. From this evidence, the jury could reasonably conclude that Defendant placed the articles in her home or assisted Simmons in doing so with the requisite intent. We will not reweigh the evidence. See State v. Rojo, 1999-NMSC-001, ¶26, 126 N.M. 438, 971 P.2d 829 (stating that jury could infer intent to tamper with evidence from physical and circumstantial evidence presented at trial). There is sufficient evidence to support each element required to sustain Defendant’s conviction for tampering with evidence. {23} Finally, while mentioning that she contested the sufficiency of the evidence for the aggravated driving while intoxicated conviction, Defendant failed to make the argument in her brief in chief. Therefore, the issue is deemed abandoned. See State v. Ciarlotta, 110 N.M. 197, 201, 793 P.2d 1350, 1354 (Ct.App.1990) (stating that issues not argued in the brief in chief are deemed abandoned). Conclusion {24} We hold that the district court did not err in denying Defendant’s motion to dismiss for the State’s failure to comply with Rule 5-604 and that the evidence was sufficient to support her convictions. Accordingly, we affirm the district court’s judgment and sentence. {25} IT IS SO ORDERED. CASTILLO and ROBINSON, JJ., concur.
[ -0.02989603392779827, -0.03886229917407036, -0.012773408554494381, 0.02674584649503231, 0.051594533026218414, -0.008232803083956242, 0.0624193474650383, 0.01910237781703472, 0.01132252812385559, -0.05863344669342041, 0.039497487246990204, 0.06343889236450195, -0.035270806401968, 0.05199194326996803, -0.023563679307699203, 0.03236068785190582, 0.07040804624557495, 0.03379063308238983, 0.0020104802679270506, -0.010160431265830994, 0.020274510607123375, -0.03694910183548927, 0.04129130765795708, 0.03662619739770889, 0.008776997216045856, 0.020320389419794083, -0.030624965205788612, 0.004633681382983923, -0.08990927040576935, 0.02383723109960556, 0.024001481011509895, -0.00020359284826554358, -0.0009399446425959468, 0.004507879726588726, -0.02791528031229973, 0.015389698557555676, -0.006607695482671261, -0.01978522725403309, 0.010773085057735443, 0.015596259385347366, -0.041770704090595245, 0.005160332191735506, -0.031114794313907623, -0.024079296737909317, 0.007561984471976757, 0.0009436812833882868, 0.00826891977339983, 0.036547135561704636, -0.030792584642767906, -0.004730093292891979, -0.08649373799562454, -0.0003287137660663575, 0.004256376530975103, 0.04733925312757492, -0.015499378554522991, 0.03689068183302879, -0.051061712205410004, -0.06636470556259155, -0.019697105512022972, -0.038388464599847794, 0.005444693379104137, -0.03709924966096878, 0.08200778067111969, -0.00784352608025074, -0.009960758499801159, -0.004185759462416172, 0.016869310289621353, 0.04789040982723236, -0.0568372905254364, -0.010169913060963154, -0.01748300902545452, 0.017058610916137695, 0.003190770046785474, 0.012673323042690754, -0.014218677766621113, -0.04251872003078461, -0.009106014855206013, 0.01804855465888977, -0.005740488413721323, 0.03275708109140396, 0.016526199877262115, -0.012677079997956753, 0.05768384784460068, 0.061135146766901016, -0.012471753172576427, -0.047558657824993134, -0.05684712156653404, -0.03383247181773186, -0.02755166031420231, 0.024534599855542183, -0.03742166608572006, -0.054323483258485794, 0.03043433092534542, 0.050217144191265106, 0.005683219991624355, -0.025107020512223244, 0.056717608124017715, -0.014059921726584435, 0.029598984867334366, -0.0025697362143546343, 0.0033620456233620644, -0.045236747711896896, 0.003979637753218412, 0.06768243759870529, -0.042410340160131454, -0.0013832836411893368, -0.008225017227232456, -0.011349622160196304, 0.007367486134171486, 0.004216557834297419, -0.022246111184358597, 0.038396622985601425, -0.011834061704576015, -0.004608186427503824, -0.049871694296598434, 0.06231188401579857, 0.050360679626464844, -0.05075433850288391, 0.001913804211653769, -0.020980780944228172, -0.00023874311591498554, -0.009638018906116486, 0.034750692546367645, 0.08089619874954224, 0.0013265452580526471, 0.009412800893187523, -0.008470684289932251, 0.036880012601614, -0.004445050843060017, -0.06581975519657135, -0.010367508046329021, 0.03802049905061722, 0.055023111402988434, -0.00513039855286479, -0.012657836079597473, -0.02171618863940239, -0.028540730476379395, -0.04674030840396881, 0.035220056772232056, -0.040088340640068054, -0.028647342696785927, -0.02508825808763504, 0.02626950852572918, -0.017352646216750145, 0.06952942907810211, -0.004733383655548096, 0.02674112841486931, -0.04242784157395363, -0.04468496888875961, -0.020007319748401642, -0.00817200168967247, 0.023291034623980522, 0.005068665836006403, -0.001926117343828082, -0.01495631504803896, 0.027178196236491203, 0.030570873990654945, -0.003572855144739151, -0.01743982918560505, 0.052953846752643585, 0.03974622115492821, 0.014670128934085369, 0.007801537401974201, -0.01948000304400921, -0.008322244510054588, 0.020246488973498344, -0.01922939531505108, 0.04562957584857941, -0.01441859919577837, 0.0361710786819458, -0.032021861523389816, -0.029099980369210243, 0.04600102826952934, -0.06472960114479065, -0.0024012874346226454, 0.014047408476471901, 0.036885593086481094, 0.035676322877407074, 0.0047673918306827545, -0.052936580032110214, -0.05907200276851654, 0.04031280428171158, -0.013402082957327366, 0.009792801924049854, -0.02107870765030384, -0.020510658621788025, 0.04680896922945976, -0.012575597502291203, 0.020877819508314133, -0.008760332129895687, -0.05967683345079422, -0.022096550092101097, 0.008736362680792809, -0.0043855393305420876, 0.0328642912209034, 0.02525605447590351, -0.03055867925286293, 0.01855633780360222, 0.02924223430454731, 0.06334954500198364, 0.01744522713124752, 0.04898594319820404, 0.0641559511423111, -0.06729098409414291, -0.040067750960588455, 0.017375104129314423, 0.047768041491508484, -0.05044042319059372, 0.006349045783281326, 0.0426027812063694, -0.03953297436237335, -0.005025277379900217, 0.01776805892586708, -0.006099538411945105, 0.014787031337618828, 0.011781726963818073, 0.05616012215614319, -0.001474994234740734, 0.06148477643728256, -0.051802389323711395, 0.034654080867767334, -0.012502382509410381, -0.018276508897542953, 0.06203547120094299, -0.046061139553785324, 0.09893185645341873, 0.062164295464754105, -0.04482389986515045, 0.0111489063128829, 0.01702951453626156, 0.0483681820333004, 0.004721327684819698, 0.023697100579738617, 0.030639784410595894, 0.0708388090133667, 0.018954869359731674, -0.005366660188883543, 0.011611603200435638, 0.05518428981304169, -0.05719570443034172, 0.03515664488077164, 0.052193619310855865, 0.00824075099080801, 0.0587732307612896, -0.04895266517996788, -0.012147707864642143, 0.005746982991695404, -0.006188615690916777, -0.028265422210097313, -0.01558992825448513, 0.03225840628147125, -0.004168915096670389, 0.03184807300567627, -0.021833617240190506, 0.022322792559862137, -0.061065103858709335, -0.04902616888284683, -0.02332446351647377, 0.07581901550292969, 0.02946491539478302, 0.013119073584675789, 0.0278329998254776, 0.012914427556097507, -0.018236050382256508, -0.06499333679676056, -0.07449053227901459, -0.031119976192712784, 0.016108661890029907, -0.00399309117347002, 0.014182498678565025, 0.04555567726492882, -0.016526049003005028, 0.012201730161905289, -0.013217654079198837, -0.009669678285717964, 0.06970860809087753, 0.030394282191991806, 0.00137243268545717, -0.023036563768982887, 0.0046630799770355225, -0.02549164369702339, 0.05876564234495163, -0.020664777606725693, -0.025602787733078003, -0.007825423963367939, -0.03700139373540878, 0.03613578900694847, -0.05009642243385315, -0.034873902797698975, 0.07563253492116928, -0.016685960814356804, 0.032228268682956696, 0.0008016074425540864, 0.029703492298722267, 0.03184036538004875, 0.013446886092424393, 0.02524694800376892, 0.017864806577563286, 0.027716975659132004, 0.00027719541685655713, -0.018979959189891815, -0.013019782491028309, 0.014901785179972649, 0.001795121468603611, 0.019347498193383217, 0.026382412761449814, -0.016705429181456566, 0.04834308475255966, -0.2529100477695465, 0.029287835583090782, -0.04184660315513611, -0.054053377360105515, 0.04145468771457672, -0.008903185836970806, 0.007535574492067099, -0.03039463236927986, -0.01847805082798004, 0.02744375914335251, -0.030978932976722717, 0.0005154039827175438, -0.009908665902912617, 0.05514877662062645, 0.020576365292072296, -0.0379621721804142, -0.012259315699338913, -0.05490008369088173, -0.0048012207262218, 0.009320557117462158, 0.025681311264634132, -0.049891386181116104, -0.032407306134700775, -0.0008750398410484195, 0.05050081014633179, 0.07502195239067078, -0.051746055483818054, 0.047556065022945404, -0.05916738882660866, -0.01921802945435047, -0.00817775633186102, 0.008764436468482018, -0.022006414830684662, -0.02590557374060154, 0.00661024684086442, 0.013163692317903042, -0.023706557229161263, -0.0338253490626812, -0.027048686519265175, -0.03329546004533768, -0.00605554785579443, -0.023869827389717102, -0.0071188826113939285, 0.03854825720191002, 0.04400836303830147, 0.0047821300104260445, -0.03987593576312065, 0.008912281133234501, -0.006904411129653454, 0.058111004531383514, -0.02040911465883255, -0.03214310482144356, -0.04843676835298538, 0.0213779229670763, -0.01112532801926136, -0.005496001802384853, -0.036446236073970795, 0.016392486169934273, -0.04274548217654228, 0.04648008942604065, 0.008523688651621342, -0.06107687950134277, -0.05919333174824715, -0.07220076769590378, -0.012848367914557457, -0.0517333447933197, -0.04017753526568413, -0.021488381549715996, 0.06484657526016235, 0.01874508708715439, 0.03130089119076729, 0.07597295194864273, -0.05007736384868622, -0.09519463777542114, 0.00024235052114818245, -0.003361981827765703, 0.0020660299342125654, -0.06798570603132248, -0.04734692722558975, 0.03554818779230118, 0.012686618603765965, -0.04863898083567619, 0.029239295050501823, -0.022825753316283226, 0.0018686434486880898, 0.018630409613251686, 0.011388968676328659, 0.07155244052410126, -0.03759775310754776, 0.0014341493370011449, 0.02923782542347908, 0.014825094491243362, -0.01908322423696518, -0.020362671464681625, 0.00022849789820611477, 0.03534148260951042, -0.0280750785022974, -0.004200936295092106, -0.022201526910066605, 0.003047405742108822, 0.034899789839982986, -0.06081363186240196, 0.06531121581792831, -0.056225910782814026, 0.025626445189118385, 0.004316302947700024, -0.023311780765652657, 0.007076272740960121, 0.0323365218937397, 0.009388129226863384, 0.04175763949751854, 0.015920478850603104, 0.056581299751996994, -0.04347161948680878, -0.0167185440659523, -0.04556097835302353, 0.02336619421839714, 0.014573766849935055, 0.029654541984200478, 0.017484279349446297, -0.00596643378958106, 0.024836355820298195, -0.0662611871957779, -0.01521736104041338, -0.03876171261072159, 0.0009385675075463951, 0.04605797678232193, -0.0010772276436910033, 0.012183789163827896, 0.03426915034651756, -0.038672346621751785, 0.011236121878027916, 0.022843612357974052, 0.020097574219107628, 0.0003454623802099377, -0.017949111759662628, -0.042579103261232376, -0.042636528611183167, 0.006457910407334566, -0.017329487949609756, 0.057098690420389175, 0.0021610711701214314, 0.03622099384665489, 0.014944647438824177, 0.02854503132402897, -0.021348269656300545, -0.009055676870048046, -0.0357624813914299, -0.05270456150174141, 0.04989660531282425, 0.07191673666238785, -0.05173579975962639, -0.022798528894782066, -0.05970603972673416, -0.02126883901655674, -0.01954653114080429, 0.03246229887008667, 0.01425755862146616, 0.005435886327177286, -0.04700114578008652, -0.025843288749456406, -0.03988112881779671, 0.012251697480678558, -0.03009232133626938, -0.03574556112289429, 0.07378134876489639, -0.0005283430800773203, 0.01962520368397236, 0.016402751207351685, 0.013287976384162903, -0.022295787930488586, -0.060876455157995224, -0.05846374109387398, -0.02008650079369545, 0.011210659518837929, 0.03715677186846733, -0.021077897399663925, 0.0029841773211956024, 0.025266511365771294, 0.02329571731388569, -0.007572627160698175, -0.06484249234199524, -0.036847859621047974, -0.025642016902565956, 0.037645719945430756, -0.016634037718176842, -0.03135973587632179, -0.057882651686668396, -0.02012031152844429, -0.0226685032248497, -0.01811906136572361, 0.0005730557604692876, -0.030464017763733864, 0.013980123214423656, -0.040259141474962234, -0.059091173112392426, 0.00877930037677288, 0.013959227129817009, 0.07473772019147873, 0.03284629434347153, 0.011388233862817287, -0.011301496997475624, -0.03883186727762222, 0.01846250519156456, 0.02466294728219509, -0.0758521556854248, 0.023610420525074005, 0.017456891015172005, 0.010654117912054062, 0.01677354797720909, -0.058794062584638596, -0.025422677397727966, -0.005669818725436926, 0.030816970393061638, 0.04933011159300804, -0.08666761964559555, 0.03194098919630051, -0.03701002523303032, -0.012680361047387123, 0.022677287459373474, 0.041384756565093994, -0.0197435449808836, -0.02557549625635147, 0.005486260633915663, -0.04666467756032944, 0.038630202412605286, -0.0140736885368824, -0.024060392752289772, 0.03809928148984909, -0.005670545622706413, 0.004263582639396191, -0.01766045391559601, -0.022307075560092926, 0.03339977189898491, -0.03659166023135185, -0.0442168228328228, 0.007255982607603073, 0.011899485252797604, -0.01252332516014576, 0.07600046694278717, 0.030364474281668663, 0.039443209767341614, 0.005962701980024576, -0.026604129001498222, -0.04010087624192238, -0.011966362595558167, 0.010365431196987629, 0.017691081389784813, -0.005643878597766161, 0.07520408183336258, -0.053117912262678146, 0.003292358247563243, -0.014261974021792412, -0.022002438083291054, 0.03629608824849129, -0.019867511466145515, -0.01850653626024723, -0.014596590772271156, 0.011549245566129684, 0.03773421421647072, -0.010943321511149406, 0.011873588897287846, -0.011591466143727303, -0.007957578636705875, 0.03111991658806801, 0.041297730058431625, -0.008207997307181358, 0.0035867386031895876, 0.05564737319946289, -0.0826692283153534, -0.037478502839803696, -0.09659655392169952, -0.018783295527100563, -0.035917337983846664, 0.030856404453516006, 0.047400642186403275, 0.03171759471297264, -0.02139873616397381, 0.0352061428129673, -0.08990445733070374, -0.02617163024842739, -0.0068021658807992935, -0.01464034803211689, -0.0037632284220308065, 0.013313310220837593, -0.03551679104566574, 0.012818380258977413, -0.00028975895838811994, -0.09200829267501831, -0.04245872050523758, 0.03162740543484688, 0.03244686871767044, 0.016018899157643318, 0.03405800461769104, -0.010050827637314796, -0.011800399050116539, 0.059537842869758606, 0.03655068203806877, 0.005087900906801224, 0.027073154225945473, -0.0245827604085207, 0.05144589766860008, 0.007474039681255817, -0.008827654644846916, -0.04567534103989601, 0.008871948346495628, -0.010859573259949684, -0.053510408848524094, 0.009898608550429344, 0.01445120107382536, -0.030719751492142677, -0.05241257697343826, 0.06347574293613434, -0.005606166552752256, -0.0561511367559433, 0.016281332820653915, -0.0018530929228290915, -0.013674668036401272, -0.04638146981596947, -0.024648772552609444, 0.05466081574559212, 0.002208421938121319, 0.07122376561164856, 0.025660529732704163, 0.08207571506500244, 0.02912316471338272, -0.03698711097240448, 0.032681625336408615, 0.006943058222532272, 0.07809555530548096, 0.04307930916547775, 0.013397956266999245, -0.01880650222301483, 0.033526018261909485, 0.005585437640547752, -0.006439701654016972, -0.006636352743953466, -0.014178849756717682, -0.00700417160987854, -0.008673151955008507, 0.03604994714260101, 0.05873887985944748, -0.04315050691366196, 0.03661230951547623, 0.04741217568516731, -0.028397701680660248, 0.03598255664110184, -0.007208134047687054, 0.05292452499270439, -0.004557416308671236, 0.008790177293121815, -0.02953617088496685, 0.0016482293140143156, -0.008844147436320782, 0.006003096699714661, 0.04687944054603577, -0.032973360270261765, -0.0047467853873968124, -0.059375226497650146, 0.0017863730899989605, -0.010331385768949986, -0.026639005169272423, 0.0774899274110794, -0.02533634379506111, -0.021877145394682884, 0.002577628940343857, -0.030168231576681137, -0.014768935739994049, -0.0499054379761219, 0.005676144268363714, 0.017564911395311356, -0.01155815925449133, -0.007607273757457733, 0.0040232716128230095, 0.04214257001876831, 0.0013680001720786095, 0.030801892280578613, -0.021464534103870392, -0.006854066625237465, 0.008555591106414795, -0.007770291063934565, -0.06158099323511124, -0.046016182750463486, -0.024614986032247543, -0.0023330652620643377, -0.048493385314941406, 0.029708100482821465, 0.0390949472784996, -0.010918873362243176, -0.029088715091347694, 0.042273055762052536, 0.02328341268002987, -0.04965198412537575, 0.034770045429468155, -0.03997976705431938, 0.018175272271037102, 0.06722468137741089, 0.03186967596411705, 0.028179068118333817, 0.014462910592556, 0.05125913769006729, 0.01070572528988123, -0.02294408716261387, -0.004355766344815493, -0.04451681300997734, 0.028038254007697105, -0.03392273932695389, 0.012724230997264385, -0.06793659925460815, 0.003208196023479104, -0.005756411235779524, -0.010105092078447342, -0.0774311050772667, 0.04304593801498413, -0.04200984165072441, -0.028647737577557564, 0.06480047851800919, 0.02537556365132332, -0.029925866052508354, -0.020597809925675392, -0.010234893299639225, -0.008323128335177898, 0.007361445110291243, 0.07579345256090164, -0.0184665247797966, 0.05019726976752281, 0.025997120887041092, -0.01147483941167593, -0.00931121502071619, 0.06798303872346878, 0.0163002610206604, -0.009302065707743168, -0.03532740846276283, 0.015449647791683674, -0.011546182446181774, -0.03811626508831978, -0.047054123133420944, 0.018758758902549744, -0.030255146324634552, -0.04932737350463867, 0.0019121812656521797, -0.005511230789124966, -0.008994157426059246, -0.05146874859929085, 0.004230273421853781, 0.025866486132144928, -0.053121183067560196, -0.029175326228141785, -0.01717512123286724, -0.017679287120699883, -0.0007710081990808249, 0.011115394532680511, -0.006369474809616804, -0.06209414452314377, -0.0150188272818923, -0.02873079851269722, 0.027819503098726273, 0.011040146462619305, -0.0037650319281965494, -0.0057008638978004456 ]
OPINION ALARID, Judge. {1} Plaintiffs seek to appeal the district court’s order upholding Defendants’ denial of Plaintiffs’ application for non-conforming use to mine. We issued an order denying the petition for untimeliness. Plaintiffs filed a timely motion for rehearing. We deny Plaintiffs’ motion for rehearing and take this opportunity to clarify that motions for exten- ■ sions to file the petition for writ of certiorari must be filed in this Court. {2} In this case, the district court entered its final order on April 24, 2003. Plaintiffs filed their petition for writ of certiorari in this Court on June 6, 2003, twenty-three days after the time for doing so had expired. See Rule 12-505(C) NMRA 2003 (providing that a “petition for writ of certiorari shall be filed with the clerk of the Court of Appeals within twenty (20) days after entry of the final action by the district court”). When unusual circumstances beyond the control of the parties exist, such as judicial error, we may overlook a procedural defect. See Trujillo v. Serrano, 117 N.M. 273, 278, 871 P.2d 369, 374 (1994). {3} Plaintiffs represent that the district court granted two motions to extend the time to file the petition. If we were persuaded that the district court’s grant of the motions to extend led Plaintiffs to believe that the extensions were properly sought, we would consider overlooking the untimeliness of the petition. However, the facts of this case do not present such unusual circumstances. The petition attaches only one order granting an extension that has no filing date and does not attach Plaintiffs’ first extension motion. See State v. Jim, 107 N.M. 779, 780, 765 P.2d 195, 196 (Ct.App.1988) (stating that it is the appellant’s burden to provide us with a record sufficient for review of the issues raised on appeal). Although Plaintiffs represent that the district court orally granted the extension, they concede that the first order granting an extension was entered on May 15, 2003, twenty-one days after entry of the final order. Cf. Smith v. Love, 101 N.M. 355, 356, 683 P.2d 37, 38 (1984) (holding that an oral ruling is ineffective to trigger the time in which to file the notice of appeal). Because Plaintiffs did not know whether their extension was formally granted before the twenty-day deadline for filing the petition for certiorari in this Court, Plaintiffs’ failure to file a timely petition cannot be characterized as a result of a court-caused confusion. {4} Relying on the two extensions granted by the district court, Plaintiffs ask us to accept their petition as timely. Plaintiffs urge us to treat motions for extensions to file certiorari petitions as we do motions to extend the time to file notices of appeal. No rule allows district courts the authority to grant extensions to file certiorari petitions. Compare Rule 12-201(E)(1) NMRA 2003 (allowing district courts the discretion to extend the time for filing notices of appeal in district courts), with Rule 12-505(C) (containing no language permitting district courts to grant time extensions for filing petitions for writs of certiorari in this Court). {5} Moreover, in State v. Brionez, we clarified that a party should request an extension to file a document of the same court in which the party files that document. 90 N.M. 566, 567, 566 P.2d 115, 116 (Ct.App. 1977) (holding that the district court had no authority to grant an extension of time to file the docketing statement because the docketing statement is filed with this Court). Because the Rules of Appellate Procedure require the notice of appeal to be filed in district court and the petition for writ of certiorari to be filed in the Court of Appeals, the district court had no authority to extend the time for Plaintiffs to file the certiorari petition in this Court. Furthermore, only unusual circumstances will justify this Court’s exercise of discretion to grant motions to extend the time to file petitions for certiorari. Hyden v. N.M. Human Servs. Dep’t, 2000-NMCA-002, ¶ 17, 128 N.M. 423, 993 P.2d 740. {6} For the reasons stated above, we deny Plaintiffs’ motion for rehearing. {7} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: MICHAEL D. BUSTAMANTE and CELIA FOY CASTILLO, Judges.
[ -0.009142877534031868, -0.03271207958459854, -0.014648371376097202, 0.023253949359059334, 0.04071323946118355, 0.012211752124130726, 0.04431551694869995, 0.023907477036118507, -0.0005996206891722977, -0.05608794093132019, 0.03305639699101448, 0.05384471267461777, -0.035105474293231964, 0.07137642055749893, -0.0008453117916360497, 0.06065383926033974, 0.0444842092692852, 0.008371924981474876, 0.018846893683075905, -0.020366767421364784, 0.014378257095813751, -0.03603179752826691, 0.011890663765370846, 0.014898375608026981, -0.003450421616435051, 0.032055485993623734, -0.0016750458162277937, 0.0388457253575325, -0.06596828252077103, -0.004949637223035097, 0.058420490473508835, -0.0010698852129280567, 0.0029334246646612883, 0.008674116805195808, -0.013032788410782814, 0.002798151457682252, -0.01789608597755432, -0.0351363904774189, -0.024904590100049973, -0.008586069568991661, -0.0024853646755218506, 0.0010041764471679926, -0.022031348198652267, -0.0012540690368041396, -0.0248991958796978, 0.022938696667551994, -0.015449685975909233, -0.0014412011951208115, -0.00827264878898859, 0.035375386476516724, -0.07030423730611801, 0.0077254739589989185, 0.003526713466271758, 0.022755634039640427, -0.017254134640097618, 0.005000654142349958, -0.0024312827736139297, -0.0576484240591526, 0.006178618874400854, -0.01531097013503313, 0.0292129497975111, -0.01679721288383007, 0.07373006641864777, -0.010191104374825954, 0.012618676759302616, 0.03496731072664261, 0.04640256613492966, 0.036479078233242035, -0.021147966384887695, -0.022704418748617172, -0.04465723782777786, 0.021122680976986885, 0.03128822147846222, 0.014050044119358063, -0.02384563349187374, -0.026342328637838364, 0.006147691048681736, 0.03725064918398857, -0.0021142142359167337, 0.05855327472090721, 0.03457443788647652, -0.007439493201673031, 0.05035248398780823, 0.029194731265306473, -0.027049824595451355, -0.02673444338142872, -0.035179488360881805, 0.013601289130747318, -0.04144257307052612, 0.06461431086063385, -0.0025625911075621843, -0.03679623454809189, 0.06442367285490036, 0.04251432046294212, -0.010217711329460144, -0.026469945907592773, 0.02294570580124855, -0.03255242109298706, 0.010801761411130428, 0.021939385682344437, -0.0403173491358757, -0.009258627891540527, -0.024637825787067413, 0.06255319714546204, -0.03181597962975502, -0.004126584157347679, -0.027186019346117973, 0.01396139431744814, -0.032159220427274704, 0.015117301605641842, -0.0077149951830506325, 0.035466525703668594, -0.016259439289569855, -0.03133163973689079, -0.052635326981544495, 0.06656371802091599, 0.046261630952358246, -0.011420446448028088, -0.05273457244038582, -0.018154526129364967, 0.034839045256376266, 0.014416669495403767, -0.012778492644429207, 0.06145913526415825, 0.05985527113080025, -0.0017792409053072333, 0.016284845769405365, 0.002595109399408102, -0.03603694215416908, -0.04216327890753746, -0.005266503896564245, 0.05629514530301094, 0.026252591982483864, 0.007163635455071926, -0.03591137006878853, -0.011694345623254776, -0.021814201027154922, -0.051632411777973175, 0.09115876257419586, -0.054487284272909164, -0.031461216509342194, 0.025294825434684753, 0.006624511908739805, 0.001519461628049612, 0.047001875936985016, -0.024132629856467247, 0.05779183283448219, -0.03066297620534897, -0.04895827919244766, -0.0166880264878273, -0.009947145357728004, 0.02067659981548786, -0.013700301758944988, -0.04552902653813362, -0.02001425251364708, 0.021147072315216064, 0.01997402496635914, 0.02432672306895256, 0.0010870647383853793, 0.05550098046660423, -0.0038638210389763117, 0.025964967906475067, 0.04136861860752106, -0.01905328966677189, 0.031927939504384995, 0.00995661411434412, 0.00343795376829803, 0.006242033094167709, 0.005860280245542526, 0.026175493374466896, -0.036575742065906525, 0.003773424308747053, 0.058263059705495834, -0.08071693778038025, -0.007679983042180538, 0.02000144124031067, 0.05233337730169296, 0.02013622224330902, 0.01629222184419632, -0.033040259033441544, -0.06865117698907852, 0.029946312308311462, 0.005623301025480032, 0.0033161304891109467, -0.015768514946103096, -0.028668593615293503, 0.07656274735927582, -0.05001054331660271, 0.02766317129135132, -0.008464355953037739, -0.05767758563160896, -0.027047263458371162, 0.01017130445688963, -0.038851842284202576, 0.032500654458999634, 0.02646172232925892, -0.04035332426428795, 0.027947083115577698, 0.011617734096944332, 0.0605313740670681, -0.004016848746687174, 0.021969027817249298, 0.09375064074993134, -0.0589553639292717, -0.03218257799744606, 0.03367932140827179, 0.02409180998802185, -0.044120222330093384, 0.026098445057868958, 0.057444967329502106, -0.016620464622974396, 0.017577413469552994, 0.023665281012654305, -0.024322403594851494, 0.01995161734521389, 0.0037698624655604362, 0.10031507164239883, -0.041887067258358, 0.013946992345154285, -0.06861351430416107, 0.049248307943344116, 0.0025921938940882683, -0.03957933187484741, 0.06884763389825821, -0.021878384053707123, 0.08067911118268967, 0.042892150580883026, -0.06452841311693192, -0.019168712198734283, -0.0010404429631307721, -0.0011737296590581536, -0.00044293756945990026, -0.005972400773316622, -0.007381794974207878, 0.05368101969361305, 0.00739021273329854, -0.029830483719706535, -0.03439546003937721, 0.04007395729422569, -0.05275017395615578, 0.02100547030568123, 0.046613678336143494, -0.006491929292678833, 0.04997425898909569, -0.02390156127512455, -0.013979061506688595, 0.010715368203818798, -0.01104908250272274, -0.037389855831861496, -0.023873724043369293, -0.03348676115274429, -0.008988454006612301, -0.00004907332549919374, 0.00607915548607707, 0.01496673934161663, -0.061174750328063965, -0.05548778921365738, -0.0425417385995388, 0.028525078669190407, 0.008741102181375027, 0.0024612427223473787, 0.04891683906316757, 0.03340780735015869, -0.023545915260910988, -0.05841425433754921, -0.04017028585076332, -0.03831315413117409, 0.010543975979089737, -0.03696397319436073, 0.005024151876568794, 0.03070775233209133, 0.009660215117037296, 0.02015317603945732, 0.014860376715660095, -0.04486473649740219, 0.04018532857298851, 0.046201080083847046, 0.006402477156370878, -0.04204052686691284, -0.02048252895474434, 0.00899565126746893, 0.02668698877096176, -0.021520694717764854, -0.06949482858181, 0.02078939974308014, -0.054955627769231796, 0.02775515243411064, -0.05875623971223831, -0.0565110445022583, 0.03777088597416878, -0.009882267564535141, 0.029556958004832268, -0.028449667617678642, 0.013334435410797596, 0.0527450330555439, -0.01323782093822956, 0.028740981593728065, 0.03570134937763214, 0.02728327177464962, -0.045157767832279205, 0.0017695330316200852, -0.0037598581984639168, 0.018935417756438255, 0.02930546924471855, -0.0019319014390930533, -0.014278599992394447, -0.05037218704819679, 0.00920817255973816, -0.24158939719200134, 0.004103248938918114, -0.02692815288901329, -0.04480167478322983, 0.01908031478524208, 0.0031870254315435886, 0.02801821567118168, -0.04244714602828026, 0.008258974179625511, 0.026188602671027184, -0.028682231903076172, 0.028504902496933937, 0.002198190661147237, 0.030826207250356674, 0.004697457887232304, -0.026576099917292595, 0.0061451829969882965, -0.005679854191839695, -0.018007053062319756, -0.004402872174978256, 0.030448829755187035, -0.04993386194109917, -0.032666172832250595, 0.005944409407675266, 0.05947500467300415, 0.0732685998082161, -0.028150107711553574, 0.03512417525053024, -0.0774192214012146, -0.050032902508974075, -0.016339655965566635, 0.01282565388828516, 0.0007445865776389837, -0.012478220276534557, -0.055970195680856705, 0.015092066489160061, 0.02768377959728241, -0.050108473747968674, -0.022670406848192215, 0.007162434048950672, 0.054407913237810135, -0.03191174566745758, -0.03715028986334801, 0.05426187813282013, -0.0031582729425281286, -0.0152964536100626, -0.06499818712472916, 0.000820358342025429, 0.01018013246357441, 0.07670489698648453, 0.013318674638867378, -0.0014479171950370073, -0.015761371701955795, 0.023653069511055946, -0.017600521445274353, 0.0171623844653368, -0.0519615113735199, -0.02967381291091442, -0.026276979595422745, 0.06940688192844391, -0.01765582710504532, -0.06937286257743835, -0.053516123443841934, -0.079568050801754, -0.05704157054424286, -0.03849463909864426, -0.02938172221183777, -0.030229024589061737, 0.07266375422477722, 0.03387906774878502, 0.034525562077760696, 0.039202358573675156, -0.05562949925661087, -0.08091069757938385, -0.004456101451069117, 0.0072198305279016495, -0.04711098596453667, -0.06455614417791367, -0.03484085947275162, 0.057090651243925095, -0.028691787272691727, -0.03623806685209274, 0.01608901470899582, 0.024005115032196045, -0.016691412776708603, -0.006780976429581642, -0.008379206992685795, 0.009914124384522438, -0.021564962342381477, 0.014214912429451942, 0.03600415587425232, 0.035818569362163544, -0.037756603211164474, 0.012708461843430996, 0.02667546644806862, 0.042957745492458344, 0.012591423466801643, -0.029367677867412567, -0.01844988763332367, 0.01468176394701004, 0.028437858447432518, -0.08445969223976135, 0.031089818105101585, -0.03202588111162186, 0.046100370585918427, -0.02343004010617733, -0.06174657121300697, 0.015143351629376411, 0.04317227005958557, 0.027981627732515335, 0.042240239679813385, -0.034999169409275055, 0.040393222123384476, -0.014087303541600704, -0.007256160024553537, -0.04978649690747261, -0.00584024004638195, 0.022718630731105804, -0.002018847968429327, 0.006416757591068745, 0.016227634623646736, 0.003950811456888914, -0.06430772691965103, -0.003194748656824231, -0.06815092265605927, 0.03334104269742966, 0.03170868009328842, 0.040435533970594406, 0.0003309365129098296, 0.037129610776901245, 0.002912781899794936, -0.0418337918817997, -0.0016979380743578076, -0.02106366865336895, 0.014679506421089172, -0.0034808216150850058, -0.024639414623379707, -0.026476232334971428, 0.028315838426351547, 0.013212871737778187, 0.012339584529399872, 0.0007414099527522922, -0.008058924227952957, 0.023557772859930992, 0.028280017897486687, 0.01647452637553215, 0.025489138439297676, -0.03498627245426178, -0.024321386590600014, 0.03961737081408501, 0.027307258918881416, -0.07069142162799835, -0.00025781383737921715, -0.033726029098033905, -0.0001600327668711543, -0.02436034381389618, 0.0037129668053239584, 0.03781729191541672, -0.019546490162611008, -0.031523242592811584, 0.018971705809235573, -0.003556291339918971, -0.02827727608382702, -0.030584752559661865, -0.01706596650183201, 0.03749340772628784, -0.024528777226805687, 0.029671277850866318, -0.013468579389154911, 0.022852184250950813, 0.019289448857307434, -0.04663296043872833, -0.011468145996332169, -0.014844737946987152, 0.01641012169420719, 0.006633471231907606, -0.03257032111287117, 0.009346533566713333, 0.031983740627765656, 0.03212876617908478, 0.008843141607940197, -0.062115900218486786, -0.013575795106589794, 0.02932828664779663, 0.03051227517426014, -0.04980023577809334, 0.006252412684261799, -0.029505696147680283, -0.01684529334306717, -0.044397905468940735, -0.015137244947254658, -0.00694658188149333, 0.015982860699295998, -0.0099182752892375, -0.014852520078420639, -0.08169402182102203, 0.03329608961939812, 0.0020027044229209423, 0.027989432215690613, 0.03521289303898811, -0.005951536353677511, -0.022123809903860092, -0.04984097555279732, -0.028071854263544083, 0.031348973512649536, -0.056250836700201035, 0.07226147502660751, -0.013052770867943764, -0.017000911757349968, 0.025936197489500046, -0.023773442953824997, -0.054164402186870575, 0.030291976407170296, 0.02370266802608967, 0.050798580050468445, -0.05570422485470772, 0.007300734054297209, -0.012725716456770897, -0.0012098775478079915, 0.02608560398221016, 0.022035177797079086, -0.05956226959824562, -0.023874357342720032, 0.012959211133420467, -0.06179797649383545, 0.04682958126068115, -0.025150252506136894, -0.011658191680908203, 0.05857174098491669, -0.030798397958278656, 0.01643574982881546, -0.0587027408182621, 0.013879125006496906, 0.040444761514663696, -0.04560673609375954, -0.023732826113700867, -0.05080621689558029, -0.02097928337752819, -0.014445722103118896, 0.08704435080289841, -0.011574297212064266, -0.0000671518428134732, -0.022931963205337524, -0.014356188476085663, -0.0011984736192971468, 0.01567198894917965, -0.005870786029845476, -0.019677042961120605, -0.02907022275030613, 0.08099068701267242, 0.0028916015289723873, -0.00014931015903130174, -0.01583295501768589, -0.0175100639462471, 0.03399360179901123, -0.050517428666353226, 0.04195466265082359, -0.013141220435500145, -0.010941388085484505, 0.045786261558532715, -0.015341263264417648, 0.02340015582740307, 0.015218611806631088, -0.022348817437887192, 0.019806288182735443, 0.06303625553846359, 0.0459272526204586, 0.0038273294921964407, 0.05228691175580025, -0.09564020484685898, -0.030969694256782532, -0.07122007012367249, 0.013222314417362213, -0.039875105023384094, 0.0317329540848732, 0.023691914975643158, 0.033130891621112823, -0.019715815782546997, 0.01921018771827221, -0.07021171599626541, -0.03188130259513855, 0.02781776152551174, -0.025585323572158813, -0.03332129865884781, 0.04164336621761322, -0.03751985728740692, -0.001864049700088799, 0.02852870710194111, -0.07410602271556854, -0.030377846211194992, 0.021252140402793884, 0.016472697257995605, 0.022948211058974266, 0.0129631282761693, -0.044253621250391006, -0.010556010529398918, -0.0029163691215217113, 0.02855049818754196, -0.020155778154730797, 0.013787304051220417, -0.05638908967375755, 0.013547776266932487, 0.045655347406864166, -0.036350928246974945, -0.017090920358896255, -0.0004310289223212749, -0.020065829157829285, -0.0482625775039196, 0.0008426076965406537, -0.0007638379465788603, -0.036898884922266006, -0.07565785199403763, 0.035774268209934235, 0.0056580426171422005, -0.02759256772696972, 0.003259605960920453, -0.010205749422311783, -0.029925012961030006, -0.0040968433022499084, -0.009955157525837421, 0.038907818496227264, -0.004785234574228525, 0.08487601578235626, 0.037363484501838684, 0.11016348749399185, 0.0374068021774292, 0.014909901656210423, 0.029824253171682358, 0.015378326177597046, 0.08045479655265808, 0.03226792812347412, 0.007580050267279148, -0.014046266674995422, 0.01881907507777214, -0.0021326688583940268, -0.002887265756726265, -0.01924041286110878, -0.029706517234444618, -0.018687037751078606, 0.018888292834162712, 0.02279934100806713, 0.048272453248500824, -0.027835924178361893, 0.06627202779054642, 0.016723616048693657, -0.009676851332187653, 0.02426176704466343, -0.009364444762468338, 0.0368349589407444, -0.015488145872950554, -0.02639990858733654, 0.0019907429814338684, 0.01868569478392601, -0.027993280440568924, -0.004661257844418287, 0.05608322098851204, -0.002762098563835025, 0.00946852657943964, -0.029777290299534798, 0.01793503761291504, -0.02372078225016594, 0.01344210747629404, 0.06080099195241928, -0.052411191165447235, -0.02045595832169056, 0.0032886730041354895, 0.019470321014523506, -0.004278695210814476, 0.019852761179208755, 0.057097651064395905, 0.05738021060824394, -0.03892448544502258, -0.017232347279787064, 0.046330858021974564, 0.06257008761167526, -0.0039007910527288914, 0.04064825177192688, -0.016027595847845078, -0.009536356665194035, 0.03104521334171295, -0.02769973687827587, -0.03476879745721817, -0.028551148250699043, -0.024374235421419144, -0.020195482298731804, -0.02963133715093136, 0.05825238674879074, 0.048056431114673615, -0.010440745390951633, -0.05433730408549309, -0.015828123316168785, -0.004678535275161266, -0.005612364504486322, 0.03698989376425743, -0.06511464715003967, 0.024802708998322487, 0.059815362095832825, 0.02993941307067871, 0.039318304508924484, 0.03204643726348877, 0.0476553775370121, -0.015623991377651691, -0.024352865293622017, -0.003775675082579255, -0.020126057788729668, 0.017281783744692802, -0.03134371340274811, 0.01062635239213705, -0.08451943099498749, 0.02663058042526245, 0.004389984533190727, 0.009820639155805111, -0.06493543833494186, 0.08246834576129913, -0.017087828367948532, -0.028226619586348534, 0.07826492935419083, -0.0024179741740226746, -0.033878911286592484, -0.03859396651387215, -0.02153899520635605, 0.008760527707636356, 0.0012956219725310802, 0.06400462239980698, -0.02244199812412262, 0.03740488737821579, 0.029446283355355263, 0.007151028607040644, -0.010060286149382591, 0.045368634164333344, 0.030878711491823196, -0.018165281042456627, -0.026532966643571854, -0.02426108904182911, -0.03626816347241402, -0.062492210417985916, -0.08737827837467194, -0.014415577985346317, 0.009481788612902164, -0.05820661038160324, 0.03994029760360718, 0.007388652767986059, 0.01846800185739994, -0.02925810031592846, 0.011656930670142174, 0.021877307444810867, -0.04105348885059357, -0.010453276336193085, -0.0228729285299778, -0.042192183434963226, 0.005265876650810242, -0.022229261696338654, 0.012290630489587784, -0.06090976670384407, 0.024452364072203636, -0.043360721319913864, -0.0076539539732038975, 0.039508432149887085, -0.05136644467711449, -0.01845664717257023 ]
OPINION MINZNER, Justice. {1} Defendant City of Santa Fe appeals directly to this Court from an adverse judgment in favor of Plaintiff Deanna Nava on her New Mexico Human Rights Act (NMHRA) claim. At trial, Plaintiff alleged her immediate supervisor discriminated against her because of her sex, and Defendant, as her employer, knew of this discrimination and failed to take remedial action. On appeal, Defendant claims that the district court erred in its instructions to the jury and that there was not substantial evidence to support the jury’s verdict. Plaintiff cross-appeals claiming that the district court erred by granting Defendant’s motion for remittitur, refusing to award statutory interest against Defendant, and reducing her attorney’s requested fees. We have jurisdiction in this ease pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 28-1-13(C) (1987), which provides for direct appeal to the Supreme Court for claims made under the NMHRA. We affirm the district court on each of the issues raised in this appeal. I {2} Plaintiff has been employed by Defendant as a police officer since 1993. In January 1999, one of her first-line supervisors became Sgt. Clarence Gallegos. In July 2000, the Santa Fe police department was reorganized and Plaintiff was reassigned to a different squad. Therefore, she remained under the supervision of Sgt. Gallegos for approximately nineteen months. Plaintiff claims that during this nineteen-month period she was harassed by Sgt. Gallegos on an almost daily basis because of her sex, and this harassment resulted in a hostile work environment. At trial, Plaintiff testified that Sgt. Gallegos checked on her location more than other officers, raised his voice to her, denied her many of the same privileges male officers were afforded, followed her to her house to monitor how long she took on bathroom breaks, assigned rape calls to her even when other officers were closer to the scene of the crime, and threw a file folder at her on one occasion. The jury found for Plaintiff and awarded her $285,000 in damages. {3} Following the verdict, the district court ruled on several post-trial motions. The district court denied Defendant’s motion for a new trial, but granted a remittitur of the jury’s verdict to $90,250. The district court also refused to award Plaintiff post-judgment interest because Defendant, as a political subdivision of the State, was exempt from paying such interest. Finally, although Plaintiffs attorney sought statutory attorney’s fees at a rate of $230 per hour, the district court determined that $200 per hour was the more appropriate rate. Both parties have appealed to this Court. II {4} Plaintiff bases her NMHRA sexual harassment claim on a hostile work environment theory. The NMHRA, NMSA 1978, § 28-l-7(A) (2004), provides that “[i]t is an unlawful discriminatory practice for an employer ... to discriminate in matters of compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment against any person otherwise qualified because of ... sex.” This language from the NMHRA tracks Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(a)(1) (2000). For this reason, “[wjhen considering claims under the NMHRA, we may look at federal civil rights adjudication for guidance in interpreting the NMHRA.” Ocana v. Am. Furniture Co., 2004-NMSC- 018, ¶ 23, 135 N.M. 539, 91 P.3d 58; see also Smith v. FDC Corp., 109 N.M. 514, 517, 787 P.2d 433, 436 (1990). {5} The United States Supreme Court has interpreted the phrase “compensation, terms, conditions or privileges” in Title VII as prohibiting inter alia discriminatory conduct by employers that “has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.” Meritor Savs. Bank, FSB v. Vinson, 477 U.S. 57, 64-65, 106 S.Ct. 2399, 91 L.Ed.2d 49 (1986) (quoting 29 CFR § 1604.11(a)(3) (1985)). Recently, in Ocana, we gave the same interpretation to the NMHRA: “sexual harassment is actionable under a hostile work environment theory when the offensive conduct becomes so severe and pervasive that it alters the conditions of employment in such a manner that the workplace is transformed into a hostile and abusive environment for the employee.” 2004-NMSC-018, ¶ 24,135 N.M. 539, 91 P.3d 58. {6} The elements of a hostile work environment claim against an employer have generally been stated as: the employee was subjected to unwelcome sexual harassment; the harassment occurred because of the employee’s sex; the harassment was sufficiently severe or pervasive to create an abusive work environment affecting a term, condition, or privilege of employment, and; the employer knew, or should have known, of the harassment and failed to take remedial action. Lawrence Solotoff & Henry S. Kramer, Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in the Work Place § 3.04[2], at 3-31 (2004). The discriminatory conduct does not have to be overtly sexual in order to constitute harassment; rather, a hostile work environment claim may arise from disparate treatment on the basis of sex. See Oncale v. Sundowner Offshore Sens., Inc., 523 U.S. 75, 80-81, 118 S.Ct. 998, 140 L.Ed.2d 201 (1998) (noting that a hostile work environment claim could be established by “direct comparative evidence about how the alleged harasser treated members of both sexes in a mixed-sex workplace”); Penry v. Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, 155 F.3d 1257, 1261 (10th Cir.1998) (“[Ajctionable conduct is not limited to behavior motivated by sexual desire.”). With these general principles in mind, we turn to the specific issues raised by this appeal. A {7} The first issue we address involves the instructions given by the trial court to the jury. The jury was instructed on each element of Plaintiffs hostile work environment claim; however, Defendant argues that the jury was improperly instructed that it need only find that “plaintiffs sex was a motivating factor in the treatment of the plaintiff’ and that Plaintiff was “not required to prove that her sex was the Defendant City of Santa Fe’s sole motivation or even the primary motivation.” Defendant argues that instead, the jury should have been instructed that any harassment was “because of her sex” and the harassment would not have occurred “but for” the complainant’s sex. While not quite stated in these terms, Defendant appears to be arguing that Plaintiffs sex must have been either the sole or primary motivation for any harassment. Thus, we must consider whether the mixed-motives instruction given to the jury in this case was appropriate. {8} Turning to federal law for guidance on this issue, we note that Congress has recognized that there are often multiple causes for adverse employment actions. Title VII, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(m) provides that “an unlawful employment practice is established when the complaining party demonstrates that race, color, religion, sex, or national origin was a motivating factor for any employment practice, even though other factors also motivated the practice.” (Emphasis added). Thus, it appears under federal law that an employee is not required to prove that his or her sex was the sole or primary motivation for the suffered harassment. The employee must only establish that the adverse employment action was motivated in part by an illegitimate factor, such as sex. {9} The NMHRA does not have a comparable provision to 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(m); however, we did recently note that the purpose behind the NMHRA is to prohibit all forms of employment sexual harassment. Ocana, 2004-NMSC-018, ¶23, 135 N.M. 539, 91 P.3d 58. Given this purpose, we believe the Legislature did not intend for an employer to be relieved from an otherwise valid hostile work environment claim simply because other factors aside from sex contributed to making the employee’s work'environment hostile and abusive. Cf. Dan B. Dobbs, The Law of Torts § 171, at 416 (2001) (“It would be a windfall to the negligent defendants if they were to escape liability for the harm merely because another tortfeasor’s negligence was also sufficient to cause the same harm.”). We hold that the mixed-motives jury instruction given in this case was not erroneous. We now turn to Defendant’s next argument, whether there was substantial evidence to support the jury’s verdict. B {10} In reviewing the jury verdict for substantial evidence, “we examine the record for relevant evidence such that ‘a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’ ” Smith, 109 N.M. at 519, 787 P.2d at 438 (quoting Toltec Int'l, Inc. v. Village of Ruidoso, 95 N.M. 82, 84, 619 P.2d 186, 188 (1980)). “We resolve disputed facts in favor of the party prevailing below, indulging all reasonable inferences in favor of the verdict and disregarding contrary inferences, and we do not independently weigh conflicting evidence.” Id. Defendant argues that the jury verdict for Plaintiff must be reversed because there was neither substantial evidence that the harassment was “because of’ Plaintiffs sex nor substantial evidence that the harassment was sufficiently severe or pervasive to support a hostile work environment claim. {11} As for whether there was sufficient evidence the harassment was “because of’ Plaintiffs sex, a review of the record reveals that numerous witnesses at trial testified that Sgt. Gallegos treated the female officers differently from the way he treated the male officers. Plaintiff testified that Sgt. Gallegos would ask for the locations of women officers but not the locations of the male officers. Male officers were relieved by Sgt. Gallegos from standing post at crime scenes, even when they had been at their posts less time than Plaintiff. Sgt. Gallegos would collect the reports of male officers a couple of hours before their shift was over, but he would not collect Plaintiffs reports until the end, or sometimes even after, her shift. {12} A number of other employees of the Santa Fe police department testified that Sgt. Gallegos treated female officers differently from their male counterparts. Jeanette Sandoval, a dispatcher, testified that Sgt. Gallegos tended to monitor the whereabouts of female officers more than he did male officers. He also tried to keep female officers busier by reassigning to them calls initially assigned to male officers. Officer Sandra Gomez testified that Sgt. Gallegos made the environment “a nightmare” for female officers. More specifically, she testified that Sgt. Gallegos was always spying on female officers. Along those same lines, Officer Genevieve Lawson testified that the female officers were monitored more closely by Sgt. Gallegos than the male officers. She was assigned a larger workload than her male co-workers. Officer Della Murray testified that Sgt. Gallegos made snide comments when she was late for briefings but would refrain from making such comments when male officers were late. Sgt. Gallegos would make her get into his car to drop off reports, whereas the men would pull up beside his car and pass the reports through the window. Sgt. Gallegos would at times cancel backup for female officers. Even a male officer, Detective Matthew Trujillo, testified to Sgt. Gallegos’ disparate treatment of female and male officers. He testified that Sgt. Gallegos would actively check dispatch to see where female officers were at any given time, and he would reassign calls from male officers to female officers. Based on the foregoing, there was substantial evidence to support a jury finding that any harassment Plaintiff suffered from Sgt. Gallegos was “because of’ her sex. {13} We next consider whether there was sufficient evidence that the harassment was sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter a term, condition, or privilege of employment. In Ocana, we stated: In determining whether there was an abusive or hostile work environment, courts must look at the totality of the circumstances, including “the frequency of the discriminatory conduct; its severity; whether it is physically threatening or humiliating, or a mere offensive utterance; and whether it unreasonably interferes with an employee’s work performance.” 2004-NMSC-018, ¶ 24, 135 N.M. 539, 91 P.3d 58 (quoting Harris v. Forklift Sys., Inc., 510 U.S. 17, 23, 114 S.Ct. 367, 126 L.Ed.2d 295 (1993)). Alternatively, “[a] recurring point in [the United States Supreme Court’s Title VII] opinions is that simple teasing, offhand comments, and isolated incidents (unless extremely serious) will not amount to discriminatory changes in the terms and conditions of employment.” Faragher v. Boca Raton, 524 U.S. 775, 788, 118 S.Ct. 2275, 141 L.Ed.2d 662 (1998) (citation and internal quotation marks omitted). Defendant claims that any harassment in this case was not sufficiently severe and pervasive to support the jury’s verdict. {14} Plaintiff testified to a number of incidents of harassment. She testified that Sgt. Gallegos would check her location more than other officers. He would raise his voice to her over the radio. He would allow male officers to leave their shift early if they missed their lunch, while not extending the same offer to her. She testified that on one occasion Sgt. Gallegos did not relieve her from her post at a crime scene when she had been there for five hours, but he relieved male officers who had not been at the scene as long. Sgt. Gallegos would follow Plaintiff to her house and then monitor how long she took on bathroom breaks. He would assign specific calls to her, especially rape calls, even though other officers were closer to the crime scene. He would not collect her reports until the end of her shift, or sometimes after her shift had ended, whereas he would collect other officers’ reports a few hours prior to the end of their shifts. At one briefing, he told the officers to clean out their files and then threw a file at Plaintiff. Plaintiff emphasized that these were merely examples of the ongoing harassment she received from Sgt. Gallegos for nineteen months. {15} Each incident to which Plaintiff testified, when viewed in isolation, may not have been severe enough to support a hostile work environment claim. However, in their aggregate, the incidents reflect the severity and pervasiveness of the harassment. This is especially true considering the harassment was almost daily for a period of nineteen months. Thus, under the totality of the circumstances, we hold that a reasonable jury could conclude that the harassment was sufficiently severe and pervasive to alter the terms and conditions of Plaintiffs employment. We now turn to Plaintiffs arguments on cross-appeal. C {16} Plaintiff first argues that the trial court erred by reducing through remittitur the jury’s verdict in her favor from $285,000 to $90,250. In Allsup’s Convenience Stores, Inc. v. North River Ins. Co., 1999-NMSC-006, 127 N.M. 1, 976 P.2d 1, we set forth the analytical framework for reviewing the grant of a remittitur. We stated: The trial judge ... has limited superintendence when ordering a remittitur in that the exercise of such discretion must be supported by express reasons, and those reasons must establish the presence of passion, prejudice, partiality, sympathy, undue influence or some corrupt cause or motive.... [W]here the trial court sets forth certain reasons for which the appellant asserts there is a lack of support in the record, the burden then shifts to the appellee to show that the trial court was correct. Id. ¶ 19 (quotation marks and internal citations omitted). Additionally, we note that remittitur is appropriate in NMHRA cases if the jury intended to punish the defendant. See Gandy v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 117 N.M. 441, 443, 872 P.2d 859, 861 (1994) (holding that punitive damages may not be recovered under the NMHRA). {17} In justifying remittitur in this case, the trial judge stated that he believed the jury’s verdict was based upon either sympathy or an improper motive to punish Defendant. He believed this because: (1); Plaintiff was not fired, demoted, suspended, or disciplined; (2) Plaintiff presented no evidence of concrete special damages; (3) Plaintiff received no professional mental health care; (4) the discrimination was limited to a nineteen-month period; and (5) Plaintiff received two-and-a-half times the amount requested in her closing argument. Thus, in this case, the trial judge expressly stated his reasons for granting remittitur. The specific issue raised by Plaintiff on appeal is whether those reasons established that the the jury’s award was influenced by either sympathy or an impermissible motive to punish Defendant. {18} At trial, Plaintiff presented no evidence of concrete damages, such as counseling expenses or lost time from work. Instead, Plaintiff argued that the jury should award damages equivalent to Plaintiffs salary during the time of harassment, or at the very least nominal damages. These requested damages appear to be based on the emotional distress that she experienced while working under Sgt. Gallegos. The jury, however, awarded Plaintiff damages in an amount equal to Plaintiffs salary for five years: $285,000. While a plaintiffs request for damages certainly does not create a ceiling on a jury’s award, the plaintiff is nonetheless in the best position to evaluate the true extent of his or her damages. {19} Furthermore, the record contains no evidence indicating that Plaintiff was entitled to damages greater than those requested. There was testimony at trial that due to the harassment she suffered, Plaintiff was distressed, depressed, and often resigned to tears. While we agree that this evidence was sufficient to support a damages award for emotional distress, the evidence was not sufficient to support an award of $285,000. Cf. Wulf v. City of Wichita, 883 F.2d 842, 874-75 (10th Cir.1989) (holding that an award of $250,000 for mental anguish and distress was grossly excessive). Plaintiff did not present any evidence that she ever sought counseling for this emotional distress. She presented no evidence that she was physically harmed. At all times she remained an officer in good standing. Thus, we agree with the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, which when faced with similar facts stated that, “[sjimply put, the jury was presented with insufficient evidence to place a high dollar value on plaintiffs emotional harm.” Hetzel v. County of Prince William, 89 F.3d 169, 172 (4th Cir.1996) (quotation marks and quoted authority omitted). {20} Based on the foregoing, we hold that Defendant has met its burden in showing that remittitur was appropriate. The jury’s award in this case was “so unrelated to the injury and actual damages proven as to plainly manifest passion and prejudice rather than reason or justice.” Coates v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 1999-NMSC-013, ¶ 53,127 N.M. 47, 976 P.2d 999 (quotation marks and quoted authority omitted). Thus, the trial court appropriately granted Defendant’s motion for remittitur. We now turn to Plaintiffs argument that the trial court erred in denying her post-judgment interest on the verdict. D {21} Plaintiff claims she is entitled to post-judgment interest, pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 56-8-4 (1993, prior to 2004 amendment). Subsection A of that statute provides for mandatory post-judgment interest; however, subsection D of the same statute states “[t]he state and its political subdivisions are exempt from the provisions of this section except as otherwise provided by statute or common law.” Plaintiff argues that the NMHRA provides for post-judgment interest. Section 28-l-13(D) provides that “[i]n any action or proceeding under this section if the complainant prevails, the court in its discretion may allow actual damages and reasonable attorney’s fees, and the state shall be liable the same as a private person.” ■(Emphasis added). Specifically, Plaintiff argues that since a private party is responsible for post-judgment interest, government entities should likewise be responsible for post-judgment interest. {22} In Gonzales v. New Mexico Dep’t of Health, 2000-NMSC-029, ¶¶ 37-38, 129 N.M. 586, 11 P.3d 550, we rejected a similar argu ment. In that case, the plaintiff argued that Section 28 — 1—13(D) is a statutory exception to Section 56-8-4(A) that requires state entities to pay interest on judgments for violations of the NMHRA. Our reasoning for rejecting the argument was two-fold. First, we stated that any interest award under Section 56-8-4 is discretionary. Gonzales, 2000-NMSC-029, ¶ 38, 129 N.M. 586, 11 P.3d 550. As the Court of Appeals later noted, this statement was not entirely accurate: while an award of pre-judgment interest under Section 56-8-4(B) is discretionary, an award of post-judgment interest under Section 56-8-4(A) is mandatory. Weststar Mortg. Corp. v. Jackson, 2002-NMCA-009, ¶ 55, 131 N.M. 493, 39 P.3d 710, rev’d on other grounds, 2003-NMSC-002, 133 N.M. 114, 61 P.3d 823. In this case, we are addressing post-judgment interest. Nonetheless, the second reason we advanced for our holding in Gonzales remains valid-“Section 28-l-13(D) makes no mention of the assessment of interest, and [the plaintiff] has offered no authority suggesting that the phrase ‘actual damages and reasonable attorney’s fees’ should be expanded to include interest.” 2000-NMSC-029, ¶ 38,129 N.M. 586, 11 P.3d 550. {23} Furthermore, the result we reached in Gonzales is consistent with the analysis we set forth in Trujillo v. City of Albuquerque, 1998-NMSC-031, 125 N.M. 721, 965 P.2d 305. The plaintiffs in Trujillo claimed they were entitled to post-judgment interest against the City of Albuquerque for claims made under the Tort Claims Act (TCA). The relevant statute considered in that case, NMSA 1978, § 41-4-19(B) (1991, prior to 2004 amendment), provides that judgment against a government entity under the TCA could not include an award for pre-judgment interest. The plaintiffs argued that by excluding post-judgment interest from the scope of Section 41-4-19(B) the Legislature must have intended to allow recovery of post-judgment interest. We rejected that argument on the basis that Section 41-4-19(B) “does not expressly state that the immunity provided to the [S]tate and its political subdivisions for post-judgment interest is waived under the TCA.” Trujillo, 1998-NMSC-031, ¶ 47, 125 N.M. 721, 965 P.2d 305. In this case, Plaintiff is not entitled to post-judgment interest for her claim under the NMHRA because Section 28-l-13(D) does not explicitly waive the State’s immunity from post-judgment interest. Therefore, we affirm the trial court on this issue. We now turn to Plaintiffs final argument that the trial court erred by reducing her attorney’s requested statutory fees. E {24} Section 28-l-13(D) provides that “[i]n any action or proceeding under [the NMHRA] if the complainant prevails, the court in its discretion may allow actual damages and reasonable attorney’s fees.” The district court should consider the following factors when setting attorney’s fees: (1) the time and effort required, considering the complexity of the issues and the skill required; (2) the customary fee in the area for similar services; (3) the results obtained and the amount of the controversy; (4) time limitations; and (5) the ability, experience, and reputation of the attorney performing the services. Smith, 109 N.M. at 522, 787 P.2d at 441. “We review the award of attorney’s fees for abuse of discretion.” Gonzales, 2000-NMSC-029, ¶ 35, 129 N.M. 586, 11 P.3d 550. {25} In this case, Plaintiffs attorney sought fees at a rate of $230 per hour for 450.96 hours plus applicable gross tax receipts, which resulted in a requested total of $110,657.13. In support of his requested hourly rate, he submitted affidavits from other attorneys who had been awarded similar rates in previous cases. The trial court judge did not cut the number of hours Plaintiffs attorney claimed and actually added five hours to the total for the attorney’s preparation in connection with Plaintiffs motions for fees, costs, and interest. The judge then determined that in his experience $200 per hour was “the appropriate and reasonable hourly rate.” This ultimately resulted in an award for attorney’s fees of $97,290.47, which was approximately 34% of the total judgment rendered by the jury and was actually greater than the judgment following remittitur. We cannot conclude under the facts of this case that the trial court abused its discretion in its award of statutory attorney’s fees. See Lucero v. Aladdin Beauty Colleges, 117 N.M. 269, 271-72, 871 P.2d 365, 367-68 (1994). We affirm the trial court on this issue. Ill {26} Regarding the issues raised by Defendant’s appeal, we hold that the trial court did not err in its instructions to the jury and that there was substantial evidence to support the jury’s verdict on liability. As for the issues raised by Plaintiffs cross-appeal, we hold that the trial court did not err by granting remittitur, that Plaintiff was not entitled to post-judgment interest, and that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in setting Plaintiffs attorney’s fees. We therefore affirm the trial court on all issues raised in this appeal and cross-appeal. {27} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: PETRA JIMENEZ MAES, Chief Justice, PATRICIO M. SERNA, RICHARD C. BOSSON, and EDWARD L. CHÁVEZ, Justices.
[ -0.025103218853473663, -0.02756654843688011, -0.017741158604621887, 0.0038185399025678635, 0.008213811554014683, 0.009367185644805431, 0.041134048253297806, 0.019650185480713844, 0.0015130920801311731, -0.01566089503467083, 0.001865290105342865, 0.05722656846046448, -0.03340943157672882, 0.02856789343059063, 0.0229515191167593, 0.05523276701569557, 0.06088889017701149, 0.009035077877342701, -0.0028276832308620214, 0.017770860344171524, 0.0336880087852478, -0.026771722361445427, 0.019834624603390694, 0.025103775784373283, 0.025787319988012314, 0.010205342434346676, 0.002853885991498828, 0.004766314290463924, -0.04882100597023964, 0.019048677757382393, 0.04320279136300087, -0.0330689512193203, -0.005554838106036186, 0.015227428637444973, -0.004790353588759899, 0.014742450788617134, -0.009365559555590153, -0.0007159800152294338, 0.005183570086956024, 0.011506769806146622, -0.01821296103298664, -0.0068045626394450665, -0.0702589750289917, -0.008760894648730755, -0.03459176421165466, 0.02990797907114029, 0.009013481438159943, 0.019048437476158142, -0.004805001430213451, 0.011612617410719395, -0.06767576187849045, 0.0066250646486878395, 0.019407568499445915, 0.008478599600493908, -0.007469435688108206, 0.024966804310679436, -0.046505995094776154, -0.07074282318353653, -0.05730220302939415, -0.026683567091822624, 0.0013479572953656316, -0.006386658176779747, 0.05498097836971283, -0.004532089922577143, 0.012828079983592033, 0.004141154233366251, 0.037032727152109146, 0.05657138675451279, -0.014256469905376434, -0.0001134360718424432, -0.0437583327293396, 0.01788368634879589, 0.002941447775810957, 0.018670402467250824, -0.02263590134680271, -0.04069088026881218, 0.009646804071962833, 0.034548427909612656, -0.004110628738999367, 0.027331465855240822, 0.013716151006519794, -0.035850685089826584, 0.05719798803329468, 0.031217407435178757, 0.003970579709857702, -0.04925744980573654, -0.030647901818156242, -0.06985713541507721, -0.04355856403708458, 0.04722927138209343, -0.03385508432984352, -0.027760351076722145, 0.021171540021896362, 0.08915256708860397, 0.012488048523664474, 0.018536577001214027, 0.10531134158372879, -0.03010394424200058, 0.02207763120532036, 0.004877714905887842, -0.021535301581025124, -0.05814215540885925, -0.011695765890181065, 0.04349749907851219, -0.054458264261484146, -0.02822038345038891, -0.0007103041862137616, 0.00880853645503521, -0.004018930718302727, 0.007676267065107822, 0.015853041782975197, 0.010806499980390072, 0.03022441454231739, -0.020526127889752388, -0.048593565821647644, 0.059243105351924896, 0.026003394275903702, -0.041924890130758286, -0.030714232474565506, -0.013786260969936848, 0.06687571853399277, -0.001280822092667222, 0.019897274672985077, 0.07804504036903381, 0.005521334242075682, 0.0325467474758625, 0.02819928340613842, 0.05817635729908943, -0.018834184855222702, -0.07236158102750778, -0.010262993164360523, 0.027258584275841713, 0.011482075788080692, 0.03636610135436058, -0.033307336270809174, -0.03889809176325798, -0.010546381585299969, -0.01991572044789791, 0.07330778241157532, -0.03336382284760475, 0.021758511662483215, 0.005308878142386675, 0.00032691480009816587, 0.0011067669838666916, 0.08613462001085281, -0.03953073173761368, 0.03499222919344902, -0.01962440088391304, -0.032885514199733734, 0.0005435722414404154, 0.02249511517584324, 0.04857780039310455, 0.009571932256221771, -0.030844425782561302, -0.0027014072984457016, 0.021060310304164886, 0.041606541723012924, -0.021718746051192284, -0.0069556511007249355, 0.0614396370947361, 0.03460172191262245, 0.0040784794837236404, -0.0049729798920452595, 0.016476327553391457, 0.008311625570058823, 0.0208220686763525, 0.008558806963264942, -0.014004632830619812, -0.03270668536424637, 0.05666022747755051, -0.024459658190608025, -0.01863335818052292, 0.01792297512292862, -0.047147057950496674, -0.022223426029086113, -0.0077171316370368, 0.013547978363931179, 0.039536140859127045, -0.026782209053635597, -0.01721040904521942, -0.05517328903079033, 0.022313496097922325, -0.03282242268323898, 0.06348057091236115, 0.007749115116894245, -0.024612853303551674, 0.016259552910923958, -0.05926017463207245, 0.01809333637356758, 0.00016014301218092442, -0.07909446954727173, -0.031087907031178474, 0.018677951768040657, -0.029583606868982315, 0.03687591478228569, 0.028849918395280838, -0.016712062060832977, 0.0305543914437294, 0.018169596791267395, 0.018709613010287285, 0.0461452342569828, -0.0032704155892133713, 0.04096003249287605, -0.04716392233967781, -0.05880626291036606, 0.024859238415956497, 0.06344154477119446, -0.01063906867057085, -0.028516860678792, 0.07415926456451416, -0.05488996580243111, 0.015658479183912277, 0.022995229810476303, -0.011457751505076885, 0.02801537699997425, -0.003737281309440732, 0.08214296400547028, -0.03484363853931427, 0.03659198060631752, -0.03656535595655441, 0.05910272151231766, 0.0034330463968217373, -0.01614903286099434, 0.027884066104888916, -0.0628519356250763, 0.07845643162727356, 0.05452268570661545, -0.03739754855632782, 0.018197771161794662, 0.028195777907967567, 0.014235968701541424, 0.004199991934001446, 0.019704226404428482, 0.04447298124432564, 0.029252365231513977, 0.023728379979729652, -0.00833109486848116, -0.009961212985217571, 0.046265389770269394, -0.03443385288119316, 0.0024478889536112547, 0.034705400466918945, 0.020383235067129135, 0.05249634012579918, -0.06266329437494278, -0.008179456926882267, -0.0138290049508214, -0.00042139389552176, -0.014126409776508808, -0.042616263031959534, -0.0009131331462413073, 0.019824733957648277, -0.002591467695310712, -0.00205737492069602, 0.015893517062067986, -0.04039005562663078, -0.05394870787858963, -0.025514109060168266, 0.02764279395341873, 0.009893656708300114, 0.007763573434203863, 0.02842603251338005, 0.006726222578436136, -0.02028712071478367, -0.062287330627441406, -0.036739006638526917, -0.030735855922102928, 0.015314328484237194, -0.03177611902356148, 0.029897427186369896, 0.017162390053272247, 0.012013469822704792, -0.005095093045383692, 0.0038956108037382364, -0.0288868211209774, 0.013095100410282612, 0.02120784856379032, -0.009320109151303768, -0.008384361863136292, -0.016984973102808, -0.022412938997149467, 0.033272553235292435, -0.049607716500759125, -0.005593953188508749, 0.018705939874053, -0.03104832023382187, 0.022904319688677788, -0.02922339178621769, -0.03872950002551079, 0.04164930433034897, 0.0011698313755914569, 0.04339076951146126, 0.0013880761107429862, -0.03254588693380356, 0.010997517965734005, 0.025872884318232536, 0.015622632578015327, 0.05296242982149124, 0.035440459847450256, -0.03569251671433449, -0.028713800013065338, 0.012907944619655609, 0.002571667777374387, 0.0028524494264274836, 0.018264178186655045, -0.006158008240163326, -0.006424672435969114, 0.02959551103413105, -0.2583481967449188, 0.037367917597293854, -0.04730548337101936, -0.01789131388068199, 0.009900331497192383, -0.0641430914402008, 0.031772054731845856, 0.009372052736580372, 0.02109173871576786, 0.006514137145131826, -0.04038706421852112, -0.01155924703925848, -0.01451670378446579, 0.06985421478748322, -0.00956785585731268, -0.023280348628759384, 0.0007728796335868537, -0.04612148180603981, -0.030555706471204758, 0.00015113035624381155, 0.014046703465282917, -0.03805070370435715, -0.03190891444683075, 0.01211227010935545, 0.07344946265220642, 0.08824995905160904, -0.05525381863117218, -0.008489005267620087, -0.057467829436063766, -0.032936692237854004, -0.004025262780487537, -0.01017397828400135, -0.03268910199403763, -0.013695823028683662, 0.005101020447909832, 0.03325425088405609, 0.003657055553048849, -0.04307432472705841, -0.02612246200442314, -0.011466765776276588, 0.015608852729201317, -0.044457320123910904, -0.023618126288056374, 0.012768680229783058, 0.04999112710356712, -0.022447708994150162, -0.05734870955348015, 0.0016944442177191377, 0.0187127273529768, 0.016535814851522446, -0.021428555250167847, 0.004784887656569481, -0.040626030415296555, 0.022265255451202393, -0.01224817056208849, 0.01187449973076582, -0.0583961121737957, 0.006304754875600338, -0.038221873342990875, 0.04515139386057854, -0.009477443061769009, -0.08298960328102112, -0.06659717112779617, -0.061081916093826294, -0.03954204544425011, -0.05160079151391983, -0.04358735308051109, -0.05314808338880539, 0.0904904305934906, 0.002306165173649788, 0.01616344414651394, 0.06865515559911728, -0.04233887046575546, -0.08524962514638901, -0.0029147439636290073, -0.03306632116436958, 0.0025935652665793896, -0.053419001400470734, -0.0606859065592289, 0.021698640659451485, 0.010092975571751595, -0.0636926218867302, 0.014333457686007023, 0.003933440428227186, -0.02917766571044922, 0.01180258672684431, 0.010848362930119038, 0.06437188386917114, -0.0483233816921711, 0.00443048682063818, 0.04378296807408333, 0.03233824670314789, -0.009405444376170635, -0.00869403500109911, 0.032469090074300766, 0.046756207942962646, -0.04552800580859184, -0.014832165092229843, -0.038319479674100876, -0.02668728120625019, 0.019189773127436638, -0.07599394768476486, 0.033102136105298996, -0.05594688653945923, 0.01770135387778282, 0.027593962848186493, -0.03989251330494881, 0.0033276129979640245, 0.05790988728404045, 0.014297219924628735, 0.03447169065475464, -0.0008240989409387112, 0.03908797726035118, -0.04094850644469261, 0.005237503442913294, -0.030277250334620476, 0.009541922248899937, -0.005811357405036688, 0.03588762879371643, 0.041824277490377426, 0.025277279317378998, 0.02208111621439457, -0.0608140267431736, -0.052567195147275925, -0.09112942963838577, 0.021042322739958763, 0.03913847729563713, 0.025805654004216194, 0.016236284747719765, 0.033006295561790466, -0.03365832567214966, -0.013028336688876152, -0.01920153945684433, 0.01904095709323883, 0.009818851947784424, -0.030728507786989212, 0.00011280005855951458, -0.04283829778432846, 0.032864127308130264, 0.008648566901683807, 0.01905609481036663, -0.008698164485394955, 0.023043567314743996, 0.0057260082103312016, 0.05505765229463577, 0.0028374867979437113, -0.006832106038928032, -0.03427127003669739, -0.029487812891602516, 0.012304355390369892, 0.017152883112430573, -0.07845355570316315, -0.0041982089169323444, -0.04489973187446594, -0.027036113664507866, -0.009031376801431179, 0.023748870939016342, 0.03570336103439331, -0.034831419587135315, -0.06587706506252289, -0.01509591843932867, -0.007054198998957872, -0.019339628517627716, -0.0224299356341362, -0.020557422190904617, 0.06086692959070206, -0.005042508244514465, -0.007970821112394333, -0.013335390016436577, 0.023103293031454086, -0.020461522042751312, -0.06835277378559113, -0.012166072614490986, -0.010712793096899986, -0.009630091488361359, 0.04952443391084671, -0.0070467921905219555, 0.01634778454899788, 0.014404420740902424, 0.0062818401493132114, -0.022378424182534218, 0.01634078100323677, -0.0229951199144125, 0.011838668026030064, 0.03529437258839607, -0.0030538130085915327, -0.02447211928665638, -0.028867971152067184, -0.008494655601680279, -0.014278871938586235, 0.005048348568379879, -0.04011880233883858, -0.04182552918791771, 0.009022650308907032, -0.060782115906476974, -0.05011165142059326, 0.01521145086735487, -0.015128658153116703, 0.03577731177210808, 0.034207943826913834, -0.01892143115401268, 0.007118730340152979, -0.029913172125816345, 0.003990734927356243, -0.006448498461395502, -0.0687582790851593, 0.01576939783990383, 0.050403326749801636, -0.016415849328041077, 0.018328309059143066, -0.07101160287857056, 0.006979366764426231, 0.035822153091430664, -0.009561119601130486, 0.05188103765249252, -0.07081852853298187, 0.05700359120965004, -0.018897319212555885, -0.04139209911227226, -0.005528285168111324, -0.00636742077767849, -0.03820338845252991, 0.003682964015752077, 0.01586237922310829, -0.028228985145688057, 0.02016179822385311, -0.05079488083720207, -0.04054473340511322, 0.011076229624450207, -0.020939016714692116, 0.01819375716149807, -0.025847699493169785, 0.0007708931225351989, 0.007221988867968321, -0.018633048981428146, -0.011391667649149895, -0.00822935625910759, 0.00975924450904131, -0.032657332718372345, 0.06046136096119881, 0.01434987224638462, 0.017015209421515465, -0.005059171002358198, -0.036502495408058167, 0.0007894308655522764, 0.0059724533930420876, 0.028544750064611435, 0.007842697203159332, 0.009144031442701817, 0.07272328436374664, -0.00863728392869234, 0.0013588974252343178, -0.011150116100907326, 0.012072315439581871, 0.03648721054196358, -0.042348045855760574, 0.031002111732959747, -0.00668733473867178, -0.007196842692792416, 0.015310672111809254, -0.01842370256781578, 0.015766097232699394, -0.030353859066963196, -0.009174189530313015, 0.00288581196218729, 0.07012908160686493, 0.014237537048757076, -0.030841166153550148, 0.05149221047759056, -0.0784820020198822, -0.06337432563304901, -0.06042450666427612, 0.0027463657315820456, 0.007025548722594976, 0.03607359156012535, 0.04518497735261917, -0.014790135435760021, -0.013019368052482605, 0.0528368204832077, -0.08252479881048203, -0.034912753850221634, -0.022095369175076485, -0.01829022914171219, -0.03585374355316162, 0.02000337466597557, -0.04089206084609032, 0.04440392553806305, -0.004786520265042782, -0.10428223758935928, -0.02417043410241604, 0.026464106515049934, 0.0005753071163780987, 0.029611269012093544, 0.041397832334041595, -0.015274866484105587, -0.011543634347617626, 0.04216714948415756, 0.05510886013507843, -0.029275737702846527, 0.019783111289143562, -0.07438785582780838, 0.04320787265896797, 0.038757484406232834, -0.007250861264765263, -0.017114318907260895, 0.0030451579950749874, -0.003678052918985486, -0.046608131378889084, -0.01209601853042841, 0.014771089889109135, -0.05451127886772156, -0.08113722503185272, 0.05862803012132645, 0.002527414122596383, -0.06436878442764282, -0.0011802567169070244, -0.0054222168400883675, 0.013503329828381538, -0.003381021786481142, -0.02314460277557373, 0.06553039699792862, 0.0011002185055986047, 0.09624239802360535, 0.03350207582116127, 0.09147230535745621, 0.053917232900857925, -0.03904867544770241, -0.0024022511206567287, 0.054591499269008636, 0.09323786199092865, 0.039953816682100296, 0.001630308455787599, -0.0032549756579101086, 0.03496165573596954, -0.012521151453256607, -0.002440274925902486, 0.04619889333844185, 0.02379874885082245, -0.007450273260474205, -0.003632255829870701, 0.011564914137125015, 0.04830654338002205, -0.019106360152363777, 0.04469930753111839, 0.024946535006165504, -0.01796281896531582, 0.05973223224282265, -0.03400736302137375, 0.06846968084573746, 0.019808487966656685, 0.005355867091566324, -0.03750968351960182, 0.0047637163661420345, -0.027472546324133873, -0.030910007655620575, 0.03406953066587448, 0.006396828684955835, -0.02823423594236374, -0.0590694397687912, 0.023171285167336464, -0.009891072288155556, -0.021319489926099777, 0.07119553536176682, 0.0009587234235368669, -0.027178145945072174, -0.00780245428904891, -0.014824547804892063, -0.022679662331938744, -0.029388006776571274, 0.0025930888950824738, 0.007967100478708744, -0.028404368087649345, -0.051176171749830246, 0.00002677861812117044, 0.09106291830539703, 0.03179577365517616, 0.07005561888217926, -0.03422017768025398, 0.005090847611427307, 0.006821677554398775, 0.032767485827207565, -0.014722711406648159, -0.015733307227492332, -0.05349356308579445, -0.02004602551460266, -0.046569641679525375, 0.028589366003870964, 0.021011371165513992, -0.022236723452806473, -0.03867078945040703, 0.032681722193956375, -0.0009309627930633724, -0.020270975306630135, 0.04047859460115433, -0.03344813361763954, 0.013801534660160542, 0.07674109190702438, 0.03380683809518814, 0.020812347531318665, 0.05428795516490936, 0.02178974822163582, -0.006428568623960018, -0.027675841003656387, 0.03192858770489693, -0.03243451565504074, 0.029593830928206444, -0.022213075309991837, 0.005824528634548187, -0.06448744982481003, -0.00283781043253839, 0.022606942802667618, -0.011303439736366272, -0.06097232177853584, 0.03433302044868469, -0.00524620246142149, 0.023599889129400253, 0.080849289894104, 0.009741629473865032, -0.04430369287729263, -0.00882773194462061, -0.037049680948257446, -0.007178295403718948, -0.006931041367352009, 0.09853319078683853, -0.009221430867910385, 0.02237039990723133, 0.045707933604717255, 0.010858608409762383, -0.003048179903998971, 0.018310533836483955, 0.030797680839896202, -0.022851187735795975, -0.02282661572098732, 0.0125095434486866, -0.03197512403130531, -0.012023761868476868, -0.06265628337860107, 0.018297001719474792, -0.005356563720852137, -0.04673208296298981, 0.018237948417663574, -0.029290279373526573, -0.037066031247377396, -0.028787754476070404, 0.043997135013341904, 0.03076747991144657, -0.04902339726686478, -0.059602443128824234, -0.022496698424220085, 0.01670435070991516, -0.006822572089731693, -0.00008987921319203451, -0.005666925106197596, -0.07487209141254425, -0.008198467083275318, -0.027706563472747803, 0.021847371011972427, 0.01494230329990387, 0.01223478838801384, 0.017069784924387932 ]
OPINION BOSSON, Justice. {1} In this opinion we decide whether sentencing under NMSA 1978, Section 31- 18-15(A)(2), -(4) (1999, prior to 2003 amendments) requires that a jury, and not the judge, determine whether the crime is one “resulting in the death of a human being.” Applying Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466, 120 S.Ct. 2348, 147 L.Ed.2d 435 (2000), we conclude that the court erred in not submitting the question to the jury, but we also find the error harmless in the context of this case. Secondly, we hold that conspiracy is not an enumerated “serious violent offense” under the Earned Meritorious Deduction Act (EMDA), NMSA 1978, § 33-2-34(L)(4) (1999, prior to 2003 amendments), and therefore, conviction of conspiracy does not disqualify one for eligibility for good time credit for that resulting sentence. For the most part we affirm the Court of Appeals, but reverse its determination that the Apprendi error was not harmless. BACKGROUND {3} Defendant and Aguilera met Lorenzo Mora after leaving the apartment. Defendant and Mora returned to Aguilera’s apartment to get more money from Victim. According to one version of the evidence, upon arriving at the apartment Defendant picked up a large metal pipe and handed it to Mora. Mora proceeded to enter the bedroom where Victim was sleeping and hit Victim in the head, fracturing his skull twice. Expert testimony offered at trial proved that the attack ultimately caused Victim’s death approximately two hours later. Defendant then removed approximately $180.00 from Victim’s pocket. After leaving the apartment, Defendant and Mora rejoined Aguilera and traveled to Palomas, Mexico. {2} Victim, a truck driver from California, met Defendant in a bar in Lordsburg, New Mexico on the evening of September 24, 1999. Victim and Defendant played pool and drank beer prior to accompanying Defendant’s girlfriend, Onisha Aguilera, back to Aguilera’s apartment. Defendant, Victim, and Aguilera used cocaine, and then Victim continued to drink until he fell asleep. Defendant and Aguilera left the apartment to procure more drugs, leaving Victim asleep in the apartment. {4} Defendant, Mora, and Aguilera were apprehended ten days later upon their reentry into the United States. At trial, Defendant faced charges of felony murder, or in the alternative, second degree murder (Count I), conspiracy to commit felony murder, or in the alternative, conspiracy to commit second degree murder (Count II), armed robbery (Count III), and conspiracy to commit armed robbery (Count IV). The jury was unable to decide on a verdict with respect to Counts I and II, but returned guilty verdicts on Counts III and IV. The district court declared a mistrial on Counts I and II, but did not poll the jury. {5} In sentencing Defendant for his convictions on Counts III and IV, the district court imposed sentences that pertain to second and third degree felonies “resulting in the death of a human being” under Section 31-18-15(A)(2), -(4) (fifteen years and six years respectively), instead of the sentences corresponding to generic second and third degree felonies without the nexus to a death under Section 31-18-15(A)(3), -(5) (nine and three years respectively). With other aggravating factors and habitual offender considerations, Defendant was sentenced to a total of thirty-six years. The district court also restricted the good time credit available to Defendant while incarcerated under the EMDA which limited good time credit eligibility for certain violent crimes. {6} On appeal to the Court of Appeals, Defendant argued that, under Apprendi, any penalty beyond the basic sentence applicable to generic second and third degree felonies must be determined by a jury, properly instructed to decide whether the crimes “result[ed] in the death of a human being,” and not by the sentencing judge. Defendant also argued that the court could not reduce his good time eligibility under the EMDA for the conspiracy conviction, because conspiracy was not an enumerated crime under that statute. Defendant raised other issues not relevant to this opinion. The Court of Appeals agreed with Defendant in regard to the Apprendi issue, and overturned the sentences imposed by the sentencing judge. State v. McDonald, 2003-NMCA-123, ¶¶7-17, 134 N.M. 486, 79 P.3d 830. The Court also agreed with Defendant that his conviction for conspiracy did not authorize the dis trict court to limit good time eligibility under the EMDA. Id. ¶ 20. We granted the State’s petition for certiorari to review these two questions. DISCUSSION {7} Prior to the 2003 amendments, which do not apply to this case, Section 31-18-15(A) of the Criminal Sentencing Act provides in pertinent part: If a person is convicted of a noncapital felony, the basic sentence of imprisonment is as follows: (2) for a second degree felony resulting in the death of a human being, fifteen years imprisonment; (3) for a second degree felony, nine years imprisonment; (4) for a third degree felony resulting in the death of a human being, six years imprisonment; (5) for a third degree felony, three years imprisonment; As is evident from the language of the statute, the legislature has chosen one basic sentence for generic second and third degree felonies, and a different basic sentence with a greater penalty when an additional fact is found: a crime “resulting in death.” The State argues that this additional fact can be found by the sentencing court instead of the jury, and that the Court of Appeals misinterpreted both Apprendi and the Criminal Sentencing Act. On this point, we agree with our Court of Appeals. {8} In Apprendi, the United States Supreme Court held that, “[ojther than the fact of a prior conviction, any fact that increases the penalty for a crime beyond the prescribed statutory maximum must be submitted to a jury, and proved beyond a reasonable doubt.” 530 U.S. at 490, 120 S.Ct. 2348; see also Blakely v. Washington, — U.S. -, -, 124 S.Ct. 2531, 2537, 159 L.Ed.2d 403 (2004) (“When a judge inflicts punishment that the jury’s verdict alone does not allow, the jury has not found all the facts which the law makes essential to the punishment____” (Internal quotation marks and citation omitted.)). In this case, the jury found Defendant guilty of armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery; the jury was not instructed to find whether the crimes resulted in death and did not do so. Instead, the trial court made the finding that the crimes resulted in death; this finding triggered the different basic sentences, with higher punishment, as set forth in Section 31-18-15(A)(2), -(4). It is clear under Apprendi and Blakely, that the jury, and not the judge, must find “all the facts which the law makes essential to the punishment.” Blakely, 124 S.Ct. at 2537. We affirm this portion of the Court of Appeals opinion. However, error in failing to instruct the jury on an element, even constitutional error founded on Apprendi, is subject to an analysis for harmless error. Harmless Error {9} The State urges this Court to find any sentencing error harmless because, even if properly instructed, no reasonable juror could ever have concluded that Defendant’s armed robbery did not result in Victim’s death. The State also points out, and correctly so, that Defendant has never contested this fact. Because this appeal does not involve a structural error, such as the complete denial of counsel or a biased trial judge, we apply the constitutional harmless error analysis described in Chapman v. California, 386 U.S. 18, 24, 87 S.Ct. 824, 17 L.Ed.2d 705 (1967), and Neder v. United States, 527 U.S. 1, 7-8, 15-16, 119 S.Ct. 1827, 144 L.Ed.2d 35 (1999). In Neder, the U.S. Supreme Court applied a harmless error review to jury instructions that omitted an element of the crime. Apprendi-type error is similar to the error at issue in Neder, it concerns elements omitted from the jury instructions. Not surprisingly, therefore, numerous courts have applied Neder harmless error analysis to Apprendi errors. See State v. Gordon, 262 Wis.2d 380, 663 N.W.2d 765, 776 (2003) (“Neder’s harmless error analysis has been applied to Apprendi-type errors in every single federal appellate circuit.” (Collecting cases.)). {10} Recent cases from this Court observe that, although the U.S. Supreme Court has articulated the Chapman harmless error standard in different ways, the central focus of the harmless error inquiry has endured. See State v. Alvarez-Lopez, 136 N.M. 309, ¶ 27, 98 P.3d 699 (2004); State v. Johnson, 136 N.M. 348, ¶ 10, 98 P.3d 998 (2004). The constitutional harmless error inquiry requires us to determine “whether it appears ‘beyond a reasonable doubt that the error complained of did not contribute to the verdict obtained.’ ” Neder, 527 U.S. at 15, 119 S.Ct. 1827 (quoting Chapman, 386 U.S. at 24, 87 S.Ct. 824). In Neder, which involved a failure to instruct the jury on an element of the crime — as opposed to an error in admitted evidence, as in Chapman — the court focused its harmless error analysis upon whether the omitted element was uncontested and whether it was supported by overwhelming evidence. Neder, 527 U.S. at 17, 119 S.Ct. 1827. We have also cautioned that “the reviewing court must ever bear in mind that criminal defendants have a constitutional right to have a jury decide guilt or innocence, not appellate court judges during review on appeal.” Johnson, 136 N.M. at ¶ 10, 98 P.3d 998 (internal citations omitted). {11} In applying harmless error analysis under Neder to this case, we agree with the State that United States v. Friedman, 300 F.3d 111 (2d Cir.2002), cert. denied, 538 U.S. 981, 123 S.Ct. 1785, 155 L.Ed.2d 672 (2003), is persuasive authority. In Friedman, the defendants were convicted of numerous crimes, including interstate travel in aid of racketeering (“ITAR”), for their involvement with drug trafficking, extortion, and kidnaping. Id. at 114-15. Although the kidnaping victims were killed, the defendants were never charged with their murder. After the jury found the defendants guilty," the court then made its own determination that the ITAR crimes resulted in the death of the victims and imposed heightened sentences pursuant to statute. Id. at 119-20. On appeal, the court recognized the Apprendi problem. Applying Neder, however, the Court found the error harmless in light of the evidence in the record. “On the evidence of record, no reasonable jury could have found the Friedmans guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the ITAR crimes — as the jury did in this case — and simultaneously found that the Friedmans were not responsible for the deaths of [the victims].” Friedman, 300 F.3d at 128. {12} Applying Friedman and Neder to this case, we conclude that the court’s Apprendi error was harmless in this instance. Just as in Friedman, the overwhelming evidence in this case, essentially uncontested at trial, led inescapably to the conclusion that Victim’s death resulted from the armed robbery. According to that evidence, Defendant participated in the armed robbery of Victim; during the robbery Victim was beaten in the head with a metal pipe and suffered a fractured skull; Victim died soon thereafter from his injuries. There was no evidence of another cause of death. Significantly, Defendant never disputed at trial that the armed robbery resulted in Victim’s death. {13} On this evidence, no rational jury could have found Defendant guilty of armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery — as the jury did in this ease — and not have found that Victim’s death resulted from those crimes. We can safely conclude beyond any reasonable doubt “that the omitted element was uncontested and supported by overwhelming evidence, such that the jury verdict would have been the same absent the error.” Neder, 527 U.S. at 17, 119 S.Ct. 1827. {14} We note that the degree of Defendant’s participation in those crimes is immaterial. Because Defendant participated in armed robbery, he can be sentenced for the death that resulted from the robbery. The State correctly notes that accessory liability in New Mexico is equal to that of the principal. State v. Carrasco, 1997-NMSC-047, ¶ 6, 124 N.M. 64, 946 P.2d 1075. {15} Defendant, tracking the reasoning of the Court of Appeals, reminds us that the jury in this case was unable to reach a verdict on the charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Defendant relies on that jury failure as evidence of reasonable doubt as to whether the jury would have found that the armed robbery and conspiracy resulted in Victim’s death. In articulating this argument, and distinguishing Friedman, the Court of Appeals stated: Here, the jury in fact failed to find Defendant guilty of felony murder or second degree murder and their accompanying conspiracy counts. To find that Defendant’s acts in connection with the more attenuated armed robbery resulted in the victim’s death is not consistent with the jury’s failure to find him guilty of the death directly. The jury’s failure to convict Defendant of a crime that would have found him responsible for the death argues against the district court’s action and brings into clear relief the constitutional underpinnings of Apprendi. McDonald, 2003-NMCA-123, ¶ 15, 134 N.M. 486, 79 P.3d 830. {16} We disagree with the Court of Appeals on this point. The elements required for a murder conviction are more numerous and far more nuanced than the one straightforward element necessary to sentence one for a crime that “resulted in death.” Lack of jury consensus as the former creates no fair inference as to the latter. For example, to find that a crime “results in death” under the sentencing statutes does not require the jury to decide, as with a murder instruction, that the accused intended the killing to take place or was otherwise responsible for circumstances that made death or bodily harm likely- {17} In this case, in regard to the mens rea necessary for felony murder, the jury was instructed to find whether Defendant “intended the killing to occur or knew that he was helping to create a strong probability of death or great bodily harm,” in addition to the other elements of the crime. The jury was further instructed that if, in the alternative, it were to find Defendant guilty of second degree murder, it must find that Defendant “knew that his acts created a strong probability of death or great bodily harm” to Victim. See UJI 14-211 NMRA 2004; see also NMSA 1978, § 30-2-l(B) (1994). Likewise, the crimes of conspiracy to commit felony murder and conspiracy to commit second degree murder have a mens rea requirement that the accused must intend to commit the crime. NMSA 1978, § 30-28-2 (1979). In this case, there was conflicting evidence regarding Defendant’s participation in the murder and Defendant’s own mens rea, and the jury could not agree on a verdict. {18} In contrast, the sentencing statute, Section 31-18-15(A)(2), -(4), contains no mens rea requirement. The clear language of the statute requires only the factual consequence of a crime resulting in death. State v. Shije, 1998-NMCA-102, ¶¶ 6, 9, 125 N.M. 581, 964 P.2d 142. “We can discern a reasonable legislative objective from the language^ Section 31-18-15(A)(2). Namely, it is to prevent crimes that result in people’s deaths.” Shije, 1998-NMCA-102, ¶ 9, 125 N.M. 581, 964 P.2d 142 (citation omitted). An accused need not intend the result, or even directly cause the result. The result need not be foreseeable. Here, the jury convicted Defendant of armed robbery; and death was undeniably the result. No reasonable juror could have failed to agree. In this respect, therefore, we reverse the Court of Appeals as to the effect of Apprendi error below. Good Time Credit {19} The Court of Appeals held that Defendant’s conviction for conspiracy to commit armed robbery (as opposed to the armed robbery itself) did not disqualify him from eligibility for good time credit under the EMDA. The State argues that the Court of Appeals misconstrued the EMDA in light of its scope and purpose. The State urges this Court instead to find that conspiracy to commit any mandatory EMDA offense, as defined in Section 33-2-34(L)(4)(a)-(m), should be treated no differently from the underlying offense which is the object of the conspiracy. {20} The Court of Appeals correctly described the EMDA as a “carefully structured” law, designed to reduce good time eligibility for prisoners convicted of certain enumerated, “serious violent offenses” such as murder and armed robbery. See § 33-2-34(L)(4)(a)-(m). Section 33-2-34(L)(4)(n), in turn, enumerates a subset of discretionary offenses which may, under certain circumstances, also constitute serious violent offenses. These circumstances were described in State v. Morales, 2002-NMCA-123, ¶ 16, 131 N.M. 530, 39 P.3d 747 as discretionary crimes committed in a “physically violent manner either with an intent to do serious harm or with recklessness in the face of knowledge that one’s acts are reasonably likely to result in serious harm.” Section 33-2-34(L)(3), which defines nonviolent offenses, on the other hand, does not list those offenses which are nonviolent, but instead uses a general definition: “any offense other than a serious violent offense.” (Emphasis added.) Thus, under the structure created by the legislature in Section 33-2-34, mandatory “serious violent offenses” are those listed in Section 33-2-34(L)(4)(a)-(m), discretionary “serious violent offenses” are those listed in Section 33-2-34(n), and any other offense is a “nonviolent offense.” {21} None of these enumerated crimes, either mandatory or discretionary, include conspiracy. The State nonetheless argues that the purpose of the EMDA is to deter violent crime by reducing the good time credit available to those convicted of any crime of serious violence, and thus reaches beyond the explicitly enumerated crimes to achieve its purpose. According to the State’s argument, Defendant’s agreement to commit an armed robbery, ultimately resulting in death, falls within the purview of the EMDA because it satisfies the same legislative purpose and policy goals of deterring violent crime. {22} We take no position on the State’s policy arguments. It is profoundly a matter for the legislature to determine whether the agreement to commit a violent crime is to be treated the same as the underlying crime itself. Torres v. State, 119 N.M. 609, 612, 894 P.2d 386, 389 (1995) (“[I]t is the particular domain of the legislature, as the voice of the people, to make public policy.”). The legislature has evinced its intent to treat the crime of conspiracy differently when it decided that conspiracy is to be punished less harshly than the underlying offense. See NMSA 1978, § 30-28-1 (1979) (establishing that conspiracy to commit a felony is to be punished as a crime one degree lower than the degree of the underlying felony); cf. NMSA 1978, § 30-28-1 (1963) (treating attempt in a similar manner). The wisdom of this policy decision is not our concern. See McGeehan v. Bunch, 88 N.M. 308, 310, 540 P.2d 238, 240 (1975). {23} In the absence of legislative direction, we look to the basic rules of statutory interpretation and conclude that the statute is clear as presently written. The legislature has undertaken considerable effort to differentiate between crimes, and select from among them the ones it determined to be the worst. It has enumerated those select crimes and declared its collective will. Punishment 'for those crimes is now longer and more severe. We will not second-guess a clear legislative choice. If conspiracy belongs within that select class of crimes, the legislature can make it so. Until then, conspiracy is not so enumerated, and those convicted of conspiracy are not disqualified from good time eligibility under the EMDA. We affirm the Court of Appeals. CONCLUSION {24} We find the Apprendi sentencing error to be harmless and reverse the Court of Appeals to this limited extent. In all other respects, the opinion of the Court of Appeals is affirmed. {25} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: PETRA JIMENEZ MAES, Chief Justice, PAMELA B. MINZNER, PATRICIO M. SERNA, and EDWARD L. CHAVEZ, Justices.
[ -0.02332526631653309, -0.007752819452434778, -0.010334244929254055, -0.033603087067604065, 0.06248333677649498, -0.03703202307224274, 0.082707978785038, 0.03285815939307213, 0.0018885303288698196, -0.009447036311030388, 0.02335517667233944, 0.04749707505106926, -0.04300092160701752, 0.01931707002222538, 0.0036661517806351185, 0.052118122577667236, 0.07601342350244522, 0.006796351633965969, 0.008440700359642506, 0.013911828398704529, 0.003516135271638632, 0.021344276145100594, 0.059251993894577026, 0.05450400710105896, -0.002770755672827363, 0.0004508084966801107, -0.0015531599055975676, -0.008627735078334808, -0.07103065401315689, -0.005534127354621887, 0.01786644384264946, -0.001489388756453991, -0.019308404996991158, -0.01086648553609848, -0.02581041492521763, 0.0003445016627665609, -0.010999796912074089, 0.045074060559272766, 0.007511653937399387, 0.060553088784217834, -0.05112824961543083, -0.01631474867463112, -0.046521469950675964, -0.017708420753479004, -0.03306402638554573, -0.0020358136389404535, 0.03440225124359131, 0.02696605585515499, -0.004688208922743797, -0.018103595823049545, -0.04498699679970741, -0.0050624883733689785, -0.04234771430492401, 0.015138967894017696, 0.010666251182556152, 0.024641796946525574, -0.022203262895345688, -0.044228386133909225, -0.032177720218896866, -0.02580478973686695, 0.018977046012878418, -0.007216352503746748, 0.03570587933063507, -0.036841802299022675, 0.003976394888013601, 0.03053833357989788, 0.02050369791686535, 0.01254151202738285, -0.01828315667808056, -0.0270096268504858, -0.042916491627693176, -0.01721126399934292, -0.015791060402989388, -0.008190016262233257, -0.027302363887429237, -0.04391093924641609, 0.02831006981432438, -0.01058727502822876, 0.02867967262864113, 0.038922019302845, 0.010315684601664543, 0.018187716603279114, 0.003769271308556199, 0.02080950327217579, 0.026294957846403122, -0.07204364985227585, 0.014509178698062897, -0.02977816015481949, -0.027473948895931244, 0.06741438060998917, -0.0325692743062973, -0.027738235890865326, 0.022006824612617493, 0.06595375388860703, -0.02093648351728916, 0.004991381429135799, 0.08530394732952118, -0.008168456144630909, 0.0234785545617342, -0.01758250780403614, -0.005495283752679825, -0.04005865752696991, -0.008415906690061092, 0.06041039153933525, -0.05464654043316841, 0.008020884357392788, -0.021125325933098793, 0.00009576322190696374, 0.0358332134783268, -0.013998138718307018, 0.01969955675303936, 0.04862352833151817, -0.013133116066455841, -0.049752648919820786, -0.05985784903168678, 0.06915098428726196, -0.00013305041647981852, -0.008694247342646122, -0.026628341525793076, 0.0005256534204818308, 0.03969258815050125, 0.011051608249545097, 0.015939848497509956, 0.0779099315404892, 0.02227507345378399, -0.004208822268992662, 0.023858757689595222, 0.0049113198183476925, 0.006255389656871557, -0.03432276472449303, 0.005036942195147276, 0.016665121540427208, 0.02972503937780857, 0.007448253687471151, -0.0024613437708467245, -0.016127964481711388, -0.0022609189618378878, -0.03225834295153618, 0.053176864981651306, -0.027480727061629295, -0.032266754657030106, -0.03716684505343437, 0.003840588266029954, -0.01537923514842987, 0.09328430145978928, -0.03496185317635536, 0.04191887378692627, -0.0032184054143726826, 0.009085536934435368, -0.004274602513760328, 0.05032059922814369, 0.03862011060118675, -0.011278257705271244, -0.034430813044309616, 0.0035171136260032654, 0.05590548738837242, 0.03420381247997284, -0.030846940353512764, -0.022783799096941948, 0.019621117040514946, 0.02960284985601902, 0.014391553588211536, 0.003870054380968213, 0.02396509051322937, 0.050405051559209824, 0.025775117799639702, -0.026454823091626167, -0.023136237636208534, -0.023666176944971085, 0.0005331933498382568, -0.03565606474876404, -0.02968398854136467, 0.028151242062449455, -0.07720145583152771, -0.041602615267038345, -0.01323628332465887, -0.0017780580092221498, 0.01188843697309494, -0.029698550701141357, -0.03037460707128048, -0.05251314118504524, 0.03898448497056961, -0.04797902703285217, 0.01336321234703064, -0.05471240356564522, -0.0458301305770874, 0.062435049563646317, -0.039519742131233215, 0.023308901116251945, 0.0024150495883077383, -0.06918865442276001, -0.020506976172327995, 0.030284006148576736, -0.021387740969657898, 0.048196204006671906, -0.02172170765697956, -0.05696169286966324, 0.04078805819153786, 0.014737647958099842, -0.00481634633615613, 0.01837483048439026, -0.0012292196042835712, 0.05164417624473572, -0.033973731100559235, -0.05199940875172615, 0.0460168831050396, 0.019268523901700974, -0.03563235327601433, 0.005378376226872206, 0.08571602404117584, 0.005482655018568039, -0.0021467574406415224, -0.009257768280804157, -0.023805107921361923, 0.029003938660025597, -0.02758340910077095, 0.05100158601999283, 0.0031766167376190424, 0.052902817726135254, -0.07028251886367798, 0.02938549593091011, -0.012868746183812618, 0.01345030963420868, 0.027504026889801025, -0.043565988540649414, 0.09569970518350601, 0.01858566515147686, -0.0703793615102768, 0.014126741327345371, 0.021929902955889702, -0.010165899060666561, -0.025986379012465477, 0.000499913701787591, 0.047873251140117645, 0.032241810113191605, 0.028009658679366112, 0.008032063953578472, -0.020251154899597168, 0.05661194771528244, -0.03783877566456795, 0.05813051015138626, 0.05612787976861, 0.0052081816829741, 0.0289944838732481, -0.026447158306837082, -0.012050146237015724, -0.0275439340621233, -0.022653982043266296, -0.0435326062142849, -0.012691894546151161, -0.013207776471972466, -0.0035841711796820164, 0.024000653997063637, 0.014647816307842731, 0.036598287522792816, -0.03517552465200424, -0.029510248452425003, -0.0022107961121946573, 0.02374478615820408, 0.0006925117340870202, 0.00286779273301363, -0.012680139392614365, 0.05875692516565323, 0.0031803124584257603, -0.05823102220892906, -0.035793695598840714, -0.04445340856909752, 0.013251409865915775, -0.006523531395941973, 0.026163332164287567, 0.03250764682888985, -0.03720874711871147, 0.006219705566763878, 0.020205587148666382, -0.0009928359650075436, 0.03262130543589592, 0.04526449739933014, 0.00147412926889956, -0.0070815845392644405, 0.025334680452942848, -0.035955484956502914, 0.021473001688718796, -0.033906903117895126, -0.028447968885302544, -0.003378154942765832, -0.03073383867740631, -0.024641860276460648, -0.02830842137336731, -0.05711565911769867, 0.055782802402973175, 0.03254970163106918, 0.0392894446849823, 0.03819873556494713, -0.02087695710361004, 0.025801554322242737, -0.009950647130608559, 0.021623389795422554, 0.017226511612534523, 0.024957144632935524, -0.003957261331379414, -0.002184014767408371, 0.0006635301397182047, 0.010525350458920002, 0.017374437302350998, 0.04396004602313042, 0.03618498891592026, -0.020309679210186005, 0.03416299819946289, -0.26434093713760376, 0.031705014407634735, -0.014939161017537117, -0.05187913030385971, 0.04767822474241257, -0.027563050389289856, 0.022629782557487488, -0.007234673015773296, -0.023258347064256668, 0.018622485920786858, 0.013560625724494457, -0.04809609800577164, 0.04648822546005249, 0.0398867093026638, 0.0022453879937529564, -0.04709666967391968, -0.005863727070391178, -0.022931041195988655, -0.0006760878604836762, -0.005179861560463905, 0.03541053086519241, -0.048108454793691635, -0.06651706993579865, 0.022493811324238777, 0.05380435660481453, 0.07286194711923599, -0.04345664754509926, 0.006706787273287773, -0.05375634878873825, -0.014357310719788074, -0.014349251985549927, -0.010273244231939316, -0.026845037937164307, -0.044680334627628326, 0.018997663632035255, 0.02710741199553013, -0.012012327089905739, -0.04862917959690094, -0.028500717133283615, 0.018201977014541626, -0.016214322298765182, -0.06279726326465607, -0.02472822740674019, 0.025717290118336678, 0.06502892076969147, 0.002732755383476615, -0.05051182210445404, 0.03674337640404701, -0.020469527691602707, 0.05752169340848923, -0.008571921847760677, 0.01928732544183731, -0.05295122042298317, 0.023479679599404335, -0.010809439234435558, -0.021966546773910522, -0.038023144006729126, 0.012930509634315968, -0.05058811604976654, 0.044757965952157974, 0.004540333524346352, -0.003701388370245695, -0.059299781918525696, -0.017083466053009033, -0.01008101087063551, -0.038618624210357666, -0.033780016005039215, -0.04374649375677109, 0.09561052918434143, 0.014947528019547462, 0.020727019757032394, 0.054588764905929565, -0.03711749240756035, -0.0825914815068245, -0.0004654757212847471, -0.00695572467520833, -0.048149049282073975, -0.017704252153635025, -0.018535690382122993, -0.001371561549603939, 0.01500894594937563, -0.0015932807000353932, 0.006287744734436274, 0.0029545079451054335, -0.02277502603828907, 0.024827202782034874, -0.028688397258520126, 0.06418561935424805, -0.05799875780940056, 0.014548948965966702, 0.04855522885918617, 0.034895531833171844, -0.04121735319495201, -0.0452808141708374, -0.0017670115921646357, 0.06123647093772888, -0.030831806361675262, -0.010478022508323193, -0.020889153704047203, -0.032628584653139114, 0.05193238705396652, -0.0513555184006691, 0.038982514292001724, -0.04780937731266022, -0.019062554463744164, 0.01568586193025112, -0.07416567206382751, 0.013533537276089191, 0.03269125893712044, -0.02046661451458931, -0.019672978669404984, -0.017058001831173897, 0.03150074556469917, -0.010855457745492458, 0.010474021546542645, -0.044518716633319855, 0.010294364765286446, -0.02115628309547901, 0.06627567112445831, -0.01565023884177208, -0.014883189462125301, 0.02786906249821186, -0.03365127369761467, -0.033631306141614914, -0.046030305325984955, 0.0020362520590424538, 0.036343738436698914, 0.004109117668122053, 0.013570756651461124, 0.029396768659353256, -0.047508351504802704, -0.0009664141689427197, -0.013226698152720928, -0.006393736694008112, 0.00968919787555933, -0.009847205132246017, -0.02944321557879448, -0.04395335540175438, 0.02642037533223629, 0.006123879924416542, 0.03175649419426918, 0.0034231445752084255, 0.05415395647287369, 0.024514995515346527, 0.05245616286993027, -0.019914427772164345, -0.01197840366512537, -0.033232543617486954, -0.06146664172410965, 0.02572775073349476, 0.03160645067691803, -0.005138934124261141, 0.00817141029983759, -0.07372371852397919, -0.03860093280673027, -0.00806502066552639, 0.021367965266108513, 0.04330877587199211, -0.007769372314214706, -0.05150718614459038, 0.03343667834997177, -0.050501748919487, 0.01413410808891058, -0.0026093057822436094, -0.017118137329816818, 0.07255686819553375, -0.001935363281518221, -0.03484340384602547, -0.06574533134698868, 0.04350866377353668, -0.040584199130535126, -0.06894347816705704, -0.02315935119986534, 0.007710778620094061, 0.01942192204296589, 0.026599347591400146, -0.022369327023625374, -0.002625609515234828, 0.00047074901522137225, 0.03201807662844658, 0.011863193474709988, -0.03647105023264885, -0.013506175950169563, -0.0028824310284107924, 0.071818046271801, -0.02063310705125332, -0.008071701973676682, -0.048579707741737366, -0.008014588616788387, -0.03309927508234978, -0.016977230086922646, -0.02521684020757675, 0.02780664525926113, -0.013938778080046177, -0.05392789468169212, -0.0663461685180664, -0.004066922701895237, -0.010096235200762749, 0.04339052736759186, 0.03685339540243149, 0.032684631645679474, 0.005214889068156481, -0.03049585223197937, 0.01659996435046196, -0.014548767358064651, -0.05413008853793144, 0.03743782266974449, 0.03888754919171333, 0.002002337481826544, 0.03192203864455223, -0.0630311593413353, -0.04469593986868858, -0.007748879957944155, 0.012795479968190193, 0.06692302972078323, -0.0309916865080595, 0.010400156490504742, -0.04128018394112587, -0.0379507876932621, -0.0222932156175375, 0.00028548523550853133, -0.029528388753533363, -0.013307757675647736, -0.009916508570313454, -0.04371505603194237, 0.06400153040885925, -0.022146200761198997, -0.004993748385459185, 0.04904969036579132, 0.00622815266251564, 0.003160956082865596, -0.025619911029934883, -0.0031879364978522062, 0.018175873905420303, -0.028199251741170883, -0.05302754417061806, 0.028608087450265884, -0.015395792201161385, -0.008804264478385448, 0.056881606578826904, 0.014092144556343555, 0.03253861889243126, -0.011495349928736687, -0.0195888914167881, -0.007067922968417406, 0.008220474235713482, -0.007264312822371721, 0.0007702467264607549, -0.016026701778173447, 0.06422954797744751, -0.008816259913146496, -0.00018478385754860938, -0.036144599318504333, -0.027779696509242058, 0.04396441951394081, -0.046380214393138885, 0.0005559071432799101, 0.007896563038229942, 0.022859178483486176, 0.002577170031145215, -0.004804547410458326, 0.025891147553920746, -0.013053971342742443, -0.005818328820168972, 0.02950897067785263, 0.04870038479566574, 0.019825611263513565, 0.022952670231461525, 0.07949556410312653, -0.06729790568351746, -0.0462973415851593, -0.08884730190038681, -0.010363166220486164, 0.019770942628383636, 0.018402883782982826, 0.04688705503940582, 0.04684492200613022, -0.007569301873445511, 0.052190206944942474, -0.0791267678141594, -0.01445066835731268, 0.02145473286509514, -0.04539371654391289, -0.029428737238049507, 0.06007741391658783, -0.02693985588848591, -0.017887067049741745, 0.02628238871693611, -0.11542358249425888, -0.04643876105546951, -0.015852170065045357, -0.026416243985295296, 0.05315747484564781, 0.028264200314879417, 0.020997319370508194, 0.02006235346198082, 0.03263062238693237, 0.03448336571455002, -0.0013998361537232995, 0.017566146329045296, -0.040382981300354004, 0.06185746192932129, 0.029202748090028763, -0.0040338048711419106, -0.02608567476272583, 0.001970983110368252, 0.002791237086057663, -0.06504252552986145, 0.016731809824705124, -0.00029819278279319406, -0.03134150803089142, -0.0674547553062439, 0.06566426157951355, -0.0239320769906044, -0.027539098635315895, -0.03308223932981491, -0.011583514511585236, -0.02447725459933281, -0.02043192647397518, 0.021895399317145348, 0.03681425750255585, 0.009493891149759293, 0.0664033517241478, -0.005941744893789291, 0.10306563228368759, 0.028955282643437386, -0.04009266197681427, 0.02514539286494255, 0.0323968306183815, 0.06920558214187622, 0.04945673793554306, 0.02182547189295292, -0.004767965525388718, 0.06216736137866974, -0.04524368792772293, -0.013518435880541801, 0.007847028784453869, -0.033809516578912735, -0.030685968697071075, -0.0002724129590205848, 0.02788269706070423, 0.03254383057355881, -0.004407399799674749, 0.06113126128911972, 0.04204364866018295, -0.043316468596458435, 0.06898723542690277, -0.023300617933273315, 0.059951409697532654, 0.0060034203343093395, -0.014312573708593845, -0.02565840259194374, -0.010954402387142181, -0.02070610783994198, -0.015553251840174198, 0.03483045473694801, -0.02472609467804432, 0.010856745764613152, -0.0666636973619461, 0.02760501205921173, -0.01462301891297102, 0.01282977033406496, 0.0949428603053093, -0.038440413773059845, -0.014083842746913433, -0.008465350605547428, -0.010888226330280304, 0.026370394974946976, -0.029173394665122032, 0.0058156391605734825, 0.006174441892653704, -0.04269911348819733, -0.03858911618590355, -0.02341068722307682, 0.06332201510667801, 0.019669823348522186, 0.0546560063958168, -0.030652442947030067, 0.00998732540756464, 0.042320530861616135, 0.008032861165702343, -0.049650680273771286, -0.06181059405207634, -0.03444875031709671, -0.02400323748588562, -0.05014009773731232, 0.009332511574029922, 0.03064907342195511, -0.016938140615820885, -0.03119179606437683, 0.041759662330150604, 0.00029260863084346056, -0.028884923085570335, 0.037283603101968765, -0.015877343714237213, 0.010877838358283043, 0.06867198646068573, 0.016188323497772217, 0.015128310769796371, -0.01421278528869152, 0.0332598052918911, -0.002698113676160574, -0.03437773883342743, -0.021653862670063972, -0.005809312220662832, 0.03489458188414574, -0.006268184632062912, 0.011562629602849483, -0.08188174664974213, 0.0031175841577351093, 0.013676216825842857, -0.01321394369006157, -0.08277362585067749, 0.03862486034631729, -0.03042561747133732, -0.010725936852395535, 0.07070641219615936, 0.008862468414008617, -0.021165920421481133, -0.029796741902828217, -0.010053257457911968, 0.016544116660952568, 0.007266305852681398, 0.06475608050823212, -0.051926612854003906, 0.05150111764669418, 0.042931217700242996, -0.04240172728896141, 0.005642019212245941, 0.029258660972118378, 0.018440965563058853, -0.018762201070785522, -0.014065657742321491, 0.02199987694621086, -0.020177043974399567, -0.06106967851519585, -0.03486035764217377, 0.03672957047820091, -0.06293357163667679, -0.0371306911110878, 0.03350598365068436, -0.0036532259546220303, -0.004850430879741907, -0.027378754690289497, 0.0023977691307663918, 0.027024125680327415, -0.047005973756313324, -0.04166380688548088, -0.002991492161527276, -0.0030259094201028347, 0.01286153681576252, 0.012459236197173595, 0.016231508925557137, -0.0659012570977211, 0.017767300829291344, 0.0025259193498641253, 0.02262498438358307, 0.031355127692222595, 0.003977113403379917, -0.0034739074762910604 ]
OPINION PICKARD, Judge. {1} In this appeal from two orders of summary judgment, we consider whether a reversionary clause in a 1935 deed prohibiting any use for “immoral purposes” was triggered by conduct alleged to have taken place on part of the original property, which has long since been subdivided. Appellees in this case are factually distinct. The Vigils and Holguins own property that does not involve any allegations of conduct that would trigger the reversionary clause. As to these Appellees, we hold that their properties would not be subject to forfeiture under the doctrine of partial reversion, which limits reversion to the property where the prohibited conduct took place. The other Appellee, Mia S. Prieskorn, is the owner of a mobile home park where the alleged “immoral” activities took place. Based on a strict construction of the reversionary clause and the lack of any proof that Prieskorn herself used the property in a manner that would trigger the reversionary clause, we affirm the district court to her as well. BACKGROUND {2} Plaintiff, Edward Maloof, filed a complaint for ejectment and recovery of real property based on his status as a successor-in-interest to a reversionary clause contained in a 1935 warranty deed that conveyed 71.5 acres to the City of Las Vegas, New Mexico, by Najeeb and Mentaha Maloof. The 1935 deed contains the following restriction: provided however that this conveyance is hereby made and the land conveyed under the following conditions: That no building now on said premises or to be erected on said land shall at any time be used for immoral purposes, or for the manufacture and/or sale of any intoxicating liquors by the grantee, its successors, heirs, and assigns, and that in the event of said condition being broken, then this deed shall become null, void, and of no effect, and all right, title and interest of, in and to the premises of said above described land hereby conveyed, shall revert to the grant- or, his successors and assigns. {3} This Court affirmed the validity of this restriction in Prieskorn v. Maloof, 1999-NMCA-132, 128 N.M. 226, 991 P.2d 511, based on the conclusion that it amounted to a restraint on use, as opposed to an impermissible restraint on alienation. That litigation had been initiated by a quiet title suit brought by Prieskorn, now one of the defendants in the present case, in an effort to remove the restriction. As we observed in that opinion, the original 71.5 acres was subdivided beginning in 1961 and now has a thirty-home subdivision on one end and a 204-unit mobile home park owned by Prieskorn on the other end, separated by undeveloped land. Id. ¶ 4. Because Prieskorn was limited to the narrow issue of the validity of the reversionary clause and a related changed conditions argument, we did not consider any specific allegations of prohibited use or the legal issue of whether reversion on a single parcel would cause reversion as to the entire 71.5 acre tract. {4} In August 2001, Maloof filed a complaint that placed these issues squarely before the district court. Maloof named as defendants all of the individual owners of the subdivided properties. However, the alleged prohibited conduct occurred only on the Prieskorn property, the Enchanted Hills Mobile Home Park. Two of the Enchanted Hills residents had been convicted of trafficking cocaine, and one had been convicted of trafficking heroin, all of which was alleged to have taken place on the Prieskorn property. The complaint further alleged that some of the Enchanted Hills residents were not married, but were cohabitating together as husband and wife. Based on the drug trafficking and the cohabitation, Maloof claimed that the “immoral purposes” clause had been triggered as to the entire 71.5 acre original conveyance. {5} Several of the individual property owners were granted summary judgment prior to the orders involved in the current appeal. In its order granting summary judgment to defendants Carlos Gallegos, Sr., and Ronald L. Diehl, the district court noted that all of the alleged conduct took place on the Prieskorn property and that Maloof had not come forward with evidence to show that either the individual property owners or Prieskorn had knowledge of or consented to the conduct. In addition, the district court concluded that a strict interpretation of the reversionary clause limited “immoral” purposes to sexual conduct that went beyond mere cohabitation. Finally, the district court observed that its ruling effectively applied to all of the defendants except anyone who had an interest in the Prieskorn property. In other words, the district court recognized that any reversion would only occur on that part of the 71.5 acres where the alleged prohibited conduct occurred. The district court subsequently granted summary judgment to Appellees Vigils and Holguins for the same reasons that applied to Gallegos and Diehl. The district court granted summary judgment to Prieskorn without articulating a rationale in its order, but it must have ruled that the allegations against Prieskorn were insufficient to trigger the revei'sionary clause. DISCUSSION A. Standard of Review {6} “Summary judgment is proper if there are no genuine issues of material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Roth v. Thompson, 113 N.M. 331, 334, 825 P.2d 1241, 1244 (1992). A prima facie showing of summary judgment shifts the burden to party opposing the motion to come forward with specific material facts that would make a trial necessary. Id. at 334-35, 825 P.2d at 1244^5. B. The Doctrine of Partial Reversion {7} As noted, the majority of named defendants in this case, including Appellees Vigils and Holguins, own property that was part of the original grant, but has since been severed from the property where the alleged immoral conduct took place. The district court observed that this factual distinction from the Prieskorn property supported dismissal of all the claims against these defendants. In effect, the district court applied what has been referred to as the doctrine of partial reversion. Although this Court has only considered the doctrine in a single case, the analysis and authorities cited in Thomas v. City of Santa Fe, 112 N.M. 456, 816 P.2d 525 (Ct.App.1991), support the legal conclusion that any reversion under the facts alleged in the complaint would apply only to the Prieskorn property. {8} In Thomas, the plaintiff’s predecessors had sold two large tracts to the City of Santa Fe, with language in the deed stating that the failure to use the land for airport purposes would be treated “as if this conveyance had never been made and executed.” Id. at 457, 816 P.2d at 526 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). In 1961, the City received approval from the plaintiffs to use part of one tract for a sewage plant. Id. In the mid-1980’s, however, the plaintiffs had come to believe that part of the land was not being used for either airport or sewage plant purposes, and they filed suit seeking a partial reversion as to this property. Id. at 458, 816 P.2d at 527. In rejecting the City’s contention that a blanket prohibition against partial reversions should apply, our Court in Thomas observed: “[although explicit authority on the question is scant, the few eases that directly address the question appear to favor partial reversion in appropriate circumstances.” Id. at 460, 816 P.2d at 529. The guiding force behind the doctrine is the principle that reversionary language will be strictly construed so as to avoid forfeiture. Id.; see also 1 Joyce Palomar, Patton and Palomar on Land Titles § 208, at 494 (3d ed.2003) (stating that “a condition or covenant is likely to be strictly construed and any doubts resolved against the condition”). As such, conduct that affects only a portion of land that is subject to a reversionary clause will either lead to no forfeiture, or forfeiture of the affected property only. Thomas, 112 N.M. at 460, 816 P.2d at 529. The critical inquiry concerns the intent underlying the reversionary language in the deed. See id. In construing remainderman language in a deed, “[t]he current flow of decisions indicates that courts are using donative intent as the lode star for decision making, looking at the specific facts in each case rather than applying the systematic, somewhat mechanical, rules of older courts.” 3 Richard R. Powell, Powell on Real Properly § 20.04[6], at 20-74 (Michael Allan Wolf ed., rel. 92, 2000). {9} In Thomas, the requisite intent to allow partial reversion was determined to be lacking. 112 N.M. at 461, 816 P.2d at 530. There was no express language in the condition addressing the issue, the language used was too broad to allow for an implicit recognition of this possibility, and there was no extrinsic evidence of the parties’ intent. Id. Applying a strict construction of the condition to avoid forfeiture thus led to the conclusion that no partial forfeiture would be allowed. {10} In the present case, we have an issue that was not directly addressed in Thomas: whether facts that might lead to a partial forfeiture, i.e., prohibited conduct on a single tract of the original grant, could result in forfeiture of all of the properties subject to the 1935 reversionary clause. We believe that this is implicitly addressed by Thomas in two ways. First, the cases relied on in Thomas support the view that where there is a partial failure to comply with a reversionary clause, the judicial desire to avoid forfeiture will either lead to no forfeiture or will limit reversion to the affected property only. See, e.g., Bornholdt v. S. Pac. Co., 327 F.2d 18, 20-21 (9th Cir.1964) (holding is similar to Thomas in that partial non-conforming use deemed insufficient to even trigger partial forfeiture); Tamalpais Land & Water Co. v. Northwestern Pac. R.R., 73 Cal.App.2d 917, 167 P.2d 825, 832 (1946) (holding partial reversion appropriate where railroad had subdivided property); Quatman v. McCray, 128 Cal. 285, 60 P. 855, 856 (1900) (concluding, in considering the non-conforming use of one of appellants’ two lots, “[w]e think the case is clearly one where justice and equity forbid the forfeiture beyond the lot on which the dwelling was placed”); Marthens v. B & O R.R., 170 W.Va. 33, 289 S.E.2d 706, 713 (1982) (observing that some courts require non-conforming use of entire property to justify full forfeiture, but holding that doctrine of partial reversion is the better approach). {11} Second, Thomas also indicates that there must be strong language that will support any forfeiture. Thomas, 112 N.M. at 461, 816 P.2d at 530. Here, like Thomas, there is no express language in the 1935 deed indicating that the grantor intended to trigger a full reversion based on conduct that only affected a single, severed parcel. The scope of the condition refers to “said premises.” However, in light of our strict construction to avoid forfeiture, this language is insufficient to be read to mean that “said premises, even if subdivided into different ownership”; nor is there any extrinsic evidence that would support this interpretation. In addition, as pointed out by the Vigils and Holguins in their answer brief, the practical effect of such an interpretation would be unworkable, requiring them to either forfeit their property without any misconduct on their part or to monitor the activities of other landowners and actively seek injunctive relief to prevent forfeiture. By its very terms, the reversionary clause is punitive in nature, punishing the grantees for choosing to put the land to “immoral” use. Given this principled, character-based, stance, the grantor could not have intended to punish individuals who were acting in conformance with these stated goals. As such, we conclude that the district court properly granted summary judgment to the Vigils and Holguins because Maloof has not made any claim that they engaged in conduct on their properties that would have triggered the reversionary clause. {12} This still requires us to consider whether a partial reversion would be allowed for the Prieskorn property, and we conclude that it can be allowed if the facts support it. Our analysis initially is similar to our consideration of the total forfeiture claim. There is no language expressly allowing for a partial reversion. Likewise, the reference to “said premises” indicates that the effect of subdivision was not even considered. However, unlike Thomas, where the City had retained ownership and the issue was severance in the context of a single owner’s differing use, we believe that the subdivision of the property also subdivided the applicability of the reversionary clause. A similar result was reached in Tamalpais: Now the defendants, by their own acts, have subdivided what otherwise was a grant of an entire area. See Dickson v. St Louis & K.R. Co., 168 Mo. 90, 67 S.W. 642 for a case emphasizing the importance of practical construction in such eases. It is the defendants who have torn up the tracks and are now using the terminal area for a use not provided for in the deed. Under such circumstances the contract is clearly divisible and has been made so by the acts of defendants. 167 P.2d at 832. {13} To hold otherwise would likely have the effect of rendering the reversionary clause meaningless as soon as the grantee began subdividing the property, because conduct on one parcel would rarely justify full forfeiture. Our decision is intended to strike a balance between the objective of giving effect to the intent of the grantor by protecting the reversionary interest and thereby prohibiting specified use, and the obvious equity and practical considerations involved with landowners whose conduct does not offend the grantor’s stated intentions. C. Prieskorn Property {14} We next consider whether the reversionary clause was triggered by conduct that occurred on the Prieskorn property. There does not appear to be any dispute that some drug trafficking and cohabitation were taking place at the Enchanted Hills Mobile Home Park. We therefore turn again to the language of the condition in the 1935 deed, which prohibits any present or future buildings from being “used for immoral purposes, or for the manufacture and/or sale of any intoxicating liquors by the grantee, its successors, heirs, and assigns.” {15} Strictly construing this language to avoid forfeiture, we believe that Maloof had to show that Prieskorn herself had knowledge of and consented to the prohibited conduct. As indicated above, the condition here is character based and punitive, and therefore requires some volitional act by the landowner. It does not make sense to punish an individual for acting immorally by imputing the conduct of another in the absence of some knowledge and ratification of the conduct. Our interpretation is therefore compelled by the equitable factors in this case. See Albuquerque Nat’l Bank v. Albuquerque Ranch Estates, Inc., 99 N.M. 95, 102, 654 P.2d 548, 555 (1982) (noting that forfeiture will be allowed only after equitable factors of the case have been considered). {16} Based on this reading of the condition, the drug trafficking basis for reversion may be easily dismissed. Although Maloof claimed that the evidence might show that Prieskorn knew of and somehow condoned this activity, this is insufficient to defeat summary judgment. See Dow v. Chilili Coop. Ass’n, 105 N.M. 52, 54-55, 728 P.2d 462, 464-65 (1986) (stating that summary judgment is not refuted by simply arguing that there are evidentiary facts requiring trial). To the contrary, the record reflects that the drug activity was stopped when it was discovered, and the residents who were engaged in the activity were no longer tenants at Enchanted Hills. Again, simply because someone has acted in an “immoral” fashion on one’s property should not be sufficient to trigger the reversion. Otherwise, theoretically, a remainderman under the 1935 deed could trigger the reversion by monitoring the property for any immoral activity by a third party. In the absence of any showing that Prieskorn had knowledge of and to some degree condoned, encouraged, or ratified the drug trafficking, this basis does not serve to trigger reversion, even assuming that drug trafficking is immoral, a questionable assumption in light of the authorities cited below. {17} The cohabitation ground is somewhat more complicated. Because the history of this litigation shows that it is unlikely to end with this case, we deem it prudent to decide the issue even if Prieskorn may have been unaware that some of her tenants were cohabiting. If we were to decide the issue on grounds of lack of knowledge, it is likely that a new suit would be filed, demonstrating the knowledge that Prieskorn acquired during this suit. {18} We therefore need to turn again to the language of the deed. The phrase “immoral purposes” is probably a reference to impermissible sexual activity. The phrase had been used in the original enactment of the Mann Act. See 18 U.S.C. § 2421 (Amendments), which prohibited the interstate transportation of “any woman or girl for the purpose of prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose.” See generally 63C Am.Jur.2d Prostitution §§ 31-40 (1997) (discussing the Mann Act). The Supreme Court interpreted the Mann Act language to require transportation for an unlawful purpose involving sexual intercourse. See Hansen v. Haff, 291 U.S. 559, 563, 54 S.Ct. 494, 78 L.Ed. 968 (1934). The phrase also found its way into deed restrictions simultaneously prohibiting the sale of liquor and use of property for “immoral purposes.” See, e.g., Mason v. Farmer, 80 N.M. 354, 355, 456 P.2d 187, 188 (1969). A host of cases confirms that immoral purposes generally connotes illegal sexual activity, such as prostitution and sexual relations with minors. See, e.g., Bernson v. Bowman, 182 Cal.App.2d 697, 6 Cal. Rptr. 455, 457 (1960) (involving sale of property with representation that it was not used for immoral purposes when it was in fact used for prostitution); Ron’s Last Chance, Inc. v. Liquor Control Comm’n, 124 Mich. App. 179, 333 N.W.2d 502, 504 (1983) (stating that “[a]ny person of ordinary intelligence would reasonably believe that a prohibition against ‘solicitation for immoral purposes’ is intended to prohibit solicitation for prostitution”); C.J.C. v. Corp. of Catholic Bishop of Yakima, 138 Wash.2d 699, 985 P.2d 262, 270 (1999) (en banc) (holding that immoral purposes include sexual activity with children). {19} It is possible, if not probable, that Najeeb and Mentaha Maloof believed that cohabitation was immoral. However, because of the potential forfeiture, we must construe the deed strictly against the grantors. A strict interpretation of the deed and consideration of equitable principles leads to the conclusion that the reversionary clause was not triggered. First, mere cohabitation is not in the same category as illegal sexual activity. Indeed, cohabitation was decriminalized in this state in 2001, before Maloof filed his complaint. See NMSA 1978, § 30-10-2 (repealed 2001). {20} Second, as a landlord, Prieskorn has a legal obligation to “treat all persons equally in evaluating credit or renting or leasing available space, except that all or any portion of a park may be designated for adult-only occupancy.” NMSA 1978, § 47-10-ll(E) (1997). Under the Human Rights Act, Prieskorn was prohibited from discriminating on the basis of spousal affiliation or sexual orientation. NMSA 1978, § 28-l-7(G)(l) (2003). Therefore, applying a strict construction to avoid forfeiture and mindful of the equities of Prieskorn’s position, we conclude that she was not “using” the property for an immoral purpose when renting to cohabiting couples, but was simply complying with the law and not acting in a discriminatory fashion. As a result, the district court properly granted summary judgment to her as well. CONCLUSION {21} For the reasons set forth above, we affirm the orders of summary judgment. {22} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: CYNTHIA A. FRY and MICHAEL E. VIGIL, Judges.
[ -0.018370378762483597, -0.00009588881948729977, -0.001212384318932891, -0.014731363393366337, 0.037024252116680145, -0.023132512345910072, 0.10494573414325714, 0.00015607055684085935, 0.018315307796001434, -0.03049306571483612, -0.009073086082935333, 0.03386465460062027, -0.048827532678842545, 0.05246084928512573, 0.011019795201718807, 0.10209894925355911, 0.03779041767120361, -0.017455868422985077, -0.009161203168332577, -0.013042925857007504, 0.022716516628861427, -0.02314414083957672, 0.022503601387143135, 0.03134181722998619, 0.01178790908306837, 0.03504500910639763, -0.00841959472745657, 0.008515927009284496, -0.0960053950548172, 0.010171999223530293, 0.019204070791602135, -0.023940201848745346, -0.009819350205361843, -0.0008560677524656057, -0.012828359380364418, -0.0028140863869339228, -0.017330868169665337, -0.015299724414944649, -0.011108200997114182, 0.012166647240519524, -0.026206564158201218, -0.0005449223099276423, 0.004701720550656319, -0.061681292951107025, -0.06121041625738144, 0.02584628388285637, -0.002966475673019886, 0.02967887371778488, -0.056096840649843216, -0.017898064106702805, -0.04857203736901283, 0.012004240415990353, -0.034087974578142166, 0.0044049764983356, 0.005447066389024258, 0.03722122684121132, -0.048751551657915115, -0.04486941918730736, -0.01729588396847248, -0.043702345341444016, -0.005687793716788292, 0.008532917127013206, 0.059409573674201965, 0.003256192896515131, -0.002994783688336611, 0.02127370983362198, -0.007727758958935738, 0.03566501662135124, -0.07416301220655441, -0.022152354940772057, -0.04884474724531174, 0.036941513419151306, -0.0021678004413843155, 0.018884846940636635, -0.0005269221728667617, -0.025197945535182953, -0.019511912018060684, 0.08258544653654099, 0.013198694214224815, 0.030130429193377495, 0.02572864480316639, 0.01944497786462307, -0.017750412225723267, 0.05501456931233406, 0.02259249985218048, -0.042733222246170044, -0.02875944785773754, -0.016350315883755684, -0.04372549057006836, 0.04149649292230606, -0.0282090175896883, -0.026929274201393127, 0.0035904841497540474, 0.006463924422860146, 0.015566058456897736, -0.010473220609128475, 0.06844726949930191, -0.02642536349594593, 0.024077139794826508, 0.019800756126642227, -0.019526610150933266, -0.04940183460712433, 0.04602135717868805, 0.028540121391415596, -0.06039001792669296, -0.009377602487802505, 0.009296422824263573, 0.038768477737903595, 0.03904331848025322, -0.02132650837302208, -0.047171030193567276, 0.01653802953660488, 0.016675341874361038, 0.03129669651389122, -0.022253327071666718, 0.03912736102938652, 0.016254639253020287, 0.00177852064371109, 0.00893444661051035, -0.03856319561600685, 0.025895003229379654, 0.005147678777575493, 0.0069975401274859905, 0.0673912987112999, 0.01707897149026394, 0.0001663851726334542, 0.02125571295619011, 0.0658610388636589, -0.0437631718814373, -0.08267345279455185, 0.003958402667194605, 0.045602332800626755, -0.0018309798324480653, 0.03196340426802635, -0.04033834859728813, -0.022793414071202278, 0.007542821113020182, -0.03572975844144821, 0.04226003587245941, -0.05000470206141472, -0.025814274325966835, -0.043828923255205154, -0.014504657126963139, -0.014014025218784809, 0.07904518395662308, -0.016539016738533974, 0.012867502868175507, -0.012658451683819294, -0.0278038140386343, -0.007849025540053844, 0.025005154311656952, 0.03536245599389076, 0.05263466387987137, -0.017467793077230453, 0.011475558392703533, 0.03984004631638527, 0.025128528475761414, 0.015949778258800507, -0.028607603162527084, 0.026959912851452827, 0.02567252889275551, 0.059326525777578354, 0.029816778376698494, -0.009509938769042492, -0.002477583708241582, 0.046583980321884155, 0.0068538072519004345, 0.012493745423853397, -0.030728675425052643, 0.0064569138921797276, -0.059124916791915894, -0.016754943877458572, 0.009756318293511868, -0.04221042990684509, -0.04073837399482727, 0.03589888662099838, 0.03280509263277054, 0.031884677708148956, 0.010795040056109428, -0.0372757688164711, -0.09716688841581345, 0.05351722240447998, -0.0320618636906147, 0.01877233013510704, 0.005967337172478437, -0.029185086488723755, 0.018356941640377045, -0.02579815313220024, 0.031138215214014053, -0.0432705394923687, -0.05922042205929756, -0.055933620780706406, -0.007096768822520971, -0.01626124419271946, 0.048680126667022705, 0.02664848417043686, -0.018311288207769394, 0.023843377828598022, 0.0020516531076282263, 0.051871683448553085, -0.014324946328997612, 0.0069906082935631275, 0.0345599502325058, -0.049915190786123276, -0.060094136744737625, 0.001173643278889358, 0.02766602486371994, -0.007696140557527542, 0.029364723712205887, 0.028039101511240005, -0.011308398097753525, 0.024321623146533966, 0.03388998657464981, -0.014068123884499073, 0.051650919020175934, -0.0004977305070497096, 0.006148069631308317, -0.021783677861094475, 0.015274731442332268, -0.06037920340895653, 0.03399287536740303, -0.005796356592327356, 0.014599979855120182, 0.028802093118429184, -0.0619763620197773, 0.07557880133390427, 0.036644406616687775, -0.05356431007385254, 0.005772353615611792, 0.03867357224225998, -0.019181784242391586, 0.017875874415040016, 0.002267950912937522, -0.0340014286339283, 0.07808387279510498, -0.03401932492852211, 0.001883150078356266, -0.0057632955722510815, 0.023009955883026123, -0.03546920791268349, 0.002884445246309042, 0.04872097074985504, 0.017913609743118286, 0.019932599738240242, -0.038810331374406815, 0.018311837688088417, -0.02034730277955532, -0.0012542742770165205, -0.009431780315935612, -0.055428922176361084, -0.01854892633855343, 0.004919897764921188, 0.02784404717385769, 0.015351624228060246, 0.03736237809062004, -0.03320155292749405, -0.003832110669463873, 0.002039781305938959, 0.03122606687247753, -0.003160616382956505, -0.0004034290323033929, 0.05536247789859772, -0.013650348410010338, -0.0344882495701313, -0.023765217512845993, -0.003717691171914339, -0.013463864102959633, 0.03091450408101082, -0.01704741269350052, 0.014092494733631611, 0.028058532625436783, 0.00199941941536963, -0.029291504994034767, 0.024482909590005875, 0.003920748829841614, -0.010809699073433876, 0.026587167754769325, 0.013308917172253132, 0.0027010878548026085, -0.010981704108417034, -0.002149598440155387, 0.019308360293507576, -0.044191330671310425, -0.06015424430370331, -0.028692517429590225, -0.0586928054690361, 0.045901767909526825, -0.015538492240011692, -0.01335179153829813, 0.0485500805079937, 0.04441790655255318, 0.03291140869259834, 0.027875255793333054, 0.02576383389532566, 0.03332996740937233, 0.02398262917995453, 0.022790435701608658, 0.026585068553686142, 0.010811395943164825, -0.04698551818728447, -0.03536278009414673, -0.017675386741757393, -0.0016665615839883685, -0.014573448337614536, 0.035117264837026596, 0.04126123711466789, -0.03923305124044418, 0.02875395491719246, -0.2780265510082245, -0.013583038933575153, -0.017335260286927223, -0.07233544439077377, 0.013669699430465698, 0.004223862197250128, 0.02284828945994377, -0.0381353460252285, -0.02781815640628338, 0.02693045511841774, 0.00022625633573625237, -0.11076696962118149, 0.044623829424381256, 0.0008172018569894135, 0.040976639837026596, 0.005276117939502001, -0.0028235793579369783, -0.019272835925221443, -0.022748956456780434, -0.005187451373785734, 0.014055565930902958, -0.06203286349773407, -0.03969428688287735, -0.0006397151737473905, 0.019536513835191727, 0.05268663913011551, -0.021823320537805557, 0.01261957548558712, -0.06326530873775482, -0.029781511053442955, -0.03301883861422539, 0.020316146314144135, 0.027206672355532646, -0.001878705807030201, -0.02551899291574955, 0.010965884663164616, 0.017432065680623055, 0.00699750566855073, -0.031752195209264755, -0.014459529891610146, 0.027729278430342674, -0.01107960008084774, -0.009342030622065067, 0.04235735535621643, 0.031323567032814026, -0.055127836763858795, -0.047170862555503845, -0.03950054571032524, -0.00031178767676465213, 0.028716083616018295, -0.026636401191353798, -0.007056657690554857, -0.011947989463806152, 0.04880699887871742, -0.039687756448984146, 0.0033208008389919996, -0.03519458323717117, -0.03887777775526047, -0.05717804655432701, 0.049957867711782455, 0.023087020963430405, -0.039567627012729645, -0.03592722862958908, 0.009723552502691746, -0.03328511491417885, -0.05189370736479759, -0.03631111606955528, -0.06111198291182518, 0.05319735407829285, 0.0030444562435150146, -0.003778180107474327, 0.041531775146722794, -0.011221054010093212, -0.09566885977983475, -0.02670964226126671, -0.012497028335928917, -0.01369630079716444, -0.06876449286937714, -0.03475480526685715, 0.026433246210217476, 0.025622697547078133, 0.0026619662530720234, 0.016009073704481125, 0.019597696140408516, -0.011069567874073982, 0.021683065220713615, -0.026559721678495407, 0.0400574617087841, -0.036786146461963654, -0.025404514744877815, 0.03097257949411869, 0.019977740943431854, -0.029243256896734238, 0.012533469125628471, 0.01574179157614708, 0.04950806498527527, 0.014576338231563568, -0.05611797049641609, 0.00493508530780673, 0.055464521050453186, 0.07112649828195572, -0.09838925302028656, 0.035809971392154694, -0.027822498232126236, -0.01727321557700634, 0.0040133497677743435, -0.050034619867801666, 0.029661543667316437, 0.02328939363360405, -0.0030967900529503822, 0.0019298623083159328, 0.004314427729696035, 0.04381801560521126, -0.02412734366953373, -0.03520555421710014, -0.04256317391991615, 0.004205360542982817, 0.026240510866045952, 0.021348711103200912, -0.03942424803972244, 0.02574036456644535, 0.030566006898880005, -0.08752086013555527, -0.05368094891309738, -0.07932218909263611, 0.008072099648416042, 0.03136492148041725, 0.019546648487448692, -0.04619687423110008, 0.01810678094625473, -0.012290332466363907, -0.017581993713974953, 0.02699429541826248, 0.005068642552942038, 0.05854656174778938, -0.006454739719629288, 0.0020322350319474936, -0.03871224820613861, 0.006289742421358824, 0.03397812694311142, 0.036668501794338226, -0.03825273737311363, 0.03820149600505829, 0.07684103399515152, 0.01487368531525135, 0.015154912136495113, 0.03318091109395027, 0.008114468306303024, -0.011694489978253841, 0.05389513447880745, -0.01786445453763008, -0.0570797473192215, 0.015568630769848824, -0.043767835944890976, -0.03722994029521942, -0.028146998956799507, 0.018343256786465645, 0.03186015412211418, -0.0018721780506893992, -0.04253758117556572, -0.01034086849540472, -0.01730666682124138, -0.033530689775943756, -0.01004790235310793, -0.038670849055051804, 0.037924107164144516, -0.02029493637382984, -0.009868440218269825, -0.048022668808698654, 0.04021396487951279, -0.014842174015939236, -0.03946235403418541, -0.021181190386414528, -0.014908834360539913, -0.006947529036551714, 0.0732390359044075, -0.0033006754238158464, 0.020234568044543266, 0.009632389061152935, 0.007932632230222225, -0.023506514728069305, 0.0011243551271036267, -0.02778102271258831, 0.022497262805700302, 0.06656771898269653, -0.04696265980601311, 0.016840675845742226, -0.054476965218782425, -0.038001738488674164, -0.009400160051882267, -0.048493966460227966, 0.025998929515480995, 0.005301597528159618, 0.013377406634390354, -0.05518488213419914, -0.03900182992219925, -0.014798017218708992, -0.017842333763837814, 0.020206769928336143, 0.025670111179351807, 0.015742242336273193, -0.02289545349776745, -0.019843723624944687, -0.03792421892285347, 0.0028915880247950554, -0.038015544414520264, 0.05075496435165405, 0.002398903714492917, -0.03984230384230614, 0.032642461359500885, -0.03003661148250103, -0.04176705330610275, -0.02533503994345665, 0.010154339484870434, -0.01583961397409439, -0.0334128811955452, 0.02853933721780777, -0.03694085404276848, -0.054803457111120224, 0.0019117777701467276, 0.022707002237439156, -0.03610025346279144, 0.006140789948403835, 0.02723059058189392, -0.021501215174794197, 0.07428485155105591, -0.030472930520772934, -0.006725729443132877, 0.08314625173807144, -0.04375937953591347, 0.04807834327220917, -0.049295391887426376, -0.00939470250159502, 0.020746571943163872, -0.040759842842817307, -0.01202817540615797, -0.00006303660484263673, 0.013492890633642673, -0.056364595890045166, 0.05913320556282997, 0.029000231996178627, 0.03349493443965912, -0.023302385583519936, -0.013758502900600433, 0.0011618908029049635, -0.0041761016473174095, 0.005614425987005234, -0.042733632028102875, -0.011338939890265465, 0.11298501491546631, -0.025032732635736465, -0.006283922120928764, -0.058827392756938934, 0.04664095491170883, 0.039710599929094315, -0.005883508827537298, 0.007863689213991165, 0.016796866431832314, -0.0419132262468338, 0.04121392220258713, 0.013148395344614983, 0.01695871911942959, -0.02361636981368065, 0.020695699378848076, 0.037930164486169815, 0.047749873250722885, 0.0213405080139637, -0.023089122027158737, 0.036130648106336594, -0.05137322098016739, -0.028445489704608917, -0.07841230183839798, 0.013955801725387573, -0.025250030681490898, 0.016646161675453186, 0.009152833372354507, -0.003731296630576253, -0.034636158496141434, 0.0337313674390316, -0.08168535679578781, -0.0755535289645195, -0.00897176656872034, 0.005081727635115385, -0.013236252591013908, 0.026484794914722443, -0.03005353920161724, 0.022704491391777992, 0.022821277379989624, -0.09991727024316788, -0.049939315766096115, -0.01888398267328739, 0.0012416072422638535, 0.05151485279202461, 0.021622909232974052, 0.013768011704087257, -0.007167714647948742, 0.01659594289958477, 0.04387487843632698, -0.011952169239521027, 0.015140336938202381, -0.013457423076033592, 0.004337864927947521, 0.022604092955589294, 0.007405843585729599, -0.014663022011518478, -0.011477011255919933, 0.008642388507723808, -0.0565362311899662, -0.013731305487453938, 0.04544086381793022, 0.006838842295110226, -0.040555454790592194, 0.06657662987709045, 0.0005464846617542207, -0.028526442125439644, -0.008791922591626644, -0.007117870729416609, -0.024872273206710815, -0.03848310187458992, 0.015198726207017899, 0.025675520300865173, 0.04751332104206085, 0.06948961317539215, 0.021841658279299736, 0.09361392259597778, 0.05572931841015816, -0.015142026357352734, 0.021569371223449707, 0.05584323778748512, 0.05996496602892876, 0.010765516199171543, 0.03740560635924339, -0.008025581017136574, 0.06087226793169975, -0.03241084888577461, -0.01849408447742462, -0.03228072077035904, -0.034348949790000916, -0.01926717348396778, 0.0009249187423847616, 0.022250372916460037, 0.03825901448726654, -0.046550605446100235, 0.04951537400484085, 0.00928526557981968, 0.0071884277276694775, 0.040779415518045425, -0.03697032853960991, 0.04808191955089569, 0.04597226157784462, 0.017482904717326164, -0.046609066426754, -0.004896531812846661, -0.04610884562134743, 0.020764850080013275, 0.017351647838950157, 0.0007699627312831581, 0.03192247450351715, -0.016026271507143974, 0.016438761726021767, 0.018189439550042152, 0.019454708322882652, 0.09910216182470322, -0.004379995632916689, 0.0281570665538311, 0.021055612713098526, 0.022686529904603958, 0.05501941964030266, -0.00984831154346466, -0.002538647036999464, 0.013142088428139687, 0.010027042590081692, -0.031710751354694366, -0.006511460989713669, 0.051198653876781464, 0.0075128511525690556, 0.06332078576087952, -0.023627862334251404, -0.009060239419341087, 0.0409945473074913, 0.04570271819829941, -0.024688420817255974, -0.015227300114929676, -0.07251366972923279, -0.019210731610655785, -0.05931264907121658, 0.001211312715895474, 0.01983579806983471, -0.037723757326602936, -0.08036374300718307, 0.008990088477730751, -0.021687062457203865, -0.015320283360779285, 0.041315704584121704, -0.046059802174568176, 0.011445652693510056, 0.03239813446998596, 0.02830728143453598, 0.02249041758477688, 0.029525011777877808, 0.09518458694219589, 0.00555007578805089, -0.021091101691126823, 0.0017426875419914722, 0.01999763958156109, 0.035787805914878845, -0.02366000972688198, -0.0030227722600102425, -0.0823320671916008, 0.01884157583117485, -0.010485617443919182, -0.012718139216303825, -0.05791154131293297, 0.02874724008142948, -0.01750676892697811, -0.019021430984139442, 0.033597033470869064, -0.026343807578086853, -0.019784225150942802, -0.011653788387775421, -0.04393177106976509, 0.010484686121344566, -0.01743815839290619, 0.055757004767656326, -0.03658154979348183, 0.07371998578310013, 0.04124452546238899, -0.042400870472192764, 0.013713286258280277, 0.020137855783104897, 0.051268741488456726, -0.01078380923718214, -0.03797265514731407, -0.009528216905891895, -0.02175154909491539, -0.043585892766714096, -0.02239680290222168, 0.041290149092674255, -0.02127559669315815, -0.04474553465843201, 0.02580064907670021, 0.02433796599507332, -0.01603844203054905, -0.03971634805202484, -0.007809068076312542, 0.03996485099196434, -0.004155908711254597, -0.045999880880117416, -0.013951534405350685, 0.02249062992632389, 0.007274319883435965, 0.03858882188796997, 0.007611301727592945, -0.043269358575344086, 0.02598954364657402, -0.03525774925947189, 0.025651099160313606, 0.0021782764233648777, -0.024676796048879623, 0.006668208632618189 ]
OPINION WECHSLER, Chief Judge. {1} In separate appeals, Defendants Leon Joseph Shay and James Vonbehren appeal their sentences as habitual offenders. We address both appeals together in this opinion because both Shay and Vonbehren argue that the amendment to NMSA 1978, § 31-18-17 (2002), which had an effective date of July 1, 2002, should apply to their cases. The 2002 amendment to Section 31-18-17 changes the prior statute by prohibiting the use of a conviction more than ten years old in enhancing sentences for habitual offenders. We determine that the legislature intended Section 31-18-17 to apply as amended to cases when the sentence for the underlying crime is imposed after July 1, 2002. We reverse the habitual offender sentences and remand for re-sentencing in both cases. Background {2} The habitual offender statute provides for the enhancement of a sentence based on a defendant’s prior felony convictions. See § 31-18-17 (2002). Prior to the 2002 amendment, the imposition of this enhancement was mandatory in all cases in which there was a prior felony conviction, regardless of the date of the conviction. See NMSA 1978, § 31-18-17 (1993). In 2002, the legislature amended Section 31-18-17 to allow the district court some discretion in imposing the habitual enhancement to cases in which there is one prior felony conviction. Section 31-18-17(A) (2002). It also redefined “prior felony conviction” to mean: (1) a conviction, when less than ten years have passed prior to the instant felony conviction since the person completed serving his sentence or period of probation or parole for the prior felony, whichever is later, for a prior felony committed within New Mexico whether within the Criminal Code [30-1-1 NMSA 1978] or not; or (2) any prior felony, when less than ten years have passed prior to the instant felony conviction since the person completed serving his sentence or period of probation or parole for the prior felony, whichever is later, for which the person was convicted other than an offense triable by court martial if: (a) the conviction was rendered by a court of another state, the United States, a territory of the United States or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico; (b) the offense was punishable, at the time of conviction, by death or a maximum term of imprisonment of more than one year; or (e) the offense would have been classified as a felony in this state at the time of conviction. Section 31-18-17(D) (2002) (alteration in original). This new definition excludes prior felonies when the sentence and any period of probation or parole in the prior felony was completed ten or more years before the current conviction. Id. State v. Shay {3} Shay was indicted on December 7, 2001 on charges of having committed felony residential burglary and misdemeanor larceny on November 15, 2001. On August 26, 2002, he pleaded guilty to these crimes, resulting in his conviction. The State filed a supplemental information on October 21, 2002, charging Shay with being a habitual offender based on three prior felony convictions in 1997,1990, and 1985. Shay admitted that he was convicted of these felonies. The district court held a sentencing hearing on October 21, 2002, and on October 22, 2002, entered its judgment and sentence. It enhanced Shay’s sentence for the residential burglary offense by eight years under Section 31-18-17 as it read prior to the 2002 amendment. In doing so, the district court used all three prior felony convictions to enhance Defendant’s sentence, including the 1985 felony conviction. State v. Vonbehren {4} Vonbehren was indicted on October 11, 2001 for felony shoplifting. He was convicted following a jury trial on July 3, 2002. The State filed a supplemental information on July 8, 2002, charging Vonbehren as a habitual offender due to four prior felony convictions in 1989, 1988, 1983, and 1981. After Vonbehren admitted to the four prior felo nies, he filed a motion requesting the court to determine that the habitual offender statute was no longer applicable to three of the felonies because of the amendment to Section 31-18-17. The district court denied Vonbehren’s motion, and on October 15, 2002, sentenced Vonbehren as a habitual offender, enhancing his sentence based on all four prior felony convictions. Shay’s Failure to Preserve Issue for Appeal {5} The State argues that Shay waived the issue of the applicability of the 2002 amendment by pleading guilty to the charges against him, agreeing in writing to an eight-year habitual offender enhancement of his sentence, and failing to reserve the issue for appeal. The State argues that, even if the sentence is unlawful, Shay’s remedy is limited to bringing actions under Rules 5-801 or 5-802 NMRA 2004. Shay counters that the issue was argued at the plea and sentencing hearings and that he was never informed that he was waiving his right to appeal the enhancement. He asserts that all parties, including the district court, knew he would appeal the enhancement. The transcripts of the change of plea and sentencing hearings confirm this assertion. {6} Although Shay properly preserved the issue, he failed to reserve the issue in writing as required by Rule 5-304(A)(2) NMRA 2004. See State v. Hodge, 118 N.M. 410, 416, 882 P.2d 1, 7 (1994) (discussing the need to preserve and reserve the issue of sufficiency of the evidence when pleading guilty). This Court, however, has allowed both the state and defendants to challenge illegal sentences for the first time on appeal. See, e.g., State v. Bachicha, 111 N.M. 601, 605-06, 808 P.2d 51, 55-56 (Ct.App.1991). This result is based on the rationale that the district court does not have jurisdiction to impose an illegal sentence and the appellate rules allow jurisdictional issues to be raised for the first time on appeal. See Rule 12-216 NMRA 2004. Our Supreme Court in Hodge recognized that a guilty plea does not waive the right to appeal jurisdictional issues. See Hodge, 118 N.M. at 414, 882 P.2d at 5 (stating “a voluntary guilty plea ordinarily constitutes a waiver of the defendant’s right to appeal his conviction on other than jurisdictional grounds”). Because the issue involves an illegal sentence, which is a jurisdictional issue, we address the merits. Applicability of the 2002 Amendment Interpretation of Legislative Intent {7} In enacting the 2002 amendment to Section 31-18-17, the legislature was silent as to the event which would trigger the application of the amendment, leaving us to search “for the spirit and reason the [ljegislature utilized in enacting the statute.” State v. Davis, 2003-NMSC-022, ¶6, 134 N.M. 172, 74 P.3d 1064. See generally State v. Rowell, 121 N.M. 111, 114, 908 P.2d 1379, 1382 (1995) (stating that the main goal of statutory construction is to give effect to the intent of the legislature and that interpreting a statute is a question of law that is reviewed de novo). By deliberately changing the statute to allow the district court some discretion in imposing the enhanced penalty based on a single prior felony conviction and in narrowing the definition of a prior felony conviction, the legislature indicated its dissatisfaction with the old scheme and an intent to depart from that scheme. See State v. Morrison, 1999-NMCA-041, ¶ 11, 127 N.M. 63, 976 P.2d 1015 (“We ... assume that the legislature intends to change the existing law when it enacts a new statute with substantial rewording.”). Consistent with this shift in policy, the legislature subsequently limited the definition of “prior felony conviction” in its 2003 amendment to the habitual offender statute by excluding felony convictions for driving while intoxicated from the definition of “prior felony conviction.” See NMSA 1978, § 31-18-17(D)(1) (2003); cf. Davis, 2003-NMSC-022, ¶¶8-12, 134 N.M. 172, 74 P.3d 1064 (interpreting an amendment to NMSA 1978, § 31-18-21(A) (1977), as requiring mandatory stacking of sentences because the legislature removed discretionary language and enacted other provisions of the Criminal Sentencing Act that imposed longer periods of incarceration, leading to the “inescapable conclusion” that the legislature intended harsher and more certain punishment for crimes committed while incarcerated). All of these changes indicate a legislative intent to reduce the enhancements required by Section 31-18-17. {8} Another statute indicates that the legislature intends that reductions in criminal penalties should apply if the penalty has not already been imposed. NMSA 1978, § 12-2A-16(C) (1997) states: “If a criminal penalty for a violation of a statute or rule is reduced by an amendment, the penalty, if not already imposed, must be imposed under the statute or rule as amended.” The State argues that because habitual offender proceedings do not result in a separate conviction and the enhanced penalty is for the underlying crime committed, the enhanced penalty is necessarily determined by the law in effect on the date of the commission of the crime. See State v. Mondragon, 107 N.M. 421, 423, 759 P.2d 1003, 1005 (Ct.App.1988); see also Hernandez v. State, 96 N.M. 585, 586, 633 P.2d 693, 694 (1981); State v. Gonzales, 84 N.M. 275, 279, 502 P.2d 300, 304 (Ct.App. 1972). Based on Section 12-2A-16(C), we view the conclusion to be reached differently. Applying Section 12-2A-16(C) to the 2002 amendment, mindful that an enhanced sentence is part of the punishment for the crime to which the enhanced sentence attaches, see Mondragon, 107 N.M. at 423, 759 P.2d at 1005, the 2002 amendment effectively reduces the potential enhanced penalties for violating felony statutes by narrowing the definition of “prior felony conviction.” {9} Therefore, as a result of the legislative intent to reduce the potential penalties under the habitual offender provisions as indicated by the 2002 amendment to Section 31-18-17 and the intent to apply reduced penalties when the penalty has not already been imposed as indicated by Section 12-2A-16, we construe the intent of the legislature to be that it did not intend to delay the effect of its 2002 amendment by applying it only to crimes committed after its effective date. Using Section 12-2A-16(C) as a guide to the legislature’s intent, the date a sentence is imposed is the appropriate date to determine whether the 2002 amendment to Section 31-18-17 applies to a given case. Because we apply the 2002 amendment prospectively to cases in which the sentence is imposed after the effective date of the amendment based on the legislature’s intent, we need not address the parties’ arguments concerning retroactive or prospective application of the amended statute. See State v. Mears, 79 N.M. 715, 716, 449 P.2d 85, 86 (Ct.App.1968) (stating that an act concerning pre-sentence confinement credit was not being applied retroactively when the conviction and sentence occurred after the act became effective); see also State v. Perea, 2001-NMSC-026, ¶4, 130 N.M. 732, 31 P.3d 1006 (stating the general proposition that a statute is to be applied prospectively unless the legislature clearly intends otherwise). {10} Other cases relied on by the State are distinguishable. For instance, in Williams v. State, 81 N.M. 605, 607, 471 P.2d 175, 177 (1970), the issue involved a change in the law increasing the penalty for a crime when the defendant had already served 13 years incarceration. In stating that the law at the time of the commission of the crime controlled, the Court took note that Williams had been convicted, orally sentenced, and incarcerated under the law in effect in 1953, although no written judgment and sentence was entered until 1966. It determined that basic fairness prohibited the imposition of a greater sentence in the latter proceedings. Id. at 607-OS, 471 P.2d at 177-78; see also State v. Armstrong, 61 N.M. 258, 260-61, 298 P.2d 941, 943 (1956) (determining that an amendment to the Parole Act, which merely advanced the eligibility date for parole, did not change the penalty provision, which remained the same, i.e., not less than one year nor more than ten years). Inapplicability of Section 30-1-2 {11} The State argues that the legislature made a clear, unambiguous statement about the laws applicable to criminal offenses when it enacted NMSA 1978, § 30-1-2 (1963). This statute provides: The Criminal Code has no application to crimes committed prior to its effective date. A crime is committed prior to the effective date of the Criminal Code if any of the essential elements of the crime occurred before that date. Prosecutions for prior crimes shall be governed, prosecuted and punished under the laws existing at the time such crimes were committed. Id. We note that Section 12-2A-16 was enacted in 1997 and that Section 30-1-2 was enacted in 1963. To the extent they conflict, the later enactment supersedes the prior. See generally State v. Encinias, 104 N.M. 740, 742, 726 P.2d 1174, 1176 (Ct.App.1986) (applying the latest expression of legislative intent regarding probation). {12} The State relies on State v. Tipton, 78 N.M. 600, 435 P.2d 430 (1967) (Tipton III), to support its argument that Section 30-1-2 requires application of the pre-2002 habitual offender statute. In Tipton III, our Supreme Court relied on the identical 1953 version of this savings clause to determine that the district court did not err in resentencing the defendant under the repealed habitual offender statute. Tipton III, 78 N.M. at 603, 435 P.2d at 433. The history of Tipton’s case is a convoluted history, reported in three appellate opinions. In brief, Tipton was convicted of rape in April 1962 in cause no. 5141. Id. at 601, 435 P.2d at 431. The next day he was charged as a habitual offender. State v. Tipton, 73 N.M. 24, 25, 385 P.2d 355, 355 (1963) (Tipton I). The information charging Tipton as a habitual offender was filed in a separate cause, no. 5154. State v. Tipton, 77 N.M. 1, 3-4, 419 P.2d 216, 217 (1966) (Tipton II). The habitual offender statute was repealed by the 1963 Criminal Code. Tipton III, 78 N.M. at 603, 435 P.2d at 433. {13} At the time of the 1966 opinion in Tipton II, no judgment or sentence had been imposed in the original cause, no. 5141, but Tipton had been sentenced as a habitual offender in the separate habitual offender cause, no. 5154. Tipton II, 77 N.M. at 4, 419 P.2d at 217. Our Supreme Court remanded Tipton’s second appeal with instructions “to vacate the sentence and commitment in No. 5154 and to enter its judgment imposing sentence upon defendant as an habitual offender in No. 5141.” Id. at 4, 419 P.2d at 218. {14} In the third and last reported appeal, the Court rejected Tipton’s argument that he should not be sentenced under the habitual offender statute because it had been repealed prior to the time the sentence was imposed in the original cause, no. 5141. The Court relied on the 1953 version of the savings clause to determine that the repealed law applied to Tipton’s sentencing in the original cause. Tipton III, 78 N.M. at 603, 435 P.2d at 433. {15} The facts in Tipton’s ease differ dramatically from the facts in this case. Most significantly, Tipton was originally sentenced under the later, repealed habitual offender statute. The fact that this sentence had been imposed in the wrong case and Tipton was later sentenced in the correct case after the statute had been repealed, should not render the statute inapplicable to the later sentence. In this ease, no sentence was imposed prior to the effective date of the 2002 amendment to Section 31-18-17. {16} In addition to the factual differences between Tipton III and this case, it appears that Section 30-1-2 was enacted as a transitional rule prior to the enactment of the Criminal Code. In a more recent case, State v. Hargrove, 108 N.M. 233, 234-35, 771 P.2d 166, 167-68 (1989), our Supreme Court applied a different transitional rule to determine that the defendant was properly sentenced under the laws in effect at the time he committed the crimes. Those laws provided for a life sentence for first degree felonies, which the defendant had committed in 1976 and 1978. Id,, at 234, 771 P.2d at 167. On July 1, 1979, the sentencing law changed to provide for eighteen years imprisonment for first degree felonies. Id. The Court noted that the legislature “specifically enacted a transitional rule to provide sentencing guidelines for crimes committed prior to the enactment of the Criminal Sentencing Act,” which clearly expressed the legislature’s intent “that for crimes committed prior to July 1, 1979, the sentencing provision in effect at the time of the commission of the crime controls.” Id. at 235, 771 P.2d at 168. This transitional rule was embodied in a statute with language similar to that in Section 30-1-2. See Hargrove, 108 N.M. at 235, 771 P.2d at 168. {17} We do not perceive any distinction between the terms “savings clause” articulated in Tipton III about Section 30-1-2 and “transitional rule,” relating to the enactment of the Criminal Sentencing Act, as articulated in Hargrove. See Hargrove, 108 N.M. at 235, 771 P.2d at 168 (citing favorably In re Estrada, 63 Cal.2d 740, 48 Cal.Rptr. 172, 408 P.2d 948, 955 (1965) (en banc), a ease discussing a savings clause). Both terms refer to the linkage of prior and newly enacted law. The significance in this case is that the legislature did not enact any transitional rule or savings clause expressing an intent to have the 2002 amendment to the habitual offender statute apply to crimes committed prior to July 1, 2002. Instead, we are left with the legislative intent embodied in Section 12-2A-16, which indicates a policy decision to apply a reduced sentence if the penalty has not been imposed. Because of this statutory policy, the out-of-state cases cited by the State in Vonbehren’s case are not applicable. Inapplicability of Article TV, Sections SS and SI {18} The State also asserts that applying the 2002 amendment to Defendants would violate the New Mexico Constitution. In Shay’s case, the State relies on New Mexico Constitution Article IV, Section 33, which states, “No person shall be exempt from prosecution and punishment for any crime or offenses against any law of this state by reason of the subsequent repeal of such law.” The State argues that Section 12-2A-16 conflicts with this constitutional provision. The 2002 amendment, however, does not repeal any law proscribing a crime or offense. Instead, it amends the definition of “prior felony conviction” and allows some judicial discretion in sentencing habitual offenders with one prior felony conviction. Article IV, Section 33 does not apply to the 2002 amendment or to our interpretation of the amendment through Section 12-2A-16. {19} The only reported cases considering Article IV, Section 33 in the context of habitual offender proceedings involve the repeal of the habitual offender statute. See Tipton III, 78 N.M. at 603, 435 P.2d at 433. Our Supreme Court in Tipton III stated without discussion that it relied on Article IV, Section 33 as well as the 1953 savings clause to determine that the repealed habitual offender statute should apply to Tipton. Tipton III, 78 N.M. at 603, 435 P.2d at 433. But this result does not necessarily lead to the conclusion that Section 12-2A-16 conflicts with Article TV, Section 33 or that the legislature is barred from changing the definition of prior felony conviction for habitual offenders and applying the new definition to eases in which the penalty for the underlying crime has not yet been imposed. Again, we distinguish Tipton III on its facts. In Tipton III, the separate habitual offender proceedings, in which Tipton was originally sentenced as a habitual offender, were conducted under the repealed law. Id. at 603, 435 P.2d at 433. The Court correctly determined that the subsequent repeal of this law did not exempt Tipton from its provisions. Id. In this case, the habitual offender act was not repealed and Article IV, Section 33 is not implicated. {20} The State contends in Vonbehren’s case that the New Mexico Constitution Article IV, Section 34 prohibits application of the 2002 amendment. This provision states: “No act of the legislature shall affect the right or remedy of either party, or change the rules of evidence or procedure, in any pending case.” Id. According to the State, the 2002 amendment changed the right or remedy available to the State in seeking-habitual enhancements. However, this right or remedy is entirely contingent upon and does not ripen until a defendant is convicted of a crime. See NMSA 1978, § 31-18-19 (1977) (stating that the district attorney shall bring an information charging a defendant as a habitual offender after “sentence or conviction”), and NMSA 1978, § 31-18-20 (1983) (outlining the procedure for habitual offender proceedings that occur after conviction). Shay and Vonbehren were not convicted of the crimes for which they were sentenced until after the effective date of the amendment. Moreover, although the underlying cases were pending prior to the effective date of the 2002 amendment, no habitual proceeding was pending in either case until after the effective date of the 2002 amendment. Our Supreme Court has observed that the definition of “pending” for the purpose of Article IV, Section 34 depends on the statute in question and that a case is pending if it is “depending,” “remaining undecided” and “not terminated.” Stockard v. Hamilton, 25 N.M. 240, 244-45,180 P. 294, 295 (1919); DiMatteo v. County of Dona Ana, 109 N.M. 374, 377, 785 P.2d 285, 288 (Ct.App.1989). The supplemental information in each case raised to each court the issue of habitual offender status, which then needed to be decided. See generally In re Held Orders of U.S. W. Communications, Inc., 1999-NMSC-024, ¶ 14, 127 N.M. 375, 981 P.2d 789 (discussing the intent of Article IV, Section 34 as rooted in the territorial history of New Mexico and its purpose to maintain an independent judiciary; applying this principle to determine that the cases at issue were not pending within the meaning of Article IV, Section 34 because there was no legislative intent to interfere with the merits of the eases). {21} Because no habitual offender proceedings were pending at the time the 2002 amendments became effective and because any right or remedy the State may have to prosecute habitual offenders does not ripen until after the conviction in the underlying case, thex*e is no constitutional prohibition to applying the 2002 amendment to eases in which the supplemental information charging habitual offender status was not filed before Jxdy 1, 2002. Proof of Prior Felony Convictions {22} Under the 2002 amendment, a prior felony conviction does not include felony convictions when the sentence was completed ten years or more before the current conviction. See § 31-18-17(D). Because the district court in each case ruled that the 2002 amendment did not apply as a matter of law, the record does not establish when Shay completed his sentence on the 1985 felony conviction or when Vonbehren completed his sentence on his 1988 and 1989 convictions. See generally State v. Elliott, 2001-NMCA-108, ¶ 35, 131 N.M. 390, 37 P.3d 107 (stating the standard and burdens of proving px-ior felony convictions for purposes of habitual offender enhancements). On remand, the district court will need to make these determinations. Conclusion {23} The 2002 amendment to Section 31-18-17 applies to all cases in which the defendant has not been sentenced before July 1, 2002, the effective date of the amendment, if the supplemental information charging habitual offender status was filed after the amendment went into effect. Because Shay and Vonbehren were sentenced in October 2002, we reverse and remand these eases for further proceedings to resentenee pursuant to the 2002 amendment to Section 31-18-17. {24} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: A. JOSEPH ALARID and CYNTHIA A. FRY, Judges.
[ 0.0005461875116452575, -0.0447068065404892, -0.00895538367331028, -0.01213901862502098, 0.04406646266579628, -0.02258005551993847, 0.10595657676458359, 0.019333167001605034, -0.0328090600669384, -0.03658537566661835, -0.005985586438328028, 0.03969408571720123, -0.0321183018386364, 0.02032146230340004, 0.01442132331430912, 0.038082025945186615, 0.07564177364110947, 0.010473350994288921, -0.001990998163819313, 0.026412680745124817, 0.02575046382844448, 0.014007075689733028, 0.0673065111041069, 0.034021489322185516, 0.0028491076081991196, 0.028455039486289024, -0.0024544328916817904, 0.010645328089594841, -0.0720178559422493, -0.004480630625039339, 0.02206612564623356, -0.02253595180809498, -0.008062813431024551, -0.006372934672981501, 0.010137534700334072, -0.011490768752992153, -0.0034285548608750105, -0.023843061178922653, 0.028721841052174568, 0.01875315047800541, -0.010248739272356033, -0.009837152436375618, -0.05189540237188339, -0.04818245396018028, -0.04067942872643471, 0.0013165209675207734, 0.010267956182360649, 0.019978636875748634, -0.012190810404717922, -0.021267887204885483, -0.08211102336645126, -0.001081919064745307, 0.0012161692138761282, -0.003712564939633012, 0.010532082989811897, 0.05301576107740402, -0.09028936177492142, -0.03619956597685814, -0.02575671300292015, -0.012466942891478539, 0.012288046069443226, -0.026090014725923538, 0.04163694754242897, 0.010476342402398586, -0.016940759494900703, 0.004721301142126322, 0.04494520276784897, 0.05477416515350342, -0.03216748684644699, 0.017909657210111618, -0.05303749814629555, -0.0072899251244962215, 0.013342436403036118, -0.0049691032618284225, -0.03743911162018776, -0.03709006682038307, -0.00004319594518165104, 0.03227696940302849, 0.007348889950662851, 0.01116935070604086, 0.04124186933040619, -0.016221774742007256, 0.023761706426739693, 0.019455015659332275, 0.003130753757432103, -0.0534377284348011, -0.019564200192689896, -0.020032092928886414, -0.014352113008499146, 0.05535753816366196, -0.04096118360757828, -0.033954836428165436, 0.07209424674510956, 0.05786364898085594, 0.04663844779133797, -0.009700984694063663, 0.0655573308467865, -0.02715539187192917, 0.06661912798881531, 0.022822273895144463, -0.0011589520145207644, -0.06321550905704498, 0.02477235347032547, 0.031489718705415726, -0.051474906504154205, 0.016846943646669388, -0.006458377931267023, 0.014625031501054764, -0.00018609403923619539, 0.0021428305190056562, 0.0030545468907803297, 0.039700236171483994, 0.026531435549259186, -0.0012948793591931462, -0.06998876482248306, 0.06182436645030975, 0.020585738122463226, -0.047246817499399185, -0.033115990459918976, -0.047550562769174576, 0.012282918207347393, -0.009631775319576263, 0.025166885927319527, 0.06643430143594742, 0.015995634719729424, -0.02383861504495144, 0.05747749283909798, 0.015462546609342098, -0.027037303894758224, -0.06198711320757866, -0.007683719042688608, 0.01930110529065132, 0.02695753239095211, 0.02449672482907772, -0.04657302424311638, -0.03345486894249916, 0.017172925174236298, -0.034239303320646286, 0.06698695570230484, -0.033996839076280594, 0.004166162107139826, -0.05422886088490486, 0.021704653277993202, -0.03584133833646774, 0.06431680917739868, -0.013178789056837559, 0.025787999853491783, -0.01045036781579256, -0.016403060406446457, -0.004962611477822065, 0.04200485721230507, 0.03894486650824547, 0.0029632486402988434, -0.02459799498319626, -0.007594651076942682, 0.0465509258210659, 0.018801331520080566, 0.005934611428529024, -0.013495944440364838, 0.031959280371665955, 0.032799456268548965, 0.016891375184059143, -0.00011959895346080884, 0.03815750405192375, -0.0015430358471348882, 0.026176776736974716, -0.01159011758863926, -0.006730492226779461, -0.03489882871508598, 0.046001601964235306, -0.02676910161972046, 0.012923886068165302, 0.00745268864557147, -0.05460968613624573, -0.03896014764904976, 0.0220846738666296, 0.03060176968574524, -0.00539989210665226, 0.012975115329027176, -0.05230230838060379, -0.05545247718691826, 0.05982055142521858, 0.005352573469281197, 0.019202202558517456, -0.042113885283470154, -0.01735219545662403, 0.053047023713588715, -0.04568598046898842, 0.019223012030124664, 0.03094831109046936, -0.06960973143577576, -0.015345651656389236, -0.0014575943350791931, -0.030210154131054878, 0.048567093908786774, 0.005677134729921818, -0.04819036275148392, 0.06534440070390701, -0.012192897498607635, 0.05677760764956474, 0.020345108583569527, -0.03986077010631561, 0.04904363676905632, -0.05452970415353775, -0.07997052371501923, 0.05323585495352745, 0.03366371989250183, -0.018814561888575554, 0.01938089355826378, 0.05190582200884819, -0.03323974460363388, -0.0028648588340729475, -0.00047583552077412605, 0.011854654178023338, 0.022747550159692764, -0.0038213301450014114, 0.06400448828935623, -0.03266739100217819, 0.03427083417773247, -0.09531794488430023, 0.023725232109427452, 0.014476845972239971, -0.0125681571662426, 0.04585573449730873, -0.03794078901410103, 0.07129953056573868, 0.049687959253787994, -0.07517332583665848, -0.00027543376199901104, -0.0021975310519337654, 0.024106886237859726, -0.009069308638572693, 0.01768500730395317, 0.0194463599473238, 0.08271394670009613, 0.00533955218270421, 0.015296588651835918, 0.0008619395666755736, 0.029200240969657898, -0.023130107671022415, 0.003907892387360334, 0.07097068428993225, 0.0314938984811306, 0.04982210695743561, -0.028326593339443207, 0.012175082229077816, 0.007139298599213362, 0.011262725107371807, -0.025616806000471115, -0.04010239243507385, 0.00008424201951129362, -0.0037299273535609245, 0.03453100472688675, -0.02272140607237816, 0.004119268152862787, -0.023870741948485374, -0.054569460451602936, -0.02362021803855896, 0.017709646373987198, 0.004253826569765806, 0.00244903820566833, 0.03864884749054909, 0.037634555250406265, -0.01916343718767166, -0.06360813975334167, -0.036154065281152725, -0.018161268904805183, -0.0010120797669515014, 0.010274204425513744, -0.020906485617160797, 0.015717705711722374, -0.024636678397655487, 0.028116853907704353, 0.019443273544311523, 0.01470163743942976, 0.009072160348296165, 0.05885310098528862, 0.03403051942586899, -0.008719487115740776, -0.01245440449565649, -0.030170772224664688, 0.024505101144313812, -0.030809100717306137, -0.03482317551970482, -0.0244818776845932, -0.07902464270591736, 0.02538868598639965, -0.03583782911300659, -0.03866508603096008, 0.028118807822465897, 0.03585681691765785, 0.06358575075864792, 0.01935364305973053, 0.014702576212584972, -0.00478852353990078, 0.017053157091140747, 0.01847434788942337, 0.04353030025959015, 0.009252123534679413, -0.012359787710011005, 0.010410037823021412, -0.026331009343266487, 0.02231374755501747, 0.00992323737591505, 0.01737559400498867, 0.023005854338407516, -0.020717838779091835, 0.033077362924814224, -0.26278141140937805, 0.008225148543715477, -0.021098721772432327, -0.06144144386053085, 0.05791429057717323, -0.010355084203183651, 0.010646769776940346, -0.026898158714175224, -0.03328591585159302, 0.045674458146095276, 0.006522377021610737, -0.012106974609196186, 0.05146114528179169, 0.04738273099064827, -0.017845507711172104, -0.0193589236587286, 0.006476510316133499, -0.037097230553627014, -0.03456064686179161, 0.004071920644491911, 0.03970497474074364, -0.06977652758359909, -0.05215361341834068, -0.018558086827397346, 0.03668947145342827, 0.061424095183610916, -0.06810438632965088, 0.02081403136253357, -0.058059174567461014, -0.025393959134817123, -0.007859189063310623, -0.016951056197285652, 0.00924548041075468, -0.028848150745034218, -0.0025158824864774942, 0.013608407229185104, 0.017535004764795303, -0.01960819587111473, -0.029493030160665512, -0.0058847470209002495, -0.02087659016251564, -0.029288610443472862, -0.014987699687480927, 0.04086770489811897, 0.04493456333875656, 0.020353613421320915, -0.04634934663772583, 0.012393800541758537, -0.0058136736042797565, 0.04538099467754364, -0.029874414205551147, 0.01955753192305565, -0.03535798564553261, 0.009070360101759434, -0.03202030062675476, -0.03266223892569542, -0.010787214152514935, -0.009984387084841728, -0.04136781394481659, 0.04210380092263222, 0.005230551119893789, -0.03664344921708107, -0.04313642904162407, -0.015031509101390839, -0.03719356283545494, -0.03293685242533684, -0.06615813076496124, -0.034967850893735886, 0.09428149461746216, 0.0430799275636673, 0.0012172595597803593, 0.050795331597328186, -0.03241531550884247, -0.08187897503376007, 0.009818331338465214, -0.035652872174978256, -0.0245970468968153, -0.025850115343928337, -0.054273247718811035, 0.05377788841724396, 0.023293551057577133, -0.0186364334076643, 0.0010427479865029454, 0.020649833604693413, 0.04145466163754463, -0.000992954010143876, -0.006207677070051432, 0.07508853077888489, -0.02261321246623993, -0.038833554834127426, 0.07121315598487854, 0.035028960555791855, -0.012643087655305862, -0.026074012741446495, 0.013329599052667618, 0.037132952362298965, -0.017985926941037178, -0.03272709250450134, -0.037277352064847946, 0.0008727589738555253, 0.020736949518322945, -0.08557227998971939, 0.04271284118294716, -0.04747188091278076, -0.01098465546965599, 0.0014706507790833712, -0.04382045939564705, 0.024309637024998665, 0.028127580881118774, 0.008522470481693745, 0.021032871678471565, 0.018229998648166656, 0.027271375060081482, -0.03769627958536148, -0.004924935754388571, -0.042495355010032654, 0.006466988939791918, 0.010057984851300716, 0.003941598813980818, 0.013497966341674328, 0.0023898682557046413, 0.03805344179272652, -0.0572156086564064, -0.03169650584459305, -0.06296665221452713, -0.01453134510666132, 0.025954872369766235, 0.010211500339210033, 0.024173904210329056, 0.022452378645539284, -0.039626382291316986, 0.01670149713754654, 0.01288336981087923, -0.005815264768898487, 0.0076473732478916645, -0.014677939005196095, -0.04252086207270622, -0.0296071358025074, 0.008127646520733833, 0.004559318535029888, 0.03079274669289589, -0.02351861633360386, 0.07022972404956818, 0.015097995288670063, 0.009590081870555878, 0.006541028153151274, 0.04202643781900406, -0.020191792398691177, -0.05201401188969612, 0.03513208404183388, 0.040744561702013016, -0.06221296638250351, -0.01741308718919754, -0.061472468078136444, -0.036455947905778885, 0.01325237937271595, 0.023152055218815804, 0.00871036946773529, 0.01178575586527586, -0.0631776675581932, -0.002730109030380845, -0.03206563740968704, -0.01661711186170578, -0.035319842398166656, 0.022848905995488167, 0.08210080116987228, -0.03332469239830971, -0.0002157645212719217, -0.012054682709276676, 0.023418815806508064, -0.04072803258895874, -0.07049033045768738, -0.05014395713806152, 0.005291901994496584, 0.004925033543258905, 0.03604910522699356, -0.00023634749231860042, 0.006077747792005539, 0.02835889719426632, 0.02294371835887432, 0.012597895227372646, -0.02288900315761566, -0.04967265576124191, -0.008649210445582867, 0.03772763907909393, -0.02284819260239601, -0.010990608483552933, -0.04443001374602318, -0.03531370311975479, -0.028429768979549408, -0.017313018441200256, -0.005526527296751738, 0.005198703613132238, -0.024440467357635498, -0.04072888568043709, -0.07789047062397003, -0.008767458610236645, 0.033670391887426376, 0.009463895112276077, 0.03442950174212456, -0.0009991676779463887, 0.011182059533894062, -0.027471257373690605, -0.002008618088439107, 0.036314573138952255, -0.05061991140246391, 0.03097875602543354, 0.012272955849766731, -0.0268350038677454, -0.02534778043627739, -0.05419006943702698, -0.02675067074596882, -0.005327572114765644, -0.002372091868892312, 0.03680216893553734, -0.05519954860210419, 0.016532791778445244, -0.02641262300312519, -0.045487042516469955, 0.006491526961326599, -0.006517251953482628, -0.023869777098298073, 0.010100756771862507, 0.01676342822611332, -0.03493162617087364, 0.05097641423344612, 0.0023982131388038397, 0.0015465912874788046, 0.07504811137914658, -0.022136608138680458, 0.01720014400780201, -0.039446089416742325, 0.024449540302157402, 0.009448965080082417, -0.06810551136732101, 0.01191424485296011, -0.018059832975268364, 0.012010868638753891, 0.0017636448610574007, 0.049419015645980835, 0.006668925751000643, 0.021000033244490623, -0.020787067711353302, -0.057810135185718536, -0.02938767895102501, -0.008957999758422375, 0.009801600128412247, 0.004831367637962103, -0.010762111283838749, 0.10507217794656754, -0.05466729775071144, 0.014536949805915356, -0.01723921112716198, -0.03753478452563286, 0.06056612730026245, -0.04026441648602486, -0.029308337718248367, -0.004088746849447489, -0.020665224641561508, 0.03187001124024391, 0.019389864057302475, -0.0063513475470244884, -0.02757541462779045, 0.024994878098368645, 0.004529950208961964, 0.01844051107764244, 0.02971627749502659, 0.022659121081233025, 0.04085475206375122, -0.07524927705526352, -0.0361333005130291, -0.08491477370262146, -0.0012773192720487714, 0.01202118955552578, 0.02087138593196869, 0.029823215678334236, 0.0320473313331604, -0.013798728585243225, 0.026925748214125633, -0.08682388812303543, -0.018625477328896523, -0.03264303877949715, -0.031700145453214645, -0.0065846978686749935, 0.0696878433227539, -0.03604375571012497, 0.04255559295415878, -0.05115658789873123, -0.09890749305486679, -0.05384514480829239, 0.00440015085041523, 0.009052214212715626, 0.027432799339294434, 0.03455917909741402, -0.0047326479107141495, 0.00341133214533329, 0.042070645838975906, 0.025437211617827415, -0.023064879700541496, 0.00687014264985919, -0.02941395528614521, 0.04265984147787094, 0.037480875849723816, -0.0007480172789655626, -0.03430069237947464, -0.010311618447303772, 0.031733185052871704, -0.03467817232012749, -0.0026448157150298357, 0.020056305453181267, -0.04323430731892586, -0.05211513862013817, 0.06274325400590897, 0.0010366585338488221, -0.017566034570336342, -0.011972050182521343, 0.0042374818585813046, -0.01577145606279373, -0.034065939486026764, 0.0025460536126047373, 0.05015350505709648, 0.015817983075976372, 0.07125398516654968, 0.00860195979475975, 0.05441717803478241, 0.03522590175271034, -0.031027071177959442, 0.01805471070110798, 0.014082974754273891, 0.07091183215379715, 0.03332376480102539, 0.041140470653772354, -0.012300534173846245, 0.05485616251826286, -0.001687940675765276, -0.010077561251819134, 0.016086624935269356, -0.01054474338889122, 0.009325562044978142, 0.0019332020310685039, 0.04938215762376785, 0.053743161261081696, -0.023129096254706383, 0.04104606434702873, 0.035927463322877884, -0.012484878301620483, 0.012175295501947403, -0.03480515629053116, 0.0498686321079731, 0.0011610822984948754, 0.03419405221939087, -0.024014318361878395, -0.017234444618225098, -0.0010133894393220544, 0.02737130969762802, 0.03230305016040802, -0.03673451766371727, -0.018103284761309624, -0.050375375896692276, -0.007264361716806889, -0.007988211698830128, 0.011916957795619965, 0.07601262629032135, -0.051712606102228165, 0.006532092113047838, 0.029021959751844406, -0.019492601975798607, 0.021845903247594833, -0.014304332435131073, -0.022517269477248192, 0.008869626559317112, -0.0263042151927948, -0.01289877574890852, -0.050792254507541656, 0.055013492703437805, 0.006032970268279314, 0.0426272377371788, -0.0028253572527319193, -0.006852549500763416, 0.02746264450252056, 0.02307930216193199, -0.06702873855829239, -0.02606470137834549, -0.05570999160408974, -0.03298244625329971, -0.015940658748149872, -0.006268354132771492, 0.024107836186885834, -0.02082601562142372, -0.037161946296691895, 0.03371462970972061, 0.004677215125411749, -0.027661021798849106, 0.018769439309835434, -0.04359672591090202, 0.06913343071937561, 0.05010773986577988, 0.05583864450454712, 0.04099887236952782, 0.012129087001085281, 0.060557182878255844, -0.02063448168337345, 0.0003065295750275254, -0.02355922758579254, -0.03559118136763573, 0.050845932215452194, -0.0023422029335051775, 0.004860570654273033, -0.07417833060026169, 0.015556606464087963, 0.027084600180387497, -0.03212425112724304, -0.06028159335255623, 0.04027073085308075, -0.016644500195980072, 0.006035922095179558, 0.06802428513765335, 0.007862972095608711, -0.03847343847155571, -0.03673415258526802, 0.03422928974032402, -0.02394190803170204, 0.02137635461986065, 0.05461174249649048, -0.04480305314064026, 0.04765183478593826, 0.04556550830602646, -0.014608928933739662, -0.022414371371269226, 0.027064552530646324, 0.037509478628635406, -0.03471248596906662, -0.00044575214269571006, 0.0076121981255710125, -0.048595327883958817, -0.06540863960981369, -0.03902504965662956, 0.01699143461883068, -0.030693450942635536, -0.04738334193825722, 0.020995087921619415, 0.021437356248497963, -0.04231245443224907, -0.03689797222614288, 0.05527369678020477, 0.027344660833477974, -0.042461998760700226, -0.018872283399105072, -0.015796486288309097, -0.008505974896252155, -0.008088938891887665, 0.011326815001666546, 0.0021795732900500298, -0.04630022868514061, 0.009328950196504593, -0.06933281570672989, 0.03548792377114296, 0.027468975633382797, -0.017348576337099075, -0.019444335252046585 ]
OPINION FRY, Judge. {1} Rosalina Aguilera appeals the district court’s refusal to award attorney fees on appeal for her claims under the Unfair Practices Act (UPA). NMSA 1978, §§ 57-12-1 through -22 (1967, as amended through 2003). Aguilera prevailed in arbitration of the underlying dispute, in which she was awarded money damages from Palm Harbor Homes, Inc. (Palm Harbor), a seller of mobile homes. The district court confirmed the award. The parties’ subsequent appeals resulted in two published opinions, Aguilera v. Palm Harbor Homes, Inc., 2002-NMSC-029, 132 N.M. 715, 54 P.3d 993, aff'g in part and rev’g in part, 2001-NMCA-091, 131 N.M. 228, 34 P.3d 617, but neither addressed the issue of attorney fees on appeal. We now conclude that Aguilera is entitled to appellate attorney fees. We further conclude that in keeping with the Supreme Court’s decision in Dennison v. Marlowe, 108 N.M. 524, 775 P.2d 726 (1989), Aguilera was not precluded from seeking those fees in the district court, after the Supreme Court’s resolution, even though she could have sought fees through a motion in the Supreme Court. Because Aguilera is entitled to attorney fees on appeal as a matter of statutory law, we reverse the district court and remand for an award of fees consistent with this opinion. BACKGROUND {2} In arbitration before a three-member panel, Aguilera obtained an award that included a refund for money paid on a sales contract that the panel found she had effectively revoked, compensatory damages for emotional distress and out of pocket expenses, and punitive damages. Exclusive of interest, the compensatory award was in excess of $91,000, and the punitive award was for $100,000. The arbitration panel based this award on violations of the Manufactured Housing Act, NMSA 1978, §§ 60-14-1 through -20 (1975, as amended through 2000), and the panel further specified that Aguilera was entitled to the relief provided in the UPA. {3} Aguilera applied to the district court for confirmation of the award. As part of her application, Aguilera requested attorney fees. In confirming the award, the district court granted attorney fees for work done during arbitration, and it also awarded supplemental fees for work provided after arbitration. Palm Harbor objected to the fees for post-arbitration legal services provided in the district court, and Aguilera ultimately agreed that she was not entitled to those fees. {4} Palm Harbor appealed the district court’s confirmation of the arbitration award and the award of attorney fees to this Court and then to the Supreme Court. The two resulting opinions largely focus on punitive damages. However, because the parties agreed that Aguilera was not entitled to attorney fees incurred in the district court, we vacated that portion of the fee award without ruling on the merits of whether the district court had the authority to award such fees. Aguilera, 2001-NMCA-091, ¶27, 131 N.M. 228, 34 P.3d 617. On the issue of fees for work performed during the appeals to this Court and to the Supreme Court, although Aguilera in her briefs requested attorney fees on appeal, neither this Court nor the Supreme Court addressed her requests. {5} After the Supreme Court decision finding in favor of Aguilera on the issue of punitive damages, Aguilera did not file a motion in that Court requesting resolution of the issue of appellate attorney fees. However, about two months after the Supreme Court decision, Aguilera returned to the district court and filed a motion for attorney fees on appeal. The district court denied this motion because (1) the Arbitration Act does not provide for attorney fees on appeal, and (2) Aguilera’s prior concession regarding attorney fees precluded her from raising the issue of fees on appeal. Aguilera appeals the denial of her motion. DISCUSSION {6} This dispute requires us to determine the correct application of the UPA as well as the effect of the Uniform Arbitration Act on Aguilera’s UPA claims. These are questions of statutory interpretation subject to de novo review. See State v. Cleve, 1999— NMSC-017, ¶ 7, 127 N.M. 240, 980 P.2d 23. We must also decide whether the silence of this Court and the Supreme Court precludes a later claim for fees on appeal; this, too, is a legal question that we review de novo. See United Props. Ltd. v. Walgreen Props., Inc., 2003-NMCA-140, ¶ 6, 134 N.M. 725, 82 P.3d 535. Finally, we must resolve whether Aguilera’s concessions regarding fees incurred in the district court preclude her claims for fees for her subsequent appeals. Because the facts relating to the concession are undisputed, we review the district court’s application of the law to these facts de novo. See Paradiso v. Tipps Equip., 2004-NMCA-009, ¶ 23,134 N.M. 814, 82 P.3d 985. The UPA Provides for Fees on Appeal {7} Section 57-12-10(C) provides in part that “[t]he court shall award attorneys’ fees and costs to the party complaining of an unfair or deceptive trade practice or unconscionable trade practice if he prevails.” Case law is clear: this requirement applies to fees on appeal as well as fees at the district court level. Hale v. Basin Motor Co., 110 N.M. 314, 321-22, 795 P.2d 1006, 1013-14 (1990). Palm Harbor’s arguments to the contrary are unpersuasive. {8} According to Palm Harbor, Hale has been superseded by portions of Rule 12-403 NMRA 2004, which is the general rule governing the recovery of costs on appeal. As we understand Palm Harbor’s argument, it contends that because the rule was adopted after Hale, the procedure in the rule supersedes Hale. This argument fails for two reasons. First, the rule was actually adopted in 1986, prior to the decision in Hale. See Rules of Appellate Procedure effective dates. The 1993 amendment to the rule had no effect on the provision that “allowable costs” to be awarded to the prevailing party shall include reasonable attorney fees for services rendered on appeal, when such fees are permitted by law. Second, we do not agree with Palm Harbor’s view that Rule 12-403 and Section 57-12-10(0) are mutually exclusive. Section 57-12-10(C) allows the award of attorney fees in UPA cases, and Rule 12-403 simply provides a procedure for requesting the appellate portion of those allowable fees. Cf., e.g., Cent. Sec. & Alarm Co. v. Mehler, 1998-NMCA-096, ¶¶22, 29, 125 N.M. 438, 963 P.2d 515 (awarding, pursuant to a request under Rule 12-403, attorney fees incurred on appeal where such fees were permitted by garnishment statute). {9} Palm Harbor also argues that this case is distinguishable from Hale because in Hale the Supreme Court directed the district court to award fees, whereas in this case the Supreme Court’s decision did not include a similar “mandate.” However, Palm Harbor fails to explain how the absence of an explicit mandate from an appellate court negates the statutory provision that a party who prevails on claims under the UPA shall be awarded attorney fees. See § 57-12-10(C). To the extent that this argument by Palm Harbor is a variation on the theme that Aguilera cannot bring claims under the UPA because she agreed to arbitration, we address this erroneous theory in more detail below. {10} Finally, we agree with Aguilera that an award of fees on appeal furthers the public policies of encouraging individuals to pursue their UPA claims and reimbursing plaintiffs and their counsel for enforcing the UPA. See Jones v. Gen. Motors Corp., 1998— NMCA-020, ¶ 25, 124 N.M. 606, 953 P.2d 1104. Where a plaintiff is defending a relatively small judgment, attorney fees on appeal could very well exceed the size of the judgment. Thus, even on appeal the UPA’s attorney fees provision serves the goal of encouraging plaintiffs to pursue justice even where the damages are minor in nature. See Hale, 110 N.M. at 322, 795 P.2d at 1014. {11} Palm Harbor argues that we should not consider the public policy interests that the UPA protects because the only claim Aguilera was defending in the prior appeals was the award of punitive damages, and there is no reason to assume that the punitive damages award was made pursuant to the UPA. We are not persuaded. There is no question that the arbitration panel specifically awarded Aguilera the remedies provided in the UPA, the Supreme Court’s opinion recognized that the punitive damages were within the treble-damage limitation of the UPA, Aguilera, 2002-NMSC-029, ¶5, 132 N.M. 715, 54 P.3d 993, and there is no reason for us to speculate that the punitive damages were awarded under some other theory. The Previous Version of the Arbitration Act Does Not Preclude Fees on Appeal {12} In denying attorney fees on appeal, the district court recognized that Aguilera’s claim was based on the UPA, and yet the court denied the fees because the arbitration act in effect at that time did not provide for fees. In this appeal, Palm Harbor argues that the availability of fees is determined solely by the applicable arbitration act provisions, and further contends that we should not consider this to be a UPA claim. Aguilera argues that both the district court and Palm Harbor misconstrue the effect of the arbitration act. We agree with Aguilera. {13} At the outset, we recognize that the arbitration act has changed since the arbitration of this dispute. The current arbitration act expressly provides that the arbitrator may award reasonable attorney fees “if such an award is authorized by law,” NMSA 1978, § 44-7A-22(b) (2001), and further that the district court may award reasonable attorney fees “incurred in a judicial proceeding” upon the application of the party that prevailed in arbitration. NMSA 1978, § 44-7A-26(c) (2001). This dispute arose under the previous version of the act, which contains no such provision. With respect to attorney fees, the previous act is silent apart from a general provision stating that unless the agreement to arbitrate provided differently, the expenses of arbitration “not including counsel fees ... shall be paid as provided in the award.” NMSA 1978, § 44-7-10 (1971). However, nothing in the previous act purports to prevent the district court from awarding fees that are authorized by the statute that created the underlying cause of action. {14} Under the prior act, the district court must act within the statutorily defined scope of review, see NMSA 1978, § 44-7-13 (1971), but in doing so, it may award attorney fees as authorized by the arbitrators’ decision and by the applicable law. See Aguilera, 2002-NMSC-029, ¶¶ 5, 7, 132 N.M. 715, 54 P.3d 993 (affirming the district court’s award of punitive damages based on the arbitrator’s findings and pursuant to the UPA). In this case, the underlying cause of action is pursuant to the UPA, which provides for attorney fees on appeal. § 57-12-10(C). Accordingly, the district court has the authority to award such fees, just as it has the authority to award punitive damages where the underlying statute provides for punitive damages, even if the arbitration panel lacked the authority to do so. Aguilera, 2002-NMSC-029, ¶ 5, 132 N.M. 715, 54 P.3d 993. {15} In arguing that the prior arbitration act precludes an attorney fees award, Palm Harbor relies on the proposition that attorney fees are generally not recoverable in the absence of a statute; this argument fails because the UPA provides the necessary statutory authorization. § 57-12-10(C). In addition, Palm Harbor suggests that the arbitration act places limits on the remedies available in the district court, but the act itself contains no such limitation, and Palm Harbor provides no authority for this assertion. See ITT Educ. Servs., Inc. v. Taxation & Revenue Dep’t, 1998-NMCA-078, ¶ 10, 125 N.M. 244, 959 P.2d 969 (holding that propositions unsupported by authority will not be considered on appeal). Palm Harbor makes the related argument that because the current version of the act specifically provides for an award of attorney fees, we must conclude that the previous version of the act prohibited fees. In light of our holding that the district court may award attorney fees pursuant to the statute that created the underlying action, the changes to the arbitration act have no effect on our analysis. Finally, we are not persuaded by Palm Harbor’s claim that Aguilera is unfairly trying to “transform an arbitration into an Unfair Practices Act lawsuit on appeal.” Throughout arbitration and subsequent litigation, the parties have been litigating the application of the UPA. Appellate Court Silence Does Not Preclude Fees on Appeal {16} The parties contest the effect, if any, of the fact that neither this Court nor the Supreme Court responded to Aguilera’s previous requests in her briefs for fees on appeal. As Palm Harbor points out, Aguilera could have acted sooner by filing a motion for rehearing under Rule 12-404 NMRA 2004 after the Supreme Court’s opinion, or she could have filed a motion for fees under Rule 12 — 403(B)(3). Ordinarily, principles of finality and judicial economy weigh against the consideration of a claim that could have been, but was not, litigated in a prior proceeding. See, e.g., Bank of Santa Fe v. Many Plaza Assocs., 2002-NMCA-014, ¶ 14, 131 N.M. 537, 40 P.3d 442 (setting out the elements of res judicata). However, our Supreme Court has held that where a party is entitled to attorney fees as a matter of law, the district court must award the fees even where the prevailing party fails to request those fees by formal motion to the Supreme Court. See Dennison, 108 N.M. at 527, 775 P.2d at 729 (holding that the appellants were entitled to attorney fees incurred in two appeals where such fees were required by contract and where the appellants had requested a fee award in their briefs in the prior and pending appeals). We are bound by that authority. See Aguilera, 2002-NMSC-029, ¶ 6, 132 N.M. 715, 54 P.3d 993. Rule 12-403(B)(3) provides that parties may request attorney fees in their briefs, id., and, like the appellants in Dennison and in keeping with that rule, Aguilera’s briefs included a request for fees. Because the UPA requires the district court to award fees on appeal, Section 57-12-10(C), we will not interpret the Rules of Appellate Procedure as denying the district court’s authority to do so. See Dennison, 108 N.M. at 527, 775 P.2d at 729 (“It would be incongruous to interpret our rules in such a fashion as to deny the district courts the right to award costs when they are bound at law to enforce a contract calling for such an award.”). Aguilera’s Concessions Did Not Pertain to Fees Incurred After Her First Appeal in the District Court {17} In denying Aguilera’s motion for attorney fees, the district court found that Aguilera’s previous concessions with respect to attorney fees foreclosed her from seeking appellate attorney fees. According to Palm Harbor, Aguilera previously conceded that the district court lacked authority to award attorney fees, and thus Aguilera cannot now argue that the district court has the authority to award appellate attorney fees. Aguilera characterizes the concession differently, arguing that it pertained specifically and exclusively to the post-arbitration fees incurred in the district court. Aguilera’s description of the concession is correct. {18} In its previous appeal to this Court, Palm Harbor raised the issue of whether Aguilera was entitled to attorney fees “for the work done during the time the case was appealed to the district court.” Aguilera, 2001-NMCA-091, ¶ 27, 131 N.M. 228, 34 P.3d 617. Aguilera voluntarily gave up her claim to those fees, and therefore this Court made no ruling on the merits of whether she was entitled to those fees and, if so, whether the district court had jurisdiction to award them. The language of our previous decision reflects that Aguilera’s concession was explicitly limited to post-arbitration fees incurred in the district court. Id. {19} Palm Harbor contends that under doctrines of res judicata, collateral estoppel, or the law of the case, we cannot now consider Aguilera’s claim for fees on appeal. Res judicata, or claim preclusion, bars subsequent claims where a previous claim involved (1) identical parties; (2) acting in an identical capacity; (3) litigating the identical cause of action; and (4) with respect to the same subject matter. Moffat v. Branch, 2002-NMCA-067, ¶ 14, 132 N.M. 412, 49 P.3d 673; Bank of Santa Fe, 2002-NMCA-014, ¶ 13, 131 N.M. 537, 40 P.3d 442. Here the previous claim was limited in scope to post-arbitration fees incurred in the district court, while the present claim is for fees incurred on appeal to this Court and the Supreme Court. Accordingly, the cause of action and subject matter are not identical, and res judicata does not apply. We recognize that “[r]es judicata bars not only claims that were raised in the prior proceeding, but also claims that could have been raised.” Id. ¶ 14. In this case, however, Aguilera raised the issue of attorney fees in her appellate briefs. Her claim is not precluded. {20} Collateral estoppel, or issue preclusion, is similarly inappropriate to this case. Collateral estoppel might bar this claim if the issue of attorney fees on appeal had been actually and necessarily decided in the previous litigation. See Moffat, 2002-NMCA-067, ¶ 14, 132 N.M. 412, 49 P.3d 673; Reeves v. Wimberly, 107 N.M. 231, 233, 755 P.2d 75, 77 (Ct.App.1988). The issue of attorney fees on appeal was not actually decided in the previous appeals, and therefore collateral estoppel, too, is inapplicable. {21} Palm Harbor further argues that the law of the case precludes this claim. “The doctrine of law of the case means that a prior appellate decision is binding.” DiMatteo v. County of Dona Ana, 109 N.M. 374, 379, 785 P.2d 285, 290 (Ct.App.1989) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). Palm Harbor urges this Court not to review the issue of fees on appeal because Aguilera previously conceded that the district court lacked jurisdiction to award attorney fees. Assuming for the purpose of argument that Aguilera’s concession encompassed all attorney fees, and not just those fees related to the proceedings in the district court, we do not believe that the law of the case doctrine fits with the history of this case. This doctrine may extend to issues that could have been raised but were not, id.; however, as Palm Harbor acknowledges, the doctrine traditionally applies to matters that have been previously ruled upon in an appellate proceeding. See, e.g., State v. Breit, 1996-NMSC-067, ¶ 10, 122 N.M. 655, 930 P.2d 792 (defining the law of the case doctrine as applying where “an appellate court has considered and passed upon a question of law and remanded the case for further proceedings”) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Here the appellate courts never ruled on the issue of appellate attorney fees. Moreover, our review of the record has not revealed the reason for this silence. Under these circumstances, we decline to apply this discretionary doctrine, see Reese v. State, 106 N.M. 505, 507, 745 P.2d 1153, 1155 (1987) (holding that the law of the case is a flexible, discretionary doctrine), and we reverse the district court. CONCLUSION {22} For the foregoing reasons, we reverse and remand for the district court to award attorney fees on the prior appeal and on this appeal. {23} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: LYNN PICKARD and MICHAEL D. BUSTAMANTE, Judges.
[ -0.057925183326005936, -0.039495013654232025, -0.0019999162759631872, 0.013494903221726418, 0.05183734372258186, -0.02424558624625206, 0.016737651079893112, 0.034148070961236954, -0.023310227319598198, -0.01112297922372818, -0.00802373606711626, 0.044704094529151917, -0.051986321806907654, 0.0552239716053009, 0.001944097108207643, 0.06198785454034805, 0.034386422485113144, 0.06362269073724747, -0.006757216993719339, 0.0036376607604324818, 0.013558346778154373, -0.03786955773830414, 0.02090398594737053, 0.0316992811858654, 0.03310295194387436, 0.013813979923725128, 0.03635978698730469, 0.02646533027291298, -0.07539265602827072, -0.04084504395723343, 0.0469987578690052, -0.03155534714460373, 0.00800582580268383, 0.011844429187476635, -0.032577890902757645, -0.014224081300199032, -0.007670589257031679, -0.0005808825371786952, 0.004643090069293976, 0.0011792738223448396, -0.004663780331611633, 0.0049006883054971695, -0.06986064463853836, -0.008358383551239967, -0.01952454075217247, 0.04121595621109009, -0.015903735533356667, 0.02451590821146965, -0.015556536614894867, 0.013402467593550682, -0.0725657120347023, -0.00021632385323755443, -0.030538074672222137, 0.019175097346305847, 0.008389905095100403, 0.028497468680143356, -0.0408245325088501, -0.06649580597877502, -0.036482229828834534, -0.049392182379961014, 0.037800855934619904, -0.009121609851717949, 0.05256827548146248, -0.02393777295947075, 0.03085724636912346, 0.014436478726565838, 0.057178281247615814, 0.0008800104260444641, -0.030342936515808105, -0.027321375906467438, -0.06115448474884033, -0.029947077855467796, 0.019959408789873123, 0.01981722004711628, -0.020739290863275528, -0.04529104381799698, 0.0022701360285282135, 0.016189372166991234, 0.052414506673812866, 0.03907359018921852, -0.007753594312816858, -0.04098210111260414, 0.018658410757780075, 0.02319900505244732, 0.004646232817322016, -0.06373625993728638, 0.02447165735065937, -0.05343744531273842, -0.03589088097214699, 0.05424758791923523, 0.005426875781267881, -0.05529731512069702, 0.029174834489822388, 0.0500132218003273, 0.009751958772540092, -0.014972241595387459, 0.08105581998825073, -0.04032687470316887, 0.054049327969551086, 0.03870858624577522, -0.001973571488633752, -0.021814605221152306, -0.009674180299043655, 0.061167873442173004, -0.03684142976999283, 0.00782963540405035, -0.00331711838953197, -0.018866989761590958, -0.012178512290120125, -0.004733323585242033, -0.0037340999115258455, 0.028646457940340042, 0.01376086100935936, -0.04896180331707001, -0.05863547325134277, 0.061557937413454056, 0.01777137629687786, -0.03442072495818138, -0.04882064089179039, -0.009452645666897297, 0.040164634585380554, 0.015724752098321915, 0.013912082649767399, 0.0706813856959343, 0.03027057647705078, 0.013537438586354256, 0.05241963639855385, 0.027787651866674423, -0.05011974647641182, -0.06188911944627762, -0.005406065843999386, 0.02280530147254467, 0.018701991066336632, 0.013323360122740269, -0.010083761066198349, -0.023667456582188606, -0.01146591454744339, -0.030247986316680908, 0.027080154046416283, -0.04601876065135002, -0.01283991802483797, 0.008275317028164864, -0.004857921041548252, 0.006968924775719643, 0.05179053917527199, -0.047566790133714676, 0.042849086225032806, -0.030582835897803307, -0.03876311331987381, -0.005239184480160475, 0.01980661042034626, 0.038597188889980316, -0.004733181092888117, -0.012507902458310127, -0.0026700098533183336, 0.020122501999139786, 0.04902806505560875, -0.029273809865117073, -0.009606360457837582, 0.04425333812832832, 0.014405117370188236, -0.0028115068562328815, 0.047066379338502884, 0.015863735228776932, 0.023337347432971, 0.022844702005386353, 0.01752452179789543, 0.01335189864039421, 0.0011271547991782427, 0.05035780370235443, -0.05587843060493469, -0.05144186690449715, 0.056096721440553665, -0.06110694631934166, -0.0365731455385685, -0.004030041396617889, 0.046034570783376694, 0.019284911453723907, 0.02406122162938118, 0.005347271915525198, -0.06665144115686417, 0.03958289697766304, -0.017540104687213898, -0.002583343768492341, 0.011259965598583221, -0.006534095853567123, 0.0401492565870285, -0.007429736666381359, 0.024905238300561905, 0.007740980014204979, -0.06349856406450272, -0.037117015570402145, 0.013938900083303452, -0.021953100338578224, 0.03949062526226044, 0.040682874619960785, -0.0159717109054327, 0.027695734053850174, 0.02051643468439579, 0.03601985052227974, -0.003057245397940278, 0.04001520574092865, 0.04184011369943619, -0.034461136907339096, -0.043369147926568985, 0.03297445923089981, 0.060606151819229126, -0.04178635776042938, -0.01706670969724655, 0.07528097182512283, -0.010519913397729397, 0.008477677591145039, 0.012598034925758839, -0.014374922029674053, 0.01212049089372158, -0.07664070278406143, 0.08642412722110748, -0.022933710366487503, 0.025048203766345978, -0.06618794798851013, 0.017195822671055794, -0.0004937594057992101, 0.016614064574241638, 0.05666227266192436, -0.021474195644259453, 0.030251067131757736, 0.03937234356999397, -0.045617684721946716, 0.023531364277005196, 0.030096355825662613, -0.007619153708219528, -0.002942737890407443, 0.028739050030708313, -0.0037814739625900984, 0.033907968550920486, 0.011874956078827381, 2.95437615704941e-7, -0.019625389948487282, 0.051840443164110184, -0.0365634448826313, -0.0216294527053833, 0.07454581558704376, -0.005712558981031179, 0.040068499743938446, -0.056247033178806305, -0.013643749058246613, -0.04271794855594635, -0.011249278672039509, -0.017940176650881767, -0.058767955750226974, -0.02148188278079033, -0.004689483437687159, -0.028825512155890465, -0.007445324212312698, 0.006104540545493364, -0.03609899803996086, -0.03412098065018654, -0.027813846245408058, 0.015439225360751152, -0.005210493225604296, -0.010568413883447647, 0.04595154896378517, 0.0269617959856987, -0.026837017387151718, -0.048797886818647385, -0.058491602540016174, 0.0048479656688869, 0.026212045922875404, -0.020916376262903214, -0.016351783648133278, -0.005347654689103365, 0.013066710904240608, 0.043066855520009995, 0.008428811095654964, 0.010982158593833447, 0.03400018811225891, 0.01890234462916851, -0.008516483008861542, 0.0014873449690639973, -0.016412610188126564, -0.0065711485221982, 0.035250261425971985, -0.06565595418214798, -0.05908804014325142, 0.004584664944559336, -0.06358654052019119, -0.0034884558990597725, -0.08642248809337616, -0.03237534686923027, 0.07278895378112793, 0.021234354004263878, 0.02863217331469059, -0.007231800351291895, -0.00742614408954978, 0.04923473671078682, -0.004811752121895552, 0.0258469320833683, 0.05404714122414589, -0.028931358829140663, -0.015158972702920437, -0.028478097170591354, -0.012591950595378876, -0.00036944705061614513, 0.0025719504337757826, 0.024127963930368423, 0.02472100406885147, -0.020100949332118034, 0.03235184773802757, -0.23915249109268188, 0.03441426157951355, -0.03290087729692459, -0.026523472741246223, -0.000988438376225531, -0.009504341520369053, -0.00013321047299541533, 0.017129184678196907, 0.009559929370880127, 0.031594306230545044, -0.008233791217207909, -0.03742034733295441, 0.004501537419855595, 0.02306394837796688, 0.0052176229655742645, -0.024696698412299156, -0.0006371518829837441, -0.03263157233595848, 0.0034752809442579746, -0.018891548737883568, 0.014694919809699059, -0.06070931255817413, -0.01965358480811119, -0.005608995445072651, 0.04046894237399101, 0.08256928622722626, -0.027212971821427345, -0.019202394410967827, -0.07039844989776611, -0.031716469675302505, -0.02774924971163273, 0.016427122056484222, -0.041492998600006104, -0.012392477132380009, 0.0020320801995694637, 0.0028826873749494553, 0.0067830998450517654, -0.04892592877149582, -0.02702588401734829, -0.0075643607415258884, 0.018961511552333832, -0.019468778744339943, -0.03346250578761101, 0.04772457480430603, 0.029646046459674835, -0.03870610520243645, -0.05405193567276001, -0.004239968024194241, -0.0039145685732364655, 0.06418544054031372, 0.01290976069867611, 0.04384349286556244, -0.044615238904953, 0.016266603022813797, -0.011735865846276283, -0.02093837782740593, -0.0417388416826725, -0.04881734773516655, -0.03300849720835686, 0.06142221763730049, -0.005207722540944815, -0.03967659920454025, -0.03759514540433884, -0.0175276268273592, -0.04435507580637932, -0.034695085138082504, -0.037033118307590485, -0.07374884933233261, 0.07135755568742752, 0.01340231392532587, 0.04356754571199417, 0.0350956991314888, -0.017856309190392494, -0.0975080281496048, 0.021734654903411865, -0.003974419552832842, -0.023927465081214905, -0.03653827682137489, -0.049974460154771805, 0.010900164023041725, 0.033325761556625366, -0.036710139364004135, 0.00782686285674572, 0.01969219371676445, -0.05699605494737625, 0.009007717482745647, -0.022846262902021408, 0.04987404868006706, -0.04553709179162979, 0.0008351418655365705, 0.030976898968219757, 0.03330811858177185, -0.019237564876675606, -0.03101413883268833, 0.0028594534378498793, 0.03675747662782669, -0.013208629563450813, -0.023849263787269592, -0.015992380678653717, -0.006245757453143597, 0.027602389454841614, -0.07281818240880966, 0.02636074647307396, -0.03806746006011963, 0.008682064712047577, -0.020499644801020622, -0.06118655204772949, -0.013806763105094433, 0.019422806799411774, -0.007310950197279453, 0.04065604507923126, -0.05028528720140457, 0.06432633846998215, -0.012980515137314796, 0.005582828540354967, -0.0340772420167923, 0.04274627938866615, 0.01607131026685238, 0.03498257324099541, 0.014791960828006268, 0.015454921871423721, 0.03368736803531647, -0.043109700083732605, -0.04082141071557999, -0.0875459834933281, 0.03159290552139282, 0.016481295228004456, 0.03413141518831253, -0.021132996305823326, 0.05236722156405449, 0.005782713647931814, -0.03890138119459152, -0.004232433158904314, 0.0022213831543922424, 0.01653536781668663, 0.01796545274555683, -0.012416060082614422, -0.03245852515101433, 0.030252350494265556, -0.00905117392539978, 0.034051213413476944, 0.02045433782041073, 0.06692598015069962, -0.008167673833668232, 0.04385059326887131, 0.008891751058399677, -0.011714749969542027, -0.04122273996472359, -0.04531022161245346, 0.06345003843307495, 0.015868987888097763, -0.04669107496738434, 0.048161644488573074, -0.05856040120124817, -0.025359641760587692, -0.002390872687101364, 0.011097622103989124, 0.01589505933225155, -0.040336061269044876, -0.04108013957738876, -0.0005675471038557589, -0.0025531440041959286, -0.02308940701186657, -0.025768786668777466, -0.005528704728931189, 0.06629118323326111, -0.02360556088387966, 0.02114574983716011, -0.04433859884738922, 0.038039516657590866, 0.00722716748714447, -0.04088333621621132, -0.005058839451521635, -0.009543027728796005, 0.013736042194068432, 0.0044946009293198586, 0.023342082276940346, 0.0030339090153574944, 0.052178919315338135, -0.0018461570143699646, -0.00719275651499629, -0.04125675559043884, -0.016234127804636955, -0.002010142896324396, 0.03352198004722595, -0.0468185618519783, -0.011365157552063465, -0.04105295240879059, -0.008481395430862904, -0.03231016919016838, 0.03710855916142464, -0.0034329427871853113, -0.03339223936200142, 0.009641936048865318, -0.0713106021285057, -0.06909387558698654, 0.038480088114738464, 0.015356585383415222, 0.03272101283073425, 0.011324606835842133, -0.01960848830640316, 0.006674591917544603, -0.05731937661767006, 0.02085757628083229, -0.004184470511972904, -0.09357866644859314, 0.007163976319134235, 0.03675336390733719, -0.02865929901599884, 0.057795777916908264, -0.039520058780908585, -0.014388058334589005, -0.026744311675429344, 0.032561082392930984, 0.08130941540002823, -0.04523769021034241, 0.054400693625211716, -0.004489702172577381, -0.03019535355269909, 0.0030521845910698175, 0.010157574899494648, -0.06504472345113754, -0.013697637245059013, 0.012887997552752495, -0.05047224834561348, 0.0511404424905777, -0.0556408166885376, -0.024579476565122604, 0.012839207425713539, -0.04784019663929939, 0.021158810704946518, -0.028923457488417625, 0.00108667416498065, 0.038246363401412964, -0.025101743638515472, -0.022197144106030464, -0.014157040044665337, 0.005861768964678049, -0.03225269541144371, 0.06599707156419754, -0.007474361918866634, 0.018920455127954483, 0.004317505285143852, -0.043442435562610626, -0.014955108053982258, -0.01101403497159481, 0.02328905276954174, 0.0027161049656569958, -0.015279523096978664, 0.04830341041088104, 0.005475024227052927, 0.004615157842636108, -0.032790690660476685, 0.01083286851644516, 0.04217211529612541, -0.08070437610149384, 0.01754811219871044, 0.009816219098865986, -0.022950947284698486, 0.03854703530669212, -0.014373227022588253, 0.01644141785800457, -0.031915899366140366, 0.01878354884684086, 0.057297829538583755, 0.026444528251886368, 0.004043180961161852, -0.018255580216646194, 0.05836191028356552, -0.0745789185166359, -0.05080190300941467, -0.061435967683792114, 0.0020967447198927402, -0.0383942686021328, 0.029368331655859947, 0.010218094103038311, 0.01399560458958149, -0.034633710980415344, 0.05946098268032074, -0.07938634604215622, -0.012516782619059086, 0.013711837120354176, -0.00738187599927187, -0.041103873401880264, 0.056471459567546844, -0.0038872607983648777, 0.010609643533825874, 0.012949801050126553, -0.07974616438150406, -0.04794859141111374, 0.0462825745344162, 0.010513794608414173, 0.029983865097165108, 0.05398240312933922, -0.04601438716053963, -0.014964799396693707, 0.04798228666186333, 0.06685180962085724, -0.036355264484882355, -0.003244919702410698, -0.07787969708442688, 0.059174079447984695, 0.009541804902255535, 0.020311860367655754, 0.003973518032580614, 0.019544268026947975, 0.0073175071738660336, -0.05233544483780861, -0.0022800774313509464, 0.0009587988606654108, -0.04503874480724335, -0.06840939074754715, 0.03152357414364815, -0.007535784505307674, -0.03958612307906151, -0.013345370069146156, -0.008346113376319408, -0.01173446699976921, -0.018138960003852844, 0.006367529276758432, -0.012370754033327103, 0.003393025603145361, 0.057365577667951584, 0.004533147439360619, 0.11069412529468536, 0.04217078909277916, -0.007630669977515936, 0.01622416451573372, 0.03376418352127075, 0.039016347378492355, 0.060964711010456085, -0.016184614971280098, -0.01895626075565815, 0.028047582134604454, -0.0062829963862895966, 0.007835973054170609, 0.0013019574107602239, -0.026153912767767906, 0.005423508118838072, -0.005952029954642057, 0.026667682453989983, 0.037569109350442886, -0.0061285486444830894, 0.04361279308795929, 0.06297587603330612, -0.020375173538923264, 0.07141309231519699, -0.031208466738462448, 0.06248278170824051, 0.014723814092576504, 0.023462502285838127, 0.013076938688755035, 0.014124033972620964, -0.0785323977470398, -0.015794694423675537, 0.01529017835855484, -0.024802515283226967, -0.01690845750272274, -0.008065189234912395, 0.019796963781118393, -0.012458153069019318, 0.00853076484054327, 0.08055157214403152, -0.02307385765016079, -0.04819508641958237, -0.018803078681230545, 0.039898887276649475, 0.024511415511369705, 0.015370047651231289, 0.02510351873934269, 0.015536826103925705, 0.012671339325606823, 0.0065312874503433704, 0.004371292889118195, 0.047567084431648254, 0.03888709470629692, 0.06922680139541626, -0.02437710016965866, 0.014400453306734562, 0.0751940906047821, 0.018728727474808693, -0.023625284433364868, -0.038528602570295334, -0.044860389083623886, -0.04967578500509262, -0.01919899508357048, 0.024606989696621895, 0.023079024627804756, -0.005146175157278776, -0.05315672233700752, 0.012989643961191177, -0.005457159597426653, -0.04195581376552582, 0.06889870017766953, -0.05634003132581711, 0.01561378501355648, 0.0022511950228363276, 0.051675036549568176, 0.027921823784708977, 0.016139023005962372, 0.061528705060482025, 0.0063785468228161335, -0.007259647361934185, 0.04564347490668297, 0.002838775282725692, 0.026235148310661316, -0.029015861451625824, -0.003778255544602871, -0.05815194547176361, -0.004562749061733484, 0.01497687678784132, 0.01567084901034832, -0.06194377318024635, 0.051009416580200195, -0.018385296687483788, -0.01537106279283762, 0.11168259382247925, 0.041881099343299866, -0.0116537781432271, -0.010625793598592281, -0.027372395619750023, -0.020942488685250282, -0.020441800355911255, 0.04251474514603615, -0.00027888346812687814, 0.005251911003142595, 0.042864736169576645, -0.014920216985046864, 0.011725276708602905, 0.04182377830147743, 0.021090609952807426, 0.015076505951583385, -0.04360641539096832, -0.0010481594363227487, -0.01311324629932642, -0.03312114626169205, -0.05969369038939476, 0.017757996916770935, -0.007712767459452152, -0.05706218257546425, 0.03755224868655205, -0.0027217555325478315, -0.01927502453327179, -0.03408433124423027, 0.01419845875352621, 0.02420913241803646, -0.02226855978369713, -0.047620244324207306, -0.024041183292865753, 0.0044324505142867565, -0.005063417833298445, 0.02611076831817627, 0.00957448035478592, -0.05932241678237915, 0.012567884288728237, -0.0699363723397255, -0.007601375691592693, 0.031224871054291725, -0.009800816886126995, 0.026452040299773216 ]
OPINION VIGIL, Judge. {1} Defendant appeals the district court’s denial of his motion to suppress cocaine discovered in his possession by officers of the Albuquerque Police Department. He argues that the district court erred in denying his motion because (1) the police lacked the reasonable suspicion necessary for an investigatory stop, and (2) the police discovered the cocaine in his possession as a result of an unconstitutional seizure of his person. We hold that Defendant was not seized pursuant to the Fourth Amendment until after he discarded the cocaine in his possession, and therefore, the cocaine was not the fruit of an unlawful seizure of Defendant’s person. We therefore affirm the district court. BACKGROUND {2} In early May 2001, the Albuquerque Police Department received a complaint of suspected drug activity based on heavy foot traffic into and out of a house on Columbia Southeast. Based on the complaint, Officer Barela and Sergeant Ferner initiated undercover surveillance of the house. Officer Barela and Sergeant Ferner observed heavy foot traffic in the alleyway behind the house. Individuals entered the rear door of the house, remained inside for two to four minutes, and then left. During the surveillance of the house, Officer Barela and Sergeant Ferner stopped approximately fifty people who were seen visiting the house; approximately half were arrested for possession of narcotics. {3} In the early morning hours of May 19, 2001, Officer Barela and Sergeant Ferner were seated in an unmarked van parked in the alleyway behind the house. Officer Barela observed Defendant, whom he recognized from a prior encounter, walking northbound in the alley. After Defendant walked past Officer Barela and Sergeant Ferner on the morning of May 19, Officer Barela observed him enter the house. Defendant remained inside for approximately four minutes. Officer Barela and Sergeant Ferner decided to stop and talk to Defendant if he turned southbound after exiting the house and passed their van. After Defendant exited the house, he walked southbound toward the officers. After Defendant passed him, Officer Barela stepped out behind Defendant. Officer Barela then turned on his flashlight, stated that he was with the police department, addressed Defendant by his first name and told Defendant that he and Sergeant Ferner wished to speak with him. In response, Defendant began running down the alley. Officer Barela and Sergeant Ferner pursued Defendant and as they did so, Officer Barela noticed that Defendant was holding something in his right hand. As the officers caught Defendant, Officer Barela observed him throw an object to the ground. Officer Barela subsequently apprehended Defendant and handcuffed him. Sergeant Ferner examined the area where Defendant had dropped the object and discovered a rock of crack cocaine. STANDARD OF REVIEW {4} The appropriate standard of review is “whether the law was correctly applied to the facts, viewing them in a manner most favorable to the prevailing party.” State v. Jason L., 2000-NMSC-018, ¶ 10, 129 N.M. 119, 2 P.3d 856 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). We must defer to the district court’s findings of fact to the extent that they are supported by substantial evidence. Id. However, we will engage in de novo review of the district court’s application of the law to the facts. State v. Walters, 1997-NMCA-013, ¶ 8, 123 N.M. 88, 934 P.2d 282. DISCUSSION {5} The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. U.S. Const, amend. IV. The New Mexico Constitution also protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. N.M. Const, art. II, § 10. However, because Defendant does not argue that the New Mexico Constitution affords him greater protection than the United States Constitution, we review his appeal only under the Fourth Amendment. Jason L., 2000-NMSC-018, ¶9, 129 N.M. 119, 2 P.3d 856; see also Walters, 1997-NMCA-013, ¶ 9, 123 N.M. 88, 934 P.2d 282 (stating because the defendant “advances no separate analysis under the New Mexico Constitution, nor does he argue that the state constitution affords any greater protection in this respect than the United States Constitution” the court will “limit [its] analysis to the Fourth Amendment”). {6} A person is seized for purposes of the Fourth Amendment “[o]nly when the officer, by means of physical force or show of authority, has in some way restrained the liberty” of that person. Walters, 1997-NMCA-013, ¶ 12, 123 N.M. 88, 934 P.2d 282 (quoting Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1, 19 n. 16, 88 S.Ct. 1868, 20 L.Ed.2d 889 (1968)). However, a seizure “requires either physical force ... or, where that is absent, submission to the assertion of authority.” Cal. v. Hodari D., 499 U.S. 621, 626, 111 S.Ct. 1547, 113 L.Ed.2d 690 (1991) (emphasis omitted). Because Defendant neither submitted to authority nor was restrained by physical force until after the cocaine in his possession was discarded, we hold that the cocaine was not the fruit of a seizure of Defendant under the Fourth Amendment. {7} In Hodari D., two plain clothes police officers driving an unmarked car approached a group of youths. Upon seeing the officers’ ear approaching, the group rapidly dispersed, running in all directions. One of the officers exited the patrol car and began chasing Hodari D. As he was being pursued, Hodari discarded a small rock of cocaine. The officer subsequently tackled Hodari and recovered the rock of cocaine. 499 U.S. at 622-23, 111 S.Ct. 1547. Before the Supreme Court, Hodari argued that the officer’s pursuit constituted a seizure. The Court rejected his argument and held that he was not seized until he was physically apprehended by the pursuing officer. Id. at 629, 111 S.Ct. 1547. Because Hodari threw the cocaine before being tackled, its recovery was not the result of a seizure. Id. {8} The facts presently here are substantially similar to those in Hodari D. Defendant neither submitted to the officers’ show of authority nor was he physically restrained until he was grabbed and handcuffed by Officer Barela, and he dropped the cocaine prior to being physically apprehended. Therefore, under the rule established in Hodari D., Defendant’s encounter with the police was not a seizure under the Fourth Amendment until after Sergeant Ferner recovered the evidence Defendant seeks to suppress. {9} Accordingly, we find the cocaine Defendant seeks to suppress is not the fruit of a seizure and the district court properly denied Defendant’s motion to suppress. Although the district court’s denial was based on its conclusion that Officer Barela and Sergeant Ferner had reasonable suspicion to support a stop of Defendant, we “will affirm the trial court if it is right for any reason.” State v. Lovato, 112 N.M. 517, 521, 817 P.2d 251, 255 (Ct.App.1991) (citation omitted). Because we find that Officer Barela and Sergeant Ferner discovered cocaine in Defendant’s possession without seizing him under the Fourth Amendment, we need not reach Defendant’s argument that the officers lacked reasonable suspicion to stop him. CONCLUSION {10} We hold that Officer Barela and Sergeant Ferner did not acquire the cocaine evidence Defendant seeks to suppress by violating Defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights. We therefore affirm the district court’s denial of Defendant’s motion to suppress. {11} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: MICHAEL D. BUSTAMANTE and IRA ROBINSON, Judges.
[ -0.014591713435947895, -0.0029266029596328735, -0.01952945999801159, 0.05097641795873642, 0.04921329766511917, -0.021539846435189247, 0.06589345633983612, -0.0173103716224432, -0.033475879579782486, -0.023376742377877235, 0.014653237536549568, 0.04371315985918045, -0.05743313580751419, 0.03388193994760513, 0.04245257377624512, 0.060315635055303574, 0.08196068555116653, 0.007997406646609306, 0.006728376727551222, -0.002323640277609229, 0.03851757198572159, -0.013974371366202831, 0.017297137528657913, 0.012899559922516346, 0.012374272570014, 0.0013452961575239897, -0.011926042847335339, 0.007067481521517038, -0.08118736743927002, -0.008538844995200634, 0.058382242918014526, -0.0055779870599508286, -0.00265261298045516, -0.033303771167993546, 0.01547153014689684, 0.01207301951944828, -0.015872709453105927, -0.006990182679146528, -0.029602762311697006, 0.012444175779819489, -0.03989352658390999, -0.007863039150834084, -0.04181860387325287, -0.021359458565711975, -0.0609697587788105, -0.0045022545382380486, 0.04331822693347931, 0.040924787521362305, -0.0358421690762043, -0.009708023630082607, -0.05940201133489609, 0.0261213555932045, 0.028440965339541435, 0.021350150927901268, 0.020178113132715225, -0.006073350086808205, -0.04005104675889015, -0.07205048948526382, -0.015787258744239807, -0.03384903445839882, 0.0037934202700853348, -0.016584759578108788, 0.0696517825126648, -0.03076034225523472, 0.022399095818400383, -0.01252784300595522, 0.0192091204226017, 0.04670516401529312, -0.001744705019518733, -0.0020977871026843786, -0.015003228560090065, 0.01621774584054947, -0.007511332631111145, 0.016257809475064278, -0.02638723887503147, -0.038969554007053375, 0.03747721016407013, 0.02925577573478222, -0.02433023974299431, 0.06558690965175629, 0.054144345223903656, -0.007944613695144653, 0.03913680836558342, 0.028709903359413147, -0.00895463116466999, -0.03300667554140091, -0.019377626478672028, -0.013875966891646385, -0.0424746498465538, 0.02446548268198967, -0.03201967105269432, -0.025848640128970146, 0.03593729808926582, 0.0730125829577446, 0.0035836901515722275, -0.019055502489209175, 0.07038748264312744, -0.032933663576841354, 0.037640854716300964, 0.010474939830601215, -0.02311730571091175, -0.06998268514871597, 0.006626632530242205, 0.04500628262758255, -0.06465771049261093, 0.004022273700684309, 0.017351344227790833, -0.020983895286917686, -0.017231954261660576, -0.0044330875389277935, 0.024161117151379585, 0.017371494323015213, -0.023062821477651596, -0.03260895982384682, -0.05424632504582405, 0.05661871284246445, 0.06935425847768784, -0.016305916011333466, -0.024258596822619438, -0.014423161745071411, -0.00131056213285774, 0.013615487143397331, 0.01981245167553425, 0.06894167512655258, 0.01972857303917408, -0.0075574396178126335, -0.005887094419449568, 0.022851930931210518, 0.007202489301562309, -0.048568207770586014, -0.005314271431416273, 0.030015835538506508, 0.034603051841259, 0.02224678359925747, -0.04720615595579147, -0.05629470571875572, -0.023867657408118248, -0.028858734294772148, 0.04232074320316315, -0.02838827669620514, 0.0055684661492705345, -0.03166689723730087, 0.009109236299991608, -0.020448332652449608, 0.06745954602956772, -0.01457439549267292, 0.012787356041371822, -0.0247145164757967, -0.0389239639043808, -0.02828867919743061, 0.06786184012889862, -0.005131096579134464, 0.020876005291938782, -0.046487048268318176, 0.001978386892005801, 0.01814071275293827, 0.021989958360791206, -0.010042264126241207, -0.01526988111436367, 0.012279863469302654, 0.0045580193400382996, 0.017167028039693832, 0.032410480082035065, 0.0036095513496547937, 0.002477285685017705, 0.028928911313414574, -0.004409341607242823, 0.03646621108055115, -0.03458473086357117, 0.03561069816350937, -0.0269563477486372, -0.03531724587082863, 0.023527080193161964, -0.023110760375857353, -0.008603289723396301, 0.010328315198421478, 0.030514385551214218, 0.032914821058511734, -0.0016879239119589329, -0.016529936343431473, -0.06347846239805222, 0.04655669257044792, -0.02967425063252449, -0.02020074613392353, -0.05357689410448074, -0.03196118399500847, 0.06369869410991669, 0.019916391000151634, 0.02280011586844921, -0.004659333731979132, -0.044879429042339325, 0.008857947774231434, -0.03868210315704346, -0.046792883425951004, 0.04549276456236839, 0.03581339493393898, -0.04453938454389572, -0.013189035467803478, -0.009323397651314735, 0.03201080486178398, 0.0442773811519146, 0.021307462826371193, 0.07101626694202423, -0.028066303580999374, -0.06608571112155914, 0.036043331027030945, 0.04308267682790756, -0.01241622306406498, 0.02125438116490841, 0.06489095836877823, -0.03692261502146721, 0.01143271941691637, 0.012468913570046425, -0.020050615072250366, 0.05470699444413185, -0.02095065452158451, 0.06996786594390869, -0.03701591119170189, 0.029623065143823624, -0.03821965679526329, 0.01868349500000477, -0.008758808486163616, -0.04770742729306221, 0.07210176438093185, -0.04877452179789543, 0.10220600664615631, 0.07857087254524231, -0.05901530012488365, -0.0183283481746912, -0.008857891894876957, -0.002556227846071124, -0.0203105341643095, 0.019458798691630363, -0.015938501805067062, 0.04795007407665253, 0.011289001442492008, 0.007436285726726055, -0.006296207197010517, 0.014762609265744686, -0.05419114604592323, 0.028547724708914757, 0.01907496154308319, 0.04930119961500168, 0.06222528591752052, -0.009151370264589787, -0.012216651812195778, 0.007165996357798576, 0.0031999661587178707, -0.007479572668671608, -0.0025905875954777002, -0.003989792428910732, -0.0023475266061723232, 0.022471055388450623, -0.012527048587799072, 0.06356622278690338, -0.06987853348255157, -0.03312886506319046, -0.028797460719943047, 0.0532655343413353, 0.026792064309120178, -0.017765138298273087, 0.04044795036315918, -0.0013684254372492433, 0.0008488022140227258, -0.048478636890649796, -0.05272255092859268, -0.014551080763339996, 0.04655534774065018, -0.013715575449168682, 0.023765278980135918, 0.027434619143605232, -0.00910039059817791, 0.013129230588674545, -0.018254509195685387, 0.0013606308493763208, 0.017978277057409286, 0.007717933040112257, 0.013904108665883541, -0.008382672443985939, -0.021030014380812645, -0.00383100938051939, 0.03243619576096535, -0.0423034243285656, -0.01071993913501501, -0.0009020984289236367, -0.04798097908496857, 0.0156740453094244, -0.010240119881927967, -0.07001539319753647, 0.06927254796028137, 0.014485333114862442, -0.017305370420217514, -0.030832933261990547, 0.027025045827031136, -0.01722930371761322, 0.013611521571874619, 0.021235981956124306, 0.05104658752679825, 0.04920601099729538, -0.022825486958026886, 0.005118811968713999, 0.004218736197799444, 0.0045671784318983555, 0.023351579904556274, 0.03855384886264801, -0.012582873925566673, 0.009121982380747795, 0.0364297553896904, -0.24890589714050293, 0.04825374484062195, -0.027350367978215218, -0.054475415498018265, 0.012869303114712238, 0.02056266926229, -0.0013926181709393859, -0.04123520851135254, -0.010651897639036179, 0.05306880548596382, -0.03418388590216637, -0.014644159004092216, 0.040033385157585144, 0.0727938711643219, 0.03465902805328369, -0.0339481346309185, 0.021378271281719208, -0.03467922285199165, -0.005766523070633411, 0.020576851442456245, -0.003197641111910343, -0.026083316653966904, -0.016420723870396614, -0.002465819474309683, 0.04410596564412117, 0.07054924219846725, -0.05950547382235527, 0.03443392366170883, -0.0462038516998291, -0.027363164350390434, -0.028203576803207397, 0.011357351206243038, -0.032871413975954056, -0.04063941910862923, -0.03556046262383461, 0.003551447531208396, 0.0030433060601353645, -0.049079399555921555, -0.030739661306142807, 0.022525576874613762, 0.004000757355242968, -0.042939405888319016, 0.010163222439587116, 0.027734234929084778, 0.04889858514070511, -0.00009497216524323449, -0.07918717712163925, -0.018784167245030403, -0.04332869499921799, 0.05322979390621185, -0.026757793501019478, 0.015671944245696068, -0.04582834988832474, 0.020639877766370773, -0.008002231828868389, 0.015908870846033096, -0.05852406471967697, -0.02537781186401844, -0.041449762880802155, 0.044007010757923126, -0.00007680096314288676, -0.03587716072797775, -0.0498201847076416, -0.002228017197921872, -0.008294016122817993, -0.03547064960002899, 0.004348571412265301, -0.06579501181840897, 0.057110272347927094, -0.00007328174979193136, 0.026961682364344597, 0.05826978385448456, -0.06321235001087189, -0.08504197746515274, -0.029909569770097733, -0.036742519587278366, -0.003063613548874855, -0.04339784383773804, -0.03550492227077484, 0.02497396245598793, -0.005582770332694054, 0.0023591455537825823, 0.015139609575271606, 0.007434865925461054, 0.008301066234707832, 0.01845654845237732, 0.0007271409267559648, 0.05226637050509453, -0.05595659092068672, 0.02137981541454792, 0.04353580251336098, 0.0779646709561348, -0.014773985370993614, 0.003380876500159502, -0.0071373069658875465, 0.02072620764374733, -0.03575731813907623, -0.01649896614253521, -0.018108747899532318, 0.007518931291997433, 0.06975764036178589, -0.05099421739578247, 0.025201918557286263, -0.027335625141859055, 0.021000519394874573, 0.016756238415837288, -0.047951992601156235, -0.00938001275062561, 0.05178175866603851, 0.004721567966043949, 0.005593976471573114, 0.006217044312506914, 0.07150129973888397, -0.01778305508196354, 0.04528529942035675, -0.042255040258169174, 0.03682832792401314, -0.017828069627285004, 0.044986873865127563, -0.011279898695647717, -0.027386639267206192, 0.030245352536439896, -0.06543736904859543, -0.00035580978146754205, -0.07906654477119446, 0.0069739134050905704, 0.024542534723877907, 0.02424260973930359, -0.011283593252301216, 0.008717465214431286, -0.012670633383095264, -0.03333607316017151, -0.011861251667141914, -0.006184568163007498, 0.04518822208046913, -0.010880125686526299, 0.0025701122358441353, -0.040856845676898956, 0.018608706071972847, -0.01345265842974186, 0.004607695620507002, -0.004802260547876358, 0.038539741188287735, 0.04017164185643196, 0.04575208202004433, -0.03284022584557533, 0.00953392032533884, -0.037167955189943314, -0.05049152672290802, 0.01490288320928812, 0.06295405328273773, -0.046558938920497894, 0.027811583131551743, -0.033114638179540634, -0.027814971283078194, -0.03904397413134575, 0.044414326548576355, 0.040390752255916595, -0.012626856565475464, -0.029083356261253357, -0.00031634856713935733, -0.02375875972211361, -0.0322696715593338, -0.024829791858792305, -0.04120958596467972, 0.07226404547691345, -0.03718562424182892, -0.005104667507112026, -0.019347166642546654, 0.029419459402561188, -0.012181378901004791, -0.09473007172346115, -0.018862158060073853, 0.015742650255560875, -0.00031047716038301587, 0.007859969511628151, -0.014010151848196983, 0.00945411529392004, 0.030386438593268394, 0.006653666961938143, 0.025583211332559586, 0.00643508043140173, -0.006778466980904341, 0.01634845696389675, 0.04650183394551277, -0.04433111846446991, -0.0042054299265146255, -0.026859022676944733, -0.009826318360865116, -0.02568015456199646, -0.00999454502016306, 0.01080691535025835, -0.009759895503520966, -0.012434582225978374, -0.047487594187259674, -0.07396014779806137, -0.002966902684420347, 0.025861157104372978, 0.023562928661704063, 0.021966656669974327, -0.01534999068826437, -0.04142072796821594, -0.01864658109843731, 0.034957773983478546, 0.010140884667634964, -0.06252893805503845, 0.026557300239801407, 0.030421486124396324, -0.026944974437355995, 0.05124475061893463, -0.045526959002017975, -0.017045076936483383, -0.023512372747063637, 0.010161326266825199, 0.04392508417367935, -0.028701236471533775, 0.04600399732589722, -0.00042336303158663213, -0.026528900489211082, -0.012706036679446697, 0.0032587607856839895, -0.04190880432724953, -0.014947240240871906, -0.021118419244885445, 0.011836697347462177, 0.06506143510341644, -0.034880999475717545, -0.03925483673810959, 0.038535792380571365, 0.0101418886333704, -0.009998905472457409, -0.058806419372558594, 0.00556172663345933, 0.03887493535876274, -0.06761884689331055, -0.027040593326091766, 0.026695119217038155, -0.022051647305488586, -0.03437529876828194, 0.06290474534034729, 0.02409595251083374, 0.03767233341932297, -0.008356332778930664, -0.04869603365659714, 0.02246962860226631, 0.014852909371256828, 0.02528597228229046, -0.02898266538977623, -0.012531254440546036, 0.08180598169565201, -0.01380651630461216, -0.03121795877814293, -0.02181854099035263, -0.05550676956772804, 0.05177485942840576, -0.035267315804958344, 0.0028554298914968967, 0.024498388171195984, -0.01244260836392641, 0.007808632217347622, -0.004070386756211519, 0.0017157330876216292, -0.027432091534137726, 0.006257862783968449, 0.02742834948003292, -0.014073368161916733, 0.019780803471803665, -0.042359013110399246, 0.03818229213356972, -0.08374039083719254, -0.011711430735886097, -0.08252480626106262, 0.00733518460765481, 0.021422429010272026, 0.029631339013576508, 0.0336490236222744, 0.03445746749639511, -0.02031216397881508, 0.04148523882031441, -0.08327390998601913, -0.03742769733071327, 0.006810672115534544, -0.03722858056426048, -0.040994614362716675, 0.02323848381638527, -0.02737206034362316, -0.012517557479441166, 0.028033709153532982, -0.0755438506603241, -0.02906550094485283, -0.016364794224500656, 0.00822722353041172, 0.01944987289607525, -0.03260522708296776, 0.011952594853937626, 0.0111324368044734, 0.019755719229578972, 0.04283345490694046, 0.009792015887796879, 0.0094135832041502, -0.052330344915390015, 0.025397032499313354, 0.03455144912004471, -0.01835380122065544, -0.04106957092881203, 0.012946655973792076, 0.02729746140539646, -0.05150437355041504, -0.022012997418642044, -0.019799714908003807, -0.0370912179350853, -0.0627000704407692, 0.06148110702633858, -0.029748063534498215, -0.051105424761772156, -0.01884857751429081, 0.031021837145090103, 0.017404943704605103, -0.03593906760215759, 0.010260181501507759, 0.0437854565680027, -0.004433392081409693, 0.055995307862758636, 0.018612975254654884, 0.09735506027936935, 0.02848767302930355, 0.00684216758236289, 0.033794522285461426, 0.007642235606908798, 0.05581742152571678, 0.03738219290971756, 0.004123885650187731, -0.008275399915874004, 0.06703224778175354, -0.03555367514491081, -0.012420888990163803, 0.0442398302257061, 0.011217926628887653, -0.03021814487874508, 0.024507559835910797, 0.02040759101510048, 0.043663930147886276, -0.03721427172422409, 0.05384194478392601, 0.02369556576013565, 0.00521100964397192, 0.06064208969473839, -0.04758494347333908, 0.059935618191957474, 0.0006964150234125555, 0.007355550769716501, -0.04158656299114227, 0.02500304765999317, -0.03495350480079651, -0.04445632919669151, 0.02596171945333481, -0.02115345373749733, -0.017407210543751717, -0.06505239009857178, -0.006727372296154499, -0.030847644433379173, 0.0035980159882456064, 0.07897640019655228, -0.033847589045763016, 0.00006726908031851053, 0.033357568085193634, 0.012456992641091347, 0.024535395205020905, 0.003822112223133445, -0.00505303218960762, 0.015677206218242645, -0.005001331679522991, -0.02938375435769558, 0.005199478939175606, 0.056096114218235016, -0.0008480726974084973, 0.03100034035742283, -0.018088331446051598, -0.016140630468726158, -0.0017476024804636836, 0.03872091695666313, -0.010998962447047234, -0.024956416338682175, -0.026179196313023567, -0.009413299150764942, -0.032041680067777634, -0.008560046553611755, 0.038190118968486786, -0.011267303489148617, -0.07042346894741058, 0.024784278124570847, 0.020075079053640366, -0.027586206793785095, 0.011097361333668232, -0.04066367819905281, 0.004891674499958754, 0.08309873938560486, 0.05894453078508377, 0.02783154509961605, -0.013141052797436714, 0.04761417955160141, -0.0017228700453415513, -0.05494360253214836, -0.017208531498908997, -0.018374303355813026, 0.038274217396974564, -0.039659105241298676, 0.008962495252490044, -0.09253919869661331, 0.012529358267784119, 0.011521631851792336, -0.020158259198069572, -0.09451030939817429, 0.03762642294168472, -0.020036395639181137, 0.008303424343466759, 0.05015183985233307, -0.010065833106637001, -0.0401151068508625, -0.01796526089310646, -0.044819425791502, 0.016644753515720367, -0.0018960486631840467, 0.07368382066488266, -0.0478530153632164, 0.06161678954958916, 0.02157035656273365, 0.0007535718032158911, -0.04193967953324318, 0.05535561218857765, 0.07389551401138306, -0.02323654294013977, -0.018021496012806892, -0.010559174232184887, 0.009266473352909088, -0.07495174556970596, -0.05504656955599785, 0.018040074035525322, -0.05156472325325012, -0.047375429421663284, 0.01842554658651352, -0.009328539483249187, -0.01941077969968319, -0.01779501885175705, 0.025498420000076294, 0.005555297713726759, -0.045794613659381866, -0.0162395890802145, -0.014738770201802254, -0.004416489973664284, 0.004136988427489996, 0.013324027881026268, -0.0077955774031579494, -0.07213472574949265, 0.024978170171380043, -0.017891768366098404, 0.025337016209959984, 0.05652806907892227, -0.015469655394554138, 0.011022981256246567 ]
OPINION BUSTAMANTE, J. {1} Defendant was found guilty of trafficking methamphetamine by manufacturing, possession of drug paraphernalia, and conspiracy to commit trafficking methamphetamine by manufacturing. The sole issue on appeal is whether Defendant was entitled to a jury instruction on a personal use defense to the trafficking by manufacturing charge. Because we conclude that trafficking by manufacture as defined by the Legislature does not allow for a personal use exception, we affirm the district court’s refusal to instruct the jury on this defense. BACKGROUND {2} The facts are generally not in dispute, and the case went to the jury without any defense witnesses being called and without any testimony from Defendant. The State relied on the testimony of four officers involved with the Otero County Narcotics Enforcement Unit (OCNEU), a federally funded, multi-jurisdictional task force, and on the expert testimony of a forensic chemist from a state crime lab. The State also introduced numerous exhibits related to the methamphetamine lab and precursor materials used in the production of methamphetamine. {3} Officer Jon Anderson, the supervisor of OCNEU, testified that on January 27, 2002, he received information about possible methamphetamine manufacturing at a residence in Alamogordo, New Mexico. He and other officers went to the residence to do a “knock and talk.” The door was answered by Marsha Krasnahill, whom the officers later determined to be the owner or renter of the residence. Officer Anderson received consent to have his deputies look inside the residence as part of their methamphetamine investigation. Defendant was observed in the residence. Almost immediately, a deputy saw what he believed to be a gassing device that is used during the manufacturing process. Officer Anderson ordered everyone out of the residence based on safety concerns, including the possibility that there could be an explosion from hydrochloric acid gas that may be present, or from the potential presence of phosaphine gas. {4} After everyone exited the residence, Defendant and Krasnahill were taken to the Sheriffs office, where they were interviewed by Sergeant Bennie House and another officer. Sergeant House testified that Defendant gave two different accounts: that she had been summoned to the residence to assist when a problem developed in getting a “final product,” and that she was there from start to finish. The essence of her statement was that, while she did not consider herself to be the “cook,” she had been at the residence to lend her expertise in exchange for some of the finished product. Meanwhile, a search warrant had been executed the same day. An officer who was certified to handle clandestine laboratories was called to take down the methamphetamine lab. The State presented additional testimony and physical evidence concerning the methamphetamine lab and precursor substances found at the residence and in a nearby vehicle. Because Defendant is not challenging the sufficiency of this evidence, there is no need to set forth these facts in detail. {5} In closing argument, defense counsel admitted that Defendant was a methamphetamine user. As part of this strategy, Defendant tendered a jury instruction that modified UJI 14-3112 NMRA 2004 (trafficking by manufacturing) to allow for a personal use exception. The district court refused the instruction, and this ruling is now being challenged on appeal. DISCUSSION A. Standard of Review {6} Generally, whether a jury instruction has been properly denied raises a mixed question of law and fact that is reviewed de novo. See State v. Salazar, 1997-NMSC-044, ¶ 49, 123 N.M. 778, 945 P.2d 996. Here, however, the availability of a personal use defense to the charge of trafficking by manufacturing involves statutory construction and analysis of the law referred to in a Committee Commentary to UJI 14-3112. Accordingly, we apply a de novo standard of review. See State v. Rowell, 121 N.M. 111, 114, 908 P.2d 1379, 1382 (1995) (noting that statutory interpretation is an issue of law). B. Trafficking by Manufacturing {7} As noted, Defendant’s right to have the jury instructed on a personal use defense requires us to consider in the first instance the legislative definition of the offense. In construing the statute, our primary goal is to give effect to the intent of the Legislature. See State v. Martinez, 1998-NMSC-023, ¶ 8, 126 N.M. 39, 966 P.2d 747. We do this by giving effect to the plain meaning of the words of statute, unless this leads to an absurd or unreasonable result. See State v. Wyrostek, 108 N.M. 140, 142, 767 P.2d 379, 381 (Ct.App.1988). Here, the applicable statutory language is as follows: A. As used in the Controlled Substances Act [30-31-1 NMSA 1978], “traffic” means the: (1) manufacture of any controlled substance enumerated in Schedules I through V or any controlled substance analog as defined in Subsection W of Section 30-31-2 NMSA 1978; (2) distribution, sale, barter or giving away of any controlled substance enumerated in Schedule I or II that is a narcotic drug or a controlled substance analog of a controlled substance enumerated in Schedule I or II that is a narcotic drug; or (3) possession with intent to distribute any controlled substance enumerated in Schedule I or II that is a narcotic drug or controlled substance analog of a controlled substance enumerated in Schedule I or II that is a narcotic drag. NMSA 1978, § 30-31-20(A) (1990). {8} The language of Subsections (2) and (3) would allow a personal use exception: if one can prove that possession is exclusively for personal use, then there can be no distribution, sale, barter or giving away of the controlled substance, nor can there be possession with intent to distribute. Section 30-31-20(A)(2) and (3). The trafficking by manufacture alternative merely requires that one manufacture a controlled substance, with no additional language requiring distribution or intent to distribute. Although Defendant would have us read this distribution language into Section 30-31-20(A)(l), it is well-settled that we do not read language into a statute, especially where the statute makes sense as written. See State v. Baker, 116 N.M. 526, 527, 864 P.2d 1277, 1278 (Ct.App.1993). Under Subsection (1), the Legislature looked to the source of the problem with any type of distribution of controlled substances—the person who takes lawful products and turns them into controlled substances. Consequently, it makes sense that the Legislature would criminalize the manufacturing of a controlled substance and not allow a personal use exception in that case. {9} Having concluded that under Section 30-31-20(A)(l) the manufacture of a controlled substance, without distribution or intent to distribute, is sufficient to commit this particular mode of “trafficking,” we consider whether Defendant’s personal use argument is supported by the applicable definitional provision in the Controlled Substance Act: M. “manufacture” means the production, preparation, compounding, conversion or processing of a controlled substance or controlled substance analog by extraction from substances of natural origin or independently by means of chemical synthesis or by a combination of extraction and chemical synthesis and includes any packaging or repackaging of the substance or labeling or relabeling of its container, except that this term does not include the preparation or compounding of a controlled substance: (1) by a practitioner as an incident to his administering or dispensing of a controlled substance in the course of his professional practice; or (2) by a practitioner, or by his agent under his supervision, for the purpose of or as an incident to research, teaching or chemical analysis and not for sale. NMSA 1978, § 30-31-2(M) (2002). {10} Again, there is nothing in this language to suggest that manufacturing requires distribution or an intent to distribute. To the contrary, the Legislature has not included personal use as one of the exceptions specifically set forth in Section 30-31-2(M). As indicated, the Legislature has specifically excluded the preparation or compounding of controlled substances by practitioners and their agents. Although the omission of a personal use exception is only indicative of legislative intent, see State v. Martinez, 92 N.M. 291, 293, 587 P.2d 438, 440 (Ct.App.1978), it lends further support to the conclusion that the crime of trafficking by manufacturing is committed irrespective of any consideration of whether the manufacturer intended to distribute the controlled substance or keep it for his or her personal use. We are therefore bound by the plain language of the statute. Cf. State v. Shaulis-Powell, 1999-NMCA-090, ¶ 19, 127 N.M. 667, 986 P.2d 463 (holding that the plain meaning of Section 30-31-2(M) excludes the act of growing marijuana). C. Committee Commentary {11} Perhaps realizing that the structure and language of the statute and its definitional section do not support recognition of a personal use exception, Defendant’s argument on appeal is based primarily on the following language in the Committee Commentary to UJI 14-3112, the manufacturing instruction: “The definition of manufacture excepts the preparation or compounding of a controlled substance for the defendant’s own use. See State v. Whitted, 21 N.C.App. 649, 205 S.E.2d 611, cert. denied, 285 N.C. 669, 207 S.E.2d 761 (1974), cert. denied, 419 U.S. 1120, 95 S.Ct. 803, 42 L.Ed.2d 820 (1975).” The commentary is not binding on this Court, but we do consider its persuasive value in considering the availability of the personal use instruction. See State v. McCrary, 100 N.M. 671, 673, 675 P.2d 120, 122 (1984). {12} We believe that the committee’s reliance on Whitted is misplaced for several reasons. First, Whitted was overruled by State v. Childers, 41 N.C.App. 729, 255 S.E.2d 654, 656-57 (1979), which concluded that the applicable statute did not allow for a personal use exception to trafficking by manufacture unless the manufacturing activity is preparation or compounding. Second, as pointed out in Childers, 255 S.E.2d at 656, the North Carolina statute in effect at the time defining “manufacture” included the following language: “except that this term [manufacture] does not include the preparation or compounding of a controlled substance by an individual for his own use.... ” Id. This exception is not found in New Mexico’s statute, Section 30-31-2(M). Third, we note that both the North Carolina statute and the New Mexico counterpart are based on the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (UCSA) § 101(13), 9 (Part II) U.L.A. 19 (1994). The New Mexico statute is virtually identical to the definition found in the UCSA, and the North Carolina statute added a personal use exception for the preparation and compounding of controlled substances. {13} To the extent that the committee commentary believed that our definition of manufacturing implicitly included a likewise provision, this assumption would be wrong for two reasons. First, as mentioned above, this would impermissibly read language into a statute that makes sense as written. Second, in overruling Whitted, Childers construed the exception to include situations where an individual was already in possession of a controlled substance and makes it ready for use or combines it with other ingredients for use (such as the baking of marijuana brownies). Childers, 255 S.E.2d at 656. The Childers court stressed that the exception did not apply in cases where production, propagation, conversion or production of a controlled substance was involved; in those cases, whether the defendant’s intent was to distribute the substance or consume it personally is irrelevant. Id. at 656-57. {14} The inapplicability of Whitted and the conclusion that the crime of trafficking by manufacturing does not allow for a personal use exception is further supported by the fact that numerous other courts have interpreted variations of the UCSA similar to Childers. See People v. Pearson, 157 Mich. App. 68, 403 N.W.2d 498, 499-501 (1987) (holding that its personal use exception was limited to the preparation and compounding of a controlled substance already in existence and citing cases in other jurisdictions that have reached the same conclusion). Because the Legislature has not included a personal use exception in New Mexico’s definition of “manufacture,” we conclude that there is no such exception and that it was not error for the district court to refuse Defendant’s tendered instruction. CONCLUSION {15} For the reasons set forth above, we affirm. {16} IT IS SO ORDERED. CELIA FOY CASTILLO and IRA ROBINSON, JJ., concur.
[ 0.042408812791109085, 0.023889826610684395, -0.056215833872556686, 0.021092569455504417, 0.07381593436002731, -0.0040557547472417355, 0.03860799968242645, 0.026323840022087097, -0.014583820477128029, -0.008493990637362003, 0.013357368297874928, 0.02003580518066883, -0.05245181545615196, 0.05151019245386124, 0.005533808842301369, 0.07424356043338776, 0.07808306813240051, 0.044209714978933334, 0.047884751111269, -0.006866646930575371, 0.007616865448653698, -0.038826849311590195, 0.01748282089829445, 0.033637139946222305, 0.03127523884177208, 0.006465550046414137, 0.0072355689480900764, 0.012343023903667927, -0.050891976803541183, -0.021015455946326256, 0.0026401840150356293, -0.02123682200908661, -0.0012916292762383819, -0.04010505974292755, -0.010990561917424202, 0.02455299161374569, -0.028757011517882347, -0.010306750424206257, -0.01809830404818058, 0.037135444581508636, -0.04816865175962448, -0.006750150583684444, -0.050348613411188126, -0.041185833513736725, -0.06997621059417725, -0.018716583028435707, 0.018141062930226326, 0.060133740305900574, -0.01616070605814457, 0.006574353203177452, -0.07931853085756302, 0.01702546700835228, -0.00864234659820795, 0.05304759740829468, 0.03272232785820961, 0.011802740395069122, -0.04628932476043701, -0.0574309267103672, -0.02211461029946804, -0.008366378955543041, -0.016155632212758064, -0.01206086203455925, 0.04744422435760498, 0.013368973508477211, 0.011204630136489868, -0.013162355870008469, 0.019010016694664955, 0.03498411923646927, -0.05252543464303017, -0.00996209867298603, -0.03973788768053055, -0.0234156996011734, 0.01091160997748375, 0.007387141697108746, -0.012175370007753372, -0.031161293387413025, 0.025973603129386902, 0.03872034326195717, -0.018009144812822342, 0.07024527341127396, 0.023783205077052116, -0.04199656844139099, 0.010388707742094994, 0.030037235468626022, 0.0069614616222679615, -0.04586375877261162, -0.0017751938430592418, -0.011560599319636822, -0.010431496426463127, 0.005810822360217571, -0.007214192766696215, -0.02371644601225853, 0.011316775344312191, 0.030776696279644966, 0.009366375394165516, -0.03302915021777153, 0.07761988043785095, -0.013345295563340187, -0.00311512709595263, 0.018110403791069984, -0.012273951433598995, -0.0193486250936985, 0.01801610179245472, 0.0662994310259819, -0.06879686564207077, 0.01707642525434494, -0.005590325221419334, -0.01497012097388506, 0.009899051859974861, -0.013103644363582134, 0.011321119032800198, 0.026745347306132317, 0.0009735494968481362, -0.028545400127768517, -0.058084797114133835, 0.06231318414211273, 0.02520299144089222, -0.01754685863852501, 0.009482406079769135, -0.01839766651391983, 0.03920731693506241, 0.06016499549150467, 0.0003686788259074092, 0.07245573401451111, -0.007018271833658218, 0.01180967129766941, 0.0025715993251651525, 0.051844317466020584, 0.022059494629502296, -0.05251135677099228, 0.0011922369012609124, 0.030971813946962357, 0.016989843919873238, 0.0038978252559900284, -0.0014071790501475334, -0.051235999912023544, -0.0075154779478907585, -0.00849862676113844, 0.040199164301157, -0.0327264666557312, -0.017208421602845192, -0.02541539818048477, 0.016079993918538094, -0.0009812356438487768, 0.03231591358780861, -0.06250778585672379, 0.02272660844027996, -0.011234351433813572, -0.034285418689250946, -0.003352140309289098, 0.05880550667643547, 0.03165886551141739, 0.037641435861587524, -0.03393303230404854, -0.006467863451689482, 0.07300322502851486, 0.025592047721147537, -0.026498937979340553, -0.007587271276861429, 0.03215230628848076, 0.012465820647776127, 0.04029829427599907, 0.00852407980710268, -0.006557544227689505, -0.013077634386718273, 0.04213109239935875, 0.010994082316756248, 0.0019079780904576182, -0.030157964676618576, 0.014756382443010807, -0.034095399081707, -0.028500622138381004, 0.045913927257061005, -0.058244891464710236, -0.01824287697672844, 0.030237887054681778, 0.012705227360129356, 0.018885454162955284, 0.03086451068520546, -0.008809508755803108, -0.06315165013074875, 0.04410191997885704, -0.013191275298595428, -0.03648270666599274, -0.014667867682874203, -0.02049018070101738, 0.06143099069595337, -0.041241131722927094, 0.0029173835646361113, 0.0031999058555811644, -0.05849804729223251, -0.025880467146635056, 0.0037644985131919384, -0.046166032552719116, 0.036994967609643936, 0.014215492643415928, -0.01688835211098194, 0.02120262198150158, 0.03256969153881073, 0.03823363035917282, 0.030942225828766823, 0.03645756468176842, 0.03789733722805977, -0.07412434369325638, -0.059904713183641434, 0.0016486610984429717, 0.06508277356624603, -0.013121874071657658, -0.0059724110178649426, 0.08454521745443344, -0.0013190247118473053, -0.010587223805487156, 0.006029956042766571, -0.022674473002552986, 0.011045004241168499, 0.009913730435073376, 0.0115012526512146, -0.026577599346637726, 0.026550637558102608, -0.0382438562810421, 0.012481427751481533, -0.014507705345749855, -0.06171872094273567, 0.01736356131732464, -0.06322379410266876, 0.09692675620317459, 0.055603161454200745, -0.02989030070602894, 0.011601263657212257, 0.017211569473147392, 0.004732967354357243, -0.0093118567019701, 0.020854633301496506, -0.0010698084952309728, 0.048510294407606125, -0.004497422371059656, -0.030769512057304382, 0.03604673966765404, 0.03419404476881027, -0.04612942785024643, 0.01781204342842102, 0.048274606466293335, 0.034316349774599075, 0.017820117995142937, -0.03485960140824318, 0.004941766615957022, 0.0066044945269823074, -0.015554900281131268, -0.03360966965556145, -0.015565752051770687, -0.025090215727686882, -0.005606590770184994, 0.0050544124096632, 0.02398550696671009, 0.02416905015707016, -0.08132024109363556, -0.04718479886651039, 0.015786705538630486, -0.0000830262215458788, 0.02512511797249317, -0.02089187130331993, 0.04616308584809303, 0.007153930142521858, 0.010131722316145897, -0.04613598436117172, -0.057119838893413544, -0.03401440009474754, 0.039295557886362076, -0.0063736760057508945, 0.05417541787028313, 0.04670128598809242, -0.012114513665437698, -0.004449302330613136, 0.018448488786816597, 0.020248565822839737, 0.0320303849875927, 0.021131394430994987, 0.0027798598166555166, -0.022199662402272224, -0.014729470945894718, 0.002393960254266858, 0.057176731526851654, -0.02209365926682949, -0.04630552604794502, 0.004564982373267412, -0.05183745175600052, -0.016242284327745438, -0.03765168413519859, -0.06890304386615753, 0.0827363133430481, -0.010703091509640217, 0.0018294232431799173, -0.012658585794270039, 0.0018251539440825582, 0.01274225115776062, 0.018000971525907516, -0.0018702546367421746, 0.04235748574137688, 0.027660436928272247, -0.025159284472465515, 0.00820727925747633, -0.007647545542567968, -0.06395184993743896, 0.011665583588182926, 0.039711035788059235, -0.021594123914837837, -0.020298989489674568, 0.010503861121833324, -0.26336339116096497, 0.012991582974791527, -0.028978345915675163, -0.029103612527251244, 0.03573478013277054, -0.0050133527256548405, 0.0005744057707488537, -0.005106979049742222, 0.0018266096012666821, 0.01616475358605385, 0.02131575345993042, -0.029361266642808914, 0.030471809208393097, 0.010529507882893085, 0.003421412082388997, -0.02240007184445858, 0.03874834254384041, -0.048315584659576416, 0.02583257481455803, 0.013401786796748638, 0.01993861421942711, -0.02121172845363617, -0.06495624780654907, 0.009848391637206078, 0.05753886327147484, 0.06679215282201767, -0.03809184581041336, 0.04334009066224098, -0.06580822914838791, -0.024005290120840073, -0.04698529839515686, 0.01951184868812561, -0.029063571244478226, -0.05131912976503372, 0.021486658602952957, 0.0241691954433918, -0.0062050423584878445, -0.037468548864126205, -0.023640763014554977, -0.033380743116140366, -0.03521769866347313, -0.040922872722148895, -0.045177243649959564, 0.043845370411872864, 0.06601659208536148, 0.0058976165018975735, -0.04842399060726166, -0.0033582961186766624, -0.03809972479939461, 0.032941821962594986, -0.0338362492620945, -0.02407568320631981, -0.02694583125412464, 0.009824776090681553, 0.004798400681465864, 0.03323899209499359, -0.05922560766339302, 0.012121716514229774, -0.06192781403660774, 0.05680127814412117, -0.02599567547440529, -0.03496887534856796, -0.05893433839082718, -0.005641418509185314, -0.028646180406212807, -0.024950720369815826, -0.0028516140300780535, -0.05498942732810974, 0.07256750762462616, -0.0002003378322115168, -0.01260706502944231, 0.08758223056793213, -0.054259032011032104, -0.08849740028381348, 0.013299559243023396, -0.010217095725238323, -0.016828203573822975, -0.06458323448896408, -0.034736014902591705, 0.031231116503477097, -0.01495643611997366, -0.0360901802778244, 0.029802296310663223, 0.01323374267667532, -0.0011163473827764392, 0.014639804139733315, 0.00908601749688387, 0.04157053306698799, -0.05417433753609657, 0.020354168489575386, 0.041002750396728516, 0.04231572151184082, 0.0012943807523697615, -0.011643134988844395, 0.01591683365404606, 0.025968365371227264, -0.012516106478869915, -0.02678234502673149, -0.019830303266644478, -0.024104906246066093, 0.02351592294871807, -0.06937981396913528, 0.017940597608685493, -0.015171228908002377, -0.03974790871143341, -0.0013093722518533468, -0.06530383229255676, -0.022578993812203407, 0.04812334477901459, -0.022584524005651474, 0.010074963793158531, 0.021880023181438446, 0.053650204092264175, -0.02753090113401413, 0.0076759434305131435, -0.026513928547501564, 0.06622573733329773, -0.003233506577089429, 0.06585156917572021, -0.019332056865096092, 0.007166458293795586, 0.030637087300419807, -0.030010657384991646, -0.0246427021920681, -0.08713310956954956, -0.049852464348077774, 0.031350526958703995, 0.05517716705799103, 0.021837178617715836, 0.026783986017107964, -0.04947688803076744, -0.041923824697732925, 0.008284819312393665, -0.0010249500628560781, 0.03776710480451584, -0.022518830373883247, -0.050527721643447876, -0.0359201654791832, 0.010623108595609665, -0.01067444309592247, 0.04369601234793663, -0.02150418981909752, -0.011045049875974655, 0.01152996439486742, 0.052842628210783005, -0.017428413033485413, -0.010232643224298954, -0.003941691014915705, -0.06204792484641075, 0.006347958464175463, 0.04777734726667404, -0.060547053813934326, 0.03468318656086922, -0.024064306169748306, 0.011134311556816101, -0.032497160136699677, 0.029695609584450722, 0.04407251998782158, 0.0021345377899706364, -0.05755382031202316, 0.0020686048083007336, -0.012113621458411217, -0.010919032618403435, -0.0140787772834301, -0.02731472998857498, 0.06739381700754166, -0.04958929866552353, 0.0002212609542766586, -0.022370470687747, 0.039472825825214386, -0.012579244561493397, -0.07207874953746796, -0.03418624773621559, 0.01895231008529663, -0.004215145017951727, 0.024401042610406876, -0.024331165477633476, -0.026190366595983505, 0.03672891482710838, 0.019703246653079987, -0.032996028661727905, -0.024069001898169518, -0.02466576360166073, -0.027661137282848358, 0.03946714103221893, -0.018609652295708656, 0.006349015515297651, -0.06560701876878738, -0.00881227757781744, 0.008434866555035114, -0.000930724898353219, 0.0003117390151601285, -0.02517208456993103, 0.005566661711782217, -0.05696961656212807, -0.04742026701569557, 0.025320997461676598, -0.0087253013625741, 0.011582842096686363, 0.05151849612593651, 0.03801948204636574, -0.034646403044462204, -0.025044554844498634, 0.004894571378827095, 0.01920461095869541, -0.054992493242025375, 0.01747405342757702, 0.04868924245238304, 0.02483276277780533, 0.0625862255692482, -0.06376472115516663, 0.012189163826406002, 0.0014771507121622562, 0.021315429359674454, 0.003974196035414934, -0.05494294688105583, 0.02378585934638977, 0.017255816608667374, -0.02985822781920433, -0.00253990083001554, 0.000995216891169548, -0.017340166494250298, -0.04085119068622589, 0.0027802546974271536, -0.02801082283258438, 0.06693592667579651, -0.0012391710188239813, -0.007718941662460566, 0.033034052699804306, -0.027457015588879585, -0.019891612231731415, -0.03939903900027275, 0.030971046537160873, 0.02024967037141323, -0.016525549814105034, -0.026118068024516106, -0.005888025276362896, -0.02377973683178425, -0.0010769034270197153, 0.04777593910694122, 0.03576206415891647, 0.027233611792325974, 0.00792923104017973, -0.016379106789827347, -0.007544621825218201, -0.007712230551987886, 0.02593379281461239, -0.012873159721493721, 0.024814654141664505, 0.05088543891906738, 0.013994839042425156, 0.02800673618912697, -0.011653603054583073, -0.004684555809944868, 0.031023168936371803, -0.047846537083387375, -0.02106129191815853, -0.0010980265215039253, -0.024693405255675316, 0.03997642174363136, -0.023863133043050766, 0.019070766866207123, -0.04298718273639679, 0.018305575475096703, 0.039375342428684235, 0.033256351947784424, 0.0022940130438655615, -0.014619934372603893, 0.034519586712121964, -0.10042120516300201, -0.03520873188972473, -0.06301458925008774, 0.00691499188542366, 0.052738990634679794, 0.031587325036525726, 0.05269530043005943, 0.00804608128964901, -0.0010177777148783207, 0.040595538914203644, -0.06800577789545059, -0.037924546748399734, 0.0333789698779583, 0.04052727296948433, -0.028589773923158646, 0.02569262869656086, -0.02465231716632843, 0.01405579224228859, -0.013223323971033096, -0.08552021533250809, -0.036282602697610855, 0.04965534806251526, 0.02574966661632061, 0.03252660855650902, -0.01887175627052784, 0.008780964650213718, -0.010127250105142593, 0.04670056328177452, 0.06293871253728867, 0.023295357823371887, 0.0338108167052269, -0.048704199492931366, 0.06380882859230042, -0.00501362606883049, -0.038175370544195175, -0.03184261918067932, -0.012263217940926552, 0.019042527303099632, -0.06716429442167282, 0.0013883932260796428, 0.025715092197060585, 0.013708994723856449, -0.0768328458070755, 0.060585781931877136, -0.027488073334097862, -0.0724637433886528, -0.030808987095952034, 0.02089179866015911, -0.0414682999253273, -0.04504489526152611, -0.01979888416826725, 0.02765919640660286, -0.012338981963694096, 0.06191268935799599, 0.02667098119854927, 0.08061657845973969, 0.05409066006541252, 0.000541948713362217, 0.020665017887949944, 0.0426815040409565, 0.05065023899078369, 0.03031104989349842, 0.003212917363271117, 0.010941258631646633, 0.03940292075276375, -0.014741753228008747, -0.02310272678732872, -0.009815525263547897, -0.006813362706452608, -0.03213084116578102, 0.008431020192801952, 0.01982785575091839, 0.023180706426501274, 0.008608092553913593, 0.04206375405192375, 0.060830891132354736, 0.024265162646770477, 0.047871798276901245, -0.05290570855140686, 0.06524965912103653, 0.024978816509246826, 0.01301075890660286, -0.036668118089437485, -0.02731013484299183, -0.05828305333852768, -0.040880586951971054, 0.006760350428521633, 0.0014490332687273622, 0.023970244452357292, -0.07906879484653473, 0.03630819171667099, -0.008463065139949322, -0.01152817066758871, 0.0854390561580658, -0.0034724746365100145, -0.004030582495033741, -0.008297205902636051, 0.0017232358222827315, -0.005562345962971449, -0.023534836247563362, -0.012196267955005169, 0.007828189060091972, -0.016559649258852005, -0.052576322108507156, -0.0160819198936224, 0.006714819930493832, 0.033016227185726166, 0.04674354940652847, -0.008276394568383694, -0.00141440040897578, 0.016755707561969757, -0.0019283111905679107, -0.035830941051244736, -0.01065358892083168, -0.05217853933572769, -0.024323416873812675, -0.033823393285274506, -0.01514357142150402, 0.020297832787036896, -0.021363720297813416, -0.036052167415618896, 0.03114224411547184, -0.018793849274516106, -0.05349661782383919, 0.02968880906701088, -0.05823779106140137, 0.0025195281486958265, 0.07052741199731827, 0.03435052931308746, 0.022876489907503128, 0.01787092536687851, 0.030373530462384224, 0.01836472377181053, -0.025198912248015404, 0.018862886354327202, -0.018218737095594406, 0.044231679290533066, -0.05893304944038391, -0.0030157570727169514, -0.09168454259634018, 0.03841305524110794, -0.004918329417705536, -0.011131367646157742, -0.07184122502803802, 0.01569523848593235, -0.00783185288310051, 0.005078935995697975, 0.04595908522605896, -0.006615998223423958, -0.011328037828207016, -0.013894893229007721, -0.025877684354782104, -0.002333170035853982, 0.0004214980872347951, 0.09563274681568146, -0.03141721710562706, 0.05839156731963158, 0.05003030598163605, -0.04125312343239784, -0.0167529433965683, 0.06111413985490799, 0.0401521660387516, 0.001236032578162849, 0.0051970393396914005, -0.009618052281439304, -0.012517864815890789, -0.07050319015979767, -0.0348878912627697, 0.04327984154224396, -0.02505888044834137, -0.043214090168476105, 0.024602370336651802, -0.025166191160678864, -0.004960646387189627, 0.004059385508298874, 0.028155187144875526, 0.038020651787519455, -0.053940899670124054, -0.03442205861210823, -0.03520048409700394, 0.02568100579082966, -0.005886412691324949, -0.0035906725097447634, 0.0075815171003341675, -0.06930715590715408, 0.018741292878985405, -0.030924927443265915, 0.03750710189342499, 0.04138166084885597, -0.012563669122755527, -0.03053797408938408 ]
OPINION PICKARD, Judge. {1} Wife appeals the district court’s order dissolving her marriage, dividing property, and awarding child support. Husband cross-appeals. The parties raise numerous arguments, most of which we address in a memorandum opinion accompanying this formal opinion. In this opinion, we address five issues, all related to attorney fees. Wife contends that the district court had jurisdiction to consider whether to award her attorney fees from the couple’s California child custody case. While we agree, we hold that an award of her California attorney fees is not mandatory, and we further hold that any error in the district court’s view of its jurisdiction can be viewed as harmless under the circumstances of this case. Wife also argues that the district court should have labeled all of her custody-related attorney fee debt as a community debt. We disagree, again under the circumstances of this case. Additionally, Wife argues that the district court should have ordered Husband to pay all of her New Mexico attorney fees, while on cross-appeal, Husband argues that he should have been permitted to take discovery on Wife’s California attorney fees and that the district court should have credited him for his partial payment of Wife’s attorney fees. We affirm the district court’s decisions on these issues as well. FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS {2} Husband and Wife married in California in July 1991. In 1994, they moved to Arizona. In 1999, they relocated to Socorro, New Mexico, where Husband was raised and where his family owns a holding company that owns the First State Bank of Socorro. The relationship deteriorated, and in July 2000, Wife moved to her former home of California while seven months pregnant. Wife alleged that Husband had threatened her and her mother and that she had discovered that Husband had been secretly investing community assets into separately held accounts and ventures. {3} Wife filed for legal separation in California in July 2000. Husband filed for dissolution of marriage in New Mexico about two weeks later. In September 2000, their child (Child) was born in California. Husband successfully moved to quash all proceedings in California except for the custody case because the California court did not have personal jurisdiction over him. Husband then filed for determination of custody in New Mexico. {4} The California court entered an order making an initial determination of child custody jurisdiction in California, but allowing Husband to raise inconvenient forum grounds. The California court later granted Husband’s motion to transfer the case to New Mexico on inconvenient forum grounds and ordered the establishment of a travel fund to facilitate Wife’s participation in the litigation. Wife appealed to the California Court of Appeals. {5} Based on its inconvenient forum decision, the California superior court transferred the case to New Mexico, where the New Mexico district court assumed jurisdiction in all matters and immediately awarded Wife interim child and spousal support. Then, in April 2001, the California Court of Appeals issued an opinion holding that California was the appropriate jurisdiction for the custody case and directing the California superior court to issue an order vacating the transfer of the case to New Mexico. From this point on, two separate cases proceeded, with child custody litigation occurring in California and litigation pertaining to the di vorce, property, and support occurring in New Mexico. {6} The facts pertaining to attorney fees are as follows. Both parties requested attorney fees on multiple occasions. In June 2001, citing the need “to equalize the monies paid to the parties’ New Mexico attorneys for attorney’s fees and costs,” the district court ordered Husband to pay $50,000 to Wife. In October 2001, the court ordered: Father[’]s attorney fee loan and Mother[’]s California attorney fees will need to be taken care of by liquidating assets. Short term (one or two months) this will be done with the Christmas Club Funds as the [court-appointed expert] directs, mid term shall be as determined by the Court at the next scheduled hearing____ [I]n the mid term sum will also need to be included funds for ongoing attorney fees and expert witness fees. In November 2001, the court ordered monthly payments on Wife’s California attorney fees to be made from a fund established to finance litigation-related travel, child visitation, and payment of taxes. It also ordered that money from that fund be used to pay the court-appointed expert. In October 2002, the district court decided that it would not consider California attorney fees as part of the New Mexico case. From the record, it appears that the district court did not use its sanctioning authority to award attorney fees at any time. {7} The case was originally heard by Judge James Loughren, and when he stepped down from the bench, he continued to hear the case as a special master for Judge Nan Nash. In January 2003, the special master produced a report on attorney fees: The report found that New Mexico attorney fees totaled $173,000 for Husband and $115,600 for Wife. It listed California attorney fees as $150,369 for Husband and $134,700 for Wife, but stated that New Mexico did not have jurisdiction to consider the California attorney fees. The report labeled each party’s attorney fee debt as separate debt, making no distinction between California and New Mexico fees. {8} The report also reviewed the parties’ actions over the course of litigation, eoncluding that “[njeither party so clearly prevailed, nor acted with clean hands such that either is entitled to extraordinary relief or sanctions as against the other.” The special master found that Husband had paid Wife $34,902.39 pursuant to earlier orders requiring him to pay part of Wife’s attorney fees and that because this was paid in an attempt to equalize fees, Husband was not entitled to reimbursement or credit for this amount. Finally, considering a series of factors discussed in more detail below, the special master recommended that “the parties should each bear their own remaining attorney fees and no further allocation of attorney fees between the parties than what took place during the case is warranted.” {9} After Husband and Wife litigated every aspect of property, support, and fees, the district court entered an order dissolving the marriage in December 2002. Following an additional two months of litigation over the final division of property, the district court adopted the special master’s reports on property division and attorney fees. The present appeals followed. DISCUSSION {10} There are three main sources for the district court’s power to award attorney fees to a party in a divorce. First, the district court “may make an order, relative to the expenses of the proceeding, as will ensure either party an efficient preparation and presentation of his [or her] case.” NMSA 1978, § 40-4-7(A) (1997). We have held that “[i]f there is economic disparity between the parties in a domestic relations case, such that one party may be inhibited from preparing or presenting a claim, then the trial and appellate courts should be liberal in exercising their discretion to award attorney fees to discourage any potential judicial oppression.” Bustos v. Gilroy, 106 N.M. 808, 812, 751 P.2d 188, 192 (Ct.App.1988). {11} Second, Rule 1-054(E) NMRA instructs parties to make a motion for attorney fees. In the domestic relations area, Rule 1-127 NMRA provides that: A motion for attorney fees pursuant to Rule 1-054 NMRA shall include an itemization of time expended and an affirmation that the fees claimed are correctly stated and necessary. In awarding fees, the court shall consider relevant factors presented by the parties, including but not limited to: A. disparity of the parties’ resources, including assets and incomes; B. prior settlement offers; C. the total amount of fees and costs expended by each party, the amount paid from community property funds, any balances due and any interim advance of funds ordered by the court; and D. success on the merits. Rules 1-054(E) and -127 appear’ to implement Section 4(M-7(A) and the cases decided under it. See, e.g., Gilmore v. Gilmore, 106 N.M. 788, 792, 750 P.2d 1114, 1118 (Ct. App.1988). {12} Third, the district court may issue sanctions, including attorney fees, when a party files a pleading or motion without information and belief that there is good ground to support it or if it is interposed for delay or otherwise litigates in bad faith. Rule 1-011 NMRA; see State ex rel. State Highway & Transp. Dep’t v. Baca, 120 N.M. 1, 4-5, 896 P.2d 1148, 1151-52 (1995); Rivera v. Brazos Lodge Corp., 111 N.M. 670, 675-76, 808 P.2d 955, 960-61 (1991). In New Mexico, contrary to Wife’s argument, the courts’ inherent powers are limited to these situations of bad faith, and courts have statutory powers, rather than inherent powers, to award attorney fees in divorce cases. See N.M. Right to Choose/NARAL v. Johnson, 1999-NMSC-028, ¶ 9, 127 N.M. 654, 986 P.2d 450; Seipert v. Johnson, 2003-NMCA-119, ¶¶ 9-10, 134 N.M. 394, 77 P.3d 298. 1. Jurisdiction to Consider California Attorney Fees {13} Wife argues that the district court should have considered whether to order Husband to pay her California attorney fees. The district court refused to consider the California fees because it did not believe that jurisdiction was proper. We review the legal issue of whether the court had jurisdiction de novo. See Weddington v. Weddington, 2004-NMCA-034, ¶ 13, 135 N.M. 198, 86 P.3d 623 (involving subject matter jurisdiction). {14} Under California law, a court with proper child custody jurisdiction cannot award attorney fees associated with the custody determination unless it also has personal jurisdiction over the party to be charged with fees. In re Marriage of Malak, 182 Cal.App.3d 1018, 227 Cal.Rptr. 841, 844-45 (1986). This mirrors the law of New Mexico. See Worland v. Worland, 89 N.M. 291, 296, 551 P.2d 981, 986 (1976). Furthermore, we are not aware of whether specific provisions in California’s statutes might give a California court the power to order an individual over whom it does not have personal jurisdiction to pay attorney fees when said provisions are met. In any case, it appears that these provisions are not applicable in this case. See Cal. Fam.Code § 3427(e) (1999) (providing for attorney fees when it appears to the court that California was clearly an inconvenient forum); Cal. Fam.Code § 3428(e) (1999) (providing for attorney fees when California declines jurisdiction due to the improper conduct of one of the parties). {15} Thus, the district court was incorrect to conclude that it should not consider California attorney fees on the ground that proper jurisdiction to determine attorney fees in the custody case was in California. With personal jurisdiction over both Wife and Husband and subject matter jurisdiction over the division of their property, the New Mexico court is the proper forum for the issue. {16} To the extent that Wife argues that the award of her California attorney fees is mandatory under the New Mexico child custody statutes, we disagree. The costs section of the current statute on child custody jurisdiction mandates that attorney fees shall be awarded to the prevailing party unless such an award would be “clearly inappropriate.” NMSA 1978, § 40-10A-312(a) (2001). Moreover, a transitional provision states, “A motion or other request for relief made in a child-custody proceeding ... is governed by the law in effect at the time the motion or other request was made.” NMSA 1978, § 40-10A-403 (2001). However, although New Mexico now follows the Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), NMSA 1978, §§ 40-10A-101 to-403 (2001), the child custody law governing this case is the now-repealed Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (CCJA), NMSA 1978, §§ 40-10-1 to -24 (1981, repealed 2001), as this case was filed in 2000. See N.M. Const, art. IV, § 34 (providing that no legislation may affect a pending case). Thus, Wife’s arguments pertaining to the application of the UCCJEA to this case are not valid. Furthermore, we also reject Wife’s argument that the UCCJEA suggests legislative intent to require attorney fees be paid to the prevailing party in a child custody dispute, and that we should apply this intent to this case. We will not require a result to be accomplished indirectly when the result would be constitutionally impermissible directly. Cf. Padilla v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 2003-NMSC-011, ¶ 12,133 N.M. 661, 68 P.3d 901 (holding that an insurer will not be allowed to do indirectly what it is precluded from doing directly). {17} Wife’s California attorney fees are also not mandatorily assigned to Husband under the CCJA. Section 40-10-8(0 states that when the forum selected by one of the parties in a child custody dispute is clearly inconvenient, the court may make the party who commenced the action pay the other party’s attorney fees. This section gives the district court discretion to award attorney fees, but does not make it mandatory. See Montano v. Los Alamos County, 1996-NMCA-108, ¶ 5, 122 N.M. 454, 926 P.2d 307 (setting out the canon of statutory construction that the term “may” in a statute is permissive, while “shall” is mandatory). In addition, this provision would not apply to Wife’s fees in this case because it only applies to cases in which child custody jurisdiction was decided on inconvenient forum grounds. Here, the California court ultimately decided jurisdiction as a matter of law. {18} Therefore, we hold that the district court had jurisdiction to consider an award of attorney fees for the California litigation under Section 40-4-7(A) and the Rule 1-127 guidelines set forth above. Wife argues that under these circumstances, we must remand to the district court for it to exercise the discretion that it apparently believed that it did not have. See Sandoval v. Chrysler Corp., 1998-NMCA-085, ¶ 12, 125 N.M. 292, 960 P.2d 834 (stating that the “failure of the trial judge to exercise his discretion is, in itself, reversible error”). However, there is nothing in the record indicating that the district court would have exercised its discretion to make an award of attorney fees for the California litigation. To the contrary, as will be demonstrated later in this opinion, the district court exercised its discretion, which discretion we uphold, to require the parties to bear their own attorney fees. Nonetheless, as error was committed, we remand on this issue for the district court’s consideration, in the exercise of its reasoned discretion, of whether to award attorney fees to Wife in connection with the California custody matter. However, nothing in this opinion is intended to require the district court to hold a hearing unless it, in its discretion, chooses to consider an award of the California attorney fees. 2. Child Custody Attorney Fee Debt as Community Debt {19} Wife next argues that all of her attorney fee debt arising from the New Mexico custody dispute should have been labeled as community debt. The threshold question of whether an item is community or separate debt is a legal issue that we review de novo. Arnold v. Arnold, 2003-NMCA-114, ¶ 6, 134 N.M. 381, 77 P.3d 285. {20} Community debt is defined as “a debt contracted or incurred by either or both spouses during marriage which is not a separate debt.” NMSA 1978, § 40-3-9(B) (1983). Separate debt does not include all debts incurred while separated, but does include “unreasonable” debt. Section 40-3-9(A). Unreasonable debt is debt that is acquired by one spouse while living apart that does “not contribute to the benefit of both spouses or their dependents.” NMSA 1978, § 40-3-10.1 (1983). Thus, it appears that the district court’s basis for classifying attorney fees as separate debt must have been a determination that both parties’ attorney fees were “unreasonable debt,” although the district court made no such explicit finding. {21} We have held that a wife’s attorney fee debt incurred in a child custody dispute and while she was living apart from her husband was community debt because it benefitted the community’s dependents. Bustos, 106 N.M. at 810-11, 751 P.2d at 190-91. In that ease, the attorney fees were due to an out-of-state attorney. Id. at 811, 751 P.2d at 191. There was also a finding that it was in the best interest of the children to reside with the wife, which was the outcome of the work by the attorney whose fees were held to be community debt. Id. {22} The present case differs significantly from Bustos. Here, the child custody dispute actually took place in a different jurisdiction, and it appears that much of the fees were incurred in a dispute over jurisdiction. The district court made no findings with respect to the best interests of Child or the role of the child custody litigation in meeting Child’s needs. Therefore, Wife’s success on the merits of the jurisdictional issue in the California case is not dispositive of the issue before us, nor is the fact that she was awarded primary custody of Child. {23} In addition, the special master made findings, adopted by the district court, that the parties’ total attorney fees approached $600,000, which exceeded the value of the community estate, much of which was unnecessary and was due to conduct of which the court disapproved. In addition, provision was made, early in the case, for tens of thousands of dollars to be paid to Wife for her attorney fees. Under these circumstances, we believe that the district court could reasonably have ruled that the remainder of Wife’s attorney fees, while stipulated to be reasonable in amount for the work done, was unreasonably incurred and therefore would not be considered community debt. See Gonzales v. Lopez, 2002-NMCA-086, ¶ 27, 132 N.M. 558, 52 P.3d 418 (indicating that appellate court will not second guess district court’s weighing of evidence). 3. Husband’s Discovery on Wife’s California Attorney Fees {24} Husband argues that the trial court erred in failing to afford him an opportunity to engage in discovery related to Wife’s California attorney fees. Given that the district court had decided that it could not hear the matter of Wife’s California attorney fees, the ruling was appropriate. Husband alleges that he wanted to engage in discovery for the purpose of requesting an award of fees from Wife. However, we are upholding the district court’s decisions on attorney fees, and Husband has not raised an issue alleging error in the failure to award him fees. Moreover, based on the ruling we are upholding, it is clear that no amount of discovery would lead the district court to shift Husband’s attorney fees, that were already disproportional to Wife’s in the California litigation, to Wife. 4. Wife’s New Mexico Attorney Fees {25} Wife argues that the district court should have awarded her attorney fees in its discretionary capacity because of the economic disparity between the parties, because she was successful on the merits of the child custody jurisdictional issue, because the final property division gave her more than her initial settlement offer, and because Husband used community funds to pay his attorney fees. The trial court’s decision on whether to award attorney fees under its Rule 1-127 or Section 40-4-7(A) authority is reviewed for an abuse of discretion. Bustos, 106 N.M. at 812, 751 P.2d at 192. “An abuse of discretion occurs when a ruling is clearly contrary to the logical conclusions demanded by the facts and circumstances of the case.” Sims v. Sims, 1996-NMSC-078, ¶ 65, 122 N.M. 618, 930 P.2d 153. “When there exist reasons both supporting and detracting from a trial court decision, there is no abuse of discretion.” Talley v. Talley, 115 N.M. 89, 92, 847 P.2d 323, 326 (Ct.App.1993). {26} Reviewing the Rule 1-127 factors, the considerations in Section 40-4-7(A), and the district court’s findings, we hold that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in deciding not to award any additional fees. With regard to economic disparity, although there was some evidence of economic disparity, substantial evidence, when considering all of the appropriate factors, supported the district court’s denial of additional fees. Wife was imputed with income of $5,000 per month, and received a total estate of $320,491. This was significantly less than Husband’s estate, and this factor weighed in Wife’s favor. {27} However, we review the district court’s decision bearing in mind all of the factors it was required to consider. See Fitzsimmons v. Fitzsimmons, 104 N.M. 420, 429, 722 P.2d 671, 680 (Ct.App.1986) (“While it would appear that husband’s income was more than twice that of the wife, financial disparity in terms of wages is only one factor which the court may consider.”). The special master’s report states that any economic disparity did not prevent either side from making its case. The voluminous record bears this out, indicating that Wife made frequent motions to the court, fully briefed responses to all of Husband’s motions, and made regular appearances before the court. We disagree that the failure to award attorney fees left Wife an unfair choice between capitulating to Husband’s “superior economic resources” or incurring tremendous legal debt. The record indicates that Husband did not file a disproportionate share of the motions or raise a disproportionate share of the issues in the case. {28} With regard to the other factors, the record supports the district court findings. Wife and Husband each made a series of settlement offers, none of which was accepted, such that this factor did not weigh heavily for either party. Both parties expended vast sums in litigating the case. Although Wife indicates that Husband paid his attorney fees from community funds, it also appears that some of her attorney fees were paid with community funds. Finally, as is evident from the appeal and cross-appeal, the district court correctly found that neither party had been completely successful on the merits. 5. Husband’s Partial Payment of Wife’s New Mexico Attorney Fees {29} In June 2001, the district court ordered Husband to pay Wife $50,000 to equalize the costs of litigation. Wife received $34,902.39 from Husband to this end. On cross-appeal, Husband argues that the district court should have reimbursed him for his contribution to Wife’s attorney fees because Wife made unreasonable demands and forced him to litigate them, because Wife refused reasonable settlement offers, because there was no economic disparity to support the award, and because Wife was unsuccessful on the merits. Again reviewing for abuse of discretion, we disagree. {30} We begin by noting that the district court did not make this award pursuant to any of its attorney fee-related powers. When it made the June award of money for Wife’s attorney fees, the district court based it on the principle that attorney debt acquired during marriage is community property unless there is evidence to the contrary and that the court had the authority to provide for community funds to be used to satisfy such debt. The district court expressly stated that it was not looking at the attorney fees “as anything other than debt.” It then stated that when viewing New Mexico attorney fee debt, Wife was “already $50,000 down,” meaning that Wife had spent about $10,000 while Husband had spent $60,000, and that the only way to equalize that debt was to award Wife $50,000. It also restated that the court was not considering factors like the reasonableness of the attorney fees in that allocation. Finally, the court asked the parties to draw up an interim order dividing income and bills. {31} The district court had the authority to make this allocation as part of its power to make an interim order allocating community expenses. Rule 1-122 NMRA. Rule 1-122(A) states that community expenses “shall be equally divided between the parties.” We hold that the district court did not abuse its discretion by allocating the community debt in this fashion, which equalized the community debt of attorney fees. {32} Furthermore, we affirm the district court’s decision not to credit Husband later for the amount he paid to Wife pursuant to this order. “In apportioning a husband and wife’s assets and liabilities, the trial court must attempt to perform an allocation that is fair under all the circumstances.” Fernandez v. Fernandez, 111 N.M. 442, 444, 806 P.2d 582, 584 (Ct.App. 1991). The district court had attempted to equalize the allocation of debt in a manner that was fair at the time, and it was not an abuse of discretion to leave that ruling undisturbed. {33} The other issues raised by this case will be decided in a memorandum opinion. CONCLUSION {34} We affirm the district court’s determinations regarding attorney fees, but remand to allow it to reconsider its decision regarding the California litigation should it choose to do so. We order that the parties shall bear their own attorney fees on appeal. {35} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: JONATHAN B. SUTIN and IRA ROBINSON, Judges.
[ -0.04856126382946968, 0.00002323617627553176, -0.008928962051868439, 0.03309878334403038, 0.019913816824555397, 0.0014407269190996885, 0.012325066141784191, 0.029561586678028107, 0.016740279272198677, -0.03591611236333847, 0.013146487064659595, 0.03323004022240639, -0.055707260966300964, 0.04569130390882492, -0.020929254591464996, 0.0693587064743042, 0.015150136314332485, 0.027645617723464966, 0.00548495864495635, -0.016072021797299385, -0.006644802633672953, -0.02715061977505684, 0.023846672847867012, 0.06954976916313171, -0.0023640694562345743, 0.02355845458805561, 0.019983429461717606, -0.016665348783135414, -0.07148987799882889, -0.037633731961250305, 0.05604146420955658, 0.02045603282749653, 0.009910923428833485, 0.017029255628585815, -0.0321543924510479, -0.005234011448919773, -0.012414887547492981, -0.006711311638355255, -0.03007938526570797, 0.04505811631679535, 0.009632278233766556, 0.042451467365026474, -0.03915316238999367, -0.025696007534861565, -0.009924151003360748, -0.01032321434468031, -0.004124922212213278, 0.005489927250891924, 0.005188555922359228, -0.01727312058210373, -0.06892994046211243, -0.021230723708868027, -0.009558018296957016, -0.0138174407184124, -0.006173004861921072, 0.044611867517232895, -0.06922030448913574, -0.06425420939922333, -0.015018201433122158, -0.01879347488284111, 0.034564148634672165, -0.0070530991069972515, 0.07229438424110413, 0.015203372575342655, 0.02337343990802765, 0.015035254880785942, 0.026841875165700912, 0.036408014595508575, -0.05324806272983551, -0.04720693081617355, -0.04267621040344238, -0.011148023419082165, 0.049031469970941544, -0.0021232427097857, 0.002925292355939746, -0.020297789946198463, -0.01260997261852026, 0.022534523159265518, 0.006253429222851992, 0.004100079648196697, -0.003539304481819272, -0.015005077235400677, 0.000016237165255006403, 0.027278192341327667, 0.0028348262421786785, -0.083045594394207, 0.004888151306658983, -0.011587410233914852, -0.006967584602534771, 0.059203583747148514, -0.01395320612937212, -0.01687358319759369, 0.012506229802966118, 0.04218759760260582, 0.031399354338645935, -0.032301127910614014, 0.07251785695552826, -0.03443256393074989, 0.03352532908320427, 0.03377292677760124, -0.010552915744483471, -0.011427345685660839, -0.000573348777834326, 0.045628003776073456, -0.04375038668513298, -0.02940509095788002, -0.020958134904503822, 0.0202343612909317, 0.03745971992611885, 0.005073211621493101, -0.02435518242418766, 0.02986566722393036, 0.042437709867954254, -0.029305897653102875, -0.05924205482006073, 0.04974568635225296, 0.02801532857120037, -0.032544150948524475, -0.019109277054667473, -0.038987621665000916, 0.028880324214696884, 0.015743164345622063, -0.00882719922810793, 0.05921357497572899, 0.043151501566171646, 0.03863241896033287, 0.026744715869426727, 0.06108791008591652, -0.049967460334300995, -0.04713531211018562, -0.0373457595705986, 0.00951637513935566, 0.033293984830379486, 0.011513479053974152, -0.02023034542798996, -0.052667442709207535, 0.004263649228960276, -0.022136423736810684, 0.05760617554187775, -0.03956977277994156, 0.00005292073910823092, 0.004075994715094566, 0.02345556765794754, 0.01687505654990673, 0.039359431713819504, -0.02640693448483944, 0.04265418276190758, -0.0209684818983078, -0.03926652669906616, -0.01622753217816353, 0.005520931910723448, 0.06393562257289886, 0.01729927584528923, -0.03840002790093422, -0.015606420114636421, 0.026378847658634186, 0.06322181224822998, -0.02040703408420086, -0.02398272231221199, 0.07214058935642242, 0.018808593973517418, 0.00789637491106987, 0.02567235380411148, 0.009642189368605614, -0.002524096518754959, 0.002449790248647332, 0.04009127989411354, -0.006863495334982872, -0.03455444425344467, 0.091856949031353, -0.05079719051718712, -0.029124969616532326, 0.07715888321399689, -0.07288456708192825, 0.007110631559044123, 0.011824583634734154, 0.04772990196943283, 0.03235359862446785, 0.007820903323590755, -0.014329317025840282, -0.08290445804595947, 0.03629593923687935, -0.01888289488852024, -0.015732986852526665, 0.0030666824895888567, -0.015766438096761703, 0.026409786194562912, -0.04135347530245781, 0.019063182175159454, 0.0016478858888149261, -0.06542577594518661, -0.027537276968359947, -0.016130516305565834, 0.0019288253970444202, 0.04874870553612709, 0.036287982016801834, -0.01914820820093155, 0.030688412487506866, 0.017607443034648895, 0.055943142622709274, 0.0007729983190074563, 0.035053614526987076, 0.06598449498414993, -0.016763566061854362, -0.03587532788515091, 0.04931425303220749, 0.018476495519280434, -0.013384425081312656, 0.013375798240303993, 0.051336582750082016, -0.031236842274665833, 0.009076663292944431, -0.003346267156302929, 0.005929828621447086, 0.02792043425142765, -0.03629869967699051, 0.06162283197045326, -0.026272425428032875, 0.04383200407028198, -0.022179022431373596, 0.011423209682106972, -0.021104667335748672, -0.007559026591479778, 0.06320488452911377, -0.02796388603746891, 0.043705932796001434, 0.022223586216568947, -0.01813276670873165, -0.01133846864104271, -0.0005395411280915141, -0.041114334017038345, 0.015028748661279678, 0.02622426301240921, 0.011566292494535446, 0.04789547622203827, 0.030059855431318283, -0.033822350203990936, -0.005418450105935335, 0.03027617186307907, -0.04332546144723892, 0.011962143704295158, 0.03466372191905975, 0.04900228604674339, 0.05648749694228172, -0.06186698004603386, 0.029007095843553543, 0.003009101375937462, -0.008761812001466751, 0.00019248653552494943, -0.01663508638739586, 0.0008390744333155453, 0.0035737152211368084, -0.0001578543451614678, 0.0030109623912721872, -0.01276593841612339, -0.06650453805923462, -0.019702110439538956, 0.0018165023066103458, 0.051900189369916916, -0.012480719946324825, 0.0007750653894618154, 0.057807520031929016, 0.03046809881925583, -0.05508221685886383, -0.05623118579387665, -0.050715044140815735, -0.03748585656285286, 0.0335850864648819, -0.03704449534416199, 0.0013141888193786144, 0.01281999796628952, 0.023803802207112312, 0.02356940694153309, -0.005754621233791113, 0.02000974863767624, 0.025060931220650673, 0.024990340694785118, 0.022123686969280243, -0.00393904373049736, -0.007500991225242615, -0.033532340079545975, 0.05689966306090355, -0.0502120740711689, -0.036434728652238846, 0.020890725776553154, -0.07216481864452362, 0.014343633316457272, -0.06857381016016006, -0.010024200193583965, 0.0675719678401947, 0.029864445328712463, 0.019460229203104973, -0.03203996643424034, 0.01120689231902361, 0.036123599857091904, 0.05326400324702263, 0.023051133379340172, 0.0582071952521801, -0.014371898025274277, -0.02770734205842018, -0.007675763685256243, 0.0016203386476263404, 0.020688757300376892, 0.003069964936003089, 0.042636651545763016, 0.011731569655239582, -0.04087642580270767, 0.03126004338264465, -0.24865512549877167, 0.030575163662433624, -0.04524778202176094, -0.04349173605442047, 0.027558589354157448, 0.006518042180687189, 0.030229909345507622, -0.009076385758817196, -0.004167579114437103, 0.02571767196059227, -0.05049661174416542, -0.037039246410131454, -0.005725962109863758, 0.047728706151247025, 0.014516881667077541, -0.011419249698519707, -0.02704373002052307, -0.011844435706734657, -0.01007288321852684, -0.00994136556982994, 0.008126866072416306, -0.06028508394956589, -0.02064923197031021, 0.027458572760224342, 0.050587452948093414, 0.08410795778036118, -0.042964667081832886, -0.030863191932439804, -0.07176078855991364, -0.020733777433633804, 0.006033704616129398, -0.003394585568457842, -0.06967666745185852, -0.012215325608849525, -0.019113268703222275, 0.008932762779295444, 0.0359996072947979, -0.037893448024988174, 0.002477919450029731, -0.013760454021394253, 0.009506892412900925, -0.0061140819452703, -0.02522665075957775, 0.04758132994174957, 0.057620592415332794, 0.000483332434669137, -0.03741913288831711, -0.015989355742931366, -0.008160408586263657, 0.06718344241380692, 0.008734090253710747, 0.014778263866901398, -0.011588248424232006, -0.010354102589190006, -0.05675278976559639, 0.002105515683069825, -0.04251117259263992, -0.03379277512431145, -0.03542448207736015, 0.05685153603553772, -0.02920639142394066, -0.06319752335548401, -0.03685224801301956, -0.04932723194360733, -0.0007321644225157797, -0.05326372757554054, -0.08663976937532425, -0.015618759207427502, 0.05337221547961235, 0.02453964576125145, 0.0009279363439418375, 0.05703231692314148, -0.006974189076572657, -0.08428099006414413, 0.017811130732297897, -0.016766486689448357, 0.0015335879288613796, -0.032608646899461746, -0.06823159754276276, 0.007285621482878923, 0.0008405952830798924, -0.017977526411414146, 0.022309716790914536, 0.045585643500089645, -0.05160396918654442, -0.013627475127577782, -0.025249356403946877, 0.03486587852239609, -0.03723355755209923, 0.005816517397761345, 0.037532415241003036, 0.014332850463688374, -0.012511109933257103, -0.012372144497931004, 0.04973680153489113, 0.031433966010808945, 0.010309815406799316, -0.043735336512327194, 0.009890211746096611, -0.011732591316103935, 0.02863270416855812, -0.07584783434867859, -0.008461255580186844, -0.010189228691160679, -0.029928060248494148, -0.002104757586494088, -0.045264799147844315, -0.003415152197703719, 0.016908062621951103, 0.036809831857681274, 0.016313733533024788, -0.049079809337854385, 0.025973008945584297, -0.046151600778102875, -0.011490852572023869, -0.03423586115241051, 0.01849665679037571, 0.0035699564032256603, -0.013854386284947395, 0.04665981978178024, -0.033392127603292465, 0.021067973226308823, -0.04386241361498833, -0.04714548587799072, -0.08656717836856842, 0.023139651864767075, 0.01317671313881874, 0.026196807622909546, 0.012584688141942024, 0.0529632605612278, -0.014774037525057793, -0.04129016399383545, -0.013213111087679863, -0.02385726384818554, 0.013258123770356178, -0.010441560298204422, -0.03783370554447174, -0.016940180212259293, 0.015038699842989445, -0.016460098326206207, 0.05976231396198273, -0.0053359344601631165, 0.03266521915793419, 0.016286488622426987, 0.007619235664606094, 0.013161342591047287, -0.020796749740839005, 0.012363131158053875, -0.026266591623425484, 0.014731151983141899, 0.006748512852936983, -0.04704611748456955, 0.011176337487995625, -0.038854602724313736, -0.037502408027648926, -0.026425801217556, 0.015484626404941082, 0.02330726943910122, -0.023289496079087257, -0.04109591245651245, -0.004654702730476856, 0.00518651632592082, -0.03432800620794296, -0.04906221479177475, -0.042707961052656174, 0.05853984132409096, -0.029985543340444565, 0.014688081108033657, -0.057344771921634674, 0.03544783592224121, 0.010427133180201054, -0.01569635421037674, -0.02590220421552658, 0.009699002839624882, 0.00445625651627779, 0.012744385749101639, 0.023612121120095253, -0.01898793876171112, 0.06111263111233711, 0.039653047919273376, -0.018143638968467712, -0.06708154082298279, -0.03208255022764206, 0.019861847162246704, 0.008474302478134632, -0.020179547369480133, -0.0450369268655777, -0.030819609761238098, -0.03493073210120201, -0.011790179647505283, 0.010056666098535061, 0.03075532242655754, -0.02655678614974022, 0.03940306603908539, -0.051917992532253265, -0.06558118015527725, 0.049285516142845154, 0.007366372272372246, 0.019541721791028976, 0.044748079031705856, -0.021472033113241196, 0.005368761718273163, -0.023882795125246048, 0.017002588137984276, 0.017511632293462753, -0.05600525438785553, 0.007173910271376371, 0.0439695380628109, -0.02308257855474949, 0.03930845111608505, -0.055556491017341614, -0.00017794281302485615, -0.025871580466628075, 0.005511417053639889, 0.07532656192779541, -0.03012177348136902, 0.03451364487409592, -0.00105666636954993, -0.03977147489786148, 0.03266482427716255, 0.03892375901341438, -0.04964473843574524, 0.001280852360650897, -0.02529028244316578, -0.04260019585490227, 0.060924239456653595, -0.006613078061491251, -0.015126239508390427, 0.03681258484721184, -0.03164249286055565, 0.007637102622538805, -0.04189610481262207, 0.0020461764652282, -0.0015318607911467552, -0.03266791254281998, -0.0013101022923365235, -0.017266755923628807, -0.0012484382605180144, -0.0026469172444194555, 0.048797786235809326, 0.02332184463739395, 0.029570985585451126, 0.00930092390626669, -0.05948074907064438, -0.04224023222923279, 0.02244541235268116, 0.02000356838107109, -0.010344360955059528, 0.01149746123701334, 0.09491252154111862, -0.012854588218033314, -0.0377206988632679, -0.01664418913424015, -0.012904330156743526, 0.03542322292923927, -0.06195279583334923, -0.023168139159679413, -0.04027688503265381, -0.04518955200910568, 0.042852867394685745, -0.015006734058260918, 0.013689088635146618, -0.0033950689248740673, -0.007755526807159185, 0.05791511759161949, 0.032445043325424194, -0.0023887737188488245, -0.018851278349757195, 0.03280271589756012, -0.07122480869293213, -0.032011039555072784, -0.07507555931806564, 0.02795441634953022, -0.024814467877149582, 0.02545168437063694, 0.008154609240591526, 0.024916721507906914, 0.02174334228038788, 0.044884759932756424, -0.06852208822965622, -0.03930894657969475, 0.0077702053822577, 0.012997246347367764, -0.01982196420431137, 0.0299313273280859, -0.038506217300891876, -0.02642441913485527, -0.00501860911026597, -0.0749712735414505, -0.009731120429933071, 0.054089002311229706, 0.002909294096753001, 0.03188850358128548, 0.05872242525219917, -0.0005698372260667384, -0.014922840520739555, 0.032141152769327164, 0.05303354188799858, -0.03924594447016716, 0.0017671812092885375, -0.06631182134151459, 0.044486138969659805, 0.006592028774321079, 0.011838771402835846, -0.019275201484560966, -0.008855662308633327, -0.03180522471666336, -0.04726496338844299, -0.001610475592315197, 0.046846482902765274, -0.026112614199519157, -0.07025719434022903, 0.052259448915719986, 0.005198181606829166, -0.059960126876831055, 0.0022406268399208784, -0.04926737770438194, -0.014886436983942986, -0.012048148550093174, -0.009062418714165688, 0.031090563163161278, -0.0026329420506954193, 0.066193588078022, -0.0007834061980247498, 0.08423148095607758, 0.02124839648604393, 0.03230989724397659, 0.03282025083899498, 0.004686012864112854, 0.06421802937984467, 0.051270101219415665, 0.0033147823996841908, -0.010311530902981758, 0.016897808760404587, 0.020067505538463593, -0.00034158347989432514, 0.003929551690816879, -0.020359838381409645, -0.015088057145476341, 0.004110211972147226, 0.03694304823875427, 0.04897535964846611, -0.002690755994990468, 0.06361760199069977, 0.032551344484090805, -0.017704522237181664, 0.08733471482992172, -0.06043645739555359, 0.055496688932180405, -0.02403322234749794, 0.005344268400222063, 0.002017014427110553, -0.0065306685864925385, -0.03193434327840805, 0.0075912149623036385, 0.02976183407008648, 0.005522361025214195, -0.0161119531840086, 0.006997830234467983, -0.016270924359560013, 0.0033127968199551105, -0.014105401933193207, 0.06358616054058075, -0.02963223122060299, -0.016918832436203957, -0.019701475277543068, 0.028465252369642258, 0.0008766661630943418, -0.014370270073413849, 0.023797720670700073, 0.016227245330810547, -0.03040691651403904, -0.013825548812747002, -0.025875680148601532, 0.07995782047510147, 0.008089479058980942, 0.03354322537779808, -0.01762065291404724, 0.033802133053541183, 0.06597380340099335, 0.07235164940357208, -0.06911072880029678, -0.020203761756420135, -0.05255671218037605, -0.040579672902822495, -0.015085723251104355, 0.06547274440526962, 0.026921773329377174, -0.009354915469884872, -0.05113263428211212, 0.00994502566754818, -0.019687097519636154, -0.03694108501076698, 0.051396485418081284, -0.053042106330394745, -0.03023580275475979, 0.0484645739197731, 0.04382124915719032, 0.01461288146674633, 0.0037302046548575163, 0.06390756368637085, -0.03133174404501915, -0.026421504095196724, 0.019203417003154755, 0.004639274440705776, 0.040099844336509705, -0.03585729002952576, -0.013827414251863956, -0.06252238154411316, 0.015701899304986, 0.02923942357301712, -0.01943841762840748, -0.06766322255134583, 0.06799573451280594, -0.028257878497242928, 0.00020087019947823137, 0.1036171242594719, 0.006117004901170731, -0.013042406179010868, -0.023646274581551552, -0.04351454973220825, 0.0025372952222824097, -0.018076486885547638, 0.06282562017440796, -0.011281680315732956, -0.0018559020245447755, 0.04528508707880974, -0.009540008381009102, -0.03593757376074791, 0.025618277490139008, 0.03685696795582771, -0.004521074239164591, -0.014672042801976204, 0.03125549852848053, 0.006068105343729258, -0.0506802536547184, -0.06416059285402298, 0.004052022937685251, -0.01615384966135025, -0.06830676645040512, 0.016482438892126083, -0.01980189047753811, -0.07529667764902115, -0.03414182364940643, 0.03643672913312912, 0.0366271510720253, -0.051748063415288925, -0.05127793177962303, -0.042267054319381714, 0.009160191752016544, -0.011042571626603603, 0.015319058671593666, 0.00744434492662549, -0.052354827523231506, -0.01825890876352787, -0.042930860072374344, 0.006520713213831186, 0.026896996423602104, -0.03084958717226982, 0.0016675797523930669 ]
OPINION RANSOM, Justice. The City of Albuquerque and named city officials (City) challenge the permanent writ of mandamus by which the district court ordered the City to conduct a personnel board hearing requested by petitioner Lovato. We affirm. Lovato has been a classified city employee, in various capacities, for twenty-seven years. A classified employee is one who is permanently employed by the City and entitled to all rights and benefits guaranteed by the merit system, one of which is recourse to the grievance procedure. Since 1973 Lovato has been on assignment status, a position that applies only to classified employees who are placed in supervisory positions by an administrative head of a department, agency or special program. See Albuquerque, N.M., Merit System Ordinance § 2-9-7, Revised Ordinances 1974 (1980 ed.), and Personnel Rules and Regulations §§ 451-52 (the merit system and personnel rules, respectively). The assignment resulted in a five percent salary increase for Lovato. On March 3, 1986, Lovato was removed from assignment status with a corresponding five percent reduction in pay. He filed his grievance with the City’s personnel board, complaining of the transfer and resulting pay reduction. By letter, the chief administrative officer for the City denied that there was a grievable issue. Lovato timely filed a request for a personnel board hearing which was also denied. The basis for each denial was Section 452 of the personnel rules which states in pertinent part that removal from assignment status and consequent reassignment are specifically exempt from the grievance provisions. On April 22, Lovato filed his petition for mandamus in which he requested that the City be ordered to comply with its duty to grant a personnel board hearing on the merits of his transfer and pay reduction. On April 24, the alternative writ was issued and a hearing was set for May 2, at which the City was to show cause why it should not grant a personnel board hearing on the merits of Lovato’s grievance. On April 28, however, the chief administrative officer granted Lovato a May 22 hearing, but only on the limited issue of grievability. In its opinion letter of May 5, the court made permanent the writ and concluded that the City’s denial of a full hearing on Lovato’s claims resulted in a denial of his right to due process of law. On appeal, the City questions whether the district court could grant mandamus in light of the failure of Lovato to appear at the May 22 hearing, and his failure to exhaust the administrative remedy available to him under the merit system and the personnel rules. Although the City characterizes this as a lack of subject matter jurisdiction, the City is actually arguing the absence of a prerequisite to the court’s exercise of its jurisdiction to grant mandamus. In addition, the City challenges a finding of fact and conclusions of law concerning (1) whether Lovato had a property interest in continued employment in his assignment position, and (2) whether due process was afforded Lovato before the personnel board. The City’s point that the district court was without mandamus jurisdiction is without merit. At the request of a person beneficially interested, mandamus lies to compel the performance of an affirmative act by another where the duty to perform the act is clearly enjoined by law and where there is no other plain, speedy and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law. NMSA 1978, §§ 44-2-4, -5. The act to be compelled must be ministerial, that is, an act or thing which the public official is required to perform by direction of law upon a given state of facts being shown to exist, regardless of his own opinion as to the propriety or impropriety of doing the act in the particular case. El Dorado at Santa Fe, Inc. v. Bd. of County Comm’rs, 89 N.M. 313, 316-17, 551 P.2d 1360, 1363-64 (1976). Mandamus is the proper remedy where the public official refuses or delays to act, and it will compel action if the law requires the official to act one way or another. Id. at 317, 551 P.2d at 1364. Under the circumstances of this case, the district court properly found that Lovato was beneficially interested in the issues of this case and was being denied his remedy in the ordinary course of law, that being the grievance procedure under the merit system. Mandamus is provided by statute when, as here, City officials fail in their duty to provide the required remedy. By comparison, a suit in contract would not have been plain, speedy or adequate, nor an appropriate action to compel the City to hold a full hearing. Mandamus will lie where ordinary proceedings would be inadequate. State ex rel. Bird v. Apodaca, 91 N.M. 279, 282, 573 P.2d 213, 216 (1977); see Light v. Bd. of Educ., 170 Conn. 35, 41, 364 A.2d 229, 231 (1975). The district court properly concluded that it had mandamus jurisdiction. The City denies that it failed to provide the plain, speedy and adequate remedy of a hearing and contends that the administrative procedure made available to Lovato on May 22 was adequate. Seeking support in Jette v. Bergland, 579 F.2d 59 (10th Cir.1978), the City believes it should have the opportunity to address the issue of how its personnel rules are interpreted before the matter is decided by the court. The City maintains further that had the issue of grievability been decided against Lovato, he would have the right to petition for judicial review at that time. See SCRA 1986, 12-601. The City’s grant of a hearing in May was solely to determine the issue of grievability. The district court concluded as a matter of law that, because Lovato had a property right in continued employment in his assignment position, the transfer was grievable. We agree. The Supreme Court has held that “property” under the fourteenth amendment includes government benefits such as public employment. See, e.g., Bishop v. Wood, 426 U.S. 341, 344, 96 S.Ct. 2074, 2077, 48 L.Ed.2d 684 (1976); Board of Regents v. Roth, 408 U.S. 564, 576-78, 92 S.Ct. 2701, 2709, 33 L.Ed.2d 548 (1972). In Perkins v. Bd. of Directors, 686 F.2d 49 (1st Cir.1982), the court stated that “[a] public employee has a constitutionally protected interest in continued employment where he has a reasonable expectation ... that he will continue to be employed.” Lovato’s employment status was a protected property interest only if he had an express or implied right to continued employment. See generally Bishop, 426 U.S. at 343, 96 S.Ct. at 2077. Property interests are not created by the Constitution; they are protected by the Constitution. “[T]hey are created and their dimensions are defined by existing rules or understandings that stem from an independent source * * Roth, 408 U.S. at 577, 92 S.Ct. at 2709. The sufficiency of any claim of entitlement must be decided by reference to the independent source of rules or understandings that secure the benefit. 426 U.S. at 344, 96 S.Ct. at 2077. See also Cleveland Bd. of Educ. v. Loudermill, 470 U.S. 532, 536, 105 S.Ct. 1487, 1490, 84 L.Ed.2d 494 (1985); Paul v. Davis, 424 U.S. 693, 709, 96 S.Ct. 1155, 1164, 47 L.Ed.2d 405 (1976). For example in Perry v. Sindermann, 408 U.S. 593, 92 S.Ct. 2694, 33 L.Ed.2d 570 (1972), the court found that the independent source of rules and understandings consisted of certain administrative actions and the common law of tenure. There, the college teacher had a lack of express rights under his contract, but the college officials had previously indicated that he had a claim to re-employment under a “de facto” tenure program. The court held that this gave him a sufficient claim of entitlement to require a hearing prior to the final decision not to renew his contract. Id. at 603, 92 S.Ct. at 2700. It also has been recognized that under New Mexico law a constitutionally protected property interest can arise despite the absence of a statute or formal contract. Casias v. City of Raton, 738 F.2d 392, 394 (10th Cir.1984). In the case at bar, the independent source of rules and understandings consists of (1) the City’s action in retaining Lovato in the assignment position for thirteen years, and (2) the merit system and personnel rules which pertain to permanent positions. Although Section 2-9-7 of the merit system and Sections 451 and 452 of the personnel rules provide that assignment positions are “not permanent advancements in the classification plan,” that classified “employees assigned to these positions may be reassigned at any time at the discretion of their respective administrative head,” and that “reassignment is not the subject of a grievance,” the district court correctly found that, after a thirteen year employment in his assignment position, Lovato’s employment at the position, grade, and pay rate prior to transfer could not be considered a temporary, discretionary advancement within the meaning of the merit system and personnel rules. See Black’s Law Dictionary 1312 (5th ed. 1979) (“temporary” means that which is to last for a limited time only, as distinguished from that which is perpetual or indefinite). Lovato’s interest in continued employment in the same position clearly rose to the level of a constitutionally protected property interest. The requirements of due process apply to deprivation of interests encompassed within the fourteenth amendment’s protection of property. Perry v. Sindermann. We affirm the district court’s holding that the denial of a full hearing on Lovato’s claims resulted in a deprivation of his right to due process of law. Accordingly, the entry of the permanent writ of mandamus against the City is affirmed. IT IS SO ORDERED. SOSA, Senior Justice, and WALTERS, J., concur.
[ -0.019544607028365135, -0.045947521924972534, -0.038923509418964386, 0.0560377761721611, 0.024552825838327408, 0.019594870507717133, 0.014261091127991676, 0.032031670212745667, 0.0033559738658368587, -0.08061150461435318, 0.0054471660405397415, 0.02566627226769924, -0.11539441347122192, 0.05884820222854614, 0.0360419936478138, 0.032226044684648514, 0.07003350555896759, 0.014747514389455318, -0.0006643483066000044, -0.02262231335043907, 0.04114125296473503, -0.01942574791610241, 0.022127730771899223, 0.04089511185884476, 0.0017440891824662685, 0.008654731325805187, -0.018415667116642, 0.01399997528642416, -0.03606253117322922, 0.004272876773029566, 0.01718742586672306, -0.01575278304517269, -0.018603159114718437, 0.01173203345388174, -0.025201644748449326, -0.0015666141407564282, 0.015715157613158226, 0.012856624089181423, 0.010545757599174976, 0.016121001914143562, 0.004780545365065336, 0.028786106035113335, 0.02485121600329876, -0.022764815017580986, -0.04442424327135086, -0.004440720193088055, -0.011582938022911549, 0.01965707540512085, 0.009235554374754429, 0.0009497787104919553, -0.07154861837625504, -0.006539500784128904, -0.02320515364408493, 0.019994625821709633, 0.023123348131775856, 0.022567879408597946, -0.04398934170603752, -0.0536775216460228, -0.030363503843545914, -0.046526748687028885, -0.0036394011694937944, -0.016275066882371902, 0.07303902506828308, 0.006776372902095318, 0.03904075175523758, -0.009345033206045628, 0.02836829610168934, 0.05681324377655983, -0.039387620985507965, -0.023856261745095253, -0.028992418199777603, 0.0047620865516364574, 0.0014107398455962539, -0.04851787909865379, 0.004265252035111189, -0.06480739265680313, 0.033193692564964294, 0.05948005989193916, -0.022367028519511223, 0.024617519229650497, 0.026641450822353363, 0.004652941133826971, 0.00803651474416256, 0.032609328627586365, -0.018648041412234306, -0.026794960722327232, -0.03785056993365288, -0.009701755829155445, -0.03217006102204323, 0.022569721564650536, -0.022527627646923065, -0.029908645898103714, 0.01207276526838541, 0.05677114054560661, 0.0032999590039253235, 0.00948112178593874, 0.0747467577457428, 0.00016964525275398046, 0.0457601398229599, -0.019515857100486755, 0.007348197512328625, -0.02097039297223091, -0.0009878426790237427, 0.05702783167362213, -0.06897830963134766, -0.017730718478560448, -0.029247591271996498, 0.0019056297605857253, 0.004050048999488354, -0.010358565486967564, -0.0031698436941951513, 0.03382747247815132, 0.018708642572164536, -0.009018371812999249, -0.05548922345042229, 0.04751603677868843, 0.03853914141654968, -0.017163697630167007, -0.029223265126347542, -0.013997482135891914, 0.05433205887675285, 0.030317336320877075, -0.023258604109287262, 0.062303707003593445, -0.013534110970795155, -0.020323075354099274, -0.005847298540174961, 0.014897163026034832, -0.0011066189035773277, -0.006932574324309826, -0.03787946328520775, 0.03015024960041046, -0.007565497886389494, 0.021873963996767998, -0.020718049257993698, -0.05475928634405136, -0.024669891223311424, -0.02322126366198063, 0.03492037579417229, -0.028523623943328857, -0.02079497091472149, -0.010223247110843658, 0.007703662384301424, 0.010877855122089386, 0.09304213523864746, -0.030469786375761032, 0.028846777975559235, -0.04347335174679756, -0.00808833446353674, -0.009694769978523254, 0.032947055995464325, -0.00223950925283134, 0.002813346916809678, -0.03258556127548218, 0.01453421264886856, 0.034314997494220734, 0.056459806859493256, -0.0037622705567628145, 0.023122407495975494, 0.0394197553396225, 0.002804979681968689, 0.012997286394238472, 0.0008986009634099901, 0.010188424959778786, -0.008252052590250969, 0.016813725233078003, -0.015516135841608047, -0.006153269670903683, -0.011787195689976215, 0.03498004376888275, -0.024173088371753693, 0.010178815573453903, 0.03661384433507919, -0.018291354179382324, -0.039089519530534744, 0.00410839356482029, 0.027225878089666367, -0.0069546145386993885, 0.015580708160996437, 0.00047275182441808283, -0.08036748319864273, 0.036610908806324005, -0.014853828586637974, 0.02247483655810356, -0.036890994757413864, -0.028828781098127365, 0.05999479442834854, 0.00543406093493104, 0.027433576062321663, -0.020239753648638725, -0.05647255480289459, -0.043165042996406555, 0.03922848030924797, -0.0033274898305535316, 0.019218748435378075, 0.03566094860434532, -0.00860369298607111, 0.05446580797433853, -0.004075482953339815, 0.038633767515420914, 0.020192796364426613, -0.02327057719230652, 0.06390970945358276, -0.017136523500084877, -0.04578791931271553, 0.057599347084760666, 0.026302877813577652, 0.007421873044222593, 0.000967659754678607, 0.04262789338827133, -0.06297262012958527, 0.02100367099046707, 0.009782138280570507, -0.006530883256345987, 0.05458308011293411, -0.02119002863764763, 0.054292723536491394, -0.03974724933505058, 0.037049345672130585, -0.01821937784552574, 0.07309749722480774, 0.031829141080379486, -0.02398437075316906, 0.0240006223320961, -0.06372826546430588, 0.0763416439294815, 0.03349431976675987, -0.07828626781702042, 0.004728088621050119, 0.05360589176416397, 0.00781254656612873, -0.00790216214954853, 0.002911048475652933, 0.06746166944503784, 0.007199047598987818, -0.004904396366328001, 0.0007966359262354672, -0.03539789095520973, 0.03629998862743378, -0.04651375114917755, 0.028917143121361732, 0.0336887426674366, 0.024800317361950874, 0.0720968022942543, 0.020607583224773407, -0.03046685829758644, -0.03816330060362816, 0.026074159890413284, -0.012576142325997353, -0.001835135044530034, -0.0023153868969529867, 0.0021720274817198515, 0.0372750498354435, -0.003189122537150979, 0.016294192522764206, -0.08154428750276566, -0.011872217059135437, 0.02656501717865467, 0.01973581872880459, 0.010341210290789604, -0.015868615359067917, 0.013202881440520287, -0.0013454965082928538, -0.03131750598549843, -0.07539933919906616, -0.02345024235546589, -0.01640024222433567, 0.025597257539629936, -0.03624775633215904, 0.030286459252238274, 0.014125365763902664, 0.024204308167099953, -0.030138835310935974, 0.005897523835301399, 0.01803770661354065, 0.013241369277238846, -0.0013476780150085688, -0.00782839860767126, 0.014853809960186481, -0.02294917218387127, -0.0039113787934184074, 0.051612019538879395, -0.05048966407775879, -0.04766906052827835, -0.016944119706749916, -0.023418955504894257, 0.028414495289325714, -0.04384087398648262, -0.044585175812244415, 0.03090762346982956, -0.024458782747387886, 0.005645168945193291, -0.021205293014645576, 0.021341675892472267, 0.02531665936112404, -0.004216521047055721, 0.006668715737760067, 0.00801036786288023, 0.023692885413765907, -0.057739246636629105, 0.014074700884521008, -0.002032883232459426, 0.03474520146846771, -0.013181960210204124, 0.016324147582054138, 0.013983605429530144, 0.034618135541677475, 0.01770445890724659, -0.30278435349464417, 0.03565074875950813, 0.00835716724395752, -0.02961832284927368, 0.025069423019886017, -0.060404498130083084, -0.005820321384817362, -0.026183458045125008, -0.038191068917512894, 0.018911583349108696, -0.021978527307510376, 0.01885906793177128, 0.029827745631337166, 0.05407468602061272, 0.02450885996222496, -0.01782114990055561, -0.018413390964269638, -0.015415935777127743, -0.013409627601504326, 0.009412744082510471, 0.03335445001721382, -0.04802537336945534, -0.03574238717556, 0.026663674041628838, 0.05158513784408569, 0.08051319420337677, -0.03554433211684227, 0.02297801524400711, -0.04062606021761894, -0.046268779784440994, 0.025809524580836296, 0.015423686243593693, 0.013910075649619102, 0.010504158213734627, -0.021258406341075897, 0.020153572782874107, 0.012546579353511333, -0.040119484066963196, -0.0203209538012743, -0.018305495381355286, -0.026680869981646538, -0.07187455147504807, -0.023610210046172142, 0.014047576114535332, 0.06216657534241676, 0.05582675337791443, -0.07910524308681488, -0.0011350474087521434, -0.011925813741981983, 0.0287520382553339, 0.011256015859544277, 0.03782937675714493, -0.040847938507795334, 0.005844718310981989, -0.02531410939991474, 0.05058390647172928, -0.05485301464796066, 0.017372332513332367, -0.044351812452077866, 0.05212670564651489, -0.010497212409973145, -0.03220263868570328, -0.04437422379851341, -0.0010710213100537658, -0.05939037352800369, -0.053169045597314835, -0.0562300831079483, -0.015008087269961834, 0.10681305825710297, 0.014603928662836552, 0.026941612362861633, 0.03170805051922798, -0.046910736709833145, -0.07453276216983795, 0.019731376320123672, -0.0021444789599627256, -0.041654322296381, -0.03610173612833023, -0.0381680466234684, 0.024691371247172356, -0.01539050042629242, -0.022626738995313644, 0.06308793276548386, 0.015456855297088623, 0.018070634454488754, 0.003906146390363574, 0.056010276079177856, 0.05736616253852844, -0.0399492122232914, -0.010047854855656624, 0.05131494626402855, 0.04972491413354874, 0.011566372588276863, 0.0042855581268668175, 0.023963214829564095, 0.039178818464279175, -0.07818062603473663, -0.0330280065536499, -0.01583844982087612, 0.055578142404556274, 0.03362217918038368, -0.06016452610492706, 0.0053145019337534904, -0.03283464536070824, 0.058897729963064194, -0.00798045378178358, -0.04974990338087082, -0.001899836934171617, 0.0225362628698349, 0.03732490539550781, 0.02508917823433876, -0.03025546483695507, 0.04135814309120178, -0.02184773050248623, -0.003633952932432294, -0.02599336951971054, 0.013140670955181122, 0.03557529300451279, 0.012631415389478207, 0.018993232399225235, 0.0027693812735378742, 0.04279588907957077, -0.029188014566898346, -0.03609263524413109, -0.10542307049036026, 0.026353003457188606, -0.003194902092218399, 0.004478290677070618, -0.01730416901409626, -0.008321288973093033, -0.04754459112882614, -0.027020690962672234, -0.042581330984830856, -0.016663571819663048, -0.008810780011117458, -0.006890154909342527, -0.027179362252354622, -0.04375499114394188, 0.03937625139951706, 0.013609481044113636, 0.021675527095794678, -0.02467902936041355, 0.027711331844329834, 0.00464410288259387, 0.006724217440932989, -0.023853173479437828, 0.03045341745018959, -0.06153265759348869, -0.03314460813999176, 0.041889168322086334, 0.025056142359972, -0.0830879881978035, 0.004535033367574215, -0.06531170010566711, -0.02242753468453884, -0.006479601375758648, 0.015256084501743317, 0.010579963214695454, -0.015289107337594032, -0.04233710840344429, -0.02177017740905285, -0.05387468263506889, -0.03668554872274399, -0.04054199531674385, -0.012107389979064465, 0.05247285217046738, -0.0506901778280735, -0.009460433386266232, -0.0001731311494950205, 0.0610535554587841, -0.022191643714904785, -0.05440501123666763, -0.027868734672665596, -0.006152503192424774, -0.0031027940567582846, 0.0190585944801569, 0.01157057099044323, 0.02322806976735592, -0.012632704339921474, 0.053318534046411514, -0.0012950903037562966, -0.035354677587747574, -0.04608559235930443, -0.01916280947625637, 0.016296574845910072, -0.06110063195228577, -0.01988634467124939, -0.04277839884161949, -0.01406150870025158, -0.04963848367333412, -0.0122618917375803, 0.0020086748991161585, -0.049934837967157364, 0.014409306459128857, -0.050484996289014816, -0.06356022506952286, 0.04325692355632782, 0.0077119129709899426, 0.0054625170305371284, 0.038539666682481766, -0.04007186368107796, -0.0386548712849617, -0.023389054462313652, 0.002111509209498763, -0.01024219673126936, -0.037985093891620636, 0.0373498871922493, 0.02616342529654503, 0.0003311850596219301, 0.03384225443005562, -0.04721429944038391, 0.025882888585329056, -0.011983930133283138, 0.0273605864495039, 0.034914083778858185, -0.05742857977747917, 0.02500380016863346, -0.04563315212726593, -0.0740082859992981, 0.0006772527704015374, -0.02207299694418907, 0.010382787324488163, -0.025918448343873024, 0.020264936611056328, -0.0068663363344967365, 0.04394397884607315, -0.04208538308739662, -0.039881423115730286, 0.033726077526807785, -0.007539750542491674, 0.03592122346162796, -0.038247618824243546, 0.009807211346924305, 0.03349136561155319, -0.045538078993558884, 0.019020508974790573, -0.012892385013401508, -0.05571780353784561, -0.02207331359386444, 0.050592776387929916, 0.037311851978302, -0.017531611025333405, -0.004221439827233553, -0.03118295967578888, -0.028790198266506195, 0.02592599391937256, 0.02830398641526699, 0.02022392861545086, -0.007286851294338703, 0.08411512523889542, 0.011606203392148018, 0.0089222751557827, -0.011411384679377079, -0.024414950981736183, 0.044875338673591614, -0.027892151847481728, 0.01875346340239048, 0.018817445263266563, 0.029445935040712357, 0.011005024425685406, 0.02402559295296669, 0.03068700060248375, -0.011525707319378853, 0.006231417879462242, 0.016512516885995865, 0.02532806247472763, 0.009356029331684113, -0.018451500684022903, 0.035952094942331314, -0.06429145485162735, -0.005270244553685188, -0.07704608887434006, 0.008183352649211884, -0.0028084891382604837, 0.046236541122198105, 0.03081090748310089, 0.030761854723095894, -0.0015482654562219977, 0.01744156703352928, -0.043515343219041824, -0.017169609665870667, 0.03335300087928772, -0.019317734986543655, -0.04019101709127426, 0.010332240723073483, -0.060054928064346313, -0.0016194016207009554, 0.018867237493395805, -0.07284588366746902, -0.024715160951018333, -0.007140067405998707, 0.02806282415986061, 0.03624332696199417, 0.044226910918951035, -0.015095651149749756, -0.007191256619989872, 0.012745385989546776, 0.04958327114582062, -0.030691619962453842, 0.011101212352514267, -0.06580258160829544, 0.0373356007039547, 0.0509926974773407, 0.012726323679089546, -0.009089258499443531, 0.023153185844421387, -0.009014450013637543, -0.05093710124492645, -0.034114908427000046, -0.021809624508023262, 0.002267791423946619, -0.04141930490732193, 0.0488772988319397, -0.0024266859982162714, -0.06751000881195068, -0.04741604998707771, -0.0199615228921175, 0.01549380924552679, 0.002268509240821004, -0.04743092507123947, 0.022477740421891212, -0.04820068180561066, 0.05851031467318535, 0.05367238447070122, 0.09155043959617615, 0.02996952272951603, -0.00541920680552721, 0.003337000496685505, 0.04053892195224762, 0.03737686574459076, 0.04625607654452324, 0.03865903615951538, -0.03234577178955078, 0.0517786480486393, -0.011248024180531502, -0.025930585339665413, 0.04046783596277237, -0.015111890621483326, 0.002222876064479351, 0.017242440953850746, 0.0187680646777153, 0.0577738955616951, -0.019569765776395798, 0.06158209592103958, 0.03346651419997215, 0.000808279903139919, 0.046189941465854645, -0.040908146649599075, 0.025906478986144066, 0.03787631168961525, -0.023432748392224312, -0.05789920315146446, -0.012158719822764397, -0.022677939385175705, 0.003146428382024169, 0.003261622041463852, -0.02644176594913006, 0.031690023839473724, -0.02753305248916149, 0.033990561962127686, -0.026583295315504074, 0.0034654387272894382, 0.07104218006134033, -0.01410478726029396, 0.019419390708208084, 0.024984443560242653, 0.0012947884388267994, -0.02697475627064705, -0.04455350711941719, 0.02471885457634926, 0.011273371987044811, -0.011716392822563648, -0.026184869930148125, 0.03510710597038269, 0.08715061098337173, 0.022316409274935722, 0.04735521227121353, -0.003788091242313385, 0.011683088727295399, 0.028842873871326447, 0.026610903441905975, -0.014179056510329247, -0.007840690203011036, -0.05106554925441742, -0.0032881160732358694, -0.03810487315058708, -0.0037136583123356104, 0.01371076237410307, -0.022835735231637955, -0.018104907125234604, -0.0038033807650208473, 0.006580696906894445, -0.03424261882901192, 0.03146394342184067, -0.027641860768198967, -0.006728246342390776, 0.05925517901778221, 0.03767623007297516, -0.003727270755916834, 0.032743215560913086, 0.057926662266254425, -0.021119248121976852, -0.040136776864528656, 0.01112466398626566, -0.04631386324763298, 0.01941407099366188, -0.014851467683911324, -0.005926049780100584, -0.10045015066862106, 0.002557967556640506, 0.019519556313753128, 0.006315514445304871, -0.06624934077262878, 0.03222367540001869, -0.015464883297681808, -0.021717095747590065, 0.06265805661678314, 0.0268317349255085, -0.014550836756825447, -0.01920311711728573, -0.036851681768894196, -0.0047559309750795364, -0.025040853768587112, 0.09413223713636398, -0.048253029584884644, 0.029157288372516632, 0.040645357221364975, -0.024643046781420708, -0.006678280886262655, 0.02406630851328373, 0.010579872876405716, -0.01472565159201622, -0.033226966857910156, -0.03128017112612724, -0.023282935842871666, -0.04614913463592529, -0.05575398728251457, 0.0027037812396883965, -0.043766263872385025, -0.061600152403116226, 0.0053599802777171135, -0.007302901241928339, -0.020847968757152557, -0.027571899816393852, 0.024905627593398094, 0.05252544954419136, -0.04413038492202759, -0.030141284689307213, -0.04011749476194382, 0.03658774495124817, 0.011680711060762405, 0.013297553174197674, 0.04227196425199509, -0.04272808879613876, 0.021239405497908592, -0.03318292275071144, -0.001812738017179072, 0.04471378028392792, -0.022320076823234558, 0.033929161727428436 ]
OPINION WALTERS, Justice. The sole issue in this appeal is whether an injured passenger looks to uninsured motorist coverage from the insurer of the vehicle in which he was riding at the time of the injury, or to his own insurer for uninsured coverage, as the primary insurer. The trial court ruled that the passenger’s own insurer was the primary insurer. We reverse. Plaintiff and the trial court seemed to rely on Sloan v. Dairyland Insurance Co., 86 N.M. 65, 519 P.2d 301 (1974), as requiring the court to rule as it did. We do not read Sloan in that manner. Sloan merely decided that, in addition to collecting damages upon the policy issued to the driver in whose automobile Sloan was riding when injured, Sloan’s estate was also entitled to recover against Sloan’s own insurer under its uninsured motorist clause. The question of primary and secondary coverage was not reached. We agree with Sloan that “other insurance” clauses may not be construed to prohibit recovery from more than one policy, at least to the extent of the injured’s loss and the second policy’s limits, and we recognize that there is a split among the jurisdictions regarding sole, primary, or no liability on the part of the passenger’s insurer. The cases collected at Annotation, Uninsured Motorist Insurance: Validity And Construction Of “Other Insurance” Provisions, 28 A.L.R.3d 551 (1969) and Annotation, Apportionment of Payments Of No-Fault (Personal Injury Protection) Benefits Between Insurers Providing Coverage To Same Insured Under Policies Covering Different Vehicles, 34 A.L.R.4th 374 (1984), illustrate the diversity of the decisions in cases somewhat similar to the matter at issue here. We are persuaded, however, that it is the better and more reasonable rule to require the insurer of the vehicle in which the injured party was riding as a passenger, rather than as an owner or driver, to first pay uninsured motorist benefits before the injured party’s insurer may be required to pay under its uninsured motorist coverage. Most of the cases we have reviewed do not discuss primary and secondary cover age. Instead, the question more often has been whether the injured passenger may also recover from his own insurer after the owner/driver’s insurer has paid under its policy. It is on that issue that the cases diverge, rather than on the question of primary and secondary coverage. See, e.g., Tindall v. Farmers Auto. Management Corp., 83 Ill.App.2d 165, 226 N.E.2d 397 (1967). We are of the opinion, particularly in view of our prior decisions permitting “stacking” {see Sloan), that the insurer of the vehicle involved in the accident owes primary coverage to the limits of its policy if less than the loss suffered, and that any other available insurance becomes secondary to the extent of plaintiffs injuries and the limits of the secondary insurer’s uninsured motorist coverage. We agree with the court’s statement in Transamerican Insurance Co. v. Austin Farm Center, Inc., 354 N.W.2d 503 (Minn.App.1984), one case which does discuss primary and secondary liability, that the automobile policy “closest to the risk” ranks ahead of another policy arguably in conflict in the “other insurance” clauses, insofar as priority for payment is concerned. The policy covering the vehicle involved in the accident is closer to the risk than the policy insuring the non-owner driver or passenger. Transamerican. This is in accord with our decisions concerning automobile liability insurance, see, e.g., State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Foundation Reserve Ins. Co., 78 N.M. 359, 431 P.2d 737 (1967), and we see no reason to hold otherwise with respect to uninsured motorist coverage. On the question of primary liability, the trial court is reversed. The case is remanded for further proceedings. IT IS SO ORDERED. STOWERS and RANSOM, JJ., concur.
[ -0.038433272391557693, -0.08822397887706757, -0.01990397274494171, 0.015208564698696136, 0.057144228368997574, 0.003141844877973199, 0.05112016573548317, 0.01772528886795044, 0.02690221555531025, -0.060768187046051025, 0.03967014700174332, 0.04118402302265167, -0.05195667967200279, 0.02855263650417328, -0.01844431273639202, 0.08377069234848022, 0.03221317380666733, -0.004134778399020433, -0.01592201180756092, -0.004892120603471994, -0.0011261278996244073, -0.0236872136592865, 0.03859690949320793, 0.025935392826795578, -0.013895539566874504, -0.008775878697633743, 0.00922647025436163, 0.046839550137519836, -0.048593904823064804, -0.01790844090282917, 0.032399240881204605, 0.011170321144163609, -0.025239979848265648, 0.014738478697836399, -0.029679352417588234, -0.010126410983502865, 0.024624019861221313, -0.022757241502404213, -0.018438829109072685, 0.013098951429128647, -0.03356118127703667, -0.018797732889652252, -0.07429851591587067, -0.007836113683879375, -0.04239986836910248, -0.009399249218404293, -0.003472991054877639, 0.004928622394800186, -0.01710478402674198, -0.04650378227233887, -0.03591814637184143, -0.0003528610977809876, -0.02752276137471199, 0.06017959117889404, 0.016099432483315468, 0.02598559856414795, -0.017904849722981453, -0.04684004560112953, 0.002444592071697116, -0.04652458429336548, 0.00667415838688612, -0.0057623679749667645, 0.05380094796419144, -0.0036708442494273186, 0.01225242018699646, 0.018502580001950264, -0.009860076941549778, 0.040928322821855545, -0.03983037546277046, -0.020245801657438278, -0.06318008154630661, -0.033430315554142, 0.025740453973412514, 0.0627622902393341, -0.0295220036059618, -0.03444040194153786, 0.013993265107274055, -0.02356865257024765, 0.034974027425050735, 0.010166283696889877, 0.04176997020840645, 0.0065134428441524506, 0.001228687004186213, 0.06128818541765213, -0.002217457164078951, -0.0497732050716877, -0.022239435464143753, 0.02955816686153412, -0.0396193191409111, 0.0745171532034874, -0.022192982956767082, -0.0413820818066597, 0.03574269264936447, 0.0498187392950058, -0.03194562345743179, -0.03299356624484062, 0.0783100575208664, -0.04997667670249939, 0.0016326027689501643, -0.002317678416147828, -0.003225988009944558, -0.022544939070940018, -0.008541046641767025, 0.02590683475136757, -0.07232869416475296, 0.023168276995420456, -0.013002303428947926, 0.06693178415298462, -0.01104512345045805, -0.003982993308454752, -0.02796364203095436, -0.00889962911605835, -0.05058079957962036, -0.026354817673563957, -0.048590801656246185, 0.039705727249383926, 0.0335674025118351, -0.05041811987757683, 0.04047038406133652, -0.017658749595284462, 0.01760409213602543, -0.014121891930699348, 0.0007492970325984061, 0.0629398375749588, 0.02660306729376316, 0.016491912305355072, 0.04952675476670265, 0.03179061412811279, -0.02050074376165867, -0.043091002851724625, 0.002791636623442173, 0.037237148731946945, -0.045552194118499756, 0.014954274520277977, -0.009083457291126251, 0.011028165929019451, 0.025595346465706825, -0.019896510988473892, 0.038828738033771515, -0.03130609169602394, -0.032878577709198, -0.027125420048832893, 0.007710667327046394, 0.009241167455911636, 0.08770982176065445, -0.042038969695568085, 0.0537642203271389, 0.015404376201331615, -0.07004059851169586, -0.024913383647799492, 0.0382809191942215, 0.03326719254255295, 0.003997389692813158, 0.011769582517445087, 0.007435974664986134, 0.04482882097363472, 0.05719517543911934, -0.0447082556784153, -0.014429121278226376, 0.06328688561916351, 0.028884025290608406, 0.014019059017300606, 0.027267152443528175, -0.029634185135364532, 0.03146357834339142, 0.03970422223210335, -0.002717704977840185, -0.009548165835440159, -0.0030607013031840324, 0.012595982290804386, -0.05367576330900192, -0.03893904760479927, 0.034999191761016846, -0.05616951733827591, 0.013815557584166527, 0.014307006262242794, 0.08788995444774628, -0.007723648101091385, 0.028510117903351784, -0.04986632987856865, -0.08223279565572739, 0.03678149729967117, 0.02053626999258995, 0.011407892219722271, -0.009174761362373829, -0.0068306694738566875, 0.03275195136666298, 0.01965409889817238, 0.008082278072834015, -0.028874319046735764, -0.06847470998764038, -0.060306429862976074, 0.02777010202407837, -0.042343974113464355, 0.04118139669299126, -0.0006874599494040012, -0.026524564251303673, 0.068089060485363, -0.003706013783812523, 0.04248660057783127, 0.0202533770352602, 0.032513536512851715, 0.03946525976061821, -0.03953886404633522, -0.028369057923555374, 0.07840040326118469, 0.03845212981104851, -0.021370351314544678, -0.03962033987045288, 0.053770653903484344, 0.01356002688407898, 0.008198787458240986, 0.007940825074911118, 0.01019925344735384, 0.024007482454180717, -0.03285571560263634, 0.043729498982429504, -0.018600495532155037, 0.023358190432190895, -0.03523115813732147, 0.05697668716311455, 0.009424412623047829, 0.006323632318526506, 0.011208510026335716, -0.03368621692061424, 0.10216635465621948, 0.05889285355806351, -0.028472449630498886, -0.03909042477607727, 0.008019526489078999, -0.007869441993534565, -0.012032921425998211, 0.00454501248896122, 0.01146466750651598, 0.027578426524996758, 0.017980707809329033, -0.022368406876921654, 0.0034826837945729494, 0.04515385627746582, -0.031880948692560196, -0.011215906590223312, 0.051614899188280106, 0.015791315585374832, 0.039954181760549545, -0.05087658017873764, 0.0004813886189367622, -0.011191969737410545, -0.0046293362975120544, -0.00008481823897454888, -0.042973633855581284, -0.020690729841589928, -0.005245677195489407, -0.014888518489897251, 0.007603934966027737, -0.022151850163936615, -0.020759595558047295, -0.02183481492102146, 0.030071832239627838, 0.012143236584961414, 0.026113010942935944, -0.02407851070165634, 0.037583108991384506, -0.028111668303608894, -0.007417268585413694, -0.011621864512562752, -0.07417578995227814, -0.031790219247341156, 0.03193250671029091, -0.00016008398961275816, 0.059778135269880295, 0.036672960966825485, -0.014049215242266655, -0.007546847220510244, 0.025562617927789688, -0.013734640553593636, 0.060627348721027374, 0.05487918108701706, 0.02066526561975479, 0.012951759621500969, 0.0479365736246109, -0.012333055958151817, 0.04952571913599968, 0.0033218509051948786, -0.06811834126710892, 0.014025830663740635, -0.06246229261159897, 0.007986977696418762, -0.054219283163547516, -0.054494377225637436, 0.022102970629930496, 0.04503322020173073, 0.03273138031363487, 0.04509091004729271, 0.022049371153116226, 0.019508466124534607, 0.0076674544252455235, 0.03722752630710602, 0.046297866851091385, -0.007077776361256838, -0.020685499534010887, -0.029379256069660187, -0.03544209524989128, 0.023421650752425194, -0.03129556030035019, 0.04491272196173668, 0.011498565785586834, -0.02739534340798855, 0.010944876819849014, -0.26549309492111206, -0.014380183070898056, -0.013507530093193054, -0.05029921978712082, 0.07164910435676575, -0.010414104908704758, 0.02921954356133938, -0.010125295259058475, -0.03919748216867447, 0.0361974723637104, 0.029205702245235443, -0.019819261506199837, 0.047463808208703995, 0.006748494692146778, 0.006763974204659462, -0.011555620469152927, 0.013194440864026546, -0.02399415336549282, -0.0169906634837389, -0.008737758733332157, 0.023345649242401123, -0.11080463230609894, -0.07224523276090622, 0.03306451812386513, 0.04620060697197914, 0.06535621732473373, -0.029998203739523888, 0.014407807029783726, -0.042668551206588745, 0.01952577568590641, -0.01885792799293995, -0.008989420719444752, 0.023356258869171143, -0.058608848601579666, -0.003803326515480876, -0.043558258563280106, -0.004200347699224949, -0.022700825706124306, -0.028445811942219734, 0.003739789593964815, -0.03561066836118698, -0.0701846331357956, -0.013903601095080376, -0.011022021062672138, 0.04201614111661911, -0.014859460294246674, -0.06691877543926239, 0.010498858988285065, 0.01829305849969387, 0.0452701710164547, 0.011643890291452408, 0.0424656942486763, -0.03759564459323883, 0.023570699617266655, -0.031109489500522614, -0.007619145791977644, -0.06014363840222359, -0.017987361177802086, -0.052620623260736465, 0.045688871294260025, -0.0063919019885361195, -0.03354533016681671, -0.015085828490555286, -0.039923347532749176, -0.012012396939098835, -0.053948644548654556, -0.020852096378803253, -0.03765106201171875, 0.05567063391208649, -0.01587461307644844, -0.01115207839757204, 0.03477675840258598, -0.011382555589079857, -0.09159526228904724, 0.01771543361246586, -0.02340507321059704, -0.019712910056114197, -0.06738176196813583, -0.02481570653617382, 0.025072822347283363, -0.015005655586719513, -0.01078659389168024, 0.01459356490522623, 0.021623728796839714, -0.019726183265447617, -0.033642061054706573, -0.0042691524140536785, 0.08426905423402786, -0.03744399920105934, 0.030250966548919678, 0.043571267277002335, 0.05433846265077591, -0.01312827505171299, 0.0013187339063733816, 0.025486968457698822, 0.040180452167987823, -0.012273813597857952, -0.01923277974128723, -0.006482331547886133, -0.020670071244239807, 0.04374377429485321, -0.039234038442373276, 0.011699347756803036, -0.023446686565876007, -0.014425321482121944, -0.007545669563114643, -0.053372908383607864, -0.005098752211779356, 0.03799240291118622, 0.015914887189865112, 0.006221049465239048, -0.039376016706228256, 0.04922695457935333, -0.04539855197072029, 0.026236213743686676, -0.027365494519472122, 0.008550520054996014, 0.0028210794553160667, 0.010481167584657669, 0.017572134733200073, 0.014380598440766335, 0.02576153539121151, -0.06307365745306015, -0.0068490998819470406, -0.08632765710353851, 0.022974185645580292, 0.023684101179242134, -0.002739909803494811, 0.009818365797400475, 0.05397149547934532, 0.017527420073747635, -0.005054991692304611, 0.003601448843255639, 0.0036933659575879574, -0.003476037411019206, -0.023879799991846085, -0.032705117017030716, -0.029967712238430977, 0.01587700843811035, 0.008208904415369034, 0.043870095163583755, -0.004819690715521574, -0.006227090954780579, -0.0034118392504751682, 0.04863789677619934, 0.0200961846858263, 0.03753630444407463, -0.010133642703294754, -0.08295228332281113, 0.033130865544080734, 0.011835196986794472, -0.046397920697927475, -0.0010806877398863435, -0.027826599776744843, -0.005243140738457441, -0.014206847175955772, 0.013443989679217339, 0.00424874247983098, -0.022247256711125374, -0.0257923174649477, 0.015362338162958622, -0.02609931491315365, -0.005332753993570805, -0.0441288948059082, 0.01449726801365614, 0.06848222762346268, -0.001303169527091086, -0.04981296882033348, -0.030591385439038277, 0.009942025877535343, -0.02888919599354267, -0.051002126187086105, -0.030101153999567032, 0.03773343935608864, 0.03177376836538315, 0.052279964089393616, -0.023712588474154472, -0.015317590907216072, 0.05153925344347954, 0.02189711481332779, 0.018738942220807076, -0.005134571343660355, -0.046949777752161026, 0.002533217193558812, 0.03340037167072296, -0.015846842899918556, 0.0033744797110557556, -0.054243721067905426, -0.001316496403887868, 0.015024849213659763, 0.01739824004471302, 0.002521378453820944, -0.0218329019844532, 0.058591362088918686, -0.04113709181547165, -0.04438969865441322, -0.0074607511050999165, -0.01178722083568573, 0.029439328238368034, 0.032065413892269135, -0.01985078863799572, 0.0318772979080677, 0.027911674231290817, 0.011447119526565075, -0.018589287996292114, -0.057287104427814484, 0.041035015136003494, 0.032347146421670914, -0.023782959207892418, 0.06023629382252693, -0.07862336933612823, -0.015323018655180931, -0.02235530875623226, -0.0008082062704488635, 0.04177120700478554, -0.02437572181224823, 0.01305039506405592, -0.04820976033806801, -0.0258891973644495, -0.005963187664747238, 0.007283360697329044, -0.049142494797706604, -0.004857858642935753, -0.03726206719875336, -0.009195944294333458, 0.08945587277412415, -0.008420110680162907, -0.017344465479254723, 0.0412876196205616, -0.003533728653565049, -0.020760172978043556, -0.05286736786365509, 0.0031522209756076336, 0.037455860525369644, -0.03570883721113205, -0.019856778904795647, -0.008682921528816223, -0.024091603234410286, 0.019040364772081375, 0.04048668593168259, 0.03318285942077637, 0.05547630041837692, -0.022888923063874245, -0.03403857722878456, 0.0005193552351556718, 0.009045037440955639, 0.03898739814758301, -0.02018338069319725, -0.02043883316218853, 0.04588747397065163, -0.018905051052570343, -0.023330966010689735, -0.03421687334775925, -0.006828565150499344, 0.04925839230418205, -0.034703608602285385, -0.04881954565644264, -0.027734359726309776, -0.01883040741086006, 0.06176753714680672, 0.011427199468016624, 0.019499532878398895, 0.01227669045329094, 0.00821581482887268, 0.04995386302471161, 0.012085205875337124, 0.019632725045084953, -0.011740779504179955, 0.03028138540685177, -0.07488471269607544, 0.027542540803551674, -0.06409979611635208, 0.008887317962944508, -0.013475370593369007, 0.014489335007965565, 0.04011135175824165, 0.0011729521211236715, -0.06649280339479446, 0.02611267752945423, -0.0400223471224308, -0.038186848163604736, -0.005222518462687731, -0.008713485673069954, -0.01579640619456768, -0.018616599962115288, -0.02652299590408802, 0.048660244792699814, -0.010399731807410717, -0.09416963160037994, -0.028174277395009995, 0.009451891295611858, 0.006472214590758085, 0.020552299916744232, 0.023788394406437874, 0.01528873573988676, -0.03799232468008995, 0.0343099869787693, 0.04240333288908005, -0.03387963026762009, 0.05081845074892044, -0.052265897393226624, 0.02869727648794651, -0.0019655972719192505, -0.0341823436319828, -0.0006432163063436747, 0.00591281009837985, -0.006558733526617289, -0.06367377191781998, 0.05255689471960068, 0.011975245550274849, -0.003434198908507824, -0.06158752739429474, 0.039717305451631546, 0.05443216487765312, -0.0198670681566, -0.01693717949092388, -0.006171743385493755, -0.055428650230169296, -0.0471109040081501, 0.011568468064069748, 0.014775899238884449, -0.009523548185825348, 0.024444472044706345, -0.0038982382975518703, 0.06509552150964737, 0.018195323646068573, -0.030134167522192, 0.06210318207740784, 0.02516452968120575, 0.08814329653978348, 0.02268047071993351, 0.03345281258225441, -0.004600728861987591, 0.06829654425382614, -0.022855639457702637, -0.04100274667143822, 0.009496049955487251, -0.03678501024842262, -0.023577174171805382, -0.025592748075723648, -0.005811704322695732, -0.005422601010650396, 0.026494678109884262, 0.031429655849933624, 0.02974627912044525, -0.0003864124300889671, 0.050118088722229004, -0.02831186167895794, 0.0346824936568737, 0.016531603410840034, 0.01308378018438816, -0.004284264054149389, -0.010193437337875366, -0.039867859333753586, 0.026244476437568665, 0.0038493808824568987, -0.04339630529284477, -0.05086817219853401, -0.07681054621934891, 0.00816317554563284, -0.0458194762468338, -0.0334094800055027, 0.08368520438671112, -0.03750934824347496, -0.028944091871380806, -0.03939887881278992, 0.029940035194158554, 0.008266033604741096, -0.004275992047041655, 0.02602795697748661, -0.03277556225657463, -0.03370774909853935, -0.02869374305009842, -0.007725830189883709, 0.07156358659267426, 0.01622842252254486, 0.061283305287361145, -0.014765688218176365, 0.019345412030816078, 0.0649029016494751, 0.047877516597509384, -0.012831364758312702, -0.047160595655441284, -0.06987205892801285, -0.007999164052307606, -0.010113006457686424, 0.014442111365497112, 0.018501751124858856, 0.015489430166780949, -0.03537052497267723, -0.011247499845921993, -0.0008858496439643204, -0.0020506763830780983, 0.06254828721284866, -0.03737470507621765, 0.005275971256196499, 0.04866793379187584, 0.018631624057888985, 0.04183613136410713, 0.013369170017540455, 0.054434534162282944, -0.011339397169649601, -0.026529919356107712, -0.023693377152085304, -0.048647522926330566, 0.0502583384513855, -0.0028438724111765623, 0.012818766757845879, -0.07525745779275894, 0.014073899015784264, 0.02869247831404209, 0.008949989452958107, -0.07357148826122284, 0.04116561636328697, -0.01946914754807949, -0.016991281881928444, 0.06141003221273422, 0.011853759177029133, 0.0011543188011273742, -0.034781549125909805, -0.004121067933738232, 0.04540277644991875, 0.03199086710810661, -0.009344627149403095, -0.009532330557703972, 0.04374629259109497, 0.009415307082235813, 0.018755970522761345, 0.020132392644882202, 0.07739400863647461, 0.0007702791481278837, -0.02622346580028534, -0.032419074326753616, 0.0026073420885950327, -0.013632220216095448, -0.04379095882177353, -0.03685677424073219, 0.016899656504392624, -0.026205312460660934, -0.04099804535508156, 0.017782090231776237, -0.02663271874189377, -0.02979232184588909, -0.02433639019727707, 0.00366662978194654, 0.012666496448218822, -0.03411735221743584, -0.012415377423167229, -0.03743226081132889, 0.014462604187428951, -0.00213306094519794, 0.03054828941822052, 0.0028304043225944042, -0.03956226259469986, 0.037255797535181046, -0.07039132714271545, 0.009298643097281456, 0.034227218478918076, -0.013866315595805645, -0.015328199602663517 ]
OPINION BIVINS, Judge. Defendant appeals from a judgment by jury verdict convicting him of escape from the custody of a peace officer, contrary to NMSA 1978, Section 30-22-10 (Repl.Pamp. 1984). Defendant briefs two issues: (1) whether there was sufficient evidence to support the verdict; and (2) whether defendant was denied effective assistance of counsel. The arguments, however, focus on the propriety of the charge. We determine that, because the charge of violation of Section 30-22-10 was improper, the trial court lacked jurisdiction to convict and sentence defendant. We, therefore, reverse the conviction on that basis. See State v. McNeece, 82 N.M. 345, 481 P.2d 707 (Ct.App.1971) (conviction and sentence under wrong statute jurisdictional). There is no real dispute as to the pertinent facts concerning defendant’s escape. Defendant was jailed pending trial on criminal charges in the Santa Fé County Detention Center. Under order of the district court, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s officers transported defendant from the jail to the Forensic Treatment Unit (FTU) of the State Hospital in Las Vegas, New Mexico, for evaluation prior to trial. Sheriff’s officers placed defendant in the custody of hospital staff. Defendant escaped from the hospital about six weeks after arrival and was recaptured a day later by San Miguel County Sheriff’s officers and state police. Defendant was returned to the hospital, where he continued to be evaluated, and was then transported back to the jail by the Santa Fe County Sheriff. Our review of the proceedings indicates all of the participants at trial thought that the question of whether defendant could be found guilty of escape from a peace officer, on the undisputed facts of this ease, had been settled by New Mexico case law. Contrary to the assumptions made by both parties and the trial court, interpretation of Section 30-22-10 presents an issue of first impression. Penal statutes must be strictly construed, and the legislative definition of crimes is not to be broadened. State v. Allen, 77 N.M. 433, 423 P.2d 867 (1967). “Statutes are to be given effect as written and, where free from ambiguity, there is no room for construction.” State v. Greyeyes, 105 N.M. 549, 553, 734 P.2d 789, 793 (Ct.App.1987). With those principles in mind, we hold that the terms of Section 30-22-10 do not describe the facts and circumstances of defendant’s escape; therefore, we conclude that defendant was charged under the wrong provision. We rely upon the basic principle that it is the legislature’s function and prerogative to define crimes. State v. Moss, 83 N.M. 42, 487 P.2d 1347 (Ct.App.1971); State v. Dennis, 80 N.M. 262, 454 P.2d 276 (Ct.App.1969). Of significance, the legislature has attached criminal penalty to escape under four separate statutes, using different terms and describing different circumstances under which escape is punishable. See NMSA 1978, §§ 30-22-8 (Repl.Pamp.1984) (escape from jail); 30-22-9 (Repl.Pamp. 1984) (escape from penitentiary); 30-22-10 (escape from a peace officer); and 33-2-46 (Repl.Pamp.1987) (escape from inmate release program). The legislature has chosen to define distinguishable offenses bearing different essential elements and varying penalties. See State v. Garcia, 98 N.M. 585, 651 P.2d 120 (Ct.App.1982) (discussion of legislative history of escape statutes). The elements of these separately defined offenses differ as to the nature of the authority under which the offender is confined or in custody and, with the exception of Section 30-22-10, the place from which escape is made. Section 30-22-10, the statute under which defendant was charged and tried, provides a criminal penalty for escape from the custody of a peace officer and describes the offense: Escape from custody of a peace officer consists of any person who shall have been placed under lawful arrest for the commission or alleged commission of any felony, unlawfully escaping or attempting to escape from the custody or control of any peace officer. Whoever commits escape from custody of a peace officer is guilty of a fourth degree felony. (Emphasis added.) This case requires us to interpret the terms underscored above. The state does not ask this court to find that the mental health workers at FTU are “peace officers.” See NMSA 1978, § 30-l-12(C) (Repl.Pamp.1984) (defining “peace officer”). Cf. State v. Tabaha, 103 N.M. 789, 714 P.2d 1010 (Ct.App.1986) (juvenile correctional officers not “peace officers” for purpose of statute proscribing battery upon peace officer under statutory definition). Nor does the state dispute that defendant was in the actual physical custody of the sheriff only temporarily in order to comply with the district court’s order that he be transferred to FTU and then returned to the jail after evaluation. Cf. State v. Pitts, 102 N.M. 747, 700 P.2d 650 (Ct.App.1985) (defendant “lawfully committed to jail” under order that he be transferred from children’s court to district court). Rather, the state urges us to find that defendant was in the “constructive custody” of the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office during the time he was committed to the FTU. The state argues that the term “custody,” as it is used in Section 30-22-10, is not limited to physical or actual custody, but is intended to extend to legal or constructive custody as well. In view of the narrow statutory definition of the term “peace officer” and the absence of any language that would extend the terms “custody or control,” as described in Section 30-22-10, we find the interpretation urged by the state overly broad. We have interpreted Section 30-22-8 to describe escape from a place other than the actual confines of the jail to which a defendant has been committed at the time of escape, under the rule of “constructive custody.” In State v. Gilman, 97 N.M. 67, 636 P.2d 886 (Ct.App.1981), this court held that defendant could be found guilty of “escape from jail” when he escaped while performing labor outside the jail. We looked to the terms of Section 30-22-8 and held: “Reason and common sense require us to recognize that the statute punishes one who escapes custody while lawfully sentenced to jail.” Id. at 68, 636 P.2d at 887. See also State v. Weaver. 83 N.M. 362, 492 P.2d 144 (Ct.App.1971) (discussing, though not adopting, rule of “constructive custody”). In State v. Coleman, 101 N.M. 252, 680 P.2d 633 (Ct.App.1984), we established that one does not have to escape from the physical confines of the jail itself in order to be found guilty of escape from jail. Coleman had escaped from a work-release program while being held in jail on a criminal charge. We agree with the state that the facts and circumstances of Coleman are analogous to those of the case before us. Contrary to the state’s attempt to analogize the cases, however, Coleman was appropriately charged with escape from jail. Nor do we agree with the state’s argument that we should apply the Gilman holding to this case and extend the “custody or control” of Section 30-22-10 beyond the express limitation of the statute. The common sense of Gilman is that a person “under lawful commitment to any jail” remains committed, though temporarily released from the confines of the jail. See also State v. Martin, 94 N.M. 251, 609 P.2d 333 (Ct.App.1980) (charge of escape from penitentiary proper though defendant actually escaped from county jail because defendant had been “lawfully committed to the penitentiary”). That rationale does not apply to escape from a peace officer while “under lawful arrest.” Common sense does not compel us to hold that a person transferred from the custody of a “peace officer” to another person necessarily continues “under lawful arrest.” It is significant that the legislature defined escape from a peace officer as escape from the “custody or control” of a peace officer. Also, by using the term “under lawful arrest” in Section 30-22-10, the legislature, in defining the crime of escape from a peace officer, contemplated different circumstances than escape from jail. We will not broaden the legislature’s intent to include constructive custody or control as the state urges. Section 30-22-10 applies only to those who are in the actual custody or control of a peace officer while under arrest. The state contends that this interpretation of Section 30-22-10 will allow prisoners who escape, after being transferred from a jail to FTU for evaluation or to any hospital for treatment, to avoid penalty. See Ex parte DeVore, 18 N.M. 246, 136 P. 47 (1913) (penal statutes should not be unnaturally construed to work exemptions from their penalties). We disagree. If defendant had been charged under the proper statute, he may well have been penalized. As with any other criminal offense, however, the charge must be appropriate and the prosecution must prove each essential element of the crime as defined by statute. See State v. Brown, 100 N.M. 726, 676 P.2d 253 (1984). We find that the conviction and sentence cannot stand because defendant was charged under an inapplicable statute and, therefore, the trial court proceeded without jurisdiction. State v. McNeece. We do not reach the issues stated in defendant’s docketing statement and briefed by the parties. We reverse defendant’s conviction and sentence, and remand the cause with instructions to dismiss the charge against defendant. Defendant requested oral argument. The panel deems oral argument unnecessary; therefore, the request is denied. See Garcia v. Genuine Parts Co., 90 N.M. 124, 560 P.2d 545 (Ct.App.1977). IT IS SO ORDERED. MINZNER and FRUMAN, JJ., concur.
[ -0.040376078337430954, -0.017878912389278412, -0.02063138782978058, 0.005349163897335529, 0.05345574766397476, -0.008764361962676048, 0.07168842107057571, 0.025681136175990105, 0.010451370850205421, -0.04386329650878906, 0.007705820258706808, 0.041960399597883224, -0.05498538911342621, 0.02253100648522377, 0.004092835355550051, 0.0636945590376854, 0.059250205755233765, 0.005933146458119154, 0.03777236118912697, 0.015615321695804596, 0.010744360275566578, -0.020742876455187798, 0.005418675020337105, 0.04255523532629013, 0.009612297639250755, 0.015951309353113174, 0.023654934018850327, 0.012946669943630695, -0.06867015361785889, -0.006621010601520538, 0.04160551354289055, -0.013746584765613079, -0.039525244385004044, 0.006097746081650257, -0.014908988028764725, 0.014093685895204544, -0.0182928629219532, -0.008964251726865768, -0.009854020550847054, 0.04184943437576294, -0.012030165642499924, 0.002493250649422407, -0.05885607749223709, -0.015052572824060917, -0.026337334886193275, -0.020175695419311523, 0.023738404735922813, 0.038389384746551514, -0.04400325566530228, 0.0018207058310508728, -0.05731446295976639, 0.033411625772714615, 0.006629541050642729, 0.021860551089048386, -0.006686882581561804, -0.009652869775891304, -0.045704763382673264, -0.061054375022649765, -0.02337685413658619, 0.007230395916849375, -0.00861675851047039, -0.026558345183730125, 0.06092020124197006, 0.0026426399126648903, -0.015611203387379646, -0.028543679043650627, 0.03830033168196678, 0.04377786070108414, -0.016056649386882782, -0.024684937670826912, -0.03836314380168915, 0.02914850227534771, 0.007654777728021145, 0.015154271386563778, -0.009862714447081089, -0.009256325662136078, 0.027792224660515785, 0.02036171965301037, -0.013619288802146912, 0.031263161450624466, 0.032491788268089294, -0.034697361290454865, 0.03348873555660248, 0.04768611118197441, 0.012762816622853279, -0.05289725214242935, -0.027062924578785896, -0.004759672563523054, -0.0331229493021965, 0.024073513224720955, -0.0036480927374213934, -0.025918254628777504, 0.015575201250612736, 0.0489017553627491, 0.013813622295856476, -0.0090646306052804, 0.088560089468956, -0.013173774816095829, 0.03312268853187561, 0.00622910913079977, 0.01802663318812847, -0.027603067457675934, -0.006969982758164406, 0.04299536719918251, -0.06569135934114456, -0.013242426328361034, -0.025884345173835754, -0.007862097583711147, -0.0027401777915656567, -0.006550660356879234, -0.007987120188772678, 0.02587936632335186, 0.01729664020240307, 0.0014666715869680047, -0.031068243086338043, 0.03670571744441986, 0.028316665440797806, -0.06605324894189835, -0.012916498817503452, -0.01247343048453331, 0.0061847129836678505, 0.010659098625183105, -0.014175730757415295, 0.06686414033174515, 0.02442346140742302, 0.020873842760920525, 0.008075318299233913, 0.04259158670902252, 0.004797535482794046, -0.013706575147807598, -0.03453098610043526, -0.00011122401338070631, 0.004398187156766653, 0.010596712119877338, -0.02716788649559021, -0.05209910869598389, -0.0032274972181767225, -0.03615709766745567, 0.007351274136453867, -0.01839599572122097, -0.014632109552621841, -0.019778283312916756, 0.013722454197704792, 0.032668258994817734, 0.07875978946685791, -0.05896119028329849, 0.0222524031996727, -0.025012096390128136, -0.04024514555931091, -0.0010423780186101794, 0.0516449399292469, 0.026076948270201683, 0.013959459029138088, -0.004573523998260498, -0.022906668484210968, 0.037739820778369904, 0.04106692597270012, -0.0018499576253816485, 0.01090834941715002, 0.03230536729097366, 0.046234339475631714, 0.033495690673589706, 0.02346614934504032, -0.008319707587361336, 0.002388950902968645, 0.021079935133457184, -0.018047133460640907, -0.004138023126870394, -0.04340460151433945, 0.06648482382297516, -0.038809992372989655, -0.016981465741991997, 0.053630709648132324, -0.07047981768846512, -0.030993515625596046, 0.008386675268411636, 0.02995513565838337, 0.05913577228784561, -0.002586704446002841, -0.033244822174310684, -0.05462595820426941, 0.03402988985180855, -0.025014212355017662, 0.02277393452823162, -0.02361902967095375, -0.015747003257274628, 0.041058462113142014, -0.013638043776154518, -0.004528460092842579, -0.003545933635905385, -0.07503920048475266, -0.021837424486875534, -0.006596217397600412, -0.029541924595832825, 0.03497700393199921, 0.004805493168532848, -0.018037592992186546, 0.03503258898854256, 0.002512333681806922, 0.02704678475856781, 0.03942205011844635, 0.02176918089389801, 0.08070026338100433, -0.05795946344733238, -0.05976531654596329, 0.04594183340668678, 0.07163357734680176, 0.001196402939967811, 0.007351672742515802, 0.05846932902932167, -0.033950239419937134, 0.01586057059466839, 0.00363840046338737, 0.004620160907506943, 0.036957819014787674, 0.0065726665779948235, 0.03292283043265343, -0.05709794536232948, 0.04017609730362892, -0.06698916852474213, 0.0326109305024147, -0.0050935340113937855, 0.0023985235020518303, 0.045011185109615326, -0.04339151084423065, 0.07303570955991745, 0.06020984798669815, -0.01954658329486847, -0.017620055004954338, 0.020086759701371193, -0.026242662221193314, -0.007986311800777912, -0.0003173204604536295, 0.04604152962565422, 0.04187845066189766, 0.01406747754663229, 0.018500810489058495, 0.011084391735494137, 0.015223702415823936, -0.03817472234368324, 0.011751066893339157, -0.003046456491574645, 0.03419330343604088, 0.0520300418138504, -0.025466620922088623, -0.004038916900753975, 0.007440441753715277, -0.01769697479903698, -0.009906027466058731, -0.018421243876218796, -0.004288236610591412, 0.012476729229092598, 0.029671289026737213, -0.009122448042035103, 0.0606096014380455, -0.053765635937452316, -0.03283129632472992, -0.020961103960871696, 0.01063353568315506, 0.01992143504321575, -0.01850798912346363, 0.04063725844025612, 0.024265144020318985, 0.0016171253519132733, -0.0339345745742321, -0.04876421019434929, -0.02734755538403988, 0.012830255553126335, -0.0006344382418319583, 0.038382772356271744, 0.023235570639371872, -0.018465526401996613, 0.012917990796267986, -0.014490945264697075, 0.006870333105325699, 0.022423960268497467, 0.04868939146399498, 0.008225039578974247, 0.007593996357172728, 0.03130592405796051, 0.011117637157440186, 0.03015129826962948, -0.05083678662776947, -0.015742234885692596, 0.025008028373122215, -0.034036919474601746, -0.003821674268692732, -0.03593343123793602, -0.03742309287190437, 0.05941265448927879, 0.0217581819742918, 0.03999646008014679, 0.020386891439557076, 0.004790187813341618, -0.008153814822435379, 0.02746429666876793, 0.04564323276281357, 0.05617208406329155, 0.04335484653711319, -0.025807788595557213, 0.001667268923483789, 0.004147167783230543, 0.029159706085920334, -0.00951521284878254, 0.050087884068489075, 0.005880752112716436, -0.019019441679120064, 0.013884782791137695, -0.28004494309425354, 0.01841004379093647, -0.03168674558401108, -0.06085203215479851, 0.017286892980337143, -0.06534383445978165, -0.0001643218711251393, -0.015684790909290314, -0.028842851519584656, 0.030396992340683937, -0.015050830319523811, -0.0411720909178257, 0.008694598451256752, 0.04505924880504608, 0.0030533894896507263, -0.046002522110939026, 0.007115541957318783, -0.031182756647467613, -0.010369135066866875, 0.009387887082993984, 0.04661506786942482, -0.07889305800199509, -0.049076516181230545, 0.008836100809276104, 0.07078869640827179, 0.06401819735765457, -0.05900347977876663, 0.01299953181296587, -0.05562199279665947, -0.025660580024123192, -0.008895453065633774, 0.008185859769582748, -0.03747856244444847, -0.023830309510231018, -0.009578359313309193, 0.04249030724167824, 0.004825634881854057, -0.04825114831328392, -0.021159490570425987, 0.01615053042769432, -0.0022447053343057632, -0.045407455414533615, -0.0008486330625601113, 0.02391270361840725, 0.04686686024069786, -0.0035418663173913956, -0.04725367948412895, 0.024163059890270233, -0.00211571017280221, 0.055140286684036255, -0.028381092473864555, -0.0014900279929861426, -0.048508670181035995, 0.025075547397136688, -0.0193506870418787, 0.0022247126325964928, -0.06656451523303986, -0.00461330683901906, -0.03957384079694748, 0.042609862983226776, -0.01257750578224659, -0.060097869485616684, -0.07739809155464172, -0.014906001277267933, -0.01758740097284317, -0.03305518999695778, -0.057528600096702576, -0.029097387567162514, 0.06443134695291519, 0.014068519696593285, 0.005190200638025999, 0.05924695357680321, -0.04621570184826851, -0.0969153344631195, 0.0034378960262984037, -0.022112369537353516, -0.01722070574760437, -0.05195057392120361, -0.03538362309336662, 0.013282455503940582, -0.014997947961091995, -0.022577784955501556, 0.021995997056365013, 0.020928945392370224, -0.01878172904253006, -0.004384048283100128, -0.011118458583950996, 0.06357765942811966, -0.040130119770765305, -0.01124624628573656, 0.05494154244661331, 0.0495271161198616, -0.025262927636504173, -0.02621079795062542, -0.0007280759746208787, 0.04122253134846687, -0.020106276497244835, -0.041197169572114944, -0.011994577012956142, -0.016774354502558708, 0.0298956036567688, -0.04205811768770218, 0.04691622406244278, -0.049702536314725876, -0.004926452878862619, -0.0010800393065437675, -0.06272628158330917, 0.0059697809629142284, 0.05444185063242912, 0.022469615563750267, 0.009771930985152721, -0.006841818802058697, 0.07257474213838577, -0.02286642976105213, -0.006475475616753101, -0.055988334119319916, 0.01912924461066723, -0.0013852876145392656, 0.03210480138659477, 0.03222864493727684, -0.0048277913592755795, 0.02360951155424118, -0.03389037027955055, -0.04763197898864746, -0.09097561240196228, 0.0033040642738342285, 0.04447167366743088, 0.026119716465473175, 0.011334601789712906, 0.02170473337173462, -0.04421359300613403, -0.015943298116326332, -0.0048033189959824085, 0.009328527376055717, 0.014597278088331223, -0.06052429974079132, -0.04279150068759918, -0.020616590976715088, 0.010025754570960999, -0.0016019735485315323, 0.04969427362084389, -0.03538033738732338, 0.023608608171343803, 0.02809878997504711, 0.02711126208305359, -0.013719039037823677, 0.012438122183084488, -0.010733948089182377, -0.02726934850215912, 0.028871532529592514, 0.014102282002568245, -0.06432236731052399, -0.020062731578946114, -0.0489627905189991, -0.05398740619421005, 0.0036726174876093864, -0.0009681034716777503, 0.030221736058592796, -0.00681822095066309, -0.0384422205388546, 0.011183910071849823, -0.0414038710296154, -0.03213261067867279, -0.022066574543714523, -0.024592677131295204, 0.049255311489105225, -0.025043213739991188, 0.03904152289032936, -0.02258150838315487, 0.036591287702322006, -0.037795986980199814, -0.08660437166690826, -0.0335262157022953, 0.017306260764598846, 0.0011380665237084031, 0.031550727784633636, -0.011286470107734203, -0.022663885727524757, 0.020551688969135284, 0.02479294314980507, -0.016536803916096687, -0.01769484579563141, -0.00815311074256897, 0.02363477274775505, 0.034794729202985764, -0.025934338569641113, -0.027163982391357422, -0.06742942333221436, -0.008950447663664818, -0.016555123031139374, -0.007796553894877434, -0.03524349257349968, -0.0240753423422575, 0.001252373680472374, -0.04282008856534958, -0.05980723351240158, 0.005540467798709869, -0.020313091576099396, 0.018422691151499748, 0.07281485199928284, 0.009484725072979927, -0.038885146379470825, 0.0030888107139617205, 0.031472206115722656, -0.006086104549467564, -0.03862885758280754, 0.022707492113113403, 0.04245724901556969, 0.003251986112445593, 0.03736565634608269, -0.05857160687446594, -0.02744666114449501, 0.0017701443284749985, 0.013700676150619984, 0.046431273221969604, -0.06197565421462059, 0.04030727595090866, -0.026003802195191383, -0.03619810938835144, -0.011298377066850662, 0.007261599414050579, -0.04784417897462845, -0.02234853245317936, -0.029394252225756645, -0.04568658024072647, 0.036240339279174805, -0.0012972084805369377, -0.021166406571865082, 0.07405184209346771, -0.014356001280248165, 0.022344600409269333, -0.03269900381565094, 0.01822894625365734, 0.04459799826145172, -0.041695449501276016, -0.023640913888812065, -0.008766349405050278, -0.02612811140716076, -0.02115149423480034, 0.05888587236404419, 0.045602865517139435, 0.046471789479255676, 0.0011865798151120543, -0.05329018831253052, -0.025232363492250443, -0.011879156343638897, 0.05468405410647392, 0.006999116390943527, 0.00266821775585413, 0.095020592212677, -0.039579082280397415, -0.011023668572306633, -0.04217592254281044, -0.003258566604927182, 0.04893879592418671, -0.026375770568847656, -0.005250552669167519, 0.006231863051652908, -0.020705077797174454, 0.040915537625551224, 0.013499941676855087, -0.0002480566326994449, -0.015365615487098694, -0.01002523209899664, 0.0330297127366066, 0.02650766260921955, 0.032586317509412766, -0.020410168915987015, 0.04751124605536461, -0.09116944670677185, 0.00470695411786437, -0.08726374059915543, 0.031200308352708817, 0.041455741971731186, 0.019208528101444244, 0.03667283430695534, 0.024108588695526123, -0.004905208013951778, 0.034081850200891495, -0.07323899120092392, -0.041790563613176346, -0.00825068261474371, -0.018366873264312744, -0.032608844339847565, 0.02274106629192829, -0.045052673667669296, 0.024969784542918205, 0.005068290047347546, -0.09638451784849167, -0.032887160778045654, 0.013615498319268227, 0.009856043383479118, 0.04814648628234863, 0.016179664060473442, 0.006228064652532339, -0.008608398027718067, 0.020296426489949226, 0.04469608515501022, -0.011153300292789936, 0.008590053766965866, -0.06649520993232727, 0.06552284955978394, 0.025377729907631874, -0.046913135796785355, -0.02399105206131935, -0.004876051563769579, 0.005527170840650797, -0.058860450983047485, -0.009945390745997429, 0.024268323555588722, -0.009764588437974453, -0.06431064009666443, 0.054708778858184814, -0.018003763630986214, -0.07247108966112137, -0.023525763303041458, -0.014539821073412895, -0.011678142473101616, -0.047064583748579025, -0.030240816995501518, 0.05846516788005829, 0.007550735026597977, 0.05608506128191948, 0.029488997533917427, 0.07891298085451126, 0.04422511160373688, -0.02962428331375122, 0.017380032688379288, -0.003752918215468526, 0.09036978334188461, 0.0636843889951706, 0.004438526462763548, -0.025661936029791832, 0.02526215650141239, -0.04011353477835655, -0.014041945338249207, 0.030798660591244698, -0.0016339255962520838, -0.0180310420691967, -0.015256065875291824, 0.026851313188672066, 0.031726524233818054, 0.018479783087968826, 0.04073984920978546, 0.02837427891790867, 0.009336752817034721, 0.06690584123134613, -0.008465191349387169, 0.03796771541237831, 0.016383318230509758, 0.01963413506746292, -0.05443734675645828, 0.017922671511769295, -0.036693595349788666, -0.028902452439069748, 0.032855987548828125, -0.01299977581948042, -0.008626310154795647, -0.08000804483890533, -0.008847387507557869, -0.02286641113460064, -0.020121291279792786, 0.08217177540063858, -0.014877376146614552, 0.004936410579830408, 0.03104175627231598, 0.003345938166603446, -0.013758636079728603, -0.025172853842377663, 0.010656035505235195, -0.00407103868201375, 0.005856135860085487, -0.030819451436400414, -0.000869510869961232, 0.09639518707990646, 0.01480578351765871, 0.051004327833652496, 0.0013900325866416097, 0.027466434985399246, 0.05423989146947861, 0.02099684067070484, -0.07809796184301376, -0.022077329456806183, -0.04384330287575722, -0.017193427309393883, -0.04584186524152756, -0.004109934438019991, 0.02730715088546276, -0.023956146091222763, -0.058832745999097824, 0.034391146153211594, 0.0022937748581171036, -0.009713765233755112, 0.027587715536355972, -0.024105936288833618, 0.06367731839418411, 0.0795566663146019, 0.046420868486166, 0.02214888483285904, 0.004801984876394272, 0.03550862893462181, -0.002331910189241171, -0.02462807483971119, 0.011508195661008358, -0.02421170473098755, 0.030708659440279007, -0.017361953854560852, 0.028108295053243637, -0.08207380771636963, -0.0103023461997509, 0.06916511803865433, -0.004909379407763481, -0.0674455314874649, 0.03374125435948372, -0.01910828985273838, -5.196069992052799e-7, 0.04966423660516739, -0.02717151865363121, -0.009140966460108757, -0.034581609070301056, -0.025817696005105972, -0.008697926998138428, -0.0012813927605748177, 0.07082363218069077, -0.05752239748835564, 0.05029451474547386, 0.003742815228179097, -0.01893894374370575, -0.02950395457446575, 0.04484228417277336, 0.032916758209466934, -0.022003915160894394, 0.001607192330993712, 0.01940259337425232, -0.017329690977931023, -0.06677481532096863, -0.052769970148801804, 0.015172407031059265, -0.040158960968256, -0.03435106948018074, 0.007031503599137068, -0.01602700725197792, -0.02522417902946472, -0.0018830903572961688, 0.04861630126833916, 0.0163859985768795, -0.07243088632822037, -0.02934824302792549, -0.03129805251955986, 0.010012184269726276, -0.0011122154537588358, 0.014600944705307484, 0.010030891746282578, -0.06121962517499924, -0.006197466515004635, -0.01621406339108944, 0.0315302275121212, 0.022738201543688774, 0.006434273906052113, -0.00232553924433887 ]
OPINION GARCIA, Judge. This case involves the district court’s dismissal of defendant’s appeal from a conviction in metropolitan court. Defendant raises three issues on appeal: 1) whether refusal to grant a continuance, so that defendant could be present at all stages of his trial, was error; 2) whether defendant received ineffective assistance of counsel; and 3) whether NMSA 1978, Section 30-7-2 (Cum.Supp.1986) is unconstitutional as applied. We reverse and remand. FACTS Defendant was convicted in metropolitan court of carrying a concealed deadly weapon in violation of Section 30-7-2, and he appealed to the district court. On October 15, 1986, notice for the appeal trial setting was given by the district court clerk. It was set for November 4, 1986. The notice of hearing was sent by the court clerk to defense counsel; due to counsel’s oversight, notice was not given to defendant. Defense counsel was under the mistaken impression that the district court clerk would notify defendant of the setting. Defendant is homeless and is a “street person.” He receives mail at a shelter and it usually took about a week for counsel to notify defendant of matters concerning his case. Defendant had been in attendance at all prior court proceedings and was in frequent contact with defense counsel. In late October, defense counsel learned that it was her responsibility to notify defendant of the trial setting and counsel mailed a tardy notice to defendant. Defense counsel then filed a motion for continuance. Earlier, counsel filed a motion to suppress evidence and a motion to produce. The motions were all set for November 3. At that hearing, defense counsel asked for a continuance of the hearing on the pending motion to suppress and of the trial because of defendant’s absence. She explained defendant’s circumstances and that it was her own fault notice was not mailed sooner. Defendant was not present and counsel argued that not enough time had passed for defendant to have picked up his mail from the shelter. The state did not object to the continuance. The trial court, cognizant of its responsibility to expeditiously dispose of cases on its docket, explained that the district court’s practice was to schedule metropolitan court appeals for the first day of its criminal docket. The court agreed to grant a continuance of one day on the suppression motion, but not for the trial set for the next day. Inexplicably, defense counsel chose not to take advantage of the one day continuance and informed the court that she was prepared to proceed on the suppression hearing. Counsel then waived the presence of defendant, and evidence on the motion was presented in defendant’s absence. The trial court denied the motion to suppress. The following day, the day set for trial, defense counsel explained that defendant was still not present and renewed her motion for continuance. The trial court again denied the motion for continuance. Noting that the state was ready to proceed, the trial court dismissed the case. The record indicates that the case was dismissed “for failure to prosecute.” DEFENDANT’S ABSENCE Defendant argues that the trial court abused its discretion in refusing to grant a continuance so that defendant could be present at the suppression hearing, and that he received ineffective assistance of counsel when counsel proceeded with the hearing in his absence. Because we hold that defendant was entitled to be present at the suppression hearing, absent a knowing and voluntary waiver, we do not reach the ineffective assistance of counsel issue. SCRA 1986, 5-612(A) requires that “defendant shall be present at the arraignment, at the time of the plea, at every stage of the trial including the impanelling of the jury and the return of the verdict and the imposition of any sentence, except as otherwise provided by this rule.” (Emphasis added.) Subsection C provides that “in prosecutions for offenses punishable by fine or by imprisonment for a term of less than one (1) year, or both, the court, with the written consent of the defendant, may permit arraignment, plea, trial and imposition of sentence in the defendant’s absence” or “at a conference or argument upon a question of law.” Defendant’s absence at the evidentiary suppression hearing does not fit either of the exceptions. Derived from the confrontation clause of the sixth amendment and the due process clause of the fourteenth amendment, a defendant has a right to be present at all stages of the criminal trial. Proffitt v. Wainwright, 685 F.2d 1227 (11th Cir.1982). “This right extends to all hearings that are an essential part of the trial — i.e., to all proceedings at which the defendant’s presence ‘has a relation, reasonably substantial, to the fulness of his opportunity to defend against the charge.’ ” Id. at 1256 (quoting Snyder v. Massachusetts, 291 U.S. 97, 54 S.Ct. 330, 78 L.Ed. 674 (1934)). Here, the suppression hearing represented defendant’s only realistic chance of prevailing. It was essential to his case and the critical part of the proceedings. The arresting officers testified that defendant admitted having a concealed weapon. The use or suppression of defendant’s statement and of the weapon represented the focal point of defendant’s appeal. Some federal courts hold the defendant's right of presence does not extend to a suppression hearing. See United States v. Gradsky, 434 F.2d 880 (5th Cir.1970), cert denied, 409 U.S. 894, 93 S.Ct. 203, 34 L.Ed.2d 151 (1972). Accord United States v. Bell, 464 F.2d 667 (2nd Cir.), cert. denied, 409 U.S. 991, 93 S.Ct. 335, 34 L.Ed.2d 258 (1972). However, we think the better rule is that a defendant has a right to be present at a suppression hearing where testimony is to be taken. See United States v. Hurse, 477 F.2d 31 (8th Cir.1973); United States v. Dalli, 424 F.2d 45 (2nd Cir.), cert. denied, 400 U.S. 821, 91 S.Ct. 39, 27 L.Ed.2d 49 (1970). See also 8B J. Moore, Moore’s Federal Practice, ¶ 43.-03[1] (2nd ed. 1987). Moreover, while a defendant’s right to be present is not absolute and may be relinquished by acts or statements of the defendant which constitute a waiver, Dalli, the waiver of defendant’s presence in this case was made by defense counsel. When a waiver is sought to be accomplished by counsel, extra caution and circumspection is required to ascertain whether counsel is waiving the right or whether defendant voluntarily was doing so through his attorney. See Hovey v. State, 104 N.M. 667, 726 P.2d 344 (1986). In Hovey, the supreme court rejected the claim that defense counsel waived defendant’s right to be present during a communication between court and jury. In spite of counsel’s oral waiver, the court noted “[bjecause defendant was in custody at the time of the communications at issue here, the trial court could not properly infer that he had waived his presence by voluntary absence * * 104 N.M. at 671, 726 P.2d at 348. Such is the case here. Defense counsel had not spoken with defendant. For that matter, it was probable that defendant had yet to receive notice of the hearing. Defendant could not voluntarily, knowingly and intelligently waive his presence. Thus here, as in Hovey, counsel’s waiver was ineffective. Since the suppression hearing was critical to defendant’s case, he had a right to be present and, under statutory as well as case law, it was error to proceed with the hearing in defendant’s absence. CONSTITUTIONALITY OF SECTION 30-7-2 Defendant argues that Section 30-7-2, the prohibition against carrying a concealed weapon, violates equal protection. See State v. Franklin, 78 N.M. 127, 428 P.2d 982 (1967). This issue was not presented to the trial court; however, defendant’s claim that the statute creating an offense is unconstitutional may be raised for the first time on appeal since it is jurisdictional. See State v. Austin, 80 N.M. 748, 461 P.2d 230 (Ct.App.1969). Defendant contends the statute impermissibly distinguishes between rich and poor in that home and vehicle owners may properly conceal weapons, but poor people do not own a residence or vehicle in which to conceal a weapon. This argument is without merit. Since poverty is not a suspect class, the court presumes constitutionality and requires only that the classification challenged be rationally related to a legitimate state interest. See City of New Orleans v. Dukes, 427 U.S. 297, 96 S.Ct. 2513, 49 L.Ed.2d 511 (1976); Chapman v. Luna, 101 N.M. 59, 678 P.2d 687 (1984), cert. denied, 474 U.S. 947, 106 S.Ct. 345, 88 L.Ed.2d 292 (1985). We think it obvious that the state has a legitimate interest in the safety of its citizens and their awareness of a potential deadly weapon. The purpose of the statute is for the protection of society. Defendant’s constitutional argument must be rejected. See State v. Sandoval, 98 N.M. 417, 649 P.2d 485 (Ct.App.1982). CONCLUSION In sum, we hold that it was error for the trial court to proceed with the suppression hearing in defendant’s absence and reverse and remand. IT IS SO ORDERED. BIVINS, and MINZNER, JJ., concur.
[ -0.017560632899403572, -0.043336134403944016, -0.032120831310749054, 0.03993675857782364, 0.041256461292505264, 0.008884614333510399, 0.047483447939157486, 0.023666054010391235, -0.004647696856409311, -0.043464209884405136, 0.00016064000374171883, 0.06701557338237762, -0.036043960601091385, 0.06514337658882141, 0.006861220579594374, 0.051937658339738846, 0.07292094826698303, 0.028401469811797142, 0.033353716135025024, 0.021595172584056854, -0.0030927055049687624, -0.01632864959537983, 0.025135129690170288, 0.04843752086162567, 0.023441256955266, 0.028707189485430717, 0.016385048627853394, 0.02016720362007618, -0.08418074995279312, -0.003965748008340597, -0.004169845953583717, -0.018531693145632744, 0.001079467823728919, 0.01578105427324772, -0.017369702458381653, -0.00739326560869813, -0.00431831507012248, -0.01116208080202341, 0.024534203112125397, 0.023551197722554207, -0.0027534363325685263, -0.005698575638234615, -0.04495503380894661, -0.039588864892721176, -0.010401349514722824, 0.006957418285310268, 0.0015448053600266576, 0.018495379015803337, -0.03219068795442581, -0.024161189794540405, -0.06866461783647537, -0.007515308912843466, 0.0010441193589940667, 0.020200546830892563, -0.009865403175354004, 0.017985785380005836, -0.041972167789936066, -0.04534505680203438, -0.008074993267655373, -0.029199998825788498, -0.008518206886947155, -0.04320721700787544, 0.052609190344810486, 0.015203938819468021, -0.002278850181028247, -0.004497733432799578, 0.03908117115497589, 0.03817243501543999, -0.002341754036024213, -0.020730484277009964, -0.05568314343690872, 0.026380766183137894, 0.028876833617687225, 0.02482779696583748, -0.025923773646354675, -0.016030482947826385, 0.041260819882154465, 0.007254494354128838, -0.013520260341465473, 0.03043494187295437, 0.010308354161679745, -0.019853688776493073, 0.03295862302184105, 0.04373837262392044, -0.006811617873609066, -0.05777236074209213, -0.054273612797260284, 0.006574541330337524, -0.022819727659225464, 0.04790664464235306, -0.008723918348550797, -0.03749459609389305, 0.05676952376961708, 0.060286685824394226, -0.0018710296135395765, -0.020448114722967148, 0.05624541640281677, -0.031141426414251328, 0.030644498765468597, -0.01691281422972679, -0.01161369401961565, -0.023320790380239487, -0.020625105127692223, 0.05709319934248924, -0.04899594187736511, 0.0010858665918931365, -0.02757602371275425, -0.0094308415427804, -0.017847757786512375, 0.014127029106020927, -0.013189250603318214, 0.021963248029351234, 0.022520294412970543, -0.06527448445558548, -0.0851195678114891, 0.06139140576124191, 0.05182205140590668, -0.02557770349085331, -0.033637359738349915, -0.030639633536338806, 0.037309274077415466, 0.015737168490886688, 0.02330777794122696, 0.08177279680967331, 0.02842644415795803, -0.020138762891292572, 0.01976625807583332, 0.02884754352271557, -0.039687518030405045, -0.0482167974114418, -0.016929900273680687, 0.02928577922284603, 0.006773087196052074, 0.01639956794679165, -0.04961629956960678, -0.02883971855044365, -0.04217860847711563, -0.014945962466299534, 0.03577949106693268, -0.047654565423727036, -0.007361012045294046, -0.009914055466651917, 0.006832440383732319, 0.0016765750478953123, 0.058472998440265656, -0.0299670472741127, 0.05242409184575081, -0.0432131364941597, -0.0652843490242958, -0.011436539702117443, 0.04968434199690819, 0.015606995671987534, -0.008693228475749493, -0.013410135172307491, -0.02565632201731205, 0.03897700086236, 0.026748042553663254, 0.016702517867088318, -0.011269856244325638, 0.050227582454681396, 0.023300349712371826, 0.02684481255710125, 0.03869510814547539, 0.02630898915231228, 0.029731029644608498, 0.03318412974476814, -0.011124162934720516, -0.009162751957774162, -0.004305750597268343, 0.03857547417283058, -0.06101130321621895, -0.0357079841196537, 0.04043760523200035, -0.05455733835697174, -0.0261025819927454, 0.0031566082034260035, 0.04401041194796562, 0.022302856668829918, -0.008314484730362892, -0.035496294498443604, -0.06189636513590813, 0.044121239334344864, -0.037000712007284164, 0.007027818355709314, -0.01140084583312273, -0.014771752990782261, 0.041454415768384933, -0.026238929480314255, 0.004550091456621885, -0.011694765649735928, -0.09032966196537018, -0.03116065077483654, 0.003172260709106922, -0.03576416149735451, 0.03538522124290466, 0.029271794483065605, -0.02359762415289879, 0.05130225792527199, 0.027887972071766853, 0.06451967358589172, 0.04686173424124718, 0.0076089464128017426, 0.03978586941957474, -0.0571056604385376, -0.01428258791565895, 0.051657430827617645, 0.04826340451836586, -0.00844503566622734, 0.022880919277668, 0.052622806280851364, -0.02752269245684147, 0.012179816141724586, 0.0014578105183318257, -0.003344760974869132, 0.05081832408905029, 0.008770715445280075, 0.06950776278972626, -0.049866482615470886, 0.012686912901699543, -0.0710228905081749, 0.05263557657599449, -0.02070966362953186, -0.016746528446674347, 0.05123830586671829, -0.029427815228700638, 0.07909965515136719, 0.03421037644147873, -0.014403455890715122, 0.026262503117322922, 0.03208323195576668, 0.003142040455713868, 0.006207555066794157, 0.013844644650816917, 0.0003866998595185578, 0.02821739949285984, -0.006834531668573618, -0.027743365615606308, -0.002614361932501197, 0.02939518354833126, -0.05654224380850792, 0.033061619848012924, 0.048653487116098404, 0.042837731540203094, 0.06633038818836212, -0.04123913496732712, 0.004045981913805008, -0.026306137442588806, 0.006220408249646425, 0.002446973929181695, -0.03372155502438545, -0.0028047470841556787, 0.0015953563852235675, 0.01647372543811798, 0.002306308364495635, 0.004053165670484304, -0.041167255491018295, -0.03245972469449043, -0.021829165518283844, 0.04945141449570656, -0.006205650046467781, 0.0011444685515016317, 0.04174429550766945, 0.023328686133027077, -0.018305588513612747, -0.07357729226350784, -0.04117836803197861, -0.006147642619907856, 0.03791793808341026, -0.001006129547022283, 0.03320882469415665, 0.03914774954319, -0.015806689858436584, -0.0015354919014498591, -0.00008898630039766431, 0.01562841236591339, 0.008367969654500484, 0.05238860100507736, 0.014543072320520878, -0.007510341238230467, -0.002199517097324133, -0.0218614861369133, 0.019752327352762222, -0.025395570322871208, -0.06286412477493286, 0.0228422861546278, -0.07162541151046753, 0.02168506197631359, -0.022389112040400505, -0.06082993000745773, 0.05507926642894745, -0.026537517085671425, 0.05377969145774841, 0.01736360602080822, 0.0023199201095849276, 0.012440945953130722, 0.030026473104953766, 0.005848936270922422, 0.03318085893988609, 0.05203937739133835, -0.037347812205553055, 0.024834293872117996, -0.018228882923722267, 0.026050925254821777, 0.006733641494065523, 0.015639528632164, -0.024618789553642273, -0.0405615009367466, 0.03907153755426407, -0.2544354498386383, 0.04990943521261215, -0.008442973718047142, -0.06225012242794037, 0.03369307890534401, -0.02699441649019718, 0.062364596873521805, -0.030721111223101616, -0.008072440512478352, -0.0043701003305613995, -0.015558687038719654, -0.030734630301594734, 0.02444530837237835, 0.039261385798454285, 0.01649320498108864, -0.03003464825451374, 0.015370055101811886, -0.014156931079924107, 0.021505696699023247, 0.016414707526564598, 0.01866908185184002, -0.0759100690484047, -0.03456081822514534, 0.01418092381209135, 0.04591909050941467, 0.06300175935029984, -0.06616654247045517, 0.006761949975043535, -0.06384651362895966, -0.03299596905708313, 0.008016356267035007, 0.010044761933386326, -0.03229203447699547, -0.005967557430267334, -0.01634809374809265, 0.022922124713659286, 0.010880894958972931, -0.013391910120844841, -0.02300151437520981, -0.017804889008402824, 0.026748664677143097, -0.03849540650844574, -0.029327232390642166, 0.021765464916825294, 0.04786590859293938, 0.02608122117817402, -0.08919849246740341, -0.016587568446993828, -0.0047441753558814526, 0.05760779604315758, -0.002906129462644458, 0.017472736537456512, -0.044086478650569916, 0.035347726196050644, -0.0020756141748279333, -0.008659659884870052, -0.08743758499622345, -0.02217978611588478, -0.03346848860383034, 0.04743500053882599, 0.004260281100869179, -0.06610599905252457, -0.039204418659210205, -0.042934250086545944, -0.04161975532770157, -0.05384790152311325, -0.05637318640947342, -0.03725902736186981, 0.08222433924674988, 0.026050705462694168, 0.020756736397743225, 0.029506247490644455, -0.025672977790236473, -0.08860153704881668, 0.005989253520965576, -0.022476771846413612, -0.02311403676867485, -0.028423666954040527, -0.0420549176633358, 0.047407109290361404, -0.012017633765935898, -0.03991232439875603, 0.005708802025765181, 0.014004355296492577, -0.006358928047120571, -0.010150455869734287, 0.0036933652590960264, 0.06208084523677826, -0.03657027333974838, -0.006750911008566618, 0.061149898916482925, 0.05928841233253479, -0.030007975175976753, 0.002995111048221588, 0.038376808166503906, 0.045585472136735916, -0.020607467740774155, -0.04722807556390762, -0.014233589172363281, 0.0011972044594585896, 0.025476187467575073, -0.052622172981500626, 0.04263744503259659, -0.0333201102912426, 0.02029820904135704, -0.00990811362862587, -0.030647702515125275, 0.007061247248202562, 0.037208013236522675, 0.01775575429201126, 0.0514259859919548, -0.023930056020617485, 0.04360402747988701, -0.038778938353061676, -0.02195369452238083, -0.014716080389916897, 0.023018890991806984, 0.02533266507089138, -0.016431981697678566, 0.0013161804527044296, -0.03144465386867523, 0.04229816794395447, -0.07133390009403229, -0.011324431747198105, -0.07325518876314163, 0.03680179640650749, 0.01736663281917572, 0.039069585502147675, -0.038152772933244705, 0.014338339678943157, -0.037400905042886734, -0.0297615397721529, -0.010739164426922798, 0.007145927287638187, 0.011259724386036396, -0.017555033788084984, -0.016632163897156715, -0.044687945395708084, 0.013891836628317833, -0.005460227839648724, 0.03526323288679123, 0.010481022298336029, 0.026901142671704292, 0.028751946985721588, 0.045687559992074966, -0.007486690767109394, -0.006422668695449829, -0.005370787810534239, -0.04758255183696747, 0.013194005005061626, 0.02435264177620411, -0.08106352388858795, 0.005440808366984129, -0.056145235896110535, -0.0599842295050621, 0.005057915113866329, 0.013878447003662586, 0.03592442721128464, -0.012747982516884804, -0.035261280834674835, 0.004148568958044052, -0.03136290982365608, -0.011776097118854523, -0.020403947681188583, -0.04268000274896622, 0.04516858607530594, -0.03515760600566864, 0.013344313018023968, -0.005456961691379547, 0.02314365655183792, -0.020835064351558685, -0.0928105041384697, -0.05023113265633583, 0.03650515899062157, 0.004237583372741938, 0.03599204123020172, -0.012583449482917786, -0.011027330532670021, 0.025556033477187157, -0.0030231664422899485, -0.027795791625976562, -0.027150120586156845, -0.016337061300873756, 0.01878565363585949, 0.045131031423807144, -0.04999799653887749, -0.04331572726368904, -0.05281732231378555, -0.023435678333044052, -0.036132682114839554, 0.0008673707488924265, -0.01325200591236353, -0.02062677964568138, 0.00750719616189599, -0.004526512231677771, -0.05408276617527008, 0.03535338491201401, 0.00352125009521842, 0.015298779122531414, 0.05852962285280228, -0.030699919909238815, 0.02323039248585701, -0.03643036633729935, 0.01907389983534813, -0.011176930740475655, -0.05641629919409752, 0.05064287781715393, -0.007442546542733908, 0.000938554061576724, 0.008851504884660244, -0.06346502900123596, -0.030657123774290085, -0.002195975510403514, 0.01570449024438858, 0.042830079793930054, -0.05562128126621246, 0.04501710087060928, -0.004261782392859459, -0.04219919815659523, 0.0044179861433804035, 0.006609116680920124, -0.03509343042969704, -0.021899351850152016, 0.006722408812493086, -0.04370597377419472, 0.06562438607215881, 0.0016975367907434702, -0.04387325420975685, 0.03428289294242859, -0.01377156749367714, -0.003961531911045313, -0.03581302613019943, 0.01201695017516613, 0.014887282624840736, -0.04113583639264107, -0.021346721798181534, -0.030514027923345566, 0.012728100642561913, -0.041062530130147934, 0.059049226343631744, 0.010067463852465153, 0.0014088551979511976, -0.008659865707159042, -0.05100318416953087, 0.008512577041983604, 0.05361400917172432, 0.03067362681031227, -0.026042647659778595, 0.0007845672080293298, 0.07940803468227386, -0.0016057970933616161, -0.005122681614011526, -0.014614714309573174, -0.03225631266832352, 0.07272163033485413, -0.03329610079526901, 0.019448211416602135, -0.010179541073739529, -0.000025630248273955658, 0.07140884548425674, 0.0014287607045844197, -0.006132887676358223, -0.022411907091736794, -0.01670471765100956, 0.031927675008773804, 0.04560575634241104, 0.013218024745583534, -0.034588202834129333, 0.023762373253703117, -0.05998887121677399, -0.05290912464261055, -0.0870501920580864, 0.0036480575799942017, -0.007555730640888214, 0.029035260900855064, 0.014879168942570686, 0.02875436469912529, -0.006445453967899084, 0.00868197251111269, -0.07925234735012054, -0.040511347353458405, -0.03537433594465256, -0.0025560795329511166, -0.03095102682709694, 0.030682174488902092, -0.003723972477018833, 0.05262923240661621, 0.0019252280471846461, -0.07855575531721115, -0.02846212312579155, 0.01630849391222, 0.010731884278357029, 0.04259209707379341, 0.029355328530073166, -0.024535782635211945, 0.006862932350486517, 0.017280664294958115, 0.06043536961078644, -0.02602141723036766, -0.008533920161426067, -0.05910041183233261, 0.05518708750605583, 0.040813423693180084, -0.008837774395942688, -0.03390311077237129, 0.03595622628927231, -0.014776044525206089, -0.036769259721040726, -0.014730267226696014, 0.025804879143834114, -0.04805203154683113, -0.06703268736600876, 0.047441039234399796, -0.024938518181443214, -0.07855196297168732, -0.015074260532855988, -0.007693639490753412, -0.009940037503838539, -0.017675526440143585, -0.04550502076745033, 0.03038867749273777, -0.00913687702268362, 0.07698047906160355, 0.03661118820309639, 0.07432112842798233, 0.053524140268564224, -0.018617475405335426, 0.012941322289407253, 0.024086304008960724, 0.07173090428113937, 0.03196016699075699, 0.012102380394935608, 0.007788388058543205, 0.04929810389876366, -0.01579357124865055, -0.0016046277014538646, 0.005040096119046211, -0.029416805133223534, 0.010179218836128712, -0.0044203586876392365, 0.06394489109516144, 0.060634687542915344, -0.028781330212950706, 0.052907221019268036, 0.05903201922774315, -0.017923694103956223, 0.09104778617620468, -0.014426401816308498, 0.03965165838599205, 0.013584213331341743, -0.003314557019621134, -0.0132966423407197, 0.02049109898507595, -0.020608454942703247, 0.0004082135565113276, 0.009938547387719154, -0.024100538343191147, -0.007522613741457462, -0.05317813903093338, 0.018994471058249474, -0.019698509946465492, -0.012997660785913467, 0.04691435396671295, -0.041611380875110626, -0.013411691412329674, 0.01969882659614086, -0.000958539079874754, -0.002603067783638835, -0.0001226426102221012, 0.03376588970422745, 0.01861160807311535, -0.013130860403180122, -0.018318694084882736, -0.005502774845808744, 0.05154023319482803, 0.03104517236351967, 0.040666982531547546, -0.005583656020462513, 0.010649413801729679, 0.028268201276659966, 0.007618261501193047, -0.04364874213933945, -0.039083052426576614, -0.045419611036777496, -0.020593807101249695, -0.02308741770684719, 0.030777089297771454, 0.016550539061427116, -0.033975910395383835, -0.03633282333612442, -0.002352342242375016, 0.012958058156073093, -0.037640880793333054, 0.03332642465829849, -0.018435543403029442, 0.037584248930215836, 0.05643898993730545, 0.03683248162269592, 0.0529184564948082, 0.026127606630325317, 0.02483116276562214, -0.020503221079707146, -0.04387588053941727, -0.015141052193939686, -0.027221687138080597, 0.017679667100310326, -0.014188074506819248, -0.003050729865208268, -0.06762079149484634, 0.02265600673854351, 0.0005531490896828473, -0.027146676555275917, -0.05982789397239685, 0.03454474359750748, -0.008889690972864628, 0.01223183423280716, 0.07737020403146744, -0.00036312590236775577, -0.05342097580432892, -0.03950781375169754, 0.005311258137226105, 0.004515537526458502, 0.014869998209178448, 0.0949234813451767, -0.01178125198930502, 0.03849741816520691, 0.044140297919511795, -0.027941253036260605, -0.018580956384539604, 0.025787632912397385, 0.055052150040864944, -0.0057060495018959045, -0.007749252486974001, -0.009426855482161045, -0.024842357262969017, -0.04646905139088631, -0.05677704140543938, 0.022536171600222588, -0.009886971674859524, -0.057402707636356354, 0.040763527154922485, -0.04742780700325966, -0.009537813253700733, -0.0009747488657012582, 0.024001464247703552, 0.021358437836170197, -0.06960369646549225, -0.023325975984334946, -0.03496644273400307, -0.00850396417081356, 0.0042451489716768265, -0.022322509437799454, 0.015375965274870396, -0.0586436502635479, 0.003847886808216572, -0.03760397061705589, 0.014199377037584782, 0.042328841984272, -0.02754083089530468, -0.00037463507032953203 ]
OPINION RANSOM, Justice. This case is before the Court on a writ of certiorari to the court of appeals. In his appeal from a felony conviction for holding or using an altered license plate in violation of NMSA 1978, Section 66-8-3(D), the defendant raised three issues: (1) whether the trial court erred in giving jury instructions that did not contain an essential element of the charge; (2) whether the trial court erred in refusing to submit defendant’s requested mistake of fact instruction; and (3) whether the conviction of using an altered plate was supported by substantial evidence. We conclude that the jury instructions failed to inform the jury of an essential element of the crime charged. We reverse the court of appeals and remand for a new trial. In reaching our decision, we adopt in large measure the reasoning of Judge Fruman’s dissent in the court of appeals. We also concur with Judge Fruman’s treatment of the remaining two issues. The facts of this case are set forth in the opinion of the court of appeals and will not be repeated here. Section 66-8-3 in its entirety provides: It is a felony for any person to commit any of the following acts: A. to alter with fraudulent intent any certificate of title, registration evidence, registration plate, validating sticker or permit issued by the division; B. to forge or counterfeit any such document or plate purporting to have been issued by the division; C. to alter or falsify with fraudulent intent or to forge any assignment upon a certificate of title; or D. to hold or use any such document or plate, knowing the same to have been so altered, forged or falsified. We agree with the court of appeals that, under subsection (D), the legislature intended to create an offense for the use of a registration plate that had been altered with fraudulent intent. That interpretation follows from a plain reading of the words “so altered.” Further, we agree with Judge Fruman that a defendant’s knowledge that the plate was altered with fraudulent intent is an essential element of subsection (D). The applicable jury instruction did not substantially track this language of the statute; and where instructions fail to apprise the jury of an essential element, reversible error will be found to have been committed. State v. Bell, 90 N.M. 134, 560 P.2d 925 (1977). The jury instruction given by the trial court as to the elements of a violation of subsection (D) reads in part: For you to find the defendant guilty of holding or using an altered license plate * * * the state must prove to your satisfaction beyond a reasonable doubt each of the following elements of the crime: 1. The defendant held or used a license plate which had been altered; 2. At the time he used or held the license plate, the defendant knew it had been altered * * *. We fail to discern the manner in which the word “altered” sufficiently conveyed to the jury the requirement that when the defendant used the plate he knew that it had been altered with fraudulent intent. The court of appeals maintains that the common meaning of an alteration is a change in the legal significance or effect of an item. The court of appeals reasoned further that because this was a criminal prosecution the jury would understand that there had to be an illegal alteration. The plain meaning of “alter” is to cause to become different in some particular characteristic without changing into something else. Webster’s Third New International Dictionary Unabridged, 63 (1971). The word “alter” does not by itself convey a deceptive or fraudulent change. For example, a person legally may tape over the motto “Land of Enchantment” on the New Mexico registration plate. See Wooley v. Maynard, 430 U.S. 705, 97 S.Ct. 1428, 51 L.Ed.2d 752 (1977) (under the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution a state cannot prohibit the removal of a slogan from a license plate.) This action would alter the registration plate but it would be without fraudulent intent because the plate would not deceive the authorities regarding the true registration number or registration date. See NMSA 1978, § 66-3-18 (Repl.Pamp.1984 & Cum.Supp.1987). Moreover, it would be erroneous to conclude that, simply because this was a criminal prosecution, a jury would infer from the word “altered” the requirement that the alteration be with fraudulent intent. The court of appeals misplaces reliance on State v. Puga, 85 N.M. 204, 510 P.2d 1075 (Ct.App.1973). On a charge of robbery, Puga considered the sufficiency of an instruction to convey the essential element of intent to steal. The jury instruction at issue followed statutory language which failed to use specifically the word “intent.” The court concluded that although the instruction need not use the word “intent,” the words used in the instruction “must inform the jury of any intent which is an element of the crime charged.” Id. at 207, 510 P.2d at 1078. In holding that the words used were sufficient, the court concluded that use of the word “theft” within the instruction conveyed the necessity to find intent to steal because “ ‘theft’ means a taking ‘with intent to deprive the rightful owner’ of that which is taken.” Id. (Citation omitted.) Finally, we address the State’s contention that, even if knowledge that the plate was altered with fraudulent intent is an essential element, failure to so instruct was not jurisdictional error because the fraudulent purpose of the alteration was not disputed at the trial. See State v. Bell, 90 N.M. at 140, 560 P.2d at 931 (1977). It is argued that, because Ortiz did not object at trial or tender a proper instruction, he may not raise this nonjurisdictional issue for the first time on appeal. See id. at 143, 560 P.2d at 934. In Bell, a defendant convicted of criminal sexual penetration claimed the trial court erred in failing to instruct the jury that it must find that the victim was not the defendant’s spouse. The defendant had raised this issue initially on appeal. The Court focused upon whether proof the victim was other than the defendant’s spouse was an essential element of the charged offense. If proof of this element was essential, the error was jurisdictional and properly could be raised on appeal, notwithstanding the failure to preserve it. Id. at 140, 560 P.2d at 931. The Bell court held that the trial court did not commit jurisdictional error. The Court decided that whether the victim was the defendant’s spouse simply was not factually at issue. The victim testified that she never had seen the defendant before he assaulted her, and the defendant testified that he never had seen the victim prior to her appearance in court. Further, the Court determined that this element was not essential to the offense of criminal sexual penetration. Rather, the definitional component of “other than one’s spouse” was a subsidiary fact bearing upon the element of consent. Here, the record indicates that the essential element of knowledge of the fraudulent alteration was not conceded affirmatively by Ortiz. Bell, therefore, supports the claim of jurisdictional error. It does not matter that the appearance of the license plate provided abundant circumstantial evidence that the plate had been altered to deceive law enforcement authorities. Ortiz disavowed that he had knowledge of the plate’s appearance until it was pointed out to him by the arresting officer. He did not concede that, had he seen it, he would have known it was altered with fraudulent intent. While the jury clearly could find against Ortiz on the facts, the trial court was required to instruct on the essential element of knowledge that was factually at issue. The instruction given did not require the jury to find as it must that the defendant knew that the plate he was using had been altered with fraudulent intent. We reverse the court of appeals and remand to the district court for a new trial. IT IS SO ORDERED. SCARBOROUGH, C.J., SOSA, Senior J., and WALTERS, J., concur. STOWERS, J., dissents.
[ -0.03489898890256882, -0.011124877259135246, -0.033530618995428085, 0.019324321299791336, 0.041217658668756485, 0.01222833152860403, 0.05703273415565491, 0.029072286561131477, 0.005574455484747887, -0.01573832891881466, -0.01147850975394249, 0.05211535841226578, -0.04894164949655533, 0.011194626800715923, -0.01578345336019993, 0.068375363945961, 0.06526212394237518, 0.003452242584899068, 0.01837381348013878, 0.03261049836874008, 0.0243243258446455, -0.03419141471385956, 0.009592633694410324, 0.02344411611557007, -0.030276890844106674, 0.034259699285030365, -0.0022302046418190002, 0.012122714892029762, -0.09250276535749435, 0.015968674793839455, 0.034259118139743805, -0.010693578980863094, -0.020004887133836746, -0.00020478028454817832, -0.018354201689362526, -0.0055938358418643475, -0.022168898954987526, -0.018247660249471664, 0.0035135429352521896, 0.03433184325695038, -0.002198263304308057, 0.003260351251810789, -0.0534280426800251, -0.049177009612321854, -0.06513102352619171, -0.044578999280929565, -0.007963289506733418, 0.031239617615938187, -0.053831495344638824, -0.02198265865445137, -0.059699032455682755, 0.02902689203619957, -0.05093834921717644, 0.04491615667939186, 0.017208918929100037, 0.029516996815800667, -0.050474874675273895, -0.06090261787176132, -0.0027336226776242256, -0.020351683720946312, 0.014669095166027546, -0.0067636314779520035, 0.07796084135770798, -0.01556343026459217, -0.030165066942572594, -0.012409419752657413, 0.017036521807312965, 0.06794379651546478, -0.05449246987700462, -0.026999618858098984, -0.04605128616094589, 0.0077654579654335976, 0.020468203350901604, -0.017705250531435013, 0.005138167180120945, -0.025742212310433388, -0.0012006581528112292, 0.018317343667149544, -0.00922703742980957, 0.016117269173264503, 0.023628531023859978, 0.01429567951709032, 0.06827377527952194, 0.030129512771964073, 0.006208125501871109, -0.05956738442182541, -0.029423292726278305, -0.03297692537307739, -0.010957379825413227, 0.04528797045350075, -0.014165402390062809, -0.03609804809093475, 0.017221922054886818, 0.05991673842072487, 0.0024490829091519117, -0.03779052197933197, 0.07947788387537003, 0.008436345495283604, 0.006597587838768959, 0.01000701542943716, 0.010449834167957306, -0.039281219244003296, 0.012243070639669895, 0.07980214804410934, -0.06085292249917984, 0.0034037395380437374, 0.0034673570189625025, 0.01212887279689312, 0.0042540025897324085, 0.017543239519000053, -0.015596696175634861, -0.00100887066219002, -0.006596611812710762, -0.008740037679672241, -0.06445688754320145, 0.03860439360141754, 0.035807739943265915, -0.04315169155597687, -0.03914365544915199, -0.0015723345568403602, 0.03561781719326973, 0.004882863722741604, 0.014149480499327183, 0.06676113605499268, 0.050080493092536926, 0.026424651965498924, 0.05476154014468193, 0.04685056954622269, -0.017891142517328262, -0.046639736741781235, -0.014861944131553173, 0.025092964991927147, -0.012847685255110264, 0.006996491923928261, -0.022321905940771103, -0.03324947878718376, -0.0022754287347197533, -0.03676295652985573, 0.04506833106279373, -0.019057855010032654, -0.005803037900477648, -0.012608961202204227, -0.01771186664700508, 0.005089328624308109, 0.06088947877287865, -0.01353174727410078, 0.0604327954351902, 0.0007640393450856209, -0.028351258486509323, 0.015330796130001545, 0.05598988011479378, 0.017373764887452126, 0.02128111757338047, -0.004141930025070906, 0.012136591598391533, 0.06203650310635567, 0.0173626858741045, 0.021346773952245712, -0.01771983876824379, 0.03313901647925377, 0.04600118100643158, 0.010412614792585373, -0.003993526566773653, 0.020900774747133255, 0.009730948135256767, 0.038239456713199615, 0.005676198285073042, 0.0155943613499403, -0.022680755704641342, 0.029451508074998856, -0.03491838648915291, -0.04125867784023285, 0.03707852214574814, -0.03475233539938927, 0.0038358536548912525, 0.0072416868060827255, 0.02047807350754738, 0.01763269677758217, 0.011696209199726582, -0.015117037110030651, -0.06428375095129013, 0.04944934695959091, -0.0080341761931777, 0.03835541382431984, -0.037212666124105453, -0.009301723912358284, 0.027329640462994576, -0.009222305379807949, 0.015693604946136475, -0.007033113390207291, -0.09028670191764832, -0.02597568929195404, 0.009901763871312141, -0.034313447773456573, 0.05485234782099724, 0.02235102839767933, -0.017022637650370598, 0.02041601948440075, 0.01608307845890522, 0.06522397696971893, 0.017165720462799072, 0.016296230256557465, 0.06678235530853271, -0.06206175312399864, -0.03668370470404625, 0.027822349220514297, 0.04306872934103012, 0.0063525415025651455, 0.017419204115867615, 0.05523727461695671, -0.015045694075524807, -0.00340581638738513, 0.022640123963356018, 0.020066801458597183, 0.00374125549569726, -0.012703707441687584, 0.06760132312774658, -0.030695753172039986, 0.02375100553035736, -0.06291379779577255, 0.017327066510915756, 0.004361935891211033, -0.008024370297789574, 0.04644835740327835, -0.0654439628124237, 0.09577415883541107, 0.04798928275704384, -0.024289626628160477, -0.012429007329046726, 0.03456774726510048, -0.00024680091883055866, -0.023728976026177406, 0.02634184993803501, -0.005206277593970299, 0.03454034402966499, -0.006528922822326422, 0.017964698374271393, 0.00646037794649601, 0.0328369103372097, -0.06604325026273727, 0.030703529715538025, 0.035098373889923096, 0.02841201238334179, 0.04906462877988815, -0.0328107550740242, 0.008012312464416027, 0.010801872238516808, -0.02146168425679207, -0.018351823091506958, -0.03297622501850128, 0.004056788049638271, -0.008625962771475315, -0.013265540823340416, -0.024629613384604454, 0.005019004922360182, -0.05685817822813988, -0.01891189068555832, -0.05319727212190628, 0.013313519768416882, 0.01010372769087553, -0.008468156680464745, 0.01791955716907978, -0.003561621531844139, -0.03789893910288811, -0.04879634082317352, -0.04981403797864914, -0.025599902495741844, 0.03151975944638252, -0.02954431250691414, 0.017533719539642334, 0.04701070114970207, 0.028053347021341324, -0.006569244898855686, 0.017392732203006744, -0.012041711248457432, 0.0293650534003973, 0.034341517835855484, 0.0030809456948190928, -0.01989550143480301, 0.018902407959103584, -0.035316336899995804, 0.038763441145420074, -0.0306249912828207, -0.03331490233540535, 0.02804221771657467, -0.0354575552046299, 0.02436797507107258, -0.011710199527442455, -0.05344879999756813, 0.05292154476046562, 0.004628770053386688, 0.06534501910209656, 0.006347366608679295, 0.016883675009012222, 0.0010672262869775295, 0.01099264807999134, 0.00998058170080185, 0.018796062096953392, 0.027323046699166298, -0.02948799356818199, 0.014686303213238716, 0.009980319999158382, -0.013526150956749916, -0.00851227156817913, 0.02816501073539257, -0.001928464975208044, -0.009055963717401028, 0.018886657431721687, -0.267554372549057, 0.03703383728861809, -0.0078070382587611675, -0.055625420063734055, 0.049249209463596344, 0.0003940649621654302, 0.037997178733348846, -0.017205361276865005, 0.011906079016625881, 0.019719580188393593, 0.019702985882759094, -0.048797354102134705, 0.02306736819446087, 0.02721070498228073, -0.0017744617071002722, -0.05848873406648636, -0.004330257419496775, -0.05248746648430824, -0.04643161967396736, 0.012031746096909046, 0.038681723177433014, -0.09638109058141708, -0.03756551817059517, 0.024060122668743134, 0.05462381988763809, 0.06870247423648834, -0.058397773653268814, 0.019432999193668365, -0.04717083275318146, -0.028812739998102188, -0.0032040607184171677, 0.01291973888874054, 0.01391209103167057, -0.02805362083017826, 0.008700278587639332, 0.015344749204814434, 0.01261775754392147, -0.028694095090031624, -0.05344130098819733, -0.0015535635175183415, -0.014437423087656498, -0.033710140734910965, -0.011949929408729076, 0.022947480902075768, 0.06792958080768585, 0.00416644336655736, -0.04324307665228844, -0.023282833397388458, 0.00873329397290945, 0.054765112698078156, -0.026336807757616043, -0.010844036005437374, -0.01999179646372795, 0.03891963139176369, -0.048547614365816116, 0.006110206712037325, -0.0406862273812294, -0.011045868508517742, -0.0651484802365303, 0.04218769446015358, 0.015599360689520836, -0.07784892618656158, -0.06845159828662872, -0.010009178891777992, -0.06631232798099518, -0.0509166456758976, -0.039060287177562714, -0.048399511724710464, 0.07997080683708191, 0.021324632689356804, -0.017310449853539467, 0.0658671110868454, -0.04639575630426407, -0.07863186299800873, 0.002391423797234893, 0.004427049309015274, -0.038841307163238525, -0.03245484083890915, -0.06439263373613358, 0.02997884713113308, -0.013373452238738537, -0.03647652640938759, 0.02211463823914528, 0.03748035803437233, 0.0007856045849621296, -0.006767850369215012, -0.03249333053827286, 0.07924648374319077, -0.05176174268126488, -0.016562752425670624, 0.055354733020067215, 0.05088472366333008, -0.06231251731514931, -0.016851410269737244, 0.0062139988876879215, 0.05212046578526497, -0.0032212359365075827, -0.02478140778839588, -0.01797415502369404, -0.009050966240465641, 0.021541176363825798, -0.06072521209716797, 0.04031798243522644, -0.033578187227249146, -0.02821037359535694, -0.014326333999633789, -0.055411163717508316, -0.0019106356194242835, 0.04022856801748276, 0.011542570777237415, 0.011051898822188377, -0.01918039284646511, 0.030835343524813652, -0.028894392773509026, 0.0013969197170808911, -0.02585672400891781, 0.016690153628587723, 0.0039702826179564, 0.020182423293590546, -0.0042595346458256245, 0.02378055453300476, 0.042168937623500824, -0.07169950008392334, -0.032324276864528656, -0.07290685921907425, -0.022867491468787193, 0.04547784477472305, -0.008980900049209595, 0.005981025286018848, 0.026526665315032005, -0.0232711061835289, -0.007723142858594656, -0.034876447170972824, 0.0340520516037941, -0.0016020541079342365, 0.009898368269205093, -0.012072529643774033, -0.02031744085252285, -0.01880982331931591, -0.005864432547241449, 0.0451519750058651, -0.031164757907390594, 0.022072969004511833, 0.023472892120480537, 0.045376550406217575, -0.025536859408020973, 0.02941829152405262, -0.023478752002120018, -0.0478903166949749, 0.027520596981048584, 0.017542639747262, -0.05023457482457161, 0.006375396624207497, -0.0470256507396698, -0.021866530179977417, -0.004109143279492855, 0.009559868834912777, 0.03523571044206619, -0.00604279013350606, -0.036858610808849335, -0.00866182241588831, -0.022734399884939194, 0.04240582138299942, -0.01972411759197712, -0.0474311038851738, 0.07927162200212479, -0.030362451449036598, 0.03235967829823494, -0.027922682464122772, 0.02343166433274746, -0.04334678873419762, -0.07154253870248795, -0.02051018550992012, 0.017285995185375214, 0.014674758538603783, -0.00563909811899066, -0.007517999969422817, 0.009746883064508438, 0.019780557602643967, -0.00808789860457182, -0.006100820377469063, -0.018059350550174713, 0.002099628560245037, 0.012501454912126064, 0.06447607278823853, -0.045264001935720444, -0.021623415872454643, -0.048588454723358154, -0.007185110356658697, -0.015978122130036354, -0.041471708565950394, -0.012627768330276012, -0.017024969682097435, 0.029982054606080055, -0.06712068617343903, -0.05459641292691231, -0.005557434633374214, -0.024522915482521057, 0.019768714904785156, 0.02599257417023182, 0.008010555990040302, 0.02598024345934391, 0.004737427923828363, 0.015549005009233952, -0.004493205342441797, -0.06953021138906479, 0.02781309373676777, 0.01413028221577406, -0.01694488897919655, 0.025410238653421402, -0.050152022391557693, -0.034506410360336304, 0.0069531709887087345, 0.010278130881488323, 0.04247196018695831, -0.03519594296813011, 0.030125711113214493, -0.011592954397201538, -0.003926373552531004, 0.002995586721226573, 0.003971651662141085, -0.03204704821109772, -0.012654544785618782, 0.004527275450527668, -0.017224447801709175, 0.020244859158992767, 0.00914097111672163, -0.01621905341744423, 0.06269329786300659, -0.021425897255539894, 0.013532505370676517, -0.04018145427107811, 0.045322466641664505, 0.034540485590696335, -0.026862051337957382, -0.04515758901834488, -0.024043014273047447, -0.004968677647411823, -0.05482874810695648, 0.06544043868780136, 0.029288148507475853, 0.000980303157120943, -0.015635551884770393, 0.03492036089301109, -0.03610359877347946, 0.010600964538753033, 0.06155727431178093, 0.014134297147393227, -0.012648734264075756, 0.0874616950750351, -0.018954036757349968, 0.005791223607957363, -0.03737584874033928, -0.001448011607863009, 0.04746582731604576, -0.0469011515378952, 0.004681779537349939, 0.0012614872539415956, -0.00758748734369874, 0.029671387746930122, 0.01182960532605648, 0.021997081115841866, -0.013932580128312111, -0.014983367174863815, -0.011500322259962559, 0.05481989309191704, -0.007873659953474998, -0.0020438882056623697, 0.034075964242219925, -0.06100262328982353, -0.028497731313109398, -0.08744483441114426, 0.025289971381425858, 0.023821428418159485, 0.023975234478712082, 0.028866112232208252, -0.017029281705617905, -0.033077422529459, -0.00010338884021621197, -0.06865468621253967, -0.02069559320807457, 0.015711795538663864, -0.0025443031918257475, -0.037509121000766754, 0.01368741039186716, -0.023921648040413857, 0.024250302463769913, -0.0221550315618515, -0.11186378449201584, -0.05346953496336937, 0.014496361836791039, 0.016703108325600624, 0.05347052961587906, 0.02333150990307331, 0.0034492441918700933, -0.04230298846960068, 0.043927066028118134, 0.04872597008943558, -0.03946153447031975, 0.04185325279831886, -0.04333020746707916, 0.030944496393203735, 0.033185191452503204, -0.009417404420673847, 0.004212955478578806, 2.8484106451287516e-7, -0.017138229683041573, -0.08252566307783127, 0.004226397722959518, 0.0047325254417955875, -0.028946207836270332, -0.09236099570989609, 0.0633474662899971, 0.0037341800052672625, -0.03904404491186142, -0.017782798036932945, 0.01693364419043064, -0.020896688103675842, -0.04916529357433319, 0.011877857148647308, 0.0231653843075037, -0.024450412020087242, 0.07003206759691238, -0.0020760162733495235, 0.07713043689727783, 0.05707031488418579, -0.05130163952708244, 0.033842526376247406, -0.004941809456795454, 0.06068476662039757, 0.048426587134599686, 0.03721802309155464, 0.014397711493074894, 0.04830007255077362, -0.0034188758581876755, -0.041040174663066864, 0.0053950888104736805, -0.010190196335315704, -0.0012426933972164989, 0.007303771562874317, -0.0017610312206670642, 0.0357726588845253, -0.01007809303700924, 0.04842391982674599, 0.06769285351037979, 0.011082450859248638, 0.03257741034030914, -0.04703196883201599, 0.029899029061198235, 0.042602188885211945, -0.0030802569817751646, -0.04974529892206192, -0.006874001584947109, -0.025030843913555145, 0.009859655983746052, 0.03360927104949951, -0.02262376807630062, -0.014817661605775356, -0.0879763588309288, 0.0347028523683548, -0.032846417278051376, -0.012470477260649204, 0.09591273963451385, -0.02178056910634041, -0.05113927274942398, 0.02282283455133438, -0.010232185013592243, 0.033481817692518234, -0.041888218373060226, -0.00747856916859746, 0.003637844929471612, -0.025207599624991417, -0.022131968289613724, -0.0024522605817764997, 0.07769598066806793, 0.02998594380915165, 0.05729882791638374, -0.007403521332889795, 0.0015635639429092407, 0.028955040499567986, 0.0163100752979517, -0.04758169874548912, -0.02828621119260788, -0.07033668458461761, -0.025018753483891487, -0.008656559512019157, -0.006051632575690746, 0.01658889651298523, -0.02565913088619709, -0.06470368057489395, 0.008856266736984253, -0.016362924128770828, -0.0043777767568826675, 0.019678303971886635, -0.05968038737773895, 0.02848459780216217, 0.046937745064496994, 0.0492546483874321, 0.019112661480903625, -0.0017078936798498034, 0.05551283061504364, 0.01150759682059288, -0.013670737855136395, 0.0036985790356993675, -0.027204550802707672, 0.032197676599025726, 0.012675110250711441, 0.02776521071791649, -0.07380818575620651, 0.01676100119948387, 0.012848668731749058, -0.02839316800236702, -0.061484672129154205, 0.022844240069389343, -0.0033465628512203693, -0.028314942494034767, 0.07332632690668106, 0.019007856026291847, -0.018180619925260544, -0.015638845041394234, -0.02181866206228733, 0.017024613916873932, 0.0064118169248104095, 0.07690481096506119, -0.03859029710292816, 0.042148880660533905, 0.015823671594262123, -0.01804954744875431, -0.027191609144210815, 0.017340557649731636, 0.045143503695726395, -0.007326160557568073, -0.004294995218515396, -0.033055610954761505, -0.023910554125905037, -0.05035123601555824, -0.008508252911269665, 0.007513716351240873, -0.031539034098386765, -0.032250385731458664, 0.037185508757829666, -0.020943384617567062, -0.024777892976999283, 0.004012587480247021, 0.03821052238345146, 0.048732057213783264, -0.07096586376428604, -0.023418230935931206, -0.03584474325180054, 0.007964013144373894, 0.027176937088370323, 0.042867161333560944, 0.021827926859259605, -0.043954309076070786, 0.00760071724653244, -0.023218104615807533, 0.04553520306944847, 0.034270238131284714, -0.00669516995549202, 0.0008020630921237171 ]
OPINION FRUMAN, Judge. This case has been submitted for decision by this court following its assignment to an attorney advisory committee pursuant to our experimental plan. See Boucher v. Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Co., 105 N.M. 442, 733 P.2d 1325 (Ct.App.1986); Patterson v. Environmental Improvement Div., 105 N.M. 320, 731 P.2d 1364 (Ct.App.1986); Stoll v. Dow, 105 N.M. 316, 731 P.2d 1360 (Ct.App.1986). The committee issued a divided opinion. The parties were notified of the opinion and of their right to submit responses, and one appellant did so. We have considered the record on appeal, the original briefs, the opinion and dissent of the advisory committee, and the one response. We substitute the following for the opinion of the advisory committee. The issue presented on appeal is whether write-in ballots may be cast in the election of directors of a conservancy district board. Appellees were write-in candidates for election to the board of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District in 1984. The board had previously adopted a rule prohibiting write-in candidates and, therefore, refused to count the write-in ballots cast for appellees. Appellees sought a writ of mandamus and a writ of quo warranto in the district court requiring the ballots to be counted. The district court determined that the board did not have the statutory authority to decide “who a qualified voter can vote for or who can be a candidate for office” and found the board’s rule to be invalid because people have the constitutional guarantee of electing “a person of their choice to public office.” Accordingly, the writs were granted, and the write-in votes were counted. Following the count, certification, and canvas of the returns, appellees were declared elected to the offices which they sought. Appellants contend it was error for the district court to hold that the rule prohibiting write-in ballots was constitutionally or statutorily invalid. We disagree and affirm the decision of the trial court. Appellants argue that: (1) NMSA 1978, Section 1-12-19.1 (Repl.1985) of the Election Code permits write-in votes only in a general election, in a special election for United States representative, or in a statewide special election, and thus that section is not applicable to a conservancy district election; (2) NMSA 1978, Sections 73-14-19 to -33, and -83 to -86, which specifically pertain to the election of a conservancy district’s board members, do not provide for write-in ballots and control; (3) the adoption of Rule 20.4(C) prohibiting write-in candidates for conservancy district board positions was implicitly authorized pursuant to Section 73-14-84; and (4) Ostic v. Stephens, 55 N.M. 497, 236 P.2d 727 (1951), controls in its holding that where a statute relating to elections for municipal officers set forth the sole condition under which write-in ballots could be cast, the legislature prohibited casting those ballots under any other condition. Appellees’ answer centers on the basic proposition that “the law favors the right to vote and seeks to give effect to the expressed will of the electorate. It upholds the validity of votes cast and of elections held, without fraud, though irregular.” Bryan v. Barnett, 35 N.M. 207, 211, 292 P.2d 611, 612 (1930). As there has been no allegation of fraud in the present case, we limit our consideration of the validity of votes east to a determination of the validity of votes cast in the form of write-in ballots. We begin our analysis by noting that N.M.Const. art. 2, § 8 requires “free and open” elections, without any interference with “the free exercise of the right of suffrage.” In our review of the statutes regulating the election of board members of a conservancy district, we agree with appellants that the statutes are silent regarding the casting of a write-in ballot. However, we do not agree that Section 73-14-84 provides the authorization for the conservancy district board to determine whether write-in ballots may be cast. That section requires the board to “promulgate necessary and reasonable rules and regulations for the procedure to be followed at the polling places, instructions to voters and methods of determining voter eligibility.” [Emphasis added.] One definition of “procedure,” which we adopt for the purpose of construing Section 73-14-84, is the “mode of proceeding by which a legal right is enforced, as distinguished from the law which gives or defines the right.” Black’s Law Dictionary 1083 (5th ed. 1979). Applying this definition to the rule-making authority granted by Section 73-14-84, we conclude that the board’s power to regulate procedure at polling places, instructions to voters, and determinations of voter eligibility does not include the authority to deny the privilege of casting a write-in ballot to elect a board member. Probing further, we find that the legislative history of the application of the Election Code provides guidance on the issue under consideration. When first enacted, the Code applied to general, primary and statewide elections, and elections to fill vacancies in congress. 1969 N.M. Laws, ch. 240, § 19. Six years later, that application was broadened: “[t]o the extent procedures are incorporated or adopted by reference by separate laws governing such elections, certain provisions of the Election Code shall also apply to * * * special district elections.” 1975 N.M. Laws, ch. 255, § 6(B)(3). [At this juncture, we note that the statutory provisions governing special district elections do not expressly incorporate or adopt by reference any provision of the Election Code.] Then, in 1977, that application was further broadened: “[t]o the extent procedures are incorporated or adopted by reference by separate laws governing such elections or to the extent procedures are not specified by such laws, certain provisions of the Election Code shall also apply to * * * special district elections.” 1977 N.M. Laws, ch. 222, § 4(B)(3), codified as NMSA 1978, § 1-1-19 (Repl.1985) (emphasis added). When interpreting statutes, the reviewing court presumes that the legislature was informed as to existing law and did not intend to enact any law inconsistent with any existing law. Quintana v. New Mexico Dep’t of Corrections, 100 N.M. 224, 668 P.2d 1101 (1983). The plain language of a statute is the primary indicator of legislative intent. General Motors Acceptance Corp. v. Anaya, 103 N.M. 72, 703 P.2d 169 (1985). Statutes are enacted as a whole, and thus each section or part should be construed in connection with every other section or part so as to produce a harmonious whole. State ex rel. Clinton Realty Co. v. Scarborough, 78 N.M. 132, 429 P.2d 330 (1967). In the context of this case, we interpret the 1977 amendment to Section 1-1-19 in a manner that will accomplish the ends sought by the legislature in its enactment. See C. de Baca v. Baca, 73 N.M. 387, 388 P.2d 392 (1964). Our interpretation is that the amendment endows special district voters with all substantive voting rights specifically permitted by the Election Code. These rights are subject only to: (1) any specific procedural requirements set forth in that Code; and (2) any explicit substantive limitations or procedural requirements set forth in the statutes specifically governing special district elections. Interpreting “procedure * * * followed at the [special district] polling place” in Section 73-14-84 so broadly as to prohibit write-in votes would defeat the legislative intent expressed by Section 1-1-19 of the Election Code and also would be contrary to the constitutional mandate of “free and open” elections. See N.M. Const, art. 2, § 8. We will not interpret these provisions to effect that defeat. See Martinez v. Research Park, Inc., 75 N.M. 672, 410 P.2d 200 (1965), overruled on other grounds, Lakeview Invs., Inc. v. Alamogordo Lake Village, Inc., 86 N.M. 151, 520 P.2d 1096 (1974). Whenever two statutes can be reconciled, thereby preserving the intent of each, the appellate court is bound to construe them in that fashion. State ex rel. Bird v. Apodaca, 91 N.M. 279, 573 P.2d 213 (1977). We recognize that certain requirements of Section 1-12-19.1, pertaining to write-in ballots, do not specifically encompass or relate to special district elections and are not capable of adoption in their entirety to those elections. Therefore, by utilizing the authorization granted by Section 73-14-84, the conservancy district board may adopt rules and regulations establishing procedures for write-in ballots in a form and manner, and on a schedule that is compatible with all other requirements relating to board member elections. We conclude our analysis by distinguishing Ostic v. Stephens from this case. In Ostic, the right to cast a write-in ballot existed, even though it was limited to the situation where no candidate had qualified for placement on the official printed ballot. Also, statutory language having the same import as the present encompassing provisions of Section 1-1-19 did not exist at the time of Ostic and thus could not be considered in that case. Because of these distinguishing characteristics, Ostic does not control our holding in the present case. For the foregoing reasons, the decision of the trial court is affirmed. No costs are awarded. IT IS SO ORDERED. This court acknowledges the aid of attorneys Richard E. Olson, K. Douglas Perrin, and Rod M. Schumacher in the preparation of this opinion. These attorneys constituted an advisory committee selected by the chief judge of this court, and we express our gratitude to them for the quality of their work and their voluntary service. MINZNER and GARCIA, JJ„ concur.
[ -0.013009979389607906, -0.04867265373468399, 0.004817577078938484, 0.029774148017168045, 0.029650388285517693, -0.015296559780836105, 0.027822433039546013, 0.033252254128456116, -0.0034836584236472845, -0.05239298939704895, 0.0057097189128398895, 0.038705725222826004, -0.08067572861909866, 0.026167459785938263, -0.04035571962594986, 0.08705365657806396, 0.03821342810988426, 0.029087336733937263, 0.0303597841411829, -0.011551082134246826, 0.042368143796920776, -0.06404869258403778, -0.01123715192079544, 0.059703171253204346, 0.004157340154051781, 0.011567533947527409, 0.00877438671886921, -0.0005569604109041393, -0.04252355173230171, 0.01084103249013424, 0.028129257261753082, 0.015344386920332909, -0.03707876428961754, -0.014230950735509396, -0.04162142053246498, 0.021495329216122627, -0.004233103711158037, -0.022900009527802467, -0.0041420976631343365, 0.017777755856513977, -0.038674481213092804, 0.012750131078064442, -0.014670518226921558, -0.024628067389130592, -0.025358425453305244, 0.015851782634854317, -0.002934281947091222, 0.03892860189080238, 0.005625011865049601, -0.017708683386445045, -0.09914969652891159, 0.013497916050255299, -0.02162988856434822, -0.005578707437962294, 0.00041546454303897917, 0.023887362331151962, -0.03244353085756302, -0.05405722185969353, 0.006257777102291584, -0.021151479333639145, 0.000569949101191014, -0.022231318056583405, 0.06420662254095078, 0.01805843785405159, -0.004978470969945192, 0.003939857240766287, -0.01373723428696394, 0.012684744782745838, -0.05043609440326691, 0.0026890398003160954, -0.079003244638443, -0.002089268062263727, 0.016638288274407387, 0.004386735148727894, 0.0022191544994711876, -0.05258030444383621, 0.01587490364909172, 0.045994311571121216, 0.011227470822632313, 0.02308637835085392, 0.035927336663007736, -0.024507490918040276, 0.02654421329498291, 0.05231928080320358, -0.026247143745422363, -0.024582426995038986, -0.005447781179100275, -0.014039781875908375, -0.0411875955760479, 0.02155180275440216, -0.017889156937599182, -0.0597979836165905, 0.03436287119984627, 0.03937554731965065, -0.007294397801160812, -0.022354954853653908, 0.05402391776442528, -0.02266870066523552, 0.00797015056014061, -0.000569562369491905, -0.02679046429693699, -0.01594298705458641, 0.04073445126414299, 0.051799435168504715, -0.10172899812459946, -0.0066289217211306095, -0.02452736534178257, 0.00973478052765131, 0.018557904288172722, 0.029019545763731003, 0.024931346997618675, 0.02520970068871975, 0.010616140440106392, -0.025939032435417175, -0.068467877805233, 0.05644180625677109, 0.015322386287152767, -0.03669619560241699, 0.00944728683680296, -0.028741881251335144, 0.05320706591010094, 0.03891293704509735, 0.010021368972957134, 0.07631047070026398, 0.014405055902898312, -0.011961267329752445, 0.025011500343680382, 0.02616017684340477, -0.04622816666960716, -0.10631879419088364, -0.026038821786642075, 0.03908514603972435, -0.003038607072085142, 0.011553646996617317, -0.05258875712752342, -0.005755810998380184, -0.018911225721240044, -0.012978937476873398, 0.044233664870262146, -0.009467505849897861, -0.003794587217271328, -0.04397623613476753, 0.006556996144354343, 0.0063017187640070915, 0.0565994568169117, -0.04376060888171196, 0.050058744847774506, -0.024125969037413597, -0.06037043780088425, -0.022487258538603783, 0.0433049313724041, 0.019926458597183228, 0.009967978112399578, -0.01427454873919487, -0.00838060025125742, 0.07009848952293396, 0.057138700038194656, -0.027073487639427185, 0.021161505952477455, 0.06916328519582748, 0.047483962029218674, 0.015810489654541016, 0.04382308945059776, 0.001742168446071446, -0.01393638551235199, 0.04078899696469307, 0.029838407412171364, -0.014916597865521908, -0.01870010606944561, 0.0480208694934845, -0.006704329513013363, -0.038475293666124344, 0.03125637769699097, -0.05996694788336754, 0.011823838576674461, 0.004304674454033375, 0.012870177626609802, 0.026911770924925804, 0.013933539390563965, -0.01823107711970806, -0.06450598686933517, 0.04422200471162796, -0.028328457847237587, 0.022850295528769493, -0.039881132543087006, -0.015866857022047043, 0.035303182899951935, -0.0028074178844690323, 0.035582248121500015, 0.005384909920394421, -0.06959672272205353, -0.0672605112195015, -0.015448926948010921, -0.022878900170326233, 0.0535166896879673, 0.03890499472618103, -0.06556819379329681, 0.05260302126407623, 0.0393950529396534, 0.04175349697470665, 0.02058783546090126, 0.002812073566019535, 0.054876625537872314, -0.04514513164758682, -0.055455032736063004, 0.036288563162088394, 0.049815814942121506, -0.0014508358435705304, 0.014963910914957523, 0.037182264029979706, -0.029151421040296555, -0.008811568841338158, 0.017424533143639565, 0.011297140270471573, 0.05447397381067276, -0.04185844957828522, 0.06725264340639114, -0.03167613595724106, 0.06280133873224258, -0.054073624312877655, 0.032696112990379333, -0.0009960198076441884, -0.0051347725093364716, 0.009924708865582943, -0.03792191669344902, 0.061548490077257156, 0.0507449209690094, -0.0035817930474877357, -0.022273432463407516, 0.028272073715925217, -0.022346843034029007, 0.0036061459686607122, 0.02511492744088173, 0.00992421992123127, 0.03860655799508095, -0.01072121225297451, -0.014550657942891121, -0.00017048766312655061, 0.04211542382836342, -0.05069245770573616, 0.0038588803727179766, 0.05860872194170952, 0.023607028648257256, 0.046162448823451996, -0.02178245782852173, 0.015133063308894634, -0.014887853525578976, 0.012179097160696983, 0.025524776428937912, -0.0375797301530838, -0.004512989893555641, 0.01833636499941349, 0.005998464301228523, 0.01784854382276535, -0.0028165357653051615, -0.0321485809981823, -0.017480626702308655, -0.03196510300040245, 0.03437304124236107, 0.004473614040762186, -0.02167125605046749, 0.022181129083037376, 0.01452670618891716, 0.0006423885934054852, -0.020425360649824142, -0.05384872108697891, -0.03273439779877663, 0.013684028759598732, -0.02369522489607334, 0.012753680348396301, 0.03166944161057472, -0.005053285043686628, 0.0073873624205589294, -0.0038513157051056623, -0.00952341128140688, 0.045706577599048615, 0.045688699930906296, 0.02632259577512741, -0.009447113610804081, -0.006473390851169825, -0.0220485869795084, 0.029738755896687508, -0.04494436830282211, -0.06362516433000565, 0.01141602173447609, -0.042344383895397186, 0.041324764490127563, -0.0156701672822237, -0.05701400339603424, 0.06993035972118378, 0.03500637412071228, 0.010400951839983463, -0.0031865451019257307, 0.0013091112487018108, 0.025473421439528465, 0.03171607851982117, 0.034806832671165466, 0.03841011971235275, 0.008561268448829651, -0.048054225742816925, -0.0001840065378928557, -0.010714994743466377, 0.013413708657026291, -0.0091306883841753, 0.037498511373996735, 0.037326160818338394, -0.003242405829951167, 0.02854745090007782, -0.2665494680404663, 0.0033700645435601473, -0.032891932874917984, -0.0519506074488163, 0.02599176950752735, -0.044603247195482254, 0.03901578113436699, -0.002014750149101019, -0.005114023108035326, 0.06696391105651855, 0.018853234127163887, -0.018462399020791054, 0.017673499882221222, 0.059632640331983566, 0.023908812552690506, -0.02237311564385891, -0.029439780861139297, -0.019923098385334015, -0.0065132370218634605, 0.004213701002299786, 0.03646896407008171, -0.09059092402458191, -0.02452389895915985, 0.012959852814674377, 0.07994179427623749, 0.0784183144569397, -0.03136781230568886, 0.009358973242342472, -0.044444598257541656, -0.016165459528565407, -0.012980599887669086, 0.010447335429489613, 0.0022741251159459352, 0.00625465577468276, 0.023389877751469612, 0.0036668158136308193, 0.037290558218955994, 0.003088020719587803, -0.017186054959893227, 0.029620792716741562, 0.01168516743928194, -0.029125910252332687, -0.04485403746366501, 0.035878147929906845, 0.03666885569691658, 0.0004359370796009898, -0.04872241988778114, 0.006981767248362303, -0.015301031991839409, 0.03908209130167961, -0.019678127020597458, 0.016492001712322235, -0.0073610213585197926, 0.009860200807452202, -0.01714450679719448, 0.013485502451658249, -0.03443070873618126, -0.014024035073816776, -0.07404644042253494, 0.04659903794527054, -0.007969201542437077, -0.07482074946165085, -0.035017382353544235, -0.03411874547600746, -0.06751013547182083, -0.05650324746966362, -0.028698280453681946, -0.01619798317551613, 0.08601704239845276, 0.0013711038045585155, 0.0002698458556551486, 0.03708562254905701, -0.03692406043410301, -0.0834040492773056, 0.008559548296034336, 0.004207585472613573, -0.03360055387020111, -0.0389423593878746, -0.019067592918872833, 0.026747141033411026, -0.01694074086844921, -0.013842926360666752, 0.04131222888827324, 0.031483784317970276, 0.021987125277519226, -0.02712211385369301, -0.004790536127984524, 0.0937524065375328, -0.03142042085528374, 0.0003474871627986431, 0.04135502129793167, 0.05123636871576309, -0.02743462659418583, -0.004947109613567591, 0.06225335970520973, 0.04523860663175583, 0.007627636194229126, -0.04085448384284973, -0.015116075053811073, 0.011930198408663273, 0.03859921544790268, -0.059638746082782745, -0.00014225204358808696, -0.0420154370367527, -0.037739649415016174, -0.021004918962717056, -0.08663281798362732, 0.02406495250761509, 0.0593256838619709, 0.01958538591861725, 0.03988739848136902, -0.029839666560292244, 0.049649883061647415, -0.03737799450755119, -0.010121393017470837, -0.011285013519227505, 0.025238411501049995, -0.009186000563204288, -0.009625465609133244, 0.0058921328745782375, 0.017896637320518494, 0.05417530611157417, -0.06623370945453644, -0.03651939332485199, -0.09533601254224777, -0.0047901994548738, 0.02223229594528675, 0.008347432129085064, -0.04036097973585129, 0.014249734580516815, -0.0247952863574028, -0.02371884509921074, 0.006861497648060322, 0.02294505573809147, -0.004272222984582186, -0.0016187084838747978, -0.03596704825758934, -0.028903041034936905, -0.008572306483983994, -0.01914292201399803, -0.010988491587340832, -0.026298506185412407, 0.022589584812521935, -0.007090074475854635, 0.06430267542600632, -0.022612862288951874, -0.0005441224784590304, 0.0024107503704726696, -0.03582816943526268, -0.007935421541333199, 0.011269035749137402, -0.03236616030335426, 0.010644358582794666, -0.053464293479919434, -0.024929391220211983, -0.06183125451207161, 0.028217896819114685, 0.037434693425893784, 0.012702570296823978, -0.07831142097711563, -0.03206297382712364, 0.009625842794775963, -0.004249806981533766, -0.018162835389375687, 0.02197725512087345, 0.05910234525799751, -0.027839140966534615, 0.06316837668418884, -0.03144744411110878, 0.025605522096157074, 0.0029590504709631205, -0.03205239027738571, -0.048865146934986115, 0.023418422788381577, -0.004773064982146025, -0.0004171541950199753, -0.011948274448513985, 0.005962041672319174, 0.03802688792347908, 0.04645506292581558, -0.013829346746206284, -0.06644874066114426, -0.0020241383463144302, 0.003843568032607436, 0.04930431395769119, -0.035732824355363846, -0.02706068940460682, -0.06189277768135071, -0.026893818750977516, -0.025217274203896523, -0.04840761423110962, 0.0019034493016079068, 0.003922851290553808, 0.01178495492786169, -0.05635009706020355, -0.013960696756839752, 0.024419154971837997, -0.04567233473062515, -0.0038127286825329065, 0.03452332690358162, -0.02347389981150627, -0.026871100068092346, -0.03409537300467491, 0.006339223589748144, -0.009251119568943977, -0.06735822558403015, 0.013751204125583172, 0.03281369432806969, -0.027200397104024887, 0.004685928113758564, -0.03821084648370743, -0.012822114862501621, 0.02092154696583748, -0.008280414156615734, 0.006980688776820898, -0.02599729597568512, 0.04506184533238411, -0.020773211494088173, -0.044292252510786057, -0.006761061027646065, 0.01654045470058918, -0.037066150456666946, -0.0086377477273345, -0.012069561518728733, -0.043027181178331375, 0.0665106400847435, 0.015448126941919327, -0.018098942935466766, 0.03462586551904678, -0.0350477397441864, 0.0003090824466198683, -0.053708307445049286, 0.0018314620247110724, 0.028818896040320396, 0.005911957006901503, 0.0019668685272336006, -0.02921898104250431, 0.019854269921779633, -0.02026630938053131, 0.02777767740190029, 0.015177580527961254, 0.03422057628631592, -0.022764526307582855, -0.020657943561673164, -0.015833882614970207, -0.01409513782709837, 0.007901221513748169, 0.007281892467290163, -0.0231034979224205, 0.07712196558713913, 0.024658115580677986, 0.018952632322907448, -0.02082161046564579, -0.024564100429415703, 0.038823287934064865, -0.03962310776114464, -0.016780734062194824, 0.015185936354100704, -0.008343634195625782, 0.06565923243761063, -0.018345361575484276, 0.00764362933114171, -0.028464557603001595, 0.013156985864043236, 0.006380301900207996, 0.0483577586710453, 0.012299677357077599, -0.014298863708972931, 0.032705582678318024, -0.08481971174478531, -0.019136274233460426, -0.08378685265779495, -0.01648484542965889, -0.03573786839842796, 0.03446380794048309, 0.028347667306661606, 0.006217487156391144, -0.03708328306674957, 0.030929984524846077, -0.04786289110779762, -0.04175066202878952, 0.009153168648481369, -0.015157584100961685, -0.027499264106154442, 0.02159426547586918, -0.04674972966313362, 0.03373881056904793, 0.03023749403655529, -0.11153794080018997, -0.04908048361539841, 0.023264622315764427, 0.019689513370394707, 0.02365855686366558, 0.01049671322107315, -0.03250785917043686, -0.000010068820301967207, 0.023991022258996964, 0.0549057312309742, -0.045441899448633194, 0.0388844832777977, -0.09819284826517105, 0.029204629361629486, 0.03666527196764946, -0.0032267551869153976, -0.025946352630853653, 0.017601152881979942, -0.020968595519661903, -0.0409773625433445, -0.040699176490306854, 0.02317875809967518, -0.021736225113272667, -0.05528995022177696, 0.03497631102800369, -0.005060506518930197, -0.07371857017278671, -0.006792770698666573, 0.007228645496070385, -0.0282589141279459, 0.0113566555082798, -0.03244172781705856, 0.06296540796756744, -0.003474104218184948, 0.07419727742671967, 0.043619658797979355, 0.08015298843383789, 0.04471905902028084, -0.03863590583205223, 0.03212673217058182, 0.012616684660315514, 0.06939620524644852, 0.046205900609493256, 0.03448493778705597, -0.004885184112936258, 0.05662154778838158, -0.014579098671674728, -0.03067951463162899, 0.0012959538726136088, -0.029540902003645897, -0.0025305431336164474, -0.010128683410584927, 0.008106877095997334, 0.05069334805011749, -0.004071855917572975, 0.053235974162817, 0.009302789345383644, -0.017504768446087837, 0.06400278210639954, -0.015582206659018993, 0.012122327461838722, 0.01665516570210457, -0.010013304650783539, -0.05875656381249428, -0.021632498130202293, -0.019702669233083725, 0.004326408728957176, 0.002180017065256834, -0.011386462487280369, 0.01145067811012268, -0.05463334172964096, -0.01005950104445219, -0.017105817794799805, 0.005377115681767464, 0.06784004718065262, -0.020972086116671562, -0.014029582031071186, 0.002245459007099271, 0.01588776707649231, 0.04141465574502945, -0.02646772377192974, 0.011778806336224079, -0.0113114258274436, -0.03543679788708687, -0.02000589296221733, -0.02207108959555626, 0.06508206576108932, 0.015758946537971497, 0.014398817904293537, -0.025898829102516174, 0.009358763694763184, 0.03870047256350517, 0.018606776371598244, -0.0144908856600523, -0.026577070355415344, -0.03639368712902069, -0.032794784754514694, -0.026302076876163483, 0.05979067087173462, 0.047733139246702194, -0.03390016779303551, -0.037052594125270844, -0.02643710747361183, 0.012920943088829517, -0.003555901814252138, 0.03884786739945412, -0.023110641166567802, 0.03602992370724678, 0.006960748694837093, 0.07840796560049057, 0.01660143956542015, -0.003912834450602531, 0.044424910098314285, -0.013000969775021076, -0.04597119241952896, -0.003671524813398719, -0.024148158729076385, 0.030684703961014748, -0.01587679237127304, 0.01666012592613697, -0.08290962129831314, 0.027402151376008987, 0.012399515137076378, -0.007480778265744448, -0.056864164769649506, 0.03779107332229614, -0.01722676120698452, -0.021906942129135132, 0.07007282227277756, 0.03977559506893158, -0.014747447334229946, -0.023244688287377357, -0.030514078214764595, 0.007488836534321308, -0.0019570726435631514, 0.08837057650089264, -0.014661169610917568, 0.02476589009165764, 0.0276480782777071, -0.010935544967651367, -0.0550483800470829, 0.03797006234526634, 0.05473824962973595, -0.007780518848448992, -0.0433712974190712, -0.02904685214161873, -0.03177093714475632, -0.05115925520658493, -0.028861554339528084, 0.027610808610916138, -0.028726015239953995, -0.056137606501579285, 0.01687532663345337, -0.0025894236750900745, -0.002894702833145857, -0.011087934486567974, 0.021900832653045654, 0.0037157442420721054, -0.03478575870394707, -0.03391266241669655, -0.024788161739706993, 0.03202948719263077, 0.024159392341971397, 0.030120717361569405, 0.012800965458154678, -0.04640940576791763, 0.0041527035646140575, -0.031149644404649734, 0.028855888172984123, 0.04175638034939766, 0.010999136604368687, 0.031771231442689896 ]
OPINION SOSA, Senior Justice. This is a petition for writ of certiorari to the court of appeals. The court of appeals, in affirming the trial court, found that the trial court correctly determined that its jurisdiction to reduce petitioner’s sentence had expired when it denied petitioner’s motion 173 days after filing of the court of appeal’s mandate affirming petitioner’s conviction. After reviewing the court of appeals’ file and argument of counsel, we reverse the court of appeals. Petitioner’s conviction for second degree murder was affirmed by the court of appeals on December 12, 1986. On January 7, 1987, within the 30-day period required by SCR A, Rule 5-801, petitioner filed his motion for modification of sentence. After certain communications between the trial court and petitioner’s trial attorney — communications which are not in the record, but which appear for the first time in the petition for writ of certiorari — the motion was not heard until May 12, 1987, at which time the trial court advised petitioner that under Rule 5-801, because the 30-day period for hearing the motion had passed, the trial court had no jurisdiction to hear the motion and thus the motion was dismissed. Petitioner makes two arguments: (1) Even though the May 12 hearing date was more than 30 days after the court of appeals had affirmed his conviction, there is a consistent policy in the federal circuits known as the “reasonable time rule” in which trial courts in their discretion may decide to hear motions to modify sentences even after the period specified by statute has run. (For a partial list of federal circuits following the reasonable time rule, see Gaertner v. United States, 763 F.2d 787, 790-91 (7th Cir.), cert. denied, 474 U.S. 1009, 106 S.Ct. 535, 88 L.Ed.2d 466 (1985)). (2) Petitioner next argues that even if the trial court properly dismissed the motion to reduce sentence, its doing so in this case deprived him of his right to due process of law because the trial court gave petitioner reasonable assurances that it would hear his motion, and then when hearing day came, the trial court suddenly changed tack and decided it lacked jurisdiction. Rule 5-801 reads in pertinent part as follows: “The district court may reduce a sentence within thirty (30) days after * * * entry of any order or judgment of the appellate court having the effect of upholding a judgment of conviction.” As to petitioner’s first challenge, this court must decide whether Rule 5-801 is jurisdictional (depriving trial courts of power to rule on any motion coming before them for hearing later than 30 days following appellate review), or whether it is discretionary (following the reasonable time rule of the federal circuits, which would allow motions filed within 30 days to be heard after 30 days if the trial court so chooses). In United States v. Addonizio, 442 U.S. 178, 189, 99 S.Ct. 2235, 2242, 60 L.Ed.2d 805 (1979), the Supreme Court spoke of the 120-day limit under the federal rule as “jurisdictional,” but that case was decided on the basis of another statute, 28 U.S.C. Section 2255 (1976) (attack on illegal sentence), and thus the Court’s words are dictum there. Several federal courts follow the reasonable time rule, even after Addonizio, acting in a discretionary manner to rule on motions to modify a sentence when the motion is heard 120 days after a conviction is affirmed. 763 F.2d at 790-91. As to petitioner’s due process challenge, a similar challenge was addressed in Sotto v. Wainwright, 601 F.2d 184, (5th Cir.1979), cert. denied, 445 U.S. 950, 100 S.Ct. 1597, 63 L.Ed.2d 784 (1980). The fifth circuit rejected the due process challenge, holding that Florida’s statute (1) advanced finality in the judicial process, (2) served the legitimate purpose of lessening the trial court’s workload by requiring defendants to file motions to modify within a certain specified time limit, and (3) assured that the trial court would not usurp the parole board’s function by delaying rulings on motions until the court could determine how defendants had behaved in prison. Id. at 192. Our court of appeals in its summary affirmance relied heavily on the third ratio nale above when it said: “One of the reasons for rejecting the ‘reasonable time’ rule * * * is that limitation on the district court’s power to reduce a sentence keeps the district courts from misusing that power as a substitute for consideration of parole by parole authorities.” We are left then with a determination of the two following issues: Is Rule 5-801 jurisdictional or discretionary? Were petitioner’s due process rights violated by the trial court’s denial of petitioner’s motion? We hold that insofar as the filing of motions under Rule 5-801 is concerned, the statute is jurisdictional, so that motions must be filed within thirty days of the entry of the appellate judgment. As to the disposition of the motion, however, the court possesses discretion to hear and decide motions after thirty days. Further, in a case such as the one before us, the trial court must exercise its discretion if it hopes to avoid depriving petitioner of his right to due process of law. Here petitioner was assured that this motion would be heard on May 12, but when he appeared in court, the judge changed his mind and denied petitioner a hearing. A clearer case of the deprivation of petitioner’s rights to substantive and procedural due process can hardly be imagined. Nothing in Sotto contradicts our holding. Finality is still assured; the trial court’s workload is not increased by requiring defendant to file motions to modify within a certain specified time limit, and the trial court’s supposed usurpation of the parole board’s function is an illusory argument not borne out in New Mexico practice. Our opinion raises two final questions which must be addressed. First, because the case of State v. Sykes, 98 N.M. 458, 649 P.2d 761 (Ct.App.1982), held that rulings to reduce a sentence under the previous NMR Criminal Procedure 57 must be made within thirty days of the original sentence, it is necessary for us to overrule that portion of Sykes which deviates from our ruling herein. Second, our opinion raises the obvious question as to how long a trial court may wait after the defendant has filed his motion before making a ruling on the motion. In our opinion the federal rule suggests a reasonable time frame in which the court must enter a final ruling, namely, 90 days from a timely filed motion. If the hearing is not held within ninety days, the motion is denied as a matter of law. For the foregoing reasons the trial court and court of appeals are reversed and the matter remanded to the trial court for further proceedings on defendant’s motion. SCARBOROUGH, C.J., and STOWERS, WALTERS and RANSOM, JJ., concur.
[ -0.03082829713821411, -0.03804180771112442, -0.01568697951734066, 0.01824834756553173, 0.0387704037129879, 0.01039627380669117, 0.06224755942821503, 0.00972694344818592, 0.01348612830042839, -0.035299669951200485, 0.052864573895931244, -0.004415679723024368, -0.025462809950113297, 0.06960682570934296, -0.005026724189519882, 0.05406602472066879, 0.040454279631376266, -0.009567050263285637, 0.007205094676464796, -0.02834942750632763, 0.003489250550046563, -0.004598009865731001, 0.042859483510255814, 0.02167777717113495, 0.026022186502814293, 0.026307929307222366, -0.016553368419408798, 0.008338742889463902, -0.07949061691761017, -0.018062476068735123, 0.04844590276479721, -0.03247721493244171, -0.01802578568458557, 0.020991262048482895, -0.025835085660219193, -0.007821649312973022, -0.035411518067121506, -0.01355548482388258, -0.0009577927412465215, 0.019708378240466118, -0.03812573850154877, 0.02308359369635582, -0.016754401847720146, -0.023063233122229576, -0.006844201125204563, -0.006506394594907761, -0.0024227409157902002, 0.012117944657802582, -0.00922559667378664, 0.0031301558483392, -0.043725814670324326, -0.0014866865240037441, -0.006139133125543594, 0.011221245862543583, 0.004640561528503895, 0.025728143751621246, -0.016464151442050934, -0.04781075567007065, 0.005052266176789999, -0.013955730944871902, 0.03995883837342262, -0.043802402913570404, 0.05756817013025284, -0.005918757524341345, 0.010153742507100105, 0.0075928750447928905, 0.04006200656294823, 0.04858044534921646, -0.0006279087392613292, 0.009462636895477772, -0.046302054077386856, -0.0005077336099930108, 0.05241728201508522, 0.007704016286879778, -0.03293152153491974, 0.002705540508031845, 0.027142765000462532, 0.03275598958134651, -0.008775939233601093, 0.020641721785068512, 0.009704350493848324, 0.0495266318321228, 0.010326731018722057, 0.0358002744615078, 0.01911635883152485, -0.04441235214471817, -0.052106231451034546, -0.02664875239133835, -0.04768019914627075, 0.044843483716249466, -0.00039614056004211307, -0.03970761597156525, 0.05705326050519943, 0.04775271192193031, 0.0010920166969299316, -0.0263641607016325, 0.06534403562545776, -0.03539152443408966, 0.011216803453862667, -0.03193233162164688, -0.03649171441793442, -0.026497509330511093, 0.017973177134990692, 0.059393975883722305, -0.03736680746078491, -0.007384672295302153, -0.023142095655202866, 0.03404514491558075, 0.010139541700482368, 0.01155296340584755, -0.0031550477724522352, 0.033899255096912384, 0.012874760664999485, -0.022367486730217934, -0.07082552462816238, 0.06631719321012497, 0.026678690686821938, -0.032240696251392365, -0.04181734845042229, -0.012016437947750092, 0.028615444898605347, 0.03059759922325611, 0.0230568777769804, 0.06681641191244125, 0.05118512734770775, -0.004525135736912489, 0.039474006742239, 0.032378729432821274, -0.05301114171743393, -0.0627155527472496, 0.009436294436454773, 0.04751439765095711, 0.010800248943269253, 0.01136227510869503, -0.04900778830051422, 0.01505978498607874, 0.011006327345967293, -0.0490364134311676, 0.05074566602706909, -0.044807884842157364, 0.004222501069307327, 0.004283822141587734, -0.004281039349734783, -0.006097199395298958, 0.04725686460733414, -0.029404480010271072, 0.0491083487868309, 0.002063068328425288, -0.041500069200992584, -0.03628663718700409, 0.009458454325795174, 0.0024909914936870337, -0.013258012011647224, -0.03990088030695915, -0.005371822044253349, 0.05138162896037102, 0.02351650409400463, -0.0017042502295225859, 0.0083689633756876, 0.023916184902191162, -0.00032519252272322774, 0.030381586402654648, 0.02295757457613945, 0.023361263796687126, 0.02069547027349472, 0.022314079105854034, 0.020954756066203117, -0.011640004813671112, -0.06573858857154846, 0.02575071156024933, -0.046145763248205185, 0.015935121104121208, 0.05913548916578293, -0.0411251038312912, -0.020230840891599655, 0.015839403495192528, 0.04961048439145088, -0.01920098438858986, 0.028880100697278976, -0.08292320370674133, -0.0577356219291687, 0.028463704511523247, -0.009688647463917732, 0.009450254961848259, -0.022357990965247154, -0.040552765130996704, 0.08048141747713089, -0.03218366578221321, 0.04250991344451904, -0.008066398091614246, -0.06243765726685524, 0.00581621378660202, 0.029688239097595215, -0.029433563351631165, 0.04065296798944473, 0.003568351501598954, -0.039153605699539185, 0.035428524017333984, 0.0019335165852680802, 0.06707601249217987, -0.017386116087436676, -0.018360862508416176, 0.06322712451219559, -0.0406314916908741, -0.049473028630018234, 0.055581532418727875, 0.04191410541534424, -0.013485570438206196, 0.05156674236059189, 0.05504215508699417, 0.001270683016628027, 0.014924773946404457, 0.022256720811128616, -0.013435730710625648, 0.021236207336187363, -0.008998776786029339, 0.08953730762004852, -0.0169663205742836, 0.042115069925785065, -0.11474264413118362, 0.019259558990597725, 0.006209703162312508, -0.0265931636095047, 0.05162128806114197, -0.057959455996751785, 0.06607072800397873, 0.03163108974695206, -0.06533332914113998, -0.0278165340423584, 0.03744862228631973, -0.04061203449964523, -0.006501942407339811, 0.01748504303395748, -0.006548426579684019, 0.02395186759531498, 0.02007354609668255, -0.021636610850691795, -0.012976172380149364, 0.024215931072831154, -0.06074833124876022, 0.039181552827358246, 0.07012415677309036, 0.005432914476841688, 0.060247283428907394, -0.04006750509142876, -0.0200587660074234, 0.026474235579371452, 0.024262014776468277, -0.01543079037219286, 0.02831212803721428, 0.01467014942318201, 0.005991199519485235, 0.015026700682938099, -0.0183772724121809, 0.005015712231397629, -0.07242801785469055, -0.029448164626955986, 0.0066717579029500484, 0.05881187319755554, -0.02691666968166828, 0.0025192168541252613, 0.03993283212184906, 0.017354663461446762, 0.001960845896974206, -0.05018750950694084, -0.0613112673163414, -0.02470478042960167, 0.006224834825843573, -0.022604776546359062, 0.019103381782770157, 0.02571042627096176, -0.03289572522044182, 0.023016493767499924, 0.00675263861194253, -0.02258436009287834, 0.02993752248585224, 0.02195204235613346, -0.007341706193983555, -0.0034038727171719074, 0.022656060755252838, 0.005773795302957296, 0.022783378139138222, -0.030197570100426674, -0.03785494714975357, 0.0032495937775820494, -0.051232919096946716, 0.039504870772361755, -0.029908275231719017, -0.031311746686697006, 0.022801028564572334, 0.001060293521732092, 0.022325649857521057, -0.021026212722063065, 0.0027996969874948263, 0.0510258711874485, -0.013510487042367458, 0.011084267869591713, 0.013490998186171055, 0.02632443606853485, -0.019936004653573036, 0.024022189900279045, 0.008134390227496624, 0.03374035283923149, 0.005261425860226154, -0.015597233548760414, -0.0030420743860304356, -0.03263406082987785, 0.011119107715785503, -0.26149627566337585, 0.030496764928102493, -0.020894447341561317, -0.030984118580818176, 0.022552629932761192, 0.010567245073616505, 0.06270977109670639, -0.03376397490501404, -0.026206597685813904, 0.02174004539847374, -0.009891578927636147, -0.035484567284584045, 0.01601330377161503, 0.05173615366220474, 0.011617050506174564, -0.05402575060725212, -0.023689094930887222, -0.01015823520720005, -0.03668757155537605, -0.013825462199747562, 0.03948916122317314, -0.032511185854673386, -0.015630697831511497, -0.020706940442323685, 0.07177916914224625, 0.07593994587659836, -0.07095376402139664, 0.03155713155865669, -0.055449895560741425, -0.02600092440843582, -0.024931274354457855, -0.006075404118746519, 0.00347975455224514, -0.0019363723695278168, 0.0032423443626612425, 0.01619447022676468, -0.001252062153071165, 0.0004536594497039914, -0.012517517432570457, 0.028004514053463936, 0.02230302058160305, -0.010449542663991451, -0.035123106092214584, 0.03138945624232292, 0.04734193533658981, -0.007097385823726654, -0.049522534012794495, -0.0028629840817302465, 0.03342950716614723, 0.05605215206742287, 0.0055067818611860275, -0.018031729385256767, -0.05250037834048271, 0.019234653562307358, -0.031796399503946304, -0.014138168655335903, -0.0219790767878294, -0.03466079756617546, -0.01755744032561779, 0.03563392162322998, -0.016892731189727783, -0.02650589309632778, -0.024159515276551247, -0.05560353025794029, -0.05564752593636513, -0.042872026562690735, -0.07004862278699875, -0.0008879915694706142, 0.08848041296005249, 0.059105243533849716, -0.021953681483864784, 0.03629937022924423, -0.05021745711565018, -0.08769313246011734, -0.009486821480095387, -0.017834976315498352, -0.03506023809313774, -0.051258739084005356, -0.024718791246414185, 0.058589618653059006, -0.019868066534399986, -0.006069907918572426, -0.005569337401539087, 0.035229939967393875, -0.006080711726099253, -0.005318592302501202, -0.005846976302564144, 0.03136494755744934, -0.02047603949904442, -0.011141961440443993, 0.0462971068918705, 0.05451138690114021, -0.026530079543590546, -0.012829427607357502, 0.03557013347744942, 0.053458426147699356, 0.004591244272887707, -0.04945000261068344, -0.014543124474585056, -0.01369768101722002, 0.01639816164970398, -0.059500791132450104, 0.02939826063811779, -0.04346741363406181, 0.007792667020112276, -0.025235405191779137, -0.05681179091334343, 0.019550912082195282, 0.01790674962103367, 0.02254614420235157, 0.04465024918317795, -0.01673382706940174, 0.04197124019265175, -0.02006092667579651, 0.01460993755608797, -0.02898120880126953, -0.030260838568210602, 0.00809172261506319, 0.009710365906357765, 0.01650187373161316, 0.01012421678751707, 0.015936970710754395, -0.06857220083475113, -0.01059854868799448, -0.07884655147790909, 0.019075585529208183, 0.03174460306763649, 0.038891300559043884, -0.04490412771701813, 0.0332518070936203, -0.01629476621747017, -0.023707715794444084, 0.011847383342683315, 0.011038980446755886, 0.019517531618475914, -0.030804770067334175, -0.022004585713148117, -0.041559651494026184, 0.014679067768156528, 0.016368461772799492, 0.020326130092144012, -0.013639506883919239, 0.08288725465536118, 0.015215957537293434, 0.056674737483263016, 0.020741673186421394, 0.026520878076553345, -0.022578436881303787, -0.07138504832983017, 0.007490295916795731, 0.027114320546388626, -0.06783060729503632, 0.002866228111088276, -0.047921072691679, -0.03739304840564728, -0.03094274364411831, 0.01809554360806942, 0.013086617924273014, -0.042958348989486694, -0.03331616148352623, -0.016836117953062057, -0.028334157541394234, -0.008870802819728851, -0.0539126954972744, -0.006868086755275726, 0.024371016770601273, -0.0075984555296599865, 0.021338628605008125, -0.037767816334962845, -0.015114851295948029, -0.03971708193421364, -0.07259520888328552, -0.04016972333192825, -0.013019740581512451, -0.001617506379261613, -0.005227385088801384, -0.016512783244252205, -0.0019114477327093482, 0.0477849580347538, 0.031664732843637466, 0.02106730081140995, -0.035637833178043365, -0.038177214562892914, 0.007648955564945936, 0.0287599079310894, -0.032399971038103104, -0.0069325887598097324, -0.05047765001654625, -0.0443449504673481, -0.054982416331768036, 0.0022060456685721874, -0.004592906683683395, -0.02259036712348461, 0.01740081235766411, 0.003564051818102598, -0.08375120908021927, 0.020223425701260567, 0.02927558124065399, 0.03535251319408417, 0.0227801650762558, 0.0004770761006511748, -0.008406964130699635, -0.024834787473082542, -0.005522388964891434, 0.020880162715911865, -0.05939146876335144, 0.0903746634721756, 0.02010369300842285, 0.047363851219415665, 0.020443858578801155, -0.049784112721681595, -0.0489560030400753, -0.00011561463179532439, 0.009549004025757313, 0.05121606960892677, -0.03739079460501671, 0.00686850119382143, -0.055595651268959045, -0.056498315185308456, -0.015782127156853676, -0.010300679132342339, -0.040880631655454636, -0.011076041497290134, 0.00830746814608574, -0.02274196967482567, 0.05011233687400818, -0.0124226538464427, -0.002114244969561696, 0.062663733959198, -0.034402575343847275, -0.004424487240612507, -0.041105203330516815, 0.005024659913033247, 0.020920343697071075, -0.05280797556042671, -0.04638712480664253, -0.04657888785004616, -0.05664607509970665, -0.03687996417284012, 0.0826096460223198, 0.027077844366431236, 0.01285746693611145, -0.007541338913142681, -0.005932205822318792, 0.0019667951855808496, 0.03479387238621712, 0.018295958638191223, -0.02452128939330578, -0.018224744126200676, 0.06030154228210449, -0.00691107427701354, 0.005428428761661053, -0.006348543334752321, -0.041926898062229156, 0.062437135726213455, -0.03602336347103119, -0.006625932641327381, 0.006192034110426903, 0.009244810789823532, 0.04024568572640419, -0.0072678690776228905, 0.04008952155709267, -0.0026503349654376507, -0.021759141236543655, 0.017518561333417892, 0.043641604483127594, 0.0515252947807312, -0.004276046995073557, 0.027454372495412827, -0.03520699217915535, -0.013931376859545708, -0.08653279393911362, 0.0224425308406353, -0.013558602891862392, 0.03265060856938362, 0.04919738322496414, 0.04690324887633324, -0.011014683172106743, 0.022969355806708336, -0.06001550704240799, -0.032086558640003204, 0.00020306826627347618, -0.0230144914239645, -0.04732305184006691, 0.03268605098128319, -0.023245859891176224, 0.04033219441771507, 0.02413022145628929, -0.10536780208349228, -0.023335503414273262, 0.0013630498433485627, 0.014154534786939621, 0.0036249407567083836, 0.051691554486751556, -0.04394979774951935, -0.009790721349418163, 0.03274672478437424, 0.06053140386939049, 0.0019954657182097435, 0.005836529657244682, -0.062335580587387085, -0.004130103625357151, 0.034596044570207596, -0.033193133771419525, -0.05343743413686752, -0.008440395817160606, -0.052904460579156876, -0.04866567626595497, 0.0006125845829956234, -0.013112364336848259, -0.02514444664120674, -0.05361300706863403, 0.06895621120929718, -0.002673987066373229, -0.04941977187991142, -0.0063318368047475815, -0.007599341683089733, -0.01161167211830616, -0.025075647979974747, -0.04691104218363762, 0.038233283907175064, 0.012515847571194172, 0.06435606628656387, -0.016202090308070183, 0.07162149250507355, 0.05985339730978012, -0.022431056946516037, 0.020122744143009186, 0.020021861419081688, 0.08091587573289871, 0.025576386600732803, 0.007821332663297653, -0.024384673684835434, 0.07868266850709915, -0.011617569252848625, -0.020099647343158722, 0.012209969572722912, -0.04431423917412758, -0.01609477773308754, 0.011579621583223343, 0.03540509566664696, 0.041309844702482224, -0.036792632192373276, 0.062328923493623734, 0.004872804973274469, -0.040509048849344254, 0.029295578598976135, -0.014582442119717598, 0.05229828879237175, 0.00441509997472167, 0.03778227046132088, 0.0003896583802998066, 0.022928686812520027, -0.014126340858638287, 0.004281235858798027, 0.025920439511537552, -0.034468330442905426, -0.00850114319473505, -0.05014677345752716, 0.02740595117211342, -0.018118543550372124, -0.03560103476047516, 0.06467350572347641, -0.040417447686195374, 0.013628769665956497, 0.009665979072451591, 0.017272816970944405, 0.001627496792934835, -0.02467619627714157, 0.0013135081389918923, 0.023631196469068527, -0.02294398471713066, -0.030590754002332687, 0.01591707020998001, 0.06321674585342407, -0.005698192864656448, 0.04928107559680939, -0.003350840648636222, 0.007812478579580784, 0.041372571140527725, -0.03387821465730667, -0.08235061913728714, -0.023277197033166885, -0.06419742852449417, -0.014269154518842697, -0.033602844923734665, 0.026350686326622963, 0.01389791164547205, -0.020155807957053185, -0.043852582573890686, -0.017232105135917664, 0.0059889014810323715, -0.03850361704826355, 0.0335923433303833, -0.03677167370915413, 0.028154995292425156, 0.060025062412023544, 0.01240333542227745, 0.0067057861015200615, 0.03370565548539162, 0.07870951294898987, -0.010900747030973434, -0.019377293065190315, -0.029969030991196632, -0.042086824774742126, 0.06000136211514473, -0.000845711852889508, 0.010366097092628479, -0.04457110911607742, 0.022468136623501778, -0.01591292954981327, -0.0026208877097815275, -0.06996501982212067, 0.05178671330213547, -0.013086037710309029, 0.01138716284185648, 0.08838331699371338, 0.01455814391374588, 0.014158784411847591, -0.023228172212839127, -0.0057622287422418594, 0.0025870446115732193, -0.001665609423071146, 0.06615744531154633, -0.03887408226728439, 0.038719192147254944, 0.04363594204187393, -0.005165732465684414, -0.005275104194879532, 0.048580706119537354, -0.011330337263643742, -0.026632754132151604, -0.02776128053665161, -0.010106343775987625, -0.021560771390795708, -0.062140483409166336, -0.06020050868391991, -0.011458097957074642, -0.01972566358745098, -0.04752929136157036, 0.04757281765341759, 0.006070824805647135, 0.01416151225566864, -0.04127492010593414, 0.020504601299762726, 0.027175793424248695, -0.019809028133749962, -0.029761286452412605, -0.025859558954834938, -0.026322785764932632, 0.035248011350631714, -0.015077652409672737, 0.05775650963187218, -0.023564020171761513, 0.02480689063668251, -0.010947463102638721, 0.013328165747225285, 0.012356205843389034, -0.03269891068339348, 0.013079732656478882 ]
OPINION RANSOM, Justice. Plaintiffs Hersel and Irene Welty (Welty) appeal from a summary judgment which quieted title to two real properties in Western Bank of Las Cruces (Western Bank), a successor trustee to the Mims Trust which originally sold the properties. The judgment denied Welty a claim for damages for slander of title on the original complaint. Welty filed this appeal. We affirm. Welty was the purchaser/assignee under two real estate contracts requiring annual payments of $395 due each March 5th and $430 due each October 1st. The contracts were for lots five and six, and for lots eight and nine, respectively. The record is unclear as to when Welty made the last payment on the contract for lots eight and nine. However, a predecessor trustee, Western Bank of Truth or Consequences, notified Welty on April 18, 1978, that the contract for lots eight and nine was in default. A payment was made on May 16, 1978. This Court, therefore, infers that Welty made the October 1977 payment on May 16, 1978. From and after October 1978, Welty was in default on the contract for lots eight and nine. Welty defaulted on the other contract when he failed to make the March 5, 1978 payment of $395. Each contract permits the seller, at his option, to either terminate the contract or accelerate the payments upon default and written demand for payment. After Western Bank became trustee, it notified Welty of the default on August 2, 1983. Both real estate contracts were terminated on March 27, 1984, when the special warranty deeds were removed from escrow and recorded. In May of 1985, Welty filed a petition for damages for slander of title against Western Bank. Western Bank denied Welty’s claim and counterclaimed to quiet title to the two real properties in the name of Western Bank as trustee for the Mims Trust. On June 18, 1986, Western Bank filed its motion for summary judgment, supporting it with the affidavit of the bank’s trust officer and relevant documents attached to the pleadings. The motion was opposed by the affidavit of Mr. Welty. After a hearing, the district court granted the motion, quieting title to the properties in Western Bank and denying Welty’s original claim for damages. The district court found that Welty defaulted on the two real estate contracts which were assets of the Mims Trust and that Western Bank, as trustee, timely terminated Welty’s interest under the contracts when it took delivery of the special warranty deeds from the escrow agent in March 1984. In the exercise of its equitable powers, the district court granted Welty an option to recover the properties by paying the total sums outstanding under the two real estate contracts. The court so held because the bank delayed in enforcing its rights. If payment were timely made, the default would be cured and title would be transferred to Welty free and clear of any claims by the bank; however, if Welty declined to pay by December 16, 1986, Western Bank would be the owner of the properties in fee simple. Welty did not cure the default, but instead filed its notice of appeal. Western Bank requests this Court to dismiss the appeal due to Welty’s failure to follow several rules of appellate procedure. While we consider Welty’s failures in this regard to be significant and worthy of censure, we dispose of this appeal on the merits. See Trujillo v. Tanuz, 85 N.M. 35, 38, 508 P.2d 1332, 1335 (Ct.App.1973). Welty maintains that Western Bank was barred from terminating the contracts by reason of the six-year statute of limitations on written contracts. NMSA 1978, § 37-1-3(A) (Orig.Pamp. and Cum.Supp.1986). Welty argues that the contract on lots five and six was only current to April 7, 1977, and that Western Bank's August 1983 notification was untimely since the bank’s action occurred more than six years after Welty's last payment in 1977. It is further argued that since the special warranty deeds were incidental to the debt and could not exist independently, the deeds should be extinguished, just as the Court did in Griffith v. Humble, 46 N.M. 113, 122 P.2d 134 (1942), where the issue was whether an existing mortgage should be extinguished when the debt was barred by the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations did not bar Western Bank’s action to terminate the real estate contracts. The statute of limitations on written contracts is six years. NMSA 1978, § 37-l-3(A). In a breach of contract action, the statute of limitations begins to run from the time of the breach. Smith v. Galio, 95 N.M. 4, 6, 617 P.2d 1325, 1327 (Ct.App.1980); see generally 54 C.J.S. Limitations of Actions § 125 (1948). With regard to the real estate contract for lots five and six, Welty is incorrect in claiming that the default occurred on April 7,1977. The collection slip shows only that the 1977 payment brought the interest on the contract current to April 7, 1977. As stated earlier, the first default occurred when Welty failed to make the March 5, 1978 payment of $395. Each contract provided that, should Welty continue in default for thirty days after written demand for payment, the seller could terminate the contract. We see the issue as whether the statute of limitations was tolled when the default notice was given in August of 1983, or whether it continued to run its full six years ending March 5, 1984, twenty-two days before Western Bank took delivery of the special warranty deeds. We hold that, where no action on the contracts was possible until thirty days after a notice of default, the statute of limitations was suspended for thirty days following the notice. See Niemczyk v. Pawlak, 98 Misc.2d 532, 414 N.Y.S.2d 285 (1979) (where a statutory prohibition against commencing suit within thirty days of demand was held to effect a tolling of the statute of limitations for thirty days following demand). The six-year limitation would have run on April 4, 1984, eight days after the contracts were terminated. Further, under contract obligations payable by installments, the statute would have begun to run only with respect to each installment when due. The statute would have begun to run with respect to the whole indebtedness only from the date of an exercise of the option to declare the whole indebtedness due. See 51 Am. Jur.2d, Limitations of Actions § 133, n. 11 (1980). Had Western Bank elected to bring suit in order to accelerate payments rather than having terminated the contracts on March 27,1984, the statute would have run only on the installment due March 5, 1978. There was no impediment, however, to the election to terminate the contracts after the unpaid installments remained due for more than thirty days following demand. Based upon the foregoing discussion, the judgment of the district court is affirmed. IT IS SO ORDERED. SCARBOROUGH, C.J., and WALTERS, J., concur. . On August 2, 1983 when Western Bank again notified Welty of this default, the letter stated that the "payment record at Western Bank, truth or consequences, ... shows ... [the] last ... payment [was made] ... on May 16, 1978.” The determination of this date is unclear since the record did not contain a copy of the payment record. However, the trial court based its judgment upon this date, and, without the proper challenge, we are bound by the findings of the trial court. See SCRA 1986, 12-213(A)(3).
[ -0.028169119730591774, -0.05119503289461136, -0.027961138635873795, 0.0005678007728420198, 0.0392344705760479, 0.009047547355294228, 0.028380846604704857, 0.01293216459453106, 0.02935066446661949, -0.01842719130218029, 0.011937977746129036, 0.06506630033254623, -0.028733715415000916, 0.048803988844156265, -0.03394599258899689, 0.05272847041487694, 0.06893718242645264, 0.0072147599421441555, 0.005299609620124102, -0.030100679025053978, 0.020567283034324646, 0.016322238370776176, 0.006406161468476057, 0.02541239559650421, -0.02164101041853428, 0.02581745572388172, -0.023561842739582062, -0.031117582693696022, -0.0759095773100853, 0.00522584980353713, 0.05796460434794426, -0.008413615636527538, -0.02432207763195038, 0.021935274824500084, -0.032861120998859406, 0.016262901946902275, -0.009301818907260895, -0.019479388371109962, -0.03027261421084404, 0.030789213255047798, -0.03706003352999687, 0.011162922717630863, -0.04286889359354973, 0.02792189083993435, -0.029216544702649117, -0.003129874588921666, -0.04728357866406441, 0.02131832018494606, -0.04719220846891403, -0.02342269755899906, -0.04649118334054947, 0.01736081764101982, 0.0019146110862493515, 0.004855637438595295, 0.007173488847911358, 0.01659904234111309, -0.05864414945244789, -0.08767245709896088, 0.02964615449309349, -0.036040034145116806, 0.01622430421411991, -0.04118157923221588, 0.08999384939670563, 0.03407471254467964, 0.006085005588829517, 0.010888634249567986, 0.005091429688036442, 0.009520414285361767, -0.03832031413912773, -0.017973173409700394, -0.029811227694153786, 0.03210251405835152, 0.012265675701200962, -0.037777189165353775, -0.011667582206428051, -0.03379949927330017, 0.02841588668525219, 0.02138824202120304, 0.011751932092010975, 0.04726363345980644, 0.007592367008328438, 0.011832590214908123, -0.0002072478091577068, 0.06199675053358078, -0.020054452121257782, -0.08536630868911743, -0.043918248265981674, 0.027632756158709526, -0.03562533110380173, 0.036699362099170685, 0.030462246388196945, -0.04560708627104759, 0.02963843196630478, 0.055457938462495804, 0.017423326149582863, 0.004002213478088379, 0.06155890226364136, 0.00518858851864934, 0.026517169550061226, 0.004887483548372984, -0.059746261686086655, -0.03192344307899475, 0.004731588531285524, 0.0739946961402893, -0.04498566314578056, -0.012304130010306835, -0.013339545577764511, 0.018596315756440163, 0.019029492512345314, -0.03926277905702591, -0.0073889088816940784, 0.012440923601388931, -0.012869692407548428, -0.016229618340730667, -0.052084196358919144, 0.009115776047110558, 0.05036592856049538, -0.03909498453140259, -0.048236947506666183, -0.00642887270078063, 0.026679566130042076, 0.015938756987452507, -0.013286137953400612, 0.058282166719436646, 0.045925360172986984, 0.0014564822195097804, 0.00978851318359375, 0.04962940141558647, -0.009567893110215664, -0.060642726719379425, 0.004248966462910175, 0.04060308635234833, -0.007278039585798979, 0.0017507619922980666, -0.04670917987823486, 0.014294183813035488, 0.01219569519162178, -0.03140728920698166, 0.06490936875343323, -0.03816085681319237, -0.006059799809008837, -0.00495663657784462, 0.0038117035292088985, 0.03188365697860718, 0.06246708333492279, -0.004388655070215464, 0.01907159388065338, 0.008976229466497898, -0.03243107348680496, -0.007185773458331823, -0.003612672910094261, 0.007261789403855801, 0.018580760806798935, -0.011808906681835651, 0.003860567696392536, 0.0502767451107502, 0.03642623871564865, 0.01297649834305048, -0.014741746708750725, 0.048646897077560425, 0.03547799214720726, 0.017372798174619675, 0.0678524598479271, 0.027954988181591034, 0.016668131574988365, 0.04021703079342842, 0.001836830168031156, 0.0024881702847778797, -0.05510128289461136, 0.017260681837797165, -0.04836928844451904, 0.005811208393424749, 0.04167056456208229, -0.03273623809218407, -0.02346532791852951, -0.032644301652908325, 0.04799313098192215, -0.013593921437859535, 0.01944870501756668, -0.002525636926293373, -0.0696553885936737, 0.016225390136241913, 0.012216152623295784, 0.003900934709236026, 0.021751422435045242, -0.022846633568406105, 0.012249931693077087, -0.010675675235688686, 0.06536657363176346, -0.03759656846523285, -0.06051740050315857, -0.020694071426987648, 0.0007641981355845928, -0.019914012402296066, 0.05511902645230293, -0.009810925461351871, -0.01116224005818367, -0.0034217287320643663, 0.010479943826794624, 0.041705142706632614, -0.007798347622156143, -0.02118801511824131, 0.020373454317450523, -0.036410413682460785, -0.04535656049847603, 0.007002702448517084, 0.049869611859321594, 0.0006140339537523687, 0.02197175845503807, 0.04314161464571953, -0.009344798512756824, 0.009287283755838871, 0.044513143599033356, 0.011955894529819489, 0.025796204805374146, -0.006016607396304607, 0.0393989235162735, -0.03725426271557808, 0.06161895766854286, -0.05545196682214737, 0.06426510959863663, -0.0026547356974333525, 0.0025485081132501364, 0.01186390407383442, -0.0688280239701271, 0.055966272950172424, 0.04067892208695412, -0.031947966665029526, -0.02424159273505211, 0.005773718934506178, -0.023369016125798225, -0.013713718391954899, 0.0035628501791507006, -0.009974105283617973, 0.06438782066106796, 0.008595691062510014, -0.039583660662174225, -0.03603990748524666, 0.04739042744040489, -0.054486583918333054, 0.0005033190827816725, 0.04540879279375076, 0.001464961445890367, 0.0647197887301445, 0.002590082585811615, 0.009179743938148022, -0.006193456239998341, -0.004596582613885403, -0.0098827313631773, -0.02870347537100315, 0.00906459428369999, 0.016207221895456314, -0.0011076194932684302, -0.04263206571340561, -0.007963284850120544, -0.05059231072664261, -0.03202197328209877, 0.01961311511695385, 0.04563949257135391, 0.028245946392416954, 0.013314150273799896, 0.050972435623407364, 0.0068743182346224785, 0.004127763211727142, -0.04512308910489082, -0.027140848338603973, -0.01583719626069069, 0.014415262266993523, 0.010510917752981186, -0.019022202119231224, 0.06463918834924698, 0.0005790631985291839, 0.008411979302763939, -0.023620981723070145, 0.0209911298006773, 0.04893225431442261, 0.04811001569032669, -0.0013413217384368181, -0.03548889234662056, -0.011859632097184658, -0.007962881587445736, 0.032745782285928726, -0.03582824394106865, -0.06492836028337479, -0.0045477100647985935, -0.05587611347436905, 0.01692478358745575, -0.015604084357619286, -0.04417787492275238, 0.017945140600204468, -0.0017417797353118658, 0.019164420664310455, 0.00840981025248766, 0.04162993282079697, 0.03335966914892197, 0.05685167759656906, 0.017978087067604065, 0.05080370977520943, 0.013079346157610416, -0.0036860040854662657, -0.025509456172585487, -0.02354740910232067, 0.02653038315474987, 0.012179296463727951, 0.04820336401462555, 0.01353849470615387, -0.03482444956898689, 0.01626138761639595, -0.2659685015678406, 0.011044745333492756, -0.01237607840448618, -0.03873404115438461, 0.03833816945552826, -0.04214964061975479, 0.04062669351696968, -0.004903689958155155, -0.005507250782102346, 0.032611533999443054, -0.007862670347094536, -0.026239007711410522, 0.03680650144815445, 0.032380908727645874, 0.03430002182722092, -0.04471858590841293, -0.005444124341011047, -0.021337948739528656, -0.03871876001358032, 0.00262063043192029, 0.011974653229117393, -0.06358729302883148, -0.03837279602885246, 0.017351822927594185, 0.026451289653778076, 0.097309410572052, -0.04762832447886467, -0.022052686661481857, -0.04234831780195236, -0.04655665159225464, -0.00881187804043293, -0.006511039566248655, 0.019192008301615715, 0.005262929480522871, -0.0029024856630712748, 0.01179974339902401, 0.025366760790348053, -0.022084811702370644, -0.04809831455349922, -0.0002045559522230178, 0.04584026336669922, -0.0217924602329731, -0.04332670941948891, 0.01939638890326023, 0.0495409294962883, -0.02388717047870159, -0.030112458392977715, -0.028265202417969704, 0.015822146087884903, 0.07284390926361084, -0.03671446070075035, 0.027188148349523544, -0.027074366807937622, 0.0054671079851686954, -0.04889979958534241, -0.019489694386720657, -0.08425930142402649, -0.007892759516835213, -0.041741274297237396, 0.0573759526014328, 0.0030960894655436277, -0.01623682677745819, -0.01990073174238205, -0.0027758004143834114, -0.022833453491330147, -0.05911003425717354, -0.06361653655767441, -0.029046680778265, 0.061616696417331696, 0.008837536908686161, 0.03807685151696205, 0.03621631860733032, -0.07094606757164001, -0.10733862221240997, 0.013888528570532799, -0.01309502124786377, 0.0038409007247537374, -0.055684179067611694, -0.010982869192957878, -0.02895214967429638, 0.007338379509747028, -0.01991172321140766, 0.012320582754909992, 0.030466916039586067, -0.005968684330582619, -0.011395160108804703, -0.024787886068224907, 0.00736554991453886, -0.07127118110656738, 0.006554306019097567, 0.007586788386106491, 0.07103021442890167, -0.02931247092783451, 0.015670593827962875, 0.04160008206963539, 0.022715875878930092, -0.00017736412701196969, -0.044609349220991135, 0.02022497169673443, 0.0319179929792881, 0.045831479132175446, -0.08012726902961731, 0.021386783570051193, -0.042843159288167953, -0.014925519935786724, -0.025767475366592407, -0.020337676629424095, 0.024521879851818085, 0.07907027006149292, 0.016247788444161415, 0.03216458112001419, -0.01707136072218418, 0.047508276998996735, -0.0727202370762825, -0.007572663947939873, -0.050994016230106354, 0.029110148549079895, -0.0037685141433030367, 0.009701229631900787, -0.038045208901166916, 0.02388189174234867, 0.040676090866327286, -0.05054057016968727, -0.021086763590574265, -0.06546957790851593, 0.018776342272758484, 0.030496735125780106, -0.009386913850903511, -0.05949427932500839, 0.01600344479084015, -0.027406785637140274, -0.05331316590309143, -0.01707015000283718, 0.017916364595294, 0.02275807410478592, -0.017729377374053, -0.023966962471604347, -0.05245286598801613, 0.01630178466439247, -0.0032732661347836256, 0.010871127247810364, -0.05035405233502388, 0.029903309419751167, 0.038486115634441376, 0.06009695678949356, -0.008720992133021355, -0.004626809153705835, -0.06097672879695892, -0.0306157898157835, 0.011288478970527649, -0.005063843447715044, -0.05327678844332695, 0.01881798356771469, -0.02993878349661827, -0.020213909447193146, -0.03705788031220436, 0.015926120802760124, 0.004183081444352865, -0.022517170757055283, -0.034425362944602966, -0.04365875944495201, 0.04413506016135216, -0.03376970440149307, -0.014563183300197124, -0.013662917539477348, 0.014554210938513279, 0.005061097908765078, 0.031928133219480515, -0.026691658422350883, 0.015738455578684807, -0.01519023161381483, -0.06770727783441544, 0.003653032938018441, -0.015303663909435272, -0.02577420324087143, 0.020362788811326027, -0.02044030651450157, 0.009366532787680626, 0.041651248931884766, 0.060554202646017075, 0.012104189023375511, -0.014345547184348106, -0.01073643658310175, 0.042576584964990616, 0.060969796031713486, -0.011037045158445835, -0.007358016446232796, -0.0314713753759861, -0.051786892116069794, 0.01748727634549141, -0.0048454562202095985, 0.0031799394637346268, -0.034634314477443695, 0.024748845025897026, -0.0627574771642685, -0.04973050579428673, 0.03309588134288788, -0.0037128699477761984, 0.015486449003219604, 0.04846653714776039, -0.004574912134557962, 0.035437922924757004, -0.031191067770123482, -0.03306763619184494, 0.00835358165204525, -0.06276434659957886, 0.030012864619493484, 0.017152398824691772, -0.001790807698853314, 0.025990556925535202, -0.059151120483875275, 0.01732814498245716, 0.008875109255313873, 0.049135755747556686, 0.03167292848229408, -0.04769264534115791, 0.07080322504043579, -0.02606719546020031, -0.02010582759976387, -0.01929358020424843, -0.006617242004722357, -0.028239917010068893, 0.006452779285609722, 0.012286185286939144, -0.05030127614736557, 0.06833696365356445, -0.04098580777645111, -0.010174857452511787, 0.0547863245010376, -0.03208361938595772, 0.0010934193851426244, -0.06445592641830444, 0.007796651683747768, 0.034193214029073715, -0.020152779296040535, -0.01176413893699646, 0.0023752739652991295, -0.025680558755993843, -0.023712582886219025, 0.04290538281202316, 0.025201505050063133, 0.02838989719748497, -0.03198652341961861, -0.02305189147591591, 0.016756128519773483, 0.007569984532892704, 0.05629338324069977, -0.011484081856906414, 0.03058713674545288, 0.05734269320964813, -0.02094191312789917, -0.005708770360797644, -0.03636717051267624, -0.01959325559437275, 0.009183102287352085, -0.04551471024751663, -0.00040652931784279644, -0.050339195877313614, -0.036902572959661484, 0.05990639328956604, -0.012541822157800198, 0.06006818637251854, -0.03796539455652237, 0.001089528319425881, 0.05037033185362816, 0.05754502862691879, 0.04340124875307083, -0.009871681220829487, 0.024761170148849487, -0.056355033069849014, -0.010179190896451473, -0.0755269005894661, -0.018269559368491173, -0.04439312592148781, -0.004856328945606947, 0.025518005713820457, -0.009454506449401379, -0.05615699663758278, 0.02651502750813961, -0.08602211624383926, -0.05783027037978172, -0.014393600635230541, -0.023759450763463974, 0.0042592682875692844, 0.015288831666111946, -0.028373653069138527, 0.0194459930062294, 0.013468536548316479, -0.08052191138267517, -0.047573503106832504, -0.032418765127658844, -0.0021232638973742723, 0.03980711102485657, 0.01801423542201519, -0.02739986777305603, 0.011213610880076885, 0.031576018780469894, 0.05595998838543892, -0.009234371595084667, 0.046408869326114655, -0.05381457135081291, 0.020149869844317436, 0.01230513397604227, -0.00838359072804451, 0.02451750636100769, -0.023323221132159233, -0.04449795186519623, -0.03607082739472389, 0.007668451871722937, 0.0009533839765936136, -0.027162684127688408, -0.06245597451925278, 0.07719361782073975, 0.012297658249735832, -0.02217610739171505, 0.0023902831599116325, -0.014560428448021412, -0.040245454758405685, -0.018695026636123657, -0.04018627479672432, 0.042420078068971634, 0.009796875528991222, 0.06200990080833435, 0.043015167117118835, 0.10079793632030487, 0.03628943860530853, -0.035738229751586914, 0.027035070583224297, 0.011305606923997402, 0.0687660276889801, 0.05096753314137459, 0.015753451734781265, -0.019317060708999634, 0.02637658827006817, -0.0035632187500596046, -0.023311574012041092, -0.01980483904480934, -0.025460829958319664, -0.013008893467485905, 0.008020341396331787, 0.0029643976595252752, -0.001157933846116066, -0.00819743424654007, 0.05293974280357361, -0.008759277872741222, 0.004131001885980368, 0.0760570615530014, -0.0452362522482872, 0.02941773645579815, -0.009695029817521572, 0.013410216197371483, -0.0262648593634367, 0.002348923124372959, -0.0569131039083004, 0.02851756662130356, 0.04626970365643501, -0.06188324838876724, -0.002753679407760501, -0.04250028729438782, 0.01419042982161045, -0.02092730440199375, 0.0091606630012393, 0.0881909504532814, -0.05109935998916626, 0.0016074834857136011, 0.006672694347798824, 0.04488123208284378, 0.02866148203611374, 0.011740734800696373, 0.028445852920413017, -0.00450390949845314, 0.04298139363527298, -0.03893687203526497, 0.04253299906849861, 0.08306809514760971, 0.015290014445781708, 0.04055972397327423, -0.004529514815658331, 0.004994397051632404, 0.047531988471746445, 0.014349942095577717, -0.026129769161343575, -0.04997698590159416, -0.03158117085695267, -0.019910339266061783, -0.07503119111061096, 0.04759853705763817, 0.020605016499757767, -0.005578656680881977, -0.0724094808101654, 0.008271945640444756, 0.0031895837746560574, -0.029371770098805428, 0.06668367236852646, -0.044469889253377914, 0.0007319174474105239, 0.022362545132637024, 0.05333361774682999, -0.014551807194948196, 0.026603687554597855, 0.04495374858379364, -0.01575455255806446, -0.03988991305232048, 0.005819430574774742, -0.015690190717577934, 0.05001325160264969, -0.028575032949447632, 0.004150239285081625, -0.08122986555099487, 0.038323502987623215, 0.04854432865977287, -0.017327474430203438, -0.0693192109465599, 0.03727388754487038, -0.03877577930688858, -0.04676073044538498, 0.038954123854637146, 0.05840884894132614, -0.019609743729233742, 0.014981511980295181, -0.032993435859680176, 0.013458064757287502, 0.005377768073230982, 0.05154417082667351, -0.0030029297340661287, 0.051595352590084076, -0.00024309108266606927, 0.01290503516793251, -0.0013840611791238189, 0.03596161678433418, 0.029256073758006096, -0.017146335914731026, -0.023604510352015495, 0.014244136400520802, 0.014912087470293045, -0.00793946161866188, -0.05363832414150238, 0.0025759991258382797, -0.03231468051671982, -0.06708130985498428, 0.027935342863202095, -0.003008094849064946, -0.02292555198073387, -0.02392646111547947, -0.003397722728550434, 0.03656468912959099, -0.03410913422703743, -0.035950545221567154, -0.032036490738391876, 0.008716334588825703, 0.05376235768198967, 0.03376483917236328, 0.00964563712477684, -0.006793431006371975, -0.008274531923234463, -0.023524098098278046, 0.0086279958486557, 0.004927789326757193, -0.013883844949305058, -0.02030964195728302 ]
OPINION DONNELLY, Chief Judge. Plaintiffs, as personal representatives of Michael C. Smith, Stacy D. Smith, Lisa Smith, Amanda Smith, Jacob Smith, and George Martin, deceased, appeal from the trial court’s award of summary judgment in an action brought under the New Mexico Tort Claims Act. NMSA 1978, §§ 41-4-1 to -27 (Repl.1986). The issues raised on appeal each turn upon the central question of whether the State Park and Recreation Department, through its appropriate officers, was given timely and sufficient actual notice of plaintiffs’ claim for wrongful death under the Tort Claims Act. Reversed and remanded. Suit was filed herein against defendant under the Tort Claims Act, for its alleged negligence resulting in a boating accident on March 18, 1984, and the ensuing deaths of decedents. Plaintiffs brought suit as personal representatives of decedents’ estates. Defendant answered and filed a motion to dismiss, or alternatively seeking summary judgment. In its motion for summary judgment, defendant contended that plaintiffs failed to comply with the notice requirement of the Tort Claims Act under Section 41-4-16. The motion further asserted that any actual notice plaintiffs allegedly provided was insufficient because plaintiffs failed to inform the proper state authorities within the ninety-day period specified by Section 41-4-16(B), that a claim was filed or would be filed against the state. Defendant’s motion for summary judgment was supported by the affidavit of Carlos Martinez, director of the State Department of Parks and Recreation, and an affidavit of Taylor Hendrickson, assistant director of the State Risk Management Division. Both affidavits recited that the records of the two departments indicated that no notice was ever received during the ninety-day period following March 18,1984, notifying the state of any claims against it, or which arose out of the boating accident of March 18, 1984. In opposition to the motion for summary judgment, plaintiffs filed the affidavit of Curtis Smith, a personal representative and plaintiff. The affidavit stated in part: 4. [Within ninety days of decedents’ drownings] I did have several conversations with various individuals within the State Park & Recreation Division, of the State of New Mexico, during which time I informed them that I felt that the lack of improper [sic] supervision and other negligence on the part of the * * * State Park and Recreation Division, was a direct cause of the deaths of these individuals. 5. Among the people [to whom] I expressed my feelings that the State’s improper conduct was a cause of the deaths ... were Otis Chappell, the boating supervisor for the State Park and Recreation Division, Mike Maddox, the Superintendent for the park in question, [and] Paul DeLatorre, the park ranger at Elephant Butte State Park. 6. All of these individuals were informed that I felt that the State was at fault in causing the death [sic] of the above named decedents and that there was a substantial likelihood that legal proceedings would be initiated against the State arising out of said fault in the deaths of these individuals. 7. In addition * * * I also personally spoke with several other officials of the State Park & Recreation Division by telephone, to their offices in Santa Fe, and informed [them] that I felt the State was at fault in causing the deaths of the above named decedents and that legal action based on said fault was entirely possible if not probable. 9. All these individuals were informed that there was a likelihood of future legal action against the State based upon the fault of the State Park & Recreation Division. At the hearing on the motion, plaintiffs relied upon the affidavit of Curtis Smith, and referred to an accident investigation report prepared by the New Mexico State Police after the drownings; plaintiffs’ brief-in-chief also refers to this report. We do not consider the report since it is not a part of the record on appeal, nor was it before the trial court at the time of the hearing on summary judgment. State ex rel. Alfred v. Anderson, 87 N.M. 106, 529 P.2d 1227 (1974). Following the hearing on the motion for summary judgment, the district court granted the motion, finding that “[t]here is no genuine issue as to any material fact, and the defendant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law because the requirements of the ninety (90) day notice provision of the New Mexico Tort Claims Act, § 41-4-16 * * * have not been fulfilled * * PROPRIETY OF SUMMARY JUDGMENT Plaintiffs contend that the trial court erred in granting summary judgment and that it improperly determined that, the statements made by Smith in his affidavit were insufficient to give notice of the occurrence as required by Section 41-4-16(B). In reviewing the award of summary judgment, we address two discrete issues: first, was the type of notice given by plaintiffs sufficient to meet the actual notice requirement of Section 41-4-16(B), and second, were the appropriate state officials given proper notice? Section 41-4-16(B) specifies, in applicable part, that no suit or action for which immu nity has been waived under the Tort Claims Act shall be maintained and the court shall be without jurisdiction to consider any suit against the state or local public body, “[Ujnless notice has been given as required by this section, or unless the governmental entity had actual notice of the occurrence.” Plaintiffs concede that they did not provide written notice of their claims against the state under Section 41-4-16(A). Instead, plaintiffs contend that defendant had actual notice of the decedents’ drownings and that Smith informed defendant that there was a substantial likelihood-that legal proceedings would be initiated against the state as a result of the state’s alleged negligence, resulting in the deaths of the decedents. The purpose of the statutory notice requirement contained in the Tort Claims Act is to ensure that the governmental agency allegedly at fault is given notification that it may be subject to a lawsuit. New Mexico State Highway Comm’n v. Ferguson, 98 N.M. 680, 652 P.2d 230 (1982); see also Martinez v. City of Clovis, 95 N.M. 654, 625 P.2d 583 (Ct.App.1980). Under Section 41-4-16(B), “actual notice” rather than written notice may be given, provided that the particular agency that caused the alleged harm is notified within ninety days after an occurrence giving rise to the claim for which immunity has been waived that “it may be subject to a lawsuit.” City of Las Cruces v. Garcia, 102 N.M. 25, 690 P.2d 1019 (1984); New Mexico State Highway Comm’n v. Ferguson. Contrary to defendant’s contention, the statute does not require that the notice indicate a lawsuit will in fact be filed against the state; the statute contemplates that the state must be given notice of a likelihood that litigation may ensue, in order to reasonably alert it to the necessity of investigating the merits of a potential claim against it. See Martinez v. City of Clovis. Curtis Smith’s affidavit stated that within ninety days of the deaths of decedents, he informed officials of the State Parks and Recreation Commission, and specifically Otis Chappell, the boating supervisor of the State Parks and Recreation Division, Mike Maddox, superintendent of Elephant Butte State Park, and Paul DeLatorre, park ranger at Elephant Butte State Park, both of the fact of the occurrences and that the Parks and Recreation Commission might be subject to a lawsuit arising out of the drownings. In contrast, the affidavits of Carlos Martinez, director of the Parks and Recreation Commission, and Taylor Hendrickson, Assistant Director of the State Risk Management Division, submitted by defendant, stated that they could find no indication that their respective departments ever received timely notice of plaintiffs’ claim. It is a familiar rule that a party against whom summary judgment is asserted should be given the benefit of all reasonable doubts in determining whether a genuine issue exists as to any material factual issue in a case. Skarda v. Skarda, 87 N.M. 497, 536 P.2d 257 (1975); see SCRA 1986, 1-056(C). Pleadings, affidavits, and other documents must be viewed in their most favorable aspect in support of the party resisting summary judgment and his right to trial on the merits. Koenig v. Perez, 104 N.M. 664, 726 P.2d 341 (1986). Summary judgment should not be employed to decide issues of fact, but to determine if one exists. Gonzalez v. Gonzalez, 103 N.M. 157, 703 P.2d 934 (Ct.App.1985); see Shumate v. Hillis, 80 N.M. 308, 454 P.2d 965 (1969). As a general rule, whether or not notice has been given or received is a question of fact to be determined by the trier of fact. Colorado Interstate Gas Co. v. Dufield, 9 Kan.App.2d 428, 681 P.2d 25 (1984). An issue concerning a party’s knowledge involves a factual determination based upon the particular circumstances of the case. SGM Partnership v. Nelson, 5 Haw. App. 526, 705 P.2d 49 (1985). Similarly, in New Pueblo Constructors, Inc. v. State, 144 Ariz. 113, 696 P.2d 203 (1984), the court observed if there is conflicting evidence on the question of whether notice was given, it is a factual issue, but whether written notice is sufficient is a question for the court. The knowledge that a governmental entity must possess in order to satisfy the actual notice requirement is the same as that required to be given in written notice, namely, that it may be subject to a lawsuit. See § 41-4-16; City of Las Cruces v. Garcia; see generally Annotation, Actual Notice as Claim for Injury, 7 A.L.R.4th 1063 (1981). Plaintiffs’ affidavit indicating that actual notice was given to officials of the State Parks and Recreation Department presents a material factual issue precluding the rendition of summary judgment. See Collier v. City of Texas City, 598 S.W.2d 356 (Tex.Civ.App.1980). Defendant argues that even if Smith gave notice, as recited in the affidavit, the appropriate officials of the State Parks and Recreation Department did not receive sufficient notice as required by the Tort Claims Act. Defendants assert that under the Act, the head of the agency or department allegedly at fault, or the Risk Management Division, must be given notice. The agency allegedly at fault, not merely any state governmental entity or employee, must have actual notice before written notice is excused. New Mexico State Highway Comm’n v. Ferguson. In Martinez v. City of Clovis, however, this court held that the notice requirement is satisfied when actual notice of an accident has been given to an agent of the public entity within the ninety-day period. Here, plaintiffs’ affidavit stated that notice was given to both the superintendent of the state park where the drownings occurred and to the boating supervisor at the park. Actual notice to these officials satisfies the notice requirements specified in Section 41-4-16. As observed in Emery v. University of New Mexico Medical Center, 96 N.M. 144, 628 P.2d 1140 (Ct.App.1981), actual notice of the occurrence, which excuses written notice, is similar to the actual notice requirement contained in the Workmen’s Compensation Act (NMSA 1978, Section 52-l-29(B)), and these provisions should be interpreted similarly. Accordingly, where it is shown that a public entity had actual knowledge of the incident upon which plaintiffs’ claim is grounded, written notice is excused. Id. Here, as shown by plaintiffs’ affidavit, the Parks and Recreation Department could have had actual notice of the incident. Plaintiffs’ affidavit was sufficient to raise a factual issue concerning whether actual notice was given to defendant, and the matters recited in the affidavit were sufficient to place the requisite state officers on notice as to the likelihood of a lawsuit being filed and the factual basis for plaintiffs’ claims. The supreme court has indicated that a report must contain information which puts the entity on notice of the tort. City of Las Cruces v. Garcia. Under this standard, we conclude that it was error to dismiss plaintiffs’ complaint by awarding summary judgment. The order of summary judgment is reversed and the cause is remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. The parties shall bear their own costs. IT IS SO ORDERED. ALARID and MINZNER, JJ., concur.
[ -0.01800655387341976, -0.0060435449704527855, -0.00997752696275711, -0.0000771626437199302, 0.04594070464372635, 0.014761929400265217, 0.05254131928086281, 0.03243694826960564, -0.011265241540968418, -0.04626123607158661, 0.03968258202075958, 0.0414053313434124, -0.04205216094851494, 0.03189948573708534, -0.0018522648606449366, 0.07476526498794556, 0.04269701987504959, -0.004843185190111399, 0.006502531468868256, 0.012873692438006401, 0.024067340418696404, -0.05513826385140419, 0.04215320572257042, 0.0607665479183197, 0.0011122185969725251, 0.014949526637792587, 0.024976834654808044, 0.025970878079533577, -0.07826405018568039, 0.006304145324975252, -0.005404309369623661, -0.027160577476024628, -0.021051635965704918, 0.00211018486879766, -0.022871673107147217, -0.010497499257326126, -0.02194812335073948, -0.011889800429344177, -0.0009288618457503617, 0.07391709834337234, -0.026501402258872986, -0.0023153319489210844, -0.06893830001354218, -0.028154995292425156, -0.027046335861086845, 0.040155306458473206, 0.022588709369301796, 0.03135860338807106, 0.006535788532346487, 0.019000621512532234, -0.0775432288646698, 0.022560931742191315, -0.0296409223228693, 0.02963554672896862, -0.005612704902887344, 0.022520290687680244, -0.021072886884212494, -0.06418157368898392, -0.04890180751681328, -0.022675001993775368, -0.0028376735281199217, -0.01537243276834488, 0.09252609312534332, -0.00787048228085041, -0.0074684531427919865, 0.028028327971696854, 0.014043282717466354, 0.04642383009195328, -0.04332859441637993, -0.01540529727935791, -0.009223864413797855, 0.007748815696686506, 0.010864656418561935, -0.018321411684155464, 0.0026119928807020187, -0.0393199697136879, 0.035258304327726364, 0.033337902277708054, 0.015155551955103874, 0.029984664171934128, 0.02298528514802456, -0.009910632856190205, 0.027283838018774986, 0.05911684036254883, -0.025267574936151505, -0.04367690533399582, -0.0019591154996305704, -0.031007856130599976, -0.04166492819786072, 0.035691335797309875, -0.0049896701239049435, -0.05310894548892975, 0.009730386547744274, 0.04144291579723358, -0.006020575296133757, -0.019606728106737137, 0.08680020272731781, -0.013142891228199005, 0.00841930229216814, -0.01682892069220543, -0.0091253612190485, -0.046653538942337036, -0.018903834745287895, 0.09819293767213821, -0.0808829665184021, -0.042786139994859695, 0.0007626766455359757, 0.03782527148723602, 0.013017978519201279, 0.026265904307365417, -0.011131677776575089, 0.0470452718436718, -0.020786181092262268, -0.01870616339147091, -0.0698782280087471, 0.05880787596106529, 0.003886820748448372, -0.04903806373476982, -0.024047397077083588, -0.010118563659489155, 0.042941633611917496, -0.015946701169013977, 0.024251051247119904, 0.06143982335925102, 0.01214542519301176, 0.030514417216181755, 0.01782277040183544, 0.03001474402844906, -0.0010663868160918355, -0.05874526500701904, 0.0009300153469666839, 0.017437376081943512, -0.0015190609265118837, 0.02098316140472889, 0.012736518867313862, -0.026862338185310364, -0.011339607648551464, -0.03265530988574028, 0.021541865542531013, -0.010639539919793606, -0.004558268468827009, -0.030358456075191498, -0.019512206315994263, 0.015297499485313892, 0.07858703285455704, -0.017998870462179184, 0.018654750660061836, -0.038191258907318115, -0.04885419085621834, -0.006791028659790754, 0.037228330969810486, 0.01729007065296173, 0.008995337411761284, -0.03526885807514191, -0.014814977534115314, 0.052285656332969666, 0.08416110277175903, -0.0003232643648516387, 0.006724816281348467, 0.04748953506350517, 0.03836909681558609, 0.0316612683236599, -0.003495684824883938, -0.006368767004460096, -0.004165389575064182, 0.01648782566189766, -0.020956754684448242, -0.019626149907708168, -0.0031724940054118633, 0.0215073823928833, -0.040019698441028595, -0.015453833155333996, 0.03672046214342117, -0.06433507055044174, -0.014407089911401272, -0.0038115738425403833, 0.027818042784929276, 0.013807651586830616, 0.011654405854642391, -0.0017354782903566957, -0.06087936460971832, 0.030746979638934135, -0.02481227181851864, -0.007523644715547562, -0.029534123837947845, -0.05166463553905487, 0.06899213790893555, -0.03657189756631851, 0.02179623953998089, -0.02961447834968567, -0.08057858049869537, -0.023530807346105576, 0.014232326298952103, -0.03647782281041145, 0.04993678256869316, 0.03910801187157631, -0.012092087417840958, 0.020202988758683205, 0.01642617955803871, 0.03880481794476509, 0.012376329861581326, 0.033290937542915344, 0.05248089134693146, -0.05473131686449051, -0.06942147761583328, 0.059011805802583694, 0.044723786413669586, -0.043148357421159744, 0.01057513989508152, 0.026063095778226852, -0.02010272815823555, -0.012415329925715923, 0.03687923774123192, 0.004918546881526709, 0.024422192946076393, -0.022755134850740433, 0.05056554451584816, -0.03435172140598297, 0.03654664009809494, -0.06143110990524292, 0.01857529953122139, 0.030225351452827454, -0.013434631749987602, 0.011947434395551682, -0.03179936110973358, 0.08474134653806686, 0.036330752074718475, -0.039214838296175, -0.009093783795833588, 0.04582875594496727, -0.010125253349542618, 0.01480039767920971, 0.010305028408765793, 0.03218631073832512, 0.033087000250816345, -0.001291307038627565, -0.006692489143460989, -0.020720478147268295, 0.034751150757074356, -0.05317506194114685, 0.01236574538052082, 0.030193373560905457, 0.003789702896028757, 0.07772128283977509, -0.0409005843102932, 0.003368663601577282, -0.02903563901782036, -0.03649815171957016, -0.0569336898624897, -0.030606986954808235, 0.028147965669631958, 0.016806459054350853, 0.017301486805081367, 0.025310419499874115, 0.005460296291857958, -0.03908061608672142, -0.04472041502594948, 0.009042558260262012, 0.03260974586009979, -0.0015011042123660445, 0.013463389128446579, 0.048663388937711716, 0.012711613439023495, 0.009064596146345139, -0.04195142537355423, -0.04328293353319168, -0.01541575975716114, 0.02910279482603073, -0.06047285720705986, 0.03161751478910446, 0.033003173768520355, 0.020142139866948128, -0.014572333544492722, -0.01002572849392891, -0.01247505284845829, 0.05330875143408775, 0.06585634499788284, 0.0012835246743634343, 0.001227083383128047, 0.016573060303926468, -0.03364991396665573, 0.05213208496570587, -0.03425762429833412, -0.057059191167354584, 0.016232166439294815, -0.03274437040090561, 0.0089395921677351, -0.025732675567269325, -0.06359829008579254, 0.06295948475599289, 0.012964524328708649, 0.009281286969780922, 0.04857432842254639, 0.006712551228702068, 0.025797300040721893, 0.0332353413105011, 0.030269065871834755, 0.006014047656208277, 0.028350025415420532, -0.04008165001869202, -0.012709584087133408, 0.0012684791581705213, -0.011264820583164692, 0.0007229577167890966, 0.009934344328939915, 0.051657505333423615, -0.027517346665263176, 0.023135609924793243, -0.268656462430954, -0.00287963286973536, 0.0005740200285799801, -0.033369362354278564, 0.042328428477048874, -0.0022815619595348835, 0.03484376147389412, 0.003867681371048093, -0.020908504724502563, 0.05638838931918144, 0.03660330921411514, -0.01901770383119583, 0.025941073894500732, 0.022718634456396103, 0.008134248666465282, -0.039619650691747665, 0.02131875604391098, -0.01774287223815918, -0.015038090758025646, 0.003259891178458929, 0.06390371173620224, -0.06457903981208801, -0.06481722742319107, 0.018637752160429955, 0.06433910876512527, 0.07722501456737518, -0.051931969821453094, 0.02510005235671997, -0.06644105911254883, -0.012952174991369247, 0.003160775639116764, 0.013673991896212101, -0.026575801894068718, -0.024101201444864273, -0.01587909646332264, -0.0005128813209012151, 0.02424534782767296, -0.028458863496780396, -0.03391081839799881, -0.02359800972044468, -0.03628269582986832, -0.04171154648065567, -0.06736326217651367, 0.0013040879275649786, 0.038860663771629333, -0.006184625439345837, -0.043557677417993546, 0.043083906173706055, -0.0009587990934960544, 0.030565548688173294, -0.012779522687196732, 0.00554433511570096, 0.004129061475396156, 0.04128248244524002, -0.007418110501021147, -0.021132253110408783, -0.0716010332107544, -0.012663745321333408, -0.06021051108837128, 0.04843498766422272, 0.028385886922478676, -0.05665254220366478, -0.04023437947034836, -0.007137557025998831, -0.056668560951948166, -0.05966717377305031, -0.02798384800553322, -0.04107832536101341, 0.09209112077951431, -0.005648220889270306, 0.01770075038075447, 0.027180254459381104, -0.06375224143266678, -0.08545186370611191, -0.0074883415363729, 0.00031710334587842226, -0.010597537271678448, -0.06032248213887215, -0.02720259502530098, 0.0043668258003890514, 0.0040095504373312, -0.022569306194782257, 0.016293130815029144, 0.04546576738357544, 0.013736797496676445, -0.006765767931938171, -0.021930266171693802, 0.04237457737326622, -0.019313305616378784, -0.008729721419513226, 0.024634361267089844, 0.03526820242404938, -0.027516992762684822, 0.006531418301165104, -0.01483625452965498, 0.048459265381097794, -0.007139045279473066, -0.024167712777853012, -0.03041883185505867, 0.0014536121161654592, 0.049905113875865936, -0.051953062415122986, 0.03706135228276253, -0.020550722256302834, -0.022734947502613068, -0.020341506227850914, -0.03247693553566933, 0.0015198022592812777, 0.030915971845388412, -0.0022349117789417505, 0.007296113297343254, -0.03350941091775894, 0.05466526374220848, -0.025281621143221855, -0.030781850218772888, -0.0434451662003994, 0.03235993906855583, 0.01505803968757391, 0.030846113339066505, 0.01609249785542488, -0.0021262478549033403, 0.02780124731361866, -0.0600450225174427, -0.03366909548640251, -0.06274399161338806, -0.0027032732032239437, 0.04208090901374817, -0.0023251010570675135, -0.01673092693090439, 0.028811216354370117, -0.02598300389945507, -0.014706737361848354, 0.000869325886014849, -0.004208759404718876, 0.009213747456669807, -0.005052400287240744, -0.018024424090981483, -0.03230658546090126, 0.022926637902855873, 0.001179301762022078, 0.0456012599170208, -0.035191550850868225, 0.009144391864538193, 0.020741399377584457, 0.030925408005714417, -0.011582281440496445, -0.0008027678704820573, -0.02904745191335678, -0.00934597197920084, 0.0392610989511013, 0.006072183605283499, -0.020496418699622154, 0.007647680584341288, -0.0476088747382164, -0.02743857353925705, -0.037262801080942154, 0.021103153005242348, 0.017356369644403458, -0.013311007060110569, -0.02468915842473507, -0.028078710660338402, -0.05077241361141205, -0.03947160765528679, -0.025247011333703995, -0.02528170496225357, 0.05157994478940964, -0.025626009330153465, 0.005469880066812038, 0.012339998036623001, 0.02120816707611084, -0.016172412782907486, -0.07756514102220535, -0.05396643280982971, 0.012117020785808563, 0.025680724531412125, 0.03757750988006592, -0.03750235587358475, 0.011813215911388397, 0.03416810929775238, 0.024545876309275627, -0.017580077052116394, -0.02601781114935875, -0.0029261631425470114, 0.026303725317120552, 0.0076117441058158875, -0.05322304740548134, -0.017228884622454643, -0.06109977886080742, -0.04467583820223808, -0.020108990371227264, -0.0012876541586592793, -0.037012044340372086, -0.005055821500718594, 0.035130199044942856, -0.05034400150179863, -0.06458637863397598, 0.012512752786278725, -0.01995592750608921, 0.0455155149102211, 0.038784921169281006, -0.002794426865875721, 0.0014909353340044618, -0.047633782029151917, 0.0036887116730213165, -0.009150422178208828, -0.06296657025814056, 0.007324110250920057, 0.016525015234947205, -0.010433143936097622, 0.009931792505085468, -0.07449900358915329, -0.005452640820294619, 0.00010681615094654262, 0.005443630274385214, 0.037099383771419525, -0.06174958869814873, 0.05617287755012512, -0.05787326768040657, -0.01518472284078598, 0.0006044584442861378, 0.020961424335837364, -0.024199670180678368, -0.018119044601917267, -0.025915633887052536, -0.05982423573732376, 0.05347374826669693, 0.0048503633588552475, 0.0035181522835046053, 0.036713857203722, -0.023458128795027733, 0.017237385734915733, -0.04684598743915558, -0.01514972373843193, 0.017307382076978683, -0.010936769656836987, -0.006180973723530769, -0.006788288243114948, -0.034408796578645706, -0.0024607456289231777, 0.04722485691308975, 0.013184607028961182, 0.05721338465809822, -0.005412383005023003, -0.03551054745912552, 0.013518523424863815, 0.0017808072734624147, 0.022572224959731102, 0.00508903618901968, -0.015631631016731262, 0.09689445793628693, -0.00911002792418003, 0.015508302487432957, -0.047688499093055725, -0.012660276144742966, 0.02114603854715824, -0.016867516562342644, -0.01726122573018074, -0.009038900956511497, -0.006516126915812492, 0.031424809247255325, -0.01875697635114193, 0.04978400468826294, -0.013684544712305069, 0.00168224994558841, 0.02960638888180256, 0.039025451987981796, 0.018071947619318962, 0.0020679361186921597, 0.04527522251009941, -0.06267301738262177, -0.030762795358896255, -0.08648064732551575, 0.005240462254732847, 0.003062233328819275, 0.025727692991495132, 0.040540505200624466, 0.016241172328591347, -0.010047451592981815, 0.06781055778265, -0.08499438315629959, -0.028200417757034302, 0.013134605251252651, -0.040265996009111404, -0.01323954202234745, 0.007958791218698025, -0.031557757407426834, 0.032914914190769196, 0.056513722985982895, -0.10015387833118439, -0.03231373429298401, -0.025617187842726707, 0.016985353082418442, 0.025030197575688362, 0.017229698598384857, -0.003625402692705393, -0.04329134523868561, 0.021345768123865128, 0.059276483952999115, -0.01855303719639778, 0.03794242814183235, -0.0562581866979599, 0.040546610951423645, 0.02207808755338192, -0.0057687400840222836, 0.009129113517701626, 0.005444330628961325, -0.02304336614906788, -0.06539000570774078, 0.0028548631817102432, 0.02671017497777939, -0.0202078465372324, -0.06411303579807281, 0.020202241837978363, 0.016964230686426163, -0.04825509339570999, -0.01725335232913494, -0.02793133817613125, -0.012371455319225788, -0.017035674303770065, -0.028967732563614845, 0.0515616312623024, -0.00791570357978344, 0.07618752121925354, 0.04503411799669266, 0.09693008661270142, 0.0264069065451622, -0.049108777195215225, -0.00440722843632102, 0.012401290237903595, 0.10116232931613922, 0.056699372828006744, 0.0000735723806428723, 0.002571355551481247, 0.0362490713596344, -0.015216629020869732, -0.013521958142518997, 0.028440289199352264, -0.03135287016630173, -0.023683587089180946, 0.009041501209139824, 0.0333971343934536, 0.01827690564095974, 0.01623508706688881, 0.043623268604278564, 0.035694755613803864, -0.019855061545968056, 0.08585074543952942, -0.03784329444169998, 0.05008263140916824, -0.01599825918674469, -0.004148523788899183, -0.012666827999055386, 0.006461638025939465, -0.04272424429655075, 0.0036247537937015295, 0.02932187356054783, -0.02797762118279934, -0.01543780043721199, -0.04557442292571068, 0.02970249578356743, -0.011950396001338959, 0.002822019625455141, 0.07186699658632278, -0.014592823572456837, -0.04550481215119362, 0.005721650552004576, -0.015481485053896904, 0.012732422910630703, -0.008171086199581623, 0.035453300923109055, 0.028141332790255547, -0.032875906676054, -0.026312783360481262, 0.005284891929477453, 0.052179981023073196, -0.02817322500050068, 0.0771331936120987, -0.0069348495453596115, -0.025193912908434868, 0.026482783257961273, 0.023071641102433205, -0.018647681921720505, -0.020938483998179436, -0.0661325603723526, -0.005735763348639011, -0.05027977377176285, 0.03316916152834892, 0.05556045100092888, 0.004043540917336941, -0.04262971132993698, -0.0006165985832922161, -0.010043688118457794, -0.005153923761099577, 0.035210322588682175, -0.03838428109884262, 0.014494328759610653, 0.05605661869049072, 0.056230295449495316, 0.01843617670238018, 0.03532734513282776, 0.0400545597076416, 0.012424688786268234, -0.020443905144929886, 0.009746157564222813, -0.02866782620549202, 0.03157461807131767, -0.017511064186692238, 0.03867654502391815, -0.0775630846619606, -0.00208912487141788, 0.015639126300811768, -0.005744578782469034, -0.06850199401378632, 0.027320241555571556, -0.03414970636367798, -0.033910274505615234, 0.06533712893724442, 0.0067684706300497055, -0.02242526412010193, -0.054300256073474884, -0.01622682996094227, 0.017087122425436974, 0.007458276115357876, 0.07359638065099716, -0.040277764201164246, 0.021793803200125694, 0.045017313212156296, -0.0057808090932667255, -0.015781162306666374, 0.06207027658820152, -0.01190471462905407, -0.026014480739831924, 0.001642674091272056, 0.0013077353360131383, -0.004728859290480614, -0.056030482053756714, -0.04185953363776207, 0.04029298573732376, -0.03138571232557297, -0.034730151295661926, 0.007476310711354017, -0.006841341499239206, 0.02064429223537445, -0.016517965123057365, 0.0032990456093102694, 0.02399173192679882, -0.03693608194589615, -0.008395986631512642, -0.048338111490011215, -0.011480692774057388, 0.05219637230038643, 0.00418512849137187, -0.03424428030848503, -0.056926876306533813, 0.01618189550936222, -0.06629600375890732, 0.030061868950724602, 0.013876939192414284, -0.004997696727514267, 0.02893195115029812 ]
OPINION SCARBOROUGH, Chief Justice. The trial court entered a declaratory judgment declaring that appellants were not entitled to assert a hospital lien against damages recovered by appellee in a wrongful death action. We reverse. Appellants operate a public hospital (hospital). The hospital provided necessary services to Barry Hall from July 2, 1984 through July 4, 1984. The reasonable, usual, and necessary charges for the hospital’s services rendered to Barry Hall equal $6,903.82. The services rendered to Barry Hall by the hospital were for injuries he sustained in a vehicle accident not covered by the state workmen’s compensation laws. Barry Hall was declared dead on July 4, 1984 as a result of injuries he sustained in the vehicle accident. On August 21, 1984, appellants filed a notice of hospital lien containing the information required by NMSA 1978, Section 48-8-2. The hospital’s lien was in complete form, properly filed, and properly served on all parties entitled to notice under the Hospital Lien Act, NMSA 1978, Sections 48-8-1 through -7. Appellee is the duly appointed personal representative of the estate of Barry Hall. There are no assets in the estate of Barry Hall. Appellee filed a cause of action entitled Hall v. Slominski, United States District Court, Cause Number 84-1230-M, for the wrongful death of Barry Hall. The hospital’s charges were introduced into evidence as part of the wrongful death damages in Hall v. Slominski. On February 5, 1986, appellee obtained a judgment against Roy and Edwin Slominski in the amount of $80,-000.00 plus $2,176.30 in costs, plus interest according to law, for the wrongful death of Barry Hall. When appellants attempted to assert their lien against the proceeds of the wrongful death action, appellee filed this declaratory judgment action. The issue on appeal is whether the district court erred in ruling that the hospital may not assert a hospital lien under the Hospital Lien Act against damages recovered by appellee under the Wrongful Death Act, NMSA 1978, Sections 41-2-1 through -4 (Repl.Pamp.1986). The district court erred. The legal problem presented by this case arises from a conflict between Section 48-8-l(A) of the Hospital Lien Act and Section 41-2-3 of the Wrongful Death Act. NMSA 1978, Section 41-2-3 (Repl.Pamp.1986) provides in part: “The proceeds of any judgment obtained in [a wrongful death action] shall not be liable for any debt of the deceased * * NMSA 1978, Section 48-8-l(A) provides: Every hospital located within the state that furnishes emergency, medical or other service to any patient injured by reason of an accident not covered by the state workmen’s compensation laws is entitled to assert a lien upon that part of the judgment, settlement or compromise going, or belonging to such patient * * * based upon injuries suffered by the patient or a claim maintained by the heirs or personal representatives of the injured party in the case of the patient’s death. (Emphasis added.) The conflict between Sections 41-2-3 and 48-8-l(A) is apparent and irreconcilable. On the one hand, the Hospital Lien Act provides that a hospital may assert a lien against a judgment obtained by the decedent’s personal representative in order to satisfy a debt of the decedent; on the other hand, the Wrongful Death Act prohibits using the proceeds of a wrongful death action to satisfy the decedent’s creditors. We recognize that repeal by implication is disfavored. See Clothier v. Lopez, 103 N.M. 593, 711 P.2d 870 (1985). Nevertheless, when two statutes are inconsistent, the latter enactment repeals the former by implication to the extent of the inconsistency. Id. The Wrongful Death Act was enacted in 1882. The Hospital Lien Act was enacted in 1961. The relevant provisions of the two acts have not been amended. Therefore, in view of the inconsistency between Section 41-2-3 and Section 48-8-l(A), the relevant provision of Section 41-2-3 of the Wrongful Death Act is implicitly repealed to the extent it would prevent a hospital from asserting a lien against the proceeds of a wrongful death action. Moreover, “[c]onflicts between general and specific statutes are resolved by giving effect to the specific statute.” Lopez v. Barreras, 77 N.M. 52, 54, 419 P.2d 251, 253 (1966). The specific statute, in effect, qualifies the general statute. Id. The Hospital Lien Act specifically allows satisfaction of the decedent’s hospital debt out of proceeds of an action brought by the decedent’s personal representative. This specific provision qualifies the general prohibition in the Wrongful Death Act against using proceeds from a wrongful death action to satisfy the debts of the deceased. We note the unique nature of a wrongful death action in New Mexico. In New Mexico, not only may a plaintiff recover the value of the life of the decedent, but the plaintiff may also prove up medical and hospital expenses which were incurred by the decedent before death. See Stang v. Hertz Corp., 81 N.M. 348, 467 P.2d 14 (1970). In fact, the hospital’s charges were introduced into evidence as part of the wrongful death damages. Under these circumstances, we find further support for our conclusion that the hospital is entitled to assert a lien against the proceeds of the wrongful death action. The hospital may assert a lien under the Hospital Lien Act against the damages recovered in the wrongful death action. Therefore, the judgment of the district court is reversed. IT IS SO ORDERED. WALTERS and RANSOM, JJ., concur.
[ -0.044361043721437454, -0.023513900116086006, -0.019829832017421722, -0.006513134576380253, 0.04204675555229187, 0.0017925855936482549, 0.0686895027756691, 0.03887205943465233, -0.030909327790141106, -0.04736790060997009, 0.006363544147461653, 0.04232153296470642, -0.05931806191802025, 0.04484396427869797, -0.005065605975687504, 0.04836924374103546, 0.07459061592817307, 0.014979146420955658, 0.0342659167945385, 0.017356790602207184, 0.004638186655938625, -0.01003596093505621, 0.024091390892863274, 0.038552530109882355, 0.02964935451745987, 0.031537264585494995, -0.0037387777119874954, 0.015803921967744827, -0.09860175848007202, -0.008621692657470703, 0.05273092910647392, -0.04712073132395744, -0.012913856655359268, 0.009252026677131653, -0.047881755977869034, 0.01142971497029066, -0.033796291798353195, -0.0019842281471937895, -0.03561963140964508, -0.006688885390758514, -0.065627321600914, 0.011050784029066563, -0.0676044300198555, -0.00817665085196495, -0.00993850827217102, -0.013697236776351929, 0.020265493541955948, 0.026185205206274986, -0.04442458599805832, -0.03678569942712784, -0.07751986384391785, -0.017187174409627914, -0.041946426033973694, 0.05041204020380974, -0.0322236493229866, 0.043047402054071426, -0.025365496054291725, -0.05068152770400047, 0.003313028020784259, -0.041691169142723083, 0.01693146489560604, -0.004601931665092707, 0.06281280517578125, -0.014144598506391048, 0.001028889324516058, 0.009675555862486362, 0.022376468405127525, 0.0612870454788208, -0.051705680787563324, 0.0015822259010747075, -0.049789924174547195, 0.034095436334609985, 0.01263986062258482, -0.010805406607687473, -0.0065498207695782185, -0.0707477405667305, 0.015157947316765785, -0.006706998683512211, 0.0009130873950198293, 0.019711000844836235, 0.034029655158519745, 0.004672863986343145, 0.044846776872873306, 0.04388369247317314, 0.02073472924530506, -0.03246431052684784, -0.06727005541324615, 0.015200193971395493, -0.022448310628533363, 0.04226751625537872, -0.03498532623052597, -0.02041342295706272, 0.009238658472895622, 0.0692715123295784, -0.005856744013726711, -0.007772187236696482, 0.06396742910146713, -0.014520970173180103, 0.021340373903512955, 0.011862150393426418, -0.025491172447800636, -0.02195087820291519, -0.02313479222357273, 0.05763547867536545, -0.07015590369701385, 0.00706244632601738, 0.00862062070518732, 0.03242773190140724, 0.020492209121584892, 0.021988140419125557, -0.040304917842149734, 0.015604382380843163, -0.005537146236747503, -0.0070630391128361225, -0.05380590632557869, 0.06154777854681015, 0.014374792575836182, -0.03431018069386482, 0.016963955014944077, -0.005106349941343069, 0.014182721264660358, -0.015312905423343182, 0.014268472790718079, 0.045895494520664215, -0.010753734037280083, -0.005021245218813419, -0.0013817294966429472, 0.022985419258475304, -0.01460990309715271, -0.049843791872262955, -0.009608466178178787, 0.042697884142398834, 0.004694255068898201, 0.0020597511902451515, -0.0025150137953460217, -0.02135651558637619, -0.00989445485174656, -0.019964799284934998, 0.022288668900728226, -0.03592971712350845, -0.01726629212498665, -0.018352104350924492, -0.009862798266112804, 0.03237733989953995, 0.08115166425704956, -0.033772215247154236, 0.025732189416885376, 0.00026882666861638427, -0.046721894294023514, 0.0019985639955848455, 0.01431359350681305, 0.012980159372091293, 0.01983840949833393, -0.03332771360874176, 0.007226248271763325, 0.05428255349397659, -0.0038479177746921778, -0.018168525770306587, -0.010909548960626125, 0.059207718819379807, 0.03810115531086922, 0.051700908690690994, 0.004694599658250809, -0.007292634807527065, 0.01697837933897972, 0.004167046397924423, -0.0013616392388939857, -0.02466636337339878, -0.03709619119763374, 0.006910770665854216, -0.06272955983877182, 0.003541493322700262, 0.03543611988425255, -0.0496683344244957, 0.018132708966732025, 0.031660888344049454, 0.03931370750069618, 0.0001278537092730403, 0.026513999328017235, -0.0412551611661911, -0.08401647210121155, 0.05161231756210327, -0.012223290279507637, -0.01804901473224163, -0.019978277385234833, -0.006333632860332727, 0.03781784325838089, -0.011650895699858665, 0.04947512224316597, -0.029615022242069244, -0.06730446964502335, -0.03187984600663185, 0.009454353712499142, -0.028592849150300026, 0.05638567730784416, 0.009212478995323181, -0.03533569350838661, 0.045832209289073944, -0.0074696410447359085, 0.036513328552246094, 0.003828900633379817, -0.011025744490325451, 0.034835636615753174, -0.028997424989938736, -0.05042237788438797, 0.0445159375667572, 0.06603460013866425, 0.011627775616943836, 0.03935521841049194, 0.037518855184316635, 0.011762089096009731, -0.007479908410459757, 0.02683195471763611, 0.010592943988740444, 0.05367659032344818, -0.04679641127586365, 0.060808561742305756, -0.016354141756892204, 0.018815109506249428, -0.05514111742377281, 0.03733762726187706, 0.02403111942112446, -0.02280217409133911, 0.0400887057185173, -0.021597696468234062, 0.07984337955713272, 0.06587774306535721, -0.024663936346769333, -0.022493883967399597, 0.0027603558264672756, 0.044010814279317856, -0.00570505578070879, -0.013740360736846924, 0.0009798189857974648, 0.01532683428376913, 0.00531371496617794, -0.008522164076566696, 0.001992178615182638, 0.05455521121621132, -0.0419272817671299, -0.010158092714846134, 0.01755722053349018, 0.025248359888792038, 0.04027697816491127, -0.02351808175444603, 0.01109591219574213, -0.06185198575258255, -0.01816808618605137, -0.027978669852018356, -0.025578871369361877, 0.008342374116182327, 0.0006975657306611538, 0.009044903330504894, 0.018258176743984222, 0.021912112832069397, -0.04206663742661476, -0.031285855919122696, -0.0011766114039346576, -0.009681541472673416, 0.00043875316623598337, -0.007369867525994778, 0.050420403480529785, 0.0006064882618375123, -0.007740481290966272, -0.0224943608045578, -0.058444127440452576, -0.021053913980722427, 0.011733239516615868, -0.0007945479592308402, 0.008567463606595993, 0.030993299558758736, -0.01008259505033493, 0.0001268127525690943, 0.021808214485645294, -0.011228334158658981, 0.06791911274194717, 0.06855008006095886, 0.014294701628386974, 0.00942149106413126, 0.0015105543425306678, -0.026856137439608574, 0.05807245895266533, -0.016185840591788292, -0.04405615106225014, 0.020745042711496353, -0.04197273030877113, 0.010922257788479328, 0.0018191812559962273, -0.041278861463069916, 0.029031988233327866, -0.025469472631812096, 0.032959770411252975, 0.03482167050242424, 0.023939866572618484, 0.005651882849633694, 0.04272991046309471, 0.005824220832437277, 0.03218004107475281, -0.003938800655305386, -0.021309178322553635, -0.02206536754965782, -0.012681743130087852, 0.018150368705391884, 0.004198809154331684, 0.015377575531601906, -0.005790254566818476, -0.05843580514192581, 0.0001334280677838251, -0.2502855360507965, 0.025377389043569565, -0.01304549165070057, -0.04944201931357384, 0.06280781328678131, 0.0006769802421331406, -0.014070122502744198, -0.027364050969481468, 0.010992463678121567, 0.03688954934477806, -0.009804559871554375, -0.02034526877105236, 0.02387576922774315, 0.03685535863041878, 0.07130100578069687, -0.01959027349948883, 0.033657290041446686, -0.004459218587726355, 0.004016708582639694, 0.013624417595565319, 0.02945193089544773, -0.04245374724268913, -0.04697757214307785, -0.02178802154958248, 0.05178931728005409, 0.08436345309019089, -0.017914757132530212, 0.008088492788374424, -0.04392631724476814, -0.013496307656168938, -0.010354588739573956, 0.004376495722681284, -0.012391985394060612, -0.036132216453552246, -0.007974325679242611, -0.00039414031198248267, 0.013019716367125511, -0.025460464879870415, -0.0344308465719223, -0.04800165444612503, 0.018127785995602608, -0.05733015015721321, -0.0022996130865067244, 0.00012122480984544381, 0.02869425341486931, -0.03070954792201519, -0.062394313514232635, 0.0069857630878686905, 0.005320390686392784, 0.06510256975889206, -0.009230666793882847, 0.053772758692502975, -0.04238733649253845, 0.013758741319179535, -0.05587289482355118, -0.0317903570830822, -0.083042673766613, -0.00025059847394004464, -0.021601619198918343, 0.055304933339357376, -0.025204412639141083, -0.040205590426921844, -0.048324115574359894, -0.006633089855313301, -0.0017612965311855078, -0.033542729914188385, -0.025041760876774788, -0.04761593043804169, 0.05543553829193115, -0.029996231198310852, 0.02160564437508583, 0.03606465458869934, -0.06197859346866608, -0.08394750952720642, 0.017583323642611504, -0.024947933852672577, -0.027259675785899162, -0.05265354737639427, -0.01251948345452547, -0.023378148674964905, 0.015170268714427948, -0.024287810549139977, 0.03544621542096138, 0.01725291647017002, -0.07269783318042755, 0.010885917581617832, -0.006647101603448391, 0.05611884221434593, -0.03877196088433266, -0.004009026102721691, 0.02789943665266037, 0.023625295609235764, -0.028793388977646828, -0.012991545721888542, -0.0025097369216382504, 0.031630583107471466, -0.026964930817484856, 0.02117188833653927, 0.011948231607675552, -0.0002154489338863641, 0.03392450138926506, -0.03321326896548271, -0.01878949999809265, -0.06640629470348358, -0.006981787271797657, -0.011778643354773521, -0.07487522810697556, -0.02028224803507328, 0.052360258996486664, 0.0005595292896032333, 0.005652249790728092, -0.04007447138428688, 0.05129289627075195, -0.0337282158434391, 0.012001105584204197, -0.06665892153978348, 0.037032417953014374, 0.014471055008471012, 0.021287951618433, 0.008920716121792793, -0.006529508624225855, 0.034035105258226395, -0.06410656124353409, -0.011244004592299461, -0.07489340752363205, 0.022455936297774315, 0.060744721442461014, -0.0028920487966388464, 0.002582845278084278, 0.039897166192531586, 0.008390187285840511, -0.006292554549872875, -0.009461446665227413, -0.007419103756546974, -0.0023084143176674843, -0.00242786668241024, -0.00736762722954154, -0.015635071322321892, -0.033611565828323364, 0.007837729528546333, 0.033677294850349426, -0.06324595212936401, 0.02504238300025463, 0.02129504270851612, 0.035058315843343735, 0.0073278178460896015, -0.007962034083902836, -0.013632980175316334, -0.004143100697547197, 0.06010647118091583, -0.01083958800882101, -0.052731599658727646, 0.036739300936460495, -0.05181250721216202, -0.03852509334683418, -0.05125313997268677, 0.026405658572912216, -0.014429716393351555, -0.00407308479771018, -0.03769106790423393, -0.03980296850204468, -0.007109831552952528, -0.03152523562312126, -0.03255071863532066, 0.005370945669710636, 0.06989674270153046, -0.0026322307530790567, 0.007710470352321863, -0.005471683572977781, 0.02372039668262005, -0.020600799471139908, -0.07251293957233429, -0.05262656509876251, 0.03525618836283684, 0.042480140924453735, 0.03407565504312515, -0.03132404014468193, 0.00271805003285408, 0.06171398237347603, 0.06557730585336685, 0.022327082231640816, -0.05818548798561096, -0.016484932973980904, 0.016254590824246407, 0.046871017664670944, -0.0354304276406765, -0.0228898823261261, -0.07042964547872543, -0.015566347166895866, -0.0007042316137813032, -0.02921951934695244, -0.0377558134496212, -0.013348618522286415, 0.042381785809993744, -0.046411607414484024, -0.07206366211175919, -0.002383491490036249, -0.025501063093543053, 0.045388560742139816, 0.0002596651029307395, 0.030976587906479836, -0.008546801283955574, -0.0293560978025198, 0.028415797278285027, 0.01253625936806202, -0.07472187280654907, 0.008902148343622684, 0.0250717680901289, 0.01176847331225872, 0.04125469923019409, -0.0646386668086052, 0.031080199405550957, -0.006397256627678871, 0.011499365791678429, 0.04868616163730621, -0.027305766940116882, 0.03663631156086922, -0.03660798817873001, -0.03672225400805473, -0.03202279284596443, -0.0011453211773186922, -0.08150994777679443, 0.007511551957577467, 0.03569993004202843, -0.06528238207101822, 0.042563170194625854, -0.011881106533110142, -0.011525725945830345, 0.056089550256729126, -0.02803093194961548, -0.0006630777497775853, -0.056469835340976715, 0.040639057755470276, 0.03958625718951225, -0.02759796380996704, -0.019481956958770752, 0.028254661709070206, -0.03977705538272858, -0.016694841906428337, 0.03069816529750824, 0.015500717796385288, 0.041314296424388885, -0.0018049031496047974, -0.04141727089881897, 0.0279406625777483, -0.005099687725305557, 0.03624141961336136, 0.004791572690010071, -0.0034882426261901855, 0.08215198665857315, -0.02318129874765873, 0.026991019025444984, -0.013593233190476894, -0.03426313027739525, 0.0050971899181604385, -0.0568273663520813, 0.026144176721572876, -0.02049533650279045, 0.007942195981740952, 0.05121002718806267, 0.001962493872269988, 0.01795770414173603, 0.006452708970755339, 0.04020637273788452, 0.05988815054297447, 0.05049872398376465, 0.011274058371782303, 0.004899893421679735, 0.03466014564037323, -0.05484054982662201, -0.0024655810557305813, -0.08388400077819824, -0.0262511745095253, -0.02294120006263256, 0.06048457697033882, 0.045163460075855255, 0.006732182111591101, -0.014398226514458656, 0.008935433812439442, -0.02055373042821884, -0.01019387785345316, -0.006096556782722473, -0.02268254943192005, -0.03333427384495735, 0.021774472668766975, -0.020516391843557358, 0.02748151123523712, 0.00654395017772913, -0.08465897291898727, -0.05847467482089996, -0.03255452960729599, 0.010294043458998203, 0.01374400407075882, 0.04727567359805107, -0.054053910076618195, -0.008841496892273426, 0.032251108437776566, 0.06568259745836258, -0.007727541029453278, 0.006286518182605505, -0.05370527133345604, 0.05052613094449043, 0.014435156248509884, -0.006196723319590092, -0.006685944739729166, 0.012288868427276611, 0.008019762113690376, -0.04365495219826698, 0.002611506963148713, 0.012226062826812267, 0.009529534727334976, -0.052794136106967926, 0.05659479647874832, -0.0014353786827996373, -0.04609241336584091, 0.011976765468716621, -0.025380486622452736, -0.04892459511756897, -0.05978258699178696, -0.014804475009441376, 0.032762832939624786, -0.01399554405361414, 0.07005669921636581, 0.0013640840770676732, 0.0779011994600296, 0.06308276206254959, -0.030617771670222282, 0.011796973645687103, 0.02598932757973671, 0.09657936543226242, 0.04397273808717728, 0.019929291680455208, 0.0009672918822616339, 0.05757743492722511, 0.011584797874093056, -0.04498410224914551, 0.03826538100838661, -0.04536958038806915, 0.0032452698796987534, 0.03368648141622543, 0.011347007006406784, 0.015006455592811108, 0.005974873434752226, 0.04576220363378525, 0.02021792344748974, 0.011325505562126637, 0.059940990060567856, 0.0039262366481125355, 0.044309042394161224, 0.0034663972910493612, -0.01148759014904499, -0.018643340095877647, 0.02655370719730854, -0.040435414761304855, 0.01632756181061268, 0.03375357389450073, -0.03892415761947632, -0.009050627239048481, -0.04305427148938179, 0.0030404930002987385, -0.03418828919529915, -0.04975317791104317, 0.09417329728603363, -0.004039193037897348, -0.029545893892645836, 0.000434637360740453, -0.0071679274551570415, 0.045608554035425186, -0.028345411643385887, 0.021501008421182632, -0.027736332267522812, -0.04427570849657059, -0.019742796197533607, -0.0035619125701487064, 0.07205138355493546, -0.019206365570425987, 0.05224353075027466, -0.00615168921649456, -0.009288727305829525, 0.06905832886695862, 0.05286940932273865, -0.029536224901676178, -0.039125774055719376, -0.08317815512418747, -0.010566779412329197, -0.04000016301870346, 0.030539454892277718, 0.04411816596984863, -0.015423825941979885, -0.0411037914454937, 0.022715428844094276, 0.0031228072475641966, 0.0290534608066082, 0.04260359704494476, -0.014510304667055607, 0.014672222547233105, 0.04776912182569504, 0.03319304808974266, 0.046200867742300034, 0.013672515749931335, 0.07256124913692474, -0.025782082229852676, -0.03516434505581856, 0.003372251521795988, -0.018395787104964256, 0.019229063764214516, -0.0051246280781924725, 0.017144031822681427, -0.09861723333597183, -0.009082966484129429, -0.02305852808058262, -0.01071635726839304, -0.08075818419456482, 0.024443376809358597, -0.0024144360795617104, -0.012641227804124355, 0.029198581352829933, 0.04157698526978493, -0.020492030307650566, -0.02750169113278389, -0.04045235738158226, 0.023581668734550476, -0.01468617096543312, 0.023742804303765297, -0.04339342564344406, 0.02563202567398548, 0.015002265572547913, -0.026985159143805504, 0.01538514532148838, 0.05490323528647423, 0.03798040747642517, -0.028101827949285507, -0.06117609888315201, -0.00017635090625844896, -0.030872546136379242, -0.014224698767066002, -0.01757335476577282, 0.010612699203193188, -0.06909751892089844, -0.02674861066043377, 0.02343994937837124, 0.007667854428291321, -0.008215955458581448, -0.03788962960243225, 0.011856969445943832, 0.016733307391405106, -0.06797264516353607, -0.04310351610183716, -0.04250519722700119, -0.008155571296811104, 0.0419573076069355, 0.012191244401037693, 0.04467257857322693, -0.025063423439860344, 0.028740473091602325, -0.034517139196395874, -0.0017126889433711767, 0.02811872772872448, -0.006561411079019308, 0.018613893538713455 ]
OPINION ALARID, Judge. Defendants appeal from a judgment in a quiet title action invalidating their acquisition by tax sale of certain properties located in Taos County, New Mexico. We affirm. BACKGROUND AND PROCEEDINGS The facts of this case can best be reported by listing a chronology of events. In February 1972, Brown (plaintiff-appellee) and Martin purchased some 1100 acres of land in Taos County, New Mexico, from Weimer by contract of sale. In July, Brown and Martin subdivided a portion of the property into 20 lots, naming the subdivision Tierra de los Rios Subdivision. Again in September, Brown and Martin subdivided a portion of the remaining land and, likewise, called it Tierra de los Rios. Plats for both subdivisions were filed of record in July and October 1972, respectively. For administrative convenience, the Taos County Assessor distinguished between them by calling the first subdivision Block A and the second Block B. As lots were sold off, the assessor’s office, upon notification of sale, would reduce the master tract according to the lots sold. Tax assessment for unsold property was mailed to Martin, in Taos, who would in turn mail it to Brown for payment. There was no double assessment because lot owners of record were assessed for their properties as of the time of sale. This appeal concerns lots 16, 17 and 18 of Block A. Brown and Martin sold Overton lot 16 in June 1973, and lots 17 and 18 the following November. Contracts for sale and warranty deeds were held in escrow by the servicing bank until Overton paid off the contracts in 1978. Neither the contracts nor the warranty deeds were ever recorded in Taos County. The only formal documentation of record showing the properties in or out of Overton was a right-of-way easement for all three lots granted to Kit Carson Electric Cooperative by Overton in 1977. In March 1977, Brown and Martin dissolved their Tierra de los Rios partnership, and Martin executed a quitclaim deed to Brown and his wife for all the remaining property in the original master tract in 1979. That deed was recorded in Taos County in 1980. Meanwhile, in July and December 1978, Overton completed payments on lots 17 and 18, and lot 16, respectively. The bank mailed the warranty deeds to Overton, but they were never recorded. Also, in 1978, Brown received a 1978 tax bill for lots 16 and 17 at his Dallas, Texas, address from the Taos County Treasurer. Upon receipt, he telephoned Senaida Vigil, the Taos County Reassessment Officer, and informed her that he no longer owned the lots and would not be responsible for the taxes. Vigil requested that he return the notice to her. Upon receiving it, Vigil wrote on the notice, “These are Lots 16 and 17 of Blk A[:] If these lots have been sold please let me know and I will make the correct change of ownership^] Thanks[,] Senaida R[.] Vigil[,] Reassessment Office Taos County Court House”. By return mail, Vigil received the same tax notice, presumably from Brown, with an arrow drawn from her notation to the bottom of the page where it was written, again presumably by Brown: “Dr. Ken Overton, 3219 MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX 75062.” The same written events did not occur with lot 18. Thereafter, beginning in 1979, tax notices on lots 16, 17 and 18 were mailed in the name of Dr. Ken Overton. Record property cards kept by the Assessor’s Office, and bearing the appropriate code numbers for those particular lots, were updated to indicate Overton as record owner of the lots. Copies of the tax bills indicate that 1979 property taxes were paid. In September 1980, Brown repurchased lots 16, 17 and 18 from Overton. The sale was completed by a real estate mortgage and warranty deed from Overton to Brown. Neither document was recorded until November 8, 1984. Paragraph 6(a) of the agreement of sale provided that general real estate taxes for the current year would be prorated between the parties as of the date immediately preceding the clos ing date. Apparently neither party adhered to that provision in their agreement, nor did Brown declare himself with the county assessor as the new owner of the property. On July 15,1983, the Taos County Assessor provided the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department with the Taos County 1980 delinquent tax list. Included was Overton’s name as property owner for lots 16, 17 and 18 of Tierra de los Rios. In October, the Department mailed a notice of delinquency to Overton at his last known address. After receiving no response, the Department sent Overton, by certified, return receipt requested mail, a notice of sale for delinquent taxes. The notice was returned to the Department by postal authorities marked “refused.” After appropriate notice and publication, the subject lots were sold in May 1984 at public auction to the Greigs (defendants-appellants). Pursuant to the sale, deeds to all three lots were issued to the Greigs, who recorded them in July 1984. Brown learned of the tax sale through friends during the summer of 1984, recorded his deeds to the property in November, and brought an action to quiet title in May 1985. The trial court found that he was record owner of the property from 1972 to 1984, and held the tax sale invalid. Defendants appealed from the judgment. This appeal requires us to determine whether the trial court erred in (1) finding that plaintiff was entitled to notice of the pending tax sale as record owner of the land, pursuant to NMSA 1978, Section 7-38-66(A) (Repl.Pamp.1983) of the Property Tax Code; and (2) invalidating the sale of land to defendants. Because of the general importance of the issues raised, we invited amicus curiae. See 26 SBB 470. The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department filed an amicus brief and, with the consent of the parties and the court, participated at oral argument. We express our gratitude to the Taxation and Revenue Department for its valuable assistance. DISCUSSION Preliminarily, we address Brown’s contention that the Greigs should be prevented from arguing waiver and estoppel on appeal because it was not preserved at trial. We are not persuaded. The theory of the Greigs’ case, both at trial and on appeal, was that Brown waived his right to notice of the tax sale due to his conduct and express words. We cannot ignore the obvious, and we shall proceed to address the issues on appeal. The essence of Brown’s argument on appeal is that even though Brown was not the “assessed owner” on the 1980 tax rolls, he was nonetheless the actual and record owner at and before the time of the tax sale, thus entitling him to notice of the sale. The Property Tax Code, NMSA 1978, Sections 7-35-1 to 7-38-93 (Repl. Pamp.1983 and Cum.Supp.1985), must be read and construed in its entirety. Cano v. Lovato, 105 N.M. 522, 734 P.2d 762 (Ct.App.1986). The Code does not distinguish between owners of property for taxation purposes, nor does it place owners in different categories for assessment purposes. While Section 7-38-51 does provide for one other than an owner of property to be notified of delinquent taxes, a county treasurer can only know to do so if a property owner has made that information of record. An owner of property is defined by Section 7-35-2 as a person in whom “any title” to property is vested. Brown retained legal title to the lots until 1978, when Overton satisfied the contract. Although trial testimony indicated that Brown paid property taxes on the subject lots until 1979, the record is silent as to whether he was required to do so under the terms of his contract with Overton. At any rate, by not recording any documentation of the 1973 sale to Overton, Brown remained owner of record and would have been entitled to notice of any matter which would have affected his property interest prior to 1979. See Mennonite Board of Missions v. Adams, 462 U.S. 791, 103 S.Ct. 2706, 77 L.Ed.2d 180 (1983); see also Macaron v. Associates Capital Servs. Corp., 105 N.M. 380, 733 P.2d 11 (Ct.App.1987) (notice by publication only, which is in statutory compliance, does not provide a mortgagee of real property with constitutionally adequate notice of a proceeding to sell the mortgaged property for nonpayment of taxes). The question remains, however, whether Brown continued as record owner of the properties once he orally notified the Taos County Assessor that he no longer owned the lots and would not be responsible for the property taxes. Did that notice constitute a waiver of his right to be notified of the delinquency prior to the tax sale? We believe that it did not. We cannot ignore the fact that Overton never recorded his deeds, that Brown repurchased the properties, and that no documentation, other than the grant of easement, appeared of record which would have indicated Overton’s interest in the property. Waiver is the intentional relinquishment or abandonment of a known right, and the act of waiver may be evidenced by conduct as well as by express words. Cooper v. Albuquerque City Comm’n, 85 N.M. 786, 518 P.2d 275 (1974). We agree with the trial court’s conclusion of law that Brown’s direction to the assessor to mail tax notices for lots 16 and 17 to Overton did not waive the requirement of notice of sale to Brown. Brown requested that the assessor notify a person other than himself; he informed her that he had no further interest in the land and would not be responsible for the taxes. The fact that no written documentation appears in the tax records regarding the same instructions for lot 18 does not preclude us from making the reasonable inference that a similar conversation occurred regarding that lot. Indeed, the trial court’s remarks show that the court believed the same thing. Assessment notices were mailed to Overton beginning with tax year 1979; and they were paid, presumably by Overton. We recognize that the assessor may have relied on Brown’s request to assess Overton for the taxes, but such reliance is misplaced. It does not excuse the assessor from statutory requirements any more than it does owners of property who rely on the law to receive notice of tax sales, even though a property owner has an affirmative duty to declare his property. State ex rel. Property Appraisal Dep’t v. Sierra Life Ins. Co., 90 N.M. 268, 562 P.2d 829 (1977). Section 7-38-66(A) provides: A. At least twenty days but not more than thirty days before the date of the sale for delinquent taxes, the division shall notify by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address as shown on the most recent property tax schedule, each property owner whose real property will be sold that his real property will be sold to satisfy delinquent taxes unless: (1) all delinquent taxes, penalties, interest and costs due are paid by the date of the sale; or (2) an installment agreement for payment of all delinquent taxes, penalties, interest and costs due is entered into with the division by the date of sale in accordance with Section 7-38-68 NMSA 1978. [Emphasis added.] Statutes are to be given their plain meaning in order to facilitate their operation and achieve their goals. Mutz v. Municipal Boundary Comm’n, 101 N.M. 694, 688 P.2d 12 (1984). In keeping with the intent of the legislature to notify “each property owner” of an impending sale of his property, it is implicit that the legislature also intended that holders of record title be notified of the same thing. As holder of record title, Brown should have been given notice of the sale pursuant to Section 7-38-66(A). No record, other than the property cards, was ever changed to indicate that Brown had divested himself of his ownership in the property. At all times prior to the tax sale, Brown was record owner of title. It is irrelevant that he in fact did not hold legal title during the time Overton owned the property, because Overton never assessed the taxes against himself; it was Brown who gave the information to the assessor. We agree with the trial court that the Taxation and Revenue Department failed to make a diligent search of the record in determining the person or persons entitled to notice. Due process requires that the state must provide notice of sale to parties whose interest in property would be affected by the sale, as long as that information is reasonably ascertainable. See Mennonite Board of Missions v. Adams; Mullane v. Central Hanover Bank & Trust Co., 339 U.S. 306, 70 S.Ct. 652, 94 L.Ed. 865 (1950); Cano v. Lovato; Macaron v. Associates Capital Servs. Corp. Because there was no formal documentation of ownership into or out of Overton and Brown was listed on the assessor’s record property cards as a former owner, we conclude that Brown's name and address were reasonably ascertainable and he was entitled to notice under Section 7-38-66(A). CONCLUSION We hold that Brown did not waive his right to notice when he disclaimed any interest in the property for purposes of taxation between 1979 and 1980; that the Department of Taxation and Revenue did not conduct a diligent search of the record to notify him of the impending tax sale; and that the tax sale to defendants Grieg was invalid. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed. No costs are awarded. IT IS SO ORDERED. BIVINS and MINZNER, JJ., concur.
[ -0.02869347110390663, -0.005751896649599075, 0.016828065738081932, 0.014101010747253895, 0.040014155209064484, 0.008265698328614235, 0.04356228932738304, 0.030347341671586037, -0.00792393647134304, -0.012638391926884651, -0.012968994677066803, 0.07702797651290894, -0.032661307603120804, 0.05035094544291496, -0.018484650179743767, 0.06721274554729462, 0.07233530282974243, -0.005788740236312151, -0.005338415037840605, -0.021939320489764214, 0.019341904670000076, -0.03830786421895027, 0.00608146982267499, 0.05263512209057808, -0.0170628409832716, 0.027229947969317436, -0.006170404143631458, -0.004272828344255686, -0.07348620146512985, 0.022437535226345062, 0.05064455792307854, -0.010562210343778133, -0.024814410135149956, 0.0002950772177428007, -0.02591865137219429, 0.008562304079532623, -0.0030141209717839956, -0.03279956802725792, -0.044285792857408524, 0.025628939270973206, 0.004698907025158405, 0.0002697058953344822, -0.03662196919322014, 0.001175043056719005, -0.066817507147789, 0.009775414131581783, 0.012931698001921177, 0.0422569140791893, -0.04234877601265907, -0.004848129581660032, -0.07965045422315598, 0.03315574303269386, -0.05681324750185013, 0.004742991644889116, 0.0047576455399394035, 0.033268049359321594, -0.07158594578504562, -0.056146275252103806, -0.008384723216295242, -0.033154137432575226, 0.016926713287830353, -0.03979047015309334, 0.08560895174741745, -0.02764722891151905, -0.007622987497597933, -0.03568015247583389, 0.006352114491164684, 0.040693499147892, -0.02973717637360096, -0.04485486075282097, -0.03713530674576759, 0.02179788425564766, 0.011955887079238892, -0.024329395964741707, 0.001500963349826634, -0.03456130251288414, 0.01192249171435833, 0.0093776173889637, -0.01272326335310936, 0.06081908196210861, 0.021010838449001312, -0.004492348060011864, 0.03084694966673851, 0.032553531229496, 0.007050657644867897, -0.05567820742726326, -0.025510339066386223, -0.021796543151140213, -0.0361352264881134, 0.025279447436332703, -0.0016350109362974763, -0.046234916895627975, 0.008936000056564808, 0.050578679889440536, -0.020101573318243027, -0.04851263761520386, 0.06806477904319763, -0.02112414315342903, 0.03762446716427803, 0.009824593551456928, 0.007064288482069969, -0.018917761743068695, 0.019388865679502487, 0.04401134327054024, -0.07294609397649765, 0.0033866316080093384, -0.026988094672560692, 0.016313832253217697, 0.026075351983308792, 0.017641501501202583, -0.014852497726678848, 0.04481278732419014, -0.03374244272708893, -0.009264187887310982, -0.05577653646469116, 0.025163235142827034, 0.05403748154640198, -0.00830813404172659, -0.010492319241166115, 0.020639996975660324, 0.05564991012215614, 0.020074721425771713, -0.03374357521533966, 0.08532989025115967, 0.04188942536711693, -0.044734008610248566, 0.007847811095416546, 0.057386547327041626, -0.043256547302007675, -0.03702012822031975, 0.016164999455213547, 0.0047035920433700085, 0.0063868616707623005, 0.028747258707880974, 0.01329069770872593, -0.014618070796132088, 0.00488521670922637, -0.01577874645590782, 0.06182100623846054, -0.05536019057035446, -0.031863149255514145, -0.019869064912199974, 0.023403478786349297, 0.02974827215075493, 0.04531955346465111, -0.02889769896864891, 0.01575036160647869, -0.017077837139368057, 0.00995281245559454, 0.04903755336999893, 0.05845389887690544, -0.003249464090913534, 0.03587067499756813, -0.02134614810347557, -0.0029319848399609327, 0.09451781213283539, 0.0240801852196455, -0.0029835067689418793, -0.008022044785320759, 0.048626214265823364, 0.023770207539200783, 0.0462520606815815, 0.0534977950155735, -0.008092022500932217, -0.02955947257578373, 0.019986914470791817, 0.01493974681943655, 0.007908408530056477, -0.032101988792419434, 0.038220204412937164, -0.027571162208914757, -0.046667177230119705, 0.045508015900850296, -0.07944553345441818, -0.02914227358996868, 0.006465172860771418, 0.03244835138320923, 0.015305488370358944, -0.003155980259180069, -0.004064536187797785, -0.07741473615169525, 0.03937666118144989, 0.019883880391716957, -0.02270088903605938, -0.020385131239891052, -0.007195000071078539, 0.050663821399211884, -0.009613330475986004, 0.04704904928803444, -0.011624801903963089, -0.06006699800491333, -0.03184913471341133, -0.016533317044377327, -0.02079206332564354, 0.02902432717382908, 0.02131335809826851, -0.04347936436533928, 0.01898963749408722, 0.002254031365737319, 0.027904430404305458, -0.0005310086999088526, -0.02962109073996544, 0.07173086702823639, -0.060223501175642014, -0.057578735053539276, 0.026408236473798752, 0.039966385811567307, 0.007600529119372368, 0.04852007329463959, 0.055762879550457, -0.049653902649879456, -0.0004360681923571974, 0.03122149407863617, 0.025664852932095528, 0.044075801968574524, -0.0032133287750184536, 0.06599567830562592, -0.06395678222179413, 0.039497945457696915, -0.04431149736046791, 0.0792897641658783, 0.014961008913815022, -0.007669730577617884, 0.04342963546514511, -0.04449978098273277, 0.07913962751626968, 0.057357002049684525, -0.055176954716444016, 0.011411498300731182, 0.017068961635231972, -0.005728427786380053, 0.03216945379972458, 0.019498035311698914, -0.006916502490639687, 0.07893333584070206, -0.0035592513158917427, -0.0021206128876656294, -0.029399324208498, 0.01307734940201044, -0.04955919459462166, -0.021224483847618103, 0.006113816983997822, 0.037872396409511566, 0.07484959810972214, 0.0016949487617239356, -0.00422195577993989, -0.015506241470575333, 0.01591785065829754, 0.0029456152115017176, -0.02153371088206768, 0.03779705613851547, 0.010940173640847206, 0.001981747103855014, -0.005967442411929369, 0.030645929276943207, -0.05220586061477661, -0.023131120949983597, -0.025796405971050262, 0.013170883990824223, 0.0230000801384449, -0.014487171545624733, 0.06903083622455597, 0.016833562403917313, -0.014345548115670681, -0.016046669334173203, -0.03938031569123268, -0.025280864909291267, 0.00549786863848567, -0.003674313658848405, -0.015503321774303913, 0.038566093891859055, -0.025043895468115807, 0.012548820115625858, -0.016375448554754257, -0.005686576943844557, 0.000018175960576627403, 0.02978442795574665, -0.013760235160589218, -0.026720788329839706, -0.02085215598344803, -0.0035827055107802153, 0.029059940949082375, -0.04562453553080559, -0.06554672867059708, 0.004742882214486599, -0.0527305081486702, 0.034694939851760864, -0.030137725174427032, -0.03575725108385086, 0.06201520189642906, -0.00553908059373498, 0.010213423520326614, -0.0032478286884725094, 0.012665102258324623, 0.013447058387100697, 0.04617631062865257, 0.03514564782381058, 0.020036417990922928, 0.0403284952044487, -0.03543669357895851, 0.008335476741194725, -0.012387655675411224, -0.01527242362499237, 0.022729333490133286, 0.016176827251911163, 0.010341606102883816, -0.015915807336568832, 0.010216626338660717, -0.2723352313041687, 0.009305880405008793, 0.00009325295832240954, -0.05547565594315529, 0.025932546705007553, -0.04634861275553703, 0.027116429060697556, 0.003214561613276601, -0.014607151038944721, 0.04195290058851242, -0.01986888237297535, -0.03486640751361847, 0.002360397018492222, 0.03651861101388931, 0.06622335314750671, -0.012766899541020393, -0.0013715485110878944, -0.004699914250522852, -0.040117111057043076, 0.034554608166217804, 0.018666399642825127, -0.04972164332866669, -0.03138153627514839, 0.020094607025384903, 0.05789078772068024, 0.06193725764751434, -0.04695058614015579, -0.021814310923218727, -0.07908891886472702, -0.0010257712565362453, 0.012010222300887108, 0.030533187091350555, -0.014864854514598846, -0.0048672654666006565, -0.014884302392601967, 0.017249485477805138, 0.011833976954221725, -0.01424552034586668, -0.03886612504720688, 0.010547352954745293, -0.009792428463697433, -0.004184627905488014, -0.01557959895581007, 0.02959348075091839, 0.022508777678012848, -0.005850849207490683, -0.020256265997886658, -0.010570855811238289, -0.005246499087661505, 0.050634369254112244, -0.01812465861439705, 0.042519114911556244, -0.025187263265252113, 0.005805852357298136, 0.0032253332901746035, 0.012647238560020924, -0.056559622287750244, -0.009158052504062653, -0.03696729242801666, 0.09221182763576508, 0.010166424326598644, -0.04512472078204155, -0.0353185273706913, -0.026353664696216583, -0.018885409459471703, -0.03383062407374382, -0.037654291838407516, -0.04794681817293167, 0.09258975833654404, -0.010472243651747704, 0.018238361924886703, 0.016799304634332657, -0.03863649070262909, -0.06795293837785721, 0.015902316197752953, -0.0008615400292910635, -0.00670337351039052, -0.06693370640277863, -0.04571804404258728, 0.009801210835576057, 0.0022520157508552074, -0.028692839667201042, 0.04403509199619293, -0.0039913891814649105, 0.0010266179451718926, 0.0016067659016698599, -0.03728647157549858, 0.041840095072984695, -0.028034351766109467, 0.00557781383395195, 0.04652684926986694, 0.04631013795733452, 0.001123558497056365, -0.04930474981665611, 0.016478246077895164, 0.03327004984021187, 0.0015994725981727242, -0.055648840963840485, -0.035418104380369186, 0.04441297426819801, 0.05627938732504845, -0.05949464067816734, 0.03851389139890671, -0.028422465547919273, -0.018175465986132622, -0.02285921201109886, -0.048062004148960114, 0.011188122443854809, 0.04739920049905777, 0.02045261487364769, 0.0007355686975643039, -0.026205336675047874, 0.024898257106542587, -0.015392407774925232, 0.017072124406695366, -0.05018738657236099, -0.0031869597733020782, -0.0016107730334624648, 0.03975986689329147, 0.003922553267329931, 0.02816646732389927, 0.033375490456819534, -0.024561982601881027, -0.037006672471761703, -0.09531373530626297, -0.01653217151761055, 0.03131444379687309, 0.008639403618872166, -0.030748650431632996, 0.0056312973611056805, -0.03400998190045357, -0.02233804203569889, -0.02037452533841133, -0.0014808215200901031, -0.0018289313884451985, 0.004195823334157467, 0.0015496199484914541, -0.05744267627596855, 0.025602882727980614, 0.007822195068001747, 0.00002606977432151325, -0.03192022815346718, 0.02498156763613224, 0.03367851674556732, 0.031144164502620697, -0.007252565119415522, -0.022307014092803, -0.022367462515830994, -0.022238751873373985, 0.02932674065232277, -0.002048783702775836, -0.05689322575926781, 0.020283397287130356, -0.07114771753549576, -0.037876393646001816, -0.013624783605337143, 0.026190852746367455, 0.01916367933154106, 0.01048631314188242, -0.03695472329854965, -0.02223796583712101, -0.00960500817745924, -0.008131627924740314, 0.004672650713473558, -0.021438797935843468, 0.044433508068323135, 0.006827112287282944, 0.02932753972709179, -0.04310625046491623, 0.02476072497665882, 0.03852562978863716, -0.07891002297401428, -0.05713159218430519, -0.002494087442755699, 0.028548428788781166, 0.026601210236549377, -0.005789720453321934, 0.007091396953910589, 0.019321437925100327, 0.05359939858317375, -0.03012101724743843, -0.02195877954363823, -0.026854706928133965, -0.02122700773179531, 0.06064126640558243, -0.026087671518325806, -0.015694456174969673, -0.0420595146715641, 0.0012228552950546145, 0.015073207207024097, -0.023193109780550003, -0.0004390495887491852, -0.015026401728391647, 0.022214122116565704, -0.047630831599235535, -0.07751917093992233, 0.011782155372202396, -0.020944729447364807, 0.021932929754257202, 0.047455914318561554, 0.0010599957313388586, -0.018568186089396477, -0.011477937921881676, 0.0183417908847332, 0.045659326016902924, -0.04932631552219391, 0.030159197747707367, 0.014874028041958809, -0.028175340965390205, 0.012648890726268291, -0.016249559819698334, -0.02202337235212326, -0.020093884319067, 0.026116637513041496, 0.06365660578012466, -0.056601736694574356, 0.05280543118715286, -0.03763929381966591, -0.03733477741479874, -0.033985622227191925, 0.03486566245555878, -0.015791133046150208, 0.013374481350183487, -0.005599557887762785, -0.04458143934607506, 0.051112089306116104, -0.05055342987179756, -0.04864184558391571, 0.02760103903710842, -0.03312896937131882, 0.0011636223644018173, -0.04951273649930954, -0.028752632439136505, 0.01390420738607645, -0.03369734808802605, -0.002403986407443881, -0.02202739752829075, -0.006140101235359907, -0.03349627926945686, 0.03711935877799988, 0.03403986245393753, 0.04414563998579979, 0.01377588976174593, -0.06602521985769272, 0.0008475907379761338, 0.00449836440384388, 0.02003450132906437, -0.006548885256052017, -0.026315124705433846, 0.08743356913328171, -0.03299703076481819, -0.020783040672540665, -0.06646912544965744, -0.002205929486081004, 0.028140122070908546, -0.05683368444442749, 0.006261962465941906, 0.03868211805820465, -0.010319997556507587, 0.06513471901416779, 0.006234594155102968, 0.015752384439110756, -0.01586233824491501, -0.014384441077709198, 0.037988293915987015, 0.030146045610308647, 0.02093774825334549, -0.024523787200450897, 0.025918710976839066, -0.07610900700092316, -0.022483481094241142, -0.08550181984901428, -0.002393619855865836, -0.029299667105078697, 0.03642987459897995, 0.03228326514363289, 0.03707451373338699, -0.024015719071030617, -0.00909924041479826, -0.06729616224765778, -0.04837403818964958, 0.028774412348866463, -0.029289569705724716, -0.01748647727072239, 0.0289405919611454, -0.030495312064886093, 0.011402738280594349, 0.030925702303647995, -0.08626505732536316, -0.043914444744586945, -0.005568364169448614, 0.01572628878057003, 0.006711698602885008, -0.014737737365067005, -0.013272243551909924, -0.03401883691549301, 0.03845956176519394, 0.03562671318650246, -0.02044665813446045, 0.021526573225855827, -0.09012793004512787, 0.05450408160686493, 0.009151957929134369, -0.008490699343383312, 0.007237724959850311, 0.006254929583519697, 0.029915399849414825, -0.04673759266734123, -0.028666803613305092, 0.005110771395266056, -0.05623428523540497, -0.06546629220247269, 0.04243834316730499, 0.011077508330345154, -0.038603346794843674, -0.0013495947932824492, -0.006176170893013477, -0.01741715706884861, 0.02323896251618862, -0.011090542189776897, 0.0596579872071743, -0.0003457140119280666, 0.052801329642534256, 0.04373909905552864, 0.09906043857336044, 0.04611925035715103, -0.04150741174817085, 0.0008286210359074175, 0.017775021493434906, 0.05623580515384674, 0.048560064285993576, 0.008582628332078457, -0.024937475100159645, 0.023970840498805046, -0.006706656888127327, -0.023116858676075935, 0.03601359948515892, -0.013697514310479164, -0.017116744071245193, 0.005467455368489027, 0.008612200617790222, 0.030763166025280952, 0.015536715276539326, 0.04535437747836113, 0.004143992438912392, 0.00006453551759477705, 0.06558533012866974, -0.0487583763897419, 0.014107655733823776, -0.010486159473657608, 0.014739150181412697, -0.03700616955757141, 0.032024312764406204, -0.04260631650686264, -0.017838263884186745, 0.06197795271873474, -0.050392936915159225, -0.005929162725806236, -0.030194664373993874, -0.01723322831094265, -0.00326038827188313, 0.006684677209705114, 0.059840328991413116, -0.006392876151949167, -0.0001627723395358771, 0.020563608035445213, 0.010072018951177597, 0.01847042143344879, -0.013980196788907051, 0.053396083414554596, 0.019918786361813545, -0.02755008451640606, 0.0004633215139620006, 0.0335552878677845, 0.05168425291776657, 0.02211511693894863, 0.05245893448591232, -0.02119065262377262, -0.030434617772698402, 0.038061194121837616, 0.0375777967274189, -0.04240472987294197, -0.021298160776495934, -0.06387954950332642, -0.01180204376578331, -0.06022925674915314, 0.027278993278741837, 0.008400937542319298, -0.031594034284353256, -0.0343625582754612, -0.01432223804295063, -0.00563180772587657, -0.029142208397388458, 0.04160834476351738, -0.03877093642950058, 0.018937749788165092, 0.032650772482156754, 0.048337098211050034, 0.012701088562607765, 0.036490872502326965, 0.062293920665979385, -0.012356097809970379, -0.036073215305805206, 0.011803374625742435, -0.0028100924100726843, 0.02683330327272415, -0.016969969496130943, 0.030259305611252785, -0.06933185458183289, 0.013802015222609043, -0.01691158302128315, 0.018426865339279175, -0.06545275449752808, 0.04644889757037163, -0.005862744990736246, -0.07578923553228378, 0.040723059326410294, 0.025555243715643883, -0.0369965061545372, -0.009780866093933582, 0.0046051256358623505, -0.002234575804322958, -0.005937095265835524, 0.07856986671686172, -0.04828336462378502, 0.031203487887978554, 0.017481377348303795, -0.03132572025060654, -0.0402059443295002, 0.04392571002244949, 0.03649142012000084, 0.000033824653655756265, -0.04787672683596611, -0.010549613274633884, 0.003980632871389389, -0.061189066618680954, -0.0748099684715271, 0.019159745424985886, -0.039523039013147354, -0.01933935470879078, 0.005058261565864086, 0.019938014447689056, -0.0072782873176038265, -0.024175522848963737, 0.039404693990945816, 0.03010646626353264, -0.0511917807161808, -0.03245970979332924, -0.056827154010534286, -0.0034884640481323004, 0.021908055990934372, 0.01754884049296379, -0.019934702664613724, -0.037257079035043716, -0.008876747451722622, -0.046380508691072464, 0.045512158423662186, 0.0083394143730402, 0.012493936344981194, 0.018119337037205696 ]
OPINION WALTERS, Justice. On July 1, 1982, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (DOT) issued an oversize vehicle permit to Ajax International, Ltd. for the transport of a 14-foot wide mobile home on U.S. Highway 64 between Taos and Eagle Nest over the Fourth of July weekend. On Saturday, July 3, 1982, decedent Jerry Rose was driving his pickup truck west on U.S. 64, accompanied by his wife and son, when a collision occurred with the eastbound mobile home being towed by Ajax. Three witnesses gave deposition testimony stating that they had seen the mobile home repeatedly crossing over the center line of the roadway. As a result of the collision, Jerry Rose died and his family members were injured. This suit was brought by the personal representative of decedent’s estate, and by decedent’s wife and minor child against Ajax, and against two named individuals and the DOT. The action against the DOT was brought pursuant to the Tort Claims Act, NMSA 1978, Sections 41-4-1 through -13 (Cum. Supp.1984), in which plaintiffs alleged that DOT negligently maintained U.S. 64 by issuing the permit to Ajax to transport the mobile home over a narrow and winding highway during a busy holiday weekend. Claiming immunity from suit in that the waiver of immunity provided for in Section 41-4-ll(A) of the Act does not apply, DOT moved for summary judgment. After briefing and oral argument on the motion, the district court granted the motion and dismissed the claims against DOT. Plaintiffs appealed the ruling, and the court of appeals affirmed. We granted certiorari, and permitted the filing of an amicus brief. We reverse the entry of summary judgment and remand for further proceedings. The issue in this case is whether the DOT’S issuance of an oversize vehicle permit is conduct that might fall within the statutory waiver of immunity provided for in Section 41-4-ll(A). The relevant portion of that section provides that the immunity granted under the Act “does not apply to liability for damages resulting from bodily injury, wrongful death or property damage caused by the negligence of public employees while acting within the scope of their duties in the maintenance of * * * any * * * highway * * In determining legislative intent, we look not only to the language used in the statute, but also to the object sought to be accomplished and the wrong to be remedied. Richards v. Mountain States Mut. Casualty Co., 104 N.M. 47, 49, 716 P.2d 238, 240 (1986). The court of appeals interpreted the "word “maintenance” purportedly “from the ordinary meaning of the words used,” but apparently without looking also to the object to be accomplished by the legislation. Indeed, Smith v. Village of Corrales, 103 N.M. 734, 713 P.2d 4 (Ct.App.1985), a case heavily relied upon by the court of appeals in this case, set forth a two-step approach in analyzing the Act’s waivers of immunity; that approach is consistent with this Court’s determination in Richards. The Smith court said that “[i]n applying these waivers of immunity, we first determine the legislative intent in the enactment of the waiver and then interpret the language of the waiver according to its plain meaning.” Id. at 736, 713 P.2d at 6. Thus, according to Smith, the words used in a statutory waiver provision must first be interpreted in light of the intended purpose of the provision. We consistently have given a construction to the Act that would effect its remedial intentions. See Holiday Management Co. v. City of Santa Fe, 94 N.M. 368, 610 P.2d 1197 (1980). The court of appeals has expressly recognized that the “[mjaintenance of a road or highway involves more than simply keeping the road surface in good repair.” Fireman’s Fund Ins. Co. v. Tucker, 95 N.M. 56, 58, 618 P.2d 894, 896 (Ct.App.1980). “In providing the highway maintenance exception to the general grant of immunity, the New Mexico Legislature intended to protect the general public from injury by imposing liability upon governmental agencies when they fail to maintain safe public highways.” Id. at 59, 618 P.2d at 897. We decline to hold that “maintenance” of a highway must be limited only to physical care and upkeep; the obvious purpose for imposing the duty on public employees of maintaining highways safely and in a non-negligent manner reflects the legislature’s intent that highways be so maintained as to provide for the safety of the traveling public. The court of appeals, in affirming the district court, erred in applying an unduly restrictive interpretation to the language and scope of the waiver of immunity provision, without sufficient regard to the purpose for which waiver of immunity was legislated. See generally In re Estate of Cruse, 103 N.M. 539, 542, 710 P.2d 733, 736 (1985) (a statute must not be construed so strictly as to defeat its purpose). We recognize that the court of appeals relied on language in Smith, i.e., that “[t]he term ‘maintenance’ in the context of [Section 41-4-ll(A)] generally means the care or upkeep of something.” Smith, 103 N.M. at 736, 713 P.2d at 6 (citing Webster’s Third New International Dictionary (1966)); see also Grano v. Roadrunner Trucking, Inc., 99 N.M. 227, 228, 656 P.2d 890, 891 (Ct.App.1982), cert. denied, 99 N.M. 358, 658 P.2d 433 (1983) and Cardoza v. Town of Silver City, 96 N.M. 130, 134, 628 P.2d 1126 (Ct.App.1981) (relying on a California case for defining “maintenance” as upkeep and repair); but see Fireman’s Fund Ins. Co. v. Tucker, 95 N.M. at 60, 618 P.2d at 898 (Ct.App.1980) (“maintaining the highway means keeping it safe for public use”). We do not dispute that one of the meanings of “maintenance,” standing alone, is the care or upkeep of something. “Maintain,” in the same dictionary source, is also defined as “persistent upholding of something as * * * acceptable.” As we have said, however, we must look not only to a selective dictionary definition of words used in a statute, but also to the legislative intent underlying its enactment. See Richards; see also Smith. The sole purpose of waiver in Section 41-4-ll(A) is to ensure that highways are made and kept safe for the traveling public. See Fireman’s Fund, 95 N.M. at 59, 618 P.2d at 897. Although the opinion of the court of appeals notes that its cases since Fireman’s Fund have not relied on the definition of “maintenance” used in that case, Fireman’s Fund is still good law. It correctly addressed the apparent and patent intent of the legislature which underlay Section 41-4-ll(A). Statutes are to be read in a way that facilitates their operation and the achievement of their goals. See Mutz v. Municipal Boundary Comm’n, 101 N.M. 694, 698, 688 P.2d 12, 16 (1984). Accordingly, “maintenance” of a highway for purposes of Section 41-4-11(A) must be held to include more than physical care and upkeep of the roadway itself. Indeed, we have previously held that “the absence of traffic controls is a condition of a highway and is, therefore, the subject of maintenance” within Section 41-4-11. Grano v. Roadrunner Trucking, 99 N.M. at 228, 656 P.2d at 891 (emphasis added). Similarly, we think that an oversize load being towed over a curving two-lane mountain highway during a holiday period, when there is historical assurance of increased travel by motorists, could create a condition not protective of public safety on that highway, and thus within the waiver provisions of Section 41-4-11. Our construction of “maintenance,” for purposes of the Act, is that the DOT’s issuance of oversize vehicle permits may have a bearing upon the proper “maintenance” of a highway. We hold, therefore, that any alleged negligent conduct of DOT in authorizing oversize loads traveling over New Mexico highways deprives DOT of the defense of immunity by reason of the waiver provision of the Act. The summary judgment granted in favor of DOT on grounds of immunity, and its affirmance by the court of appeals, was error and we reverse. We remand this case for reinstatement of the claims against DOT. IT IS SO ORDERED. RANSOM, J., and FRUMAN, Court of Appeals Judge, by designation, concur. SOSA, Sr. J., dissenting without opinion. STOWERS, J., dissents. . It is unlawful to transport extra wide loads over New Mexico highways without first obtaining a permit issued by the DOT. See NMSA 1978, § 66-7-413 (Cum.Supp.1986).
[ -0.06766688823699951, -0.006524188444018364, 0.01599380001425743, 0.0026773137506097555, 0.03201751038432121, -0.034558966755867004, 0.037769027054309845, 0.039368048310279846, -0.007546918001025915, -0.02346269227564335, 0.0407051220536232, 0.016342768445611, -0.052705541253089905, 0.04634574428200722, -0.044094063341617584, 0.05703786015510559, 0.06425032019615173, 0.018435169011354446, 0.0106695257127285, 0.012109651230275631, 0.030529968440532684, -0.029557455331087112, 0.014627800323069096, 0.02105345018208027, 0.034089550375938416, 0.002305628964677453, -0.026846755295991898, -0.011653275229036808, -0.09104393422603607, 0.0014378614723682404, 0.031501490622758865, -0.032615434378385544, -0.04707305505871773, 0.01109958067536354, -0.04810062423348427, 0.009167523123323917, -0.01159076951444149, -0.03521524369716644, -0.005243977066129446, 0.033628080040216446, -0.012033084407448769, -0.002316694241017103, -0.06814008206129074, -0.04257870092988014, -0.031103814020752907, -0.005909343250095844, 0.009910756722092628, -0.0022441393230110407, -0.022898340597748756, -0.042080510407686234, -0.03826446086168289, 0.01557963341474533, -0.06937381625175476, 0.052226580679416656, 0.019351284950971603, 0.021637875586748123, -0.027269965037703514, -0.07162091881036758, -0.002684825100004673, -0.043299350887537, 0.0239509679377079, -0.021863438189029694, 0.0831320583820343, -0.012601226568222046, 0.011753019876778126, -0.02874661050736904, 0.0006088417721912265, 0.062372125685214996, -0.04551229998469353, -0.04398612678050995, -0.02152097038924694, 0.007127862889319658, 0.03436698764562607, 0.00833992287516594, 0.005106876604259014, -0.06757675856351852, 0.017045343294739723, -0.005192387383431196, -0.030270902439951897, 0.03874361515045166, 0.02598610520362854, 0.0020233981776982546, 0.03465800732374191, 0.036858342587947845, 0.025793051347136497, -0.05232354998588562, -0.0577690564095974, 0.028246376663446426, -0.01093216985464096, 0.012160830199718475, -0.019295284524559975, -0.026028897613286972, 0.03364480286836624, 0.042572688311338425, -0.03520394116640091, -0.04165782034397125, 0.036073796451091766, 0.0009354432695545256, 0.007330689579248428, 0.01677141711115837, -0.019358890131115913, -0.009221555665135384, 0.015473972074687481, 0.04652968421578407, -0.08389823138713837, 0.009169109165668488, -0.04617121070623398, 0.01763242296874523, 0.008436810225248337, -0.04070797935128212, -0.023342203348875046, 0.02480672113597393, -0.01741531863808632, -0.011976717039942741, -0.0697261244058609, 0.07288419455289841, 0.0010578103829175234, -0.05992194265127182, 0.021528543904423714, 0.020072372630238533, 0.026046669110655785, 0.023472318425774574, -0.015121396631002426, 0.07497447729110718, 0.044791534543037415, 0.011895072646439075, 0.0008426791173405945, 0.03327767923474312, -0.0053639342077076435, -0.02369575947523117, -0.01232249103486538, 0.019403953105211258, 0.02998054400086403, 0.01488947868347168, -0.005542620085179806, 0.0006143248756416142, 0.011005287989974022, 0.000803569913841784, 0.043680235743522644, -0.06161106750369072, -0.03274800255894661, -0.03754769265651703, 0.01960473321378231, 0.026750825345516205, 0.058127261698246, -0.0269429050385952, 0.007430801168084145, -0.022405970841646194, -0.022848717868328094, 0.041978392750024796, 0.037131644785404205, 0.027741815894842148, -0.006622476037591696, -0.0055144415237009525, 0.017901340499520302, 0.0661674439907074, 0.028945211321115494, -0.03124052844941616, -0.02445930615067482, 0.02949373424053192, 0.027873190119862556, -0.010071508586406708, 0.037276118993759155, -0.0040618074126541615, -0.061323389410972595, 0.05093063786625862, -0.00027434321236796677, -0.01320172194391489, -0.022088397294282913, 0.04877057671546936, -0.04567032679915428, -0.05740419775247574, 0.03291616588830948, -0.05379241332411766, -0.004965752363204956, -0.029718682169914246, 0.04531072825193405, 0.02310973033308983, -0.011032630689442158, -0.0044238390401005745, -0.06827912479639053, 0.044356051832437515, 0.030010368674993515, 0.039047375321388245, 0.00020722586486954242, -0.015874071046710014, 0.05628126859664917, -0.018690265715122223, 0.020218759775161743, -0.04622885212302208, -0.058731600642204285, -0.03257232531905174, -0.005963858217000961, -0.018239701166749, 0.06471823155879974, 0.013525902293622494, -0.02126668393611908, 0.033080216497182846, 0.01811944879591465, 0.06693506985902786, 0.02695479430258274, -0.001158256083726883, 0.06237127631902695, -0.0607047900557518, -0.009851113893091679, 0.023899486288428307, 0.04732881486415863, 0.000245453353272751, -0.01876797154545784, 0.05633553862571716, -0.021069010719656944, -0.00765636470168829, 0.0013645051512867212, 0.0048323567025363445, 0.036767881363630295, -0.0169680193066597, 0.07302772253751755, -0.04088778421282768, 0.013873628340661526, -0.046805884689092636, 0.05532059445977211, 0.0067174131982028484, -0.03698791190981865, 0.021697109565138817, -0.0628465861082077, 0.06903012841939926, 0.065774105489254, -0.04317094758152962, 0.0024135501589626074, 0.020823601633310318, -0.005166543181985617, -0.0018016441026702523, 0.004714721813797951, 0.009104725904762745, 0.02846747823059559, -0.004686157219111919, 0.02001970075070858, -0.013241580687463284, 0.036496929824352264, -0.05445866659283638, -0.020509259775280952, 0.07636091113090515, 0.01799062266945839, 0.03762887418270111, -0.05761510878801346, -0.015082900412380695, 0.019262770190835, -0.03488554060459137, -0.0005938346730545163, -0.04930378496646881, 0.009625334292650223, -0.005259673111140728, 0.021099071949720383, -0.005731203593313694, 0.03540080413222313, -0.042273782193660736, -0.02059769071638584, -0.0030950068030506372, 0.024872461333870888, 0.03847778961062431, 0.006363850552588701, 0.054911352694034576, 0.005521601997315884, 0.011371617205440998, -0.050034068524837494, -0.05440767854452133, -0.006642164196819067, 0.02989910915493965, 0.004547027871012688, 0.03363238275051117, 0.017280394211411476, -0.003347759135067463, 0.03243159130215645, -0.02043819986283779, -0.002060546539723873, 0.007310193497687578, 0.01574481651186943, -0.0005569447530433536, 0.00958894845098257, 0.009767218492925167, -0.016249606385827065, 0.056313637644052505, -0.009660102427005768, -0.06475146859884262, 0.04521378129720688, -0.04986804723739624, -0.0019471117993816733, -0.05408422648906708, -0.03961995244026184, 0.031024841591715813, 0.009666739031672478, 0.018628591671586037, -0.0152818001806736, 0.016720324754714966, -0.004658638499677181, 0.058668967336416245, 0.03329846262931824, 0.05181284621357918, 0.050978876650333405, -0.020354950800538063, -0.0032909358851611614, -0.021752534434199333, -0.015020007267594337, 0.007910782471299171, 0.021541068330407143, 0.010876795276999474, -0.03280435875058174, 0.005953773390501738, -0.2582540810108185, 0.037629012018442154, -0.017058031633496284, -0.025782808661460876, 0.04790353775024414, 0.016849078238010406, 0.011510847136378288, 0.01032023224979639, 0.00626211054623127, 0.018609244376420975, 0.002579975174739957, -0.028276806697249413, 0.015981273725628853, 0.005887598264962435, 0.034548964351415634, -0.025342045351862907, 0.0300687737762928, -0.02128775231540203, -0.015224280767142773, -0.009345538914203644, 0.018394965678453445, -0.05581635981798172, -0.025515848770737648, 0.012084371410310268, 0.022901849821209908, 0.03401026502251625, -0.02279008738696575, 0.008370944298803806, -0.06469930708408356, -0.014015808701515198, 0.016492705792188644, -0.00636908458545804, -0.009095088578760624, -0.001794349285773933, -0.014096277765929699, 0.02321002073585987, 0.02601436898112297, -0.03789963200688362, -0.03179324418306351, -0.03433959186077118, -0.034568339586257935, -0.062420837581157684, 0.000028790733267669566, -0.014392802491784096, 0.039148323237895966, -0.02659675106406212, -0.07232050597667694, -0.024175863713026047, 0.019466621801257133, 0.040606677532196045, -0.0201522596180439, 0.016359452158212662, -0.05503244698047638, 0.005998485721647739, -0.018402578309178352, 0.012402582913637161, -0.07028168439865112, -0.03935381397604942, -0.015220052562654018, 0.04438800737261772, 0.033086907118558884, -0.05591018870472908, -0.08620738238096237, -0.006515298970043659, -0.025858236476778984, -0.05982019379734993, -0.02087366208434105, -0.04709850996732712, 0.0596122220158577, -0.011375919915735722, 0.03973781317472458, 0.04160480573773384, -0.0009427052573300898, -0.08093533664941788, 0.005983406212180853, -0.01579858548939228, -0.016067281365394592, -0.048795655369758606, -0.05281651020050049, -0.009717805311083794, -0.02258666418492794, 0.003570628585293889, 0.019355347380042076, -0.041537415236234665, -0.01995564065873623, -0.003195706522092223, 0.0114925941452384, 0.037412263453006744, -0.01860170066356659, -0.011334714479744434, 0.07367341220378876, -0.00578980753198266, -0.011764269322156906, 0.0029517184011638165, 0.050299517810344696, 0.05144907906651497, -0.023569278419017792, 0.010508122853934765, -0.014126846566796303, -0.01689445786178112, 0.03010924533009529, -0.053774598985910416, 0.03666087985038757, -0.023145033046603203, -0.011295982636511326, -0.02467934973537922, -0.033187247812747955, 0.03286651894450188, 0.027039647102355957, 0.01393214799463749, 0.015961840748786926, 0.005545938387513161, 0.023769617080688477, -0.07002602517604828, 0.018834056332707405, -0.0006742615369148552, 0.03380058705806732, -0.003188912058249116, 0.04587390273809433, -0.009584822691977024, 0.017057286575436592, 0.04573219642043114, -0.04951192066073418, -0.011559703387320042, -0.09811145812273026, -0.003150950651615858, 0.014353594742715359, 0.05394745618104935, -0.02798726037144661, 0.04115501791238785, -0.034059423953294754, -0.0034516574814915657, -0.015253567136824131, 0.02958768792450428, -0.010959997773170471, -0.03285187482833862, -0.003710473421961069, -0.050243914127349854, -0.0031349393539130688, 0.020565947517752647, 0.044477980583906174, 0.006842689588665962, 0.037395380437374115, -0.0017930475296452641, 0.0150879742577672, 0.0005576143157668412, -0.01769286021590233, -0.020111430436372757, -0.04182685911655426, 0.051197901368141174, 0.004292241297662258, -0.07661642879247665, 0.012996722012758255, -0.06936588138341904, -0.03547530621290207, -0.009258856065571308, 0.02975856140255928, 0.010214073583483696, -0.007219106890261173, -0.0495385080575943, -0.050405725836753845, -0.03934958949685097, -0.019475379958748817, -0.014267288148403168, -0.04214442893862724, 0.08359890431165695, 0.0072846063412725925, -0.022136585786938667, -0.030415169894695282, 0.005693696904927492, -0.025243250653147697, -0.029952481389045715, -0.05729212611913681, -0.01074887439608574, 0.010038028471171856, 0.025553341954946518, -0.04460277408361435, -0.016177214682102203, 0.05266295000910759, 0.029893526807427406, 0.012223444879055023, -0.018086208030581474, -0.038999542593955994, -0.0012403962900862098, 0.03059057518839836, -0.03456059843301773, 0.0044803498312830925, -0.05262303352355957, 0.015403319150209427, 0.012422014959156513, 0.01563844084739685, -0.0015584033681079745, -0.04076940938830376, 0.03214380890130997, -0.06178020313382149, -0.07792547345161438, 0.027882324531674385, 0.0023357542231678963, 0.019023174419999123, 0.03191660717129707, 0.00830353144556284, -0.009437239728868008, -0.003620963077992201, 0.024009017273783684, -0.0045454734936356544, -0.08096224814653397, 0.031005635857582092, 0.004842711612582207, -0.0038785499054938555, 0.048120032995939255, -0.05121378228068352, -0.001580097246915102, -0.017860958352684975, 0.036637913435697556, 0.05594247207045555, -0.02134721353650093, 0.029549038037657738, -0.016999712213873863, 0.01629127934575081, -0.020989790558815002, -0.0006042477325536311, -0.024783095344901085, -0.029989641159772873, 0.012286090292036533, -0.03576089069247246, 0.06821995973587036, -0.030094299465417862, -0.037606533616781235, 0.014071286655962467, -0.030458318069577217, 0.027271674945950508, -0.03849441558122635, -0.023360438644886017, 0.0694771558046341, -0.015063389204442501, -0.03650962933897972, 0.011940397322177887, -0.03388454020023346, -0.03596436604857445, 0.08021409809589386, 0.03565281257033348, 0.03602606803178787, 0.018214009702205658, -0.04046396166086197, 0.0030514118261635303, 0.02053840458393097, 0.0063353958539664745, -0.0019473364809527993, -0.0050793602131307125, 0.058723609894514084, 0.010977429337799549, -0.01638786680996418, -0.0747019350528717, -0.0014527979074046016, 0.015604183077812195, -0.07482138276100159, -0.025499358773231506, -0.016460245475172997, 0.0016573575558140874, 0.054228391498327255, 0.005138527601957321, 0.03426242619752884, 0.0018692330922931433, 0.008508013561367989, 0.03503703698515892, 0.03730335086584091, 0.008032973855733871, -0.01693197526037693, 0.07251958549022675, -0.0737900659441948, -0.05014802888035774, -0.08573850989341736, 0.008404701948165894, -0.04156506806612015, 0.022107578814029694, 0.020649652928113937, 0.02151389792561531, -0.0345437116920948, 0.038631558418273926, -0.025651708245277405, -0.0022195198107510805, -0.00899463426321745, 0.012734632007777691, -0.032876331359148026, 0.009462501853704453, -0.03512248024344444, 0.054400015622377396, 0.008281518705189228, -0.07242076843976974, -0.03128712251782417, 0.004751644097268581, 0.009860655292868614, -0.006724031642079353, 0.021765198558568954, -0.05022367462515831, -0.01964625157415867, 0.05230482667684555, 0.03544219955801964, -0.021689319983124733, 0.03669599071145058, -0.05643993243575096, 0.05419724062085152, -0.0012147719971835613, 0.007204024586826563, 0.002560652559623122, 0.032999128103256226, -0.007964098826050758, -0.0725666955113411, 0.04772356525063515, 0.04061208292841911, 0.0025314227677881718, -0.07678006589412689, 0.0661235898733139, 0.043665897101163864, -0.039500642567873, 0.0005497707170434296, -0.027975913137197495, -0.024308430030941963, 0.01051903422921896, -0.024573959410190582, 0.018355054780840874, 0.029949137941002846, 0.0441085509955883, -0.014484463259577751, 0.10425831377506256, 0.06680963933467865, -0.012481823563575745, 0.014345863834023476, 0.007208351511508226, 0.06911563128232956, 0.04861436411738396, 0.005349068436771631, -0.008183603174984455, 0.0442555770277977, 0.024751098826527596, -0.022301290184259415, 0.025083843618631363, -0.04651331529021263, -0.013554141856729984, 0.007048542611300945, -0.03382187336683273, 0.04012411832809448, 0.014831856824457645, 0.04966628924012184, 0.042625412344932556, 0.020056897774338722, 0.07550652325153351, -0.05661645904183388, 0.03687568008899689, 0.00880624819546938, 0.030861448496580124, -0.003599956165999174, -0.015463298186659813, -0.05370279774069786, -0.037862569093704224, 0.03576846420764923, -0.03538046032190323, -0.02051481045782566, -0.02139095962047577, 0.021410923451185226, -0.03230000659823418, 0.013541100546717644, 0.07601764053106308, 0.007597374729812145, -0.014343428425490856, 0.020863298326730728, 0.03280429169535637, -0.04014211148023605, -0.01594318449497223, 0.004143095575273037, -0.013087469153106213, -0.0215548537671566, -0.01867028698325157, 0.041197795420885086, 0.05270472168922424, 0.030722271651029587, 0.07509403675794601, -0.031381066888570786, -0.008089190348982811, 0.035679303109645844, 0.028726041316986084, -0.026620963588356972, -0.012425909750163555, -0.08369657397270203, 0.0013168638106435537, -0.07071864604949951, 0.008081167005002499, 0.013980906456708908, -0.030831849202513695, -0.05671662837266922, 0.00419472623616457, -0.007583014201372862, -0.018115386366844177, 0.03949794918298721, -0.006306057795882225, 0.018710296601057053, 0.04389815405011177, 0.03392152115702629, 0.03126625716686249, 0.05397101864218712, 0.06389962881803513, 0.016080113127827644, -0.016873614862561226, -0.024953274056315422, -0.02243262343108654, 0.04309608414769173, -0.008953576907515526, -0.00022202065156307071, -0.07382537424564362, -0.013586691580712795, 0.004296688362956047, -0.006419455632567406, -0.06314364820718765, 0.035771217197179794, -0.023053381592035294, -0.02675435319542885, 0.0651271715760231, 0.005629866849631071, 0.013854819349944592, 0.000478598871268332, -0.022738071158528328, 0.01535620167851448, -0.013353223912417889, 0.046552058309316635, -0.04967968910932541, 0.04617500677704811, 0.05204582214355469, -0.0016846696380525827, 0.006474444642663002, 0.07446084916591644, 0.02783850207924843, 0.004631783813238144, -0.02158869057893753, 0.0010562042007222772, -0.02632131427526474, -0.03021310269832611, -0.016751732677221298, 0.0008393606985919178, -0.04219750314950943, -0.025986220687627792, 0.02813786268234253, 0.008188764564692974, -0.026231398805975914, -0.03969935327768326, 0.016556572169065475, 0.025152157992124557, -0.040117133408784866, -0.023017654195427895, -0.07423640787601471, 0.02685714140534401, 0.010608553886413574, -0.010010252706706524, -0.00018927115888800472, -0.041689757257699966, 0.03492031246423721, -0.06625349074602127, 0.026261882856488228, 0.0020745855290442705, -0.00171179068274796, -0.0004494988243095577 ]
OPINION PER CURIAM. This matter is before the Court following a reinstatement proceeding conducted pursuant to SCRA 1986, 17-214(D), wherein Bruce G. Stafford (Stafford) petitioned for reinstatement following a period of indefinite suspension imposed by this Court in June 1983. The hearing committee and the Disciplinary Board have recommended that Stafford’s petition be denied. We agree. The original charges against Stafford involved the neglect of a legal matter entrusted to him; the use of physical force against opposing counsel during a deposition; and conduct which reflected adversely upon Stafford’s fitness to practice law. The Court followed the Board’s recommendation that Stafford be publicly censured. A hearing was scheduled and Stafford was sent notice of the hearing at his address of record on file. Stafford failed to appear. The Court then issued an order giving Stafford thirty days to appear for censuring and show cause why he should not make restitution to the victims of his misconduct. Stafford also was ordered to pay the costs of the proceeding to the Disciplinary Board. A second copy of this order was sent to Stafford’s address of record. When Stafford failed to respond in any way to the directions of the Court, his license to practice law was suspended. In Stafford’s petition for reinstatement, he alleged that full restitution had been made to his client and that substantial restitution had been made to the attorney he attacked. Stafford also alleged that he was prepared to pay costs to the Disciplinary Board. Stafford claimed that he received no notice of the 1983 hearings. He also stated that he has not been engaged in the practice of law since May 23, 1983, but has remained current in knowledge of the law and has kept abreast of recent developments. At the hearing on his petition, Stafford called no witnesses and presented questionable documentation of his claims that he had made restitution. An undated and unnotarized “receipt” supposedly representing payment of the debt was only for a portion of the amount owed and was signed by someone other than his client. On cross-examination it was revealed that Stafford’s restitution to the attorney was actually payment by a bank in response to a garnishment proceeding brought by the attorney to satisfy the judgment against Stafford. Stafford acknowledged before the hearing committee that his failure to receive the notices of hearing in 1983 was probably due to his failure to collect his mail on a regular basis. Stafford admitted that his answers to questions on the reinstatement questionnaire were incomplete, but claimed that this was an oversight. Stafford made no showing of any plan to reenter practice in a manner which would eliminate the danger of past inadequacies. The only proof that Stafford kept abreast of legal developments was his own unsubstantiated claim that he had occasionally borrowed bar bulletins from a friend. This Court has a duty to insure that attorneys licensed to practice law are indeed qualified to do so, both in terms of good morals and education. An attorney who has been found lacking in these attributes bears a heavy burden when he seeks reinstatement, and must show clearly and convincingly that the deficiencies which led to his suspension or disbarment have been remedied. Stafford has shown no remorse for his past misconduct; neither has appropriate restitution been made. While expressions of remorse and restitution do not justify reinstatement absent other evidence of rehabilitation, they are certainly evidence in a suspended attorney’s favor. Where one is unable financially to make restitution, full payment might not necessarily be a precondition for reinstatement. However, where restitution is at issue, an applicant for reinstatement should be prepared to disclose his financial situation and present in good faith a realistic plan for making payments once the financial problems are alleviated. Stafford’s statements that he has made restitution are less than honest, and his answers to questions on the questionnaire concerning his financial status are incomplete and evasive. Such misleading responses obstruct investigation into an attorney’s present fitness to practice law and are inconsistent with the attorney’s obligations of truthfulness and candor. Stafford has the burden of demonstrating that his readmission poses no danger to the public, the profession, or the administration of justice. See SCRA 1986, 17-214. A mere statement of a desire to engage in the practice of law does not satisfy this requirement. There is no evidence that Stafford has taken or plans to take CLE courses regarding law office management. There is also no showing of a real commitment to stay abreast of current developments in the law. Simply reading an occasional borrowed bar bulletin does not suffice to show an awareness of recent legal developments. An attorney seeking readmission should attend seminars designed to acquaint attorneys with the present state of the law. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the petition for reinstatement to the practice of law by Bruce G. Stafford be denied as of August 19, 1987. Pursuant to SCRA 1986, 17-214(B)(2), he may not petition again for reinstatement prior to the expiration of a twelve month period commencing on the date of his denial. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this opinion shall be published in the State Bar of New Mexico News and Views and in the New Mexico Reports. Costs of this proceeding in the amount of $410.75 are assessed against Stafford and must be paid to the Disciplinary Board before the filing of any subsequent petition for reinstatement. IT IS SO ORDERED.
[ -0.027677930891513824, -0.03487800061702728, -0.012881708331406116, 0.005883611738681793, 0.021743955090641975, -0.01197791937738657, 0.04658377170562744, 0.008905160240828991, -0.036739833652973175, -0.046320993453264236, 0.006064835004508495, 0.045270320028066635, -0.042278215289115906, 0.03942854329943657, -0.010920438915491104, 0.07535313814878464, 0.035895414650440216, 0.024811385199427605, 0.002082347171381116, -0.021003413945436478, 0.03796764835715294, 0.017144277691841125, -0.01457744836807251, 0.04140986129641533, 0.05219459533691406, 0.008439204655587673, -0.007642598822712898, 0.0030657837633043528, -0.06831816583871841, -0.01243354007601738, 0.06906086206436157, -0.010995720513164997, -0.015721449628472328, 0.004009891301393509, -0.013322267681360245, -0.009395930916070938, -0.0038434078451246023, -0.009399826638400555, -0.021309850737452507, 0.0191646795719862, -0.005726252216845751, 0.006655464414507151, -0.061760757118463516, 0.004239755216985941, -0.04346523806452751, 0.012590727768838406, 0.01975421793758869, -0.0004424906801432371, -0.020128609612584114, -0.004944679792970419, -0.069859080016613, 0.02671409770846367, -0.04207112267613411, 0.04142152518033981, 0.006077959202229977, 0.015644239261746407, -0.05065396428108215, -0.05839984118938446, 0.010553856380283833, -0.02671440690755844, 0.029004668816924095, -0.029474681243300438, 0.06586766988039017, -0.004744639620184898, -0.02251773700118065, 0.01728886552155018, 0.0316663533449173, 0.04297538474202156, -0.042880430817604065, -0.013275821693241596, -0.0613260418176651, -0.017690781503915787, 0.030165206640958786, 0.03460831567645073, -0.008878436870872974, -0.018823206424713135, 0.013718968257308006, 0.04195289686322212, 0.01978149078786373, 0.060250893235206604, 0.04354861006140709, 0.0014587517362087965, 0.013232260011136532, 0.01609053835272789, 0.0032325228676199913, -0.022553417831659317, -0.017505520954728127, -0.021936556324362755, -0.012819685973227024, 0.046620603650808334, 0.006682363338768482, -0.040877074003219604, 0.019587446004152298, 0.043970197439193726, -0.02891704998910427, -0.013210812583565712, 0.06916598230600357, -0.049678903073072433, 0.031001277267932892, 0.013933355920016766, -0.02663448639214039, -0.04235873371362686, -0.005778460297733545, 0.06573782861232758, -0.0701669454574585, 0.041244566440582275, -0.008295428939163685, 0.008424527943134308, -0.007233963813632727, -0.008446279913187027, -0.0205115657299757, 0.045351576060056686, -0.010615238919854164, -0.060518886893987656, -0.08009859919548035, 0.025677762925624847, 0.02286960743367672, -0.052412718534469604, -0.05548372119665146, -0.01902211643755436, 0.05787046253681183, 0.0008842808310873806, 0.03534818813204765, 0.06765184551477432, 0.04093499109148979, -0.019374581053853035, 0.00007293402450159192, 0.0037242344114929438, -0.05052636191248894, -0.03957458958029747, -0.0071206530556082726, 0.036692745983600616, 0.003768781665712595, 0.02692819945514202, -0.036117635667324066, -0.018985474482178688, -0.02348089963197708, -0.01627483405172825, 0.022213531658053398, -0.022431204095482826, -0.00880187563598156, 0.01962643675506115, -0.015165211632847786, 0.013335042633116245, 0.041780102998018265, -0.022895094007253647, 0.01802912726998329, 0.02479417808353901, -0.020199529826641083, 0.005178688559681177, 0.04859451204538345, 0.05300784483551979, -0.00509437033906579, -0.036790553480386734, -0.001110358047299087, 0.060194481164216995, 0.028736572712659836, 0.019834501668810844, -0.021960334852337837, 0.04543350264430046, 0.031406812369823456, 0.01261114701628685, -0.006952596362680197, 0.019478458911180496, 0.013233101926743984, 0.02887614071369171, 0.00023570982739329338, -0.021697524935007095, -0.05856046825647354, 0.02796686626970768, -0.06819421797990799, -0.006035811733454466, 0.04624079167842865, -0.08275166153907776, -0.0339503213763237, 0.04535633698105812, 0.07100910693407059, 0.01589457504451275, 0.02427792362868786, -0.0355726033449173, -0.07922178506851196, 0.050992369651794434, -0.02194039151072502, -0.002686638617888093, -0.03397500887513161, -0.020265094935894012, 0.08714394271373749, -0.028858015313744545, 0.006323923822492361, 0.008379384875297546, -0.050488583743572235, -0.02561744675040245, 0.029398497194051743, -0.02343514934182167, 0.0724918395280838, 0.03698769956827164, -0.04840012267231941, 0.02608228288590908, -0.04214188829064369, 0.05689448490738869, 0.019090572372078896, 0.007284823339432478, 0.033886369317770004, -0.04663745313882828, -0.015701474621891975, 0.027399569749832153, 0.038725946098566055, 0.01890488713979721, 0.007965082302689552, 0.05429858714342117, 0.036204494535923004, 0.014779161661863327, 0.03526957333087921, -0.015416543930768967, 0.024820037186145782, 0.00403274642303586, 0.043248023837804794, -0.05160786211490631, 0.024455394595861435, -0.05541367456316948, 0.030989954248070717, 0.019845815375447273, -0.00923558883368969, 0.06132369115948677, -0.05818668752908707, 0.05058342218399048, 0.03233739361166954, -0.017932076007127762, -0.03931272402405739, 0.017487360164523125, -0.024725129827857018, -0.01568518579006195, -0.01746121607720852, -0.02281595580279827, 0.035286009311676025, -0.00922172237187624, -0.029471248388290405, -0.02252502739429474, 0.055338550359010696, -0.04555512219667435, -0.010416019707918167, 0.04328067973256111, 0.0327254980802536, 0.04158715903759003, -0.02859380841255188, 0.025316696614027023, -0.01934589259326458, 0.03320503979921341, -0.00226731994189322, 0.015639139339327812, -0.014821861870586872, -0.0013748232740908861, 0.006117374636232853, 0.004783280659466982, 0.03451841324567795, -0.027728350833058357, -0.011407573707401752, -0.03789069503545761, 0.006889674812555313, 0.014894937165081501, 0.02577139437198639, 0.019721083343029022, -0.028134874999523163, -0.02436499483883381, -0.03907810524106026, -0.04226633161306381, -0.02249974012374878, 0.019797232002019882, 0.0025853950064629316, 0.010837296023964882, 0.02226015366613865, -0.02400829643011093, -0.027427619323134422, 0.03815246745944023, 0.008328549563884735, 0.05131619796156883, 0.037425749003887177, -0.0002091609057970345, 0.0057158260606229305, -0.009447152726352215, -0.0184562336653471, 0.004014353733509779, -0.06500911712646484, -0.028623711317777634, 0.02275085635483265, -0.06708934158086777, 0.018282731994986534, -0.009882332757115364, -0.04572572931647301, 0.01431543193757534, 0.01662920042872429, 0.035360317677259445, 0.014571809209883213, 0.042210258543491364, 0.03850869461894035, 0.03012610413134098, 0.02126312628388405, 0.04732920601963997, 0.013668715953826904, -0.004663754720240831, 0.02901609241962433, -0.014433018863201141, 0.010390098206698895, 0.0048310039564967155, 0.037461549043655396, -0.03841492906212807, -0.01620478183031082, 0.004306769464164972, -0.29262685775756836, 0.02134108915925026, 0.005606316961348057, -0.03647000342607498, 0.03343719244003296, 0.027624744921922684, 0.02926347590982914, -0.029658257961273193, -0.05008944496512413, 0.07270282506942749, -0.028919488191604614, -0.03177677467465401, 0.008058717474341393, 0.05482381209731102, 0.04547996446490288, -0.04150499776005745, 0.032339077442884445, 0.006077781319618225, -0.0018887902842834592, 0.04335854947566986, 0.02147318422794342, -0.08988617360591888, -0.05258148908615112, -0.028789902105927467, 0.03286159783601761, 0.060939278453588486, -0.03877998888492584, 0.02248377352952957, -0.06033775210380554, -0.02750123105943203, -0.013788066804409027, 0.004065788816660643, 0.022319570183753967, -0.03409538418054581, -0.038895606994628906, -0.022484375163912773, -0.001057433895766735, -0.03305944427847862, -0.029050355777144432, -0.0069416603073477745, 0.012789031490683556, -0.08336111158132553, -0.04488656297326088, 0.014544256962835789, 0.04432221129536629, 0.041263703256845474, -0.07315962016582489, -0.0117753641679883, -0.002838896820321679, 0.0688033476471901, -0.0191123615950346, 0.025042349472641945, -0.023388294503092766, 0.03601907566189766, -0.006687449757009745, -0.0007956780609674752, -0.08743293583393097, -0.004705269820988178, -0.03463592752814293, 0.04436858370900154, 0.01846764236688614, -0.03938089683651924, -0.022600580006837845, 0.011181800626218319, -0.045237261801958084, -0.04815945774316788, -0.027296826243400574, -0.02014763094484806, 0.0818132534623146, 0.024569816887378693, 0.0017076496733352542, 0.06642890721559525, -0.039659373462200165, -0.07687056064605713, -0.0006946306675672531, -0.013382717035710812, -0.017349043861031532, -0.011729218997061253, -0.011281498707830906, 0.0010797210270538926, -0.023343512788414955, -0.0045862942934036255, 0.000801031303126365, 0.039615921676158905, -0.058761775493621826, -0.016828859224915504, -0.014028161764144897, 0.07645170390605927, -0.05400925129652023, -0.01725146733224392, 0.04688694700598717, 0.043627236038446426, -0.07617928832769394, 0.025439349934458733, 0.012039318680763245, 0.04777158796787262, 0.0006029142532497644, -0.05923030152916908, 0.011328781954944134, -0.008235125802457333, 0.04551873728632927, -0.05654475837945938, 0.002887021517381072, -0.03354928269982338, -0.02631320059299469, -0.046168453991413116, -0.054796334356069565, -0.027719290927052498, 0.00923263467848301, 0.031459346413612366, 0.030356936156749725, -0.007193399593234062, 0.07220438122749329, -0.042083531618118286, 0.017140496522188187, -0.029185794293880463, 0.027115290984511375, 0.012800890021026134, -0.004964524880051613, -0.00854707695543766, 0.008556404151022434, 0.018265292048454285, -0.028812304139137268, -0.02598493918776512, -0.09674804657697678, 0.035928986966609955, 0.002570522716268897, -0.0008694386924616992, -0.06007235124707222, 0.030629606917500496, 0.023859379813075066, -0.021493883803486824, -0.013340053148567677, 0.00421082554385066, 0.013645349070429802, -0.008293372578918934, -0.025228379294276237, -0.012926233001053333, 0.007008944638073444, 0.013406538404524326, 0.04887509346008301, -0.004693714901804924, 0.01351130474358797, 0.025784634053707123, 0.04155085235834122, -0.003271324560046196, -0.0019587718416005373, 0.010580634698271751, -0.017094846814870834, 0.022634459659457207, 0.025645511224865913, -0.08027811348438263, -0.0019277675310149789, -0.06186400353908539, -0.018574191257357597, -0.015240761451423168, 0.022267943248152733, 0.0066541824489831924, -0.020103955641388893, -0.025342367589473724, 0.0015900835860520601, 0.005826078355312347, -0.001425470574758947, -0.05417000129818916, -0.010910412296652794, 0.04840993881225586, 0.0024747252464294434, 0.0029046565759927034, -0.040539611130952835, 0.03451833873987198, -0.026804663240909576, -0.0492381677031517, -0.03876388072967529, -0.006658470258116722, 0.03892926126718521, 0.04285889118909836, -0.016690174117684364, -0.01985136978328228, 0.04631854593753815, 0.02337823249399662, 0.02026226371526718, -0.03808148205280304, -0.030339648947119713, 0.0309798251837492, 0.04312983900308609, -0.0445108562707901, -0.015790585428476334, -0.0477912463247776, -0.026606692001223564, -0.027965866029262543, -0.0074936398304998875, -0.015395536087453365, 0.012354927137494087, 0.040139347314834595, -0.04019031301140785, -0.07938443869352341, 0.008751296438276768, -0.0023440199438482523, 0.017108628526329994, 0.04795379191637039, -0.0023582016583532095, 0.007216904312372208, 0.0038498786743730307, -0.0056672487407922745, -0.009109665639698505, -0.053331054747104645, 0.00006570327241206542, -0.005704683251678944, -0.0330951102077961, 0.0342065803706646, -0.03734411299228668, -0.003581422381103039, -0.01537458598613739, 0.0034737822134047747, 0.036910124123096466, -0.049606163054704666, 0.05030262842774391, -0.008261246606707573, 0.007775820791721344, 0.029317636042833328, -0.012292743660509586, -0.046209998428821564, -0.01628802716732025, 0.020044995471835136, -0.026156140491366386, 0.06377279758453369, -0.005478342995047569, 0.020814113318920135, -0.0021137124858796597, -0.0044151898473501205, 0.009304831735789776, -0.04474626109004021, 0.007548749912530184, 0.0499269999563694, -0.009603291749954224, -0.0065165613777935505, -0.03846945986151695, 0.0049569555558264256, -0.0005006669671274722, 0.03615478426218033, 0.001327323610894382, 0.020447522401809692, 0.0032123469281941652, -0.03094640001654625, -0.005126291420310736, -0.0020567839965224266, 0.03509986773133278, -0.007700092624872923, 0.0028078840114176273, 0.06095847114920616, 0.01804141141474247, 0.018785232678055763, 0.010924559086561203, -0.04703037068247795, 0.019228573888540268, -0.04841184616088867, 0.015934815630316734, -0.03187759220600128, -0.009070206433534622, 0.057710785418748856, -0.004153784364461899, 0.04601694270968437, -0.02591988444328308, -0.004944224376231432, 0.019614029675722122, 0.039743345230817795, -0.009135217405855656, 0.01173082459717989, 0.0560280978679657, -0.06067190691828728, -0.022361403331160545, -0.08692875504493713, 0.017199508845806122, 0.02661164663732052, 0.01993645168840885, -0.004011613316833973, 0.018009210005402565, -0.06641644239425659, 0.0225514005869627, -0.06430459022521973, -0.01850970648229122, -0.008635167963802814, -0.02648288570344448, -0.031021980568766594, 0.05994785204529762, -0.04215472936630249, 0.03755722567439079, 0.015851717442274094, -0.08522212505340576, -0.061075057834386826, -0.002475799061357975, 0.03703222796320915, 0.02286793291568756, 0.00863596610724926, -0.06883566081523895, 0.01917934976518154, 0.022765353322029114, 0.05295352637767792, -0.026327481493353844, 0.0452624149620533, -0.057415544986724854, 0.048876289278268814, 0.039359934628009796, -0.016940053552389145, 0.026154950261116028, -0.004726781975477934, -0.012823143973946571, -0.05558624863624573, 0.011337054893374443, 0.014265180565416813, 0.0005460543907247484, -0.047221895307302475, 0.029635116457939148, 0.018203947693109512, -0.05091801658272743, -0.04385894164443016, 0.013323435559868813, -0.02993912808597088, -0.019365549087524414, -0.011674202047288418, 0.03356677666306496, 0.026468805968761444, 0.05037970840930939, 0.004780460614711046, 0.059506531804800034, 0.04215439036488533, -0.01897061988711357, 0.05469308793544769, 0.0028695636428892612, 0.08177720010280609, 0.05278758332133293, 0.006742004305124283, 0.029399942606687546, 0.032762832939624786, -0.003115497762337327, -0.06503739953041077, 0.03418323025107384, -0.011714392341673374, 0.00585660245269537, 0.004534913692623377, -0.01711856573820114, 0.02301023155450821, -0.012882511131465435, 0.05802854895591736, 0.005328211933374405, 0.01747812330722809, 0.02562408521771431, -0.061950188130140305, 0.031321924179792404, 0.02593454159796238, 0.004753077868372202, -0.042962897568941116, 0.007339563686400652, -0.04078594222664833, -0.013213135302066803, 0.025104086846113205, -0.03511757031083107, -0.0006965039647184312, -0.0768960565328598, 0.020552322268486023, 0.00547966780140996, -0.025774145498871803, 0.08550866693258286, -0.033390939235687256, -0.017983494326472282, -0.023600397631525993, 0.020481163635849953, 0.025355111807584763, -0.02496398240327835, 0.010418389923870564, -0.017484553158283234, 0.03372864052653313, -0.00009137910092249513, -0.003000605385750532, 0.05128566548228264, -0.0441913902759552, 0.050699230283498764, 0.007213740609586239, -0.015069658868014812, 0.06887474656105042, 0.009518859907984734, 0.004685733467340469, -0.06310106813907623, -0.03654329478740692, -0.03098287433385849, -0.010021732188761234, 0.01886114478111267, 0.03822195157408714, -0.02566913142800331, -0.07604862749576569, -0.01954062469303608, -0.016530251130461693, -0.029074711725115776, 0.06520923227071762, -0.02905447967350483, 0.008232627995312214, 0.03570925444364548, 0.025377649813890457, -0.004239880479872227, 0.008153500966727734, 0.04008747637271881, -0.023538177832961082, -0.043679412454366684, -0.013251765631139278, -0.023634690791368484, 0.048178352415561676, -0.0060288626700639725, 0.005774945951998234, -0.10145118832588196, 0.006900218781083822, -0.009130069054663181, 0.00700024887919426, -0.06960036605596542, 0.04532145336270332, -0.0484008863568306, -0.01894928328692913, 0.04395604133605957, 0.031274475157260895, -0.015916550531983376, -0.02527386136353016, -0.012010535225272179, 0.056275624781847, -0.003199809929355979, 0.060255955904722214, -0.0046505406498909, 0.042586345225572586, 0.01976137049496174, -0.021952779963612556, -0.061339352279901505, 0.027166612446308136, 0.04166175052523613, -0.017919445410370827, -0.055682796984910965, 0.006409532856196165, 0.011019210331141949, -0.0397007018327713, -0.0420956164598465, 0.006678156089037657, -0.04168737307190895, -0.04801057279109955, 0.014289106242358685, -0.013067539781332016, 0.01925504021346569, -0.033426642417907715, 0.008504039607942104, 0.009670239873230457, -0.019990988075733185, -0.023931041359901428, -0.02442340925335884, 0.0013127555139362812, 0.07813350111246109, 0.01614716835319996, 0.004995273891836405, -0.047437045723199844, 0.03436817228794098, -0.01839280128479004, -0.0035687927156686783, 0.05265719071030617, 0.010995395481586456, -0.018942391499876976 ]
OPINION SOSA, Senior Justice. Concrete Sales & Equipment Rental Company (C & E) sued Kent Nowlin Construction, Inc. and Transamerica Insurance Company, the surety, (Nowlin) for failure to pay money due under an agreement in which C & E supplied Nowlin with aggregate materials and chips. Nowlin counterclaimed, alleging C & E had breached its agreement by supplying materials which did not meet project specifications and by failing to provide sufficient materials in a timely fashion. The trial court, sitting without a jury, awarded C & E damages totaling $54,117.18 and awarded Nowlin consequential damages totaling $21,000. Nowlin appeals, contending it was entitled to the remedy of “cover” under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and also entitled to damages for costs incurred in reprocessing fine aggregate materials. C & E cross appeals, contending that the trial court erred in awarding Nowlin consequential damages. We affirm in part and reverse in part. FACTS In 1981, the New Mexico State Highway Department awarded Nowlin, a general contractor, the Fort Wingate project, which required the laying of bituminous pavement asphalt concrete on road surfaces. Because this was a state construction project, Nowlin executed a bond under NMSA 1978, Sections 13-4-18 to -20 (Repl. Pamp.1985). The surety was Transamerica Insurance Company. On June 10, 1981, C & E, a ready-mix company and crushing operation, entered into a purchase order agreement with Nowlin to supply a total of 66,000 tons of coarse, intermediate, and fine aggregate materials for the Wingate project. Walter Meech, owner of C & E, calculated that about 20,000 tons of this material would have to be intermediate aggregate. The contract provided all materials furnished had to meet “project specifications and requirements.” The undisputed facts reveal Nowlin had problems with C & E’s production and supply of materials. For example, even though 20,000 tons of intermediate aggregate was needed for the job, C & E delivered only 2,099 tons. The last delivery was made in May 1982. Because C & E failed to timely supply an adequate amount of intermediate aggregate, Nowlin, on April 21, 1982, contracted with Gallup Sand & Gravel Company (Gallup) for substitute material. Nowlin notified Walter Jackson, Highway Department Project Supervisor, that it was contracting with Gallup. No letter was sent to C & E. Meech testified he was unaware Nowlin had purchased materials from Gallup until after the lawsuit commenced. Nowlin also had difficulties with C & E’s supply of fine aggregate. In spring or early summer of 1982, George McClendon, Nowlin’s general superintendent, met with Meech to discuss problems with the fine aggregate. C & E’s fine material had “dirty fines,” an excess amount of minus 200 material. At this meeting, Nowlin agreed to reprocess the fine aggregate through its drum plant because C & E’s materials did not meet the Highway Department’s specifications. The parties did not discuss who would be liable for the cost of reprocessing the material. Meech testified Nowlin had never complained about the quantity or quality of materials being produced. Frank Fegan, Nowlin’s employee hired to handle the Wingate project, testified he never discussed with C & E any costs of reprocessing the fines, or costs associated with the additional purchase of intermediate aggregate. According to Fegan, Nowlin did not want to “agitate” C & E and thus be cut off permanently before it could complete the job. In October 1982, Nowlin paid C & E $40,000 to receive the final shipment of materials. Nowlin then owed C & E $54,- 116.18. In November 1982, the Wingate project was completed. On November 3, 1982, Nowlin wrote C & E a letter, maintaining C & E had failed to perform according to the terms and conditions of the agreement. Nowlin alleged damages totaling $84,639 for reprocessing and replacing aggregate material and delayed costs in completing the project. The issues on appeal are: (1) whether Nowlin could “cover” under the UCC without notifying C & E; (2) whether Nowlin was entitled to damages for reprocessing the fine aggregate; and (3) whether Nowlin was entitled to consequential damages. APPLICABILITY OF THE UCC In the instant case, the contract provided for the sale of goods and for the service and manufacture of those goods (i.e., crushing materials). When the primary purpose of a contract is sale of goods as opposed to the rendition of services, it is considered a contract of sale. Mennonite Deaconess Home & Hosp. v. Gates Eng’g Co., 219 Neb. 303, 363 N.W.2d 155 (1985). Therefore, the purchase order between C & E and Nowlin qualifies as a contract for the sale of goods under NMSA 1978, Sections 55-1-201(11) and 55-2-105(1) and is governed by the provisions of the UCC, NMSA 1978, Sections 55-1-101 to 55-9-507. BUYER’S REMEDIES A. Section 55-2-712 “cover” Nowlin challenges the trial court’s finding of fact No. 13. Under findings Nos. 9, 10, and 11, the trial court stated that the parties’ agreement required C & E to furnish 20,000 tons of intermediate aggregate; that C & E had only supplied 2,099 tons of this material; and that Nowlin obtained substitute intermediate aggregate because C & E had failed to provide the necessary material under the contract. The trial court’s finding No. 13 states Nowlin never notified C & E that the intermediate aggregate was either insufficient or unsatisfactory, and therefore, the trial court concluded Nowlin had no right to the remedy of cover. Although Nowlin challenges the court’s finding that it never notified C & E of its breach, Nowlin primarily contends Section 55-2-711 does not require notice to the seller before a buyer can exercise the remedy of cover. We agree. Section 55-2-711(l)(a) provides: Where the seller fails to make delivery or repudiates or the buyer rightfully rejects or justifiably revokes acceptance, then with respect to any goods involved and with respect to the whole if the breach goes to the whole contract (Section 2-612 [55-2-612 NMSA 1978]), the buyer may cancel and whether or not he has done so may in addition to recovering so much of the price as has been paid: (a) ‘cover’ and have damages under the next section [55-2-712 NMSA 1978] In the instant case, the parties’ purchase agreement was an “installment contract” requiring the delivery of goods in separate lots to be separately accepted. § 55-2-612(1). In spring of 1982, C & E failed to timely deliver sufficient intermediate aggregate and thus did not fulfill the purchase order. Subsequently, Nowlin contracted with Gallup for the supply of intermediate aggregate. Nowlin accepted C & E’s last shipment of intermediate aggregate in May 1982. C & E, relying on Section 55-2-612(3), argues that Nowlin was not entitled to the remedy of “cover” because the contract was reinstated when Nowlin, without notifying C & E of any cancellation, accepted a nonconforming installment. We disagree. First, Nowlin accepted a partial delivery of conforming goods, not a nonconforming installment. There was no evidence that the intermediate aggregate accepted in May 1982 was nonconforming. Second, the statute is clear; it does not require a buyer to cancel a contract to effect the remedy of cover. When the seller fails to make deliv ery, then with respect to any goods involved, the buyer may cancel and whether or not he does so may “cover.” § 55-2-711(l)(a). Moreover, we conclude notice is not a condition precedent to the remedy of “cover.” The reason is quite apparent. Under Section 55-2-711, a buyer has not accepted a tender. He either rejects or revokes acceptance, or the seller repudiates by failing to make delivery. Not until the buyer accepts a tender must he, within a reasonable time after he discovers or should have discovered any breach, notify the seller of a breach or be barred from any remedy. § 55-2-607(3)(a). Here Nowlin did not accept a complete tender, but only a partial delivery. A buyer’s mere acceptance of partial goods does not waive or otherwise affect his right to damages for the seller’s failure to deliver the remainder under the contract of sale. Sundt v. Tobin Quarries, Inc., 50 N.M. 254, 175 P.2d 684 (1946). When a buyer has received insufficient performance, he should not be barred from recovering damages because of the partial performance, unless he agrees to accept the goods as full satisfaction of all his rights. Id. at 261, 175 P.2d at 688. Although Nowlin accepted the 2,099 tons of intermediate aggregate from C & E, there is no evidence of accord and satisfaction. Therefore, Nowlin was entitled to recover damages for C & E’s failure to deliver as much materials as agreed upon. Nowlin, of course, had the option to either seek “cover” under Section 55-2-712(1) and then recover from C & E as damages the difference between the cost of cover and the contract price. § 55-2-712(2). Or, alternatively, Nowlin could recover damages for nondelivery under Section 55-2-713(1). We conclude that Nowlin properly exercised its remedy of “cover” under Section 55-2-712(1). B. Section 55-2-714 “Damages” Next, Nowlin challenges the trial court’s finding No. 14. The trial court found that even though Nowlin had difficulties with the fine aggregate, it was not entitled to damages because C & E was never notified that the materials were inadequate, or that it would be assessed costs for any problems with the materials. A trial court's finding will not be disturbed on appeal if it is supported by substantial evidence. Wilson v. Employment Sec. Comm’n, 74 N.M. 3, 389 P.2d 855 (1963). A trial court’s finding, however, which has been challenged and is not supported by substantial evidence cannot be sustained on appeal. Henderson v. Lekvold, 99 N.M. 269, 271, 657 P.2d 125,127 (1983). We hold that this finding is not supported by substantial evidence. The facts clearly reveal Nowlin accepted the fine aggregate even though it did not meet the specifications as required under the contract. Nowlin even cured the defects in the fine aggregate to meet the specifications as required under the contract. “A buyer of goods who, after having a reasonable opportunity to inspect them and with full knowledge of any defect in them, makes further payments, performs acts of dominion, or other acts inconsistent with any intention to rescind, may be deemed to have accepted the goods or ratified the sale.” O’Shea v. Hatch, 97 N.M. 409, 413, 640 P.2d 515, 519 (Ct.App.1982) (citations omitted). When a tender has been accepted, the buyer must, within a reasonable time after he discovers or should have discovered any breach, notify the seller or be barred from any remedy. § 55-2-607(3)(a). “[A] person ‘notifies’ or ‘gives’ a notice or notification to another by taking such steps as may be reasonably required to inform the other in ordinary course whether or not such other actually comes to know of it.” § 55-1-201(26). A person receives notice when it comes to his attention. § 55-l-201(26)(a). The official comment No. 4 reads in part: The content of the notification need merely be sufficient to let the seller know that the transaction is still troublesome and must be watched. There is no reason to require that the notification which saves the buyer’s rights under this section must include a clear statement of all the objections that will be relied on by the buyer, as under the section covering statements of defects upon rejection (Section 2-605). Nor is there reason for requiring the notification to be a claim for damages or of any threatened litigation or other resort to a remedy. The notification which saves the buyer’s rights under this article need only be such as informs the seller that the transaction is claimed to involve a breach, and thus opens the way for normal settlement through negotiation. The recommended interpretation is that the buyer notify the seller of a breach. There is no requirement that the buyer also notify the seller of an intent to claim damages for such breach. The evidence shows Nowlin notified C & E of its breach. Meech testified C & E could not produce fine aggregate which met the Highway Department’s specifications under the purchase order. McClendon’s uncontroverted testimony also shows he met with C & E to discuss Nowlin’s problems with the fine aggregate. At this meeting, McClendon informed C & E that it was in breach of the agreement with respect to the fine aggregate materials. C & E was not notified it would be liable for the cost of reprocessing the materials. But comment No. 4 states: “Nor is there reason for requiring the notification to be a claim for damages.” A claim for damages was not made until November 3, 1982 when Fegan sent C & E written notification that it was in breach of the contract and that Nowlin was entitled to damages. For a buyer to recover for breach of warranty, he must prove the existence of a defect caused by the seller, that the buyer notified the seller and sought repairs, and that the seller failed or refused to make repairs. Deaton, Inc. v. Aeroglide Corp., 99 N.M. 253, 256, 657 P.2d 109, 112 (1982). The notice requirement in a breach of warranty action under the UCC serves three purposes: (1) to give the seller an opportunity to cure a defect; (2) to give the seller an opportunity to prepare for negotiation and litigation; and (3) to safeguard the seller against stale claims. Palmer v. A.H. Robins Co., 684 P.2d 187, 206 (Colo.1984). See also O’Shea, 97 N.M. at 415, 640 P.2d at 521 (purpose of statutory requirement of notice is to enable seller to minimize damages by curing defect and giving seller immunity against stale claims). Nowlin has proven all the factors necessary to recover for breach of warranty. It is undisputed that C & E supplied defective fine aggregate. As discussed above, C & E was notified of its breach and was given the opportunity to cure the defect. In fact, C & E made several attempts to blow out the fines in order to conform the material to adequate specifications, but C & E was unsuccessful. Knowing Nowlin had to reprocess the fine aggregate by running the materials through its drum plant, C & E was informed of continuous problems with the fines. Because Nowlin notified C & E of its breach, it is entitled to damages for reprocessing the fine aggregate. C & E concedes, in its brief, that Nowlin is entitled to a remedy as provided by Section 55-2-714. For breach of warranty the measure of damages is “the difference at the time and place of acceptance between the value of the goods accepted and the value they would have had if they had been as warranted, unless special circumstances show proximate damages of a different amount.” § 55-2-714(2) (emphasis added). Nowlin introduced uncontroverted evidence that its costs in reprocessing the fine aggregate totaled $34,639. This amount may or may not be an amount calculated by the breach of warranty formula, but the circumstances under this case show that the damages were $34,639. We hold, therefore, that Nowlin is entitled to damages for that amount. CROSS APPEAL A. Consequential Damages C & E contends the trial court erred in awarding Nowlin consequential damages because C & E was not notified of its breach. For the reasons set forth above, we disagree. The Highway Department assessed Nowlin $21,000 in liquidated damages for its delay in completing the Wingate project. The trial court found that the liquidated damage provision was incorporated in the purchase order agreement and that the consequential damages resulted from C & E’s failure to timely furnish materials. This is a proper case for an award of consequential damages. See §§ 55-2-714(3) and 55-2-715(2)(a). We reverse the trial court on Nowlin’s entitlement to the remedy of cover and to damages for reprocessing the fine aggregate materials. We set damages for Nowlin’s cost in reprocessing the fine aggregate at $34,639, and affirm the trial court’s consequential damages award of $21,000. The case is remanded for the trial court to determine any damages Nowlin may have incurred seeking cover. The court then shall set an appropriate damage award to Nowlin which shall be offset by $54,116.18, the amount Nowlin owes for all materials accepted and used in the Wingate project. IT IS SO ORDERED. SCARBOROUGH, C.J., and RANSOM, J., concur. . C & E’s ledger sheet shows Nowlin owing $54,116.18, not $54,117.18 as the trial court con-eluded. . The buyer, of course, will have to notify the seller of his rejection or revocation for it to be effective. §§ 55-2-602(1) and 55-2-608(2).
[ -0.012830638326704502, -0.024505924433469772, -0.014110465534031391, 0.034441351890563965, 0.07550256699323654, 0.009623903781175613, 0.03681400790810585, 0.06379979103803635, 0.026188600808382034, -0.036093972623348236, -0.01515254657715559, 0.01778903789818287, -0.021203046664595604, 0.05910623073577881, 0.004071046132594347, 0.056855253875255585, 0.03210354968905449, -0.0028516745660454035, 0.041100386530160904, 0.016545766964554787, -0.008092817850410938, -0.01756547950208187, 0.0036235242150723934, -0.022144244983792305, 0.017449622973799706, -0.005477658938616514, 0.016089141368865967, 0.044063668698072433, -0.042565979063510895, -0.012595311738550663, 0.04950636997818947, -0.007260708138346672, -0.02757977321743965, 0.01552368514239788, -0.015485460869967937, 0.023698093369603157, -0.003298456547781825, -0.021720178425312042, -0.07376080751419067, -0.016426673159003258, -0.01363865751773119, 0.00939102377742529, -0.02506254054605961, 0.01607389561831951, -0.07018173485994339, 0.00037693174090236425, 0.040728576481342316, 0.03372688964009285, -0.04594495892524719, -0.030190063640475273, -0.06254757940769196, -0.011819174513220787, -0.030138421803712845, -0.0110626807436347, 0.010736493393778801, 0.0341927595436573, -0.031792622059583664, -0.06404124945402145, 0.0181523896753788, -0.034915246069431305, 0.03079826384782791, -0.03909933194518089, 0.06278368085622787, -0.024849355220794678, -0.02832801081240177, 0.03523653745651245, -0.007123589050024748, 0.0425788089632988, -0.032530300319194794, -0.031624600291252136, -0.017887406051158905, -0.010426328517496586, 0.04461546987295151, 0.012873810715973377, 0.001955825136974454, -0.07983975112438202, -0.0005095345550216734, 0.006183695048093796, -0.0175914503633976, 0.05283968150615692, 0.030804483219981194, 0.030610665678977966, 0.020676366984844208, 0.02630363404750824, -0.03776254504919052, 0.0111261997371912, 0.014923647977411747, -0.03188701346516609, -0.06174434721469879, 0.07671087235212326, -0.01033678837120533, -0.010440925136208534, 0.006396216340363026, 0.05831480398774147, -0.002451062435284257, -0.04102952033281326, 0.03727540001273155, -0.014180567115545273, 0.05535774677991867, 0.008384774439036846, -0.02206248790025711, -0.007713925093412399, -0.021602261811494827, 0.05207490548491478, -0.05517103895545006, 0.033823221921920776, -0.018904929980635643, 0.015001446008682251, -0.013533929362893105, -0.0059294202364981174, 0.0026413369923830032, 0.032057251781225204, -0.031068332493305206, -0.010920435190200806, -0.06095648184418678, 0.023947138339281082, 0.042689431458711624, -0.07089938223361969, -0.051412809640169144, -0.011261691339313984, -0.01739342510700226, 0.005777075886726379, 0.005841030273586512, 0.06793978810310364, 0.022093001753091812, 0.0187815111130476, 0.001991435419768095, 0.04868564009666443, -0.04224530607461929, -0.036563627421855927, -0.010704640299081802, 0.03544486314058304, -0.022516444325447083, -0.002664013998582959, 0.00041966355638578534, 0.01334269717335701, -0.034054290503263474, -0.044173140078783035, 0.033158306032419205, -0.03654288873076439, 0.01767287775874138, -0.0625247061252594, 0.019014574587345123, 0.018515966832637787, 0.06582481414079666, -0.016827743500471115, 0.01983651891350746, 0.00017107387247961015, -0.010326573625206947, 0.04362478852272034, -0.003540413687005639, -0.008854527957737446, -0.007484332658350468, -0.014498873613774776, -0.005548284389078617, 0.05874766781926155, 0.08231417834758759, -0.004944527056068182, -0.057831406593322754, 0.024498462677001953, 0.0441662073135376, 0.021541599184274673, -0.011594843119382858, -0.0013034464791417122, 0.004477905575186014, 0.04442569985985756, -0.01394735462963581, -0.014681609347462654, -0.047288525849580765, 0.02952650561928749, -0.0613580085337162, -0.03192248195409775, 0.019244864583015442, -0.029716327786445618, -0.009707456454634666, -0.004821697250008583, 0.049309004098176956, -0.038228876888751984, 0.003902066731825471, -0.019450709223747253, -0.07055767625570297, 0.05341285467147827, 0.02463490329682827, 0.018265975639224052, -0.012756964191794395, -0.024708935990929604, 0.04664779081940651, -0.05687784403562546, 0.03619273006916046, -0.010177665390074253, -0.05337956175208092, -0.03683643043041229, 0.005140771623700857, -0.027524400502443314, 0.048279423266649246, -0.0012463832972571254, -0.041752416640520096, 0.011810901574790478, 0.014973320066928864, 0.03746561333537102, -0.005537368822842836, 0.02220197580754757, 0.03488105162978172, -0.06264150142669678, -0.04377971217036247, 0.06745321303606033, 0.062075696885585785, -0.0037412361707538366, 0.014163423329591751, 0.05290058255195618, 0.004113599192351103, 0.00220797723159194, 0.03908715769648552, -0.008044554851949215, 0.029206058010458946, -0.05710333213210106, 0.06153201311826706, -0.02505987323820591, 0.026860898360610008, -0.03893281891942024, 0.04868296906352043, 0.027332881465554237, -0.010019408538937569, 0.045072730630636215, -0.05148696154356003, 0.06235805153846741, 0.02754981443285942, -0.03989088535308838, -0.03127279505133629, 0.05522815138101578, 0.001261339639313519, -0.015556390397250652, -0.01781325601041317, -0.013582751154899597, 0.05949128419160843, -0.009396611712872982, 0.00351572223007679, -0.0039016215596348047, 0.04704798385500908, -0.031519170850515366, -0.004315997939556837, 0.040339063853025436, 0.0014865024713799357, 0.068666473031044, 0.0018058213172480464, 0.004238210152834654, 0.0011889636516571045, -0.016388267278671265, -0.033153124153614044, -0.04389448091387749, 0.0007173687918111682, -0.0031432239338755608, 0.041408732533454895, -0.009478067047894001, -0.027093881741166115, -0.06150215491652489, -0.045746877789497375, 0.03529369831085205, 0.00697093503549695, 0.02097316086292267, -0.008625955320894718, 0.05410177260637283, 0.013065185397863388, 0.007141856011003256, -0.050996847450733185, -0.04362867400050163, -0.033229000866413116, 0.006083681248128414, -0.0018159163882955909, 0.021687641739845276, 0.06021232157945633, -0.010581825859844685, 0.026734305545687675, 0.001690136850811541, -0.021484246477484703, 0.031189294531941414, 0.024760564789175987, 0.0042722211219370365, 0.002732755383476615, 0.007497925776988268, -0.005791565403342247, 0.05510139837861061, -0.02314426749944687, -0.07722585648298264, 0.013953096233308315, -0.04820137098431587, -0.01312971767038107, -0.04285150393843651, -0.0352354496717453, 0.04606391116976738, 0.0030948505736887455, 0.020545719191432, -0.039117179811000824, 0.058349717408418655, 0.04121895879507065, 0.0308389775454998, 0.027925800532102585, 0.022137030959129333, 0.020350070670247078, -0.02274666540324688, -0.027186350896954536, 0.004330525640398264, -0.056023165583610535, 0.011934846639633179, 0.011396732181310654, -0.016873983666300774, -0.018472077324986458, -0.025641361251473427, -0.28806057572364807, 0.026901062577962875, -0.008019826374948025, -0.03746133670210838, 0.053055111318826675, -0.0026917308568954468, -0.010118870995938778, -0.032883170992136, -0.00005044088902650401, 0.03367358073592186, 0.032891254872083664, -0.007169059943407774, 0.026928188279271126, 0.003892449662089348, 0.013850274495780468, -0.020846934989094734, 0.05018133670091629, -0.041907235980033875, -0.02198626473546028, 0.036144547164440155, 0.04302173852920532, -0.04306703433394432, -0.012123793363571167, -0.01871875859797001, 0.007237360347062349, 0.054442550987005234, -0.055204857140779495, 0.02038026787340641, -0.036670006811618805, 0.0012606196105480194, -0.014480714686214924, -0.013952217996120453, 0.02111043408513069, -0.006505660712718964, -0.0002923396823462099, 0.010259789414703846, 0.01098206639289856, -0.008196398615837097, -0.04330679774284363, -0.028362466022372246, -0.028464172035455704, -0.008894151076674461, -0.032869551330804825, -0.02624877169728279, 0.044374771416187286, -0.006273483391851187, -0.05957959592342377, -0.0015999282477423549, -0.02901224046945572, 0.0525989793241024, -0.00026763969799503684, 0.021051308140158653, -0.015792425721883774, 0.0108184190467, -0.028097476810216904, 0.003919658716768026, -0.03015964664518833, -0.0003766265872400254, -0.02851111628115177, 0.09050197154283524, -0.03609013184905052, -0.025578567758202553, -0.007057389710098505, -0.00215998780913651, -0.020835282281041145, -0.06923266500234604, -0.04768672585487366, -0.04679441079497337, 0.07859411090612411, -0.03033381514251232, 0.023549260571599007, 0.05381562560796738, -0.021016817539930344, -0.09794656932353973, -0.0062366207130253315, -0.025294827297329903, 0.04761891067028046, -0.05735420063138008, 0.009387248195707798, 0.029222777113318443, 0.01187477633357048, -0.04493926465511322, 0.023526977747678757, 0.04577726870775223, -0.009564938023686409, 0.00425314623862505, -0.015650082379579544, 0.03738558664917946, -0.03213398531079292, -0.012485884130001068, 0.05623551830649376, 0.04348774626851082, 0.00031402279273606837, -0.03558307886123657, 0.051134973764419556, 0.02004055678844452, -0.03571980074048042, -0.007441776338964701, 0.005727640353143215, 0.015987329185009003, -0.0006542011396959424, -0.0737157016992569, 0.021084003150463104, -0.05241873860359192, -0.006730674300342798, -0.027346858754754066, -0.00559775298461318, 0.02327987551689148, 0.05777009576559067, -0.0041763135232031345, 0.019862879067659378, -0.006061806343495846, 0.014645546674728394, -0.020459912717342377, 0.02043517865240574, -0.017816873267292976, 0.027351630851626396, 0.00009405518358107656, -0.0048393066972494125, -0.0282951220870018, 0.034129831939935684, 0.021214675158262253, -0.03534461557865143, -0.017102347686886787, -0.08651245385408401, -0.017450671643018723, 0.023541130125522614, -0.0018444991437718272, 0.0008050297037698328, 0.039178572595119476, -0.04016948118805885, 0.007898258976638317, -0.028312059119343758, 0.0051534161902964115, 0.011719603091478348, 0.006560977548360825, -0.00912119448184967, -0.09189733862876892, 0.005787137430161238, -0.014108730480074883, 0.03606056421995163, -0.016200082376599312, 0.0399540476500988, -0.0017499362584203482, 0.03142906725406647, 0.0010480729397386312, -0.027159633114933968, -0.0397343672811985, -0.04024059697985649, 0.0722876712679863, -0.03205212205648422, -0.07170417159795761, 0.021932967007160187, -0.00888249184936285, -0.03157597780227661, -0.0003684602561406791, 0.026713130995631218, -0.000018087439457303844, -0.023006435483694077, -0.061605896800756454, 0.010228129103779793, 0.006005892995744944, -0.006484979297965765, -0.02187562733888626, 0.041698116809129715, 0.045941807329654694, -0.001712415716610849, 0.0057276105508208275, -0.03147539868950844, 0.055266398936510086, 0.023569779470562935, -0.053482260555028915, -0.035178009420633316, 0.00822008028626442, 0.00961189903318882, 0.06549553573131561, -0.022121315822005272, -0.03431596979498863, 0.05561628192663193, 0.03382626548409462, -0.022457381710410118, 0.01664690300822258, -0.04751120135188103, 0.013197188265621662, 0.033422645181417465, -0.04085339233279228, -0.02528301626443863, -0.01926039345562458, -0.015455218963325024, -0.024742815643548965, 0.03157788887619972, -0.044955458492040634, -0.030555160716176033, 0.04418893903493881, -0.030441822484135628, -0.07750825583934784, 0.031953297555446625, 0.01833466626703739, 0.03828646242618561, 0.003984672483056784, 0.015172010287642479, 0.0025057282764464617, -0.030088964849710464, 0.01479347050189972, -0.0048193298280239105, -0.06539279967546463, 0.042546533048152924, 0.017048439010977745, -0.014451664872467518, 0.047957003116607666, -0.033670440316200256, -0.019472360610961914, -0.0634293258190155, 0.021583814173936844, 0.02675149217247963, -0.06775393337011337, 0.019937897101044655, -0.03041217476129532, -0.038690920919179916, -0.033886637538671494, 0.006364089902490377, -0.021840767934918404, -0.019013764336705208, 0.0076255155727267265, -0.05370650440454483, 0.05368439853191376, -0.037709902971982956, -0.03275712579488754, 0.043599046766757965, -0.03216874226927757, 0.01587873138487339, -0.042058493942022324, -0.012025282718241215, 0.03636598587036133, 0.02402660623192787, 0.026405226439237595, -0.02738865278661251, -0.03949128836393356, -0.009498919360339642, 0.01968083344399929, -0.026095258072018623, 0.036318883299827576, 0.007250829134136438, -0.02318340726196766, -0.006071475334465504, 0.021433236077427864, 0.016602523624897003, 0.02314874529838562, 0.007809080183506012, 0.0863940492272377, -0.040783777832984924, 0.0378466360270977, -0.02235966920852661, 0.014577063731849194, -0.0022686708252876997, -0.0825951099395752, -0.019808165729045868, -0.010667105205357075, -0.023035665974020958, 0.059232961386442184, -0.030677275732159615, -0.006238563451915979, -0.006168880965560675, 0.03649764508008957, 0.010023284703493118, 0.07290235161781311, -0.003340012626722455, -0.028812969103455544, 0.0357409231364727, -0.07156658172607422, -0.03857245668768883, -0.1230141818523407, 0.010973538272082806, -0.01751273311674595, 0.03237591311335564, 0.017201555892825127, 0.017552224919199944, -0.036294445395469666, 0.017670435830950737, -0.0342770591378212, -0.052516378462314606, 0.0011506933951750398, -0.027102196589112282, -0.020230023190379143, 0.02327899821102619, -0.02842964418232441, 0.03896395117044449, 0.007979784160852432, -0.09335847944021225, -0.04342849552631378, -0.037108179181814194, 0.04008551687002182, 0.014133268035948277, 0.005496690049767494, -0.044729556888341904, 0.003781352424994111, 0.06087428703904152, 0.052337512373924255, 0.010662415064871311, 0.04300146549940109, -0.054861996322870255, 0.027899324893951416, 0.008028835989534855, -0.016988206654787064, -0.04839093238115311, 0.02471853606402874, -0.03257317841053009, -0.0388316884636879, 0.022000327706336975, -0.010841882787644863, -0.004352901596575975, -0.06644519418478012, 0.04482126608490944, 0.032498471438884735, -0.05637871474027634, -0.027795130386948586, 0.01460355520248413, -0.010359444655478, -0.03225652500987053, -0.029937196522951126, 0.03255098685622215, -0.03619106486439705, 0.07186918705701828, 0.010129621252417564, 0.06420119106769562, 0.060325704514980316, -0.003738121595233679, 0.03598739206790924, -0.014116224832832813, 0.046112120151519775, 0.03637361526489258, -0.004674028139561415, 0.013536048121750355, 0.05348153039813042, -0.0013608552981168032, -0.03589509427547455, 0.022011812776327133, -0.005593820475041866, 0.010679337196052074, 0.0013192795449867845, -0.019692888483405113, -0.0024595733266323805, 0.025598227977752686, 0.05127795785665512, 0.035259123891592026, 0.03828873857855797, 0.04433058947324753, -0.006493318825960159, 0.05696117877960205, 0.02915174886584282, 0.009424245916306973, 0.01326184906065464, 0.02044767700135708, -0.011925861239433289, 0.03894299268722534, 0.034866273403167725, -0.05185232684016228, -0.014482283964753151, -0.05275927856564522, 0.02472393959760666, -0.022312918677926064, -0.012953438796103, 0.06461045145988464, -0.04184464365243912, -0.019772794097661972, -0.012283393181860447, 0.014225701801478863, 0.03511694073677063, -0.009863545186817646, 0.043560102581977844, -0.0002865833230316639, 0.008658137172460556, 0.001058121444657445, -0.004630368202924728, 0.0434347502887249, -0.007404866628348827, 0.025981618091464043, -0.00947548821568489, -0.02220785804092884, 0.05548666790127754, 0.024832578375935555, -0.017732461914420128, -0.038436662405729294, -0.024557696655392647, 0.000811357400380075, -0.08216962218284607, 0.01285592932254076, 0.05700941011309624, -0.018365152180194855, -0.022185077890753746, 0.0025994449388235807, -0.017452852800488472, -0.027499638497829437, 0.05907696112990379, -0.020876063033938408, 0.014857462607324123, 0.04451892524957657, -0.0028129194397479296, 0.003985841292887926, 0.0070565263740718365, 0.06252361088991165, -0.005298017989844084, -0.01076266448944807, 0.0052067735232412815, -0.04152989760041237, -0.00007542092498624697, -0.0338672399520874, 0.06049073114991188, -0.06486716121435165, 0.03604722023010254, -0.011151802726089954, 0.01613311655819416, -0.07501121610403061, 0.018715297803282738, -0.02730938419699669, -0.054170168936252594, 0.06767149269580841, 0.015537555329501629, 0.016405783593654633, -0.022078869864344597, -0.03766230121254921, 0.015440120361745358, 0.0496465303003788, 0.03450280800461769, -0.0051534827798604965, 0.06604669243097305, 0.024298887699842453, -0.018385479226708412, 0.02767619490623474, 0.0704880952835083, 0.029614664614200592, -0.016097767278552055, -0.051318440586328506, 0.004376593977212906, -0.0467253178358078, -0.050465237349271774, -0.04710637032985687, -0.012521903030574322, -0.0037792122457176447, -0.03385785222053528, 0.03327120095491409, -0.0008552378276363015, -0.007880328223109245, -0.04864678531885147, 0.046588364988565445, 0.012657344341278076, -0.04014991968870163, -0.054742757230997086, -0.03594491258263588, 0.02801568992435932, 0.034168437123298645, 0.003198317950591445, 0.036822058260440826, -0.024125421419739723, 0.03258384019136429, -0.05260888487100601, -0.009390575811266899, 0.02187339775264263, 0.015280686318874359, -0.0029183628503233194 ]
OPINION BIVINS, Judge. Appellant, Climax Chemical Company (Climax), appeals from the adoption of revised Liquid Waste Disposal Regulations by the state Environmental Improvement Board (Board) pursuant to NMSA 1978, Section 74-l-8(A)(3) (Repl.1986). NMSA 1978, Section 74-l-9(H) (Repl.1986) gives any person who is or may be affected by a regulation adopted by the Board a right of appeal to this court. The parties agree Climax is such a person since it maintains two septic systems, each with capacities within the reach of the regulations. We granted the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Division’s (Division) motion to be added as a party and to brief the issue presented. While conceding proper enactment of the regulations, Climax challenges certain provisions as unconstitutionally vague. It claims the regulations fail to provide specific standards and, therefore, confer unbridled discretion and permit arbitrary application. Because of these shortcomings, Climax asserts abuse of discretion. Since Climax has not been denied a permit to install a new liquid waste disposal system or to modify an existing one, the appeal really presents a pre-enforcement facial challenge to the regulations. We, therefore, hold only that the regulations challenged are not facially vague. In doing so, we leave open the question of whether the regulations may be successfully challenged in their application. The regulations require a person to obtain a permit issued by the Division before installing a new liquid waste system or modifying an existing one. Once an applicant files for a permit, the Division is required, within ten working days of receipt, to either grant the permit, grant it subject to conditions, or deny it. “A person who violates any regulation of the board is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.” NMSA 1978, § 74-1-10 (Repl.1986). The regulations provide specific requirements as to lot size, setback and clearance. Climax has no quarrel with the permit procedure or the specific requirements. What it objects to is the following provision: [Section 1-201] D. If the division finds that specific requirements in addition to or more stringent than those provided in Section 2-200 of these regulations are necessary to prevent a hazard to public health or the degradation of a body of water, the division may issue a permit conditioned on those more stringent or additional specific requirements. Climax also challenges the phrase “hazard to public health,” defined in Section 1-102(R), as: “the indicated presence in water or soil of parasite, bacterial, viral, chemical or other agents under such conditions that they may adversely impact human health[.]” It does not challenge the phrase “degradation of a body of water,” since the definition of that term refers to specific recognizable standards established by governmental agencies. See § 1-103(H). Climax asserts that the terms “under such conditions,” “necessary to prevent a hazard to public health” and “in addition to or more stringent than” are unconstitutionally vague, do not give sufficient notice of the requirements for compliance, and constitute an abuse of discretion by the Board for failing to set definite standards and for allowing arbitrary decision making on an ad hoc basis. Climax relies on Bokum Resources Corp. v. New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission, 93 N.M. 546, 603 P.2d 285 (1979). In Bokum, the supreme court ruled that the definition of “ ‘toxic pollutants/ ” which was determined “ ‘on the basis of information available to the director or the commission/ ” was unconstitutionally vague on its face. Id. at 552, 603 P.2d at 291. Climax argues that the regulations in question are likewise vague. Climax also contends the regulations allow the Division to decide arbitrarily when to impose stricter standards without notice of the situations under which such stricter standards might be imposed. To support this contention, Climax cites Safeway Stores, Inc. v. City of Las Cruces, 82 N.M. 499, 484 P.2d 341 (1971), a case that dealt with the transfer of a liquor license. Although the prospective transferee met all statutory requirements, the city maintained it had absolute discretion to deny the permit. The court disagreed and ruled that the city’s discretion extended only to determining whether statutory guidelines were met. Climax contends that the liquid waste regulations confer similar unbridled discretion on the Division and cannot stand under Safeway Stores. The Board argues that the regulations set forth specific standards for the additional or more stringent conditions via the definitions in Section 1-103. The Board distinguishes Bokum, arguing that no reference is made in the challenged regulations to information or standards outside of its terms. Rather, the Board contends that the definitions in Section 1-103 define with reasonable certainty the criteria necessary to impose additional or more stringent requirements. It argues that because the parties receive notice of additional requirements before they receive a permit, they have ample opportunity to avoid potential violations. The Board relies on Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corp. v. New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission, 98 N.M. 240, 647 P.2d 873 (Ct.App.1982), which held that the regulations (as revised since Bokum ), were not vague. The court in Kerr-McGee reasoned that determinations of prohibited conduct would be made before a discharge plan was approved and, thus, the discharger would have notice of potential violations. As in Kerr-McGee, the Board and the Division argue that the regulations provide detailed provisions for a hearing for any person dissatisfied with the additional or more stringent requirements imposed. See § 1-203(A) & (B). While the regulations do not expressly provide for an appeal to a court, we assume that a person dissatisfied with the result of the hearing can seek judicial review. We are not entirely persuaded by the Board’s and the Division’s arguments that the permit procedure and subsequent appeal process will adequately provide advance notice. Counsel for the Board and the Division conceded at oral argument that no national standards exist for establishing a “hazard to public health.” If no standards exist, then review of the regulations could be hindered for lack of objective guidance, unlike in Duke City Lumber Co. v. New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board, 102 N.M. 8, 690 P.2d 451 (Ct.App.1984), where National Ambient Air Quality Standards guided the court in determining the definition of “injury to health.” Our concerns, which we view as premature, do not prevent us from denying Climax’s facial challenge of vagueness. In so holding, we rely neither on Bokum nor Kerr-McGee. “The vagueness doctrine is based on notice.” State ex rel. Health & Social Servs. Dep’t v. Natural Father, 98 N.M. 222, 225, 598 P.2d 1182, 1185 (Ct.App.1979). In challenging a law as unduly vague, “the complainant must demonstrate that the law is impermissibly vague in all of its applications.” Village of Hoffman Estates v. The Flipside, Hoffman Estates, Inc., 455 U.S. 489, 497, 102 S.Ct. 1186, 1193, 71 L.Ed.2d 362 (1982). Our examination of the challenged regulations reveals that at least some of the applications provide adequate notice to a permit seeker. In examining the language of challenged Section 1-201(D) to determine vagueness, we examine three phrases: “those provided in Section 2-200,” “hazard to public health” and “degradation of a body of water.” Those Provided in Section 2-200: Section 2-200 provides specific requirements as to lot size (imposing minimum lot sizes depending on gallons used per day); setback distances from water supplies, watercourses, canals, arroyos and public lakes; and requirements for clearance to bedrock and seasonal high ground water tables. A plain reading of Section 1-201(D) indicates that the Division can require “more stringent [requirements] than those provided in Section 2-200.” Thus, in applying “more stringent” requirements, the Division could require larger lot sizes, deeper setbacks and more clearance. In such a context, “more stringent” does not appear vague. The meaning of “in addition to” is less clear. Thus, we look to the other definitions. Hazard to Public Health: The text of this definition is set out above. Climax challenges the phrase “under such conditions that they may adversely impact human health” as providing “no standards as to the nature of conditions which are included.” At the hearing, Climax apparently sought to change the words “under such conditions” to “when considered in the light of climate, geology, surface and water usage.” The Board rejected this suggestion as too narrow in scope, excluding such factors as soil composition and groundwater flow. While it might have been helpful to mention some specific conditions (as nonexclusive examples), the omission is not fatal. We know the agents included in the definition must be present in water or soil; we have specific examples of the agents; we know the general purpose of the environmental regulations; and we have other specific requirements set out in Section 2-200. Viewed in the context of the entire regulatory provisions, we do not believe the definition of “hazard to public health” is so vague as to be invalid. Degradation of a Body of Water: This means to reduce the physical, chemical or biological qualities of a body of water and includes, but is not limited to, the release of material which could result in the exceeding of standards established by Water Quality Standards for Interstate and Intrastate Streams in New Mexico, and, in ground water could be used as a domestic water supply source, standards established by the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission and by the New Mexico Regulations Governing Water Supplies[.] Section 1-103(H). Climax asserted in its brief that no numerical standards exist in the liquid waste regulations. This is incorrect. At oral argument, we determined that the water quality standards incorporated into the definition of “degradation of a body of water” entail numerical standards. Therefore, a party does have some specific guidance under Section 1-201(D). To summarize, we do not find that the challenged regulations are vague in all their applications. The terms “more stringent” and “degradation of a body of water” provide clear and specific guidelines. That some of the terms are clear is enough to keep the regulations from being unconstitutionally vague. Cf. Village of Hoffman Estates v. The Flipside, Hoffman Estates, Inc. While the terms “additional” and “hazard to public health” are less clear, they are not fatal to the regulations. Throughout our analysis, we considered that the purpose of the regulations in question is to provide “for the prevention and abatement of public health hazards and surface and groundwater contamination from onsite liquid waste disposal practices.” Section 1-101. Besides containing specific and more general criteria, the crux of the challenged regulation is “necessary to prevent” hazards to public health and the degradation of water. In this field [of environmental protection] it has long been recognized that it is impossible to anticipate every factual situation that might arise under a given set of regulations. Further, it is important on the record before us to remember that we are dealing with regulations, legislative justification for which is found in such broadly applied terms as public interest, social well-being, environmental degradation, and the like. That it is within the power of the legislature to enact legislation for these purposes is well settled. In order to give effect to these broad legislative concerns, however, it is necessary that the standards developed by the administrative agency be somewhat general. Indeed, administrative regulations of this kind are required to hold the difficult line between overbreadth or vagueness on the one hand and inflexibility and unworkable restriction on the other. New Mexico Mun. League, Inc. v. New Mexico Envtl. Imp. Bd., 88 N.M. 201, 209, 539 P.2d 221, 229 (Ct.App.1975) (citations omitted; emphasis in original). Although State ex rel. Sofeico v. Heffernan, 41 N.M. 219, 67 P.2d 240 (1936), dealt with the delegation of power from the legislature to the State Game Commission, we believe it states a rule applicable here: “It is also well settled that it is not always necessary that statutes and ordinances prescribe a specific rule of action, but on the other hand, some situations require the vesting of some discretion in public officials, as, for instance, where it is difficult or impracticable to lay down a definite, comprehensive rule, or the discretion relates to the administration of a police regulation and is necessary to protect the public morals, health, safety, and general welfare.” Id. at 228-229, 67 P.2d at 245 (quoting from 12 A.L.R. 1447 (1921)). Also, “[i]t is not necessary that a regulation be drafted with absolute precision, only that it can be construed using known, accepted rules of construction.” El Paso Elec. Co. v. New Mexico Pub. Serv. Comm’n, 103 N.M. 300, 304, 706 P.2d 511, 515 (1985). We do not require absolute or mathematical certainty. State ex rel. Bliss v. Dority, 55 N.M. 12, 225 P.2d 1007 (1950). The policy behind this standard is obvious. “The standards regulating municipal solid waste disposal are doubtless difficult to devise, but if such controls are to be effective, they, of necessity, must be broad and somewhat flexible. If controls are too precise, they will provide easy escape for those who wish to circumvent the law.” Browning-Ferris, Inc. v. Texas Dep’t of Health, 625 S.W.2d 764, 768 (Tex.App.1981). In keeping with the mandate that the regulations “shall be liberally construed to carry out their purpose,” Section 3-100, we find that they are not fatally deficient in guidance. Applying the standard of Village of Hoffman Estates, we do not find the challenged regulations impermissibly vague in all of their applications. The Board did not abuse its discretion in promulgating the regulations. Finally, it seems premature and unwise to anticipate an arbitrary application of the “additional or more stringent” requirements at this stage. See Village of Hoffman Estates v. The Flipside, Hoffman Estates, Inc., 455 U.S. at 503-504, n. 21, 102 S.Ct. at 1196, n. 21 (in discussing the risk of discriminatory enforcement of a drug paraphernalia statute, the Court commented, “The theoretical possibility that the village will enforce its ordinance ... [in a discriminatory manner] is of no due process significance unless the possibility ripens into a prosecution.”). We, therefore, do not consider whether the regulations may be successfully challenged once they are applied. IT IS SO ORDERED. GARCIA and APODACA, JJ., concur.
[ -0.01928466558456421, -0.034090109169483185, -0.05356202647089958, 0.0004847271484322846, 0.03680949658155441, -0.01694345846772194, 0.0310368612408638, 0.010467557236552238, -0.00200923765078187, -0.03251456841826439, 0.01894328184425831, 0.020905831828713417, -0.07061407715082169, 0.06474076956510544, -0.005789655260741711, 0.050853386521339417, 0.07151994854211807, 0.029805483296513557, 0.05480454862117767, 0.05057540163397789, 0.020371166989207268, -0.03981468826532364, 0.0237579345703125, 0.04992270842194557, 0.004807502496987581, 0.004858057480305433, -0.00067977822618559, 0.03364081308245659, -0.05877097323536873, -0.019023288041353226, 0.018348466604948044, -0.03254793584346771, -0.0012391865020617843, -0.0009646667749620974, 0.0074531384743750095, 0.004562042187899351, -0.008757459931075573, -0.0005615862319245934, -0.01738095097243786, -0.001929444377310574, -0.049739427864551544, 0.03629925847053528, -0.06414598971605301, -0.04338016360998154, -0.0037560192868113518, 0.01835448481142521, -0.006406542379409075, 0.01514475978910923, -0.049663152545690536, 0.0012564882636070251, -0.11500191688537598, 0.024622907862067223, -0.019751043990254402, -0.00551235256716609, -0.04249825328588486, 0.0037716845981776714, -0.026158712804317474, -0.021193088963627815, -0.02281828597187996, -0.046680960804224014, -0.01506970077753067, -0.030081115663051605, 0.06009179726243019, -0.028925348073244095, 0.018365126103162766, 0.0016029777470976114, -0.012404789216816425, 0.04143858700990677, -0.049912262707948685, 0.0019357504788786173, -0.015037517994642258, 0.007971604354679585, 0.0011258200975134969, -0.004285758826881647, 0.0038799908943474293, -0.0593452975153923, 0.01797083206474781, 0.01785101182758808, -0.026527972891926765, 0.05973941087722778, 0.01648782379925251, 0.017031855881214142, -0.0027622596826404333, 0.049357201904058456, 0.002557570580393076, -0.051242027431726456, -0.02710271067917347, 0.008351352997124195, -0.020259469747543335, 0.041973575949668884, -0.0035122621338814497, -0.03694377467036247, 0.038037464022636414, 0.05583252012729645, 0.04602361097931862, -0.020911958068609238, 0.044213175773620605, -0.010518882423639297, 0.007414934691041708, -0.02136753499507904, 0.00824850331991911, 0.005201361142098904, 0.036840882152318954, 0.053922127932310104, -0.04767618328332901, -0.04428880289196968, -0.025601942092180252, 0.0032692214008420706, 0.008461245335638523, -0.022027751430869102, 0.004942293744534254, 0.019561422988772392, 0.02081928215920925, -0.006362250540405512, -0.0574612058699131, 0.07009279727935791, 0.030629491433501244, -0.008136813528835773, 0.006579563021659851, -0.018404759466648102, 0.03498189151287079, -0.02742108516395092, 0.00941658578813076, 0.0761311873793602, 0.023941434919834137, 0.039018332958221436, 0.0003294087073300034, 0.02927286922931671, -0.04691660404205322, -0.04466727375984192, -0.0007727264892309904, 0.003984522540122271, 0.03229111060500145, -0.014997590333223343, -0.015640495344996452, 0.0035923514515161514, 0.022015264257788658, -0.034350164234638214, 0.08661952614784241, -0.07087665796279907, -0.02158445306122303, -0.011068777181208134, 0.019286001101136208, -0.006316986866295338, 0.06559905409812927, -0.009627492167055607, 0.0021967017091810703, -0.03589443489909172, -0.045987457036972046, -0.007796301972121, 0.02243577316403389, 0.01499544084072113, -0.015253451652824879, -0.014249579049646854, 0.030942929908633232, 0.06710727512836456, 0.06055916100740433, -0.0026324328500777483, -0.011293753050267696, 0.028206413611769676, 0.013348320499062538, 0.015844382345676422, 0.018997693434357643, -0.022660115733742714, -0.013423450291156769, -0.028976479545235634, -0.01912204921245575, -0.030013613402843475, -0.025142036378383636, 0.043723270297050476, -0.02367173507809639, -0.0627501904964447, 0.02785937301814556, -0.05472952127456665, 0.030328579246997833, -0.048250190913677216, 0.05647493898868561, 0.011665994301438332, 0.011313471011817455, 0.009454246610403061, -0.0664360299706459, 0.03135094419121742, -0.04523639753460884, 0.042086631059646606, -0.029569357633590698, -0.03946315497159958, 0.07890044152736664, -0.0300237238407135, 0.050437748432159424, -0.006000044289976358, -0.06193935498595238, -0.031744878739118576, -0.007434450555592775, -0.04878166317939758, 0.07674842327833176, 0.043692223727703094, -0.016140921041369438, 0.018284620717167854, 0.005010668653994799, 0.0446234866976738, 0.00721168564632535, 0.03863099589943886, 0.0667743906378746, -0.058283597230911255, -0.061766501516103745, 0.0274300966411829, 0.03676808252930641, -0.010888165794312954, 0.0017441107193008065, 0.03886650502681732, -0.042133357375860214, -0.004969931673258543, 0.027931688353419304, -0.059470467269420624, 0.05432405695319176, 0.0031253197230398655, 0.05122566595673561, -0.012616884894669056, 0.05295711010694504, -0.06348508596420288, 0.025759248062968254, 0.025260508060455322, -0.02794637903571129, 0.028168680146336555, -0.03227110952138901, 0.06330177187919617, 0.060515470802783966, -0.026773545891046524, -0.005578947719186544, 0.014937542378902435, -0.016469914466142654, -0.022147953510284424, 0.003919485956430435, 0.014137991704046726, 0.05212258920073509, -0.028169015422463417, 0.0020889732986688614, 0.019103258848190308, 0.018755588680505753, -0.03825341537594795, 0.02276773191988468, 0.032016854733228683, 0.009669969789683819, 0.03025599755346775, 0.027745474129915237, -0.027623021975159645, 0.002297522034496069, -0.010752050206065178, -0.03448241949081421, -0.007873847149312496, -0.04645296558737755, 0.025592895224690437, 0.027441689744591713, 0.0033873722422868013, 0.06392873078584671, -0.042121581733226776, -0.03857162967324257, -0.01166662760078907, 0.031500041484832764, 0.01289096474647522, 0.014964457601308823, 0.011408356949687004, -0.016948627308011055, -0.006352025084197521, -0.06194520369172096, -0.04661734402179718, -0.03684201464056969, 0.00899655930697918, -0.021196041256189346, 0.03150884807109833, 0.041303373873233795, 0.000558706175070256, -0.01189986802637577, -0.008997360244393349, 0.0008824230171740055, 0.027917059138417244, 0.05053889378905296, 0.003804317442700267, -0.00854890700429678, -0.017519239336252213, 0.005478347185999155, 0.025075595825910568, -0.05252237990498543, -0.045801207423210144, 0.002313178265467286, -0.030462099239230156, 0.003770367708057165, -0.012083560228347778, -0.017200570553541183, 0.050343502312898636, 0.03923429921269417, 0.008898555301129818, -0.0033589336089789867, 0.009803771041333675, 0.02115103043615818, 0.014742656610906124, 0.021738365292549133, 0.06533543020486832, 0.053320467472076416, -0.004648749716579914, 0.022641345858573914, 0.007616114336997271, -0.000564029673114419, 0.012453487142920494, 0.001368747092783451, 0.02602780982851982, -0.0029486771672964096, 0.00689765065908432, -0.24696077406406403, 0.009187381714582443, -0.012063178233802319, -0.026126032695174217, 0.09003958106040955, -0.002965600462630391, 0.014577765949070454, -0.023674411699175835, -0.023134833201766014, 0.03942705690860748, -0.027339285239577293, -0.013774367049336433, 0.08578082919120789, 0.03489590808749199, 0.023821132257580757, -0.029437974095344543, 0.023022247478365898, -0.034723911434412, -0.008234715089201927, 0.0000852071971166879, 0.012194451875984669, -0.02985196001827717, -0.035805583000183105, 0.016131870448589325, 0.03762815147638321, 0.04774109274148941, -0.01656941883265972, 0.03024454042315483, -0.05172944441437721, -0.007054824382066727, -0.02790994755923748, 0.000269238866167143, -0.04584849253296852, 0.007901662029325962, 0.017675429582595825, 0.02372618205845356, 0.043840065598487854, -0.02102007158100605, -0.02568136341869831, -0.027586083859205246, -0.003438343293964863, -0.04681842401623726, -0.05225307494401932, 0.0478503592312336, 0.029631922021508217, -0.01962326467037201, -0.020145174115896225, 0.007238622754812241, -0.026628512889146805, 0.030288921669125557, 0.011670826002955437, 0.00480989832431078, -0.013565175235271454, 0.00033175357384607196, -0.00992362666875124, 0.026507114991545677, -0.03032248467206955, -0.023464694619178772, -0.014299611561000347, 0.03640596568584442, -0.039012473076581955, -0.028458479791879654, -0.06828027963638306, 0.006668918300420046, -0.0631503090262413, -0.04443282261490822, -0.0678350180387497, -0.06645531952381134, 0.059125836938619614, -0.007141515146940947, 0.002451112261041999, 0.049848999828100204, -0.053647443652153015, -0.09954995661973953, -0.03762451186776161, -0.007512740325182676, -0.040872227400541306, -0.016278471797704697, -0.04101291298866272, 0.002605688525363803, -0.029335705563426018, -0.009848213754594326, 0.0321977473795414, 0.02417810447514057, 0.022683588787913322, -0.003964487928897142, 0.02177281305193901, 0.07888848334550858, -0.008559050038456917, -0.011063192039728165, 0.030886689200997353, 0.03708348423242569, -0.019627826288342476, -0.016205385327339172, 0.037866368889808655, 0.057402778416872025, -0.025696873664855957, -0.015403476543724537, 0.002023292938247323, -0.00698745297268033, 0.05020926147699356, -0.03683576360344887, 0.02001119591295719, -0.020571552217006683, -0.005848956760019064, -0.012046629562973976, -0.05655016750097275, 0.03428524732589722, 0.01460290513932705, 0.03216773271560669, 0.00587513716891408, -0.03090759553015232, 0.021082313731312752, -0.04147830232977867, -0.009444242343306541, -0.035672519356012344, 0.005785976070910692, 0.030552830547094345, 0.028976736590266228, -0.007257731631398201, 0.04227424040436745, 0.044448401778936386, -0.02655678428709507, -0.039960045367479324, -0.060802433639764786, -0.009248798713088036, 0.001127870287746191, -0.0017758568283170462, -0.00664673512801528, 0.01790265552699566, -0.030046723783016205, -0.00245965295471251, 0.03196074813604355, -0.016470536589622498, 0.039858683943748474, -0.02451295591890812, -0.04232248291373253, -0.03525635227560997, -0.0008008853765204549, 0.004013682249933481, 0.0007938417256809771, -0.025048136711120605, 0.01665418967604637, -0.003796858713030815, 0.03832442685961723, 0.028027797117829323, -0.0010181345278397202, -0.06181204319000244, 0.015202078968286514, 0.051163483411073685, 0.011145707219839096, -0.066816546022892, 0.004037482663989067, -0.055108457803726196, -0.023866601288318634, -0.022008655592799187, -0.013598479330539703, 0.05147209018468857, 0.0011729422258213162, -0.0659424215555191, -0.05207699164748192, -0.022108033299446106, -0.03506337106227875, -0.06140093877911568, 0.009871377609670162, 0.06505408138036728, -0.01354296412318945, 0.04209080711007118, -0.07364126294851303, -0.01414458081126213, -0.01146190520375967, -0.04763345420360565, -0.019231369718909264, -0.006824655923992395, 0.007026171311736107, 0.06843112409114838, 0.004257621243596077, 0.02006702311336994, 0.012232705950737, 0.04107142239809036, -0.012079346925020218, -0.06151142716407776, -0.009154542349278927, 0.03445031866431236, 0.021299775689840317, -0.03294961526989937, -0.039670705795288086, -0.0557367205619812, -0.03809935227036476, -0.005183208268135786, -0.0355200432240963, -0.04953590780496597, 0.007139281369745731, 0.010344919748604298, -0.04149455949664116, -0.07631732523441315, 0.0012986559886485338, -0.0011123067233711481, 0.02482309192419052, 0.03033510409295559, 0.02185356803238392, -0.01086832769215107, -0.04638121649622917, -0.038810066878795624, 0.03675632178783417, -0.02427024208009243, 0.020891783758997917, -0.003991295583546162, 0.003608533414080739, -0.018126392737030983, -0.030139679089188576, -0.018839387223124504, 0.011369360610842705, -0.004660818725824356, 0.017178520560264587, -0.05428682640194893, -0.014735172502696514, -0.0408642403781414, -0.041761286556720734, -0.001707842224277556, 0.02364053763449192, -0.04945865646004677, 0.018968619406223297, -0.02284104935824871, -0.052660021930933, 0.05760232359170914, 0.023951446637511253, 0.01228872500360012, 0.03824831545352936, 0.006697129458189011, -0.0029024998657405376, -0.05922020226716995, 0.023671111091971397, 0.02890818379819393, 0.009287362918257713, 0.03205495700240135, -0.018397388979792595, -0.014854473993182182, -0.03033609874546528, 0.05844363942742348, 0.014869775623083115, 0.035518061369657516, -0.0016387838404625654, -0.015888454392552376, -0.037303827702999115, 0.035149767994880676, 0.014966879040002823, 0.007937539368867874, -0.03518136963248253, 0.05100785195827484, -0.017469564452767372, -0.008668075315654278, -0.04244165122509003, -0.01013672910630703, 0.04326802119612694, -0.060567498207092285, -0.026005413383245468, -0.011349648237228394, -0.011960803531110287, 0.05377940088510513, 0.003372564911842346, 0.044780630618333817, -0.008094778284430504, 0.037006109952926636, 0.041022878140211105, 0.05994848534464836, -0.00024614910944364965, 0.0027633679565042257, 0.031207196414470673, -0.10703419148921967, -0.04745380952954292, -0.08586326986551285, 0.0029726573266088963, -0.008849666453897953, 0.025584377348423004, -0.0023024333640933037, 0.002362048951908946, -0.03215989097952843, 0.027630705386400223, -0.037422262132167816, -0.01986406370997429, 0.025614570826292038, -0.0018838174873962998, -0.003555563511326909, 0.06645074486732483, -0.03126814588904381, 0.026005800813436508, -0.00289360573515296, -0.10883088409900665, -0.037808630615472794, -0.023924626410007477, 0.02757737599313259, 0.034450873732566833, 0.015989001840353012, -0.01723305881023407, -0.012021925300359726, 0.04525737836956978, 0.025351135060191154, -0.03333677724003792, 0.02263692021369934, -0.045191939920186996, 0.04808814823627472, 0.01764054037630558, 0.009309940040111542, -0.021757708862423897, 0.0037858481518924236, 0.0020560959819704294, -0.07292263954877853, -0.016010457649827003, 0.03550870344042778, 0.0035527432337403297, -0.04763723537325859, 0.047393761575222015, 0.010286107659339905, -0.043998830020427704, -0.0050181131809949875, -0.027311241254210472, -0.027227191254496574, -0.013842861168086529, -0.008925761096179485, 0.028553305193781853, -0.008236492052674294, 0.06465064734220505, 0.0007738059503026307, 0.10246782749891281, 0.04747971519827843, -0.014571581035852432, 0.01579606905579567, 0.06317175179719925, 0.0669112578034401, 0.0546954981982708, 0.004540041089057922, 0.02195257507264614, 0.04480624198913574, -0.03256756812334061, -0.0282632727175951, -0.004339108243584633, -0.03447986766695976, 0.010067792609333992, 0.0019011188996955752, -0.0060194106772542, 0.01811957359313965, -0.010640316642820835, 0.05773661285638809, 0.04655329883098602, -0.00845930352807045, 0.027582012116909027, -0.07726450264453888, 0.03504672273993492, 0.016813213005661964, 0.012855110689997673, -0.03134918957948685, -0.009793287143111229, -0.022776398807764053, -0.00968905072659254, 0.022398296743631363, -0.0233258455991745, -0.03180618956685066, -0.031879253685474396, 0.01786515861749649, -0.00186222605407238, 0.0313546396791935, 0.05741861090064049, -0.012627032585442066, -0.0030667984392493963, 0.03760990872979164, -0.03511400520801544, 0.005940440110862255, -0.021318616345524788, 0.045514240860939026, 0.051287341862916946, -0.0330440029501915, -0.007126576267182827, 0.01188603788614273, 0.09342323243618011, 0.01668710447847843, 0.07979538291692734, 0.021578865125775337, 0.0072313458658754826, 0.008266543969511986, 0.021418415009975433, 0.0015006124740466475, -0.031132379546761513, -0.07311827689409256, -0.04284205287694931, -0.05301680415868759, 0.020757026970386505, 0.06194251775741577, -0.023400381207466125, -0.053464680910110474, -0.032294634729623795, 0.025935908779501915, -0.014795474708080292, 0.022492043673992157, -0.0330357700586319, 0.06288924813270569, 0.06521318852901459, 0.041912756860256195, 0.0184344332665205, 0.0030369756277650595, 0.04643591493368149, 0.00534203602001071, -0.013731858693063259, 0.004226816352456808, 0.015609790571033955, 0.05188583955168724, -0.03747527301311493, 0.056561097502708435, -0.06421472877264023, 0.006970949470996857, 0.004812126979231834, -0.012064400129020214, -0.0784393772482872, 0.050183940678834915, -0.02671438828110695, -0.034322287887334824, 0.052743099629879, -0.003010558197274804, 0.012552333064377308, -0.023811036720871925, -0.025656282901763916, -0.010890092700719833, -0.005683364812284708, 0.05806734040379524, -0.04325425997376442, 0.04539138078689575, 0.061588872224092484, -0.011201342567801476, -0.03612976521253586, 0.07083341479301453, 0.01026519201695919, 0.00778878852725029, -0.016301918774843216, 0.002045746659860015, -0.0441322959959507, -0.08002596348524094, -0.0644647479057312, 0.0171637125313282, -0.03417697921395302, -0.07387343049049377, 0.015407780185341835, -0.016904139891266823, 0.011731432750821114, -0.04301333427429199, 0.028255343437194824, 0.018744364380836487, -0.03400920704007149, -0.04484213516116142, -0.04526231437921524, -0.00834090169519186, 0.05793064087629318, 0.02805853821337223, -0.013521773740649223, -0.05237225070595741, 0.004626084119081497, -0.03869672119617462, 0.03112650290131569, 0.026145081967115402, 0.016353441402316093, -0.016227254644036293 ]
OPINION STOWERS, Justice. Plaintiff-appellee Kathleen Shores (Shores) filed suit in Bernalillo County District Court seeking recovery under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, NMSA 1978, §§ 52-1-1 to -69 (Orig.Pamp. and Cum.Supp.1986) (the Act), for an alleged employment-related injury and for wrongful discharge. Defendant-appellant Charter Services, Inc. (Charter) moved to dismiss on the ground that the theories were inconsistent. Following a hearing, the district court denied the motion and certified the question for interlocutory review. The Supreme Court granted the parties’ request for interlocutory appeal on January 7, 1987. We reverse the district court. Shores’s complaint alleged that she suffered a compensable, work-related injury and alleged that Charter was neither covered by workmen’s compensation insurance nor self-insured under the terms of the Act. The complaint also alleged that Shores entered into an oral contract of employment with Charter and that she was terminated in retaliation for her injury. At the hearing on the motion to dismiss, Charter argued that the retaliatory discharge claim could not be brought in the same action as the workmen’s compensation claim. Shores contended that because Charter allegedly did not bring itself under coverage of the Act, the actions could be combined because the exclusivity principle of the Act was not invoked. The question of law presented on interlocutory appeal is whether the Workmen’s Compensation Act provided the exclusive remedy when a retaliatory discharge was alleged as a result of Shores filing a workmen’s compensation claim and whether a jury action for retaliatory discharge could be combined with a workmen’s compensation claim, for which no jury is provided. A review of the pertinent workmen’s compensation law in New Mexico reflects the following. The New Mexico Workmen’s Compensation Act in effect when the present case was filed provided that “[ejvery employer subject to the Workmen’s Compensation Act [Chapter 52, Article 1 NMSA 1978] shall file in the office of the superintendent of insurance * * * good and sufficient undertaking in the nature of insurance or, evidence thereof in the form of a certificate.” NMSA 1978, § 52-1-4 (Cum.Supp.1986). It is well established that only substantial compliance with the Act is necessary in order to foreclose common law remedies. R.L. Williams v. Montano, 89 N.M. 252, 253, 550 P.2d 264, 265 (1976). While strict compliance is not necessary, failing to comply in any way, such as failing to obtain insurance or properly file a certificate of insurance, does not constitute substantial compliance. Id. However, if the employee has actual notice of the existence and availability of the workmen’s compensation insurance, the substantial compliance requirement of the Act is met. In such a case, even if the employer fails to file its certificate of insurance, the employee is not allowed to file a common law action; the employer can successfully seek the exclusive protection of the Workmen’s Compensation Act. Baldwin v. Worley Mills, Inc., 95 N.M. 398, 400, 622 P.2d 706, 708 (Ct.App.1980). A mere delay in filing does not necessarily remove the limitations on the employer’s liability; the statute’s purpose is met when the employer obtains compensation insurance for its employees. Quintana v. Nolan Bros., 80 N.M. 589, 590, 458 P.2d 841, 842 (Ct.App.1969). If the employer utterly fails to comply with the provisions of the Workmen’s Compensation Act, the employee has two options. First the employee may maintain a civil action pursuing common law remedies against the employer. Or, in the alternative, the employee may bring suit under the Workmen’s Compensation Act. Arvas v. Feather’s Jewelers, 92 N.M. 89, 92, 582 P.2d 1302, 1305 (Ct.App.1978). If the employer complies with the Workmen’s Compensation Act, it is undisputed in New Mexico that the Act provides the exclusive remedy. Galles Chevrolet Co. v. Chaney, 92 N.M. 618, 620, 593 P.2d 59, 61 (1979); Romero v. J.W. Jones Construction Co., 98 N.M. 658, 651 P.2d 1302 (Ct.App.1982). “If an employer and employee are covered by the Act, all their rights and remedies are defined exclusively by the Act. ‘As between the employer and the employee, all other common law and statutory actions are barred by the Act.’ ” Williams v. Amax Chemical Corp., 104 N.M. 293, 294, 720 P.2d 1234, 1235 (1986) (citations omitted). In Williams v. Amax Chemical Corp., 104 N.M. 293, 720 P.2d 1234 (1986), the plaintiff alleged retaliatory discharge for filing a workmen’s compensation claim pursuant to the Workmen’s Compensation Act. Justice Federici, writing for the Court, made it very clear that since the Act did not provide for a compensable retaliatory discharge claim, the Court would not indulge in legislation and expand the parameters of the Act. Id. at 294, 720 P.2d at 1235. With respect to the Workmen’s Compensation Act, we see no difference between a tort of retaliatory discharge and a contract claim for wrongful discharge; neither action is recognized in the Act. A motion to dismiss tests the legal sufficiency of the complaint. SCRA 1986, 1-012. “In considering whether a complaint states a claim upon which relief can be granted, the courts accept as true all facts well pleaded. The purpose of [SCRA 1986, 1-012] is to test the formal sufficiency by which the claim is alleged, not the facts upon which the claim is supported.” Trujillo v. Puro, 101 N.M. 408, 415, 683 P.2d 963, 970 (Ct.App.), cert. denied, 101 N.M. 362, 683 P.2d 44 (1984) (citations omitted). According to the above stated standard of review, we will assume that Charter failed to substantially comply with the Workmen’s Compensation Act. As discussed above, Shores then has two options available to her: she may either file a workmen’s compensation action or file an action for common law remedies, to which she may attach her contract claim for wrongful discharge. Charter’s failure to comply with the Act does not allow Shores to file both a workmen’s compensation action and a wrongful discharge action. As the cases cited above clearly indicate, the employee is limited to one remedy, regardless of whether the employer complied with the Workmen’s Compensation Act. Since it is unclear from the record before us whether Charter substantially complied with the Workmen’s Compensation Act, and since it is further unclear from the record whether Shores elected to solely pursue her claim under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, we remand the case to the district court for a hearing to determine which option Shores chooses to pursue. Based upon the findings of this hearing, we further instruct the district court to enter a judgment consistent with this opinion. The parties shall each bear their own costs and attorneys’ fees on appeal. IT IS SO ORDERED. SCARBOROUGH, C.J., and WALTERS, J., concur.
[ -0.04363744333386421, -0.04363471642136574, 0.016541719436645508, 0.00044680366409011185, 0.04177410900592804, -0.011733022518455982, 0.026975193992257118, 0.009546318091452122, -0.026155773550271988, -0.0530187264084816, 0.0077665732242167, 0.042766183614730835, -0.03386145085096359, 0.03426671400666237, -0.01953045465052128, 0.06260250508785248, 0.05162988603115082, 0.030767397955060005, 0.014170438051223755, -0.0002232663828181103, 0.018298041075468063, -0.032857295125722885, 0.02017979696393013, 0.0515335388481617, 0.007648142985999584, 0.006525810342282057, -0.007814832031726837, 0.01038840226829052, -0.05009092763066292, 0.01564827747642994, 0.029852498322725296, -0.0044076102785766125, -0.025170162320137024, 0.00931727048009634, -0.026815230026841164, 0.02033361978828907, 0.005569108761847019, -0.021446311846375465, -0.009348394349217415, 0.00720980716869235, -0.020171966403722763, -0.00752592459321022, -0.02613758109509945, -0.0020482593681663275, -0.02209564298391342, 0.026834649965167046, 0.0010349478106945753, 0.008856057189404964, -0.03941550850868225, -0.0036014255601912737, -0.07956339418888092, 0.016078099608421326, -0.024910876527428627, 0.00670968322083354, -0.0014367059338837862, 0.026580143719911575, -0.013915207237005234, -0.04802776873111725, -0.0007539797225035727, -0.04253761097788811, -0.0014217467978596687, -0.014426576904952526, 0.06074391305446625, 0.008009843528270721, 0.00009912201494444162, 0.013961134478449821, 0.021142201498150826, 0.02939850278198719, -0.015042462386190891, -0.03348035365343094, -0.037947580218315125, -0.010399866849184036, 0.012222494930028915, 0.001248922199010849, -0.0038394781295210123, -0.03843477740883827, 0.03260592371225357, 0.01857476867735386, 0.0049285427667200565, 0.028126049786806107, 0.0039772274903953075, 0.002290979726240039, 0.049138393253088, 0.03899199143052101, 0.008560090325772762, -0.036413345485925674, 0.0005300252232700586, -0.019782034680247307, -0.051685310900211334, 0.04748484119772911, -0.0007202660199254751, -0.027087174355983734, 0.005508227739483118, 0.05847347527742386, 0.0027120253071188927, 0.015177741646766663, 0.04716234281659126, 0.014386329799890518, 0.05439038202166557, 0.012215283699333668, -0.034209027886390686, -0.024978473782539368, 0.003565773367881775, 0.12689192593097687, -0.06157921254634857, -0.009794744662940502, -0.010610569268465042, 0.017097556963562965, 0.009451271966099739, 0.0322408564388752, -0.03692197799682617, 0.015245669521391392, -0.006689274683594704, -0.008091545663774014, -0.07958916574716568, 0.05588814988732338, 0.027576372027397156, -0.03683266043663025, -0.013406052254140377, -0.022480115294456482, 0.035514384508132935, 0.0034831957891583443, 0.002969650086015463, 0.05705831199884415, -0.014534319750964642, 0.005812580231577158, 0.00844577606767416, 0.03714043274521828, -0.0020872405730187893, -0.057270992547273636, 0.0235823355615139, 0.016251083463430405, -0.022973883897066116, 0.020085405558347702, 0.0026348577812314034, 0.013542775996029377, -0.03148505464196205, -0.014336371794342995, 0.006744935177266598, -0.016664788126945496, 0.011982058174908161, -0.026071950793266296, 0.0003251589951105416, 0.02536412887275219, 0.08868025243282318, -0.03121432103216648, 0.03610209375619888, -0.0018447281327098608, -0.0265140850096941, 0.01306343823671341, 0.02715730294585228, 0.03369322791695595, 0.01415321510285139, -0.0031012913677841425, 0.007910052314400673, 0.02996613271534443, 0.05549665912985802, -0.014997133985161781, -0.012784954160451889, 0.04210830479860306, 0.03919128701090813, 0.031420543789863586, 0.019646869972348213, -0.005362925119698048, 0.005157367326319218, 0.006903825793415308, 0.0071864137426018715, -0.051587045192718506, -0.00858531054109335, 0.06506484001874924, -0.040809959173202515, -0.03404645621776581, 0.03390369191765785, -0.06888959556818008, -0.005602443125098944, -0.03633081167936325, 0.03914891183376312, 0.014407257549464703, -0.016043923795223236, 0.003880259348079562, -0.06912434846162796, 0.05582838132977486, -0.0021276117768138647, -0.009946629405021667, -0.007949016988277435, -0.020693164318799973, 0.041777994483709335, -0.029467584565281868, -0.0006923797773197293, -0.009876025840640068, -0.07944265007972717, -0.06443577259778976, 0.06000079959630966, -0.037093907594680786, 0.04631994664669037, 0.01727699302136898, -0.04064083471894264, 0.027108771726489067, -0.01410876214504242, 0.021331394091248512, 0.011659694835543633, 0.020898830145597458, 0.05747436732053757, -0.06423383951187134, -0.06372547149658203, 0.07242167741060257, 0.0507669560611248, -0.004436557646840811, -0.009022772312164307, 0.04856044799089432, -0.022743558511137962, -0.00871333945542574, 0.040198326110839844, 0.008163733407855034, 0.020420845597982407, -0.02854040451347828, 0.046434443444013596, -0.03394395858049393, 0.04710346832871437, -0.0439947210252285, 0.04245177283883095, 0.039549820125103, -0.0035704048350453377, 0.03828248754143715, -0.010279233567416668, 0.06885316222906113, 0.04034078121185303, -0.04698029160499573, -0.01801193319261074, 0.029553139582276344, 0.010760247707366943, 0.016946008428931236, 0.0039438423700630665, -0.0020108483731746674, 0.041122548282146454, -0.01599782146513462, 0.0025636600330471992, -0.009497947990894318, 0.02206871099770069, -0.03845789656043053, -0.006813631858676672, 0.051351260393857956, 0.013329089619219303, 0.07017290592193604, -0.028200365602970123, 0.009328402578830719, -0.03488251939415932, -0.02593623660504818, -0.01416869182139635, -0.07035717368125916, 0.012711816467344761, 0.010292173363268375, -0.01718127168715, -0.02393287420272827, 0.0228218175470829, -0.05326984077692032, -0.062324970960617065, -0.02355712652206421, 0.010711615905165672, 0.0029079460073262453, 0.01134705450385809, 0.03332825377583504, 0.014792868867516518, -0.0024180770851671696, -0.040440838783979416, -0.04974745586514473, 0.011627611704170704, 0.036598458886146545, 0.007177556864917278, 0.024673976004123688, 0.027366498485207558, 0.03433221951127052, 0.011556854471564293, -0.00438929907977581, -0.010847503319382668, 0.013095308095216751, 0.07056146115064621, -0.014465111307799816, -0.0072014108300209045, -0.004118029028177261, -0.025191152468323708, 0.05457893759012222, -0.02680906467139721, -0.02353355474770069, 0.03850462660193443, -0.05306217446923256, 0.002227159682661295, -0.04062242805957794, -0.07567375153303146, 0.04371446743607521, 0.007817337289452553, 0.012098518200218678, 0.006324456073343754, -0.008792616426944733, 0.0002134484820999205, 0.03814177215099335, 0.03019639290869236, 0.014941148459911346, 0.018263256177306175, -0.03456472232937813, 0.017322596162557602, -0.008663831278681755, -0.0027090851217508316, -0.006176810711622238, 0.02713165618479252, 0.01708015613257885, -0.02090965211391449, 0.015240832231938839, -0.2651037871837616, -0.008809268474578857, -0.026939261704683304, -0.04340749979019165, 0.033692408353090286, -0.037097182124853134, 0.06440109014511108, 0.009194156154990196, 0.007270291913300753, 0.0189132709056139, -0.0017963317222893238, -0.028488650918006897, 0.01685427688062191, 0.04488556087017059, 0.024784212931990623, -0.021603502333164215, 0.015563995577394962, -0.05925634875893593, -0.002280647400766611, -0.008033142425119877, 0.025384556502103806, -0.05431181937456131, -0.064967080950737, 0.024435753002762794, 0.046405259519815445, 0.07473146915435791, -0.02417462132871151, 0.03322574868798256, -0.06748209148645401, -0.046367596834897995, -0.04007672145962715, 0.015489560551941395, 0.016505522653460503, -0.009872288443148136, -0.004862494301050901, 0.014823426492512226, 0.014501042664051056, -0.014372363686561584, -0.037425391376018524, -0.03278206288814545, -0.003794445190578699, -0.051085636019706726, -0.04044201597571373, 0.004772452637553215, 0.06102091819047928, -0.007985331118106842, -0.058983951807022095, -0.004241965711116791, -0.00929244328290224, 0.030049853026866913, -0.0031180153600871563, 0.006042536813765764, -0.04629414156079292, 0.0026600270066410303, -0.045904189348220825, -0.013781290501356125, -0.08233551681041718, -0.03540012612938881, -0.05842233821749687, 0.06532444059848785, -0.0038766018114984035, -0.0333162359893322, -0.04498625919222832, -0.02007034420967102, -0.025166520848870277, -0.06213722378015518, -0.043295085430145264, -0.06233278661966324, 0.06677159667015076, -0.021131031215190887, 0.0025484655052423477, 0.04440408945083618, -0.040971409529447556, -0.10573429614305496, 0.002456982620060444, -0.026280628517270088, -0.03893941268324852, -0.0425647608935833, -0.04247608035802841, -0.010899477638304234, 0.005202681291848421, -0.024434205144643784, 0.03321342170238495, 0.034946952015161514, -0.014862600713968277, 0.008956736885011196, -0.03484322130680084, 0.05876510962843895, -0.04270682483911514, 0.006461220793426037, 0.07537595182657242, 0.0562870018184185, -0.008831332437694073, -0.0006523188785649836, 0.01945721171796322, 0.026769811287522316, -0.03447318449616432, -0.03671569377183914, -0.018905844539403915, -0.0369773767888546, 0.04650110751390457, -0.07790086418390274, 0.021522844210267067, -0.05570334568619728, -0.015522493049502373, -0.005135268904268742, -0.04357537254691124, -0.011015192605555058, 0.039405349642038345, 0.025117868557572365, 0.039412617683410645, -0.029787251725792885, 0.03463858738541603, -0.040120624005794525, -0.011570671573281288, -0.010217327624559402, 0.021403895691037178, 0.025367453694343567, 0.02518732100725174, 0.018300555646419525, 0.001645879470743239, 0.018187299370765686, -0.03309972956776619, -0.04376424103975296, -0.09543341398239136, -0.019252261146903038, 0.0412893109023571, 0.03042101487517357, -0.00015232675650622696, 0.04614124819636345, -0.005037928000092506, -0.03192531690001488, 0.003345162607729435, -0.015527267009019852, 0.01098832581192255, 0.0036841859109699726, -0.020975209772586823, -0.055803488940000534, -0.007880256511271, 0.01575634628534317, 0.02517353929579258, -0.021517561748623848, 0.03314920514822006, 0.01958106830716133, 0.04848581552505493, -0.003534414805471897, -0.001280244905501604, -0.018996572121977806, -0.02614271081984043, 0.07124166190624237, 0.007621253840625286, -0.03572922199964523, -0.008424476720392704, -0.050627097487449646, -0.03366148844361305, -0.025000758469104767, 0.024189775809645653, 0.02130226232111454, -0.020820651203393936, -0.03927885740995407, -0.009514803066849709, -0.05114426463842392, -0.02389603853225708, -0.019515588879585266, -0.010836953297257423, 0.0543006993830204, -0.04985032603144646, 0.019360849633812904, -0.0550844706594944, 0.032145027071237564, -0.028996549546718597, -0.037365227937698364, -0.008756997063755989, 0.03919707238674164, 0.029286235570907593, 0.06219187006354332, -0.02542686276137829, 0.013422294519841671, 0.04461870715022087, 0.022512614727020264, -0.03540334850549698, -0.009526176378130913, -0.0069653247483074665, 0.009725868701934814, 0.041196923702955246, -0.028686203062534332, -0.02272610180079937, -0.04620644077658653, -0.03788406401872635, -0.0017427277052775025, 0.02001628465950489, -0.036480288952589035, -0.006385185290127993, 0.03692915290594101, -0.06278654932975769, -0.044927798211574554, 0.041114501655101776, -0.0224347785115242, 0.031299300491809845, 0.04048020392656326, -0.021850794553756714, 0.014044818468391895, -0.01811535842716694, 0.000039376365748466924, -0.04076359048485756, -0.06765827536582947, 0.011412384919822216, -0.01990940421819687, -0.03920958563685417, 0.02772795967757702, -0.060118239372968674, -0.0021424335427582264, 0.0435444600880146, 0.03168964385986328, 0.020741702988743782, -0.09167644381523132, 0.059798020869493484, 0.02062562294304371, -0.022652437910437584, -0.023703403770923615, 0.011639568023383617, -0.03428023308515549, -0.009389667771756649, 0.028386807069182396, -0.059923067688941956, 0.035038840025663376, -0.02727244421839714, -0.008049744181334972, 0.03543978929519653, -0.040544141083955765, 0.017607633024454117, -0.054284803569316864, -0.02483142912387848, 0.047540996223688126, -0.004901196341961622, -0.011471397243440151, -0.016190771013498306, -0.012824608944356441, 0.009990764781832695, 0.024520548060536385, 0.01455014105886221, 0.05825509503483772, -0.010073148645460606, -0.0727977380156517, 0.02556546777486801, -0.01036611944437027, 0.048026662319898605, 0.024297887459397316, -0.021459797397255898, 0.0903359204530716, -0.014349726028740406, 0.0084526427090168, -0.025362713262438774, 0.019231978803873062, 0.01896108314394951, -0.0575224794447422, -0.014832941815257072, 0.004180094692856073, -0.021005773916840553, 0.02978529967367649, -0.0018104766495525837, 0.0064010219648480415, -0.010126542299985886, 0.01056487113237381, 0.018230900168418884, 0.03378334641456604, -0.0036785004194825888, -0.005348986480385065, 0.050085704773664474, -0.07116473466157913, -0.04866993427276611, -0.08458185940980911, -0.01582726277410984, 0.005706341937184334, 0.03576662018895149, 0.0445176437497139, 0.01278904639184475, -0.01047815103083849, 0.03650853782892227, -0.0591883659362793, -0.050175588577985764, 0.014467096887528896, -0.020313698798418045, -0.03797318786382675, 0.012620126828551292, -0.01657227985560894, 0.05505126714706421, -0.030446678400039673, -0.09147416800260544, -0.04803772643208504, -0.02053038775920868, 0.015107476152479649, 0.050471168011426926, 0.041621025651693344, -0.03605461120605469, -0.025342972949147224, 0.04890265688300133, 0.041626524180173874, -0.0391053669154644, 0.032524608075618744, -0.08492784947156906, 0.05362710729241371, 0.004863588605076075, -0.044852662831544876, -0.018411854282021523, 0.010775377042591572, -0.0011235837591812015, -0.06252632290124893, -0.02879093959927559, 0.058700524270534515, -0.023867333307862282, -0.08949875086545944, 0.02005835436284542, 0.011359802447259426, -0.03096272051334381, -0.004274441860616207, 0.015305032953619957, -0.004479074385017157, -0.02632615715265274, 0.005095988046377897, 0.05643859878182411, -0.03737771883606911, 0.06459183245897293, 0.028629150241613388, 0.11084605008363724, 0.03144228830933571, -0.011300751939415932, 0.0042588612996041775, 0.010180629789829254, 0.11865300685167313, 0.051085878163576126, -0.019577575847506523, 0.016879573464393616, 0.055180441588163376, -0.0006703392136842012, -0.009194182232022285, 0.01064743846654892, 0.007283428683876991, -0.007639041170477867, 0.03578787297010422, 0.02631547674536705, 0.038922492414712906, 0.02361409366130829, 0.02564396895468235, 0.03885922580957413, -0.022577987983822823, 0.06750503927469254, -0.06295664608478546, 0.06308941543102264, 0.009967869147658348, 0.02741163969039917, -0.026722203940153122, -0.004335464909672737, -0.041624974459409714, -0.00745819928124547, 0.008946672081947327, -0.022689681500196457, 0.019541369751095772, -0.03462895005941391, 0.021195998415350914, -0.026522357016801834, -0.03442492336034775, 0.07124537229537964, -0.00802449882030487, -0.058145251125097275, -0.015893368050456047, 0.024617332965135574, 0.026753833517432213, -0.015044190920889378, 0.048683978617191315, -0.0035689747892320156, -0.020793557167053223, -0.010831454768776894, -0.010302560403943062, 0.04214054346084595, -0.0010609370656311512, 0.05848771333694458, -0.014555388130247593, 0.0006701768143102527, 0.0248277448117733, 0.029770098626613617, 0.02190316841006279, -0.05900663882493973, -0.05254431813955307, -0.015415806323289871, -0.05193759500980377, 0.019489305093884468, 0.014618221670389175, 0.002865685150027275, -0.034453216940164566, 0.019696814939379692, -0.0017296583391726017, -0.0061674583703279495, 0.03678641840815544, -0.03874002769589424, 0.04841876029968262, 0.042048800736665726, 0.06153485178947449, 0.04158495366573334, 0.016973644495010376, 0.03950941935181618, -0.02122800424695015, -0.008701319806277752, 0.0059727951884269714, -0.04125939682126045, 0.025147991254925728, -0.00008118151890812442, 0.01364740077406168, -0.06023472920060158, -0.025593595579266548, 0.024275394156575203, 0.05256587639451027, -0.05951157212257385, 0.05343259125947952, -0.011098433285951614, -0.012011824175715446, 0.08472982794046402, -0.020451435819268227, -0.028861060738563538, -0.017698122188448906, -0.019999109208583832, 0.021805452182888985, -0.009173140861093998, 0.06664666533470154, -0.030459100380539894, 0.008892922662198544, 0.023799877613782883, -0.017430942505598068, 0.0070929392240941525, 0.0367523655295372, 0.02433614432811737, -0.005683139897882938, -0.01925935596227646, -0.002950260415673256, -0.00635064160451293, -0.042637426406145096, -0.0502609983086586, 0.002106716623529792, 0.0017855827463790774, -0.049755096435546875, 0.04415230453014374, -0.006890129763633013, 0.0014353133738040924, -0.013872259296476841, 0.015236654318869114, 0.02588571235537529, -0.04061458259820938, -0.04349052533507347, -0.04089212045073509, 0.02267736941576004, 0.026816241443157196, 0.014759229496121407, 0.005322616081684828, -0.06260541081428528, 0.020393624901771545, -0.03701849281787872, -0.01261132676154375, 0.03377112001180649, 0.00267203152179718, -0.010734597221016884 ]
OPINION FRUMAN, Judge. This case has been submitted for decision by this court following its assignment to an attorney advisory committee pursuant to our experimental plan. See Boucher v. Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Co., 105 N.M. 442, 733 P.2d 1325 (Ct.App.1986); Patterson v. Environmental Improvement Div., 105 N.M. 320, 731 P.2d 1364 (Ct.App.1986); Stoll v. Dow, 105 N.M. 316, 731 P.2d 1360 (Ct.App.1986). The committee issued an opinion in which it proposed affirming the trial court. The parties were notified of the opinion and of their right to submit responses, and defendant did so. We have considered the record on appeal, the brief-in-chief, and the opinion of the advisory committee. We substitute the following for that proposed opinion. The issues presented on appeal are whether there was (1) substantial evidence of defamation and damage; (2) substantial evidence of publication; (3) substantial evidence to deny defendant’s counterclaim; (4) error in admitting the memorandum at trial; (5) error in denying defendant’s motion to dismiss; and (6) error in admitting hearsay evidence. No answer brief was filed on behalf of plaintiff, and the case was submitted on the brief-in-chief. On the basis of the following, we reverse the judgment granted plaintiff on his complaint for libel and affirm the dismissal of defendant’s counterclaim. Plaintiff filed his complaint for libel, alleging that defendant caused the publication of a certain memorandum to various persons and businesses, and that the memorandum defamed and libeled plaintiff and accused him of dishonest and criminal behavior. Defendant filed an answer, denying the pertinent allegations of the complaint, and he set forth six affirmative defenses. He also pled a counterclaim. The case came on for trial before the court without a jury. The court made its findings of fact and conclusions of law, entered judgment for plaintiff in the amount of $500 and dismissed the counterclaim. Defendant was the sponsor of a conference held in February 1983. Plaintiff completed a registration form for the conference and submitted his check in payment for the $150 registration fee. As a result of his dissatisfaction with the conference, plaintiff contacted his bank and stopped payment on the check. Defendant, after having talked with plaintiff on the telephone, sent a letter to plaintiff demanding that the check be made good. Subsequently, defendant typed the subject memorandum and mailed it to plaintiff at the business address indicated on plaintiff’s conference registration form. The trial court found that defendant “caused to be published a memorandum to various persons and businesses,” and that the “memorandum defamed Plaintiff’s character and accused him of dishonest and criminal behavior” and that the accusations are “untrue and libelous.” In establishing a claim of defamation, a plaintiff must prove, inter alia, that the defendant published the defamatory communication. SCRA 1986, 13-1002(B)(1); Bookout v. Griffin, 97 N.M. 336, 639 P.2d 1190 (1982); Poorbaugh v. Mullen, 99 N.M. 11, 653 P.2d 511 (Ct.App.1982). Publication is defined as “an intentional or negligent communication to one other than the person defamed.” SCRA 1986, 13-1003. See also Poorbaugh v. Mullen. Defendant contends that the trial court finding as to publication is not supported by substantial evidence. Based on our review of the record, we agree. The evidence presented at trial with respect to publication is as follows. Defendant mailed the memorandum to plaintiff, personally, at the business address provided by plaintiff on his conference registration form. The memorandum was directed to a number of organizations, and plaintiff was mailed a copy for his information. Defendant explained he had prepared copies for each organization to which the memorandum was addressed, but, on advice of counsel, he discarded all copies but the one mailed to plaintiff. Defendant thought plaintiff was the boss of the business; he expected that only plaintiff would receive and read the memorandum; and, he intended that plaintiff be the only recipient of the memorandum since he did not mail a copy to any other person or entity. There was no evidence to the contrary. A secretary for the business where plaintiff was employed testified that the envelope containing the memorandum was addressed to plaintiff and appeared personal. The secretary could not recall whether she had opened the envelope and then read the memorandum, or whether she first read it when plaintiff showed it to her. Plaintiff’s supervisor testified that he did see the memorandum before plaintiff did because it was office routine for all incoming mail to be first reviewed by him. For the purpose of our analysis, we assume, without deciding, that the memorandum is defamatory. If the findings of the trial court are supported by substantial evidence, we will not disturb those findings. See Sanchez v. Homestake Mining Co., 102 N.M. 473, 697 P.2d 156 (Ct.App.1985). The dispositive question then is whether there is substantial evidence that the memorandum was published. Publication would consist of the communication of the memorandum, through the negligent act of defendant, to a person other than plaintiff. SCRA 1986, 13-1009(B). See Marchiondo v. Brown, 98 N.M. 394, 649 P.2d 462 (1982). See also Poorbaugh v. Mullen. Publication, or negligent communication, does not occur, however, where the writing is sent only to the person defamed and a third person intercepts and reads it before it reaches the person defamed. See generally Annotation, Libel and Slander: Publication by Accidental Communication, or Communication Only to Plaintiff, 92 A.L.R.2d 219 at 227-231 (1963). See also Cashio v. Holt, 425 So.2d 820 94 (La.App.1982). We note that plaintiff did not request a finding as to negligence, and the case appears to have been tried on a theory of intentional publication. Upon the facts of this case, we hold that plaintiff did not present substantial evidence to show that defendant actually published the memorandum. The finding as to publication is not supported by substantial evidence. Thus, plaintiffs defamation action must fail, cf. Bookout v. Griffin, and the judgment of the trial court on plaintiff’s complaint is reversed. As defendant has not cited this court to authority to support his contention that the trial court erred in denying his counterclaim, see In re Adoption of Doe, 100 N.M. 764, 676 P.2d 1329 (1984), we affirm that denial. Because of these holdings, we need not discuss defendant’s remaining appellate issues. Defendant is awarded his costs on appeal. IT IS SO ORDERED. This court acknowledges the aid of the Honorable William R. Federici, and attorneys Daniel R. Cron and Joel Burstein in the preparation of this opinion. These attorneys constituted an advisory committee selected by the chief judge of this court, and we express our gratitude to them for the quality of their work and their voluntary service. ALARID and MINZNER, JJ., concur.
[ -0.026500631123781204, -0.05161866545677185, -0.009391005150973797, 0.018134895712137222, 0.031079178676009178, 0.005176304839551449, 0.048877932131290436, 0.04166470095515251, 0.012170047499239445, -0.028598429635167122, 0.019416682422161102, 0.052888188511133194, -0.06203189492225647, 0.03076672926545143, -0.050370313227176666, 0.07893510162830353, 0.027942361310124397, 0.024282801896333694, 0.02522701397538185, -0.015068599954247475, 0.02498786523938179, -0.050150517374277115, -0.0040710545144975185, 0.04508122056722641, 0.009863467887043953, 0.002758831949904561, 0.019724322482943535, 0.03114224597811699, -0.055923253297805786, 0.010175342671573162, 0.05869389697909355, 0.04603364318609238, -0.026218164712190628, -0.029147030785679817, -0.013665569014847279, 0.02068539522588253, -0.0014444564003497362, -0.026793116703629494, -0.02877080999314785, 0.017102718353271484, -0.05798863619565964, 0.04184037074446678, -0.05932963639497757, -0.003738757921382785, -0.033405933529138565, 0.014408132992684841, 0.0012862286530435085, 0.05772212892770767, -0.024695808067917824, 0.00003951423423131928, -0.07870295643806458, 0.017655113711953163, -0.016704294830560684, 0.014129380695521832, -0.026546526700258255, 0.05481609329581261, -0.033774349838495255, -0.031450483947992325, 0.00017201981972903013, -0.029487228021025658, 0.017927302047610283, -0.040411535650491714, 0.07397613674402237, 0.014599045738577843, -0.002747972495853901, -0.007136726751923561, -0.022809986025094986, 0.02796977572143078, -0.03180905804038048, 0.016858480870723724, -0.053122252225875854, -0.0040999650955200195, 0.00965881161391735, 0.03321056813001633, -0.000877385085914284, -0.03126551955938339, 0.012552084401249886, 0.028252728283405304, 0.012486018240451813, 0.031399182975292206, 0.033726323395967484, -0.0023219124414026737, 0.02300603874027729, 0.06556089967489243, -0.028443777933716774, -0.03295138105750084, 0.0072396909818053246, 0.00040479653398506343, -0.05499684438109398, 0.013474865816533566, -0.009220041334629059, -0.05429923161864281, 0.018562862649559975, 0.03983799368143082, -0.004017310682684183, 0.014230108819901943, 0.06328804045915604, -0.018129615113139153, 0.002012336626648903, 0.006950026843696833, -0.0371507853269577, -0.01282860990613699, -0.0003628745034802705, 0.06603627651929855, -0.07948785275220871, -0.01543391402810812, -0.0008170312503352761, 0.004114809446036816, 0.01143857091665268, 0.014459758065640926, 0.017852729186415672, 0.023791478946805, -0.009013336151838303, -0.017352290451526642, -0.06257623434066772, 0.05651595816016197, 0.026729144155979156, -0.048530254513025284, -0.008609849959611893, -0.015469148755073547, 0.037712983787059784, -0.008203444071114063, 0.008096877485513687, 0.07366235554218292, 0.05331025272607803, -0.017453951761126518, 0.022597134113311768, 0.03608592972159386, -0.05356651544570923, -0.0854019969701767, 0.005187175236642361, 0.02598625048995018, -0.030522381886839867, -0.01245568972080946, -0.02951621636748314, 0.018818886950612068, -0.0009414335363544524, -0.010678526945412159, 0.031977664679288864, -0.027279764413833618, -0.007612974848598242, -0.04772871732711792, -0.02611900120973587, 0.01315440982580185, 0.07929190993309021, -0.03962351381778717, 0.036157380789518356, -0.014943311922252178, -0.047322262078523636, -0.010537408292293549, 0.03051876649260521, 0.047771088778972626, 0.017565853893756866, -0.04305232688784599, 0.034290384501218796, 0.07315687090158463, 0.09107261896133423, -0.03994458541274071, 0.008265065029263496, 0.05674917995929718, 0.03244653716683388, 0.018660057336091995, 0.014678316190838814, 0.007989609614014626, 0.008278793655335903, 0.05559741333127022, -0.0018823751015588641, -0.03188891336321831, -0.035256367176771164, 0.027179839089512825, -0.03570741042494774, -0.014221180230379105, 0.044858288019895554, -0.05692063271999359, 0.04029259830713272, 0.023110032081604004, 0.030079079791903496, 0.006450637709349394, 0.014852412976324558, -0.0440288707613945, -0.0641014575958252, 0.05566257983446121, -0.008040656335651875, 0.022845622152090073, -0.0494755357503891, -0.003961562179028988, 0.02775033935904503, -0.010099940001964569, 0.02846311591565609, 0.03164418041706085, -0.07413442432880402, -0.06118634715676308, -0.023663103580474854, -0.02449565939605236, 0.06319582462310791, 0.040405191481113434, -0.06296663731336594, 0.05929282680153847, 0.03134749084711075, 0.03581506013870239, 0.0033419886603951454, 0.0034982068464159966, 0.039356015622615814, -0.03882506489753723, -0.05250127241015434, 0.029277419671416283, 0.048834916204214096, 0.0015371968038380146, 0.013650973327457905, 0.038375623524188995, 0.0011536781676113605, -0.0263456329703331, 0.03671663999557495, -0.0066983927972614765, 0.021017875522375107, -0.043743591755628586, 0.050650086253881454, -0.00307228765450418, 0.05516599491238594, -0.050592247396707535, 0.014060759916901588, 0.002632005838677287, -0.021704092621803284, -0.007105750497430563, -0.03330502286553383, 0.0802711620926857, 0.043058715760707855, 0.010300187394022942, -0.013036378659307957, -0.008135881274938583, -0.036272209137678146, 0.011181029491126537, 0.01728016324341297, 0.009928339160978794, 0.04671094939112663, 0.004584827460348606, -0.031224697828292847, -0.006545351818203926, 0.050813157111406326, -0.061342041939496994, 0.021667441353201866, 0.04486124590039253, -0.0081625422462821, 0.06200380250811577, -0.008780337870121002, -0.0058569093234837055, -0.006792476400732994, 0.0036071089562028646, 0.008196384645998478, -0.019763778895139694, -0.005973545368760824, 0.022189270704984665, 0.002103970153257251, -0.010531516745686531, -0.020199116319417953, -0.04725802689790726, -0.008588784374296665, -0.007790975738316774, 0.034107599407434464, 0.022385751828551292, 0.005562408361583948, 0.031676460057497025, 0.0007106057018972933, -0.013039463199675083, -0.0016503314254805446, -0.03510983660817146, -0.05063196271657944, 0.0048291063867509365, -0.013707545585930347, 0.013021008111536503, 0.02287556231021881, -0.012088976800441742, -0.01638880744576454, 0.006548626814037561, -0.029417090117931366, 0.04030608758330345, 0.03644924238324165, 0.004435405135154724, -0.011495672166347504, -0.01078980602324009, -0.046361327171325684, 0.03815412521362305, -0.033168770372867584, -0.06913667917251587, 0.013512789271771908, -0.04649398848414421, 0.026519786566495895, -0.00200529582798481, -0.05232805386185646, 0.036683425307273865, 0.015275419689714909, 0.018161321058869362, -0.006780331488698721, 0.01615324057638645, 0.050411857664585114, 0.05223536863923073, 0.0144197978079319, 0.019208602607250214, -0.024910883978009224, -0.03879512473940849, 0.010256439447402954, -0.0235484279692173, -0.012464425526559353, 0.0020832943264395, 0.023020047694444656, 0.035456784069538116, -0.001857663388364017, 0.007912842556834221, -0.2736002802848816, 0.029022682458162308, -0.002327306428924203, -0.04796001687645912, 0.034883417189121246, -0.037045788019895554, 0.05295373871922493, -0.03626774996519089, -0.030300557613372803, 0.06016618758440018, 0.0018006465397775173, -0.026545213535428047, 0.018409840762615204, 0.04958464205265045, 0.030594155192375183, -0.02459428645670414, -0.014438352547585964, -0.013073540292680264, -0.021054532378911972, 0.001998606137931347, 0.029995784163475037, -0.07177279144525528, -0.03568733111023903, -0.013259915634989738, 0.07196494191884995, 0.0816497728228569, -0.030414940789341927, 0.004980384837836027, -0.032437216490507126, 0.0014078541425988078, 0.0037782250437885523, -0.020092768594622612, 0.004313267767429352, 0.014406097121536732, 0.00035131649929098785, -0.02482014149427414, 0.0514354445040226, -0.003729628399014473, -0.018480651080608368, 0.041230883449316025, 0.021232133731245995, -0.004283147864043713, -0.05535396561026573, 0.02316432073712349, 0.04533121734857559, 0.013012834824621677, -0.05107055604457855, 0.008785819634795189, 0.006459899712353945, 0.045376233756542206, -0.0064983791671693325, -0.0050485641695559025, -0.026632292196154594, 0.022466463968157768, -0.043302007019519806, -0.009670063853263855, -0.018139883875846863, -0.035570189356803894, -0.06434769183397293, 0.01898142881691456, -0.004788696765899658, -0.0354076512157917, -0.023376891389489174, -0.007572670001536608, -0.04054606333374977, -0.07260305434465408, -0.04697252810001373, -0.026714662089943886, 0.08571886271238327, -0.011416517198085785, 0.009476829320192337, 0.035751208662986755, -0.016016652807593346, -0.08587104082107544, 0.008426589891314507, -0.010084967128932476, -0.03092922829091549, -0.01618293486535549, 0.03322714567184448, 0.02602153830230236, -0.004457774572074413, -0.027934495359659195, 0.014800542034208775, 0.02674667350947857, 0.007878514938056469, -0.04400123655796051, 0.0036671373527497053, 0.09708138555288315, -0.031131362542510033, 0.009925450198352337, 0.04608604684472084, 0.06306233257055283, -0.05281425639986992, 0.010783856734633446, 0.04204193502664566, 0.04097847267985344, 0.019968753680586815, -0.0677483081817627, 0.004039943218231201, 0.02556193806231022, 0.032521579414606094, -0.057250671088695526, -0.008531400002539158, -0.04005224257707596, -0.03577714040875435, -0.02379816211760044, -0.07145077735185623, -0.0012016702676191926, 0.04783497005701065, -0.008500931784510612, 0.04271798953413963, -0.011989590711891651, 0.05759759247303009, -0.03659243881702423, 0.0033400137908756733, -0.008247481659054756, 0.022146163508296013, 0.005828944966197014, -0.0006423232262022793, -0.008016334846615791, 0.02784508280456066, 0.036766085773706436, -0.060719091445207596, -0.045959264039993286, -0.07098080962896347, 0.011012408882379532, 0.015107469633221626, 0.0014338393229991198, -0.04631726071238518, 0.046348441392183304, -0.01744833216071129, -0.0456179603934288, -0.010654776357114315, 0.01260476466268301, -0.004515963606536388, 0.006973259150981903, -0.03881300613284111, -0.0595521554350853, -0.01122363656759262, -0.018356673419475555, 0.02715413272380829, -0.0077150496654212475, -0.006054988596588373, 0.00033975482801906765, 0.08549056202173233, -0.0014194182585924864, 0.022031789645552635, 0.009994098916649818, -0.015386122278869152, 0.006718523800373077, -0.00498140649870038, -0.044439975172281265, 0.017425786703824997, -0.041181862354278564, -0.0349859856069088, -0.029909830540418625, 0.03748035430908203, 0.04795246198773384, -0.017810076475143433, -0.047847285866737366, -0.01791193149983883, 0.00004777660433319397, 0.0001353593252133578, -0.05128741264343262, -0.00955345667898655, 0.0490536093711853, -0.03308434784412384, 0.055686336010694504, -0.031164392828941345, 0.01657615602016449, -0.012085877358913422, -0.03333882614970207, -0.039474159479141235, 0.015824293717741966, 0.016810672357678413, 0.013965248130261898, -0.009294882416725159, -0.02637443318963051, 0.05593765899538994, 0.036813922226428986, -0.01901073195040226, -0.06469303369522095, -0.023507559671998024, 0.024984965100884438, 0.07058747112751007, -0.04472758248448372, -0.028199663385748863, -0.04202777147293091, -0.03784399479627609, 0.0011814541649073362, -0.03836953267455101, -0.014544687233865261, 0.006801442708820105, 0.04020044580101967, -0.017115220427513123, -0.034131087362766266, 0.0557442232966423, -0.035472653806209564, -0.01837318018078804, 0.011600160971283913, -0.023611994460225105, -0.0013171385508030653, -0.019209757447242737, -0.005131649784743786, -0.041518550366163254, -0.07849465310573578, 0.018405374139547348, 0.028441989794373512, -0.034798212349414825, 0.03630819544196129, -0.06301805377006531, -0.013323173858225346, -0.011625575833022594, 0.009733776561915874, 0.033683497458696365, -0.050500497221946716, 0.04922446981072426, -0.003444890957325697, -0.023626241832971573, 0.008593820966780186, 0.011689438484609127, -0.0543588325381279, -0.02743498422205448, 0.00562132615596056, -0.04188515990972519, 0.06853687018156052, 0.019341683015227318, -0.006454760674387217, 0.0044999150559306145, -0.05336162447929382, 0.02507089637219906, -0.04955773428082466, 0.0019797906279563904, 0.05477399379014969, 0.02026725932955742, -0.011354798451066017, -0.05219750851392746, 0.008159417659044266, -0.01709035597741604, 0.02331160008907318, 0.015600898303091526, 0.03097411058843136, -0.01083915401250124, -0.014634460210800171, -0.001831479137763381, -0.025224709883332253, 0.018267158418893814, 0.009836470708251, -0.029383784160017967, 0.06579907238483429, 0.0024360911920666695, 0.03990289196372032, -0.008918617852032185, -0.0018340075621381402, 0.028028978034853935, -0.07009181380271912, -0.02932141162455082, -0.000384080340154469, -0.017019374296069145, 0.061772625893354416, -0.0025358558632433414, 0.03572845831513405, -0.03046479821205139, 0.024063140153884888, 0.022657016292214394, 0.056513670831918716, 0.005312650464475155, -0.002785014919936657, 0.012579896487295628, -0.05444147437810898, -0.021572209894657135, -0.08994502574205399, -0.017346125096082687, -0.012923731468617916, 0.029221229255199432, 0.01682533323764801, 0.006948812399059534, -0.04421171545982361, 0.04735374450683594, -0.06364838033914566, -0.03617429733276367, 0.0036061909049749374, -0.014711643569171429, -0.03063061088323593, 0.0008183038444258273, -0.024677332490682602, 0.03194097429513931, 0.02413487620651722, -0.1060318648815155, -0.046174511313438416, -0.013136878609657288, 0.030418455600738525, 0.02471894770860672, 0.0339185856282711, -0.02304253913462162, -0.027713187038898468, 0.03568798676133156, 0.04625794291496277, -0.04215067997574806, 0.05547404661774635, -0.07217790931463242, 0.024112898856401443, 0.06846407800912857, -0.03674144297838211, 0.010843181051313877, -0.0022861638572067022, -0.045218709856271744, -0.0621025413274765, -0.02143057994544506, 0.009250730276107788, -0.012459316290915012, -0.058392640203237534, 0.033730197697877884, -0.011312799528241158, -0.04691937938332558, -0.009122129529714584, -0.006683425512164831, -0.02463771589100361, -0.005875054746866226, -0.030218331143260002, 0.04102227836847305, 0.0025427909567952156, 0.07047706097364426, 0.02814943715929985, 0.06001850590109825, 0.02782258950173855, -0.019760148599743843, 0.042006172239780426, -0.015509450808167458, 0.07026530057191849, 0.04721905663609505, 0.015428116545081139, -0.004944309126585722, 0.0604606568813324, -0.014313039369881153, -0.03152954950928688, -0.02431277185678482, -0.012201361358165741, -0.019173914566636086, -0.009552454575896263, 0.023851493373513222, 0.05288117378950119, 0.016062423586845398, 0.05166839808225632, -0.0016876801382750273, 0.022791916504502296, 0.04627421498298645, -0.023943694308400154, 0.023266375064849854, 0.026234587654471397, -0.001663812668994069, -0.04328959807753563, -0.01756448484957218, -0.048685673624277115, 0.026114458218216896, 0.010232931934297085, -0.005719891283661127, 0.006969150621443987, -0.05393199622631073, -0.010207751765847206, -0.011122497729957104, -0.01758546568453312, 0.05221589654684067, -0.024481821805238724, -0.012341934256255627, 0.004074010066688061, 0.024551669135689735, 0.04541506990790367, -0.014943031594157219, 0.01605972833931446, -0.02428695559501648, -0.021705638617277145, -0.026978664100170135, -0.013903557322919369, 0.0571410171687603, -0.0031752968207001686, 0.0161722544580698, -0.03484424576163292, 0.007338082883507013, 0.05549172684550285, -0.005377241875976324, -0.009648696519434452, -0.05512180179357529, -0.017611075192689896, -0.02565978839993477, -0.016840538010001183, 0.034858591854572296, 0.03182421624660492, -0.030787447467446327, -0.05466887354850769, -0.03231272101402283, -0.00914362259209156, 0.00034175964538007975, 0.059820134192705154, -0.052971936762332916, 0.025858934968709946, 0.027673909440636635, 0.05063222721219063, 0.007066790014505386, 0.004427546635270119, 0.013149172067642212, -0.03239160031080246, -0.05393572896718979, 0.0042115324176847935, -0.019058048725128174, 0.031208127737045288, -0.01262265257537365, 0.0017293591517955065, -0.09408381581306458, 0.031218765303492546, 0.01809348724782467, -0.013127803802490234, -0.06473429501056671, 0.034514449536800385, 0.0007351326639764011, -0.020793018862605095, 0.05711738020181656, 0.0793226882815361, 0.0020454018376767635, -0.00302565423771739, -0.032453395426273346, 0.031278353184461594, 0.010399695485830307, 0.07799836248159409, -0.017535487189888954, 0.04105192795395851, 0.031236598268151283, -0.022297613322734833, -0.06272023916244507, 0.01583021879196167, 0.026055676862597466, 0.004286200273782015, -0.03732716664671898, -0.009504249319434166, -0.01803703047335148, -0.05016111209988594, -0.027148094028234482, 0.029514824971556664, -0.03388228267431259, -0.07127857953310013, 0.05046858265995979, -0.01277795061469078, -0.0019521124195307493, -0.03459605202078819, 0.02030509151518345, 0.032340291887521744, -0.012949402444064617, -0.033899154514074326, -0.03653651103377342, 0.008096478879451752, 0.05286838114261627, 0.010477951727807522, 0.012285321019589901, -0.052418578416109085, 0.012505355291068554, -0.04493679106235504, 0.00077749730553478, 0.03356969729065895, 0.02014913409948349, -0.018862860277295113 ]
OPINION CASTILLO, Judge. {1} This appeal requires us to review the trial court’s entry of summary judgment against Plaintiffs on the one remaining count in their complaint, that of breach of contract. We consider whether policies and procedures governing the employment of state police officers create an implied contract regarding terms of employment and, if so, whether the implied contract constitutes a “valid written contract,” such that immunity is waived under the terms of NMSA 1978, § 37-l-23(A) (1976). We answer in the affirmative; however, the trial court must still determine the remaining issues. In this case, the trial court bifurcated consideration of the summary judgment motion into parts and postponed consideration of issues related to grievance procedures and the statute of limitations until after the contract issues were decided. It appears that the implied' contract requires certain procedures to be followed when an employee believes a term of employment has not been followed and that these procedures do not contemplate direct suit to district court. We do not reach this procedural issue in this opinion but confine our discussion to whether there is a valid written contract giving rise to a waiver of immunity. Accordingly, we reverse the trial court’s summary judgment and remand for consideration of the remaining arguments in Defendants’ motion for summary judgment. I. BACKGROUND {2} This case has a long history. Plaintiffs are a large group of state police officers who originally filed this suit in 1996 against the State of New Mexico Department of Public Safety (Department), the Secretary of the Department (Secretary), and the Chief of the New Mexico State Police (collectively referred to as Defendants) for violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. §§ 201-219 (2000). The case was removed to federal court and then remanded to state court, based on the holding in Seminole Tribe v. Florida, 517 U.S. 44, 61-66, 116 S.Ct. 1114, 134 L.Ed.2d 252 (1996), that the federal court did not have jurisdiction to hear FLSA claims against a state. Once back in district court, the Department moved to dismiss the employees’ claims for violations of the FLSA, based on state sovereign immunity. This Court, holding that the Eleventh Amendment of the United States Constitution does not give Defendants sovereign immunity from suit in state court for violations of the FLSA, originally reversed the district court’s decision to dismiss Plaintiffs’ suit against Defendants. See Whittington v. State Dep’t of Pub. Safety, 1998-NMCA-156, ¶ 16, 126 N.M. 21, 966 P.2d 188. Defendants appealed to the United States Supreme Court, which, based on its decision in Alden v. Maine, 527 U.S. 706, 119 S.Ct. 2240, 144 L.Ed.2d 636 (1999), vacated the judgment. See N.M. Dep’t of Pub. Safety v. Whittington, 527 U.S. 1031, 119 S.Ct. 2388, 144 L.Ed.2d 790 (1999). We then withdrew our previous opinion and affirmed the decision of the district court dismissing the direct FLSA claims, as set forth in counts one, three, and four of Plaintiffs’ second amended complaint. Whittington v. State Dep’t of Pub. Safety, 2000-NMCA-055, ¶ 5, 129 N.M. 221, 4 P.3d 668. Because there was no final order as to Plaintiffs’ claim for breach of contract, we noted that a disposition of the direct FLSA claims should not be understood as precluding Plaintiffs “from asserting in the context of Count II that the written employment policies of the Department constitute a contract within the scope of NMSA 1978, § 37-1-23 (1976).” Id. {3} Count two sets forth Plaintiffs’ claim for breach of contract. On November 4, 2002, Defendants filed a motion for summary judgment on count two, together with a comprehensive memorandum containing several arguments. In response, Plaintiffs filed a motion for an extension of time to respond to the motion and to submit affidavits and a memorandum. At the hearing on Plaintiffs’ motion, the trial court bifurcated the summary judgment motion into two parts. In part one, the parties were directed to address the existence of an enforceable contract concerning compensation arising out of the Department’s policies and procedures, as well as the effect of such a contract on the immunity issue. The trial court ruled that if Defendants were unsuccessful in this part of their motion, a status conference would be convened to determine if farther discovery was necessary to enable Plaintiffs to respond to Defendants’ remaining arguments. These arguments relate to the issues of whether Plaintiffs are bound by the grievance and appeals procedure set out in the Department’s policies and procedures and whether Defendants are entitled to summary judgment on all contract claims for overtime compensation that occurred prior to September 16,1995. {4} On August 25, 2003, the trial court entered an order granting summary judgment on count two of Plaintiffs’ complaint. In the order, the trial court assumed that the policies and procedures issued by the Department created an implied employment contract, pursuant to Garcia v. Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, 1996-NMSC-029, 121 N.M. 728, 918 P.2d 7. Based on this assumption, the trial court explicitly rejected the argument that an implied employment contract only extends to termination of employees. The trial court noted that there are two exceptions to the general rule of at-will employment in New Mexico: the tort of retaliatory discharge and an implied contract term that restricts the employer’s power to discharge. Relying on the New Mexico Supreme Court’s decision in Silva v. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, 2001-NMSC-038, 131 N.M. 364, 37 P.3d 81, the trial court held that a cause of action for breach of an implied contract for overtime compensation is available only to at-will employees. There is no dispute that New Mexico state police officers are by statute not at-will employees. As a consequence, the trial court granted the summary judgment, holding that Plaintiffs “may not utilize an exception to the at will employment rule to pursue claims against Defendants.” II. DISCUSSION A. Standard of Review {5} While it appears that there is a dispute as to whether the policies were distributed to Department personnel or not, Defendants concede that this dispute is not a material fact relevant to the appeal. We agree and conclude that there are no material facts in dispute. Our review, therefore, is de novo. Barreras v. State Corr. Dep’t, 2003-NMCA-027, ¶ 5, 133 N.M. 313, 62 P.3d 770 (stating that the court applies a de novo standard of review when issues on appeal present questions of law arising out of undisputed facts). B. Implied Contract 1. Manual {6} The policies that Plaintiffs allege were breached are attached to Defendants’ memorandum. They relate to overtime compensation, jury and witness fees, holiday compensation and duties, and physical fitness time. Defendants attached as exhibits additional policies and procedures. During the hearing on the motion for summary judgment, Defendants agreed with the trial court that the Department’s manual is much more extensive than the portions contained in the record. However, for purposes of this appeal, there is no dispute that the record contains those portions of the manual that are material to our decision and that those portions not included in the record are not necessary for a determination in this case. For ease of reference in this opinion, we will refer to policies that are contained in the record as the Manual and will rely on these documents in our analysis. {7} It is well established that employee handbooks, personnel policy guides, and similar documents may constitute implied employment contracts. Garcia, 1996-NMSC-029, ¶ 11, 121 N.M. 728, 918 P.2d 7 (holding that an employee handbook may constitute an implied employment contract). The test to determine whether a document rises to the level of an implied contract is based on the degree of the parties’ reliance on it: when the document controls the employer-employee relationship such that employees may reasonably rely on the document’s provisions and may expect the employer to conform to the procedures it outlines, the terms of the document constitute the contract. Id. ¶ 11 (“[A] personnel manual gives rise to an implied contract if it con-trolls] the employer-employee relationship and an employee could reasonably expect his employer to conform to the procedures it outlines.” (internal quotation marks and citations omitted)). {8} Defendants argue that the Manual contains general statements of policy and does not exhibit any of the elements of an express or implied contract. The trial court made no specific determination regarding the contract and “assumed” that the Manual constituted an employment contract under Garcia. Normally, the question of whether a manual modifies the employment relationship is “a question of fact to be discerned from the totality of the parties’ statements and actions regarding the employment relationship.” Cockrell v. Bd. of Regents of N.M. State Univ, 2002-NMSC-009, ¶ 26, 132 N.M. 156, 45 P.3d 876 (quoting Newberry v. Allied Stores, Inc., 108 N.M. 424, 427, 773 P.2d 1231, 1234 (1989) (internal quotation marks omitted)). {9} Since this ease comes to us on summary judgment, we review the undisputed facts as provided by the parties. In viewing the record, we note that Defendants did not provide with their motion any evidence that would support the conclusion that the Manual merely contains general statements of policy not binding on the parties. In a footnote in their supporting memorandum, Defendants refer to the affidavit of Albert R. Fugere, attached to their memorandum, in asserting that “[t]he Department’s Policies and Procedures Manual is not distributed to employees but serves as a management document maintained by supervisors for their use in administering the operations of the Department.” In the affidavit, Fugere, who is the Deputy Chief Counsel of the Department, states that as counsel for the Department since 1987, he is familiar with the “drafting, adopting and promulgating” of Department policies. Fug-ere explains that while employee approval is not required and the proposed policies are not subject to negotiation, proposed policies are routinely reviewed and commented on by administrators, supervisors, and staff. He states that the ultimate approval authority is with the Secretary and that once approved, a policy becomes “applicable to all DPS personnel.” Thus, contrary to the assertion in the memorandum that the policies are merely maintained by supervisors for administrative purposes, Fugere’s affidavit establishes that approved policies are to be followed by all Department personnel. {10} Plaintiffs provided the affidavits of Richard Wesley Durham and Stephen R. Whittington, both of whom were New Mexico state police officers during the times material to this litigation. In his affidavit, Durham states that the Manual contains written policies and procedures that all Department employees are required to abide by, that failure to abide by the Manual has resulted in disciplinary action, that employees have been told that the Manual controls the employee-employer relationship, and that both supervisors and employees would be expected to comply with the policies and procedures. Whittington’s affidavit is similar in content and states that “[a]ll employees were told that the Policies and Procedures Manual controlled the employer[-]employee relationship and [that] both parties would comply with those policies and procedures.” Defendants provide no evidence to rebut these affidavits. From the record before us, it is undisputed that the Manual controls the employer-employee relationship such that employees may reasonably rely on the Manual’s provisions and may expect the employer to conform to the procedures it outlines. See Garcia, 1996-NMSC-029, ¶ 11, 121 N.M. 728, 918 P.2d 7. Consequently, we' agree with the trial court’s assumption and conclude that the Manual does create an implied contract governing the terms of employment between the Department and Plaintiffs. 2. Consideration {11} Citing to Hartbarger v. Frank Paxton Co., 115 N.M. 665, 671, 857 P.2d 776, 782 (1993), Defendants also argue that an implied contract dealing with employment terms other than termination must be supported by additional consideration; that in this case, the Manual was not the subject of negotiation or mutual assent; and that Plaintiffs provided no consideration for their promulgation. We disagree with this analysis. [W]here there is proof of a promise sufficient to support an implied contract, the consideration sufficient to support the im plied contract will be implied as a matter of law by the court whether the promise was part of the original employment agreement or was made later in modifying the employment relationship. Id. at 670, 857 P.2d at 781. When an employer issues a policy statement and, as in this case, encourages reliance on the policy by making it applicable to all personnel, the employer cannot selectively abide by it. Lukoski v. Sandia Indian Mgmt. Co., 106 N.M. 664, 666-67, 748 P.2d 507, 509-10 (1988) (holding that an employer is certainly free to issue no personnel manual at all but that when an employer chooses to issue a policy statement that encourages reliance thereon, the employer cannot be free only to abide selectively by it). Each time a new policy is issued, that policy amends the employment relationship to the extent that the new policy creates new terms for each party to follow. Consideration is implied by the conduct of the parties. 3. Rights to Compensation {12} Defendants rely on Pierce v. State, 1996-NMSC-001, ¶¶39-41, 121 N.M. 212, 910 P.2d 288, and Whitely v. New Mexico State Personnel Board, 115 N.M. 308, 312, 850 P.2d 1011, 1015 (1993), in arguing that statutes fixing compensation or terms of public employment merely enumerate public policy, subject to legislative revision, and do not create express or implied contractual rights. Both of these cases are distinguishable in that they pertain to the effect of an amended statute on the future rights of state employees or retirees. In the case at hand, Plaintiffs’ claims for compensation are not based on statute; they are based on policies and procedures promulgated by the Department and in effect during the period for which compensation is claimed. Accordingly, the cited cases are not applicable in this instance. 4. Authority of the Secretary {13} In their last argument on the contract issue, Defendants maintain that the Secretary of the Department has no authority to enter into the claimed implied contract and that “any such ‘contract’ ” is therefore null and void ab initio. Defendants point to Trujillo v. Gonzales, 106 N.M. 620, 621-22, 747 P.2d 915, 916-17 (1987), and Garcia, 1996-NMSC-029, ¶17, 121 N.M. 728, 918 P.2d 7. In Trujillo, our Supreme Court held that under the Open Meetings Act, NMSA 1978, §§ 10-15-1 to -4 (1974, as amended through 1999), county commissioners had no authority to make an oral contract for employment and that the explicit terms of the county commission minutes controlled, as they reflected the final action of the commission appointing Trujillo as an at-will employee at a public meeting. Trujillo, 106 N.M. at 621-22, 747 P.2d at 916-17. In this case, we are not dealing with oral representations but rather a written Manual adopted pursuant to statute. NMSA 1978, § 9-19-6(E) (1989) (authorizing the Secretary to “make and adopt such reasonable and procedural rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the duties of the [D]epartment and its divisions”). In concluding that the Manual is a written contract for purposes of Section 37-1-23(A), we are mindful of the policy reasons set out in Garcia supporting the requirement of a valid written contract to waive immunity for contract actions against the state. One reason “stems from the fact that governmental entities cannot enter contracts that would either curtail their authority or otherwise fall outside of their designated powers”; and when parties “evidence}] their agreement in writing, courts may more easily determine whether the agreement is a ‘valid’ contract worthy of enforcement.” 1996-NMSC-029, ¶17, 121 N.M. 728, 918 P.2d 7. The Manual provides the writing, and Section 9-19-6(E) provides the authority. The Secretary may adopt policies that form the basis of the implied contract in this case. C. Waiver of Immunity {14} Defendants argue that even if there is an implied employment contract, only those implied employment contracts that serve to preclude at-will termination can be considered valid written contracts for purposes of waiving the State’s immunity from suit under Section 37-l-23(A). We do not read New Mexico law so narrowly. {15} We recognize that implied contracts often modify the at-will employment relation ship, but these same contracts may contain other terms related to the employer-employee relationship. In Garcia, the Court concluded that “the Personnel Policy comprehensively controls the employer-employee relationship in the MRGCD and that it creates a reasonable expectation for- MRGCD employees that the MRGCD will follow the provisions contained within the Personnel Policy.” Garcia, 1996-NMSC-029, ¶20, 121 N.M. 728, 918 P.2d 7. The Court did not limit the waiver of immunity to certain portions of the policy. Defendants’ argument here is further eroded by the issue decided: the Garcia Court was not dealing with termination but rather with a challenge to the demotion policy. Id. ¶¶ 3,12. {16} Defendants argue that in Campos de Suenos, Ltd. v. County of Bernalillo, 2001-NMCA-043, 130 N.M. 563, 28 P.3d 1104, this Court “expressly refused to extend the implied contract doctrine outside the scope of the narrow exception to the at-will doctrine recognized in Garcia.” Defendants misread our holding. In Campos de Sueños, we held that an implied-in-fact contract would not satisfy Section 37-1-23(A) because we refused an invitation to extend the rationale of our employment-related ease law to a non-employment context. In the process, we did not limit the reach or meaning of cases like Garcia. To the contrary, we emphasized how important the implied-in-fact concept is in the public employment context. Campos de Suenos, 2001-NMCA-043, ¶¶ 27-28, 130 N.M. 563, 28 P.3d 1104. Nothing in Campos de Sueños can be read to limit the concept only to termination of employment. {17} Defendants also cite to Silva, 2001-NMSC-038, 131 N.M. 364, 37 P.3d 81, to support their position. Silva holds that an employee who is not at-will cannot pursue an action for the tort of retaliatory discharge. Id. ¶ 12. The Silva Court affirmed that New Mexico recognizes two exceptions to the doctrine of at-will employment: breach of implied contract and retaliatory discharge. Thus, when an employee is already protected from wrongful discharge by an employment contract, the tort of retaliatory discharge is not applicable. Id. The issue of immunity was not considered, and we find no language that would limit the Garcia holding to only those contracts that modify the at-will employment relationship. {18} We have reviewed the several other cases argued by Defendants in their answer brief. These cases discuss implied contracts in general, as well as when an implied contract is considered a “valid written contract,” thus waiving immunity. Section 37-l-23(A). Contrary to Defendants’ assertion, we find no case that restricts waiver of immunity to only those implied employment contracts that modify the at-will status of employees. See, e.g., Trujillo v. N. Rio Arriba Elec. Coop., Inc., 2002-NMSC-004, ¶¶ 21-24, 131 N.M. 607, 41 P.3d 333 (holding that the presumption of at-will employment was not modified by terms of the policy manual); Handmaker v. Henney, 1999-NMSC-043, ¶ 17, 128 N.M. 328, 992 P.2d 879 (upholding the trial court’s determination that genuine issues of material fact regarding the terms of the employment contract precluded entry of summary judgment on the issue of immunity); Mealand v. E. N.M. Med. Ctr., 2001-NMCA-089, ¶ 20, 131 N.M. 65, 33 P.3d 285 (basing reversal of summary judgment on finding that genuine issues of material fact remained regarding the terms of the handbook as to the employee’s right to progressive discipline before determination). D. Trial Court’s Determination {19} In explaining the trial court’s determination, Defendants divide public employees into two categories: those who can be fired at will (at-will employees) and those who can only be fired for just cause (just-cause employees). There is no dispute that Plaintiffs are just-cause employees. See NMSA 1978, § 29-2-11 (1999) (setting out the procedure for and the process for appealing the removal, demotion, and suspension of New Mexico police officers). Defendants contend the trial court correctly found that just-cause public employees do not have the right to sue their governmental employer for breach of an implied employment contract. {20} The following is the pertinent part of the trial court’s order: It is undisputed that Plaintiffs are not at will employees. They may only be termi nated for just cause and may pursue an appeal of any termination without just cause in district court.... Thus, because Plaintiffs are not at will employees, they may not utilize an exception to the at will employment rule to pursue claims against Defendants. In coming to the decision, the trial court relied on Silva, 2001-NMSC-038, 131 N.M. 364, 37 P.3d 81, and Barreras, 2003-NMCA-027, 133 N.M. 313, 62 P.3d 770. As we explained above, Silva’s focus was on the appropriate cause of action in a wrongful discharge suit. Barreras made it clear that State Personnel Board rules together with a state agency handbook have “attributes of an employee contract” because they control the employer-employee relationship and give rise to reasonable employee expectations. Barreras, 2003-NMCA-027, ¶6, 133 N.M. 313, 62 P.3d 770 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). The question in that case, however, was not whether an aggrieved employee had rights but rather how the rights are to be enforced. In Barreras, this Court held that a discharged state employee whose employment is governed by the State Personnel Act cannot bring a breach of contract action for wrongful termination in district court because the Act provides the exclusive remedy. Id. ¶21. Neither Silva nor Barreras contains the limiting language upon which the trial court premised its order. {21} We acknowledge that the trial court was concerned about the interplay between Plaintiffs’ employment rights as established by statute and those rights embodied in the Manual. We agree that Barreras may ultimately control this case. And it may be that in the end, the trial court will rule that the contract issues complained of by Plaintiffs are subject to the grievance policy contained in the Manual and that direct recourse to the district court is proscribed by Rule 1-075 NMRA (directing that appeal from a final decision of a governmental entity is by writ of certiorari to the district court when there is no statutory right to an appeal). We do not get to these issues, however, because the trial court bifurcated the motion for summary judgment and left any questions regarding the grievance procedure to be decided, if necessary, after determination of the first part of the motion. III. CONCLUSION {22} We reverse the entry of summary judgment on the first part of Defendants’ motion and remand for consideration of the issues in the second part of the motion, as per the trial court’s order entered January 7, 2003. {23} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: MICHAEL D. BUSTAMANTE and CYNTHIA A. FRY, Judges. . We say "appears” because pages 2 and 4 of the Grievance Policy and page 2 of the General Grievance Procedure are not included in the record. These policies are not germane to the issues we consider in this opinion.
[ -0.026638038456439972, -0.04452184587717056, -0.026169603690505028, 0.0023859874345362186, 0.027621574699878693, -0.020353494212031364, 0.07810952514410019, 0.027955127879977226, 0.007689494173973799, -0.054520998150110245, -0.005731543526053429, 0.05103573203086853, -0.0627768486738205, 0.028633970767259598, -0.009495670907199383, 0.05478470399975777, 0.05868689715862274, -0.0008100738632492721, 0.023851992562413216, 0.009387293830513954, 0.03016136772930622, -0.009014126844704151, 0.016729455441236496, 0.05598657578229904, 0.013370970264077187, -0.01873118057847023, 0.007261473219841719, 0.03283420205116272, -0.07743697613477707, -0.003909852355718613, 0.03436828777194023, -0.028454000130295753, -0.029983557760715485, 0.02544589713215828, -0.03450807183980942, 0.020732497796416283, -0.02602512016892433, -0.017254333943128586, 0.004630213603377342, -0.012686067260801792, -0.03314121812582016, -0.0009567703236825764, -0.057490166276693344, -0.030270874500274658, -0.03852173313498497, -0.00697755953297019, 0.011085040867328644, 0.012407410889863968, -0.02645958960056305, 0.02891109697520733, -0.08789630234241486, 0.0026047518476843834, 0.00001069993322744267, 0.01605972833931446, 0.0031928641255944967, 0.0241572055965662, -0.02761545218527317, -0.0763583853840828, -0.01395933236926794, -0.04546684771776199, 0.015735981985926628, -0.030085913836956024, 0.05057702213525772, 0.01375584490597248, 0.0425921306014061, -0.022209301590919495, 0.04855559393763542, 0.029185017570853233, -0.0454215332865715, -0.03127623721957207, -0.049038585275411606, 0.006121962331235409, -0.008174939081072807, 0.03684002906084061, -0.007816505618393421, -0.031938619911670685, -0.0028030863031744957, 0.04163185879588127, -0.004164933692663908, 0.04744579270482063, 0.00881289690732956, 0.020563378930091858, 0.0442281998693943, 0.034225597977638245, 0.006951282732188702, -0.03404916077852249, -0.022252943366765976, -0.028398942202329636, -0.03522096574306488, 0.04584106057882309, -0.023094482719898224, -0.042169950902462006, 0.015886450186371803, 0.03724701702594757, -0.01968279294669628, -0.022159984335303307, 0.04707125946879387, -0.02530573680996895, 0.02539246156811714, 0.022424625232815742, -0.019247356802225113, -0.03823942691087723, -0.019494222477078438, 0.047253355383872986, -0.07044598460197449, -0.008715195581316948, -0.023430559784173965, 0.003556598210707307, -0.006209611427038908, 0.012540316209197044, -0.008675473742187023, 0.03350451961159706, -0.0019789556972682476, -0.018716931343078613, -0.06218220293521881, 0.04779072478413582, 0.03682658448815346, -0.010688167996704578, -0.02239244431257248, -0.03889124467968941, 0.023258108645677567, 0.004000367596745491, -0.012275069020688534, 0.0735519677400589, 0.0624006986618042, 0.019136590883135796, -0.010320203378796577, 0.023416966199874878, -0.03974137082695961, -0.08320990204811096, 0.0033340654335916042, 0.028744926676154137, -0.015062911435961723, 0.048886995762586594, -0.037237778306007385, -0.022091636434197426, -0.04055587574839592, -0.025503475219011307, 0.058962494134902954, -0.032870225608348846, -0.01084108930081129, -0.004421571269631386, -0.020093129947781563, 0.026769133284687996, 0.04494113847613335, -0.06297264993190765, 0.01411199476569891, -0.030825300142169, -0.009380028583109379, -0.002275758655741811, 0.03377801924943924, 0.017813315615057945, 0.0021676451433449984, -0.015323198400437832, -0.00684362044557929, 0.03384966775774956, 0.06976217031478882, -0.0015102653997018933, 0.01208172831684351, 0.043349739164114, 0.06332141906023026, 0.01798849180340767, 0.0323420874774456, 0.02864713780581951, -0.008634638972580433, 0.04461515322327614, -0.011666054837405682, 0.0052834427915513515, -0.01173707377165556, 0.036861397325992584, -0.015229041688144207, -0.017756478860974312, 0.02735060080885887, -0.05747140198945999, -0.019620342180132866, 0.015686672180891037, 0.03360641002655029, 0.03513391688466072, -0.0006528291269205511, -0.025374114513397217, -0.05565016716718674, 0.03873194009065628, -0.027223052456974983, 0.05416575446724892, -0.03967885300517082, -0.029907390475273132, 0.05634636804461479, -0.00014673348050564528, 0.009863482788205147, -0.01788066141307354, -0.07611903548240662, -0.033950891345739365, 0.04217597097158432, -0.014653590507805347, 0.03972328081727028, 0.0319528691470623, -0.02690521441400051, 0.0644569993019104, 0.013508251868188381, 0.052374839782714844, 0.031011389568448067, 0.03801741823554039, 0.03348669782280922, -0.06121180206537247, -0.059158481657505035, 0.057412467896938324, 0.04062887281179428, -0.001369596691802144, 0.016530634835362434, 0.07743538916110992, -0.010910557582974434, 0.02134757675230503, 0.00978456623852253, -0.005862971767783165, 0.03846425563097, -0.02765580639243126, 0.04169149696826935, -0.04238429665565491, 0.045420367270708084, -0.06643638014793396, 0.04879288002848625, 0.031454890966415405, 0.012449260801076889, 0.048150815069675446, -0.09029877930879593, 0.06360384821891785, 0.034364573657512665, -0.0586949959397316, -0.0010242582065984607, 0.031062399968504906, 0.025429021567106247, -0.02441651187837124, -0.022415585815906525, 0.0005347928963601589, 0.04674266651272774, 0.00695003429427743, -0.008672913536429405, -0.007659600581973791, 0.04410332441329956, -0.05457748472690582, 0.00004094396354048513, 0.04368768632411957, -0.0028079000767320395, 0.040103014558553696, -0.06179407238960266, -0.00735455984249711, 0.001460766652598977, -0.017038537189364433, -0.005465744994580746, -0.022111136466264725, 0.011447728611528873, 0.014257379807531834, 0.01769110932946205, -0.012173944152891636, 0.021133478730916977, -0.044531844556331635, -0.05388537794351578, -0.01770385541021824, 0.03437216207385063, 0.02144693024456501, -0.03232366219162941, 0.021877959370613098, 0.004231645260006189, 0.0035542286932468414, -0.04723329097032547, -0.052040353417396545, -0.016172682866454124, 0.011870975606143475, -0.013457788154482841, 0.048913225531578064, 0.05502888932824135, 0.012657048180699348, -0.02206599898636341, -0.02320197783410549, 0.0025393690448254347, 0.03311826288700104, 0.0408189631998539, -0.007622871082276106, -0.008659309707581997, 0.006617835722863674, 0.009505868889391422, 0.02210850827395916, -0.024255098775029182, -0.0649871677160263, 0.017277825623750687, -0.04390127211809158, 0.016026724129915237, -0.04056333005428314, -0.04210161045193672, 0.04835234209895134, 0.02691291831433773, 0.044320929795503616, -0.0005485241417773068, 0.006693848874419928, 0.0068143634125590324, 0.004326763097196817, -0.012050695717334747, 0.022751443088054657, 0.03590138629078865, -0.04682139679789543, -0.007402169518172741, -0.014123031869530678, 0.013297106139361858, -0.005999863613396883, 0.018011322245001793, 0.015156346373260021, -0.025796441361308098, 0.027846766635775566, -0.24707405269145966, -0.01213727705180645, -0.043471258133649826, -0.07115517556667328, 0.016563348472118378, 0.004863719455897808, 0.025493064895272255, -0.010457739233970642, -0.0016376718413084745, 0.03214910253882408, 0.018060438334941864, -0.0273634921759367, 0.032968658953905106, 0.03966047242283821, 0.01393877062946558, -0.011182163842022419, 0.005158901680260897, -0.01697753183543682, 0.019442765042185783, 0.01442414615303278, 0.017018282786011696, -0.07897453010082245, -0.04893547669053078, -0.029444335028529167, 0.07029087096452713, 0.06736167520284653, -0.022097907960414886, 0.0011616317788138986, -0.03188846632838249, -0.03252372890710831, -0.04268614202737808, 0.0025995266623795033, 0.016774119809269905, -0.001987357623875141, 0.012690876610577106, -0.006599333602935076, 0.0043056681752204895, -0.024735508486628532, -0.028497418388724327, -0.026736710220575333, -0.0015661368379369378, -0.0567343533039093, -0.04539113864302635, 0.014635461382567883, 0.05613373592495918, -0.028122277930378914, -0.06904980540275574, 0.01869434490799904, -0.005549898836761713, 0.044389933347702026, -0.009160180576145649, 0.017593206837773323, -0.03526730462908745, 0.014931577257812023, -0.04084688797593117, -0.009888412430882454, -0.06289453059434891, -0.04349147528409958, -0.03428741544485092, 0.07834883779287338, -0.0037696221843361855, -0.06946379691362381, -0.016704361885786057, -0.014735139906406403, -0.04310494661331177, -0.029248656705021858, -0.02053462713956833, -0.045286159962415695, 0.07747489213943481, 0.0015930293593555689, 0.03458140790462494, 0.015616197139024734, -0.034085869789123535, -0.0819627121090889, -0.002809025812894106, -0.056035347282886505, -0.010800889693200588, -0.05687759071588516, -0.0015288343420252204, 0.014582919888198376, 0.024096598848700523, -0.03548532351851463, 0.037829551845788956, 0.012244864366948605, -0.03886302560567856, 0.014758502133190632, 0.007262914441525936, 0.07422396540641785, -0.04536113515496254, -0.017292411997914314, 0.05977434664964676, 0.05374017357826233, -0.002727410988882184, -0.016222240403294563, 0.024000490084290504, 0.014370227232575417, -0.01727272942662239, -0.03243635594844818, -0.042073123157024384, 0.000357534212525934, 0.01800353080034256, -0.07738286256790161, 0.02768365666270256, -0.0466427206993103, 0.022906670346856117, -0.00021819811081513762, -0.029842978343367577, 0.029061665758490562, 0.062193285673856735, 0.013967587612569332, 0.031148232519626617, -0.04256681725382805, 0.03698296844959259, -0.018523139879107475, -0.008926684968173504, -0.04668046534061432, 0.03589899465441704, 0.0338723361492157, 0.033143945038318634, -0.033636391162872314, 0.009466387331485748, 0.012131431140005589, -0.08100982755422592, -0.0010623381240293384, -0.11145688593387604, 0.016264822334051132, 0.03435734659433365, -0.0022509971167892218, -0.005441394634544849, 0.02507542073726654, -0.02369222417473793, -0.024251921102404594, 0.000877471873536706, 0.01618778705596924, 0.0049799419939517975, -0.027500459924340248, -0.05087996646761894, -0.02641596831381321, -0.018234562128782272, -0.012928514741361141, 0.019136259332299232, -0.020501893013715744, 0.01092666108161211, 0.040237314999103546, 0.04539118707180023, -0.023339716717600822, 0.023520084097981453, -0.0182929839938879, -0.02099170722067356, 0.08670426905155182, 0.06188138946890831, -0.07177967578172684, 0.004548115190118551, -0.07361768186092377, -0.010642901994287968, -0.02712448313832283, 0.024510806426405907, 0.01590089127421379, -0.037035584449768066, -0.04952051863074303, -0.007206311449408531, -0.02140246331691742, -0.012092971242964268, -0.018146881833672523, -0.004373002797365189, 0.054478079080581665, -0.026402851566672325, -0.017110617831349373, -0.017065178602933884, 0.03369559720158577, -0.0392175167798996, -0.08095113188028336, -0.043495092540979385, 0.022283686324954033, 0.005053452681750059, 0.0357266329228878, 0.006277740001678467, 0.0067353202030062675, 0.011593788862228394, 0.05127127841114998, -0.015074609778821468, -0.029120538383722305, -0.01570908911526203, 0.021649902686476707, 0.010915795341134071, -0.027985071763396263, 0.006725174840539694, -0.05247180908918381, -0.00921991653740406, -0.002635696902871132, -0.011151516810059547, -0.013859517872333527, 0.0052804481238126755, 0.006606583017855883, -0.054129257798194885, -0.06179777532815933, 0.029505541548132896, 0.0009242751984857023, 0.021494833752512932, 0.009167336858808994, -0.0045656426809728146, 0.013059010729193687, -0.034003157168626785, 0.0069494969211518764, -0.02085808292031288, -0.059541624039411545, 0.04464093595743179, 0.014860425144433975, 0.007204951718449593, 0.029642784968018532, -0.054319754242897034, 0.028035670518875122, -0.009588241577148438, 0.003246990032494068, 0.054839473217725754, -0.09678440541028976, 0.04725636914372444, -0.0436110757291317, -0.025186331942677498, 0.023148328065872192, 0.016841532662510872, -0.026504814624786377, -0.00979822501540184, 0.022376153618097305, -0.025579502806067467, 0.05283956602215767, -0.022236855700612068, 0.002032153308391571, 0.044549036771059036, -0.010520136915147305, 0.008028046227991581, -0.041109610348939896, 0.00416211923584342, 0.021696846932172775, -0.05100887268781662, -0.005229880567640066, -0.006521761883050203, -0.040875453501939774, -0.026378942653536797, 0.0539337582886219, -0.0018752783071249723, 0.00008456694922642782, -0.007003543432801962, -0.04048054292798042, -0.004446662496775389, -0.004521308466792107, 0.06598591059446335, 0.002415125025436282, -0.02098577283322811, 0.08699946850538254, 0.016126254573464394, 0.040348902344703674, -0.030874771997332573, -0.024817606434226036, 0.04745648801326752, -0.02147766761481762, 0.026346858590841293, -0.004633373115211725, -0.024004023522138596, 0.02493373304605484, -0.01263292133808136, 0.03725752606987953, -0.013413193635642529, -0.01990707404911518, -0.006220879033207893, 0.06119199097156525, -0.006457856390625238, -0.019016308709979057, 0.09782532602548599, -0.06076152250170708, -0.01440213993191719, -0.09817349165678024, 0.03899562731385231, -0.002672626171261072, 0.040491536259651184, 0.027693010866642, 0.020044319331645966, -0.026768404990434647, 0.0590343214571476, -0.034078147262334824, -0.053304243832826614, 0.01785254292190075, -0.007786482106894255, -0.025950966402888298, 0.03444194048643112, -0.03621239215135574, 0.021811407059431076, -0.01026571448892355, -0.06637174636125565, -0.047641560435295105, -0.0069350674748420715, 0.014640307985246181, 0.03307279571890831, -0.005248257890343666, -0.06989482790231705, -0.02633020654320717, 0.027577249333262444, 0.047506317496299744, 0.021126171573996544, 0.032129619270563126, -0.04717819765210152, 0.02541130781173706, 0.018056174740195274, 0.014536122791469097, -0.028317924588918686, 0.02141847275197506, -0.0002715056180022657, -0.02875986322760582, 0.00794247630983591, 0.00423102080821991, -0.007301930338144302, -0.08630166947841644, 0.0418921634554863, -0.013325607404112816, -0.03455273061990738, 0.009482499212026596, -0.022584615275263786, -0.026045503094792366, -0.02585408091545105, -0.034581273794174194, 0.0617549754679203, -0.0037997730541974306, 0.07316005975008011, 0.029102617874741554, 0.06732694059610367, 0.041881728917360306, -0.032606884837150574, 0.019774705171585083, 0.03010384924709797, 0.07117146253585815, 0.03499000519514084, 0.059060510247945786, -0.005753450095653534, 0.0375501848757267, -0.004214811604470015, -0.0338686928153038, 0.03613924980163574, 0.0032166901510208845, 0.004340724553912878, 0.031735457479953766, 0.02932908572256565, 0.03408806771039963, 0.000005796467121399473, 0.02387297712266445, 0.03519681841135025, -0.016245504841208458, 0.07964577525854111, -0.02278359979391098, 0.0520624965429306, 0.03806697204709053, -0.011988774873316288, -0.050305310636758804, 0.008106635883450508, -0.019695919007062912, 0.007253739517182112, -0.04828409478068352, -0.014185657724738121, -0.02319921739399433, -0.015041087754070759, 0.007311589550226927, -0.01998898573219776, 0.004023496061563492, 0.09275270253419876, 0.004108425695449114, -0.020176567137241364, 0.03843487799167633, -0.019839541986584663, 0.024855129420757294, -0.029038380831480026, 0.007666487246751785, 0.007819709368050098, -0.01960890367627144, -0.0007520865765400231, -0.0009969391394406557, 0.05152152478694916, -0.012655251659452915, 0.06839796900749207, -0.005090892780572176, -0.016581322997808456, 0.058269500732421875, 0.011670620180666447, -0.024203699082136154, -0.04199341684579849, -0.058910470455884933, -0.02417079731822014, -0.00209692120552063, -0.009008664637804031, 0.04555625841021538, 0.0010594410123303533, -0.034489668905735016, -0.004437009338289499, 0.008120553568005562, -0.03794301673769951, 0.015406414866447449, -0.01961471699178219, 0.03597338870167732, 0.038182977586984634, 0.04435904324054718, 0.030958307906985283, 0.031784918159246445, 0.042097076773643494, -0.016232434660196304, 0.012819834984838963, -0.007211415562778711, -0.05720275267958641, 0.022374166175723076, 0.007655548397451639, 0.02819257602095604, -0.05065016448497772, -0.014847603626549244, 0.011985911056399345, 0.01768212579190731, -0.06681468337774277, 0.06218814477324486, -0.050333552062511444, 0.011919094249606133, 0.05103857070207596, -0.01942446455359459, 0.019603580236434937, -0.02918832376599312, -0.006350529380142689, -0.02014281414449215, 0.006997087504714727, 0.04927768558263779, -0.03645172715187073, 0.024859564378857613, 0.028349030762910843, 0.0036001568660140038, -0.012512817047536373, 0.04740363359451294, 0.03778081387281418, -0.017798325046896935, -0.03330821916460991, -0.006680176593363285, -0.016903063282370567, -0.0580594502389431, -0.05501241609454155, 0.023899231106042862, -0.015873117372393608, -0.04774387925863266, 0.03982538729906082, -0.021721821278333664, -0.03955131769180298, -0.054870590567588806, 0.013196708634495735, 0.045235808938741684, -0.03982319310307503, -0.02058924362063408, -0.029655683785676956, -0.014025096781551838, 0.01170355360955, -0.02068208158016205, 0.019864752888679504, -0.08956795930862427, 0.023952221497893333, -0.05223894119262695, 0.014435202814638615, 0.04974397271871567, -0.010154571384191513, 0.019762003794312477 ]
OPINION FRY, Judge. {1} This oil and gas case arises out of a model form joint operating agreement (JOA) to explore and develop minerals in Lea County, New Mexico, between the co-lessees of the mineral estate. “Form 610 Model Operating Agreement has been in use in the oil and gas industry in one form or another since 1956.” John R. Reeves & J. Matthew Thompson, The Development of the Model Form Operating Agreement: An Interpretive Accounting, 54 Okla. L.Rev. 211, 213 (2001). As this Court observed in Nearburg v. Yates Petroleum Corp., 1997-NMCA-069, ¶ 2, 123 N.M. 526, 943 P.2d 560, “Operating agreements are commonly used in the oil and gas industry in New Mexico and other producing states to set forth the arrangement between interest owners as to exploration and development of jointly owned interests.” Two clauses of the JOA are particularly significant in this case: (1) the clause requiring that any party to the agreement who wishes to propose a subsequent drilling operation give notice to the other parties, who then can decide whether they wish to participate in the operation; and (2) the clause exculpating the operator of the drilling operation from losses sustained by any other party to the JOA unless the losses result from the operator’s gross negligence or willful misconduct in the drilling operation. {2} In this case, one of the parties to the JOA, Plaintiff Matrix Production Company (Matrix) sued another party, the drilling operator, Ricks Exploration, Inc. (Ricks), and other co-lessees of the mineral estate, alleging that it did not receive the required notice of the drilling of a well called “Burrus No. 3.” Matrix claimed it was entitled either to an accounting of its share of the profits from the well’s production, or for damages or specific performance for breach of contract. The trial court granted summary judgment in Defendants’ favor. Because we agree with the trial court that no genuine issues of material fact exist as to whether Matrix received notice, or whether the exculpatory clause applied, we affirm. BACKGROUND {3} The following facts are undisputed. On December 16, 1999, Matrix and Defendants entered into a JOA to explore and develop minerals in an area of Lea County, New Mexico, known as the “Contract Area.” The JOA stated that an initial well would be drilled on or before March 31, 2000, at a specified location. The JOA also described the required process for drilling wells within the Contract Area subsequent to the drilling of the initial well. It provided that if a party to the agreement elected not to participate in a proposed operation, that party would be subject to what the JOA described as a non-consent penalty. This penalty prevents a non-participating party from recovering proceeds from a well until the proceeds from the sale of the party’s share in the mineral estate equal 400% of the portion of the costs and expenses of the well that would have been chargeable to that party had it participated in the operation. {4} On May 4, 2001, Defendant Ricks, the operator, gave Matrix written notice of its intention to drill a third well, Burrus No. 3, at a specified location. The notice gave Matrix the option of either participating in the operation or declining to participate and being subject to the non-consent penalty. Matrix declined to participate in the proposed operation. {5} In January 2002, after the well had been completed, a surveyor staking new wells determined that the Burrus No. 3 well was not at the exact location where the operator had proposed to drill and which had been stated in the notice. The well had been drilled approximately 500 feet from its intended location; however, Matrix produced no evidence that Defendants knew of the mistake before that time. Matrix did introduce the testimony of the president of one of the defendants who said that he had driven past the location at some point during July 2001, and that the well appeared not to be in precisely the right place. However, this co-lessee further testified that he notified Ricks, and that after checking with field personnel, Ricks confirmed that the well was in the right place. Indeed, Defendants produced evidence that in July 2001, Ricks’ production foreman went to the site and read the tag on the stake and confirmed the location with a company geologist. There was also evidence that the contractor hired to build the location for the well also checked the tag and confirmed the location. {6} When it became clear in January 2002 that the well had in fact been drilled 500 feet from the intended location, Matrix filed suit seeking an accounting for its share in the profits and damages for breach of contract. Defendants answered and counterclaimed for a declaratory judgment. Matrix then moved for summary judgment, arguing that there was no dispute that it did not receive notice of the drilling as required by the JOA, and that Matrix was entitled to an accounting for all profits or, in the alternative, for specific performance. The trial court denied Matrix’s motion on the ground that issues of material fact remained about whether misplacement of the well was intentional or resulted from excusable inadvertence. Matrix moved for leave to file a second amended complaint to add claims for gross negligence, violation of the Oil and Gas Proceeds Payment Act, and conversion. Defendants opposed this motion, arguing that no newly discovered facts had precipitated the need to amend and that adding three new causes of action would require them to reschedule depositions in two or three states after discovery had been substantially completed. Matrix did not file a request for a hearing on its motion to amend. {7} After the completion of discovery, Defendants moved for summary judgment, arguing that it was undisputed that Matrix received notice of the proposed operation, and that the JOA’s exculpatory clause precluded Matrix’s claims because Matrix had produced no evidence that Ricks’ mistake in drilling the well 500 feet from the intended location was grossly negligent or the result of willful misconduct. The trial court granted Defendants’ motion for summary judgment, stating that there was no dispute as to the material facts: that Defendants had provided notice of the drilling of the Burrus No. 3 well in compliance with the JOA; that Matrix had declined to participate in the drilling operation; and that there was no evidence that the mistake in drilling the well 500 feet from its intended location was the result of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of Ricks. Thus, the trial court determined the JOA’s exculpatory clause was applicable and no liability resulted from the mistake. The trial court also denied Matrix’s motion to file a second amended complaint, stating that Matrix had not requested a hearing on the motion and had not brought its motion to the court’s attention until ten days before trial. This appeal followed. DISCUSSION {8} Matrix raises four main issues on appeal: (1) that it is entitled to equitable relief because it was not given proper notice of the Burrus No. 3 well; (2) alternatively, that it is entitled to contract damages because Defendants breached the JOA and were not shielded by the exculpatory clause in the JOA; (3) that it was entitled to amend its complaint; and (4) that it is entitled to remand for consideration of the issues in the amended complaint. {9} “Summary judgment is appropriate where there are no genuine issues of material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. The issue on appeal is whether [the defendant] was entitled to [judgment] ... as a matter of law. We review these legal questions de novo.” Self v. United Parcel Serv., Inc., 1998-NMSC-046, ¶ 6, 126 N.M. 396, 970 P.2d 582 (citations omitted). Summary judgment is proper where there is no evidence raising a reasonable doubt that a genuine issue of material fact exists. Cates v. Regents of the N.M. Inst. of Mining & Tech., 1998-NMSC-002, ¶ 9, 124 N.M. 633, 954 P.2d 65. Matrix’s Claim for Equitable Accounting {10} Matrix argued below, and now on appeal, that it is entitled in equity to an accounting of its interest in the mineral estate because it never received notice of the drilling of the Burrus No. 3 well because the well was actually drilled approximately 500 feet from the intended location of the well described in the notice. Matrix contends that without notice, it had no opportunity to participate in the drilling operation and cannot be subject to the penalty provision of the JOA. See Nearburg, 1997-NMCA-069, ¶ 17, 123 N.M. 526, 943 P.2d 560 (stating that the penalty provision is a “covenant triggered by a condition precedent,” namely, “the election not to participate in the proposed operation”). Defendants respond that the notice complied with the JOA and gave Matrix notice of Ricks’ intent to drill. {11} The JOA describes the procedure for notifying parties to the agreement of subsequent operations as follows: Should any party hereto desire to drill any well on the Contract Area other than the well provided for in Article VIA, or to rework, deepen or plug back a dry hole drilled at the joint expense of all parties or a well jointly owned by all the parties and not then producing in paying quantities, the party desiring to drill, rework, deepen or plug back such a well shall give the other parties written notice of the proposed operation, specifying the work to be performed, the location, proposed depth, objective formation and the estimated cost of the operation. There was no dispute about this notice requirement in the JOA. There was also no dispute that Ricks sent a notice to the parties to the JOA, proposing to drill a well described as Burrus No. 3, no dispute that Matrix declined to participate in the operation, and no dispute that the well was not drilled in the precise location intended as described in the notice. Matrix contends the discrepancy invalidates the notice while Defendants contend the discrepancy is not one of notice, but whether the drilling operation itself was properly conducted in compliance with the notice that was given. {12} Matrix refers to several cases from other jurisdictions in support of its argument that the notice was deficient. Matrix does not specifically analyze how these cases relate to the current facts before us, and we are not persuaded by the holdings of these cases because they are grounded in very different facts. For example, in Stable Energy, L.P. v. Kachina Oil & Gas, Inc., 52 S.W.3d 327, 330 (Tex.Ct.App.2001), the operator notified the working interest owners that a “well had ceased production and that the lease would terminate if production did not resume” and proposed a cleaning operation. However, that operator never conducted the cleaning operation, and a different operator began its own cleaning operation without providing separate notice. Id. At issue in Stable Energy, L.P. was whether the work of the second operator was the same as that proposed by the first operator, for the purposes of determining the rights of a party who had consented to the initial operation. Id. at 330-33. The court concluded that notice of the first operation did not constitute notice of the second because, as the court determined, the operations were different. While discussions were still in progress regarding the initially proposed operation, another operator began a separate, more expensive cleaning operation. Id. at 332-33. In this case, in contrast, one operator notified all parties of one operation. {13} The other cases cited by Matrix are similarly unpersuasive. In Dorsett v. Valence Operating Co., 111 S.W.3d 224, 230 (Tex.Ct.App.2003), at issue was the timeliness of a notice when an operator began operations before providing the required thirty days notice to non-operators. In AcadiEnergy, Inc. v. McCord Exploration Co., 596 So.2d 1334, 1342 (La.Ct.App.1992), one of the parties to a JOA was not provided with information it requested in order to decide whether to participate in a drilling operation. In Hamilton v. Texas Oil & Gas Corp., 648 S.W.2d 316, 323-24 (Tex.Ct.App.1982), the operator intentionally changed the drilling location without notifying the other parties to the operating agreement, conduct which the jury found constituted gross negligence in the operation of the well. In our view, Hamilton adds support to Defendants’ position that any error in this case was not in the notice provided but in performing the drilling operation. As noted above, the Hamilton jury found that an intentional change in the location of a well demonstrated gross negligence in the operation of the well. Finally, in El Paso Production Co. v. Valence Operating Co., 112 S.W.3d 616, 623 (Tex.Ct.App. 2003), it was undisputed that the operator did not give written notice of a drilling operation. {14} The undisputed facts in this case demonstrate that Ricks, the operator, gave Matrix notice of its intent to drill the Burrus No. 3 well at an intended location, triggering the requirement that Matrix either choose or decline to participate in the operation. As we wrote in Nearburg, when Matrix declined to participate, it agreed “to temporarily relinquish the specified amount of its interest in production in exchange for the consenting party bearing the risk of the operation.” Nearburg, 1997-NMCA-069, ¶ 17, 123 N.M. 526, 943 P.2d 560. We therefore agree with the trial court’s conclusion that there was no dispute about the material fact that Ricks gave Matrix notice of the drilling operation, as required by the JOA, and that any subsequent error that occurred was in performing the drilling operation itself. Accordingly, because Ricks provided Matrix with the required notice of the drilling operation, and because Matrix declined to participate in the drilling operation, we hold that Matrix temporarily relinquished its interest in the mineral estate in accordance with the terms of the JOA. The trial court properly granted summary judgment on Matrix’s claim for an accounting. Matrix’s Alternative Claims for Breach of Contract and for Non-enforcement of the Exculpatory Clause {15} Matrix alternatively argues that by failing to provide notice of the actual location of the Burrus No. 3 well, Ricks breached the notice requirement in the JOA and damaged Matrix by depleting the mineral estate. Because we have concluded that Ricks properly gave notice to Matrix, this argument fails. {16} Matrix then turns its attention to the JOA’s exculpatory clause. It asserts first that the clause does not apply to actions for breach of contract, but only to actions in tort. However, because the trial court correctly ruled that there was no breach of the JOA’s notice provision, this argument is moot. Matrix next appears to argue that, even if the error in locating the well occurred during the drilling operation, the clause does not shield Ricks from liability for such error because the clause protects only the operator, and Ricks was not acting as the operator. The exculpatory clause reads as follows: Ricks Exploration, Inc. shall be the Operator of the Contract Area, and shall conduct and direct and have full control of all operations on the Contract Area as permitted and required by, and within the limits of this agreement. It shall conduct all such operations in a good and workmanlike manner, but it shall have no liability as Operator to the other parties for losses sustained or liabilities incurred, except such as may result from gross negligence or willful misconduct. {17} As we understand them, Matrix’s arguments are as follows: the exculpatory clause only protects operators; the JOA states that “any party” to the JOA (including a non-operator) who wants to drill a well must give written notice to the other parties and that, consequently, giving notice (or failing to give notice) is not a function of the operator; therefore, when Ricks failed to give notice of its intent to drill, it was not acting as the operator and is not shielded from liability by the exculpatory clause. In addition, relying on Commercial Warehouse Co. v. Hyder Brothers, Inc., 75 N.M. 792, 798, 411 P.2d 978, 984 (1965), Matrix contends that exculpatory clauses are disfavored in New Mexico and are to be strictly construed. {18} We note that although the parties disagree about the scope of protection afforded by the exculpatory clause, neither party argues that it is ambiguous. Accordingly, this is a question of law that we review de novo. See Nearburg, 1997-NMCA-069, ¶ 7, 123 N.M. 526, 943 P.2d 560 (“Interpretation of an unambiguous contract is a question of law which we review de novo.”). Both parties appear to agree that the clause exculpates an operator from liability for any losses that occur during operations except those resulting from gross negligence or willful misconduct, and the plain language of the clause supports such an interpretation. See Stine v. Marathon Oil Co., 976 F.2d 254, 260 (5th Cir.1992) (stating an identical exculpatory clause is clear and unambiguous). We think Matrix’s argument that Ricks was not acting as an operator depends on a strained reading of the JOA. As we stated in our discussion of the notice issue, the error in this case occurred not in the notice, but in the course of the drilling operation when Defendant Ricks was acting as an operator. The error occurred after notice had been given and after Matrix had declined to participate in the drilling operation. The question thus becomes whether Ricks’ error in the location of the well constituted gross negligence or willful misconduct. {19} We agree with the trial court that “[t]he facts are undisputed that the discrepancy in the location of the Burrus # 3 well resulted from an honest, unintended, non-negligent mistake during operations that does not rise to the level of gross negligence or willful misconduct.” Matrix presented no evidence supporting an alternative conclusion. We therefore hold the trial court correctly concluded that Ricks is shielded by the exculpatory clause from liability for any losses caused during operations. Motion to Amend {20} Matrix argues that the trial court should have granted it leave to amend its complaint to include claims for gross negligence and conversion. As Defendants point out the court did not, strictly speaking, deny this motion, but refused to consider it because Matrix failed to file a request for a hearing under LR 5-701 NMRA 2004 and did not draw the trial court’s attention to the matter until the hearing on the motion to dismiss, ten days before the case was set for trial. However, as Defendants acknowledge, the effect of the trial court’s ruling was to deny the motion to amend. {21} Under Rule 1-015(A) NMRA 2004, once an answer has been filed, the decision to allow an amended complaint rests solely within the sound discretion of the trial court. Schmitz v. Smentowski 109 N.M. 386, 390, 785 P.2d 726, 730 (1990); Vernon Co. v. Reed, 78 N.M. 554, 555, 434 P.2d 376, 377 (1967). Although the Rule expressly states that amendments should be liberally allowed, the “den[ial of] permission to amend is subject to review only for a clear abuse of discretion.” Id.; Schmitz, 109 N.M. at 390, 785 P.2d at 730. “[A]n abuse of discretion is said to occur when the court exceeds the bounds of reason, all the circumstances before it being considered.” Clancy v. Gooding, 98 N.M. 252, 255, 647 P.2d 885, 888 (Ct.App.1982) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). {22} The trial court denied Matrix’s motion to file a second amended complaint on the ground that Matrix had not requested a hearing on its motion and had brought the motion before the trial court only ten days before trial on March 21, 2003. Matrix argues that its failure to request a hearing in a timely manner does not justify the court’s decision and that, under Crumpacker v. De Naples, 1998-NMCA-169, ¶ 17, 126 N.M. 288, 968 P.2d 799, in order to prevail in opposing the motion, Defendants were required to show that they would have been prejudiced by the amendment. As Defendants point out, however, they had argued in their opposition to Matrix’s motion that they would be prejudiced by the motion to amend because discovery was complete and depositions would have to be retaken. {23} In addition, because Matrix did not alert the trial court’s attention to the motion to amend until ten days before the ease was set to go to trial, the trial court’s decision to deny the motion to amend was reasonable, and we find no clear abuse of discretion under these facts. See Slide-A-Ride of Las Cruces, Inc. v. Citizens Bank of Las Cruces, 105 N.M. 433, 436-37, 733 P.2d 1316, 1320-21 (1987) (finding no abuse of discretion in trial court’s denial of second motion to amend under facts of that case when two years had elapsed from filing of complaint, discovery was almost complete, and case had been set for trial three times). {24} In light of our holdings that Ricks complied with the notice requirement of the JO A, that the exculpatory clause shielded Ricks from liability, and that the trial court did not clearly abuse its discretion in denying Matrix’s motion to amend, we do not address Matrix’s request that we remand its conversion and gross negligence claims. CONCLUSION {25} For the foregoing reasons, we hold that the trial court correctly ruled that no issues of material fact existed in connection with Matrix’s claims for an accounting and breach of the JOA and that Defendants were entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Accordingly, we affirm the grant of summary judgment. {26} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: IRA ROBINSON and MICHAEL E. VIGIL, Judges.
[ -0.03057846613228321, 0.003291815984994173, -0.029641713947057724, -0.019269047304987907, 0.048482585698366165, 0.002281344961374998, 0.013222494162619114, 0.04059004783630371, 0.006334945093840361, -0.010496743954718113, -0.006842817645519972, 0.051007822155952454, -0.06663806736469269, 0.044639576226472855, -0.02667476236820221, 0.0759812667965889, 0.05213527753949165, 0.021679118275642395, 0.03813048452138901, 0.00013327538908924907, 0.027540743350982666, -0.01168563961982727, 0.023875519633293152, 0.03269960731267929, 0.009767015464603901, 0.02315685711801052, 0.025875689461827278, 0.0004567168653011322, -0.06042557954788208, -0.02653418853878975, 0.02397025376558304, -0.017151551321148872, -0.004253660328686237, 0.008850298821926117, -0.039093390107154846, 0.027517201378941536, -0.01941267028450966, -0.0029808334074914455, -0.015065724030137062, -0.005560319870710373, 0.008621780201792717, 0.02710205875337124, -0.05843900144100189, -0.003714273450896144, -0.01794806309044361, -0.01026452612131834, -0.004666895605623722, 0.014467463828623295, -0.0459560751914978, -0.01795434206724167, -0.09310757368803024, 0.005081918090581894, -0.05300192907452583, 0.016157353296875954, -0.009840135462582111, 0.032402653247117996, -0.011483472771942616, -0.05430318042635918, -0.04401307553052902, 0.01518965046852827, 0.028808802366256714, -0.05341782048344612, 0.05990741774439812, -0.05799020826816559, 0.006368108093738556, 0.016854118555784225, -0.0026135952211916447, 0.04599308967590332, -0.038836825639009476, 0.0014154869131743908, -0.025098849087953568, 0.013150353915989399, -0.008815262466669083, 0.0020460563246160746, -0.0015402311692014337, -0.05319122225046158, 0.03397687152028084, 0.011312157846987247, -0.01630931906402111, 0.070818692445755, 0.04223950207233429, -0.005322886165231466, 0.02712302654981613, 0.041567087173461914, 0.008211176842451096, -0.018858416005969048, -0.012867474928498268, -0.0007461366476491094, -0.03420696780085564, 0.03668690472841263, -0.017133137211203575, -0.052215129137039185, 0.011966975405812263, 0.030299944803118706, -0.0042497250251472, -0.048357367515563965, 0.07284650206565857, 0.010493654757738113, 0.01832294464111328, 0.008723122999072075, -0.004623518791049719, -0.02526121586561203, -0.005572188179939985, 0.07544935494661331, -0.07115691155195236, -0.026846684515476227, -0.00034653511829674244, -0.007759020663797855, 0.02551080659031868, 0.008351931348443031, 0.009196233935654163, 0.01610494591295719, -0.026345649734139442, -0.028857801109552383, -0.0645056888461113, 0.046645402908325195, -0.00462901359423995, -0.049507904797792435, -0.014289099723100662, -0.02099071815609932, 0.03815271705389023, 0.035351984202861786, 0.0007031089044176042, 0.08973333984613419, 0.01159848552197218, 0.015763795003294945, -0.012343885377049446, 0.0334918275475502, -0.045567888766527176, -0.0711991935968399, 0.0320560447871685, 0.012761229649186134, 0.04215914011001587, 0.00897078588604927, 0.007476507220417261, 0.00019171627354808152, 0.0029657450504601, -0.0389801487326622, 0.05785416439175606, -0.04609636589884758, -0.0005460219690576196, -0.06839226931333542, 0.019100042060017586, -0.0038672301452606916, 0.05886618793010712, -0.028606336563825607, 0.04652341827750206, -0.032204996794462204, -0.009115906432271004, 0.032633133232593536, 0.030841266736388206, -0.0021111967507749796, 0.00014489199384115636, -0.02665451541543007, -0.008706393651664257, 0.05129437893629074, 0.03197520971298218, 0.006624734494835138, 0.01213771477341652, 0.05709457769989967, 0.05141427367925644, 0.003557546529918909, 0.02734055183827877, -0.041459109634160995, -0.02670840546488762, -0.014074787497520447, 0.04085597023367882, 0.0003023524477612227, -0.031832680106163025, 0.02518659271299839, -0.03651319444179535, -0.07679415494203568, 0.057504571974277496, -0.048295509070158005, -0.02070593275129795, -0.024141471832990646, 0.037912819534540176, 0.0466386154294014, 0.03108544461429119, -0.023388681933283806, -0.08474426716566086, 0.05708855390548706, -0.013896883465349674, -0.007125192321836948, -0.004434569738805294, -0.023466860875487328, 0.055868495255708694, -0.025934342294931412, 0.011888994835317135, -0.019989531487226486, -0.07399564236402512, -0.03447328880429268, 0.04599226638674736, -0.022964930161833763, 0.05285249277949333, 0.002040005521848798, -0.02823631651699543, 0.03083234839141369, 0.031017819419503212, 0.036817774176597595, -0.006013508420437574, 0.012164812535047531, 0.04983789473772049, -0.046666864305734634, -0.03726358339190483, 0.030727645382285118, 0.0628744438290596, -0.03507006913423538, 0.02496110275387764, 0.05460900813341141, -0.03513391688466072, 0.013637066818773746, 0.03370101749897003, 0.0010066073155030608, 0.037644919008016586, -0.0023502034600824118, 0.03174745291471481, -0.04469078779220581, 0.025926902890205383, -0.038443248718976974, 0.041229911148548126, 0.0053666578605771065, -0.03412348031997681, 0.040872544050216675, -0.03740080073475838, 0.0978623777627945, 0.05901665240526199, -0.020347628742456436, -0.0018583694472908974, 0.04465276747941971, -0.0060908920131623745, -0.014448309317231178, 0.012000232934951782, -0.03924532234668732, 0.11002950370311737, -0.0048177726566791534, -0.0037245897110551596, -0.024410413578152657, 0.045655470341444016, -0.011367055587470531, -0.003950702957808971, 0.010833639651536942, -0.011108276434242725, 0.026143284514546394, -0.010005269199609756, 0.003271268680691719, -0.0029628078918904066, -0.0154794380068779, -0.01644822023808956, -0.02013678289949894, -0.02271023765206337, 0.005964416079223156, -0.0009941132739186287, -0.0009366883896291256, 0.010285052470862865, -0.05179228633642197, -0.026270011439919472, -0.010045166127383709, 0.025242174044251442, -0.014978427439928055, -0.03889524191617966, 0.052847735583782196, 0.0019084649393334985, -0.004846655298024416, -0.013073760084807873, -0.017382869496941566, -0.029557837173342705, -0.008250241167843342, -0.0032746586948633194, 0.01848139427602291, 0.059192243963479996, 0.02544046938419342, 0.013663600198924541, -0.0204452034085989, 0.0007665968732908368, 0.03542552888393402, 0.018924929201602936, 0.03677309677004814, -0.031975097954273224, -0.027328010648489, 0.00943944975733757, 0.04600207135081291, -0.0496240071952343, -0.045109279453754425, 0.005166450049728155, -0.06570127606391907, -0.006555605214089155, -0.03208477050065994, -0.036619722843170166, 0.025406653061509132, -0.0016905356897041202, -0.01953553594648838, -0.026335209608078003, -0.013516688719391823, 0.05753983184695244, 0.05158195644617081, 0.019250696524977684, 0.026253368705511093, 0.03714790195226669, -0.019890060648322105, -0.032374024391174316, -0.011336672119796276, -0.011864760890603065, -0.03488101810216904, -0.0022846399806439877, 0.02811732143163681, -0.019405333325266838, 0.021706940606236458, -0.272057443857193, 0.003945968579500914, -0.054927174001932144, -0.0472484789788723, 0.04231880605220795, -0.021564103662967682, -0.0027744302060455084, 0.005658102687448263, 0.0007154355989769101, 0.048900917172431946, 0.011382468044757843, -0.03728736564517021, 0.028247680515050888, 0.02944657765328884, 0.027915524318814278, 0.0018419887637719512, 0.008778369054198265, -0.02339240349829197, 0.013621633872389793, 0.008226226083934307, 0.026882067322731018, -0.0629005953669548, -0.038989994674921036, 0.017468484118580818, 0.047092244029045105, 0.07658513635396957, -0.016273654997348785, -0.022525886073708534, -0.05793663486838341, 0.0022884646896272898, -0.029535003006458282, -0.0074485186487436295, 0.011763179674744606, 0.018318627029657364, -0.009919734671711922, 0.0031614939216524363, 0.010120382532477379, -0.0011024177074432373, 0.006251371931284666, -0.029038473963737488, -0.044850610196590424, 0.003089667297899723, -0.061024297028779984, -0.0036896870005875826, 0.006216354668140411, -0.007599671836942434, -0.04802508279681206, 0.03854122757911682, -0.008458551950752735, 0.033007387071847916, -0.026194170117378235, 0.038246039301157, -0.00784306600689888, -0.006567737553268671, -0.04392947629094124, -0.0003837664844468236, -0.04753715172410011, 0.025461779907345772, -0.020133426412940025, 0.06943855434656143, -0.02184179052710533, -0.08868919312953949, -0.02223946340382099, -0.03903335705399513, -0.053559258580207825, -0.039781540632247925, -0.05164138972759247, -0.04150445759296417, 0.09267622232437134, 0.00748169980943203, 0.021117178723216057, 0.07750517129898071, -0.03819946199655533, -0.07133553922176361, -0.012851359322667122, -0.041657086461782455, 0.01603970304131508, -0.05070223659276962, -0.01702692359685898, 0.012476053088903427, 0.008480039425194263, -0.024338891729712486, 0.04422641918063164, -0.009746086783707142, 0.004725940525531769, 0.017260335385799408, 0.001052598119713366, 0.029136236757040024, -0.009997869841754436, -0.011099171824753284, 0.05390055105090141, 0.01894812099635601, -0.024672653526067734, 0.0021565232891589403, 0.05231698229908943, 0.007338353898376226, 0.007034469861537218, -0.05453527718782425, -0.04140201583504677, -0.0036947778426110744, 0.0033651390112936497, -0.0477604977786541, 0.0485062375664711, -0.03366338834166527, -0.0005324630765244365, -0.02468857914209366, -0.06720415502786636, 0.005924804601818323, -0.0028242594562470913, 0.0059248581528663635, 0.029833193868398666, 0.012818480841815472, 0.025827206671237946, -0.019582396373152733, -0.01087145134806633, -0.033895544707775116, -0.012365571223199368, 0.014747429639101028, 0.052941132336854935, 0.006537428125739098, 0.007315119728446007, 0.03907389938831329, -0.020312482491135597, -0.03226257860660553, -0.0713634341955185, -0.017235636711120605, 0.002106850501149893, 0.01872524619102478, -0.008609182201325893, 0.05224516987800598, 0.0057183061726391315, 0.005587924737483263, -0.009041525423526764, 0.028076322749257088, -0.002173135755583644, -0.005164309870451689, -0.05293864756822586, -0.06881733983755112, -0.012784061953425407, -0.0042421272955834866, 0.04358296096324921, -0.0377296544611454, 0.014502473175525665, 0.011202475987374783, -0.0045736744068562984, 0.011993925087153912, -0.009434332139790058, -0.013789859600365162, -0.01947077363729477, 0.04371611773967743, 0.01734774187207222, -0.044063352048397064, -0.01759907230734825, -0.05901447683572769, -0.0069867693819105625, -0.009509511291980743, 0.013013271614909172, 0.021355129778385162, 0.01479362417012453, -0.04766535386443138, 0.03516479954123497, 0.0040987757965922356, -0.016194375231862068, -0.006708422210067511, -0.025076929479837418, 0.06230670586228371, -0.031678155064582825, 0.031293436884880066, -0.04085598513484001, 0.022653117775917053, 0.017027171328663826, -0.060197390615940094, -0.026614578440785408, -0.021530240774154663, -0.04387810826301575, 0.011978765949606895, 0.0008015093044377863, -0.010415462777018547, 0.05286618694663048, 0.03574427589774132, -0.018318476155400276, -0.020867139101028442, -0.045588523149490356, 0.01785801351070404, 0.03099295310676098, -0.06013314798474312, 0.02012161910533905, -0.03387720137834549, 0.017037224024534225, -0.0030573434196412563, 0.0312164518982172, 0.008151340298354626, -0.0021442496217787266, 0.030133070424199104, -0.053569499403238297, -0.055045489221811295, 0.02184155397117138, 0.0006098367157392204, 0.01843617670238018, 0.04320990666747093, -0.01730363629758358, -0.018917426466941833, -0.04199987277388573, -0.02537764050066471, -0.005501146428287029, -0.05868680402636528, 0.0042268019169569016, 0.030518393963575363, -0.05474462732672691, 0.02093270607292652, -0.06337624043226242, -0.016321338713169098, -0.021707672625780106, 0.008376841433346272, 0.06214677542448044, -0.06675144284963608, 0.045706890523433685, -0.0001578383380547166, -0.004705714527517557, -0.007811678573489189, 0.026053335517644882, -0.02184300869703293, -0.01459477934986353, -0.018210308626294136, -0.019402507692575455, 0.067817322909832, -0.03304354473948479, 0.02380383014678955, 0.018639490008354187, -0.04978523030877113, 0.046739574521780014, -0.0541413351893425, -0.018123064190149307, 0.035521917045116425, 0.007694341707974672, 0.0322549045085907, -0.02348790317773819, 0.001456785248592496, -0.02599257603287697, 0.028676917776465416, 0.02739061787724495, 0.06491870433092117, -0.00931208860129118, -0.058600082993507385, -0.004864369984716177, -0.017586836591362953, 0.008394897915422916, 0.008760266937315464, -0.036210305988788605, 0.08947419375181198, 0.006338774226605892, 0.020390473306179047, -0.04160430282354355, -0.01418971549719572, 0.03662813827395439, -0.05735763534903526, -0.014118239283561707, 0.0072427354753017426, -0.04912985861301422, 0.029951106756925583, 0.00869831908494234, 0.0007780616288073361, -0.0375579297542572, -0.00526720006018877, 0.06844772398471832, 0.0706447958946228, -0.003344952827319503, 0.024229006841778755, 0.05410879850387573, -0.0643310695886612, -0.017543798312544823, -0.0977427214384079, 0.0018269233405590057, -0.002886994509026408, 0.02539234235882759, 0.020138127729296684, 0.006471490953117609, -0.04346321150660515, 0.022143902257084846, -0.051984868943691254, -0.05425608903169632, 0.029270483180880547, -0.019179541617631912, -0.017390357330441475, 0.02298102341592312, -0.02713876962661743, -0.012026788666844368, 0.007566599640995264, -0.0925971195101738, -0.05260511860251427, -0.012546811252832413, -0.0048384638503193855, 0.0015698442002758384, 0.004082345403730869, -0.011540548875927925, -0.006450050510466099, 0.08291906118392944, 0.04300285875797272, -0.029060890898108482, 0.02076832763850689, -0.03606414794921875, 0.06560634821653366, 0.00955139845609665, 0.0195624940097332, -0.024153627455234528, 0.01650308258831501, -0.03556952252984047, -0.031478915363550186, 0.01721210405230522, 0.003788272850215435, -0.038490697741508484, -0.05998321622610092, 0.016121061518788338, 0.021127382293343544, -0.05816265195608139, -0.022002320736646652, 0.000371227361029014, -0.03412843123078346, -0.02587178908288479, -0.02467367611825466, 0.06048336252570152, -0.021863698959350586, 0.04910139739513397, 0.016980763524770737, 0.07299987971782684, 0.04450606927275658, -0.0031046313233673573, -0.005959692876785994, 0.03333740308880806, 0.0641024261713028, 0.053850892931222916, 0.0049278647638857365, -0.01597679778933525, 0.038811009377241135, 0.007453980855643749, -0.05502599850296974, 0.030130324885249138, -0.020822230726480484, 0.008910696022212505, 0.05612429976463318, 0.01737021468579769, 0.047956936061382294, 0.017548320814967155, 0.026981370523571968, 0.03612588718533516, -0.0056806751526892185, 0.04054699465632439, -0.05033668875694275, 0.025925688445568085, -0.000012401070307532791, 0.04029012471437454, -0.02482473850250244, -0.0010032934369519353, -0.036298904567956924, -0.017422668635845184, -0.0005925387376919389, -0.042261891067028046, 0.019442802295088768, -0.02709799073636532, -0.014271833933889866, -0.008548629470169544, 0.022284528240561485, 0.09617053717374802, -0.04009716585278511, -0.022561486810445786, -0.000708476931322366, -0.02505914866924286, 0.000746804173104465, -0.01810835488140583, 0.021202314645051956, 0.017254646867513657, 0.003447379218414426, -0.009646126069128513, -0.02084609679877758, 0.03907279297709465, -0.006887657567858696, 0.04630745202302933, -0.017336850985884666, 0.036380473524332047, 0.0480191744863987, 0.057502180337905884, 0.020673204213380814, -0.049315355718135834, -0.04630197584629059, -0.021902795881032944, -0.04567393288016319, 0.023629080504179, 0.06799078732728958, 0.005070647224783897, -0.042221520096063614, 0.015156330540776253, -0.019141994416713715, -0.01022020261734724, 0.03372836858034134, -0.04225371778011322, 0.02612270601093769, 0.01737438701093197, 0.03170327469706535, 0.037125490605831146, 0.046243391931056976, 0.07752037793397903, 0.006514499429613352, 0.01408295426517725, 0.031363487243652344, 0.0015120316529646516, 0.012909496203064919, -0.046369973570108414, 0.027559874579310417, -0.09030475467443466, -0.039094120264053345, 0.04301834851503372, -0.014380154199898243, -0.04404405504465103, 0.020584464073181152, 0.009249518625438213, -0.04331454634666443, 0.06244419515132904, 0.004665900953114033, -0.006527942139655352, 0.00549601623788476, -0.036114249378442764, 0.015664976090192795, 0.007265000604093075, 0.06282719224691391, -0.040696170181035995, 0.04372652992606163, 0.062466416507959366, -0.01186737883836031, -0.01005065068602562, 0.08069592714309692, 0.02831484191119671, -0.021447205916047096, -0.020216984674334526, -0.009042639285326004, -0.028342073783278465, -0.056487347930669785, -0.07347003370523453, 0.02062647044658661, -0.019413407891988754, -0.05652672052383423, 0.0051055653020739555, 0.03143349662423134, -0.01164243370294571, -0.04321686178445816, 0.043600402772426605, 0.0047841458581388, -0.06808391958475113, -0.037423986941576004, -0.05780509114265442, 0.04057478904724121, 0.03457006439566612, 0.003567168954759836, -0.013663851656019688, -0.027986077591776848, 0.012515180744230747, -0.06959227472543716, 0.062154293060302734, 0.01650981232523918, 0.008868486620485783, -0.005632787011563778 ]
OPINION MINZNER, Justice. {1} Petitioners are defendants in several pending criminal eases who are seeking to have their polygraph examination results admitted into evidence under Rule 11-707(C) NMRA 2004, which states that “the opinion of a polygraph examiner may in the discretion of the trial judge be admitted as evidence as to the truthfulness of any person called as a witness,” provided certain conditions are met. In each case the State has opposed the admission of such polygraph evidence on the ground that it fails to satisfy the standard for the admissibility of expert testimony set forth in Rule 11-702 NMRA 2004. On February 10, 2004, Petitioners filed a Petition for Writ of Superintending Control asking this Court to order the district courts to comply with Rule 11-707, rather than conducting a separate Rule 11-702 hearing in each case. {2} On April 14, 2003, we granted Petitioners’ request for a writ pursuant to Rule 12-504 NMRA 2004 and Article VI, Section 3 of the New Mexico Constitution. In our order, we remanded the cases to the Honorable Richard J. Knowles of the Second Judicial District “for the limited purpose of conducting an evidentiary hearing as to the scientific reliability of polygraph evidence under State v. Alberico, 116 N.M. 156, 861 P.2d 192 (1993), State v. Anderson, 118 N.M. 284, 881 P.2d 29 (1994), and State v. Torres, 1999-NMSC-010, 127 N.M. 20, 976 P.2d 20.” The district court held a seven-day evidentiary hearing in order to determine whether polygraph evidence should be admissible. {3} On August 25, 2003, the district court filed its Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law. In addition to its legal conclusions, the district court’s order contained a thorough description of the polygraph examination and a comprehensive review of how other jurisdictions have treated polygraph evidence. The district court’s Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law are attached as an appendix. First, the district court concluded polygraph results are not sufficiently reliable to satisfy Rule 11-702. Second, the district court concluded that “the limited probative value [of] polygraph test results is substantially outweighed by the danger of confusion of the issues, undue delay, and waste of time” rendering such results inadmissible under Rule 11-403 NMRA 2004. Third, the district court cited authority for the proposition that polygraph testimony is inadmissible under Rule 11-608(B) NMRA 2004, which generally provides that “[sjpecific instances of the conduct of a witness, for the purpose of attacking or supporting the witness’s credibility ... may not be proved by extrinsic evidence.” {4} We now must consider whether to repeal our Rule 11-707 and hold that polygraph results are per se excluded. For the reasons that follow in this opinion, we do not repeal Rule 11-707. Instead, we hold that polygraph examination results are sufficiently reliable to be admitted under Rule 11-702, provided the expert is qualified and the examination was conducted in accordance with Rule 11-707. Therefore, we exercise our power of superintending control to order the district courts in the pending cases to comply with Rule 11-707 in determining whether to admit polygraph examination results. The proponents of such polygraph evidence are not required to independently establish the reliability of the examiner’s testimony in a Daubert /Alberico hearing. {5} We do not address the admissibility of the polygraph results in the pending cases under Rule 11-403 because it would be inappropriate for this Court to categorically exclude any type of evidence under that rule. See Ohlson v. Kent Nowlin Const. Co., 99 N.M. 539, 542, 660 P.2d 1021, 1024 (Ct.App. 1983) (“There is, and can be, no fixed rule delineating relevant and irrelevant evidence. The problem must be decided on a case-by-case basis.”). Furthermore, Rule 11-707(C) specifically provides that the admissibility of polygraph results is subject to “the discretion of the trial judge.” We believe that the district court in its discretion may properly exclude polygraph results when the probative value of such results “is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues or misleading the jury, or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time or needless presentation of cumulative evidence.” Rule 11-403. However, it would be an abuse of discretion for the district court to apply Rule 11-403 to exclude polygraph results that were conducted in accordance with Rule 11-707 if the district court’s reasons for excluding the evidence are grounded in a general disbelief in the reliability of polygraph results or a general hostility toward polygraph evidence. {6} We also decline to address the applicability of Rule 11-608(B) because the issue was not raised in the Petition for a Writ of Superintending Control and was not extensively briefed by the parties. However, we note that Rule 11-608(B) deals with character evidence. Rule 11-707(0 states that “the opinion of a polygraph examiner may ... be admitted as evidence as to the truthfulness of any person called as a witness.” (Emphasis added.) If, as Rule 11-707(C) seems to allow, polygraph results are offered as character evidence, then Rule 11-707 may very well act as an exception to Rule 11-608(B). Furthermore, polygraph results are not necessarily character evidence; the evidence may be offered as evidence of the examinee’s lack of consciousness of guilt, which would be admissible under Rule 11-404(B) NMRA 2004. See State v. Martinez, 1999-NMSC-018, ¶29, 127 N.M. 207, 979 P.2d 718 (“[Cjonsciousness of guilt, like intent or motive, constitutes a permissible use of other acts or wrongs under Rule 11- 404(B)”). At any rate, we need not decide the issue in this opinion. I. THE POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION {7} The National Academy of Sciences (“NAS”), a private, non-profit society of distinguished scientists and engineers that advises the federal government on scientific and technical matters, recently conducted a review of the validity of polygraph testing. The published report of the NAS provides a detailed description of the various polygraph testing techniques, sets forth the basic scientific theories underlying the polygraph examination, and objectively reviews the scientific literature on the reliability of polygraph examinations. See National Research Council of the National Academies, The Polygraph and Lie Detection (2003), available at http:/1www. nap. edu/openbook/0309081369/html [hereinafter “NAS Report”]. The NAS Report contributed greatly to our understanding of the underlying science of the polygraph examination and was immensely helpful to our resolution of the issues in this case. In this section, we rely heavily on the NAS Report in describing the modern polygraph examination. {8} The polygraph instrument records “physiological responses that are believed to be stronger during acts of deception than at other times.” Id. at 13. These physiological responses include cardiovascular activity, electrodermal activity (electrical conductance at the skin surface), and respiratory activity. See id. at 286-89 (describing in detail the physiological processes measured by the polygraph). In general, a polygraph examination consists of “a series of yes/no questions to which the examinee responds while connected to sensors that transmit data on these physiological phenomena by wire to the instrument, which uses analog or digital technology to record the data.” Id. at 13. “[T]he record of physiological responses during the polygraph test is known as the polygraph chart.” Id. The polygraph examination is based on the theory that “a deceptive response to a question causes a reaction-such as fear of detection or psychological arousal — that changes respiration rate, heart rate, blood pressure, or skin conductance relative to what they were before the question was asked.” Id. {9} Three different polygraph questioning techniques have been developed. First, in the “relevant/irrelevant” technique, the ex-aminee is asked two different types of questions — “the relevant questions are typically very specific and concern an event under investigation”; whereas, “[t]he irrelevant questions may be completely unrelated to the event and may offer little temptation to deceive.” Id. at 14. A deceptive person is expected to have a stronger physiological response to the relevant questions than to the irrelevant questions. Id. Second, in the “control question technique” or “comparison question technique,” instead of coupling the relevant questions with irrelevant questions, the irrelevant questions are replaced with control questions “intended to generate physiological reactions even in nondeceptive examinees.” Id. An example of a control question might be, “Have you ever lied to a friend?” Truthful examinees are expected to experience stronger physiological responses to the control questions; whereas, deceptive examinees are expected to experience stronger physiological responses to the relevant questions. See id. at 14-15. Third, in the “guilty knowledge polygraph test,” the examinee is asked a number of “questions about details of an event under investigation that are known only to investigators and those with direct knowledge of the event.” Id. at 15. Examinees are expected to experience the greatest physiological responses to those questions that accurately describe the event. Id. {10} In this opinion, we address only polygraph examinations conducted using the control question technique because it appears that in each pending case below that technique was used. The control question technique is the most widely used questioning technique for evidentiary polygraph examinations. The relevant/irrelevant technique cannot be used because those examinations are not numerically scored. See Rule 11-707(C)(2) (providing that the opinion of a polygraph examiner can only be admitted if “the polygraph examination was quantitatively scored”). The guilty knowledge test is generally used in investigations and was not used in any of the cases pending below. II. STANDARD OF REVIEW. {11} As a preliminary matter, we must determine the level of deference which we will afford the district court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law. In general, “[t]he rule in this State has consistently been that the admission of expert testimony or other scientific evidence is peculiarly within the sound discretion of the trial court and will not be reversed absent a showing of abuse of that discretion.” Alberico, 116 N.M. at 169, 861 P.2d at 205. However, the procedural posture in which this case arose demands a heightened standard of review. Rather than issuing a ruling regarding the admissibility of expert testimony during the course of an individual trial, Judge Knowles was ordered by this Court to conduct a special evidentiary hearing. He properly viewed his role as that of a “special master.” Rule 1-053 NMRA 2004 allows for the appointment of a special master by any court in which an action is pending. As a special master, Judge Knowles had the power to require the production of certain evidence, rule upon the admissibility of evidence, and allow for the examination of witnesses. See Rule 1-053(C). We ordered Judge Knowles to file findings of fact and conclusions of law in this Court. {12} Under Rule 1-053, the standard of review for findings of fact differs from those for conclusions of law. Lozano v. GTE Lenkurt, Inc., 1996-NMCA-074, ¶ 16, 122 N.M. 103, 920 P.2d 1057. “[T]he court shall accept the master’s findings of fact unless [they are] clearly erroneous.” Rule 1-053(E)(2). A master’s conclusions of law are reviewed de novo. Lozano, 1996— NMCA-074, ¶ 18, 122 N.M. 103, 920 P.2d 1057; see also Rule 1-053(E)(2) (“The court after hearing may adopt the [master’s] report or may modify it or may reject it in whole or in part or may receive further evidence or may recommit it with instructions.”). Therefore, it is clear that in reviewing Judge Knowles’ conclusions of law, “we exercise our own independent judgment without assigning special weight to [his] decision.” Martinez v. Friede, 2004-NMSC-006, ¶ 10,135 N.M. 171, 86 P.3d 596. {13} It is less clear the standard of review that we should apply to Judge Knowles’ findings of fact. While Rule 1-053(E)(2) appears to require us to adopt an extremely deferential standard of review, Petitioners argue that the findings of fact should also be reviewed de novo because the findings are legislative facts, not adjudicative facts. “Legislative facts are those which help the tribunal to determine the content of law and policy and to exercise its judgment or discretion in determining what course of action to take.” Trujillo v. City of Albuquerque, 110 N.M. 621, 635, 798 P.2d 571, 585 (1990) (Montgomery, J., concurring in part, dissenting in part) (quoting Kenneth Culp Davis, Judicial Notice, 55 Colum. L.Rev. 945, 952 (1955)). Unlike adjudicative facts, legislative facts do not concern individual parties, such as who did what, when, where, and how. Id. Since Judge Knowles’ findings of fact were formulated to help this Court develop its policy regarding the admissibility of polygraph examination results,_ we conclude his findings are legislative in nature. As such, we will also review Judge Knowles’ findings of fact de novo. III. RULE 11-702. {14} The State forcefully argues that our Rule 11-707, which governs the admissibility of polygraph examination results, should be repealed in light of our analysis for the admissibility of expert testimony set forth in Alberico and its progeny. Neither this Court nor the Court of Appeals have applied the Daubert /Alberico analysis for the admissibility of expert testimony to polygraph results. We could hold Rule 11-707 acts as an exception to Rule 11-702, thus obviating the need for such expert testimony to satisfy Rule 11-702. Cf. Banks v. IMC Kalium Carlsbad Potash Co., 2003-NMSC-026, 134 N.M. 421, 77 P.3d 1014 (holding that the Daubert /Alberico analysis does not apply to the testimony of a health care provider regarding causation in administrative proceeding under the Workers’ Compensation Act). However, we refuse to do so without conducting a Daubert /Alberico analysis first: Since a polygraph examiner renders an opinion about a subject that involves a scientific device that is purported to measure and record a number of involuntary body responses to the stress produced by knowing deception, [Rule 11-702] clearly has some bearing on the admissibility of polygraph evidence. Leo M. Romero, The Admissibility of Scientific Evidence under the New Mexico and Federal Rules of Evidence, 6 N.M. L.Rev. 187, 197 (1976); cf Torres, 1999-NMSC-010, ¶ 31, 127 N.M. 20, 976 P.2d 20 (holding that the horizontal gaze nystagmus field test for sobriety is scientific evidence that must satisfy Rule 11-702 because the test “is based on principles of medicine and science not readily understandable to the jury”) (quoting State v. Meador, 674 So.2d 826, 834 (Fla.Dist.Ct.App.1996)). {15} The purpose of Rule 11-702 is “to assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence and to determine the issues of fact.” Madrid v. Univ. of California, 105 N.M. 715, 718, 737 P.2d 74, 77 (1987). Scientific evidence can only assist the trier of fact if it is “grounded in valid, objective science” and is “reliable enough to prove what it purports to prove.” Alberico, 116 N.M. at 168, 861 P.2d at 204. If we held that polygraph evidence did not have to satisfy Rule 11-702, we would in effect be conceding that polygraph evidence is either not grounded in science or is not sufficiently reliable to assist the trier of fact. Such a holding would be inappropriate and unnecessary. Therefore, we take this opportunity to subject polygraph evidence to a proper Daubert/Alberico analysis in order to inform our determination on the continued vitality of Rule 11-707. A. The Daubert /Alberico Analysis. {16} In Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579, 588, 113 S.Ct. 2786, 125 L.Ed.2d 469 (1993), the United States Supreme Court rejected the rigid “general acceptance” test for the admissibility of expert testimony first articulated in Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013, 1014 (D.C.Cir.1923). The Court held that application of a rigid “general acceptance” test “would be at odds with the ‘liberal thrust’ of the Federal Rules and them ‘general approach of relaxing the traditional barriers to “opinion” testimony.’” Daubert, 509 U.S. at 588, 113 S.Ct. 2786 (quoting Beech Aircraft Corp. v. Rainey, 488 U.S. 153, 169, 109 S.Ct. 439, 102 L.Ed.2d 445 (1988)). This liberal approach to the admission of evidence is consistent with the intent of the drafters of the Federal Rules of Evidence. As one notable commentator has recognized: Universality of education and the almost instantaneous dispersal of information through modern technology have created a citizenry with a remarkable and historically unique breadth of knowledge, perception, and sophistication. These mature men and women should be treated with the respect they deserve. Excluding information on the ground that jurors are too ignorant or emotional to evaluate it properly may have been appropriate in England at a time when a rigid class society created a yawning gap between royal judges and commoner jurors, but it is inconsistent with the realities of our modern American informed society and the responsibilities of independent thought in a working democracy. 1 Jack B. Weinstein & Margaret A. Berger, Weinstein’s Federal Evidence xix (2d ed.2003); see also State v. Mann, 2002-NMSC-001, ¶ 27, 131 N.M. 459, 39 P.3d 124 (“Jurors are generally knowledgeable in many areas, and they are entitled to use their common or acquired sense in arriving at a verdict ____”) (quoted authority omitted). Given the capabilities of jurors and the liberal thrust of the rules of evidence, we believe any doubt regarding the admissibility of scientific evidence should be resolved in favor of admission, rather than exclusion. See Brown v. Gen. Ins. Co. of Am., 70 N.M. 46, 54, 369 P.2d 968, 973 (1962). {17} Rule 11-702 governs the admissibility of scientific evidence: In Alberico, 116 N.M. at 166, 861 P.2d at 202, we discerned three prerequisites in Rule 11-702 for the admission of expert opinion testimony. First, the expert must be qualified. Id. Second, the testimony must “assist the trier of fact.” Id. Third, the expert may only testify as to “scientific, technical or other specialized knowledge.” Id. The first two prerequisites are not at issue in this opinion. In each individual ease, the district court must determine whether the proffered expert is qualified under Rule 11-707 to give expert testimony on polygraph results. Additionally, there can be little doubt that polygraph evidence indicating that a defendant or witness is telling the truth or lying about a specific incident at issue would be helpful to the jury. Cf. Anderson, 118 N.M. at 296-97, 881 P.2d at 41-42 (concluding that DNA evidence linking the defendant to the crime scene was helpful to the jury). Thus, the focus of this opinion is on the reliability of the control question polygraph examination. If scientific, technical or other specialized knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training or education may testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise. {18} ”[U]nder the Rules the trial judge must ensure that any and all scientific testimony or evidence admitted is not only relevant, but reliable.” Id. at 291, 881 P.2d at 36 (quoting Daubert, 509 U.S. at 589, 113 S.Ct. 2786); accord Torres, 1999-NMSC-010, ¶ 26, 127 N.M. 20, 976 P.2d 20 (“[E]videntiary reliability is the hallmark for the admissibility of scientific knowledge.”). Thus, “the trial court must determine whether the scientific technique is based upon well-recognized scientific principle and whether it is capable of supporting opinions based upon reasonable probability rather than conjecture.” Alberico, 116 N.M. at 167, 861 P.2d at 203. In making this determination, we consider: “(1) whether a theory or technique can be (and has been) tested; (2) whether the theory or technique has been subjected to peer review and publication; (3) the known potential rate of error in using a particular scientific technique and the existence and maintenance of standards controlling the technique’s operation; and (4) whether the theory or technique has been generally accepted in the particular scientific field.” Anderson, 118 N.M. at 291, 881 P.2d at 36 (quotation marks and quoted authority omitted). We apply these factors to the control question polygraph examination to determine whether that evidence is sufficiently reliable to satisfy Rule 11-702. B. Application of the Alberico Factors, i. Testability. {19} We first address whether the polygraph examination can be tested, and if so, whether it has been tested. Id.; see also Daubert, 509 U.S. at 593, 113 S.Ct. 2786. “Scientific methodology today is based on generating hypotheses and testing them to see if they can be falsified; indeed, this methodology is what distinguishes science from other fields of human inquiry.” Daubert, 509 U.S. at 593, 113 S.Ct. 2786 (quoting authority omitted). Applying this factor to polygraph examinations, the district court concluded: Polygraph test results and the conclusions derived from them are not based upon an overarching theory. To the extent it is merely argued that there is a hypothesis that the test reliably detects deception, that hypothesis has not been subjected to field research. The existing laboratory research, given the problems described [in the Findings of Fact], is woefully inadequate to support admissibility in court in real life contexts. In reviewing the district court’s conclusion, we must determine whether a testable hypothesis has been generated for the control question polygraph, and if so, whether that hypothesis has in fact been tested. {20} The hypothesis of the polygraph examination was discussed thoroughly in the NAS Report, which notes that a well-supported theory can provide confidence the polygraph can be accurate when used in novel situations and with different examinees. NAS Report, supra, at 66. Also, a theory is essential to providing confidence the polygraph will work well despite efforts by examinees to “beat the polygraph” through the use of various countermeasures. Id. Finally, “[a] solid theoretical and scientific base is also valuable for improving [the polygraph] test because it can identify the most serious threats to the test’s validity and the kinds of experiments that need to be conducted to assess such threats.” Id. at 69. {21} The NAS Report notes that “Recording to contemporary theories of polygraph questioning, individuals who are being deceptive or truthful in responding to relevant questions show different patterns of physiological response when their reactions to relevant and comparison questions are compared.” Id. at 70. The specific theory of the control question technique is that an innocent person will show a greater physiological response to the control questions; but, a guilty person will react more strongly to the relevant questions. Id. The NAS Report states that in order to have a well-supported theory, “it is ... necessary to identify the relevant psychological states and to understand how those states are linked to characteristics of the test questions intended to create the states and to the physiological responses the states are said to produce.” Id. at 71-72. The current polygraph research, though, has focused almost exclusively on the applicability of the polygraph at the expense of developing the underlying science. Id. at 92. Specifically, “[t]here has been no systematic effort to identify the best potential physiological indicators on theoretical grounds or to update theory on the basis of emerging knowledge in psychology or physiology.” Id. {22} Petitioners agree there is no scientifically testable hypothesis explaining all the psychophysiological variables occurring in the control question polygraph. However, Petitioners argue such an overarching theory is not necessary for polygraph results to be deemed admissible under Rule 11-702. We agree. The State’s primary witness admitted at the evidentiary hearing held below that people experience “emotional turmoil” when they are telling a lie, and these emotions can be detected by the polygraph machine. Also, despite its criticism of the current research on the polygraph, the NAS Report nonetheless concludes that “[b]asie scientific knowledge of psychophysiology offers support for expecting polygraph testing to have some diagnostic value, at least among naive examinees.” Id. at 101. The NAS Report further concludes that “Rlthough the basic science indicates that polygraph testing has inherent limits regarding its potential accuracy, it is possible for a test with such limits to attain sufficient accuracy to be useful in practical situations.” Id. at 102. {23} As we noted in Anderson, “refutability” is the key criterion when analyzing the scientific theory or hypothesis underlying expert testimony. 118 N.M. at 297, 881 P.2d at 42. Under the facts of that case, in which we examined the admissibility of certain DNA evidence under Rule 11-702, we stated: Defendants vociferously dispute the accuracy of the match results and the adequacy of the testing done, and in refutation have presented evidence about deficiencies in both the results and the testing of the results. Thus, it appears that by attempting to refute the FBI’s theory and methods with evidence about deficiencies in both the results and the testing of the results, the defendants have conceded that the theory and methods can be tested. Id. (quoting United States v. Bonds, 12 F.3d 540, 559 (6th Cir.1993)). The State’s primary witness on the reliability of polygraphs testified there are numerous studies on polygraphs and their accuracy. By claiming that a number of those studies establish that polygraph examinations do not work, the State has implicitly conceded that the hypothesis underlying the control question polygraph can be tested. The State’s concession is supported by the NAS Report, which states “it is possible to do better field research than we have found in the literature and, over time, to use admittedly imperfect research designs, both experimental and observational, to advance knowledge and build methodological understanding, leading to better research design in the future.” NAS Report, supra, at 116. {24} Based on the foregoing, we conclude that the control question polygraph examination can be tested. We believe the district court’s apparent finding to the contrary is erroneous. As was stated in United States v. Galbreth, 908 F.Supp. 877, 891 (D.N.M.1995), “[u]nlike an endeavor such as astrology, the scientific validity of which can never be empirically verified, it is possible to test [the control question] polygraph technique[ ].” We now turn to the published academic literature on the polygraph examination. ii. Peer review and publication. {25} The second factor we consider is whether the control question polygraph has been subjected to peer review and publication. Anderson, 118 N.M. at 291, 881 P.2d at 36. Peer review and publication is important because “submission to the scrutiny of the scientific community is a component of ‘good science,’ in part because it increases the likelihood that substantive flaws in- methodology will be detected.” Daubert, 509 U.S. at 593, 113 S.Ct. 2786. Regarding this factor, the district court concluded that the control question polygraph “has been subjected to limited peer review publication,” but that “the relevant publications do not enhance confidence in the test results, particularly considering the effectiveness of counter-measures.” {26} The committee that prepared the NAS Report gathered and evaluated as many polygraph validation studies as possible. The committee located 217 research reports of 194 separate studies. NAS Report, supra, at 107. Of those studies, 102 were deemed of sufficient quality to be included in the committee’s review of the polygraph. Id. Each of these studies met the following minimum criteria developed by the committee: (1) documentation of examination procedures sufficient to allow a basic replication; (2) independently determined truth; (3) inclusion of both guilty and innocent individuals as determined by truth criteria; (4) sufficient information for quantitative estimation of accuracy; (5) polygraph scoring conducted blind to information about truth; and, (6) in experimental studies, appropriate assignment to experimental groups germane to estimating accuracy (mainly, guilt and innocence). Id. While the NAS Report concluded that the polygraph studies that met the criteria for consideration “do not generally reach the high levels of research quality desired in science,” it nonetheless observed that “a sizable number of polygraph studies have ... appeared in good-quality, peer-reviewed journals.” Id. at 108. The NAS Report speculated that so many polygraph studies have appeared in high-quality journals because of “the practical importance of the topic and the willingness of journals to publish laboratory studies that are high in internal validity but relatively low in salience to real-world application.” Id. {27} Furthermore, both Petitioners and the State submitted as exhibits a number of articles on the validity of the control question polygraph, some of which were published in peer-reviewed journals. While the State argues these articles are insufficient and cannot be relied upon to establish the validity of the control question polygraph, that is not our focus at this point in the Alberico lDaubert inquiry. We are only looking at whether the scientific technique has been subjected to peer review and publication, not the validity of the scientific research or the scientific community’s response to the research. While there has certainly been a heated debate in the scientific community on the validity and accuracy of the control question polygraph, that debate “is a question of weight and not of admissibility.” Anderson, 118 N.M. at 298, 881 P.2d at 43. The fact that an ongoing debate exists is all that is required for this factor to be deemed satisfied. Notwithstanding the NAS Report’s criticisms of the polygraph validation studies conducted, we conclude that the NAS Report sufficiently establishes that the polygraph has been subjected to peer review and publication. We now turn to the validity of the scientific research on the control question polygraph. iii. Rate of error. {28} The third factor of the Daubert/Alberico analysis requires us to examine the known or potential rate of error of the control question polygraph. Anderson, 118 N.M. at 291, 881 P.2d at 36. With regard to the rate of error of the control question polygraph, the district court concluded that “[t]he potential rate of error is vague and unreliable” and because the base rate is unknown “the reliability of test results as reflected in an actual percentage misrepresents the confidence level in the test.” {29} As noted in the preceding section of this opinion, a number of polygraph validation studies have been conducted and subsequently published. A review of those studies revealed that the median accuracy index of the polygraph in laboratory studies is 0.86 with an interquartile range of 0.81 to 0.91. NAS Report, supra, at 122. The controlled question test specifically had a median accuracy index of 0.85, with an interquartile range from 0.83 to 0.90. Id. at 125. The field studies reviewed had a median accuracy index of 0.89, with a range from 0.711 to 0.999. Id. The interquartile range of accuracy indexes for all the studies, laboratory and field, was 0.81 to 0.91. Id. at 126. Based on the foregoing, the NAS Report concluded “the empirical data clearly indicate that for several populations of naive examinees not trained in countermeasures, polygraph tests for event-specific investigation detect deception at rates well above those expected from random guessing.” Id. at 149. The State argues the high accuracy rates derived from the studies are invalid for a number of reasons. {30} Specifically, the NAS Report was concerned that the high accuracy rates for polygraph examinations in the studies may not correspond with what can be expected when the polygraph is used in real-life situations. The hypothesis underlying the control question polygraph technique is that physiological responses increase the more concerned the subjects are about being deceptive, which, if true, means “polygraph accuracy in laboratory models [might] be on average somewhat below true accuracy in field practice, where the stakes are higher.” Id. at 127. However, the NAS Report noted that “[t]here is a plausible contrary hypothesis ... in which examinees who fear being falsely accused have strong emotional responses that mimic those of the truly deceptive,” in which case “field conditions might have more false-positive errors than are observed in the laboratory and less accuracy.” Id. Furthermore, the NAS Report noted that “[s]ubstantial experience with clinical diagnostic and screening tests suggests that laboratory models, as well as observational field studies of the type found in the polygraph literature, are likely to overstate true polygraph accuracy.” Id. at 128. {31} The NAS Report also identified several specific issues that may affect the accuracy of any polygraph examinations that have not been fully researched. First, while individual differences in physiological makeup, personality traits, and sociocultural group identity may affect the accuracy of the polygraph, the research on these individual differences is scant. See id. at 134-37. Second, while examiner expectancies of guilt may influence either the examiners’ judgments of the polygraph charts or the examinees’ physiological responses during the examination, “[the] evidence is too limited to draw any strong conclusions about whether examiners’ expectancies affect polygraph test accuracy.” Id. at 138. Third, “given the few studies performed, the few drugs tested, and the analogue nature of the evidence, a conclusion that drugs do not affect polygraph validity would be premature.” Id. at 139. Fourth, while some empirical research indicates mental and physical countermeasures can decrease the likelihood of a polygraph examination detecting deceptive examinees, id. at 143, the NAS Report noted the limitations of that research, id. at 143-44. The NAS Report specifically stated “we do not know of scientific studies examining the effectiveness of countermeasures in contexts where systematic efforts are made to detect and deter them.” Id. at 151. {32} In Anderson, we considered the known or potential rate of error in the DNA profiling process at issue in that case. 118 N.M. at 298-99, 881 P.2d at 43-44. Similar to the State in this case, the defendant in Anderson argued that the accuracy rates of the DNA profiling process in that case were invalid for a number of reasons. While we noted that the deficiencies in calculating the rate of error was troubling, we stated the deficiencies in that case “[spoke] to the weight of the evidence and not to its admissibility.” Id. at 299, 881 P.2d at 44. In this case, we reach the same conclusion. Polygraph results are far from conclusive; however, as the NAS Report concluded, numerous studies have shown that polygraph tests can detect deception at rates well above chance. In fact, testimony at the evidentiary hearing indicates that the degree of accuracy of polygraph examinations is similar to many diagnostic techniques employed in the medical field, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CAT scanning, ultrasound, and x-ray film. The opponent of polygraph evidence has ample opportunity through cross-examination and argumentation to cast doubt upon the results of any particular polygraph examination that have been admitted into evidence. {33} The State nevertheless argues that the rate of error for polygraph evidence is unknown because the base rate is unknown. The district court found that the base rate, or ground truth, is “the proportion of people in a population as they relate to a particular trait in issue.” In the context of the polygraph, the base rate is generally the percentage of persons in a sample who are telling the truth. For example, if a polygraph study involved 100 subjects, and 85 of the subjects $ere actually telling the truth, the base rate would be 85%. The base rate does not measure the accuracy of the polygraph, which is the ability of the polygraph itself to correctly identify deceptive subjects and truthful subjects. The base rate is a measure only of the percentage of truthful subjects in the sample population. The true base rate is unknowable, but is theoretically important because it defines the degree of confidence properly afforded a particular polygraph result. Following are two examples used by the State to illustrate the point. In both examples the polygraph is assumed to be 90% accurate in detecting deception. Therefore, with a population of 100 subjects, the polygraph would correctly identify 90 of the subjects as either truthful or deceptive, while incorrectly identifying the remaining 10 subjects. {34} In the first example, we assume a base rate of 50%, that is 50 of the 100 subjects are being truthful in their polygraph examination. Thus, with an accuracy rate of 90%, the polygraph will correctly identify 45 persons as deceptive and 45 persons as truthful, and it will incorrectly identify 5 persons as deceptive and 5 persons as truthful: Not Deceptive Deceptive Pass 45 5 Fail 5 45 In the second example, we assume that only 10% of the 100 subjects are being truthful, while the remaining 90% are being deceptive. As a result, 81 of the 90 deceptive subjects will be accurately identified as deceptive and the remaining 9 will be incorrectly identified as truthful. Therefore, in this sample of 100 subjects, 9 truthful subjects will pass, but 9 deceptive subjects will also pass. Of the 18 subjects deemed to have passed the polygraph, there is only a 50% likelihood that any individual subject was actually truthful: Not Deceptive Deceptive Pass 9 9 Fail 1 81 These examples illustrate the importance of the base rate: in a pool with a higher percentage of deceptive subjects, the likelihood that a passed polygraph indicates actual truthfulness decreases. Specifically, in the first example a passed polygraph examination is 90% likely to be correct; whereas, in the second example, a passed polygraph is only 50% likely to be correct. {35} We cannot determine the base rate in the context of the polygraph because we cannot determine in advance how many persons are telling the truth and how many are not. However, the base rate has no effect on the reliability of the polygraph — regardless of whether 50% or 90% of the sample population is deceptive, the accuracy of the polygraph remains unchanged. The base rate only affects the confidence that we have in making decisions based on the results of any one polygraph examination. The accuracy of the polygraph in both of the above examples was the same, but in the second example we would have less confidence than in the first example that a passed polygraph examination was correct. Nonetheless, even in the second example, evidence that a subject passed a polygraph examination has a tendency to make the existence of a fact more or less probable than it would be in the absence of the evidence. Prior to the subject passing the polygraph examination, we would have assumed only a 10% chance that subject was truthful. After passing the examination, though, the likelihood the subject was truthful has increased to 50%. Therefore, the fact that the base rate is unknowable does not preclude admissibility under Rule 11-702. It simply provides another basis for the opposing party to cast doubt upon the results of a particular polygraph examination through cross-examination and argumentation. We now turn to whether standards exist controlling the polygraph. iv. Maintenance of standards controlling the technique. {36} Additionally, we examine “the existence and maintenance of standards controlling the technique’s operation.” Daubert, 509 U.S. at 594, 113 S.Ct. 2786. The district court found that “[t]here are no set standards [for the administration of the control question polygraph] other than those set out in Rule 11-707,” which the court concluded were insufficient. {37} In this state, it is unlawful to “practice polygraphy for any remuneration without a license issued by the [regulation and licensing] department in accordance with the Private Investigators and Polygraphers Act.” NMSA 1978, § 61-27A-3(E) (1993). To qualify for a license to practice polygraphy, a person must meet the requirements of NMSA 1978, § 61-27A-6(G) (1993), which states: G. The department shall issue a license for polygrapher to a person who files a completed application accompanied by the required fees and who submits satisfactory evidence that the applicant: (1) is at least eighteen years of age; (2) possesses a high school diploma or its equivalent; (3) has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; and (4) has graduated from a polygraph examiners course approved by the department and: (a) has completed a probationary operational competency period and passed an examination of ability to practice polygraphy; or (b) has submitted proof of holding, for a minimum of two years immediately prior to the date of application, a current license to practice polygraphy in another jurisdiction whose standards equal or surpass those of New Mexico. {38} Furthermore, Rule 11-707(B) imposes additional restrictions on who can testify as an expert witness regarding polygraph results. A polygraph expert must have “at least five (5) years’ experience in administration or interpretation of polygraph examinations or equivalent academic training.” Rule 11-707(B)(1). Also, the polygraph expert must have “successfully completed at least twenty (20) hours of continuing education in the field of polygraph examinations during the twelve (12) month period immediately prior to the date of the examination.” Rule 11 — 707(B)(3). Between the restrictions governing who can perform polygraph examinations in this state and those governing who can testify regarding polygraph results, sufficient standards are in place controlling the polygraph examiner. {39} Also, Rules 11-707(0) and (E) contain a number of prerequisites to the admission of polygraph results: C. Admissibility of results. Subject to the provisions of these rules, the opinion of a polygraph examiner may in the discretion of the trial judge be admitted as evidence as to the truthfulness of any person called as a witness if the examination was performed by a person who is qualified as an expert polygraph examiner pursuant to the provisions of this rule and if: (1) the polygraph examination was conducted in accordance with the provisions of this rule; (2) the polygraph examination was quantitatively scored in a manner that is generally accepted as reliable by polygraph experts; (3) prior to conducting the polygraph examination the polygraph examiner was informed as to the examinee’s background, health, education and other relevant information; (4) at least two (2) relevant questions were asked during the examination; and (5) at least three (3) charts were taken of the examinee. ... E. Recording of tests. The pretest interview and actual testing shall be record ed in full on an audio or video recording device. It has been noted by one commentator that “[i]n the treatment of the technical aspects of polygraph examination protocol, [Rule 11-707] goes far beyond the ease law or statutes of any other jurisdiction in providing usable standards.” James R. McCall, Misconceptions and Reevaluation — Polygraph Admissibility After Rock and Daubert, 1996 U. Ill. L.Rev. 363, 388 (1996). {40} The American Polygraph Association (APA), the leading polygraph professional association, has developed protocol standards for the polygraph similar to those contained in Rule 11-707. See American Polygraph Association, Division III: APA Standards of Practice (Jan. 10, 1999), available at http://www.polygraph.org/standards.htm. Under these standards, prior to examination, the polygraph examiner must make a reasonable effort to determine whether an examinee is fit for polygraph testing by inquiring into the medical and psychological condition of the examinee, as well as any recent drug use by the examinee, APA Standard 3.4.1; the polygraph instruments must be APA approved and have been calibrated, APA Standard 3.5; and a pretest interview must be conducted where the examiner both discusses with the examinee the polygraph process and the issues to be tested and ensures that the examinee recognizes and understands each question, APA Standard 3.8. During the examination, the questions used must be clear and distinct, APA Standard 3.9.3; the questions used must be balanced in terms of length and impact, APA Standard 3.9.4; the examiner must collect a sufficient number of charts, APA Standard 3.9.5; standardized chart markings should be used, APA Standard 3.9.7; and either an audio or audio/video recording of the pretest and in-test phase of the examination must be made, APA Standard 3.9.8. As for scoring the chart, the examiner must use numerical scoring, APA Standard 3.10.1; and the examiner’s notes must have “sufficient clarity and precision so that another examiner could read them,” APA Standard 3.10.2. {41} Based on the foregoing, we conclude sufficient standards are in place governing the control question polygraph technique, so as to allow expert testimony on the subject to be admissible. In order for polygraph expert evidence to be admissible under Rule 11-707, the polygraph examination must be conducted in a particular manner by a qualified examiner. Furthermore, as previously explained, the APA has established even more detailed standards of practice in order to ensure the utmost degree of accuracy in detecting truthfulness or deception with the polygraph. v. Acceptance by relevant scientific community. {42} Finally, while “general acceptance is not a requirement for admissibility under [Rule 11-702], it is a factor the court may consider.” Anderson, 118 N.M. at 299, 881 P.2d at 44. As the United States Supreme Court noted in Daubert, “a known technique which has been able to attract only minimal support within the community may properly be viewed with skepticism.” 509 U.S. at 594, 113 S.Ct. 2786 (quotation marks and quoted authority omitted). In this case, the district court concluded that “[c]ontrol question polygraph tests are not accepted in the relevant scientific community at a significant level, particularly considering the age of the technique.” {43} In arguing whether the control question polygraph has been generally accepted by the relevant scientific community, the parties have identified four surveys of psychologists’ opinions regarding polygraph examinations, including: The Gallup Organization, Survey of Members of the Society for Psychological Research Concerning Their Opinion of Polygraph Test Interpretation, 13 Polygraph 153 (1984) [hereinafter Gallup Survey]; Susan L. Amato, A Survey of Members of The Society for Psychophysiologieal Research Regarding the Polygraph: Opinions and Implications (1993) (unpublished Master’s thesis, University of North Dakota) (on file with the University of North Dakota Library) [hereinafter Amato Survey]; W.G. Iacono & D.T. Lykken, The Validity of the Lie Detector: Two Surveys of Scientific Opinion, 82 J. of Applied Psychol. 426 (1997) [hereinafter Iacono Survey]; and Honts et al., General Acceptance of the Polygraph by the Scientific Community (Mar. 9, 2002) (unpublished paper presented at the meetings of the American Psychology Law Society, on file with author) [hereinafter Honts Survey]. Of these four surveys, the district court found the Iacono survey to be the most reliable, and relied exclusively on that survey in drawing its conclusion that control question polygraph examinations do not enjoy general acceptance within the scientific community. {44} In the Gallup Survey, conducted in 1982, a random sample of 155 members of the Society for Psyehophysiological Research were interviewed regarding their opinion of the use of polygraph testing procedures to detect deception. Gallup Survey, supra, at 154. When asked their opinion of polygraph tests for interpreting whether a subject is or is not telling the truth, 61% of the respondents agreed that the polygraph is a useful diagnostic tool when considered with other available information. Id. at 157. An additional 32% agreed that the polygraph is of questionable usage and is entitled to little weight against other information. Id. Only 3% believed that the polygraph is of no usefulness. Id. In 1993, Amato replicated the Gallup Survey in an effort to determine if there were any changes in the scientific community’s opinions on the validity of the polygraph in the preceding ten years. Amato Survey, supra, at 1. The Amato Survey received 136 total responses, for a response rate of approximately 30%. Id. at 2. This time, when asked the same question as in the Gallup Survey, 60% of the respondents agreed that the polygraph is a useful diagnostic tool, 37% agreed it is of questionable usage, and 2% believed it was of no usefulness. Id. at 3. {45} In 1997, two groups of scientists were surveyed in an attempt to “more thoroughly assess current scientific opinion about polygraphy.” Iacono Survey, supra, at 427. The first group surveyed by Iacono was the same one used in both the Gallup Survey and the Amato Survey — the Society of Psycho-physiological Research. Id. at 428. Questionnaires were sent to 216 society members, and 195 members responded. Id. at 429. Of those who responded and had an opinion on the polygraph, only 36% believed that the control question technique is “based on scientifically sound psychological principles or theory”; whereas, 77% believed the guilty knowledge test is based on sound psychological principles. Id. at 430. The second group surveyed was the Fellows of Division 1 (General Psychology) of the American Psychological Association. Id. at 428. Questionnaires were mailed to 249 APA Fellows, and 168 usable questionnaires were returned. Id. at 429. In this group, only 30% believed the control question technique is based on sound psychological principles and 72% believed the same of the guilty knowledge test. Id. at 430. {46} Finally, in 2002, a paper was presented at the meetings of the American Psychology Law Society (APLS) that was based on two surveys: one of the APLS and one of the SPR. Honts Survey, supra, at 1, 8. Only 55 out of 205 APLS members responded, and 38 out of 366 SPR members responded. Id. at 8. Of those who responded, 96% of the APLS members and 91% of the SPR members believed that polygraph studies published in scientific peer-reviewed journals are “based on generally accepted scientific methodology.” Id. at 14. When asked to compare the usefulness of the polygraph to other specific examples of commonly admitted evidence, more than half of the respondents believed that polygraph evidence is as useful or more useful than a psychologist’s opinion of parental fitness, a psychologist’s opinion regarding malingering, an eyewitness identification of a robbery suspect, a psychological assessment of dangerousness, and a psychological assessment of temporary insanity. Id. at 15. Finally, slightly more than half of the APLS respondents and slightly less than half of the SPR respondents believed that the accuracy of judicial verdicts would be increased if polygraph test results were admitted as evidence at trial. Id. at 16. {47} As noted earlier in this opinion, see supra ¶27, there is a heated debate in the scientific community on the validity of the control question polygraph examination. This debate is reflected by the competing surveys cited above. The Iacono Survey was conducted by Dr. William Iacono, Professor of Psychology at the University of Minnesota, who testified on behalf of the State at the evidentiary hearing below. The Amato Study was a Master’s thesis conducted under the guidance of Dr. Charles Honts, Professor of Psychology at Boise State. Dr. Honts also was the lead scientist of the Honts Study. He testified on behalf of the Respondents at the hearing below. The hearing below was not the first time that Dr. Iacono and Dr. Honts have been on opposing sides in the debate over the admissibility of polygraph examination results. Compare David C. Raskin, Charles R. Honts & John C. Kireher, The Scientific Status of Research on Polygraph Techniques: The Case for Polygraph Tests, in 1 Modem Scientific Evidence: The Law and Science of Expert Testimony § 14-2.0 (David L. Faigman et al. eds., 1997); with William G. Iacono & David T. Lykken, The Scientific Status of Research on Polygraph Techniques: The Case Against Polygraph Tests, in 1 Modem Scientific Evidence, supra, § 14-3.0. Based on the foregoing, we cannot conclude that the control question polygraph has been generally accepted within the scientific community. However, we also cannot conclude that the control question polygraph has been uniformly rejected by the scientific community. This factor thus carries little weight in our Alberico /Daubert analysis of the control question polygraph. IV. CONCLUSION. {48} Based on the foregoing, we conclude that the control question polygraph examination is sufficiently reliable to satisfy Rule 11-702. In so holding, we are cognizant of a number of potential problems with polygraph results, such as the use of physical and mental countermeasures to “beat the polygraph” and the influence on results of examiner expectancies. The district court was correct to be concerned by these problems; however, as we noted earlier in the opinion, any doubt about the admissibility of scientific evidence should be resolved in favor of admission. See supra ¶ 16. The remedy for the opponent of polygraph evidence is not exclusion; the remedy is cross-examination, presentation of rebuttal evidence, and argumentation. See Daubert, 509 U.S. at 596,113 S.Ct. 2786 (“Vigorous cross-examination, presentation of contrary evidence, and careful instruction on the burden of proof are the traditional and appropriate means of attacking shaky but admissible evidence.”). {49} Our reaffirmation of Rule 11-707 is also based, at least in part, on principles of fairness. Often the same government officials who vigorously oppose the admission of exculpatory polygraphs of the accused find polygraph testing to be reliable enough to use in their own decision-making. Federal and state governments rely upon the results of polygraph examinations for a variety of law enforcement purposes, even in jurisdictions where polygraph evidence is inadmissible. For example, the polygraph is used to determine whether there is probable cause to arrest and whether to prosecute. See Johnson v. Schneiderheinz, 102 F.3d 340, 342 (8th Cir.1996) (holding that a police officer reasonably relied upon polygraph results, among other factors, in making his decision to arrest); Brodnicki v. City of Omaha, 75 F.3d 1261, 1267 (8th Cir.1996) (stating that the county attorney was under a “duty” to review the polygraph evidence in that ease “as part of his role as advocate for the state”); Bennett v. City of Grand Prairie, 883 F.2d 400, 405-06 (5th Cir.1989) (holding that a magistrate judge may consider polygraph results when determining whether probable cause exists to issue an arrest warrant). Polygraphs have also been employed to make various disciplinary and sentencing decisions. See Lenea v. Lane, 882 F.2d 1171, 1174 (7th Cir.1989) (holding that polygraph results are admissible in prison disciplinary proceedings); United States v. Chaney, 1996 WL 187515, *1 (10th Cir.) (holding that the district court may use a defendant’s polygraph examination to determine the amount of restitution in an embezzlement case). Most jurisdictions also approve of requiring polygraph examinations as a condition of probation. See Anne M. Payne, Annotation, Propriety of Conditioning Probation on Defendant’s Submission to Polygraph or Other Lie Detector Testing, 86 A.L.R.4th 709 (1991). {50} In short, we believe a categorical exclusion of polygraph results would be un wise. See United States v. Scheffer, 523 U.S. 303, 318, 118 S.Ct. 1261, 140 L.Ed.2d 413 (1998) (Kennedy, J., concurring in part and concurring in judgment) (doubting the wisdom of a per se exclusion of polygraph evidence). Therefore, we refuse to repeal Rule 11-707; instead, we order the district courts in the pending cases to comply with Rule 11-707 in determining whether to admit polygraph examination results. The proponents of such polygraph evidence are not required to independently establish the reliability of the examiner’s testimony under Rule 11-702. {51} IT IS SO ORDERED. PETRA JIMENEZ MAES, Chief Justice, PATRICIO M. SERNA, RICHARD C. BOSSON and EDWARD L. CHAVEZ, Justices, concur. APPENDIX SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF BERNALILLO STATE OF NEW MEXICO KEVIN LEE, et al, Petitioners, -vs- HON. LOURDES MARTINEZ, Respondents. No. CS 2003-00026 (Supreme Court No. 27,915) Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Introduction: Pursuant to Supreme Court Order issued in this matter, this Court is directed to enter findings of fact and conclusions of law. Given the tremendous volume of information presented by the parties as well as the testimony of several of the leading authorities on the issues decided, the Court has taken upon itself to provide an introductory section that includes an overview of the status of the law on polygraph examinations nationwide in both state and federal courts and a description of the polygraph examination process with the hope that it will assist the reviewing court. The findings of fact and conclusions of law follow these sections. APPENDIX — Continued While many of the materials presented by both sides are worthy of note, a recent publication, The Polygraph and Lie Detection (PALD), a 2003 publication of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), is particularly helpful. PALD focuses on the use of the polygraph in relation to employee screening. But since most of the research is in the area of event-specific investigations, its analysis of that research is highly useful in this context as well. Another highly useful source is Faigman, The Law and Science of Expert Testimony (2002), or “Faigman”. In Volume 2, § 19-2.0 is an article titled, The Scientific Status of Research on Polygraph Techniques: The Case for Polygraph Tests, by Honts, Raskin, and Kircher. Later, § 19-3.0, is an article titled, The Scientific Status of Research on Polygraph Techniques: The Case Against Polygraph Tests, by Iacono and Lykken. The Court recommends the two sources listed above for excellent overviews of some of the issues. In addition to the above, the parties to this action provided many exhibits, articles on nearly every aspect of polygraph examinations, studies relating to polygraph examinations, transcripts of testimony, and easelaw. Without trying to oversimplify the issues presented, in evaluating the standards adopted in State v. Alberico, 116 N.M. 156, 861 P.2d 192 (1993), and restated in State v. Anderson, 118 N.M. 284, 881 P.2d 29 (1994), the testimony and arguments tended to gravitate to a number of key issues: First, whether there is a theory and whether it can be and has been tested. This includes the effect of base rates in determining reliability of test results in assisting the trier of fact and determining the balance between the probative value and prejudicial effect of the testimony; Second, whether the theory or technique has been subjected to peer review and publication; Third, whether there is a known potential rate of error in using polygraph techniques as well as whether there are standards that exist and are maintained that control the technique’s operations; Fourth, acceptance of the test in the relevant scientific community; and, Fifth, whether the technique is based upon well-recognized scientific principles and whether it is capable of supporting opinions based upon reasonable probability rather than conjecture. To the extent possible, the findings of fact will be set out in sections that will address each of these factors. POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION PROCEDURES A polygraph examination combines interrogation with physiological measurements made by the instrument, or polygraph. The instrument typically measures and records an examinee’s heart rate, blood pressure, rate and depth of respiration and flow of electrical current at the skin surface as an examiner poses questions that require yes or no answers. Blood pressure is measured by a cuff over the biceps. Electrodermal activity (activity of the eccrine sweat glands) is measured by electrodes on the palm or on two fingers. Rate and depth of breathing are measured by pneumographs located on the chest and abdomen. Fluctuations in the heart and blood are recorded by a eardiosphygmograph, while a galvanometer records the body’s electrical activity. The sensors attached to the examinee are connected to the instrument by wires. The data is recorded by analog or digital technology. Because the first analog instruments recorded the data with several pens writing lines on a piece of moving paper, the record of the examinee’s physiological responses is known as the polygraph chart. The instrument does not measure or detect lies directly. Instead, proponents believe it measures physiological responses that are stronger when an examinee lies than at other times. A lie in response to a question may cause a reaction such as fear of detection or psychological arousal that changes heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, or skin conductance relative to what they were before the question was asked and relative to what they are after control questions are asked. Polygraph testing is used for three main purposes: 1. Screening of job applicants by law enforcement or other government agencies (preemployment screening); 2. Screening by agencies involved in national security of current employees; and 3. Investigating specific incidents, as in criminal cases. When police conduct a polygraph test of a suspect, it is considered to be under adversarial conditions. In contrast, when defense counsel asks a client to take a privately administered test, it is called a “friendly” test. If the client passes the friendly test, defense counsel will often attempt to enter the results into evidence, and this is the more typical background for an evidentiary hearing like the present one. There are three major questioning techniques used in polygraph examinations: the relevant-irrelevant test (RIT), the guilty knowledge test (GKT), and the control question or comparison question test (CQT). The CQT’s “are the most widely used techniques in criminal investigations and judicial proceedings.” Because the CQT is the most used test in criminal cases and because the tests in the instant cases were apparently CQT’s, this Court’s analysis will focus on that technique. Under Rule 11-707 NMRA 2003, tests using any of the three techniques would be admissible if that Rule’s criteria were met. The CQT tries to determine if the examinee is lying in response to a specific question or questions about the incident at issue (relevant questions). This involves comparing physiological responses to the relevant questions with physiological responses to control questions. Because the cuff on the arm begins to hurt after several minutes, a limited number of questions, about ten, are asked to complete one chart. Rule 11-707 requires that an examination include at least three charts. Prior to the actual CQT, there is a pre-test interview. The examiner and examinee discuss the test, test procedure, examinee’s medical history, and details of the test issues. Both relevant and control questions are reviewed, to minimize surprise and to ensure the examinee understands the questions. This portion of the examination may last from 30 minutes to 2 hours or more. The expectation is that innocent examinees will react more strongly to control questions than to relevant questions, and guilty examinees will react more strongly to relevant questions. For example, a relevant question might be, “Did you rob the First City Bank?” Control questions are vague, cover a long period of time, and describe acts that most people have committed but are reluctant or embarrassed to admit during a polygraph exam. That is, if the examinee were suspected of theft, a control question could be, “During the first 22 years of your life did you ever take something that did not belong to you?” Innocent people answer the relevant questions truthfully, but are expected to lie or be uncertain about their truthfulness when answering the control questions. That is, in these “probable-lie” control question tests, the instructions are designed to induce innocent people to answer “no” to control questions, even though most would then be lying. In contrast, guilty people are expected to be more concerned about failing the test because their answers to the relevant questions are lies, and they are likely to be more disturbed by the relevant questions, or so the reasoning behind CQT goes. Thus, the “art of the polygrapher lies in composing control and relevant questions that elicit the appropriate relative responses from truthful and deceitful parties.” See State v. Porter, [241 Conn. 57] 698 A.2d 739, 762 (Conn.l997)(assuming without deciding that polygraph evidence met Daubert criteria but upholding per se rule barring its admissibility because prejudice outweighed probative value). In another version of the CQT, the “directed-lie” test, examinees are instructed to lie to control questions such as, “Before 2002, did you ever make even one mistake?” The examiner tells the examinee that these questions will ensure that the examinee will be correctly classified as truthful or deceptive on the polygraph test to follow. Where the polygrapher in the probable-lie test chooses control questions during the pre-test interview to suit each examinee, the direeted-lie control questions are a small set of simple questions that are “much easier to standardize.” After the test, the charts are scored by a polygrapher or by a computer. Each relevant question response is measured against an adjacent control question response. Scores for each comparison range from +3 to —3. When the response to the control question is much stronger than to the relevant question, it is scored +3, indicating truthfulness. A score of —3 indicates a much stronger response to the relevant question relative to the response to the control question, indicating deception. If the two responses are about the same, the score is 0, with scores of ± 1 and ± 2 for intermediate values. The scores for all three charts are totaled. Examinees with scores of +6 or greater are considered truthful; those with scores of -6 or lower are deemed to be lying. Scores between +5 and -5 are inconclusive. The total score may range from approximately +30 to — 30. But see United States v. Galbreth, 908 F.Supp. 877, 894 (D.N.M.1995), where the leading proponent of polygraph evidence, Dr. David Raskin, scored the defendant’s charts as +32. Charts may also be scored by computers using standardized algorithms, a relatively recent development. ADMISSIBILITY OF POLYGRAPH EVIDENCE IN OTHER STATE COURTS Eighty years ago, polygraph evidence was held inadmissible because it was not “sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance in the particular field in which it belongs.” See Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C.Cir.1923). The standards for the admission of scientific evidence were changed by Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579, 113 S.Ct. 2786, 125 L.Ed.2d 469 (1993), and many states, including New Mexico, adopted those standards. See State v. Alberico, 116 N.M. 156, 861 P.2d 192 (1993). Consequently, supporters of polygraph evidence sought its admission under the new standards. They have had little success before courts that have maintained pre-Daubert standards or courts that have adopted Daubert. Twenty-seven (27) states and the District of Columbia apply a per se rule of exclusion of polygraph evidence for all purposes. See Pulakis v. State, 476 P.2d 474 (Alaska 1970); People v. Anderson, 637 P.2d 354 (Colo.1981) (applying Frye, which Colorado abandoned in People v. Shreck, 22 P.3d 68 (Colo.2001)); State v. Porter, [241 Conn. 57] 698 A.2d 739 (Conn.1997); State v. Okumura, [78 Hawai'i 383] 894 P.2d 80 (Haw.1995); People v. Sanchez, [169 Ill.2d 472, 215 Ill.Dec. 59] 662 N.E.2d 1199 (Ill.1996); Morton v. Commonwealth, 817 S.W.[2d]218 (Ky.1991); State v. Harnish, 560 A.2d 5 (Me.1989); State v. Hawkins, [326 Md. 270] 604 A.2d 489 (Md. 1992); Commonwealth v. Mendes, [406 Mass. 201] 547 N.E.2d 35 (Mass.1989); State v. Anderson, 379 N.W.2d 70 (Minn.1985); Weatherspoon v. State, 732 So.2d 158 (Miss. 1999); State v. Hall, 955 S.W.2d [198] (Mo. 1997); State v. Staat, [248 Mont. 291] 811 P.2d 1261 (Mont.1991); State v. Steinmark, [195 Neb. 545] 239 N.W.2d 495 (Neb.1976); State v. Ober, [126 N.H. 471] 493 A.2d 493 (N.H.1985); People v. Angelo, [88 N.Y.2d 217, 644 N.Y.S.2d 460] 666 N.E.2d 1333 (N.Y. 1996); State v. Grier, [307 N.C. 628] 300 S.E.2d 351 (N.C.1983); Fulton v. State, 541 P.2d 871 (Okla.Crim.App.1975); State v. Brown, [297 Or. 404] 687 P.2d 751 (Or.1984); Commonwealth v. Brockington, [500 Pa. 216] 455 A.2d 627 (Pa.1983); In Re Odell, 672 A.2d 457 (R.I.1996); State v. Hart, 911 S.W.2d 371 (Tenn.Crim.App.1995); Tennard v. State, 802 S.W.2d 678 (Tex.Crim.App. 1990); State v. Hamlin, [146 Vt. 97] 499 A.2d 45 (Vt.1985); Robinson v. Commonwealth, [231 Va. 142] 341 S.E.2d 159 (Va.1986); State v. Beard, [194 W.Va. 740] 461 S.E.2d 486 (W.Va.1995); State v. Dean, [103 Wis.2d 228] 307 N.W.[2d]628 (Wis.1981), declined to follow on other grounds by State v. Davis, [254 Wis.2d 1] 645 N.W.2d 913 (Wis.2002); Contee v. United States, 667 A.2d 103 (D.C.1995). These per se states ban polygraph evidence, including test results, offers to take the test, as well as refusals to take the test, for a variety of reasons. These courts found that the polygraph has not been proven valid or reliable or that it has not been generally accepted in the scientific community. But a more salient reason for the outright ban is that the prejudice in a jury trial outweighs the probative value of corroborating a witness’s credibility. See State v. Porter, [241 Conn. 57] 698 A.2d 739 (Conn.l997)(“State appellate courts, for whom Daubert is not mandatory authority, largely agree with our assessment that the prejudicial impact of polygraph evidence outweighs its probative value.”) Id. at 773. Four of the above states (Massachusetts, North Carolina, OWahoma, and Wisconsin) had admitted polygraph evidence for years, but have since returned to a per se ban. See Commonwealth v. Mendes, [406 Mass. 201] 547 N.E.2d 35, 41 (Mass.1989)(citing inter alia dangers of confusing jury and usurping jury’s role and the “overwhelming authority throughout country”) and State v. Dean, [103 Wis.2d 228] 307 N.W.2d 628, 653 (Wis.1981)(“ Adequate standards have not developed in the seven years since [the decision to admit polygraph evidence on stipulation] to guide the trial courts in exercising their discretion in the admission of polygraph evidence. The lack of such standards heightens our concern that the burden on the trial court to assess the reliability of stipulated polygraph evidence may outweigh any probative value the evidence may have.”) Seventeen (17) states admit polygraph evidence at trial only when its admission is stipulated to in advance by all parties. See Ex Parte Hinton, 548 So.2d 562 (Ala.1989); State v. Valdez, [91 Ariz. 274] 371 P.2d 894 (Ariz.1962); Holcomb v. State, [268 Ark. 138] 594 S.W.2d 22 (Ark.1980); People v. Fudge, [7 Cal.4th 1075, 31 Cal.Rptr.2d 321] 875 P.2d 36 (Cal.1994); Melvin v. State, 606 A.2d 69 (Del.1992); Delap v. State, 440 So.2d 1242 (Fla.1983); Fargason v. State, [266 Ga. 463] 467 S.E.2d [551] 553 (Ga.1996); State v. Fain, [116 Idaho 82] 774 P.2d 252 (Idaho 1989); Sanchez v. State, 675 N.E.2d 306 (Ind. 1996); State v. Losee, 354 N.W.2d 239 (Iowa 1984); State v. Webber, [260 Kan. 263] 918 P.2d 609 (Kan.1996); Corbett v. State, [94 Nev. 643] 584 P.2d 704 (Nev.1978); State v. McDavitt, [62 N.J. 36] 297 A.2d 849 (N.J. 1972); State v. Stevenson, 652 N.W.2d 735 (S.D.2002); State v. Crosby, 927 P.2d 638 (Utah 1996); State v. Renfro, [96 Wash.2d 902] 639 P.2d 737 (Wash.1982); Schmunk v. State, 714 P.2d 724 (Wyo.1986). In these states, stipulation usually means both parties agree prior to a subject taking a test that the results will be admissible and that the adversely affected party retains the right to cross-examine the polygraph examiner and otherwise to attempt to impeach the polygraph evidence. See, e.g., State v. Validez, [91 Ariz. 274] 371 P.2d 894 (Ariz.1962). Generally, these appellate decisions do not claim that the evidence is probative or becomes reliable due to the stipulation. See Delap v. State, 440 So.2d 1242, 1247 (Fla. 1983). Some courts, however, have concluded that the stipulation makes the test reliable — it raises the examinee’s fear and leads to the selection of more impartial examiners, tending to produce more accurate results. Two (2) other states admit stipulated results but in limited circumstances. See State v. Yodsnukis, 281 N.W.2d 255 (N.D. 1979)(post-trial proceedings) and State v. Souel, [53 Ohio St.2d 123] 372 N.E.2d [1318] 1313 (Ohio 1978)(for corroboration or impeachment only). Louisiana and Michigan allow the admission of polygraph evidence without stipulation but only in post-trial proceedings. See State v. Catanese, 368 So.2d 975 (La.1979) and People v. Barbara, [400 Mich. 352] 255 N.W.2d 171 (Mich.1977). South Carolina generally bars admission of polygraph evidence, but the decision is now left to the discretion of the trial judge after a hearing applying Rules of Evidence 702 and 403. See State v. Council, [335 S.C. 1] 515 S.E.2d 508 (S.C.1999). ADMISSIBILITY OF POLYGRAPH EVIDENCE IN FEDERAL COURTS United States v. Scheffer, 523 U.S. 303 [118 S.Ct. 1261, 140 L.Ed.2d 413] (1998) held that military courts’ per se rule excluding polygraph evidence did not violate a defendant’s right under the Fifth or Sixth Amendment to present a defense. Beyond this holding, the decision lacks precedential value, given the fractured makeup of the Court’s three opinions. In contrast to the majority of state courts, only two federal circuits have a per se rule barring admissibility. See United States v. Prince-Oyibo, 320 F.3d 494 (4th Cir.2003), Petition for Certiorari Filed, (July 11, 2003)(NO. 03-5297) and United States v. Skeens, 494 F.2d 1050 (D.C.Cir.l974)(citing the Circuit’s decision in Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C.Cir.1923)). Most federal appellate courts leave admission of polygraph evidence to the discretion of the trial courts, but generally such evidence is excluded on the basis of Daubert /Rule 702 or Rule 403 or both. See United States v. Black, 78 F.3d 1, 7 (1st Cir.l996)(generally inadmissible); United States v. Santiago-Gonmlez, 66 F.3d 3, 6 (1st Cir.1995)(admissible if agreed to in plea bargain); United States v. Kwong, 69 F.3d 663, 668 (2nd Cir.l995)(balancing test under Rule 403); United States v. Lee, 315 F.3d 206, 214 (3rd Cir.2003)(noting lack of per se exclusionary rule and admissibility to rebut claim of coerced confession but declining to rule on admissibility at trial or revocation hearing), Petition for Certiorari Filed, (June 2, 2003)(NO. 02-11166); United States v. Posado, 57 F.3d 428, 434 (5th Cir.l995)(must meet Rule 702 and Rule 403 standards); United States v. Sherlin, 67 F.3d 1208,1216— 17 (6th Cir.l995)(Rule 403 standard, but results generally inadmissible, especially if unstipulated); United States v. Lea, 249 F.3d 632, 640 (7th Cir.2001) (“[W]e continue to hold that a district court need not conduct a full Daubert analysis in order to determine the admissibility of standard polygraph evidence, and instead may examine the evidence under a Rule 403 framework. Nonetheless, we posit that the factors outlined by the Supreme Court in Daubert remain a useful tool for gauging the reliability of the proffered testimony, as reliability may factor into a 403 balancing test.”). See also United States v. Williams, 95 F.3d 723, 729-30 (8th Cir.l996)(suggesting non-stipulated evidence may be admissible under Daubert if Rule 403 is met) and United States v. Waters, 194 F.3d 926 (8th Cir.1999)(Daubert hearing unnecessary where 403 not met despite defendant passing test requested and given by prosecution); United States v. Cordoba, 194 F.3d 1053 (9th Cir.l999)(must meet 702 and 403); United States v. Call, 129 F.3d 1402 (10th Cir.1997)(evidence properly excluded under 403 where requested Daubert hearing not held); United States v. Gilliard, 133 F.3d 809 (11th Cir.1998)(Honts-administered polygraph inadmissible under 702 and under 403). “Leaving discretion to trial courts rather than prescribing a per se rule does not seem to have changed practice substantially.” That is, “even when presented with an opportunity to admit polygraph evidence, most [federal] district courts are decidedly reluctant to do so.” See State v. Porter, [241 Conn. 57] 698 A.2d 739, 776-77 (Conn.1997). One rare case admitting polygraph evidence was United States v. Galbreth, 908 F.Supp. 877 (D.N.M.1995). In Galbreth, Judge Vasquez admitted the expert opinion testimony of Dr. Raskin, the nation’s leading supporter of the validity of polygraph evidence, after finding it met the reliability criteria of Rule 702 and Daubert as well as being more probative than prejudicial under Rule 403. Dr. Raskin had given Galbreth a polygraph test, which the court described as “a properly conducted examination by a highly qualified, experienced, and skillful examiner.” Id. at 896. However, this ruling carries little weight due to its procedural placement. The judge ruled from the bench after a hearing in March, 1995. In July, 1995, the case went to trial. At the conclusion of the Government’s case-in-chief, the Government dismissed the charges (income tax evasion). Galbreth’s polygraph evidence was never presented to the jury. On October 4, 1995, the judge issued a “Memorandum Opinion and Order” that detailed her ruling on the admission of the polygraph evidence. The Order was therefore unappealable and dicta. State v. Porter, [241 Conn. 57] 698 A.2d 739, 777, n. 76 (Conn.1997) described Galbreth this way: The most substantial of the few federal opinions permitting polygraph evidence at trial comes from the District Court of New Mexico. United States v. Galbreth, supra, 908 F.Supp. 877. The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals had only addressed the question of polygraph admissibility before Daubert had been released; see United States v. Soundingsides, 820 F.2d 1232, 1241-42 (10th Cir.1987); so the court in Galbreth felt free to formulate its own standard. The court accepted that Daubert provided the proper threshold standard; id., at 878; and then relied largely on testimony by Raskin to conclude that polygraph evidence satisfied Daubert and rule 403 of the Federal Rules of Evidence. Id., at 895. Although the court in Galbreth did address many of the concerns that have motivated us to retain our per se rule of exclusion, it did so by recounting only the most propolygraph studies and information. Id., at 885-93. We believe that a more balanced review of the polygraph literature, such as we have conducted in the present case, reveals substantially more uncertainty regarding the effectiveness and prejudicial impact of the polygraph test than the court in Galbreth acknowledged. Dr. Raskin scored the test as +29, and Dr. Honts scored it as +32, indicating a high probability of truthfulness. The Government’s expert, Dr. Barland, found the charts to be inconclusive. Galbreth at 894. A critical issue was whether Galbreth knowingly failed to report income. Had Dr. Raskin testified, he would have been permitted to state that Galbreth’s “answers to the relevant questions regarding his knowledge and intent [were] consistent with a truthful polygraph outcome.” Id. at 895. (Emphasis added.) As the judge put it: Dr. Raskin concluded that Defendant was truthful in his statements that he did not realize his returns under reported his taxable income. At trial, Defendant intends to call Dr. Raskin as an expert witness to testify about the testing procedures, to explain how the test was evaluated and to explain his interpretation of the results. Dr. Raskin is expected to testify that the results are indicative of a truthful polygraph test outcome with regard to the relevant questions. Dr. Raskin will not testify as to his personal opinion that Defendant was in fact telling the truth. Id. at 878. The testimony would therefore not be limited to Galbreth’s credibility but would cover his substantive answers to questions concerning his guilt or innocence. The judge would have allowed the assistant U.S. Attorney to cross-examine Dr. Raskin and to present the Government’s expert to “refute any of Dr. Raskin’s testimony relating to the polygraph technique in general or to the specific application of that technique in this ease.” Id. at 896. There was no mention of permitting the Government to give Galbreth a polygraph exam. By contrast, another district court in United States v. Crumby, 895 F.Supp. 1354, 1363 (D.Ariz.1995) admitted the evidence with severe limitations while noting that “the prejudicial effect of permitting the jury to hear the specific responses to the question of whether Defendant committed the ultimate crime in the case is overwhelmingly prejudicial.” That is, Crumby could introduce evidence that he took and passed the test if (1) he gave notice to the prosecutor, (2) took a government-administered test, (3) introduced the evidence only to support his credibility, if attacked, under Rule 608(a), and (4) the specific questions and physiological data were not introduced into evidence, although the general nature of polygraphy could be discussed by the experts under Rule 702. Id. at 1365. In Crumby, Dr. Raskin again testified, but unlike the Galbreth prosecutor, the U.S. Attorney did not offer any expert testimony as to the validity of the theoretical basis for the polygraph, nor contest Dr. Raskin’s testimony regarding the known error rate. The Crumby decision failed to mention any of the studies that challenge the validity of polygraph tests. Galbreth and Crumby are exceptions, even within their own federal circuits, to the general rule that polygraph evidence is not admitted in federal courts. See United States v. Call, 129 F.3d 1402 (10th Cir.1997) and United States v. Cordoba, 194 F.3d 1053 (9th Cir,1999)(barring evidence under Rule 702 due to lack of known error rate for real life exams, controversy in scientific community regarding validity of theory behind test, and lack of controlling standards). FINDINGS OF FACT Decision theory and base rates 1. Measuring validity of polygraph test results is crucial to determining their admissibility. The following definitions come from PALD, page 29, et seq. 2. Decision theory is a scientific approach that applies basic statistics to real world problems. It is used to attempt to predict the utility of a test when there is a high degree of uncertainty before a test is conducted. 3. Reliability is a term used to indicate repeatability across different times, places, subjects, and conditions. Jf. Test-retest reliability is the extent to which the same procedure, including the examiner, test format, and equipment used to examine the same subject for the same purpose yields the same result on repetition. 5. Inter-rater reliability is the extent to which different examiners would draw the same conclusions about a given subject at a given time for a given examination. 6. A measurement is considered valid if it measures what it is supposed to measure. 7. Criterion validity refers to how well a measure captures what it is supposed to capture. In the case of a polygraph test, does it show deception when the test subject is in fact deceptive and show lack of deception when the subject is truthful. This is synonymous with accuracy. 8. Without accuracy or criterion validity no test or procedure can be considered valid. 9. Construct validity refers to how well explanatory theories and concepts account for performance of a test. Users can have greater confidence in a test when evidence of its accuracy is supported by evidence of construct validity. In other words, when there is a chain of plausible mechanisms that explain both the empirical findings of the test and evidence that each test mechanism operates as the theory prescribes. 10. A positive polygraph test result means that the test indicates deception. A negative polygraph test result means that the polygraph indicates no deception. Therefore, a false positive result means the test indicates deception when the test subject is being truthful and a false negative result means the test indicates no deception when the test subject is not being truthful. 11. Decision threshold is the cutoff point for deciding whether a result is positive or negative. Even though polygraph test results, like other diagnostic tests, are usually presented in a yes or no answer format, the actual score is not presented in that fashion. In other words, there is a cutoff point, below which or above which the test is not scored as a positive or negative. These cutoff points are policy choices made by polygraphers. If they are set incorrectly, it increases the chance for a false negative or false positive result. 12. The literature and the presentations focused to a great extent on the issue of base rates. Base rates are an essential element in establishing a level of confidence in the outcome of a diagnostic test. Base rates dictate whether a diagnostic test is worth considering at all. 13. Base rate refers to the proportion of people in a population as they relate to a particular trait -in issue. For example, in polygraph testing, the percent of truth tellers versus deceivers would result in the base rate. While the cases refer to the rate of error, that is not the only number that a court should consider in determining admissibility under Rule 11-403 NMRA 2003. Even though a particular piece of information may have some slight tendency to make the existence of a fact of consequence more or less probable, the confidence one could have in that information in relation to the circumstances of the case may be so low as to render the evidence inadmissible under Rule 11^403 NMRA 2003. 14. The confidence level in decision theory is a function of the error rate and base rate. To be complete in evaluating any diagnostic test, accuracy has two components. In the polygraph context, these components are: How likely is the test to be positive (indicating deception) if lying is present; and, how likely is the test to be negative (indicating a lack of deception) if lying is not present. 15. In the world of medicine, for example, Dr. Zelicoff noted that in diagnosing strep throat that the disease is seasonal. During certain seasons, strep is so rare that the test result does not significantly add to our confidence level. That’s because due to seasonal fluctuation, the base rate of possible strep is so low, that even though the test accuracy is high, a positive test result does not increase our confidence that a decision made based on the test result will be correct. 16. In polygraph use, knowledge of the base rate can help decide whether the result of a polygraph test is worthy of consideration in making an important decision. In the employee screening contest, the NAS focused on base rate since the percentage of spies is assumed to be very low. Dr. Zelicoff quoted the former Secretary of Energy as saying I in 10,000 employees of the Department of Energy are spies. 17. The accuracy rates of polygraph examinations are, at best, debatable in real life contexts. However, even if one assumes a high accuracy rate, the test is of little utility because of the low confidence level in the test result. 18. The NAS noted that if you use a test with 90% accuracy and an 80% threshold value (see p.61, PALD) and the test is used in a population with .1% (one in 1000) spies, the test would identify an average of 1606 as deceptive, only 8 of whom would be spies. PALD p.47. 19. Dr. Iacono used a similar example to illustrate the problem as it might apply in the criminal context. If you assume a base rate of 90% guilty and 90% test accuracy (and a maximum threshold value) and apply those assumptions to 100 criminal defendants who take polygraph tests, the resulting confidence level in the test result is notable. Of the 90 guilty, 81 will fail the test and 9 will pass. The 81 test failures will not be disclosed to the jury, the court or the prosecution, of course, but the 9 passed tests will be disclosed. Of the innocent, 9 will pass and I will fail. The passes will be disclosed and the one failure will not. Of the 18 passed tests, there are only 9(50%) who are factually not guilty. In other words, the confidence level of the test in its application is only 50-50. See Resp. Exhibit 4. 20. Petitioners have some arguments to address this illustration. First, they note that the base rate is not truly knowable. A defendant is, after all, presumed innocent and to clump an individual in with all others accused is to violate basic principles of American jurisprudence. Second, petitioners argue that the standard under Rule 11-401 NMRA 2003, is any tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action more probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence. 21. The argument points out that even though the confidence level of the test result in the context of these assumptions is only 50-50, it still makes a fact in issue more or less probable. In other words, even though the confidence level is merely 50%, the argument goes, it is still a 40% improvement over the pretest 90% figure. To rephrase, before the test result, given the population, one could be confident that any one of the population who denied culpability was 90% likely to be not telling the truth. After passing the test, one could be only 50% confident that the denial was untruthful. That move from a 90% confidence the testimony is false to a 50% confidence the testimony is false makes it more probable it is truthful than it was before and, so the argument goes, it is relevant. 22. The base rate issue is part of this Court’s analysis of the field study reliability and is a major issue raised directly by Respondents. Therefore its effect must be considered as it relates to polygraph evidence. This Court finds that, i/polygraph testimony is reliable enough to be admissible, it would be deceptive to testify to the type of testimony offered in the past, such as claims that there is a 90% chance the test subject was truthful or that the test is 90% accurate. 23. Dr. Raskin and Dr. Honts both testified that in the absence of a known base rate, a base rate of 50% should be assumed. Both also testified that juries tend to work out their own base rates. In other words, in considering the strength of other evidence, juries give more or less weight to polygraph evidence. 24. The Court agrees that the base rate in an individual case is basically either unknowable or, at best, is a moving target based on the strength of all of the non-polygraph evidence. Yet it exists. To assume a base rate of 50% is no more reliable than any other assumption and is misleading. If any level of accuracy is testified to, it is either directly or inferentially suggestive of a confidence level in the result that is directly tied to a base rate most appropriately to be determined by the finder of fact. If the art of polygraphy were to ever achieve sufficient reliability for admissibility, it would be appropriate to prohibit any percent of accuracy to be introduced on direct examination. In other words, it would be inappropriate to testify that the test reflects a 90% probability that the test subject was truthful if it is not possible to accurately express how confident the jury could be in that number given the population of test subjects. Any probative value of such testimony would be substantially outweighed by the danger of confusion of the issues, misleading the jury, and undue waste of time. Known rate of error in operation 25. The only way to determine the “rate of error in operation” of the polygraph test procedure is to test the operation of the procedure and determine its reliability or accuracy. 26. To test a theory, one must start with a hypothesis. 27. There is no sound scientific theory upon which polygraph is based. 28. Dr. Honts claims to have a hypothesis that is being tested, that of whether a comparison question test accurately diagnoses truth and deception. However, there is no explanation as to why it does so if it does indeed do so. 29. There is no lie response. There is no one testable physiological manifestation of a lie. Polygraphs test physiological responses to questions and, if there is a physiological response, the thinking is that if the response is greater for a relevant question than for a comparison question, then it means the response to the relevant question is likely to be deceptive. However, any physiological response to any question could be caused by any one of a number of emotions such as shame, anxiety, guilt, fear, tension, or other emotional responses not understood. There is no single underlying process reflected in responses to questions that are measured by the polygraph. The polygraph measures a variety of psychological and physiological processes, including some that can be consciously controlled. 30. In the comparison question test, one emotional or physiological response to the relevant question could cause a measurable result on the polygraph and a completely different emotional or physiological response to the comparison question could cause a measurable result on the polygraph. Yet the level of response for each of the two responses is what is measured and compared, resulting in the gauge of truth-telling. 31. The comparison questions are not determined in advance and are either directed lie or probable lie questions. A directed lie means in the pre-test interview the test subject is told to lie to the question which will supposedly result in the physiological response. A probable lie is similar in operation, but is a question like: “Have you ever taken anything of value that did not belong to you?” Pretest procedures sometimes include card tricks or similar techniques to convince the test subject that the test is working and will detect deception. No standards exist for how the pre-test pro cedures will be conducted or for how the comparison question will be formulated. 32. The vast majority of the tests upon which the claimed accuracy of polygraph examinations is based are laboratory tests, as opposed to field tests. 33. In most laboratory tests, the subject is given a series of written instructions and during the course of following those instructions will or will not “steal” an item. Then the subject is immediately subjected to a polygraph examination. 34. In most field tests, results of polygraph examinations by various law enforcement agencies are examined to determine if they were correct. 35. The accuracy of a test in the field can only be determined if objective truth is known. If objective truth is not known, then you can not determine if the test accurately detected deception. 36. The method for determining objective truth in field tests is usually based on whether or not there was ultimately a confession either by the subject of the polygraph or by others who then exonerate the test subject. If nobody confesses, then the test result is not considered in determining accuracy. 37. This technique effectively limits the ability to measure polygraph accuracy in the field, since all test results are thrown out if there is not a confession. It is highly unlikely that subjects in a field study would confess if they passed the polygraph. A fair assumption is that a guilty subject would have a vested interest in passing the polygraph. That is one of the ideas proponents assert to argue that the stress of facing the relevant question would result in a more pronounced response than the control question. If it’s so important to pass, why would anyone who’s successfully passed the polygraph in a real life setting then decide to reveal the truth? Why would the subject bother taking the polygraph in the first place if the point wasn’t to try to get away with it? If that assumption is correct, and this Court, based on years of experience on the bench and in a criminal practice, as well as after reviewing all of the evidence and testimony in this case, finds that it is, field studies do not produce a reliable error rate. None of the errors are likely to admit they were “errors”. 38. Conversely, the truly innocent person who is scored as having failed the polygraph examination is also highly unlikely to confess to the crime they did not commit. Again, this error would not reach the final tally of test “success” since the result would not be considered at all as there was no confession. If the innocent person falsely confessed, which appears to happen from time to time, that would also inflate the accuracy figures of the field study and distort the claimed error rate. 39. Experimental field studies are the most compelling type of field validation study. This would be a study in which a variable of interest is manipulated among polygraph examinations in real-life settings. No experimental field studies are found in any of the literature on polygraph validity. PALD at 109-110. 40. At the top of research hierarchy is the peer reviewed publication. No specific-incident field investigations are found in the higher levels of research hierarchy. PALD at 114. 41. The field test results suggest that polygraph examinations are an effective interrogation tool because they seem to produce a significant number of confessions. This utility is separate from polygraph validity. According to NAS: “There is substantial anecdotal evidence that admissions and confessions occur in polygraph examinations, but no direct scientific evidence assessing the utility of the polygraph. Indirect evidence supports the idea that a technique will exhibit utility effects if examinees and the public believe that there is a high likelihood of a deceptive person being detected and that the costs of being judged deceptive are substantial.... there is no evidence to suggest that admissions and confessions occur more readily with the polygraph than with a bogus pipeline— an interrogation accompanying the use of an inert machine that the examinee believes to be a polygraph.” PALD at 214-215. 42. Because there is no underlying theory explaining why polygraphs detect deception, it limits the ability to determine effectiveness in contexts that vary from the lab settings or the limited number of field tests. For example, the majority of polygraph test results offered in evidence in New Mexico (all of the test results in the cases in issue in these appeals) are offered by the defendant. 43. Because laboratory tests are so dissimilar from the complex matrix of variables that can occur in real life, they are not sufficiently useful for determining the accuracy of polygraph testing in real life contexts. 44. The context of a polygraph test offered by a defendant differs in many material ways from the lab setting and field tests. First, the delay between the targeting of the suspect and the test is often significant. Second, the pressure to perform is different since the result of the test will not be disclosed if the defendant fails the test. Third, given the delay, the defendant may become habituated to answering questions about the pending charges and therefore may not react as strongly to relevant questions during the polygraph test. Fourth, the polygrapher is “friendly” to the defense. Fifth, the opportunity for the defendant to learn and utilize counter-measures is increased. 45. An example of the types of problems that are inherent in most laboratory studies was demonstrated by a laboratory study conducted by Dr. Iaeono which was designed to introduce some real stressors into the test dynamic, stressors that are more likely to mimic real life situations. Dr. Iaeono went to a population that Dr. Raskin used for one of his lab studies, prisoners. But instead of using the traditional Raskin approach of offering a nominal financial reward if the test is “beaten”, Dr. Iaeono generated some real pressure. He told the prisoners that he would pay them if they “beat” the polygraph, but that the payment would be to all of the prisoners or none. He told them that he expected a certain percentage to be successful and that if they fell below that percentage nobody would get paid and he would publish the names of the prisoners who failed to pass the polygraph in the prison. At the conclusion of the test he paid everyone and didn’t publish any names. However, the test accuracy fell from Dr. Raskin’s 94% to 72%, even though it was the same population group. As Iaeono described it, he set up a group contingency threat, where each test subject would be concerned about the consequences of the test outcome. The study was published in The Journal of Applied Psychology, a peer reviewed publication. TT, 6/24/03, 46^8. 46. The Iaeono prisoner study is one example of what can happen if a key and relevant variable is altered to more closely approach real life. Unfortunately, there are not enough studies that try to answer these types of questions. 47. No scientific field studies of the friendly polygrapher scenario have been conducted. Given the variables, the risk of significant impact is great. In the normal scenario, the scenario from which the field studies have been derived, the test is conducted in an adversarial setting. The goal of the police officer conducting the test is to catch somebody. The focus is intense and the consequences of failing the polygraph are great. 48. In the friendly polygraph there is no adversarial atmosphere. 49. The Rosenthal Effect is a phenomenon that has been recognized in psychology for approximately thirty years. It recognizes that psychologists and scientists and others who have an investment in a theory are likely to unconsciously arrange an experiment in such a way that they get favorable results. It is the reason that it is necessary that test re- suits need to be replicated by an independent researcher. 50. The Rosenthal Effect can affect an individual polygraph examiner because the hypothesis in an individual test involves the examiner’s sense of whether the test subject is guilty or not. The examiner necessarily has access to the case facts and interviews the examinee in a pre-test interview. Based on the case information and how the interview develops — for example the examinee might seem truthful — it can affect the attitude of the examiner. The Court noted the following statement from Dr. Honts: “In my experience in New Mexico in testifying before juries clearly indicates that, (the jury will make use of the polygraph as they see fit) and that they have decided to convict despite a polygraph that showed the person was truthful.” TT, 7/3/03, 114. The context of the statement and the observation of the witness led the Court to conclude that Dr. Honts was invested in the outcome and that he was surprised that a jury could reach a different conclusion. 51. The risk of the Rosenthal Effect is exacerbated by the lack of standards in the profession. 52. There is no requirement that the test subject be drug free. However, drugs that act to decrease responding in a general way will not normally affect the control question test because the scoring is based on comparing responses to two types of questions. The problem is, there is at least one study that indicates that alcohol could reverse the responses in a control question setting. Dr. Iacono was unable to duplicate the result of the study. More research needs to be done in this area. 53. Since it is not clear what emotional triggers will result in a particular reading in a polygraph chart and since different emotions may produce a given polygraph response in the control versus the relevant question, there is no way to determine if the drug may affect one emotional response, but not another. 54. There are no standards which dictate whether an examiner should use a probable lie versus a directed lie versus a relevant-irrelevant test. 55. There is no restriction regarding testing mentally ill individuals. However there is at least one study that indicates that psychopaths are not more able to defeat the polygraph than others. 56. While there are supposed guidelines that dictate the form of relevant question, they seem to be subject to unreasonable interpretation by practitioners. Dr. Raskin, on the one hand takes the position that intent is not a proper subject for a relevant question, yet claims that asking a relevant question regarding whether touching the victim’s penis was for “sexual purposes” is not problematic. TT, 7/1/03, 217-218. (Regarding the questions asked in State v. Robinson, one of the pending cases). 57. At this point there remains no licensing requirement for polygraphers in New Mexico. 58. There is no blind proficiency testing requirement in New Mexico. 59. Covert counter-measures consist of simple techniques such as biting the tongue, flexing the toes, or performing mentally stressful math exercises. These activities, if timed to take place during the control question phase of the test, can artificially augment the “involuntary” physiological response. 60. Counter-measures are effective in affecting polygraph test outcomes. One laboratory study indicates that with less than a half hour training or explanation, the likelihood of a false test result increases by 50%. There is a consensus among scientists that counter-measures are effective. Some studies indicate that merely reading about countermeasures is insufficient to affect test outcomes, but more research is necessary in this area. See, State v. Porter, 241 Conn. 57, 113, 698 A. 2nd 739, 768 (1997). 61. This Court shares the concern of the Connecticut Supreme Court in Porter, noting the informal study cited in that ease where twenty-seven inmates were given fifteen minutes of instruction by a fellow prisoner (who had been instructed by Dr. Lykken) before reporting for a polygraph exam regarding an alleged infraction of prison rules. All twenty-seven privately admitted their guilt and twenty-four passed the polygraph. Id., at 241 Conn. 114, 698 A.2d 768. Although that study is appropriately criticized by Dr. Raskin, see, Faigman, § 19-2.2.2 FN 72, the specter of the ease of communicating how to successfully utilize counter-measures remains. 62. Experienced examiners could not detect counter-measures in the lab study. 63. There are no properly conducted studies regarding the effectiveness of counter-measures in real life by sophisticated test subjects. 64. In PALD, the authors note: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the quality of the empirical research and the limited ability to generalize to real world settings, we conclude in populations of examinees, such as those represented in polygraph research literature, untrained in counter-measures, specific instance polygraph tests for specific investigations can discriminate lying from truth well above chance and well below perfection, and accuracy may be highly variable across situations.” Id. at 214. 65. However, there is no guarantee that the populations of test subjects that are likely to offer the test in evidence in New Mexico are “untrained in countermeasures.” Also, it must be kept in mind that the context of all of the research referred to was in relation to specific investigations in either laboratory settings or field studies based on adversarial test situations. As a result, the conclusion that tests in those situations can discriminate lying from truth “well above chance” is irrelevant to the inquiry of this Court. 66. Computer scoring of test results is a recent development. However, the algorithms for the programs are based on certain assumptions: • that the probability of truth or deception in real-world situations can be determined from the score on a control question test (the basic assumption of lie detection); • that the scores stored in the computer accurately represent the scores to be expected from truthful or deceptive subjects obtained under circumstances similar to those in the instant test; • that 50 percent of those who are tested with the instrument are deceptive (the base rate problem discussed elsewhere) See, Faigman, § 19-3.3.9. Because of the problems with field studies no database meeting the above criteria exists. The computer scoring results in an expressed confidence level presented as a percent likelihood that the test subject is truthful. Examiners will testify, for example, that the test score shows the likelihood that the subject was truthful is 93.3%. As discussed above, this is without a scientific basis and deceptively ignores the problem with base rates. Acceptance in the Relevant Scientific Community 4. The relevant scientific community is The Society for Psychophysiological Research and Fellows in Division One of the American Psychological Association, a division of the American Psychological Association General Psychology Group broadly versed in principles of psychology- 5. There have been four attempts to survey the relevant scientific community for its views of the validity of polygraph examinations. 6. Of the four attempts, the most reliable is the survey conducted by Dr. Iacono and published in The Journal of Applied Psychology, a peer reviewed publication. 7. While Dr. Honts is critical of the methodology, the response rate was the highest by far, and the survey clarified potential ambiguities found in the other surveys. The Court finds it significant that the article relating to the Iacono survey and the results were selected by the publisher of a book on research methodology to be used as an exemplar of how to do similar types of research. Further, unlike the Iacono survey, the other surveys did not distinguish between control question tests and guilty knowledge test. 8. 36 % of those responding felt the control question polygraph test was based on scientifically sound psychological principles and theory. This compares with 22% who agreed with that statement regarding the directed lie test and 77% who agreed with the question in the guilty knowledge test. 9. A significant majority also agreed that a “friendly” test was more likely to be passed than an adversarial test. 99% believed that counter-measures might work. 10. On the issue of the weight to be given laboratory studies as opposed to field studies, only 17% believed that results of laboratory studies should be given substantial weight. 11. The Iacono survey results were consistent with the NAS view that the high levels of accuracy claimed by practitioners have rarely been reflected in empirical research. NAS, p. 107. 12. Control question polygraph tests do not enjoy general acceptance within the relevant scientific community. 13. This finding is even more significant given the length of time the polygraph has been in use. The polygraph is not “cutting edge” technology that would tend to be esoteric. It is technology that would be familiar to members of The Society for Psychophysiological Research and Fellows in Division One of the American Psychological Association. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 1.Polygraph test results and the conclusions derived from them are not based upon an overarching theory. To the extent it is merely argued that there is a hypothesis that the test reliably detects deception, that hypothesis has not been subjected to field research. The existing laboratory research, given the problems described above, is woefully inadequate to support admissibility in court in real life contexts. 2. There is no theory, as stated above. The technique has been subjected to limited peer review publication. The conclusions of the relevant publications do not enhance confidence in the test results, particularly considering the effectiveness of counter-measures. 3. The potential rate of error is vague and unreliable. Given the effect of ignoring base rates as endorsed by proponents, the reliability of test results as reflected in an actual percentage misrepresents the confidence level in the test. 4. There are no set standards other than those set out in Rule 11-707 NMRA 2003. Those standards are insufficient for the reasons set out above. 5. Control question polygraph tests are not accepted in the relevant scientific community at a significant level, particularly considering the age of the technique. 6. The technique is not based upon well-recognized scientific principles and is not capable of supporting opinions based upon reasonable probability rather than conjecture. 7. If the risk of counter-measures is ignored, there is an argument that all of the studies taken together support a conclusion that a successful polygraph result makes a fact in issue more or less probable. However, given the state of the art of polygraphy, the limited probative value polygraph test results is substantially outweighed by the danger of confusion of the issues, undue delay, and waste of time and therefore polygraph evidence becomes inadmissible under Rule 11 — 403 NMRA 2003. 8. At least one court has found that testimony that someone has passed a polygraph examination is extrinsic evidence of a specific instance of conduct (passing the polygraph) that supports a witness’s credibility, and is therefore inadmissible under Rule 11-608 B. US v. Piccinonna, 729 F.Supp. 1336, 1338 (S.D.Fla.1990), aff'd by U.S. v. Piccinonna, 925 F.2d 1474 (11th Cir.1991). 9. Because of the inherently subjective nature of the test procedure, the polygraph examination can not be repeated. Successful repetition of a test is the cornerstone of the scientific method. It lacks test-retest reliability. 10. The results of polygraph testing are not sufficiently reliable for admissibility in courts in New Mexico. /s/ Richard J. Knowles Richard J. Knowles District Judge . NAS, The Polygraph and Lie Detection 12-13, 81 (2003) . Id. at 13. . Id. . Id. at 11-12. . William G. Iacono and David T. Lykken, The Scientific Status of Research on Polygraph Techniques: The Case Against Polygraph Tests, § 19— 3.3.4[5], in 2 MODERN SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE: THE LAW AND SCIENCE OF EXPERT TESTIMONY (David L. Faigman, David H. Kaye, Michael J. Saks & Joseph Sanders eds., 2002) .Charles R. Honts, David C. Raskin, & John C. Kircher, The Scientific Status of Research on Polygraph Techniques: The Case for Polygraph Tests, § 19 — 2.2.3[1], in 2 MODERN SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE: THE LAW AND SCIENCE OF EXPERT TESTIMONY (David L. Faigman, David H. Kaye, Michael J. Saks & Joseph Sanders eds., 2002) . Iaconoati 19 — 3.1.1 [1]. . PALD at 253. . Honts at § 19 — 2.1.2[3] . Iaconoat§ 19 — 3.1.1 [2] [A ]. . The Legal Relevance of Scientific Research on Polygraph Tests, Per se Exclusion § 19-1.2.1 in 2 MODERN SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE: THE LAW AND SCIENCE OF EXPERT TESTIMONY (David L. Faigman, David H. Kaye, Michael J. Saks & Joseph Sanders eds., 2002) . Faigman et al. at § 19-1.2.3, fn. 73 and 74. . Faigman et al. at § 19-1.2.2.
[ 0.004589489661157131, -0.02915414609014988, -0.016434885561466217, 0.020745253190398216, 0.04252418875694275, 0.004929910413920879, 0.0704926922917366, 0.010135346092283726, -0.000006742729510733625, -0.06466659158468246, 0.03877919539809227, 0.05870760232210159, -0.060369085520505905, 0.04684391990303993, -0.02276967279613018, 0.040621839463710785, 0.06259193271398544, 0.039175234735012054, 0.051197003573179245, -0.011293658055365086, 0.015216583386063576, -0.0285504050552845, 0.01874055154621601, 0.022387342527508736, 0.022830110043287277, -0.004095520358532667, 0.0015471584629267454, 0.006057746708393097, -0.06486257165670395, 0.003775492310523987, 0.04172489047050476, -0.03496231138706207, -0.0059250472113490105, 0.008537625893950462, 0.018426159396767616, 0.054473500698804855, 0.0022335778921842575, 0.00356818619184196, -0.02715354412794113, 0.019514299929142, -0.0020396276377141476, 0.016416119411587715, -0.05056227371096611, -0.026166535913944244, -0.030429964885115623, 0.024925656616687775, 0.0019192110048606992, 0.04408004879951477, -0.01949446275830269, 0.02929825894534588, -0.05560419708490372, 0.006180757191032171, -0.033596500754356384, 0.03975437581539154, -0.02700679562985897, 0.025192372500896454, -0.05002420395612717, -0.060896676033735275, -0.03483734279870987, -0.023144321516156197, 0.030473584309220314, -0.022664014250040054, 0.02730371616780758, 0.004445619415491819, 0.01380913332104683, -0.004456415772438049, 0.031527601182460785, 0.07308077067136765, -0.022455977275967598, -0.025559989735484123, -0.03483293578028679, -0.008158301934599876, -0.002553376602008939, -0.01595495641231537, 0.006571818608790636, -0.05629042908549309, 0.033708252012729645, 0.02244589664041996, 0.01308892760425806, 0.02874111570417881, 0.020562374964356422, 0.02393031120300293, 0.027321279048919678, 0.04783358797430992, -0.014168513007462025, -0.06979305297136307, -0.04359475150704384, -0.010219919495284557, -0.02684027887880802, 0.04058267921209335, -0.014903700910508633, -0.034027330577373505, 0.02685501053929329, 0.037156086415052414, -0.02109566517174244, -0.04161478579044342, 0.05867793411016464, -0.027539629489183426, 0.03681785613298416, -0.028703751042485237, 0.017670921981334686, -0.01896022818982601, 0.025107067078351974, 0.052354104816913605, -0.04482358321547508, -0.026361193507909775, 0.0006135409348644316, -0.0071261366829276085, -0.024644169956445694, 0.02608119137585163, 0.0019447908271104097, 0.03624165430665016, -0.005879987496882677, -0.024092208594083786, -0.06484029442071915, 0.05290498957037926, 0.03314787894487381, -0.05617449805140495, -0.03816943243145943, -0.019404282793402672, 0.04563174024224281, 0.03610053285956383, 0.013687034137547016, 0.07477886974811554, 0.010932951234281063, 0.013870181515812874, -0.007781504187732935, 0.030534228309988976, -0.02503919042646885, -0.028641603887081146, -0.009932260029017925, 0.02947535179555416, 0.04063748940825462, 0.03532670438289642, -0.006742963567376137, -0.04595956578850746, 0.012432696297764778, -0.02854250743985176, 0.08652452379465103, -0.011120444163680077, 0.004207398276776075, -0.018759023398160934, 0.044204775243997574, 0.010835082270205021, 0.028760140761733055, -0.07278315722942352, 0.03885124996304512, -0.00011676602298393846, -0.010150705464184284, -0.03371603786945343, 0.032759178429841995, 0.03192618861794472, 0.03134310618042946, 0.003986360505223274, -0.0054155089892446995, 0.021506300196051598, 0.010364685207605362, 0.002225772710517049, 0.012983056716620922, 0.022817008197307587, 0.046222589910030365, -0.0026050431188195944, 0.012342620640993118, -0.02033062092959881, 0.03422832116484642, 0.012827090919017792, -0.013559331186115742, 0.025684570893645287, 0.0016314219683408737, 0.04126684367656708, -0.013801386579871178, -0.012408528476953506, 0.044902268797159195, -0.03644862771034241, -0.026083290576934814, 0.037334173917770386, 0.041591789573431015, 0.021566547453403473, 0.011229614727199078, -0.04011983796954155, -0.05492956191301346, 0.06047922000288963, -0.05820822715759277, 0.016976814717054367, -0.056244246661663055, -0.032282982021570206, 0.049306631088256836, 0.01045761164277792, -0.004012968856841326, -0.007857262156903744, -0.0479879155755043, -0.007248911540955305, 0.044830307364463806, -0.04991694912314415, 0.07046177983283997, 0.02715313993394375, -0.02976856380701065, 0.050139524042606354, 0.010912452824413776, 0.04073094576597214, 0.03973584249615669, 0.023741280660033226, 0.056765493005514145, -0.03949092701077461, -0.06134263426065445, 0.0154491625726223, 0.05249927192926407, -0.02638435736298561, -0.0021138477604836226, 0.04532874375581741, -0.03214549645781517, 0.025216832756996155, -0.02280854433774948, -0.007681466173380613, 0.036803003400564194, 0.009498675353825092, 0.05568910017609596, -0.03442055732011795, 0.03325098007917404, -0.049942634999752045, 0.03971749171614647, -0.009133913554251194, -0.001314863795414567, 0.06935416907072067, -0.059832800179719925, 0.10992063581943512, 0.05490817874670029, -0.03697647526860237, -0.031076956540346146, 0.02229853719472885, 0.01072858925908804, 0.029040507972240448, 0.054328031837940216, -0.005394335370510817, 0.05238709598779678, -0.04033087193965912, 0.006764457561075687, 0.02002134919166565, 0.049564991146326065, -0.06450120359659195, 0.0027464500162750483, 0.019635481759905815, 0.019223341718316078, 0.052660293877124786, -0.03588416799902916, -0.021841609850525856, 0.008803384378552437, 0.004671505652368069, -0.02154814824461937, -0.025285620242357254, 0.01601392775774002, -0.0016766582848504186, 0.010813113301992416, -0.018626639619469643, 0.022596508264541626, -0.0607495978474617, -0.004211321007460356, -0.02329159900546074, 0.02580518275499344, 0.007637131027877331, 0.020347222685813904, 0.02606910653412342, 0.018347280099987984, -0.026387425139546394, -0.045014847069978714, -0.060217346996068954, -0.06219944357872009, 0.020899178460240364, 0.011635741218924522, 0.003981830086559057, 0.05794321000576019, 0.03511596843600273, 0.00396991241723299, 0.010913750156760216, -0.02099180966615677, 0.05263694003224373, 0.03373106196522713, 0.03799107298254967, -0.0007423816132359207, 0.011470556259155273, -0.014143763110041618, 0.047572433948516846, -0.025177516043186188, -0.039795294404029846, -0.006010211072862148, -0.0848289504647255, 0.035857588052749634, -0.059966232627630234, -0.027586381882429123, 0.05391707271337509, -0.019716715440154076, 0.03467841446399689, 0.041995592415332794, -0.01096478570252657, 0.028609471395611763, -0.011831292882561684, 0.006928187794983387, 0.03195345029234886, 0.06880822032690048, -0.020262282341718674, -0.004194401670247316, -0.011957217007875443, -0.0073389215394854546, -0.004198511131107807, 0.01508989930152893, 0.015615238808095455, -0.021291110664606094, -0.003698567161336541, -0.2631247639656067, 0.03393369913101196, -0.019575977697968483, -0.06191158667206764, 0.0280940979719162, -0.04653238132596016, 0.02082204632461071, -0.022059276700019836, -0.022672386839985847, 0.022148076444864273, -0.010235882364213467, -0.009786458685994148, -0.005986316129565239, 0.06778746098279953, 0.023884017020463943, -0.045553285628557205, -0.013767576776444912, -0.017208022996783257, 0.01737252250313759, 0.024878522381186485, 0.014962756074965, -0.04622356966137886, -0.02880695089697838, 0.004945383407175541, 0.042813681066036224, 0.058849018067121506, -0.05773613974452019, 0.01289247628301382, -0.06046106293797493, -0.05374883860349655, 0.007158854976296425, 0.00792337954044342, -0.016276737675070763, 0.005709202494472265, -0.008347613736987114, 0.013939658179879189, 0.02150246873497963, -0.03026433102786541, -0.04750322923064232, -0.007329004816710949, -0.0019167277496308088, -0.03534480929374695, -0.03571672365069389, -0.0006134663126431406, 0.04144660383462906, 0.018222130835056305, -0.02677272818982601, -0.021446745842695236, -0.013073285110294819, 0.03959159180521965, -0.036948759108781815, 0.031815506517887115, -0.06749063730239868, 0.0011390765430405736, -0.05292003974318504, 0.010311098769307137, -0.03840918838977814, 0.009843031875789165, -0.07850035279989243, 0.04150155931711197, -0.01755649968981743, -0.05453241616487503, -0.04457521438598633, -0.0538896881043911, -0.04082870110869408, -0.025536485016345978, -0.0588265135884285, -0.07062845677137375, 0.08986444026231766, 0.024551428854465485, -0.007519513368606567, 0.045417897403240204, -0.03590356186032295, -0.07815316319465637, 0.01054081879556179, 0.00729294354096055, -0.01759696565568447, -0.037501201033592224, -0.04471317306160927, 0.0708499401807785, -0.02486962080001831, -0.02929137833416462, 0.0388164184987545, 0.011180835776031017, 0.01343677006661892, 0.029900595545768738, -0.004936612211167812, 0.06338019669055939, -0.043515484780073166, -0.007056604139506817, 0.048137515783309937, 0.021681515499949455, -0.006276371423155069, -0.0431387834250927, 0.0014430807204917073, 0.06661465764045715, 0.016487915068864822, -0.009037421084940434, -0.0429387129843235, -0.0030325516127049923, 0.024985484778881073, -0.0654870793223381, 0.06748360395431519, -0.04723932966589928, -0.03780220448970795, -0.0013691427884623408, -0.04437354579567909, 0.01622617430984974, 0.04582047089934349, -0.025388093665242195, 0.005114153027534485, -0.004589008633047342, 0.04511513561010361, -0.008999515324831009, 0.005193178541958332, -0.0443006306886673, 0.003162446664646268, 0.006010144017636776, -0.018088730052113533, -0.01827235519886017, 0.006962434854358435, 0.021817905828356743, -0.08027090132236481, -0.011520791798830032, -0.08557279407978058, -0.02010962925851345, 0.04298553243279457, 0.01599251665174961, -0.012483378872275352, 0.03274289518594742, -0.043627701699733734, -0.0036996877752244473, 0.024664049968123436, 0.014499968849122524, 0.021073851734399796, 0.02195412665605545, -0.06055108457803726, -0.01430257223546505, 0.020346516743302345, -0.028126761317253113, 0.03165709599852562, -0.025014977902173996, 0.047078557312488556, 0.01923658885061741, 0.026913175359368324, -0.02480686642229557, 0.01673491671681404, 0.011598369106650352, -0.026939982548356056, 0.02895890735089779, 0.05550557002425194, -0.08201006054878235, -0.02553369104862213, -0.044596944004297256, -0.01670796237885952, 0.031861137598752975, 0.01846710965037346, 0.008161216042935848, 0.0045616114512085915, -0.07739611715078354, 0.008573577739298344, -0.02074146457016468, -0.007698388304561377, -0.02648024819791317, 0.00946384109556675, 0.04290757328271866, -0.04156218469142914, 0.02355440892279148, -0.02136254496872425, 0.00029571770573966205, -0.03139617666602135, -0.0632258802652359, -0.018619585782289505, -0.001549737760797143, 0.01343740988522768, 0.044682592153549194, -0.013394138775765896, 0.014461071230471134, 0.0018803122220560908, 0.028319761157035828, -0.018031597137451172, -0.057621460407972336, -0.04286360368132591, 0.008812868036329746, 0.022652940824627876, -0.026881011202931404, -0.018893003463745117, -0.046916838735342026, -0.010828250087797642, 0.02146516740322113, 0.010329976677894592, -0.012466066516935825, -0.0023769433610141277, 0.016762763261795044, -0.07253330945968628, -0.0537513829767704, 0.004674973431974649, -0.001058736233972013, 0.02693692408502102, 0.019681129604578018, 0.009478005580604076, -0.018716739490628242, -0.03957541659474373, -0.04808986932039261, 0.0284810159355402, -0.06617967784404755, -0.010952118784189224, 0.030111514031887054, -0.03877798840403557, 0.006122455932199955, -0.07632670551538467, -0.010304512456059456, -0.00476369634270668, 0.04370005801320076, 0.013704816810786724, -0.05495937541127205, 0.05211374908685684, 0.0013164565898478031, -0.018112923949956894, 0.01992121897637844, 0.02737143635749817, -0.02302207052707672, -0.002394299954175949, 0.02590075507760048, -0.0051465765573084354, 0.056019898504018784, -0.002742305165156722, -0.004338479600846767, 0.0415048711001873, -0.056497059762477875, 0.01678888127207756, -0.03121970035135746, 0.0182577483355999, 0.04448233172297478, -0.036653783172369, 0.025287147611379623, 0.010765047743916512, 0.006720051169395447, -0.02680458500981331, 0.0436408706009388, -0.02215161733329296, 0.007188840303570032, -0.0525178462266922, -0.03154812008142471, -0.033410411328077316, 0.003018291899934411, 0.026726361364126205, 0.0008196851704269648, 0.009077305905520916, 0.09527099877595901, 0.002585649723187089, 0.019371066242456436, -0.02309110388159752, -0.017662253230810165, 0.03182899206876755, -0.030811753123998642, 0.004876425024122, 0.02088221162557602, -0.030151978135108948, -0.00439278781414032, -0.001255493494682014, 0.012710890732705593, 0.03608378395438194, 0.0037242493126541376, 0.01566360704600811, 0.012331599369645119, -0.02416890859603882, -0.0012423809384927154, 0.02692066691815853, -0.07808933407068253, -0.029618240892887115, -0.04659872129559517, 0.012964279390871525, 0.018071044236421585, -0.015893518924713135, 0.02290794439613819, 0.02374737709760666, -0.02240820974111557, 0.03631984069943428, -0.04879109188914299, -0.021165253594517708, 0.004118999931961298, -0.005634138360619545, -0.028092961758375168, 0.016025088727474213, -0.057546619325876236, 0.023574361577630043, 0.02497238852083683, -0.08931771665811539, -0.054989684373140335, 0.024806395173072815, 0.0009418812696821988, 0.04000207781791687, -0.0016141459345817566, 0.009471470490098, -0.004126005806028843, 0.018732702359557152, 0.06132151931524277, -0.025819770991802216, 0.013411059975624084, -0.052957914769649506, 0.047493841499090195, 0.052412647753953934, -0.0101402522996068, -0.018086740747094154, 0.02510651759803295, -0.01006396021693945, -0.077314592897892, 0.04043121635913849, -0.0008067639428190887, -0.06480716913938522, -0.07007796317338943, 0.049195338040590286, 0.013002889230847359, -0.050162747502326965, -0.039220280945301056, 0.0031693337950855494, -0.023205576464533806, -0.02212052419781685, -0.024318724870681763, 0.0018116435967385769, 0.015889521688222885, 0.052546948194503784, 0.012628013268113136, 0.06944558024406433, 0.024773718789219856, -0.00903495866805315, 0.028943359851837158, 0.030195437371730804, 0.087209552526474, 0.065531887114048, 0.040695417672395706, 0.011184930801391602, 0.05269056186079979, -0.00662755174562335, -0.01666627638041973, 0.014736020006239414, 0.004749516490846872, 0.012653864920139313, 0.020748304203152657, -0.019205955788493156, 0.06112643703818321, -0.016221730038523674, 0.0608673095703125, 0.010297824628651142, 0.0025396866258233786, 0.052465226501226425, 0.005914323963224888, 0.026918470859527588, 0.009737267158925533, -0.009442557580769062, -0.052417464554309845, 0.012788835912942886, 0.013689025305211544, -0.017996538430452347, -0.019937820732593536, -0.04687241464853287, 0.0019432826666161418, -0.09967824816703796, 0.006556513253599405, -0.03875584155321121, 0.018290650099515915, 0.04722632095217705, -0.028388693928718567, -0.023959273472428322, 0.02102508954703808, -0.006011623423546553, 0.012373467907309532, -0.051163967698812485, 0.03471583127975464, -0.0003423562156967819, -0.004090795759111643, -0.0387272909283638, 0.06068620830774307, 0.04706321656703949, -0.004983304534107447, 0.013094516471028328, -0.008027512580156326, -0.03666891157627106, 0.0513853058218956, 0.007445712573826313, -0.0232225488871336, -0.019969221204519272, -0.06165558844804764, -0.0044136797077953815, -0.04323294758796692, 0.03803131356835365, -0.033574748784303665, -0.027577923610806465, -0.03275861591100693, -0.01109801884740591, 0.007257270626723766, -0.03634285554289818, 0.04319947585463524, -0.04863589257001877, 0.008657035417854786, 0.050635211169719696, 0.02453562617301941, 0.002120387274771929, 0.021906623616814613, 0.02504548244178295, 0.0004145964339841157, -0.05990130826830864, 0.026276113465428352, -0.04189781844615936, 0.011602931655943394, -0.01929067075252533, 0.01883956417441368, -0.08954308182001114, -0.014086349867284298, -0.014631780795753002, -0.002214408479630947, -0.05173889175057411, 0.04707271233201027, -0.01648983359336853, -0.02408820204436779, 0.06862562894821167, 0.049409832805395126, 0.0071567753329873085, -0.014430402778089046, 0.001016520312987268, -0.025373190641403198, -0.00976888369768858, 0.04685815051198006, -0.04432166740298271, 0.043129391968250275, 0.012524056248366833, -0.00818831380456686, -0.020579924806952477, 0.03777306154370308, 0.019946634769439697, -0.0119781494140625, -0.012855691835284233, -0.006780883762985468, -0.03744617849588394, -0.04206079617142677, -0.05244096368551254, 0.010007460601627827, -0.04195365682244301, -0.05552874505519867, 0.02442367561161518, -0.012556670233607292, 0.014702399261295795, -0.02487940527498722, 0.04065803810954094, 0.03914211690425873, -0.05508122220635414, -0.04948555678129196, -0.026382312178611755, 0.011284060776233673, -0.009068561717867851, 0.01678439788520336, 0.0017368223052471876, -0.08985160291194916, -0.009907327592372894, -0.023759901523590088, 0.03960618004202843, 0.022622108459472656, 0.02374592423439026, -0.021016227081418037 ]
OPINION GARCIA, Judge. We withdraw our opinion filed on May 21, 1987, and substitute the following. Respondent appeals from the children’s court judgment and disposition finding him to be a delinquent child in need of care and rehabilitation. This court filed a calendar notice proposing summary affirmance and respondent filed a memorandum in opposition. One issue, listed in the docketing statement but not addressed in the memorandum in opposition, is deemed abandoned. See State v. Romero, 103 N.M. 532, 710 P.2d 99 (Ct.App.1985). The only remaining issue is whether jeopardy attaches in juvenile adjudicatory hearings once a special master begins to hear evidence. We hold that it does not and affirm the trial court. FACTS With the special master sitting for the adjudicatory hearing, respondent was found to have committed misdemeanor aggravated battery. No evidence was tendered by the state concerning whether respondent was in need of care and rehabilitation, but the special master made such a finding. After reviewing respondent’s objection to the special master’s findings, the children’s court entered a written order remanding the proceedings to the special master for a hearing to determine whether respondent was in need of care and rehabilitation. A second adjudicatory hearing was held in front of the special master, at which time the state presented evidence on the issue of respondent’s need for care and rehabilitation. The special master again made a finding that respondent was in such need and the children’s court entered a judgment and disposition. DISCUSSION Relying on Breed v. Jones, 421 U.S. 519, 95 S.Ct. 1779, 44 L.Ed.2d 346 (1975) and Doe v. State, 92 N.M. 74, 582 P.2d 1287 (1978), respondent contends that the children’s court’s remand to the special master for an additional hearing placed him in double jeopardy. We do not agree since the cases cited by respondent are distinguishable. In Breed, the Supreme Court held that a juvenile was placed twice in jeopardy when, after an adjudicatory hearing, judgment and disposition in juvenile court on a charge of delinquent conduct, he was transferred to an adult criminal court and was tried and convicted of the same conduct. The present case is distinguishable because only one judgment and disposition, by the children’s court, resulted. Respondent was not tried twice. Respondent’s reliance on Doe is also misplaced. In that case, the children’s court entered a finding that the child was in need of care and rehabilitation that was unsupported by the evidence. Our supreme court held that jeopardy had attached, and remand for a new adjudication of delinquency would have violated the constitutional prohibition against double jeopardy. In the present case, the children’s court had made no findings and conclusions at the time it remanded the proceedings to the special master. As long as the special master’s recommendations are not binding on the children’s court judge, a special master is considered a ministerial, rather than a judicial officer, and is without powers of adjudication. See In re Anderson, 272 Md. 85, 321 A.2d 516 (1974), cert. denied, 421 U.S. 1000, 95 S.Ct. 2399, 44 L.Ed.2d 667 (1975). Under SCRA 1986,10-111(F), the children’s court is not bound by the special master’s findings and conclusions. The children’s court judge always has responsibility for the final decision in the case. Therefore, a special master’s hearing, culminating with an adjudication by the children’s court judge, constitutes a single proceeding. See Swisher v. Brady, 438 U.S. 204, 98 S.Ct. 2699, 57 L.Ed.2d 705 (1978). Thus, there was no violation of the double jeopardy clause when the children’s court judge remanded to the special master prior to entering its findings and conclusions. See id. Respondent contends that Rule 10-111(F) only allows the children’s court to receive additional evidence in a case where such evidence was excluded by the special master and exceptions were taken by a party. We decline to adopt such a narrow reading. In light of the limited role a special master plays in children’s court proceedings, additional evidence may be received until the children’s court judge enters findings and conclusions. We see nothing inappropriate in the children’s court’s refusal to accept an inadequate report from the special master and think it proper to remand for additional proceedings. For the foregoing reasons, the children’s court is affirmed. IT IS SO ORDERED. BIVINS and FRUMAN, JJ., concur.
[ -0.029906101524829865, -0.03996562957763672, -0.013264390639960766, 0.0017514927312731743, 0.033372972160577774, -0.006501176860183477, 0.06421203911304474, -0.006941409781575203, -0.018148569390177727, -0.05841279402375221, 0.018638918176293373, 0.02972392365336418, -0.04940230771899223, 0.05298231542110443, -0.025782417505979538, 0.07044252008199692, 0.09397182613611221, 0.008055856451392174, 0.01524235401302576, -0.03207061439752579, -0.0029724990017712116, -0.03308862820267677, -0.002723690355196595, 0.07236374914646149, -0.0012973923003301024, 0.03519674763083458, 0.0002475297078490257, 0.006513978820294142, -0.07180885225534439, -0.006903850939124823, 0.02428307570517063, -0.015889590606093407, 0.004727527964860201, 0.011860731989145279, -0.010536360554397106, 0.0069166747853159904, -0.006662690546363592, -0.024694526568055153, -0.0017813195008784533, 0.0374724306166172, -0.00422260956838727, 0.018120555207133293, -0.04238260164856911, -0.02941836044192314, -0.06409665942192078, 0.013618120923638344, 0.02615317888557911, 0.04941492900252342, -0.008755170740187168, 0.014322606846690178, -0.07078596204519272, 0.020553285256028175, -0.02518395148217678, -0.001442758017219603, -0.027853375300765038, -0.0009063305915333331, -0.04560423269867897, -0.045392513275146484, -0.021365540102124214, -0.02117403782904148, 0.030979307368397713, -0.021406099200248718, 0.08687625080347061, 0.014514015056192875, -0.028401128947734833, -0.004277343396097422, -0.0007912307046353817, 0.05535845458507538, -0.024102086201310158, -0.030943024903535843, -0.03838237002491951, 0.001512410119175911, 0.01528188493102789, -0.0005398927605710924, 0.0030416285153478384, -0.0024223867803812027, 0.011582442559301853, 0.026030557230114937, -0.0059019471518695354, 0.04158082604408264, 0.005103427451103926, 0.0015340083045884967, 0.029080484062433243, 0.04900243133306503, 0.028012139722704887, -0.05090924724936485, 0.01277210284024477, 0.004605764057487249, -0.03066171705722809, 0.056124843657016754, -0.01182599551975727, -0.016716353595256805, 0.042647164314985275, 0.05794822424650192, -0.0037704119458794594, -0.015448994934558868, 0.07039722055196762, -0.04881664738059044, 0.03137638419866562, -0.010302793234586716, -0.025437036529183388, 0.001230645109899342, 0.021404804661870003, 0.0026593420188874006, -0.09064245223999023, -0.0058800880797207355, 0.0027019388508051634, -0.008703631348907948, -0.00336906174197793, 0.04082983359694481, -0.030762476846575737, 0.03493872284889221, -0.006186970975250006, -0.015176995657384396, -0.06004521995782852, 0.03920195996761322, 0.02379104308784008, -0.021796688437461853, -0.04164129123091698, -0.006529105361551046, 0.027163073420524597, 0.0004476379253901541, 0.012723827734589577, 0.09084749966859818, 0.050572726875543594, 0.0020884652622044086, 0.012967034243047237, 0.04203759506344795, -0.0016737192636355758, -0.05231688544154167, 0.011416397988796234, 0.028221124783158302, 0.004373555537313223, 0.039542850106954575, -0.05475316569209099, -0.00244838441722095, -0.007062952965497971, -0.03190355375409126, 0.04938904941082001, -0.0210866779088974, -0.027379898354411125, -0.030097607523202896, 0.0062269833870232105, 0.023252150043845177, 0.06528232991695404, -0.045721229165792465, 0.00442167604342103, -0.02520975098013878, -0.032287079840898514, -0.0083796801045537, 0.011961695738136768, 0.018489506095647812, 0.019804563373327255, -0.030378876253962517, -0.008186514489352703, 0.04159354045987129, 0.023281490430235863, -0.02637370303273201, -0.00024278780620079488, 0.04295508936047554, 0.01777905784547329, 0.023026464506983757, 0.01700877957046032, -0.01978714019060135, 0.004342569969594479, 0.05317697301506996, 0.0042905486188828945, -0.01864091120660305, -0.03461737930774689, 0.04913577064871788, -0.04858993738889694, -0.0020802172366529703, 0.049181900918483734, -0.08678925037384033, -0.05079106241464615, -0.0013273826334625483, 0.026051942259073257, 0.010380913503468037, 0.03380623087286949, -0.07186668366193771, -0.07411716878414154, 0.04006950557231903, -0.02098732814192772, -0.01149031799286604, -0.050823308527469635, -0.01519362535327673, 0.04264232888817787, -0.024115202948451042, 0.016744574531912804, -0.0032483369577676058, -0.08167414367198944, -0.045527081936597824, 0.0012098049046471715, -0.005029819905757904, 0.040154263377189636, 0.0036777062341570854, -0.04813758656382561, 0.026315271854400635, 0.016430333256721497, 0.02748323418200016, 0.014019934460520744, 0.0028529565315693617, 0.04009617865085602, -0.01386144571006298, -0.043773945420980453, 0.041051872074604034, 0.04679378122091293, -0.005526146851480007, 0.035572201013565063, 0.05080091580748558, -0.028317635878920555, 0.023916738107800484, 0.026696857064962387, 0.027499480172991753, 0.041518498212099075, -0.013390314765274525, 0.045527383685112, -0.04479086771607399, 0.017590366303920746, -0.045229721814394, 0.018684353679418564, -0.0025390402879565954, -0.010614780709147453, 0.03058226965367794, -0.027284633368253708, 0.08368172496557236, 0.05672697722911835, -0.03233892843127251, 0.0027762039098888636, 0.024361569434404373, -0.016473805531859398, -0.010316741652786732, 0.006679857615381479, 0.036931224167346954, 0.03795266151428223, -0.011943170800805092, -0.022150231525301933, -0.011513209901750088, 0.03527619317173958, -0.06501983851194382, 0.028252676129341125, 0.04522579908370972, 0.02467791549861431, 0.05435337498784065, -0.012743580155074596, 0.0004974898765794933, -0.006745520513504744, 0.020871222019195557, -0.04065876081585884, 0.0008160765282809734, 0.006049705669283867, -0.0007600204553455114, 0.0195614080876112, -0.008962380699813366, 0.004490589257329702, -0.034106843173503876, -0.058828264474868774, -0.007071236148476601, 0.017222370952367783, 0.0026766215451061726, -0.0010888061951845884, 0.0403205081820488, 0.018709221854805946, -0.012404590845108032, -0.037211526185274124, -0.03461304306983948, -0.03647848218679428, 0.00897093303501606, 0.010761246085166931, 0.023578837513923645, 0.053905632346868515, 0.03350435942411423, 0.0035572205670177937, -0.0032032581511884928, -0.020606331527233124, 0.0334092378616333, 0.03914446756243706, -0.007743180729448795, 0.013096116483211517, 0.006257451139390469, -0.032906897366046906, 0.040625620633363724, -0.018508462235331535, -0.05333084985613823, -0.0014537613606080413, -0.07879198342561722, 0.04332790523767471, -0.035622552037239075, -0.053809259086847305, 0.04070505127310753, 0.019947851076722145, 0.025122718885540962, -0.008158058859407902, 0.01507751177996397, 0.02914668247103691, 0.01141367293894291, 0.046290215104818344, 0.008234529756009579, 0.01704154908657074, -0.019650842994451523, -0.014403685927391052, -0.03516482561826706, 0.007135268300771713, 0.04012502729892731, 0.03252452239394188, 0.029795363545417786, -0.022580647841095924, 0.02351754531264305, -0.26956894993782043, 0.023027928546071053, 0.0011118591064587235, -0.05582377687096596, 0.06223969906568527, -0.03492055460810661, 0.04397854581475258, -0.029937030747532845, -0.030692266300320625, 0.05499611422419548, -0.007477428764104843, -0.032860949635505676, 0.0480908639729023, 0.06902404129505157, 0.017615295946598053, -0.01671093888580799, -0.01634589210152626, 0.016341514885425568, -0.017295116558670998, 0.03462889418005943, 0.046154920011758804, -0.0751674547791481, -0.06926248222589493, 0.030711853876709938, 0.06596104055643082, 0.04823773726820946, -0.04414048045873642, -0.0015885323518887162, -0.08914925158023834, -0.04546012356877327, -0.026677172631025314, 0.025745989754796028, -0.012076061218976974, 0.008944342844188213, -0.01572522148489952, 0.02063162624835968, 0.03752875700592995, 0.020135490223765373, -0.026214132085442543, -0.016412386670708656, 0.02619865909218788, -0.05246565863490105, -0.032318782061338425, 0.01383231207728386, 0.03362197056412697, 0.03592192754149437, -0.0732405036687851, 0.0021561491303145885, -0.019260000437498093, 0.07075196504592896, -0.028275443241000175, -0.02984306588768959, -0.0424780547618866, 0.02433266118168831, -0.01413005217909813, -0.012247711420059204, -0.048944342881441116, -0.0440935343503952, -0.05521842837333679, 0.0021740056108683348, 0.01790524832904339, -0.058606285601854324, -0.013183170929551125, -0.04221237450838089, -0.030699027702212334, -0.027056019753217697, -0.06503406912088394, -0.050478946417570114, 0.08214550465345383, 0.05058193951845169, 0.008046995848417282, -0.020413154736161232, -0.03860241547226906, -0.09212728589773178, 0.012304093688726425, -0.011102491989731789, -0.02651936747133732, -0.04829917475581169, -0.029812920838594437, 0.011649263091385365, 0.012953813187777996, -0.020419981330633163, 0.044058214873075485, 0.02831272967159748, -0.03559185937047005, 0.003020412754267454, 0.027776869013905525, 0.04203660413622856, -0.025851961225271225, -0.015199411660432816, 0.05751936510205269, 0.04588459059596062, -0.07848809659481049, -0.010032243095338345, 0.022847279906272888, 0.019981568679213524, 0.019596830010414124, -0.011691035702824593, -0.023297728970646858, 0.023258527740836143, 0.03824567422270775, -0.0425417423248291, 0.019653256982564926, -0.012667572125792503, -0.0013196062063798308, -0.029388979077339172, -0.053880855441093445, 0.020574036985635757, 0.0593024380505085, 0.030762942507863045, 0.050967738032341, -0.039829302579164505, 0.028661230579018593, 0.005789410322904587, 0.024008499458432198, -0.02920617163181305, 0.040598735213279724, 0.009633887559175491, 0.0037668689619749784, 0.021284153684973717, -0.004526273813098669, 0.03629295527935028, -0.07999364286661148, 0.009526228532195091, -0.0766947790980339, -0.02091946266591549, 0.046483177691698074, -0.011506265960633755, -0.013993966393172741, 0.04028480872511864, -0.026113897562026978, -0.02705528773367405, -0.02579750493168831, -0.0054276869632303715, 0.006268186029046774, -0.010596766136586666, -0.036789752542972565, -0.04497840628027916, -0.0012003490701317787, -0.010581317357718945, 0.0327950157225132, -0.01341275591403246, 0.03723179176449776, -0.004729351960122585, 0.04948832467198372, -0.0019408217631280422, 0.0060470555908977985, 0.021359611302614212, -0.04372195154428482, -0.02120649814605713, 0.04251353442668915, -0.03962574526667595, -0.01975407265126705, -0.014180957339704037, -0.08456090837717056, -0.04173457622528076, 0.016407441347837448, 0.02518422156572342, -0.016617126762866974, -0.03671719878911972, -0.023623690009117126, -0.026563819497823715, -0.018951207399368286, -0.03788289427757263, 0.003470812691375613, 0.034423623234033585, 0.016491087153553963, 0.018062658607959747, -0.026363180950284004, 0.030282558873295784, -0.022087275981903076, -0.03836008533835411, -0.003958871588110924, 0.015997804701328278, 0.014760563150048256, 0.02295842207968235, -0.006811773870140314, -0.023912163451313972, 0.016836101189255714, 0.015682831406593323, -0.01533601712435484, -0.03854120895266533, -0.025153709575533867, 0.03602259233593941, 0.06522069126367569, -0.014917739666998386, -0.026687296107411385, -0.07163658738136292, -0.05476438254117966, -0.021549703553318977, -0.018211787566542625, 0.006347360089421272, 0.017079513520002365, 0.025803569704294205, -0.02647281438112259, -0.06653505563735962, 0.02942495234310627, -0.01051266584545374, 0.050396133214235306, 0.04536445066332817, 0.0038675968535244465, 0.000004083438398083672, -0.0014866681303828955, 0.013831100426614285, -0.021966025233268738, -0.046094201505184174, 0.007641467731446028, 0.020993495360016823, -0.0038069398142397404, 0.015072300098836422, -0.048098452389240265, -0.032898131757974625, -0.012107799760997295, -0.0035794880241155624, 0.022202076390385628, -0.03084590472280979, 0.03809374198317528, -0.03420684486627579, -0.017381353303790092, -0.008236836642026901, 0.03992842882871628, -0.03967591002583504, -0.0475265197455883, 0.02354034222662449, -0.020113825798034668, 0.060518067330121994, -0.020046917721629143, 0.007779492065310478, 0.053297631442546844, -0.011462648399174213, 0.006913431454449892, -0.03093242086470127, 0.0017912248149514198, 0.03357783704996109, -0.048414021730422974, -0.019066432490944862, -0.012698755599558353, 0.005238461308181286, 0.0013170060701668262, 0.04980822652578354, 0.043656427413225174, 0.027701295912265778, -0.009186526760458946, -0.03967948630452156, 0.0167499091476202, -0.007073417771607637, 0.03477541729807854, -0.016661692410707474, 0.014239449054002762, 0.0990632027387619, 0.013691304251551628, 0.0015349540626630187, -0.034233979880809784, -0.03717455267906189, 0.05972728878259659, -0.0353146567940712, -0.02490263432264328, -0.005089570768177509, -0.00021787095465697348, 0.055344294756650925, 0.021425137296319008, -0.006904163863509893, 0.027098044753074646, 0.014485141262412071, 0.039907652884721756, 0.05514101684093475, 0.014541340060532093, -0.021189171820878983, 0.03290761262178421, -0.0825696662068367, 0.01104054693132639, -0.07248052954673767, 0.033213090151548386, 0.011154675856232643, 0.02024066261947155, 0.005003147758543491, -0.003823683364316821, -0.04736043140292168, 0.05544816330075264, -0.06741201132535934, -0.03964619338512421, 0.004749233368784189, -0.021320950239896774, -0.010780788958072662, 0.015462235547602177, -0.044739674776792526, 0.0018315400229766965, -0.03326629474759102, -0.08403962850570679, -0.04436732828617096, -0.023332765325903893, 0.027437329292297363, 0.03303160145878792, 0.001875475631095469, -0.02927481383085251, 0.021395860239863396, -0.02516603097319603, 0.06509260833263397, -0.02550727315247059, -0.009631150402128696, -0.06936552375555038, 0.024399200454354286, 0.02059902437031269, -0.02175510860979557, -0.019311245530843735, -0.002012040000408888, -0.0036797388456761837, -0.05140148475766182, -0.026150494813919067, 0.035630062222480774, -0.02893727272748947, -0.09182018786668777, 0.032590288668870926, -0.011451724916696548, -0.04886310175061226, 0.023761767894029617, 0.011914468370378017, -0.011510903015732765, -0.026716340333223343, -0.00988474115729332, 0.09219960123300552, 0.004381313920021057, 0.05833751708269119, 0.02895224280655384, 0.0648580938577652, 0.018443169072270393, -0.02155202627182007, 0.011061009019613266, 0.02196093462407589, 0.07589171826839447, 0.019973039627075195, 0.0006233761087059975, -0.0017614617245271802, 0.04808444157242775, 0.011601081117987633, -0.021623121574521065, -0.00480226706713438, -0.02137693203985691, -0.005472179502248764, 0.02028786577284336, 0.04604035243391991, 0.039326272904872894, 0.0020979393739253283, 0.07761327922344208, 0.0032012194860726595, -0.0022141323424875736, 0.07508149743080139, -0.037443388253450394, 0.03171375021338463, 0.023750049993395805, -0.0035568736493587494, -0.014468117617070675, 0.015377914533019066, -0.00981868151575327, -0.026206212118268013, 0.00418466841802001, -0.027379803359508514, -0.0003454029210843146, -0.04757562279701233, -0.0054319268092513084, -0.02103033848106861, -0.008588925004005432, 0.05210543051362038, -0.050910964608192444, 0.016861170530319214, 0.00861588679254055, 0.041145842522382736, 0.011743896640837193, -0.013450497761368752, 0.026933802291750908, -0.023914871737360954, -0.02434869110584259, -0.014198537915945053, -0.0004773183027282357, 0.05483582243323326, 0.011969096958637238, 0.04966439679265022, -0.001304169767536223, -0.030058372765779495, 0.06439495086669922, 0.021169383078813553, -0.029462700709700584, -0.03419436886906624, -0.05846858397126198, -0.01249609049409628, -0.052078355103731155, 0.026800518855452538, 0.025466986000537872, 0.0011833804892376065, -0.022329343482851982, -0.021179907023906708, -0.02265416830778122, -0.026845155283808708, 0.05753282457590103, -0.03661242872476578, 0.021326763555407524, 0.01292862556874752, 0.043098874390125275, 0.034708257764577866, 0.033118780702352524, 0.03574928268790245, -0.01126918662339449, -0.03945182263851166, -0.019265560433268547, -0.056059401482343674, 0.008202582597732544, 0.01599561795592308, -0.00631700549274683, -0.09469199180603027, 0.03907778859138489, 0.03619590774178505, -0.034935031086206436, -0.061284348368644714, 0.03913302719593048, -0.01515178382396698, 0.01258766744285822, 0.07610585540533066, -0.024173922836780548, -0.05576076731085777, -0.05169167369604111, -0.014269188977777958, 0.03257729485630989, 0.0035278184805065393, 0.06978267431259155, -0.03867300972342491, 0.05977121740579605, 0.03781332075595856, -0.007875360548496246, -0.03152122721076012, 0.028022967278957367, 0.06547726690769196, -0.01578988879919052, -0.011907988227903843, -0.03553486242890358, -0.004140281118452549, -0.06313170492649078, -0.035188429057598114, 0.0026564865838736296, 0.0033546513877809048, -0.06764611601829529, 0.03792139142751694, -0.014527827501296997, 0.020991818979382515, -0.013738004490733147, 0.02618427388370037, 0.025576157495379448, -0.056036949157714844, -0.030869290232658386, -0.04245268180966377, 0.0023470032028853893, 0.009293502196669579, 0.03451649472117424, 0.01243047509342432, -0.0369945727288723, -0.012482911348342896, -0.048471320420503616, -0.017549166455864906, 0.03435669466853142, -0.009632847271859646, -0.027304790914058685 ]
OPINION RANSOM, Justice. Scott J.L. Lukoski brought a wrongful discharge action against his employer, Sandia Indian Management Go. (SIMCO). Lukoski had been employed as general manager of the Sandia Pueblo bingo operation. In a bench trial, the court decided that SIMCO violated the termination procedures prescribed for “less serious” offenses by an employee handbook. For salary due on the remaining term of his one-year oral contract, Lukoski was awarded $18,629.05. We affirm. The court found that, in October 1983, Lukoski and SIMCO entered into a one-year oral employment agreement under which Lukoski would provide services as the general manager of a bingo hall operation for a specified annual salary plus commission. There was no written agreement between the parties. In February 1984, SIMCO distributed to all employees an employee handbook and requested each to sign the last page as verification of receipt, acknowledgement of acceptance, and agreement to conform with the stated policies and procedures. After Lukoski signed the back page as requested, it was placed in his personnel file. The court concluded that: The parties amended the oral employment contract * * * when [SIMCO] proffered, and [Lukoski] signed, [the] Employee’s Handbook containing new duties and obligations on the part of employee and employer over and above said oral contract, including Rules to be obeyed by [Lukoski] and a termination procedure to be followed by [SIMCO]. Although we determine the above-quoted language is a finding of ultimate fact, rather than a conclusion of law, that is of no consequence. See Hoskins v. Albuquerque Bus Co., 72 N.M. 217, 382 P.2d 700 (1963); Wiggs v. City of Albuquerque, 57 N.M. 770, 263 P.2d 963 (1953). SIMCO challenges this finding and for the first time on appeal raises two other issues. First, it claims that Lukoski, as general manager, was not the type of employee intended to be covered by the handbook. Distribution to all employees with request for signatures constituted evidence to the contrary, and resolution of any ambiguity regarding management personnel would have been a specific question of fact. See Shaeffer v. Kelton, 95 N.M. 182, 619 P.2d 1226 (1980). Second, SIMCO claims that any breach was not material because it neither went to the substance of the contract nor defeated the object of the parties. Materiality is likewise a specific question of fact. See Bisio v. Madenwald (In re Estate of Bisio), 33 Or.App. 325, 576 P.2d 801 (1978). As the contract stood after amendment, it was not materiality, as argued by SIMCO, but rather severity of offense that was at issue under the termination procedures. In any event, by failing to tender requested findings, SIMCO waived specific findings on these fact issues. SCRA 1986, l-052(B)(l)(f). There is substantial evidence supporting the court’s findings of ultimate fact that the termination procedures became an amendment to Lukoski’s contract, and that personality — not the severe offenses of insubordination or disobedience — was the cause for termination. He was terminated without warning or suspension for a cause not so severe as to constitute cause for immediate termination. His personality and interpersonal dealings were found by the court to create an atmosphere of fear and anxiety and bad morale among employees and managers. Relying only on Ellis v. El Paso Natural Gas Co., 754 F.2d 884 (10th Cir.1985), the thrust of SIMCO’s appeal is that the language of the employee handbook is “too indefinite to constitute a contract” and lacks “contractual terms which might evidence the intent to form a contract.” It maintains that the parties did not conduct themselves as if the employee handbook was to govern Lukoski or as if they expected it to form the basis of a contractual relationship. In support of its position, SIMCO refers to the disciplinary action, suspension, and warning provisions, and argues that the language of the termination policy is ambiguous and contains no required policy for termination. SIMCO’s argument, however, overlooks the handbook’s characterization of the disciplinary policy regarding warnings, suspensions and terminations as “an establisked procedure regarding suspension of problem employees and termination for those who cannot conform to Company Policy.” (Emphasis added.) Moreover, the language of the handbook does nothing to alert an employee against placing reliance on any statement contained therein or against viewing such discipline and termination policy as only a unilateral expression of SIMCO’s intention that is subject to revocation or change at any time, in any manner, at the pleasure of SIMCO. To the contrary, from the language of the handbook and the conduct of SIMCO in adopting the policy, it could properly be found that the policy was part of the employment agreement. Whether an employee handbook has modified the employment relationship is a question of fact “to be discerned from the totality of the parties’ statements and actions regarding the employment relationship.” Wagenseller v. Scottsdale Memorial Hosp., 147 Ariz. 370, 383, 710 P.2d 1025, 1038 (1985) (en banc). Evidence relevant to this factual decision includes the language used in the personnel manual as well as the employer’s course of conduct and oral representations regarding it. We do not mean to imply that all personnel manual will become part of employment contracts. Employers are certainly free to issue no personnel manual at all or to issue a personnel manual that clearly and conspicuously tells their employees that the manual is not part of the employment contract and that their jobs are termina ble at the will of the employer with or without reason. Such actions * * * instill no reasonable expectations of job security and do not give employees any reason to rely on representations in the manual. However, if an employer does choose to issue a policy statement, in a manual or otherwise, and, by its language or by the employer’s actions, encourages reliance thereon, the employer cannot be free to only selectively abide by it. Having announced a policy, the employer may not treat it as illusory. Leikvold v. Valley View Community Hosp., 141 Ariz. 544, 548, 688 P.2d 170, 174 (1984). Here, substantial evidence supports the finding of the trial court that the employee handbook modified the employment relationship and created warning and suspension procedures which were not followed in this case. Accordingly, based upon the foregoing, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed. IT IS SO ORDERED. SCARBOROUGH, C.J., SOSA, Senior Justice, and WALTERS, J., concur. STOWERS, J., dissents. . The referenced handbook provisions state: OTHER DISCIPLINARY ACTION: In order to protect the good employees [sic] jobs and Sandia Indian Bingo, there is an established procedure regarding suspension of problem employees and termination for those who can not conform to Company Policy. Suspensions without pay may be given to employees who violate company policies. There are violations which are so severe [including insubordination and disobedience] that immediate termination may be necessary____ SUSPENSIONS: Suspension without pay may be given when the incident is not sufficiently serious to warrant discharge and/or the particular employee’s overall value to the Company [is considered], if [in] the opinion of the Department Manager [the employee] warrants another chance. Minimum suspensions are (3) three days, maximum suspensions are (5) five days. No employee may be suspended more than once in a year; thereafter, if the incident would normally warrant suspension he/she must be discharged. DISCIPLINARY WARNING: Disciplinary warning slips will be issued where the offense is less serious and where corrective action may salvage an employee. More than one (1) disciplinary warning, whether for the same offense or not, may subject an employee to suspension or termination. Warning slips become a permanent part of an employee’s personnel record.
[ -0.04162006825208664, -0.02716926485300064, -0.02002222277224064, 0.003802779596298933, 0.04669778048992157, 0.005457715131342411, 0.03243902325630188, 0.040911514312028885, 0.013905731961131096, -0.04314626753330231, 0.0403166301548481, 0.05237900838255882, -0.05372444540262222, 0.03778983652591705, -0.029672300443053246, 0.0679798573255539, 0.002388813765719533, 0.019579743966460228, 0.018507443368434906, -0.004867712035775185, -0.0005509556503966451, -0.005863495636731386, 0.031312186270952225, 0.05344419553875923, -0.0028807173948735, 0.054469622671604156, -0.003605518490076065, -0.008179386146366596, -0.061168454587459564, -0.008351190015673637, 0.02285904996097088, -0.014040176756680012, 0.0015176100423559546, -0.003916593734174967, -0.013348162174224854, 0.010590142570436, -0.019119320437312126, -0.0011460594832897186, -0.010204801335930824, 0.005226345732808113, -0.014594150707125664, 0.018720325082540512, -0.03678707405924797, -0.012324203737080097, -0.04714173451066017, -0.0063719660975039005, 0.01796126365661621, 0.03533368557691574, -0.016719240695238113, -0.004806492477655411, -0.05184198543429375, -0.0245206281542778, -0.005086127668619156, 0.0022216278593987226, -0.00959377083927393, 0.029080897569656372, -0.03407059237360954, -0.007749402429908514, -0.013416698202490807, -0.04811783879995346, 0.023349879309535027, -0.03755202889442444, 0.05302652716636658, -0.051662445068359375, 0.022709282115101814, 0.0024570904206484556, 0.029075436294078827, 0.06756109744310379, -0.027777690440416336, -0.03904275596141815, -0.04393918067216873, 0.03272301331162453, 0.010485495440661907, 0.016102084890007973, -0.00041949827573262155, -0.06405670940876007, 0.021021949127316475, 0.042828723788261414, -0.0018492104718461633, 0.0718233659863472, -0.005652986001223326, -0.013580051250755787, 0.018277494236826897, 0.033032216131687164, 0.028081534430384636, -0.04470362886786461, -0.03554266691207886, -0.028827456757426262, -0.03071586601436138, 0.05128408223390579, -0.0569068044424057, -0.03290773928165436, 0.008341663517057896, 0.061287399381399155, -0.03618166968226433, 0.014605698175728321, 0.059096720069646835, 0.012740815989673138, 0.03198936954140663, -0.003558075986802578, -0.033104341477155685, -0.03051822818815708, 0.002678659511730075, 0.05928688123822212, -0.0834161639213562, -0.027636613696813583, -0.003764643333852291, -0.023161178454756737, -0.0002771305153146386, 0.002284170128405094, -0.006051746197044849, 0.002864299574866891, -0.004719934891909361, -0.03711440786719322, -0.06355896592140198, 0.08645539730787277, 0.01958647184073925, -0.010366941802203655, -0.007201286032795906, -0.04153014346957207, 0.051701243966817856, 0.000865620153490454, 0.020108548924326897, 0.08137588948011398, 0.023206669837236404, 0.017873361706733704, 0.014316960237920284, 0.011911031790077686, -0.010842150077223778, -0.07651229202747345, 0.026867205277085304, 0.047804322093725204, -0.0348454974591732, 0.041025660932064056, 0.0014985488960519433, -0.036362726241350174, 0.01054480392485857, -0.0132981538772583, 0.020286254584789276, -0.023129992187023163, 0.005405182018876076, -0.02380664274096489, 0.00146169972140342, 0.02774696983397007, 0.06519781798124313, -0.03451969847083092, 0.0052379160188138485, -0.01877961866557598, -0.008391941897571087, -0.007051154971122742, 0.038792308419942856, -0.004994499497115612, 0.0179362241178751, -0.030395299196243286, 0.046503856778144836, 0.03362384811043739, 0.05172140896320343, -0.02832595631480217, -0.033992163836956024, 0.03531502187252045, 0.05359485745429993, 0.050149478018283844, 0.019943099468946457, 0.0009152796701528132, -0.018432438373565674, 0.018558816984295845, 0.022109530866146088, -0.0610046312212944, -0.021807972341775894, 0.05030115693807602, -0.040815748274326324, 0.010071288794279099, 0.012190567329525948, -0.03939750790596008, -0.02856880985200405, 0.009071006439626217, 0.03693791478872299, 0.019038675352931023, 0.04523954913020134, -0.015260648913681507, -0.06570030748844147, 0.0323159284889698, 0.009420158341526985, 0.029679734259843826, -0.034099504351615906, -0.0224575437605381, 0.042256057262420654, -0.042078807950019836, 0.027808519080281258, -0.01102290116250515, -0.0810464546084404, -0.0477418452501297, 0.044414568692445755, -0.024483531713485718, 0.04623964801430702, 0.014757320284843445, -0.049240730702877045, 0.03895580768585205, 0.02084164507687092, 0.04428195580840111, -0.018630288541316986, 0.015840372070670128, 0.017457028850913048, -0.031630661338567734, -0.04970657825469971, 0.06756460666656494, 0.030346514657139778, -0.01841152459383011, -0.0027519799768924713, 0.0377347469329834, -0.0021542191971093416, -0.022009441629052162, 0.030831322073936462, -0.014110514894127846, 0.03078971430659294, -0.03545057401061058, 0.009029336273670197, -0.02081531286239624, 0.04617458954453468, -0.038053542375564575, 0.04401334002614021, 0.04390620067715645, -0.024195600301027298, 0.035193994641304016, -0.008564039133489132, 0.08737249672412872, 0.044910069555044174, -0.022769102826714516, 0.0034247059375047684, 0.05529576167464256, 0.0009546144865453243, -0.016887327656149864, 0.03170745447278023, 0.017225341871380806, 0.06506511569023132, -0.02397548034787178, 0.021015172824263573, -0.02787213958799839, 0.051531095057725906, -0.037655092775821686, 0.01799941435456276, 0.01609479822218418, 0.013904906809329987, 0.033431440591812134, -0.021533748134970665, -0.015351925976574421, -0.053986456245183945, -0.0005463880370371044, -0.029445936903357506, -0.033605605363845825, -0.015321921557188034, 0.008761112578213215, 0.042241573333740234, -0.007365711499005556, 0.016135884448885918, -0.05231083929538727, -0.028743667528033257, -0.005812011193484068, 0.0026406554970890284, -0.009664623998105526, 0.005187115166336298, -0.0014716183068230748, -0.01042485423386097, -0.03310392051935196, -0.021054288372397423, -0.035661034286022186, -0.004422103054821491, 0.021434374153614044, -0.030816078186035156, 0.01463995035737753, 0.056140799075365067, -0.037108562886714935, -0.017300289124250412, -0.004255215637385845, 0.0031290967017412186, 0.01891230046749115, -0.001213256735354662, -0.028672367334365845, -0.01018903125077486, -0.04115612432360649, -0.0101972920820117, 0.04831961542367935, -0.03356577083468437, -0.02739088051021099, 0.04069565236568451, -0.030032388865947723, 0.0022761181462556124, -0.022498873993754387, -0.08064261823892593, 0.07126341760158539, 0.0042793843895196915, 0.007641426287591457, -0.031593214720487595, 0.0020681486930698156, 0.007146622519940138, 0.03711888566613197, 0.03062509372830391, 0.032734714448451996, 0.041426897048950195, -0.031808000057935715, 0.005914947483688593, -0.0023013774771243334, 0.021166566759347916, -0.02120632864534855, 0.04106475040316582, 0.003322781529277563, -0.0008751513087190688, -0.022202959284186363, -0.2670040428638458, 0.012003198266029358, -0.03724319115281105, -0.042813923209905624, 0.03946056589484215, -0.02255113050341606, 0.006823576986789703, 0.007360587827861309, 0.00540141761302948, 0.06459365040063858, -0.009785219095647335, -0.010307695716619492, 0.005285331048071384, 0.05782686546444893, 0.05576787516474724, -0.006691588554531336, 0.014923377893865108, -0.01972728595137596, -0.03605213388800621, 0.0237862691283226, 0.02484336495399475, -0.06318244338035583, -0.08767291903495789, -0.0006906173075549304, 0.026879839599132538, 0.11348693072795868, -0.006376225501298904, -0.003793874755501747, -0.06925828754901886, -0.06385626643896103, -0.023766083642840385, -0.037659648805856705, -0.005371305160224438, -0.005131472367793322, -0.03051995486021042, 0.0003665601252578199, 0.0014936953084543347, -0.028544088825583458, -0.02595173753798008, 0.007570223417133093, 0.012037322856485844, -0.02952750027179718, -0.020425310358405113, 0.006436017341911793, 0.038079530000686646, -0.00279780151322484, -0.08741322159767151, -0.014552881009876728, 0.009085905738174915, 0.04371718689799309, 0.019735636189579964, 0.020042167976498604, -0.04026266559958458, 0.034075576812028885, -0.04997709020972252, 0.0274606142193079, -0.06242171674966812, 0.008790501393377781, -0.023666011169552803, 0.04354248195886612, 0.004053633660078049, -0.056414104998111725, -0.04334288462996483, -0.010979597456753254, -0.061889637261629105, -0.039337966591119766, -0.0417732335627079, -0.049820609390735626, 0.07556051015853882, -0.008979937061667442, 0.008030072785913944, 0.005364526063203812, -0.039670467376708984, -0.07974788546562195, -0.044113148003816605, -0.028539249673485756, -0.005311720538884401, -0.010512390173971653, 0.005232650320976973, 0.0007500894134864211, 0.017634162679314613, -0.012686775997281075, 0.0465812049806118, 0.010861821472644806, -0.0035211946815252304, 0.010169330053031445, -0.006055290810763836, 0.07860726118087769, -0.04325418546795845, -0.0015432251384481788, 0.039819199591875076, 0.07756359875202179, -0.03302993252873421, 0.0013422229094430804, 0.038340192288160324, 0.023050764575600624, -0.04015110433101654, -0.04441707581281662, -0.0639839917421341, -0.0007730323122814298, 0.04320894926786423, -0.07162459939718246, 0.02133510634303093, -0.0672110766172409, -0.004516427870839834, -0.02243867516517639, -0.0404423363506794, -0.015267440117895603, 0.030973287299275398, 0.002348229754716158, 0.0375707782804966, -0.0029620614368468523, 0.046375587582588196, -0.05211309716105461, 0.0003400827699806541, -0.02538917399942875, 0.036177441477775574, 0.050169043242931366, 0.05548598989844322, 0.012585362419486046, 0.0035973121412098408, -0.0021867079194635153, -0.0756390243768692, -0.03373672813177109, -0.08079282194375992, 0.008387153036892414, 0.023304905742406845, 0.028237920254468918, 0.0033196797594428062, 0.03726200759410858, -0.014863256365060806, -0.024262310937047005, -0.016424154862761497, 0.009595341049134731, 0.025564130395650864, -0.008358749561011791, -0.027472149580717087, -0.058218542486429214, -0.002962266094982624, 0.005580171011388302, 0.02143278904259205, 0.008019216358661652, 0.0027692171279340982, 0.012356595136225224, 0.015841376036405563, -0.015739085152745247, 0.015395347028970718, -0.004517391789704561, 0.002671139081940055, 0.05961562693119049, -0.015641920268535614, -0.07073322683572769, 0.055701371282339096, -0.07810793817043304, -0.02713748812675476, -0.011267546564340591, 0.03492521494626999, 0.012465558014810085, -0.009017816744744778, -0.017969703301787376, -0.009268186055123806, -0.02521093189716339, -0.026392491534352303, -0.041751667857170105, -0.024466708302497864, 0.07326623052358627, -0.054917097091674805, -0.011515754275023937, -0.029644779860973358, 0.05244718864560127, 0.003500966355204582, -0.040656764060258865, -0.012515462934970856, 0.009979627095162868, 0.020498454570770264, 0.026347223669290543, 0.008278251625597477, -0.0203249491751194, 0.013465847820043564, 0.013983948156237602, -0.016997043043375015, -0.02334023267030716, -0.061959926038980484, 0.01991146244108677, 0.03881007432937622, -0.02735215052962303, -0.0020917917136102915, -0.04277846962213516, -0.005622718948870897, -0.023046208545565605, 0.016547730192542076, -0.0038521718233823776, 0.002192526590079069, 0.020904630422592163, -0.06253424286842346, -0.04623018950223923, 0.01960078626871109, -0.018256833776831627, 0.0032258464489132166, 0.030444107949733734, -0.01758495718240738, -0.0067940689623355865, -0.011414962820708752, -0.02994621731340885, -0.01854577474296093, -0.08033862709999084, 0.0385683998465538, 0.011576879769563675, 0.002659206511452794, 0.006642129272222519, -0.05547897145152092, 0.02119750715792179, -0.011151110753417015, -0.0006210631690919399, 0.03496634215116501, -0.05382571741938591, 0.05981111526489258, -0.045755255967378616, -0.0432031974196434, 0.006272329017519951, -0.03967856243252754, -0.0353255532681942, -0.03448813408613205, 0.003978273831307888, -0.04655451700091362, 0.020157337188720703, -0.056546472012996674, -0.026737326756119728, 0.04095214605331421, -0.0171139445155859, 0.026956729590892792, -0.06836693733930588, -0.014391507022082806, 0.03421739861369133, -0.022928759455680847, 0.021078430116176605, -0.02061019465327263, -0.010520266368985176, 0.015160574577748775, 0.014835245907306671, 0.0011475927894935012, 0.007236387114971876, 0.05537654086947441, -0.04336357116699219, 0.029388360679149628, 0.006600949913263321, 0.030691230669617653, 0.027713650837540627, -0.047737836837768555, 0.0982750654220581, 0.01239675935357809, 0.03481481596827507, -0.03910142928361893, 0.015079015865921974, 0.02454553358256817, -0.02067873813211918, 0.016189701855182648, 0.017597096040844917, -0.018631651997566223, 0.025587495416402817, 0.010761751793324947, 0.04555104300379753, -0.02176567167043686, 0.018454372882843018, 0.033114973455667496, 0.09314192831516266, 0.036152202636003494, -0.024292122572660446, 0.05816252529621124, -0.0677666962146759, -0.023187916725873947, -0.0925576463341713, -0.0035777303855866194, -0.024126093834638596, 0.026892412453889847, 0.015250619500875473, 0.008912088349461555, -0.013236470520496368, 0.031940873712301254, -0.07114259898662567, -0.029186733067035675, -0.00533653050661087, -0.049566254019737244, -0.04366343468427658, 0.05641110986471176, -0.047769591212272644, 0.0135570103302598, 0.015617378987371922, -0.07808587700128555, -0.03077741153538227, -0.06641389429569244, 0.03837903216481209, 0.038211021572351456, 0.01914903335273266, -0.04497652128338814, -0.05415054038167, 0.06776223331689835, 0.033633433282375336, -0.0026820653583854437, 0.04257483407855034, -0.01891854777932167, 0.039939843118190765, 0.03540363907814026, 0.005054540932178497, 0.013596635311841965, -0.0023228663485497236, -0.01701960898935795, -0.055684223771095276, 0.005371397826820612, 0.021058540791273117, -0.004061093088239431, -0.0639147162437439, 0.05681506171822548, -0.02167717181146145, -0.011328015476465225, -0.04770208150148392, -0.02417920157313347, 0.039484672248363495, 0.003314447123557329, -0.03264147415757179, 0.02733069844543934, -0.0028693799395114183, 0.07376612722873688, 0.012442061677575111, 0.09176058322191238, 0.06196603924036026, 0.007915396243333817, -0.002561927540227771, 0.010480755008757114, 0.03942520171403885, 0.05525912716984749, 0.042980290949344635, 0.029849490150809288, 0.035637132823467255, -0.01789519004523754, -0.03276272863149643, 0.03447452560067177, -0.01091240718960762, 0.0067161149345338345, 0.04048944264650345, 0.004069593735039234, 0.060957156121730804, -0.006151717621833086, 0.03073182888329029, 0.019399108365178108, -0.006038725841790438, 0.08575855940580368, -0.0057187555357813835, 0.017497044056653976, 0.04948100075125694, 0.009120197035372257, -0.03193337470293045, -0.023942921310663223, -0.025180084630846977, 0.0073606157675385475, -0.00022410094970837235, -0.01805504783987999, -0.01097469124943018, -0.039342157542705536, 0.024550648406147957, 0.003973773214966059, -0.014799541793763638, 0.07595963776111603, -0.03256503492593765, 0.009023209102451801, -0.000533415237441659, -0.004235353320837021, -0.0044060563668608665, -0.00010262092109769583, 0.016000349074602127, -0.0048746028915047646, -0.0001108696887968108, -0.0067221797071397305, -0.01842649094760418, 0.04520026594400406, -0.007750227116048336, 0.04111955314874649, -0.0032334602437913418, 0.0008889291202649474, 0.05363696068525314, 0.0264377873390913, -0.0022493326105177402, -0.03151804208755493, -0.04029988870024681, -0.005823750980198383, -0.05005623772740364, -0.01466823648661375, 0.030993841588497162, -0.024124663323163986, -0.048106350004673004, 0.006234481930732727, -0.0028351901564747095, -0.014026520773768425, 0.019259870052337646, -0.024021094664931297, 0.01724942773580551, 0.01866140402853489, 0.046421799808740616, -0.009526954032480717, 0.03218117356300354, 0.08585065603256226, -0.01038986537605524, 0.0015215837629511952, -0.027419421821832657, -0.01928887516260147, 0.0167920533567667, -0.010828782804310322, 0.020228151232004166, -0.07259586453437805, 0.002698349766433239, 0.02776372991502285, 0.005294937174767256, -0.06559969484806061, 0.03362633287906647, 0.0099327452480793, -0.008671097457408905, 0.06740336120128632, 0.02273806929588318, 0.005827668588608503, -0.01264636404812336, -0.07100888341665268, -0.024362042546272278, 0.03681992366909981, 0.05003379285335541, -0.0457499735057354, 0.02530706115067005, 0.05574924871325493, -0.020891495048999786, 0.005405101925134659, 0.0681438073515892, 0.02068961039185524, -0.03359897434711456, -0.03679661825299263, 0.0013034917647019029, -0.010312412865459919, -0.04143403470516205, -0.007754645776003599, 0.035519737750291824, -0.037288811057806015, -0.06495879590511322, 0.002211333252489567, 0.018526539206504822, -0.020231885835528374, -0.04903155565261841, 0.01879262551665306, 0.04399179667234421, -0.07201189547777176, -0.0405954085290432, -0.020601976662874222, 0.024149402976036072, -0.00014454084157478064, -0.00760020362213254, -0.0035008895210921764, -0.051245588809251785, 0.03723224997520447, -0.05099768936634064, -0.029580220580101013, 0.01357077807188034, -0.0009964164346456528, 0.009575236588716507 ]
OPINION SOSA, Senior Justice. This appeal arises from the Cibola County District Court’s stipulated settlement order entered on January 29, 1987. The Navajo Tribe of Indians (Tribe) appeals, alleging that it never consented to the settlement agreement and therefore should not be bound by it. We affirm. FACTS The Tribe filed suit against Hanosh Chevrolet-Buick, Inc. and General Motors Corporation (defendants), alleging breach of contract and conversion of monies for vehicles purchased by the Tribe. Trial was scheduled for June 30, 1986. A month before trial, the district court scheduled a pre-trial settlement conference. No agreement was reached at this time, but was later reached on the date of trial. The proposed settlement was read into the record, with all parties approving the terms of the settlement in open court. A representative of the Tribe, Bobby White, stated in court that he understood the terms of settlement and agreed to them, as did counsel for the Tribe. Subsequently, on January 29, 1987, the Tribe rejected the proposed settlement and requested a new trial. The defendants moved to have the court enter a stipulated settlement. Defendants’ motion was granted. On February 9,1987, the Tribe filed a motion for reconsideration, which the district court denied. The sole issue on appeal is whether the district court erred in entering the stipulated settlement order. It is the policy of the law and of the State of New Mexico to favor settlement agreements. Bogle v. Potter, 68 N.M. 239, 360 P.2d 650 (1961); Esquibel v. Brown Constr. Co., 85 N.M. 487, 513 P.2d 1269 (Ct.App.), cert. denied, 85 N.M. 483, 513 P.2d 1265 (1973). The Tribe maintains that the settlement is void because its attorney, Donna Bradley, did not have actual authority to settle its claim. While an attorney’s authority to settle must be expressly conferred, Augustus v. John Williams & Assoc., Inc., 92 N.M. 437, 589 P.2d 1028 (1979), it is presumed that an attorney of record who settles his client’s claim in open court has authority to do so unless rebutted by affirmative evidence to the contrary. Hot Springs Coal Co. v. Miller, 107 F.2d 677 (10th Cir.1939); see also Szymkowski v. Szymkowski, 104 Ill.App.3d 630, 60 Ill.Dec. 310, 432 N.E.2d 1209 (1982); Snyder v. Tompkins, 20 Wash.App. 167, 579 P.2d 994 (1978). Here there is no evidence to support the Tribe’s contention that attorney Bradley lacked authority to settle this case. At oral arguments before this Court, attorney Bradley conceded that at the presentment hearing on defendants’ motion to enforce the settlement, the Tribe failed to present any evidence that the settlement was unauthorized. No testimony was introduced from either attorney Bradley or an agent for the Tribe. The trial court thus made no finding that Bradley lacked express or implied authority to settle this case. We conclude, therefore, that the trial court was correct in enforcing the settlement. Cf. Manchester Housing Authority v. Zyla, 118 N.H. 268, 385 A.2d 225 (1978) (trial court erred in refusing to enforce settlement when there was no direct evidence that attorney acted without authority). Moreover, we conclude that the Tribe is also bound to the settlement under the doctrine of apparent authority. In New Mexico an attorney, notwithstanding the lack of express authority, can bind a client to a settlement agreement if there is some overriding reason for enforcing it. Bolles v. Smith, 92 N.M. 524, 591 P.2d 278 (1979). Certain courts have recognized a public policy argument for enforcing settlement agreements entered into by attorneys clothed with apparent authority to settle an action. See Glazer v. J.C. Bradford & Co., 616 F.2d 167 (5th Cir.1980) (Georgia law); Miotk v. Rudy, 4 Kan.App.2d 296, 605 P.2d 587 (1980); Hallock v. State, 64 N.Y.2d 224, 485 N.Y.S.2d 510, 474 N.E.2d 1178 (1984), Johnson v. Tesky, 57 Or.App. 133, 643 P.2d 1344 (1982). We conclude that public policy compels us to enforce in-court settlement agreements entered into by attorneys clothed with apparent authority to settle the case. Thus, we must determine whether attorney Bradley had apparent authority to settle the case. Apparent authority is “that authority which a principal holds his agent out as possessing or permits him to exercise or to represent himself as possessing under such circumstances as to estop the principal from denying its existence.” Tabet v. Campbell, 101 N.M. 334, 337, 681 P.2d 1111, 1114 (1984) (quoting Segura v. Molycorp, Inc., 97 N.M. 13, 19, 636 P.2d 284, 290 (1981)). It is generally recognized that an attorney has actual authority to act on behalf of his client over procedural matters incident to litigation. Miotk, 4 Kan. App.2d at 301, 605 P.2d at 590. But the mere employment of an attorney does not give him the actual, implied, or apparent authority to compromise his client’s case. Augustus, 92 N.M. at 439, 589 P.2d at 1030; see also 7A C.J.S. Attorney & Clients § 193, at 315-17 (1980). In other words, a principal must hold out his attorney as possessing authority to act on his behalf beyond procedural matters. Under these circumstances, we conclude that the Tribe held its attorney out to opposing counsel and to the court as having authority to settle. The record reveals that this was an in-court settlement reached by the parties on the date of trial. The Tribe was present in court through its representative Bobby White. The settlement was read into the record, and the court had the following colloquy with representative Bobby White, Executive Director for the Division of Administration and Finance: COURT: Who is here for Navajo Tribe, as representative of the Tribe? WHITE: Bobby White. COURT: Mr. White, do you understand the settlement; the complete settlement as read into the record? WHITE: Right. COURT: Do you approve the settlement? WHITE: Yes. Apparent authority to settle a case can be inferred if the principal knowingly permits its agent to exercise such authority. Mursor Builders v. Roddy Realty, Inc., 459 F.Supp. 1317 (M.D.Pa.1978). Here, at no time during the negotiation of the settlement or its dictation into the record did White, acting as a representative of the Tribe, voice an objection. Instead, the Tribe acting through its agent White acquiesced in, and consented to, the settlement. The Tribe cannot be heard to challenge the agreement now. Based on the foregoing, we conclude that even assuming the Tribe’s attorney did not have express authority to settle her client’s claim, she nevertheless had apparent authority and this was sufficient to bind the Tribe to the settlement reached. The district court is affirmed. IT IS SO ORDERED. SCARBOROUGH, C.J., and WALTERS, J., concurs.
[ -0.045270439237356186, -0.009196577593684196, -0.034958772361278534, -0.003317918861284852, 0.034592851996421814, 0.045199424028396606, 0.055836230516433716, 0.04357822611927986, 0.035323768854141235, -0.07298721373081207, 0.03546016290783882, 0.045268263667821884, -0.053073011338710785, 0.06896869838237762, -0.05326537787914276, 0.08309078961610794, 0.0337274894118309, 0.004651378840208054, 0.0018154302379116416, 0.005233317147940397, 0.01838814839720726, -0.02041754499077797, 0.009931613691151142, 0.0699894055724144, -0.01808161474764347, 0.04902661591768265, 0.010769667103886604, -0.010694239288568497, -0.06881661713123322, -0.05388231202960014, 0.026567252352833748, -0.027528557926416397, -0.02436685748398304, -0.010171514935791492, -0.019942376762628555, 0.0005558732082135975, -0.02212236449122429, -0.040285080671310425, -0.010565588250756264, -0.0013648708118125796, -0.02055010013282299, 0.009956086054444313, -0.08369362354278564, 0.02253427729010582, 0.004039362072944641, 0.0036456510424613953, 0.011798270978033543, 0.05936995521187782, -0.019061099737882614, -0.022980287671089172, -0.06867493689060211, -0.029669540002942085, -0.006780575029551983, 0.02662898600101471, -0.012914606370031834, 0.004201381932944059, -0.04936745762825012, -0.030131006613373756, -0.0051958803087472916, 0.0036642886698246002, 0.057391371577978134, -0.02815425582230091, 0.05079982057213783, -0.031618788838386536, -0.010072843171656132, -0.006883741822093725, -0.012751034460961819, 0.037416234612464905, -0.029567958787083626, -0.05616903677582741, -0.052684247493743896, 0.00816207192838192, 0.013776988722383976, 0.0058778817765414715, -0.00906413234770298, -0.03357318788766861, 0.01943098194897175, 0.03321000188589096, -0.0001190943003166467, 0.05943628028035164, 0.021181078627705574, -0.022200554609298706, 0.032678212970495224, 0.04645325988531113, -0.014148472808301449, -0.03941645473241806, -0.022914491593837738, -0.024106979370117188, -0.06550093740224838, 0.04615732654929161, -0.005057495087385178, -0.039931993931531906, 0.03506661579012871, 0.025425221771001816, -0.002921602688729763, -0.03818286210298538, 0.09158066660165787, -0.037961844354867935, 0.05271321162581444, -0.003716978942975402, -0.011399599723517895, -0.04685875028371811, 0.014930037781596184, 0.09272908419370651, -0.07589318603277206, -0.013171403668820858, -0.017269721254706383, 0.017782706767320633, 0.004917011130601168, -0.040754370391368866, 0.03348369896411896, 0.037938639521598816, 0.022029917687177658, -0.03416633978486061, -0.054058510810136795, 0.06368061900138855, 0.03219078481197357, -0.040817201137542725, -0.03198897838592529, 0.019585371017456055, 0.010905284434556961, 0.05558331683278084, 0.046645548194646835, 0.05836034566164017, 0.042175423353910446, -0.0033505011815577745, 0.019222848117351532, 0.030596580356359482, -0.03657051548361778, -0.06495442241430283, -0.0014227440115064383, 0.05256979912519455, 0.02804790809750557, 0.02536643110215664, 0.003003366757184267, -0.029393017292022705, -0.023029670119285583, -0.04204162210226059, 0.04398083686828613, -0.03589586913585663, -0.00692338589578867, -0.005337732378393412, 0.03409641236066818, 0.037514083087444305, 0.04472467675805092, -0.02621346339583397, 0.04888858646154404, -0.01503564603626728, -0.034253574907779694, -0.02774839848279953, 0.00768019026145339, -0.027233226224780083, 0.024721356108784676, -0.011795686557888985, -0.0389041006565094, 0.03705861046910286, 0.03178758919239044, -0.005437247455120087, -0.0005981194553896785, 0.04974234476685524, 0.04340839758515358, 0.03942493721842766, 0.053257547318935394, -0.028505509719252586, 0.0005771531723439693, 0.05748291313648224, 0.01609586738049984, -0.010614711791276932, -0.022113611921668053, 0.04687964916229248, -0.03301900252699852, -0.040038637816905975, 0.0390690416097641, -0.048369258642196655, 0.0006733092595823109, -0.0034669984597712755, 0.057786960154771805, -0.015950096771121025, 0.015166970901191235, -0.032285600900650024, -0.06086127832531929, 0.012924562208354473, -0.001949247787706554, 0.008728419430553913, -0.012624794617295265, -0.03231291100382805, 0.027747027575969696, -0.00762219587340951, 0.06958847492933273, -0.009566322900354862, -0.048134077340364456, -0.019484907388687134, -0.0035168023314327, -0.0322701632976532, 0.060281235724687576, 0.02593447081744671, -0.005908735562115908, 0.01125421840697527, 0.038243748247623444, 0.04556316137313843, -0.017131801694631577, 0.008596952073276043, 0.03430075943470001, -0.05664300546050072, -0.07733283936977386, 0.041785579174757004, 0.05142003297805786, 0.005745531525462866, 0.006417900789529085, 0.036410871893167496, -0.01691325008869171, 0.0383419431746006, 0.02370658703148365, 0.015536774881184101, 0.029173551127314568, -0.03640483692288399, 0.07202457636594772, -0.057752691209316254, 0.029669545590877533, -0.0618441104888916, 0.04623328149318695, -0.00013430901162791997, -0.041785966604948044, 0.021342890337109566, -0.06385084986686707, 0.0651608482003212, 0.057088129222393036, -0.02943591959774494, -0.0022449996322393417, 0.048240769654512405, -0.013656003400683403, 0.0036429616156965494, 0.013159562833607197, 0.0017627743072807789, 0.03144308179616928, -0.0029450056608766317, -0.005725103430449963, 0.0053604464046657085, 0.04249575361609459, -0.02362278290092945, -0.0013919578632339835, 0.019749615341424942, 0.005485378671437502, 0.026172317564487457, -0.015616515651345253, -0.02630411647260189, -0.006688788998872042, 0.0018077450804412365, 0.00012697205238509923, -0.007147555705159903, -0.024961348623037338, 0.014087865129113197, 0.011216836050152779, 0.0011642237659543753, -0.006710432004183531, -0.04171353951096535, -0.024178946390748024, -0.020551031455397606, 0.03600992262363434, 0.030611136928200722, -0.008673755452036858, 0.03182709589600563, 0.0009144363575614989, -0.0248130913823843, -0.038269903510808945, -0.07284685224294662, -0.005185252986848354, 0.029391180723905563, -0.030842946842312813, 0.0535169281065464, 0.04634121432900429, 0.013387857005000114, 0.04326491057872772, -0.01724885404109955, 0.01795114576816559, 0.015816567465662956, 0.035144370049238205, 0.01504439115524292, -0.0015692416345700622, -0.016506368294358253, 0.00989945512264967, 0.026563210412859917, -0.034271325916051865, -0.031004805117845535, -0.009355094283819199, -0.03843838721513748, 0.007203483488410711, -0.041801612824201584, -0.04154525324702263, 0.06936836242675781, 0.02627621404826641, 0.04593893513083458, 0.0008232751861214638, 0.013222306035459042, 0.025440728291869164, 0.013004181906580925, 0.006027636118233204, 0.046577129513025284, -0.0026182865258306265, -0.020387733355164528, -0.005842077545821667, 0.00444698566570878, -0.006293658632785082, 0.014461680315434933, 0.018052898347377777, 0.038688044995069504, -0.019177371636033058, -0.02208470180630684, -0.2650110721588135, 0.004314042627811432, -0.014333323575556278, -0.05293354392051697, 0.05204439163208008, -0.005088583566248417, 0.03239685669541359, 0.012558371759951115, -0.014825350604951382, 0.07574336975812912, -0.010586936958134174, -0.027301406487822533, 0.004473013337701559, -0.0020085887517780066, 0.0017130330670624971, -0.023619394749403, 0.020796341821551323, -0.012483011931180954, -0.037749916315078735, -0.027174746617674828, 0.01954772137105465, -0.03786246478557587, -0.038197193294763565, -0.005239648744463921, 0.04880089685320854, 0.0843074768781662, -0.009327968582510948, -0.03825901821255684, -0.07505319267511368, -0.027600446715950966, -0.02230372652411461, -0.006249245721846819, 0.014455866068601608, 0.0036576618440449238, -0.03128441795706749, -0.019902193918824196, 0.022949159145355225, -0.03634742647409439, -0.010182365775108337, -0.0045985509641468525, 0.0015700054354965687, -0.01985289342701435, -0.03198844939470291, 0.006335168611258268, 0.020720381289720535, -0.0020333072170615196, -0.04993683472275734, 0.0004350930394139141, 0.0013364627957344055, 0.02991822548210621, -0.011495466344058514, -0.005388572346419096, -0.019994795322418213, 0.034380823373794556, -0.01514483243227005, -0.0037787670735269785, -0.06261306256055832, 0.03152385354042053, -0.04450222849845886, 0.053932227194309235, 0.0095453429967165, -0.05733289569616318, -0.036866944283246994, -0.01827184483408928, -0.0449446439743042, -0.06544762849807739, -0.035260915756225586, -0.041404806077480316, 0.0725003033876419, 0.03224712237715721, 0.036685556173324585, 0.054048482328653336, -0.04565247520804405, -0.08599857240915298, -0.001907087629660964, -0.040753040462732315, -0.024046586826443672, -0.050864893943071365, -0.03948371112346649, 0.039239369332790375, 0.016238993033766747, -0.03779517114162445, 0.016952458769083023, 0.02354082278907299, -0.030436506494879723, 0.01926385797560215, 0.008776501752436161, 0.04929525777697563, -0.02461995743215084, -0.017642468214035034, 0.06600289791822433, 0.036136504262685776, -0.0014733662828803062, -0.0014190428191795945, 0.039887938648462296, 0.011786307208240032, 0.003437836654484272, -0.05437884107232094, -0.032454464584589005, -0.007588664535433054, 0.016406822949647903, -0.046429697424173355, 0.0489235520362854, -0.05968482419848442, -0.00005171526572667062, -0.003249580040574074, -0.05052890628576279, 0.006875623948872089, 0.08207714557647705, 0.016437849029898643, 0.012916303239762783, -0.014213750138878822, 0.061632100492715836, -0.041315577924251556, 0.025271041318774223, -0.03768390417098999, 0.01331090647727251, 0.026062488555908203, 0.07430744171142578, 0.03613175451755524, 0.043106622993946075, -0.0032337403390556574, -0.0844823494553566, -0.06271982192993164, -0.08597388863563538, 0.002931867493316531, 0.010300028137862682, 0.014219715259969234, -0.005187300033867359, 0.055885083973407745, -0.029021577909588814, -0.03618417680263519, -0.00789476465433836, 0.04935679957270622, 0.007539484649896622, -0.056921280920505524, -0.04904256761074066, -0.05347268655896187, 0.000933367176912725, 0.021453727036714554, 0.0035522310063242912, 0.004924718290567398, 0.025791946798563004, -0.0025976423639804125, 0.024454554542899132, 0.0047938027419149876, 0.00025984979583881795, -0.05266590788960457, -0.0415872260928154, 0.03689080849289894, 0.010656332597136497, -0.03920374810695648, 0.011430524289608002, -0.04961663484573364, -0.03444289043545723, -0.03132611885666847, 0.05532316491007805, 0.0028386677149683237, 0.009469760581851006, -0.034483861178159714, -0.005073587875813246, -0.054567184299230576, -0.0163254514336586, 0.0011676932917907834, -0.020213404670357704, 0.04534832015633583, -0.020173246040940285, 0.028154252097010612, -0.03502461314201355, 0.029131395742297173, 0.0024659205228090286, -0.045126620680093765, -0.04148915037512779, 0.002302838023751974, -0.004765036050230265, 0.002426060615107417, -0.003495551412925124, -0.009651576168835163, 0.014087862335145473, 0.03730933368206024, -0.015292164869606495, 0.0003301677934359759, -0.025534015148878098, 0.01998104155063629, 0.02435779757797718, -0.04815199226140976, -0.003122190246358514, -0.04461648315191269, -0.010070904158055782, 0.00024033430963754654, 0.0012209474807605147, -0.012209338136017323, -0.03930645063519478, 0.007224236615002155, -0.023143628612160683, -0.07680754363536835, 0.035152919590473175, -0.05659803748130798, 0.01654975861310959, 0.03564716503024101, 0.014251298271119595, -0.008523554541170597, -0.0013860184699296951, 0.00702024856582284, -0.011820283718407154, -0.09036127477884293, 0.026092257350683212, 0.01648777909576893, -0.0030246018432080746, 0.014363170601427555, -0.030718199908733368, -0.010602430440485477, -0.002515659900382161, -0.003123706439509988, 0.04849995672702789, -0.016123875975608826, 0.015035429038107395, -0.024021893739700317, -0.009328577667474747, 0.01524214819073677, 0.0038002601359039545, -0.00572939682751894, 0.02399352565407753, -0.026493577286601067, -0.03549344465136528, 0.058085087686777115, -0.04106574505567551, -0.012164018116891384, 0.03490762785077095, -0.018407342955470085, 0.025025056675076485, -0.06309834867715836, -0.017450157552957535, 0.005586949642747641, 0.011144502088427544, -0.01507178507745266, -0.030966952443122864, -0.03704473376274109, -0.023394716903567314, 0.05870022624731064, 0.020366109907627106, 0.032954610884189606, -0.019103581085801125, -0.023566264659166336, 0.018835825845599174, 0.011803911998867989, 0.012334048748016357, 0.025039562955498695, -0.029857641085982323, 0.08914896845817566, -0.005429453682154417, -0.009024920873343945, -0.021416086703538895, -0.03326334431767464, -0.003093993989750743, -0.01740785501897335, -0.03732351213693619, 0.022168155759572983, -0.022705595940351486, 0.03247359022498131, -0.03170406445860863, 0.017559722065925598, -0.018799401819705963, 0.003380001522600651, 0.01280143577605486, 0.0425633043050766, 0.006490157917141914, -0.003156244521960616, 0.0557725615799427, -0.0648249164223671, -0.03656642511487007, -0.09709673374891281, 0.003916876390576363, -0.045618969947099686, 0.0184687077999115, 0.013743415474891663, 0.011060457676649094, 0.0058873677626252174, 0.025498338043689728, -0.054617371410131454, -0.027096906676888466, 0.01321319304406643, -0.020347850397229195, 0.02511083520948887, 0.0447373203933239, -0.03419414907693863, 0.02197469025850296, 0.03512817993760109, -0.08725852519273758, -0.04667774960398674, -0.02890782430768013, 0.05292927473783493, 0.007773394696414471, 0.04005788639187813, -0.019524306058883667, -0.03904898837208748, 0.06564029306173325, 0.053313273936510086, -0.024283483624458313, 0.03044992871582508, -0.05768837407231331, 0.04419621080160141, 0.011156812310218811, 0.029311979189515114, -0.029855521395802498, -0.02258235029876232, 0.0023514432832598686, -0.03873904049396515, -0.010940855368971825, 0.005301003344357014, -0.0111977718770504, -0.05046265199780464, 0.06373415142297745, 0.011387534439563751, -0.014090409502387047, 0.014424639753997326, 0.0013401297619566321, -0.0006882195011712611, -0.0020776325836777687, -0.0578480139374733, 0.037896528840065, 0.024497829377651215, 0.07018023729324341, 0.02954598143696785, 0.09319448471069336, 0.040524791926145554, -0.03761426359415054, -0.0022541515063494444, 0.031657181680202484, 0.07830443978309631, 0.008054504171013832, 0.00047422523493878543, -0.02010961063206196, 0.019009904935956, -0.01917904242873192, -0.0334247462451458, 0.03471517562866211, -0.023722684010863304, -0.006230104714632034, 0.026075828820466995, -0.0004227505996823311, 0.022458840161561966, -0.03534013405442238, 0.03513479605317116, 0.02488129958510399, 0.0021656688768416643, 0.059461306780576706, -0.040567945688962936, 0.0674116462469101, 0.006159846670925617, 0.011586345732212067, -0.013739392161369324, -0.010997086763381958, -0.01518235169351101, -0.026289328932762146, 0.030019935220479965, -0.04444808140397072, -0.0020203148014843464, -0.05449259653687477, 0.031352441757917404, -0.018256748095154762, -0.03384865075349808, 0.06774634122848511, -0.025871148332953453, -0.01175622921437025, -0.006560260429978371, -0.03207257017493248, -0.012742133811116219, -0.0029571056365966797, -0.01057983934879303, 0.001086314208805561, 0.011250034905970097, -0.002355498494580388, 0.002079510595649481, 0.07459208369255066, -0.026974793523550034, 0.08363170921802521, 0.030758118256926537, 0.01592656411230564, 0.04771647974848747, 0.016298988834023476, -0.04785944148898125, -0.026966262608766556, -0.04308760538697243, 0.0240828525274992, -0.05170334875583649, 0.01937720738351345, 0.04586639255285263, -0.020344117656350136, -0.042667001485824585, 0.0005260892794467509, 0.021112462505698204, -0.046393003314733505, 0.019287321716547012, -0.03412628546357155, 0.019603999331593513, 0.01481397170573473, 0.012878772802650928, -0.006022913381457329, 0.0476088784635067, 0.08189701288938522, -0.015955518931150436, -0.005147385876625776, 0.0036594197154045105, 0.02477474883198738, 0.032146792858839035, -0.010336378589272499, -0.02047341875731945, -0.060527268797159195, 0.016959749162197113, 0.011981995776295662, 0.0185682475566864, -0.06510671228170395, 0.01688244193792343, -0.034810520708560944, -0.04402116313576698, 0.0776909738779068, 0.04641764983534813, 0.014533699490129948, -0.024357229471206665, -0.027620650827884674, -0.00421450799331069, -0.0017329591792076826, 0.07219737023115158, -0.02535390481352806, 0.016365451738238335, 0.016392357647418976, -0.013338737189769745, -0.022262288257479668, 0.06985323131084442, 0.015914028510451317, -0.00051096425158903, -0.0028353019151836634, 0.005594717804342508, -0.006938168313354254, -0.08751390129327774, -0.05392191931605339, 0.0010007020318880677, -0.03593850135803223, -0.05781324952840805, 0.0005159071297384799, 0.004801026079803705, -0.031969889998435974, -0.02284259907901287, 0.0046983626671135426, 0.05495612323284149, -0.05572981387376785, -0.028752455487847328, -0.06537841260433197, -0.0007332377135753632, 0.02146093174815178, 0.048771027475595474, 0.013435707427561283, -0.03871855512261391, 0.017175139859318733, -0.047824833542108536, 0.018391434103250504, 0.005764486733824015, -0.027304252609610558, 0.008399328216910362 ]
OPINION GARCIA, Judge. Defendants appeal from a judgment entered against them regarding the unlawful termination of plaintiffs who were permanent county employees. The sole issue on appeal is whether the trial court correctly applied the standards propounded in Cleveland Bd. of Educ. v. Loudermill, 470 U.S. 532, 105 S.Ct. 1487, 84 L.Ed.2d 494 (1985) to the facts of this case. We affirm. FACTS On February 14,1986, the inmates of the Chaves County jail complained that fish patties served during the noon meal were still frozen. Not surprisingly, the inmates refused to eat the fish patties and sent them back with written letters of complaint. The sheriff ordered another meal sent to the inmates. At approximately 3:00 that same day, the sheriff summoned the plaintiffs and one other cook responsible for preparing the meal, to meet with him in his office. In addition to the sheriff and the plaintiffs, the meeting was also attended by two of the sheriff’s assistants. Plaintiffs were told of the complaints and were asked for their explanations. Two of the cooks made brief equivocal responses, one saying it was the other’s fault, the second saying a fish patty had been checked prior to it being served, and it was properly cooked. The sheriff also discussed a prior incident involving some of the cooks wherein a bad stew had been served to the inmates. After twenty minutes, the sheriff dismissed the cooks from the room. Following a brief discussion with his two assistants, the sheriff called the three cooks back into the room and told them they were fired. At the time plaintiffs were orally notified of their dismissal, they were not given notification setting forth the grounds for their termination. At a bench trial, defendants stipulated that Chaves County Ordinance 8, relating to personnel, was constitutionally defective in that it lacked a provision for a pretermination hearing as required by Louder-mill. Defendants argued, however, that the February 14 meeting did, in fact, comply with the Loudermill requirements. In its final judgment, the trial court determined that the meeting did not satisfy Loudermill, that the Chaves County personnel ordinance creates a contractual right between the county and the plaintiffs and entered judgment for plaintiffs permanently enjoining the sheriff’s department from terminating plaintiffs without according them a proper pretermination hearing. DISCUSSION In Loudermill, the Supreme Court determined that due process required a pretermination hearing for government employees. The pretermination hearing must provide notice, an explanation of the evidence and an opportunity to respond. “In general, ‘something less’ than a full evidentiary hearing is sufficient prior to adverse administrative action.” Id. at 545, 105 S.Ct. at 1495. Thus, the pretermination hearing need not be formal or elaborate, but must give notice of the charges against the employee, and also provide an opportunity for the employee to respond. In this case, the trial court found that failure to provide the cooks with a pretermination hearing was a violation of due process. The court also found that the twenty-minute meeting did not comply with the requirement of a pretermination hearing. The court found that plaintiffs were not allowed an opportunity to confront the evidence against them in the form of complaints from inmates about the quality of the food they had prepared; they were not given specifications of the alleged violations; and they were not accorded any opportunity to adequately review the evidence against them nor to prepare a rational reasoned response to the allegations. Thus, the trial court concluded that plaintiffs were wrongfully discharged from their employment and were entitled to reinstatement. There was substantial evidence to support the court’s findings and the findings of fact made by the trial court support its judgment. The defendant’s post-Louder-mill cases which find that similar pretermination hearings were adequate, must be viewed in the total context of the termination process. For example, in Brasslett v. Cota, 761 F.2d 827 (1st Cir.1985), the fire chief was disciplined for one prior incident, was requested to and did apologize for a current incident and attended a town council meeting where continued dissatisfaction was expressed and the possibility of disciplinary action was discussed. In a meeting with the fire chief, the town manager reviewed the fire chief’s personnel file, the town council’s dissatisfaction and disciplinary options before telling the fire chief he would be dismissed. A letter of termination was sent the next day, spelling out reasons and citing incidents and personnel rules violated. The use of a prior incident for which no disciplinary action had been taken was not allowed. Here, plaintiffs were not given employee correction notices or an opportunity for correction. Moreover, the evidence is uncontroverted that prior incidents were brought up for which no disciplinary action was taken. See also Bockbrader v. Department of Pub. Inst., 220 Neb. 17, 367 N.W.2d 721 (1985) (plaintiff given written correction notices and discussed these problems with supervisor). We will not substitute our judgment for that of the trial court as to the facts established by the evidence, so long as the findings are supported by substantial evidence. Getz v. Equitable Life Assurance Soc’y of United States, 90 N.M. 195, 561 P.2d 468, cert. denied, 434 U.S. 834, 98 S.Ct. 121, 54 L.Ed.2d 95 (1977). The facts relating to the incident in question are essentially undisputed. The trial court was entitled to draw its own conclusions from those facts. The trial court determined that the meeting between plaintiffs and the sheriff did not rise to the level of a pretermination hearing and that the termination of plaintiffs was, therefore, in violation of the due process clause of the Constitution. We find no error. The trial court is affirmed. IT IS SO ORDERED. DONNELLY, C.J., and ALARID, J., concur.
[ -0.043691568076610565, -0.04004090279340744, -0.01821882836520672, 0.008646556176245213, 0.04310103878378868, 0.014171495102345943, 0.033434294164180756, 0.046815820038318634, -0.03726331889629364, -0.056183822453022, 0.008893541991710663, 0.04663443565368652, -0.029217934235930443, 0.07660151273012161, -0.02412133663892746, 0.08899326622486115, 0.05765780061483383, 0.03932258486747742, 0.015461944974958897, -0.025539200752973557, 0.00750682083889842, -0.025081560015678406, -0.00911268126219511, 0.06378420442342758, -0.009636822156608105, 0.03415216878056526, 0.03453347086906433, 0.007877831347286701, -0.038051534444093704, -0.016416091471910477, 0.03419071063399315, -0.003001988399773836, -0.0076866764575243, 0.02168569341301918, -0.01429066713899374, 0.006273067556321621, -0.007279751356691122, 0.014382235705852509, -0.02145211212337017, 0.02544943057000637, -0.041505612432956696, 0.015112954191863537, -0.034416984766721725, -0.003820324782282114, -0.009387996979057789, 0.028293311595916748, 0.020709477365016937, 0.03708459436893463, -0.014957625418901443, 0.005793020594865084, -0.08878662437200546, 0.004554236773401499, -0.00881013460457325, 0.023974435403943062, -0.01946164481341839, -0.004477920476347208, -0.05112948641180992, -0.023265812546014786, 0.0062813120894134045, -0.018193621188402176, 0.008338098414242268, -0.02600940503180027, 0.05043112859129906, -0.03501319885253906, -0.011831056326627731, -0.007952298037707806, -0.01333178486675024, 0.05338731408119202, -0.021187948063015938, -0.0435643196105957, -0.008426962420344353, -0.007237977348268032, 0.009821983054280281, 0.057482391595840454, 0.005887456238269806, -0.03310994431376457, 0.032038748264312744, 0.011645891703665257, -0.01582399383187294, 0.05547923222184181, 0.004278125241398811, 0.0020293421112000942, 0.03735869377851486, 0.04322510212659836, 0.0004758973664138466, -0.0326911024749279, -0.011795811355113983, 0.006505846977233887, -0.03984633460640907, 0.028072670102119446, -0.00801435299217701, -0.03985007107257843, 0.016698915511369705, 0.04212678223848343, -0.027973229065537453, -0.013876632787287235, 0.08616230636835098, -0.005887421779334545, 0.043646182864904404, 0.019606316462159157, -0.026961524039506912, -0.005428253673017025, 0.02735161781311035, 0.0640493780374527, -0.09219112992286682, -0.0007104946998879313, -0.036555249243974686, 0.005878016352653503, 0.011960445903241634, 0.011907507665455341, -0.007290048059076071, 0.03866434469819069, -0.015950754284858704, -0.02880917862057686, -0.06984875351190567, 0.08553411811590195, 0.03465253487229347, -0.02714371308684349, -0.02002996765077114, -0.05417961627244949, 0.01830221712589264, 0.011233219876885414, 0.03355138376355171, 0.08675135672092438, 0.023868175223469734, -0.03490869700908661, 0.02956930361688137, 0.01956474781036377, -0.009478237479925156, -0.06524372845888138, -0.00655517540872097, 0.034267932176589966, 0.00825243815779686, 0.027709726244211197, -0.027555566281080246, 0.031583115458488464, -0.007419782690703869, -0.06523358821868896, 0.012240486219525337, -0.029155628755688667, -0.04583928734064102, 0.006626688409596682, 0.042968470603227615, 0.01980862393975258, 0.061796244233846664, -0.05826553329825401, 0.0020083764102309942, -0.028076961636543274, -0.01871906779706478, -0.008947850205004215, 0.02002093754708767, 0.03380662202835083, 0.006342712324112654, -0.029842596501111984, -0.0023865222465246916, 0.06451894342899323, 0.010897474363446236, -0.017876457422971725, -0.003049717517569661, 0.060897547751665115, 0.03662317618727684, 0.03644968569278717, 0.0168304406106472, -0.021815266460180283, 0.007946613244712353, 0.06043224036693573, 0.014853157103061676, -0.030072025954723358, -0.024656394496560097, 0.04477645084261894, -0.04699062183499336, 0.007293505594134331, 0.05700301006436348, -0.06676507741212845, -0.011146023869514465, -0.011049237102270126, 0.03752635046839714, 0.009290662594139576, 0.017120083793997765, -0.026685282588005066, -0.06290251761674881, 0.02281915955245495, 0.003370754886418581, -0.014318004250526428, -0.03520163521170616, -0.020449494943022728, 0.046412497758865356, -0.027337167412042618, 0.03246365860104561, 0.022360753268003464, -0.07661999017000198, -0.005783312488347292, 0.025380276143550873, -0.0074231275357306, 0.01988638937473297, 0.015417623333632946, -0.036705244332551956, 0.06180065497756004, 0.02402915619313717, 0.037085533142089844, -0.01680397428572178, 0.0016194257186725736, 0.023719551041722298, -0.05911858379840851, -0.06832557916641235, 0.029612941667437553, 0.06613291054964066, -0.023236922919750214, 0.023326296359300613, 0.04433319717645645, -0.045684847980737686, -0.0014270541723817587, 0.03964318335056305, -0.002428948413580656, 0.02562740445137024, -0.018606115132570267, 0.05767398700118065, -0.0371396504342556, 0.03835567831993103, -0.06209759786725044, 0.08114004880189896, 0.010276539251208305, -0.005101597867906094, 0.0440678596496582, -0.007850850000977516, 0.07648607343435287, 0.069667287170887, -0.007924851961433887, -0.023781610652804375, 0.019352218136191368, -0.014016317203640938, 0.005675522610545158, -0.017033595591783524, 0.00008337492909049615, -0.0038773342967033386, -0.0032866131514310837, -0.014765091240406036, 0.004712517373263836, 0.028292112052440643, -0.08572912961244583, 0.03171383962035179, 0.006642140913754702, 0.010577746666967869, 0.031137576326727867, -0.0205291248857975, -0.004959833342581987, 0.008221819065511227, 0.032001908868551254, 0.028206177055835724, -0.02885175310075283, 0.011604405008256435, -0.003391058649867773, 0.009374958463013172, -0.00536649115383625, 0.022342205047607422, -0.062405288219451904, -0.061985887587070465, 0.0052470979280769825, 0.025811923667788506, 0.028382452204823494, 0.00900439452379942, 0.036958497017621994, 0.011917702853679657, -0.05309583991765976, -0.012319850735366344, -0.056243810802698135, -0.02146095223724842, 0.013528755865991116, 0.022534897550940514, 0.011737305670976639, 0.021562861278653145, -0.023157188668847084, 0.0021423448342829943, -0.0007347135688178241, 0.008996395394206047, 0.013954879716038704, 0.04519025608897209, -0.04085216298699379, -0.0027502463199198246, -0.02446933276951313, 0.0020144309382885695, 0.04135424643754959, -0.03284304589033127, -0.06021348759531975, 0.028488818556070328, -0.0545378215610981, 0.03460005670785904, -0.0573345348238945, -0.08803974092006683, 0.045661259442567825, 0.005490400828421116, 0.033416006714105606, -0.013945277780294418, 0.006853494327515364, 0.016602739691734314, 0.014703112654387951, 0.027739230543375015, 0.0023517399094998837, 0.038940973579883575, -0.02590417116880417, 0.02934546209871769, -0.014371479861438274, 0.02045862004160881, 0.04749661311507225, 0.0015301372623071074, 0.005713420454412699, 0.002359344158321619, 0.01710839942097664, -0.26768752932548523, 0.014495523646473885, -0.006578459870070219, -0.03941921517252922, 0.04342455416917801, -0.015879133716225624, 0.042684976011514664, -0.01648668758571148, -0.011178776621818542, 0.048929642885923386, -0.02451593056321144, -0.02677111141383648, 0.007867258042097092, 0.015672290697693825, 0.02300943061709404, -0.041421353816986084, 0.005718189757317305, -0.028730008751153946, 0.010704088024795055, 0.003730950877070427, 0.02493133582174778, -0.07697924226522446, -0.08540686964988708, 0.011234762147068977, 0.04956435412168503, 0.07267734408378601, -0.029206158593297005, 0.017133919522166252, -0.05839969217777252, -0.031318649649620056, 0.015214922837913036, -0.009701347909867764, 0.002656787633895874, -0.022728165611624718, -0.026330243796110153, -0.006269374396651983, -0.00935688428580761, -0.019462307915091515, -0.007506601046770811, -0.007518882397562265, 0.03129378706216812, -0.040671393275260925, -0.058053966611623764, 0.02666841261088848, 0.04990950599312782, 0.007454451639205217, -0.026973385363817215, 0.011609052307903767, -0.008104423061013222, 0.06075996533036232, -0.020638370886445045, -0.0038969230372458696, -0.026374464854598045, 0.04515906423330307, -0.0055335876531898975, 0.013729448430240154, -0.07994286715984344, 0.006413559429347515, -0.05014718696475029, 0.029514407739043236, 0.006529316306114197, -0.06312089413404465, -0.04812763258814812, -0.048964306712150574, -0.05730641633272171, -0.043740514665842056, -0.04545532166957855, -0.03529937192797661, 0.04941565543413162, 0.014733357354998589, 0.012275186367332935, 0.02579297311604023, -0.037411876022815704, -0.09569132328033447, -0.00874148216098547, -0.029822956770658493, -0.036790624260902405, -0.01951121725142002, -0.019169282168149948, 0.0658828392624855, 0.013176807202398777, -0.02434713765978813, 0.04743244871497154, 0.019431186839938164, -0.0212534312158823, -0.01649118959903717, -0.02645491436123848, 0.05083141103386879, -0.049936942756175995, -0.0070088026113808155, 0.063143789768219, 0.04884660243988037, -0.0750032514333725, -0.017296917736530304, 0.041721757501363754, 0.0145938191562891, -0.005683917086571455, -0.051217664033174515, -0.01238633319735527, 0.0013721808791160583, 0.015168160200119019, -0.04060672968626022, 0.03811882808804512, -0.01348357554525137, 0.02075083926320076, -0.02028738707304001, -0.05814806744456291, 0.02546772174537182, 0.07512828707695007, 0.018495259806513786, 0.05274556577205658, -0.00694930600002408, 0.02514480985701084, -0.04039938747882843, 0.022168103605508804, -0.0279355701059103, 0.03586474806070328, 0.017446789890527725, 0.03316611424088478, 0.04292644187808037, -0.010581573471426964, 0.02162385731935501, -0.053120456635951996, -0.021642928943037987, -0.08532590419054031, -0.018146144226193428, 0.05831092596054077, 0.026260968297719955, -0.02394910156726837, 0.037931475788354874, -0.02238793857395649, -0.05409317463636398, -0.016483765095472336, 0.010307880118489265, 0.00694275600835681, -0.023997806012630463, -0.024877352640032768, -0.05343790352344513, -0.01768001727759838, 0.019608721137046814, 0.02793203480541706, 0.0024859479162842035, 0.037295542657375336, -0.023218171671032906, 0.051002662628889084, 0.01244353037327528, -0.02493530511856079, 0.0029863580130040646, -0.031020643189549446, 0.04170937463641167, 0.014755954034626484, -0.04114799201488495, -0.0012630349956452847, -0.028344571590423584, -0.023130374029278755, -0.04829529672861099, 0.018542654812335968, 0.04156715050339699, -0.022647053003311157, -0.03378978371620178, -0.003264547558501363, -0.01488653477281332, -0.026523694396018982, -0.04574955254793167, -0.010780815035104752, 0.06592771410942078, -0.006169983185827732, 0.02890532650053501, -0.00930158793926239, 0.024599015712738037, -0.0020650140941143036, -0.04733660817146301, -0.03581536188721657, 0.00694486266002059, -0.00694064237177372, 0.02134341187775135, -0.008777170442044735, 0.027505632489919662, 0.030157841742038727, 0.03611619397997856, -0.018208004534244537, -0.021803654730319977, -0.006111099384725094, 0.045654796063899994, 0.03890217840671539, -0.052120815962553024, -0.004714865703135729, -0.05943065509200096, 0.031824301928281784, -0.03179828077554703, -0.048753559589385986, -0.021166101098060608, -0.0002143571909982711, 0.015997856855392456, -0.048217643052339554, -0.06822305917739868, 0.04705529287457466, -0.01772049069404602, 0.024207552894949913, -0.017660683020949364, -0.0033722911030054092, -0.027510598301887512, -0.02046528272330761, 0.005366467870771885, -0.01755538210272789, -0.07171031087636948, 0.05379815399646759, 0.013981521129608154, 0.01814439333975315, 0.006179280579090118, -0.05961831659078598, -0.020670300349593163, -0.010277219116687775, 0.030010836198925972, 0.05769849196076393, -0.09190598130226135, 0.034267280250787735, -0.007168996147811413, -0.027043506503105164, -0.0161892082542181, -0.020480133593082428, -0.038558896631002426, -0.027229156345129013, 0.005002236925065517, -0.049785736948251724, 0.03864162042737007, -0.02495580166578293, -0.021326467394828796, 0.05000566691160202, -0.036137618124485016, -0.008639554493129253, -0.032070647925138474, 0.03378976508975029, 0.0340307280421257, -0.022019222378730774, -0.024935457855463028, -0.03293118625879288, -0.01894356496632099, -0.01251120213419199, 0.07536470144987106, 0.031166940927505493, 0.035502079874277115, 0.01283238921314478, -0.01801108941435814, 0.017741354182362556, -0.01683630980551243, 0.03814065083861351, 0.014127593487501144, 0.016768261790275574, 0.06599543988704681, 0.01285572163760662, 0.01122337393462658, -0.01690671779215336, -0.03988087177276611, 0.035686083137989044, -0.021328609436750412, 0.013948192819952965, 0.014221369288861752, -0.0010387913789600134, 0.055830344557762146, -0.014616376720368862, 0.03003104217350483, -0.0007912870496511459, -0.01070771086961031, -0.0012274689506739378, 0.03496691584587097, 0.032193928956985474, -0.03186165913939476, 0.06917300075292587, -0.05248263478279114, -0.008918596431612968, -0.09675772488117218, -0.02262067422270775, -0.02556341513991356, 0.025430327281355858, 0.04171508923172951, -0.0005097031244076788, -0.013524156995117664, 0.028328074142336845, -0.05686410516500473, -0.027041837573051453, 0.014648770913481712, -0.018595242872834206, -0.04832574352622032, 0.06458433717489243, -0.04538848251104355, 0.02714051492512226, 0.00006951209070393816, -0.06100299954414368, -0.03631651774048805, -0.0144985755905509, 0.01988443173468113, 0.06118571758270264, -0.03049551323056221, -0.03135055676102638, 0.0005920215626247227, 0.027332736179232597, 0.07233592122793198, -0.0004039562772959471, -0.0016021247720345855, -0.07205833494663239, 0.01855263113975525, 0.016199525445699692, -0.036279186606407166, -0.028476564213633537, 0.02552969940006733, -0.024412354454398155, -0.06261982768774033, 0.0018992451950907707, 0.03449270501732826, -0.018389685079455376, -0.04431743919849396, 0.05490172654390335, 0.006778639741241932, -0.024354396387934685, 0.017957327887415886, -0.03421759977936745, -0.01707460545003414, -0.02527848444879055, -0.049720801413059235, 0.042444925755262375, -0.04683707281947136, 0.06199388578534126, 0.039930760860443115, 0.07002533227205276, 0.038789574056863785, -0.024070948362350464, 0.027436599135398865, 0.006501791533082724, 0.06548944860696793, 0.04018031433224678, 0.033879756927490234, -0.017030911520123482, 0.029496140778064728, -0.0031535157468169928, -0.03682667016983032, 0.00563609367236495, -0.031616851687431335, -0.012207253836095333, -0.005252806935459375, 0.023203767836093903, 0.02833288162946701, 0.013665896840393543, 0.04686083272099495, 0.02730734646320343, 0.013969440944492817, 0.029025858268141747, -0.008902305737137794, 0.04918632656335831, 0.013133954256772995, -0.017751576378941536, -0.07467041909694672, -0.00710300263017416, -0.024077681824564934, -0.031679339706897736, 0.04798974096775055, -0.02628733403980732, 0.01520981639623642, -0.036858491599559784, 0.045015644282102585, -0.01553038414567709, -0.01930510438978672, 0.047859400510787964, -0.04531880468130112, -0.01247383002191782, 0.020454678684473038, 0.007106134667992592, 0.006572222337126732, -0.026871247217059135, 0.009876755997538567, 0.012260536663234234, -0.01761438325047493, 0.004614557139575481, -0.00806375965476036, 0.033350199460983276, -0.016862595453858376, 0.030641937628388405, -0.007854544557631016, -0.04256663843989372, 0.05674353614449501, 0.04056620970368385, -0.019975317642092705, -0.038091953843832016, -0.0658600777387619, -0.022196155041456223, -0.04194660112261772, 0.033964332193136215, 0.03897620737552643, -0.03521887958049774, -0.06798923015594482, -0.03525559604167938, 0.005603494588285685, -0.00027558946749195457, 0.007057254668325186, -0.04605088755488396, 0.03719450160861015, 0.03897132724523544, 0.055895622819662094, 0.04871244356036186, 0.03770288825035095, 0.03987154737114906, -0.002629572059959173, -0.04588707908987999, -0.014599621295928955, -0.026850702241063118, 0.03423717990517616, -0.015284479595720768, -0.025208527222275734, -0.0608099102973938, 0.04710020124912262, 0.014681111089885235, 0.01048347633332014, -0.04670952260494232, 0.04189347103238106, -0.0038711114320904016, -0.028518259525299072, 0.08328524231910706, 0.026596328243613243, -0.018794555217027664, -0.05004522576928139, -0.024399491026997566, -0.004267399664968252, -0.006081548519432545, 0.0683843344449997, -0.05104600638151169, 0.020541148260235786, 0.0058911703526973724, -0.009230171330273151, 0.007660449016839266, 0.05601608008146286, 0.005736235063523054, 0.015058571472764015, -0.030850224196910858, -0.01927037164568901, -0.0005400005611591041, -0.05572551116347313, -0.026402965188026428, 0.004920287989079952, -0.039293449372053146, -0.06756936758756638, 0.02681128680706024, -0.019214672967791557, -0.017739098519086838, 0.004579837433993816, 0.029405198991298676, 0.029636994004249573, -0.023234447464346886, -0.023794187232851982, -0.05693809315562248, 0.014558142051100731, 0.0017125591402873397, 0.010346771217882633, 0.030849184840917587, -0.026340290904045105, 0.00954082515090704, -0.04604056477546692, -0.017873184755444527, 0.03310453146696091, -0.023790013045072556, -0.012240460142493248 ]
OPINION MINZNER, Judge. Husband appeals a post divorce order crediting him with $714.58 against child support and alimony arrearages. Husband contends that the amount of the credit, which represents his community share of a settlement wife received for medical expenses, should be larger. The final decree of divorce entered by the court ordered that any recovery obtained by wife resulting from her claim for toxic shock syndrome would be her separate property, except that portion which was directly attributable to past medical expenses, loss of services to the community and loss of earnings, up to the time of the divorce, which amounts were deemed community property and should be divided equally between husband and wife. On appeal, both parties have assumed that the evidence necessary to support their respective claims is evidence as to the total amount of medical expenses incurred by the community. The appellate issue, however, is not what the total medical expenses were, but what portion of the wife’s settlement was directly attributable to medical expenses. We reverse the trial court and remand for further proceedings. BACKGROUND. Petitioner-appellant (husband) and respondent-appellee (wife) were married in 1965 and divorced in 1983. They had one child, who was 16 at the time of the divorce. When the divorce was granted wife had a potential personal injury claim against Proctor and Gamble for toxic shock syndrome. The findings of fact and conclusions of law entered at that time awarded alimony and child support, and included the following paragraph: 14. Respondent has a potential claim or cause of action against the manufacturers and/or distributors of Rely Tampons and/or others by reason of an illness she contracted in 1980 which required her hospitalization and other substantial medical care since that time. In the event Respondent brings an action or presents a claim against any responsible parties for her said injuries and illness, and in the event Respondent is successful in her claim or action, then that portion of Respondent’s claim or cause of action which is directly attributable to past medical expenses, loss of service to the community, and loss of earnings, if any, to the community, up to the time of the dissolution of the parties’ marriage, is the community property of the parties and should be divided equally between Petitioner and Respondent. The remaining portion of Respondent’s claim or cause of action, including damages for Respondent’s physical injury, pain and suffering, is Respondent’s separate property. The final decree adopted the findings of fact and conclusions of law as the court’s ruling. Subsequent to the divorce of the parties, wife filed a motion seeking to have husband held in contempt for failure to pay child support and alimony, and for judgment on the delinquencies. Husband stipulated that he was indebted to wife in the amount of $3,190 for past alimony and child support and in the amount of $2,000, plus interest, for an unauthorized loan obtained on a life insurance policy owned by wife. Husband agreed to make specific payments on these delinquencies. On February 28, 1985, wife filed a motion to enforce stipulation and judgment, asking for arrearages and attorney fees that had been awarded previously. The motion stated that wife’s suit against Proctor and Gamble was apparently close to settlement and acknowledged that husband was awarded an interest in that settlement. Wife asked that a receiver be appointed to receive any portion of the settlement due husband, to hold that amount, and to pay future alimony payments from it as they accrue. After husband was ordered to pay arrearages and make regular alimony payments, a hearing was held with respect to paragraph 14. At the hearing, wife contended that the amount due husband under paragraph 14 was one-half of wife’s medical expenses which had not been paid by insurance. She presented a portion of the couple’s joint tax return for 1981, showing unreimbursed medical expenses of $1,421.16. Counsel for husband admitted that they had conducted no discovery. Thus, husband did not know the amount of the settlement wife had received or how much of the settlement was attributable to attorney fees, medical expenses, or loss of future earnings. On cross-examination, wife stated that all of her medical expenses in excess of the $1,421.16 had been paid by Blue Cross and Champús. The entitlement to Champús was due to husband’s military service, and the Blue Cross premiums were deducted from his Air Force paycheck. Wife further testified that she had settled with Proctor and Gamble in April 1985, but that under the terms of the settlement the amount could not be disclosed. She did not know how the settlement figure was determined. She did admit that her total medical expenses were in the area of $80,-000 and that the settlement was in excess of that amount. Following the hearing, husband requested a finding that he was entitled to one-half of $80,000. Findings entered by the trial judge include the following, which are challenged by husband: 14. That no loss of services resulted to the community and no loss of earnings. 15. That the intention of paragraph 14 was to reimburse the community, and in particular the Petitioner, for his one-half of any medical expenses the community inucrred [sic] as a result of the Respondents (sic) illness. 17. That the only evidence introduced as to medical expenses of the community are shown on Exhibit 1 to the December 16, 1985, hearing and the uncontradicted testimony of the Respondent, which shows the total sum of medical expenses to the community resulting from the illness and during that period to be $1429.15, one-half of which or $714.58, the Petitioner is entitled to recover. We discuss (1) what portion of wife’s settlement, if any, represents community property; and (2) evidence of the amount of medical expenses. WHAT PORTION OF THE SETTLEMENT REPRESENTS COMMUNITY PROPERTY? The trial judge found that only an amount equal to medical expenses not paid by insurance was community property. No issue is raised on appeal concerning any right of the community with respect to loss of earnings or loss of services due to wife’s illness. Under finding 17, the amount due the community for medical expenses was $1,429.15. It follows from finding 15 that the trial court believed the decree intended to reimburse the community for only those medical expenses the community paid for in cash. That construction of the decree is not supported by the record on appeal. Paragraph 14 states that any portion of the settlement “directly attributable to medical expenses” is community property and should be divided equally. The language in the decree is clear and therefore must be enforced as written. “Where the decree is clear and unambiguous, neither pleadings, findings, nor matters dehors the record may be used to change its meaning or even to construe it. It must stand and be enforced as it speaks." Parks v. Parks, 91 N.M. 369, 372, 574 P.2d 588, 591 (1978). In interpreting the decree to refer to non-reimbursable expenses, the trial court is adding limiting language to the decree. The only way an unmodifiable judgment of property settlement may be modified or set aside is by appeal or pursuant to a motion for relief from judgment. Parks v. Parks. Neither procedure was followed in this case. See Russell v. Russell, 101 N.M. 648, 687 P.2d 83 (1984) (wherein husband appealed only the alimony award, which was affirmed). Where the meaning is obscure or ambiguous, the entire record may be resorted to for the purpose of construing the judgment. Westbrook v. Lea General Hospital, 85 N.M. 191, 510 P.2d 515 (Ct.App.1973). However, even if the language in paragraph 14 were not clear, nothing in the record supports the assumption that “medical expenses” refers to only non-reimbursable expenses. A plain reading of paragraph 14 is also consistent with New Mexico law. This reinforces our conclusion that the decree requires division of any portion of the settlement attributable to medical expenses. While in a personal injury case an award for pain and suffering is separate property, see Luxton v. Luxton, 98 N.M. 276, 648 P.2d 315 (1982), a claim for damages to the community for medical expenses and loss of earnings belongs to the community. Soto v. Vandeventer, 56 N.M. 483, 245 P.2d 826 (1952); Rodgers v. Ferguson, 89 N.M. 688, 556 P.2d 844 (Ct.App.1976). The Texas Supreme Court explained the rationale for this rule in Graham v. Franco, 488 S.W.2d 390 (Texas 1972), where a wife sued for personal injuries sustained in an automobile accident. The court held that “[t]o the extent that the marital partnership has incurred medical or other expenses and has lost wages, both spouses have been damaged by the injury to the spouse; and both spouses have a claim against the wrongdoer. The recovery, therefore, is community in character.” Id. at 396. See W. de Funiak and M. Vaughn, Principles of Community Property § 82 (2d ed. 1971). The above authorities characterize recovery for medical expenses as a community asset because it represents reimbursement for debts incurred by the community. Under our statutory characterization, all of the medical expenses incurred in this case were community debts. See NMSA 1978, § 40-3-9 (Repl.1986). We conclude that whether or not they were paid by insurance is irrelevant as far as the characterization of the debt is concerned. Further, the insurance which paid the expenses was a community asset because the policy was purchased with community funds. See NMSA 1978, §§ 40-3-8 and -12 (Repl.1986); Stroshine v. Stroshine, 98 N.M. 742, 652 P.2d 1193 (1982) (property acquired during marriage is pre sumptively community). The right to payment of the community debts was acquired by purchasing insurance with community funds. The community has an interest in the proceeds of the policy. See Douglas v. Douglas, 101 N.M. 570, 686 P.2d 260 (Ct.App.1984) (holding that the marital community, by reason of payment of premiums on a disability insurance policy, acquired an interest in amounts subsequently paid to the injured spouse because of personal injury and disability). See also Palama v. Palama, 323 So.2d 823 (La.App.1975) (fire insurance policy a community asset and proceeds therefrom were due the community). Since the medical expenses were community debts and the insurance proceeds were community assets, any part of wife’s settlement intended to reimburse the community for medical expenses is also community property. The fact that a community debt was paid with community assets is determinative of the issue on appeal. It makes no difference whether the debt was paid with cash or with insurance proceeds; in any event, it was paid by the community. See Guy v. Guy, 98 Idaho 205, 560 P.2d 876 (1977) (clearly community labor was the source of the benefit). If the insurance company has been reimbursed by wife from the proceeds of her settlement, then the community portion of the settlement has been used to pay the community debt, and husband is not entitled to any further portion of the settlement. On the record, however, it does not appear that this has happened. If there is a double recovery of medical expenses, both spouses should share in it equally. The community should not be penalized because the parties protected themselves by purchasing insurance. EVIDENCE OF THE AMOUNT OF MEDICAL EXPENSES. The trial court found that the only evidence introduced on medical expenses of the community was the 1981 income tax return and the uncontradicted testimony of wife, which shows the total sum of expenses to the community as $1,429.15. As pointed out above, however, the tax return does not show the total medical expenses of the community, only those not reimbursed by insurance, and wife’s uncontradicted testimony was that medical expenses exceeded $80,000. Thus, the finding challenged by appellant is not supported by substantial evidence. See Fitzsimmons v. Fitzsimmons, 104 N.M. 420, 722 P.2d 671 (Ct.App.1986) (findings must be supported by the evidence adduced at the hearing). The real issue, however, is not what the community’s medical expenses were, but what portion of wife’s settlement was directly attributable to medical expenses. While it is clear that the total medical expenses to the community exceeded $1,429.15, it is not so clear what they actually were. Wife testified they were “in the area of $80,000.” She did not know how the settlement was arrived at and could not, or would not, testify as to how much of the settlement was attributable to medical expenses. Wife’s attorney argued that the settlement from Proctor and Gamble did not specify an amount for medical expenses. Arguments of counsel, however, are not evidence. State v. Jacobs, 102 N.M. 801, 701 P.2d 400 (Ct.App.1985). Where the record fails to support the findings and conclusions adopted by the trial court and where an additional evidentiary hearing may be required, the cause may be remanded for further hearing and entry of appropriate findings. See State ex rel. Human Services Dep’t v. Coleman, 104 N.M. 500, 723 P.2d 971 (Ct.App.1986). On the facts of this case, we conclude that a remand is appropriate. On remand, the trial court will have discretion to make rulings that strike a balance between wife’s obligation under the settlement agreement and wife’s duty to make available sufficient information to allow the trial court to determine the community interest in the settlement proceeds. We note that where a party seeks judgment for arrearages and contempt, the trial court’s equitable powers are invoked. Corliss v. Corliss, 89 N.M. 235, 549 P.2d 1070 (1976). A party seeking equity must do equity. Roybal v. Morris, 100 N.M. 305, 669 P.2d 1100 (Ct.App.1983). CONCLUSION The case is remanded for a hearing and entry of findings as to the amount of wife’s settlement that is directly attributable to medical expenses. The trial court should also determine whether the insurance company has sought recovery from wife for benefits it paid. If the company has been reimbursed by wife for all of its payments, there may be no portion of the settlement left for the community to divide. If it is determined that a substantial amount of the settlement is due husband, it would be appropriate for the trial judge to consider wife’s motion for appointment of a receiver, since husband has been less than diligent in meeting his support obligations. Obviously, any amount due husband should first be offset by amounts owed wife for arrearages. The order is reversed and the case is remanded for further action consistent with this opinion. No costs or attorney fees are awarded. IT IS SO ORDERED. DONNELLY, C.J., and APODACA, J., concur.
[ -0.02997799590229988, -0.020111259073019028, -0.0070879808627069, 0.002098274417221546, 0.044698528945446014, 0.020527293905615807, 0.02092428132891655, 0.011761236935853958, 0.024996252730488777, -0.01349586434662342, 0.030754229053854942, 0.051523976027965546, -0.03435372933745384, 0.045875612646341324, -0.030230950564146042, 0.0815403163433075, 0.03479388728737831, 0.03999150171875954, 0.0064033749513328075, 0.001797690405510366, -0.02120477892458439, -0.028530307114124298, 0.020435351878404617, 0.06127551198005676, 0.02187674306333065, 0.0030963062308728695, 0.008360241539776325, 0.01451948843896389, -0.05303015559911728, -0.003607903141528368, 0.06246187537908554, 0.024440471082925797, 0.008300171233713627, -0.008209826424717903, -0.03146836534142494, 0.00593798840418458, -0.030239015817642212, -0.00862955767661333, -0.03194645792245865, 0.011228491552174091, -0.02976083755493164, 0.041571758687496185, -0.057121556252241135, -0.015256841666996479, -0.03216229006648064, 0.010279620997607708, -0.015456723980605602, 0.0008337237522937357, -0.04921860992908478, -0.002377756405621767, -0.04697350040078163, 0.003270745975896716, -0.004112343303859234, -0.008645502850413322, 0.0043822345323860645, 0.03220481798052788, -0.05210065841674805, -0.003842331003397703, -0.013593626208603382, -0.037644870579242706, 0.028930548578500748, -0.001926481956616044, 0.06801873445510864, -0.0012939192820340395, -0.0018568916711956263, 0.0024811215698719025, 0.030182698741555214, 0.06377328187227249, -0.0262395441532135, -0.022867273539304733, -0.006314420606940985, -0.0077257705852389336, 0.010867733508348465, 0.012854383327066898, -0.004958961624652147, -0.038567740470170975, -0.02064383029937744, -0.01429520919919014, 0.009819261729717255, 0.03789529576897621, 0.03139663487672806, 0.01339060440659523, -0.035902827978134155, 0.027584096416831017, -0.016664177179336548, -0.0653960108757019, 0.006617652717977762, 0.0219039935618639, -0.02278965711593628, 0.062230899930000305, 0.0029096100479364395, 0.007762586697936058, -0.003307817969471216, 0.06452235579490662, -0.0070780618116259575, -0.023147031664848328, 0.05958186089992523, -0.034099023789167404, 0.015105659142136574, 0.018278324976563454, -0.011879359371960163, -0.015778930857777596, -0.009512691758573055, 0.0314629003405571, -0.07061170041561127, -0.02806815132498741, -0.0023283653426915407, -0.008671632967889309, 0.05249738320708275, -0.034361764788627625, -0.009686710312962532, -0.0008365919347852468, -0.015046189539134502, -0.03632606565952301, -0.05375032499432564, 0.08168432116508484, 0.053278736770153046, 0.009071887470781803, -0.013785509392619133, -0.03909687697887421, 0.027757134288549423, -0.02511570043861866, 0.004190332721918821, 0.07308809459209442, 0.0550195686519146, 0.002417572308331728, 0.028719905763864517, 0.05272255837917328, -0.023553594946861267, -0.007765327580273151, -0.009586583822965622, 0.01769278757274151, -0.007518695201724768, 0.009356233291327953, 0.014122305437922478, 0.003828844055533409, 0.012175486423075199, -0.03258311748504639, 0.052303265780210495, -0.030061058700084686, -0.0077557675540447235, 0.013032014481723309, 0.010043421760201454, 0.03109792061150074, 0.05768311768770218, -0.01327180303633213, 0.03741900250315666, -0.022451872006058693, -0.015334091149270535, 0.014453195966780186, 0.005254128482192755, 0.035276032984256744, 0.029171302914619446, -0.049612753093242645, 0.019465338438749313, 0.02210770547389984, 0.07062770426273346, -0.014763310551643372, -0.03437566012144089, 0.07171490788459778, 0.037246767431497574, 0.04516748711466789, 0.058121923357248306, -0.008226032368838787, 0.02244587615132332, 0.0074692959897220135, 0.005814972799271345, -0.007849556393921375, -0.05084247514605522, 0.07492438703775406, -0.044687412679195404, 0.011679498478770256, 0.037976935505867004, -0.061915867030620575, -0.016244562342762947, 0.01848277822136879, 0.061937276273965836, 0.020549701526761055, 0.03969286009669304, -0.04784325510263443, -0.0817461833357811, 0.03373716399073601, -0.012328853830695152, -0.00811929814517498, 0.006571491248905659, -0.026987764984369278, 0.030973153188824654, -0.049362361431121826, 0.017301401123404503, 0.00170836818870157, -0.08125252276659012, -0.05394727364182472, -0.01299340184777975, -0.03412693738937378, 0.05614098906517029, -0.013044987805187702, -0.0008860493544489145, 0.036878932267427444, 0.02809060737490654, 0.032266441732645035, 0.005710302852094173, 0.019419671967625618, 0.034849125891923904, -0.04191616550087929, -0.06651072949171066, 0.04780483990907669, 0.007128966506570578, -0.03664841875433922, -0.024669397622346878, 0.04996546357870102, -0.0019287728937342763, 0.019093982875347137, 0.02789156883955002, -0.027251584455370903, 0.038414593786001205, -0.017431531101465225, 0.06947946548461914, -0.029493853449821472, 0.02941005676984787, -0.05337704345583916, 0.005505598150193691, -0.0038758974988013506, -0.006878926884382963, 0.07784394174814224, -0.02775188535451889, 0.06328167766332626, 0.052102673798799515, -0.017104191705584526, -0.016484618186950684, 0.018084345385432243, -0.0353412851691246, 0.00876146275550127, 0.006063442677259445, 0.03246399760246277, 0.021268105134367943, 0.008442481979727745, -0.053273461759090424, -0.014602623879909515, 0.03908664733171463, -0.02298062853515148, 0.0012914298567920923, 0.035579971969127655, 0.020750688388943672, 0.03667585924267769, -0.06378039717674255, -0.0030875138472765684, -0.0203675739467144, 0.023402774706482887, 0.0011639556614682078, -0.0374184250831604, -0.01633867248892784, 0.014382101595401764, -0.002064351923763752, 0.006578768137842417, -0.012414621189236641, -0.04489384591579437, -0.018052373081445694, 0.0361563079059124, 0.028964165598154068, 0.015761354938149452, 0.0021876448299735785, 0.05493814870715141, 0.03063957393169403, -0.01802545227110386, -0.052295200526714325, -0.05583057552576065, -0.03683977946639061, 0.01316235214471817, -0.02381281927227974, 0.003200934734195471, 0.023390067741274834, 0.01470074150711298, -0.009231253527104855, 0.007531168404966593, 0.01032533124089241, 0.03445383906364441, 0.026236997917294502, 0.017723247408866882, -0.014302375726401806, -0.0024196000304073095, -0.026174236088991165, 0.06790948659181595, -0.02464470826089382, -0.02593696117401123, 0.029307080432772636, -0.09386856853961945, 0.012233722023665905, -0.0346989780664444, -0.01760322041809559, 0.05672600120306015, -0.007343543693423271, 0.01015468593686819, 0.0004311612283345312, 0.014186360873281956, 0.07202541828155518, 0.039243657141923904, 0.001257431460544467, 0.06950373947620392, 0.02015581727027893, -0.020247947424650192, -0.024919508025050163, -0.01842704601585865, 0.013363895006477833, -0.005842453800141811, 0.012381981126964092, 0.008738836273550987, -0.011501331813633442, 0.025682121515274048, -0.2747897803783417, 0.024742549285292625, -0.03912530839443207, -0.042514827102422714, 0.051182687282562256, -0.01496146060526371, 0.041721656918525696, -0.033183079212903976, -0.003429664997383952, 0.06984385848045349, -0.014252637512981892, -0.03617619723081589, 0.042483918368816376, 0.04450919106602669, 0.020008275285363197, -0.01793552003800869, 0.0021410840563476086, -0.00775986909866333, -0.00671558128669858, -0.0056836484000086784, 0.01940217986702919, -0.04337660223245621, -0.07796309143304825, 0.02875063382089138, 0.05812523886561394, 0.07558217644691467, -0.030763113871216774, 0.006923730485141277, -0.04974733293056488, -0.01785815693438053, 0.0010727192275226116, -0.01113057229667902, -0.011386657133698463, 0.005757937673479319, -0.0022575955372303724, 0.0014981671702116728, 0.011835499666631222, -0.03287310525774956, -0.014205040410161018, -0.014147977344691753, -0.03356003388762474, -0.04321726784110069, -0.02811056561768055, 0.021713679656386375, 0.055807098746299744, -0.007870336063206196, -0.051613423973321915, 0.03309395909309387, 0.004832811187952757, 0.07309429347515106, 0.016507353633642197, 0.0036688565742224455, -0.029945025220513344, -0.01834493689239025, -0.0864187628030777, -0.01113254763185978, -0.017029693350195885, 0.001141920918598771, -0.021247126162052155, 0.04456602782011032, -0.07445430755615234, -0.016650158911943436, -0.01671489141881466, -0.00887299980968237, -0.020876772701740265, -0.05041898787021637, -0.0703541710972786, -0.023367948830127716, 0.06356067210435867, -0.006629307754337788, -0.03845345601439476, 0.028060799464583397, -0.03855836018919945, -0.09829656779766083, 0.014660696499049664, -0.034640055149793625, 0.0020314573775976896, 0.016548221930861473, -0.0456482470035553, -0.00893864780664444, 0.01541463378816843, -0.046802353113889694, 0.024635907262563705, 0.023824071511626244, -0.04952258616685867, -0.005992952734231949, -0.006667164620012045, 0.02349487878382206, -0.06718260794878006, -0.002739781280979514, 0.03059953823685646, 0.02152486890554428, -0.026757080107927322, -0.011636730283498764, 0.01911330223083496, 0.0472116656601429, -0.021289171651005745, -0.04918111488223076, -0.00839038286358118, -0.011680164374411106, 0.016941767185926437, -0.033450670540332794, 0.0032504803966730833, -0.05363164469599724, -0.008354183286428452, -0.014834079891443253, -0.04427039995789528, -0.00022626713325735182, 0.040803611278533936, -0.01384488120675087, -0.0011565128806978464, 0.020660709589719772, 0.04753513261675835, -0.06976720690727234, 0.02541184425354004, -0.023073861375451088, -0.004289786331355572, -0.016846565529704094, 0.00563163822516799, 0.02322237752377987, -0.004043944645673037, 0.0023076317738741636, -0.06525865942239761, -0.05276409536600113, -0.06179739907383919, 0.015261163003742695, 0.0030570058152079582, -0.02547495812177658, -0.04099823161959648, 0.053515609353780746, -0.0011383264791220427, -0.024084949865937233, -0.013305429369211197, 0.01901695318520069, 0.011621319688856602, 0.005214038770645857, -0.032636165618896484, -0.027055911719799042, 0.014846415258944035, -0.04509345442056656, 0.02352646179497242, -0.018759287893772125, -0.03370312228798866, 0.011097903363406658, 0.01249040849506855, 0.006539497058838606, -0.0073049976490437984, 0.008336628787219524, 0.006781827658414841, 0.037549350410699844, -0.01808537170290947, -0.04422859102487564, 0.04398404806852341, -0.03498457744717598, -0.06930261850357056, -0.029041007161140442, 0.0376058854162693, 0.0220183152705431, -0.030365269631147385, -0.040028348565101624, -0.042767483741045, -0.004294423386454582, -0.031610313802957535, -0.05134417116641998, -0.011990707367658615, 0.0427059605717659, -0.0018345181597396731, -0.02479417808353901, -0.043221283704042435, 0.027542587369680405, 0.002739240415394306, -0.03432731702923775, -0.01518594566732645, 0.04042809456586838, 0.02490287646651268, 0.027074754238128662, -0.004961084574460983, 0.0013037810567766428, 0.00005657813380821608, 0.027587033808231354, 0.008018978871405125, -0.060064896941185, -0.02416154369711876, 0.03043356165289879, 0.037180595099925995, 0.010719597339630127, -0.038328830152750015, -0.029989691451191902, -0.050940386950969696, 0.020214837044477463, 0.0071023437194526196, -0.011333780363202095, -0.009674095548689365, 0.032409895211458206, -0.019420238211750984, -0.08006669580936432, 0.03671951964497566, 0.00673348642885685, -0.004914959892630577, 0.06383216381072998, -0.0008693708805367351, 0.013361699879169464, 0.011824490502476692, -0.010401653125882149, 0.02614724636077881, -0.06632301956415176, 0.04482583701610565, 0.07398176193237305, -0.023955930024385452, 0.05426287278532982, -0.047060638666152954, -0.0022159432992339134, -0.027888741344213486, 0.018829522654414177, 0.025860333815217018, -0.04250415042042732, 0.06353526562452316, 0.020269375294446945, -0.018245823681354523, 0.027273837476968765, -0.02728457935154438, -0.04197224602103233, 0.004311746452003717, -0.02014273963868618, -0.040969185531139374, 0.03834886848926544, 0.002606807742267847, -0.0033224697690457106, 0.01989283412694931, -0.03780508413910866, -0.005224601365625858, -0.06270303577184677, -0.004611816257238388, 0.017995674163103104, -0.015360684134066105, -0.030839556828141212, -0.008594037033617496, -0.007201559375971556, -0.010856526903808117, 0.04161292687058449, -0.006656654179096222, 0.010599901899695396, 0.007849195972084999, -0.050173722207546234, 0.04131613299250603, 0.019294654950499535, 0.050086524337530136, -0.04485269635915756, 0.00635165348649025, 0.0856056958436966, -0.01967318169772625, 0.00633862242102623, -0.03836238756775856, 0.0010324012255296111, 0.026628859341144562, -0.06678739190101624, -0.04876234009861946, -0.038896284997463226, -0.03128794953227043, 0.04560992121696472, -0.010350613854825497, 0.04100863263010979, 0.01695874333381653, 0.02680470049381256, 0.06362323462963104, 0.04535629227757454, -0.017058946192264557, 0.005970820318907499, 0.0029168780893087387, -0.06951165944337845, -0.02712293528020382, -0.08387685567140579, 0.007659134920686483, 0.020734068006277084, 0.011873085983097553, 0.0373179130256176, -0.013738228939473629, -0.04565134271979332, 0.06317178905010223, -0.06337407231330872, -0.0031402872409671545, 0.0023411146830767393, -0.009194949641823769, -0.01895514875650406, 0.03438890352845192, -0.057550668716430664, 0.007898936048150063, 0.01325066015124321, -0.09106791764497757, -0.02716127038002014, 0.008981025777757168, 0.023182258009910583, 0.030351748690009117, 0.02653210423886776, -0.01656760461628437, -0.013128492049872875, 0.030150286853313446, 0.0059502306394279, -0.05004120618104935, 0.0073180124163627625, -0.062447093427181244, 0.02144932560622692, 0.02367512695491314, 0.015683729201555252, -0.026694709435105324, -0.028119761496782303, 0.001721939886920154, -0.06414354592561722, 0.00044501430238597095, 0.04317650571465492, -0.03008098527789116, -0.08374609798192978, 0.05325303226709366, 0.00543066393584013, -0.0535653792321682, -0.02361184172332287, -0.013444125652313232, -0.0016229880275204778, -0.005459547974169254, -0.01690230704843998, 0.0086374431848526, -0.03461406007409096, 0.06486190855503082, 0.0214578565210104, 0.10365130007266998, 0.044727426022291183, 0.0049737002700567245, 0.0353451743721962, -0.012153533287346363, 0.08736341446638107, 0.0789821520447731, 0.04059293121099472, -0.006151918321847916, 0.022131484001874924, -0.012937772087752819, -0.020325010642409325, 0.022000595927238464, -0.013786189258098602, 0.006596873048692942, 0.023809412494301796, 0.008699165657162666, 0.039852920919656754, 0.029670707881450653, 0.056138064712285995, 0.03952319175004959, 0.01175464503467083, 0.05685640498995781, -0.04964694380760193, 0.07545697689056396, -0.02206653542816639, 0.010218719020485878, -0.010351916775107384, 0.0067038992419838905, -0.039507415145635605, 0.017392178997397423, 0.05456186458468437, -0.005437657702714205, -0.0510137639939785, -0.012323791161179543, 0.03333929553627968, -0.00807820912450552, -0.020085664466023445, 0.06137162446975708, -0.010020844638347626, -0.01167985051870346, -0.03327937796711922, 0.005310632288455963, -0.03908490762114525, -0.020152227953076363, 0.030231229960918427, 0.008753557689487934, -0.03450722619891167, -0.01606072299182415, -0.004186688922345638, 0.05798778310418129, 0.017925938591361046, 0.0693933367729187, -0.00778798246756196, 0.023602120578289032, 0.08685408532619476, 0.054928258061409, -0.06259085237979889, -0.043956588953733444, -0.0741647407412529, -0.04063950479030609, -0.04075688123703003, 0.023009974509477615, 0.02888147532939911, -0.0069784317165613174, -0.03975656256079674, 0.028684422373771667, -0.001512169954366982, -0.014543907716870308, 0.02642623707652092, -0.08173301070928574, -0.009996087290346622, 0.04395978897809982, -0.014045369811356068, 0.031496018171310425, 0.012223919853568077, 0.04021899774670601, -0.01670890860259533, -0.0670921579003334, 0.015907812863588333, -0.02187235839664936, 0.04399699345231056, -0.060248419642448425, 0.005017095245420933, -0.0737600028514862, 0.03688138723373413, 0.023719199001789093, 0.0026816215831786394, -0.04840872436761856, 0.038184039294719696, 0.0065241302363574505, -0.0027183182537555695, 0.058409109711647034, -0.0037155637983232737, 0.0069336011074483395, -0.06082620099186897, -0.02072838693857193, 0.012742673978209496, 0.025568172335624695, 0.044372156262397766, -0.017403684556484222, 0.014127134345471859, 0.053976740688085556, -0.009797660633921623, -0.004867493640631437, 0.03683175891637802, -0.010122695937752724, -0.02045554853975773, -0.019006511196494102, 0.030239121988415718, 0.001793751260265708, -0.03596866503357887, -0.03689258173108101, 0.012872392311692238, -0.03679670765995979, -0.058515168726444244, 0.007519452832639217, -0.039763208478689194, -0.018465671688318253, -0.039146192371845245, 0.015543146058917046, 0.06538300216197968, -0.050599973648786545, -0.04243607446551323, -0.038584016263484955, 0.009657888673245907, 0.011321881785988808, 0.027893295511603355, -0.018077464774250984, -0.05402952805161476, -0.025215405970811844, -0.023664819076657295, 0.008370879106223583, 0.011290717869997025, -0.03250977396965027, -0.01715138927102089 ]
OPINION SOSA, Senior Justice. Plaintiff-appellant Richard D. Bokum II (Bokum) appeals the judgment of the trial court in favor of defendant-appellee, First National Bank in Albuquerque (FNB). Bokum’s amended complaint, filed on April 9, 1985, contained seven counts: (1) “Usury,” in which Bokum alleged that a series of FNB loans were made at a higher rate of interest than allowed by law, and in which he asked the court for a forfeiture of $2,161,871.80 in usurious interest, plus $165,802.52 “affirmative recovery” as penalty for interest paid. The latter plea was based on a remedy for twice the amount of allegedly usurious interest paid, as provided by the National Bank Act, 12 U.S.C. Sections 85 and 86; (2) “Noncompliance with Lending Disclosure Laws,” in which Bokum alleged that FNB failed to comply with the disclosure requirements of NMSA 1978, Section 56-8-11.2 (Cum.Supp.1984), and in which he asked the court to determine the extent of his liability as to certain promissory notes executed by him and tainted by FNB’s alleged noncompliance with the above statute; (3) “Conversion,” in which Bokum alleged that FNB converted a mortgage document securing a loan on his residence in Miami, Florida (a count which Bokum abandoned on appeal); (4), (5), and (6) “Fraud and Deceit” alleged to have been perpetrated against him by FNB in relation to, respectively, two loan transactions and an accord and satisfaction agreement; and (7) “Injunctive Relief Against Sale of Stock Allegedly Pledged as Security” for three loans made to Bokum in 1982 (referred to herein as the 1982 notes). FNB filed a counterclaim in which it sought: (1) judgment on two of the 1982 notes, executed by Bokum individually and as president of his solely owned corporation, Quinta Land and Cattle Co., Inc. (Quinta), totaling $724,590.70, plus interest at 16%, costs, and attorneys’ fees; (2) judgment on the third note, executed in the same fashion, in the amount of $82,000.00 at a floating interest rate, plus costs and attorneys’ fees; (3) a declaration by the court that FNB could sell disputed collateral, some 317,000 shares of stock in Bokum Resources Corporation (BRC), pursuant to the provisions of 1981 N.M.Laws, ch. 10, Section 1, virtually identical to the present NMSA 1978, Section 55-9-504 (Cum.Supp.1986); and (4) judgment in FNB’s favor as to an accord and satisfaction agreement entered into by the parties on February 6, 1981 in which Bokum is alleged by FNB to have settled all claims as to any past usury, and otherwise to have started anew in his relationship with FNB, cancelling all past indebtedness and executing the 1982 notes as new obligations. Trial without a jury began on September 30, 1985, and concluded on October 9, 1985. The court made eighty-nine findings of fact and fifty-five conclusions of law, and then rendered judgment for FNB on the three 1982 notes, together with attorneys’ fees in the amount of $135,837.00 and costs in the amount of $12,509.00. The court dismissed the complaint with prejudice, and declared that FNB was entitled to sell the disputed collateral. For the reasons set forth below, we affirm the judgment of the trial court in its entirety. FACTS In 1972 Bokum began borrowing money from FNB and executing promissory notes evidencing the debts so created. On or about April 25,1974, Bokum executed Note No. 442, executed by him individually and as president of Quinta, renewing what Bokum calls “a secured line of credit” in the amount of $2,500,000.00 at FNB’s prime rate plus 1%. Beginning with Note No. 442, we can trace the parties’ relationship through thirteen more loans in the lineage of notes descending from No. 442, reflected in thirteen additional promissory notes, each of which renewed in whole or in part amounts loaned to Bokum beginning with Note No. 442. Bokum attached copies of these notes to his complaint. Several of these copies show that some of the notes in this series were signed by Bokum individually, and others by Bokum individually and as president of Quinta. Both in his complaint and in his brief on appeal, Bokum alleges that the irregularity in execution of the notes demonstrates that some of the notes were strictly personal. Further, he contends that FNB deceitfully induced him to execute the notes signed by him as president of Quinta as part of FNB’s scheme to avoid possible later allegation of usury, because NMSA 1978, Section 56-8-9 (Repl.Pamp. 1986) exempts corporations from the penalties associated with usurious interest rates. In his complaint Bokum alleged that nine of the above notes were usurious on their face because the rate of interest charged was more than 10% — the amount legally allowable under the law in effect at the time the loans were made (1957 N.M.Laws, ch. 209, Section 2, substantially revised in 1980 by the law now found in NMSA 1978, Sections 56-8-11.1 through 11.4 (Repl. Pamp.1986)). As to the remaining five notes in this series, Bokum alleged that, although the rate of interest was less than 10%, these notes were tainted by usury in that previous usurious interest flowed into these notes. At some point in 1976 (the vagueness as to specific dates arises from Bokum’s complaint), a new generation of loans and notes was created, which by August 1977 encompassed debts totalling $1,300,000.00. Accordingly, on October 4, 1977 Bokum’s debts under this new line of credit were consolidated and renewed by a loan reflected in Note No. 51 in the amount of $1,300,000.00 at FNB’s prime interest rate plus 1% (which in his complaint Bokum alleged was usurious). On June 19, 1979, Note No. 51 was renewed by Note No. 94, this time co-signed by Bokum’s wife, in the amount of $1,750,000.00 at prime rate plus IV2%. On the same day Bokum, his attorney and certain others co-signed Note No. 74672-19 (referred to by the trial court as “Note 19”) which was given in payment of accrued interest on Notes 51 and 94. Note 19 was then renewed in Note 27, likewise co-signed by Bokum and his associates referred to above. Up until this point FNB is in agreement with Bokum as to the facts surrounding the loans as set forth in Bokum’s complaint (tracked above), except as to Bokum’s allegations that the interest rates were usurious and that FNB deceived Bokum into co-signing some notes as president of Quin-ta. We now reach the factual dispute which forms the gravamen of Bokum’s cause of action. On February 6, 1981 Bokum executed two notes, No. 752 in the amount of $394,360.70 and No. 108 in the amount of $830,000.00. Bokum contends that these notes were renewals of the two lines of credit referred to above, and thus that they continued FNB’s usurious conduct into the present. FNB, on the other hand, contends that all debts reflected in the two lines of credit, starting with Notes 442 and 51, respectively, were eliminated in an accord and satisfaction agreement executed by FNB, Bokum individually, Bokum as president of Quinta, and Mrs. Bokum, and dated February 6, 1981. Thus FNB contends that Notes 752 and 108 were entirely new notes, reflecting entirely new debts. On February 6, 1982, Notes 752 and 108 were renewed (both parties agree) by Notes 753 and 109, in the sums of $394,360.70 and $330,230.00, respectively. On June 9, 1982, Bokum executed Note No. 5052 in the amount of $82,000.00, which Bokum alleges was a renewal of past indebtedness, and which FNB contends was a new note. Bokum admits that he executed the accord and satisfaction agreement, but he contends that he did so without reading it, because he was under the time pressure of having to consider the agreement immediately before attending the closing on the sale of his home in Miami, Florida, and because he received fraudulent assurances from FNB’s agents that the agreement embodied an earlier and different understanding. Bokum makes this assertion in spite of his attorney’s admission that he advised Bokum by telephone not to sign the agreement. The uncontested terms of the accord and satisfaction agreement are as follows: (1) Bokum, Quinta, and Mrs. Bokum stipulated that as of February 6, 1981, they jointly owed FNB for all indebtedness going back “over the many years of their banking relationship,” $2,650,000.00, comprising the indebtedness reflected in Note No. 94 for $1,750,000.00, in Note No. 744 for $500,-000.00 and in Note No. 19 for $400,000.00. FNB agreed to forego the full amount of interest owed to it, and Bokum, et al. stipulated that none of the previous loans exact ed usurious rates of interest (as alleged shortly before the date of the accord and satisfaction agreement, when Bokum’s attorney started to review Bokum’s relationship with FNB). The parties also stipulated that by the accord and satisfaction agreement they “fully and forever settle and compromise their relationships in the past.” On the strength of this agreement FNB contends that the subsequent 1981 Notes (Nos. 752 and 108) were new notes, renewed by the first two 1982 Notes (753 and 109), and that the third 1982 note (5052) was itself an original note. Bokum disagrees, insisting that the three 1982 notes were reproductions of the entire usurious relationship extending back to Note No. 442 executed in 1974. I. Credibility of Witnesses On appeal Bokum asks us to set aside many of the trial court’s findings of fact on the grounds that FNB’s witnesses contradicted themselves or otherwise deviated from the truth. He asserts that the issue here is not that of the trial court’s weighing substantial evidence, but of the complete incompetence and unreliability of the testimony. We disagree. Close study of the 1210-page transcript leads us to conclude that FNB’s witnesses were not untruthful. Instead, we find that severai of FNB’s witnesses simply could not remember detailed transactions occurring over four years before trial, and for this they are not to be faulted, since it was Bokum himself who was dilatory in filing his amended complaint — a complaint which covered events as much as eleven years old, and which was filed four years after the date of the disputed accord and satisfaction agreement. We hold, then, that this is a substantial evidence issue, and we therefore conclude that “any evidence unfavorable to the trial court’s finding will be disregarded and only favorable evidence considered.” Tafoya v. Casa Vieja, Inc., 104 N.M. 775, 778, 727 P.2d 83, 86 (Ct.App.1986). Our function on appeal is not to weigh conflicting evidence, but to view the evidence in the light most favorable to the prevailing party. Duke City Lumber Co. v. Terrel, 88 N.M. 299, 540 P.2d 229 (1975). Accordingly, we accept as accurate the trial court’s finding of facts, many of which we do not need in order to reach our decision herein, but which demonstrate nonetheless the trial court’s mastery of the issues here involved. II. Validity of the Accord and Satisfaction Agreement In order to agree with Bokum that— without understanding what he was doing — he was induced by FNB into signing an agreement which reordered his entire financial existence, we must leap over an unbridgeable chasm separating fact from fiction. The record supports the trial court’s findings of facts numbers eleven through fifteen that Bokum “is a competent and experienced businessman who has had extensive dealings with banks across the country * * * [That he] has founded or been closely involved with several corporations over the years * * * [That he] has dealt with high officials in both the United States and foreign governments and counts among his friends many famous government, industry, banking and finance figures * * * [That he] retained capable lawyers and accountants to represent him in his many business dealings * * * [And that he] was represented by competent counsel throughout the time during which the events in question took place.” In short, Bokum either knew or should have known what he was effecting in signing the accord and satisfaction agreement, but if he signed the agreement without reading it, or without being accurately apprised of what he was signing (contentions which lay hidden for four years, until the filing of his complaint), then he is nonetheless responsible for the legal effect of the document. (See Smith v. Price’s Creameries, 98 N.M. 541, 544, 650 P.2d 825, 828 (1982), in a very similar factual setting with respect to the issue of detrimental reliance on purportedly fraudulent inducement, where we stated: At the time of the formulation of the agreement between the parties, Mr. Smith was approximately 28 years of age, had a working knowledge of the duties of a route man for a dairy products distributor, and had previous experience working with a finance company, and additionally he had worked both as an insurance salesman and as a police officer. Mr. Smith also had three and one-half years of college education. Under the circumstances no material disputed factual issue has been shown to exist concerning lack of adequate opportunity to fairly review the contract, inability to understand the provisions of the document, or lack of opportunity to seek independent professional advice regarding the terms and provisions of the agreement. The Smiths although conceding that they were aware of both the existence and language of the termination clause, argue that they were assured prior to the execution of the agreement that the contract would continue to remain in effect as long as they performed satisfactorily under the distributorship. Even assuming the truth of this assertion, in the face of the clear wording of the rights of the parties under the termination clause, the oral statement of Price’s made prior to execution of the agreement cannot be deemed to constitute fraud or misrepresentation.) Here the trial court concluded that the accord and satisfaction agreement was duly executed by Bokum, et al. without fraud, and that the allegations within his complaint “fall within the scope” of the agreement. Hence, the notes executed on February 6, 1981 constitute entirely new transactions, and the 1982 renewal notes were properly held by the trial court to be due and owing on maturity. Therefore, the effect of the 1981 accord and satisfaction agreement with respect to the claim of pre-existing usury was to purge any such usury from the parties’ relationship, and, as the agreement itself stated, “to lay the past to rest forever, to adjust and compromise and rearrange their affairs, and to start out again with a clean slate.” As the courts of this country have stated early and often when considering the issue of usury under the National Bank Act, “[i]f the debt was infected with usury, the creditor could purge it of the usury in a settlement with his debtor.” First Nat’l Bank v. Davis, 135 Ga. 687, 693, 70 S.E. 246, 249 (1911). The cases of Credit Alliance Corp. v. Timmco Equip., Inc., 457 So.2d 1102 (Fla.App.4 Dist.1984), and Clinton G. Bush Co. v. Franklin Nat’l Bank, 20 A.D.2d 904, 248 N.Y.S.2d 990 (1964) likewise stand for the proposition which we advance here — namely, that a debtor, by entering into a settlement agreement with his creditor which purges asserted usurious conduct, may waive or be estopped from asserting the defense of usury, when there is an abandonment of the usurious note and the execution of a new note or notes at lawful interest. III. Issues Relating to the New Mexico Usury Act, NMSA 1978, Sections 56-8-11.1-11.4 (Repl.Pamp.1986) In addition to asserting a cause of action under the National Bank Act, which, incidentally, we find that the trial court correctly disallowed because it was not timely filed “within two years from the time the usurious transaction occurred,” 12 U.S.C. Section 86, Bokum also asserts that he has a cause of action under the New Mexico Usury Act as it existed at the time of the facts set forth above — namely, under 1957 N.M.Laws ch. 209, Section 2, which established the maximum allowable interest rate of 10% in the situation here, and under Section 4, which established the right of “forfeiture of the entire amount of such interest,” and which further allowed a civil action to recover twice the amount of interest paid. The problem for Bokum with respect to this issue is that the statute on which he relies was repealed by the Usury Act cited in this headnote. In the leading case on this issue the United States Supreme Court held that when a usury statute is repealed, any cause of action granted by it dies with the repeal. Further, such a repeal operates retrospectively, so as to cut off the defense of usury for the future, even in actions for contracts previously made. Ewell v. Daggs, 108 U.S. 143, 2 S.Ct. 408, 27 L.Ed. 682 (1883). See American Sav. Life Ins. Co. v. Financial Affairs Management Co., 20 Ariz.App. 479, 513 P.2d 1362 (1973). We follow the Supreme Court’s and the Arizona court’s reasoning by holding that the statute on which Bokum relies was repealed at the time he filed his complaint, and that he therefore had no cause of action under previous New Mexico law. Did Bokum, then, have a cause of action under present usury law? He contends he did, but once again he is faced with an insuperable obstacle. Under present law, NMSA 1978, Section 56-8-9(B) (Repl.Pamp.1986), the maximum rates of interest allowable do not apply to a transaction in which a corporation is a debtor, regardless of the fact that an individual is codebtor. Here the trial court explicitly found that Notes 752, 108 and 5052 “were made by Quinta” (Finding of Fact No. 42). Hence whatever rate of interest is asserted by Bokum to be usurious is exempted by Section 56-8-9(B). Thus, whether he relies on New Mexico Law or on the National Bank Act, which embodies the New Mexico corporate exemption (see McNellis v. Merchants Nat’l Bank & Trust Co., 390 F.2d 239 (2nd Cir.1968)); Federal Deposit Ins. Corp. v. Julius Richman, Inc., 666 F.2d 780 (2nd Cir.1981)), Bokum’s claim is barred. Thus, since the corporate exemption applies to this case, the maximum rate of interest which FNB was allowed to make in this circumstance is governed by Section 56-8-11.1, which specifies that “The maximum rate of interest authorized by law shall be that rate agreed to in writing by the parties,” unless the creditor fails to comply with the disclosure requirement of Section 56-8-11.2. But the latter section affords Bokum no relief either, since subsection (C) of Section 56-8-11.2 provides that the disclosure requirement “shall not be required for loans made in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) when such loans are made for business or agricultural purposes.” We thus affirm the trial court’s ruling in its entirety as to the issues raised above. SCARBOROUGH, C.J., and STOWERS, JJ., concur. . We need not dwell on the terms of this understanding, as alleged in Bokum's complaint (Counts V and VI), because as we will discuss below, we find that the 1981 accord and satisfaction agreement disposed of any such understanding. As to Count IV of Bokum's complaint, that count was abandoned on appeal. . Further, by the decision in Haseltine v. Central Bank of Springfield, 183 U.S. 132, 22 S.Ct. 50, 46 L.Ed. 118 (1901), Bokum is not entitled to a forfeiture of alleged usurious interest already paid. The only remedy under the National Bank Act in such a situation is to bring an action within two years for twice the amount of interest paid.
[ -0.06112145259976387, -0.03759114071726799, -0.030885130167007446, -0.024659862741827965, 0.0414995513856411, 0.04277560114860535, 0.018859222531318665, 0.014445713721215725, 0.0005959566333331168, -0.020762916654348373, 0.046022627502679825, 0.05564006790518761, -0.04155951365828514, 0.030915215611457825, 0.008735017850995064, 0.061617661267519, 0.03931879252195358, 0.009345270693302155, 0.034208379685878754, -0.03138532489538193, -0.01506810262799263, -0.0024941200390458107, 0.047992438077926636, 0.04679470881819725, -0.006510565057396889, 0.005301651079207659, 0.013789779506623745, -0.014862130396068096, -0.10344435274600983, -0.03235709294676781, 0.0659722238779068, -0.009402314200997353, -0.011113596148788929, -0.010226056911051273, -0.03772687166929245, -0.0051961056888103485, -0.014415972866117954, -0.025981077924370766, -0.014251017943024635, 0.026292240247130394, -0.03562818840146065, 0.008157885633409023, -0.04636668041348457, 0.028690576553344727, -0.046903301030397415, -0.033617742359638214, -0.007517325691878796, 0.024775737896561623, -0.03809107095003128, 0.00019260715635027736, -0.040429964661598206, -0.018324796110391617, -0.022120313718914986, -0.005712480284273624, 0.011258331127464771, 0.024645306169986725, -0.07912047952413559, -0.03389274701476097, -0.011319414712488651, -0.02450142614543438, 0.04477689042687416, -0.05113111436367035, 0.0994926318526268, -0.014538943767547607, 0.007031613029539585, 0.020114485174417496, 0.0298322681337595, 0.036829084157943726, -0.03805917873978615, -0.0185447558760643, -0.0398724339902401, 0.017467984929680824, 0.00840924121439457, -0.02282239869236946, 0.009444636292755604, -0.04364136606454849, 0.01972651295363903, 0.043152544647455215, -0.028347337618470192, 0.03645141050219536, 0.0328582301735878, 0.014816329814493656, 0.010569822043180466, 0.0520402267575264, 0.008211266249418259, -0.04285134747624397, -0.0035944159608334303, 0.0006668989663012326, -0.021732863038778305, 0.047477878630161285, 0.020691130310297012, -0.05332295224070549, 0.008255981840193272, 0.05086427927017212, -0.03716582432389259, -0.006630933843553066, 0.09517817944288254, 0.008272102102637291, 0.027656249701976776, 0.006478705909103155, -0.011786788702011108, -0.05936875939369202, 0.019152196124196053, 0.07689162343740463, -0.06864908337593079, -0.0016926786629483104, -0.0037467312067747116, -0.0012284046970307827, 0.017782028764486313, -0.012270870618522167, 0.018125051632523537, 0.019936945289373398, 0.001427844981662929, -0.03463752567768097, -0.06556153297424316, 0.05154872313141823, 0.028306923806667328, -0.06033124774694443, -0.05131581053137779, 0.012618365697562695, 0.04850480332970619, 0.019778480753302574, -0.0009427086915820837, 0.07420529425144196, 0.038880858570337296, -0.026921775192022324, 0.028935469686985016, 0.024988390505313873, -0.05145396292209625, -0.03506218269467354, 0.02520635537803173, 0.044014252722263336, 0.03288677707314491, 0.014575793407857418, -0.02433495782315731, -0.0451241135597229, -0.017250873148441315, -0.025141531601548195, 0.03772338479757309, -0.021832944825291634, 0.022790180519223213, -0.016248609870672226, -0.004832482896745205, 0.006968910340219736, 0.05562511086463928, -0.005765379406511784, 0.04702574387192726, 0.003944104537367821, -0.043268803507089615, -0.007255395408719778, 0.026177946478128433, 0.010297798551619053, -0.009480648674070835, 0.014129556715488434, 0.01449205819517374, 0.04264511913061142, 0.05341186001896858, -0.0480564720928669, -0.017499100416898727, 0.03555053845047951, 0.016165567561984062, 0.02391206845641136, 0.017776992172002792, 0.012348661199212074, -0.0023734744172543287, 0.04075631871819496, 0.030789243057370186, -0.008771919645369053, -0.04908272624015808, 0.06743548065423965, -0.06721349060535431, -0.03710046410560608, 0.0629534050822258, -0.030846886336803436, -0.0014131661737337708, 0.019300708547234535, 0.027922019362449646, 0.010738602839410305, 0.03752409294247627, -0.017207905650138855, -0.04889865592122078, 0.03032345324754715, 0.011061443015933037, 0.005327374674379826, -0.017718173563480377, -0.025307491421699524, 0.02327868528664112, 0.004692701622843742, 0.033333852887153625, 0.004828806966543198, -0.07916059345006943, -0.03362247347831726, -0.00015968010120559484, 0.005161779932677746, 0.04185906797647476, 0.011818524450063705, -0.017008790746331215, 0.010967414826154709, -0.007661764044314623, 0.04374835267663002, 0.02766382321715355, -0.004683216102421284, 0.05709157884120941, -0.020320380106568336, -0.054710812866687775, 0.052358176559209824, 0.05914562568068504, -0.0025120279751718044, 0.012906228192150593, 0.011616237461566925, 0.025046786293387413, -0.0005053060594946146, 0.01808759570121765, -0.02105374075472355, 0.020710498094558716, -0.04610162228345871, 0.0664181262254715, -0.04144267737865448, 0.025655115023255348, -0.056822530925273895, 0.030979974195361137, 0.023574063554406166, -0.050321269780397415, 0.04255032166838646, -0.031017864122986794, 0.06260521709918976, 0.03575979173183441, -0.019350888207554817, -0.021284744143486023, 0.038870133459568024, 0.00494173401966691, -0.017707888036966324, 0.02060164138674736, -0.013404487632215023, 0.05279980227351189, 0.01293374877423048, -0.027458393946290016, 0.019237885251641273, 0.03758356347680092, -0.06740108132362366, 0.029445365071296692, 0.049676235765218735, -0.035653337836265564, 0.04923371598124504, 0.003589379834011197, -0.013871016912162304, -0.029272211715579033, -0.008553922176361084, -0.04229762777686119, 0.004836685955524445, -0.0175928995013237, 0.000827586802188307, 0.019369300454854965, -0.02428424172103405, -0.015508508309721947, -0.053853247314691544, -0.015443721786141396, 0.017718050628900528, 0.030195506289601326, -0.0020205744076520205, -0.024249913170933723, 0.024534326046705246, 0.016430916264653206, 0.0015023461310192943, -0.025985728949308395, -0.05560372769832611, -0.04926638305187225, -0.0028670404572039843, -0.001638164627365768, 0.022450502961874008, 0.003591126762330532, -0.02148609049618244, -0.007857964374125004, 0.02810453623533249, 0.0182485431432724, 0.007433501072227955, 0.027345716953277588, -0.01058961171656847, -0.002680035773664713, 0.001414273981936276, -0.01105497032403946, 0.07553555816411972, -0.03789501637220383, -0.05766889825463295, 0.0011464661220088601, -0.035205621272325516, 0.011276913806796074, -0.029518287628889084, -0.024849193170666695, 0.05793938413262367, -0.006825210992246866, 0.03520984947681427, -0.011516307480633259, -0.0033011806663125753, 0.05205342173576355, 0.005250378977507353, 0.01835472509264946, 0.027668220922350883, -0.002939916681498289, -0.03178594261407852, -0.014051453210413456, -0.02001901902258396, -0.007638921029865742, 0.010311088524758816, 0.053234539926052094, 0.03572448715567589, 0.008233672939240932, 0.003163831075653434, -0.23995667695999146, 0.014308201149106026, -0.026259059086441994, -0.019974812865257263, 0.05403662100434303, -0.012555682100355625, 0.05748935416340828, 0.01138649694621563, -0.0115970429033041, 0.000016454818251077086, -0.0015044817700982094, -0.01875522918999195, 0.02972576394677162, 0.022407926619052887, 0.017660729587078094, -0.009459939785301685, -0.000796944834291935, -0.018722794950008392, -0.04009468853473663, 0.000011899217497557402, 0.031076602637767792, -0.08344756066799164, -0.03946281224489212, -0.01752067171037197, 0.03730597719550133, 0.08029082417488098, -0.0678614154458046, -0.023677226155996323, -0.04530373960733414, -0.04126604646444321, -0.035464197397232056, -0.0032130058389157057, 0.008130460977554321, -0.01664859987795353, 0.0012981464387848973, 0.01897885650396347, 0.038479190319776535, -0.04963420704007149, -0.02784772962331772, 0.01827883906662464, 0.0037635224871337414, -0.03935946524143219, -0.03753221035003662, 0.024233242496848106, 0.03920412436127663, -0.02995220012962818, -0.02650049328804016, -0.006278299726545811, -0.00338717270642519, 0.03268763795495033, -0.008410951122641563, -0.024368707090616226, -0.05336219072341919, 0.0014815506292507052, -0.028888143599033356, -0.011683409102261066, -0.07900632172822952, 0.014027031138539314, -0.018069349229335785, 0.04727689549326897, -0.0026216383557766676, -0.06620871275663376, -0.018766095861792564, 0.010060198605060577, -0.029016651213169098, -0.07780508697032928, -0.02441580593585968, -0.03769439086318016, 0.12981124222278595, 0.028545109555125237, 0.02350526861846447, 0.04147782549262047, -0.04867776110768318, -0.090751513838768, -0.015916647389531136, -0.03216930851340294, -0.0025743800215423107, -0.045519717037677765, -0.008732032030820847, 0.006423551123589277, -0.005254643969237804, -0.019168324768543243, 0.010607634671032429, 0.021531134843826294, -0.008787318132817745, -0.016026411205530167, -0.04710931330919266, 0.05554689094424248, -0.036353908479213715, 0.009029844775795937, 0.025989264249801636, 0.03513356298208237, 0.0020526680164039135, -0.029864463955163956, 0.057174552232027054, 0.013617917895317078, -0.03657807037234306, -0.01841907389461994, -0.002299361629411578, 0.006960098631680012, 0.02504083514213562, -0.08010618388652802, 0.0471455417573452, -0.041524454951286316, 0.012518142350018024, -0.019025301560759544, -0.030277127400040627, -0.0008829026482999325, 0.02646246924996376, 0.014122635126113892, 0.05453735589981079, -0.020012179389595985, 0.05113036185503006, -0.029411090537905693, 0.01667807437479496, -0.016675204038619995, 0.018937822431325912, -0.009949753060936928, 0.032869741320610046, 0.0008921041735447943, 0.010241839103400707, 0.034718483686447144, -0.037678349763154984, -0.0492713563144207, -0.0811615064740181, -0.004232379607856274, -0.043379656970500946, 0.009883047081530094, -0.02738717384636402, 0.05652409419417381, -0.01568177156150341, -0.013037503696978092, -0.015486936084926128, 0.005430744495242834, 0.05909983441233635, -0.028357846662402153, -0.022031297907233238, -0.04812008515000343, -0.0015231722500175238, -0.04503084346652031, 0.025782151147723198, -0.015370323322713375, 0.037082768976688385, 0.007168180774897337, 0.00543326698243618, -0.019365260377526283, -0.009509365074336529, -0.022668715566396713, -0.041748013347387314, 0.03337825834751129, 0.0016424175119027495, -0.046397577971220016, 0.04329514503479004, -0.0672641471028328, -0.056707993149757385, -0.012974642217159271, 0.01465412974357605, 0.011687807738780975, -0.024864191189408302, -0.04390326514840126, -0.0031987004913389683, -0.029959414154291153, 0.0017904480919241905, -0.045559193938970566, -0.0003464826149865985, 0.021128958091139793, -0.017365051433444023, 0.01627996936440468, -0.022096825763583183, 0.0658852681517601, -0.0073548913933336735, -0.07431880384683609, -0.07328429818153381, -0.01315338909626007, 0.029959429055452347, 0.007565798703581095, -0.017487158998847008, 0.0040308572351932526, 0.03742700815200806, 0.04724873974919319, 0.005521832033991814, 0.004947076551616192, -0.004584643058478832, 0.002432716079056263, 0.06471665948629379, -0.014412074349820614, -0.007317367475479841, -0.004676607437431812, -0.03700454533100128, -0.015865331515669823, 0.010979574173688889, -0.00034090070403181016, -0.02097228355705738, 0.01918516680598259, -0.057460397481918335, -0.09248031675815582, -0.007083415519446135, 0.005359952338039875, 0.01374245434999466, 0.034999288618564606, -0.011588118970394135, -0.0077526443637907505, -0.03210992366075516, 0.04044736176729202, -0.05665595456957817, -0.09280123561620712, 0.03768634423613548, 0.012894101440906525, 0.014414697885513306, 0.02165212295949459, -0.04077577963471413, 0.0063354503363370895, -0.04170408099889755, 0.01790197193622589, 0.011968398466706276, -0.007569157052785158, 0.03070276975631714, -0.043550241738557816, -0.031019039452075958, -0.020196663215756416, -0.015408993698656559, -0.028773831203579903, 0.004707199987024069, 0.008983124978840351, -0.03731200471520424, 0.041039928793907166, -0.03854871913790703, 0.0009936285205185413, -0.0008029965101741254, 0.018480967730283737, 0.029573073610663414, -0.04383445531129837, 0.022357720881700516, 0.047377269715070724, 0.004520834423601627, 0.018507681787014008, -0.007457197643816471, -0.02336757443845272, -0.01528805773705244, 0.02707601524889469, 0.042353201657533646, 0.04423612728714943, -0.020334957167506218, -0.006295091938227415, 0.025622541084885597, 0.029865222051739693, 0.020878201350569725, 0.01974795199930668, -0.02919873036444187, 0.08075375109910965, 0.004745678510516882, 0.03379017859697342, -0.029691416770219803, 0.017269408330321312, 0.015589019283652306, -0.036427129060029984, -0.030237002298235893, -0.025702450424432755, -0.049177128821611404, 0.05852724239230156, -0.004999998491257429, 0.04956931993365288, -0.038992106914520264, 0.009775705635547638, 0.030343735590577126, 0.045800019055604935, 0.022059233859181404, -0.016761252656579018, 0.061611611396074295, -0.03606546297669411, -0.006257318891584873, -0.08608736842870712, 0.0027295236941426992, 0.014192217029631138, 0.04591134935617447, 0.03945907950401306, 0.03663149103522301, -0.0346904955804348, -0.00007003165228525177, -0.05098138749599457, -0.061007265001535416, -0.024546759203076363, -0.009994814172387123, -0.03494234010577202, 0.01656878925859928, -0.023797044530510902, 0.00503490399569273, 0.014099863357841969, -0.10970515012741089, -0.03417818993330002, -0.0181756429374218, 0.009832107461988926, 0.02065090462565422, 0.01226923055946827, -0.03908655419945717, 0.033777788281440735, 0.06001809984445572, 0.02796829305589199, -0.019056642428040504, 0.037236087024211884, -0.02453758381307125, 0.046633195132017136, 0.05465594679117203, -0.004759261850267649, 0.0065527670085430145, 0.005855717696249485, -0.06740367412567139, -0.04527569189667702, 0.016686471179127693, -0.008264155127108097, -0.039028722792863846, -0.06959506124258041, 0.04311354458332062, 0.009671604260802269, -0.04690052196383476, -0.0036635405849665403, 0.00021198744070716202, -0.03261443227529526, -0.06342995911836624, -0.05303619056940079, 0.024279745295643806, 0.028736963868141174, 0.07040650397539139, 0.030789004638791084, 0.07535051554441452, 0.04304880648851395, -0.04179655387997627, 0.030819576233625412, 0.011473838239908218, 0.09544681757688522, 0.008109605871140957, 0.020397504791617393, -0.024741601198911667, 0.045855212956666946, -0.016358844935894012, -0.02199527621269226, 0.014057165943086147, -0.03813648596405983, -0.022229623049497604, 0.023874709382653236, -0.001961473608389497, 0.04479265585541725, -0.013228382915258408, 0.03521447256207466, 0.0008040308603085577, -0.012513856403529644, 0.06362654268741608, 0.0025036544539034367, 0.05475929379463196, 0.005896704737097025, 0.03844011202454567, -0.025683585554361343, -0.011196576990187168, -0.03415272757411003, -0.019980495795607567, 0.009940863586962223, -0.02835477516055107, -0.033123016357421875, -0.05042276531457901, 0.038281768560409546, -0.017179671674966812, 0.006642729509621859, 0.05582999810576439, -0.01473861001431942, 0.013501239940524101, 0.011915675364434719, 0.01696464978158474, 0.028989944607019424, -0.015243340283632278, -0.011512275785207748, -0.03223343938589096, 0.027241386473178864, -0.029396114870905876, 0.027521369978785515, 0.09609057009220123, 0.009611481800675392, 0.05931472405791283, 0.01953970640897751, -0.00499107176437974, 0.052882034331560135, 0.014587215147912502, -0.04359382018446922, -0.048736028373241425, -0.024221811443567276, 0.007045247126370668, -0.06146562099456787, 0.0038026049733161926, 0.002760791452601552, -0.04934695363044739, -0.05741876736283302, -0.010079105384647846, -0.03820167854428291, -0.019096603617072105, 0.06018254905939102, -0.02112441137433052, 0.01819716766476631, 0.06261532753705978, 0.04403705149888992, -0.011230558156967163, 0.013323982246220112, 0.07269278913736343, -0.009548604488372803, -0.008748389780521393, 0.010380742140114307, -0.001994270132854581, 0.03316601365804672, 0.016218513250350952, 0.04955779016017914, -0.06024270877242088, 0.02635364979505539, 0.028326569125056267, -0.04728496074676514, -0.05982128530740738, 0.036999866366386414, -0.019649794325232506, -0.01729700341820717, 0.07905972003936768, 0.01888590306043625, -0.012789455242455006, 0.0026112787891179323, -0.02059979923069477, 0.010598575696349144, -0.02162160724401474, 0.06845963001251221, -0.035358965396881104, 0.04879268258810043, 0.03571458160877228, 0.0026602542493492365, -0.04419970512390137, 0.048424333333969116, 0.0048378463834524155, -0.03551290184259415, -0.013802435249090195, 0.0007866644882597029, 0.00040675298077985644, -0.057458098977804184, -0.014789010398089886, 0.013152933679521084, -0.04346388578414917, -0.06388714164495468, 0.024002084508538246, -0.01580297015607357, 0.029117010533809662, -0.07401996850967407, 0.024760840460658073, 0.04332122579216957, -0.06413470953702927, -0.005016929470002651, -0.07657041400671005, -0.02490239590406418, 0.05027548223733902, 0.008740166202187538, 0.03142385929822922, -0.03427564725279808, 0.0049677649512887, -0.044962625950574875, 0.02068035677075386, 0.025783667340874672, -0.0016298338305205107, 0.0026202218141406775 ]
OPINION DONNELLY, Chief Judge. The state appeals from three separate orders of the trial court dismissing criminal charges against defendants W.W. Taylor and Joe T. Boyd for alleged fraudulent practices, conspiracy and racketeering, and dismissing charges against defendant Hollis Grissom for alleged fraudulent practices. Because the appeals involve common issues, they have been consolidated for hearing before this court. Two issues are presented on appeal: (1) whether the trial court erred in dismissing criminal charges arising out of the alleged violation of an emergency regulation promulgated by the New Mexico Savings and Loan supervisor; and (2) whether the trial court erred in dismissing a criminal information based upon a determination that defendants’ rights to a speedy trial and due process of law were violated. We reverse. Although this case has not yet reached trial, the appellate record is voluminous, exceeding 150 tape recordings of hearings and 17 volumes of transcript. On November 2, 1983, the Curry County grand jury filed a criminal indictment against defendants Taylor and Boyd, charging them with fraud in excess of $20,-000, embezzlement, securities fraud, conspiracy, and racketeering. Thereafter, on motion of defendants, on October 30, 1984, the trial court dismissed the charges, without prejudice, due to grand jury irregularities. A new complaint was filed on May 2, 1985 in the Curry County District Court, and by consent of the parties, venue was changed to Bernalillo County. Charges in the new complaint were similar to those contained in the prior indictment, but substituted Hollis Grissom for other named defendants and added charges of fraud involving State Savings and Loan Association of Clovis (State S & L). After a preliminary hearing, a criminal information was filed on March 26, 1986. The charges against defendants involving State S & L arose out of the transfer to the institution of approximately $28 million dollars of negotiable instruments from Boyd, Taylor, and several corporate entities in which Boyd and Taylor were officers. Defendant Hollis Grissom was a former president of State S & L. In late 1982, Snider Campbell, the New Mexico Savings and Loan supervisor, determined that State S & L was experiencing financial problems due in part to loans made by it and secured by collateral taken on timeshare investments. Campbell learned from a Federal Home Loan Bank Board audit of State S & L that approximately $1 million of the collateral held by State S & L on timeshares had become delinquent. On May 16, 1983, acting under his emergency powers specified in NMSA 1978, Section 58-10-83, Campbell promulgated Emergency Regulation 83-3 (Regl. 83-3). The regulation became effective immediately and restricted the authority of state chartered savings and loan associations to purchase interests in timeshares or to fund loans secured by collateral in timeshares. Defendants Hollis Grissom and W.W. Taylor were charged in Count 6 of the criminal information with violating Regl. 83-3 with intent to defraud, a felony under NMSA 1978, Section 58-10-95(B), between the dates of May 17 and October 13, 1983, and at a time when the investments were prohibited. State S & L subsequently became insolvent and was placed in receivership. Grissom and Taylor filed a motion to dismiss Count 6, asserting that Regl. 83-3 was improperly promulgated and invalid. Taylor and Boyd also moved to dismiss the entire criminal information, arguing that delay in the prosecution violated their rights of due process and rights to a speedy trial. After a hearing on the motions, the trial court dismissed Count 6 against Grissom and Taylor, finding that Regl. 83-3 was invalid. The trial court also dismissed with prejudice the criminal information against Boyd and Taylor, for violation of defendants’ rights to a speedy trial and due process of law. I. EMERGENCY REGULATION The trial court dismissed the charges against defendants Grissom and Taylor arising out of their alleged violation of Emergency Regulation 83-3. The court’s dismissal was premised upon the alleged invalidity of the regulation and the supervisor’s failure to specifically articulate in the regulation the factual basis for its promulgation. Savings and loan associations chartered under New Mexico law are subject to regulation under the Savings and Loan Act. See NMSA 1978, §§ 58-10-1 to -111. Under the Act, the state savings and loan supervisor is empowered to adopt and enforce regulations governing the operation of saving and loan associations in order to maintain and preserve the solvency of the institutions. § 58-10-73. Section 58-10-83 authorizes the issuance of emergency regulations, and provides in part: Notwithstanding the procedures set forth in Sections * * * [58-10-72, 58-10-80 and 58-10-81 NMSA 1978] of this act, should the supervisor determine that an emergency exists which requires him to exercise, without delay, any of his powers granted under Sections [58-10-72, -80, and -81], he may issue, without notice, hearing or delay, any regulations or orders authorized by said sections * * * and require immediate compliance therewith. Campbell testified that he learned in late 1982 that State S & L was experiencing extreme financial difficulties and the institution had made a large number of loans to Taylor secured by timeshare investments. Campbell stated that in March and April 1983, he learned from an audit of State S & L that an estimated $1 million of its $3 million timeshare securities was delinquent. Campbell stated that he also determined that some savings and loan associations in other states were experiencing serious financial problems with loans secured by timeshare collateral. On May 16, 1983, Campbell, acting under his emergency powers, issued emergency Regl. 83-3, effective immediately, providing in part that: (b) No [state savings & loan] association shall make, purchase or otherwise invest in any individual timeshare loan or contract. (c) No association shall make, purchase or otherwise acquire an interest in any loan or evidence of indebtedness collateralized or secured by individual timeshare loans or contracts. Campbell held a hearing on the regulation within the ten-day period required under Section 58-10-83. After the hearing, he ordered that the prohibition against timeshare investments be continued pending the issuance of a permanent regulation. On October 13, 1983, Campbell adopted Regl. 83-8, which contained findings of fact and conclusions of law. This regulation also established criteria upon which state chartered savings and loan associations could make loans secured by interests in timeshares. Following a hearing on defendants’ motion to dismiss Count 6, the trial court held that Regl. 83-3 was void, finding that it precluded associations from making loans secured by an interest in real estate contrary to authority given to such institutions by the legislature, and because Campbell failed to adequately state the factual basis for the issuance of the regulation. Statutes providing for regulation and supervision of savings and loan associations have been upheld under the state’s general police powers. Mechanic’s Bldg. & Loan Ass’n v. Coffman, 110 Ark. 269, 162 S.W. 1090 (1913); Richardson v. Superior Court, 138 Cal.App. 389, 32 P.2d 405 (1934); Krimke v. Guarantee Bldg. & Loan Ass’n, 112 N.J.L. 317, 170 A. 637 (1934); Jefco, Inc. v. Lewis, 520 S.W.2d 915 (Tex.1975). Savings and loan associations are closely affected with the public interest. Brazosport Sav. & Loan Ass’n v. American Sav. & Loan Ass’n., 161 Tex. 543, 342 S.W.2d 747 (1961). The statutory powers authorizing a state to regulate state chartered banks and savings and loan associations are similar in nature. See North Am. Bldg. & Loan Ass’n v. Richardson, 6 Cal.2d 90, 56 P.2d 1221 (1936); State v. Merrill, 83 Wash. 8, 144 P. 925 (1914). Because savings and loan associations are closely affected with the public interest, the state, under its police power, may assert supervisory and regulatory authority beyond that generally applicable to corporations. See Union Sav. & Inv. Co. v. District Court, 44 Utah 397, 140 P. 221 (1914). Defendants do not challenge the authority of the supervisor to issue emergency regulations, but contend that an emergency did not actually exist at the time Regl. 83-3 was adopted, that the justification contained in the regulation was in part unsubstantiated, and that the basis for the issuance of the regulation was not adequately set forth in the regulation. We disagree. Section 58-10-83 authorizes the supervisor to issue an emergency regulation upon determination that an emergency exists. As required by statute a hearing was held within ten days from the issuance of the regulation and findings of fact were subsequently adopted, determining that “an absolute prohibition against making timeshare loans was not required____[and that] it was necessary to develop certain criteria and standards by which associations would be required to abide ... in making timeshare loans.” § 58-10-83. Defendants contend that the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, NMSA 1978, § 12-8-4(B), require that the basis for the agency action be set forth in writing prior to the promulgation of an emergency rule. The Administrative Procedures Act does not apply to the Savings and Loan Act. See Mayer v. Public Employees Retirement Bd., 81 N.M. 64, 463 P.2d 40 (Ct.App.1970). Moreover, the recitation of facts contained in the emergency regulation set forth grounds indicating the existence of serious financial problems involving timeshare loans and provided a sufficient basis for the issuance of the regulation. Defendants also assert that the emergency regulation prevented state savings and loan institutions from dealing in timeshares, was overly broad in its scope, and that it was contrary to the Savings and Loan Act, which expressly permits associations to make loans on real property. We disagree. The legislature, in enacting Section 58-10-83, specifically empowered the supervisor to adopt emergency regulations subject to the requirement that a hearing thereon be held within ten days. Under the Savings and Loan Act, a supervisor may exercise discretionary emergency powers where an emergency is determined to exist endangering the solvency of state chartered savings and loan associations. Cf. Mutual Home & Sav. Ass’n v. Merion, 67 Ohio App. 439, 37 N.E.2d 109 (1941). The testimony of Campbell and the record supports his decision to issue the emergency regulation. Defendants also argue that the supervisor’s emergency regulation sought to restrict state chartered savings and loan associations from making loans on timeshares at a time when similar loans were authorized by institutions chartered by the federal government. This restriction does not invalidate the regulation. The regulatory provisions of the state and federal government need not be identical or in agreement with each other. Cf. § 58-10-50. We have examined each of defendants’ contentions marshalled under this point and find they are without merit. The trial court erred in dismissing the charges contained in Count 6 of the information against Grissom and Taylor. II. SPEEDY TRIAL REQUIREMENT The state contends the trial court erred in dismissing the criminal information for want of speedy trial. The pertinent dates affecting the ruling of the trial court are as follows: November 2, 1983: initial indictment filed against defendants Taylor and Boyd. Oct. 30,1984: charges dismissed without prejudice. May 2, 1985: criminal complaint filed against defendants Taylor, Boyd and Grissom. May 24, 1985: preliminary hearing date set for July 11, 1985. June 12, 1985: Taylor moves to disqualify judge and moves to dismiss complaint for delay. June 17, 1985: Boyd joins Taylor’s motion to dismiss for delay. July 9, 1985: Boyd files affidavit to disqualify judge (different from Taylor’s motion to disqualify). July 11, 1985: judge recuses and, in response to Boyd’s request, a second judge voluntarily recuses. July 30, 1985: Judge Blackhurst designated as judge. Oct. 1-4, 7-11, 1985 Dec. 2-5, 1985: preliminary hearing held. January 25, 1986: final briefs filed by all defendants and state. March 6, 1986: court enters bind overs. March 25,1986: state files criminal information. April 11, 1986: arraignment, trial scheduled for August 1, 1986. June 2, 1986: Boyd and Taylor file motions to dismiss for delay. August 7, 1986: motion hearing commences. August 25, 1986: court announces decision and enters findings requiring dismissal. Sept. 19, 1986: order dismissing information filed. Whether or not prejudice from delay exists must be determined from the circumstances of the particular case. State v. Lucero, 91 N.M. 26, 569 P.2d 952 (Ct.App.1977). In State v. Kilpatrick, 104 N.M. 441, 722 P.2d 692 (Ct.App.1986), this court applied the factors articulated in Barker v. Wingo, 407 U.S. 514, 92 S.Ct. 2182, 33 L.Ed.2d 101 (1972), to determine whether a defendant’s rights to a speedy trial under the sixth amendment had been prejudiced. Under Barker, the four basic factors employed to analyze the effect of delay are: (1) the length of the delay; (2) the reason for the delay; (3) defendant’s assertion of the right; and (4) the prejudice, if any, resulting to defendant. The trial court adopted findings of fact and conclusions of law, holding, among other things, that: (1) the Barker factors apply to the period from the filing of the indictment to the conclusion of the hearing, a thirty-four month period; (2) the charges against defendants, although numerous, and involving a large quantity of documents, were not overly complex; (3) the period between the dismissal of the indictment and the filing of the criminal complaint was inadequately explained by the state and constituted improper delay attributable to the state; (4) the period from the filing of the complaint to the conclusion of the hearing was presumptively prejudicial; (5) defendants had invoked their rights to a speedy trial; and (6) the state, after filing the complaint, also requested a speedy trial and had taken no action to delay the preliminary hearing. The court also concluded that: [T]he defendants have been prejudiced in their ability to produce exculpatory evidence; the memories of witnesses have been seriously impaired; defendants have been subjected to public obloquy and creation of anxieties, diminution of health, loss of assets and income. That the Fifth and Sixth Amendment Rights of the defendants under the United States Constitution and their Article 2, Section 14 [rights] of the New Mexico Constitution have been violated. The state challenges the trial court’s findings and orders of dismissal, asserting that much of the delay was due to the number of motions filed by defendants, disqualification of judges by defendants, delay in designating a new judge to preside over the cases, the length of the preliminary hearing, and due to requests by defendants for continuances. The state also argues that the trial court erred in including in its speedy trial analysis the entire thirty-four-month period from November 2, 1983 (the filing of the indictment), to the hearing on defendants’ motion to dismiss, and inclusion of the period between dismissal of the initial indictment and filing of the new criminal complaint. The trial court found the thirty-four-month delay in the present case was presumptively prejudicial, thus triggering the application of the balancing factors set out in Barker v. Wingo. Even though a Barker analysis necessarily involves an evaluation of the underlying facts in the case, whether the constitutional right to a speedy trial has been violated is an issue of law. Jones v. Morris, 590 F.2d 684 (7th Cir.1979); see also Cain v. Smith, 686 F.2d 374 (6th Cir.1982). On appeal, a reviewing court is required to independently balance the factors considered by the trial court to determine whether a defendant has been deprived of his constitutional right to a speedy trial. See United States v. Loud Hawk, 474 U.S. 302, 106 S.Ct. 648, 88 L.Ed.2d 640 (1986); Barker v. Wingo; see also State v. Kilpatrick. (а) Length of Delay [б] The sixth amendment speedy trial guarantee does not attach until a defendant is indicted, arrested or accused. United States v. MacDonald, 456 U.S. 1, 102 S.Ct. 1497, 71 L.Ed.2d 696 (1982); United States v. Jenkins, 701 F.2d 850 (10th Cir.1983). See also State v. Tafoya, 91 N.M. 121, 570 P.2d 1148 (Ct.App.1977), modified, 103 N.M. 52, 702 P.2d 997 (1985). Similarly, the time during which an indictment is dismissed should not be considered under a speedy trial analysis where defendants are free of restrictions on their liberty. United States v. Loud Hawk; cf. State v. McCrary, 100 N.M. 671, 675 P.2d 120 (1984). In both pre-indictment and post-dismissal periods, any undue delay must be tested under the Due Process Clause and not the Speedy Trial Clause. United States v. MacDonald; see generally United States v. Marion, 404 U.S. 307, 92 S.Ct. 455, 30 L.Ed.2d 468 (1971); State v. Jojola, 89 N.M. 489, 553 P.2d 1296 (Ct.App.1976). Contrary to the trial court’s conclusion, the speedy trial balancing factors do not apply to the entire thirty-four-month period. In Arnold v. McCarthy, 566 F.2d 1377, 1382 (9th Cir.1978), a reviewing court analyzed analogous delay periods, stating: After a normal investigation and prosecution of the case to trial, a mistrial and dismissal occurred. Then the process repeated itself, resulting in further investigation and a new trial, this time ending with a guilty verdict. [Defendant] asks us to lump together the delay incurred by him during his two trials and test the whole period under the stricter speedy trial standards. This we cannot do. A presumptively prejudicial delay must exist before the reason for delay, assertion of the right, and prejudice to defendant may be evaluated. State v. Santillanes, 98 N.M. 448, 649 P.2d 516 (Ct. App.1982); State v. Tafoya. This case presents allegations of white collar criminal activity involving several defendants, multiple transactions involving large sums of money, and therefore necessitates an increased tolerance for delay. See Barker v. Wingo; State v. Kilpatrick. We deter mine, however, that the almost sixteen-month period following the filing of the criminal complaint is presumptively prejudicial, necessitating the complete Barker analysis. The balancing of the Barker factors applies to the sixteen-month period extending from the date of the criminal complaint to the date the court announced dismissal, and not the interval between dismissal of the original indictment and the filing of the subsequent criminal complaint. (b) Reasons for Delay Delay arising from hearing defendants’ motions, not caused by the prosecution, is weighed against the defendant in balancing the Barker factors. State v. Harvey, 85 N.M. 214, 510 P.2d 1085 (Ct.App.1973); State v. Mascarenas, 84 N.M. 153, 500 P.2d 438 (Ct.App.1972). See also Raburn v. Nash, 78 N.M. 385, 431 P.2d 874 (1967). “A defendant cannot both file a motion which requires a ‘slow down in the judicial process so as to delay his trial,’ * * * and escape responsibility for the delay by making a perfunctory objection for the record.” People v. Manna, 96 Ill.App.3d 506, 513, 51 Ill.Dec. 907, 912, 421 N.E.2d 542, 547 (1981). After the criminal complaint was filed, Taylor moved to disqualify District Judge Reuben Nieves from presiding at the preliminary hearing scheduled to begin July 11, 1985. Similarly, Boyd filed an affidavit on July 9, 1985, for the disqualification of Judge Fred T. Hensley. The state requested that the supreme court appoint a new judge. On July 30, 1985, Judge H. Richard Blackhurst was designated. On August 3, 1985, prosecutors requested that the court conduct a speedy preliminary examination. On August 25, 1985, Judge Blackhurst returned from the Judicial College and scheduled a preliminary hearing which extended over a four-day period in early October. After the prosecution rested, defendants requested a week of court time in order to call ten to fifteen witnesses. The court scheduled the first available week, December 2 through 5, 1985, at which time defendants called only three witnesses and rested on the first day. Due to the volume and complexity of the evidence, the trial court, with the consent of all parties, established a written briefing schedule. Thereafter, bindover orders were entered on March 6, 1986. The state filed a criminal information on March 27, 1986; arraignment occurred on April 11, 1986; trial was set for August 1,1986; and motion hearings on defendants’ motions to dismiss were scheduled for July 30 and 31, 1986, and then continued at defendants’ request. Defense counsel advised the court that they were unable to attend these hearing dates due to an ongoing jury trial in another court, and the court again continued the motion hearings until August 8, 1986. Thus, it appears that after the filing of the criminal complaint, most of the delay was caused by the actions of the defendants. Delay during the period between May 2, 1985 and August 25, 1986 (an interval of over fifteen months), was caused primarily through a combination of defendants’ motions, state’s responses to these motions, and the court’s attempt to accommodate defendants’ requests for court time and defense counsels’ prior commitments. Under these circumstances, primary responsibility for any delay should not be weighed against the state. (c) Assertion of the Right We next consider defendants’ assertion of their rights to a speedy trial. Although the primary burden is placed upon courts and prosecutors to bring cases to trial, a defendant has a responsibility to render a timely assertion of his right to a speedy trial. Barker v. Wingo; State v. Kilpatrick. This demand is then balanced against any prejudice resulting to the defendant, in addition to evaluation of the length and reason for delay. Barker v. Wingo. Taylor filed motions to dismiss for lack of speedy trial in September 1985 and June 1986. Taylor also filed a motion to dismiss for lack of a timely preliminary hearing in June 1985. Boyd filed a motion to dismiss for lack of speedy trial in June 1986, and also joined in Taylor's June 1985 challenge to the preliminary hearing. By reason of these motions, defendants properly asserted their rights to speedy trial. Cf. United States v. Loud Hawk. (d) Prejudice to Defendants Defendants contend they suffered prejudice resulting from the state’s delay in the prosecution. In addition to the period between the complaint and dismissal, Taylor and Boyd assert, in connection with their claim of denial of speedy trial, that prejudice accrued both during pre-indictment periods and from the time of indictment to dismissal. During the period prior to the original indictment, and extending to the date of the dismissal of the subsequent criminal complaint, defendants argue prejudice resulted from a number of factors. We examine these contentions seriatim. (1) Death of Adkisson Defendants argue that they were prejudiced by their inability to produce exculpatory evidence resulting from the death of a witness, Jerry Adkisson, on October 16, 1983. The speedy trial guarantee, however, does not apply to the loss of Adkisson’s testimony because the record indicates his death occurred during the preindictment period. See United States v. MacDonald. (2) Loss of Documents Defendants also argue they were prejudiced through the destruction of documents in the fire of Jack Brown’s residence in August 1984. The Barker analysis does not call for balancing where the length of delay is not presumptively prejudicial. The fire occurred during the period following the filing of the indictment and at a time when there was no presumption of prejudicial delay. (3) Nance’s Death The charges in the information against Boyd relating to Nance’s value as a witness concerned Boyd’s role in transferring Royal Aloha Vacation Club (Royal Aloha) promissory notes through Credit Plan Corporation (Credit Plan), to State S & L in excess of their value. The trial court stated in its findings of fact that Nance, as an officer and part-owner of Credit Plan, was an experienced banker and a material and indispensable witness who would have testified that he: investigated Credit Plan before becoming involved in it; visited the timeshare projects associated with Royal Aloha; did not forge the timeshare notes but studied the notes, flow of money and sales procedure of Royal Aloha; and believed the notes were financially sound. The record indicates, however, that in a deposition given by Boyd and admitted into evidence for impeachment purposes, Boyd testified that Nance was totally unfamiliar with transactions relating to the Royal Aloha notes and that Nance was only briefly affiliated with Credit Plan for a period of approximately thirty days. The state argues that Nance’s value as a defense witness was subject to impeachment due to his prior statement to the Curry County District Attorney’s office (upon receiving a target notice from the grand jury) that he did not know anything about Royal Aloha or Credit Plan and that the entities only used his name. The state also contends that any testimony Nance might have given concerning the value of notes as investments for a savings and loan, would have been subject to impeachment by reason of a competing claim for possession and prior lien against the notes, and evidence that he was a bankrupt. Nance’s counsel, Phillip Gaddy, also testified at the motion hearing that if Nance had been called to testify at trial, Gaddy would have been present and would have advised Nance of his fifth amendment privileges. Finally, the state contends that Boyd had available as witnesses Randolph Shipley, his attorney at Royal Aloha Associates, and Jack Brown, who operated Royal Aloha and who had testified as a defense witness at the hearing. Although the trial court found that Nance would have been a material and indispensable witness, review of the record also indicates that the value of Nance’s testimony was succeptible to possible impeachment by cross-examination. Impairment of the value of a witness’s testimony is a factor to be considered in balancing claims of prejudice. Cf. Arnold v. McCarthy. (4) Destruction of Documents The trial court found that after Nance’s death, Boyd attempted to locate Nance’s personal files relating to the Royal Aloha transactions from the estate without success. Phillip Gaddy testified that in June 1986, his office destroyed certain Nance files. Boyd argues these files allegedly contained exculpatory material. The destruction of this material occurred a year after the complaint was filed. The responsibility for initiating efforts to discover or obtain evidence of which defendants were aware rests with defendants. Cf. United States v. Edwards, 577 F.2d 883 (5th Cir.1978); United States v. Netterville, 553 F.2d 903 (5th Cir.1977). (5) Memory Loss of Witnesses The trial court found that witness Tom Lee suffered memory loss concerning the issuance of default insurance on timeshare contracts to Taylor’s corporation as a result of unintentionally taking medication prescribed for someone else. The court also found that witnesses Art Outhier and Robert Swinford suffered physical health problems, and due to delay, Boyd’s ability to present exculpatory information concerning terms and payments on solar notes was impaired. Taylor offers only general assertions of prejudice on this point, contending, without explanation, that the memories of these witnesses had deteriorated and concerned matters that were alleged to be material and exculpatory. Defendants have not presented specifics corroborative of this contention. Unspecified allegations of an impaired defense are unpersuasive. United States v. Jenkins; United States v. Edwards. See also State v. Lucero. Diminished memory claims are subject to careful scrutiny as to their impact on a particular case. See United States v. Juarez, 561 F.2d 65 (7th Cir.1977). The trial court found that Lee had no present memory of whether Taylor told Lee of Taylor’s prior felony conviction in connection with the insurance application. (The five million dollar fidelity bond was acquired without disclosing Taylor’s prior felony on the application.) It therefore appears that at trial, the state would also be prejudiced through the absence of this direct evidence in its attempts to establish that Taylor defrauded Lee. Further, the effect of the impaired memories of Outhier and Swinford were mooted when the charges to which their knowledge related were dismissed after the preliminary examination. See United States v. Avalos, 541 F.2d 1100 (5th Cir.1976) (faded memories not substantially related to any material fact in issue do not unfairly prejudice defense). (6)Claim of Miscellaneous Prejudice Defendants also claim prejudice in the form of stress, anxiety and impairment of health; destruction of Taylor’s ability to deal as a customer of financial institutions; Boyd’s loss in chiropractic practice and other business interests; excessive legal costs; widespread media attention; and, Taylor’s inability to show the source of the material alteration to a three-and-a-half million dollar collateral note signed by Taylor in favor of State S & L, which was in custody of the state and federal regulator and investigator. While it is clear that defendants were subjected to emotional pressures arising out of the charges against them, the record does not suggest emotional or physical stress experienced by defendants exceeding that attending most criminal prosecutions. Defendants were not incarcerated pending trial. See United States v. Netterville; see also United States v. Simmons, 536 F.2d 827 (9th Cir.1976) (where defendant was at liberty on own recognizance, conclusory allegations of general anxiety constituted minimal prejudice and, without more, did not deprive defendant of speedy-trial). The record indicates that other factors exist which also may have contributed to Taylor’s difficulty in carrying on business with other financial institutions during this period, e.g., prior felony conviction and unrelated history of litigation. Finally, the trial court’s finding that Taylor was prejudiced in not being able to show the source of an alteration to a particular note is not supported by substantial evidence. The record does not indicate that the instrument was a timeshare note involved in the alleged fraudulent sales to State S & L, nor does the record indicate how delay occasioned the prejudice or how the alteration is relevant to any defense. We have considered each of the assertions of prejudice relied upon by defendants. In balancing each of defendants’ claims of prejudice against the reasons for delay against the applicable time periods involved, we determine that considered in their entirety, the delays attributable to the state did not substantially prejudice defendants’ rights to a speedy trial. III. DUE PROCESS REQUIREMENT Defendants Taylor and Boyd also contend the charges against them should be dismissed by reason of delay resulting in denial of their constitutional due process rights. Because defendants’ due process claims must be considered separate and apart from their claims of denial of speedy trial, we analyze these claims independently. In State v. Duran, 91 N.M. 756, 581 P.2d 19 (1978), the supreme court recognized the analysis adopted in State v. Jojota, as applicable to claims of denial of due process based on alleged prosecutorial delay. Jojota held that showing of substantial prejudice must be established before a defendant may obtain a dismissal based upon a pre-indictment delay. Defendant initially has the burden of demonstrating “actual” prejudice by specifically establishing how his defense would have been more successful had the delay been shorter. State v. Duran. Where there has been a showing of actual prejudice, the court must then balance the prosecution’s conduct against actual prejudice ensuing to defendant to determine if these factors amount to “substantial” prejudice to defendant. Id.; cf. United States v. Marion; United States v. Jenkins (defendant must establish that the delay was purposefully caused by the prosecution to obtain tactical advantage or to harass). Evidence of delay does not, without more, indicate actual prejudice, nor constitute substantial prejudice. State v. Duran. In reviewing defendants’ due process contentions on appeal, we are required to conduct an independent review of the record and the law. See State v. Duran; State v. Padilla, 91 N.M. 800, 581 P.2d 1295 (Ct.App.1978); see also Worker’s Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau v. Commissioner of Ins., 391 Mass. 238, 461 N.E.2d 1178 (1984). (a) Pre-indictment Delay Defendants claim prejudice in the pre-indictment period stemming from the death of Jerry Adkisson on October 16, 1983, three days before the grand jury began hearing evidence. Defendants contend Adkisson would have testified that he arranged for a fidelity bond to be issued to Southwest Mortgage Service Corporation, which insured the notes sold to State S & L against default by the debtors. Defendants accordingly argue that this particular proof of insurance was material and exculpatory because it could have demonstrated that State S & L would not lose money in buying the timeshare notes. Defendants have not, however, demonstrated how their defense would have been more successful had the delay been shorter. Nor have defendants explained whether other witnesses could have offered substantially similar testimony or whether other documentary proof of the alleged insurance transaction was available. The record indicates that the state agreed to stipulate the admissibility of previous sworn testimony by Adkisson presented in June 1983, as Taylor’s witness in a Federal Home Loan Bank Board proceeding concerning transactions between Taylor and State S & L. The hearing was in connection with a Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation order prohibiting Taylor from engaging in the affairs of State S & L. See Arnold v. McCarthy (prejudice from death of witness not substantial where delay did not result in lost evidence because defendant had right to introduce record from two preliminary hearings where victim testified). Defendants have not indicated why they could not utilize this prior sworn testimony. (b) Period Between Dismissal and Filing Complaint Defendants claim that the six-month delay in filing the criminal complaint after the grand jury indictment was dismissed gives rise to a due process violation because of prejudice resulting from the death of Nance. Because a claim of prejudice attributable to the period after charges are dismissed is also evaluated under the due process clause, we apply the Duran analysis to this post-dismissal period. See also United States v. MacDonald. Nance's death occurred twenty-three days after the complaint was filed; hence, his death falls within the speedy-trial sequence, and prejudice from the witness's death is properly discussed under both speedy trial and due process frameworks. Defendants emphasize, as indicated in our speedy trial discussion, exculpatory matters which the trial court found Nance may have been able to testify about as a witness. Although the trial court found Nance would have been a credible and persuasive witness, there is no indication that Nance’s testimony was the only substantial evidence supporting the soundness of timeshare notes or that had the complaint even been filed within less than six months of the dismissal of the indictment, Nance would have been able to testify. The death of a witness shortly after the filing of criminal charges, without more, does not constitute a basis for dismissal of charges. Defendants have failed to establish with specificity the critical testimony which they assert has been lost or whether this evidence is available from other sources. State v. Lucero. Defendants also contend that the memory losses of witnesses Tom Lee, Art Outhier, and Robert Swinford demonstrates actual prejudice attributable to this six-month period. For reasons discussed in our speedy trial analysis, we determine that, considered as a whole, the responsibility for any prejudice suffered by defendants concerning these witnesses cannot primarily be ascribed to the state. Cf. United States v. Villa, 470 F.Supp. 315 (N.D.N.Y.1979) (diminished recollections are not the type of actual prejudice required by United States v. Marion). Defendants have not established actual prejudice resulting from the deaths of Adkisson or Nance. CONCLUSION When each of the factors cited by defendants are considered, we determine that the trial court erred in dismissing the charges. Significantly, the trial court improperly included in its analysis of the speedy trial delay, the period between dismissal of the initial indictment and the time of the filing the second complaint. Additionally, the record indicates that a substantial portion of the delay of the proceedings herein resulted from actions of the defendants themselves. The trial court’s orders dismissing Count 6 of the criminal complaint against defendants Grissom and Taylor and the order dismissing the criminal complaint against defendants Taylor and Boyd are reversed. IT IS SO ORDERED. ALARID and APODACA, JJ., concur. . Because of the nature of the charges in the complaint, the trial court’s findings, and the adoption of arguments by defendants Boyd and Taylor, this portion of the analysis applies to Taylor as well.
[ -0.03729894012212753, -0.008405658416450024, -0.0180115457624197, 0.01344236359000206, 0.06376791000366211, 0.00944420974701643, 0.040550217032432556, 0.03938688710331917, -0.00896785780787468, -0.04611697420477867, 0.020680448040366173, 0.0732085257768631, -0.044718995690345764, 0.05778596177697182, 0.0033513070084154606, 0.06157899275422096, 0.05395076051354408, 0.0064239767380058765, 0.014978153631091118, 0.008537765592336655, 0.02676149643957615, -0.016407882794737816, -0.006355881690979004, 0.059226732701063156, -0.0024016101378947496, 0.02737545408308506, 0.009814943186938763, 0.005343073047697544, -0.07968674600124359, 0.019517766311764717, 0.04545444995164871, -0.012396804057061672, -0.017413323745131493, 0.02464563585817814, 0.0005704450304619968, -0.012179947458207607, -0.018236912786960602, -0.016448840498924255, -0.02571367286145687, 0.05023745447397232, -0.014738059602677822, 0.016678303480148315, -0.04557059332728386, -0.008554591797292233, -0.02963145636022091, -0.007956561632454395, 0.005885893013328314, 0.04020076245069504, -0.03829067200422287, 0.004539963789284229, -0.04482073336839676, -0.0016847866354510188, -0.010107511654496193, 0.02023153193295002, -0.004872347228229046, 0.019824445247650146, -0.06316619366407394, -0.045374736189842224, -0.01088372990489006, -0.04054738208651543, 0.010254516266286373, -0.05166594684123993, 0.06721951067447662, -0.017041834071278572, 0.0008254667045548558, -0.01112910732626915, 0.006607697810977697, 0.03193098306655884, -0.035975225269794464, -0.03650542348623276, -0.009343866258859634, 0.005093337036669254, 0.02474338933825493, 0.01708025299012661, -0.004119361285120249, -0.018515946343541145, 0.016903633251786232, 0.03696167469024658, -0.012837308458983898, 0.009070063009858131, 0.024159731343388557, 0.005746680311858654, 0.03671809658408165, 0.06077880039811134, 0.019956357777118683, -0.07350592315196991, -0.023804280906915665, -0.007431392557919025, -0.031636063009500504, 0.04866970330476761, -0.02703424170613289, -0.028415845707058907, 0.004902900196611881, 0.041719950735569, -0.024059168994426727, -0.031705066561698914, 0.08561424165964127, -0.03491495922207832, 0.04359648376703262, 0.007497772574424744, -0.015985606238245964, -0.01733444072306156, 0.02089439146220684, 0.07260218262672424, -0.07564067095518112, 0.011448713950812817, -0.020365308970212936, -0.0032461010850965977, 0.01858607493340969, -0.0004111246671527624, -0.026543932035565376, 0.03621496260166168, 0.021983595564961433, -0.03186240419745445, -0.050806887447834015, 0.06603632867336273, 0.01491014938801527, -0.047485750168561935, -0.016162913292646408, -0.009846867062151432, 0.044067058712244034, 0.009909509681165218, 0.006975681520998478, 0.08114370703697205, 0.0569126233458519, 0.006322437431663275, 0.010228190571069717, 0.06464090198278427, -0.021028000861406326, -0.04724188894033432, -0.03112483024597168, 0.03261458873748779, 0.0018171584233641624, 0.03923163563013077, -0.011575210839509964, -0.02510003373026848, -0.03333866968750954, -0.033896733075380325, 0.036677006632089615, -0.03181511536240578, 0.010547800920903683, -0.017592119053006172, 0.0036218357272446156, -0.01495700515806675, 0.0636276975274086, -0.0574510283768177, 0.035300176590681076, -0.010477148927748203, -0.024222683161497116, 0.025607941672205925, 0.019082840532064438, 0.0029222583398222923, -0.0015001492574810982, -0.009147780947387218, -0.006887206342071295, 0.06296207755804062, 0.039983827620744705, -0.014643448404967785, -0.0005130400531925261, 0.03629015013575554, 0.0421159602701664, 0.014123760163784027, 0.03586646914482117, -0.008044282905757427, 0.002355738077312708, 0.04826079681515694, 0.001181177911348641, -0.0005504022701643407, -0.04387832432985306, 0.06390338391065598, -0.05829967185854912, -0.010136839933693409, 0.06177561357617378, -0.06706152856349945, -0.008769725449383259, -0.0016909678233787417, 0.025412648916244507, 0.010383264161646366, 0.02364920638501644, -0.0562959648668766, -0.056935567408800125, 0.022970877587795258, -0.028074020519852638, 0.008436663076281548, -0.03100849688053131, -0.024334512650966644, 0.04631417617201805, 0.002146366983652115, 0.023358069360256195, -0.012817248702049255, -0.09552067518234253, -0.013945954851806164, 0.0029143679421395063, -0.00970989279448986, 0.040064066648483276, 0.02227255329489708, 0.00303658121265471, -0.008127790875732899, -0.010238866321742535, 0.03186938911676407, 0.04245547577738762, 0.04029840603470802, 0.055192966014146805, -0.02098274976015091, -0.05417073145508766, 0.009320015087723732, 0.07366499304771423, -0.020659741014242172, 0.018981771543622017, 0.03293481469154358, -0.029015379026532173, -0.010069813579320908, 0.04561924561858177, 0.0216780174523592, 0.006357936654239893, -0.026193415746092796, 0.052010517567396164, -0.026123452931642532, 0.04009370878338814, -0.034457478672266006, 0.046492140740156174, 0.011733189225196838, -0.02618306502699852, 0.06697724759578705, -0.02596108429133892, 0.08401810377836227, 0.03811947628855705, -0.05259251967072487, -0.02960851788520813, 0.0066619315184652805, 0.020670894533395767, -0.006950915791094303, 0.009489858523011208, -0.004852129612118006, 0.048105720430612564, 0.025066426023840904, -0.02970930188894272, -0.014183142222464085, 0.02701333723962307, -0.04106175899505615, 0.011690357699990273, 0.004427004139870405, 0.029863154515624046, 0.05321071296930313, -0.02059210278093815, 0.006907939910888672, -0.03641762211918831, 0.005188853945583105, -0.018045824021100998, -0.05082707107067108, 0.014797534793615341, 0.016070015728473663, 0.018905067816376686, -0.003190445015206933, -0.0013719224371016026, -0.06301797181367874, -0.017788363620638847, 0.011207567527890205, 0.017185097560286522, 0.01981254294514656, 0.02485082671046257, 0.02559158019721508, -0.010916942730545998, -0.02429220825433731, -0.04733775928616524, -0.037354521453380585, -0.029123691841959953, 0.0021949007641524076, -0.024076001718640327, 0.028595488518476486, 0.06930957734584808, 0.013588405214250088, -0.021432003006339073, 0.017554789781570435, 0.021855643019080162, -0.006130861584097147, 0.03881652280688286, 0.024863867089152336, 0.02377183735370636, 0.0022972864098846912, -0.025612661615014076, 0.05465845763683319, -0.017330165952444077, -0.02510225959122181, -0.007254209369421005, -0.0395733118057251, 0.019088149070739746, -0.03981935232877731, -0.03815007954835892, 0.0500875860452652, 0.013521983288228512, 0.03657989948987961, -0.001396646723151207, 0.028369011357426643, 0.015549969859421253, 0.035387229174375534, 0.029921282082796097, 0.03017522767186165, 0.01654735952615738, -0.03325008600950241, 0.027040647342801094, -0.03144090622663498, -0.016501961275935173, 0.010633192025125027, 0.04303992912173271, 0.0152849480509758, -0.02590196207165718, 0.02449985407292843, -0.2677026689052582, 0.005848381668329239, -0.0020929998718202114, -0.05255862697958946, 0.06524595618247986, -0.02562536671757698, 0.0509762242436409, -0.007601103745400906, -0.016485545784235, 0.042441558092832565, -0.009664243087172508, -0.0209033340215683, -0.010656402446329594, 0.028796564787626266, 0.024358531460165977, -0.020494719967246056, -0.00006410265632439405, -0.026814082637429237, -0.024288324639201164, 0.014086736366152763, 0.04370791092514992, -0.0674193874001503, -0.04236947000026703, 0.03395519405603409, 0.05134148895740509, 0.07982474565505981, -0.05272641405463219, -0.02422362193465233, -0.05340871214866638, -0.04391314834356308, -0.00914517417550087, -0.005872840061783791, 0.015598963014781475, -0.01937716454267502, -0.018736330792307854, 0.0357702374458313, -0.0044241296127438545, -0.02606329880654812, -0.05836929753422737, 0.000542302499525249, 0.009218452498316765, -0.01545602735131979, -0.02099418267607689, 0.022932998836040497, 0.08520422875881195, 0.012779220007359982, -0.0198889821767807, 0.003424552734941244, 0.002908373950049281, 0.03746427968144417, -0.05912816524505615, 0.008274381048977375, -0.02701387368142605, 0.013134649954736233, -0.025410275906324387, 0.020439915359020233, -0.06460726261138916, -0.00002845045310095884, -0.07367812097072601, 0.05824952572584152, 0.006687093526124954, -0.05386561527848244, -0.04993068426847458, -0.015459091402590275, -0.030311178416013718, -0.07236722111701965, -0.044602230191230774, -0.02610635943710804, 0.10000357031822205, 0.03853531554341316, 0.004978511482477188, 0.03792619705200195, -0.01609782874584198, -0.0720449909567833, 0.024412337690591812, -0.017180992290377617, 0.008278701454401016, -0.04769359901547432, -0.057317133992910385, 0.012400373816490173, -0.014010275714099407, -0.02690167725086212, 0.054332416504621506, 0.025049790740013123, 0.028577284887433052, -0.0025175046175718307, -0.029665760695934296, 0.07267185300588608, -0.052907608449459076, 0.014479630626738071, 0.044706813991069794, 0.04699191823601723, -0.05020534619688988, -0.002216825494542718, -0.011898542754352093, 0.017909666523337364, 0.0040427264757454395, -0.03230920433998108, -0.004035305231809616, 0.013844497501850128, 0.03614635020494461, -0.05880553275346756, 0.03529774025082588, -0.030372345820069313, -0.03246384859085083, -0.050077855587005615, 0.006296912208199501, -0.013545555993914604, 0.04970894381403923, 0.026240505278110504, 0.059641797095537186, -0.029315494000911713, 0.04670534282922745, -0.03831535577774048, -0.016679389402270317, -0.00738683482632041, 0.004187440499663353, -0.0014661469031125307, 0.008106883615255356, 0.018858395516872406, 0.010110645554959774, 0.04477936401963234, -0.06401725113391876, -0.04467397183179855, -0.09055641293525696, -0.029047783464193344, 0.011218744330108166, 0.017527207732200623, -0.0280099306255579, 0.03215361759066582, -0.03353055939078331, -0.04162446781992912, -0.039261963218450546, -0.03765774518251419, -0.0000654722098261118, 0.0010119634680449963, -0.0384058952331543, -0.05459383875131607, 0.0021728225983679295, 0.01503195520490408, 0.04087687283754349, -0.00914672389626503, 0.0431167297065258, 0.033282920718193054, 0.04971601814031601, -0.010041788220405579, 0.011588631197810173, -0.02619967982172966, -0.02910633571445942, 0.03541610389947891, 0.002327803522348404, -0.05704269930720329, -0.001986078219488263, -0.05943942070007324, -0.022881682962179184, -0.02110077254474163, 0.031853266060352325, 0.01757388934493065, -0.003217015415430069, -0.034606099128723145, -0.00365858874283731, -0.03436754643917084, -0.014835561625659466, -0.01626613177359104, -0.03220180422067642, 0.04990939795970917, -0.03371717408299446, -0.0076360381208360195, -0.020539024844765663, 0.04183033108711243, -0.02162768691778183, -0.057985514402389526, -0.005279397591948509, 0.019009683281183243, 0.024188155308365822, 0.030299756675958633, 0.011735408566892147, -0.010004803538322449, 0.03937194496393204, 0.03211575746536255, -0.04746316745877266, -0.04322647303342819, -0.04535837844014168, 0.013309918344020844, 0.04047347232699394, -0.042750854045152664, -0.033566664904356, -0.036357581615448, -0.023492515087127686, -0.017498306930065155, -0.023500287905335426, -0.013120006769895554, -0.009960330091416836, 0.006969173438847065, -0.034091781824827194, -0.08911338448524475, -0.003923322074115276, 0.0013681575655937195, 0.033979631960392, 0.046327490359544754, 0.011262403801083565, -0.014358359389007092, -0.007593694142997265, -0.027532830834388733, -0.021173303946852684, -0.05865449458360672, 0.02267397567629814, 0.014015073888003826, 0.005105334799736738, 0.04604955017566681, -0.050346434116363525, -0.01819015108048916, -0.005398107226938009, 0.01889575831592083, 0.008109395392239094, -0.05912836641073227, 0.04202403873205185, -0.045050013810396194, -0.04037345573306084, -0.011818602681159973, -0.0027222249191254377, -0.025523340329527855, 0.013478264212608337, -0.002851735567674041, -0.035235799849033356, 0.049534477293491364, -0.015210905112326145, -0.015012514777481556, 0.02221768908202648, -0.005147990304976702, -0.010022925212979317, -0.022487008944153786, -0.009899976663291454, 0.03775663301348686, -0.013352643698453903, -0.003446496557444334, 0.002920881612226367, -0.028715485706925392, -0.010699348524212837, 0.058345504105091095, 0.021662209182977676, 0.04333861917257309, 0.011771637946367264, -0.028882425278425217, -0.024763386696577072, 0.003591806860640645, 0.057454176247119904, 0.0373353436589241, -0.00446447404101491, 0.10566938668489456, -0.01195496879518032, 0.019948994740843773, -0.030491532757878304, 0.000501776288729161, 0.027899013832211494, -0.0342281349003315, 0.001200634753331542, -0.0267924964427948, 0.01204183604568243, 0.04002423211932182, -0.008736555464565754, 0.028169743716716766, -0.030896326526999474, -0.0032405895181000233, 0.05379549413919449, 0.04372723028063774, 0.013382427394390106, -0.019181109964847565, 0.03639647364616394, -0.1000061109662056, -0.026050081476569176, -0.07390636205673218, -0.02442774921655655, 0.0015024375170469284, 0.02861756458878517, 0.03117324970662594, 0.03972971439361572, -0.00396775035187602, 0.016487155109643936, -0.05963650345802307, -0.02608545310795307, -0.010427144356071949, -0.021018026396632195, -0.02706143632531166, 0.021956294775009155, -0.04085233062505722, -0.010149383917450905, -0.0009997151792049408, -0.10413661599159241, -0.06871099025011063, -0.0030563287436962128, 0.043371666222810745, 0.03384382650256157, 0.03206988051533699, -0.01670347899198532, -0.013640113174915314, 0.03823461756110191, 0.06287693977355957, -0.010442537255585194, 0.022483188658952713, -0.049053825438022614, 0.03768375143408775, 0.02181854099035263, -0.013289487920701504, -0.026251429691910744, 0.004172529559582472, -0.03234157711267471, -0.06118849292397499, -0.006552782841026783, 0.010691535659134388, -0.007869393564760685, -0.08321050554513931, 0.046284593641757965, 0.009690865874290466, -0.03885478153824806, 0.00023193271772470325, -0.022166060283780098, -0.029264181852340698, -0.04789189249277115, -0.05746738985180855, 0.015762796625494957, 0.007131346967071295, 0.057822078466415405, 0.006638348568230867, 0.08930393308401108, 0.05069565027952194, -0.034049004316329956, 0.03011934459209442, -0.0015239282511174679, 0.06426338851451874, 0.034153614193201065, 0.01304591167718172, 0.006810682825744152, 0.028773732483386993, -0.021820848807692528, -0.002872159006074071, 0.02274307981133461, -0.04630851745605469, -0.026714865118265152, 0.00011847205314552411, 0.041197288781404495, 0.026065388694405556, 0.009400780312716961, 0.06431540846824646, 0.004615150857716799, 0.008146257139742374, 0.03637820482254028, -0.0271211676299572, 0.015000348910689354, 0.02194490097463131, -0.011891291476786137, -0.0573996901512146, -0.03786541894078255, -0.03140689432621002, -0.01075616106390953, 0.01936858333647251, -0.024872586131095886, 0.0024742463137954473, -0.03821032494306564, -0.007351587992161512, 0.00002700380537135061, -0.007061870768666267, 0.06509021669626236, -0.0266374833881855, -0.019585750997066498, 0.03818130865693092, -0.0069963508285582066, 0.031520646065473557, -0.01981361396610737, 0.0049253287725150585, -0.017180657014250755, 0.016745731234550476, -0.029595855623483658, 0.00044413431896828115, 0.10367363691329956, 0.006251156330108643, 0.04733380302786827, 0.027710970491170883, -0.04062546417117119, 0.0085316002368927, 0.05366842821240425, -0.011413856409490108, -0.06626113504171371, -0.06916559487581253, -0.01735858991742134, -0.05407731607556343, 0.020997697487473488, 0.023109644651412964, -0.027262624353170395, -0.06018100306391716, 0.004398443270474672, 0.00639338931068778, -0.03768221661448479, 0.035233840346336365, -0.03491015359759331, 0.02139938622713089, 0.0425744503736496, 0.06217176467180252, 0.011490391567349434, 0.008823023177683353, 0.0623437874019146, -0.02116650715470314, -0.016685741022229195, 0.004495406989008188, -0.018547767773270607, 0.036203350871801376, -0.003893029410392046, -0.00685510691255331, -0.07401125133037567, 0.000049335849325871095, 0.010065957903862, 0.011519822292029858, -0.05779515206813812, 0.04619671776890755, -0.03179117292165756, -0.014182179234921932, 0.0778072401881218, 0.024806909263134003, -0.05060066655278206, -0.02411995641887188, -0.04192120581865311, 0.013588761910796165, 0.007933233864605427, 0.08798722922801971, -0.03307455778121948, 0.03172697126865387, 0.03281768783926964, 0.028068380430340767, -0.04926637187600136, 0.03933398425579071, 0.024972960352897644, -0.03192184492945671, 0.007195200305432081, 0.00784276332706213, -0.006094113923609257, -0.07082882523536682, -0.041161905974149704, 0.006391224917024374, -0.014884047210216522, -0.03464708477258682, 0.019860271364450455, -0.01204007863998413, 0.00019489879196044058, -0.04262524098157883, 0.036408644169569016, 0.03452314808964729, -0.0543028749525547, -0.02946246787905693, -0.043738968670368195, 0.022301724180579185, 0.009588205255568027, 0.0024997377768158913, -0.03302455693483353, -0.06471943855285645, 0.008377397432923317, -0.03540691360831261, 0.03346003219485283, 0.021490974351763725, -0.008379490114748478, -0.018488457426428795 ]
OPINION APODACA, Judge. Subsequent to the filing of our previous opinion in this cause, we granted plaintiffs’ motion for rehearing. Having given con sideration to plaintiffs’ contentions, we withdraw the original formal opinion and substitute this opinion in its place. Plaintiffs appeal from the trial court’s order granting summary judgment to defendant Vincent Madrid. Plaintiffs filed a negligence suit for personal injuries arising out of an automobile accident. Defendant Steven Madrid was the driver of an automobile that collided with a car occupied by plaintiffs. Plaintiffs also sued Vincent Madrid, Steven’s father, under the Family Purpose Doctrine. The trial court, in granting Vincent Madrid’s motion for summary judgment, ruled in essence that, as a matter of law, the Family Purpose Doctrine did not apply. The issue on appeal is whether the trial court erred in ruling that there were no genuine issues of material fact and that Vincent Madrid was entitled to judgment as a matter of law. We hold that the trial court did so err and reverse. Facts On the date of the accident, Steven Madrid, an adult, was living with his parents and two sisters. He purchased the subject automobile approximately three months before the accident. Although the evidence submitted by Vincent Madrid in support of his motion showed that Steven Madrid used his own personal funds for the down payment and the monthly payments paid on the car, there was also evidence that he could not have purchased the car without his father’s cosignature on the loan. Both Vincent Madrid and Steven Madrid are named as co-owners on the application for vehicle title and registration with the motor vehicle division. At the time of the accident, Steven Madrid was driving the car for pleasure and one of his sisters and another friend were riding with him as passengers. Discussion To impute liability for negligence to a non-driver owner of a motor vehicle under the Family Purpose Doctrine, the applicable part of the Uniform Jury Instructions requires as follows: If you find the motor vehicle operated by [name of operator] was furnished by its owner for general family use and convenience, then the owner is liable for the negligent operation of the vehicle by a member of the family. To hold the defendant liable, you must find that the driver had authority to drive the motor vehicle and was using the motor vehicle for the pleasure or convenience of the family, or a member of it. SCRA 1986, 13-1210 (emphasis added). Thus, in order to impute liability, the instruction requires that at the time of the accident: (1) the motor vehicle was operated by a member of the family; (2) the motor vehicle was furnished by its owner for general family use and convenience; (3) the driver had authority to drive the motor vehicle; and (4) the driver was using the motor vehicle for the pleasure or convenience of the family, or a member of it. Unless all of these essential elements are present, liability under the Family Purpose Doctrine cannot be imposed on the non-negligent owner. See Annotation, Modern Status of Family Purpose Doctrine With Respect to Motor Vehicles, 8 A.L.R.3d 1191 (1966). In support of a motion for summary judgment, a party is not required to show beyond all possibility that a genuine issue of fact does not exist. Goodman v. Brock, 83 N.M. 789, 498 P.2d 676 (1972). The movant need only make a prima facie showing that he is entitled to summary judgment as a matter of law. Koenig v. Perez, 104 N.M. 664, 726 P.2d 341 (1986). Once the movant makes this prima facie showing, the burden shifts to the opponent, who must show that there is a reasonable doubt as to the existence of a genuine issue of material fact. Id. In addition to these longstanding standards of review, the following principles also govern our review of this appeal. All reasonable inferences are to be made in favor of the party opposing the motion for summary judgment. Montoya v. City of Albuquerque, 82 N.M. 90, 476 P.2d 60 (1970). The evidence on appeal must be viewed in the light most favorable to support the right to a trial on the merits. Id.; Holliday v. Talk of the Town, Inc., 98 N.M. 354, 648 P.2d 812 (Ct.App.1982). It follows that if Vincent Madrid, in support of his motion for summary judgment, made a prima facie showing that he was entitled to judgment as a matter of law with respect to any one of the essential elements noted above, it was incumbent on plaintiffs to show there was a reasonable doubt as to the existence of a genuine issue with respect to each of these elements for which a prima facie showing had been made. If plaintiffs succeeded in doing so, then it devolved upon the trier of fact to resolve such factual issues and it would have been improper to grant summary judgment. Applying the foregoing principles to the facts of this case, we conclude that although Vincent Madrid met his burden of making a prima facie showing with respect to elements (2) and (3) above, plaintiffs created a reasonable doubt concerning each of these. Vehicle Ownership In Peters v. LeDoux, 83 N.M. 307, 491 P.2d 524 (1971), our supreme court ruled that ownership, as evidenced by the certificate of title to an automobile, is not essential to liability under this state’s Family Purpose Doctrine. Nothing in LeDoux, however, precludes a finding of ownership based on such title. With respect to ownership, plaintiffs submitted a title application listing Vincent Madrid as an owner. NMSA 1978, Section 66-3-12 (Repl.Pamp. 1984) provides that a certificate of title is prima facie evidence of ownership. The statute, in effect, creates a presumption that the owner listed in the title is, in fact, the real owner. Cf. Shorty v. Scott, 87 N.M. 490, 535 P.2d 1341 (1975). Of no less importance, under SCRA 1986, 11-301, the presumption allows an inference of actual ownership although rebutting evidence has been introduced. The presumption may still “sufficiently influence the trier of facts to conclude the presumed fact does exist.” State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. v. Duran, 93 N.M. 489, 492, 601 P.2d 722, 725 (Ct.App.1979). Plaintiffs' evidence, then, created a material issue of fact concerning ownership despite evidence presented to the contrary. Cortez v. Martinez, 79 N.M. 506, 445 P.2d 383 (1968), overruled on other grounds, 88 N.M. 308, 540 P.2d 238 (1975). While the statute creates a presumption of ownership, it is necessary for the factfinder to determine whether the presumption is rebutted by counter evidence. Family Use and Convenience On the “general family use and convenience” element, plaintiffs presented evidence that two of the family members drove the automobile within three months prior to the accident, and that on at least three or four occasions, including the date of the accident, other family members rode in the automobile. There was also a suggestion the automobile was occasionally used on family errands. These facts were sufficient to raise a genuine dispute whether the car was used for general family purposes. See Stevens v. VanDeusen, 56 N.M. 128, 241 P.2d 331 (1951) (mother used minor’s car on only two occasions); Tart v. Register, 257 N.C. 161, 125 S.E.2d 754 (1962) (mother occasionally drove car). Furnishing Requirement If the factfinder were to determine Vincent Madrid was an owner or co-owner of the vehicle, then the factfinder could go one step further and also determine (not only from that fact but from inferences properly drawn from that and other facts) that he had “furnished” the car to his son by permitting him to have primary use of the vehicle. We find it necessary to address one other important matter raised by Vincent Madrid. Relying on LeDoux and Duran, he contends in his answer brief that “it is essential to the application of the [Family Purpose Doctrine] ... that the vehicle be one that is maintained for the general use and convenience of the family.” (Emphasis added.) He is correct that both Duran and LeDoux speak of the motor vehicle being maintained by the owner as distinguished from being furnished. The question there fore arises whether these two different terms are inapposite or adjunctive to one another. The answer lies simply on the fact that when LeDoux and Duran were decided, UJI Civ. 4.9 (1966) was in effect and required that the motor vehicle be maintained by the owner for the general use and convenience of the family. Since then, our supreme court has adopted the present Uniform Jury Instructions, and one of them, 13-1210, as noted previously, contains the requirement that the motor vehicle be furnished (not maintained) by its owner for general family use and convenience. This instruction is controlling and we therefore find it unnecessary to differentiate between the meanings of the two terms as they may affect the application of the Family Purpose Doctrine. Conclusion We hold, therefore, that it was for the jury to determine whether or not Vincent Madrid was the owner or co-owner of the motor vehicle in question and whether, as an owner, he furnished it to Steven Madrid for general family use and convenience at the time of the accident. The trial court, in granting Vincent Madrid’s motion for summary judgment, inappropriately weighed the evidence and in so doing, encroached upon the province of the jury. We conclude that the trial court improperly granted summary judgment. Accordingly, we reverse and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. IT IS SO ORDERED. GARCIA, J., concurs. FRUMAN, J., dissenting.
[ -0.004262976348400116, -0.031201167032122612, 0.012716123834252357, 0.008445486426353455, 0.03279079869389534, 0.026769792661070824, 0.06509307026863098, 0.011981875635683537, 0.0060109845362603664, -0.037794142961502075, 0.012002361938357353, 0.06871852278709412, -0.032990433275699615, 0.032572656869888306, -0.019497890025377274, 0.05561240017414093, 0.0480298288166523, 0.011281352490186691, 0.0204961858689785, 0.004116859287023544, -0.0006961763137951493, 0.009489990770816803, 0.05595454201102257, 0.03127022087574005, 0.014568720944225788, 0.0113274110481143, 0.006147935055196285, 0.04804046079516411, -0.06388375163078308, 0.00627081049606204, 0.05671378970146179, -0.007214650511741638, -0.015547005459666252, -0.010509070940315723, -0.01591966487467289, -0.016926433891057968, 0.011266443878412247, -0.050891079008579254, -0.0351472906768322, 0.04915086552500725, -0.03335515782237053, -0.012728286907076836, -0.06777269393205643, -0.01640007272362709, -0.03222273290157318, 0.006022240500897169, 0.007639812771230936, 0.03998161479830742, -0.002730109728872776, -0.014406612142920494, -0.07457510381937027, -0.017815355211496353, -0.026160690933465958, 0.03425515070557594, -0.01248670369386673, 0.0340636745095253, -0.05741283670067787, -0.05737726762890816, -0.012096275575459003, -0.03652011975646019, -0.0024671948049217463, -0.020734943449497223, 0.0737454816699028, 0.009993890300393105, -0.00584261491894722, 0.024327123537659645, 0.013626473024487495, 0.051850542426109314, -0.05273550748825073, 0.005633373744785786, -0.07587509602308273, -0.03065286949276924, 0.016279051080346107, 0.007302446756511927, -0.040048640221357346, -0.043507177382707596, 0.004167037550359964, 0.023258360102772713, 0.019884634763002396, 0.046885896474123, 0.07705505192279816, 0.00697883777320385, 0.004747972823679447, 0.045691780745983124, 0.0019879352767020464, -0.03359295800328255, -0.01879017800092697, -0.03953854367136955, -0.02031744457781315, 0.05944766104221344, -0.05697829648852348, -0.050918228924274445, 0.024615727365016937, 0.06985994428396225, -0.028733542189002037, -0.015628516674041748, 0.09389425814151764, -0.032950300723314285, -0.01400804240256548, 0.01751517690718174, -0.03549850359559059, -0.013605432584881783, -0.02580874226987362, 0.05730528011918068, -0.06374355405569077, 0.020826254040002823, 0.0014840989606454968, 0.03392820805311203, 0.013776210136711597, -0.008191858418285847, 0.0008621555753052235, 0.009988252073526382, 0.006023612804710865, -0.03547389805316925, -0.03279998525977135, 0.03719104081392288, 0.02178608998656273, 0.008839280344545841, -0.02728359028697014, -0.015843480825424194, 0.05752440169453621, -0.01642407290637493, -0.00332545954734087, 0.06680800765752792, 0.03814569115638733, 0.02739703841507435, 0.006527461111545563, 0.0373770073056221, 0.005139593500643969, -0.05992022901773453, 0.014252450317144394, 0.027473118156194687, -0.018662234768271446, 0.007689405232667923, -0.02245459333062172, 0.011367281898856163, 0.019919440150260925, 0.003944543190300465, 0.018747655674815178, -0.047993890941143036, 0.01106103416532278, -0.016654765233397484, -0.01942240633070469, -0.00037262518890202045, 0.0672767236828804, -0.022460779175162315, 0.019985157996416092, 0.00892726518213749, -0.07497048377990723, -0.027661388739943504, -0.0018733610631898046, 0.06788206100463867, -0.003740851767361164, -0.03519141674041748, 0.014174558222293854, 0.06279171258211136, 0.05077356472611427, -0.035581253468990326, -0.013829017989337444, 0.04070209711790085, -0.014600907452404499, 0.05680794641375542, 0.03740102797746658, 0.012531906366348267, -0.003196274396032095, 0.02147842012345791, -0.010487642139196396, 0.02124008536338806, -0.028081197291612625, 0.01457597129046917, -0.0572405606508255, -0.0032788070384413004, 0.05581977590918541, -0.06481371819972992, -0.01636495068669319, 0.004245534539222717, 0.08274908363819122, -0.033652305603027344, 0.05274082347750664, -0.03389495611190796, -0.06242618337273598, 0.034906286746263504, 0.012864713557064533, -0.009567702189087868, -0.047584399580955505, -0.008661401458084583, 0.059742894023656845, -0.006147151812911034, -0.0005413982435129583, -0.022604165598750114, -0.0942668616771698, -0.048389602452516556, -0.004010544624179602, -0.03796553611755371, 0.04213083162903786, 0.018769240006804466, -0.01566978730261326, 0.058110836893320084, 0.030242394655942917, 0.05224539712071419, -0.015043456107378006, 0.05422399193048477, 0.05100797116756439, -0.015388663858175278, -0.04548432677984238, 0.01884547434747219, 0.00723458593711257, 0.006673187017440796, 0.009043296799063683, 0.04602273181080818, -0.009686433710157871, 0.0030204784125089645, 0.05188202112913132, -0.02180716209113598, 0.027858493849635124, -0.05440157651901245, 0.048026565462350845, -0.02171153388917446, -0.008577986620366573, -0.028546519577503204, 0.015298550017178059, -0.011334430426359177, -0.01641746237874031, 0.02498272992670536, -0.05578625947237015, 0.08228661864995956, 0.04902331158518791, -0.034294627606868744, -0.01638433150947094, 0.004644737578928471, -0.04154060408473015, -0.024165991693735123, 0.014210741966962814, -0.0003431177756283432, 0.027918847277760506, -0.004662583582103252, -0.028083045035600662, 0.0010867384262382984, 0.010346525348722935, -0.07086769491434097, 0.022283803671598434, 0.05407910421490669, -0.016245663166046143, 0.0586412139236927, -0.019799107685685158, -0.0016745078610256314, 0.012878524139523506, 0.016479521989822388, -0.023792266845703125, -0.0074462443590164185, -0.028549715876579285, 0.0005833786563016474, 0.0033304814714938402, 0.016252120956778526, 0.013781432993710041, -0.06312769651412964, -0.01717080920934677, -0.00881030224263668, 0.020329004153609276, -0.006333265453577042, 0.0054929740726947784, 0.04312834516167641, 0.004137021955102682, -0.005079272668808699, -0.02131067030131817, -0.030267244204878807, -0.017719866707921028, 0.0007338844006881118, -0.02186555787920952, 0.04225463420152664, 0.0336766391992569, -0.026678534224629402, 0.0003028330684173852, 0.010971534997224808, -0.008513282053172588, 0.05542639642953873, 0.03417348861694336, 0.01311105489730835, -0.01608416624367237, 0.03972294181585312, -0.012533454224467278, 0.04471677169203758, -0.019517486914992332, -0.026345396414399147, -0.0007364537450484931, -0.034030571579933167, 0.02409392036497593, -0.002711903303861618, -0.06083535775542259, 0.057128049433231354, 0.008929676376283169, 0.010282259434461594, 0.005418789107352495, 0.02632172964513302, 0.037086889147758484, 0.008975247852504253, 0.02652682550251484, 0.025085361674427986, 0.015902256593108177, -0.01903664693236351, 0.0018257811898365617, 0.011074542999267578, -0.00595919881016016, -0.004797946661710739, 0.04062512889504433, -0.00026059584342874587, -0.04059211164712906, 0.02535593882203102, -0.2563289701938629, -0.006509917322546244, -0.022093582898378372, -0.05673566088080406, 0.06220722198486328, 0.006260524969547987, 0.018680015578866005, -0.01697511412203312, -0.029596546664834023, 0.05820634216070175, 0.024098485708236694, -0.002217664383351803, 0.018035151064395905, 0.014526691287755966, 0.027748776599764824, -0.049116846174001694, -0.009733828715980053, -0.023789947852492332, 0.027875054627656937, 0.009576026350259781, 0.004385039210319519, -0.0869876891374588, -0.03988957777619362, 0.01775544509291649, 0.06247337907552719, 0.052324775606393814, -0.041886452585458755, 0.021256139501929283, -0.059248968958854675, -0.00004052665099152364, -0.03802845627069473, 0.00321590225212276, -0.010068711824715137, -0.029199855402112007, -0.004546166397631168, -0.005078774876892567, 0.013105989433825016, -0.046060241758823395, -0.007491693831980228, 0.021783452481031418, -0.0008737302850931883, -0.04503210261464119, -0.04358499124646187, 0.05383508652448654, 0.025723861530423164, -0.011281064711511135, -0.09539885818958282, 0.03552183136343956, 0.018472928553819656, 0.08544326573610306, -0.015994714573025703, 0.0004974037292413414, -0.027503572404384613, 0.040357671678066254, -0.02950390987098217, 0.005736500024795532, -0.03245637193322182, -0.009634803049266338, -0.030193692073225975, 0.056510232388973236, 0.010450271889567375, -0.042888496071100235, -0.037396714091300964, -0.02175045758485794, -0.031927041709423065, -0.046639829874038696, -0.03732878342270851, -0.052322931587696075, 0.06299261003732681, 0.00831088237464428, 0.0015562473563477397, 0.04642028734087944, -0.041688691824674606, -0.08975034207105637, -0.0008910280303098261, -0.0018630491103976965, -0.008079170249402523, -0.03243466094136238, -0.030128182843327522, 0.009981063194572926, 0.014686787500977516, -0.018284272402524948, 0.011648785322904587, 0.004241520538926125, -0.03383178263902664, -0.007878737524151802, 0.012963594868779182, 0.04384590685367584, -0.02314154990017414, 0.008183942176401615, 0.054305851459503174, 0.0372760072350502, -0.018673038110136986, 0.023646702989935875, -0.007728589698672295, 0.04696948826313019, -0.03113633207976818, -0.018696380779147148, 0.0018852221546694636, -0.014541812241077423, 0.009635517373681068, -0.05686918646097183, 0.03379988297820091, -0.005829962436109781, -0.004142958205193281, -0.029160724952816963, -0.06677180528640747, -0.026419568806886673, 0.03962922841310501, 0.017649682238698006, 0.03925696387887001, -0.02420351654291153, 0.05425187572836876, -0.0448206290602684, 0.0292007178068161, -0.03970545157790184, 0.028722887858748436, -0.004783511161804199, 0.00284153432585299, 0.00616568373516202, -0.012148577719926834, -0.0008975631790235639, -0.07249599695205688, -0.00867488794028759, -0.05526137351989746, 0.05385833978652954, 0.030897092074155807, 0.016927368938922882, -0.025930335745215416, 0.0394156351685524, 0.007348055485635996, -0.017095165327191353, 0.0025636518839746714, -0.02972899004817009, 0.0019204631680622697, -0.011142122559249401, -0.028382927179336548, -0.036480627954006195, 0.03442496433854103, 0.004977469798177481, 0.020839698612689972, -0.010750952176749706, -0.00678804749622941, -0.002025025896728039, 0.03309537470340729, -0.02233666181564331, 0.021809983998537064, -0.01102670468389988, -0.0460704006254673, 0.05263439565896988, 0.03998413309454918, -0.06342484056949615, 0.016234613955020905, -0.030675800517201424, -0.01862812601029873, -0.03650706261396408, -0.002056338358670473, 0.009003372862935066, -0.041709572076797485, -0.03204037994146347, -0.015955224633216858, -0.009221311658620834, -0.021442461758852005, -0.02975265495479107, 0.0024393389467149973, 0.06810571998357773, 0.007830830290913582, 0.007413748651742935, -0.03283344954252243, 0.030920254066586494, -0.019382663071155548, -0.07947961986064911, -0.046397414058446884, -0.005903214681893587, 0.03871707618236542, 0.04299435019493103, -0.007008060347288847, -0.013172130100429058, 0.03241458535194397, -0.0009089943487197161, 0.0040763309225440025, -0.012461922131478786, -0.035846907645463943, -0.027476705610752106, 0.03974252566695213, -0.005096167325973511, -0.0055826460011303425, -0.07661344856023788, 0.006847850047051907, -0.015592937357723713, -0.032216522842645645, 0.0015500334557145834, -0.02186444215476513, 0.05189278721809387, -0.04248668625950813, -0.045137904584407806, 0.03113798424601555, -0.023841241374611855, 0.0009579932666383684, 0.015955811366438866, -0.0021635093726217747, 0.0003667058772407472, -0.04203607514500618, 0.012445123866200447, 0.01832233928143978, -0.06749489903450012, 0.05005337670445442, 0.02148977667093277, -0.0024895877577364445, 0.03476385399699211, -0.056240689009428024, -0.015570564195513725, -0.00470279436558485, 0.003188975853845477, 0.03604169562458992, -0.06989709287881851, 0.04756876453757286, -0.047797705978155136, -0.02848816104233265, 0.006033401470631361, -0.00701761431992054, -0.051202140748500824, -0.040172941982746124, -0.01781510002911091, -0.05947145074605942, 0.08869782090187073, -0.028666390106081963, 0.005384373944252729, 0.06255646795034409, -0.01859164796769619, 0.009856020100414753, -0.03415548428893089, -0.015455824322998524, 0.04089025780558586, -0.043657008558511734, -0.02381138503551483, -0.02479306422173977, -0.027010072022676468, -0.0061638676561415195, 0.04581451043486595, 0.023993173614144325, 0.04749012365937233, 0.00012273850734345615, -0.058202873915433884, 0.022121910005807877, 0.014682309702038765, 0.03247201442718506, -0.007257176097482443, 0.005280958954244852, 0.08637050539255142, -0.007336182054132223, -0.016258761286735535, -0.01504798699170351, -0.008830338716506958, 0.04058397561311722, -0.03758423030376434, -0.014208259992301464, -0.014337618835270405, -0.009816890582442284, 0.06187327206134796, -0.00585135817527771, 0.037023432552814484, 0.008338742889463902, 0.001616248395293951, 0.009558000601828098, 0.035096969455480576, 0.03113323263823986, -0.028116963803768158, 0.05471931770443916, -0.06121378764510155, 0.040950026363134384, -0.0605294406414032, 0.030523812398314476, -0.009393255226314068, 0.02173472009599209, 0.020923631265759468, -0.006628732196986675, -0.05391232669353485, 0.05206083506345749, -0.06237358599901199, -0.01281652320176363, -0.0006254027248360217, -0.021077733486890793, -0.04526899755001068, -0.01461032498627901, 0.00556601956486702, 0.036785803735256195, 0.0037802637089043856, -0.07216126471757889, -0.025241868570446968, -0.008933409117162228, 0.0139731140807271, 0.032525405287742615, 0.03685804456472397, -0.041473980993032455, -0.021581245586276054, 0.02116885781288147, 0.06525460630655289, -0.05865500867366791, 0.05212376266717911, -0.03746187686920166, 0.05278567969799042, 0.006613333243876696, 0.011406765319406986, 0.0015402359422296286, -0.02999996766448021, -0.014101320877671242, -0.06754293292760849, 0.03483296558260918, 0.009808245114982128, 0.018741223961114883, -0.05772112309932709, 0.07024551182985306, 0.01975012756884098, -0.044042475521564484, -0.007610577158629894, -0.03379924222826958, -0.06923742592334747, -0.01867273822426796, 0.0035203478764742613, 0.0384305939078331, 0.030457545071840286, 0.05188577249646187, -0.008014884777367115, 0.05964449793100357, 0.04776178300380707, -0.027911782264709473, 0.04927043989300728, 0.015581992454826832, 0.06434077024459839, 0.0500330775976181, 0.02838108502328396, 0.019731247797608376, 0.05835734307765961, 0.024034764617681503, -0.028223996981978416, 0.01704053394496441, -0.028527943417429924, -0.011606389656662941, 0.02362796664237976, 0.010775545611977577, 0.02382076531648636, 0.042475197464227676, 0.05469130724668503, 0.004392014350742102, 0.014605843462049961, 0.07669093459844589, -0.05981660261750221, 0.025956282392144203, 0.02994542382657528, 0.011085997335612774, 0.015064637176692486, 0.006607340648770332, -0.02385917864739895, 0.004422437399625778, 0.04970500245690346, -0.016436593607068062, -0.05127093195915222, -0.05774437636137009, 0.012151822447776794, -0.008100481703877449, -0.020054003223776817, 0.09610357135534286, -0.0491015799343586, -0.02505551278591156, -0.026580581441521645, 0.039947740733623505, -0.004932432435452938, -0.014114532619714737, 0.04191233217716217, 0.014003877528011799, 0.004056982696056366, -0.028975965455174446, -0.007424438837915659, 0.04726993665099144, -0.027721628546714783, 0.06293613463640213, -0.02196406200528145, -0.02641543745994568, 0.07171282917261124, 0.0019748564809560776, -0.05850845202803612, -0.05940552055835724, -0.016811976209282875, -0.04688483476638794, -0.017159175127744675, 0.010216833092272282, 0.03635422885417938, -0.004464759025722742, -0.07764653116464615, -0.013986722566187382, 0.01305271778255701, 0.01742326281964779, 0.04072151705622673, -0.06677457690238953, -0.002457349793985486, 0.056990303099155426, 0.027149546891450882, 0.007107479963451624, 0.024319320917129517, 0.047706738114356995, -0.0068716024979949, -0.03441782295703888, -0.01928761973977089, -0.056418418884277344, 0.009038671851158142, -0.008322193287312984, -0.009214259684085846, -0.10039662569761276, -0.008640539832413197, 0.014929060824215412, -0.01775350607931614, -0.07319221645593643, 0.029985330998897552, -0.016875488683581352, -0.009374215267598629, 0.06811371445655823, 0.01905199885368347, 0.02251240238547325, -0.04309246689081192, -0.02117781899869442, 0.044912707060575485, 0.02209213189780712, 0.018655823543667793, -0.04519094526767731, 0.031864918768405914, 0.03465786203742027, 0.013918706215918064, -0.03873460367321968, 0.047351185232400894, 0.006302054971456528, -0.028607657179236412, -0.049716878682374954, -0.014356439933180809, -0.015269341878592968, -0.06677694618701935, -0.05304491147398949, 0.016585739329457283, 0.015468835830688477, -0.041716091334819794, 0.016058944165706635, -0.03847702220082283, 0.0015674151945859194, -0.034953244030475616, -0.007519715931266546, 0.026977337896823883, -0.04545476660132408, -0.01944739557802677, -0.027378782629966736, -0.01025386992841959, 0.0001825129584176466, -0.0037294456269592047, 0.012381277047097683, -0.060221798717975616, 0.04925600811839104, -0.03980337828397751, -0.01505326945334673, 0.020420432090759277, 0.006419707555323839, -0.008453210815787315 ]
OPINION OF THE COURT. IiANNA, J. (after stating the facts as above.) — The first point raised by the demurrer and argued before this court is that chapter 8, Laws 1905 (section 1346, Code 1915), is invalid as a special law, in contravention of the act of Congress of July 30, 1S86, commonly known as the “Springer Act.” This congressional act prohibited the Legislatures of the several territories from passing local or special laws in certain enumerated cases; the one with which we are immediately concerned being; “For the assessment and collection of taxes for territorial, county, township or road purposes.” That portion of the act of 1905 with which this inquiry is concerned, as the same appears in the Code of 1915, is as follows: “Sec. 1346. That the'board of county commissioners in counties of the first class may cause to be levied and collected annually a special tax, of not exceeding three mills on the dollar, for the purpose of providing funds to defray the expenses of boarding county prisoners in county jails.” For the purpose of arriving at the intention of the Leg islature in its designation of “counties of the first class,” it is conceded we must refer to a prior statute, chapter 60, Laws 1897 (section 1, p. 303, C. L. 1897), the only classification of the counties of the territory then in effect, which provided that the counties of New Mexico should thereafter be divided into counties of the first, second, third, and fourth classes; Bernalillo and San Miguel to be counties of the first class. It is argued by appellee that this classification was arbitrary, and based upon no substantia] distinction with reference to the subject-matter of legislation; that the act was both local and special, and therefore violative of the terms of the “Springer Act,” for which reason it could have no validity as the basis of classification for the purposes of the act of 1905.- Other contentions are made which we do not consider it necessary .to notice. It is therefore clear that, when the two acts are read together, they authorize the levy and collection of the special tax in question in the two counties of Bernalillo and San Miguel and in none other. It is equally plain that the classification of the counties by the act of 1897 made no provision whereby other counties might enter into the privileges of any class, or be relieved from the responsibilities thereof, by reason of changing conditions developing in the future. In other words, there was no basis for the classification, such as the assessed valuation of the counties, which was adopted as the basis of all subsequent classification statutes. We have in the act of 1897-, a legislative- declaration that certain counties, therein named, shall be “counties of the first class’ until such time as the Legislature shall elect to make other and dif ferent classification of the counties. Should a shifting population, or numerous other conditions, make the classification- either unfair or burdensome, there could be no relief-until the Legislature revoked the law and made different provisions. : With this condition in mind, we turn to the inquiry of whether these acts, so far as they are an attempted classification of counties, are special, and to be denounced as violative of the terms of the “Springer Act.” We can perhaps gain a better understanding of the matter by first inquiring as to what “general laws” are, as dis-' tinguished from special and local laws. In the sense in which the term is used in constitutional or statutory provisions inhibiting special legislation: “Laws of a general nature are such as relate to a subject of a general nature, and a subject of a general nature is one' that exists or may exist throughout the state, or which affects the people' of the state generally, or in which the people generally have an interest.” 1 Lewis’ Sutherland, Stat. Const. (2d Ed.) §‘197. The territorial Supreme Court in an early case defined a general law as one that affects all the people, or all of a particular class. Terr. v. Cutinola, 4 N. M. (Johns.) 305, 309, 14 Pac. 809. Mr. Sutherland thus deals with the subject of special laws: “Special laws are those made for individual cases, or for less than a class requiring laws appropriate to' its peculiar condition and circumstances.” Upon first impression it would seem that the problem of determining whether a law was general in its nature, or for less than a class, would prove a simple one; but an examination of the numerous adjudicated cases will disclose that thé question has proven a complex and uncertain one to such an extent that, as stated by the Court of Appeals of New York, in the case of Ferguson v. Ross, 126 N. Y. 459, 27 N. E. 954: “It seems impossible to fix any definite rule by which to solve the question whether a law is local or general, and it has been found expedient to leave the matter to a considerable extent open, to be determined, upon the special circumstances of each case.” The difficulty, and sometimes confusion, which has-arisen in the solution of the question, arises- by reason of the fact that a law may be general in the sense above referred to, and yet be intended to operate on a limited number of persons, or things, or within a limited territory, and thereby assume those characteristics usually associated with special legislation. Northern Pac. R. Co. v. Barnes, 2 N. D. 310, 341, 51 N. W. 386, 394. The test, as applied by the Supreme Court of North Dakota, in the case last cited, for determining whether a law is general, is that: “So far as it is operative, its burdens and its benefits must bear alike upon all persons and things upon which it does operate; and the statute must contain no provision that would exclude or impede this uniform operation upon all citizens, or all subjects and places, within the state, provided they were brought within the relations and circumstances specified in the act.” This power to legislate for limited subjects or persons is usually denominated the classification of subjects or objects, and does not take a measure out of the field of general legislation and subject it to the penalties of special legislation. As pointed out by the North Dakota court, it is not an arbitrary power, and its exercise must always be “within the limits of reason, and of a necessity more or less pronounced.” To quote further from that opinion: “Classification must be based upon such differences in situation, constitution, or purposes, between the persons or things included in the class and those excluded therefrom, as fairly and naturally suggest the propriety of and necessity for different or exclusive legislation in the line of the statute in which the classification appears.” The subject of classification is thus dealt with in 1 Lewis’ Sutherland, Stat. Const. § 195: “Generic subjects may be divided and subdivided into as many classes as require this peculiar legislation. Thus laws relating to the people, for certain purposes, extend to all alike, as for protection of person and property; for other purposes they are divided into classes as voters, sane and insane persons, minors, husband's and wives, parents and children, etc. Property is subject to division into classes. Nearly -every matter of public concern is divisible, and division is necessary to methodical legislation. A statute relating to persons or things as a class is a general law; one relating to particular persons or things of a class is special.” The opinion of Trial Judge Seeds in the case of Terr. v. Baca, 6 N. M. 420, 440, 30 Pac. 864, 870, clearly follows the rule pointed out by Mr. Sutherland. This opinion follows that line of authorities which holds that legislation is permissible for classes of subjects, but not for persons or things of a class. The opinion points out that legislation, to be general, must contemplate that all persons or things who are now, or may in the future come, under its jurisdiction will be amenable to its jurisdiction. Again quoting from the opinion by Mr. Justice Seeds: “Such law must embrace all, and exclude none, whose conditions and wants render such legislation equally necessary or appropriate to them as a class.” Randolph v. Wood, 49 N. J. Law, 85, 7 Atl. 286. Mr. Justice McFie of our territorial Supreme Court, in the case of Codlin v. County Commissioners, 9 N. M. 565, 572, 58 Pac. 499, 501, followed substantially the same line of reasoning when he said: “A law may be made to apply to conditions existing at the time the law is enacted, but it must also apply to similar conditions in the future.” He further said, referring to the statutes under consid- . eration: “The limitations in the laws declared to be void by the courts * * * were purely arbitrary and without any reasonable foundation. In each case they served to prevent the future general operation of the laws, and thus made those laws special, whether they were general in form or not.” After an examination of numerous cases, we conclude that the Supreme Court of Minnesota, in State v. Cooley, 56 Minn. 540, 58 N. W. 150, 152, set out the briefest summary of the tests for determining whether a legislative act is violative of the inhibitions against special legislation. While holding that a constitutional prohibition against special legislation on a subject does not prevent the Legislature from dividing it into classes, and applying different rules to the classes, nevertheless (quoting from said opinion) : “Classifications must be based upon substantial distinctions, which make one class so different from another as to suggest the necessity of different legislation with respect to them. And-the characteristics which form the basis of the classification must be germane to the purposes of the law; that is, the legislation must be confined to matters peculiar to the class. Further, the classification must be complete, so that the law will apply to every member of the class or every object under the same conditions. If the basis of classification is valid, it is immaterial how many or how few members there are in the class — how many or how few objects there are to which the law can apply. The character of an act as general or special depends on its substance, and not on its form.” Applying these rules as a test to the act of 1897, defining what counties are to be included in first-class counties, we find that all other counties are then, and for the future, excluded until such time, at least, as the Legislature in its wisdom should make other provision. We therefore conclude that the act of 1897, classifying counties without a basis therefor, or provision for the future admission, or exclusion, of other counties, is special legislation, in contravention of the “Springer Act,” and to that extent invalid. Wc further conclude that the act of 1905 (chapter 8), so far as it attempts to base an authorization for a tax levy upon the so-called classification of the act of 1897 (chapter GO), is likewise to that extent invalid, and that the attempted levy by Bernalillo county, in the tax yeaY of 1913, for boarding prisoners, under said act of 1905, is consequently invalid. It is our opinion that no such classification appears from the act in question, or from facts concerning which we might take judicial notice, to justify this court in overruling the attack upon the ground that it is in conflict with the “Springer Act.” In so concluding we do-not overlook the duty resting upon courts to sustain legislative acts, unless in clear contravention of constitutional provisions. We have given special care and consideration to this question, because, while the question is here presented as a violation of the “Springer Act,” it might equally as well arise under the terms of our Constitution, inasmuch as the “Springer Act” was substantially incorporated in our Constitution. Article 4, § 24. Our conclusion upon this point makes it unnecessary to-determine other questions raised, and makes it necessary to affirm the judgment of the district court; and it is so-ordered. Parker, J., concurs. Roberts, C. J., being absent, did not participate in this' decision.
[ -0.02704736962914467, -0.04435565695166588, -0.0037845636252313852, 0.02087709680199623, 0.037886083126068115, -0.01623176783323288, 0.04719504714012146, -0.012089326977729797, -0.001274575712159276, -0.029863933101296425, 0.01488332450389862, -0.0009611307177692652, -0.07449786365032196, 0.028286121785640717, -0.05437740311026573, 0.0657593384385109, 0.06843643635511398, 0.002409684704616666, 0.01062729675322771, -0.03148027881979942, 0.04051879793405533, -0.016787031665444374, 0.0029698731377720833, 0.04850953444838524, -0.001907962723635137, 0.013666805811226368, -0.02944975532591343, 0.008540602400898933, -0.07870358228683472, 0.00044676574179902673, 0.030087431892752647, -0.003308085026219487, -0.0401080884039402, 0.02639412321150303, -0.042541392147541046, 0.010226095095276833, -0.018360497429966927, -0.035771992057561874, -0.00464820908382535, 0.018675122410058975, 0.004120963159948587, 0.020099665969610214, -0.021664738655090332, -0.020090928301215172, -0.05026600882411003, -0.017055422067642212, -0.01078042946755886, 0.023191798478364944, -0.04029062017798424, 0.013313665986061096, -0.08125122636556625, 0.024231771007180214, -0.032355908304452896, 0.032464105635881424, -0.039393968880176544, 0.014242232777178288, -0.09957920014858246, -0.04527433589100838, -0.008614575490355492, -0.007454002276062965, 0.03807945176959038, -0.03598254919052124, 0.07255890220403671, -0.02129441499710083, -0.015346068888902664, -0.011960797943174839, -0.024286529049277306, 0.01938082091510296, -0.053513817489147186, -0.030134383589029312, -0.05977816507220268, 0.010557323694229126, -0.008460421115159988, 0.020502891391515732, -0.004055104684084654, -0.0487993061542511, -0.02921060100197792, 0.05357816070318222, 0.014905334450304508, 0.05021597072482109, 0.03673943877220154, -0.013570130802690983, 0.023236021399497986, 0.01717299409210682, -0.013687302358448505, -0.019675910472869873, -0.047137800604104996, -0.040503066033124924, -0.03725700080394745, 0.027441414073109627, -0.023290377110242844, -0.03892332315444946, 0.020333731546998024, 0.05355211719870567, -0.02465842105448246, -0.045924749225378036, 0.0840887501835823, -0.02074517123401165, 0.047028396278619766, 0.015183870680630207, -0.006054513156414032, -0.04381439462304115, 0.06786438077688217, 0.06567110866308212, -0.07736605405807495, 0.011546135880053043, 0.024889376014471054, 0.007507930509746075, 0.01211497187614441, 0.015313781797885895, -0.021127603948116302, 0.021305188536643982, -0.023906974121928215, -0.03966158255934715, -0.06911156326532364, 0.041358791291713715, 0.02733805775642395, -0.053124964237213135, 0.010563105344772339, -0.006921898107975721, 0.02586982399225235, 0.02219877578318119, 0.0016721979482099414, 0.07779494673013687, 0.026954079046845436, 0.003932335879653692, 0.014172411523759365, 0.04627736657857895, -0.006344451569020748, -0.031910933554172516, -0.028976023197174072, 0.018674660474061966, 0.0004330752417445183, 0.02294229343533516, -0.008891984820365906, -0.044205956161022186, -0.032604821026325226, -0.022720040753483772, 0.042102016508579254, -0.014882117509841919, -0.020162615925073624, -0.01036868803203106, 0.006473111920058727, 0.005986502859741449, 0.07846536487340927, -0.02303139492869377, 0.014537522569298744, -0.04008274897933006, -0.03349432349205017, -0.03332863375544548, 0.029933732002973557, 0.04964010417461395, 0.013358903117477894, -0.013656322844326496, -0.003896966576576233, 0.02310849539935589, -0.0013549474533647299, -0.014102830551564693, 0.0024397214874625206, 0.051100920885801315, 0.0076471795327961445, 0.03537944704294205, 0.014283490367233753, 0.01665709912776947, -0.00537727540358901, 0.013567199930548668, 0.02772744558751583, 0.01236028503626585, -0.014494502916932106, 0.05296695604920387, -0.032697249203920364, -0.03585240989923477, 0.04234546050429344, -0.03301861509680748, -0.009902628138661385, 0.0178651362657547, 0.04594796895980835, 0.052719879895448685, 0.035062603652477264, -0.02714626118540764, -0.08164472877979279, 0.052802685648202896, 0.022587167099118233, -0.0036665445659309626, -0.02744266390800476, -0.005891348700970411, 0.04771363362669945, -0.03116394393146038, 0.018502015620470047, -0.018374627456068993, -0.06803987175226212, -0.03214636445045471, -0.01571311242878437, -0.017825497314333916, 0.058761030435562134, 0.006765475030988455, -0.06643316149711609, 0.03291121497750282, 0.020724594593048096, 0.024344218894839287, 0.010977545753121376, 0.016907373443245888, 0.08520752191543579, -0.024243120104074478, -0.0497923381626606, 0.02860214002430439, 0.02441428229212761, 0.008409407921135426, 0.027483975514769554, 0.025585727766156197, -0.021482162177562714, 0.02695426717400551, 0.024561503902077675, -0.008545062504708767, 0.02072874829173088, -0.020986799150705338, 0.057800501585006714, -0.060387615114450455, 0.08625508099794388, -0.043915364891290665, 0.02976655215024948, 0.000053208565077511594, -0.00025935430312529206, 0.05364539846777916, -0.01552398968487978, 0.07550081610679626, 0.05448341742157936, -0.027521394193172455, -0.0044379872269928455, 0.009314862079918385, -0.003756861202418804, -0.031036123633384705, 0.01593916490674019, -0.00762480404227972, 0.056681253015995026, -0.0008118789992295206, -0.011343198828399181, 0.012696919031441212, 0.018971353769302368, -0.02806142158806324, -0.009984775446355343, 0.049644071608781815, 0.04771069437265396, 0.07323230803012848, -0.025635244324803352, 0.03674371913075447, -0.0143931545317173, 0.010715382173657417, -0.018698517233133316, -0.04141862690448761, -0.013407276943325996, 0.004994770511984825, 0.021521713584661484, -0.017089566215872765, 0.02322477102279663, -0.04429509490728378, -0.038680098950862885, -0.023068489506840706, 0.00899470504373312, 0.007403427269309759, -0.017919698730111122, 0.05391009896993637, 0.003849972039461136, 0.00029239352443255484, -0.016512108966708183, -0.03114967979490757, -0.014167618937790394, 0.016888417303562164, -0.015089272521436214, 0.04456372931599617, 0.08108548820018768, 0.027887146919965744, 0.010619177483022213, -0.002780990907922387, 0.005262441001832485, 0.022637100890278816, 0.0358528234064579, 0.020289164036512375, -0.021312016993761063, -0.007518303580582142, -0.04987255483865738, 0.03523644432425499, -0.03273078054189682, -0.04891405627131462, -0.030323414131999016, -0.07480272650718689, 0.054209012538194656, -0.03943226858973503, -0.04393290728330612, 0.037259768694639206, 0.051979582756757736, 0.038040727376937866, 0.0003774896904360503, -0.008930137380957603, 0.01324347872287035, 0.035346485674381256, -0.0006722913240082562, 0.03294580802321434, 0.047785378992557526, -0.026564527302980423, -0.027467751875519753, -0.013776958920061588, -0.0021039557177573442, -0.01234600692987442, 0.03310519829392433, 0.0014178778510540724, -0.030484406277537346, 0.028668543323874474, -0.2821662127971649, 0.02250504679977894, -0.022382067516446114, -0.07894624024629593, 0.04168573394417763, -0.022673003375530243, 0.00239634420722723, -0.015445123426616192, -0.029927005991339684, 0.033792827278375626, -0.02622404508292675, -0.018977442756295204, 0.01578911393880844, 0.007257141638547182, 0.030598072335124016, -0.040330205112695694, -0.006697162054479122, -0.04571210965514183, -0.022097671404480934, 0.02968583069741726, 0.017218798398971558, -0.05617447569966316, -0.032379306852817535, 0.03925096616148949, 0.043396949768066406, 0.06047971546649933, -0.015549039468169212, 0.00780644454061985, -0.0592283196747303, -0.024319669231772423, -0.012587707489728928, 0.004910031799226999, 0.024623336270451546, -0.005481703206896782, -0.00993723887950182, 0.006122599355876446, 0.011799288913607597, 0.010531050153076649, -0.014057200402021408, 0.012355317361652851, -0.00378354056738317, -0.05168205127120018, -0.012822102755308151, 0.03033589757978916, 0.06676659733057022, -0.004741859156638384, -0.04635956138372421, 0.002359719481319189, -0.004630592651665211, 0.04183363541960716, -0.004932172130793333, 0.0013566507259383798, -0.01069255918264389, 0.01803089864552021, -0.039925456047058105, 0.030186213552951813, -0.06812294572591782, 0.009706821292638779, -0.0628591924905777, 0.035271305590867996, 0.01996387168765068, -0.07095787674188614, -0.07940723747015, -0.03249199315905571, -0.01755359396338463, -0.06956281512975693, -0.045874278992414474, -0.03368149697780609, 0.06859204918146133, 0.03039221093058586, 0.007402564398944378, 0.0397951565682888, -0.00442028371617198, -0.07519800215959549, 0.00561024434864521, -0.020030932500958443, -0.04307488352060318, -0.04606693983078003, -0.03583413362503052, 0.026095647364854813, 0.003812960581853986, -0.03158171474933624, 0.03470084071159363, 0.019910113885998726, -0.0011430168524384499, -0.02342897467315197, -0.014287257567048073, 0.07086211442947388, -0.011040149256587029, -0.03150797262787819, 0.03423985093832016, 0.023117931559681892, -0.01721002720296383, 0.006684252992272377, 0.01147882267832756, 0.009635869413614273, 0.0003936561697628349, -0.02344547212123871, -0.014483802951872349, 0.04495348781347275, 0.025787662714719772, -0.06758866459131241, 0.02729586698114872, -0.045780349522829056, -0.020804349333047867, -0.016944164410233498, -0.05183737725019455, 0.025778912007808685, 0.05619640275835991, 0.01123679056763649, 0.01590905897319317, -0.0248065534979105, 0.0518491230905056, -0.02257254160940647, -0.028560562059283257, -0.06552644073963165, 0.03177422657608986, -0.018358832225203514, 0.023742804303765297, 0.0027095128316432238, 0.0077028474770486355, 0.046222519129514694, -0.0375550352036953, -0.057609643787145615, -0.09873968362808228, 0.0055860793218016624, 0.04316108673810959, -0.0034829159267246723, 0.011275083757936954, 0.028360748663544655, -0.041852910071611404, -0.01994527317583561, -0.00010022127389675006, -0.019360344856977463, -0.018362123519182205, 0.01261852402240038, -0.021590348333120346, -0.03713798522949219, -0.02484383061528206, 0.003851465880870819, 0.01971960999071598, -0.02599715255200863, 0.030876103788614273, 0.019942672923207283, 0.014529209583997726, 0.012312740087509155, 0.009566248394548893, 0.03784596547484398, -0.035897817462682724, 0.03424016386270523, 0.02226385660469532, -0.05315345898270607, 0.01534026488661766, -0.044752173125743866, -0.044018328189849854, -0.011644992977380753, 0.05265302211046219, 0.06873292475938797, 0.03371446952223778, -0.02909919247031212, 0.01049018744379282, -0.05020840838551521, 0.017056331038475037, -0.03892423212528229, -0.024993974715471268, 0.041425034403800964, -0.024798015132546425, 0.027240166440606117, -0.03626624494791031, 0.02990584447979927, -0.002680550329387188, -0.014668446034193039, -0.046566441655159, 0.03430706262588501, 0.0032453760504722595, 0.023547720164060593, -0.0140937315300107, -0.002000021981075406, 0.0487007312476635, 0.045028265565633774, -0.016487227752804756, -0.024515727534890175, -0.038961317390203476, 0.0026398112531751394, 0.06832679361104965, -0.035219985991716385, -0.009004205465316772, -0.05888237804174423, -0.018595760688185692, -0.01615156978368759, -0.025077279657125473, -0.02556769736111164, 0.0027342496905475855, 0.03366556391119957, -0.06918784976005554, -0.04706748202443123, -0.00022386989439837635, -0.026599355041980743, 0.025953104719519615, 0.03264273703098297, 0.006205324083566666, -0.014214767143130302, -0.0041528684087097645, -0.00676717609167099, -0.022221820428967476, -0.06640719622373581, 0.012978188693523407, -0.01525069959461689, -0.04576834663748741, 0.02324952743947506, -0.03463764488697052, -0.022087568417191505, -0.0024210698902606964, 0.01781979762017727, 0.04080742970108986, -0.019715948030352592, 0.03622866049408913, -0.009698844514787197, -0.019918110221624374, 0.0010949746938422322, 0.002935937140136957, -0.04642771929502487, 0.007162183988839388, 0.01454163994640112, -0.017511604353785515, 0.07566658407449722, -0.010215711779892445, -0.003668053774163127, 0.07479161769151688, -0.04450978711247444, 0.008661840111017227, -0.04595782235264778, 0.0006342153064906597, 0.03026428632438183, -0.03278988599777222, -0.011790507473051548, 0.005270258989185095, 0.008049081079661846, -0.01922128163278103, 0.07587440311908722, 0.0031461005564779043, 0.06140904501080513, 0.024771999567747116, 0.0028236685320734978, 0.016821254044771194, 0.015670660883188248, 0.03512157127261162, -0.013382785953581333, -0.023381710052490234, 0.06934163719415665, 0.005411114543676376, -0.0034414934925734997, -0.017070023342967033, -0.011699111200869083, 0.03868109732866287, -0.014699128456413746, 0.008315997198224068, 0.016903862357139587, -0.011933909729123116, 0.03433647379279137, -0.015903517603874207, 0.031898435205221176, -0.007222421932965517, -0.010011197999119759, 0.03033713437616825, 0.04186784476041794, 0.026677241548895836, 0.009758555330336094, 0.039654310792684555, -0.07694151252508163, -0.030860092490911484, -0.09918621927499771, -0.01268779393285513, -0.021684523671865463, 0.05988691374659538, 0.0212661512196064, 0.003592934226617217, -0.004044646397233009, 0.018140647560358047, -0.06716158241033554, -0.031417496502399445, 0.004121794365346432, -0.0046190000139176846, -0.0071899136528372765, 0.03321719914674759, -0.033373091369867325, -0.015481757000088692, 0.004213813226670027, -0.09212079644203186, -0.035915762186050415, -0.01942381076514721, 0.029708655551075935, 0.05859440192580223, 0.037285640835762024, -0.008037610910832882, -0.005332561209797859, 0.026989074423909187, 0.027968252077698708, -0.027165180072188377, 0.03243442624807358, -0.05843690410256386, 0.04645480215549469, 0.02436819113790989, 0.004923599772155285, -0.00612381286919117, 0.029265359044075012, 0.018262231722474098, -0.05059206113219261, -0.031187068670988083, 0.020282844081521034, -0.017951013520359993, -0.07858080416917801, 0.033598799258470535, 0.016720103099942207, -0.041313424706459045, -0.0221334807574749, -0.0009829818736761808, -0.03528859093785286, -0.015990879386663437, -0.009127557277679443, 0.02829453907907009, 0.0025284707080572844, 0.05953339859843254, 0.014701751992106438, 0.057666365057229996, 0.013865220360457897, -0.028740353882312775, 0.02486289106309414, -0.02227276936173439, 0.08723654597997665, 0.05074475705623627, 0.03179463371634483, -0.004598415456712246, 0.025644371286034584, 0.005685742013156414, -0.01654442399740219, 0.01871786266565323, -0.029940620064735413, -0.012521644122898579, 0.02195669896900654, 0.01663963682949543, 0.038411106914281845, -0.027156071737408638, 0.056073375046253204, 0.005647679325193167, 0.00869075022637844, 0.04366832599043846, -0.025782404467463493, 0.048623524606227875, 0.027415964752435684, 0.006534461863338947, -0.015327963046729565, 0.0008152531227096915, -0.03852834179997444, -0.00922388955950737, 0.025317350402474403, -0.03652086853981018, 0.021639199927449226, -0.05045965686440468, -0.029281675815582275, 0.006177360657602549, -0.0153221869841218, 0.06887741386890411, -0.03801514580845833, -0.032031066715717316, -0.004389099311083555, 0.0014948062598705292, 0.022026682272553444, -0.03247472643852234, -0.00988915003836155, -0.0003144720394629985, -0.021609393879771233, -0.0008583486778661609, -0.01995176449418068, 0.05928785726428032, 0.023264383897185326, 0.05868493393063545, 0.02661653608083725, -0.002171404892578721, 0.02839861623942852, 0.016528049483895302, -0.04536965861916542, -0.034473974257707596, -0.05225670710206032, 0.0019252842757850885, -0.0630495548248291, 0.022823840379714966, 0.02727954462170601, -0.04641561955213547, -0.04713479056954384, -0.006869619246572256, -0.032388392835855484, -0.018281787633895874, 0.0417337603867054, -0.06072084233164787, 0.029566951096057892, 0.033941663801670074, 0.0707031711935997, 0.06665868312120438, 0.02661668136715889, 0.06639108806848526, -0.023578109219670296, -0.047047242522239685, -0.01982436515390873, -0.017092136666178703, 0.048937950283288956, 0.00469948397949338, 0.01795933209359646, -0.09168720245361328, -0.0005854777991771698, 0.012051764875650406, -0.0016612507170066237, -0.06817089766263962, 0.04300916939973831, -0.025797950103878975, -0.024104192852973938, 0.06379583477973938, 0.03406739979982376, -0.06669788062572479, 0.012625563889741898, -0.049690812826156616, 0.014591020531952381, 0.007378187030553818, 0.031286198645830154, -0.038930173963308334, 0.047463010996580124, 0.03064262866973877, -0.006222383119165897, -0.03190859034657478, 0.0156804658472538, 0.04245460033416748, -0.034556496888399124, -0.008714946918189526, 0.0009715242777019739, 0.02926814928650856, -0.022281836718320847, -0.04432990774512291, 0.028605902567505836, -0.016585418954491615, -0.03383280709385872, 0.03238909691572189, -0.009906201623380184, 0.0004163933335803449, -0.03248598799109459, 0.04104989022016525, 0.029823657125234604, -0.04160382226109505, -0.015179960988461971, -0.04279344528913498, 0.0371033139526844, 0.008879057131707668, 0.055220939218997955, -0.020176047459244728, -0.07027693837881088, 0.022998616099357605, -0.05572080612182617, 0.030095543712377548, 0.02821398712694645, -0.030429871752858162, 0.015158156864345074 ]
OPINION OP THE COURT. ROBERTS, C. J. — This is a suit in equity brought by complainant, as next friend of John D. Herbert and Felix C. Herbert, Jr., infant heirs of John D. Herbert, deceased, against Henry Steen and Minnie A. Herbert, widow of John D. Herbert, deceased. The bill of complaint alleges that John D. Herbert died testate on October 21, 1909, at Socorro-, seised of real and personal property, and that his last will was filed, for probate on November 1, 1909; that Minnie A. Herbert and Felix C. Herbert were appointed administrators of said estate on November 1, 1909, pending the probate of said last will, and proceeded to administer the estate; that the said administrators were discharged as such on May 2, 1910, and on that day the last will and testament of John D. Herbert was admitted to probate; that Felix C. Herbert renounced his appointment as one of the executors under the terms of the will, and thereupon Minnie A. Herbert was appointed sole executrix of said last will and testament; that said last will was made and executed on December 11, 1907; that Felix C. Herbert, Jr., was born after the execution of said will, but prior to the death of the testator, but no provision was made for said Felix C. Herbert, Jr., in said will; that under the terms of said last will and testament Felix C. Herbert was named 'trustee for the infant John D. Herbert of certain real estate in El Paso, Tex., two shares of the capital stock of the Occidental Life Insurance Company, of Albuquerque, and $4,000 in money, to be raised by sale of property of the estate by the executors, the trust to continue until the beneficiary reached the age of 25 years; Minnie A. Herbert, widow of the deceased, was named residuary legatee; that the probate court failed to appoint a trustee in substitution of Felix C. Herbert, who had refused to act; that Minnie A. Herbert did not qualify as executrix by taking the oath provided by law, and refused so to do; that defendant Minnie A. Herbert, on June 20, 1910, sold and transferred to defendant Henry Steen all cattle and horses belonging to the said estate, “the said sale being wholly without authority, she having been discharged from her administratorship, and having never qualified as executor”; that said Minnie A. Herbert also sold and transferred to said defendant Henry Steen, on October 26, 1910, two patented ranches, “without au thority so to do,” which said real estate could not have been legally sold bjr Minnie A. Herbert without a proper order from the probate court with approval of the district court, which was never obtained or applied for; that plaintiff is informed and believes that $7,000 was obtained for said ranches and personal property, which “was totally inadequate, for the reason that the ranches alone were worth not less than $3,000,” and at the time of the aforesaid sale of the cattle and horses there were running in the brands hereinabove set forth approximately 800 head of cattle, worth not less than $20 per head, besides the horses to the number of 10 head; that the said Felix C. Herbert, .Jr., is entitled to share in the estate of said deceased as though the deceased died intestate, because of the failure of the testator to provide for said Felix C. Herbert, Jr., in his said last will and testament; that, if the unauthorized acts of said Minnie A. Herbert are permitted to stand, one-half of said estate will be lost to tire infant heirs, the said trust will be abortive, and Felix C. Herbert,. Jr., will be left wholly without share of inheritance in the estate of his father; that defendant Steen, when he purchased said property, well knew that the price paid therefor “was not proper and full or adeciuate consideration, because the said defendant Steen had been in absolute charge of said ranches, cattle, and horses for several months prior to the said purchases,” and the plaintiff on information and belief charges that “the said Henry Steen falselv and fraudulently represented to the said defendant Minnie A. Herbert that there were but 300 head of stock left of the said estate, * * * and thus procured by his own fraud and willful falsehood, he being the only person cognizant of the true number of said stock, the said sale of said stock to him at a totally inadequate and ridiculous price”; that said sale and purchases were without authority, and fraudulent on the part of said Steen, and ought to be declared null and void. The plaintiff prayed for cancellation of the deeds of conveyance; for restitution of all the real and personal property so sold; for an award of the share of the estate of Felix C. Herbert; that a trustee be appointed to carry out the terms of said will; that the property of said heirs be conserved; and for costs. The defendant Steen demurred to the bill, which demurrer was sustained by the court, and plaintiff appealed. It is extremely difficult to ascertain from appellant’s brief and argument the precise theory upon which the cause of action is based. We are led to assume from what we can gather therefrom that the principal thing whicb. appellant seeks to accomplish is the restoration of the property sold by the executrix, and the determination of his interest in the estate. One of the contentions made by appellant is that the executrix had no power or authority to sell and convey the real estate and' personal property, because she failed to take the oath prescribed by statute. The executrix was appointed by the probate court in compliance with the terms of the last will and testament of the testator, and sold the property in question while so acting. The appellant insists that the executrix refused to act as executrix, but no such fact is alleged in the complaint. The complaint simply alleges that the executrix failed and refused to taire the oath. Most of the argument of appellant goes to the effect of the failure of the executrix to give bond. No such question as that is before the court. Admitting that the executrix failed to take the oath prescribed by law, the best that can be said is that such omission is an irregularity which is not fatal to the legality of her act in selling and conveying the property. The attack is collateral. At all events the executrix would be a de facto officer, admitting that she was not a de jure officer. The probate court had jurisdiction o£ the person and subject-matter, and the regularity of appointment and right to act of the de facto executrix cannot be questioned in this proceeding. Amberson v. Candler, 17 N. M. 455, 464, 130 Pac. 255. Appellant claims that the sales are void and of no legal effect, because made by one executor without the consent of the other. The complaint alleges that the co-executor of Minnie A. Herbert refused to act and re nounced his appointment under the will. No person was. appointed in the place of the executor who renounced his appointment. The will empowered the executors with right of sale of all of the estate, except such as was devised and bequeathed to one of the minor sons. The appellant treats the question as though the sale was made by Minnie A. Herbert as administratrix of the estate, and that she did not receive the consent nor the signature of the other administrator to- make the sales. This is an erroneous assumption on the part of appellant, for the sale, under the allegations of the complaint, was made after the administrators had been discharged and the letters testamentary granted to Minnie A. Herbert. We assume that the administration proceedings, in the first instance, were special proceedings, but it is unnecessary to further notice that fact, because it is entirely im material to this case and the questions involved. Because of the erroneous assumption on the part of appellant, we would be justified in declining to further discuss this point. However, section 2219, Code 1915, provides, in substance, that letters testamentary shall be •granted to the persons named in the will, and "if a part of the persons thus appointed refuse to act, * * * the letters shall be granted the other persons • therein named.” This section has the effect of authorizing the executor appointed and acting under such circumstances to carry out the provisions of the will, and in the case at bar authorized the one executor who received the letters testamentary to do all the matters and things which she could have done only jointly with the other named executor, including the sale of real and personal property as therein authorized. 18 Cyc. 1334. It is asserted by appellants that the sale of real and personal property by the executrix was void because of the failure and omission of the executrix to receive the consent of the probate court, by order approved by the district court, to sell the property. We assume, because it is not made plain by the brief of appellant, nor his argument, that the theory of this contention is that-Felix C. Herbert, Jr., immediately opon the death of his father, became seised of an undivided three sixteenths of the estate of his ancestor, and that the power of sale contained in tire will was without any force or effect as to that property, and a sale thereof conveyed no interest of the pretermitted child. As to the personal property sold by the executrix, the theory of appellant must be that the power of sale contained in the will could not legally authorize the sale of personal property to which the pretermitted child was entitled, and that generally a .sale of per sonal property of an estate can only be made with the-consent of the court. Section 5870, Code 1915, provides: “If any person make his last will and die, leaving a child or children, or descendants of such child or children, in case of their death, not named or provided for in such will, although born after the making of such will, every such testator, so far as shall regard such child or children, or their descendants not provided for, shall be deemed to die intestate; and such child or children, or their descendants, shall be entitled to such a proportion of the estate of the testator, real and personal, as if he had died intestate; and the same shall be assigned to them, and all the other heirs, devisees, and legatees shall refund their proportional part.” This act was passed in 1901, and was, no doubt, copied after that of the statute of the state of Missouri, passed in that form in 1834. The statute was also copied by Washington and Oregon. The courts, in construing this-statute, have held that the object of the statute is to produce an intestacy only when the child or descendant is unknown or forgotten, and thus unintentionally omitted;that the statute extends only to a case of an entire omission, and the mention of a child without a legacy or other provision for him is sufficient to cut him off from a distributive share of the estate. A child not mentioned or provided for, however, cannot defeat all of the devises by claiming a share from each, but is entitled only to-contribution sufficient to make him equal to that which he would have been entitled to if there had been no will. The will is revoked only pro tanto, and each devise and' legacy is abated in equal portions to raise the share to which the pretermitted child is entitled. Block et ux. and Kelly v. Block et al., 3 Mo. 594; Levins et al. v. Stevens et al., 7 Mo. 90; Guitar et al. v. Gordon et al., 17 Mo. 408; Bradley v. Bradley, 24 Mo. 312; Hargadine v. Pulte, 27 Mo. 423; Hockensmith v. Slusher et al., 26 Mo. 237; Hill et al. v. Martin et al., 28 Mo. 78; Burch et al. v. Brown et al., 46 Mo. 441; McCourtney et ux. v. Mathes, 47 Mo. 533; Pounds v. Dale, 48 Mo. 270; Wetherall et al. v. Harris, 51 Mo. 65; Woods et al. v. Drake, 135 Mo. 393, 37 S. W. 109; Story et al. v. Story et al., 188 Mo. 110, 86 S. W. 225; Schneider v. Koester, 54 Mo. 500; Breidenstein v. Bertram, 198 Mo. 328, 95 S. W. 828; In re Barker’s Estate, 5 Wash. 390, 31 Pac. 976; Hill v. Hill, 7 Wash. 409, 35 Pac. 360; Webster v. Seattle Trust Co., 7 Wash. 643, 33 Pac. 970, 35 Pac. 1082; Purdy v. Davis, 13 Wash. 164, 42 Pac. 520; Christofferson v. Pflenning, 16 Wash. 491, 48 Pac. 264; Morrison v. Morrison, 25 Wash. 467, 65 Pac. 779; Gerrish v. Gerrish, 8 Or. 351, 34 Am. Rep. 585; Northrop v. Marquam, 16 Or. 173, 18 Pac. 449; Worley v. Taylor, 21 Or. 589, 28 Pac. 903, 28 Am. St. Rep. 771. In Bower v. Bower, 5 Wash. 225, 31 Pac. 598, where the court construed a statute identical with the 'one involved in the case at bar, it was said that the object of the statute “is not to compel the testator to make any substantial provision for his children, but is simply to provide against any such child being disinherited through inadvertence of the testator at the time he makes the will.” In that case, and others following it in the same state, it was held that the word “provision,’’ as used in the statute, means some c<benefieial legal provision.” The last will and testament of John D. Herbert, deceased, failed to mention or name Eclix C. Herbert, Jr., therein or make any provision for him whatever. Therefore, ,so' far as Eelix C. Herbert, Jr., was concerned, the testator died intestate, and Eelix C. Herbert, Jr., became seised of an undivided interest in the real property of the testator, subject only to a sale for the payment of debts, and is entitled to a distribution of the personal property, or the proceeds of the sale thereof. The question now to be considered is what effect has the sale of the real estate by the executrix upon the right, title, and interest of the pretermitted child, if any. The real estate having passed directly to the heir upon tire death of the ancestor, subject to the payment of debts and other specified purposes, including expenses of administration, the power of sale contained in the will can have no effect thereon. The heir takes by operation of law, and the act of the testator in authorizing a sale of the property which belongs to the heir at the time the power of. sale became effective cannot militate against the right of the heir in that property. The executrix sold the property without an order of the district court and presumably by virtue of the power of sale contained in the will. The purchaser of the real estate obtained only that title of which the executrix was possessed, and that represented all of the title thereto, except 'the undivided interest of the pretermitted child. In Smith v. Olmstead et al., 88 Cal. 582, 26 Pac. 521, 12 L. R. A. 46, 22 Am. St. Rep. 336, the testator devised and bequeathed his estate to his wife, and did not mention nor provide for his minor sons. The will contained a power of sale. The executrix sold certain property of the estate without approval or authority of the court, but the sale was afterwards confirmed by the court. The sale of the realty was not for any of the specific purposes mentioned in the statute. The administration of the estate was still pending. The court held that upon the death of the testator the pretermitted child succeeded immediately, by operation of law, to the same portion of the testator’s real property as if no will had been made, and that, as a nectssary legal consequence, the power of sale contained in the will was ineffectual, as conferring authority upon the executrix to ,sell the portion of the estate to which the pretermitted child succeeded. The court further said that immediately upon the death of the ancestor the pretermitted child has power to sell his portion of the estate, subject only to the payment of debts of decedent, and has the same right to judge for himself of the relative advantages of selling or holding that any other owner has, and that the title to the portion of the estate to which the heir is clothed by operation of law is not divested by the sale made by the executrix under the will of the ancestor. In a concurring opinion by Justice Harrison it was said that at the date of the conveyance the testator, being dead, had no interest in the propert3r, and the conveyance, being like any other conveyance under power of attorney, would necessarily be limited to- sucb interest as the constituent had at the time of the death of the testator, the point of time when the authority of the executor came into existence. In Northrop v. Marquam, 16 Or. 173, 18 Pac. 449, supra, it was contended that the interest of the pretermitted child was divested by the sale of the executrix authorized by the will of the ancestor, and that the child has only an interest in the proceeds of the sale. The court held that the sale as to all of the interest, except that of the pretermitted child, was valid under the terms of the will, notwithstanding that the law with reference to the sale of real estate had not b.een complied with, and that the pretermitted child’s interest remained unaffected by the sale. The purchaser therefore acquired, by virtue of the sale, title to the property, except such interest therein as the pretermitted child possessed by operation of law. To the same effect is Worley v. Taylor, 21 Or. 589, 25 Pac. 903, 905, 28 Am. St. Rep. 771, supra. The doctrine is so manifestly correct that further citation of authorities is unnecessary. Under the statute law of this state the real estate passes direct to the heirs or devisees, and not to the executor or administrator. Section 2257, Code 1915. Assuming that 'the estate of the testator was- community property, the pretermitted child, therefore, became seised in his own right, upon his father’s death, of three-sixteenths of the entire estate, which was not divested by the sale of the executrix. The personal property sold by the executrix is in a different situation from that of the'real estate by reason of the sale. The personal property of the estate passes direct to- the personal representatives of the testator or intestate, who in this case is the executrix. The interest of the pretermitted heir therein is simply an undivided three-sixteenths, but not to any particular part, and is subject to proper disposition thereof by the executrix. Before the distribution of the estate the heir has no attached interest therein. All he can claim is the right to his distributive share therein, and if the personal property has been converted by sale into cash, he has only a right in the proceeds of the sale. While, upon the death of the ancestor, the title to the real estate passes to the heirs and devisees, and not to the executor or administrator, subject to the right of the executor or administrator to convert it into money for particular purposes, title to the personal property, within the contemplation of our statutes and of the common law, passes direct to the executor or administrator, and hence the heirs and legatees have no right therein until the close of the administration, except as otherwise derived through the executor or administrator by distribution or in other lawful ways. It is not seriously contended, as we understand it, in the case at bar, that the executrix did not have full power and authority to sell the personal property. “Under the common-law rule and in the absence of statute providing otherwise, an executor or administrator has the absolute power to sell or dispose of the personal assets of the estate as he sees fit, and can pass good title to a purchaser.” 18 Cyc. 356; 11 Enc. Law, 1005. The power of sale contained in the will authorized a sale of the personal property generally, and the sale thereof would be valid notwithstanding such power contained in the will, subject to the limitation that the executor is chargeable in his account with the appraised value of the property contained in the inventory. Section 2291, Code 1915; il Enc. Law, 1009. Thus it is manifest that the executrix had full power and authority to sell the personal property, and that the appellee obtained good title thereto so far as the right of the executor to sell is concerned. But it is contended by appellant that the sales were made upon false and fraudulent representations. We decline to discuss this question further than to say that the allegations of fraud are so manifestly insufficient that no question of fraudulent action can be predicated thereon. It is also contended by appellant that the sale was upon an inadequate consideration. No authority is cited by appellant, and what argument is made refers to the sale being void because of the doctrine of caveat emptor. Therefore it is unnecessary to further treat this question. Minnie A. Herbert is alleged to be the real party in interest in this ease, both by appellee’s brief and his argument, and the fact was not contradicted by appellants. Appellee states that this is an effort on the part of Minnie A. Herbert to rescind the sales made by her to the appellee without doing equity by paying back the purchase price paid to her by appellee therefor. Minnie A. Herbert is made a party defendant, but was never served with process, nor did she enter her appearance herein. The contention made by appellant that no substituted trustee has been appointed by the court to carry out the terms of the trust imposed upon one who renounced his appointment as trustee can affect the apjoellee in no wise. As to him such allegations are entirely immaterial, and therefore not admitted by the demurrer. From what has been said it is clear that the complaint fails to state a cause of action as against appellee Steen, and the demurrer was properly sustained. The remedy of appellant, as.it concerns Felix C. Herbert, Jr., if any he has, is by way of suit to quiet title or partition, or both. Other questions are discussed by counsel, but we deem them without any merit, and therefore the judgment of the trial court is affirmed, without prejudice to the rights of appellant or those for whom he is suing to prosecute such further actions concerning the matters involved in this case as he or they or their representatives may deem fit. Hanna and Parker, J.J., concur.
[ -0.03916254639625549, -0.030097952112555504, -0.005852104630321264, 0.02124301716685295, 0.08444961905479431, -0.0012179245240986347, 0.0097835473716259, 0.04199579730629921, 0.01148289255797863, -0.04262939840555191, 0.013437056913971901, 0.052884235978126526, -0.07139850407838821, 0.05327839404344559, 0.00836733728647232, 0.07601247727870941, 0.03356699272990227, 0.027267199009656906, 0.010834211483597755, -0.0029716535937041044, 0.03517903387546539, -0.01215787697583437, 0.015875887125730515, 0.03867696225643158, 0.01987832970917225, 0.030318396165966988, 0.025772320106625557, 0.01154984999448061, -0.09360522031784058, 0.011061313562095165, 0.025441596284508705, -0.028291573747992516, -0.01699642464518547, 0.008580989204347134, -0.07236287742853165, -0.008202558383345604, -0.006335278041660786, -0.03871888294816017, -0.040333475917577744, 0.05675901472568512, -0.051350925117731094, -0.0058691478334367275, 0.0008113724761642516, 0.015695074573159218, -0.04793495684862137, -0.021405890583992004, -0.03434471786022186, -0.010000910609960556, -0.021033497527241707, 0.026290608569979668, -0.07561593502759933, -0.012025272473692894, -0.012700606137514114, 0.036841172724962234, -0.01054365374147892, 0.007652922533452511, -0.042505960911512375, -0.04328152537345886, -0.002896152203902602, -0.02890532650053501, 0.031520504504442215, 0.0055145262740552425, 0.08267413824796677, -0.010686648078262806, -0.002630885923281312, 0.01449389848858118, 0.029313746839761734, 0.03246431425213814, -0.08200594037771225, 0.024038149043917656, -0.027626128867268562, 0.019677836447954178, 0.030781881883740425, -0.01761254295706749, 0.010149148292839527, -0.03929595649242401, 0.002988955471664667, 0.022557474672794342, 0.034953560680150986, 0.02049906924366951, 0.01638713851571083, -0.027194013819098473, 0.015755727887153625, 0.04370279982686043, -0.0012270475272089243, -0.04137343913316727, -0.010885635390877724, -0.018711309880018234, -0.07031863927841187, 0.0671735554933548, -0.010690415278077126, -0.051730118691921234, -0.0014843058306723833, 0.05167803168296814, -0.04159758239984512, -0.01920519582927227, 0.09068575501441956, 0.0006695674383081496, -0.01735675148665905, -0.0017808356788009405, -0.03215968981385231, -0.01895288936793804, -0.005171246360987425, 0.03409850224852562, -0.06267467886209488, 0.010365662164986134, 0.025188740342855453, -0.00017780547204893082, 0.03032863326370716, 0.017603393644094467, -0.025497358292341232, 0.05447981879115105, -0.0032375839073210955, -0.030770117416977882, -0.048062119632959366, 0.05936021730303764, 0.019863558933138847, -0.03371456637978554, 0.00993331428617239, -0.022107375785708427, 0.03023870475590229, -0.006873658392578363, 0.022563021630048752, 0.0714695081114769, 0.018178407102823257, -0.016797270625829697, 0.04058966785669327, 0.0008014293853193521, -0.03094439208507538, -0.0521819032728672, 0.014684665948152542, 0.025775805115699768, 0.015720510855317116, -0.016350453719496727, -0.014016419649124146, -0.024287473410367966, -0.004945062566548586, -0.0501631423830986, 0.03948773816227913, -0.015584208071231842, 0.000929945323150605, -0.03157626837491989, -0.03316595405340195, 0.023951327428221703, 0.07693102210760117, -0.009238899685442448, 0.02415378764271736, -0.0255615022033453, -0.008670893497765064, 0.010538851842284203, -0.016032319515943527, 0.005624191835522652, -0.004363466985523701, -0.024730408564209938, 0.001480289502069354, 0.06535395234823227, 0.053086020052433014, -0.028200166299939156, -0.014246836304664612, 0.045345671474933624, 0.04358502849936485, -0.007653730921447277, 0.031993210315704346, 0.007802779320627451, -0.005757268983870745, 0.014051741920411587, 0.0073480019345879555, 0.013420725241303444, -0.07796301692724228, 0.017259925603866577, -0.05922943726181984, 0.012301700189709663, 0.07010120898485184, -0.06379708647727966, -0.023213859647512436, -0.000756008259486407, 0.03769102692604065, -0.009338426403701305, 0.02135460078716278, -0.020659733563661575, -0.07980012148618698, 0.029606454074382782, -0.00021228405239526182, -0.0032636483665555716, -0.030398719012737274, -0.014976906590163708, 0.05104351416230202, -0.009476675651967525, 0.015780823305249214, -0.023450227454304695, -0.09062066674232483, -0.05058353394269943, 0.014536858536303043, -0.02100960910320282, 0.06299395114183426, 0.010584856383502483, -0.01656743697822094, 0.021617578342556953, -0.005628589540719986, 0.02517569251358509, -0.03258725628256798, -0.0039338963106274605, 0.03324812650680542, -0.025057829916477203, -0.04227786511182785, 0.047397829592227936, 0.03982144221663475, 0.003438959363847971, 0.039205748587846756, 0.05058363452553749, -0.007665096782147884, 0.020192356780171394, 0.0378870889544487, 0.003554348601028323, 0.03295685350894928, -0.0347711518406868, 0.036004431545734406, -0.03070572391152382, 0.06010458618402481, -0.05347026139497757, 0.028942851349711418, 0.025866396725177765, -0.02252350002527237, 0.035573918372392654, -0.04480155184864998, 0.06958900392055511, 0.057871174067258835, -0.04873492196202278, -0.0376158207654953, 0.012660485692322254, 0.0017092396738007665, -0.010826331563293934, 0.03259868547320366, -0.008465783670544624, 0.04397079721093178, 0.009292633272707462, -0.011012907139956951, -0.012058393098413944, 0.01128975860774517, -0.03737155348062515, -0.0003051365783903748, 0.04267464950680733, -0.006339839193969965, 0.048018407076597214, -0.022122861817479134, 0.020053209736943245, -0.0256426353007555, -0.005414147861301899, -0.019266875460743904, -0.030833758413791656, 0.00858524814248085, 0.0046246238052845, 0.017611181363463402, -0.01692858152091503, 0.04945996031165123, -0.061872534453868866, -0.02655615471303463, 0.01709935814142227, 0.0034312026109546423, 0.0028306932654231787, -0.029094867408275604, 0.054030731320381165, 0.002280198037624359, -0.011334358714520931, -0.028465572744607925, -0.008752063848078251, -0.004901096224784851, 0.01118999719619751, -0.013936500065028667, 0.041376743465662, 0.012089827097952366, 0.0034367572516202927, 0.015104743652045727, 0.005206383764743805, 0.026531698182225227, 0.03061451017856598, 0.030088191851973534, -0.005162268877029419, 0.02612057887017727, -0.00865920726209879, -0.023967253044247627, 0.06306026875972748, -0.03527076914906502, -0.040495388209819794, -0.0126885324716568, -0.05246740207076073, 0.017107998952269554, -0.05558114871382713, -0.003769605653360486, 0.051345840096473694, 0.008953782729804516, 0.027327829971909523, -0.002692979294806719, 0.003862842218950391, 0.03232318162918091, 0.028146926313638687, 0.02632506564259529, -0.0056380112655460835, -0.007228686939924955, -0.02375684678554535, -0.024357398971915245, -0.011192236095666885, -0.004623080603778362, 0.029056468978524208, 0.028265180066227913, 0.017614375799894333, -0.03374382108449936, 0.038111500442028046, -0.2540000081062317, 0.037439506500959396, -0.008847727440297604, -0.04694632440805435, 0.05741540342569351, -0.0016101117944344878, 0.020022328943014145, -0.017901979386806488, -0.013927343301475048, 0.037174250930547714, 0.00775860995054245, -0.010177030228078365, 0.033590368926525116, -0.004753622692078352, 0.019889462739229202, -0.03602656349539757, -0.01728283427655697, -0.03022148460149765, -0.03646719828248024, 0.02785557322204113, 0.03505038470029831, -0.05023797228932381, -0.05084003880620003, 0.035808902233839035, 0.03988872468471527, 0.02786497212946415, -0.06289033591747284, 0.004988580476492643, -0.04896272346377373, -0.015554200857877731, 0.006408920511603355, 0.0072300308384001255, -0.0026703558396548033, -0.011053159832954407, 0.006218574941158295, 0.008110420778393745, 0.011884672567248344, 0.010410530492663383, -0.039259690791368484, -0.003298764815554023, -0.002988141495734453, -0.04966352880001068, -0.0517861433327198, 0.024005938321352005, 0.007714449428021908, -0.011514993384480476, -0.05778348073363304, 0.06030747666954994, 0.04120698571205139, 0.03435977175831795, -0.04002847149968147, 0.02503850683569908, -0.029345447197556496, -0.029745789244771004, -0.01931139826774597, 0.001613964675925672, -0.0937918871641159, 0.007779506966471672, -0.058127641677856445, 0.039645005017519, 0.0054075224325060844, -0.049366749823093414, -0.04324674606323242, -0.0004855657462030649, -0.04159950464963913, -0.048552367836236954, -0.057045821100473404, -0.01914641633629799, 0.1053200513124466, -0.0018674988532438874, 0.031821027398109436, 0.04039488732814789, -0.01598253659904003, -0.09708861261606216, -0.001076146261766553, 0.024426070973277092, -0.008028894662857056, -0.07293741405010223, -0.03819543868303299, -0.008788805454969406, 0.0392318069934845, 0.006768037099391222, 0.05114227160811424, 0.002671342808753252, -0.010760598815977573, -0.03141046315431595, -0.06708204746246338, 0.042379871010780334, -0.024508656933903694, -0.03799065947532654, 0.04323503375053406, 0.00855480320751667, -0.05153367295861244, 0.0037339788395911455, 0.0510551780462265, 0.03044358268380165, -0.021891508251428604, 0.006112139206379652, -0.0008873221231624484, 0.02434447780251503, 0.048337917774915695, -0.03806762397289276, 0.027200235053896904, -0.040866728872060776, -0.0014157261466607451, 0.0071685099974274635, -0.09233096987009048, 0.038084253668785095, -0.018586624413728714, 0.004737844690680504, 0.03192372992634773, -0.014112208969891071, 0.04975276067852974, -0.036614790558815, -0.0344366729259491, -0.03740476071834564, 0.0027117563877254725, -0.012247445061802864, 0.014625465497374535, 0.015862705186009407, 0.03149791806936264, 0.03283527120947838, -0.05276593565940857, -0.03397765010595322, -0.08469746261835098, 0.02586873434484005, 0.006440611556172371, -0.005644392222166061, -0.05480268597602844, 0.015449943952262402, -0.0022500655613839626, -0.025753116235136986, -0.0038843366783112288, -0.006173040717840195, 0.00008493915811413899, 0.009503462351858616, -0.04111857712268829, -0.044713590294122696, 0.018620198592543602, -0.0021416619420051575, 0.002132951747626066, -0.013647251762449741, 0.066400445997715, 0.010628695599734783, 0.005663407500833273, 0.004752611741423607, 0.008377077989280224, -0.026652375236153603, -0.006884681526571512, 0.0620608925819397, -0.008240782655775547, -0.016291169449687004, 0.013032590039074421, -0.04449349641799927, -0.07080019265413284, -0.03764736279845238, 0.016235101968050003, 0.008184547536075115, -0.00421550590544939, -0.03664005920290947, -0.06395439803600311, -0.00459647923707962, 0.02521815523505211, -0.024066178128123283, -0.018863217905163765, 0.06473866105079651, -0.001329333521425724, 0.03277390077710152, -0.03838958591222763, 0.029663067311048508, -0.012264360673725605, -0.051643259823322296, -0.04564012587070465, -0.008250163868069649, 0.044858161360025406, 0.025468798354268074, -0.0037290595937520266, 0.04046181961894035, 0.031354665756225586, 0.050060492008924484, 0.006571189500391483, -0.018188945949077606, -0.03460550308227539, -0.05277035012841225, 0.03938259556889534, -0.040319353342056274, 0.008188093081116676, -0.03739502653479576, -0.017522688955068588, -0.0066905152052640915, -0.004732643719762564, -0.006937229074537754, -0.0051725381053984165, 0.07282930612564087, -0.05531124398112297, -0.06754031777381897, 0.05584630370140076, 0.024572446942329407, 0.05155495926737785, 0.027778444811701775, -0.007473998703062534, -0.018435465171933174, -0.029306424781680107, 0.048871781677007675, -0.00006574462895514444, -0.05061876401305199, 0.048284225165843964, 0.011289024725556374, -0.022766638547182083, 0.03010736219584942, -0.05317274108529091, -0.009882140904664993, -0.023233208805322647, 0.0024039570707827806, 0.041633494198322296, -0.03624394163489342, 0.0688386857509613, -0.039645832031965256, -0.044799625873565674, 0.0047524962574243546, 0.017673440277576447, -0.02418610081076622, 0.016331126913428307, 0.04687279462814331, -0.030666451901197433, 0.03423904627561569, -0.03388793021440506, -0.03735281899571419, 0.06507077068090439, -0.06683682650327682, 0.011691470630466938, -0.025139544159173965, -0.0018606088124215603, 0.044505950063467026, -0.01319742202758789, -0.02243037335574627, 0.030607594177126884, -0.04829500988125801, -0.013407072983682156, 0.03702292963862419, 0.05475885793566704, 0.019121944904327393, 0.01529077161103487, -0.03615197911858559, -0.025072084739804268, 0.012965444475412369, 0.0030307690612971783, -0.014799892902374268, 0.02067800983786583, 0.07970874011516571, -0.00452322605997324, 0.02642037719488144, -0.021751515567302704, 0.006938757374882698, 0.02412927709519863, -0.038916051387786865, -0.004282739013433456, -0.004114947747439146, -0.037881579250097275, 0.06135004386305809, -0.002450214698910713, 0.039316024631261826, -0.01004909910261631, 0.000424851052230224, 0.05414149910211563, 0.04008358716964722, 0.022568263113498688, -0.04450070858001709, 0.052244529128074646, -0.06903040409088135, -0.01774084009230137, -0.08255018293857574, -0.0051238746382296085, -0.035527169704437256, 0.05302063748240471, 0.03321056813001633, -0.014414692297577858, -0.013586455956101418, -0.004562120418995619, -0.05166635662317276, -0.04379861056804657, 0.011654334142804146, -0.006098741199821234, -0.027302782982587814, 0.05821073427796364, -0.023147525265812874, 0.002995696384459734, 0.010894536040723324, -0.057638105005025864, -0.07539395987987518, -0.017176344990730286, 0.042543042451143265, 0.02474159188568592, 0.005593493115156889, -0.002272140933200717, 0.003686899319291115, 0.009780073538422585, 0.057888325303792953, -0.029727846384048462, 0.02832937054336071, -0.028229903429746628, 0.03804769739508629, 0.018205123022198677, 0.019389212131500244, 0.010349011048674583, -0.015182958915829659, -0.03795035183429718, -0.047504324465990067, -0.004859026055783033, 0.0034726588055491447, 0.001666224212385714, -0.059157468378543854, 0.023800889030098915, 0.0032104551792144775, -0.06465944647789001, -0.02183963544666767, -0.061683326959609985, -0.017985103651881218, -0.015754083171486855, -0.04672077298164368, 0.01522368099540472, -0.0019348773639649153, 0.07624692469835281, 0.02167164906859398, 0.043489884585142136, 0.04919324815273285, -0.01202740240842104, 0.06144515797495842, 0.005184942856431007, 0.05606570467352867, 0.06503132730722427, 0.03871915489435196, -0.008486534468829632, 0.07078475505113602, -0.012127872556447983, -0.0245684627443552, 0.03486735373735428, -0.04137427359819412, -0.00799483247101307, 0.011488102376461029, 0.004061280749738216, 0.056762903928756714, 0.002615501871332526, 0.0563102662563324, 0.016230929642915726, 0.02698696218430996, 0.050980307161808014, -0.031028779223561287, 0.04404611885547638, -0.0035818552132695913, -0.0052624233067035675, -0.035021331161260605, -0.0033058582339435816, -0.030597787350416183, 0.038355693221092224, 0.0464029498398304, -0.029891999438405037, 0.0054065459407866, -0.043202612549066544, 0.007137218024581671, -0.01795474998652935, -0.043064311146736145, 0.05090709775686264, -0.004965311847627163, 0.003213148331269622, 0.01057393103837967, -0.005125881172716618, 0.00680058216676116, -0.004370946902781725, 0.028167149052023888, 0.021876491606235504, -0.061477888375520706, 0.006339439190924168, 0.003134136786684394, 0.08769942075014114, -0.03153267130255699, 0.04951335862278938, -0.021396037191152573, 0.006085383705794811, 0.039478253573179245, 0.024749599397182465, -0.02652595564723015, -0.02721390686929226, -0.0650654137134552, -0.013814332894980907, -0.07480902224779129, 0.03219737112522125, -0.005350614432245493, -0.010725249536335468, -0.051536813378334045, 0.02014489285647869, -0.03982778638601303, 0.011085114441812038, 0.0285770446062088, -0.05407080799341202, 0.006998598109930754, 0.03245843946933746, 0.031161049380898476, 0.044870615005493164, 0.024667959660291672, 0.0592728890478611, 0.012085024267435074, -0.0023336904123425484, -0.015891604125499725, -0.02228444628417492, 0.03396067023277283, -0.016675051301717758, 0.022947577759623528, -0.08432002365589142, 0.046550460159778595, -0.022307101637125015, -0.022095639258623123, -0.059233494102954865, 0.04100584611296654, -0.020306333899497986, -0.044311728328466415, 0.07427288591861725, 0.033459797501564026, 0.0250923503190279, -0.0017449219012632966, -0.04066895321011543, 0.0006536603323183954, -0.026461398229002953, 0.014377489686012268, -0.03307700157165527, 0.06891362369060516, 0.050246462225914, 0.003938145935535431, -0.0442386269569397, 0.03544703871011734, 0.02823406457901001, 0.0016146802809089422, -0.024369826540350914, -0.022513097152113914, -0.020650791004300117, -0.04438866674900055, -0.03848316892981529, 0.004747546277940273, -0.04200892895460129, -0.07237991690635681, -0.019518019631505013, 0.049073029309511185, -0.012466172687709332, -0.026588018983602524, 0.02451619878411293, 0.033376872539520264, -0.03412320837378502, -0.07046685367822647, -0.03140082210302353, 0.009496649727225304, 0.005866205785423517, 0.028827793896198273, -0.016507968306541443, -0.05048474669456482, 0.006864041090011597, -0.027253054082393646, 0.01944994553923607, 0.009046456776559353, 0.004815383348613977, 0.01690484769642353 ]
OPINION SUTIN, Judge. {1} Plaintiff was denied long-term disability benefits under her employer’s group insurance policy. The gut issue is whether, under ERISA, she can seek judgment against the ERISA plan itself as an entity when the disability insurer in control of administration of the plan has been dismissed on res judicata grounds and is not a party and Plaintiff cannot directly obtain a judgment against the insurer. The district court held she could not. We reverse. BACKGROUND {2} Plaintiff Stella Kirby sought damages stemming from the denial by Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) of her claim for long-term disability benefits under a group insurance policy purchased by her employer TAD Resources International, Inc., whose successor-in-interest is Adecco SA (collectively referred to as Employer). Plaintiff had received disability benefit payments for about one year, after which payments ceased. Her initial complaint, filed in April 1999, named Guardian and Employer and asserted seven counts under state law for breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, unreasonable delay, violations of the Unfair Insurance Practices Act, and violations of the Unfair Practices Act. {3} Before any responsive pleading was filed, Plaintiff filed an amended complaint that varied from the original complaint only by the addition of some minor language and by reordering some of the counts. Guardian filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint on the ground Plaintiffs state law claims were preempted by the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. §§ 1001 to 1461 (1974, as amended through 2004) (ERISA). The district court dismissed the amended complaint on preemption grounds, but granted Plaintiff fifteen days to file a second amended complaint seeking recovery under ERISA. We refer to the court’s order of dismissal of the amended complaint as “the preemption order of dismissal” as we proceed through the procedural morass that followed. {4} Plaintiff filed a second amended complaint in December 1999, in which she kept Employer as a defendant but dropped Guardian as a defendant. The structure of the second amended complaint was different than that of the first in that, in attempted compliance with the preemption order of dismissal, the second amended complaint alleged that the action was brought “in part” under provisions of ERISA and asserted a claim for failure to pay benefits. However, the second amended complaint also asserted state law claims for fraud and negligent misrepresentation based on allegations that Employer erroneously misled Plaintiff into believing that her medical insurance would continue as a converted policy if she paid Employer a premium for the coverage. {5} Nearly a year after Plaintiff filed the second amended complaint, the district court granted Plaintiffs attorney’s motion to withdraw as counsel based on irreconcilable differences. Thereafter, Plaintiffs new attorney and Employer’s attorney filed a stipulation indicating that Plaintiff would file a third amended complaint based on ERISA. Based on the stipulation, the district court entered an order dismissing the second amended complaint without prejudice and ordering Plaintiff to file a third amended complaint. {6} Plaintiffs third amended complaint, filed in March 2001, asserted, as her sole claim, a claim under 29 U.S.C. § 1132(a)(1)(B) for wrongful denial of benefits. The third amended complaint continued to name Employer as a defendant, but also added the disability plan, naming Long-Term Disability Plan of Tad Resources International, Inc. (the Plan) as a separate defendant. In addition, the third amended complaint once again included Guardian as a defendant. Guardian responded with a motion to dismiss asserting that the claims in the third amended complaint were barred by the doctrine of res judicata related to the preemption order of dismissal. Guardian also asserted that the district court lost jurisdiction to allow Plaintiff to file a third amended complaint against Guardian because Plaintiff never appealed the preemption order of dismissal. On September 12, 2001, Plaintiff filed a motion requesting the court to reconsider an apparently verbal determination by the court granting Guardian’s motion to dismiss the third amended complaint. On September 20, 2001, the court, based on res judicata, entered an order granting Guardian’s motion to dismiss the third amended complaint as to Guardian, which we will refer to as “the first res judicata order of dismissal.” On October 24, 2001, Plaintiff withdrew her motion to reconsider. {7} In January 2002, Plaintiff filed a motion to reverse Guardian’s administrative denial of benefits under the Plan on the grounds it was erroneous, without support in the administrative record, and arbitrary and capricious. Plaintiff asserted that she had a right to recover the benefits against the Plan and that a claims processor such as Guardian was not a necessary party for Plaintiff to obtain that relief. She sought a judgment ordering the Plan to pay disability benefits. Employer responded, asserting, among other things, that it was not a proper party defendant, that the court lacked jurisdiction, and that Plaintiff failed to exhaust administrative remedies. {8} Meanwhile, using an alias summons issued in February 2002 Plaintiff re-served Guardian “as administrator of Adeceo/TAD Technical Long-Term Disability Insurance Plan, No. G-290956.” She also served summons and alias summons on the various legal incarnations of Employer in its capacity as administrator of the Plan, as well as on the United States Department of Labor. Thereafter, in April 2002 the court permitted Employer to amend its answer to include a third-party complaint against Guardian seeking indemnification if Employer were eventually ordered to pay benefits to Plaintiff. The court also remanded the case to the Plan and Employer for a period of sixty days to allow for the completion of the administrative appeal process that the court concluded had been started but not finished when Plaintiffs benefits were first denied. Consideration of Plaintiffs motion to reverse Guardian’s denial of benefits was deferred pending this remand. {9} While the case was on remand, Guardian filed a second motion to dismiss the third amended complaint in response to having been served in its capacity as the Plan administrator. Guardian reiterated previous arguments it had made in its first motion to dismiss the third amended complaint, and added the grounds that Plaintiffs failure to appeal the first res judicata order of dismissal precluded her from trying to bring Guardian back into the lawsuit and that, even if Plaintiff could bring Guardian back into the lawsuit as the Plan administrator, Plaintiffs claims would nevertheless be precluded by collateral estoppel. Plaintiff responded that re-service on Guardian was made only to perfect service on the Plan, not to re-assert previously dismissed claims against Guardian. Guardian’s reply indicated that, whatever Plaintiffs characterization of its procedural activity, Plaintiff was attempting in effect to recover from Guardian, a claim and recovery precluded under res judicata and collateral estoppel. The district court thereafter, in July 2002, entered an order ruling that “Plaintiffs claims against Guardian in the Third Amended Complaint are barred by res judicata and collateral estoppel.” We refer to this second dismissal of the third amended complaint granted in Guardian’s favor as “the second res judicata order of dismissal.” {10} The parties then, during September through December 2002, filed a series of competing motions in an attempt to bring the case to a close. Guardian filed a motion seeking dismissal or summary judgment against Employer on Employer’s third-party complaint against Guardian. Employer filed a motion for summary judgment against Plaintiff on the theory that Plaintiff could not recover benefits from Employer because Employer was the wrong party to sue under ERISA. Plaintiff filed a motion for default judgment or summary judgment against the Plan. In her motion, Plaintiff asserted that a default judgment was proper because no answer had been filed on behalf of the Plan; or, alternatively, no factual dispute existed as to whether Plaintiff qualified for benefits under the Plan and she was entitled to benefits as a matter of law. Guardian took the position that Plaintiffs motion “should be denied because Guardian is the only party from whom Plaintiff would have been entitled to obtain benefits, and Plaintiffs claims against Guardian have long since been dismissed.” Plaintiff replied that “while res judicata insulates Guardian from a direct action by Plaintiff in this case, it does not affect Guardian’s ultimate liability as insurer of the Plan.” The record indicates nothing resulted from the administrative proceeding on remand. {11} In February 2003, following a hearing on all outstanding motions, the district court issued a letter ruling analyzing the issues and announcing that it was dismissing Plaintiffs third amended complaint as to all parties. The court prefaced its letter ruling by stating that Plaintiffs “decision not to include [Guardian] as a defendant in her Second Amended Complaint is fatal to her cause of action for ERISA benefits.” The court acknowledged the “complex and confusing” nature of ERISA law and noted a split of authority concerning what entity is the proper defendant in an ERISA action. Further, the court stated that in light of its prior decisions granting Guardian’s motions to dismiss, the court could not grant any of Plaintiffs various motions seeking to establish her right to benefits under the Plan, stating: ERISA provides that an employee benefit plan may sue or be sued as an entity, and that any money judgment against an employee benefit plan shall be enforceable only against the plan as an entity. In reality there is no such entity. Guardian has full discretionary authority over benefit claims, and by virtue of failing to assert any claims against Guardian in her Second Amended Complaint, [Plaintiff] is unable to obtain benefits from Guardian. I decline to enter a judgment against the Plan when [Plaintiff] is precluded from recovering against the party that funds the Plan. (Citation omitted.) Further, the court concluded that summary judgment in favor of Employer was appropriate “[b]ecause Guardian had sole discretion to determine and pay benefits under the long-term disability plan.” The court implemented its letter decision with a series of orders. Plaintiff appeals from three of the orders, namely, (1) an order denying Plaintiffs motion for default or summary judgment against the Plan, (2) an order denying Plaintiffs motion to reverse the denial of ERISA plan benefits, and (3) an order granting summary judgment in favor of Employer. {12} Plaintiff does not appeal from or otherwise attack on appeal the dismissal of her ERISA claim against Guardian. Her points on appeal are: (1) the Plan, being an ERISA plan, is the proper defendant in a claim for benefits under §§ 1132(a)(1)(B), 1132(d)(1), and 1132(d)(2); (2) Plaintiff was entitled to a default or summary judgment against the Plan; (3) dismissal of Guardian did not preclude Plaintiff from proceeding to judgment against the Plan; and (4) the district court erred in dismissing Employer, the Plan administrator. DISCUSSION I. Whether Plaintiff Can Pursue a Judgment Against the Plan {13} Whether Plaintiff can pursue a judgment against the Plan ultimately depends on whether the dismissal of Guardian precludes Plaintiff on res judicata or collateral estoppel grounds from obtaining a judgment against the Plan. The theory under which Guardian asserts preclusion is that, for the purpose of benefits, Guardian is the Plan, and that the Plan is simply a nominal party because a judgment against the Plan would in effect be a judgment against Guardian, in that Plaintiff cannot recover any benefits except from Guardian. Therefore, according to Guardian, its dismissal, being final, with prejudice, and unattackable, precludes Plaintiff from proceeding to judgment against the Plan even if ERISA were otherwise to permit a judgment against the Plan as an entity. A. Standard of Review {14} We review summary judgment de novo when the material facts are undisputed. Palmer v. St. Joseph Healthcare P.S.O., Inc., 2003-NMCA-118, ¶ 17,134 N.M. 405, 77 P.3d 560. “We interpret the intention of Congress and the meaning of its statutes de novo.” Id. We start with what ERISA provides. B. ERISA {15} Section 1132(a) of ERISA authorizes eight separate claims to enforce different rights under the statute. Plaintiffs third amended complaint asserted a § 1132(a)(1)(B) claim for benefits, which we refer to as Plaintiffs “benefits claim.” Section 1132(a)(1)(B) reads: A civil action may be brought — (1) by a participant or beneficiary ... to recover benefits due to him under the terms of his plan, to enforce his rights under the terms of the plan, or to clarify his rights to future benefits under the terms of the plan[.] Plaintiffs benefits claim was assertable in state court, pursuant to § 1132(e)(1), which states that, except for actions under subsection (a)(1)(B), the federal district court has exclusive jurisdiction of civil actions brought by a participant or beneficiary, and which provides for concurrent federal and state jurisdiction of claims under subsection (a)(1)(B). There exists no issue on appeal regarding the propriety of state district court subject matter jurisdiction. {16} In regard to Plaintiffs benefits claim against the Plan, we examine ERISA § 1132(d) in addition to § 1132(a)(1)(B). Section 1132(d), titled “Status of employee benefit plan as entity,” reads, in part: (1) An employee benefit plan may sue or be sued under this subchapter as an entity.... (2) Any money judgment under this sub-chapter against an employee benefit plan shall be enforceable only against the plan as an entity and shall not be enforceable against any other person unless liability against such person is established in his individual capacity under this subchapter. C.The Nature of the Plan {17} Under 29 U.S.C. § 1003(a)(1), “[wjith few exceptions not relevant here, ERISA applies to all employee benefit plans that are established or maintained by an employer ‘engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce.’ ” Custer v. Pan Am. Life Ins. Co., 12 F.3d 410, 417 (4th Cir.1993) (citation omitted). The plan must be established pursuant to a written instrument. 29 U.S.C. § 1102(a)(1). “[T]he establishment of a plan may be accomplished through the purchase of insurance.” Custer, 12 F.3d at 417; see 29 U.S.C. § 1002(1). Long-term disability insurance is a type of insurance that can accomplish the establishment of an ERISA welfare plan. 29 U.S.C. § 1002(1)(A). Numerous ERISA cases involve such plans. See, e.g., Layes v. Mead Corp., 132 F.3d 1246, 1249 (8th Cir. 1998) (involving § 1132(a)(1)(B) claim for denial of benefits against insurer having discretionary authority to administer and interpret long-term disability plan). An employer may delegate fiduciary responsibilities to an insurer in administering a plan. See Wojciechowski v. Metro. Life Ins. Co., 75 F.Supp.2d 256, 261 (S.D.N.Y.1999). {18} Employer purchased a group plan offered by Guardian that primarily included basic term life and long-term disability insurance. This group plan defines “Plan” as meaning “the Guardian group plan purchased by the employer.” The Certificate of Coverage provided to employees insured by the group plan defines the group plan to mean “the Guardian group plan purchased by your employer.” Provisions of a “master group policy” (the policy) apply to the group plan of insurance. More particularly, the policy’s long-term disability income insurance provisions apply to the “Guardian group long term disability income insurance plan the employer bought.” {19} Under ERISA, every benefit plan “shall provide for one or more named fiduciaries who ... shall have authority to control and manage the operation and administration of the plan.” 29 U.S.C. § 1102(a)(1). The “named fiduciary” is the one “named in the plan instrument.” 29 U.S.C. § 1102(a)(2). A fiduciary is defined in ERISA as one who “exercises any discretionary authority or discretionary control respecting management of such plan or exercises any authority or control respecting management or disposition of its assets ... [or] has any discretionary authority or discretionary responsibility in the administration of such plan.” 29 U.S.C. § 1002(21)(A). {20} The policy contains a Statement of Erisa Rights, which states, among other things, “ERISA imposes duties upon the people, called ‘fiduciaries,’ who are responsible for the operation of the employee benefit plan. They have a duty to operate the plan prudently and in the interest of plan participants and beneficiaries.” Under the policy and the Plan, a claim with respect to long-term disability plan benefits is made through a “Claims Procedure” pursuant to which the “Plan Administrator” furnishes a claim form to the claimant and submits the completed form to Guardian. Guardian is named as “the Claims Fiduciary with discretionary authority to determine eligibility for benefits and to construe the terms of the plan with respect to claims.” If Guardian denies the claim, Guardian provides to the Plan Administrator, for delivery to the claimant, a notice setting forth specific information relating to the denial. The Claims Procedure states that these “procedures are required under the provisions of ERISA.” {21} In its disposition letter, the district court stated, [t]here is no dispute that: ... [Employer] provided an employee benefit plan to its employees that included long-term disability benefits through Guardian. [Employer] was both the plan sponsor and plan administrator, while Guardian was the claims fiduciary. [Employer] had no discretionary control over the outcome of [Plaintiffs] request for long-term disability benefits. Guardian had the sole discretion under the plan to make decisions about which employees would qualify for long-term disability benefits. No party disputes this statement. While acknowledging that a benefit plan may be sued as an entity under § 1132(d)(1) and also acknowledging the enforceability of any money judgment only against the plan as an entity under § 1132(d)(2), the court determined that, “[i]n reality there is no such entity” because Plaintiff was “precluded from recovering against the party [Guardian] that funds the Plan.” D. Whether Plaintiff Can Sue the Plan 1. The Case Law on Who Should Be Sued {22} The parties cite numerous cases that relate to § 1132(a)(1)(B) actions, none of which, however, address the issue of whether Plaintiff can sue the Plan with Guardian having been dismissed as it was. The cases are, therefore, of limited value. We tend to agree with Employer’s comment regarding the district court having found ERISA confusing and difficult to understand: “A reading of the cases presented by the parties in their briefs, below and in this Court, should explain [the court’s] befuddlement. If this Court reads the quotes given out of context, it can come up with myriad methods to resolve this case. If this Court reads the opinions in full, it will determine that some of the courts [which] have made blanket statements have cited cases that do not stand for the proposition given.” No case of which we are aware can be followed for the result Guardian posits and the district court reached. None of the cases discussed by Guardian persuasively conclude that an insurer, such as Guardian, who has discretionary authority to administer and interpret the plan is the plan, and is therefore inseparable from the plan so that a benefits claimant is precluded from pursuing a judgment against the plan as an entity when the insurer was earlier dismissed under circumstances such as those in this case. Those circumstances are a dismissal of the insurer with prejudice based first on preemption and then, as a result of the preemption dismissal, on res judicata and collateral estoppel grounds, where the question of the insurer’s liability for benefits has not actually been litigated. {23} One or more eases state that the proper party defendant in a § 1132(a)(1)(B) benefits claim is the party that controls the administration of the plan. See, e.g., Garren v. John Hancock Mut. Life Ins. Co., 114 F.3d 186, 187 (11th Cir.1997) (“The proper party defendant in an action concerning ERISA benefits is the party that controls administration of the plan.”); see also Hunt v. Hawthorne Assocs., Inc., 119 F.3d 888, 907-08 (11th Cir.1997) (holding a § 1132(a)(1)(B) claim to enforce payment of benefits was a claim solely for equitable relief and thus not assertable against the plan itself as a separate entity). Other cases state that ERISA permits benefits claims only against the plan as an entity or that, at the very least, the plan is a necessary party. See Gelardi v. Pertec Computer Corp., 761 F.2d 1323, 1324 (9th Cir.1985) (emphasizing that ERISA permits benefits claims only against the plan as an entity, which was the self-funded employer welfare benefit plan); Roeder v. ChemRex Inc., 863 F.Supp. 817, 828 (E.D.Wis.1994) (“An ERISA plan is the only proper defendant when a claim is made for benefits or for a clarification of benefits under the ERISA civil enforcement statute, 29 U.S.C. § 1132(a)(1)(B).”); Colley v. Sandia Corp., No. CIV. 99-994 JP/LFG, at 4-6 (D.N.M. May 2, 2000) (mem. and order) (“The proper conclusion is simply that when a plaintiff seeks against a plan a money judgment, which is enforceable only against the plan, that plan must be before the court and is a necessary party. This position does not create disharmony within the statute”; and also stating that, although “numerous decisions ... have proceeded without the plan as a defendant,” usually on the ground that suing an entity with administrative control is sufficient, no court that has done so has “reconciled its position with [§ 1132(d) ] and explained why an entity other than the plan should be responsible for a judgment.”); see also Hemphill v. Unisys Corp., 855 F.Supp. 1225, 1234 (D.Utah 1994) (determining that the plaintiff should amend his complaint to add the plan to assure he has stated an ERISA claim against a proper party). The lines of cases and apparent divergence of authority are discussed in Everhart v. Allmerica Financial Life Ins. Co., 275 F.3d 751, 754 (9th Cir.2001); see also Hall v. Lhaco, Inc., 140 F.3d 1190, 1194 (8th Cir.1998) (“[Tjhere is a split in authority concerning whether a party other than the ERISA plan itself is the only proper party defendant on a claim pursuant to ERISA [§ 1132](a)(l)(B).”); Blum v. Spectrum Rest. Group, Inc., 261 F.Supp.2d 697, 707-08 (E.D.Tex.2003) (same). {24} At least one case indicates an identity between the plan and its administrator having discretionary authority. See Jass v. Prudential Health Care Plan, Inc., 88 F.3d 1482, 1485, 1490 (7th Cir.1996) (stating that “[t]he appropriate defendant for a denial of benefits claim would be the Plan, which in this case is “PruCare,” where PruCare was the administrator of the plan and also vicariously liable for its agent’s determination that benefits were not necessary, causing the plaintiff to be discharged from a hospital without rehabilitation); see also Cook v. Liberty Life Assurance Co., No. CIV. 00-108-B, 2002 WL 482572, at *2 n. 3 (D.N.H.2002) (mem. and order) (stating the court would be strongly inclined toward the position that an insurer with authority to determine and pay long-term disability benefits is a proper party defendant because there existed no “practical distinction between a judgment against the Plan and a judgment against [the insurer] as Plan administrator”). Another court has indicated that a joint and several liability judgment can be rendered against both the assets of the plan and the assets of the insurer. See Pecor v. Northwestern Nat’l Ins. Co., 869 F.Supp. 651, 653 (E.D.Wis.1994) (decision and order) (stating also that “[a] suit for benefits is a suit against the plan, and in this case, a suit against the insurance company with whom the plan contracted to provide the [life insurance] benefits at issue”). 2. Analysis of Whether Plaintiff Can Sue the Plan {25} A participant or beneficiary unquestionably is given a right under § 1132(a)(1)(B) to sue a plan as an entity. Although authority exists to the contrary, see Hunt, 119 F.3d at 908 n. 54 (stating that § 1132(d)(2) “contemplates legal relief and does not apply to an action to recover benefits under [§ ] [1132](a)(l)(B)”), we read subsections 1132(a)(1)(B) and (d) to permit an action against a plan for past due and future benefits wrongfully denied, and to require a judgment for those benefits to be enforced against the plan. See Roeder, 863 F.Supp. at 822, 828 (stating a § 1132(a)(1)(B) claim is “equitable in nature,” allowing “an award of equitable relief — a clarification of [a claimant’s] right to past or future benefits,” yet determining that a declaratory judgment clarifying a right to benefits would be, in effect, a money judgment payable from the plan). Although, as indicated, Hunt holds that a § 1132(a)(1)(B) claim for benefits can seek only equitable relief against entities other than the plan and not a money judgment enforceable against a plan, Hunt, 119 F.3d at 907-09, we find no analysis in Hunt or other cases, see, e.g., Hall, 140 F.3d at 1196, persuading us that a judgment for past and future benefits under § 1132(a)(1)(B) should not be considered a money judgment under § 1132(d)(2). One wonders whether the Eleventh Circuit’s equitable action theory may have arisen primarily in order to deny a benefits claimant a jury trial. See Hunt, 119 F.3d at 907 (indicating the court’s decisions were consistent with an earlier one holding § 1132(a)(1)(B) claimants were not entitled to a jury trial); see also Steeples v. Time Ins. Co., 139 F.R.D. 688, 691 (N.D.Okla.1991) (stating the reasoning of the Eleventh Circuit was not compelling, since “almost any breach of contract case could be turned into an equitable matter,” and that “[e]ven if ... expenses were ongoing, a damage award based on the present value of expected future expenses was certainly possible”). {26} Further, notwithstanding the fact that financial benefits owed and payable by the Plan would be benefits paid by Guardian under the disability policy, we do not view the Plan and Guardian as identical entities with respect to benefits claims. Nothing in subsections 1132(a)(1)(B) or 1132(d) says or even reasonably suggests that a plan referred to in those subsections cannot be liable for benefits as an entity separate from an insurer that issues a disability policy purchased by an employer. See 29 U.S.C. § 1002(21)(A) (defining a fiduciary, stating that “a person is a fiduciary with respect to a plan to the extent (i) he exercises any discretionary authority or discretionary control respecting management of such plan or exercises any authority or control respecting management or disposition of its [the plan’s] assets” (emphasis added)). The same can be said of the policy and the Plan: Nothing in the policy or the Plan says or reasonably suggests that the Plan cannot be liable for benefits as an entity separate from Guardian. {27} We are not persuaded by Guardian’s position that, due to Guardian’s dismissals, a judgment in this case against the Plan would necessarily be unenforceable in any action or proceeding. At least one case indicates the contrary. In Colley, the federal district court sitting in New Mexico determined that a plan was the proper and necessary party defendant and dismissed the plan administrator who denied long-term disability benefits. Colley, CIV. 99-994 JP/LFG at 5-7. The court saw little concern about this status of the parties, because it would be the administrator’s “decision that will ultimately be reviewed and [the administrator] will still be subject to this court[’]s jurisdiction and judgments with respect to its denial of Plaintiff[’]s long term disability benefits.” Id. at 6. The court in Colley further stated “[w]hen [a party] acts in its capacity as plan administrator, it steps into the shoes of the [p]lan.” Id.; see also Pecor, 869 F.Supp. at 653 (permitting a joint and several liability judgment against both the assets of a plan and the assets of the life insurance company with whom the plan contracted for life insurance benefits). Thus, Plaintiffs benefits claim was appropriately pursued against the Plan. {28} That Guardian was dismissed as a party defendant on the preemption and then res judicata/eollateral estoppel grounds relied on by the district court does not, in our opinion, preclude Plaintiff from pursuing a judgment against the Plan. Guardian’s res judicata and collateral estoppel defenses were not appropriately applied to preclude Plaintiffs action against the Plan. The res judicata/eollateral estoppel dismissals stemmed solely from the preemption order of dismissal. Although none of the dismissals can be reopened, they can be inspected. None originated from an adjudication of the merits of Plaintiffs benefits claim or from a determination of non-liability for benefits under ERISA. Rather, the original dismissal, i.e., the preemption order of dismissal, was of state law claims based solely on ERISA preemption. It is true that Guardian as insurer under the policy would ultimately be responsible to pay benefits to which a plan participant or beneficiary would be entitled. However, we do not think it is a logical or even practical necessity that we conclude the Plan, as an entity, cannot be determined to be liable for benefits despite the preemption order of dismissal and subsequent res judicata/collateral estoppel dismissals originating from the preemption order of dismissal. {29} Furthermore, Guardian appeared in its individual corporate capacity when it sought dismissal of the state law claims in the amended complaint on preemption grounds. Guardian appeared in its fiduciary or representative capacity when it sought dismissal of the ERISA benefits claim in the third amended complaint on res judicata grounds. The Plan, also faced with a benefits claim under § 1132(a)(1)(B), cannot draw on the preemption adjudication saving Guardian in its individual capacity from having to defend the state law claims. The necessary privity for res judicata to apply is lacking when, as here, -the merits of the claim were not adjudicated in the first action, and Guardian acted individually, in its corporate capacity, in the first action, and acted in a fiduciary or representative capacity in the second. See Hurt v. Pullman Inc., 764 F.2d 1443, 1448-50 (11th Cir.1985) (requiring the party asserting res judicata to appear in the same capacity in both actions, and holding that the employer who appeared in a workers’ compensation action in its individual corporate capacity could not successfully assert res judicata in a second action under ERISA where it was defending in its trustee and fiduciary capacities); Spagnolia v. Dakota Neurosurgical Assocs., No. Al-03-87, 2003 WL 23101775, *6-8 (D.N.D.2003) (holding res judicata inapplicable where a pension plan, sued in an ERISA action, was not named as a party in the first state court action, and holding collateral estoppel was inapplicable where the first action involved state law issues that were not identical to the ERISA issues in the second); Restatement (Second) of Judgments § 36(2) (1982) (“A party appearing in an action in one capacity, individual or representative, is not thereby bound by or entitled to the benefits of the rules of res judicata in a subsequent action in which he appears in another capacity.”). {30} Moreover, collateral estoppel is inapplicable because the issue to be litigated based on the ERISA benefits claim was not actually litigated in a prior adjudication. See Shovelin v. Cent. N.M. Elec. Coop., 115 N.M. 293, 297, 850 P.2d 996, 1000 (1993) (stating one of the four elements of collateral estoppel must be that the issue was actually litigated in the prior adjudication); Silva v. State, 106 N.M. 472, 476, 745 P.2d 380, 384 (1987) (holding “that the doctrine of defensive collateral estoppel may be applied when a defendant seeks to preclude a plaintiff from relitigating an issue the plaintiff has previously litigated and lost regardless of whether defendant was privy to the prior suit”). In addition, it is clear from the court’s preemption order of dismissal of the amended complaint that Plaintiff did not have a full and fair opportunity to litigate any right to benefits. See Shovelin, 115 N.M. at 297, 850 P.2d at 1000 (stating that “[i]f the movant introduces sufficient evidence to meet all elements of this [collateral estoppel] test, the trial court must then determine whether the party against whom estoppel is asserted had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the issue in the prior litigation”). {31} Guardian cites several eases to support its res judicata position. See Slaughter v. AT & T Info. Sys., Inc., 905 F.2d 92 (5th Cir.1990); Bordonaro v. Union Carbide Corp., No. CIV.A.01-1177, 2002 WL 32824 (E.D.La.2002) (order and reasons); Guiles v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co., No. CIV.A.00-5029, 2001 WL 1454041 (E.D.Pa.2001) (mem. and order); Duran v. Resdoor Co., 977 S.W.2d 690 (Tex.Ct.App.1998). Each of these cases involved an action by the plaintiff asserting state law claims, followed by an ERISA-based action. We discuss each of these cases. {32} In Slaughter, the plaintiffs first action was for breach of contract against her employer. Slaughter, 905 F.2d at 93. That action was dismissed, “barred on grounds that limitations had run.” Id. Her second action was for denial of benefits under ERISA, involving what the court described as an action against “an unfunded benefit plan, self-administered by [the plaintiffs employer],” which, as such, was an action against the employer, since “the entity from which [the plaintiff sought] recovery is really [the employer].” Id. at 94. {33} In Guiles, the plaintiffs first action was an Americans With Disabilities Act claim against her employer; the second was an ERISA claim for denial of disability benefits. Guiles, 2001 WL 1454041, at *1. The first action was dismissed with prejudice based on a settlement. Id. Relying on Slaughter, the court invoked res judicata to preclude the second action against the plaintiffs employer, the employer’s investment committee, and the employer’s short-term and long-term disability plans. Guiles, 2001 WL 1454041, at *2-3. The court’s analysis did not include any detail as to plan administration or plan fiduciaries, although it seems clear that the plans were employer-administered plans. Id. Interestingly, in discussing, but not analyzing the validity of the employer’s argument, the court in a footnote set out the plaintiffs contentions that because the plans could be sued as separate entities under § 1132(d), they were separate entities for res judicata purposes. Id. at *2 n. 3. The court stated: If the benefit plan is provided by the employer and is internal to the employer, than [sic] that fact would create the close or particular relationship with the party in the original action that would satisfy the second res judicata element. As the defendants noted during the hearing on their motion for summary judgment, employee benefit plans may not always have the close or particular relationship with the employer that is necessary for res judicata purposes. If the benefit plan is an independent third party plan, then claim preclusion would not necessarily apply. Id. {34} In Bordonaro, the plaintiff sued first for damages under state law for sexual harassment and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and then under ERISA for denial of long-term disability benefits. Bordonaro, 2002 WL 32824, at *1. The first action was dismissed at the parties’ request after they reached a settlement agreement. Id. The court discussed and followed Slaughter and Guiles, although the court appears to have relied more on interpretation of release language in the settlement agreement from the first action than on res judicata. Bordonaro, 2002 WL 32824, at *1-3. {35} In Duran, the plaintiff sued his employer for wrongful termination and sought damages for “ ‘benefits, retirement and medical benefits’” that he would have received had he not been terminated. 977 S.W.2d at 692. He then sued his employer under ERISA as administrator of the employer’s benefit plan. Id. at 691, 693. The first action ended in a jury verdict awarding the plaintiff damages for wrongful termination, including damages for loss of employment benefits. Id. at 692-93. The court precluded the ERISA claim to prevent the plaintiff from relitigating the facts and damages decided in the first action against the employer in a different capacity, holding that the plaintiff had already received an award for loss of the same benefits he was seeking in the ERISA action. Id. at 693. {36} These cases are distinguishable and do not compel a res judicata result in the present case. These cases do not contain analyses that compel a conclusion that an insurer such as Guardian, which is an independent third party providing an insurance policy, and which is also the plan fiduciary in control of the Plan, should necessarily be treated as the same party as the Plan, or in privity with the Plan, when it is sued in the first action in its individual, corporate capacity for state law violations, and the Plan for which it is the fiduciary and which houses its insurance policy is sued in the second action. Unlike the present case, Slaughter and Guiles involved employer-controlled plans. Further, and most important, in each of the cases the merits of the plaintiffs damages claims were either tried or settled, and the plaintiff was essentially seeking a second bite of the same apple. {37} Guardian also relies on Hunt to support the res judicata dismissal, because in Hunt the entity bearing the ultimate responsibility for denial of the claim for a lump sum benefit was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice as a party to the action by the plaintiff apparently for strategic reasons. Hunt, 119 F.3d at 911. The court in Hunt held this dismissal to be “an adjudication on the merits ... on all claims [the plaintiff] had brought against the [entity],” and stated that the adjudication thus included the plaintiffs claim that the entity wrongfully refused to pay the plaintiff the lump sum benefit he sought. Id. at 911 n. 63. Hunt is distinguishable because the dismissed entity’s capacities were never different; additionally, the basis for the dismissal of the entity differed significantly from the basis for Guardian’s initial dismissal. {38} In sum, under the circumstances of the present case, where Guardian controlled administration and interpretation of the plan with discretionary authority over benefits, we do not consider the Plan and Guardian to be identical or inseparable in regard to Plaintiffs benefits claim under § 1132(a)(1)(B). We determine that the Plan may be sued for benefits, as subsections 1132(a)(1)(B), (d)(1), and (d)(2) plainly indicate. We hold that Plaintiffs benefits claim against the Plan is not barred under res judicata or collateral estoppel. We also determine that a judgment against the Plan for past due and future benefits is enforceable only against the Plan as an entity, as § 1132(d)(2) plainly states. We make no determination whether in a § 1132(a)(1)(B) action the Plan must be sued and can only be sued. We render no opinion on whether Plaintiff, were she to obtain a judgment against the Plan, can succeed in some action or proceeding to enforce the judgment. That will need to be determined at the time Plaintiff attempts to enforce any judgment she may obtain. We therefore leave for another day the issue of whether a judgment against the Plan can ultimately be satisfied in this case. II. Whether Plaintiff Was Entitled to Default or Summary Judgment Against the Plan {39} Plaintiff asserts that because neither Employer nor Guardian, nor any other person or entity, defended the Plan as an entity and a party against the third-party complaint, Plaintiff was entitled to a judgment by default against the Plan. Plaintiff also asserts that if she was not entitled to a default judgment, she was nevertheless entitled to summary judgment because no response to her motion for summary judgment raised a genuine issue of material fact and she was entitled to judgment as a matter of law. {40} Plaintiffs motion seeking these judgments set forth the following material facts, among others: To obtain service on the Plan, Plaintiff served summons on Employer and Guardian as administrators of the Plan, and no answer was filed by any party on behalf of the Plan. Further, Plaintiff stated that the weight of the evidence presented in the administrative proceeding showed she was disabled and entitled to benefits under the Plan, indicating that her treating physician stated she was disabled and that delay in receipt of her benefits was detrimental to her condition. To support this statement Plaintiff attached an exhibit to the motion consisting of an unsigned letter from a physician discussing Plaintiffs medical condition. Plaintiff incorporated by reference the additional specific facts contained in her earlier filed brief in support of her motion to reverse. Most of the facts were taken from documents obtained from Guardian’s “claim record” in discovery. Plaintiff requested that “the [P]lan ... be ordered to pay disability benefits to [Plaintiff] retroactively from the date of cessation to the present, and continuing unless and until she is no longer disabled.” {41} Guardian responded to Plaintiffs motion for default or summary judgment. Based on Guardian’s view that it and the Plan were indistinguishable, Guardian disputed that no answer was filed by any party and stated that Guardian had filed a motion to dismiss the third-party complaint as against Guardian, which was granted. Guardian disputed that Plaintiff was entitled to benefits, incorporating by reference the contents of other documents it filed in the ease. Furthermore, Guardian responded that were the merits at issue, the issue would not be whether Plaintiff was disabled, but whether Guardian abused its discretion in denying benefits. Guardian further responded with the assertion the issue was moot due to the res judicata dismissal of Guardian. {42} Although the basis for the district court’s denial of Plaintiffs default or summary judgment motion against the Plan was the res judicata/collateral estoppel dismissal of Guardian, we hold that the denial of the motion on this erroneous basis does not turn the motion into one we must grant on appeal. That we determine Plaintiff should not be precluded due to Guardian’s res judicata/collateral estoppel dismissal from seeking a judgment against the Plan as a separate entity does not mean the Plan lay naked and unprotected before the court. Both Employer and Guardian were very much involved in the case. Guardian persuaded the district court that Guardian and the Plan were inseparable and, therefore, Plaintiff could state no claim against the Plan if Guardian were not a party based on its res judicata/collateral estoppel dismissal. Employer persuaded the court that it was not a proper party. Virtually the entire history of the case involved a battle fought in the procedural arena and on the issue of the actionable status of parties, and not in the merits arena of whether Plaintiff was entitled to benefits. By our reversal on the issue of whether Plaintiff can proceed against the Plan, the battlefield has moved to the merits of the denial of benefits. We conclude that the Plan did not default. Further, while no default was entered by the clerk, see Rule 1-055(A) NMRA 2004, even were the Plan technically in default, we think that due to the peculiar procedural history of this action and the issues presented, adequate bases exist to reach the merits of Plaintiffs benefits claim against the Plan. See Springer Corp. v. Herrera, 85 N.M. 201, 202-03, 510 P.2d 1072, 1073-74 (1973) (indicating it is the policy of the law to look with disfavor on default judgments and that cases be decided on their merits, and stating further that a motion to set aside a default judgment is addressed to the sound discretion of the court), overruled on other grounds by Sunwest Bank v. Roderiguez, 108 N.M. 211, 770 P.2d 533 (1989). We further conclude that the summary judgment proceeding based on Plaintiffs motion lacked both a meaningful procedural basis as well as sufficient evidentiary basis for a judgment on the merits. III. The Dismissal of Employer was Appropriate {43} Although Plaintiff cites cases stating that a plan administrator can be liable, Plaintiff affirmatively states that she is not seeking relief against Employer in its individual capacity. Yet, because Employer was determined by the court to be the Plan administrator, Plaintiff seeks to keep Employer in the lawsuit because it is the Plan sponsor and administrator. At oral argument, Plaintiff sought to impose on Employer the capacity of a co-fiduciary under 29 U.S.C. § 1105(a)(3), arguing that under §§ 1104 (fiduciary duties) and 1105(a)(3) (liability for breach of co-fiduciary), Employer should remain a defendant because, as a “co-fidueiary,” Employer at the very least had a duty to prevent Guardian from breaching Guardian’s obligations under the Plan, and that Employer should remain a party so it can act on behalf of the Plan and effectuate the judgment Plaintiff seeks against the Plan. {44} Although the sponsor and administrator of the Plan, Employer’s duties and functions under the Plan were ministerial and minimal. Employer had no duties or obligations or discretionary authority in regard to making a determination whether beneficiaries or participants were entitled to benefits. Nothing in the Plan indicates in any way that, were there to be a judgment against the Plan on Plaintiffs benefits claim, Employer would be required to act or would have authority or power to act in any manner as administrator or as a fiduciary to carry out the judgment or to see that the judgment was satisfied. {45} We do not find under the ERISA definition of fiduciary, see § 1002(21)(A), or under the language of the Plan, anything that would bring Employer within the con cept of fiduciary or co-fiduciary. Since Plaintiff is not seeking a determination of Employer’s liability in its individual capacity, and since Employer as administrator had no authority or discretion in regard to acting on Plaintiffs benefits claim and had merely ministerial duties in regard to claim forms, we fail to see how Employer could be a proper party. Employer’s mere existence as sponsor and plan administrator with no control over the administration of the Plan and no authority or discretion in regard to acting on a benefits claim does not assist Plaintiff in advancing toward a judgment for benefits under the Plan. {46} We hold that Employer is not a proper party in the circumstances of this case. See Terry v. Bayer Corp., 145 F.3d 28, 35-36 (1st Cir.1998); Layes, 132 F.3d at 1249-50; Bordonaro, 2002 WL 32824, at *3; Henderson v. Transamerica Occidental Life Ins. Co., 120 F.Supp.2d 1278, 1282 (M.D.Ala. 2000); Wojciechowski, 75 F.Supp.2d at 261; see also 29 C.F.R. § 2509.75-8, D-2 (1976) (stating that an entity which merely processes claims “is not a fiduciary because such person does not have discretionary authority or discretionary control respecting management of the plan”). CONCLUSION {47} We affirm the district court’s dismissal in favor of Employer of the third amended complaint. We reverse the district court’s dismissal in favor of the Plan of the third amended complaint. Plaintiff is entitled to proceed against the Plan on the merits of her benefits claim. We affirm the district court’s denial of Plaintiffs motion for default judgment or, alternatively, for summary judgment. We remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. {48} IT IS SO ORDERED. ROBINSON and VIGIL, JJ., concur.
[ -0.048124998807907104, -0.06265955418348312, 0.015406560152769089, -0.002351486822590232, 0.05628909915685654, 0.023881591856479645, 0.022562922909855843, 0.0028715315274894238, -0.017528915777802467, -0.05531548336148262, -0.017782317474484444, 0.06109505891799927, -0.032841384410858154, 0.05307059362530708, 0.000982316443696618, 0.05683356896042824, 0.02357385866343975, 0.03488107770681381, -0.022531718015670776, 0.007834475487470627, 0.006112033501267433, -0.04553932324051857, 0.02252011001110077, 0.03573720157146454, 0.03337227180600166, 0.021822229027748108, 0.031964417546987534, 0.0035232193768024445, -0.033192265778779984, -0.014313452877104282, 0.040507737547159195, -0.0006093604606576264, -0.03262723609805107, 0.019638946279883385, -0.012627826072275639, -0.007450893055647612, -0.009583129547536373, -0.01737895980477333, -0.02165142074227333, -0.004392542876303196, -0.004513179417699575, 0.019606325775384903, -0.03421049937605858, 0.004779828246682882, -0.021812275052070618, 0.03553609177470207, -0.020757269114255905, -0.008535993285477161, -0.034722886979579926, 0.0011909791501238942, -0.07172071933746338, -0.012571164406836033, -0.00041827428503893316, -0.022009065374732018, 0.02766350656747818, 0.03136252984404564, -0.02260616421699524, -0.03501569479703903, -0.015849845483899117, -0.07178947329521179, 0.02243385650217533, -0.05304553732275963, 0.056436263024806976, -0.009114696644246578, 0.0367584191262722, 0.0028449734672904015, 0.03120030276477337, 0.023776501417160034, -0.023289652541279793, 0.01375205535441637, -0.06915942579507828, -0.051791902631521225, 0.023237425833940506, 0.053228773176670074, -0.02030782960355282, -0.036562010645866394, -0.016151534393429756, 0.038036372512578964, 0.028752222657203674, 0.00831611268222332, 0.016223754733800888, 0.02851162478327751, 0.013899729587137699, 0.017462149262428284, -0.03209806606173515, -0.045291718095541, -0.012216800823807716, -0.0036169253289699554, -0.04165954142808914, 0.0663035660982132, 0.0016291473293676972, -0.07414553314447403, 0.03521052375435829, 0.07479923218488693, 0.004673540126532316, -0.02119448594748974, 0.0634227991104126, -0.040503039956092834, -0.002110306406393647, 0.021150678396224976, -0.026812497526407242, 0.011086355894804, -0.007558268960565329, 0.012924948707222939, -0.07242242246866226, 0.006286452990025282, 0.0020555106457322836, 0.0306105874478817, -0.03222033381462097, -0.012544580735266209, -0.019759489223361015, 0.03298044949769974, -0.013890375383198261, -0.04004771634936333, -0.08320759236812592, 0.04262875020503998, 0.030432455241680145, -0.05637742951512337, -0.00018530174565967172, -0.020341718569397926, 0.059171412140131, -0.012208715081214905, 0.000028212187316967174, 0.06488507986068726, 0.06210579723119736, 0.012299121357500553, 0.014421019703149796, 0.02481193281710148, -0.03523342311382294, -0.06030943617224693, 0.02123722806572914, 0.0315454825758934, -0.04144902154803276, 0.00793972983956337, -0.02111734077334404, 0.035900697112083435, -0.030879057943820953, -0.03571753203868866, 0.04637114703655243, -0.0565938726067543, -0.03703698143362999, 0.009247592650353909, -0.02833612821996212, 0.013801954686641693, 0.04001995176076889, -0.0361926332116127, 0.02996721677482128, -0.03319930285215378, -0.02012072317302227, 0.008890753611922264, -0.019219104200601578, -0.022215327247977257, -0.02358723245561123, -0.053931280970573425, -0.01780630461871624, 0.03356487676501274, 0.05116525664925575, -0.02210935764014721, -0.016919409856200218, 0.02961878292262554, 0.013465303927659988, 0.0077080195769667625, 0.015933219343423843, 0.031358782202005386, 0.01335080061107874, 0.010965629480779171, -0.012462245300412178, -0.00489563075825572, -0.014418883249163628, 0.05520888417959213, -0.0646418109536171, -0.0038176225498318672, 0.006281399168074131, -0.0749732106924057, 0.006535455118864775, 0.0156067730858922, 0.04646991565823555, -0.0115644047036767, 0.021045926958322525, -0.050862882286310196, -0.055470455437898636, 0.0014619439607486129, -0.014857521280646324, 0.045564837753772736, -0.03031943552196026, -0.01393053401261568, 0.032686468213796616, -0.03387456759810448, 0.027892054989933968, -0.010487042367458344, -0.10134260356426239, -0.054243218153715134, 0.03686648607254028, -0.037373900413513184, 0.029146678745746613, 0.0003069226222578436, -0.04192696511745453, 0.04042482003569603, -0.007734884507954121, 0.04032363370060921, 0.01596815139055252, 0.0032992393244057894, 0.01782439835369587, -0.033736322075128555, -0.028479060158133507, 0.06265003979206085, 0.030003909021615982, -0.00966501422226429, 0.003183930879458785, 0.07091134786605835, 0.02237808145582676, -0.004240823443979025, 0.006105558946728706, -0.02188592404127121, 0.010541065596044064, -0.03020196594297886, 0.049344178289175034, -0.024502376094460487, 0.013522622175514698, -0.028458721935749054, 0.09578113257884979, 0.02624383568763733, 0.00036877585807815194, 0.0055264742113649845, -0.015608487650752068, 0.06432290375232697, 0.07547204196453094, -0.039944108575582504, 0.0024701389484107494, 0.015589779242873192, 0.01610400527715683, -0.024554701521992683, 0.008614026010036469, 0.025801654905080795, 0.033215682953596115, -0.017403479665517807, -0.06682644039392471, -0.03739532455801964, 0.0630410760641098, -0.06485851854085922, 0.0024280762299895287, 0.03733519837260246, 0.01348942331969738, 0.050724465399980545, -0.06664378196001053, -0.00944612082093954, -0.03625604510307312, 0.0292885210365057, -0.023520303890109062, -0.04093916714191437, -0.029181627556681633, 0.000938677869271487, 0.003244009567424655, 0.011376556940376759, 0.0015955239068716764, -0.023093486204743385, -0.042192958295345306, 0.008907537907361984, 0.0314796082675457, 0.02367265522480011, -0.034239262342453, 0.01871385984122753, -0.0035961668472737074, -0.018730774521827698, -0.04008374735713005, -0.06551923602819443, -0.03701582923531532, 0.04293917864561081, -0.029956763610243797, 0.014657550491392612, 0.056235287338495255, -0.017879778519272804, -0.002159134717658162, -0.03538629040122032, -0.02517484501004219, 0.010408408008515835, 0.05466457083821297, 0.010972894728183746, -0.00930562149733305, 0.020428059622645378, 0.0006527712102979422, 0.05888984352350235, -0.013496198691427708, -0.04537687078118324, 0.009771688841283321, -0.026868609711527824, 0.02853436768054962, -0.06377160549163818, -0.05307324230670929, 0.04539456218481064, 0.03360360488295555, 0.0430552139878273, -0.030716441571712494, 0.01850854605436325, 0.05333241820335388, 0.039232686161994934, 0.018970685079693794, 0.029817624017596245, 0.01483459584414959, -0.010674877092242241, -0.012394835241138935, 0.00035558032686822116, 0.021968500688672066, 0.0017051715403795242, -0.0008970529888756573, -0.033960971981287, -0.04996844008564949, 0.015081433579325676, -0.2509846091270447, 0.0359579361975193, -0.011147373355925083, -0.02759786881506443, 0.02417932078242302, -0.010656687431037426, 0.06328237801790237, -0.01640295423567295, 0.005920932628214359, 0.008931591175496578, 0.004082895815372467, 0.014526542276144028, 0.058512765914201736, 0.005140441935509443, -0.0014560649869963527, 0.01055487897247076, 0.027893465012311935, -0.018002524971961975, -0.02586541511118412, 0.0014931875048205256, -0.03169093653559685, -0.07217296212911606, -0.04164847359061241, 0.04712758958339691, 0.02871643751859665, 0.0791630670428276, -0.02310336008667946, 0.0022950898855924606, -0.03297857195138931, -0.006859284825623035, -0.009740390814840794, 0.009400811046361923, 0.027471117675304413, -0.04386477917432785, -0.006273259874433279, -0.023451711982488632, 0.01624261774122715, -0.012158564291894436, -0.03545914217829704, -0.021171674132347107, 0.0034448145888745785, -0.034521397203207016, -0.016036221757531166, 0.03537088260054588, 0.04695426672697067, -0.009398916736245155, -0.08659709990024567, -0.009911194443702698, 0.012661478482186794, 0.08250666409730911, 0.0664714053273201, 0.024842916056513786, -0.06389090418815613, 0.03832824155688286, -0.0035100022796541452, -0.008876841515302658, -0.055194299668073654, 0.00908229686319828, -0.001786294742487371, 0.05418555811047554, -0.008397276513278484, -0.046653930097818375, -0.0019238365348428488, -0.035517316311597824, -0.04276394844055176, -0.03644275292754173, -0.04810820892453194, -0.07375320047140121, 0.08704602718353271, -0.008485637605190277, -0.0012532455148175359, -0.0030828630551695824, -0.061323314905166626, -0.08023522049188614, -0.008431592956185341, -0.014900440350174904, -0.025026708841323853, -0.05597047880291939, 0.021879196166992188, 0.041352029889822006, 0.006721004843711853, -0.0497262142598629, 0.026126284152269363, 0.00406891293823719, -0.012738941237330437, -0.017433663830161095, 0.050336021929979324, 0.027331765741109848, -0.05528824031352997, 0.00807266030460596, 0.057956941425800323, 0.07031984627246857, -0.028803391382098198, 0.008561694994568825, 0.06777294725179672, 0.0563841238617897, -0.03533875197172165, -0.05019238218665123, -0.025429992005228996, -0.003291552420705557, -0.0039661601185798645, -0.08090189844369888, 0.01985008642077446, -0.031841084361076355, 0.06127520650625229, -0.007613534573465586, -0.04808472841978073, -0.011385946534574032, 0.05635198578238487, -0.007208617869764566, 0.04920700937509537, -0.04119988530874252, 0.06252945959568024, -0.04436877742409706, 0.01959395594894886, -0.010004128329455853, -0.011202346533536911, 0.02968699112534523, 0.025830209255218506, -0.015490582212805748, 0.0018648210680112243, -0.00040854336111806333, -0.057102806866168976, -0.010574020445346832, -0.07153555005788803, 0.028196437284350395, 0.037421200424432755, 0.022870441898703575, -0.015402876771986485, 0.05449884757399559, -0.0021053897216916084, -0.026389049366116524, -0.008147378452122211, -0.017005236819386482, 0.02744906209409237, -0.02264389581978321, -0.0005489086615853012, -0.04423542693257332, -0.02891203761100769, 0.0018004989251494408, -0.009692966938018799, 0.02916324883699417, 0.000787868513725698, 0.006001977249979973, 0.041752420365810394, 0.0015106486389413476, 0.020645154640078545, -0.02982153929769993, -0.054005980491638184, 0.045443400740623474, 0.024610111489892006, -0.06098735332489014, 0.018796881660819054, -0.04798443615436554, -0.017438558861613274, -0.008078383281826973, 0.056362077593803406, 0.00596922542899847, -0.020510362461209297, -0.06183594465255737, -0.011146084405481815, 0.02706657163798809, -0.005624736193567514, -0.05672629177570343, 0.0023212330415844917, 0.06633581221103668, -0.0000029356228878896218, -0.023849204182624817, -0.003609420033171773, 0.007328319828957319, 0.016498427838087082, -0.032531049102544785, 0.012522745877504349, 0.05848408490419388, 0.022548208013176918, 0.05642041191458702, 0.004228826612234116, -0.018207794055342674, 0.04692650958895683, 0.007391447201371193, 0.010718433186411858, 0.003832445712760091, -0.04494181275367737, 0.022306565195322037, 0.035738538950681686, -0.01673569530248642, -0.005585425533354282, 0.0032363373320549726, -0.0019006801303476095, -0.03196597471833229, 0.02774892747402191, -0.008261045441031456, -0.03802990913391113, 0.041746798902750015, -0.0161419790238142, -0.03753959760069847, 0.030505243688821793, 0.010357688181102276, 0.009566112421452999, -0.018531614914536476, -0.01208804827183485, 0.00020515863434411585, -0.010249735787510872, -0.01010566484183073, -0.010807929560542107, -0.05533929914236069, 0.06877316534519196, 0.030429651960730553, 0.001235784380696714, 0.045714687556028366, -0.06672538071870804, -0.006036951672285795, 0.008521036244928837, 0.03249555453658104, 0.0621163547039032, -0.04575629532337189, 0.042391881346702576, -0.02718486078083515, -0.036636460572481155, 0.019052237272262573, 0.0012035673717036843, -0.01545463502407074, 0.023654062300920486, -0.0011348481057211757, 0.00012537938891910017, 0.036142878234386444, -0.03842911124229431, 0.013849364593625069, 0.04781768098473549, -0.013141581788659096, -0.014778172597289085, -0.04486829414963722, -0.005553406663239002, 0.022465979680418968, -0.0409417524933815, -0.015119815245270729, -0.018701808527112007, -0.013416393660008907, 0.04690593481063843, 0.06060980632901192, 0.0041083465330302715, -0.002747763879597187, -0.007325669750571251, -0.03820788115262985, 0.05060458183288574, 0.02179018408060074, 0.012915611267089844, -0.0011106071760877967, -0.021427476778626442, 0.0737326368689537, 0.004989530425518751, -0.009675126522779465, -0.06282149255275726, -0.03243622928857803, 0.03880033642053604, -0.0734519213438034, 0.008752171881496906, -0.037272222340106964, -0.006603863090276718, 0.034273482859134674, 0.00010821228352142498, 0.04489479213953018, -0.0037608398124575615, -0.0011076523223891854, 0.04221193492412567, 0.004769497085362673, 0.017129529267549515, -0.013414583168923855, 0.014111949130892754, -0.06604193896055222, -0.020524663850665092, -0.06493613868951797, -0.02226320467889309, -0.043060675263404846, 0.01894107460975647, 0.02830430120229721, 0.025339264422655106, -0.06674821674823761, 0.07702687382698059, -0.03253163769841194, -0.04418610408902168, -0.00021109776571393013, -0.030942121520638466, -0.06539183109998703, 0.019822891801595688, -0.04843203350901604, 0.018125800415873528, -0.017714200541377068, -0.08444065600633621, -0.04959729313850403, 0.0027880165725946426, 0.0386773906648159, -0.011121890507638454, -0.006410070229321718, -0.05095105990767479, -0.051401395350694656, 0.012956098653376102, 0.02372789941728115, -0.010513038374483585, 0.021784545853734016, -0.04991772398352623, 0.026622723788022995, -0.0006948666414245963, 0.011869407258927822, -0.022461650893092155, 0.0332779660820961, -0.004680058918893337, -0.040529586374759674, 0.03293656185269356, 0.01673472672700882, 0.00003340600960655138, -0.06794800609350204, 0.02533050626516342, -0.0020497064106166363, -0.03219318017363548, -0.05121863633394241, -0.002220677910372615, -0.03267984837293625, 0.01607789844274521, -0.031666819006204605, 0.035112395882606506, -0.015100381337106228, 0.05056420713663101, 0.05704623833298683, 0.06486956775188446, 0.03439045697450638, 0.021167617291212082, 0.07179243117570877, 0.015581555664539337, 0.06658423691987991, 0.06554188579320908, 0.026633474975824356, 0.035027481615543365, 0.05230305716395378, -0.006490025669336319, -0.04562884196639061, 0.04889519140124321, -0.01358581893146038, 0.029603609815239906, 0.014792556874454021, 0.02770047076046467, 0.03677569702267647, 0.04441053420305252, 0.022577548399567604, 0.008152374997735023, -0.008705394342541695, 0.017719851806759834, -0.004831877537071705, 0.05441006273031235, 0.008254923857748508, 0.00817334745079279, -0.006151099689304829, -0.0053700534626841545, -0.06377825886011124, 0.016343016177415848, -0.020486202090978622, -0.02295617386698723, -0.04187612235546112, -0.050480954349040985, 0.006269225385040045, -0.031333599239587784, -0.03743714466691017, 0.05903303623199463, -0.03621742129325867, -0.01887962408363819, -0.02994486875832081, 0.027996212244033813, -0.014604554511606693, 0.02399148978292942, 0.04870637133717537, 0.022010209038853645, -0.016775934025645256, -0.0058754244819283485, -0.0007935301400721073, 0.07519423216581345, 0.023015392944216728, 0.04042321443557739, -0.07216790318489075, -0.017619945108890533, 0.06679227203130722, 0.026032833382487297, 0.0011119010159745812, -0.04670744389295578, -0.055086396634578705, -0.012865646742284298, -0.02786274068057537, 0.03606093302369118, 0.03770102933049202, 0.021793197840452194, -0.025453709065914154, -0.03787316009402275, 0.026064522564411163, 0.005413746926933527, 0.0248135756701231, -0.03240881487727165, 0.007342332508414984, 0.03791596367955208, 0.01481950469315052, 0.05050573870539665, 0.045400556176900864, 0.05759056657552719, -0.008613362908363342, 0.02169783227145672, -0.025923727080225945, -0.035221267491579056, 0.03355846926569939, -0.02524021454155445, 0.02667747437953949, -0.05460024252533913, 0.009681635536253452, 0.017119042575359344, -0.022710930556058884, -0.03146737813949585, 0.06355945020914078, 0.012760716490447521, 0.003693331964313984, 0.06151186674833298, 0.048466090112924576, -0.034132130444049835, 0.008534666150808334, -0.006565284915268421, -0.008534419350326061, -0.017594825476408005, 0.027592284604907036, 0.006128589157015085, 0.03808457404375076, 0.023332765325903893, 0.009351453743875027, 0.002982473699375987, 0.04913683235645294, 0.0028186386916786432, -0.016999511048197746, -0.038122572004795074, 0.0006422746228054166, -0.014718259684741497, -0.06458624452352524, -0.04288307577371597, -0.0013005818473175168, -0.010312825441360474, -0.08099319040775299, 0.025353766977787018, -0.006658941973000765, -0.025442054495215416, -0.04722047224640846, 0.008179420605301857, 0.027222614735364914, -0.027709560468792915, -0.04032263904809952, -0.046896371990442276, -0.02629224583506584, -0.0005967082106508315, -0.015781912952661514, 0.05515522509813309, -0.041342124342918396, 0.01901187188923359, -0.06661094725131989, -0.0007300591096282005, 0.031675755977630615, -0.018996361643075943, 0.007663242518901825 ]
OPINION BUSTAMANTE, Judge. {1} The issue in this case is whether an out-of-court statement made by Defendant’s accomplice, implicating Defendant, was admissible when the accomplice did not testify and was not subjected to cross-examination. In the statement, the accomplice admitted attempting to sell marijuana to an undercover police officer, but claimed that Defendant had given him directions about how to complete the sale. We take this opportunity to consider the impact of the Supreme Court’s recent opinion in Crawford v. Washington, 541 U.S. 36, 124 S.Ct. 1354, 158 L.Ed.2d 177 (2004) on New Mexico law. We hold that Crawford should be applied in New Mexico, and that under Crawford the statement was inadmissible. We also hold that, even under New Mexico case law preceding Crawford, the statement was not sufficiently reliable under the analysis in State v. Torres, 1998— NMSC-052, ¶¶ 9-19, 126 N.M. 477, 971 P.2d 1267, to warrant admission. We reverse and remand for a new trial. BACKGROUND {2} A narcotics officer testified that he received information from a confidential source that Jorge Duarte-Munoz [DuarteMunoz], age seventeen, was trafficking large amounts of marijuana. The officer posed as a large marijuana buyer, contacted DuarteMunoz, and arranged to meet to buy thirty pounds of marijuana. On the afternoon of the deal, a police surveillance team was placed on Duarte-Munoz while he was at a restaurant, and when Duarte-Munoz left, the detectives followed him to a house on Second Street in Albuquerque. Duarte-Munoz then drove to an address on Wallace Street, and then drove to meet the undercover officer at an Albert-son’s parking lot. Duarte-Munoz placed the marijuana in the officer’s trunk and then took the money from the trunk. The officer ordered him to stop, announcing that he was a police officer, and Duarte-Munoz jumped in his truck and tried to escape. He backed into one or more police cars, causing damage. He was apprehended when he ran a stop light and crashed into another officer’s vehicle about one block away. {3} Detective Robert Dilly testified about Duarte-Munoz’s frame of mind after he was arrested: I went back to my car and the whole time [Duarte-Munoz], he was all excited. He didn’t want to get arrested. I got a little baby girl. I’ve got a girlfriend. I don’t want to go to jail. Calm down. Calm down. Everything is all right, [sic] Nobody got killed. It sounds like all the detectives are all right, [sic] Calm down. Apologetic for causing the accident with the police vehicle. So at this time realizing that he was worried about what had happened, I knew that he was going to, once he calmed down, that he would be able to cooperate, give me an interview because he was almost like crying out for help. He was worried, then he didn’t want to go to jail, also. Duarte-Munoz “was very excited, worried about going to jail, bobbing up and down, bobbing on the seat, had that scared look in his eyes. He was sweating, really stressed about the whole situation.” When they arrived back at the Albertson’s parking lot, Duarte-Munoz “kept talking about his little baby girl and he didn’t want to throw his life away.” He said, “I can’t go to jail. I have a baby girl. And [Dilly] was trying to get him to calm down.” Dilly advised him of his rights. {4} Over objection, Dilly was allowed to testify that Duarte-Munoz told him how he had made arrangements to sell the marijuana, and had gone to the house on Second Street, but there was not enough marijuana there to complete the deal. Duarte-Munoz then implicated his father (Defendant) and his uncle, saying that Defendant and his uncle told him to go to the stash house on Wallace Street. A stash house is a residence used to break up large quantities of imported drugs before they are distributed locally or transported elsewhere. {5} Dilly also testified that when he attempted to obtain more information, DuarteMunoz told him there was more marijuana at the Wallace Street house, directed Dilly there, and explained where the marijuana was hidden. Duarte-Munoz said two people were there, watching the marijuana for Defendant. According to Dilly, “he was really good, as good as a paid informant.” {6} At one point, the prosecutor asked Dilly if Duarte-Munoz was a paid informant, or if Dilly had made any deal with him. Dilly answered: No, he was providing information with the hope of having charges later on down the line dropped. He — like I said, he was concerned about going to prison and not seeing his daughter. I told him, okay, what’s going to happen and I say this routinely with everybody that ends up going to jail, calling later, well, I’m not going to make any promises. You go to jail today, when you get out of jail you can contact us or your attorney can contact us. We’ll make an agreement with the district attorney’s office if that’s what he wanted to do. {7} Dilly, along with other officers, went to the address on Wallace Street. Dilly testified the odor of fresh marijuana was “very, very strong.” Defendant was at the house along with two other men. Approximately 500 pounds of marijuana, with a wholesale value of about $250,000, were recovered from a space beneath the floor. Its retail value would have been higher. One of the officers testified that, when the marijuana was discovered, Defendant punched him and tried to leave. After Defendant was subdued, Defendant vomited and began slamming his head against the floor. {8} The jury convicted Defendant of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, conspiracy, and possession of drug paraphernalia. DISCUSSION 1. Standard of Review {9} The court ruled that Duarte-Munoz’s statement, including the statement that Defendant directed Duarte-Munoz to the stash house, was admissible as a statement against penal interest under Rule 11-804(B)(3) NMRA. We review the admission of a state ment against penal interest by considering whether, in light of all the surrounding circumstances, it was an abuse of discretion to admit the statement. See Torres, 1998-NMSC-052, ¶ 15, 126 N.M. 477, 971 P.2d 1267. 2. Crawford v. Washington {10} In Crawford, the Supreme Court held that a testimonial statement made by an accomplice to police was inadmissible under the Confrontation Clause to the Sixth Amendment unless the accomplice was unavailable and the defendant had a prior opportunity to cross-examine the accomplice concerning the statement, regardless of whether the statement was against the accomplice’s penal interest. See Crawford, 124 S.Ct. at 1365. Crawford represents a significant break from prior law, reflected by Ohio v. Roberts, 448 U.S. 56, 66,100 S.Ct. 2531, 65 L.Ed.2d 597 (1980), which held that the admission of an out-of-court statement does not violate the Confrontation Clause, as long as it falls within a “firmly rooted hearsay exception” or bears “particularized guarantees of trustworthiness.” Id. Crawford overrules Ohio and holds that out-of-court testimonial statements, which include statements given to police, violates the Confrontation Clause unless the defendant has had a prior opportunity for cross-examination. Crawford, 124 S.Ct. at 1363. {11} Our law, including New Mexico Supreme Court case law, has relied on Ohio. See, e.g., State v. Martinez-Rodriguez, 2001-NMSC-029, ¶ 26, 131 N.M. 47, 33 P.3d 267; State v. Sanchez, 112 N.M. 59, 63-65, 811 P.2d 92, 96-98 (Ct.App.1991). We recognize that we are limited in our ability to overrule precedent of our Supreme Court. See Alexander v. Delgado, 84 N.M. 717, 718, 507 P.2d 778, 779 (1973). However, we are given more latitude when the precise issue has not been already decided by our Supreme Court. See State v. Parish, 118 N.M. 39, 47, 878 P.2d 988, 996 (1994); State v. Wilson, 116 N.M. 793, 795-96, 867 P.2d 1175, 1177-78 (1994). {12} Our Supreme Court has not yet had the opportunity to address Crawford, but we believe that we may decide its applicability without violating Alexander. Because Crawford interprets the federal constitution in a way that grants broader rights to criminal defendants, we believe we are bound to follow it. See Kilpatrick v. State, 103 N.M. 52, 53, 702 P.2d 997, 998 (1985) (stating that the State may grant broader rights under its own constitution than federal law, but may not restrict those rights to something less than those guaranteed under federal law). For this reason, we are confident that our Supreme Court would adopt Crawford, and we accept this opportunity to adopt Crawford in New Mexico. {13} Crawford is directly on point, and we need not engage in a lengthy discussion of its analysis or rationale. Under Crawford, even if Duarte-Munoz’s entire statement is characterized as a statement against penal interest, it is inadmissible because he was not subjected to cross examination. See Crawford, 124 S.Ct. at 1357. 3. State v. Torres {14} Even without adopting Crawford, our conclusion that the statement is inadmissible would remain the same. A statement is against penal interest when it is so far contrary to the declarant’s penal interest that “a reasonable person in the declarant’s position would not have made the statement [without] believing it to be true.” See Torres, 1998-NMSC-052, ¶ 14, 126 N.M. 477, 971 P.2d 1267 (internal quotation marks omitted). The rationale underlying Rule 11-804(B)(3) is that a statement asserting a fact distinctly against one’s interest is unlikely to be false, and is therefore admissible even without oath and cross-examination. See State v. Gonzales, 1999-NMSC-033, ¶ 9, 128 N.M. 44, 989 P.2d 419. In determining whether a statement is against penal interest, we consider whether the statement is offered in exchange for leniency, and whether it shifts blame to another. See Sanchez, 112 N.M. at 65, 811 P.2d at 98. When a narrative is being considered, Torres requires a statement-by-statement consideration of each statement to determine whether it is admissible. Torres, 1998-NMSC-052, ¶ 14, 126 N.M. 477, 971 P.2d 1267; Martinez-Rodriguez, 2001-NMSC-029, ¶24, 131 N.M. 47, 33 P.3d 267. However, necessary context can be provided if it is necessary. See Torres, 1998-NMSC-052, ¶ 14, 126 N.M. 477, 971 P.2d 1267. {15} When a statement is given to authorities to curry favor, or motivated by a hope for leniency, it is not necessarily against penal interest. See State v. Gutierrez, 119 N.M. 658, 661, 894 P.2d 1014, 1017 (Ct.App. 1995); State v. Huerta, 104 N.M. 340, 343, 721 P.2d 408, 411 (Ct.App.1986). The declarant’s “subjective beliefs” are relevant when the statement was made pursuant to self-interest or some other countervailing motive. See Gonzales, 1999-NMSC-033, ¶ 13, 128 N.M. 44, 989 P.2d 419. {16} Here, the State contends, and the district court accepted, that the statement was admissible because it was against penal interest. We agree that Duarte-Munoz’s admission that he attempted to sell thirty pounds of marijuana is against penal interest, but we must perform an analysis of each statement. Torres, 1998-NMSC-052, ¶ 14, 126 N.M. 477, 971 P.2d 1267. {17} We do not see the discrete statement that Duarte-Munoz obtained guidance from Defendant as being against interest. At the time he told police that Defendant gave him directions on how to complete the sale, Duarte-Munoz, a seventeen-year-old, had just damaged several police cars trying to escape and had been arrested in a drug bust. He was under significant stress and repeatedly expressed his fear of going to jail because he was concerned for his young daughter. Detective Dilly testified that he was “crying out for help,” and “was providing information with the hope of having charges later on down the line dropped.” Even the prosecutor, during closing argument, explained to the jury that Duarte-Munoz decided to give up his father out of his own self-interest: “Well, it turned out [Duarte-Munoz] is a little selfish like everyone is. He’s a little selfish. He does not want to go to jail, so he blurts it all out, I don’t want to go to jail. My daughter, my this, my that, I don’t want to go to jail.” The evidence supports the conclusion that Duarte-Munoz’s motivation for providing information that he was proceeding at Defendant’s direction was made to curry favor with the police, and with the belief or hope that the information might lessen his culpability. {18} Against strong evidence supporting this conclusion, there is very little countervailing evidence that Duarte-Munoz’s statement was necessarily against his penal interest. In reality, Duarte-Munoz’s admission that he sold the drugs provided no new information, since the police had already caught Duarte-Munoz trying to sell the drugs to them in an undercover sting. Under the circumstances, Duarte-Munoz’s admission of his own guilt is not compelling. See State v. Toney, 2002-NMSC-003, ¶ 10, 131 N.M. 558, 40 P.3d 1002 (contrasting statements in which, “ ‘as is common in police-station confessions, the declarant admits only what the [police] are already capable of proving against him [or her] and seeks to shift the principal blame to another’ ”) (quoting United States v. Shea, 211 F.3d 658, 669 (1st Cir.2000)). Duarte-Munoz had just been caught red-handed, and admitted only what the police could already easily prove. His additional remark describing Defendant’s purported role was not self-inculpatory. Rather, it was the kind of classic blame shifting that occurs once the “jig” is up. See Lilly v. Virginia, 527 U.S. 116, 131, 119 S.Ct. 1887, 144 L.Ed.2d 117 (1999) (recognizing that accomplice’s confessions that incriminate defendants are “presumptively unreliable”). Under these circumstances, Duarte-Munoz’s incrimination of Defendant is not against his own penal interest because the evidence strongly demonstrates an attempt to curry favor and lessen his own culpability. See Gutierrez, 119 N.M. at 661, 894 P.2d at 1017. {19} Gonzales, 1999-NMSC-033, ¶¶ 10-11, 128 N.M. 44, 989 P.2d 419, is arguably contrary to our conclusion. It holds that the declarant’s statement that the defendant had paid him to do the killings, so that the killing was at the behest of another, was sufficiently against penal interest to warrant its admission. Therefore, it can be read as announcing a rule that an accomplice’s statement that the crime was committed at the behest of another is against penal interest. But Gonzales does not govern the outcome here, and illustrates how all of the surrounding circumstances must be considered in determining whether a statement is against penal interest. {20} In Gonzales, the declarant’s statement to an acquaintance that the defendant paid an accomplice for the killings subjected the accomplice to first degree murder, supplied a motive for the killings, and subjected the accomplice to additional charges, including conspiracy to commit first degree murder. See id. ¶ 3. In contrast, in the current ease, the statement was made to a police officer. We have recognized that statements acknowledging criminal activity made to friends and acquaintances is more likely to be sufficiently trustworthy than statements made to authorities, which are more likely to be motivated by a desire to curry favor. See Gutierrez, 119 N.M. at 661, 894 P.2d at 1017. We also find the accomplice’s bragging to an acquaintance in Gonzales to be distinguishable from the energetic attempt to curry favor with the authorities that we have in this case. {21} Torres permits the admission of context when the context is necessary to show that the statement was self-inculpatory. Torres, 1998-NMSC-052, ¶ 14, 126 N.M. 477, 971 P.2d 1267. We do not think that the part of the statement blaming Defendant provides necessary context to understand Duarte-Munoz’s statement that he sold thirty pounds of marijuana. Duarte-Munoz’s statement that he sold thirty pounds of marijuana is clear on its own. The added remark that he did so at Defendant’s direction is not necessary to explain why his admission was self-inculpatory. {22} Consequently, even under the guidelines existing prior to Crawford, Duarte-Munoz’s attempt to shift blame to Defendant is unreliable and inadmissible as a statement against penal interest. Even if we did not adopt Crawford, under the analysis contained in our existing case law we would reach the same result. 4. Sufficiency of Evidence {23} Defendant contends the evidence is insufficient to support his convictions for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute. We review the evidence to determine whether any rational jury could have found each element of the offense proven beyond a reasonable doubt. See State v. Garcia, 114 N.M. 269, 274, 837 P.2d 862, 867 (1992). The elements of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute are that Defendant had marijuana in his possession; knew it was marijuana; and intended to transfer it to another. See UJI 14-3111 NMRA. The elements of conspiracy to commit possession of marijuana with intent to distribute are that Defendant and another person by words or acts agreed to commit the offense of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. See UJI 14-2810 NMRA. {24} Defendant contends that without the inadmissible statement of DuarteMunoz, the evidence is insufficient because all that remains is that Defendant was merely present where the marijuana was found. Defendant misunderstands our task. In determining whether the case should be remanded for retrial, we evaluate whether all the evidence, including the wrongfully admitted evidence, is sufficient to support a conviction. If so, retrial following appeal is not barred. State v. Post, 109 N.M. 177, 181, 783 P.2d 487, 491 (Ct.App.1989). There was evidence that Defendant was found in the stash house, that the smell of marijuana was strong and obvious, that there was a large quantity of marijuana in the basement, and that Defendant tried to escape from the police when the investigation turned up marijuana, even punching one of the officers. Once subdued, Defendant threw up, and slammed his head on the floor, like “a child throwing a temper tantrum.” A reasonable jury could view Defendant’s behavior as a strong reaction by someone who possessed— and just lost — a relatively large quantity of marijuana. The quantity seized is enough by itself to provide support for a finding of intent to sell. There was also evidence that Duarte-Munoz had just obtained marijuana from the same place where Defendant was present with the remaining marijuana. We conclude that these facts are sufficient to allow a rational jury to find Defendant guilty of possession with intent to distribute, and conspiracy. See State v. Jacobs, 2000-NMSC-026, ¶ 15, 129 N.M. 448, 10 P.3d 127(stating that flight is evidence of consciousness of guilt); State v. Hernandez, 1998-NMCA-082, ¶¶ 7-14, 125 N.M. 661, 964 P.2d 825 (rejecting the defendant’s argument that the evidence was insufficient because the drugs were hidden, where the van smelled strongly of marijuana, other odors suggested that paint and silicone were being used to mask the smell, and physical alterations to the van should have been apparent to the defendant); State v. Donaldson, 100 N.M. 111, 118-19, 666 P.2d 1258, 1265-66 (Ct.App. 1983) (stating that proof of possession of a large quantity of a controlled substance is sufficient proof of trafficking); State v. Johnston, 98 N.M. 92, 95, 645 P.2d 448, 451 (Ct. App.1982) (stating that conspiracy is rarely susceptible of direct proof, and that circumstantial evidence is sufficient to support a conspiracy conviction). {25} For these reasons, we reverse and remand for a new trial. {26} IT IS SO ORDERED. I CONCUR: MICHAEL E. VIGIL, Judge. IRA ROBINSON, Judge, concurring in result only.
[ -0.010599943809211254, -0.028491800650954247, -0.02803766541182995, 0.00999279972165823, 0.054884638637304306, -0.018172459676861763, 0.0758616253733635, 0.028927987441420555, 0.010540002025663853, -0.04890639707446098, 0.010739997029304504, 0.024017903953790665, -0.05630691722035408, 0.02288053371012211, -0.0007408292149193585, 0.08102438598871231, 0.06608457863330841, -0.013847814872860909, -0.00528446352109313, 0.007228703238070011, 0.01228711474686861, 0.003746566828340292, -0.0035992320626974106, 0.02989942394196987, 0.018509188666939735, 0.0068342615850269794, -0.02319955639541149, 0.02390087954699993, -0.07070604711771011, 0.006555073894560337, 0.06453172117471695, -0.004168613813817501, 0.006607710849493742, -0.03161188215017319, -0.0266888290643692, -0.014580624178051949, -0.006603622809052467, 0.004094889387488365, -0.02527443878352642, 0.03755628690123558, -0.05238701403141022, 0.007796631194651127, -0.04653705283999443, -0.022511648014187813, -0.04440288990736008, -0.03463209792971611, 0.03188055381178856, 0.06150641292333603, -0.01912272721529007, 0.008987152017652988, -0.04556232690811157, 0.006385029759258032, -0.03229406848549843, 0.04888720065355301, -0.0013741456205025315, 0.022176990285515785, -0.057645346969366074, -0.06199534237384796, 0.006375156808644533, -0.038868118077516556, -0.01937425136566162, -0.006947639398276806, 0.059244558215141296, -0.01739930920302868, 0.028033209964632988, -0.01671396568417549, 0.04452601075172424, 0.013434041291475296, -0.05383031442761421, -0.0416550375521183, -0.048202164471149445, -0.042340319603681564, 0.0353386327624321, -0.04937282204627991, -0.032331302762031555, -0.009320792742073536, 0.010560407303273678, 0.00826744269579649, -0.020744765177369118, 0.04706354811787605, 0.019219480454921722, -0.002786808181554079, 0.014874446205794811, 0.03471974655985832, -0.004766912665218115, -0.07003799080848694, -0.0019682571291923523, -0.03501993790268898, -0.04724700748920441, 0.018008286133408546, -0.05364670976996422, -0.002148146042600274, 0.023606786504387856, 0.039533212780952454, -0.02750842273235321, 0.021450093016028404, 0.07049208134412766, -0.06331758201122284, 0.016988588497042656, -0.0037918584421277046, -0.04384315758943558, -0.022829223424196243, 0.0036868827883154154, 0.08277612179517746, -0.07426073402166367, 0.042761825025081635, -0.013561087660491467, 0.0003852162917610258, -0.0028980497736483812, 0.03440689668059349, 0.014766396023333073, 0.05632045865058899, -0.02360898070037365, -0.025959646329283714, -0.05165940523147583, 0.05641409754753113, 0.021733539178967476, -0.01397114247083664, -0.022732676938176155, -0.014006393030285835, 0.023016920313239098, 0.020667418837547302, 0.013417239300906658, 0.08342796564102173, 0.02911272644996643, -0.007647480815649033, 0.01160217821598053, 0.030481785535812378, -0.0013499089982360601, -0.04876936227083206, -0.0004800591559614986, 0.03881322965025902, 0.03223123773932457, -0.01357672642916441, -0.007509768940508366, -0.05241040885448456, -0.01056901179254055, -0.015230078250169754, 0.030774565413594246, -0.04325857385993004, -0.03297901526093483, -0.0335063599050045, 0.023127565160393715, 0.01597929559648037, 0.05950520187616348, -0.016582299023866653, 0.0046244035474956036, -0.053718846291303635, -0.014647984877228737, 0.012644828297197819, 0.06725044548511505, 0.05258374661207199, 0.02330823615193367, -0.05468577519059181, 0.019546501338481903, 0.07962845265865326, 0.018269158899784088, -0.0173930786550045, -0.008892546407878399, 0.011582871899008751, 0.02962857484817505, 0.027970891445875168, 0.014289825223386288, -0.03146113455295563, -0.0068278843536973, 0.021422898396849632, -0.021630801260471344, 0.0027267183177173138, -0.03404965624213219, 0.046042852103710175, -0.03930461406707764, -0.032834962010383606, 0.06863677501678467, -0.04434620589017868, -0.008372797630727291, 0.037380680441856384, 0.04013920575380325, 0.024045655503869057, -0.0029486047569662333, -0.02508246898651123, -0.06245982274413109, 0.06258144229650497, 0.010803183540701866, -0.012334891594946384, -0.04231823608279228, -0.004537596832960844, 0.04178856313228607, -0.0024061729200184345, 0.001776008284650743, -0.003357871435582638, -0.01917082443833351, -0.05086938291788101, -0.017522023990750313, -0.04309186339378357, 0.049218952655792236, 0.04981927201151848, -0.033087339252233505, 0.044885821640491486, -0.0005691511905752122, 0.026441199705004692, 0.021229097619652748, 0.01742575317621231, 0.07269579917192459, -0.05370791256427765, -0.05503039062023163, 0.01624385453760624, 0.056691549718379974, -0.013510629534721375, -0.003995542414486408, 0.06532645970582962, -0.05257546529173851, -0.007613449357450008, -0.002944727661088109, -0.01598425582051277, 0.028488878160715103, -0.029756560921669006, 0.052608225494623184, -0.03061273880302906, 0.03752482682466507, -0.026696113869547844, 0.0518411360681057, 0.013081848621368408, -0.017093410715460777, 0.034142620861530304, -0.03832833468914032, 0.11041519045829773, 0.048810359090566635, -0.04771358147263527, -0.023392366245388985, 0.008112244307994843, -0.006684823427349329, -0.023815419524908066, -0.003623990574851632, -0.025074731558561325, 0.04436032846570015, 0.018565835431218147, 0.019943755120038986, 0.004250572994351387, 0.026696836575865746, -0.0493643544614315, 0.00900265108793974, 0.07034961134195328, 0.0117037920281291, 0.05045487359166145, -0.04313693568110466, -0.017963280901312828, -0.0014208009233698249, 0.026256823912262917, -0.004916684236377478, -0.01686503365635872, -0.0059562427923083305, -0.003453967161476612, 0.001650238293223083, -0.03421005234122276, 0.05377691611647606, -0.056749846786260605, -0.007568534463644028, -0.01124968845397234, 0.05268653854727745, 0.02214830555021763, -0.03153121843934059, 0.04415234923362732, 0.019278451800346375, -0.0004544155381154269, -0.046978384256362915, -0.01994411088526249, -0.030019378289580345, 0.022607019171118736, 0.001052527455613017, 0.026641467586159706, 0.028503453359007835, -0.041917845606803894, -0.01672695390880108, -0.012124310247600079, 0.029442360624670982, 0.03531742841005325, -0.008890525437891483, 0.02717362903058529, -0.013474136590957642, 0.031393829733133316, 0.015681041404604912, 0.022588839754462242, -0.0417381227016449, -0.0077081420458853245, -0.00018726957205217332, -0.07008951157331467, -0.01955026015639305, -0.016374949365854263, -0.07301019132137299, 0.07205222547054291, 0.01710549369454384, 0.018405558541417122, -0.015037046745419502, 0.030761905014514923, 0.029997821897268295, 0.035773493349552155, 0.013278416357934475, 0.016901986673474312, 0.03605405241250992, -0.014941786415874958, 0.026178406551480293, 0.02030618116259575, 0.03713272884488106, -0.023755164816975594, 0.04119057580828667, 0.018469464033842087, 0.001557354349642992, 0.016163751482963562, -0.26382607221603394, 0.023185499012470245, -0.03779015317559242, -0.04515811800956726, 0.03524776175618172, -0.0047883447259664536, -0.0012271628947928548, -0.02191731333732605, -0.04115191847085953, 0.0681069940328598, 0.0063720522448420525, -0.05502254515886307, 0.005291083361953497, 0.06151878461241722, 0.023676013574004173, 0.005854749586433172, 0.017551112920045853, -0.01580744981765747, 0.006001608446240425, 0.009263433516025543, 0.009488619863986969, -0.03229397162795067, -0.0486605167388916, 0.003056035842746496, 0.03669317439198494, 0.061787236481904984, -0.038955140858888626, -0.0022462632041424513, -0.041152872145175934, -0.020316217094659805, -0.024145960807800293, -0.015487754717469215, -0.010627576150000095, -0.017481772229075432, -0.019120117649435997, 0.0026006384287029505, 0.0316043384373188, -0.015768926590681076, -0.05633370950818062, -0.0004421183839440346, -0.008948798291385174, -0.019019756466150284, -0.016747409477829933, 0.024032173678278923, 0.04484586790204048, 0.011067574843764305, -0.024466801434755325, 0.00041580270044505596, -0.0023094690404832363, 0.050313640385866165, -0.037842679768800735, 0.011292229406535625, -0.04709792137145996, 0.008084505796432495, -0.010538021102547646, 0.017126992344856262, -0.025914544239640236, 0.00022182942484505475, -0.06865958869457245, 0.05681464448571205, 0.033251356333494186, -0.032691530883312225, -0.01715247891843319, -0.01605588011443615, -0.013577478006482124, -0.0484519898891449, -0.003907760139554739, -0.06014781817793846, 0.11418281495571136, 0.0336398147046566, 0.02741377428174019, 0.06883423030376434, 0.0017558321123942733, -0.07246668636798859, 0.03427528962492943, -0.001966233132407069, -0.04333845153450966, -0.021772904321551323, -0.004913062788546085, -0.0006846720934845507, -0.04534228891134262, 0.015347280539572239, 0.03536088764667511, -0.021534832194447517, -0.019623614847660065, -0.02516321651637554, -0.02365817502140999, 0.08498309552669525, -0.05221685767173767, 0.028514685109257698, 0.06202324479818344, 0.041835106909275055, 0.026849549263715744, -0.03958248719573021, -0.009883073158562183, 0.03135576471686363, 0.03342701494693756, -0.009988089092075825, -0.028590362519025803, 0.012804118916392326, 0.013232650235295296, -0.06617852300405502, 0.033289242535829544, -0.045416150242090225, -0.003427790245041251, -0.007925692945718765, -0.05952540412545204, 0.017518704757094383, 0.03451085090637207, 0.010726453736424446, 0.03204427286982536, -0.037615083158016205, 0.054074324667453766, -0.023633530363440514, 0.00447264825925231, -0.018148699775338173, 0.02004905790090561, 0.0038252612575888634, 0.035128068178892136, -0.0033653343562036753, 0.014696698635816574, 0.0006054713157936931, -0.0134752057492733, -0.0462694950401783, -0.08655828982591629, 0.002451264066621661, -0.00008358088962268084, 0.017518041655421257, -0.014155305922031403, 0.022170010954141617, -0.03557081148028374, -0.010270200669765472, 0.006160416640341282, 0.008845568634569645, 0.029907191172242165, -0.01705242693424225, -0.05641211196780205, -0.04176947474479675, 0.016237441450357437, 0.008740993216633797, 0.044151682406663895, -0.007105875760316849, 0.025632964447140694, 0.0148525545373559, 0.01883714646100998, -0.03997068479657173, 0.04272305220365524, 0.00483578909188509, -0.078502357006073, 0.025410834699869156, 0.023668289184570312, -0.06390199810266495, 0.015234606340527534, -0.0374559685587883, -0.03958100080490112, 0.008609214797616005, 0.003234531031921506, 0.011420619674026966, -0.024577798321843147, -0.046775273978710175, 0.019999271258711815, -0.025944199413061142, -0.00859794020652771, -0.03296482563018799, 0.00240855454467237, 0.054364435374736786, -0.02998008392751217, -0.00005095524466014467, -0.03895892947912216, 0.06222149357199669, -0.02972620539367199, -0.09170389175415039, -0.06446604430675507, -0.015879401937127113, 0.0326932817697525, 0.021100416779518127, -0.02447674237191677, 0.023827314376831055, 0.020672032609581947, 0.007683481089770794, 0.013193885795772076, -0.06154661625623703, -0.023027854040265083, -0.028048988431692123, 0.05049091950058937, -0.06976546347141266, 0.0031620231457054615, -0.055185288190841675, 0.010677102953195572, 0.04900401085615158, -0.017632165923714638, 0.029851572588086128, -0.01825515739619732, 0.014794455841183662, -0.0719204843044281, -0.08139971643686295, -0.023495469242334366, 0.003979989793151617, 0.035237718373537064, 0.042230695486068726, 0.015057102777063847, -0.02739114500582218, -0.036203786730766296, 0.022997910156846046, -0.0062998817302286625, -0.0319230817258358, 0.02415630593895912, 0.05309396609663963, -0.04269993677735329, 0.03378603607416153, -0.0639868751168251, -0.02913719229400158, -0.03982556238770485, 0.025454619899392128, 0.06413955986499786, -0.043135255575180054, 0.0398690439760685, -0.024395514279603958, -0.03670712187886238, 0.0033238523174077272, 0.02159549482166767, -0.03743830695748329, -0.02931724674999714, 0.018210027366876602, -0.012657693587243557, 0.07184721529483795, -0.026013208553195, -0.017068171873688698, 0.03551115095615387, -0.0207647867500782, -0.011464763432741165, -0.05606217309832573, 0.03087179735302925, 0.05774642899632454, -0.03793235123157501, 0.0013239167165011168, -0.019182434305548668, 0.003101263428106904, -0.036629583686590195, 0.048328012228012085, 0.04952413588762283, 0.0008458976517431438, -0.017913270741701126, -0.0378781221807003, 0.013879290781915188, 0.013839591294527054, 0.024354049935936928, -0.014571938663721085, 0.011919943615794182, 0.09124404937028885, 0.034754592925310135, -0.009155509993433952, -0.025406554341316223, -0.020221825689077377, 0.04191407188773155, -0.01807369291782379, -0.0223145242780447, 0.023170914500951767, -0.06635577976703644, 0.031160453334450722, -0.006497447844594717, -0.013450216501951218, -0.01867152377963066, -0.0069830287247896194, 0.018068835139274597, -0.011493627913296223, 0.015313604846596718, 0.0002787141129374504, 0.05750339478254318, -0.06265804171562195, 0.001228473149240017, -0.08831851929426193, 0.028686990961432457, 0.011923996731638908, 0.03277311846613884, 0.033440280705690384, 0.013226812705397606, -0.011294863186776638, 0.011730224825441837, -0.06577638536691666, -0.04271266981959343, 0.009458454325795174, -0.014302189461886883, -0.05560973659157753, 0.04158477485179901, -0.012895289808511734, 0.024709761142730713, 0.003809651592746377, -0.057233091443777084, -0.054229769855737686, -0.004768937360495329, 0.011789156123995781, 0.02700437791645527, -0.015315721742808819, -0.00677994592115283, -0.022415174171328545, 0.04813104867935181, 0.03714371472597122, 0.004265901632606983, 0.02837243303656578, -0.050585564225912094, 0.016411570832133293, 0.04830484092235565, -0.029932556673884392, -0.049736302345991135, 0.035118188709020615, 0.007622592616826296, -0.0703311413526535, -0.011301049031317234, -0.0029306341893970966, -0.022081490606069565, -0.04631340503692627, 0.028083620592951775, -0.000015933390386635438, -0.03524555638432503, -0.044057782739400864, 0.002603057073429227, -0.01472095213830471, -0.009031756781041622, 0.01286377850919962, 0.053731586784124374, -0.009325852617621422, 0.060205116868019104, 0.0006330912001430988, 0.08004772663116455, 0.052286408841609955, 0.0167135838419199, 0.009788796305656433, -0.03727252408862114, 0.041915927082300186, 0.03129112720489502, 0.026002762839198112, 0.007687193341553211, 0.03182901814579964, 0.007583301048725843, -0.014950687065720558, 0.014180442318320274, -0.03044738806784153, 0.014687399379909039, 0.01078395452350378, 0.030636589974164963, 0.07106208056211472, -0.013178949244320393, 0.03614098206162453, 0.0030345027334988117, -0.00587925361469388, 0.06798771023750305, -0.006327293813228607, 0.02763388492166996, 0.04609782621264458, -0.008853770792484283, -0.03391954302787781, -0.012904027476906776, -0.034555304795503616, -0.011457961983978748, 0.018563471734523773, -0.004101878963410854, -0.004628503695130348, -0.05023770034313202, 0.01333527360111475, -0.026911351829767227, 0.005937450099736452, 0.08072979748249054, -0.031567834317684174, 0.0038460558280348778, 0.00819232128560543, 0.020297056064009666, 0.03636608645319939, 0.003627689555287361, 0.011141142807900906, -0.005655993241816759, 0.001509105204604566, -0.04854942485690117, -0.031082285568118095, 0.03742709755897522, 0.004128030966967344, 0.041512634605169296, -0.009251263923943043, 0.0030590661335736513, 0.050878774374723434, 0.0233321413397789, -0.0365484394133091, -0.04574916139245033, -0.03585375100374222, -0.002038491191342473, -0.0046035596169531345, -0.02368699386715889, 0.0010291433427482843, -0.03926684334874153, -0.019276371225714684, 0.013743298128247261, 0.012699726037681103, -0.0004647847672458738, 0.052318405359983444, -0.029476607218384743, -0.022590219974517822, 0.048254746943712234, 0.053058236837387085, 0.019612375646829605, 0.006176033057272434, 0.051557134836912155, -0.00870774406939745, -0.030633950605988503, -0.018376197665929794, -0.04230798780918121, 0.03737904876470566, -0.02271001599729061, -0.02509978786110878, -0.06884392350912094, 0.003911413252353668, -0.02237234078347683, -0.030623994767665863, -0.07411161810159683, 0.0047892979346215725, -0.03745751082897186, -0.027112821117043495, 0.05765969678759575, 0.0037398640997707844, -0.009639991447329521, -0.0018413810757920146, -0.00983555056154728, -0.011275422759354115, -0.0013986083213239908, 0.07212512940168381, -0.03686711937189102, 0.0425163097679615, 0.042182452976703644, 0.00024175945145543665, -0.040490590035915375, 0.028717951849102974, 0.05371066927909851, 0.0317719466984272, -0.038676146417856216, 0.019521959125995636, 0.01269547175616026, -0.07771599292755127, -0.03728310763835907, -0.02375069074332714, -0.032598286867141724, -0.06791955977678299, -0.01525735855102539, -0.03100963681936264, 0.005773462820798159, -0.041514139622449875, -0.006507371552288532, 0.06443927437067032, -0.05683930218219757, -0.012101123109459877, -0.00033015149529092014, 0.024969741702079773, 0.0035505436826497316, -0.02588794007897377, -0.019542906433343887, -0.056730397045612335, 0.027811171486973763, -0.02964230254292488, 0.030293963849544525, 0.017720088362693787, 0.013365034945309162, -0.0378468856215477 ]
OPINION PICKARD, Judge. {1} Jerry and Lois Hilburn (the Hilburns) executed a continuing guaranty of debts that Western Auto Rentals and Sales, Inc. (WARS) owed to Valley Bank of Commerce (Bank). When WARS defaulted on a $1.4 million loan, Bank negotiated settlements with WARS and the other individuals who had guaranteed the loan. The Hilburns did not participate in the settlement, contending that they were not liable for the debt. Bank sued the Hilburns for breach of contract and damages in the amount of the debt remaining after the settlement. The Hilburns counter-sued under a number of theories, including that Bank had orally agreed to return the guaranty before WARS incurred the debt. A jury returned a verdict finding that neither party should recover, and Bank appealed. First, we address a procedural matter. We hold that in jury trial cases, where one of the parties files a post-trial motion for judgment as a matter of law, the time to file a notice of appeal does not begin to run until the trial court enters an order denying that motion. Finding Bank’s appeal timely, we address the merits of the appeal. We hold that the jury could have reasonably determined that the Hilburns were released from their guaranty through an oral agreement preceding the disputed indebtedness. On that basis, we affirm the jury verdict. FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS {2} WARS was a business that rented and sold used cars in Roswell, New Mexico. The principals of the business were Ron Peerson, his wife Elly Peerson, Donald “Pug” Thigpen, and his wife Katherine Collier. Aso involved in the business were the Hilburns, who provided $625,000 to assist in starting up WARS’ operations under a deal that was either a purchase of stock or a loan. {3} In October 1996, the Hilburns executed an Unconditional and Continuing Guaranty that guaranteed debts that WARS owed to Bank. The guaranty applied to “any and all liabilities, obligations or indebtedness of any kind or nature whatsoever, which now exist or may hereafter arise or accrue in any manner” between WARS and Bank. The guaranty agreement also provided that WARS could incur new debts that the Hilburns would guaranty, and it waived the Hilburns’ right to notice of any new debts for which they would be liable. The'guaranty agreement also gave Bank the ability to change the terms of the debt, to change or release other guarantors from the agreements, and to release or sell the collateral without affecting the Hilburns’ guaranty. The Peersons, Thigpen, and Collier were also guarantors for the debts of WARS. {4} In order to provide financing for the cars it was selling, WARS created an entity called Western Auto Finance, L.L.C. (WAF). WAF entered into an agreement with Bank that set up the following arrangement. WAF would enter into an installment contract with a consumer who was purchasing a vehicle from WARS. WAF would then sell the installment contract to Bank for face value. WAF would remain responsible for pursuing the consumer if there was a problem with payment, and WAF had a recourse obligation to pay the balance of the installment contract if the consumer did not. WAF and Bank split the interest on the installment contract. Although the Peersons, Thigpen, and Collier were involved in the operations of WAF, the Hilburns were not involved in the operation of WAF or in the relationship between WAF and Bank. {5} In November 1996, Jerry Hilburn took . out a $200,000 personal loan from Bank. That loan was eventually extended, increased to $275,000, and secured by the assets of three video stores that Jerry Hilburn purported to own. In January 2000, Bank determined that Jerry Hilburn did not actually own the assets that he pledged to secure his personal loan. {6} Both parties agree that in January 2000, Jerry Hilburn had a phone conversation with Bank’s president, John Burson (Burson). According to Bank, Burson refused Jerry Hilburn’s request to be relieved from the WARS guaranty in return for full payment of his personal note because the two obligations were separate. According to the Hilburns, Burson accepted his offer and agreed to release them from the guaranty in return for full payment of Jerry Hilburn’s personal note. Jerry Hilburn did pay his personal debt in full. {7} In February 2000, Bank extended WARS a loan for $1,553,000, which the parties refer to as “Note 5342.” Note 5342 consolidated a series of earlier loans to WARS in order to facilitate one monthly payment. {8} In July 2000, Jerry Hilburn sent a letter to Bank stating: This is notice pursuant to the unconditional and continuing Guaranty dated October 29, 1996 and all other similar guarantees signed previous or subsequent relative to Western Automobile Rental and Sales, Inc. or any of its successors, that the undersigned elects not to guarantee any new indebtedness of the Borrower, (Western Automobile Rental and Sales, Inc. or its successors) to Valley Bank which may hereafter accrue. The letter was signed by Jerry Hilburn only. {9} WARS defaulted on its obligations to Bank in November 2000. WAF had also fallen on hard times, as more and more installment contracts went into default and increased the debt that WAF owed Bank based on the recourse obligation. Bank called a meeting with the guarantors of the WARS debt in January 2001 in order to negotiate a workout agreement. Jerry Hilburn attended the meeting and participated in the discussions that led to Bank’s agreement to reduce the obligations of WAF and WARS by $750,000 in return for a $200,000 payment on the loan. The agreement was made in light of the fact that WARS and WAF were in the process of applying for a government loan to keep the businesses afloat. After the agreement was drafted, Jerry Hilburn refused to sign it. In February 2001, there was a heated phone conversation between Burson and Jerry Hilburn, in which Burson told Hilburn that if he did not enter into the workout agreement, Bank would enter a workout agreement with the Peersons, Thigpen, and Collier and sue the Hilburns for the balance of the WARS loan. {10} Bank entered into an agreement with Thigpen and Collier in March 2001, whereby they would borrow $1,450,000 from Bank, secured by a mortgage on their farm and home, and use that money to pay down the WARS and WAF debts. A new entity, New Western Enterprises, would buy the assets of WARS and WAF and would try to secure the government loan to continue operations. In return, Bank agreed not to pursue WARS, WAF, Thigpen, or Collier for the approximately $750,000 of the balance of the WARS and WAF debts. At trial, Thigpen testified that he had made an oral agreement with Bank that the Hilburns would be released from the guaranty on the first note if Thigpen and Collier secured their new loan with their farm and home. However, the written agreement between Thigpen and Collier and Bank contained a provision stating that the agreement would not affect “any and all rights of Bank against Ron and Elly Peerson (‘Peerson’) or Jerry and Lois Hilburn (‘Hilburn’) and shall not effect or in any way cause a discharge of Peerson and Hilburn from any liability or obligation to Bank[.]” After the agreement was executed, $627,818.78 of the money that Thigpen and Collier borrowed from Bank was applied to Note 5342, as well as another, separate note. The remainder was used to pay off other debts owed by WARS and WAF. {11} Bank filed suit against the Hilburns for breach of contract in order to collect the balance due on Note 5342. The Hilburns filed a counterclaim for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and a myriad of other claims. After a full trial, the jury returned a verdict stating, “We find neither party should recover.” After the district court denied Bank’s motion for judgment as a matter of law, Bank appealed. DISCUSSION 1. Timeliness of Appeal. {12} In their brief, the Hilburns contended that Bank’s appeal should be held to be untimely. Although the Hilburns withdrew this point at oral argument, we proceed to address it because timeliness of the appeal is a mandatory precondition to our jurisdiction. See Rice v. Gonzales, 79 N.M. 377, 378, 444 P.2d 288, 289 (1968) (addressing the timeliness issue despite the fact that neither party raised it). On April 17, 2003, Bank filed a timely motion for judgment as a matter of law under Rule 1-050 NMRA 2004. The district court held a hearing on May 28, 2003, and it entered an order denying Bank’s motion on June 4, 2003. Bank filed a notice of appeal on July 3, 2003. {13} According to the Hilburns, Bank’s motion for judgment as a matter of law was automatically denied under NMSA 1978, § 39-1-1 (1917), which provides: Any judgment, or decree, except in cases where trial by jury is necessary, may be rendered by the judge of the district court at any place where he may be in this state, and the district courts, except for jury trials, are declared to be at all times in session for all purposes, including the naturalization of aliens____ Final judgments and decrees, entered by district courts in all cases tried pursuant to the provisions of this section shall remain under the control of such courts for a period of thirty days after the entry thereof, and for such further time as may be necessary to enable the court to pass upon and dispose of any motion which may have been filed within such period, directed against such judgment; provided, that if the court shall fail to rule upon such motion within thirty days after the filing thereof, such failure to rule shall be deemed a denial thereof[.] (Emphasis added.) If this interpretation were accurate, Bank’s motion would have been deemed denied on May 17, 2003, and Bank’s appeal would be untimely under Rule 12-20KD) NMRA 2004. Rule 12-201(D) reads in pertinent part: D. Post-trial motions extending the time for appeal. If a party timely files a motion pursuant to Section 39-1-1 NMSA 1978, Rule 1-050(B), 1-052(B)(2), or 1-059 or a motion pursuant to Rule 5-614 based on grounds other than newly discovered evidence, the full time prescribed in this rule for the filing of the notice of appeal shall commence to run and be computed from either the entry of an order expressly disposing of the motion or the date of any automatic denial of the motion under that statute or any of those rules, whichever occurs first. {14} Bank responds that Rule 1-050, which does not include an automatic denial provision, controls the issue. The applicable part of Rule 1-050 reads: B. Renewing motion for judgment after trial; alternative motion for new trial. If, for any reason, the court does not grant a motion for judgment as a matter of law made at the close of all the evidence, the court is considered to have submitted the action to the jury subject to the court’s later deciding the legal questions raised by the motion. The movant may renew its request for judgment as a matter of law by filing a motion no later than ten (10) days after entry of judgment — and may alternatively request a new trial or join a motion for a new trial under Rule 1-059 NMRA. In ruling on a renewed motion, the court may: (1) if a verdict was returned: (a) allow the judgment to stand; (b) order a new trial; or (c) direct entry of judgment as a matter of law[.] D. Denial of motion for judgment as a matter of law. If the motion for judgment as a matter of law is denied, the party who prevailed on that motion may, as appellee, assert grounds entitling the party to a new trial in the event the appellate court concludes that the trial court erred in denying the motion for judgment. If the appellate court reverses the judgment, nothing in this rule precludes it from determining that the appellee is entitled to a new trial, or from directing the trial court to determine whether a new trial shall be granted. {15} The Supreme Court amended Rule 1-050 in 1999 in order to conform the New Mexico rule with the Federal Rule of Civil Procedure, which had been amended primarily to change the familiar terminology of “directed verdict” and “judgment n.o.v.” to the single term “judgment as a matter of law.” See In re the Amendment of Rules 1-050, 1-085, and 1-099 of the Rules of Civil Procedure for District Courts, No. 99-8300 (Aug. 10, 1999); 1 James Wm. Moore, Moore’s Federal Rules Pamphlet § 50.3[1], at 597 (2004). In so doing, the automatic denial provision previously in the rule was deleted. It is not clear to what extent the decision to amend the rules took into account the fact that the federal rules governing post-trial motions generally do not contain an automatic denial provision, whereas the New Mexico rules generally did. Compare Fed.R.Civ.P. 50 (providing no automatic denial of post-trial motions for judgment as a matter of law), uñth Rule 1-050 NMRA 1998 (providing automatic denial of post-trial motions for judgment as a matter of law prior to the amendment); compare Fed.R.Civ.P. 52 (providing no automatic denial of post-trial motions to amend findings and conclusions), with Rule 1-052(D) NMRA 2004 (providing automatic denial of post-trial motions to amend findings and conclusions); compare Fed.R.Civ.P. 59 (providing no automatic denial of post-trial motions for a new trial or to amend the judgment), with Rule 1-059(D) NMRA 2004 (providing automatic denial of motions for a new trial). The federal rule governing timeliness of appeals also does not contain an automatic denial provision. Fed. R.App. P. 4(a)(4). As one commentator noted, parties in federal court must await an order on a post-trial motion before the time for appeal runs, and this could result in an indefinite waiting period or the need to file a writ of mandamus. David G. Knibb, Federal Court of Appeals Manual § 10.4 (2004). This view is inconsistent with New Mexico’s policy of automatically denying motions in order to help the district courts manage their dockets and to give parties certainty as to the time they have to file for appeal. See Martinez v. Friede, 2004-NMSC-006, ¶¶ 12-13, 135 N.M. 171, 86 P.3d 596. {16} However, this Court ordinarily construes statutes according to their plain language, unless the result would be absurd or unjust. See Cordova v. Wolfel, 120 N.M. 557, 560, 903 P.2d 1390, 1393 (1995). We also construe rules of procedure in the same man ner as statutes. Brewster v. Cooley & Assocs., 116 N.M. 681, 684, 866 P.2d 409, 412 (Ct.App.1993). This Court does not have the power to change rules of procedure promulgated by the Supreme Court. State v. Garcia, 101 N.M. 232, 235, 680 P.2d 613, 616 (Ct.App.1984). Thus, despite the incongruous nature of the 1999 amendment, we hold that there is no automatic denial of post-trial motions for judgment as a matter of law under Rule 1-050 alone. {17} Bank also suggests that there is no conflict between Section 39-1-1 and Rule 1-050 in the present case because Section 39-1-1 does not apply to jury trials. On its face, Section 39-1-1 does not appear to apply to jury trials, and a review of our pertinent eases reveals that we have limited our discussion of the applicability of Section 39-1-1 to non-jury trials. See, e.g., State v. Clemons, 83 N.M. 674, 675, 496 P.2d 167, 168 (Ct.App. 1972) (analyzing the applicability of this provision when it was codified at NMSA 1953, § 21-9-1 (1917)). The Hilburns suggest that the applicability of Section 39-1-1 is a matter of policy, which we should resolve in favor of applying Section 39-1-1 to all cases. {18} We hold that Section 39-1-1 only applies to non-jury trials, as its plain language suggests. The case of Montgomery Ward v. Larragoite, 81 N.M. 383, 386, 467 P.2d 399, 402 (1970), does not persuade us to the contrary. In that case, the Supreme Court held that appellate courts have jurisdiction to review a ease in which the district court did not rule on a post-jury-trial motion for a new trial within 30 days. Id. The Court did not hold that Section 21-9-1, the former codification of Section 39-1-1, applied to the case, but merely that it would have governed in a non-jury case. Id. The controlling rule in Montgomery Ward was Rule 5, NMSA 1953, § 21-2-1(5) (1959), which did contain an automatic denial provision. Montgomery Ward, 81 N.M. at 386, 467 P.2d at 402. {19} Similarly, our holding in Chavez-Rey v. Miller, 99 N.M. 377, 658 P.2d 452 (Ct.App. 1982), did not blur the distinction that Section 39-1-1 makes between jury and non-jury trials. In that case, we held that a motion for judgment as a matter of law following a jury trial was automatically denied under an earlier version of the rules of appellate procedure. Id. at 381, 658 P.2d at 456. Chavez-Rey was decided under Appellate Rule 3(d), the predecessor to Rule 12-201, which did not reference Section 39-1-1 as the current rule does. Chavez-Rey, 99 N.M. at 381, 658 P.2d at 456. Instead, Appellate Rule 3(d), like former Rule 5, stated the time for appeal as the earlier of either 30 days after the filing of the motion or the date of the order granting or denying the motion under Rule 1-050. Chavez-Rey, 99 N.M. at 381, 658 P.2d at 456. We reasoned that this provision achieved the same result in jury and non-jury trials, id., citing scholarly commentary suggesting that the distinction between jury and non-jury trials for automatic denial purposes was obsolete. See Mario E. Occhialino, Civil Procedure, 12 N.M. L.Rev. 97, 154 n. 347 (1982). {20} As discussed above, the Supreme Court amended the Rules of Appellate Procedure subsequent to Chavez-Rey, replacing the 30-day automatic denial provision with a reference to Section 39-1-1. Although Rule 12-201(D) points us to the earliest date at which either Section 39-1-1 or Rule 1-050 disposes of the motion, Section 39-1-1 does not apply to jury trial cases. Therefore, we look exclusively to Rule 1-050, which has no automatic denial provision as discussed above. Combining these two rules, we hold that in jury trial cases where one of the parties files a post-trial motion for judgment as a matter of law, the time for filing a notice of appeal does not begin to run until the district court enters an order ruling on the motion. Although this result may seem incongruous in light of New Mexico’s policy to generally provide for automatic denials of motions, we believe that it is up to the Supreme Court to conform Rule 1-050 to the other rules. Because there was no automatic denial of Bank’s motion for judgment as a matter of law, Bank’s notice of appeal, filed within 30 days after the order denying its motion, was timely. 2. The jury could reasonably have found that the Hilburns had made an oral agreement with Bank to be released from their guaranty and cease liability before WARS obtained the debt at issue. • [6,7] {21} Appellate courts review jury verdicts cautiously in order to safeguard a litigant’s constitutional right to a jury trial. Gonzales v. Sansoy, 102 N.M. 136, 137, 692 P.2d 522, 523 (1984). We resolve all factual issues in the light most favorable to the jury verdict, disregarding inferences to the contrary. Id. In the present case, there were no special interrogatories explaining the basis for the jury’s decision. The Hilburns argue that the jury could have found that they made an oral agreement in January 2000 that released them from any liability for debts incurred after that time, which includes the debts at issue in this case. We agree and affirm on this basis. {22} At trial, the issue of the oral agreement was raised both as a defense to the breach of contract claim and in the context of the Hilburns’ counterclaim for breach of contract against Bank. The jury was instructed that the Hilburns had the burden of proving “that on January 18, 2000, Jerry Hilburn and Valley Bank agreed that if Jerry Hilburn pre-paid a personal obligation he owed to the bank, Valley Bank would return the Unconditional Guarantee.” It was also instructed that in order to find that Bank hhd breached a contract to return the guaranty, it must find that there was an oral agreement to release the guaranty in exchange for the Hilburns’ payment of Jerry Hilburn’s personal note in full, that there was consideration for the agreement, and that the Hilburns paid the personal note in full. If the jury found that Bank had agreed to release the guaranty in January 2000, this could be a basis for finding that the Hilburns had no liability for debts incurred thereafter, including Note 5342. {23} The jury instructions were legally correct. Although the guaranty on its face required all changes to be in writing, oral modifications to a written contract are permissible under certain circumstances even when the contract specifies that modifications must be in writing. Medina v. Sunstate Realty, Inc., 119 N.M. 136, 138-39, 889 P.2d 171, 173-74 (1995) (stating that a district court erred by excluding evidence of oral modification to a written contract specifying that all changes must be in writing); Wendell v. Foley, 92 N.M. 702, 705, 594 P.2d 750, 753 (Ct.App.1979) (holding that there may be oral modification to a written contract specifying that all changes must be in writing). We also reject Bank’s assertions that the statute of frauds precludes the Hilburns from asserting an oral agreement because the guaranty is covered by the statute of frauds as an agreement to guaranty the debt of another. Oral modifications to a contract governed by the statute of frauds are permissible if one of the parties materially changes its position in reliance on that modification. Diversified Dev. & Inv., Inc. v. Heil, 119 N.M. 290, 300, 889 P.2d 1212, 1222 (1995); Wendell, 92 N.M. at 705, 594 P.2d at 753; accord Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 150 (1981). Jerry Hilburn testified that he paid off the note in reliance on Bank’s promise to return the guaranty. Under these circumstances in which Hilburn changed his position by paying off his personal debt in full, Bank’s agreement to release the Hilburns’ guaranty and subsequent attempts to collect under the guaranty would be the type of fraudulent activity that the statute of frauds is not intended to protect. {24} Bank argues that there was no consideration for the agreement based on the “pre-existing duty” rule, reasoning that Jerry Hilburn was already obligated to pay the note in full. See Jaynes v. Strong-Thorne Mortuary, Inc., 1998-NMSC-004, ¶ 11, 124 N.M. 613, 954 P.2d 45 (explaining the preexisting duty rule). We disagree. The record does not indicate that Bank ever formally put the note in default status. Bank did not call the note due. Unlike the letters that were sent when the WARS note went into default, Bank never gave written notice that Jerry Hilburn’s personal note was in default. Because the loan was never formally put into default status, Hilburn had no pre-existing duty to pay it in full. Furthermore, the record indicates that there was adequate consideration to support the oral agreement. At trial, Burson testified that he called Hilburn because Burson believed that Hilburn did not have the right to pledge the collateral that secured Hilburn’s personal note. Hilburn disputed the fact that he could not properly pledge the collateral. Instead of pursuing the disagreement, the Hilburns agreed to pay his personal note in a lump sum in return for termination of the guaranty. The jury could thus have found that Bank agreed to end the Hilburns’ liability under the guaranty because it perceived itself to be in an unsecured position with regard to Hilburn’s note and because it had the opportunity to receive full payment without the disagreement and difficulty of issuing notice that the debt was in default and attempting to work out an agreement with Jerry Hilburn. This agreement to pre-pay the personal note is adequate consideration for the release of the guaranty. See Richards v. Allianz Life Ins. Co. of N. Am., 2003-NMCA-001, ¶ 19, 133 N.M. 229, 62 P.3d 320 (stating that it is the fact of consideration and not the amount that is determinative and restating the rule that ambiguities are construed to support the judgment). {25} Finally, the jury could have reasonably found that there was an oral agreement under the jury instructions. Although the law requires that an oral modification to a written contract be proved by clear and convincing evidence, Powers v. Miller, 1999-NMCA-080, ¶ 10, 127 N.M. 496, 984 P.2d 177, the jury was not instructed on this heightened standard of proof. Nor was there any request for such an instruction. However, “[e]ven in a case involving issues that must be established by clear and convincing evidence, it is for the finder of fact, and not for reviewing courts, to weigh conflicting evidence and decide where the truth lies.” In re R.W., 108 N.M. 332, 335, 772 P.2d 366, 369 (Ct.App.1989). In the present case, both Jerry and Lois Hilburn testified that the phone conversation with Burson established an oral agreement to “return” the guaranty in exchange for full payment of the personal debt. The fact that Jerry Hilburn did completely pay this debt was undisputed, and the jury could have inferred partial performance and reliance on the agreement from this fact. Although Bank suggested that Jerry Hilburn would not have attended the March 2001 settlement negotiation meeting unless he still considered himself to be' a guarantor, Hilburn testified that he had been asked to attend as a friend for Thigpen, not as a co-guarantor. The jury was free to disregard or disbelieve the testimony of Bank officials. Ranchers Exploration & Dev. Corp. v. Miles, 102 N.M. 387, 390, 696 P.2d 475, 478 (1985) (“It is up to the jury to weigh the testimony, determine the credibility of witnesses, reconcile inconsistent or contradictory evidence, and say where the truth lies.”). {26} At oral argument, Bank emphasized that any evidence supporting the oral agreement was undercut by the July 2000 letter, suggesting that it would not make sense for Jerry Hilburn to send a letter limiting his liability under a guaranty if the Hilburns truly believed that the guaranty had been previously cancelled. Hilburn explained the July 2000 letter by stating that a Colorado attorney advised him to draft the letter when a notice cancelling the guaranty “didn’t come in the mail.” When there is conflicting testimony, we do not hold that the jury could not have believed one version of the events unless it conflicts with the laws of nature, the result of a simple mathematical calculation, or some other such unmistakable fact. Larsen v. Bliss, 43 N.M. 265, 269-70, 91 P.2d 811, 814 (1939). Instead, we defer to the fact finder, who is in a better position to “see a shift of the eyes, sweat, a squirm, a tear, a facial expression, or take notice of other signs that may mean the difference between truth and falsehood.” Tollman v. ABF (Arkansas Best Freight), 108 N.M. 124, 127, 767 P.2d 363, 366 (Ct.App.1988), modified on other grounds by Delgado v. Phelps Dodge Chino, Inc., 2001-NMSC-034, ¶¶ 25-26, 131 N.M. 272, 34 P.3d 1148. The jury in the present case could have believed that Hilburn sent the July 2000 letter because an attorney told him to send it and could have rejected Bank’s suggestion that the letter made no sense if there had been a January oral agreement. {27} Because an oral agreement to return the guaranty in January 2000 would completely relieve the Hilburns of liability, we need not consider any other of the many issues raised by the parties. This finding alone would support the verdict. CONCLUSION {28} The appeal in this ease was timely under Rule 12-201. We affirm the jury verdict, holding that the jury could reasonably have found that an oral agreement between the Hilburns and Bank relieved the Hilburns of all liability. {29} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: JONATHAN B. SUTIN and IRA ROBINSON, Judges.
[ -0.012739863246679306, -0.016729703173041344, -0.002363477135077119, -0.000014903233932272997, 0.002270083874464035, -0.025162579491734505, 0.04470193013548851, 0.024839358404278755, 0.0034507689997553825, -0.027820197865366936, -0.021214518696069717, 0.07230019569396973, -0.04171852767467499, 0.05055088922381401, -0.03150998428463936, 0.05401992052793503, 0.04893200844526291, 0.032291997224092484, 0.010377850383520126, -0.03256494551897049, 0.0001476034231018275, 0.016035547479987144, 0.006064439658075571, 0.03837236389517784, 0.025042522698640823, 0.0257787574082613, 0.026094023138284683, -0.004450151696801186, -0.06340829282999039, -0.029045287519693375, 0.05417869985103607, 0.005278019700199366, -0.0434255376458168, -0.0023649632930755615, -0.032091084867715836, -0.021480608731508255, 0.023920347914099693, -0.008441680110991001, -0.049330610781908035, 0.016033709049224854, 0.0025024847127497196, -0.026615694165229797, -0.08138585090637207, 0.010514219291508198, -0.03604449704289436, 0.02487461268901825, 0.008382080122828484, 0.05029106140136719, -0.04526863992214203, -0.04357726126909256, -0.05628501996397972, 0.026366565376520157, -0.02751605585217476, 0.018936509266495705, -0.011452540755271912, 0.021268613636493683, -0.02714388445019722, -0.0766405388712883, 0.021547524258494377, -0.029083222150802612, 0.01787467859685421, -0.04009436443448067, 0.0682336762547493, 0.021015215665102005, 0.012071863748133183, -0.020902611315250397, 0.021291697397828102, 0.02337152697145939, -0.044517356902360916, -0.018039537593722343, -0.05949384346604347, -0.007511762902140617, 0.011941601522266865, 0.022181877866387367, -0.03224243223667145, -0.062057770788669586, -0.02591097727417946, 0.02526789717376232, 0.042729493230581284, 0.045123618096113205, 0.05626288428902626, -0.004243035335093737, 0.005591006949543953, 0.036461103707551956, -0.014239693991839886, -0.046595118939876556, 0.019128119572997093, -0.04974300414323807, -0.05292613431811333, 0.03471311181783676, -0.000382567843189463, -0.03173935040831566, 0.013961784541606903, 0.06253531575202942, -0.04794154688715935, -0.03726472333073616, 0.08896413445472717, -0.013761221431195736, 0.07456088066101074, 0.006749216001480818, -0.047257427126169205, -0.010864359326660633, 0.025424962863326073, 0.028592709451913834, -0.06295977532863617, 0.002650599693879485, -0.04080592468380928, 0.0007943655364215374, 0.02229285053908825, -0.03218429908156395, -0.009794815443456173, 0.009014672599732876, -0.010079508647322655, -0.026633882895112038, -0.060453496873378754, 0.039931200444698334, -0.010951451025903225, -0.03315090388059616, -0.007751842960715294, 0.0035160197876393795, 0.006624884903430939, 0.01774177886545658, -0.029804084450006485, 0.07900909334421158, 0.039576783776283264, 0.0164559967815876, 0.011717773042619228, -0.004961863160133362, -0.06065032631158829, -0.06981160491704941, 0.019800227135419846, 0.013195857405662537, -0.044881582260131836, 0.02564634568989277, -0.00003415405080886558, 0.003340864321216941, -0.018636448308825493, -0.030167603865265846, -0.007759433705359697, -0.06928525865077972, -0.02115543559193611, -0.023130500689148903, -0.02061084844172001, 0.024417629465460777, 0.05615172162652016, -0.020425142720341682, 0.01650255359709263, -0.0013463011709973216, -0.043298233300447464, -0.02394094318151474, -0.023103469982743263, 0.0040790606290102005, 0.029500732198357582, 0.007470243144780397, 0.0029284353367984295, 0.03190409019589424, 0.03252198547124863, 0.015538949519395828, 0.006367910653352737, 0.05837858468294144, 0.03630968928337097, 0.024813037365674973, 0.053053222596645355, 0.015584939159452915, 0.005397951230406761, 0.000606304092798382, 0.004429754335433245, 0.004581718239933252, -0.05671356990933418, 0.02230597659945488, -0.07755650579929352, -0.033161699771881104, 0.07121306657791138, -0.03373827785253525, -0.0010311694350093603, -0.015141081064939499, 0.07673802226781845, 0.005111990496516228, 0.041934896260499954, -0.008420591242611408, -0.07987279444932938, 0.025511473417282104, 0.010480385273694992, 0.01815001852810383, 0.00709579000249505, -0.0013916677562519908, 0.03753286600112915, -0.03699106350541115, 0.0009927195496857166, -0.0354824922978878, -0.07596684247255325, -0.026156054809689522, 0.027093937620520592, -0.01660771109163761, 0.03960653766989708, -0.015612768940627575, -0.03472980856895447, 0.028432445600628853, -0.004771041218191385, 0.024290665984153748, 0.005211533047258854, -0.008138173259794712, 0.05403050780296326, -0.03945739194750786, -0.03589821979403496, 0.009788955561816692, 0.05556714907288551, 0.012299583293497562, 0.0015385582810267806, 0.05205134302377701, 0.015297883190214634, 0.03791334480047226, 0.008108953014016151, 0.022462472319602966, 0.042244307696819305, 0.026341618970036507, 0.020207498222589493, -0.04095015674829483, 0.04878899082541466, -0.02017313614487648, 0.026538478210568428, 0.007137429900467396, -0.029130151495337486, 0.028749892488121986, -0.044371530413627625, 0.03094291500747204, 0.04476344957947731, -0.04892034828662872, -0.02481928840279579, 0.01656058430671692, 0.01264430396258831, 0.01700975000858307, -0.0008582326117902994, -0.038475919514894485, 0.08858597278594971, -0.02206321805715561, -0.04895869269967079, -0.012890106067061424, 0.02242414839565754, -0.026903437450528145, 0.009220486506819725, 0.019360871985554695, 0.0011994835222139955, 0.037532757967710495, -0.03747832030057907, -0.015756580978631973, 0.007408760488033295, 0.006759834475815296, -0.009293715469539165, -0.051043491810560226, -0.017383910715579987, 0.014448965899646282, 0.0010469610569998622, -0.005425185896456242, 0.02327030524611473, -0.04527857527136803, -0.0040871333330869675, 0.028356419876217842, 0.010670661926269531, 0.03503498062491417, -0.008576328866183758, 0.06634944677352905, 0.02310655452311039, -0.03599688038229942, -0.025133714079856873, -0.016273535788059235, -0.004930471070110798, 0.036154426634311676, 0.016303813084959984, 0.01433463953435421, 0.030692121013998985, 0.029112618416547775, -0.012254211120307446, -0.013339439406991005, 0.01868104189634323, 0.048012226819992065, 0.03148689121007919, 0.006193558219820261, 0.01574256271123886, -0.005137700587511063, -0.00883549265563488, 0.03299841284751892, -0.07078029215335846, -0.04602457955479622, 0.012310149148106575, -0.06710539758205414, -0.011163377203047276, -0.0098853949457407, -0.03293377161026001, 0.058321960270404816, -0.007155724335461855, 0.027835162356495857, -0.02637029066681862, 0.06057678535580635, 0.025436101481318474, 0.04718100279569626, 0.02043660543859005, 0.03995474427938461, 0.023858660832047462, 0.010793027468025684, -0.045517440885305405, -0.03234364464879036, 0.021706365048885345, -0.0021019745618104935, 0.03566362336277962, 0.0290973037481308, -0.024643549695611, 0.001521145342849195, -0.25262266397476196, -0.006689583882689476, -0.013465761207044125, -0.08683363348245621, 0.043553221970796585, -0.02895091101527214, 0.02243977040052414, -0.0374959260225296, -0.06013122573494911, 0.018305866047739983, -0.0010072096483781934, -0.04122018814086914, -0.013970805332064629, -0.0023787280078977346, 0.022591596469283104, -0.016335655003786087, 0.04753737151622772, 0.001995924161747098, 0.012615051120519638, 0.03836219757795334, -0.00667194090783596, -0.09076741337776184, -0.028889911249279976, 0.0073173255659639835, 0.010862022638320923, 0.06161236763000488, -0.02605298161506653, -0.02431759238243103, -0.06758181005716324, 0.010983739979565144, -0.005441377870738506, -0.0020963193383067846, 0.012280990369617939, -0.0063682361505925655, -0.02525400184094906, -0.027910830453038216, -0.013902056962251663, -0.04020048677921295, -0.02577943541109562, 0.021253619343042374, 0.009334658272564411, -0.023596718907356262, -0.0524350069463253, 0.034365735948085785, 0.06266637146472931, 0.0063048661686480045, -0.00404497841373086, -0.01846087910234928, -0.04588111862540245, 0.0777447521686554, 0.0005913447239436209, 0.024257441982626915, -0.01818673312664032, 0.017057549208402634, -0.04427908733487129, -0.002100603887811303, -0.08039829134941101, 0.01695416308939457, -0.033370163291692734, 0.10390520840883255, -0.01625342294573784, -0.03501267731189728, -0.025848262012004852, 0.000935412070248276, -0.005947974976152182, -0.055429305881261826, -0.035927820950746536, -0.00018244195962324739, 0.06695561856031418, 0.024686744436621666, 0.015751436352729797, 0.0677751749753952, -0.02806132286787033, -0.09836670011281967, 0.03801427781581879, -0.015561905689537525, 0.003495600773021579, -0.020331066101789474, -0.013764413073658943, -0.015525142662227154, 0.016436628997325897, -0.0399700403213501, 0.03148065134882927, 0.017616724595427513, -0.009569516405463219, -0.002211136044934392, -0.013796293176710606, 0.06220880150794983, -0.01749258115887642, -0.011026089079678059, 0.026763474568724632, 0.015396791510283947, -0.015623318031430244, 0.02998434752225876, 0.002877335762605071, 0.027938807383179665, -0.00201010680757463, -0.02381208911538124, -0.006563480943441391, 0.03266388177871704, 0.03508056327700615, -0.060469843447208405, 0.06451784819364548, -0.04831022024154663, -0.016735175624489784, -0.006306738592684269, -0.035741064697504044, 0.0297045037150383, 0.06089608743786812, -0.0023191359359771013, 0.037219975143671036, -0.02163689397275448, 0.06034469231963158, -0.06690003722906113, -0.013506315648555756, -0.05055312439799309, 0.02732771262526512, 0.02045774646103382, 0.008441044948995113, 0.017603548243641853, 0.0033908758778125048, 0.03976760059595108, -0.03470609337091446, -0.0030938300769776106, -0.07684371620416641, 0.0203327015042305, -0.02306567318737507, 0.034310851246118546, -0.018301403149962425, 0.037096597254276276, -0.04523613303899765, -0.03486338257789612, -0.020947732031345367, 0.021310850977897644, 0.04753165319561958, -0.0373033843934536, -0.0511493943631649, -0.04805497080087662, 0.008466440252959728, -0.00827234797179699, 0.06218361854553223, -0.03550408035516739, -0.02887720800936222, 0.03367457538843155, 0.018667755648493767, -0.03168286383152008, 0.007044591940939426, -0.008739207871258259, -0.006659539416432381, 0.03959309682250023, -0.04431641474366188, -0.05173101648688316, 0.02570946328341961, -0.046215593814849854, -0.030319035053253174, -0.02465016394853592, 0.02570715919137001, 0.030809009447693825, 0.007400176953524351, -0.027431530877947807, 0.0338803231716156, -0.01457962952554226, 0.0006959079182706773, -0.0009396704845130444, 0.002768194768577814, 0.03797515109181404, 0.008119956590235233, -0.0003639569040387869, -0.03647354990243912, 0.05839432030916214, -0.05349676311016083, -0.04471084848046303, -0.026555966585874557, 0.02126677706837654, 0.01739555411040783, 0.06192515417933464, -0.011728973127901554, -0.027746656909585, 0.05235524848103523, 0.05731372535228729, -0.011188117787241936, -0.02705417200922966, -0.03811251372098923, -0.01070686150342226, 0.05032392963767052, -0.008662773296236992, 0.010254527442157269, -0.05069683492183685, -0.0250946506857872, -0.024402201175689697, -0.009244889952242374, -0.024576477706432343, -0.003173442557454109, 0.0015240691136568785, -0.06416863203048706, -0.04658348858356476, 0.01598052680492401, -0.030053619295358658, -0.013162598945200443, 0.023978818207979202, -0.0069315810687839985, 0.003742234082892537, -0.05433381721377373, -0.004180320538580418, -0.009252411313354969, -0.05504573881626129, -0.0011024154955521226, 0.0033032831270247698, -0.006242632865905762, 0.055450599640607834, -0.060688216239213943, -0.020854249596595764, -0.013372317887842655, 0.024901779368519783, 0.020472152158617973, -0.05206379294395447, 0.057441338896751404, -0.024530498310923576, 0.03140784427523613, 0.00870407186448574, -0.02513090707361698, -0.03473227098584175, -0.005190837197005749, -0.018097659572958946, -0.0595926009118557, 0.08728111535310745, -0.025946974754333496, 0.009638911113142967, 0.013729168102145195, -0.044724080711603165, 0.023966047912836075, -0.0525391660630703, 0.013796307146549225, 0.05883084237575531, 0.008192745968699455, 0.001024328637868166, -0.0014619817957282066, -0.018774930387735367, -0.024130862206220627, 0.01133650355041027, 0.03354611620306969, 0.05939627066254616, 0.03846997022628784, -0.05342801660299301, 0.007465063594281673, -0.02360568568110466, 0.009866765700280666, 0.01684098318219185, 0.011156958527863026, 0.06546646356582642, -0.024329351261258125, 0.02478463016450405, -0.02549443393945694, -0.014451451599597931, 0.0011888175504282117, -0.060285113751888275, 0.0005146979237906635, -0.027837973088026047, -0.04112476482987404, 0.038154903799295425, 0.01663917489349842, 0.01970311626791954, -0.006311889737844467, 0.009900406934320927, 0.06988994777202606, 0.0691596120595932, 0.014306976459920406, 0.01892120949923992, 0.06140497699379921, -0.058433182537555695, 0.029814455658197403, -0.05379078909754753, -0.005022628698498011, -0.027404382824897766, 0.079964280128479, 0.02722293511033058, -0.0003715690691024065, -0.05639546364545822, 0.0275023952126503, -0.04720774292945862, -0.04119197279214859, -0.011819000355899334, -0.030219893902540207, -0.04624856635928154, 0.01040642336010933, -0.036260418593883514, 0.0139473183080554, -0.023160411044955254, -0.07588821649551392, -0.05843118578195572, -0.01963125728070736, 0.028257133439183235, 0.05289708450436592, 0.03670300543308258, -0.029573149979114532, 0.03268028050661087, 0.024412132799625397, 0.04375890642404556, -0.0012621424393728375, 0.06942307949066162, -0.030257679522037506, 0.06153775006532669, -0.0013608685694634914, -0.008891843259334564, -0.0014512146590277553, -0.01784343831241131, -0.007444062270224094, -0.07411321252584457, 0.03674336522817612, 0.025715483352541924, -0.005905413068830967, -0.0469360314309597, 0.060127150267362595, -0.0005115034291520715, -0.040583305060863495, -0.020200219005346298, -0.0086892768740654, -0.023566773161292076, -0.027082478627562523, -0.016716640442609787, -0.0001672636717557907, -0.0046700541861355305, 0.03951433300971985, 0.006267080549150705, 0.0774662122130394, 0.0449298657476902, -0.014983771368861198, 0.008168184198439121, 0.010752693749964237, 0.04824050888419151, 0.05135823413729668, -0.00027754518669098616, -0.003650575876235962, 0.018426312133669853, -0.01822442188858986, -0.025639425963163376, 0.007108757738023996, -0.035511262714862823, -0.007180581334978342, -0.0013039415935054421, -0.03838983550667763, 0.0014594795648008585, 0.03317418694496155, 0.025869149714708328, 0.028240710496902466, 0.0383087582886219, 0.034527018666267395, -0.0469382144510746, 0.05651263892650604, 0.05509267374873161, 0.005859212018549442, -0.016073565930128098, 0.004594208672642708, -0.04799386486411095, -0.00024143308110069484, 0.009088373742997646, -0.031022926792502403, 0.04267946258187294, -0.029659803956747055, -0.0002851958852261305, 0.008595336228609085, -0.008192609064280987, 0.07757130265235901, -0.04830637574195862, 0.025142282247543335, -0.03295649215579033, 0.02872789092361927, 0.013711906038224697, -0.015382417477667332, 0.014556018635630608, -0.019580483436584473, -0.012815147638320923, -0.023851903155446053, 0.0035355521831661463, 0.06685885041952133, 0.025892209261655807, 0.024302255362272263, 0.01637534610927105, 0.010454472154378891, 0.06548656523227692, 0.013418075628578663, -0.027975039556622505, -0.04976380988955498, -0.0014541097916662693, -0.04913583770394325, -0.07046788930892944, 0.033994611352682114, 0.01389968954026699, -0.02316500060260296, -0.0683586522936821, 0.01441208180040121, -0.0031420779414474964, -0.0494966059923172, 0.09794580191373825, -0.062000762671232224, 0.03837081417441368, 0.043992627412080765, 0.010927935130894184, 0.0374959371984005, -0.008403346873819828, 0.04602861404418945, -0.03668268397450447, -0.05730303004384041, 0.018889833241701126, -0.005123864859342575, 0.03561529889702797, -0.021309006959199905, -0.018059587106108665, -0.0804661437869072, 0.012044389732182026, 0.02479935809969902, 0.0028071284759789705, -0.061222296208143234, 0.020866410806775093, -0.04964194446802139, -0.03778469190001488, 0.035266656428575516, 0.031903985887765884, -0.0005353236920200288, -0.04054097458720207, 0.007464653346687555, 0.013837442733347416, -0.002171897329390049, 0.0581141822040081, -0.0036937266122549772, 0.033877160400152206, 0.022908665239810944, 0.01687593013048172, -0.0562078058719635, 0.06785259395837784, 0.04324197769165039, 0.015105297788977623, -0.044623345136642456, 0.005163705442100763, 0.015040628612041473, -0.06872584670782089, -0.033230479806661606, 0.020181532949209213, -0.04085852578282356, -0.034483399242162704, 0.047710955142974854, -0.02290545403957367, -0.01539016142487526, -0.01954149641096592, 0.011166708543896675, 0.01832498610019684, -0.014321912080049515, -0.026097752153873444, -0.035075802356004715, 0.03648730739951134, 0.03471311926841736, 0.040515631437301636, 0.004955730400979519, -0.049801114946603775, 0.020042721182107925, -0.03399806469678879, 0.002750260988250375, 0.028196193277835846, 0.013619247823953629, -0.04007976874709129 ]
OPINION ROBINSON, Judge. {1} Defendant Bryan Baca appeals from an order of the district court revoking his probation and sentencing him to three years in prison, arguing that the district court lacked the authority to revoke the probation. In an unrelated case, Defendant Lanie Allen also challenges an order revoking probation and imposing a six month sentence, based on the contention the district court was without authority to revoke his probation. This Court has consolidated these two eases because they raise the same legal issue; interpretation of the statutory relationship between NMSA 1978, § 31-20-5(A) (1985, prior to 2004 amendment), and NMSA 1978, § 31-21-15(B) (1989). We affirm the district courts’ orders. I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND A. Defendant Baca. {2} Baca was initially charged with fifteen crimes, thirteen of which were felonies involving cocaine possession and trafficking. In August 1991, he pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking cocaine by distribution contrary to NMSA 1978, § 30-31-20(A) (1990), and the remaining charges were dismissed. Baca was then sentenced to a term of nine years on each count with the sentences to run consecutively, for a total sentence of eighteen years. The district court suspended Baca’s entire sentence and placed Baca on supervised probation for five years beginning in October 1991. See NMSA 1978, § 31-20-3(B) (1985); § 31-20-5(A). In addition to complying with the standard conditions of probation, Defendant was supposed to complete a drug rehabilitation program. Beginning in December 1993, the State filed a number of motions to revoke Baca’s probation and invoke the suspended sentence. Of the nine probation violations filed with the district court regarding Baca, the district court revoked his probation four times. {3} The two revocations relevant to this appeal occurred in October 1995 and August 2001. On October 5, 1995, the district court revoked Baca’s probation for the third time, ordered him to serve five years in prison, and placed him on supervised probation for five years after his release. Baca did not appeal that order. After he had served only eight months of his five year sentence, the New Mexico Department of Corrections mistakenly released Baca in 1996. When he was arrested in March 1998 for another probation violation, the corrections department realized its error, and Baca resumed his five year sentence. The district court credited Baca for the time from his erroneous release until he was returned to prison. {4} On August 13, 2001, the court revoked Baca’s probation for the fourth time, ordering that Baca serve three years in prison and receive an unsatisfactory discharge from probation after release. In September 2001, Baca filed motions for reconsideration of the sentence. Although he acknowledged that the court had ordered a probation period of five years in 1995, Baca contended that the court had no authority to revoke his probation and impose the suspended sentence in 2001 because he had completed five years of probation in the aggregate before the State filed the final motion to revoke the 1995 probation. Basing his argument on Section 31-20-5(A), Baca maintained that five years in the aggregate was the maximum period of probation. Following a hearing on Baca’s motions in January 2002, the district court concluded, relying upon Section 31-21-15(B), that it had the authority to revoke Baca’s probation and denied the motions to reconsider. Baca appeals from that decision. B. Defendant Allen. {5} In December 1996, Allen was charged with twelve counts of forgery, all of which were third degree felonies. See NMSA 1978, § 30-16-10(B) (1963). He pleaded guilty to all twelve charges, and a judgment and sentence was filed in October 1997. Under the judgment and sentence, Allen was sentenced to three years in prison on each count. Four of the counts were ordered to run consecutively to each other, and the remaining counts were to run concurrently, for a basic sentence of twelve years. Because Allen was an habitual offender with two prior convictions, the sentence was enhanced by four years, for a total sentence of sixteen years. The district court then suspended all the sentences for the underlying crimes, resulting in a sentence of four years imprisonment for the enhancement, a suspended sentence of twelve years for the forgeries, five years of supervised probation, and two years of parole. After completing his prison term, Allen began supervised probation on March 21, 2000. {6} Preliminary reports alleging Allen had violated the conditions of his probation were filed on June 15, 2000 (arrest for battery on a household member and use of marijuana), and on July 6, 2000 (alcohol consumption and possession of marijuana). After the first two violations, the probation officer recommended that Allen be allowed to continue on probation, the district court concurred, and no action was taken. In August 2000, a probation violation report was filed for five additional violations. This time the probation officer recommended that Allen be declared an absconder, that a bench warrant be issued, and that he be remanded to the penitentiary for the balance of his sentence. At a hearing on September 11, 2000, Allen admitted to violating a condition of his probation. The district court imposed the balance of the original sentence and then suspended all but eighteen months of that sentence. The eighteen month period of incarceration was to be followed by five years of supervised probation. {7} Allen was released by the Department of Corrections on June 24, 2001. A probation violation report was filed on July 1, 2002, detailing four violations which included his having pleaded guilty to three charges for battery and to one charge for criminal damage to property arising from attacks on his neighbors. At a revocation hearing on August 11, 2002, Allen admitted that he had violated the conditions of his probation. The district court accepted Allen’s admission and issued an order imposing the balance of his sentence, suspending all but six months to be served in the county detention center, and authorizing supervised probation upon release. Allen appeals from that order, arguing that the court lacked authority under Section 31-21-15(B) to both sentence him and impose probation. II. DISCUSSION {8} Defendants’ challenge to the actions of the district courts is based on their contention that the courts erred in applying Section 31-21-15(B). They also contend that this misapplication led the district courts into another error: imposing periods of probation that exceeded the five year “cap” on probation which they assert is to be found in Section 31-20-5(A). A. Standard of Review. {9} The issues raised by Defendants call for this Court to construe Section 31-20-5(A) and Section 31-21-15(B). Statutory construction is a question of law which we review de novo. State v. McClendon, 2001-NMSC-023, ¶ 2, 130 N.M. 551, 28 P.3d 1092. “The first rule of statutory construction is that courts must ascertain and give effect to the Legislature’s intentions.” State v. Sinyard, 100 N.M. 694, 696, 675 P.2d 426, 428 (Ct.App.1983). The statute at issue must be read as a whole, construing each section or part “in connection with every other part or section so as to produce a harmonious whole.” Id. at 697, 675 P.2d at 429. A reviewing court must also look to the function of a particular statute within a comprehensive legislative system. Sims v. Sims, 1996-NMSC-078, ¶21, 122 N.M. 618, 930 P.2d 153. B. Section 31-21-15. {10} Section 31-21-15(B) provides the courts with the following options for dealing with a probation violator: If the violation is established, the court may continue the original probation, revoke the probation and either order a new probation with any condition provided for in Section 31-20-5 or 31-20-6 NMSA 1978, or require the probationer to serve the balance of the sentence imposed or any lesser sentence. Section 31-21-15(B) refers the reader to Section 31-20-5, which defines the circumstances in which probation should be ordered, and Section 31-20-6, which defines conditions to be imposed when a sentence is deferred or suspended. Section 31-20-5(A) states the following, in relevant part: When a person has been convicted of a crime for which a sentence of imprisonment is authorized and when the ... district court has deferred or suspended sentence, it shall order the defendant to be placed on probation for all or some portion of the period of deferment or suspension if the defendant is in need of supervision, guidance or direction that is feasible for the corrections department to furnish. Except for sex offenders ... the total period of probation for district court shall not exceed five years.... {11} Defendants acknowledge that the courts, under Section 31-21-15(B), could revoke their probations and then require them to serve the balance of the sentence previously imposed, or to serve a sentence which is less than the balance of the sentence previously imposed. They contend, however, that the district courts erred because they ignored the “either” “or” language of Section 31-21-15. Rather, they argue, the district courts, after revoking Defendants’ probations, ordered both a new probation and a sentence. They claim that the district courts then compounded the error by imposing new probations which would exceed the five year limit they find in Section 31-20-5(A). Defendants assert that, after revoking a probation, the district court may only modify the conditions of probation such that the total period of probation does not exceed five years. Finally, they maintain that the district courts failed to properly credit the time that they spent on probation. {12} Our Supreme Court has stated that “the probation provisions of our state’s criminal code, especially Sections 31-20-5 and 31-21-15, [are] indicative of the Legislature’s intent to give trial courts broad discretion to sentence defendants to probationary terms and strictly monitor their compliance with an eye toward the goal of prompt and effective rehabilitation.” State v. Rivera, 2004-NMSC-001, ¶ 21, 134 N.M. 768, 82 P.3d 939; accord Sinyard, 100 N.M. at 697, 675 P.2d at 429 (“Read in their entirety, the sentencing statutes evidence a legislative intent that the trial court have a wide variety of options by which to sentence.”). Defendants’ arguments regarding statutory construction fail because they are contrary to this legislative intent. Defendants’ interpretation does not construe Section 31-20-5 and Section 31-21-15 in a manner that produces a harmonious whole. Rather, their narrow reading of the two statutes would serve to severely constrain the discretion of the court “to sentence defendants to probationary terms and strietly monitor their compliance with an eye toward the goal of prompt and effective rehabilitation.” See Rivera, 2004-NMSC-001, ¶ 21, 134 N.M. 768, 82 P.3d 939. {13} When Section 31-21-15 and Section 31-20-5 are read together, as Section 31-21-15(B) directs, it is evident that the district courts complied .with the provisions of the two statutes. As described above, Section 31-21-15(B) presents a district court with several alternatives for dealing with a defendant who has violated the conditions of his or her release. The court may “continue the original probation, revoke the probation and either order a new probation with any condition provided for in Section 31-20-5 or 31-20-6 NMSA 1978, or require the probationer to serve the balance of the sentence imposed or any lesser sentence.” Section 31-21-15(B). {14} In both cases, Defendants’ sentences were initially suspended in full, and they were placed on supervised probation for five years under the conditions of Section 31-20-6. See State v. Leslie, 2004-NMCA-106, ¶ 7, 136 N.M. 244, 96 P.3d 805 (stating that, under Section 31-20-6, “the court must impose conditions upon a deferred or suspended sentence to ensure that the defendant abides by the law”). Defendants violated the conditions of probation numerous times. With the first violation reports, the district courts continued Defendants’ original probations. However, in both cases, Baca and Allen continued to manifest an inability, or unwillingness, to comply with their probation conditions. In the face of the repeated probation violations by Defendants, the respective district courts revoked each of their probations and imposed the balance of their original sentences. {15} “ ‘The sentencing court retains jurisdiction to revoke a suspended sentence for good cause shown at any time subsequent to the entry of judgment and prior to the expiration of the sentence.’ ” Rivera, 2004-NMSC-001, ¶ 21, 134 N.M. 768, 82 P.3d 939 (quoting State v. Padilla, 106 N.M. 420, 422, 744 P.2d 548, 550 (Ct.App.1987)). Each court then suspended the original sentence in part so that Baca and Allen were incarcerated for a lesser period of time. When De fendants were released, they still had time remaining to serve on their suspended sentences. As Section 31-20-5(A) directs, when a district court has suspended a sentence, “it shall order the defendant to be placed on probation for all or some portion of the period of ... suspension if the defendant is in need of supervision, guidance or direction.” Neither Defendant has disputed the respective district court’s determination that a need for supervision, guidance, or direction existed in his case. We conclude that the district courts did not err when they relied on Section 31-21-15(B) to revoke Defendants’ probations and impose a period of incarceration to be followed by supervised probation, under Section 31-20-6, for a period that did not exceed five years, as provided in Section 31-20-5(A) C. Section 31-20-5. {16} Defendants argue that the plain language of Section 31-20-5(A) indicates that the Legislature intended that the total term of probation for a defendant serving a deferred or suspended sentence be limited to five years in the aggregate. To discern the objective the legislature was seeking to accomplish, a reviewing court typically looks to the plain language of a statute. Wilson v. Denver, 1998-NMSC-016, ¶ 16, 125 N.M. 308, 961 P.2d 153. However, as Justice Montgomery advised us, “courts must exercise caution in applying the plain meaning rule. Its beguiling simplicity may mask a host of reasons why a statute, apparently clear and unambiguous on its face, may for one reason or another give rise to legitimate (ie., nonfrivolous) differences of opinion concerning the statute’s meaning.” State ex rel. Helman v. Gallegos, 117 N.M. 346, 353, 871 P.2d 1352, 1359 (1994). {17} Defendants rely for support upon State v. Devigne, 96 N.M. 561, 564-65, 632 P.2d 1199, 1202-03 (CtApp.1981), in which this Court interpreted the meaning of the word “total” in the context of Section 31-20-5(A). However, we do not believe that a fair reading of Devigne supports Defendants’ assertions regarding the intent of the Legislature. In Devigne, the defendant was found guilty of five separate, counts of burglary and sentenced to three years imprisonment on each of the counts. Id. at 564, 632 P.2d at 1202. The district court imposed consecutive sentences on two of the convictions and ordered concurrent sentences on the remaining three convictions, for a total sentence of six years. Id. The court then suspended the sentences and placed the defendant on probation for six years. Id. This Court remanded the case for further proceedings in district court, after holding that “the proviso of § 31-20-5 means that the maximum probation for the five sentences imposed upon defendant, for convictions that occurred at one trial, was five years.” Id. at 565, 632 P.2d at 1203. {18} The State notes that in the cases at issue, both district courts complied with the proviso of Section 31-20-5(A) in their probation orders. Neither Defendant was placed on probation for longer than five years, either initially or in the later probations that followed Defendants’ release from incarceration on suspended sentences. The State argues that Devigne stands for the principle that the maximum period of probation that a district court may impose at sentencing is a total of five years, regardless of the number of convictions, not that five years is the total amount of time a defendant can serve on probation, regardless of the number of violations. We agree. Defendants’ misinterpretation of Section 31-20-5(A) arises from their failure to read it in concert with Section 31-21~15(B) to produce a harmonious whole. Under the construction of Section 31-20-5(A) proposed by Defendants, all the sentencing court could do, in effect, would be to continue the original probation for five years which would ignore the language in Section 31-21-15(B) that the sentencing court may continue the original probation, revoke that probation, and then either order a new probation or impose a sentence. Defendants’ interpretation of the Section 31-20-5(A) would render that language a nullity. A reviewing court does not “construe one provision of a statute in a manner that would make other provisions null or superfluous.” Rivera, 2004-NMSC-001, ¶ 18,134 N.M. 768, 82 P.3d 939; cf. Leslie, 2004-NMCA-106, ¶¶ 9-10,136 N.M. 244, 96 P.3d 805 (interpreting, in the context of conditional discharges, the relationship between NMSA 1978, § 31-20-13(A) (1994), and Section 31-20-5 and Section 31-20-6, “within the overall sentencing scheme”). {19} In rejecting this argument below, the district court hearing Baca’s motion for reconsideration observed that “Defendant and his counsel contend that Defendant’s original five year period should simply be allowed to run to its conclusion, regardless of the number of violations he commits.” We agree with the district court’s assessment of this argument. Adopting Defendants’ theory of statutory construction would defeat the legislative purpose behind the statute of giving sentencing courts broad authority to achieve the goal of rehabilitation. See Sinyard, 100 N.M. at 697, 675 P.2d at 429 (stating that “the sentencing judge is afforded broad discretion in fashioning sentences appropriate to the offense and the offender”); see generally State v. Ogden, 118 N.M. 234, 245, 880 P.2d 845, 856 (1994) (“[Criminal statutes should be construed to further their purpose.”). {20} “The broad general purposes of probation are education and rehabilitation, without the requirement of serving the -suspended period of incarceration.” State v. Donaldson, 100 N.M. 111, 119, 666 P.2d 1258, 1266 (Ct.App.1983). “Probation assumes that the offender can be rehabilitated without serving that portion of the sentence which is suspended.” Sinyard, 100 N.M. at 696, 675 P.2d at 428. Under Defendants’ interpretation of Section 31-20-5(A), a sentencing court’s authority “to tailor probation conditions to the offense and to the probationer’s individual rehabilitative needs,” id. at 697, 675 P.2d at 429, would be severely restricted. In addition, if there were a five year limitation on probation, as Defendants claim, it would work to the disadvantage of defendants with multiple violations, such as Baca and Allen. As the State argues, under Defendants’ interpretation, courts would be forced to make a decision relatively early in a ease whether to “risk another period of probation or to incarcerate the defendant who has still not shown that he can get through a substantial uninterrupted period of probation.” With such a limited period of probation, courts would be reluctant to give defendants additional chances to successfully complete probation, knowing that the courts would soon lose the effective means to provide the supervision, guidance, and direction called for in Section 31-20-5(A). {21} Finally, Defendants maintain that they were not credited for the time that they spent on probation. This argument is based on their perception of probation as being a discrete entity, separate from their sentence, which is limited to a total of five years. However, as discussed previously, probation is part of a suspended or deferred sentence. See Section 31-20-5(A); Sinyard, 100 N.M. at 696, 675 P.2d at 428; Donaldson, 100 N.M. at 119, 666 P.2d at 1266. A probationer whose sentence has been suspended is entitled to credit against his or her sentence for the time served on probation. State v. Reinhart, 79 N.M. 36, 38, 439 P.2d 554, 556 (1968). The record indicates that the district courts properly credited Defendants’ time on probation against their sentences, and Defendants do not argue otherwise. D. Remaining Claim. {22} Lastly, Allen asserts that when the district court revoked his probation in 2000, it sentenced him to a lesser sentence of eighteen months without reserving any of the initial suspended sentence. He contends that, as a result, the court was without authority to order a period of probation after he completed his sentence. See State v. Nolan, 93 N.M. 472, 478, 601 P.2d 442, 448 (Ct.App.1979) (concluding that a defendant cannot be placed on probation in the absence of a deferred or suspended sentence). Allen’s contention is based on an unsound reading of the court’s order revoking his probation in September 2000. The order stated, in part, the following: IT IS, THEREFORE, THE ORDER OF THE COURT that probation be, and the same is hereby revoked and the sentence suspended on September 19, 1997, be, and the same is hereby imposed. The defendant is to be remanded to the Department of Corrections for EIGHTEEN (18) MONTHS followed by FIVE (5) YEARS of supervised probation under the direction of the Field Services Division of the Department of Corrections. With the special condition that upon release from the Department of Corrections the defendant enter and successfully complete the Amnity [sic] Program [a drug treatment program] at Fort Stanton, New Mexico. The order specifically imposes the original September 1997 sentence of sixteen years. Although the order might have been more artfully drafted, the district court’s intent is clear: it imposed the balance of the original sentence and then suspended all but eighteen months of that sentence which was to be followed by five years of supervised probation. In addition, the record reflects that Allen was aware of the meaning of the district court’s order. At the hearing when the order was imposed in September 2000, the court discussed the contents and meaning of the order with the prosecutor, Allen, and his defense attorney. During the course of this exchange, Allen’s defense attorney made the following statement: Your honor, if we understand right that he [Allen] would be doing essentially the one and a half years parole revocation time along with probation revocation time. At the completion of that, go to the Amity Program for the first six months of the new five year period of probation. And, as I would understand it, there would be only ten and a half years of sentence, maybe even less than that because of the time has already come off that since March — maybe even ten years of sentence remaining. That’s a disposition that Mr. Allen has indicated to me seems appropriate to him and is what he would be pleading to. The attorney’s statement indicates that the defense attorney and Allen understood the meaning of the district court’s order and knowingly agreed to its terms. {23} At the revocation hearing on August 12, 2002, when Allen advanced his argument, the district court disagreed with Allen’s interpretation of the September 2000 order. The court restated that it had suspended Allen’s initial sentence except for the eighteen month sentence, which was a lesser sentence than imposing the balance of the sentence. Allen’s claim that the trial court’s order ordered him to simply serve eighteen months without reserving any of the original sixteen year suspended sentence is without merit. III. CONCLUSION {24} The district courts had the authority, under Section 31-21-15 and Section 31-20-5, to revoke Defendants’ probations and impose sentences of incarceration to be followed by another five years of probation. Further, the district court did not err when it denied Baca’s motions for reconsideration. We affirm the orders of the district courts. {25} IT IS SO ORDERED. WE CONCUR: JAMES J. WECHSLER, Chief Judge, and CYNTHIA A. FRY, Judge.
[ -0.04275207221508026, -0.004252965562045574, -0.01928488165140152, -0.012320119887590408, 0.0462014265358448, -0.029761960729956627, 0.07169273495674133, 0.03443870320916176, -0.006735962349921465, -0.01410382054746151, 0.019514119252562523, 0.04837362468242645, -0.04545623064041138, 0.033630844205617905, 0.03174014762043953, 0.0401691198348999, 0.07417091727256775, 0.007570873014628887, 0.04850146546959877, 0.02591516077518463, 0.017000947147607803, 0.002012238372117281, 0.008439292199909687, 0.06681481748819351, 0.007939672097563744, 0.03393898159265518, 0.0036848573945462704, 0.03366990014910698, -0.07341409474611282, -0.033621158450841904, 0.03190337494015694, -0.02075166255235672, 0.01622193306684494, 0.021203190088272095, 0.03159812465310097, 0.019329819828271866, -0.02646375074982643, 0.012775355018675327, -0.01374031975865364, 0.005001413635909557, -0.013510019518435001, 0.025663722306489944, -0.09102621674537659, -0.04522465541958809, -0.014909555204212666, 0.002822763752192259, 0.0055706556886434555, -0.0013010103721171618, -0.04346299543976784, 0.006414354778826237, -0.09786834567785263, 0.02162669599056244, 0.00460175471380353, 0.025363458320498466, 0.002518962137401104, 0.01730920374393463, -0.04722241312265396, -0.023219013586640358, -0.008365361951291561, -0.04634486511349678, 0.005346160382032394, -0.015165462158620358, 0.09660330414772034, 0.004039004910737276, -0.02769470401108265, -0.04314860701560974, 0.03519938513636589, 0.04172977805137634, -0.011768350377678871, -0.03434395790100098, -0.03212724253535271, -0.02418763004243374, -0.007057107985019684, -0.0026987497694790363, -0.003441097214818001, -0.03551393374800682, 0.0044982898980379105, -0.0015880317660048604, 0.009606066159904003, 0.05356573686003685, 0.015570196323096752, -0.02999241277575493, 0.026005253195762634, 0.020946769043803215, -0.00656829122453928, -0.034756556153297424, -0.040300238877534866, -0.04210114851593971, -0.030118824914097786, 0.035342343151569366, -0.03833438456058502, -0.030450159683823586, 0.028915898874402046, 0.05486011877655983, 0.015840837731957436, -0.021519746631383896, 0.0707336813211441, -0.03790174052119255, 0.06205780804157257, -0.03026551567018032, -0.010251966305077076, -0.03981125354766846, 0.00969173014163971, 0.047631435096263885, -0.031820256263017654, -0.01338686142116785, -0.012418505735695362, 0.030252862721681595, -0.011844647116959095, -0.019530868157744408, -0.008082128129899502, 0.018651776015758514, 0.017931824550032616, -0.00692190695554018, -0.07303008437156677, 0.021799881011247635, -0.0005253654671832919, -0.0310825128108263, -0.002756478264927864, -0.0223348680883646, 0.029876021668314934, 0.010001208633184433, -0.001769749098457396, 0.07638479024171829, 0.0010787991341203451, -0.004046643618494272, 0.027678577229380608, 0.01626633293926716, -0.007881652563810349, -0.04555468633770943, -0.013872088864445686, 0.0183759443461895, 0.03568355739116669, 0.03653504699468613, -0.040678344666957855, -0.0758114606142044, -0.013611751608550549, -0.026927614584565163, 0.0315961092710495, -0.019257767125964165, -0.007416988722980022, 0.002172912936657667, -0.0057504624128341675, -0.004050528164952993, 0.0923185870051384, -0.05431731417775154, 0.01528991386294365, -0.02164587378501892, 0.005744221620261669, -0.004627477377653122, 0.04640466347336769, 0.014118705876171589, -0.006408707704395056, -0.034116338938474655, -0.039061423391103745, 0.0424126461148262, 0.008501973934471607, 0.00763246463611722, -0.05283816531300545, 0.007543617859482765, 0.03982475399971008, -0.009642084129154682, 0.023196859285235405, 0.011748929508030415, 0.020496683195233345, 0.02474496327340603, 0.005260892678052187, -0.00888738315552473, -0.04106169939041138, 0.051774781197309494, -0.02848748490214348, -0.0368877574801445, 0.012861755676567554, -0.08408202230930328, -0.05061328411102295, 0.01193118467926979, 0.03698977082967758, 0.035648129880428314, 0.006978458724915981, -0.019239716231822968, -0.06209159642457962, 0.07681245356798172, -0.03046121634542942, 0.0057066744193434715, -0.029293250292539597, -0.030266398563981056, 0.0822509378194809, -0.0396602563560009, 0.03693205863237381, 0.014512025751173496, -0.08012665808200836, -0.028404798358678818, 0.012117489241063595, -0.04316577687859535, 0.03221472352743149, 0.02548094280064106, -0.03564875200390816, 0.034734878689050674, 0.022437531501054764, 0.045351531356573105, 0.0016273498767986894, 0.016842445358633995, 0.06545553356409073, -0.07946499437093735, -0.06167785823345184, 0.03397345915436745, 0.0498562753200531, -0.030001699924468994, 0.006366659887135029, 0.07065767794847488, -0.03870738670229912, 0.02652415819466114, 0.004775211680680513, -0.003984940238296986, 0.04281826317310333, 0.006956310942769051, 0.05746808648109436, -0.04528677091002464, 0.025392765179276466, -0.056864138692617416, -0.0007624796708114445, -0.016268232837319374, -0.01906244456768036, 0.04235173016786575, -0.0026851047296077013, 0.08643323928117752, 0.03627370297908783, -0.06009876728057861, 0.033854760229587555, -0.0028516282327473164, 0.028775474056601524, 0.0073812538757920265, 0.003923656418919563, -0.011212572455406189, 0.08344408124685287, 0.008835634216666222, -0.02291325479745865, -0.010939735919237137, 0.0179495420306921, -0.047535911202430725, -0.008306292816996574, 0.02537345327436924, 0.05146532878279686, 0.037732888013124466, -0.039485812187194824, 0.019100233912467957, -0.01283546257764101, 0.017086287960410118, -0.05946452170610428, -0.004539203830063343, -0.01048530638217926, -0.00027008834877051413, 0.03409210219979286, -0.009877434000372887, 0.021501921117305756, -0.02909654751420021, -0.04780201241374016, -0.029368368908762932, 0.004431494046002626, -0.00934342946857214, 0.016140107065439224, 0.009172458201646805, 0.01637742482125759, -0.010729532688856125, -0.06784956902265549, -0.05168226733803749, -0.04628700390458107, 0.017529284581542015, 0.008803597651422024, 0.014520087279379368, 0.014168065041303635, -0.018932310864329338, 0.027255384251475334, -0.0022304814774543047, 0.022631315514445305, 0.021001189947128296, 0.047421954572200775, 0.020818300545215607, -0.013884630985558033, -0.014344260096549988, -0.016032010316848755, 0.0518026165664196, -0.03269822522997856, -0.04108014330267906, 0.019037285819649696, -0.06722520291805267, 0.025378454476594925, 0.005216543097048998, -0.039169903844594955, 0.05482783913612366, 0.022133739665150642, 0.06455034017562866, 0.004555508028715849, 0.01684456691145897, -0.010295662097632885, -0.015455336309969425, 0.029082756489515305, 0.04476379603147507, 0.050359439104795456, -0.011091923341155052, 0.018484769389033318, 0.0019745100289583206, 0.0014612366212531924, 0.009155327454209328, 0.062047261744737625, 0.021338999271392822, -0.045398954302072525, 0.03217152878642082, -0.22793519496917725, 0.07660976052284241, -0.036252737045288086, -0.05787444859743118, 0.04603348299860954, -0.03150508180260658, 0.0053863441571593285, -0.03365090861916542, 0.007549996953457594, 0.028439965099096298, -0.03064134530723095, -0.01350670401006937, 0.019900357350707054, 0.05408456176519394, 0.01162066962569952, 0.023270394653081894, -0.027156537398695946, -0.055443745106458664, -0.020158646628260612, 0.023335793986916542, 0.013279646635055542, -0.058578599244356155, -0.05943293124437332, 0.00006287400174187496, 0.02855493314564228, 0.08841092139482498, -0.04643522575497627, 0.002860243432223797, -0.05736119672656059, -0.04732171818614006, -0.00919690728187561, 0.013848488219082355, -0.04510458931326866, -0.04988103732466698, -0.0190142672508955, 0.018332434818148613, -0.02692176029086113, -0.03724823519587517, -0.02348666824400425, -0.029700588434934616, 0.01610397920012474, -0.040652547031641006, -0.005691269878298044, 0.03832418471574783, 0.05630585551261902, 0.04293907433748245, -0.04539303854107857, -0.02945670299232006, -0.019981561228632927, 0.04202421382069588, -0.004519264213740826, 0.0002684332721401006, -0.033099718391895294, 0.020238667726516724, -0.005738987121731043, 0.006514295004308224, -0.05538874492049217, 0.013165879994630814, -0.044439688324928284, 0.062281277030706406, -0.003942970186471939, -0.026097487658262253, -0.020223287865519524, -0.048445459455251694, -0.03743813931941986, -0.030048072338104248, -0.032287102192640305, -0.0540776289999485, 0.056592006236314774, 0.04492085427045822, -0.0252116397023201, 0.05729556083679199, -0.06971361488103867, -0.06562859565019608, -0.00022781724692322314, -0.0147347217425704, 0.007658620364964008, -0.01907026208937168, -0.0508449412882328, 0.03810744360089302, 0.01782940700650215, -0.024594591930508614, 0.027990935370326042, 0.024849405512213707, 0.012928443029522896, -0.0016917063621804118, -0.015362833626568317, 0.07877742499113083, -0.048908643424510956, -0.0356508269906044, 0.039269693195819855, 0.07159239798784256, -0.033574942499399185, -0.036279965192079544, -0.01719081401824951, 0.031394924968481064, -0.04149912670254707, -0.023951638489961624, -0.01836320199072361, -0.03224121779203415, 0.05100365728139877, -0.06867510080337524, 0.03805525600910187, -0.06517757475376129, 0.03809651732444763, -0.02084364742040634, -0.05310551077127457, 0.015603750012814999, 0.011806088499724865, 0.024881791323423386, 0.04371590167284012, 0.004365675617009401, 0.02095642127096653, -0.02103826031088829, -0.008261953480541706, -0.011786838062107563, 0.015120361931622028, 0.008471396751701832, 0.027155987918376923, 0.021687835454940796, 0.0005832304595969617, 0.027106862515211105, -0.026599962264299393, -0.008725629188120365, -0.07224830240011215, -0.015378007665276527, 0.0437898114323616, 0.0020139117259532213, 0.0009230063296854496, 0.017748119309544563, 0.0038362431805580854, -0.02323934994637966, -0.007219957187771797, -0.020223569124937057, 0.018876217305660248, -0.041617222130298615, -0.0498066246509552, -0.03857472538948059, 0.033979274332523346, 0.005563581362366676, 0.0418814942240715, -0.006475625094026327, 0.04147849604487419, 0.031382206827402115, 0.021796492859721184, -0.0073043652810156345, -0.01190672256052494, -0.037821490317583084, -0.03719766438007355, -0.012833965942263603, 0.045701902359724045, -0.07032327353954315, -0.010414009913802147, -0.07497963309288025, -0.026291009038686752, -0.019809478893876076, 0.01773425005376339, 0.01917574182152748, 0.024444734677672386, -0.018820282071828842, 0.01296962983906269, -0.015739604830741882, -0.00411618547514081, -0.033957794308662415, -0.04141015186905861, 0.0693276971578598, -0.006413083057850599, 0.024129992350935936, -0.01929629035294056, 0.02609281986951828, -0.00034227335709147155, -0.09836147725582123, -0.029803438112139702, 0.016669949516654015, -0.01752297207713127, 0.031167244538664818, -0.003550622845068574, 0.011343657970428467, 0.0180479995906353, 0.02752808853983879, -0.015353547409176826, -0.04682246223092079, -0.03271995857357979, -0.014837498776614666, 0.03276648372411728, -0.026822445914149284, -0.03184950351715088, -0.01332822535187006, -0.014124535955488682, -0.026667973026633263, 0.010192311368882656, 0.007521654944866896, -0.015244195237755775, 0.022020062431693077, -0.022030429914593697, -0.10744987428188324, -0.02061598002910614, 0.005062959156930447, 0.03841457888484001, 0.0627995952963829, -0.005147132091224194, 0.012285656295716763, -0.019283121451735497, 0.0077652884647250175, 0.004575636237859726, -0.03919877111911774, 0.012112941592931747, 0.039342135190963745, 0.029058082029223442, 0.01740279048681259, -0.039455778896808624, -0.019253196194767952, 0.006003617774695158, 0.013076168484985828, 0.05911748483777046, -0.050510089844465256, 0.03749934211373329, -0.034110505133867264, -0.036744363605976105, 0.00704901572316885, -0.00630330853164196, -0.027677912265062332, -0.019623517990112305, -0.02333703823387623, -0.024418387562036514, 0.06931348890066147, -0.007136224769055843, 0.014931760728359222, 0.026826592162251472, -0.008043673820793629, 0.008830507285892963, -0.039032142609357834, -0.010616526007652283, 0.008862507529556751, -0.03746228665113449, -0.0005486848531290889, -0.05185156315565109, -0.0029331257101148367, -0.01870502531528473, 0.07332045584917068, 0.006943193729966879, 0.03602586314082146, -0.0029445637483149767, -0.02219170145690441, 0.01050974428653717, -0.016777051612734795, 0.02690219320356846, 0.015109111554920673, 0.015634801238775253, 0.06653618812561035, -0.04110055789351463, -0.006656513549387455, -0.01865367405116558, -0.027589425444602966, 0.06563497334718704, -0.03837205842137337, -0.014603400602936745, -0.015660079196095467, -0.015010135248303413, 0.04319114238023758, 0.012259652838110924, 0.025330105796456337, -0.06044793501496315, -0.010909953154623508, 0.01959596388041973, 0.04064837843179703, 0.0158685315400362, -0.00655291136354208, 0.0356435663998127, -0.08711536228656769, -0.018711090087890625, -0.09316657483577728, 0.019775930792093277, 0.02332513965666294, 0.03060940094292164, 0.026916055008769035, 0.04332149773836136, -0.03156709298491478, 0.03575724735856056, -0.07963115721940994, -0.04914408177137375, -0.01124863512814045, -0.02436348795890808, -0.02017761953175068, 0.055578604340553284, -0.03332284092903137, 0.015685513615608215, -0.01580260507762432, -0.07159574329853058, -0.04218544811010361, 0.007936861366033554, 0.040891967713832855, 0.022316357120871544, 0.01142547745257616, -0.0262110847979784, -0.030072202906012535, 0.018500585108995438, 0.03566902130842209, 0.002693094778805971, -0.007295587565749884, -0.04243991896510124, 0.02985827811062336, -0.0042669447138905525, 0.03472534194588661, -0.01416768692433834, 0.005620501935482025, 0.0300259031355381, 0.001744794542901218, -0.003105894196778536, 0.025091420859098434, -0.023234469816088676, -0.08861088007688522, 0.048813458532094955, -0.011261388659477234, -0.060084592550992966, -0.001404058188199997, 0.010259387083351612, -0.011531918309628963, -0.028377097100019455, -0.0004960522637702525, 0.08323654532432556, 0.01806199550628662, 0.051021430641412735, 0.015973491594195366, 0.07284235209226608, 0.013189968653023243, -0.02006378024816513, 0.020311646163463593, -0.011672081425786018, 0.05894190073013306, 0.05015701428055763, 0.02516951970756054, 0.04644744470715523, 0.005561437923461199, -0.014802929945290089, -0.031374190002679825, -0.0012403486762195826, 0.029246367514133453, 0.009572056122124195, -0.00702454661950469, 0.04338211566209793, 0.028794612735509872, -0.02388208545744419, 0.024019021540880203, 0.06800427287817001, -0.023469524458050728, 0.05589353293180466, -0.03439048305153847, 0.04337713494896889, 0.004281605128198862, 0.006727514788508415, 0.0077081783674657345, 0.01930173859000206, -0.03552134335041046, -0.019348928704857826, 0.017609626054763794, -0.01770145073533058, 0.0038468479178845882, -0.06924405694007874, -0.011688904836773872, 0.004610531963407993, -0.004579220432788134, 0.07627959549427032, -0.04058811813592911, 0.02754504419863224, 0.0018645551754161716, -0.005462171509861946, 0.025758281350135803, -0.054186224937438965, -0.011979673057794571, -0.0016543867532163858, -0.011119927279651165, 0.009861277416348457, 0.0025563936214894056, 0.038860056549310684, 0.022917388007044792, 0.05690549686551094, -0.011815019883215427, -0.02012556977570057, 0.03003271110355854, 0.052647195756435394, -0.03436899930238724, -0.030342381447553635, -0.08507178723812103, -0.02986002340912819, -0.013627927750349045, 0.011249975301325321, 0.05134398862719536, -0.04409613460302353, -0.0307268388569355, 0.01888998970389366, 0.015349826775491238, -0.03388676047325134, 0.0078795300796628, -0.03343817964196205, 0.012094568461179733, 0.06199588626623154, 0.02845035120844841, 0.015403392724692822, 0.03279922157526016, 0.05182341858744621, -0.00429028132930398, -0.023264717310667038, 0.02117067202925682, -0.01681447960436344, 0.02612661011517048, -0.019445225596427917, 0.02740180678665638, -0.07084797322750092, 0.02184166945517063, 0.01129817869514227, -0.033514052629470825, -0.06518784910440445, 0.05126738175749779, -0.014664786867797375, 0.015399863943457603, 0.06723382323980331, -0.01636292040348053, -0.05009474605321884, -0.019091356545686722, 0.017088918015360832, -0.030909284949302673, 0.008521949872374535, 0.06912950426340103, 0.016358429566025734, 0.060901474207639694, 0.027159223333001137, 0.015211749821901321, -0.03201957046985626, 0.040976349264383316, 0.05993519723415375, -0.014457501471042633, -0.01558615081012249, 0.023939404636621475, -0.018259575590491295, -0.06276385486125946, -0.0803738683462143, 0.009413372725248337, 0.0031400672160089016, -0.0605928897857666, -0.013077100738883018, 0.014148394577205181, 0.01287116389721632, -0.049461159855127335, 0.054541900753974915, 0.031904611736536026, -0.04386143758893013, -0.01613420993089676, -0.012588436715304852, -0.021044030785560608, -0.01845773123204708, 0.007502678781747818, -0.03556830435991287, -0.049858156591653824, 0.0006297313957475126, -0.05066010355949402, 0.03176761791110039, 0.038366492837667465, -0.004197895526885986, 0.00626708846539259 ]
OPINION KENNEDY, J. {1} Mary Woodruff (Woodruff) filed a claim for personal injuries suffered after a fall which occurred on May 15, 1998, while she was a visitor at an office building owned by Santa Fe Medical Dental Group (SFMDG). SFMDG is managed by Phoenix Limited d/b/a Kokopelli Management Services (Kokopelli). State Farm Fire and Casualty Company (State Farm), which insured SFMDG, eventually settled Woodruffs claim, and filed a complaint for declaratory judgment against Kokopelli’s insurer, Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance Company (Farmers), seeking indemnification or subrogation of the settlement. The trial court determined that: (1) Farmers is the primary insurer; (2) State Farm provided adequate notice to Farmers; but (3) the settlement amount was unreasonable, and therefore, Farmers was not required to reimburse State Farm for the entire settlement amount; and (4) State Farm was entitled to prejudgment interest on the amount it was reimbursed. Farmers appeals. The request for oral argument is denied. We affirm. BACKGROUND {2} Woodruff, an elderly woman who uses a wheeled-walker to move around, visited a laboratory located in the SFMDG building. When exiting the building, Woodruff’s walker reportedly caught on a tear in the floor mat. As a result, Woodruff fell and broke her right femur. Woodruff made a claim against SFMDG, and, in June 1998, SFMDG passed the claim on to its insurer, State Farm. SFMDG had a property management agreement with Kokopelli, which required Kokopelli, among other things, to inspect the property as necessary, to accomplish repair and maintenance of the property, and to maintain full-time response capability for maintenance emergencies. SFMDG had also hired a janitorial service to clean the building. The janitorial service was not required to take care of maintenance except to the extent that it was required to “[ajssist Contractors and Partners in areas of maintenance ... as requested.” {3} Kokopelli’s representative, Tom Simon (Simon), the person who signed the agreement with SFMDG, initially refused to disclose the name of its insurance agent to State Farm, stating that Kokopelli’s insurer need not be involved in Woodruffs claim. Eventually, State Farm learned that Kokopelli’s agent was Northern New Mexico Insurance Agency and that its insurer was Farmers, and sent notification of Woodruffs claim to the agent, asking the agent to forward the information to Farmers. {4} In the meantime, State Farm investigated Woodruffs claim and engaged in settlement negotiations with her. State Farm reached a tentative settlement agreement with Woodruff for $170,000, but the negotiations did not end there because Woodruffs attorney “needed to verify” the amount with his client. The settlement agreement was not finalized because, during negotiations, it was discovered that Woodruff had developed a serious infection in her leg, requiring more hospitalization. State Farm eventually settled Woodruffs claim for $375,000. After failing in its attempt to receive reimbursement from Farmers, State Farm filed an action for declaratory judgment against Farmers. Both parties filed motions for summary judgment. The trial court granted partial summary judgment in favor of State Farm, finding that the primary insurer with respect to Woodruffs claim was Farmers, and the secondary insurer was State Farm; that SFMDG was not negligent as to Wood-ruffs claim; and that any negligence that occurred was solely on the part of Kokopelli. The trial court denied State Farm’s motion for summary judgment as to the reasonableness of the settlement, and denied Farmers’ motion in its entirety. A trial was held on the remaining issues. Following trial, the trial court determined that the settlement agreement between State Farm and Wood-ruff was unreasonable; that a reasonable settlement amount was $250,000; that Farmers was given adequate notice by State Farm whereby it had a reasonable opportunity to be involved in the settlement negotiations with Woodruff; and that Farmers was required to reimburse State Farm $250,000. At a later proceeding, the trial court granted State Farm’s motion for prejudgment interest. Farmers appeals, arguing that the trial court erred in determining that it was the primary insurer; erred in deciding that Farmers must indemnify State Farm in the amount of $250,000, because State Farm did not engage in adequate efforts to involve Farmers; and erred in awarding prejudgment interest. DISCUSSION Primary/Secondary Insurer Standard of Review {5} The issue of primary and secondary insurer was decided in a summary judgment proceeding. The parties agree that the material facts are not disputed and that this Court reviews de novo the question of law presented by this issue. See Barncastle v. Am. Nat’l Prop, and Cas. Cos., 2000-NMCA-095, ¶ 5, 129 N.M. 672, 11 P.3d 1234 (noting that, when the parties agree regarding the material facts, the standard of review on appeal from summary judgment is de novo). “Other” Insurance Clauses {6} Both parties also agree that the insurance policies involved in this case contain “other” or “excess” insurance clauses, which are in conflict with each other in that each attempts to make the other insurer primarily liable. The parties agree that “other” insurance clauses such as those included in the two insurance policies in this case would act to leave an insured without any coverage at all, and are therefore held to be “mutually repugnant” and cancel each other out. See CC Hous. Corp. v. Ryder Truck Rental, Inc., 106 N.M. 577, 580-81, 746 P.2d 1109, 1112-13 (1987). Closest to the Risk {7} Below, and on appeal, both parties have agreed that, if the “other” insurance clauses in the two policies cancel each other out, the test to apply in determining which insurer is primary and which is secondary is the “closest to the risk” test discussed in Branchal v. Safeco Insurance Co. of America, 106 N.M. 70, 71, 738 P.2d 1315, 1316 (1987). Because both parties agree that the insurer that is closest to the risk is the primary insurer, we limit our discussion to this closest-to-the-risk analysis. In Branchal, our Supreme Court relied on a Minnesota decision to determine which automobile insurer was primarily liable and which was secondarily liable for damages claimed by an injured passenger. Id. (relying on Transamerican Ins. Co. v. Austin Farm Ctr., Inc., 354 N.W.2d 503 (Minn.Ct.App.1984)). The Branchal Court determined that the policy insuring the vehicle that was involved in the accident, rather than the policy insuring the injured passenger, was closest to the risk and was, therefore, primarily liable. Branchal, 106 N.M. at 71, 738 P.2d at 1316. This closest-to-the-risk doctrine was reaffirmed in Tarango v. Farmers Ins. Co. of Ariz., 115 N.M. 225, 226-27, 849 P.2d 368, 369-70 (1993). However, neither Branchal nor Tarango discuss the doctrine at any length; both eases simply adopt the result reached in Transamerican, that the insurer of the vehicle involved in an accident is closer to the risk than the insurer of the passenger in that vehicle. We therefore look to Minnesota case law. {8} Minnesota courts have developed two different tests to use in determining which of two insurers is closest to a particular risk. One is a three-part test that is primarily applicable to automobile cases. Illinois Farmers Ins. Co. v. Depositors Ins. Co., 480 N.W.2d 657, 660-61 (Minn.Ct.App. 1992). This is the test that was applied in Transamerican. In cases not involving automobiles, Minnesota courts apply a broader test requiring a determination of the “total policy insuring intent” based on the primary policy risks and the primary function of each policy. Illinois Farmers, 480 N.W.2d at 661; Interstate Fire & Cas. Co. v. Auto-Owners Ins. Co., 433 N.W.2d 82, 86 (Minn.1988). This broader approach, involving a more helpful review than the “mechanical application” of the three-part test, is applied when two policies are intended to cover risks that differ in size and type. North Star Mut. Ins. Co. v. Midwest Family Mut. Ins. Co., 634 N.W.2d 216, 223 (Minn.Ct.App.2001); see also Illinois Farmers, 480 N.W.2d at 661. As discussed below, the insurance policies in the case before us cover risks that differ in size and type, and the policies contain liability coverage unrelated to automobiles. Therefore, we apply the broader test discussed in the Minnesota cases cited above, and analyze the policies to determine the primary risks contemplated by each policy, and the primary functions of each policy. {9} State Farm’s policy is labeled a “Business Policy,” and provides business liability coverage in the amount of $5,000,000. The premium for the policy, which includes coverage for damage to SFMDG’s buildings as well as the liability coverage, is listed as $12,924. Farmers’ policy is labeled a “BUSINESSOWNERS POLICY,” and provides coverage for liability and medical expenses in the amount of $1,000,000. The premium for the policy is listed as $284. Farmers’ policy lists Kokopelli as its named insured, while State Farm’s policy lists SFMDG as its named insured. Neither party argued below that its particular liability policy was not designed to cover a plaintiffs injuries. {10} The primary policy risks contemplated by the State Farm policy included risks associated with the entire premises in which SFMDG operated, and all types of risks associated with those premises. The primary policy risks contemplated by the Farmers policy included the duties performed by Kokopelli at the SFMDG premises. As noted above, Kokopelli’s duties included inspection of the premises and maintenance aimed at preventing dangerous conditions from developing. For example, the chairman of the management committee for SFMDG, Dr. Kenneth Brooks, stated in his affidavit that Kokopelli was responsible for supervising and inspecting janitorial work, and that “repair or removal of a torn floor mat is a maintenance issue fully within the scope of Kokopelli’s obligations as manager.” Ah affidavit of Ronald Trujillo, State Farm Claims Specialist, stated that Kokopelli’s representative, Simon, told Trujillo that Kokopelli’s employee “walked the Property daily inspecting for maintenance needs,” and that “if a maintenance issue such as a torn floor mat existed, Kokopelli would be aware of it.” {11} Farmers argues that the torn floor mat that caused Woodruffs fall belonged to SFMDG and was included in the property insured under State Farm’s policy, and therefore, State Farm’s insurance policy was specifically intended to insure against risks connected to the disrepair of the floor mat. State Farm counters by arguing that the cause of Woodruffs accident was Kokopelli’s failure to perform its duties, and that, even if the floor mat was owned by SFMDG, its maintenance was under Kokopelli’s control. The essential facts in this case, therefore, are these: (1) an injury was caused by a dangerous condition on the SFMDG premises; (2) one insurer provided liability coverage for risks caused by the dangerous condition; and (3) another insurer provided liability coverage to the entity charged with preventing such risks from developing on the premises. In reviewing the primary policy risks and primary functions and the circumstances of this ease, we find that the insurance policy covering the entity charged with preventing the risk is closer to the risk and therefore is the primary insurer. See Redeemer Covenant Church of Brooklyn Park v. Church Mut. Ins. Co., 567 N.W.2d 71, 80-81 (Minn. Ct.App.1997) (determining that pastor’s professional liability insurer was closer to the risk that pastor would cause harm to persons he was counseling, as compared to church’s comprehensive general liability policy, which provided general coverage for occurrences of many types). Therefore, the trial court was correct in determining that Farmers was the primary insurer in this case. Notice to Farmers {12} Farmers argues that it was not given a reasonable opportunity to be involved in the settlement negotiations with Woodruff, and therefore, State Farm was not entitled to indemnification in the amount of $250,000. The trial court found that State Farm notified Kokopelli of Woodruffs claim in August 1998, notified Farmers’ agent of the claim in May 1999, and notified Farmers of the claim directly in April 2000. The trial court found that all of the notifications were made prior to final settlement of Woodruffs claim and constituted adequate notice to Farmers. There is no suggestion that Farmers is challenging the factual basis for the finding of adequate notice, including the attempts that were made with regard to notice to Farmers. Instead, Farmers is claiming that the factual finding that the notice was adequate was erroneous because the late direct notice to Farmers deprived it of a reasonable opportunity to be involved in the settlement proceedings. We review findings of fact made by the trial court to determine if they are supported by substantial evidence. See Griffin v. Guadalupe Med. Ctr., 1997-NMCA-012, ¶ 22,123 N.M. 60, 933 P.2d 859. {13} Here, State Farm provided notice of Woodruffs claim to Kokopelli’s representative, Simon, in May 1999. At that time, Simon was uncooperative when State Farm suggested he report the claim to Kokopelli’s insurer and insisted that only State Farm was responsible for the claim. When State Farm was informed of the name of Kokopelli’s insurer in May 1999, it immediately notified Farmers’ agent, Northern New Mexico Insurance Agency. State Farm requested that Farmers’ agent forward State Farm’s letter of notification to Farmers “so that [Farmers] can set up a claim for Kokopelli.” In June 1999, Farmers’ agent told State Farm’s agent that he had spoken with Simon and had been instructed not to report the claim to Farmers. State Farm’s agent responded that he was not sure that Farmers’ agent could refuse to report the claim, and that he believed that Farmers’ agent “needed to report the claim.” Despite this, Farmers’ agent failed to contact Farmers about the claim. On April 10, 2000, State Farm sent direct notice to Farmers, including extensive detail about Woodruffs accident and injuries, and asking for “immediate funds to indemnify” Kokopelli for its negligence. On April 26, 2000, State Farm sent another letter to Farmers asking to know immediately how much Farmers would contribute toward settlement and requesting a response by April 28. Farmers responded with two letters, on April 27 and May 4, 2000, stating that it was investigating the claim and did not understand why State Farm believed Farmers to have any liability in the case. State Farm settled with Woodruff on May 2, 2000. On May 10, 2000, State Farm informed Farmers that it had settled the claim. {14} There was substantial evidence to support the trial court’s finding that notice to Farmers was adequate. For example, State Farm gave notice to Farmers’ agent approximately one year prior to settlement. See Jackson Nat’l Life Ins. Co. v. Receconi, 113 N.M. 403, 412, 827 P.2d 118, 127 (1992) (determining that notice to the agent of a company constitutes notice to the company even when the agent does not actually pass on the information to the company). Although Farmers argues that State Farm cannot rely on notice to its agent because he was told by Farmers’ agent that the claim would not be forwarded to Farmers, the last communication between the two agents involved State Farm’s agent informing Farmers’ agent that he believed that the claim needed to be reported to Farmers. In addition to notice to Farmers’ agent, Farmers was directly notified of the full details of the case, including details of the settlement negotiations, over three weeks prior to settlement. In response, Farmers stated only that it was investigating the claim. Farmers engaged in only limited investigation of the claim, and made no other efforts to be involved in the settlement negotiations or to have the settlement postponed. Based on this substantial evidence, we reject Farmers’ argument that it had inadequate notice. Reasonableness of Settlement {15} Farmers argues that the trial court erred in concluding that it should reimburse State Farm in the amount of $250,000. Farmers argues that it should not be required to pay any amount to State Farm, particularly because of its claim that it had inadequate notice and could not participate in the proceedings. As discussed above, Farmers had adequate notice of the claim, but chose not to participate in defense of its insured or in settlement negotiations. However, although Farmers did not participate in the settlement of the claim, it was not precluded from arguing that the settlement amount of $375,000 was unreasonable. See Am. Gen. Fire and Cas. Co. v. Progressive Cas. Co., 110 N.M. 741, 746, 799 P.2d 1113, 1118 (1990). The trial court agreed with Farmers that the settlement amount was unreasonable, and found that State Farm was entitled to only $250,000, out of the total $375,000 settlement, because a reasonable settlement should not have exceeded $250,000. This finding is supported by substantial evidence which is binding on us on appeal. See Griffin, 1997-NMCA-012, ¶22, 123 N.M. 60, 933 P.2d 859. The trial court found that Fanners was the primary insurer for the claim, and therefore Farmers is bound by the settlement reached between State Farm and Woodruff. See Rummel v. Lexington Ins. Co., 1997-NMSC-041, ¶ 59, 123 N.M. 752, 945 P.2d 970. {16} The trial court based the amount of a reasonable settlement on various facts, including medical bills incurred by Woodruff of almost $107,000, pain and suffering and significant decrease in the quality of life suffered by Woodruff, a tentative settlement agreement in October 1999 of $170,000 that coincided, however, with the significant worsening of Woodruffs injuries, and the ultimate placement of Woodruff in a nursing home. The trial court also considered the facts that the claim had not gone to litigation, the investigation of the claim was not sufficiently thorough as to Kokopelli’s employees, there was a possibility that a defense would have been provided by Kokopelli’s employees, and there was a possibility of assessing comparative fault against Woodruff. Farmers does not challenge any of these determinations, but instead argues only that it should not be liable for any amount. Essentially, Farmers is arguing that the entire settlement was unreasonable. Farmers does not point to any evidence to support this argument. In any event, the evidence cited above supports the trial court’s determination of the amount of a reasonable settlement, and we affirm the trial court’s decision on this issue. Prejudgment Interest {17} After trial, State Farm filed a motion for prejudgment interest, which was granted by the trial court. An award of prejudgment interest is reviewed under an abuse of discretion standard. See NMSA 1978, § 56-8-4(B) (1993) (allowing the district court to exercise its discretion in awarding prejudgment interest); DeLisle v. Avallone, 117 N.M. 602, 609, 874 P.2d 1266, 1273 (Ct.App.1994) (stating that a trial court’s decision on prejudgment interest will stand absent a showing that the decision is contrary to all logic and reason). The trial court, in determining whether prejudgment interest should be awarded, may consider whether State Farm caused unreasonable delay in adjudication of its claims and whether Farmers had previously made a timely and reasonable offer of settlement to State Farm. See § 56 — 8—4(B)(1)(2) (stating that the trial court, in determining prejudgment interest, may consider whether the plaintiff unreasonably delayed adjudication and whether the defendant made a settlement offer to the plaintiff). {18} Farmers argues that State Farm delayed in responding to discovery requests, which resulted in a need to file a motion to compel production of documents. Farmers also claims that State Farm made it clear that it would not accept any offer less than its full demand. State Farm argues that it attempted to resolve the case for approximately six months prior to filing suit. State Farm also argues that it objected to the production of its claim file, which it had a right to do, and that Farmers made no effort to pursue the matter until almost a year later. Finally, State Farm argues that the onus under Section 56-8-4 is on Farmers to make an offer of settlement, and one was never made. It was up to the trial court to resolve the issue, and determine whether prejudgment interest should be awarded. There is nothing to suggest that the trial court abused its discretion in this regard. We affirm the decision to award prejudgment interest. CONCLUSION {19} Based on the foregoing, we affirm the trial court’s decision. {20} IT IS SO ORDERED. CASTILLO and VIGIL, JJ., concur.
[ -0.010348011739552021, -0.02485460788011551, 0.00022416764113586396, -0.008180503733456135, 0.059350449591875076, 0.007481491658836603, 0.034919217228889465, 0.006326800677925348, 0.020627649500966072, -0.028725026175379753, -0.022490253672003746, 0.024519482627511024, -0.03890231251716614, 0.04600251093506813, -0.028010210022330284, 0.07043136656284332, 0.022043218836188316, 0.03522970527410507, 0.0023807159159332514, -0.008308599703013897, -0.015350067056715488, -0.0391552671790123, 0.03344154357910156, 0.032051101326942444, 0.0019011476542800665, 0.004551791585981846, 0.014695253223180771, 0.0173299890011549, -0.036151595413684845, 0.02679131180047989, 0.05417124927043915, -0.021130653098225594, -0.014683919958770275, 0.004100549966096878, -0.01945550926029682, 0.05000173673033714, 0.028508447110652924, -0.0153585784137249, -0.03704008087515831, 0.0014455645577982068, -0.01499470230191946, 0.012382348999381065, -0.054626259952783585, 0.016539504751563072, -0.027126643806695938, 0.02658495493233204, -0.007863558828830719, 0.0033529973588883877, -0.006782079115509987, -0.018992485478520393, -0.05624871328473091, 0.005131531041115522, -0.013087081722915173, -0.010833200998604298, -0.028824830427765846, 0.0768023207783699, -0.029798440635204315, -0.0678485631942749, -0.004545013885945082, -0.014784079045057297, -0.031495168805122375, -0.04415976628661156, 0.031975701451301575, -0.002849005861207843, -0.002337665995582938, 0.0164821557700634, 0.022263484075665474, 0.04678474739193916, -0.02062157541513443, -0.021606333553791046, -0.036539316177368164, 0.01704816147685051, 0.027843430638313293, 0.010699239559471607, 0.01246015913784504, -0.05880303308367729, -0.01943756267428398, 0.02361253648996353, -0.03343459591269493, 0.051091764122247696, 0.012810642831027508, -0.019162490963935852, -0.019346844404935837, 0.0322151742875576, -0.031068362295627594, -0.04245138540863991, -0.0588771291077137, -0.040773119777441025, -0.04700487107038498, 0.07914818823337555, 0.020310506224632263, -0.020716402679681778, 0.006505007855594158, 0.05612640827894211, 0.00002382712955295574, 0.005756165366619825, 0.08516204357147217, -0.032835979014635086, 0.025871383026242256, 0.005934429820626974, -0.04750262200832367, 0.0046928259544074535, -0.006111202295869589, 0.06531746685504913, -0.050862327218055725, -0.028549816459417343, -0.023105721920728683, 0.016312267631292343, 0.014759790152311325, 0.018277360126376152, -0.032532673329114914, 0.029428353533148766, -0.03376786783337593, -0.0018739664228633046, -0.062022529542446136, 0.10403939336538315, 0.011368279345333576, -0.04210243001580238, -0.02819254621863365, -0.014141978695988655, 0.04217568039894104, 0.013130497187376022, -0.03717285394668579, 0.07728782296180725, 0.009217225946485996, 0.026597898453474045, 0.027293259277939796, 0.03403874486684799, -0.04984751716256142, -0.05082133784890175, 0.005576082039624453, 0.03994791582226753, -0.03203215077519417, -0.019505275413393974, -0.002930176444351673, 0.04358994588255882, 0.01611652784049511, -0.016559109091758728, 0.01629955880343914, -0.05449788272380829, -0.0008774241432547569, -0.016459211707115173, -0.028426364064216614, 0.02509717084467411, 0.07630105316638947, -0.025888364762067795, 0.03025699034333229, -0.06242319941520691, -0.03724612668156624, -0.0006709427107125521, 0.0035869991406798363, 0.03772054240107536, 0.03248407319188118, -0.0051969741471111774, -0.037108276039361954, 0.04285294935107231, 0.057692751288414, -0.045230887830257416, 0.012351368553936481, 0.003947142045944929, 0.05982869490981102, 0.03934020549058914, 0.048437345772981644, 0.010123779997229576, -0.00639184657484293, 0.004944817628711462, 0.028695007786154747, -0.037776701152324677, -0.016438879072666168, 0.05511294677853584, -0.0734495297074318, -0.021683955565094948, 0.015483984723687172, -0.07600635290145874, -0.013296573422849178, 0.008437402546405792, 0.03700006380677223, -0.023011842742562294, 0.006478173658251762, -0.005330331157892942, -0.06187813729047775, 0.014229084365069866, -0.010167968459427357, 0.03168027475476265, 0.01041463389992714, -0.01655053347349167, 0.05428842455148697, -0.03287259861826897, 0.027633152902126312, -0.09522499144077301, -0.06801048666238785, -0.07880343496799469, 0.035753630101680756, -0.0406118780374527, 0.059063658118247986, 0.008013899438083172, 0.00391504168510437, -0.016471317037940025, -0.005132326390594244, 0.05618426576256752, -0.004542381968349218, -0.016666274517774582, -0.01594644971191883, -0.059205781668424606, -0.07785045355558395, 0.047462303191423416, 0.06913956254720688, -0.029658714309334755, 0.0011114197550341487, 0.012495279312133789, -0.009300443343818188, 0.011283344589173794, 0.03624381124973297, -0.010898778215050697, 0.054090868681669235, 0.02000364661216736, 0.03700447082519531, -0.057249803096055984, 0.013247089460492134, -0.03608940169215202, 0.04919695854187012, -0.012180494144558907, -0.008537509478628635, 0.012749859131872654, -0.0325716957449913, 0.07608206570148468, 0.0623294971883297, -0.051868751645088196, -0.022684577852487564, 0.011376253329217434, -0.01668618433177471, -0.025380661711096764, -0.002167066326364875, 0.024649430066347122, 0.03094436042010784, -0.004278211854398251, -0.02554929256439209, -0.030405258759856224, 0.03858966380357742, -0.06596914678812027, 0.002480869647115469, 0.05189593881368637, 0.005525249056518078, 0.030827142298221588, -0.04268587753176689, -0.043061137199401855, -0.015284455381333828, 0.02271995320916176, -0.06241752579808235, -0.03268332779407501, 0.00979391485452652, 0.01307979878038168, 0.013168114237487316, 0.024255264550447464, -0.007083673030138016, -0.04819406196475029, -0.03536634519696236, -0.012531614862382412, 0.005919013172388077, -0.006819593254476786, 0.01018100418150425, 0.0349920429289341, 0.02190224826335907, -0.03309477120637894, -0.01946169324219227, -0.029153360053896904, -0.005673819221556187, 0.0032093552872538567, -0.009534353390336037, 0.03449542820453644, 0.03142315894365311, -0.01473881583660841, -0.009937232360243797, 0.02910257689654827, 0.007036686409264803, 0.06245793029665947, 0.01218588836491108, 0.009513826109468937, -0.0034376231487840414, 0.013147269375622272, -0.0012210813583806157, 0.05340060591697693, -0.021517977118492126, -0.06837143748998642, 0.006163856014609337, -0.03798135370016098, -0.013227775692939758, -0.014992604963481426, -0.06621439009904861, 0.08502840995788574, 0.0035298296716064215, 0.036328788846731186, -0.019208654761314392, 0.006590384989976883, -0.0020690830424427986, 0.003828534157946706, -0.0028842331375926733, 0.060258131474256516, 0.044802237302064896, -0.015448033809661865, -0.005180642940104008, -0.020934928208589554, -0.03720511123538017, -0.020156865939497948, 0.016590991988778114, 0.016868190839886665, -0.013356276787817478, -0.04222376272082329, -0.2654591500759125, 0.025422854349017143, -0.0310550294816494, -0.026204733178019524, 0.025415288284420967, -0.019531991332769394, 0.02282378450036049, -0.011292173527181149, -0.002061674604192376, 0.01746215857565403, 0.02694551832973957, -0.03896054998040199, 0.031191378831863403, 0.014471713453531265, -0.003082199487835169, -0.037707582116127014, -0.004453877452760935, -0.035041891038417816, 0.0020158826373517513, 0.0031634827610105276, 0.0412839837372303, -0.034086402505636215, -0.0730491578578949, 0.03265116736292839, 0.07191576063632965, 0.09511657059192657, -0.03675840049982071, 0.0015516545390710235, -0.025554925203323364, 0.014378166757524014, -0.0017197838751599193, -0.015327729284763336, -0.03508438542485237, -0.009882716462016106, 0.0022698454558849335, 0.014842124655842781, 0.020785480737686157, -0.0023188951890915632, -0.038878314197063446, -0.03236396983265877, 0.04282952472567558, -0.051909368485212326, -0.07306410372257233, -0.00992301944643259, 0.029938261955976486, -0.015471765771508217, -0.029747026041150093, 0.009619957767426968, -0.006838178262114525, 0.057515814900398254, 0.04717274755239487, 0.014386896975338459, -0.03287314623594284, 0.025208167731761932, -0.020524878054857254, 0.016163073480129242, -0.011108863167464733, 0.003906405530869961, -0.029138658195734024, 0.0504084937274456, -0.009764392860233784, -0.02064707688987255, -0.019345887005329132, -0.04588904231786728, 0.023778825998306274, -0.05349404364824295, -0.03865493834018707, -0.004327480215579271, 0.0692589059472084, -0.01713944412767887, -0.01806991547346115, 0.057306695729494095, -0.030251018702983856, -0.09159162640571594, 0.008102644234895706, -0.02542324736714363, -0.019896648824214935, -0.09092910587787628, -0.016063611954450607, 0.008253505453467369, 0.007988172583281994, -0.056359753012657166, 0.04687897488474846, 0.019385021179914474, -0.016296789050102234, -0.010999751277267933, 0.002287007635459304, 0.04602312669157982, -0.04438040405511856, -0.015793681144714355, 0.004091660492122173, 0.03378031775355339, -0.00479538831859827, -0.007932009175419807, 0.03403251990675926, 0.08728238940238953, -0.01416081003844738, -0.05271701142191887, 0.005458883009850979, 0.009051726199686527, 0.0071615194901824, -0.03928907588124275, 0.00483744777739048, -0.04839338734745979, -0.005016855429857969, -0.04243199899792671, -0.06510991603136063, -0.016288815066218376, 0.05252945050597191, 0.001982887275516987, 0.028761526569724083, -0.014601892791688442, 0.043815117329359055, -0.07524661719799042, 0.003812990617007017, 0.0071853576228022575, 0.005007199477404356, -0.004759661853313446, 0.013597113080322742, 0.01548818126320839, 0.032002031803131104, 0.0002282711793668568, -0.05977337434887886, -0.04331471771001816, -0.07952010631561279, 0.006953177973628044, 0.011536032892763615, 0.042853835970163345, 0.025588639080524445, 0.043007589876651764, -0.0057125152088701725, -0.034916315227746964, -0.014881310984492302, 0.02829659916460514, 0.0006386013119481504, 0.03418849781155586, -0.006081833504140377, -0.07455997169017792, 0.0033402428962290287, -0.014250586740672588, 0.015674930065870285, -0.007869274355471134, 0.00791692640632391, -0.013417931273579597, 0.052444081753492355, -0.007976219989359379, -0.023205658420920372, -0.007923295721411705, -0.015771938487887383, 0.04998631402850151, -0.004979890771210194, -0.008520170114934444, 0.01186397299170494, -0.050365038216114044, -0.017119770869612694, -0.01128396950662136, 0.038243234157562256, 0.011365337297320366, -0.002567670540884137, -0.06784097850322723, 0.0044360049068927765, -0.006844144780188799, -0.04996062070131302, -0.02801116183400154, -0.02386729046702385, 0.05324442684650421, -0.007823149673640728, 0.02682182937860489, -0.04516971856355667, 0.05537351220846176, 0.027031535282731056, -0.021021218970417976, -0.018939070403575897, 0.022812403738498688, 0.006570699159055948, 0.034332986921072006, -0.005406448617577553, 0.021695809438824654, 0.05331055447459221, 0.05926081910729408, 0.006726184859871864, 0.006550530903041363, -0.017921000719070435, -0.014540597796440125, 0.05490928888320923, 0.00851056445389986, -0.04282895848155022, -0.021729232743382454, -0.021905122324824333, 0.029261091724038124, 0.030674347653985023, -0.022251496091485023, -0.009004824794828892, 0.048047881573438644, -0.023324038833379745, -0.0609247051179409, -0.006088541820645332, -0.02802526019513607, 0.032081861048936844, 0.034882258623838425, -0.02596409246325493, 0.00048580419388599694, -0.014791599474847317, 0.023782020434737206, -0.013580933213233948, -0.06082949414849281, 0.018343457952141762, 0.05099530518054962, 0.001290244865231216, 0.0470946803689003, -0.07930386066436768, 0.013281026855111122, 0.009891736321151257, -0.02189580537378788, 0.03572060540318489, -0.10184444487094879, 0.05243636667728424, -0.014568417333066463, -0.021383749321103096, -0.0009911366505548358, 0.008733795024454594, -0.04580990597605705, 0.016329051926732063, -0.022800957784056664, -0.04485620930790901, 0.06703417003154755, -0.02711009979248047, 0.0070301564410328865, 0.008141039870679379, -0.036478765308856964, 0.034348197281360626, -0.04552517458796501, -0.013240832835435867, 0.019536668434739113, -0.0008200130541808903, 0.03436414152383804, 0.008035791106522083, -0.003636167850345373, -0.001514906412921846, 0.06233566254377365, 0.026135148480534554, 0.05824165791273117, 0.011410286650061607, -0.05874066427350044, 0.0005850119050592184, -0.009743808768689632, 0.01315771322697401, 0.030729522928595543, -0.004879485350102186, 0.07084901630878448, -0.007642942015081644, 0.05004432424902916, -0.01460660807788372, 0.061605293303728104, -0.0019939648918807507, -0.06879563629627228, -0.028935493901371956, 0.003374362364411354, -0.004729629494249821, 0.021231262013316154, 0.016079867258667946, 0.033192865550518036, 0.030389459803700447, 0.03739548102021217, 0.045154280960559845, 0.0006096651777625084, 0.008334139361977577, -0.03688378632068634, 0.052507899701595306, -0.059674620628356934, -0.026128023862838745, -0.08085000514984131, -0.013981473632156849, 0.003884540405124426, 0.0005338424234651029, 0.03975742682814598, -0.024040497839450836, -0.03637149557471275, 0.00604110024869442, -0.057339828461408615, -0.02578851766884327, -0.007939928211271763, -0.08123673498630524, -0.025536760687828064, -0.008655229583382607, -0.04210782051086426, 0.020696045830845833, 0.010944964364171028, -0.10638855397701263, -0.025875220075249672, 0.012688317336142063, 0.037969574332237244, 0.0008766009705141187, -0.00013766190386377275, -0.04270801693201065, -0.04984210059046745, -0.010476553812623024, 0.01719231717288494, -0.006479896605014801, 0.030809175223112106, -0.059858329594135284, 0.05860214680433273, 0.02586529031395912, 0.015964560210704803, 0.018202055245637894, -0.02200593613088131, 0.015331041067838669, -0.06391330808401108, 0.029280900955200195, 0.021095197647809982, 0.013456099666655064, -0.07388094067573547, 0.053014665842056274, 0.03196419030427933, -0.028887750580906868, -0.0036064540036022663, -0.004442085046321154, -0.0238981693983078, -0.019122924655675888, -0.019912151619791985, 0.05139787495136261, -0.020861336961388588, 0.07644905149936676, 0.014247606508433819, 0.0801115334033966, 0.06161098927259445, -0.0272199846804142, 0.03865724429488182, 0.0239616297185421, 0.059278856962919235, 0.06899824738502502, 0.0012901357840746641, -0.007766957860440016, 0.052824292331933975, -0.0010917867766693234, -0.04422934725880623, -0.0009039565338753164, -0.02992914244532585, -0.006170867942273617, 0.017457900568842888, 0.008936649188399315, -0.0009712630417197943, 0.02256755903363228, 0.057437311857938766, 0.0016073125880211592, -0.008147836662828922, 0.055852651596069336, -0.019887570291757584, 0.043540969491004944, 0.011938601732254028, 0.0029629571363329887, -0.020723046734929085, -0.025713149458169937, -0.022560391575098038, 0.01175961084663868, 0.007264811545610428, -0.013916747644543648, -0.015610923059284687, -0.049001436680555344, 0.038681354373693466, 0.02387324906885624, -0.01604842208325863, 0.06413207948207855, -0.042516592890024185, -0.05727632716298103, -0.002908108988776803, 0.012833834625780582, -0.01072623673826456, 0.00028068359824828804, 0.025040481239557266, 0.005364199168980122, 0.0016758410492911935, -0.046261005103588104, 0.042523350566625595, 0.06286689639091492, 0.038114603608846664, 0.06992863118648529, -0.022370614111423492, 0.021068602800369263, 0.05962427705526352, 0.016997171565890312, -0.02695530094206333, -0.03571729362010956, -0.03283008188009262, -0.01642843335866928, -0.05794921889901161, 0.03294256702065468, 0.01670766808092594, -0.0050452896393835545, -0.04287636652588844, 0.014389938674867153, -0.02916066348552704, 0.01724996790289879, 0.04210496321320534, -0.00896770041435957, -0.014789856038987637, 0.036406129598617554, 0.028079813346266747, 0.016691140830516815, 0.0421316921710968, 0.06322414427995682, -0.042193759232759476, -0.026983387768268585, 0.031078528612852097, -0.015586385503411293, 0.04671500250697136, 0.01371790375560522, 0.00682591088116169, -0.053315650671720505, 0.035612691193819046, 0.021029869094491005, -0.007321074604988098, -0.03302862495183945, 0.011107129976153374, -0.041427746415138245, 0.0033127833157777786, 0.04939969629049301, 0.0007288980414159596, -0.03278755769133568, -0.06864100694656372, -0.02732107974588871, 0.008281402289867401, 0.03227709233760834, 0.044875938445329666, -0.029210250824689865, 0.01660417765378952, 0.018373433500528336, 0.013150309212505817, 0.0037796790711581707, 0.0467180572450161, 0.004034887533634901, -0.01326202042400837, -0.01663617417216301, -0.018735771998763084, -0.04585717245936394, -0.008942347019910812, -0.04340687766671181, 0.02938828431069851, -0.017204245552420616, -0.0780668780207634, 0.022634243592619896, -0.006635058671236038, 0.004329424351453781, -0.009214437566697598, 0.03582920879125595, 0.006873030215501785, -0.04330078139901161, -0.03773203864693642, -0.03520004823803902, 0.0028117240872234106, 0.02661840058863163, -0.0102333789691329, 0.0029888958670198917, -0.02943481132388115, 0.04959799349308014, -0.040679290890693665, -0.004253705032169819, 0.012391346506774426, -0.03654615208506584, -0.0036724924575537443 ]
OPINION CASTILLO, Chief Judge. {1} In this claim dispute, insurer American National Property and Casualty Company (ANPAC) does not challenge the judgment against it finding breach of contract and requiring it to pay the insurance claim filed by Defendants. Rather, ANPAC seeks reversal of two awards based on the allegation of bad faith denial of the claim: $20,000 in compensatory damages and $50,000 in punitive damages. ANPAC argues that its motion for directed verdict on the bad faith claim should have been granted because the claim was not supported by substantial evidence and did not reach the legal threshold for bad faith under New Mexico law. ANPAC also challenges the admission of testimony offered by Defendants’ expert witness. We affirm. I. BACKGROUND {2} This case arises from an automobile collision that took place in the early morning hours of October 13, 2007. Albuquerque Police Officer Matthew McElroy was parked in his squad car in the median on southbound Jefferson Street Northeast, pointing his radar gun toward oncoming traffic when he saw two vehicles headed toward him. One of the vehicles, a 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo, was driven by Defendant Adam Hudson, who lost control at the curve and slammed into the back of Officer McElroy’s squad car. The other car, thought to be a black Lincoln LS, sped on southward, its driver never identified. {3} There was a police investigation and report by Officer Compton after which Hudson was charged with drag racing and reckless driving. Hudson’s mother, Co-Defendant Tina Cleveland, co-signed on the loan for the Porsche and was a named insured on the ANPAC policy. After the accident, Defendants promptly filed a claim with ANPAC. Two days after the collision, the claim was assigned to adjuster Evan Williams, who reviewed the police report and recorded an interview with Hudson. The policy contained language excluding coverage for accidents “resulting from the use of your insured car in or in preparation for any race, speed contest, hill climbing exhibition, or any other contest or demonstration.” Williams contacted Defendants to let them know that additional investigation was needed regarding their claim because of the racing exclusion in the policy. {4} Two weeks later, on October 30, 2007, Williams brought the claim before ANPAC’s claims committee. The committee requested further investigation, and Williams later obtained a recorded statement from investigating Officer Compton. On December 20,2007, the claims committee met again, this time with a notarized statement from Hudson who denied drag racing and a recorded statement from Officer Compton who explained that Hudson had originally denied drag racing but then admitted it. The committee denied the claim on the basis of the racing exclusion. In early March 2008, Williams was informed that the racing charge against Hudson had been dismissed. Williams presented that new information to the claims committee later that month, and it determined that the denial of the claim “will stand based upon the exclusion for racing under your policy” and “Officer Compton’s statementthat Adam did indeed admit to racing a black Lincoln LS.” {5} Defendants brought suit against ANPAC in Metropolitan Court, and ANPAC filed this action in district court seeking a declaratory judgment stating it had no duty to provide coverage under the language and terms of the policy. Defendants countersued for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and three other claims that eventually were dismissed. After a three-day trial, a jury decided that Hudson was not racing and returned a verdict against ANPAC, finding that the insurer breached its contract with Defendants and awarding Defendants $8,260.08 in damages. The jury also found that ANPAC had acted in bad faith and awarded $20,000 in additional compensatory damages; it also found that the bad faith was the result of malicious and/or willful and wanton actions on the part of ANPAC and awarded $50,000 in punitive damages. {6} ANPAC filed this appeal. It raises no issues as to the breach of contract claim and limits its challenge to the two awards based on bad faith. We first address ANPAC’s contention that it was error for the district court to deny its motion for directed verdict on the bad faith claim. Then we will address ANPAC’s second claim that the court abused its discretion in allowing the opinion evidence of Defendants’ expert witness. Finally we will address the award of attorney fees and costs. II. DISCUSSION A. Motion for Directed Verdict 1. Arguments of the Parties {7} ANPAC argues that the district court should have granted its motion for directed verdict on the bad faith claim as a matter of law. A motion for directed verdict, also referred to as judgment as a matter of law, is governed by Rule 1-050 NMRA. Our Supreme Court has cautioned that judgment as a matter of law “is a drastic measure that is generally disfavored inasmuch as it may interfere with the jury function and intrude on a litigant’s right to a trial by jury.” Torres v. El Paso Elec. Co., 1999-NMSC-029, ¶ 26, 127 N.M. 729, 987 P.2d 386, overruled on other grounds by Herrera v. Quality Pontiac, 2003-NMSC-018, 134 N.M.43, 73 P.3d 181. “In ruling upon and reviewing a motion for a directed verdict, the court must consider all of the evidence. If there are conflicts or contradictions, they must be resolved in favor of the party resisting the motion.” Hicks v. Eller, 2012-NMCA-061, ¶ 16, 280 P.3d 304 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Therefore, judgment as a matter of law shall be granted “only when there are no true issues of fact to be presented to a jury,” and it is clear that the facts and inferences are so “overwhelmingly in favor of the moving party that the judge believes that reasonable people could not arrive at a contrary result.” McNeill v. Rice Eng’g & Operating, Inc., 2003-NMCA-078, ¶ 31, 133 N.M. 804, 70 P.3d 794 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Whether there is sufficient evidence to support a claim or defense is a question of law that we review de novo. Id. {8} ANPAC’s position is that because its policy unambiguously excluded coverage for drag racing and because there was conflicting evidence as to whether Hudson was drag racing, there was a reasonable question as to coverage and, consequently, ANPAC’s decision to deny coverage could not be considered frivolous or unfounded as a matter of law. Defendants contend that the racing exclusion in the ANPAC policy applies to prearranged racing and not to impromptu drag racing. They also argue that even if the exclusion does apply to impromptu drag racing, there was substantial evidence that ANPAC breached its duty to conduct a fair investigation before denial of the claim, thus allowing the jury to find that the denial of the claim was frivolous and unfounded. As to punitive damages, Defendants argue that evidence sufficient to support the submission of bad faith is sufficient to support the submission of the issue of punitive damages. In its reply, ANPAC points to the jury instructions as a basis for its contention that the failure to fairly investigate the claim is contrary to the law of the case and that the only issue before the jury was whether ANPAC’s denial of the claim was “for reasons [that] were frivolous or unfounded.” 2. Policy Exclusion {9} We begin with the policy exclusion. For purposes of this Opinion, we will assume without deciding that ANPAC’s policy excluded coverage for drag racing. The jury instructions required the jury to determine whether Hudson was engaged in a race at the time of the collision. The jury answered no. In other words, whether there was an exclusion or not became a non-factor for this part of the case. While Defendants contend that ANPAC’s interpretation of the insurance contract to exclude coverage for drag racing was an example of had faith, we need not reach this argument because we decide that there was sufficient evidence for the jury to find bad faith based on the manner in which the investigation was conducted. Consequently, we make our assumption that there was an exclusion because it does not affect the outcome of the case. 3. Bad Faith Claim {10} The parties argue about two bases for bad faith. ANPAC focuses on the reasons for denial of coverage and argues that there is no evidence to support the finding that the reasons for denial were frivolous or unfounded. Defendants center their argument on events before the actual denial and contend that the bad faith claim flowed directly from ANPAC’s breach of duty to fairly investigate and evaluate the claim. {11} We agree with ANPAC that in New Mexico, an insurer acts in bad faith when it denies a first party claim for reasons that are frivolous or unfounded. See Sloan v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 2004-NMSC-004, ¶¶ 3, 18, 135 N.M. 106, 85 P.3d 230. “Unfounded” is defined not as “erroneous” or “incorrect},]” but rather the failure to exercise care for the interests of the insured, an arbitrary or baseless refusal to pay, lacking support in the language of the policy or the circumstances of the claim. Id. ¶ 18 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). “Unfounded” is synonymous with “frivolous.” Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). {12} The term has been more specifically defined: “Unfounded” in this context does not mean “erroneous” or “incorrect”; it means essentially the same thing as “reckless disregard,” in which the insurer “utterly fail[s] to exercise care for the interests of the insured in denying or delaying payment on an insurance policy.” It means an utter or total lack of foundation for an assertion of nonliability — an arbitrary or baseless refusal to pay, lacking any arguable support in the wording of the insurance policy or the circumstances surrounding the claim. Jackson Nat’l Life Ins. Co. v. Receconi, 113 N.M. 403, 419, 827 P.2d 118, 134 (1992) (citation omitted). 4. Fair Investigation and Evaluation of the Claim {13} As we have discussed, an insurer has a right to refuse a claim without exposure to a bad faith claim if it has reasonable grounds to deny coverage. See Lessen v. Nat’l Excess Ins. Co., 108 N.M. 625, 627, 776 P.2d 1244, 1246 (1989), limited on other grounds by Sloan, 2004-NMSC-004. “[A]n insurer has a right to refuse a claim without exposure to punitive damages if it has a reasonable ground to believe a meritorious defense exists to the claim.” Lessen, 108 N.M. at 627, 776 P.2d at 1246 (emphasis added). Logic suggests that such a reasonable ground flows from a reasonable investigation of the claim. “[A]n insurance company is justified in taking reasonable time and measures necessary to establish which party is entitled to the proceeds.” State Farm Gen. Ins. Co. v. Clifton, 86 N.M. 757, 759, 527 P.2d 798, 800 (1974). This conclusion is supported by UJI 13-1702 NMRA, which directs that “[i]n deciding whether to pay a claim, the insurance company must act reasonably under the circumstance to conduct a timely and fair [investigation] [and] [evaluation] of the claim.” The insurer’s investigation does not need to be perfect, but “reasonably appropriate under the circumstances.” Sims v. Great Am. Life Ins. Co., 469 F.3d 870, 891 (10th Cir. 2006) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). To be liable for bad faith, the insurer must lack a founded belief, and the founded belief is absent when the insurer fails to undertake an investigation adequate to determine whether its position is tenable. See Filasky v. Preferred Risk Mut. Ins. Co., 734 P.2d 76, 82 (Ariz. 1987). {14} ANPAC differentiates between unreasonableness during the investigation of the claim, a “fair investigation” theory, and unreasonableness in denying the claim based on reasons that are frivolous or unfounded. Relying on a number of cases, ANPAC argues that Defendants did not present the “fair investigation” theory to the jury, and because the jury instructions become the law of the case, Defendants cannot prevail on the theory that was never properly presented to the jury. See Haaland v. Baltzley, 110 N.M. 585, 588, 798 P.2d 186, 189 (1990) (“[The] stipulation of the parties, together with the theory of the case as submitted to the jury under jury instructions, became the law of the case, binding upon the parties to the controversy.”); Hinger v. Parker & Parsley Petroleum Co., 120 N.M. 430, 438, 902 P.2d 1033, 1041 (Ct. App. 1995) (analyzing the appeal solely in terms of the theories of negligence that were actually submitted to the jury); see also Fleetwood Retail Corp. of N.M. v. LeDoux, 2007-NMSC-047, ¶ 33, 142 N.M. 150, 164 P.3d 31 (noting that the instructions become the law of the case); State v. Hurst, 34 N.M. 447, 449, 283 P. 904, 904 (1929) (holding that once a party acquiesces in the theory of the case as presented by the jury instructions, that party cannot, after the verdict, shift its position and change the theory of the case). {15} We agree with ANPAC on the law but disagree with its conclusion as applied to the facts of this case. Chapter 17 of New Mexico’s uniform jury instructions deals with insurance bad faith claims. Bad faith failure to pay a first party claim is governed by UJI 13-1702. The following modified version of this instruction was tendered by ANPAC and given to the jury, marked as Jury Instruction No. 12: An insurance company acts in bad faith when it refuses to pay a claim of the policyholder for reasons which are frivolous or unfounded. An insurance company does not act in bad faith by denying a claim for reasons which are reasonable under the terms of the policy. In deciding whether to pay a claim, the insurance company must act reasonably under the circumstances to conduct a timely and fair investigation and evaluation of the claim. The jury was also given UJI 13-1705 NMRA, marked as Jury Instruction No. 13: Under the “bad faith” claim, what is customarily done by those engaged in the insurance industry is evidence of whether the insurance company acted in good faith. However, the good faith of the insurance company is determined by the reasonableness of its conduct, whether such conduct is cixstomary in the industry or not. Industry standards are evidence of good or bad faith, but they are not conclusive. {16} The special verdict form contained ten questions, five of which related to the bad faith claim. The jury was asked if ANPAC’s refusal to pay their claim was based on “reasons which were frivolous and unfounded.” If the answer to that question was answered in the affirmative by the jury, it was directed to go on to the subsequent questions. The remaining questions dealt with cause of damages, amount of damages, if punitive damages should be awarded and, if so, the amount. {17} “[W]e must consider the instructions as a whole to determine whether all issues of fact and law were fairly and accurately presented to the jury.” O’Neel v. USAA Ins. Co., 2002-NMCA-028, ¶ 26, 131 N.M. 630, 41 P.3d 356. While the special verdict form asks only whether the refusal to pay the claim was based on “reasons which were frivolous and unfounded,” Jury Instruction No. 12 includes both theories and could have been read by the jury to mean that acting unreasonably under the circumstances when investigating and evaluating a claim could also result in a denial of the claim for reasons that are frivolous or unfounded. We therefore conclude that the instructions taken as a whole support both theories of bad faith. Hourigan v. Cassidy, 2001-NMCA-085, ¶¶ 26-27, 131 N.M. 141, 33 P.3d 891 (looking to the instructions as a whole and finding no error in a special verdict form without a causation question when the issue of causation was covered by other jury instructions). {18} We now return to our first question: Was there evidence presented to support Defendants’ theory that ANPAC acted in bad faith by denying Defendants’ claim such that there was no error in the court’s denial of ANPAC’s motion for directed verdict? As a preliminary matter, we note that ANPAC’s motion made at the end of trial was for a directed verdict on all issues. As to the bad faith claim, ANPAC pointed to the expert’s testimony characterizing the case as borderline and explained that “on that basis alone, [ANPAC] would suggest [Defendants] have failed to carry their burden of proof with regard to the bad faith claim.” The remainder of the argument in support of the motion dealt with the issues of violation of the New Mexico Insurance Code, the Unfair Practices Act, and the breach of contract. ANPAC did not argue the meaning of “frivolous or unfounded” or make other arguments that are part of the briefing in their challenge to the verdict finding bad faith in this case. When the district court granted ANPAC’s motion as to all issues except breach of contract and bad faith, it explained its ruling as follows: As far as the bad faith and breach of contract claims, I do find that those claims should go to the jury. I think reasonable minds could differ. I think that it’s possible, based upon the evidence that the jury has heard, they could certainly find, either way, that there was a breach of contract, but it wasn’t bad faith, or they could find that there was no breach of contract, or they could find that there was a breach of contract and there was bad faith. I think reasonable minds could certainly differ on those issues, based upon the testimony that has been brought to light. {19} ANPAC argues that by ruling that reasonable minds could differ about whether the claim should have been denied, the court was really concluding that the matter was fairly debatable; and the insurer should have been entitled to judgment as a matter of law that any denial was not a result of bad faith. We do not read the court’s explanation to relate to a denial; rather, we understand the court to be saying that the evidence presented was sufficient to support both the breach of contract and bad faith claims and that reasonable minds could differ as to whether liability should be imposed on either based on that evidence. We now review the evidence presented. {20} At trial, Defendants’ expert testified that an insurance company must be motivated by “honesty, good faith, and fair dealing” and that in this case, ANPAC “favored their own interests over the interests of the insured, [and] paid little or no attention to what [Hudson] was telling them.” He went on to testify that ANPAC failed to ask Hudson “the obvious question, ‘Were you racing?”’ {21} The expert acknowledged that, up until the charges were dropped against Hudson, a denial of the claim would not have been frivolous or unfounded, but that once the charges were dropped, the claim committee should have given the case “a completely brand new visitation”; instead the committee “continued with the [same] approach that they had taken.” ANPAC argues that the dismissal of Hudson’s criminal drag racing charge is irrelevant to the question of whether it acted in bad faith. Relying on Suggs v. State Farm Fire & Casualty Co., 833 F.2d 883, 891 (10th Cir.1987), ANPAC points out that the decision to prosecute is based on different criteria than those applied in civil cases and that the dismissal of the charge did not change the underlying facts giving rise to the accident. We agree generally with ANPAC’s proposition; however, we understand the expert to be focusing on the manner in which ANPAC evaluated and investigated the claim and the standards he expected the insurance company to follow. The expert opined that ANPAC acted contrary to industry standards by not considering the “rights and interests of the insureds,” by failing to “give [Hudson’s] affidavit much integrity,” by not asking the right questions, and lastly by failing to provide reasonable standards for adjusting the claims. When asked about the fact that the claim had been reviewed three times by ANPAC’s claims committee, the expert stated that he was more concerned with “substance than process” and explained that instead of just giving the reason for the denial as “drag racing,” he expected to see demonstrations of how the committee decided the question, how it weighed the evidence, and how it arrived at its conclusion. {22} The expert also expressed concern that the file indicated that Hudson “was drag racing another vehicle” as opposed to “was accused of drag racing.” According to the expert, insurance companies are usually careful enough to say it is an accusation and that if “you say it as a fact, the investigation should be complete.” The expert noted that at that point the investigation was not complete, thus implying that the claim committee had made up its mind before collecting all of the evidence. The expert testified that the claim committee did not do a proper evaluation of the claim and looked “at one-sided evidence, one-sided information” and did not give “even-handed consideration of the rights and interests of the insuredf.]” {23} We view the facts and all reasonable inferences in the light most favorable to the party resisting the motion for a directed verdict. Gonzales v. Surgidev Corp., 120 N.M. 133, 145, 899 P.2d 576, 588 (1995). With this as our standard, we conclude that there was evidence sufficient to have the question of bad faith go to the jury and that the district court did not err in denying ANPAC’s motion for summary judgment. 5. Punitive Damages {24} Now we turn to the punitive damages issue. ANPAC makes no separate argument regarding the award of punitive damages and appears to rely on its primary argument that a directed verdict should have been granted as to bad faith and that would then subsume any issue regarding punitive damages. There was no separate argument regarding punitive damages when ANPAC made its motion for directed verdict. And ANPAC made no objection to the jury instructions regarding punitive damages. Additionally, at oral argument ANPAC stated that it could not legally distinguish the bad faith claim from the punitive damages claim, that the evidence presented was insufficient to support the bad faith claim and, therefore, since the tort fails, all the other damages including punitive damages, attorney fees, and costs fail as well. We have affirmed the judgment as to the bad faith claim; accordingly, ANPAC provides us with no argument on which to reverse the punitive damages award. B. Expert Testimony {25} Wenowturnto ANPAC’s contention that the district court erred in allowing the testimony of Defendants’ expert. ANPAC argues that Defendants failed to comply with the district court’s scheduling order and failed to disclose the substance and grounds for the expert’s proposed testimony. ANPAC notes that Defendants never provided an expert report and only belatedly offered an affidavit and curriculum vitae from the expert attached to Defendants’ opposition to ANPAC’s motion for summary judgment. {26} It is the district court’s role to “decide any preliminary question about whether a witness is qualified” to testify at trial. Rule 11-104 NMRA. Further, Rule 11 - 702 NMRA states: A witness who is qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education may testify in the form of an opinion or otherwise if the expert’s scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue. See State v. Torres, 1999-NMSC-010, ¶ 45, 127 N.M. 20, 976 P.2d 20 (noting that “a witness must qualify as an expert in the field for which his or her testimony is offered before such testimony is admissible”). “In determining whether an expert witness is competent or qualified to testify, the [district] court has wide discretion . . ., and the court’s determination of this question will not be disturbed on appeal, unless there has been an abuse of this discretion.” Lopez v. Reddy, 2005-NMCA-054, ¶ 14, 137 N.M. 554, 113 P.3d 377 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). “An abuse of discretion occurs when the ruling is clearly against the logic and effect of the facts and circumstances of the case. A [district] court abuses its discretion by its ruling only if we can characterize it as clearly untenable or not justified by reason.” Coates v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 1999-NMSC-013, ¶ 36, 127 N.M. 47, 976 P.2d 999 (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). {27} ANPAC filed a pre-trial motion in limine asking the court to prohibit the expert from testifying. ANPAC argued that Defendants submitted a witness list that did not include the expert’s professional qualifications or a summary of his anticipated testimony. When the information was provided after a court-imposed deadline had expired, ANPAC told the district court that it had been prejudiced by the delay. Further, ANPAC contended that the bases provided for the expert’s anticipated testimony were inadequate and filled with conclusory statements. {28} The expert’s affidavit recounted his background and experience and indicated that he had reviewed the pleadings, documents, and depositions in the case. Among the contentions in his affidavit: 12. [ANPAC’s] denials of the claims . . . were unreasonable, contrary to generally accepted insurance industry practices, and meet the New Mexico test for bad faith conduct. 17. Customary industry practices are relevant evidence of [a] bad faith claim. 25. In order to meet its burden of proving that the exclusion applies, [ANPAC] must show that a race or speed contest existed at the time of the accident. 34. Despite the fact that [ANPAC’s] assumption that a race was underway at the time of the accident deteriorated with the passage of time as evidenced by the fact that drag racing charges against ... Hudson were dropped, [ANPAC] refused to alter its self-serving interpretation of . . . Hudson’s conduct. ANPAC faults the district court for allowing the expert to testify when he had not properly stated ANPAC’s own standards for the investigation and processing of claims, how ANPAC failed to meet those standards, and how ANPAC’s actions differed from industry standards. We disagree. ANPAC is expecting a level of specificity from the affidavit not required by rule or our jurisprudence. Our Supreme Court has noted that under Rule 11-702, “[t]he description of the kinds of testimony requiring expertise is broad, and so are 'the means to qualify a witness as an expert: What is required is knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education.” Torres, 1999-NMSC-010, ¶ 45 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). In addition, ANPAC failed to show on appeal how it was prejudiced by the expert’s affidavit when neither the affidavit nor the opinions expressed therein were presented as evidence at trial. Nor has it shown how it was prejudiced by the time delay when it had been furnished with the expert’s affidavit more than a month before the start of trial and a month after the close of discovery. (Defendants contend that the expert could not disclose his proposed testimony until discovery was complete and he had received copies of pertinent depositions. Defendants also point out that ANPAC’s counsel, eight months before trial, expressed familiarity with the expert and the expected content of his expert testimony.) {29} ANPAC also relies on Shamalon Bird Farm, Ltd. v. U.S. Fidelity & Guarantee Co., 111 N.M. 713, 715, 809 P.2d 627, 629 (1991), to suggest that the expert should have been excluded from testifying at trial because he failed to “take[] the time to familiarize himself with the facts” of the case. In Shamalon, an insurance bad faith case, the proffered expert had never handled the type of claim in question. Id. In addition, “the court found that [the expert] had a poor understanding of the facts of a rather complicated case. He had not taken the time to familiarize himself with the facts, and thus did not have a sufficient basis to give opinions that would be of help to the jury.” Id. Finally, the court was concerned about the fairness of the proceedings because the expert’s opinion and the basis of his testimony “were virtually unknown on the eve of trial.” Id. {30} In the case before us, by contrast, the proffered expert did not exhibit a similar “total unfamiliarity of the record.” The expert swore in the affidavit that he had familiarized himself with the pleadings, documents, and depositions in the case. The expert’s affidavit did confuse the racing exclusion by calling it a “speeding exclusion.” And while the affidavit did state “it is impossible for a person to race against themselves” when the facts indicated a second driver was involved in the alleged drag race, a closer reading of the affidavit reveals that the expert was referring to the lack of another witness in the case, not the lack of another race participant in the event that gave rise to the claim. Otherwise, it was clear from the affidavit that the expert had decades of experience in examining insurance bad faith cases and had reviewed the pertinent pre-trial documents to familiarize himself with the case. {31} The district court denied the motion in limine regarding the expert testimony and concluded that the expert’s testimony would be limited to the issues addressed in his affidavit. The court decided to confine the testimony to ultimate facts and to acceptable industry practices. The court also ordered Defendants to make the expert available for a pre-trial deposition and to bear the costs of a deposition. The district court gave proper consideration to the expert’s affidavit in ruling on his qualifications to testify. W e cannot say that the district court’s decision was “clearly untenable or not justified by reason.” Coates, 1999-NMSC-013, ¶ 36 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). We conclude that the district court did not err in denying ANPAC’s motion to exclude the testimony of Defendant’s expert. C. Attorney Fees and Costs {32} Section 39-2-1 provides the following: In any action where an insured prevails against an insurer who has not paid a claim on any type of first party coverage, the insured person may be awarded reasonable attorney}] fees and costs ofthe action upon a finding by the court that the insurer acted unreasonably in failing to pay the claim. When an award of attorney fees is authorized by statute or otherwise permitted by appellate rules, Rule 12-403(B)(3) NMRA, allows this Court to award “reasonable attorney fees for services rendered on appeal in causes where the award of attorney fees is permitted by law, if requested in the briefs or by motion filed within ten (10) days of entry of disposition.” ANPAC asks that we exercise our discretion and deny attorney fees and costs for the appeal in this case because (1) we originally recommended summary reversal before placing the case on the general calendar and (2) this case presents issues of first impression. {33} Because we affirm the judgment in this case, we conclude that Defendants are entitled to attorney fees and costs on appeal. However, the amount must be determined. Accordingly, we remand this matter to the district court to determine reasonable attorney fees and costs for Defendants on appeal. See id. III. CONCLUSION {34} For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the judgment of the district court and remand on the sole issue of attorney fees and costs of this appeal. {35} IT IS SO ORDERED. CELIA FOY CASTILLO, Chief Judge WE CONCUR: MICHAEL E. VIGIL, Judge J. MILES HANISEE, Judge
[ -0.029621217399835587, -0.020940931513905525, 0.004807240795344114, 0.011416246183216572, 0.03937923535704613, 0.013907474465668201, 0.044305071234703064, 0.0013251432683318853, 0.027977585792541504, -0.06139308586716652, 0.0129468385130167, 0.09495498985052109, -0.03756400942802429, 0.017367787659168243, 0.026934146881103516, 0.05394769087433815, 0.01942272111773491, 0.004207900259643793, -0.026823807507753372, -0.0018059255089610815, 0.00644101295620203, -0.027170782908797264, 0.013384953141212463, 0.020777098834514618, -0.004685867112129927, 0.021473996341228485, 0.004089791793376207, 0.033019036054611206, -0.05944320186972618, -0.016806472092866898, 0.039061177521944046, 0.00881477165967226, -0.02035355009138584, 0.004436299204826355, 0.010875154286623001, -0.01850949227809906, 0.0030823552515357733, -0.011580381542444229, -0.00452314130961895, 0.012380985543131828, -0.01819796673953533, -0.01133910845965147, -0.09020649641752243, -0.00299489451572299, -0.05146040767431259, 0.019163932651281357, 0.02142314799129963, 0.021000361070036888, -0.04823097214102745, -0.03089144639670849, -0.025099877268075943, 0.004424748942255974, -0.023333080112934113, 0.057638004422187805, -0.010952859185636044, 0.0450274720788002, -0.02196960709989071, -0.0794576108455658, -0.01919250749051571, -0.06374389678239822, 0.009981652721762657, -0.014394938014447689, 0.07604770362377167, -0.002078607678413391, 0.014972135424613953, 0.00414991145953536, 0.02456183172762394, -0.003742452012374997, -0.02917170152068138, -0.020606517791748047, -0.06599164009094238, -0.011182733811438084, 0.00820616353303194, 0.017804371193051338, -0.01713259145617485, -0.05658506602048874, -0.004085054155439138, 0.014692808501422405, 0.04280387610197067, 0.028581520542502403, 0.04271966964006424, 0.014426036737859249, 0.024881215766072273, 0.056347478181123734, -0.05409521982073784, -0.04860986769199371, 0.02568993531167507, -0.04926595091819763, -0.021731993183493614, 0.06563909351825714, -0.00029074924532324076, -0.027604082599282265, 0.014069005846977234, 0.0648377388715744, 0.014521333388984203, -0.016468381509184837, 0.06856473535299301, -0.053630340844392776, 0.03257240727543831, -0.0033095835242420435, -0.016524257138371468, -0.060494571924209595, 0.005824176128953695, 0.062226518988609314, -0.07077716290950775, 0.06044456735253334, -0.010865236632525921, 0.005683529656380415, -0.035426151007413864, 0.002202386036515236, -0.00355223729275167, 0.034542568027973175, -0.009386044926941395, 0.0002457842056173831, -0.05158368870615959, 0.029025696218013763, 0.018755724653601646, -0.06907264143228531, -0.01556097250431776, -0.01839068904519081, 0.031668394804000854, 0.045551955699920654, 0.02900046296417713, 0.07357758283615112, 0.04136902093887329, 0.06399496644735336, 0.028617316856980324, 0.021100029349327087, -0.04304303973913193, -0.05710635334253311, 0.023100025951862335, 0.0541512556374073, -0.055373504757881165, 0.013695653527975082, 0.02349698729813099, -0.01846393570303917, -0.020442521199584007, -0.0294183362275362, 0.0337606817483902, -0.03311140835285187, -0.008369655348360538, -0.030405834317207336, -0.0032915305346250534, 0.04491421580314636, 0.04514573514461517, -0.03163107484579086, 0.007517075166106224, -0.0282245222479105, -0.005458835978060961, -0.004047130700200796, 0.0035489413421601057, -0.0007063516532070935, 0.0022940796334296465, -0.030292464420199394, -0.018966609612107277, 0.011543424800038338, 0.05508698523044586, -0.01105139683932066, -0.0234816987067461, 0.051914192736148834, 0.0181330107152462, -0.0029284029733389616, 0.03460127115249634, 0.024596555158495903, 0.03708212077617645, 0.038668252527713776, 0.007813130505383015, 0.002929066075012088, -0.022996647283434868, 0.02914692834019661, -0.05513102188706398, -0.028468016535043716, 0.024200161918997765, -0.052832651883363724, 0.003982033580541611, 0.020732436329126358, 0.05542181432247162, -0.0013666101731359959, -0.004503822885453701, 0.012404371052980423, -0.0753115713596344, 0.049927130341529846, 0.01541620772331953, 0.02596275880932808, -0.007532533723860979, -0.03402506187558174, 0.033965837210416794, -0.02387048862874508, 0.015552811324596405, 0.007278898265212774, -0.07164838910102844, -0.036734748631715775, -0.004300755448639393, -0.046863727271556854, 0.055964648723602295, 0.030803250148892403, -0.008809846825897694, -0.007179053500294685, 0.038346391171216965, 0.050812091678380966, -0.011013866402208805, -0.0018037655390799046, 0.044454991817474365, -0.05253599211573601, -0.04929111897945404, 0.0715988278388977, 0.0651562511920929, -0.03139448165893555, -0.036465343087911606, 0.05202941223978996, -0.0071610016748309135, 0.02518269792199135, 0.023048492148518562, 0.039254967123270035, 0.029688796028494835, -0.02542516589164734, 0.04076027125120163, -0.0328274741768837, 0.040119558572769165, -0.037791527807712555, 0.0665004700422287, 0.02611272968351841, 0.02796294167637825, 0.03159983083605766, -0.045162007212638855, 0.0606619231402874, 0.032271094620227814, -0.05634698644280434, 0.021209588274359703, 0.011152023449540138, 0.019404374063014984, -0.023076126351952553, -0.022136783227324486, 0.006140244193375111, 0.027176478877663612, 0.007392724975943565, -0.007168774027377367, -0.03274529054760933, 0.03960295394062996, -0.04742996022105217, -0.010450589470565319, 0.03107777237892151, -0.009913638234138489, 0.05912644788622856, -0.05595191568136215, -0.028420008718967438, -0.023353999480605125, 0.008763316087424755, -0.007845135405659676, -0.07687186449766159, -0.07234279066324234, -0.0014975173398852348, 0.020327821373939514, -0.0023231639061123133, 0.025446461513638496, -0.05661282315850258, -0.042950812727212906, 0.001755640609189868, -0.004810222890228033, 0.01748168282210827, -0.031819965690374374, 0.010698308236896992, -0.0037315059453248978, -0.005666671320796013, -0.037439700216054916, -0.047353193163871765, -0.052082858979701996, 0.056721001863479614, -0.008472897112369537, 0.008343037217855453, 0.04868844896554947, -0.019656207412481308, -0.022225791588425636, -0.03885766491293907, 0.021268626675009727, 0.0052025108598172665, 0.02576608397066593, 0.01570173166692257, -0.03008563444018364, 0.03318534791469574, -0.035078905522823334, 0.04731850326061249, -0.04308995604515076, -0.04408852383494377, 0.037716470658779144, -0.027154162526130676, 0.014250222593545914, -0.04140174388885498, -0.0338720977306366, 0.06300879269838333, 0.009138552471995354, 0.015323245897889137, 0.002880868036299944, 0.04309459403157234, 0.027608469128608704, 0.01668344996869564, 0.04007994756102562, 0.027968192473053932, -0.007624217774719, -0.006515744607895613, -0.02716651000082493, -0.00927748717367649, -0.02608143351972103, -0.021230071783065796, 0.03942007198929787, 0.024073049426078796, -0.03440511226654053, -0.0025474517606198788, -0.24623964726924896, 0.026494283229112625, -0.023577924817800522, -0.047711506485939026, 0.0406193770468235, -0.004887235350906849, 0.00168712402228266, -0.041710346937179565, -0.026123693212866783, 0.02167334593832493, -0.015920599922537804, -0.015180063433945179, 0.012404571287333965, 0.013448905199766159, 0.008469894528388977, -0.02977052330970764, 0.006704570725560188, -0.01625511795282364, -0.023517632856965065, 0.0009303969563916326, 0.008140756748616695, -0.06211287900805473, -0.03615538775920868, -0.0008780757198110223, 0.042892612516880035, 0.05518389865756035, -0.038142308592796326, 0.025530772283673286, -0.03591625392436981, -0.008132794871926308, -0.04824903979897499, 0.020947597920894623, 0.03815961629152298, 0.002019279869273305, -0.05689816549420357, -0.01561784278601408, 0.003237504977732897, -0.08847414702177048, -0.03297782689332962, -0.017891399562358856, 0.009738062508404255, -0.039297182112932205, 0.004471766762435436, 0.01762101612985134, 0.025088191032409668, 0.011220641434192657, -0.049636561423540115, -0.016924921423196793, -0.028962962329387665, 0.054521821439266205, -0.016223039478063583, 0.035961706191301346, -0.056597329676151276, -0.002281281864270568, -0.03866526111960411, 0.008524404838681221, -0.06695681810379028, -0.0358056016266346, -0.06000951677560806, 0.046785905957221985, -0.019515642896294594, -0.01206047460436821, -0.025137148797512054, 0.016775496304035187, 0.022622818127274513, -0.0481446199119091, 0.001473786891438067, -0.07437649369239807, 0.1013498306274414, -0.020723631605505943, 0.004880519118160009, 0.04379192367196083, -0.058907754719257355, -0.08319767564535141, -0.01422910951077938, -0.03195489943027496, 0.0072273085825145245, -0.021367928013205528, -0.03069562278687954, -0.003174056066200137, 0.016622111201286316, -0.019108586013317108, 0.03272596001625061, 0.006259216461330652, -0.03566071763634682, 0.026197385042905807, 0.030139487236738205, 0.07777126133441925, -0.014487581327557564, 0.013273103162646294, 0.038170624524354935, 0.05576442927122116, 0.0026792308781296015, -0.00236068875528872, 0.0036219179164618254, 0.03538234904408455, -0.03526606038212776, -0.020274287089705467, 0.012603888288140297, -0.00987569335848093, 0.04210296645760536, -0.07434337586164474, 0.03592328354716301, -0.06841418892145157, -0.010408242233097553, -0.028305746614933014, -0.021069074049592018, 0.03188604488968849, 0.06955402344465256, 0.030343666672706604, 0.02302779071033001, -0.008322954177856445, 0.09823508560657501, -0.04015260189771652, 0.012202133424580097, -0.008036159910261631, 0.016344964504241943, 0.037494856864213943, 0.04458271339535713, -0.017634646967053413, 0.021914515644311905, 0.04779214784502983, -0.06412460654973984, -0.06966353952884674, -0.051765866577625275, 0.04084356501698494, 0.03363906964659691, -0.027432981878519058, 0.010732249356806278, 0.03273699805140495, -0.021013230085372925, -0.02058628387749195, -0.005429018288850784, 0.019308099523186684, 0.008340048603713512, -0.03162124380469322, -0.004388073924928904, -0.044316817075014114, 0.04825499281287193, -0.008701992221176624, 0.0701863169670105, -0.02042568475008011, 0.025557730346918106, 0.027889369055628777, 0.049141865223646164, -0.0019473022548481822, 0.021378900855779648, -0.04399014264345169, -0.03643491864204407, 0.04312456399202347, -0.0049866740591824055, -0.024495704099535942, 0.0301046222448349, -0.05710431560873985, -0.01392077375203371, 0.018522795289754868, 0.029877766966819763, 0.0043556299060583115, -0.014780974946916103, -0.06065274029970169, 0.03682851418852806, 0.031594909727573395, -0.023392030969262123, -0.048905789852142334, 0.009172782301902771, 0.035319630056619644, -0.013088787905871868, -0.04165855050086975, -0.0532187819480896, 0.013458890840411186, -0.012551041319966316, -0.08589766174554825, -0.031263552606105804, -0.0226790439337492, 0.0020055738277733326, 0.02486361935734749, 0.015485641546547413, -0.028904488310217857, 0.033661119639873505, 0.003878372022882104, 0.017082545906305313, 0.0044127837754786015, -0.02168452739715576, -0.021325979381799698, 0.04451311007142067, -0.023031938821077347, -0.015241779386997223, -0.03214600682258606, -0.015828261151909828, 0.014967040158808231, -0.0038145328871905804, -0.027986643835902214, -0.018857896327972412, 0.04179798439145088, -0.028801804408431053, -0.04478335753083229, 0.02102649211883545, -0.016545498743653297, 0.043586164712905884, 0.0021822962444275618, -0.016671031713485718, -0.005720312241464853, -0.009620257653295994, 0.0004054141172673553, -0.036772895604372025, -0.021264132112264633, 0.019122133031487465, 0.026421912014484406, -0.0007083942764438689, 0.059696029871702194, -0.048059284687042236, -0.028159910812973976, -0.04876425862312317, 0.029646916314959526, 0.03715632110834122, -0.030059373006224632, 0.04958625137805939, -0.037552520632743835, -0.040546197444200516, -0.010739884339272976, 0.011115561239421368, -0.005288224667310715, 0.006717138458043337, -0.014070474542677402, -0.030745429918169975, 0.06509631127119064, -0.05062820389866829, -0.02449154108762741, 0.027913711965084076, -0.012596074491739273, 0.004409628454595804, -0.03340059891343117, -0.0323079451918602, 0.05281215161085129, -0.029310323297977448, -0.024650325998663902, 0.001839547767303884, -0.02998802438378334, -0.014613828621804714, 0.02114068530499935, -0.013156258501112461, 0.030873147770762444, 0.010605094023048878, -0.05812016502022743, 0.022271113470196724, -0.03307609260082245, 0.024759089574217796, 0.013982726261019707, -0.006849631201475859, 0.08228844404220581, 0.0037351208738982677, 0.02077585645020008, -0.030638055875897408, 0.011865274049341679, 0.02687494084239006, -0.05323488637804985, -0.0335107147693634, -0.017156805843114853, -0.010504651814699173, 0.04156384617090225, -0.0053293718956410885, -0.03291824832558632, -0.038524530827999115, 0.006795940455049276, 0.02687370963394642, 0.0168194267898798, 0.00535632623359561, -0.05400361120700836, 0.03972883149981499, -0.06054592505097389, -0.017726171761751175, -0.0694589838385582, 0.02532714232802391, -0.01731855981051922, 0.007341216318309307, 0.03374359384179115, -0.0016651146579533815, -0.047011855989694595, 0.03940427675843239, -0.06481195986270905, -0.03397858887910843, -0.0037823135498911142, -0.051735009998083115, -0.031080087646842003, 0.026259634643793106, -0.013801483437418938, 0.008786375634372234, 0.01988835260272026, -0.08958739787340164, -0.061354540288448334, 0.017430506646633148, 0.01934635639190674, 0.029355810955166817, -0.00011337553587509319, -0.008819974958896637, -0.03380812332034111, 0.04204261675477028, 0.04508469998836517, 0.005036281421780586, 0.03509867563843727, -0.06308432668447495, 0.06346193701028824, 0.026430604979395866, 0.016083788126707077, -0.024317093193531036, -0.0016617181245237589, -0.00796197447925806, -0.05577102303504944, 0.01921745017170906, 0.0168271716684103, -0.03402070701122284, -0.04465444013476372, 0.006521196570247412, 0.025804853066802025, -0.029108421877026558, 0.01448893267661333, 0.004788427148014307, -0.027596598491072655, -0.033949870616197586, 0.007203423418104649, 0.03982437402009964, 0.002185001503676176, 0.0552355982363224, 0.020877493545413017, 0.0749027356505394, 0.04962053522467613, -0.03300084173679352, 0.04246560484170914, 0.02164573408663273, 0.05376562476158142, 0.025248508900403976, 0.02716190181672573, 0.0023957432713359594, 0.019755417481064796, -0.023726291954517365, -0.011381561867892742, -0.007212261203676462, 0.010637170635163784, 0.0075626857578754425, 0.0009025104227475822, -0.006342948414385319, 0.018509862944483757, 0.042687851935625076, 0.041090138256549835, 0.032386280596256256, 0.005073863547295332, 0.04180014133453369, -0.025600703433156013, 0.04449160769581795, 0.07259222865104675, -0.0048901685513556, 0.012665608897805214, -0.005324359051883221, -0.04752493277192116, 0.023647591471672058, 0.028178077191114426, -0.01266155019402504, -0.015023928135633469, -0.053540997207164764, 0.015101341530680656, 0.0024822645355015993, -0.013797543942928314, 0.08347976952791214, -0.016543662175536156, -0.0059030307456851006, -0.034633271396160126, 0.018439704552292824, 0.022983737289905548, -0.039552707225084305, 0.03699212148785591, 0.007012434769421816, 0.008561319671571255, -0.052488550543785095, 0.014013062231242657, 0.035610929131507874, 0.02290237322449684, 0.07192759960889816, -0.006591031793504953, -0.00048248498933389783, 0.07211372256278992, 0.005308978725224733, -0.014932147227227688, -0.060315560549497604, -0.0273209847509861, -0.020477991551160812, -0.06534312665462494, -0.006070961710065603, 0.013623449951410294, 0.03575064614415169, -0.04567136988043785, 0.002091207541525364, -0.0105073731392622, -0.024681927636265755, 0.07795501500368118, -0.04281758889555931, 0.0012596355518326163, 0.048874303698539734, 0.011545205488801003, 0.029309416189789772, 0.0033890872728079557, 0.0399114228785038, -0.03193885087966919, -0.016331510618329048, 0.007194083649665117, -0.010053606703877449, -0.02514304406940937, 0.005647902376949787, 0.013681634329259396, -0.08016584068536758, 0.022145118564367294, 0.01008377131074667, -0.008017247542738914, -0.075505331158638, 0.05515516921877861, -0.05869770422577858, -0.02607639692723751, 0.08889643847942352, 0.05666259303689003, 0.02299567498266697, -0.02417256124317646, 0.0026134506333619356, -0.01648947224020958, 0.005193541757762432, 0.05523733049631119, 0.0101707074791193, 0.035302069038152695, 0.03830166906118393, 0.01814647950232029, 0.003646230325102806, 0.06140480190515518, 0.03629972040653229, -0.025561455637216568, -0.06588268280029297, 0.002881598426029086, -0.004739148076623678, -0.06018543615937233, -0.03463266044855118, 0.007628447376191616, -0.022829299792647362, -0.04393947124481201, 0.03087473101913929, -0.02280808985233307, -0.06243714690208435, -0.043637778609991074, 0.005356626119464636, 0.05956052243709564, -0.028411487117409706, -0.017770348116755486, 0.0193544402718544, 0.008262665010988712, 0.010158034041523933, 0.006979445461183786, 0.02227744832634926, -0.09461501985788345, 0.04539135843515396, -0.03087657503783703, 0.002619357779622078, 0.01915532723069191, 0.021402545273303986, -0.02762787789106369 ]
OPINION CHÁVEZ, Justice. {1} Paul Barber and his law firm, Barber & Borg, L.L.C. (Barber), were the attorneys for Ellen Sam. Barber filed a lawsuit against numerous defendants for injuries Sam sustained when her car was struck from behind on Interstate 40 (1-40). Barber also represented Sam in her capacity as the personal representative of the estates of her daughter and granddaughter, both of whom died from injuries they sustained in the collision. At the time of the collision, Sam had stopped her car on 1-40 to trade places with one of her passengers, Daniel Begay. At some time during his representation of Sam, Barber learned that Sam had been drinking alcohol before the collision and that she had “parked at night with the lights off in a lane of traffic on [1-40], following which the car was struck by a truck.” {2} Barber also learned at some time during the litigation that Sam, who was a statutory beneficiary of her daughter’s estate, took the position that the other statutory beneficiary, her ex-husband, Herman Spencer, was not entitled to share in any wrongful death proceeds because he had abandoned their daughter. Based on Sam’s position, Barber approached Spencer in person with a settlement agreement, which Spencer ultimately signed, that reduced Spencer’s entitlement to proceeds from the wrongful death litigation. Spencer later hired an attorney, who wrote to Barber and challenged the validity of the agreement. Barber filed a lawsuit against Spencer on Sam’s behalf to enforce the settlement agreement. Spencer then counterclaimed against Sam and filed a third-party complaint against Barber for malpractice, fraud, collusion, and misrepresentation. The district court granted Barber summary judgment on the grounds that under Leyba v. Whitley, 120 N.M. 768, 776, 778, 907 P.2d 172, 180, 182 (1995), Barber did not owe a duty to Spencer as a statutory beneficiary because Spencer and Sam were adverse parties, and Barber represented Sam. {3} Spencer appealed, and the Court of Appeals affirmed in part and reversed in part. Spencer v. Barber, 2011-NMCA-090, ¶ 2, 150 N.M. 519, 263 P.3d 296. The Court of Appeals agreed that Spencer could not sue Barber for malpractice because Spencer became Sam’s adverse party, thereby negating any duty that Barber owed Spencer as a statutory beneficiary. Id. In so holding, the Court of Appeals rejected, as “an unjustified extension” of Leyba, Spencer’s argument that B arber violated numerous rules under the New Mexico Rules of Professional Responsibility, and therefore he was required to withdraw from representing the personal representative. 2011-NMCA-090, ¶¶ 23-24. However, the Court of Appeals reversed the summary judgment to the extent it enforced the settlement agreement because it found genuine issues of material fact regarding the allegations that Barber made material misrepresentations which induced Spencer to sign the agreement. Id. ¶¶ 38, 42-43. Barber did not ask us to review this portion of the Court of Appeals’ opinion. {4} We granted certiorari to consider the following two questions: (1) “[wjhether the duties a lawyer owes wrongful death statutory beneficiaries are governed, in whole or in part, by the Rules of Professional Conduct”; and (2) “[wjhether an adversarial relationship precludes only contract based malpractice claims and not independent tort claims.” We answer the first question by reaffirming our holding in Sanders, Bruin, Coll & Worley, P.A. v. McKay Oil Corp., 1997-NMSC-030, ¶ 16, 123 N.M. 457, 943 P.2d 104, that the Rules of Professional Conduct provide guidance in determining lawyers’ obligations to their clients. A statutory beneficiary under the Wrongful Death Act, NMSA 1978, §§ 41-2-1 to -4 (1882, as amended through 2001), is an intended beneficiary of the agreement between the attorney and the personal representative. Leyba, 120 N.M. at 776, 907 P.2d at 180. Therefore, the statutory beneficiary may sue the personal representative’s attorney when the attorney harms the statutory beneficiary by failing to exercise reasonable skill and care during the attorney’s representation of the personal representative. See id. at 771, 907 P.2d at 175 (stating that an intended third-party beneficiary of an attorney-client contract has a remedy against the attorney). The Rules of Professional Responsibility thus become relevant when ascertaining the scope of the duty owed by the attorney to the personal representative and how a breach of that duty may have harmed the statutory beneficiary. {5} With respect to the second question, the adversarial exception we announced as dicta in Leyba may preclude a malpractice action, whether it is in tort or in contract. However, the adversarial exception does not preclude “traditional tort claims against an attorney for misrepresentation, fraud, and collusion, none of which depend upon a duty arising out of [the] contract” between the attorney and the personal representative. Id. at 773 n.3, 907 P.2d at 177 n.3. Therefore, in this case, Spencer’s non-malpractice tort claims are not barred by Leyba. In addition, we conclude that the adversarial exception does not preclude Spencer’s malpractice claim against Barber because there exist genuine issues of material fact regarding whether Barber failed to exercise reasonable skill and care in his representation of Sam as the personal representative, and if so, whether such failure harmed Spencer. DISCUSSION {6} “Summaryjudgment is appropriate where there are no genuine issues of material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Self v. United Parcel Serv., Inc., 1998-NMSC-046, ¶ 6, 126 N.M. 396, 970 P.2d 582. Because this is a question of law, we review de novo. Id. A. The Rules of Professional Conduct Establish the Appropriate Standard of Conduct for Attorneys in New Mexico {7} The first issue requires this Court to determine to what extent the Rules of Professional Conduct govern the duty owed by an attorney to wrongful death statutory beneficiaries. To put this discussion in context, we first discuss the procedure for wrongful death litigation and examine our opinion in Leyba. {8} Wrongful death lawsuits must be brought in the name of the personal representative of an estate. Section 41-2-3; Kilkenny v. Kenney, 68 N.M. 266, 268, 361 P.2d 149, 150-51 (1961), superseded by statute on other grounds as stated in 1961 N.M. Laws, ch. 202, § 1, as recognized in Lujan v. Regents of the Univ. of Cal., 69 F.3d 1511, 1519-20 (10th Cir. 1995), and State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Luebbers, 2005-NMCA-112, ¶ 42, 138 N.M. 289, 119 P.3d 169. The Wrongful Death Act identifies the beneficiaries of the lawsuit in Section 41-2-3. Statutory beneficiaries are generally not permitted to join as parties in a wrongful death lawsuit because the personal representative is the beneficiary’s trustee, Stang v. Hertz Corp., 81 N.M. 348, 350, 467 P.2d 14, 16 (1970), and because the personal representative and any beneficiaries should have the same interest — to recover as large an award as possible from the tortfeasors who caused the decedent’s death. See Dominguez v. Rogers, 100 N.M. 605, 608, 673 P.2d 1338, 1341 (Ct. App. 1983) (noting that would-be intervenor had “identical” interest to personal representative). The personal representative has a duty to act with reasonable care regarding the interests of the statutory beneficiaries and must distribute proceeds from a wrongful death lawsuit to the statutory beneficiaries in strict accordance with the Wrongful Death Act. Leyba, 120 N.M. at 774, 778, 907 P.2d at 178, 182. {9} Although the personal representative may be, and often is, a statutory beneficiary, for purposes of the attorney-client relationship, the client is the personal representative. See McTaggart v. Lindsey, 509 N.W.2d 881, 884 (Mich. Ct. App. 1993) (“[T]he personal representative can be considered the lawyer’s client for the purposes of ethical duties of loyalty, confidentiality, and conflicts.”). In addition, the attorney owes a duty to provide services to the personal representative with reasonable skill and care. Leyba, 120 N.M. at 772, 907 P.2d at 176 (“[Tjhe common law of torts . . . recognizes an attorney’s duty to provide professional services with the skill, prudence, and diligence of attorneys of ordinary skill and capacity.”); see also George v. Caton, 93 N.M. 370, 376, 600 P.2d 822, 828 (Ct. App. 1979) (describing an attorney’s' implied representations and duties when he takes a case). What happens if the attorney breaches his duty to the personal representative and, in so doing, harms the statutory beneficiaries? We attempted to provide a comprehensive answer to this question in Leyba. {10} In Leyba, the mother of a deceased adult son hired two attorneys to represent her as the personal representative of her son’s estate in a wrongful death lawsuit against medical providers. 120 N.M. at 770, 907 P.2d at 174. The attorneys ultimately settled the litigation and disbursed the settlement funds to the personal representative. Id. At the time they disbursed the funds, the attorneys knew that the sole statutory beneficiary of the decedent’s estate under the Wrongful Death Act was the decedent’s infant son. Id. The personal representative misappropriated the proceeds, leaving only a small fraction of the proceeds for the decedent’s son. Id. The minor child’s conservator sued the attorneys for legal malpractice. Id. at 769, 907 P.2d at 173. We upheld the right of the statutory beneficiary to sue the attorneys. Id. at 770, 776, 907 P.2d at 174, 180. In so doing, we concluded that the attorneys owed a duty to the statutory beneficiary as an intended beneficiary of the agreement between the attorneys and the personal representative. Id. We assumed that the statutory beneficiary’s contractual remedy was based on the “duty running from the attorney to the client [the personal representative,] rather than from the attorney to the third party [the statutory beneficiary].” Id. at 771, 907 P.2d at 175. We explained the duty as follows: “As with any service contract, an implied term of an attorney’s contract to provide professional services for the benefit of a third party is the promise to render services with reasonable skill and care.” Id. {11} At issue in Leyba was whether the attorneys exercised reasonable skill and care in advising the personal representative regarding her fiduciary duty to disburse the funds to the statutory beneficiary. Id. The personal representative and the attorneys presented conflicting evidence regarding whether the attorneys told the personal representative about her fiduciary responsibilities. Id. However, it was undisputed that the attorneys did not provide written instructions to the personal representative regarding her responsibilities in connection with the settlement proceeds. Id. {12} The personal representative’s duty was to distribute the wrongful death proceeds to the sole statutory beneficiary. Id. at 774, 907 P.2d at 178. The attorneys’ duty was “to exercise reasonable care to ensure that the statutory beneficiaries actually receive[d] the proceeds of any wrongful death claim.” Id. at 778, 907 P.2d at 182. In Leyba, the conservator invited us to hold that “in the event of a minor statutory beneficiary, attorneys pursuing wrongful death claims have a duty to distribute the proceeds to a conservator.” Id. We declined her invitation and simply held that “what is reasonable is a question of fact to be determined in light of all [of] the surrounding circumstances.” Id. {13} Complicating this case, however, was the dicta in our opinion discussing the adversarial exception. After holding that an attorney in a wrongful death action owes a duty to act with due care regarding the interests of the intended beneficiaries, we engaged in a discussion of when and under what circumstances such a duty may be negated. Id. at 776-78, 907 P.2d at 180-82. This was described as the “adversarial exception,” which arises when the attorney is presented with a conflict of interest. Id. at 776, 907 P.2d at 180 (internal quotation marks omitted). We agreed with the court in Jenkins v. Wheeler, 316 S.E.2d 354, 358 (N.C. Ct. App. 1984), that the adversarial exception does not operate to negate the attorney’s duty of reasonable care to the intended beneficiary; instead, a breach of that duty occurs when the attorney continues to represent conflicting interests. Leyba, 120 N.M. at 777, 907 P.2d at 181. We suggested that “any such conflict should be resolved by notice to the nonclient that the latter cannot rely on the attorney to act for his or her benefit.” Id. {14} In this case, Spencer argues that the Rules of Professional Conduct should define the duty owed by the attorney to the statutory beneficiaries and that duty should be the same as the duty owed to a client. Barber argues that the Rules of Professional Conduct do not apply, and that as long as the statutory beneficiary knows or has reason to know that he or she cannot rely on the attorney to act for his or her benefit, the attorney does not owe a duty to the statutory beneficiary. Although we agree with Spencer that the Rules of Professional Conduct are relevant in a malpractice case, we do not agree that the duties owed to a client are the same duties owed to an intended beneficiary. As we will discuss, the Rules of Professional Conduct are relevant in determining the professional responsibilities that an attorney has to his or her client. These responsibilities are relevant when an intended beneficiary pursues a malpractice case against an attorney on the basis that the attorney’s breach of duty to the client harmed him or her as the intended beneficiary of the attorney-client agreement. {15} The New Mexico Rules of Professional Conduct state that “[v]iolation of a rule should not itself give rise to a cause of action against a lawyer nor should it create any presumption in such a case that a legal duty has been breached.” Id., Scope (2008) (emphasis added); see also Garcia v. Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, P.A., 106 N.M. 757, 762, 750 P.2d 118, 123 (1988) (holding that violations of the rules do not give rise to a private cause of action). However, this does not mean that the rules are irrelevant in a legal malpractice lawsuit. While “the Rules of Professional Conduct. . . cannot be used to launch a malpractice claimf,] . . . [they] still provide guidance in ascertaining the extent of lawyers’ professional obligations to their clients.” Sanders, 1997-NMSC-030, ¶ 16. {16} The annotations to the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct support this approach. While the annotations are not legally binding in New Mexico, these annotations inform our understanding of the intent behind our rules because the relevant section of the New Mexico Rules of Professional Conduct is identical to its equivalent in the ABA Model Rules. Compare N.M. Rules of Profl Conduct, Scope, with ABA Ann. Model Rules of Profl Conduct, Preamble & Scope ¶ 20 (7th ed. 2011). The annotation to the ABA Scope notes that “most courts do look to the ethics rules as evidence of standards of conduct and care, particularly in actions for legal malpractice or breach of fiduciary duty.” Model Rules of Prof’l Conduct, annotation to Preamble & Scope (“Ethics Rules as Evidence of Standards of Conduct and Care”). {17} Proof of the standard of conduct is necessary to maintain an action for malpractice. One element of a legal malpractice claim is “breach of [a] fiduciary relationship by the defendant attorney.” Richter v. Van Amberg, 97 F. Supp. 2d 1255, 1261 (D.N.M. 2000). To prove this breach, a plaintiff must establish that the defendant attorney violated the required standard of conduct. See id. (“[L]egal malpractice based upon breach of duty concerns violations of a standard of conduct.” (quoting Kilpatrick v. Wiley, Rein & Fielding, 909 P.2d 1283, 1290 (Utah Ct. App. 1996))). The New Mexico Rules of Professional Conduct illustrate that standard, and plaintiffs may cite them to establish the appropriate standard of conduct for attorneys to follow. See, e.g., CenTra, Inc. v. Estrin, 538 F.3d 402, 410 (6th Cir. 2008) (“[A] violation of the rules may be probative in establishing an independent cause of action.”); Sealed Party v. Sealed Party, No. Civ. A. H-04-2229, 2006 WL 1207732 (S.D. Tex. May 4, 2006) at *8 (noting that while violation of Texas rules does not give rise to a private cause of action or create a presumption that a legal duty has been breached, “Texas and Federal courts regularly have referred to the Texas Rules to help define standards of attorney conduct in tort cases”). {18} In Leyba we implied that the Rules of Professional Conduct were relevant and referenced the rules in our discussion of how an attorney may avoid a conflict of interest. We stated: We agree that when recognition of a duty running from an attorney to the third party would burden the attorney’s duty to the client in a wrongful death action — as when an adversarial relationship develops between the client and the third party — as a matter of public policy the attorney’s duty to the third party should end. The fact that an attorney identifies a conflict, actual or potential, should not, however, in itself negate the duty owed to the statutory beneficiaries. Should a conflict arise, the adversarial exception negates duty only if the third party knows or should know that he or she cannot rely on the attorney to act for his or her benefit. See, e.g., [Rules] 16-107(A), -116(A)(1), -116(D) [NMRA] (prohibiting lawyer from undertaking representation adverse to client, detailing instances in which disqualification is mandatory, and specifying procedures for terminating representation when there is a conflict of interest). 120 N.M. at 778, 907 P.2d at 182. We cited the Rules of Professional Conduct to illustrate the standard conduct expected of a lawyer when confronted with a conflict of interest. Id. {19} In Sanders we further emphasized that the Rules of Professional Conduct are relevant to a legal malpractice case. There we recognized that the termination of an attorney-client relationship, when carried out negligently, can serve as the basis for a legal malpractice claim. 1997-NMSC-030, ¶¶ 14, 15. The defendant attorneys in Sanders argued that the Rules of Professional Conduct governing withdrawal from the representation of a client could not be used to bring a malpractice case. Id. ¶ 16. We agreed that these rules could not be used as a basis for civil liability, but we emphasized that “such professional rules still provide guidance in ascertaining the extent of lawyers’ professional obligations to their clients.” Id. (citing Wood v. Parker, 901 S.W.2d 374, 379 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1995) (holding that Rules of Professional Conduct are relevant in a legal malpractice claim based on alleged negligent withdrawal)). Therefore, in this case, although the Rules of Professional Conduct cannot be used as a basis for civil liability, the rules may be used to explain Barber’s professional obligations to Sam as the personal representative, and by extension to the intended beneficiaries. The determination of whether or not Barber conformed to the standard of conduct required by the Rules of Professional Conduct will depend on the evidence introduced at trial. B. A Conflict of Interest Arose When Sam, as the Personal Representative, Sought to Challenge Spencer’s Entitlement to a Full Share of the Wrongful Death Proceeds in Favor of Sam’s Receiving a Larger Share {20} In this case, as in Leyba, the contract at issue is the agreement between the attorney in a wrongful death lawsuit and his client, the personal representative, who is responsible for suing on behalf of the statutory beneficiaries under Section 41-2-3. On May 5, 2006, Sam filed suit for her own injuries and as personal representative of Hermanda’s and Lydia’s estates against seven defendants: the truck driver who struck Sam’s car, the trucking company who employed the truck driver, the company’s owner, three insurance providers, and Sam’s passenger, Daniel Begay. Sam v. Kalenik, No. CV 2006-242-2 (N.M. 11th Judicial Dist. Court Apr. 26, 2006) (the Kalenik litigation). Barber represented Sam both in her individual capacity for her personal injuries and as personal representative in the Kalenik litigation. {21} Because Hermanda died as an unmarried adult with no surviving children, her parents would ordinarily share equally in any recovery for her wrongful death. Section 41-2-3(F) (providing that if specific subsections do not apply, wrongful death proceeds “shall be disposed of in the manner authorized by law for the disposition of the personal property of deceased persons”); NMSA 1978, § 45-2-103(A)(2) (1993) (amended 2012) (providing that intestate estate of decedent without surviving spouse or descendants is distributed equally to decedent’s parents). In addition, under the facts of this case, Hermanda, who briefly survived her daughter, was a statutory beneficiary of the wrongful death proceeds of Lydia’s estate. Because Hermanda died before the proceeds were paid, Hermanda’s share of the proceeds belongs to her estate, and would ordinarily also be distributed to her surviving parents, Sam and Spencer. Sections 41-2-3(F), 45-2-103(A)(2). {22} As we previously stated, the personal representative has a nondiscretionary duty to distribute the wrongful death proceeds in the ratio prescribed by the Wrongful Death Act. Leyba, 120 N.M. at 776, 907 P.2d at 180. Therefore, any agreement to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit will, by definition, be for the benefit of the statutory beneficiaries. We made this rule explicit in Leyba: [Tjhere can be no other purpose of an attorney-client agreement to pursue claims for wrongful death than to benefit those persons specifically designated by the Act as statutory beneficiaries. We conclude therefore that... the very nature of a wrongful death action is such that we will imply in law a term in every agreement between an attorney and personal representative that the agreement is formed with the intent to benefit the statutory beneficiaries of the action. Id. It is unnecessary to analyze in each wrongful death case whether the attorney for the personal representative actually intended to benefit the statutory beneficiary. Under the rule laid out in Leyba, the statutory beneficiary is always the intended beneficiary of the agreementbetweenthepersonal representative and her attorney. Id. As a result, Barber, acting as Sam’s attorney in her capacity as personal representative, had “a duty to exercise reasonable care to ensure that the statutory beneficiaries actually receive[d] the proceeds of any wrongful death claim.” Id. at 778, 907 P.2d at 182. {23} However, according to Barber, Sam had taken the position that her ex-husband, Spencer, had abandoned Hermanda and their other children, and therefore Spencer was not entitled to share in any wrongful death proceeds. See NMSA 1978, § 45-2-114(C) (2004) (amended 2012) (precluding a parent from inheriting from a child through intestate succession unless he “has openly treated the child as his and has not refused to support the child”); see also Perry v. Williams, 2003-NMCA-084, ¶¶ 20-22, 133 N.M. 844, 70 P.3d 1283 (applying the policy of Section 45-2-114(C) to bar recovery under the Wrongful Death Act by a father who had abandoned his child). {24} It is not clear from the record when Barber learned that Sam disputed Spencer’s entitlement to his share of any wrongful death proceeds. However, upon learning that there was a dispute regarding Spencer’s entitlement to a portion of the proceeds, Barber could not simply distribute such proceeds from the wrongful death lawsuit to either Spencer or Sam. See Rule 16-115(E) NMRA (“When in the course of representation a lawyer is in possession of property in which two or more persons . . . claim interests, the property shall be kept separate by the lawyer until the dispute is resolved.”). As we have made clear in the commentary to Rule 16-115(E): Paragraph E also recognizes that third parties may have lawful claims against specific funds or other property in a lawyer’s custody, such as a client’s creditor who has a lien on funds recovered in a personal injury action. A lawyer may have a duty under applicable law to protect such third-party claims against wrongful interference by the client. In such cases, when the third-party claim is not frivolous under applicable law, the lawyer must refuse to surrender the property to the client until the claims are resolved. A lawyer should not unilaterally assume to arbitrate a dispute between the client and the third party, but, when there are substantial grounds for dispute as to the person entitled to the funds, the lawyer may file an action to have a court resolve the dispute. Id. cmt. 4. {25} This procedure was followed by the attorneys in Perry, where the mother prosecuted a wrongful death lawsuit to its conclusion and subsequently sued the child’s father, seeking a declaration that he was not entitled to share in the wrongful death proceeds because he had abandoned their child. See 2003-NMCA-084, ¶¶ 2-3 (describing procedural history). In this case, Barber learned that Sam intended to contest Spencer’s right to share in the wrongful death proceeds before he concluded his representation of Sam in the case. This knowledge created a conflict of interest for Barber because Sam wanted to oppose the distribution mandated by statute. See McTaggart, 509 N.W.2d at 884 (finding a conflict of interest in attorney’s representation of decedent’s mother both as personal representative and as claimant against other beneficiaries); Home Ins. Co. v. Wynn, 493 S.E.2d 622, 624, 626 (Ga. Ct. App. 1997) (upholding verdict against attorney for representing decedent’s widow both as fiduciary and on her own behalf, where the two roles created conflicting incentives). {26} Even if Barber was not aware of this particular conflict at the outset of his representation of Sam, in Leyba we acknowledged the possibility that a conflict might develop as a case progresses. 120 N.M. at 777, 907 P.2d at 181. We recognized that when the interests of the personal representative and the beneficiaries are adverse, or become adverse, there is an adversarial exception to the attorney’s ordinary duty of care toward the beneficiaries. Id. at 777-78, 907 P.2d at 181-82. {27} However, in Leyba we made it clear that just because the attorney has identified a conflict does not mean that he does not have a duty to the beneficiaries or that these duties are automatically discharged. Id. at 778, 907 P.2d at 182. We noted that if an attorney finds himself or herself in a conflicted situation and takes no action to resolve the conflict, “rather than applying the adversarial exception to deny the existence of a duty to the nonclient,” a court should find that a duty exists and “a breach of that duty . . . arisefs] out of continuing representation of conflicting interests.” Id. at 777, 907 P.2d at 181. “The fact that an attorney identifies a conflict, actual or potential, should not ... in itself negate the duty owed to the statutory beneficiaries.” Id. at 778, 907 P.2d at 182. Instead, when such a conflict becomes apparent, the attorney can resolve the conflict by giving “notice to the nonclient that the latter cannot rely on the attorney to act for his or her benefit.” Id. at 777, 907 P.2d at 181. {28} Insofar as the wrongful death litigation is concerned, Barber’s client was Sam as the estates’ personal representative, who had a duty to distribute wrongful death proceeds in accordance with the Wrongful Death Act. As statutory beneficiaries, Sam and Spencer were identically situated — they both were intended beneficiaries of the agreement between Sam, as personal representative, and Barber. When Sam, as statutory beneficiary, announced that she wanted all of the proceeds from the wrongful death lawsuit because she alleged that Spencer had abandoned Hermanda, this position conflicted with her fiduciary duty as personal representative. {29} The Georgia Court of Appeals addressed a similar situation in Home Insurance Co., 493 S.E.2d at 624, in which it upheld a jury verdict against a widow who had brought and settled claims both on her own behalf and as a fiduciary for her husband’s estate, of which she was one of several beneficiaries. When she settled the lawsuit, she had an improper incentive to allocate the settlement to claims for which she was the only beneficiary. Id. at 626. The court wrote: An agent cannot place herself in a position in which her duty and interests conflict with those of her principal.... The trustee must avoid being placed in such a position, and if she cannot avoid it, she may resign, may fully inform the beneficiaries of the conflict, or may request the court to appoint a guardian ad litem to protect the unprotected interests. If she fails to do any of these things, she proceeds at her own peril. Id. The court also upheld the verdict against the woman’s lawyer. Id. at 624; see also McTaggart, 509 N.W.2d at 884 (“[D]ual representation [of one person as claimant and personal representative] is improper if representation of the claimant would adversely affect representation of the fiduciary.”); In re Birnbaum, 460 N.Y.S.2d 706, 707 (Sur. Ct. 1983) (“[W]here the attorney represents his client in both capacities [as a beneficiary and a fiduciary], he may not act to advance the personal interests of a fiduciary in such a way as to harm . . . the estate.”). {30} Spencer asserts that if Barber wished to continue representing Sam in her individual capacity, he was obligated to withdraw from his representation of Sam as the personal representative. Barber contends that he no longer owed Spencer a duty as an intended beneficiary once he told Spencer that he was Sam’s attorney and not Spencer’s. We do not agree that the only way Barber could avoid the conflict of interest was to withdraw from his representation of Sam as the personal representative, nor do we agree that Barber negated his duty to Spencer by choosing to protect Sam’s interest as a statutory beneficiary over Spencer’s interest by giving notice to Spencer that he was Sam’s lawyer and not Spencer’s. {31} Barber could have declined to represent Sam in her claim that Spencer was not entitled to his statutory share of the wrongful death proceeds, or he could have deferred the legal battle until after the wrongful death case was concluded, similar to the situation in Perry. However, Barber did not choose either of these approaches. When Barber approached Spencer with the settlement agreement, the wrongful death litigation had not been settled. In addition, the agreement listed Sam as a party to the agreement both in her individual capacity (as a statutory beneficiary) and as the personal representative (as fiduciary to the intended beneficiaries). Striking an agreement between Sam as the fiduciary and Spencer as the beneficiary was not prohibited provided that Barber, acting on behalf of Sam as the personal representative, complied with Restatement (Second) of Contracts Section 173 (1981), which provides: If a fiduciary makes a contract with his beneficiary relating to matters within the scope of the fiduciary relation, the contract is voidable by the beneficiary, unless (a) it is on fair terms, and (b) all parties beneficially interested manifest assent with full understanding of their legal rights and of all relevant facts that the fiduciary knows or should know. See also Moody v. Stribling, 1999-NMCA-094, ¶ 33, 127 N.M. 630, 985 P.2d 1210 (citing Section 173 for proposition that “contracts entered into between a fiduciary and beneficiary are suspect”). We also believe that Comment a to Restatement Section 173 informs the duty in this case. Comment a provides: The rule stated in this Section applies to any fiduciary, including a trustee, an agent, a guardian, or an executor or administrator.. . . When a fiduciary makes a contract with the person beneficially interested, it is not enough that he make a complete disclosure of the facts known to him. The person beneficially interested must be put on an equal footing, with full understanding of his legal rights and of all relevant facts that the fiduciary knows or should know. If that person is not of competent age and understanding, this may be difficult if not impossible to achieve. If it is impossible, the fiduciary is precluded from making a contract with him within the scope of the fiduciary relation. Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 173 cmt. a. {32} This is consistent with the New Mexico rule on dealing with an unrepresented person. Rule 16-403 NMRA states that an attorney should not give legal advice to an unrepresented person, but the commentary goes on to explain: Whether a lawyer is giving impermissible advice may depend on the experience and sophistication of the unrepresented person, as well as the setting in which the behavior and comments occur. This rule does not prohibit a lawyer from negotiating the terms of a transaction or settling a dispute with an unrepresented person. So long as the lawyer has explained that the lawyer represents an adverse party and is not representing the person, the lawyer may inform the person of the terms on which the lawyer’s client will enter into an agreement or settle a matter, prepare documents that require the person’s signature and explain the lawyer’s own view of the meaning of the document or the lawyer’s view of the underlying legal obligations. Rule 16-403 cmt. 2. Therefore, under Rule 16-403, an attorney may meet with a beneficiary, explain whom he represents, and negotiate a settlement, provided that the attorney and the personal representative first put the beneficiary on an “equal footing” as required by Restatement Section 173 comment a. {33} It is not sufficient for the attorney to simply tell the intended beneficiary that he or she needs his or her own counsel. The attorney must provide any intended beneficiaries with disclosure that is sufficient for them to understand why they need independent representation. This Section 173 disclosure is analogous to the one that an attorney must provide to a client to obtain the client’s informed consent to a conflicted representation. See, e.g., Rules 16-107(B)(4); -108(A)(3), (B), (F)(1), & (G) NMRA (requiring informed consent of clients to potential conflicts). Whether the disclosure is to a client or an intended beneficiary, the purpose of the disclosure is to allow the person to make an informed decision about whether he or she in fact needs independent representation. {34} Comment 7 to Rule of Professional Conduct 16-100 NMRA states that for the purpose of obtaining informed consent, adequate communication will ordinarily include “disclosure of the facts and circumstances giving rise to the situation, any explanation reasonably necessary to inform the client or other person of the material advantages and disadvantages of the proposed course of conduct and a discussion of the client’s or other person’s options and alternatives.” When the attorney for the personal representative gives notice to a statutory beneficiary as required by Leyba, adequate disclosures will normally include, at a minimum: (1) the fact that the person is a beneficiary in a wrongful death lawsuit, as well as the identities of the parties to the lawsuit; (2) the amount of any settlement or verdict reached, or any settlement offers under consideration; (3) the percentage of the settlement or verdict to which the beneficiary is entitled under the statute; (4) the basic position of the adverse party, e.g., “she does not believe that you are entitled to any money because you abandoned your child”; and (5) the fact that the attorney now represents the adverse party against the beneficiary and is not looking out for the beneficiary’s interests. {35} In this case, there exist genuine issues of material fact about whether Barber satisfied his obligation to safeguard Spencer’s possible share of the Kalenik settlement and whether Barber’s disclosures to Spencer were adequate. By March 13, 2007, several of the Kalenik defendants had offered to settle the claims of both estates for a total of $900,000. March 13, 2007 was the date that Barber contacted Spencer for the first time. Barber contends that he mailed a letter to Spencer on May 4, 2006, presumably to notify Spencer about the pending wrongful death action. Because this letter is not in the record, we do not know what notice Barber intended to give Spencer. Nevertheless, Barber states that the letter was returned marked “insufficient address,” making it clear that whatever notice Barber sent did not reach Spencer. {36} In any event, on March 13, 2007, Barber went to Spencer’s place of employment without first contacting or scheduling an appointment with Spencer and waited until Spencer arrived. Once Spencer arrived, Barber met with him in a public location, where Barber presented a five-page written “Settlement Agreement and Release” to Spencer. The agreement sought to resolve “any questions about distribution of the proceeds of the wrongful death claims.” The agreement does not describe the issues that existed with respect to the distribution of the proceeds. In addition, the agreement sought Spencer’s release of the Kalenik defendants and his release of Sam and her attorneys for all potential claims and causes of action, including wrongful death claims. {37} Barber told Spencer that he was Sam’s attorney and that he wished to settle any claims that Spencer had to Hermanda’s wrongful death settlement. Spencer inquired about the amount of the settlement, which Barber said would be “‘a large or very large amount,”’ but Barber did not tell Spencer the amount of the offer. Spencer, 2011-NMCA-090, ¶ 5. Spencer signed the agreement that day for the payment of $20,000, plus Sam’s release of Spencer’s outstanding child support payments. M ¶ 6. {38} That evening Barber sent an e-mail message to the defense attorneys in the Kalenik litigation, accepting their offers to settle the case for $900,000. Id. ¶ 9. Each estate was paid $450,000 as wrongful death damages. In addition, Hermanda’s estate received a present value2 of $143,776.72 from Lydia’s estate, representing the wrongful death proceeds that would have been due to Hermanda as Lydia’s mother. As such, Hermanda’s estate received a total of $593,776.72. Sam paid $162,446.55 from that amount in fees, costs, and taxes, owed Spencer $20,000, and kept $411,330.17. {39} Barber contends that he satisfied his obligations under Leyba because he claims that he told Spencer he represented Sam and not Spencer, and Spencer was entitled to meet with a lawyer and have a judge decide the portion of the settlement to which Spencer was entitled. Barber also stated that he told Spencer that “he would normally be entitled to a share of the wrongful death recovery. . . . [Hjowever, that it was Ellen Sam’s position that he was not entitled to any recovery under either estate because he had abandoned the children.” Spencer denies that Barber told him about Sam’s allegations that Spencer had abandoned Hermanda. However, the parties agree that Barber did not tell Spencer the size of the anticipated settlement. There is no indication that Barber said that he represented Sam against Spencer, or that Spencer was entitled to either 50% ofHermanda’s wrongful death estate under the relevant statute or to 50% of the proceeds received by Hermanda’s estate for Lydia’s wrongful death. The disputed and missing statements go directly to the adequacy of Barber’s notice to Spencer, which is at the heart of this case. Therefore, on this record, we cannot conclude that Barber was entitled to judgment as a matter of law. C. A Conflict May Arise When the Personal Representative May Be Liable for the Death of the Decedent {40} Spencer also contends that Barber breached his duty to Spencer when Barber continued to represent Sam after learning that she may have contributed to the wrongful deaths of Hermanda and Lydia. Barber does not contest the allegation that the collision occurred when Sam stopped the car at night in a traffic lane on 1-40 with the car lights off. However, Barber contends that “[t]he issue of Sam’s alleged negligence, in regard to the issues in Kalenik, was for determination in that suit, through comparative fault defenses to be presented by defendants, who nevertheless chose to pay full value in settling the claims.” {41} Whether the settlement reached with the Kalenik defendants represented the full value of the defendants’ exposure is not at issue in this case, but we conclude that Sam’s potential liability created a potential conflict of interest in this case. Any liability of the Kalenik defendants would be reduced by Sam’s percentage of liability, if any. In addition, to the extent that Sam contributed to the cause of the deaths of Hermanda and Lydia, she too would be liable for fair and just damages to the remaining statutory beneficiaries. A conflict of interest may exist if “representation of one or more clients will be materially limited by the lawyer’s responsibilities to another client, a former client or a third person.” Rule 16-107(A)(2) (emphasis added); see also Pa. Ethics Op. 00-75, Pa. Bar Ass’n Comm. on Legal Ethics & Prof 1 Responsibility, 2000 WL 33678415 at *3 (Nov. 1, 2000) (applying equivalent Pennsylvania rale to attorney who represented client both as individual and as personal representative of an estate, where attorney’s representation of personal representative might have created responsibilities to third parties). {42} The relevant third party in a wrongful death lawsuit is the statutory beneficiary, whom we have defined as an intended beneficiary of the relationship between the attorney and the personal representative. If there are statutory beneficiaries other than the personal representative, and there is a good-faith basis to believe that the personal representative contributed to the death of the decedent, this constitutes a conflict of interest that may give rise to a malpractice cause of action. The North Carolina case oí Jenkins, upon which we relied in Leyba, provides a good example of this kind of conflict. In that case, an attorney represented a client who was the executor of two separate estates simultaneously. 316 S.E.2d at 358. One estate had a viable cause of action against the other for wrongful death, and the executor stood to inherit from the tortious estate, but not from the injured estate. Id. at 357-58. The executor chose not to sue the tortfeasor’s estate, and an heir of the injured estate sued the executor and her attorney for breach of their duties. Id. at 356. The court found that the complaint stated a malpractice cause of action against the attorney. Id. at 358. {43} In this case, there are genuine issues of material fact regarding whether Barber had a conflict of interest in his representation of Sam and, if so, whether he handled the conflict of interest with due care and skill without harming the statutory beneficiaries. Sam was driving the car immediately prior to the accident that caused Hermanda’s and Lydia’s deaths. Barber admits, on information and belief, that there is evidence that Sam had been drinking alcohol before the collision and that she may have stopped the car in an unsafe location and manner. Barber, however, denies that Sam’s conduct proximately caused the death of Hermanda and Lydia. Therefore, based on the record before us, summary judgment in favor of Barber was inappropriate. D. If a Tort Does Not Depend on the Existence of a Fiduciary Duty, the Leyba Analysis Is Inapplicable {44} The parties agree that Spencer’s complaint raises non-malpractice causes of action against Barber, including fraud, collusion, and misrepresentation. The Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s grant of summary judgment for Barber on these claims, appearing to treat them not as independent claims, but as an alternative basis for the malpractice claim. See Spencer, 2011-NMCA-090, ¶¶ 32-34 (addressing tort claims). The Court of Appeals appeared to find that the adversarial relationship between Barber and Spencer barred the claim. Id. ¶¶ 30-31. The Court also emphasized that Leyba does not distinguish “between a contract-based claim of malpractice and a tort-based claim of malpractice.” Spencer, 2011-NMCA-090, ¶ 32. {45} This statement is accurate, but the Court of Appeals’ analysis misreads our opinion in Leyba. In general, a non-client cannot maintain an action for malpractice against an attorney. Garcia, 106 N.M. at 761, 750 P.2d at 122. There is an exception when the non-client is the intended beneficiary of the attorney’s work. Leyba, 120 N.M. at 771-72, 907 P.2d at 175-76. We determined that an intent to benefit non-client beneficiaries can be inferred in wrongful death cases, and therefore beneficiaries in these cases can sue the personal representative’s attorney for malpractice. Id. at 776, 771, 907 P.2d at 180, 175. We left an exception for cases in which the parties were in an adversarial position, where no such intent could be inferred. Id. at 778, 907 P.2d at 182. {46} However, none of this analysis, including the adversarial exception, is necessary if the plaintiff brings a cause of action in which he or she can prevail, even if he or she was not the intended beneficiary of the attorney’s work. For example, under New Mexico law, a fiduciary relationship is not an element of fraudulent misrepresentation. See Williams v. Stewart, 2005-NMCA-061, ¶ 34, 137 N.M. 420, 112 P.3d 281 (listing elements of fraud as including “(1) a misrepresentation of fact, (2) either knowledge of the falsity of the representation or recklessness on the part of the party making the misrepresentation, (3) intent to deceive and to induce reliance on the misrepresentation, and (4) detrimental reliance on the misrepresentation”). We see no reason that this situation should be any different if the defendant is an attorney. {47} Because the plaintiffdoes not have to establish a relationship of trust to bring the claim, the adversarial exception is irrelevant — the plaintiff can sue whether or not the lawyer’s client is his or her adversary. We acknowledged the difference between malpractice and other tort actions in Leyba, writing that even if a non-client’s malpractice claims were barred, “a third party has traditional tort claims against an attorney for misrepresentation, fraud, and collusion, none of which depend upon a duty arising out of contract.” 120 N.M. at 773 n.3, 907 P.2d at 177 n.3. These are precisely the claims that Spencer has put forth in this case. {48} Spencer’s independent tort claims were not fully briefed, and we express no opinion on them except that they are in no way subject to Leyba's adversarial exception. However, we note that the Court of Appeals, in considering the issue of the enforceability of Spencer and Barber’s agreement, found genuine issues of material fact concerning possible misrepresentations by Barber. Spencer, 2011-NMCA-090, ¶ 38. These issues would presumably also be at play in Spencer’s tort claims. CONCLUSION {49} Based on our review of the record in this case, we conclude that there exist genuine issues of material fact regarding whether Barber is liable for malpractice to Spencer. We further conclude that Spencer’s independent tort claims are not barred by Leyba. Therefore, we reverse the opinion of the Court of Appeals and remand to the district court for proceedings consistent with this opinion. {50} IT IS SO ORDERED. EDWARD L. CHÁVEZ, Justice WE CONCUR: PETRA JIMENEZ MAES, Chief Justice RICHARD C. BOSSON, Justice CHARLES W. DANIELS, Justice BARBARA J. VIGIL, Justice Some of the proceeds were structured in an annuity for future payments to Sam.
[ 0.012013913132250309, -0.07030133157968521, -0.009234491735696793, 0.010776663199067116, 0.011293713934719563, 0.01551788579672575, 0.05110180005431175, 0.03808695077896118, -0.007407923694700003, -0.07143398374319077, 0.021766679361462593, 0.049672454595565796, -0.04964103549718857, 0.048307813704013824, -0.019776223227381706, 0.04590720683336258, 0.04125203937292099, 0.015558045357465744, -0.03545736148953438, 0.0077617112547159195, 0.03314397856593132, 0.018385345116257668, 0.052567485719919205, 0.04110701382160187, 0.032732270658016205, 0.0325300395488739, -0.01991945132613182, -0.004001333378255367, -0.030046476051211357, 0.02292582392692566, 0.05554581433534622, 0.0013785292394459248, -0.04102581739425659, -0.00814897008240223, -0.0374373123049736, 0.008325603790581226, 0.009132933802902699, 0.0031446919310837984, -0.0494551844894886, 0.02684050425887108, -0.04321867600083351, 0.010378796607255936, -0.0494440458714962, -0.010847172699868679, -0.009490108117461205, 0.01824539341032505, 0.0018665120005607605, 0.004480845760554075, -0.03350723162293434, -0.0485953614115715, -0.06633323431015015, -0.015171930193901062, -0.02445005625486374, 0.06494712829589844, -0.018902048468589783, 0.024866599589586258, -0.05685402825474739, -0.0734768807888031, -0.01009907852858305, -0.006856159307062626, 0.005418089684098959, -0.009607269428670406, 0.07255510985851288, -0.01784728839993477, 0.0020163082517683506, -0.006675167940557003, 0.017014697194099426, 0.05260809138417244, -0.02649582549929619, -0.003500473452731967, -0.06834594905376434, -0.032869357615709305, 0.014315588399767876, 0.03645092621445656, -0.017091240733861923, -0.0500616692006588, 0.012600748799741268, 0.02819245308637619, 0.04521872475743294, 0.024136288091540337, 0.009216797538101673, 0.0008897515945136547, -0.014204993844032288, 0.054927535355091095, -0.028891367837786674, -0.040855251252651215, 0.0026736564468592405, -0.03427955135703087, -0.06029628962278366, 0.04212082549929619, -0.00812973640859127, -0.012642540037631989, 0.0031132970470935106, 0.06365150958299637, -0.002960344310849905, -0.0016282327705994248, 0.10611072927713394, -0.052114203572273254, -0.00852322205901146, 0.004617799073457718, -0.01208566315472126, -0.01594318449497223, -0.0006460417062044144, 0.049213387072086334, -0.07192742824554443, -0.04761994630098343, 0.027489323168992996, 0.03978288918733597, 0.0038424087688326836, -0.0012264249380677938, 0.022135036066174507, 0.025554180145263672, -0.05235421285033226, -0.004837853368371725, -0.06880611181259155, 0.04855217784643173, 0.0149312112480402, -0.02795672044157982, -0.012719804421067238, -0.015616257674992085, 0.013236409984529018, -0.041306015104055405, 0.02280605398118496, 0.06705675274133682, 0.04414111748337746, -0.012197447940707207, -0.0008486617007292807, 0.03447424992918968, -0.05318225547671318, -0.05707776919007301, 0.003694304032251239, 0.022211095318198204, -0.035732146352529526, -0.006042890716344118, -0.023300059139728546, 0.022988250479102135, 0.0071302540600299835, -0.005414497572928667, -0.003533423412591219, -0.06648565083742142, -0.028356993570923805, -0.006164640188217163, -0.01709919050335884, -0.03275866061449051, 0.05802944675087929, -0.04596854746341705, 0.027612753212451935, -0.017852768301963806, 0.002923880470916629, 0.007247930392622948, 0.010318340733647346, 0.05851373448967934, -0.0014771607238799334, -0.06181541457772255, 0.004220716655254364, 0.017624448984861374, 0.047446656972169876, 0.00507186958566308, -0.03589373826980591, 0.033769264817237854, 0.028777437284588814, 0.0008959787664934993, 0.01372551079839468, 0.004180575255304575, 0.03679956868290901, 0.022523850202560425, -0.0012418695259839296, -0.0017344250809401274, -0.04047992080450058, 0.026078760623931885, -0.06203288212418556, 0.021232686936855316, 0.046143561601638794, -0.07398927956819534, 0.014307675883173943, -0.010453570634126663, 0.06973782181739807, 0.005677190143615007, 0.010937556624412537, -0.019619079306721687, -0.0850047841668129, 0.06015580892562866, -0.0035654036328196526, 0.029009312391281128, -0.002093670656904578, 0.005334109999239445, 0.015168167650699615, -0.01970193162560463, -0.020129678770899773, -0.033580273389816284, -0.06375911831855774, -0.07467800378799438, -0.0009104320779442787, -0.02976612187922001, 0.04345949739217758, 0.011650837026536465, -0.018805041909217834, 0.04982830956578255, 0.01682099886238575, 0.03795067220926285, -0.022997522726655006, -0.012096219696104527, 0.002930286107584834, -0.02998688630759716, -0.06867839395999908, 0.060026608407497406, 0.013225584290921688, -0.01819230429828167, -0.03819243237376213, 0.06880762428045273, -0.019107908010482788, -0.015365343540906906, 0.014332078397274017, -0.00018175305740442127, 0.023308750241994858, -0.045366331934928894, 0.03069669008255005, -0.08793629705905914, 0.005870457272976637, -0.03738526254892349, 0.004527620039880276, 0.016652634367346764, 0.0008855523192323744, 0.006112732924520969, -0.05673683434724808, 0.07389505952596664, 0.058222707360982895, -0.01942174695432186, -0.003408825723454356, 0.04545001685619354, 0.0019807503558695316, 0.023736177012324333, 0.006024723872542381, 0.007983828894793987, 0.026302123442292213, 0.0157669298350811, -0.049661725759506226, -0.017666520550847054, 0.05290450528264046, -0.05296847224235535, 0.0064244344830513, 0.057731274515390396, -0.012098560109734535, 0.03900957480072975, -0.016209986060857773, 0.01098333578556776, -0.0163322351872921, 0.02618241496384144, -0.013217617757618427, 0.004227154888212681, -0.0042995610274374485, 0.0033198839519172907, 0.013833564706146717, -0.032404862344264984, 0.003961468115448952, -0.040926624089479446, -0.018024640157818794, 0.012756532989442348, 0.01856902614235878, -0.005878633353859186, 0.003271089168265462, 0.04271817207336426, -0.00759555958211422, -0.03422488644719124, -0.020794710144400597, -0.0561407096683979, -0.012594814412295818, 0.012839090079069138, 0.0014856909401714802, 0.03979618474841118, 0.06890485435724258, -0.005087367724627256, 0.03120456077158451, 0.012686229310929775, -0.007483174093067646, 0.06336797773838043, 0.000014361618013936095, 0.023719171062111855, 0.002849374897778034, 0.0007126916898414493, -0.0343937948346138, 0.052025943994522095, -0.04363216832280159, -0.04755399748682976, -0.02954072505235672, -0.0528876818716526, 0.03397313877940178, -0.03293926268815994, -0.020165100693702698, 0.08008167892694473, -0.0038276107516139746, 0.0077494666911661625, 0.009428810328245163, 0.02055840939283371, 0.04494979977607727, 0.053517382591962814, 0.04652399569749832, 0.031496964395046234, -0.007138104178011417, -0.011250067502260208, -0.0031906988006085157, 0.030245987698435783, -0.00219530938193202, -0.03502246364951134, 0.03316119685769081, 0.04555729776620865, -0.03753787651658058, -0.002289931522682309, -0.24262204766273499, 0.0013157580979168415, -0.039937082678079605, -0.027647610753774643, 0.06816159933805466, 0.014062519185245037, 0.018371401354670525, -0.03543713688850403, -0.021030092611908913, 0.04861906170845032, -0.0027433219365775585, -0.021562879905104637, 0.04835124686360359, -0.012774365954101086, 0.011082406155765057, -0.027389124035835266, -0.006868966855108738, -0.025831053033471107, 0.00044208503095433116, 0.01182729471474886, 0.007931878790259361, -0.08002470433712006, -0.0785946473479271, 0.040937189012765884, 0.01789245754480362, 0.04421348497271538, -0.016405686736106873, -0.04339853674173355, -0.03553498908877373, -0.0051850504241883755, -0.008417819626629353, -0.0052912537939846516, -0.040623489767313004, 0.003675617976114154, 0.03690028935670853, 0.008548271842300892, 0.000032762462069513276, -0.06387124955654144, 0.010999576188623905, 0.012092397548258305, -0.019940005615353584, -0.05032896623015404, 0.01640060544013977, -0.02848312258720398, 0.022452041506767273, 0.015714259818196297, -0.02052609995007515, 0.0023193664383143187, 0.017768027260899544, 0.08651144802570343, 0.0030041723512113094, 0.010858234018087387, -0.026766054332256317, 0.040883395820856094, -0.033961616456508636, -0.015102927573025227, 0.013871881179511547, -0.009197119623422623, -0.04798248037695885, 0.0052034067921340466, 0.03608294576406479, -0.022666700184345245, -0.04562697559595108, -0.03545936197042465, 0.003384358948096633, -0.023992445319890976, -0.03177843987941742, -0.02793756127357483, 0.07361079007387161, -0.02035275287926197, 0.023936579003930092, 0.057481683790683746, -0.002988226478919387, -0.08003181219100952, 0.020783931016921997, -0.016133036464452744, -0.010233207605779171, 0.006551851984113455, -0.059718627482652664, -0.0011980842100456357, 0.048090122640132904, -0.031185802072286606, 0.044011134654283524, -0.009529114700853825, -0.01138480007648468, -0.004960484802722931, 0.008198672905564308, 0.06829874217510223, -0.05323562026023865, 0.015185759402811527, 0.03672074154019356, 0.02350957691669464, -0.015109293162822723, 0.012372785247862339, 0.016512686386704445, 0.06980765610933304, -0.014958260580897331, 0.03259458392858505, 0.02695923112332821, -0.02384629286825657, 0.031071098521351814, -0.03932809829711914, 0.020467037335038185, -0.042129550129175186, -0.0016850163228809834, -0.03673258051276207, -0.041640616953372955, 0.029896019026637077, 0.007758686318993568, -0.0013745888136327267, 0.05617468059062958, -0.016919277608394623, 0.05000396817922592, -0.02660961262881756, 0.017974035814404488, -0.0042010401375591755, 0.031678102910518646, -0.000056137185310944915, 0.017413707450032234, 0.021324481815099716, 0.002379141515120864, 0.016895469278097153, -0.0951492115855217, -0.014531711116433144, -0.07846119999885559, 0.018301991745829582, -0.027997754514217377, -0.0011924919672310352, -0.016566995531320572, 0.09513884782791138, -0.0021976393181830645, -0.020992625504732132, 0.00035115264472551644, -0.002287935232743621, -0.002422999357804656, 0.008975692093372345, -0.0002317074831807986, -0.06975147128105164, 0.03085106983780861, -0.0005765351234003901, 0.06827937811613083, 0.011410921812057495, 0.04282033443450928, -0.02705485373735428, 0.04038187861442566, 0.0018208211986348033, -0.009958597831428051, -0.06782573461532593, -0.042243774980306625, 0.05128370597958565, 0.01683967560529709, -0.04062611237168312, 0.015948820859193802, -0.038325946778059006, 0.008878033608198166, -0.010626823641359806, 0.00905142817646265, 0.013090705499053001, -0.048795733600854874, -0.03216229006648064, -0.020378263667225838, -0.016037914901971817, -0.0251704640686512, -0.02726024203002453, -0.05507383868098259, 0.08522438257932663, -0.0054702479392290115, -0.016906127333641052, -0.038544487208127975, 0.012478047981858253, -0.02312825433909893, -0.04627477377653122, -0.04437783733010292, 0.012282694689929485, -0.0034366983454674482, 0.04280616715550423, 0.027848822996020317, -0.03135858103632927, 0.030629944056272507, 0.006907819304615259, -0.0288021732121706, -0.02137809805572033, -0.031818438321352005, -0.007996325381100178, 0.04553130641579628, 0.013094075955450535, -0.04671021178364754, -0.03125297650694847, -0.046644214540719986, 0.0052462308667600155, 0.019593404605984688, 0.0010659655090421438, -0.036516860127449036, 0.05599360540509224, -0.025069354102015495, -0.04133325442671776, 0.022893236950039864, -0.040597330778837204, 0.027929509058594704, 0.024399591609835625, 0.017221959307789803, -0.0008056446094997227, 0.012112283147871494, 0.044934917241334915, 0.006071392446756363, -0.08908404409885406, 0.0019124919781461358, 0.05363369733095169, -0.05926381051540375, 0.027748411521315575, -0.060217563062906265, 0.020907746627926826, -0.04986623674631119, 0.025546012446284294, 0.028265666216611862, -0.057708241045475006, 0.07470466196537018, 0.010107490234076977, -0.030476342886686325, 0.0002473220229148865, -0.010551728308200836, -0.07166903465986252, -0.004348452668637037, -0.00703230919316411, -0.029555615037679672, 0.09992824494838715, -0.04164610058069229, 0.014693686738610268, 0.03665440157055855, -0.024091824889183044, 0.00900199543684721, -0.04542423412203789, -0.03761408478021622, 0.06173880025744438, -0.0002583992900326848, -0.037187814712524414, -0.046234309673309326, -0.018539009615778923, -0.01624901033937931, 0.03181930631399155, 0.04098272696137428, 0.016791492700576782, 0.00234978087246418, -0.024471864104270935, -0.004120419733226299, -0.016657769680023193, 0.03176598623394966, -0.0023713100235909224, 0.015285838395357132, 0.06241399422287941, -0.04711810126900673, -0.0007942816591821611, 0.01259763352572918, 0.019694902002811432, 0.0171895083039999, -0.04040948674082756, -0.033927738666534424, -0.06671898066997528, -0.016804715618491173, 0.023402610793709755, -0.01062142476439476, 0.07154908776283264, -0.007832643575966358, 0.029249243438243866, 0.04793058708310127, 0.056368280202150345, 0.014474323950707912, -0.006799415685236454, 0.04393155127763748, -0.04137800633907318, 0.016541361808776855, -0.0425642654299736, 0.03261087089776993, -0.004525970201939344, 0.0009001712314784527, 0.018613075837492943, -0.022915175184607506, -0.018917951732873917, -0.00020363781368359923, -0.09860352426767349, -0.021130023524165154, -0.03911755979061127, -0.007845933549106121, -0.04969707503914833, 0.014120323583483696, -0.011883197352290154, 0.025817645713686943, 0.020359063521027565, -0.049080416560173035, -0.030507108196616173, -0.016176879405975342, 0.047645337879657745, 0.03292299062013626, 0.05712147802114487, -0.025674032047390938, -0.03918624296784401, -0.0015722379321232438, 0.059094782918691635, -0.07537573575973511, 0.0066131409257650375, -0.058594681322574615, 0.0045193759724497795, -0.0024815225042402744, 0.04337211698293686, -0.039647385478019714, 0.01637766882777214, -0.024824930354952812, -0.07384642213582993, 0.04580630362033844, 0.011583279818296432, -0.008777166716754436, -0.048267047852277756, 0.06741303205490112, 0.028288329020142555, -0.05351635068655014, -0.02797270193696022, 0.028484513983130455, -0.014647127129137516, -0.011730136349797249, 0.003554302966222167, 0.03063485585153103, 0.01850646361708641, 0.045731328427791595, -0.007299062330275774, 0.04545249417424202, 0.01989269256591797, -0.007012609392404556, 0.03292347118258476, -0.01164248213171959, 0.06866880506277084, 0.026541633531451225, 0.03334265202283859, 0.012272832915186882, 0.05615215003490448, 0.028893616050481796, -0.05224965140223503, -0.0074502937495708466, -0.0354214683175087, 0.005041570868343115, 0.028439931571483612, 0.001342643634416163, 0.03489306941628456, 0.035310424864292145, 0.06799200177192688, 0.014168194495141506, -0.010519083589315414, 0.06956406682729721, -0.022516313940286636, 0.02722861059010029, 0.022389108315110207, -0.022821232676506042, 0.02394515834748745, 0.021877212449908257, -0.00842151790857315, 0.03613031655550003, 0.033576469868421555, -0.029004858806729317, -0.017767950892448425, -0.10094725340604782, 0.027324018999934196, -0.03564626723527908, -0.02231884002685547, 0.0715760812163353, -0.03975578397512436, -0.04814019426703453, -0.020808344706892967, 0.02266392856836319, 0.002339452737942338, 0.00030463619623333216, -0.005571200978010893, -0.006002359092235565, -0.03221563622355461, -0.02730729803442955, 0.006787333637475967, 0.06676176190376282, -0.014313527382910252, 0.08698281645774841, -0.040219664573669434, 0.019856229424476624, 0.046305350959300995, 0.0402878075838089, 0.0004425999941304326, -0.05318450927734375, -0.05104775354266167, -0.03324104845523834, -0.021138738840818405, 0.011035597883164883, 0.004945691674947739, 0.018896454945206642, -0.05238954722881317, 0.029910987243056297, 0.0026284807827323675, -0.007814835757017136, 0.062147777527570724, -0.0465080551803112, -0.007337502203881741, 0.016907377168536186, 0.044675737619400024, 0.014314528554677963, 0.017379937693476677, 0.05557893216609955, 0.02532564103603363, -0.028510116040706635, 0.012282169423997402, -0.04979971796274185, 0.04311675205826759, 0.023859024047851562, -0.018484285101294518, -0.06064314767718315, 0.023287056013941765, -0.010651596821844578, -0.0416189506649971, -0.06898804754018784, 0.0018317090580239892, 0.006319270934909582, -0.0252219270914793, 0.03979293629527092, 0.03406430035829544, 0.006734092719852924, -0.02266126684844494, -0.004248041193932295, 0.007274910807609558, 0.007440628949552774, 0.0036831949837505817, -0.028766639530658722, 0.04616183787584305, 0.0007831146940588951, 0.016819708049297333, 0.004378453828394413, 0.05128449201583862, 0.021038275212049484, -0.015776915475726128, -0.03575165942311287, 0.0014200500445440412, 0.02055208384990692, -0.019765246659517288, -0.05150393769145012, 0.02150641568005085, -0.009902359917759895, -0.03686967492103577, 0.014824077486991882, 0.00018731884483713657, -0.02069847099483013, -0.05334596708416939, 0.013286384753882885, 0.026953276246786118, -0.06783925741910934, -0.017416583374142647, -0.028430413454771042, 0.017481142655014992, -0.0000202558767341543, 0.02576468139886856, -0.022892575711011887, -0.04015057906508446, 0.04947786033153534, -0.026491673663258553, -0.02575717307627201, -0.007774448487907648, -0.0024097878485918045, -0.009324203245341778 ]
OPINION HANISEE, Judge. {1} In this interlocutory appeal, we review the district court’s denial of class certification for monetary damages pursuant to Rule 1-023 NMRA. While the district court certified the proposed class of Ruidoso residential sewage and wastewater users for injunctive and declaratory relief under Rule 1-023(B)(2), it barred certification under both Rules 1-023(B)(1)(a) and (B)(3) with respect to monetary damages. We hold that the district court abused its discretion because its decision to deny full class status was not supported by substantial evidence. We therefore reverse and remand for further proceedings consistent with this Opinion. I. BACKGROUND {2} The Village of Ruidoso (Defendant) entered into a consent judgment in federal court pursuant to alleged violations of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The judgment required Defendant to construct a new “$3 5 million” wastewater treatment plant in order to comply with federal pollution guidelines for wastewater discharge. In an effort to procure funding for the plant, Defendant passed legislation increasing its wastewater rates for residential users. The first rate increases were incorporated into Defendant’s fee structure on November 27, 2007. {3} In response, Tierra Realty Trust, LLC (Plaintiff), a sixty-unit apartment complex for senior citizens, contacted Defendant in April 2008, to protest the rate increases. In May 2008, those discussions resulted in an informal agreement that Plaintiff deposit funds into an interest-bearing escrow account, in lieu of paying the utility fees, until a settlement or court order could be reached. Plaintiff did not deposit funds according to the agreement, and instead continued paying the disputed utility bills to Defendant until August 2009, when it timely filed the complaint in the current case. Plaintiff filed suit on behalf of itself and all other similarly situated residential wastewater and sewer customers, alleging that the rate increases were unreasonable contrary to NMSA 1978, Section 3-18-l(H) (1972) (stating that a municipality may “establish rates for services provided by municipal utilities and revenue-producing projects, including amounts which the governing body determines to be reasonable and consistent with amounts received by private enterprise in the operation of similar facilities”), and discriminatory under the equal protection clause. Plaintiff sought injunctive relief, declaratory judgment, and monetary damages. {4} Thereafter, Plaintiff filed a motion for class certification on all grounds of relief sought, which Defendant opposed, raising the affirmative defenses of voluntary payment, laches, and estoppel. Plaintiff replied that the proposed class acted under duress when it continued to make payments to Defendant after the rate change. After a hearing on the matter, the district court certified the class for injunctive and declaratory relief, but denied class certification for monetary damages. In denying certification, it concluded that although “there are numerous common issues of both fact and law[,]” “[ijndividual issues regarding voluntary payment and the related issue of duress will predominate over the common issues,” such that “the damage[s] claim will be very difficult to manage. Plaintiff filed an application for interlocutory appeal seeking review of the district court’s order, which we granted pursuant to Rule 12-203(A) NMRA. II. DISCUSSION {5} In order to obtain certification of a class action, Plaintiff must first establish that all four prerequisites of Rule 1-023 (A), commonly referred to as numerosity, commonality, typicality, and adequacy, are satisfied. See Amchem Prods., Inc. v. Windsor, 521 U.S. 591, 613 (1997); Armijo v. Walmart Stores, Inc., 2007-NMCA-120, ¶¶ 25-26, 142 N.M. 557, 168 P.3d 129. Then, Plaintiff must show that the class is maintainable under one of several criteria set forth in Rule 1-023(B). See Amchem Prods., 521 U.S. at 614; Armijo, 2007-NMCA-120, ¶¶ 25-26. In district court, Plaintiff specifically argued that the proposed class met the criteria of Rule l-023(B)(l)(a) or (B)(3), contending either that separate causes of action would result in inconsistent or varying adjudications establishing incompatible standards of conduct for Defendant, or that common questions predominate to such a degree that a class action was superior to other methods of adjudication. With respect to damages certification, the district court determined that Plaintiff failed to satisfy both Rule 1-023(A) and (B), and therefore denied class status. {6} “We review the district court’s decision to certify or not certify a class action for an abuse of discretion.” Davis v. Devon Energy Corp., 2009-NMSC-048, ¶ 12, 147 N.M. 157, 218 P.3d 75. “[A] district court abuses its discretion when it misapprehends the law or if the decision is not supported by substantial evidence.” Brooks v. Norwest Corp., 2004-NMCA-134, ¶ 7, 136 N.M. 599, 103 P.3d 39. Substantial evidence is defined as “relevant evidence that a reasonable mind could accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” Sims v. Sims, 1996-NMSC-078, ¶ 65, 122 N.M. 618, 930 P.2d 153. We resolve all disputed facts and indulge all reasonable inferences in favor of the district court’s findings. Id. “[T]he district court’s interpretation of Rule 1-023 is a question of law that is reviewed de novo, as are other questions of law.” Davis, 2009-NMSC-048, ¶ 12 (citation omitted). A. Plaintiff Met the Prerequisites of Rule 1-023(A) {7} The district court found that Plaintiff failed to meet two of the initial prerequisites under Rule 1-023(A): commonality under Rule 1-023 (A)(2) and typicality under Rule 1-023(A)(3). We address each in turn, and for reasons stated below, we reverse. 1. Commonality {8} To satisfy the commonality requirement under Rule 1-023(A)(2), Plaintiff must establish that “there are questions of law or fact common to the class[.]” Despite finding that “[Plaintiff] has demonstrated that there are numerous common issues of both fact and law,” the district court determined that commonality was not present. In so ruling, it found that “the ramifications o f the affirmative defense of voluntary payment and the related issue of duress” rendered “[t]he class regarding the damage claim . . . very difficult to manage.” We agree with Plaintiffs contention that the district court “applied an incorrect legal standard[,] requiring] reversal.” In this regard, we note that Defendant does not argue otherwise on appeal. See Santa Fe Pac. Gold Corp. v. United Nuclear Corp., 2007-NMCA-133, ¶ 41, 143 N.M. 215, 175 P.3d 309 (stating that where a party declines to address an issue in its answer brief, we treat the party’s silence as a concession on the issue). {9} In ruling as it did, it appears that the district court interjected the criteria under Rule 1-023(B)(3) into the commonality prerequisite ofRule 1-023(A) by considering issues of management and predominance. Romero v. Philip Morris Inc., 2005-NMCA-035, ¶ 9, 137 N.M. 229, 233, 109 P.3d 768 (“The[] Rule 1-023(B)(3) prerequisites are commonly referred to as the predominance and superiority requirements .... [T]he primary focus of the superiority requirement is the suitability of the class action for management of the litigation.”). Nonetheless, “[t]he commonality requirement of Rule 1-023 (A)(2) is relatively easily met because it is deemed to require only that a single issue be common to the class.” Berry v. Fed. Kemper Life Assurance Co., 2004-NMCA-116, ¶ 42, 136 N.M. 454, 99 P.3d 1166. We note that “the commonality requirement is usually subsumed by the predominance requirement of Rule 1-023(B)(3),” and not the other way around. Id. {10} The district court should therefore have found that the commonality prerequisite was satisfied based on its finding “that there are numerous common issues of both fact and law.” That finding is supported by substantial evidence, in that the central threshold issue of the class, whether for injunctive or monetary relief, is whether Defendant’s rates were unreasonable. We thus reverse the district court and conclude that commonality has been satisfied. 2. Typicality {11} In determining whether “the claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims or defenses of the class,” Rule 1-023(A)(3), we assess the following: “whether other members have the same or similar injury, whether the action is based on conduct which is not unique to the named plaintiffs, and whether other class members have been injured by the same conduct.” Armijo, 2007-NMCA-120, ¶ 28 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). This inquiry is meant to “gauge in general how well the proposed class representative’s case matches the class factual allegations and legal theories.” 5e77'y,2004-NMCA-116^43. But “[t]he fit need not be perfect.” Id. In fact, our caselaw holds that unless that fit varies so greatly as to create a conflict between the named parties and the class, “varying fact patterns in individual claims will not usually defeat typicality.” Id. {12} In this case, the district court made the following pertinent findings: 14. If the sewer and wastewater rates charged to [Plaintiff] are not reasonable, then the sewer and wastewater rates charged to other members of the class are similarly unreasonable, and thus the unreasonableness of rates paid by [Plaintiff] is typical of the unreasonableness of rates paid by the class. 15. . . . [Plaintiff]’s equal protection claim is typical of that of the class. . . . 18. The Village . . . treats [Plaintiff] as a typical residential sewer and wastewater customer. Despite those findings, the court concluded that Plaintiff failed to establish the typicality prerequisite for the potential class’ monetary damages claims “based upon the evidence presented, regarding the definition [of] the class as containing those customers who have city water and those who do not; and, further concerning [Defendant’s] affirmative defenses of voluntary payment, and the related issue of duress.” {13} Yet, neither of those issues impacts the relevant criteria for typicality. Each member of the class, with or without city water, has the same or similar asserted injury: payment of unreasonable sewer and wastewater rates to Defendant. See Armijo, 2007-NMCA-120, ¶ 28 (typicality requires determination of “whether other members have the same or similar injury, whether the action is based on conduct which is not unique to the named plaintiffs, and whether other class members have been injured by the same conduct.” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). The district court found that the unreasonableness of the rates charged was typical among class members. It expressly found that although “[sjewer and wastewater rates charged to [Defendant’s] residential customers are not necessarily uniform, depending on whether the customers also use[] Municipal water,” the “distinction should not affect, in itself, the certification of the requested class action.” Similarly, Defendant’s conduct in charging the rates was “not unique to the named plaintiffs.” Rather, Defendant’s rates were uniform among service classes, as required by law. See Apodaca v. Wilson, 86 N.M. 516, 524, 525 P.2d 876, 884 (1974) (holding that a municipality’s sewer and wastewater rates must be uniform and non-discriminatory among customers of the same class of services). Should Defendant’s rates be determined unreasonable or discriminatory with respect to Plaintiff, other class members will also be deemed to have been injured by the unreasonable rates. See Armijo, 2007-NMCA-120, ¶ 2 8 (stating that in “determining whether the typicality prerequisite is met we ask . . . whether other class members have been injured by the same conduct” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). {14} The fact that Plaintiff and other class members with municipal water service pay a slightly different rate than class members without municipal water service and that affirmative defenses may affect the class members’ entitlement to damages differently, does not impact the typicality of the class claims. The representative party’s claim does not have to be identical to the claims possessed by every class member. See Starko v. Presbyterian Health Plan, Inc., 2012-NMCA-053 ¶ 106, 276 P.3d 252 (affirming the district court’s finding of typicality as a textbook example despite differences as to damages), certs. granted, 2012-NMCERT-003, 293 P.3d 184; see also Armijo, 2007-NMCA-120, ¶ 30 (affirming the district court’s finding of typicality despite unique work environments of plaintiffs and factual differences between individual claims). The slight difference in rates among classes of residential sewer and wastewater users and the impact of any affirmative defenses do “not change the fact that the basic factual elements of the named [plaintiffs’] claims were similar to that of the rest of the class.” Id. Essentially, Plaintiff alleges that Defendant set unreasonable and discriminatory rates and Plaintiff is entitled to any amount overpaid. The same can be said of all class members. We therefore reverse the district court’s determination of typicality because it applied an overly strict typicality standard. {15} Having reversed the district court on commonality and typicality, we conclude that Plaintiff has satisfied all the prerequisites listed under Rule 1-023 (A) because the other elements — numerosity and adequacy — were found by the district court to be satisfied. We now address whether the damages class action was maintainable under Rule 1-023(B). B. The District Court Erred in Determining that the Class Action for Damages Was Not Maintainable Under Rule 1-023(B) {16} Plaintiff must not only meet the basic requirements of Rule 1-023(A), but it must additionally demonstrate that the class action is maintainable under Subsection (B). Armijo, 2007-NMCA-120, ¶¶ 25-26. In the district court, Plaintiff argued that the class action for monetary damages could be maintained under Rules l-023(B)(l)(a) or (B)(3). The district court concluded that Plaintiff failed to satisfy either of these prongs under Subsection (B). We address each subsection in turn. 1. Rule 1-023(B)(1)(a) {17} To qualify as a class under Rule 1-023 (B)(l )(a), Plaintiff must establish that “the prosecution of separate actions by or against individual members of the class would create a risk of . . . inconsistent or varying adjudications with respect to individual members of the class which would establish incompatible standards of conduct for the party opposing the class . . . .” Plaintiff maintains that denial of damages class certification would allow individual suits to produce inconsistent damage awards based on the application of various affirmative defenses, and that such divergent awards would violate Defendant’s obligation to provide uniform utility rates among customers of the same class of services. See Apodaca, 86 N.M. at 524, 525 P.2d at 884 (establishing uniformity of utility rates to like-situated customers). {18} We disagree with Plaintiff as a matter of law because the possibility of inconsistent damage awards is an insufficient rationale for maintaining a class action under Rule 1-023(B)(1)(a). By its express terms, the rule requires more than merely “inconsistent or varying adjudications.” Rule l-023(B)(l)(a). The inconsistency must establish “incompatible standards of conduct,” id., that “would impair the opposing party’s ability to pursue a uniform continuing course of conduct.” 7AA Charles Alan Wright, Arthur R. Miller, Mary Kay Kane & Richard L. Marcus, Federal Practice and Procedure § 1773 (3d ed. 2012) (footnote omitted); see also Mark A. Perry & Rachel S. Brass, “Rule 23(B)(2) Certification of Employment Class Actions: A Return to First Principles,” 65 N.Y.U. Ann. Surv. Am. L. 681, 686-687 (2010) (stating that under Rule 1-023(b)(1), “a class could be certified if... a decision on the merits would inescapably . . . alter the substance of the rights of others having similar claims.” (alteration in the original) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). {19} The inconsistencies in adjudication and the incompatible standards must be so cumbersome “that individual adjudications would be impossible or unworkable.” Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes, 131 S. Ct. 2541, 2558 (2011). Certification under Rule l-023(B)(l)(a) requires more “than a risk that separate judgments would oblige the opposing party to pay damages to some class members but not to others, or to pay them different amounts.” Zinser v. Accufix Research Inst. Inc., 253 F.3d 1180, 1193 (9th Cir. 2001) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted) (analyzing the federal equivalent of Rule 1-023(B)); see In re Bendectin Prods. Liab. Litig., 749 F.2d 300, 305 (6th Cir. 1984). Furthermore, when analyzing whether a class action for damages could be certified under the federal equivalent of Rule 1-023(B), the United States Supreme Court explained why class certification for monetary damages under Subsections (B)(1) and (B)(2) was inappropriate for practical, policy, and due process reasons. Dukes, 131 S. Ct. 2541, 2558-59. The court concluded that, “it [is] clear that individualized monetary claims belong in Rule 23(b)(3).” Id. at 2558; see Zinser, 253 F.3d at 1193 (stating that certification under Rule 23(b)(1)(A) is generally “not appropriate in an action for damages”). {20} Here, Plaintiff solely relies on the argument that without class certification, different customers would receive inconsistent damage awards. Plaintiff asserts that “awarding damages to [Plaintiff] or to any other individual residential sewer and wastewater customer of [Defendant] would result in discriminatory rates being charged in favor of the customer receiving damages.” We disagree because Defendant’s legal obligation to set uniform rates among defined classes of customers does not impede its ability to contest refunds based on customer knowledge and behavior. And, as explained above, mere inconsistent damage awards are insufficient to show that individual adjudications would be impossible or unworkable. Inconsistent damage awards would not impair Defendant’s ability to pursue a uniform continuing course of conduct in the future, as damages do not provide prospective relief. Defendant’s continuing course of conduct would only be affected by the declaratory and injunctive relief sought by Plaintiff, for which class certification has already been granted. Furthermore, as explained by the United States Supreme Court, damages class certification is best sought under Subsection (B)(3), not (B)(1)(a). {21} For these reasons, we affirm the court in concluding that class certification for monetary damages in this case is not appropriate under Rule l-023(B)(l)(a). 2. Rule 1-023(B)(3) {22} Alternatively, Plaintiff moved for class certification for monetary damages under Rule 1-023(B)(3). Rule 1-023(B)(3) requires that “questions of law or fact common to the members of the class predominate over any questions affecting only individual members, and that a class action is superior to other available methods for the fair and efficient adjudication of the controversy.” Rule 1-023(B)(3) lists the following matters as pertinent to those two findings: (a) the interest of members of the class in individually controlling the prosecution or defense of separate actions; (b) the extent and nature of any litigation concerning the controversy already commenced by or against members of the class; (c) the desirability or undesirability of concentrating the litigation of the claims in the particular forum; (d) the difficulties likely to be encountered in [its] management. . . . There are two competing policies embedded within these class action rules. The first is “to provide a forum for plaintiffs with small claims who otherwise would be without any practical remedy.” Brooks, 2004-NMCA-134, ¶ 9. The second embodies the goal that any class action be efficient and “a fair method to all parties, including absent class members and defendants.” Id. For that reason, “dismissal is warranted where individual issues predominate to make the class action unmanageable, even if no alternative remedy exists.” Id. ¶ 34. {23} Due to those competing policies, district courts “must engage in a rigorous analysis of whether the Rule’s requirements have actually been met.” Id. ¶ 9. It must “understand the substantive law, proof elements of, and defenses to the asserted cause of action to properly assess whether the certification criteria are met.” Id. ¶ 31. We have even encouraged the district court to at times “probe behind the pleadings and forecast what kind of evidence may be required or allowed at trial[,]” when the issues are not plain enough from the pleadings. Id. ¶ 9. We have warned, however, that “plaintiffs are not required to prove their case at the certification stage” and “certification is not an appropriate time to examine the merits.” Id. Likewise, defendants are not required to prove their affirmative defenses at the certification stage, but merely to demonstrate that they are well pled and are suitable for consideration by the court. {24} The district court denied Plaintiffs motion for damages class certification based upon Defendant’s contention that individual issues predominated in the class as a result of Defendant’s asserted affirmative defenses of voluntary payment, estoppel, and latches, and the related issue of duress. Its non-certification decision was specifically based on the following findings: (1) “Individual inquiries would have to be made with regard to each residential sewer customer to determine whether he, she, or it, voluntarily agreed to pay the charges for wastewater and sewage services”; (2) “Duress cannot be inferred or found on a class wide basis; rather it is a factual determination that would have to be made as to each and every residential wastewater and sewage user”; and (3) “individual issues [relevant to estoppel and laches] will dominate any common issues of fact related to claims for monetary damages.” Accordingly, the district court concluded that “[t]he requirement of predominance ha[d] not been met.” The court did not enter a finding regarding whether the class action was superior to other litigation methods. {25} We note that, despite its denial of damages class certification, the district court made several important findings favorable to certification, which relate directly to three of the four factors under Rule 1-023(B)(3). Specifically, the court found that: 5. The damages claims of individual class members are not significant enough to warrant individual suits by each class member[.] 38. Despite the Plaintiffs request to other individuals to join the litigation, no unnamed class members have come forward expressing any interest in individually controlling the prosecution of their claims. 39. No other litigation has been commenced by or against any unnamed members of the class concerning the issues involved in this case. It is appropriate that the issues presented in this case be addressed in this litigation, because the majority of the parties, witnesses, and documents necessary to prosecute and defend the claims raised in this litigation are in this district and because the Court has both personal and subject matter jurisdiction over the parties and issues presented in this case. {26} Plaintiff challenges the district court’s denial of damages class certification under Rule 1-023(B)(3), arguing that it is unsupported by substantial evidence. Plaintiff also contends that the district court improperly relied on Defendant’s assertion of affirmative defenses in denying certification, and erroneously applied the voluntary payment rule to this case. {27} Initially, we address Plaintiffs contention that the voluntary payment rule should not apply and a right-to-refund should be implied based upon the municipality’s obligation to charge reasonable rates pursuant to Section 3-18-l(H). “It is well established that in the absence of a statute permitting a recovery, [fees] paid voluntarily and without compulsion cannot be recovered.” Occidental Life of California v. State, 92 N.M. 433, 433, 589 P.2d 673, 673 (1979); Territory v. Newhall, 15 N.M. 141, 103 P. 982 (1909) overruled in part by State ex rel. Callaway v. Axtell, 74 N.M. 339, 393 P.2d 451 (1964) (acknowledging an identical rule in territorial times). Separately, Section 3-18-1 (H) does not expressly include any right-to-refund for the payment of excessive rates. See § 3-18-1 (H) (stating merely that a municipality may “establish rates for services provided by municipal utilities . . . , including amounts which the governing body determines to be reasonable and consistent with amounts received by private enterprise in the operation of similar facilities”). And, because the Legislature is adept at writing right-to-refund statutes when it intends to do so, we will not imply one here. See, e.g., NMSA 1978, Section 7-1-26(A) (2007) (explicitly creating a right to refund with regard to the payment of state taxes when a “person ... believes that an amount of tax has been paid ... in excess of that for which the person was liable”). We therefore decline to embrace Plaintiffs request that we discard the voluntary payment rule and replace it with a right-to-refund not legislatively enacted. {28} We now turn our attention to whether the district court’s Rule 1-023(B)(3) analysis is supported by substantial evidence. In making a Rule 1-023(B) determination, the district court should consider anticipated affirmative defenses to “forecast what kind of evidence may be required or allowed at trial.” Brooks, 2004-NMCA-134, ¶ 9. But the district court’s findings with regard to these defenses, including voluntary payment, must be supported by substantial evidence in the record. See id. ¶¶ 36-47 (searching the record for substantial evidence that individual issues predominated). Here, the district court did not explain what individual issues it foresaw would arise in assessing affirmative defenses, nor did it support its conclusions with factual evidence from the record. “Although failure to be specific is not necessarily reversible error, it is preferable for the court to identify the issues and ‘place on record the circumstances and factors that were crucial to [its] determination .... so that counsel and the reviewing court will know and be in a position to evaluate the soundness of [its] decision.’” Id. ¶ 36 (alterations in original). Similarly, “it would have been helpful to identify . . . [the] facts it relied on in reaching the decision.” Id. Nonetheless, we have scoured the record independently in an effort to uncover factual support for the district court’s findings. We have been unable to do so, and we must therefore conclude that the district court has abused its discretion. {29} First, the record fails to support a conclusion that individual inquiries predominate with regard to Defendant’s defense of voluntary payment and Plaintiffs argument of duress. Duress is defined as an “intentional action by one person presenting such a serious business or financial loss or injury to the other person to the contract that he or she has no reasonable choice or alternative. . . .” UJI 13-838 NMRA. The only element of that definition that is contested here is whether the potential class had any “reasonable choice or alternative” to paying the increased rates. There is ample evidence in the record that Defendant intentionally increased its rates after consulting with government advisors in order to pay for the mandated wastewater treatment plant and to become financially solvent. Additionally, the district court found below that “[a] residence without water, sewer or wastewater service is unsanitary, unsafe, and unhealthy and, thus, is inhabitable.” The district court also found that “Defendant has terminated water service to residential customers who fail to pay for their sewer and wastewater services.” Neither finding is challenged on appeal and therefore the increase in rates, if unreasonable, presents a “serious business or financial loss or injury” to Plaintiff. {30} With respect to the “reasonable alternative” element of duress, Defendant argued to the district court that the proposed class could have filed “an injunction or temporary restraining order to avoid any purported injury by refusing to pay the sewage and wastewater fees.” Defendant pointed out that Plaintiff engaged in negotiations with Defendant, and Plaintiff could have simply paid the disputed amounts into the escrow account agreed upon by the parties to avoid loss of services. That argument is supported by the district court’s finding that “the negotiations between Plaintiff and Defendant regarding the claim of duress are unique to Plaintiff.” Even so, two sets of alternatives to be applied among two sub-groups of a class hardly seems like an unmanageable number of individual determinations for the district court to make. {31} In addition, it has yet to be determined whether an injunction or restraining order can be considered a feasible legal remedy available to the proposed class. Other than termination being a possible risk, the record is devoid of any specific evidence of Defendant’s policy for terminating services. It is possible that termination results immediately after a customer refuses to pay, or that the process lasts several months. Regardless, the question appears to be a common one across the proposed class. We thus conclude that the district court failed to support its finding that individual issues will predominate regarding the voluntary payment defense and issue of duress with substantial evidence. To the contrary, the record indicates to us the distinct possibility that questions common to the class regarding these matters predominate. {32} Lastly, the district court’s reliance on the remaining affirmative defenses of estoppel and laches to deny class status is similarly unavailing. The only factually supported difference among the class, with respect to these two defenses, is that Plaintiff engaged in negotiations with Defendant and then did not avail itself of the resolution. Furthermore, all three elements of equitable estoppel, and three of the four elements necessary to prove laches, turn on Defendant’s knowledge, conduct, and prejudice. See Mayfield Smithson Enters. v. Com-Quip, Inc., 120 N.M. 9, 12, 896 P.2d 1156, 1159 (1995) (listing the elements of estoppel); and Garcia v. Garcia, 111 N.M. 581, 588, 808 P.2d 31, 38 (1991) (listing the elements of laches). These defenses both involve questions regarding delays in bringing suit, notice of Defendant’s conduct, and the opportunity to institute suit. Id. Because there is no evidence in the record that any of the class members, other than Plaintiff, ever asserted their rights against Defendant, all of these issues could be determined on a class-wide basis, with the single exception of Plaintiffs initially negotiated intervening manner of payment. In addition, changes in the utility bills tendered notice uniformly to the potential class, and Plaintiff never argued below that any member of the class was mistaken as to any fact regarding the rate changes prior to paying the rates. And finally, the opportunity to institute suit is the same determination to be made under the duress inquiry we discussed above. Likewise, there is nothing in the record to suggest that any class member’s opportunity to institute a suit differed amongst the class. {33} Thus, there is no basis, either in law or in the record, that supports the conclusion that application of the voluntary payment rule, duress, estoppel, or latches would require individual inquiries, let alone individual inquiries voluminous enough to overwhelm the common issues in this case. The record indicates that the class is simply a uniform group of customers who paid the same sewer and wastewater rates after receiving uniform class-wide notice of pertinent increases. Furthermore, the list of users, their payment history, and their utility bills appear to be easily ascertainable from an electronic database. {34} Based on the dearth of evidence in the record to support the presence of individual inquiries, we must reverse the district court’s determination on predominance. We conclude that questions of law or fact common to the members of the class with regard to damages in this case predominate over any questions affecting only individual members. Because the district court did not enter a finding as to whether the proposed “class action is superior to other available methods for the fair and efficient adjudication of the controversy},]” we remand for it to do so. See Rule 1-023(B)(3). C. The Remaining Arguments Are Improperly Presented {35} Defendant devotes well over half of its answer brief to issues of sovereign immunity and the Tort Claims Act, NMSA 1978, Sections 41-4-1 to -27 (1976, as amended through 2010). Those arguments, however, were presented to and denied by the district court in the context of a motion to dismiss. Our grant of review in this case is strictly confined by our Appellate Rules to the consideration of the district court’s class certification. See Rule 1-023(F) (“The Court of Appeals may in its discretion permit an appeal from an order of a district court granting or denying class action certification . . . .”). Under Rule 1-023(F), our interlocutory review is limited to the district court’s assessment of Rule 1-023(A)-(B), which sets forth the certification criteria. Murken v. Solv-Ex Corp., 2006-NMCA-064, ¶ 30, 139 N.M. 625, 136 P.3d 1035 (analogizing to the federal interpretation that has been “scrupulous about limiting [Fed. R. Civ. P.] 23(f) inquiries to class certification issues” (alteration in original) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). Because Defendant did not seek interlocutory review of the motion to dismiss, we decline to address the issue within the narrow context of our review of class certification decisions pursuant to Rule 1-023(F) and Murken, 2006-NMCA-064, ¶ 30. {36} Plaintiff also failed to adhere to our appellate rules by requesting our review of issues not “fairly invoked” before the district court. See Rule 12-216 NMRA. Plaintiff argues in its brief-and-chief that we should advise the district court on remand “that monetary damages are permissible in a class [action] certified under Rule 1-023(B)(2) NMRA[.]” It contends that “the [district [c]ourt did not address whether [Plaintiff] could pursue monetary damages under Rule 1 - 023(B)(2).” Yet, the court never addressed the issue because Plaintiff never presented the argument below. {37} In fact, Plaintiff explained in its motion for class certification that “[Plaintiff] needs to satisfy Rule 1-023(B)(2) ... in order for this case to be certified as a class action on the claims for declaratory and injunctive relief[,]” and “must satisfy either Rule 1-023(B)(1) . . . or Rule 1-023(B)(3) . . . for the class to maintain an action for damages.” (Emphasis added.) It directed the district court to Davis, 2009-NMSC-048, ¶ 25, for the proposition that “certification of a plaintiff’s claim for declaratory relief under Rule 1-023(B)(2) ... [is] proper despite the presence of a class claim for damages.” (Emphasis added.) And under Plaintiffs analysis of Rule 1-023(B), it explained that “if the class prevails on the merits of its claim for injunctive and declaratory relief, the Court will be able to . . . declar[e] that the existing rate structure is invalid],] . . . what are permissible rates, . . . [and] provide prospective [injunctive] relief to the entire class.” {38} Nowhere in any of the pleadings before the district court did Plaintiff request monetary damages under Rule 1 -023(B)(2) or explain that relief pursuant to Rule 1-023(B)(2) could include monetary damages. Rather, Plaintiff consistently maintained its view that “[Plaintiff] must satisfy either Rule 1-023(B)(1) or 1-023(B)(3) for the class to maintain an action for damages,” and requested only injunctive and declaratory relief pursuant to Rule 1-023(B)(2). Because Plaintiff did not request monetary damages under Rule 1-023(B)(2) before the district court, we refuse to consider unpreserved arguments. See Rule 12-216(A) (“Topreserve a question for review it must appear that a ruling or decision by the district court was fairly invoked . . . .”). IV. CONCLUSION {39} For the reasons stated above, we reverse the district court’s determinations as to Rule 1-023(A)(2) (commonality), and Rule 1-023 (A)(3) (typicality), and hold that Plaintiff has established that the requirements of Rule 1-023(A) are satisfied. We affirm the district court’s denial of the class under Rule 1-023(B)(1). We reverse the court’s denial of damages class certification under Rule 1-023(B)(3), and conclude that predominance has been satisfied by the class. Lastly, we remand for findings regarding superiority under Rule 1-023 (B)(3), which the court failed to consider when it disposed of the motion for class certification based upon its predominance finding. {40} IT IS SO ORDERED. J. MILES HANISEE, Judge WE CONCUR: MICHAEL E. VIGIL, Judge LINDA M. VANZI, Judge
[ -0.04396774619817734, -0.03519744798541069, -0.0040995716117322445, 0.018067000433802605, 0.027854450047016144, 0.004545672796666622, 0.020743941888213158, 0.009916527196764946, -0.026004457846283913, -0.009597293101251125, 0.022348672151565552, 0.04433928430080414, -0.04079332575201988, 0.04033076390624046, 0.009558826684951782, 0.067911297082901, 0.06925950944423676, 0.01865023747086525, 0.04035858064889908, 0.028711946681141853, -0.019745629280805588, -0.03245363011956215, 0.012948266230523586, 0.039566632360219955, 0.0036017417442053556, 0.0002555276732891798, 0.009833911433815956, 0.029537688940763474, -0.08119720220565796, -0.010724760591983795, 0.049531709402799606, 0.00744950957596302, -0.016830354928970337, -0.005805859342217445, 0.02142964117228985, -0.002088600769639015, -0.022489171475172043, -0.015288854949176311, -0.02536122128367424, 0.008998640812933445, -0.010094091296195984, 0.018371041864156723, -0.041727952659130096, -0.01862448826432228, -0.0419890433549881, 0.01913175918161869, -0.005707057658582926, -0.015264882706105709, -0.043568339198827744, 0.0046539586037397385, -0.101538747549057, 0.002481010276824236, -0.04995407164096832, 0.014336992986500263, -0.019511135295033455, 0.03493332490324974, -0.0568423829972744, -0.034815967082977295, -0.030967112630605698, -0.05468122288584709, 0.046571481972932816, -0.027316585183143616, 0.05502331629395485, -0.03427748382091522, -0.007512060459703207, -0.0010583852417767048, 0.009741540998220444, 0.03456848859786987, -0.02789059653878212, -0.0017653751419857144, 0.01011155266314745, 0.008550647646188736, -0.00021433373331092298, -0.011466221883893013, 0.00033179426100105047, -0.06161060184240341, 0.0012778183445334435, 0.008278580382466316, -0.01078119408339262, 0.0730837881565094, 0.024984393268823624, -0.014871549792587757, 0.009828511625528336, 0.028781890869140625, -0.010130749084055424, -0.06268937140703201, -0.00939028337597847, -0.0049729254096746445, -0.016350064426660538, 0.06023038923740387, 0.015264974907040596, -0.033049579709768295, 0.021513771265745163, 0.05250820890069008, 0.0027032492216676474, 0.001710163545794785, 0.045467302203178406, -0.007520195096731186, 0.03658011555671692, -0.0006537792505696416, -0.026455380022525787, -0.03461175411939621, 0.04974127933382988, 0.05922365561127663, -0.051143668591976166, -0.02145720273256302, -0.027420448139309883, -0.026173673570156097, 0.02534530684351921, 0.006207555066794157, -0.009841864928603172, 0.03000636026263237, 0.011287584900856018, -0.057029858231544495, -0.10172688961029053, 0.05564158409833908, 0.032298896461725235, -0.028162695467472076, -0.040777791291475296, 0.011030600406229496, 0.05719127506017685, -0.0034599245991557837, -0.000717531016562134, 0.07810360193252563, 0.016565946862101555, -0.01326796319335699, 0.012853466905653477, 0.015390796586871147, -0.017672210931777954, -0.05841442570090294, -0.007261057384312153, 0.026233844459056854, 0.034482602030038834, 0.007819201797246933, -0.0075146215967834, -0.0018946864875033498, -0.008104468695819378, -0.03322316333651543, 0.05288050323724747, -0.06027519702911377, -0.027902452275156975, 0.006539775524288416, 0.01758646033704281, 0.0007620881660841405, 0.07931806147098541, -0.008923848159611225, 0.055587202310562134, -0.0278642438352108, -0.023323165252804756, 0.001112198457121849, -0.00001868815343186725, 0.04124761000275612, 0.0019475022563710809, -0.03421822935342789, -0.00010667946480680257, 0.03504899889230728, 0.05999232083559036, -0.013447842560708523, -0.014527296647429466, 0.070650614798069, 0.005267789587378502, 0.011244208551943302, 0.029411986470222473, -0.0026312037371098995, 0.0174819678068161, -0.009968621656298637, 0.013186044059693813, -0.02220207452774048, -0.01209193468093872, 0.038006823509931564, -0.040160171687603, -0.05505194887518883, 0.045581236481666565, -0.09348331391811371, 0.007624532096087933, -0.04951642081141472, 0.03991754353046417, 0.006365431472659111, 0.04401084780693054, -0.02140653505921364, -0.06494627147912979, 0.02336355857551098, 0.001637637265957892, 0.0005918830283917487, -0.0011643213219940662, -0.033117953687906265, 0.048756372183561325, -0.024016857147216797, 0.04118747636675835, 0.014409338124096394, -0.061827030032873154, -0.02549918182194233, 0.003991998732089996, -0.04131566733121872, 0.0446050725877285, 0.051494792103767395, -0.041431885212659836, 0.02254561334848404, 0.02388092875480652, 0.03431393578648567, 0.011240888386964798, 0.024755733087658882, 0.05093112587928772, -0.0398402214050293, -0.07092620432376862, 0.018232300877571106, 0.051590416580438614, 0.006102266255766153, -0.022481786087155342, 0.04880593717098236, -0.04866206645965576, -0.022222833707928658, -0.0011398069327697158, -0.028341643512248993, 0.034350719302892685, -0.035474084317684174, 0.05165857821702957, -0.020625734701752663, 0.0324687696993351, -0.06412626802921295, 0.051916178315877914, 0.021276922896504402, 0.006899051833897829, 0.03422309085726738, -0.04595562070608139, 0.07464427500963211, 0.026590706780552864, -0.021391622722148895, 0.025194421410560608, 0.020863033831119537, 0.013999256305396557, -0.007872283458709717, 0.030980531126260757, -0.03582031652331352, 0.06411941349506378, -0.0012995208380743861, -0.018079590052366257, -0.029136544093489647, 0.03562936186790466, -0.031787704676389694, -0.0195437204092741, 0.04627086594700813, 0.019956346601247787, 0.042406659573316574, 0.0018337815999984741, 0.0008736794698052108, -0.019670143723487854, 0.013750518672168255, -0.03833309933543205, -0.042219772934913635, -0.019602838903665543, 0.02409285120666027, 0.0028566240798681974, 0.0013854855205863714, 0.03489352762699127, -0.038431331515312195, -0.048566266894340515, -0.014250058680772781, 0.0077739376574754715, -0.027233397588133812, 0.034946441650390625, 0.042150918394327164, 0.015625648200511932, -0.026553530246019363, -0.052086830139160156, -0.05898098275065422, -0.02971981093287468, 0.009737181477248669, 0.003818319644778967, 0.02918883226811886, 0.010341321118175983, 0.01706230454146862, -0.003925536759197712, -0.012703175656497478, 0.0007869593100622296, -0.007763489615172148, 0.04410715773701668, 0.020463835448026657, 0.001955533167347312, -0.00655375374481082, -0.01183224655687809, 0.03709247708320618, -0.04349258914589882, -0.04803111031651497, -0.0032611058559268713, -0.0237851832062006, 0.041018180549144745, -0.040357787162065506, -0.05455916374921799, 0.012997094541788101, 0.02406999096274376, -0.006919597275555134, -0.028247278183698654, -0.003247861284762621, 0.04528902471065521, -0.01216970942914486, -0.002103267703205347, 0.02964509278535843, 0.03898364678025246, 0.0034240572713315487, 0.006134196184575558, -0.00859512947499752, -0.01258558314293623, 0.019818203523755074, 0.004771736916154623, 0.015537339262664318, -0.018553990870714188, 0.027243340387940407, -0.2686972916126251, 0.03136830776929855, -0.02436898648738861, -0.012920517474412918, 0.02830025553703308, -0.029074806720018387, 0.024398289620876312, 0.004354116972535849, -0.009960719384253025, -0.0035522140096873045, -0.0072293332777917385, -0.021223491057753563, 0.03987900912761688, 0.03349119424819946, -0.0025308735202997923, -0.017965367063879967, -0.002486364683136344, -0.037864651530981064, -0.0232358667999506, -0.013080378994345665, -0.006152207497507334, -0.053583696484565735, -0.034309469163417816, 0.04630628973245621, 0.04249397665262222, 0.06527996063232422, -0.034377556294202805, 0.03095492161810398, -0.056895360350608826, -0.06895914673805237, 0.002145198406651616, 0.03630470111966133, -0.015399880707263947, 0.001422896864823997, -0.005365366581827402, 0.030356893315911293, 0.0399213507771492, -0.007245494518429041, -0.04055899381637573, 0.008837697096168995, -0.015710312873125076, -0.04073789343237877, -0.020371638238430023, 0.015768567100167274, 0.020562469959259033, -0.007563707884401083, -0.041264794766902924, -0.017244303598999977, 0.0003561075427569449, 0.04871243238449097, 0.00033818878000602126, -0.0036599026061594486, -0.014700469560921192, 0.0296184029430151, -0.029137199744582176, 0.0030622815247625113, -0.06016646325588226, -0.02137453854084015, -0.02267979457974434, 0.06481228023767471, -0.022628305479884148, -0.05247357860207558, -0.054872915148735046, -0.011511024087667465, -0.05305437371134758, -0.05718205124139786, -0.07522021234035492, -0.07628719508647919, 0.06790784746408463, 0.03789353743195534, 0.01816723309457302, 0.049394283443689346, -0.04361727461218834, -0.09071249514818192, 0.011294134892523289, -0.008297238498926163, -0.020641569048166275, -0.03811259940266609, -0.015702765434980392, 0.032944630831480026, 0.007718248292803764, -0.05805676057934761, 0.012870433740317822, 0.012340380810201168, -0.027798712253570557, -0.0038094334304332733, 0.023511677980422974, 0.05674352869391441, -0.012615281157195568, -0.014936667867004871, 0.014717807993292809, 0.03807033225893974, 0.024719269946217537, -0.034722037613391876, -0.00439888471737504, 0.06034000590443611, -0.05727020278573036, -0.046374186873435974, -0.03500467538833618, 0.009164058603346348, 0.01937633939087391, -0.06829550862312317, 0.04259052872657776, -0.017496507614850998, 0.018869666382670403, -0.019075561314821243, -0.04309536889195442, 0.025603260844945908, 0.029152901843190193, 0.024628955870866776, 0.02160738594830036, -0.06277815252542496, 0.013186203315854073, -0.012229309417307377, 0.02129710465669632, -0.01379809807986021, -0.0004396930744405836, 0.002862810855731368, 0.013621235266327858, -0.0011223098263144493, 0.045340247452259064, 0.060000862926244736, -0.03892458602786064, -0.04258135333657265, -0.0437021404504776, 0.026405857875943184, 0.01923573948442936, 0.022601081058382988, -0.021512476727366447, 0.025490880012512207, -0.013220851309597492, -0.008615435101091862, -0.029544072225689888, -0.024639075621962547, 0.03745112195611, -0.008997529745101929, -0.020176038146018982, -0.035424504429101944, 0.04289453849196434, 0.030699973925948143, 0.019536197185516357, -0.017300207167863846, 0.041642241179943085, 0.029373899102211, 0.03690795972943306, 0.0054406663402915, -0.019588652998209, -0.056555505841970444, -0.038867514580488205, 0.03686027228832245, 0.004730673041194677, -0.06190591678023338, -0.003757606726139784, -0.08435551822185516, -0.040410108864307404, -0.0034293709322810173, 0.043842244893312454, 0.014404927380383015, 0.032891519367694855, -0.03453477472066879, 0.02527288720011711, -0.007148082833737135, -0.015107613988220692, -0.0614522248506546, -0.00594870001077652, 0.06568325310945511, 0.00019841363246086985, -0.011364154517650604, -0.01525638997554779, 0.0027798223309218884, 0.00911486241966486, -0.061026379466056824, -0.01500814501196146, -0.0015073337126523256, 0.026707449927926064, 0.011114409193396568, -0.0024868487380445004, 0.00912791583687067, 0.040709707885980606, 0.04224377125501633, 0.012722616083920002, -0.04558867961168289, 0.00828853901475668, 0.020079685375094414, 0.059588588774204254, -0.04415073245763779, -0.024108756333589554, -0.05009372532367706, 0.02043948695063591, -0.014561821706593037, -0.018300073221325874, 0.006490764673799276, -0.05348685383796692, 0.011715753003954887, -0.04194841906428337, -0.07798130810260773, 0.03889277204871178, 0.03512159734964371, 0.027264654636383057, 0.023549189791083336, -0.014721664600074291, 0.0133347287774086, -0.03859139606356621, -0.020009078085422516, -0.008488191291689873, -0.05879713594913483, 0.011667459271848202, 0.050677340477705, -0.016686759889125824, 0.0014723619678989053, -0.05961935594677925, -0.024587370455265045, -0.018452027812600136, 0.028147097676992416, 0.021264536306262016, -0.05005224049091339, 0.0063293976709246635, -0.005372677929699421, -0.02571387216448784, 0.015782566741108894, 0.005630092695355415, -0.000510189332999289, 0.030320996418595314, -0.0024463029112666845, -0.02065601944923401, 0.0662948489189148, -0.02537456713616848, -0.0038761491887271404, 0.008442690595984459, -0.011647096835076809, 0.022783463820815086, -0.037480730563402176, 0.02240780182182789, 0.02449633553624153, 0.005011917557567358, 0.01128574088215828, -0.0040327636525034904, 0.008062116801738739, -0.019163180142641068, 0.06640223413705826, -0.009583755396306515, 0.04303682968020439, 0.02665824256837368, -0.047525033354759216, 0.012480564415454865, 0.010847227647900581, 0.031420234590768814, 0.042204730212688446, -0.013121997937560081, 0.06962569057941437, -0.00167431915178895, 0.0002088022156385705, -0.04334529861807823, -0.012643465772271156, 0.03900037333369255, -0.09209807962179184, 0.022813646122813225, -0.008865533396601677, -0.02103661745786667, 0.021974006667733192, -0.0172610804438591, 0.04804140329360962, -0.024201830849051476, 0.012784777209162712, 0.0749812051653862, 0.06055811047554016, 0.00022834338597021997, -0.015187208540737629, 0.026666224002838135, -0.06536216288805008, -0.02851625718176365, -0.07960830628871918, 0.006049233488738537, -0.003932191524654627, 0.041778020560741425, 0.0036221693735569715, -0.011604656465351582, -0.06442435830831528, 0.03355458751320839, -0.07577645033597946, -0.023863187059760094, -0.008270325139164925, -0.028784960508346558, -0.0472937747836113, 0.021695230156183243, -0.05611984059214592, -0.010746275074779987, 0.02179686352610588, -0.09639040380716324, -0.041567280888557434, -0.02711946703493595, -0.022274326533079147, 0.005960910115391016, 0.011913597583770752, -0.03830369934439659, 0.0003049971128348261, 0.04714266210794449, 0.023935329169034958, -0.05010463669896126, -0.012799612246453762, -0.07013336569070816, 0.0703619047999382, 0.03383827209472656, 0.013870122842490673, -0.013173745945096016, 0.019776729866862297, -0.0003801985294558108, -0.053998056799173355, 0.023137778043746948, 0.025255467742681503, -0.04486192390322685, -0.07372581213712692, 0.036360468715429306, 0.010307546705007553, -0.03839322552084923, 0.011475098319351673, -0.012500915676355362, -0.011198463849723339, -0.023725496605038643, -0.002272901823744178, 0.055279262363910675, -0.027998320758342743, 0.07767494022846222, 0.031351108103990555, 0.07178738713264465, 0.041130028665065765, -0.0094402264803648, 0.02571863681077957, 0.05393890291452408, 0.0764743983745575, 0.05379296466708183, 0.0052523924969136715, -0.023342488333582878, 0.023192856460809708, -0.008064239285886288, 0.0077258325181901455, 0.0005914569483138621, -0.018471067771315575, -0.0038370215333998203, 0.00470636785030365, 0.020494583994150162, 0.03670197352766991, 0.004057127051055431, 0.06061002239584923, 0.022332334890961647, -0.02169555053114891, 0.04513321816921234, -0.038576480001211166, 0.050836771726608276, 0.01785205490887165, 0.005367600359022617, -0.01536898035556078, 0.01746450923383236, -0.06110527738928795, -0.013708009384572506, 0.04528656229376793, -0.01626509614288807, -0.04234107956290245, -0.03700292482972145, 0.001488977111876011, -0.012713510543107986, 0.004757117014378309, 0.046666670590639114, -0.025771087035536766, -0.042354244738817215, -0.004069107118993998, 0.021849682554602623, 0.012417363934218884, -0.0002874197962228209, 0.044370245188474655, -0.0034389386419206858, -0.009719585999846458, -0.01746629923582077, 0.03935663774609566, 0.062264181673526764, 0.024741647765040398, 0.03617815673351288, 0.0022358305286616087, -0.021473029628396034, 0.05138295888900757, 0.01100397389382124, 0.021049093455076218, -0.059235572814941406, -0.04043630510568619, -0.042754873633384705, -0.02973307855427265, 0.012410770170390606, 0.00521509163081646, -0.04096921905875206, -0.03791376203298569, -0.014206623658537865, -0.0019663262646645308, -0.04677039384841919, 0.07868117094039917, -0.059537727385759354, 0.02631552144885063, 0.0774560198187828, 0.03186527267098427, 0.008603430353105068, 0.02018860913813114, 0.05321335047483444, 0.014534881338477135, -0.021918846294283867, 0.013298120349645615, -0.009021004661917686, 0.04542006552219391, -0.026629751548171043, 0.0019184070406481624, -0.08635610342025757, 0.011246041394770145, 0.026782071217894554, 0.03901052474975586, -0.05415526032447815, 0.06352505087852478, -0.019909948110580444, -0.026218488812446594, 0.07114097476005554, 0.018767451867461205, -0.0071226987056434155, -0.014334473758935928, -0.02911624312400818, -0.001076624495908618, -0.008055295795202255, 0.07848923653364182, 0.004853054415434599, 0.01653098128736019, 0.047375310212373734, -0.025256432592868805, -0.016616465523838997, 0.0564144067466259, -0.003156773978844285, -0.006704649887979031, -0.061849821358919144, 0.0031927376985549927, -0.007656850852072239, -0.036730747669935226, -0.06626579165458679, 0.02643660455942154, 0.015062753111124039, -0.0704285055398941, 0.002167925937101245, -0.009231778793036938, 0.0138363316655159, -0.03860227018594742, 0.0227691400796175, 0.04945046082139015, -0.0353967621922493, -0.043453510850667953, -0.04337407648563385, 0.001599539304152131, 0.023287514224648476, 0.013596413657069206, -0.013541310094296932, -0.036221202462911606, 0.025235936045646667, -0.06459038704633713, 0.05563373491168022, 0.08782263100147247, 0.02760755456984043, -0.015481533482670784 ]
OPINION BOSSON, Justice. {1} This case comes to this Court on direct appeal from an order issued by the First Judicial District Court granting a writ of habeas corpus. For reasons that follow, we reverse the district court, dismiss the petition for a writ of habeas corpus, and reinstate the sanctions imposed by the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD). BACKGROUND {2} Joseph C. Perry, Petitioner, is a prison inmate at the Penitentiary of New Mexico. During the central events of this petition, he was serving a sentence at the Lea County Correctional Facility for battery against a household member as well as for a parole violation for fraud over $2,500. On September 2,2006, Petitioner was transported to the Otero County Detention Center for an arraignment relating to the fraud charge. {3} While at the Otero County Detention Center, Petitioner raped inmate Joshua Sommer. Upon discovering Petitioner’s pending criminal charge for rape in the Twelfth Judicial District Court in Otero County, NMCD pursued disciplinary action against him for the same rape incident. A disciplinary hearing was scheduled for December 4, 2006, at the Lea County Correctional Facility. {4} According to Petitioner, at some point prior to the disciplinary hearing, Hearing Officer Sandra Miller visited him to inform him of his legal rights pertaining to the hearing. In a handwritten “Declaration/Statement” submitted to the district court, Petitioner claimed he told Hearing Officer Miller that he wanted to call two inmate witnesses from the Otero County Detention Center to testify on his behalf. Petitioner stated that Hearing Officer Miller told him he could only call “readily available” witnesses and denied his request because it was not practical to transport the two inmates from one detention center to another. According to NMCD regulations discussed during the evidentiary hearing, if a witness is not readily available, inmates may submit written questions to the hearing officer, which the hearing officer may then provide to the witness for a written response. Petitioner claims that he was never told about this procedure for written questions nor did he have any knowledge of it. {5} On the scheduled date, Hearing Officer Miller conducted an inmate disciplinary hearing. She documented the proceedings and the evidence in a form entitled “Disciplinary Summary of Evidence and Proceeding.” The tape of this hearing cannot be located. On the summary form, Hearing Officer Miller noted that “Inmate Perry was advised of his right to call a readily available witness. He called no one. He Declined.” Based on the incident and investigation reports, written statements from prison officials, photographs, and the victim’s medical examination report, Hearing Officer Miller determined that Petitioner had committed the offenses of rape and threats to other inmates. As a result of these findings, NMCD forfeited Petitioner’s earned good time (69 days) and placed him in Level VI Disciplinary Segregation at a maximum security facility for a period of 455 days. {6} On August 1, 2007, Petitioner filed a pro se petition for a writ of habeas corpus in the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe County asserting five grounds for habeas relief. Just over three weeks later, on August 23, 2007, Petitioner was convicted in the Twelfth Judicial District Court in Otero County of the second-degree felony of criminal sexual penetration and the third-degree felony of bribery or intimidation of a witness, based on the same rape incident. Approximately a year later, the State filed an amended response to an amended petition for a writ of habeas corpus and attached the judgment and sentence from Petitioner’s Twelfth Judicial District rape conviction as an exhibit. {7} Due to various issues not related to this opinion, Petitioner’s case lingered in the district court. On December 11, 2009, the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe County (Petitioner by that time was serving his prison sentence at the Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County) conducted an evidentiary hearing on the habeas petition. The central issue at the evidentiary hearing was whether NMCD had violated Petitioner’s due process rights by denying him an opportunity to call witnesses or otherwise elicit written testimony at his prison disciplinary hearing. At the conclusion of the habeas hearing, the district court agreed with Petitioner’s contentions. The district court found, among other things, that NMCD had failed to inform Petitioner of its procedure for submitting written questions to unavailable witnesses and failed to provide him with a written denial of his request to present witnesses at the disciplinary hearing. {8} On April 23, 2010, the district court issued an order granting remedies with respect to its earlier findings of due process violations. Notwithstanding Petitioner’s intervening criminal convictions for rape and witness intimidation, the district court ordered NMCD to (1) restore Petitioner’s good-time credits, (2) remove the disciplinary hearing findings from Petitioner’s record, (3) never use findings of the disciplinary hearing against Petitioner in any way, including in present and future decisions relating to classification and placement within the prison system, and (4) never pursue the same factual allegations that were the subject of the disciplinary hearing in later proceedings against Petitioner. {9} The State filed a direct appeal with this Court pursuant to Rule 12-102(A)(3) NMRA (“The following appeals shall be taken to the Supreme Court. . . appeals from the granting of writs of habeas corpus . . . ”) and Rule 5-802(H)(1) NMRA (“[I]f the writ [of habeas corpus] is granted, the state may appeal as of right pursuant to the Rules of Appellate Procedure.”). DISCUSSION {10} On appeal, the parties debate whether Petitioner was aware of the procedure for submitting written questions to witnesses who could not testify in person. At the evidentiary hearing, Petitioner testified that he had no knowledge of that option, testimony the district court credited in its finding that “[t]he Petitioner was not informed that there was any alternate method for presenting the testimony of the witnesses, such as submitting written questions for the witnesses to answer . . . .” Additionally, the court found that Petitioner believed his witnesses would have testified that they did not hear or see him rape another inmate. {11} For reasons that follow, we need not examine this factual question on our own. We assume arguendo that the district court’s findings are correct and that Petitioner was not fully informed of his legal options to question witnesses. We further assume that this omission by NMCD deprived Petitioner of due process in terms of Petitioner’s ability to defend himself at the prison disciplinary hearing. In our view, however, the pivotal question is not one of due process, but whether the remedy the district court fashioned was appropriate under the circumstances of this case. We review the district court’s choice of remedy for an abuse of discretion. See Lopez v. LeMaster, 2003-NMSC-003, ¶¶ 10-11, 35, 133 N.M. 59, 61 P.3d 185 (reviewing district court’s decision issuing a remedy in a habeas corpus case for abuse of discretion). {12} We recognized in Lopez “that the writ [of habeas corpus] itself might be characterized as a remedy.” Id. ¶ 10. Nevertheless, the use of the writ of habeas corpus has evolved over the years in state and federal courts. See id. ¶¶ 10-11 (tracing the history of the writ of habeas corpus in New Mexico). Traditionally, a detainee used the writ of habeas corpus to secure immediate release from unlawful or unconstitutional detainment. Id. ¶ 12. The writ is also, however, “the proper avenue to challenge the unconstitutional deprivation of good-time credits, even if it would not result in an immediate release.” Id. {13} In Lopez, a habeas corpus case similar to Petitioner’s, this Court considered the proper remedy after the district court determined that NMCD had violated an inmate’s due process rights in the course of disciplinary proceedings. Id. ¶¶ 4-5, 10. In that case, an inmate, who allegedly threw a broom at another inmate, attempted to call two inmate witnesses at his prison disciplinary hearing. Id. ¶¶ 2-4. The hearing officer denied the request, stating that the testimony would be “duplicative and cumulative.” Id. ¶ 4. The hearing officer found the inmate guilty, recommending that the inmate spend thirty days in disciplinary segregation and lose all good-time credits. Id. In the end, the inmate was compelled to forfeit all but thirty days of his nearly two years of accrued good-time credits. Id. The inmate filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, alleging that he was denied the opportunity to call witnesses in violation of his right to due process of law. Id. ¶5. {14} The court granted the writ. Id. ¶ 1. As for the remedy, the district court ordered NMCD to restore the inmate’s good-time credits, strike the record of the disciplinary hearing from the inmate’s file, and never pursue the same issues in a later disciplinary hearing. Id. ¶ 1. We affirmed. Id. ¶ 35. {15} The Lopez Court discussed the appropriate remedies available to a habeas court. Id. ¶¶ 12-21. In affirming, we stated that traditionally the writ provided for an equitable remedy, such that “a court has some flexibility in fashioning an appropriate disposition for the circumstances of a particular case.” Id. ¶ 16; see also NMSA 1978 § 44-1-25 (1884) (stating that in habeas corpus cases, the court can “dispose of such [petitioning] party as justice requires”). The remedies available, however, are not limitless. Id. ¶¶ 16-17. Specifically, we stated that “[t]he discretion traditionally associated with the exercise of equitable jurisdiction must be exercised within limits that permit effective appellate review. Otherwise, the rights intended to be protected by the writ could be as easily denied as protected.” Id. ¶ 17. {16} Typically, the appropriate remedy will be either releasing the inmate from the imposed discipline or ordering a new hearing but not barring future discipline. In Lopez we emphasized that “an absolute bar to further proceedings is an exceptional remedy.” Id. (emphasis added). We went on to say that in cases involving the deprivation of constitutional rights, the remedies available should be narrowly tailored to the injury suffered “and take into account competing interests” such as the disciplinary needs of the prison system. Id. ¶¶ 21-22. Overall, we stated that precluding a new hearing is an exceptional remedy, which we believe is only appropriate when the trial court is persuaded either that [NMCD] will not or cannot provide a fair hearing on remand, or that there has been such a pattern of conduct by [NMCD] that a sanction is appropriate. Id. ¶ 33. {17} In reaching our conclusion in Lopez, we reasoned that the district court did not abuse its discretion in ordering the discipline expunged without a new hearing because the court had described on the record its concerns about the number of times NMCD had denied inmates the right to call witnesses at prison disciplinary hearings. Id. ¶ 7-9, 28. Specifically, the district court explained that it had seen NMCD “get sloppy” and “cut corners . . . too many times” when it came to allowing prisoners to call witnesses. Id. ¶ 8. (internal quotation marks omitted) {18} On review, we found that the court did not abuse its discretion in issuing an exceptional remedy because the court had essentially taken judicial notice of a pattern of misconduct by NMCD for which the court fashioned a specific and narrow remedy, both to protect the petitioner and to address systemic problems in the NMCD disciplinary process. Id. ¶¶20-22, 33. We stated “that the district court had concluded a sanction was appropriate as an exceptional remedy for exceptional circumstances.” Id. ¶ 33. {19} Lopez forms the backdrop for our consideration of Petitioner’s habeas case. Whereas in Lopez the district court found exceptional circumstances that justified bypassing any further prison hearing on remand, here the district court made no findings charging NMCD with a pattern of misconduct. Here, unlike in Lopez, no evidence in the record suggested, nor did the judge find, that NMCD consistently or frequently denied inmates the opportunity to call witnesses at their disciplinary hearings or failed to inform them of the procedure for submitting written questions to witnesses. Rather, at least based upon this record, Petitioner’s problem with posing questions to witnesses appears to be an isolated incident that, at least in the abstract, could be rectified at a fair hearing on remand. {20} The district court did, however, point out one salient problem with remand in this particular case that bears mention. Specifically, in its order granting the remedy the district court stated that [d]ue to the length of time that has elapsed and the nature of the due process violations, [NMCD] would be unable to provide a fair hearing for Petitioner. The lapse of time has already resulted in the unavailability of witnesses, as evidenced, for example, by the unavailability of [NMCD’s] witness at the evidentiary hearing in this matter, and would certainly impact memories of witnesses that could be located. Presumably, the fact that one of Petitioner’s potential witnesses had since been deported also factored into this decision. {21} The court’s concerns are legitimate, and in the ordinary case — where discipline is imposed without the benefit of a parallel criminal conviction — those concerns might justify the extraordinary relief of “precluding a new hearing.” But that is not what happened in this case. {22} In Petitioner’s case, the purpose of a new hearing on remand would be to determine whether Petitioner committed the rape and thus violated prison rules. Ordinarily, determining a violation of prison rules would require disciplinary hearing. But in this case, Petitioner was already tried and convicted of the rape in district court. See State v. Roybal, 33 N.M. 540, 547-48, 273 P. 919, 922 (1928) (“The term conviction . . . [i]n its most common use . . . signifies the finding of the jury that the prisoner is guilty.... [T]he word conviction in the broader and less technical sense . . . implies the judgment of the court.”) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); Black’s Law Dictionary 384 (9th ed. 2009) (defining conviction as “[t]he act or process of judicially finding someone guilty of a crime”). A jury found Petitioner guilty of rape in a criminal trial where the burden of proof was beyond a reasonable doubt, which is greater than the burden of proof in a prison disciplinary hearing. See New Mexico Corrections Department Policies, Inmate Discipline CD-090101 (A)(10) at http://corrections.state.nm.us/policies/docs/C D-090100.pdf (last visited Nov. 1, 2012). (“Disciplinary hearings are administrative hearings and findings will be determined by preponderance of the evidence.”). {23} W e know of no case holding that an inmate is entitled to a new disciplinary hearing when his guilt has already been established at criminal trial, nor would such a holding make sense. A new disciplinary hearing would be unnecessary as a matter of law or, at most, might be required perfunctorily to receive into evidence the prior judgment and sentence. See Otherson v. Dep’t of Justice, 711 F.2d 267, 271, 278 (D.C. Cir. 1983) (upholding the use of the doctrine of issue preclusion to find that petitioner’s prior criminal conviction could be given preclusive effect in a later administrative proceeding and noting that the administrative body only needs to find guilt by a preponderance of the evidence); S.C. State Bd. of Dental Exam'rs v. Breeland, 38 S.E.2d 644, 648 (S.C. 1946) (recognizing that a criminal conviction could be used in a later dental license revocation hearing, noting “[t]he question of his guilt here is precisely the same as was determined adversely to him under circumstances most favorable to himself — that is, in a prosecution in which he could not have been convicted unless his guilt had b een shown b eyond a reasonable doubt.”); see also Weiss v. N.M. Bd. of Dentistry, 110 N.M. 574, 579, 798 P.2d 175, 180 (1990) (holding that a prior criminal conviction was itself sufficient to support the Board of Dentistry revoking a dental license in a subsequent license revocation hearing); cf. New Mexico Corrections Department Policies, supra, CD-090101(A)(7) (“Any act, although not specifically listed in this policy, that would be either a felony or misdemeanor under the Criminal Code of the State of New Mexico or the Laws of the United States of America will constitute a misconduct violation under criteria established by this policy.”). {24} In focusing on Petitioner’s procedural due process rights, the district court appears to have lost sight of the reason for such a hearing. The court failed to appreciate the significance of the intervening criminal convictions — not to whether due process was violated — but, pivotally, to what remedy was appropriate under the circumstances. If this were a case for declaratory and injunctive relief, for example, the court could declare the due process violation and enjoin NMCD from engaging in similar conduct in the future. If this were a case for damages, the court could consider compensation for past wrongs. In a habeas case, however, the court is limited to habeas relief directed at the discipline imposed — discipline that has been vindicated by the intervening criminal convictions. In failing to recognize the limits of habeas relief — the sole question before it — the district court clearly abused its discretion. {25} In doing so, the court ignored pleas of counsel to the contrary. Throughout the proceedings, the court was made aware of Petitioner’s intervening criminal convictions. At the beginning of the evidentiary hearing, the State alerted the court to the importance of Petitioner’s criminal convictions. Specifically, when the State mentioned that a jury had already convicted Petitioner for the “same act” beyond a reasonable doubt, the court responded that there is different evidence presented at a criminal trial. The court further stated that it was not there to determine whether Petitioner committed the rape, but rather to determine if NMCD had violated his due process rights at the prison disciplinary hearing even though the express purpose of the disciplinary hearing was to determine whether Petitioner had committed that same rape. The court went on to say that “[Petitioner’s] guilt has nothing to do with whether or not he gets to present a defense at his hearing.” Later on cross-examination, when the State asked Petitioner if he had notice of the criminal case against him, Petitioner objected. The court sustained the objection, stating that “information related to the criminal trial was separate from the information regarding the disciplinary hearing.” {26} The court’s view of the criminal convictions, though accurate perhaps with respect to the due process analysis, is simply unsustainable as it pertains to the relief the court granted to Petitioner. Ordering good time restored and the disciplinary record expunged — all because Petitioner could no longer receive a fair hearing to establish a point of evidence that had already been conclusively established by other, irrefutable means — is unexplainable in this context and constitutes a clear abuse of discretion. “An abuse of discretion occurs when the ruling is clearly against the logic and effect of the facts and circumstances of the case.” State v. Rojo, 1999-NMSC-001, ¶ 41, 126 N.M. 438, 971 P.2d 829 (internal citations and quotation marks omitted). CONCLUSION {27} For these reasons, we reverse the district court, dismiss Petitioner’s writ of habeas corpus, and reinstate the sanctions imposed by NMCD. {28} IT IS SO ORDERED. RICHARD C. BOSSON, Justice WE CONCUR: PETRA JIMENEZ MAES, Chief Justice EDWARD L. CHÁVEZ, Justice CHARLES W. DANIELS, Justice PAUL J. KENNEDY, Justice
[ -0.04939834028482437, -0.006232501473277807, -0.01270363014191389, 0.0031900741159915924, 0.03773649036884308, -0.012497808784246445, 0.03938048705458641, 0.03220723196864128, -0.028715629130601883, -0.03042210265994072, 0.009678846225142479, 0.03713776543736458, -0.02950391359627247, 0.022900689393281937, -0.011049620807170868, 0.045239124447107315, 0.06386709213256836, 0.019581926986575127, 0.035848554223775864, 0.018166424706578255, 0.052054207772016525, -0.038520872592926025, 0.019780071452260017, 0.04427216574549675, 0.008210515603423119, -0.0035240116994827986, -0.005746401380747557, -0.02380862459540367, -0.06347326189279556, -0.01510982308536768, 0.043345898389816284, -0.03938332200050354, 0.01248900219798088, 0.024209273979067802, -0.007403085473924875, 0.03605610877275467, -0.0379226915538311, -0.03352905064821243, -0.01856476441025734, 0.039700962603092194, -0.025902805849909782, 0.009014333598315716, -0.04327721893787384, -0.018764661625027657, -0.0632389560341835, -0.0023012838792055845, 0.004623127169907093, 0.001886736019514501, -0.04127921536564827, 0.01912030018866062, -0.08300202339887619, 0.025664059445261955, -0.02271101623773575, 0.013068001717329025, 0.019227594137191772, 0.0411037914454937, -0.06063093990087509, -0.02760394476354122, -0.03324609622359276, -0.003319466020911932, 0.007325670216232538, -0.00547020323574543, 0.08872831612825394, -0.013691935688257217, -0.006021867971867323, -0.0547994002699852, 0.034262388944625854, 0.04252017289400101, -0.03482438623905182, -0.011768334545195103, -0.03608577325940132, 0.0042878263629972935, 0.024346422404050827, 0.022937793284654617, -0.003602355718612671, -0.04224773123860359, 0.017544152215123177, 0.008980749174952507, -0.015861328691244125, 0.06345855444669724, 0.03761017322540283, -0.00698740454390645, 0.04034490883350372, 0.009355703368782997, -0.003224680433049798, -0.05486179143190384, -0.04763554781675339, -0.06228635087609291, -0.023197056725621223, 0.04887504130601883, -0.02650536596775055, -0.009318351745605469, 0.00958380289375782, 0.06712398678064346, 0.021968882530927658, -0.00864164624363184, 0.06815795600414276, 0.006642662920057774, 0.03662209212779999, 0.008625537157058716, 0.023150907829403877, -0.03744196891784668, 0.03435368835926056, 0.05872872471809387, -0.070817731320858, -0.03408089652657509, -0.012110797688364983, 0.005870489869266748, -0.008192424662411213, 0.0007422617636620998, -0.0060864523984491825, 0.041586581617593765, 0.008686152286827564, -0.022978048771619797, -0.0368591845035553, 0.04475196823477745, 0.03015301004052162, -0.02163844369351864, -0.030094340443611145, -0.02811679244041443, 0.02798236533999443, 0.02826671674847603, -0.002443714067339897, 0.070109061896801, 0.029425514861941338, 0.006717082113027573, 0.011678018607199192, 0.04308013245463371, -0.014887135475873947, -0.05305038392543793, -0.007055707275867462, 0.0025763530284166336, 0.048457685858011246, 0.0451442152261734, 0.014906532131135464, -0.06471167504787445, -0.030511951074004173, -0.055921074002981186, 0.049655161798000336, -0.0068742660805583, -0.013778683729469776, -0.00658779451623559, 0.016185719519853592, 0.0021550448145717382, 0.07537666708230972, -0.02062239684164524, -0.03196320682764053, -0.015405770391225815, 0.004427231382578611, 0.029423870146274567, 0.028215505182743073, 0.018105365335941315, -0.0019017051672562957, -0.04351339116692543, 0.0033913382794708014, 0.027145523577928543, 0.03802887350320816, 0.003472170326858759, -0.01655706577003002, 0.04182225838303566, 0.04329591989517212, 0.011935406364500523, 0.019077865406870842, -0.013330820947885513, -0.02311381883919239, 0.006479336880147457, 0.022479983046650887, -0.01982114091515541, -0.0641535148024559, 0.049772657454013824, -0.003245043335482478, -0.05907752364873886, 0.036326270550489426, -0.05907101929187775, -0.0229329913854599, 0.007111525163054466, 0.030321326106786728, 0.037401579320430756, 0.0053754765540361404, -0.01740015484392643, -0.07236790657043457, 0.06469298154115677, -0.005808351561427116, 0.01603819988667965, -0.06707461178302765, -0.016588807106018066, 0.05341034010052681, -0.011927167885005474, 0.016106370836496353, -0.005074659828096628, -0.0673641562461853, 0.009301774203777313, 0.06413809955120087, -0.01286335289478302, 0.020039277151226997, 0.04522739350795746, -0.008406173437833786, 0.05278833210468292, -0.023842355236411095, 0.03524727374315262, 0.012474404647946358, 0.004731597378849983, 0.0588160865008831, -0.07840707153081894, -0.05773290619254112, 0.02003638818860054, 0.06277705729007721, -0.007704644929617643, 0.03698531538248062, 0.059850528836250305, -0.0441899448633194, 0.01533422153443098, 0.02490636147558689, 0.01716531626880169, 0.027246510609984398, -0.0008314216393046081, 0.04009229689836502, -0.04863354563713074, 0.030356962233781815, -0.05560469999909401, 0.025514323264360428, -0.004818686284124851, -0.014857282862067223, 0.05302968621253967, -0.04420826956629753, 0.09980474412441254, 0.02646501734852791, -0.03488346189260483, -0.011439078487455845, 0.008634498342871666, 0.0015632335562258959, 0.00827174074947834, 0.037696000188589096, 0.026865145191550255, 0.03544676676392555, 0.022300535812973976, 0.006325016263872385, -0.012915072031319141, 0.022548509761691093, -0.025846263393759727, 0.015103026293218136, 0.030553732067346573, 0.02224797010421753, 0.049999359995126724, -0.035382624715566635, 0.00753138167783618, 0.02718479186296463, -0.00047127684229053557, 0.00408115005120635, -0.015679189935326576, -0.025691185146570206, 0.006916318088769913, 0.026740293949842453, -0.025903940200805664, 0.03757157549262047, -0.05403592810034752, -0.026956239715218544, -0.020602336153388023, 0.01942824013531208, 0.01619935967028141, -0.004775048233568668, 0.03642760217189789, 0.014231564477086067, -0.05002773553133011, -0.037289876490831375, -0.04479691758751869, -0.017168235033750534, 0.014075147919356823, -0.02353978343307972, 0.014656055718660355, 0.03362791985273361, 0.015937799587845802, 0.0074141318909823895, -0.020284077152609825, 0.017080435529351234, -0.0024450516793876886, 0.03862874582409859, 0.009050659835338593, -0.008802979253232479, -0.03358595818281174, -0.03038233146071434, 0.03888485208153725, -0.03859316185116768, -0.049455806612968445, 0.040118373930454254, -0.06157940998673439, 0.0026921401731669903, -0.03702797368168831, -0.04456251859664917, 0.04713056981563568, -0.010019035078585148, 0.031769026070833206, 0.02888943813741207, 0.005909295286983252, -0.008620080538094044, 0.024014268070459366, 0.0309023167937994, 0.04429944232106209, 0.036052994430065155, -0.0019543657545000315, 0.02478485368192196, 0.0036595307756215334, 0.018087223172187805, -0.006167276296764612, -0.005498517770320177, 0.0039609745144844055, -0.01992177404463291, 0.018543828278779984, -0.257327139377594, 0.03259726241230965, -0.04599972814321518, -0.0706021711230278, 0.033806294202804565, -0.021338272839784622, 0.0182978305965662, -0.0076697287149727345, -0.01700771413743496, 0.006643370725214481, -0.03372737392783165, -0.034361496567726135, 0.015493499115109444, 0.03959295153617859, 0.017892848700284958, 0.004200641065835953, -0.005689404904842377, -0.018867816776037216, 0.01038967166095972, 0.03216785937547684, 0.026293233036994934, -0.04072197526693344, -0.052551254630088806, 0.02847752533853054, 0.04185729846358299, 0.09788619726896286, -0.05153686925768852, 0.01235620491206646, -0.07172919064760208, -0.03570915013551712, -0.0006519113085232675, -0.0009128717938438058, -0.029124082997441292, -0.027984216809272766, -0.02122032269835472, 0.029687706381082535, -0.00942909810692072, -0.034334998577833176, -0.050506483763456345, -0.009862436912953854, 0.0004486047546379268, -0.0574832484126091, -0.014847414568066597, 0.03286473825573921, 0.060995157808065414, 0.020110640674829483, -0.04936763644218445, 0.014866132289171219, 0.005911723244935274, 0.023522982373833656, -0.061310429126024246, -0.01701425015926361, -0.020138198509812355, 0.006830303464084864, -0.018343497067689896, 0.0040232110768556595, -0.053952328860759735, 0.014564733020961285, -0.03804919496178627, 0.046726323664188385, -0.015982475131750107, -0.08774168789386749, -0.05510685220360756, -0.056756190955638885, -0.056733474135398865, -0.03607522323727608, -0.05162425339221954, -0.04218302294611931, 0.10018262267112732, 0.04562407732009888, -0.008712103590369225, 0.07319726049900055, -0.04781753197312355, -0.07985931634902954, 0.017125802114605904, 0.0016544755781069398, -0.03243289142847061, -0.06410545110702515, -0.041887376457452774, -0.01462051272392273, -0.03119182027876377, -0.01632576808333397, 0.06088373064994812, -0.005879147443920374, 0.0025231079198420048, -0.015308842994272709, -0.009346620179712772, 0.02413906902074814, -0.025956422090530396, -0.028532421216368675, 0.04362938925623894, 0.01923379674553871, -0.020416295155882835, -0.011663642711937428, 0.015945013612508774, 0.04271640256047249, 0.014887039549648762, -0.03277553245425224, -0.03782586753368378, 0.0016417958540841937, 0.02804086171090603, -0.0487944595515728, 0.015575677156448364, -0.06301258504390717, 0.03808140009641647, -0.002064015017822385, -0.06324797868728638, 0.0479714572429657, 0.02155057154595852, 0.012729723006486893, -0.0006857732078060508, 0.010241122916340828, 0.029410704970359802, -0.02736024558544159, -0.014979546889662743, -0.01536551397293806, 0.002659860299900174, 0.02371186763048172, 0.014451870694756508, 0.03870290145277977, 0.000723710807505995, 0.026724373921751976, -0.04172845184803009, -0.03411998599767685, -0.07954783737659454, -0.015522082336246967, 0.007765111513435841, 0.06213672086596489, -0.0023781403433531523, -0.016025671735405922, -0.006497023161500692, -0.04540923237800598, -0.01837220788002014, 0.034858591854572296, 0.009285188280045986, 0.002831332152709365, -0.03176798298954964, -0.05500432476401329, -0.0022419814486056566, 0.01430563349276781, 0.05416524410247803, -0.04255416616797447, 0.016482511535286903, 0.01815011538565159, 0.02599799446761608, -0.00205570412799716, 0.00787312164902687, -0.0007965662516653538, -0.02866746112704277, 0.04815612733364105, 0.018975485116243362, -0.08897209912538528, -0.01818624511361122, -0.054741643369197845, -0.0020917137153446674, -0.0002335569733986631, 0.04163636267185211, 0.017541885375976562, 0.027314146980643272, -0.03291686251759529, 0.009762544184923172, -0.013300200924277306, 0.0072641028091311455, -0.0422944650053978, -0.00933136884123087, 0.08699090778827667, -0.02477654442191124, 0.02613796666264534, 0.00028495342121459544, 0.02618497982621193, -0.012685607187449932, -0.05387962609529495, -0.04465622454881668, 0.02619524672627449, -0.011248867958784103, 0.015750352293252945, -0.003064393764361739, 0.019231367856264114, 0.022540206089615822, 0.03645952045917511, -0.007115589454770088, -0.033532802015542984, -0.04577260836958885, 0.010896059684455395, 0.06729790568351746, -0.032224465161561966, -0.0038878843188285828, -0.04355638846755028, 0.007947943173348904, -0.012936853803694248, -0.01954043097794056, 0.0066082412376999855, 0.005460067186504602, 0.022559482604265213, -0.04687977582216263, -0.0726136639714241, 0.000019538534616003744, -0.024491891264915466, 0.04679720476269722, 0.02300184778869152, -0.016302749514579773, -0.03175126388669014, -0.01857113279402256, 0.02539333887398243, 0.02609121985733509, -0.033686500042676926, 0.04718112573027611, 0.02757848985493183, -0.011819248087704182, -0.010481802746653557, -0.04187629744410515, -0.01975233294069767, -0.004304824396967888, 0.021335342898964882, 0.05681099742650986, -0.07719043642282486, 0.01523854210972786, -0.029052427038550377, -0.03821912780404091, 0.0131119629368186, 0.016102628782391548, -0.013216872699558735, -0.00003950698737753555, 0.015730571001768112, -0.02754349261522293, 0.05551020801067352, -0.014372944831848145, -0.02727511338889599, 0.07856970280408859, -0.049725085496902466, 0.024309225380420685, -0.02324138581752777, 0.026245467364788055, 0.031560417264699936, -0.02214014157652855, -0.02917005494236946, -0.010664897970855236, -0.03058125451207161, -0.028632204979658127, 0.09141318500041962, 0.03394584357738495, 0.026792732998728752, -0.008403056301176548, -0.01659644953906536, -0.04753224551677704, 0.00524615403264761, 0.009312551468610764, 0.01795756071805954, 0.010224033147096634, 0.08570337295532227, -0.032841067761182785, 0.03034496307373047, -0.03104608692228794, -0.003933212254196405, 0.022228658199310303, -0.040357377380132675, -0.0067305187694728374, 0.016942039132118225, -0.013685628771781921, 0.03307861089706421, 0.02210845984518528, -0.011108801700174809, -0.009226394817233086, -0.023705681785941124, 0.007547334302216768, 0.009675966575741768, 0.0064724949188530445, -0.003419827204197645, 0.06357520073652267, -0.04275002330541611, -0.0321999229490757, -0.09097172319889069, 0.015398690477013588, 0.00802141334861517, 0.02351653389632702, 0.028318539261817932, 0.00013901044439990073, -0.005240128841251135, 0.02546667493879795, -0.05230434983968735, -0.039214517921209335, 0.0003669643774628639, -0.01610529236495495, -0.05728344991803169, 0.06255711615085602, -0.029269181191921234, 0.0021550145465880632, -0.009213108569383621, -0.0952269658446312, -0.05542948469519615, 0.020875543355941772, 0.02112184278666973, 0.0567900612950325, -0.004168364219367504, 0.01506778970360756, -0.031056728214025497, 0.019242707639932632, 0.02394992671906948, -0.004926568362861872, -0.006316200364381075, -0.05753688886761665, 0.038784150034189224, 0.021541481837630272, -0.00956285186111927, -0.01638517715036869, -0.007759690750390291, 0.01459115743637085, -0.037572700530290604, 0.006144673563539982, 0.03204316273331642, -0.01375580858439207, -0.056224506348371506, 0.04392286762595177, -0.011194749735295773, -0.031564369797706604, -0.012302886694669724, -0.01310595590621233, -0.0036785088013857603, -0.05701982602477074, -0.021738683804869652, 0.033226870000362396, -0.014420324005186558, 0.033573124557733536, 0.02479494735598564, 0.05073161795735359, 0.05462392047047615, -0.05293136462569237, 0.003757188329473138, 0.011573967523872852, 0.07514388859272003, 0.047255903482437134, 0.014461619779467583, -0.016653917729854584, 0.024372147396206856, -0.013685306534171104, -0.03871219977736473, 0.011413389816880226, 0.013964582234621048, -0.005323941353708506, 0.05143764242529869, -0.0017429770668968558, 0.05337563157081604, -0.04623286798596382, 0.06925143301486969, 0.043455302715301514, 0.01681724563241005, 0.03463657200336456, 0.0012189093977212906, 0.045651260763406754, 0.0011045002611353993, -0.01092767994850874, -0.0275863166898489, -0.009791355580091476, -0.021574584767222404, -0.02664206176996231, 0.04170159250497818, -0.025490732863545418, 0.01279139332473278, -0.0618828684091568, -0.0189743023365736, 0.0062663014978170395, 0.007388575002551079, 0.05103474482893944, 0.020371826365590096, -0.024380365386605263, 0.0354059673845768, -0.018257586285471916, 0.008188948966562748, -0.07147326320409775, 0.018332794308662415, 0.0032148754689842463, -0.033526115119457245, 0.0058625866658985615, -0.01148462388664484, 0.05148608982563019, 0.01785707287490368, 0.035118475556373596, -0.015272551216185093, -0.020155439153313637, 0.00984319020062685, 0.0361115001142025, -0.05139138177037239, -0.016622159630060196, -0.03497260808944702, -0.013946552760899067, -0.05030284449458122, 0.012235742062330246, 0.04737835377454758, -0.033805664628744125, -0.04316028207540512, 0.028471682220697403, -0.009872970171272755, -0.03725126013159752, 0.013795152306556702, -0.048988014459609985, 0.05958307161927223, 0.07138145714998245, 0.03818180784583092, 0.0082786213606596, 0.04682674631476402, 0.05213575065135956, -0.009334179572761059, -0.016442852094769478, 0.024598801508545876, -0.0453542061150074, 0.033857740461826324, -0.018064096570014954, 0.008234978653490543, -0.09135214984416962, 0.004436165560036898, -0.0008021686226129532, 0.03459848836064339, -0.0651278868317604, 0.027111200615763664, -0.0020161180291324854, 0.0015140576288104057, 0.06553106755018234, 0.02063831500709057, -0.0335630364716053, -0.022254392504692078, -0.008336489088833332, -0.05514805018901825, 0.006522438954561949, 0.10923247784376144, -0.004971800372004509, 0.027394535019993782, 0.06410995870828629, -0.007517855614423752, -0.02603812702000141, 0.0323135182261467, 0.07208890467882156, -0.039358142763376236, -0.020841192454099655, -0.028498385101556778, -0.016566196456551552, -0.050065651535987854, -0.054569438099861145, -0.003365905722603202, -0.01740787737071514, -0.058592431247234344, 0.009961600415408611, -0.012940146028995514, -0.04995722696185112, -0.02451913245022297, 0.03738737106323242, 0.02255900762975216, -0.03395865857601166, -0.05342996492981911, -0.026163088157773018, 0.011245094239711761, 0.041324712336063385, -0.006569002289324999, -0.03152577579021454, -0.08257696032524109, -0.011017661541700363, -0.013783637434244156, 0.044636473059654236, 0.043199531733989716, 0.008668542839586735, -0.014940827153623104 ]
OPINION SUTIN, Judge. {1} Helena Chemical Company (Helena) filed suit against Arturo Uribe and others for prima facie tort and defamation. A jury awarded nominal damages on Helena’s claims of defamation and prima facie tort. Additionally, it awarded punitive damages, as to which the district court granted a remittitur. Uribe appeals; Helena cross-appeals. {2} We hold that the district court did not err in entering judgment in favor of Helena on its claim of defamation and that the court properly awarded a remitted amount of punitive damages as to that claim. In regard to prima facie tort, we hold that the court erred in entering a judgment based on the jury’s general verdict because the jury’s answers to the special interrogatories were inconsistent with that verdict. Accordingly, we reverse the judgment and the punitive damages award as it pertains to Helena’s prima facie tort claim. Finally, we hold that the court did not err in reducing Helena’s bill of costs. We affirm in part and reverse in part. BACKGROUND {3} Helena was a crop protection company that blended, stored, and distributed fertilizers and other nutrients to local farmers. In 1989 Helena purchased property in Mesquite, New Mexico from another crop protection company and began operations there. In 2002 Uribe moved to Mesquite into a house directly across the street from the Helena facility. Beginning in 2002 and continuing into 2008, Uribe made various Helena-related statements and presentations in the media, to the Legislature, and at Mesquite community meetings. Additionally, Uribe attempted to interfere with Helena’s attempts to communicate with the public, including discouraging community members from attending Helena’s open-house, which had been designed to educate the community about Helena’s operations. In response to these and other of Uribe’s actions, Helena filed suit for defamation and prima facie tort. {4} A jury awarded nominal damages of $1.00 each on Helena’s claims of defamation and prima facie tort. Additionally, it awarded Helena a lump-sum of punitive damages in the amount of $75,000. Upon Uribe’s motion, the court remitted the punitive damages amount to $10,000. The court attributed $5,000 of this sum to the defamation claim and $5,000 of the sum to the prima facie tort claim. Following entry of the final judgment, the court awarded costs to Helena in the amount of $9,000, an amount far below what Helena sought as recoverable costs. Additional facts and procedural occurrences are discussed, as needed, within the body of this Opinion. {5} Uribe argues that the district court erred in entering judgment in favor of Helena on its defamation and prima facie tort claims. In regard to defamation, he contends that the court erred by instructing the jury under the theory that Helena was a private rather than a public plaintiff; that, as a matter of law, none of his statements were defamatory; and that Helena failed to present sufficient evidence of defamation. In regard to prima facie tort, Uribe argues that the court erred in entering a judgment consistent with the general verdict in favor of Helena because the jury’s answers to special interrogatories were inconsistent with that verdict. Also, in regard to prima facie tort, Uribe contends that Helena failed to present sufficient evidence to support the verdict. Uribe’s final argument is that the court erred in granting an award of punitive damages. {6} W e affirm the district court’s judgment as it relates to defamation and the corresponding punitive damages. We reverse that aspect of the court’s judgment pertaining to prima facie tort including the $5,000 punitive damages associated with that claim. {7} Helena argues, in its cross-appeal, that the court erred in remitting the punitive damages award and also that the court erred in reducing its bill of costs. We affirm the district court’s determination on these issues. A third argument, regarding the court’s refusal to submit each separate defamatory claim to the jury, is not considered because it is made contingent upon our reversal of the judgment in favor of Helena on defamation. DISCUSSION I. DEFAMATION A. Public Figure (Jury Instruction) Issue {8} Uribe argues that the district court erred in “failing to issue the properjury instruction for defamation” and that the court should have instructed the jury that Helena was to be treated as a public figure. {9} In New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254, 265 n.1, 279-80 (1964), the United States Supreme Court held that “[t]he constitutional guarantees [of freedom of speech and press] require ... a federal rule that prohibits a public official from recovering damages for a defamatory falsehood relating to his official conduct unless he proves that the statement was made with ‘actual malice’ — that is, with knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard of whether it was false[.]” Later, in Curtis Publ’g Co. v. Butts, the Court extended its New York Times rule to include “public figure [s] who [are] not ... public officials].” Curtis Publ’g Co., 388 U.S. 130, 133-34, 155 (1967) (internal quotation marks omitted). “Non-public” (private person) defamation plaintiffs, on the other hand, may establish liability based on a “lesser standard” of ordinary negligence. Marchiondo v. Brown, 98 N.M. 394, 402, 649 P.2d 462, 470 (1982). “Whether a person is a public figure is a question of law for the court.” Id. at 399, 649 P.2d at 467. {10} In this case, as to the allegedly defamatory communications, the jury was instructed to determine whether “Uribe [knew] that the communication(s) were false or negligently failfed] to recognize that they were falsef.]” Thus, the instructions were consistent with a private-person standard of proof of defamation. See id. at 402, 649 P.2d at 470 (recognizing that non-public defamation plaintiffs may establish liability based on ordinary negligence). The record reflects that Uribe agreed, in a pretrial order, to this standard of proof. Nevertheless, after the close of evidence, Uribe requested the court to instruct the jury on a public-figure theory of defamation. {11} In its order denying the requested public-figure instructions, the district court stated the following: 1. The [c]ourt entered its [pretrial o]rder March 25, 2010, which [pretrial o]rder was agreed to by the parties. Neither party raised an issue of treating . . . Helena as a public figure in the [pretrial ojrder. 2. Except for possible punitive damage issues, the parties have completed the presentation of trial evidence to the jury. 3. The parties rested on Friday, April 2, 2010. 4. When it appeared that the [cjourt’s instructions to the jury were not likely to be completed before5:00[]p[.]m[.],the [cjourt gave the jury the option to recess and return [on] Wednesday, April 7, 2010[,] for instructions and closing arguments, and the jury elected to recess. 5. The attorneys for . . . Helena submitted a new set of proposed jury instructions by e-mail [on] Monday, April 5, 2010[,] at 4:25 p[.]m. 6. The attorneys for . . . Uribe submitted a new set of proposed instructions by e-mail[] [on] Monday, April 5, 2010[,] at 5:50 p[.]m., after the [c]ourthad closed. 7. In his new set of proposed instructions, . . . Uribe, for the first time since the case has been pending, raised the issue of . . . Helena as a public figure and asked the [c]ourt to instruct the jury on a theory of defamation of. . . Helena as a public figure rather than a private figure. Citing Rule 1-016(E) NMRA, the court concluded that “[t]he [pretrial o]rder controls the course of the action and may be modified only to prevent manifest injustice.” See id. (stating that after a pretrial conference is held, an order shall be entered reciting any action taken, and that order shall control the subsequent course of the action unless modified by a subsequent order; and explaining that such order shall be modified “only to prevent manifest injustice”). The court further concluded that Uribe’s request was, “in substance, a motion to amend” the pretrial order, that allowing such an amendment would cause Helena to “suffer manifest injustice[,]” and that Uribe’s request was “untimely and should be denied.” {12} Uribe’s argument in this Court is void of any discussion of whether the district court abused its discretion either by characterizing the requested instruction as a motion to amend the pretrial order or by denying the motion for the reasons stated in the order. See Fahrbach v. Diamond Shamrock, Inc., 1996-NMSC-063, 122 N.M. 543, 550, 928 P.2d 269, 276 (stating that a district court’s decision whether to amend a pretrial order is reviewed for abuse of discretion). Because Uribe does not attack the court’s findings and conclusions in this regard, we deem the court’s order to be conclusive. Rule 12-213(A)(4) NMRA (stating that the appellant’s brief in chief “shall set forth a specific attack on any finding, or such finding shall be deemed conclusive”). {13} In addition to requesting that this Court affirm the district court on the basis of its order rejecting the instructions, Helena contends that “public figure is an affirmative defense that must be raised before trial.” And that by failing to raise it earlier, Uribe waived his right to assert that Helena was a public figure. In response, Uribe cites Curtis Publ’g Co. for the proposition that he was not required to assert the public-figure defense prior to trial. {14} Curtis Publ’g Co. does not support Uribe’s argument. In Curtis Publ’g Co., the defendant’s trial was held prior to the Supreme Court’s New York Times decision. See Curtis Publ'g Co., 388 U.S. at 138. Once the New York Times decision issued, the defendant in Curtis Publ’g Co. immediately filed a motion for a new trial, in which he argued that the newly recognized public-official constitutional defense should be extended to public figures. Id. at 138-39,146. When the case reached the United States Supreme Court, the plaintiff argued that the defendant had knowingly waived the New York Times-b&s&d constitutional defense. Curtis Publ’g Co., 388 U.S. at 143-44. In rejecting this argument, the Supreme Court noted that although “constitutional objections may be waived by a failure to raise them at a proper time,” it would not hold that the defendant waived a “known right” before such a right had been recognized by the Court. Id. at 143 (internal quotation marks omitted). Thus, because at the time of the Curtis Publ’g Co. trial the Supreme Court had yet to recognize the heightened, actual-malice standard applicable to public officials, the defendant could not be deemed to have waived his right to assert the defense. Unlike the defendant in Curtis Publ'g Co., Uribe’s failure to raise the public-figure defense prior to trial and certainly before the evidence closed and was ready to be submitted to the jury is not excused on the basis of its having been a previously unrecognized defense. {15} Uribe was required, in conformity with the New Mexico Rules of Civil Procedure, to plead his defenses. See Rule 1-012(B) NMRA (stating that the general rule is that “[ejvery defense, in law or fact, to a claim for relief in any pleading . . . shall be asserted in the responsive pleading”). He presents no applicable authority to show that his failure to plead the public-figure defense may be overcome so as to provide a basis for appellate reversal. Uribe’s failure to plead the public-figure defense at any time before entry of the pretrial order and not until the case was ready to submit to the jury constituted “clear and compelling” waiver of the right to assert the defense. See Curtis Publ’g Co., 388 U.S. at 145 (explaining that constitutional defenses may only be overcome by “clear and compelling” circumstances). B. Uribe’s Argument That, as a Matter of Law, the Statements Were Not Defamatory {16} Uribe contends that the district court erred in entering judgment in favor of Helena for defamation because, as matter of law, the statements were not defamatory. He also argues that Helena failed to present sufficient evidence to prove each ofthe nine elements of defamation as set forth in UJI 13-1002(B) NMRA. Helena claims that Uribe failed to preserve these claims for appellate review. We agree. {17} Pursuant to Rule 12-213(A)(4), Uribe was required to include a statement in his brief in chief explaining how each issue presented was preserved in the district court and to accompany that statement with citations to the record proper. In regard to his argument that, as a matter of law, the statements were not defamatory, Uribe’s briefs contain neither a statement of preservation nor citations to the record to indicate where the matter was preserved. Additionally, the record does not reflect any such preservation. {18} Uribe nevertheless contends that the issue was preserved in his post-trial filing of a “motion for judgment as a matter of law and judgment notwithstanding the verdict.” This claim of preservation fails for two reasons. First, “issues not raised until the judgment notwithstanding the verdict are too late to be the subject of review.” Estate of Gutierrez ex rel. Jaramillo v. Meteor Monument, L.L.C., 2012-NMSC-004, ¶ 31, 274 P.3d 97 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); see also First Nat'l Bank in Albuquerque v. Sanchez, 112 N.M. 317, 320 n.4, 815 P.2d 613, 616 n.4 (1991) (“[A] motion for directed verdict at the close of all the evidence is a prerequisite to asking the trial court to consider the legal sufficiency of the evidence in a motion for judgment [notwithstanding the verdict].”). And second, Uribe’s post-trial motion for judgment as a matter of law and judgment notwithstanding the verdict did not raise an issue of sufficiency of the evidence. The motion was based on other claims of error. {19} In sum, Uribe may have preserved some error, but not one raised in his brief in chief. Because we do not address matters that are raised for the first time on appeal, we decline to address these arguments. See Andalucia Dev. Corp., Inc. v. City of Albuquerque, 2010-NMCA-052, ¶ 25, 148 N.M. 277, 234 P.3d 929 (“Appellate courts will not consider issues that went unpreserved at the district court level.”). II. PRIMA FACIE TORT {20} ' The jury’s determinations pertaining to the issue of prima facie tort consist of (1) its answers to special interrogatories regarding prima facie tort, (2) its general verdict for Helena on prima facie tort, and (3) and its special verdict for punitive damages on prima facie tort. {21} The special interrogatories regarding prima facie tort read as follows: In accordance with instructions contained elsewhere in these instructions, answer the following questions: (1) Did ... Uribe act intentionally intending to harm Helena[?] “Yes”__“No” __ (2) Was . . . Uribe’s intentional act a cause ofHelenaf’s] .. . harm? “Y es”__“No”__ To question No. 3, check either a or b for your answer. (3) Was . . . Uribe’s conduct justifiable or not justifiable? a) ... Uribe’s conduct was justifiable. ____ b) ... Uribe’s conduct was not justifiable. ____ If you answer “Yes” to questions 1 and 2 and not justifiable to question 3, then you shall return a verdict in favor of Helena . . . and against . . . Uribe on its claim for [pjrima [fjacie [t]ort and you shall determine the amount of money that will compensate Helena . . . for Helenaf’s] . . . damages in accordance with instructions as set out herein. If you answer “No” to either question 1 or 2 or if you answer justifiable to question 3, you will return a verdict for . . . Uribe and against Helena[.] The jury answered “Yes” to question 1 and “No” to question 2. On question 3, the jury selected “b” — “Uribe’s conduct was not justifiable.” {22} The general verdict in favor of Helena on the claim of prima facie tort read as follows: “We find for . . . Helena ... in the sum of $1.00 on its claim for prima facie tort.” The special verdict for punitive damages on the claim of prima facie tort read: “Should ... Helena ... be awarded punitive damages on its claim of prima facie tort?” The jury answered “Yes.” {23} Thus, the jury’s special interrogatory answers indicate that it found that Uribe had acted intentionally to harm Helena, but that Uribe’s act did not cause Helena harm. Having answered “No” to the question of whether Uribe’s act harmed Helena, the jury was instructed to “return a verdict for . . . Uribe and against Helena[.]” Nevertheless, the jury, contrary to its instructions, found “for . . . Helena ... in the sum of $ 1.00 on its claim for prima facie tort.” {24} Because the jury answered “No” to question 2 of the special interrogatories, but returned a general verdict in favor of Helena, an obvious and critical inconsistency existed between the jury’s determinations. But when the jury returned its verdicts, the district court read aloud only the general verdict and the special verdict. The court did not read the jury’s answers to the special interrogatories related to prima facie tort. The parties did not request the district court to read aloud the jury’s answers to the special interrogatories. Thus, the inconsistency went unnoticed, and the parties proceeded to present to the jury their respective arguments regarding the amount of punitive damages. The argument lasted for approximately twenty minutes. Following the argument, the jury retired to deliberate punitive damages amounts. {25} The record reflects that the jury was absent from the courtroom to deliberate the punitive damages award for twenty minutes, during which time, the court requested that the parties remain in the courtroom. During this recess, the parties did not review or request to review the answers to the special interrogatories. When the jury returned its punitive damages award, and after the court read it aloud, the court asked if there was “anything that the parties wishfed] from the jury before they[ were] excusedf.]” Both parties responded “No[.]” The jury was excused. Subsequently, the following conversation ensued between the court and Uribe’s counsel: [Court]: .. . if you wish to have copies of these tonight, we can try to get copies of them for you. Do you want them tonight? [Counsel]: Yeah, that would be great. If we could get them. You’re talking about the special interrogatories and the verdict? [Court]: The verdicts. The special interrogatories and the verdicts. [Counsel]: Yes, your Honor. We could wait for that. [Counsel]: Can we just look at it? [Court]: Sure[.] [Counsel]: Your Honor, there is a conflict in this special interrogatory regarding prima facie . . . tort, because they were supposed to answer both questions yes, and they answered one yes and one no. [Court]: Well, you’ll have to raise that by motion. There is nothing we can do about it right now. {26} In his motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and motion for remittitur and alternatively, motion for a new trial, Uribe raised the issue of the inconsistency in the jury’s verdict. He argued, among other things, that with respect to the prima facie tort instruction and verdict in particular, “entry of a judgment. . . would be void as a matter of law because [the verdicts were] facially, factually[,] and legally inconsistent.” Helena, on the other hand, maintained that Uribe waived his right to object to any possible inconsistency by failing to object prior to the jury having been discharged. {27} The court noted that it had not read the prima facie tort-related special interrogatories because of their length, but nevertheless, because Uribe failed to take advantage of “plenty of opportunity” either to object to the court’s failure to read the special interrogatories aloud, or to request such a reading, Uribe waived his right to object to the inconsistent verdict. Accordingly, the court entered a judgment for Helena consistent with the general verdict. {28} On appeal, Uribe contends that the district court erred in entering judgment in favor of Helena. He argues that the answers to the special interrogatories and the general verdict were “fatalfly] inconsistent,]” that the answers to the special interrogatories should control, and the verdict in favor of Helena on prima facie tort should be reversed. “At a minimum,” Uribe contends, “this matter must be remanded for a new trial.” This presents a legal issue, which we will review de novo. See Parkhill v. Alderman-Cave Milling & Grain Co. of N.M., 2010-NMCA-110, ¶ 58, 149 N.M. 140, 245 P.3d 585 (stating that an issue of law is reviewed de novo), cert. granted, 2010-NMCERT-012, 150 N.M. 493, 263 P.3d 270. {29} Helena contends that the district court properly found that Uribe waived his objection to the inconsistency. Helena presents a number of authorities in support of its waiver position. We note, however, that with the exception of Thompson Drilling, Inc. v. Romig, 105 N.M. 701, 703-04, 736 P.2d 979, 981-82 (1987), and G & G Servs., Inc. v. Agora Syndicate, Inc., 2000-NMCA-003, ¶¶ 41-42, 128 N.M. 434, 993 P.2d 751, which are silent on whether the district court read the jury’s answers aloud, Helena’s authorities are distinguishable on the basis that the courts in those cases read the jury’s answers to the special interrogatories aloud, thereby indisputably giving the parties notice of and an opportunity to object to any perceived inconsistences in the verdicts. See Guest v. Allstate Ins. Co., 2009-NMCA-037, ¶ 36, 145 N.M. 797, 205 P.3d 844, rev’d in part on other grounds, 2010-NMSC-047, 149 N.M. 74, 244 P.3d 342; Ramos v. Rodriguez, 118 N.M. 534, 536, 882 P.2d 1047, 1049 (Ct. App. 1994). These authorities, inapplicable to the peculiar circumstances of this case, are not persuasive. {30} Uribe relies on, among other authorities, Rule 1 -049(B) NMRA that applies to general verdicts accompanied by answers to interrogatories. The rule reads, in pertinent part, that: [w]hen the answers [to the interrogatories] are consistent with each other but one or more is inconsistent with the general verdict, judgment may be entered in accordance with the answers, notwithstanding the general verdict, or the court may return the jury for further consideration of its answers and verdict or may order a new trial. Id. Consistent with the interpretation of its federal counterpart, we interpret Rule 1-049(B) to impose a “responsibility [upon] a trial judge to resolve the inconsistency [between special interrogatories and a general verdict] in one of the three ways” enumerated in the federal rule. See Elston v. Morgan, 440 F.2d 47, 49 (7th Cir. 1971) (discussing the interpretation of Rule 49 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure). {31} In the present case, because the jury was excused before the inconsistency was noticed and discussed, the resolution of the inconsistency cannot be returned to the jury for further consideration of its answers and verdict. Thus, we are left with whether to require judgment to be entered in accordance with the jury’s answers to the special interrogatories or to order a new trial. We see no reasonable basis on which to order a new trial. One can only speculate about what the jury intended or whether it was confused. Any speculation will not support remand for a new trial. The inconsistency existed. While we fault Uribe’s counsel for her failure to request that the court read the special interrogatory answers or otherwise review the answers on a timely basis, we hold that the court’s failure to read the special interrogatories and answers aloud or at least give them to counsel to read, before excusing the jury, was a fatal error requiring reversal. Persuasive authority supports, if not requires, entry of a judgment in accordance with the jury’s factual determination that Uribe’s intentional act was not a cause of Helena’s harm. {32} The purpose of special interrogatories is to test the validity of the general verdict by ascertaining whether the jury’s findings on certain material issues comport with its verdict. Bryant v. H.B. Lynn Drilling Corp., 65 N.M. 177, 182, 334 P.2d 707, 711 (1959). “In other words, the response of the jury to ... particular questions of fact may show that no judgment can properly be entered in favor of a plaintiff upon a general verdict because the jury has not found in his favor upon some material issue or has found against him as to some fact fatal to his cause of action.” Id. Here, the jury’s conclusion that Uribe’s intentional act was not a cause of Helena’s harm was fatally inconsistent with its finding in favor of Helena on the claim of prima facie tort. Cf. Turpie v. Sw. Cardiology Assocs., P.A., 1998-NMCA-042, ¶¶ 3, 9, 19, 124 N.M. 787, 955 P.2d 716 (affirming the district court’s judgment, consistent with the jury’s answers to special interrogatories, which were fatally inconsistent with the general verdict; reasoning that “[b]y definition, if the defendant did not cause the injured spouse’s damages, from which flow all the damages for loss of consortium, [the] defendant’s actions cannot be the proximate cause of the loss of consortium damages either”); Ramos, 118 N.M. at 537, 882 P.2d at 1050 (stating that “even where there has been a determination of negligence [in a special interrogatory], liability does not follow unless such negligence has been shown to be a proximate cause of the claimed damages” and noting that “when jury questions are conditioned on an affirmative answer to a prior question, negative answers to preceding questions renders subsequent findings improper, immaterial, or devoid of legal significance”). Where the answers to special interrogatories are inconsistent with the general verdict, the answers to the special interrogatories will “override the general verdict},]” and the court shall enter judgment according to the answers to the special interrogatories. Bryant, 65 N.M. at 183-84, 334 P.2d at 712; see Rule 1-049(B); see also Gallegos v. Sandoval, 15 N.M. 216, 223, 106 P. 373, 375 (1909) (“[W]here there is a fatal inconsistency between the general verdict[] and the special findings[,] the latter must control.”). It was, therefore, error for the district court to enter judgment on the general verdict when it was fatally inconsistent with the jury’s answers to the special interrogatories. {33} For the foregoing reasons, we reverse the district court’s judgment in favor of Helena on the issue of prima facie tort. Cf. Turpie, 1998-NMCA-042, ¶ 19 (rejecting the plaintiff’s request for a new trial where there existed inconsistencies between the verdict and the special interrogatories because “[i]t [was] clear that the jury decided [that the defendants’ negligence was not the proximate cause of [the decedent’s] death” and to grant a new trial would be to “second-guess that finding”). Having reversed the prima facie tort judgment against Uribe, we have no need to discuss his remaining prima facie tort arguments. III. Punitive Damages {34} As to punitive damages, the jury was instructed as follows: You have returned a verdict for Helena ... for compensatory damages. Helena . . . seeks to recover punitive damages from . . . Uribe. If you find that the conduct of . . . Uribe was malicious, willful, reckless, wanton, fraudulent},] or in bad faith, then you may award punitive damages against him. Malicious conduct is the intentional doing of a wrongful act with knowledge that the act was wrongful. Willful conduct is the intentional doing of an act with knowledge that harm may result. Reckless conduct is the intentional doing of an act with utter indifference to the consequences. When there is a high risk of danger, conduct that breaches the duty of care is more likely to demonstrate recklessness. Wanton conduct is the doing of an act with utter indifference to or conscious disregard for a person’s rights. Punitive damages are awarded for the limited purposes of punishment and to deter others from the commission of like offenses. The amount of punitive damages must be based on reason and justice taking into account all the circumstances, including the nature and enormity of the wrong and such aggravating and mitigating circumstances awarded, if any, must be reasonably related to the injury and to any damages given as compensation and not disproportionate to the circumstances. A. Sufficiency of the Evidence to Support an Award of Punitive Damages {35} “[W]e review the findings underlying the jury’s award of punitive damages to determine whether those findings are supported by substantial evidence.” Pub. Serv. Co. of N.M. v. Diamond D Constr. Co., 2001-NMCA-082, ¶ 36, 131 N.M. 100, 33 P.3d 651. “Substantial evidence is such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” Id. If supported by substantial evidence, a punitive damages award will be upheld. Alcen v. Plains Elec. Generation & Transmission Coop., Inc., 2002-NMSC-021, ¶ 17, 132 N.M. 401, 49 P.3d 662. We resolve all disputed facts in favor of the jury’s findings and indulge all reasonable inference in favor of the verdict, while disregarding all inferences to the contrary. Diamond D Constr. Co., 2001-NMCA-082, ¶ 36. We review de novo whether the punitive damages award was reasonable. Grassie v. Roswell Hosp. Corp., 2011-NMCA-024, ¶ 48, 150 N.M. 283, 258 P.3d 1075, cert. denied, 2011-NMCERT-002, 150 N.M. 617, 264 P.3d 129. {36} Uribe contends that there was insufficient evidence to support an award of punitive damages as to prima facie tort and defamation. Because we reverse the court’s judgment as to prima facie tort, we limit our consideration of this issue to whether sufficient evidence existed to support a punitive damages award on the defamation claim. We hold that sufficient evidence existed. {37} Contrary to Uribe’s appellate position, that there existed no evidence at trial that he made the defamatory statements with malice and with knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth, the jury was permitted, pursuant to the punitive damages instruction, to award punitive damages if it found that Uribe’s conduct was malicious, willful, reckless, wanton, fraudulent, or in bad faith. Uribe fails to show why the jury could not reasonably infer such conduct from the evidence presented at trial. Moreover, Helena claims, and by failing to respond to the claim Uribe effectively concedes that, at the very least, the evidence showed that Uribe “acted with utter indifference to the consequences or rights of others.” See Delta Automatic Sys., Inc., v. Bingham, 1999-NMCA-029, ¶31, 126 N.M. 717, 974 P.2d 1174 (explaining that failure to respond, in a reply brief, to arguments raised in an answer brief constitutes a concession of the matter). There is no basis for reversal. B. The Parties’ Arguments Concerning the Amount of the Punitive Damages Award {38} Upon Uribe’s motion, the district court remitted the punitive damages award from the jury’s finding of $75,000 to $10,000. In so doing, the court employed the analysis that was set forth in BMW of N. Am., Inc. v. Gore, 517 U.S. 559, 575-86 (1996), and which has been applied in a number of New Mexico cases, including Alcen, 2002-NMSC-021, ¶ 20. Pursuant to BMW of N. Am., court’s assessing a punitive damages award[] . . . should consider three criteria: 1) the degree of reprehensibility of the defendant’s misconduct; 2) the disparity between the harm (or potential harm) suffered by the plaintiff and the punitive damages award; and 3) the difference between the punitive damages awarded by the jury and the civil penalties authorized or imposed in comparable cases. Aken, 2002-NMSC-021, ¶ 20. Because we reverse the court’s judgment in favor of Helena on the issue of prima facie tort, the $5,000 punitive damages award that corresponds to that claim is likewise reversed and will not be considered in the ensuing analysis. {39} Both parties argue that the sum of $5,000 in punitive damages on the defamation claim was an improper award. Uribe argues that “punitive damages in the amount of 5,000 times the actual damages is entirely unreasonable” and that the award “far exceeds any reasonable relation to the [nominal] amount of damages awarded.” He requests that we reverse the award of punitive damages altogether or, in the alternative, reduce it to $3.00, representing an award of three times the amount of actual damages. Helena, on the other hand, argues that the district court erred in remitting the punitive damages award and that the jury’s punitive damage award should stand. Our review of the constitutionality of a punitive damages award is de novo. Chavarria v. Fleetwood Retail Corp., 2006-NMSC-046, ¶ 36, 140 N.M. 478, 143 P.3d 717. Our de novo review is essentially one for reasonableness. Id. {40} The record reflects the following district court analysis of the BMW of N. Am. factors. First, in regard to the degree of reprehensibility of Uribe’s misconduct, the court reviewed the jury’s answers to the special interrogatories on defamation. The court specifically noted the jury’s answers to a number of questions that pertained to defamation, including: Did . . . Uribe publish the communications ? Yes. Did the communications contain a statement of fact? Yes. Were the communications defamatory? Yes. Did the person understanding or receiving the communication understand them to be defamatory? Yes. Did . . . Uribe know that the communications were false or negligently failed to recognize they were false? Yes. Did the communicationfs] cause actual injuries to Helena[’s] . . . reputation? Yes. The court stated that the jury’s “Yes” answers to those questions “show[ed] that the jury felt that there was reprehensible conduct on the part of. . . Uribe.” {41} The court also discussed a number of additional factors that bear on the issue of reprehensibility, including: whether the harm caused was physical as opposed to economic; the tortious conduct evinced an indifference to or a reckless disregard of the health or safety of others; the target of the conduct had financial vulnerability; the conduct involved repeated actions or was an isolated incident; and the harm was the result of intentional malice, trickery, or deceit}.] Bogle v. Summit Inv. Co., LLC, 2005-NMCA-024, ¶ 34, 137 N.M. 80, 107 P.3d 520 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Specifically, the court found that Helena suffered an economic, rather than physical harm; that the answers to the interrogatories indicated that the jury found that “[t]he [tortious] conduct [evinced] an indifference or a reckless disregard for the health or safety of others”; that Helena did not “clearly prove[]” that it had “financial vulnerability”; that “there, clearly, [were] repeated actions”; and that Uribe “did what he did as a result of intentional malice.” The court determined that “there [were] sufficient jury findings to find that there was a degree of reprehensibility that could justify an award of substantial punitive damages.” {42} As to the second BMW of N. Am. factor, the disparity between the harm or potential harm suffered by the plaintiff and the punitive damages award, the court stated, “[y]ou have one dollar for each of the plaintiff’s torts or two dollars total with a total of $75,000 in punitive damagefs] awards. . . . [I]t does seem like there is a gross disparity that would not be justified in the end.” Additionally, the court found that “the punitive damages are so far in excess of what would be reasonable, that the [c]ourt should remit.” Accordingly, the court held that it would “remit to the amount of $5,000 for each of the torts prove[d] ... so that the total punitive damages would be $10,000.” The court did not analyze the third BMW ofN. Am. factor. {43} Our review of the district court’s analysis of the BMW of N. Am. factors leads us to conclude that the award of $5,000 in punitive damages on the defamation claim was reasonable. As to the first factor, the court considered Uribe’s conduct reprehensible to a degree sufficient to justify an award of “substantial punitive damages.” Uribe has not provided any persuasive- argument to show that the degree of reprehensibility of his conduct did not justify the court’s decision to award $5,000 in punitive damages. Nor are we persuaded, as Helena maintains, that an award of punitive damages in the amount of $5,000 is insufficient in light of the degree of reprehensibility of Uribe’s conduct. The district court having heard the evidence and having reviewed the jury’s findings found that $5,000 was sufficiently punitive as to the defamation claim, and we believe that finding to be reasonable. See Chavarria, 2006-NMSC-043 ¶ 36 (stating that our review is essentially one for reasonableness). {44} This Court has recognized that although the second BMW of N. Am. factor requires consideration of the ratio of punitive damages to compensatory damages, it nevertheless remains “the general rule in New Mexico ... that a punitive damages award can be justified even when supported only by an award of nominal damages.” Akins v. United Steelworkers of Am., 2009-NMCA-051, ¶ 34, 146 N.M. 237, 208 P.3d 457 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). In Garcia v. Coffman, 1997-NMCA-092, ¶¶ 1, 8, 41, 43, 124 N.M. 12, 946 P.2d 216, this Court upheld a $50,000 punitive damages award supported by a $ 1.00 nominal damage award, and in so doing, we rejected the argument that the BMW of N. Am. ratio factor was controlling. {45} In Coffman, we explained that “the harm likely to result [from the defendants’ egregious conduct] is as much a consideration as the harm that actually occurred” and “that a high ratio of punitive damages to actual damages could be justified if a particularly egregious act resulted in a small amount of economic damage.” Id. ¶ 41. Here, the district court’s conclusion that Uribe’s conduct was sufficiently reprehensible to justify a substantial punitive damages award is as much a consideration as is the amount of actual harm suffered by Helena. Because this Court does not “evaluate the propriety of a punitive damages award according to a mathematical formula that compares punitive damages to economic damages[,]” id., we see no basis on which to disturb the district court’s $5,000 punitive damages award on the claim of defamation. {46} As to Helena’s argument that the court erred in determining that the disparity between the harm and the punitive damages award justified its decision to remit, we are not persuaded. First, Helena’s argument that the United States and New Mexico Supreme Courts have rejected a “bright-line ratio” that punitive damages are not to exceed is unavailing in this case where there was no indication that the district court even applied a ratio or tried to fit one into its analysis. Second, Helena’s authorities do not support the proposition that this Court should substitute its judgment for that of the district court in determining the amount of punitive damages that was justified by Uribe’s conduct. And we decline to do so. See Jolley v. Energen Res. Corp., 2008-NMCA-164, ¶ 31, 145 N.M. 350, 198 P.3d 376 (explaining that our review of the BMW ofN. Am. factors “is not truly [a] de novo review [and because o]ur task is limited to determining whether the amount of the award is grossly excessive and therefore within or beyond the outer limits of due process[,] ... we do not ourselves determine the actual award of punitive damages”). {47} The third BMW of N. Am. factor, which calls for comparing civil and criminal penalties authorized or imposed in comparable cases can be of no benefit to Uribe or to Helena. The parties offer no examples of civil penalties for comparison purposes. Helena offers a comparison between criminal libel, a misdemeanor and the tort of defamation, a comparison that was also noted by our Supreme Court in Aken. 2002-NMSC-021, ¶ 27; see NMSA 1978, § 30-11-1 (1963). Helena contends that because the crime of criminal libel carries a possible jail sentence of one year, the jury’s original punitive damages award was reasonable. See NMSA 1978, § 31-19-1 (A) (1984) (stating the possible penalties for a misdemeanor); see also Alcen, 2002-NMSC-021, ¶ 27 (explaining that “[t]he possibility of a jail sentence justifies a substantial punitive damages award”). It is unclear whether Uribe’s defamatory conduct would have constituted criminal libel, insofar as his statements may arguably have been considered “matters of public concern.” See State v. Powell, 114 N.M. 395, 403, 839 P.2d 139, 147 (Ct. App. 1992) (holding that Section 30-11-1 was “unconstitutional as applied to a charge of libel predicated on public statements that involve matters of public concern”). This public concern issue was not raised below, and we will not, on appeal, address it. Accordingly, we will not attempt a direct comparison between the amount of punitive damages in this case and the possible jail time that Uribe could have faced had he been convicted of criminal libel. We conclude that the third BMW ofN. Am. factor provides no basis for reinstating the jury’s substantially higher punitive damages award or for reducing the amount of the court’s remitted award. {48} In sum, neither party has provided justification for modifying or reversing the district court’s punitive damages award as to the defamation claim. We believe the court acted reasonably in remitting the award, and we believe the amount of the award is reasonable. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the district court awarding Helena punitive damages in the amount of $5,000. IV. The District Court’s Reduction of Helena’s Cost Bill {49} Rule 1 -054(D)(4) NMRA sets out the procedure for recovery of costs. It reads as follows: Within fifteen ... days after filing of the final judgment, the party recovering costs shall file with the clerk of the district court an itemized cost bill, with proof of service of a copy on opposing counsel. Any party failing to file a cost bill within fifteen . . . days after the filing of the final judgment shall be deemed to have waived costs. If no objections are filed within ten . . . days after service of the cost bill, the clerk of the district court shall tax the claimed costs which are allowable by law. The judge shall settle any objections filed. Id. {50} On August 2, 2010, before entry of judgment, Helena filed a bill of costs with the clerk of the district court. On August 20, 2010, there having been no objection by Uribe, the court clerk taxed costs in the amount of $89,018.13. On September 1, 2010, the district court held a hearing on Helena’s post-trial motions, including the issue of entry of a final judgment. At that hearing, Uribe’s counsel stated that it had received copy of the proposed final judgment, and although counsel agreed with “the majority of the final judgment},]” counsel expressed that she did “have a problem with [including] the amount of . . . taxable court costs in the final judgment.” Additionally, Uribe’s counsel explained that she would “be seeking a reduction of those costs}.]” {51} In response, Helena argued, pursuant to Rule 1-054(D)(4) that by failing to object within ten days of the filing of the cost bill, Uribe had waived any objection thereto. Uribe’s counsel explained “}s]ince the judgment had} not] been entered,... the filing of the cost [bill] would be premature” because “you have to have a judgment before you submit a cost bill.” The court rejected Helena’s argument. Accordingly, the court quashed the clerk’s entry of costs and held Helena was not required to re-submit its bill of costs, but that the bill of costs would “be considered entered [at] the same time as the judgment,” and the ten-day objection period would run from the date of the entry of the final judgment. Subsequently, at a hearing on Uribe’s objections to Helena’s bill of costs, the court awarded costs of $9,000, an amount that reflected approximately ten percent of Helena’s bill of costs. {52} On appeal, Helena contends that the district court erred in ruling that the bill of costs may only be effective following entry of a final judgment. Helena argues that the court’s ruling was the result of its erroneous interpretation of Rule 1-054. In Helena’s view, Rule 1-054(D)(4) “establishes a clear and definite outer limit for filing a cost bill; [but] the rule’s silence as to how . . . early a prevailing party may file its cost bill, indicates a party is not prohibited from filing prior to final judgment.” Helena requests that this Court hold that Uribe failed to timely object to the cost bill and that we reinstate the court clerk’s original cost taxation of August 20, 2010. Additionally, Helena argues, in the alternative, that the district court erred in reducing the costs award from Helena’s requested $89,018.13 to $9,000. {53} We review Helena’s argument regarding the court’s interpretation of Rule 1-054 de novo. See H-B-S P’ship v. AIRCOA Hospitality Servs., Inc., 2008-NMCA-013, ¶ 5, 143 N.M. 404, 176 P.3d 1136 (stating that the interpretation of the Rules of Civil Procedure is a question of law, reviewed de novo). We review the court’s decision regarding the amount of costs for an abuse of discretion. See Key v. Chrysler Motors Corp., 2000-NMSC-010, ¶ 7, 128 N.M. 739, 998 P.2d 575. A court abuses its discretion when its decision is contrary to logic and reason or if its decision is premised on a misapprehension of the law. See Paz v. Tijerina, 2007-NMCA-109, ¶ 8, 142 N.M. 391, 165 P.3d 1167. “When there exist reasons both supporting and detracting from a trial court decision, there is no abuse of discretion.” Alverson v. Harris, 123 N.M. 153, 158, 935 P.2d 1165, 1170 (Ct. App. 1996) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). {54} The district court did not err in its interpretation of Rule 1-054(D)(4) or in its related ruling that, with respect to a prematurely filed bill of costs or the clerk’s taxation of such costs before a judgment awarding costs is entered, the court has authority to consider anew the issue of the amount of costs. Although there exists a presumption that the prevailing party will be awarded costs, the losing party may, based on a showing of bad faith, misconduct, unjustness, or other circumstances, overcome the presumption. Marchman v. NCNB Texas Natl Bank, 120 N.M. 74, 94-95, 898 P.2d 709, 729-30 (1995). “Additionally, the [district] court, upon a showing of equitable grounds, may restrict, apportion, or disallow costs[.]” Marshall v. Providence Wash. Ins. Co., 1997-NMCA-121, ¶ 31, 124 N.M. 381, 951 P.2d 76. Thus, whether to award costs to the prevailing party is ultimately a matter within the discretion of the district court. Marchman, 120 N.M. at 94-95, 898 P.2d at 729-30; see also Rule 1-054(C) (“[E]very final judgment shall grant the relief to which the party in whose favor it is rendered is entitled[.]”). Because, at the time that Helena filed its bill of costs with the district court clerk, the court had yet to issue a final judgment stating that costs would be awarded to Helena, the court properly concluded that the filing was premature. Therefore, we agree with the district court’s decision to quash the court clerk’s taxation of costs and to allow Uribe ten days from the entry of the final judgment to object to Helena’s bill of costs. {55} Helena’s reliance on Trimble Cattle Co. v. Henry & Horne, 592 P.2d 1311, 1316 (Ariz. Ct. App. 1979), is unpersuasive. In Trimble Cattle, the court held that an Arizona rule of procedure, similar to Rule 1-054(D)(4), did not “forbid the filing and service of a statement of costs prior to the entry of the formal written judgment^ but rather; it defines] the outer time limit which the parties have to file their statements of costs.” Id. at 1316. Even were we to adopt the Arizona court’s reasoning, we would nevertheless reject Helena’s contention. Helena provides no authority or argument to show that the court could not, within its discretion, or for equitable purposes, quash the court clerk’s taxation of costs, and independently consider any objections as to which the court was previously unaware. Under these circumstances, we decline to hold that the district court erred. {56} In regard to the court’s reduction of costs, the record reflects that the court’s decision was based on four findings: (1) that courtcostsof$89,000 for $2.00 compensation to Helena was so far beyond “what[ was] reasonable under the circumstances of this particular case” that it almost “shock[ed] the conscience” of the court; (2) that Uribe had “very little assets”; (3) that Helena’s expert fees were excessive; and (4) that there existed a great disparity of wealth between the parties. {57} Helena argues that the district court abused its discretion in finding that Uribe established his inability to pay and that the court improperly held that Helena’s costs were excessive. In regard to both contested findings, Helena argues that there was insufficient evidence to support the court’s conclusions. We disagree. {58} Uribe testified that his total income in 2009 was $18,500. Uribe’s testimony constituted sufficient evidence to support the court’s inference that Uribe had “very little assets.” Additionally, Uribe presented evidence in support of the court’s finding that Helena’s expert fees were excessive. Specifically, Uribe argued in the district court that Helena was “trying to get close to $64,000 in costs for three expert witnesses[,]” many of which costs were “not necessarily related” to preparation for depositions or trial. Among other things, Uribe pointed, for example, to one expert’s having spent “close to $13,000 just in coming to trial[,]” including “eight hours for testimony, when clearly his testimony was not any longer than three hours, probably closer to one hour.” Thus, there was sufficient evidence to support the court’s determination that the expert witness fees were excessive. Further, the court was entitled to use its discretion to reduce the costs based on equitable grounds. The court did not abuse its discretion by reducing the award of costs. CONCLUSION {59} In regard to prima facie tort, the judgment of the district court against Uribe and its concomitant award of $5,000 punitive damages is reversed. We remand with instructions to enter judgment in Uribe’s favor dismissing the prima facie tort claim with prejudice on the ground that Helena failed to provide sufficient evidence to sustain the claim, the consequences of which are that Uribe was not liable in prima facie tort and not liable for nominal or punitive damages regarding that claim. In all other respects, the judgment of the district court is affirmed. {60} IT IS SO ORDERED. JONATHAN B. SUTIN, Judge WE CONCUR: JAMES J. WECHSLER, Judge J. MILES HANISEE, Judge
[ -0.03304455056786537, -0.02370365522801876, -0.01666819304227829, -0.000026711790269473568, 0.03419491648674011, 0.018088065087795258, 0.04463896155357361, 0.04590621963143349, 0.034446679055690765, 0.002922243671491742, -0.0067184860818088055, 0.03877425566315651, -0.06250327080488205, 0.0359196737408638, -0.004704316612333059, 0.07067612558603287, 0.04902774840593338, 0.05165989324450493, 0.017766935750842094, 0.02654208429157734, 0.01953127235174179, -0.020675580948591232, 0.009526167064905167, 0.03583354875445366, 0.02043476328253746, 0.00510370684787631, 0.010388574562966824, 0.012456981465220451, -0.08428672701120377, -0.0121951624751091, 0.05826486647129059, 0.03223229944705963, -0.00327334669418633, -0.025195034220814705, -0.03824273496866226, -0.0013510157587006688, 0.00008954511577030644, -0.040384601801633835, -0.03319625183939934, 0.006649371702224016, -0.032034993171691895, 0.00933314859867096, -0.0371420718729496, -0.006813740357756615, -0.034589983522892, 0.026095222681760788, -0.002311959397047758, 0.03328810632228851, -0.02243257686495781, 0.012399149127304554, -0.11984764784574509, 0.008059131912887096, -0.0439627543091774, -0.007828272879123688, -0.038721684366464615, 0.04432912915945053, -0.028610438108444214, -0.009066455997526646, -0.059602562338113785, -0.014237935654819012, 0.014052500948309898, 0.0374862477183342, 0.05726989731192589, -0.01906200870871544, 0.034830041229724884, 0.025599956512451172, 0.025810405611991882, 0.02691200003027916, -0.09032659232616425, -0.05074256658554077, -0.024180321022868156, 0.012895455583930016, -0.031054751947522163, -0.016138790175318718, 0.000558470084797591, -0.05953492596745491, -0.018916809931397438, 0.004586253315210342, 0.035225760191679, 0.061670999974012375, 0.04492277652025223, -0.00029163819272071123, 0.033161062747240067, 0.02304649166762829, -0.02041231282055378, -0.002698772819712758, 0.010285291820764542, -0.05750332400202751, -0.05804036557674408, 0.03343569487333298, -0.014982206746935844, -0.05025125667452812, 0.022146256640553474, 0.06897936016321182, -0.007652862463146448, -0.027347387745976448, 0.07830912619829178, 0.0016542337834835052, 0.0007241128478199244, -0.012835228815674782, -0.04498421028256416, -0.033526577055454254, 0.023303760215640068, 0.038775790482759476, -0.08020468801259995, 0.009576007723808289, -0.04607333242893219, -0.005904369056224823, 0.006045666057616472, 0.021954096853733063, 0.002695866161957383, 0.034339539706707, -0.018037661910057068, -0.01605919748544693, -0.08338706940412521, 0.04498154670000076, 0.03152700141072273, 0.0012368992902338505, 0.0005294176517054439, 0.0029578229878097773, 0.06564048677682877, -0.02230880968272686, 0.006530390586704016, 0.08392395079135895, 0.02319405786693096, 0.01945739984512329, 0.022920804098248482, 0.040276702493429184, -0.034522369503974915, -0.05634595826268196, 0.006793762091547251, 0.03424552083015442, 0.0031462744809687138, -0.00857621245086193, -0.008929289877414703, -0.01697247289121151, 0.008610169403254986, -0.0029651515651494265, 0.05563092604279518, -0.05016884580254555, 0.028232453390955925, -0.024682028219103813, -0.013258017599582672, -0.006197925191372633, 0.05575943738222122, -0.06479641050100327, 0.0003876702394336462, 0.004327419679611921, -0.05358827859163284, -0.0056083775125443935, -0.00648731691762805, 0.041124675422906876, 0.022731386125087738, -0.029821019619703293, 0.010942278429865837, 0.002788128796964884, 0.08506849408149719, -0.03552791476249695, -0.025708656758069992, 0.03702174127101898, 0.01941703073680401, 0.03296235203742981, 0.053325626999139786, 0.0020280182361602783, 0.014075183309614658, -0.02274220436811447, 0.00951437745243311, -0.002072633011266589, -0.028049839660525322, -0.0016440951731055975, -0.025055790320038795, -0.02352282591164112, 0.059523407369852066, -0.033116016536951065, -0.02462681755423546, 0.005289271008223295, 0.020661041140556335, 0.010262386873364449, 0.04251405596733093, -0.05939570814371109, -0.061379317194223404, 0.042836569249629974, 0.001502254162915051, 0.01862715743482113, -0.020533345639705658, -0.007113675121217966, 0.061198871582746506, -0.013176992535591125, 0.036882393062114716, 0.004013934172689915, -0.08100283145904541, -0.028320714831352234, -0.0014323244104161859, -0.012702959589660168, 0.07942570000886917, 0.030990352854132652, -0.02368845045566559, 0.02854154072701931, 0.01464093942195177, 0.026978526264429092, -0.03209090977907181, 0.07202155143022537, 0.04724042862653732, -0.05500689521431923, -0.049953393638134, 0.01563112437725067, 0.031778592616319656, -0.020383989438414574, -0.03134550526738167, 0.06368773430585861, -0.051180340349674225, 0.022314395755529404, 0.044657982885837555, -0.021927183493971825, -0.008371828123927116, -0.018474647775292397, 0.03553561493754387, -0.02667132019996643, 0.052883125841617584, -0.056617606431245804, 0.05136945843696594, -0.009498361498117447, -0.02820470742881298, 0.05738279968500137, -0.04094593599438667, 0.08134548366069794, 0.08257842063903809, -0.02392308972775936, -0.002143287565559149, -0.0038544044364243746, -0.009784985333681107, -0.026862256228923798, 0.04188032075762749, 0.04427321255207062, 0.015340564772486687, -0.03375053033232689, -0.032779939472675323, -0.00717635964974761, 0.041356172412633896, -0.05718033388257027, 0.03903543949127197, 0.06995145231485367, 0.005663606803864241, 0.06996472179889679, -0.04171920567750931, -0.025174783542752266, -0.02075350284576416, -0.007301891688257456, -0.05887681245803833, -0.02627190761268139, -0.010164111852645874, 0.002635843586176634, -0.005272294394671917, 0.016944587230682373, 0.008184744976460934, -0.04972847178578377, -0.027032144367694855, -0.005778001621365547, 0.01409140508621931, 0.021107451990246773, -0.03934188559651375, 0.06050631403923035, 0.035821910947561264, -0.02621745690703392, -0.03124677576124668, -0.03193643316626549, -0.007088004611432552, 0.015778370201587677, -0.02029716968536377, -0.011281841434538364, 0.03482484444975853, 0.002526530995965004, 0.018059123307466507, -0.018253987655043602, 0.004355243872851133, 0.004518544767051935, -0.013389015570282936, 0.001994253834709525, -0.032166171818971634, 0.01618785411119461, 0.0010713250376284122, 0.0148695083335042, -0.046091120690107346, -0.07021971046924591, -0.01783847250044346, -0.03833594173192978, 0.03153115138411522, -0.07077724486589432, -0.021173669025301933, 0.03883269056677818, -0.01966644637286663, 0.00039190766983665526, -0.03004535287618637, -0.025158105418086052, -0.012012281455099583, 0.003382386639714241, 0.01091539952903986, 0.019985990598797798, 0.024212485179305077, -0.010479336604475975, -0.008921249769628048, -0.0035693328827619553, -0.02109677344560623, 0.022080911323428154, -0.0059190294705331326, 0.01562577672302723, -0.024977758526802063, 0.04309392347931862, -0.23958785831928253, 0.006594604346901178, -0.0020396553445607424, -0.02129732072353363, 0.04162857308983803, -0.057905446738004684, 0.0209073293954134, 0.018417464569211006, -0.01686982810497284, 0.02642291970551014, 0.04259083420038223, -0.0000829174678074196, -0.003402215661481023, 0.03946307301521301, 0.05108322575688362, -0.02368668094277382, 0.011715610511600971, -0.0015856444370001554, -0.011815509758889675, 0.02624191716313362, 0.02104332484304905, -0.041141338646411896, -0.05421333760023117, -0.003138130996376276, 0.031086066737771034, 0.07222367823123932, 0.0014549503102898598, -0.005798838101327419, -0.02755196951329708, -0.031269632279872894, -0.03408947214484215, -0.0017717428272590041, 0.012927318923175335, -0.029670173302292824, 0.001341072260402143, 0.0009271697490476072, -0.022069092839956284, -0.016077546402812004, -0.025342034175992012, -0.009651371277868748, 0.016589662060141563, -0.047344572842121124, -0.018832551315426826, 0.05010436847805977, 0.05685735493898392, -0.00437857024371624, -0.04950951784849167, -0.0027579914312809706, -0.012088553979992867, 0.07612305879592896, 0.013865815475583076, 0.0024235148448497057, -0.04684988036751747, 0.016169434413313866, -0.00871292594820261, 0.0024107052013278008, -0.044020455330610275, 0.01697617396712303, -0.04243812337517738, 0.040351856499910355, -0.03154700994491577, -0.03670449182391167, -0.0419895313680172, -0.03670240193605423, -0.04213215410709381, -0.0421961173415184, -0.04754156991839409, -0.0654325932264328, 0.10679060965776443, -0.003688283497467637, 0.0354912132024765, -0.008387153968214989, -0.029971573501825333, -0.08222309499979019, -0.018523557111620903, -0.01653900556266308, -0.03806653618812561, -0.07079536467790604, -0.027631210163235664, -0.01689690537750721, -0.020000820979475975, -0.04486142843961716, 0.014834456145763397, 0.006412684451788664, -0.010762972757220268, -0.013874951750040054, 0.01838233321905136, 0.05790349468588829, -0.05100841447710991, -0.0029381425119936466, 0.05381554737687111, 0.007127605378627777, -0.002346846042200923, 0.003978391643613577, 0.01230114046484232, 0.05902846157550812, -0.014308406971395016, -0.04451296105980873, -0.03786007687449455, -0.014295014552772045, 0.030007068067789078, -0.07087022811174393, 0.06438212096691132, -0.03982030227780342, 0.00616096705198288, 0.011406147852540016, -0.07351555675268173, -0.005802932661026716, 0.03341977298259735, 0.0071377563290297985, 0.03074435517191887, 0.002265106188133359, 0.048818059265613556, 0.011739848181605339, -0.015528540126979351, -0.00038922217208892107, 0.03556159883737564, 0.00044511849409900606, 0.0465271919965744, 0.012017088942229748, 0.022985119372606277, 0.02608497254550457, -0.005709694232791662, -0.032077763229608536, -0.05587915703654289, -0.005217039026319981, 0.04534836485981941, 0.000007148016720748274, -0.0026162350550293922, 0.026686614379286766, -0.02786097303032875, -0.021122712641954422, -0.026303963735699654, 0.014742951840162277, 0.02343076840043068, 0.022918852046132088, -0.0074320207349956036, -0.025168118998408318, 0.03587756305932999, -0.023651978000998497, 0.02627970278263092, 0.004110356327146292, 0.008503811433911324, 0.018849439918994904, 0.0572696179151535, -0.026482215151190758, 0.006375564727932215, -0.01023789681494236, -0.018566597253084183, 0.05006810650229454, 0.02890801802277565, -0.0291835218667984, -0.0020431929733604193, -0.04079262167215347, -0.006164645776152611, -0.021606629714369774, 0.03470959886908531, -0.002482642186805606, -0.01062384620308876, -0.02755168452858925, 0.005586173385381699, -0.034743424504995346, -0.013677487149834633, -0.031521059572696686, 0.006699431221932173, 0.03337932378053665, 0.004249826073646545, -0.009766364470124245, -0.033783748745918274, 0.012597023509442806, -0.011007035151124, -0.055328622460365295, -0.033214498311281204, -0.010015571489930153, 0.016294404864311218, 0.05721627548336983, -0.01682547852396965, 0.0037269580643624067, 0.03793033957481384, 0.03463030606508255, -0.009054523892700672, -0.031084846705198288, -0.02247515879571438, -0.018240056931972504, 0.04580901563167572, -0.03852006047964096, 0.015949927270412445, -0.03887490555644035, -0.022833237424492836, 0.01502501592040062, 0.011019299738109112, 0.0045385886915028095, -0.02166883833706379, 0.03692973405122757, -0.08353271335363388, -0.02210352011024952, 0.006055383011698723, -0.007599999662488699, 0.06912320852279663, 0.06860597431659698, -0.05497652664780617, -0.018262116238474846, -0.02383444830775261, 0.04169589653611183, -0.029483934864401817, -0.07446186989545822, 0.0378098338842392, 0.0687011182308197, -0.018060442060232162, 0.015232955105602741, -0.0558791346848011, -0.0004589763702824712, 0.01912454329431057, 0.021694645285606384, 0.03990819305181503, -0.0678645521402359, 0.047383181750774384, -0.0142980283126235, -0.05199560523033142, 0.0033589827362447977, 0.0005692365812137723, -0.05546565726399422, 0.002662816783413291, -0.009667293168604374, -0.015271352604031563, 0.06668676435947418, -0.020756790414452553, 0.001711172517389059, 0.018321754410862923, -0.041770417243242264, 0.07437393814325333, -0.03678162395954132, -0.011280467733740807, 0.0359843447804451, -0.010947098024189472, -0.006236260291188955, -0.016728240996599197, 0.0029903005342930555, -0.05699587240815163, 0.04947135969996452, 0.003801944898441434, 0.041243553161621094, 0.00311154848895967, -0.05491259694099426, 0.027390578761696815, -0.016846198588609695, 0.056509487330913544, 0.04446535184979439, -0.0037565475795418024, 0.04958036541938782, -0.04028366506099701, 0.04527833312749863, -0.04185444116592407, 0.03592945262789726, 0.006812784820795059, -0.06315355747938156, 0.0010085111716762185, 0.0183994360268116, -0.08422140032052994, 0.03310677781701088, 0.024496551603078842, 0.021213781088590622, 0.006149315740913153, 0.005219610407948494, 0.029898835346102715, 0.03742826357483864, -0.0018216054886579514, -0.007872994989156723, 0.0240382831543684, -0.06016460433602333, 0.007858465425670147, -0.07135048508644104, 0.04039711505174637, -0.015158995985984802, 0.021546509116888046, 0.04029965028166771, -0.017556872218847275, -0.02615906111896038, 0.048633165657520294, -0.044686637818813324, -0.02765011601150036, 0.005070595536381006, -0.0031613085884600878, -0.006868312601000071, 0.05536987632513046, -0.04519122093915939, -0.010050629265606403, 0.018369724974036217, -0.09775734692811966, -0.05135147273540497, -0.02326870709657669, 0.016041794791817665, -0.007044286001473665, 0.01674177683889866, -0.05409032106399536, -0.01544713880866766, 0.014359617605805397, 0.04388643801212311, -0.03693101927638054, 0.03579620271921158, -0.05085710808634758, 0.05494038015604019, 0.027159878984093666, 0.012576253153383732, 0.03426869586110115, 0.007055203430354595, -0.030507467687129974, -0.03614852949976921, -0.010237058624625206, 0.020276259630918503, -0.04315158352255821, -0.07990157604217529, 0.01949033886194229, -0.01934647187590599, -0.04670242965221405, 0.006764145102351904, 0.0010649820324033499, -0.027933774515986443, 0.019703324884176254, 0.0015487641794607043, 0.03971061110496521, -0.030074836686253548, 0.05652449652552605, 0.013148763217031956, 0.08904872089624405, 0.058498963713645935, -0.0325564406812191, 0.0017693523550406098, 0.030260693281888962, 0.04685558006167412, 0.032655540853738785, 0.0300118550658226, -0.03783787041902542, 0.03433477133512497, -0.013534331694245338, -0.015740783885121346, 0.020720545202493668, -0.038802944123744965, -0.0143352085724473, 0.004567132331430912, 0.04666223004460335, 0.03150298073887825, -0.0068430909886956215, 0.028123807162046432, 0.016626784577965736, 0.013931065797805786, 0.020493941381573677, -0.036517590284347534, 0.04826001450419426, 0.04051211476325989, 0.02072347141802311, 0.0015928206266835332, -0.005195681005716324, -0.025998132303357124, -0.019026972353458405, 0.030074389651417732, -0.0053692166693508625, -0.028177084401249886, -0.06940939277410507, 0.060212235897779465, -0.019433362409472466, -0.03531431034207344, 0.07263630628585815, -0.014402923174202442, -0.05907031148672104, 0.0022283107973635197, 0.01367751881480217, -0.0199763011187315, -0.0224494319409132, 0.033741507679224014, 0.05755981430411339, -0.03251582011580467, -0.002527784090489149, 0.027321314439177513, 0.06186080724000931, -0.00543049955740571, 0.06926344335079193, -0.00320839649066329, -0.02354888804256916, 0.05884223058819771, 0.026032982394099236, -0.013746120035648346, -0.015978574752807617, -0.03787660226225853, -0.03497829660773277, -0.07289605587720871, 0.008850179612636566, 0.018772289156913757, -0.01585545763373375, -0.03541494533419609, -0.010466587729752064, -0.01865670457482338, 0.00877922773361206, 0.063865527510643, -0.08120355755090714, 0.03402864187955856, 0.03950980678200722, 0.02773650735616684, -0.01055858749896288, 0.025416990742087364, 0.05168149992823601, 0.008770636282861233, -0.016869228333234787, 0.0488070510327816, -0.029057973995804787, 0.032785747200250626, -0.07322009652853012, 0.0007804299239069223, -0.05102917551994324, -0.0007889073458500206, 0.021560922265052795, -0.02077866904437542, -0.05191434919834137, 0.0012187197571620345, -0.037719592452049255, -0.0414310023188591, 0.01879722625017166, 0.03330284357070923, -0.0006505759083665907, 0.014397621154785156, -0.03725337237119675, -0.014300172217190266, 0.03491150587797165, 0.047396376729011536, -0.01123600173741579, 0.04718396067619324, 0.010975810699164867, 0.015272846445441246, -0.02441938780248165, 0.012899106368422508, 0.009455881081521511, 0.005497476551681757, -0.027687134221196175, -0.0028903232887387276, -0.030002374202013016, -0.044372715055942535, -0.057366713881492615, 0.05582336336374283, 0.000013014758224016987, -0.02461831271648407, 0.019619978964328766, 0.014189863577485085, 0.026532849296927452, -0.07178850471973419, 0.03570489585399628, 0.039079099893569946, -0.04550759866833687, -0.03385384380817413, -0.0350058376789093, -0.012486869469285011, -0.011633035726845264, 0.03808584809303284, -0.005496790166944265, -0.05157782509922981, 0.013825677335262299, -0.0509493388235569, 0.017427144572138786, 0.00033381173852831125, 0.012266016565263271, -0.0016245112055912614 ]
OPINION FRY, Judge. {1} This case involves a dispute over ownership of a ground water right on approximately twenty-eight acres of elevated bench lands on Appellant John D. Baca’s farm property in Salem, New Mexico. In the course of a subfile proceeding initiated by the Office of the State Engineer (OSE) in order to determine ownership of water rights on B aca’s farm, the district court appointed a special master to try the matter. The special master filed a report recommending that the district court grant ownership of the disputed water right to Baca. Upon the OSE’s written objections to the report, the district court rejected the special master’s report in part and then entered an order declaring that Baca did not have a water right on the disputed bench lands. {2} Baca appeals, arguing that the district court was bound by the factual findings and legal conclusions entered by the special master and that the court improperly re-weighed the evidence and applied an erroneous standard of review in rejecting the special master’s report. W e agree and conclude that the district court’s actions were improper under the standard of review established by our case law. We therefore reverse the district court’s order and remand for the district court to consider the OSE’s remaining objection on the issue of abandonment of the water right. I. BACKGROUND {3} The present case arose as a subfile proceeding in the course of a general adjudication of water rights in the lower Rio Grande stream system. At issue in this particular subfile proceeding is a disputed water right on Baca’s farm in Salem, New Mexico. Baca purchased the 132-acre farm in 1981. For purposes of the subfile proceeding, Baca’s property was divided into two distinct areas: (1) the “valley lands,” consisting of forty-two acres; and (2) the “bench lands,” consisting of approximately twenty-eight acres that were terraced into eighteen benches that took the shape of a chevron when viewed from the air. The subfile for Baca’s property consists of five water rights, only one of which is at issue in this appeal. This disputed water right is associated with the bench lands and, more specifically, it is the right to ground water produced from a well for the upper sixteen benches (the disputed benches) on Baca’s property. {4} Over the span of four years beginning in 2001, the OSE sent a series of offers of judgment to Baca during the subfile phase of the adjudication in order to reach an agreement on this disputed water right. When the parties were unable to come to an agreement on this water right, the district court referred the matter to a special master pursuant to its authority under Rule 1-053 NMRA. {5} Rule 1-053 governs the appointment and use of special masters in district court proceedings. In non-jury cases, a district court is permitted to refer a matter to a special master upon a showing of an exceptional condition or “in matters of account and of difficult computation of damages.” Rule 1-053(B). In this case, the district court appointed attorney Stephen Snyder as special master after determining that exceptional conditions warranted the referral. The district court’s order of reference directed the special master to “hear and determine all claims and contentions of the parties” and to “make findings of fact and conclusions of law and prepare and file a report” with the court at the conclusion of the proceedings. See Rule 1-053(E)(1) (requiring the special master to prepare a report on the matter submitted to him and file the report with the court). {6} The parties tried two issues before the special master: (1) whether a predecessor in interest to Baca established a ground water right on the disputed benches and, if so, (2) whether Baca abandoned this water right. In the proceedings before the special master, the OSE took the position that a water right was never established for the disputed benches because water from the well was not put to beneficial use on these benches. See Hydro Res. Corp. v. Gray, 2007-NMSC-061, ¶ 21, 143 N.M. 142, 173 P.3d 749 (stating the general principle that “[gjround water, like surface water, must be appropriated and applied to beneficial use before a vested water right will result”). Alternatively, the OSE claimed that Baca had abandoned any water right that may have once existed on the disputed benches. Over the course of a three-day trial before the special master, the parties presented testimony from lay and expert witnesses as well as documentary evidence in the form of aerial photographs and affidavits in support of their positions. {7} Following the hearing, the special master filed a report with the district court in which he found that irrigation ground water rights were established on the disputed benches and that Baca had not abandoned this water right. The OSE objected to the special master’s report and, following a hearing, the district court entered an order rejecting in part the special master’s report. {8} The district court disagreed with a majority of the special master’s findings of fact concerning the testimony and documentary evidence presented at trial. In particular, the district court found that “the record d[id] not support [tjhe [sjpecial [mjaster’s [fjindings that irrigation water has ever been used to grow a crop on the disputed bench lands.” The district court also rejected the special master’s reliance on a declaration of water rights filed by Baca shortly after the farm purchase. In addition, the court rejected the special master’s conclusion that water was put to beneficial use on the disputed benches. The district court held that Baca did not have a water right on the disputed bench lands. Because the court determined that a ground water right had not been established on the disputed bench lands, the court did not address the OSE’s objections to the special master’s findings on abandonmennt. This appeal followed. II. DISCUSSION {9} On appeal, Baca’s overarching argument is that the district court improperly disregarded the special master’s report. Specifically, Baca argues that the district court was bound by the factual findings entered by the special master because the findings were supported by substantial evidence and that the court improperly re-weighed the evidence and applied an erroneous standard of review in rejecting the special master’s report. After delineating the proper standard of review in this case, we examine whether the district court’s specific reasons for rejecting the special master’s report withstand scrutiny. A. Standard of Review {10} Because this case involves proceedings before a special master and a district court’s subsequent review of the special master’s report, two standards of review are relevant in this case: the standard the district court applies to review of the special master’s report and the standard that our Court applies to review of the district court’s order. 1. District Court’s Review of Special Master’s Report {11} Rule 1 -053(E)(2) provides that in non-jury actions, “the [district] court shall accept the [special] master’s findings of fact unless clearly erroneous.” Our case law — with one exception — has equated the term “clearly erroneous” with the familiar substantial evidence standard of review. {12} We begin with Lopez v. Singh, in which our Supreme Court interpreted the rule’s language as directing that “the findings of the [special] master, if supported by substantial evidence, are binding upon the trial court.” 53 N.M. 245, 247, 205 P.2d 492, 493 (1949). The Court went on to state that “findings will not be set aside merely because the record tends to show that they are not supported by the weight of the evidence.” Id. The Court observed that the New Mexico rule applicable to a special master’s findings was, at the time Lopez was decided, identical to its federal counterpart and cited with approval federal case law defining the standard of review. Id. at 247-48, 205 P.2d at 493. “[S]o far as the finding of the [special] master . . . who saw the witnesses depends upon conflicting testimony or upon the credibility of witnesses, or so far as there is any testimony consistent with the finding, it must be treated as unassailable.” Id. at 247, 205 P.2d at 493 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Applying this standard to the case before it, the Court in Lopez concluded that the district court, which had modified some of the special master’s findings and rejected others, had improperly weighed the evidence. Id. at 248-49, 205 P.2d at 493-94. Because the special master’s findings were supported by substantial evidence, the Supreme Court reversed the district court’s order and remanded with instructions to reinstate the special master’s findings. Id. at 249, 205 P.2d at 494. {13} Our Supreme Court continued to apply the standard of review stated in Lopez in three subsequent cases. In Purdy v. Tucker, the Court affirmed the district court’s confirmation of the referee’s report, stating that “[i]f . . . the testimony before the referee was conflicting, or if it depended upon the credibility of the witnesses, and the referee found the facts from that testimony, his findings in this particular are not subject to attack, and are binding upon the trial court unless, after an examination of the record, it can discover there was no substantial testimony to sustain them.” 54 N.M. 86, 90, 214 P.2d 766, 768 (1950). In Witt v. Shelly Oil Co., the Supreme Court applied the Lopez standard and reversed the district court’s rejection of some of the special master’s findings of fact. Witt, 71 N.M. 411, 416, 418, 379 P.2d 61, 64-66 (1963). And in State ex rel. Reynolds v. Lewis, a water law case, the Supreme Court affirmed the district court’s adoption of the special master’s findings and conclusions “under the well-established rule” that findings supported by substantial evidence will not be disturbed. 74 N.M. 442, 443, 394 P.2d 593, 593 (1964). The Court further stated that “[t]he fact that there may have been contrary evidence which would have supported a different finding does not permit us to weigh the evidence.” Id. {14} Six years after it decided Lewis, the Supreme Court in Martin v. Foster, 81 N.M. 583, 470 P.2d 304 (1970), applied a standard of review different from that applied in prior cases. The case involved a dispute over a construction contract, and the parties submitted the dispute to three special masters to resolve. Id. at 583, 470 P.2d at 304. The special masters submitted a report that the district court adopted, and the Supreme Court reversed. Id. at 584-85, 470 P.2d at 305-06. In stating the standard of review to be applied by the district court, the Supreme Court did not cite any of the cases that we have discussed above. Instead, the Court noted that New Mexico’s Rule 53(e)(2) (cited as NMSA 1953, § 21-1-1(53)(e)(2) (Vol4,Repl.), which in relevant part is identical to current Rule 1-053(E)(2)) was identical to its federal counterpart and cited a Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals case for the proposition that “findings are clearly erroneous if the reviewing court on the entire evidence has the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed.” Martin, 81 N.M. at 584-85, 470 P.2d at 305-06 (citing United States v. Waymire, 202 F.2d 550, 553 (10th Cir. 1953) (internal quotation marks omitted)). The Court concluded that the special masters had decided the dispute on the basis of standards different from the standards required by the construction contract and, therefore, “the findings based on those standards were clearly erroneous.” Id. (internal quotation marks omittted). {15} The standard of review applied in Martin appears to permit rejection ofa special master’s findings even if they are supported by substantial evidence. The standard stated in Martin is the same as the pre-2003 federal definition of “clearly erroneous.” In 2003, Fed. R. Civ. P. 53 was substantially revised to permit de novo review of a special master’s findings and conclusion. Under the pre-2003 federal standard, “the reviewing court may [disregard] a finding even if supported by substantial evidence when the clear weight of the evidence suggests that the finding is incorrect.” 9 James Wm. Moore, et al., Moore’s Federal Practice, § 52.31 [4], 52-65 (3d ed. 2012). It is this pre-2003 federal standard that the OSE asks us to apply in the present case. {16} In our view, the standard stated in Martin is an anomaly in New Mexico’s jurisprudence related to Rule 1-053. The standard permitting rejection of a special master’s findings upon “the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed” does not appear in any other New Mexico case addressing Rule 1-053. Martin, 81 N.M. at 585, 470 P.2d at 305 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Furthermore, all of the relevant cases preceding and following Martin apply the substantial evidence standard of review to a special master’s findings of fact. For example, in State ex rel. Reynolds v. Niccum, 102 N.M. 330, 695 P.2d 480 (1985), another water law case, our Supreme Court ignored Martin and again relied on Lopez and Witt, stating, “Only when there is total lack of substantial evidence to support the special master’s findings, is the court warranted in rejecting the [special] master’s report.” Niccum, 102 N.M. at 332, 695 P.2d at 482. The Court went on to state that “[w]hen there is substantial evidence^] the special master’s findings are binding upon the trial court.” Id. And, following Niccum, this Court applied the substantial evidence standard in Lozano v. GTE Lenkurt, Inc., 1996-NMCA-074, ¶ 15, 122 N.M. 103, 920 P.2d 1057, stating that “an order or judgment by a district court adopting a special master’s report will be upheld on appeal if the special master’s findings are supported by substantial evidence.” We therefore conclude that the district court could reject the special master’s findings of fact only if they were not supported by substantial evidence. {17} Although Rule 1-053 does not specify the standard of review that should be applied to a special master’s conclusions of law, our case law has established that a special master’s conclusions of law are to be reviewed de novo by district courts. Lee v. Martinez, 2004-NMSC-027, ¶ 12, 136 N.M. 166, 96 P.3d 291; see Lozano, 1996-NMCA-074, ¶¶ 17-18. In examining the special master’s conclusions of law, a reviewing court exercises independent judgment without assigning special weight to the special master’s conclusions of law. Lee, 2004-NMSC-027, ¶ 12. 2. Appellate Review of the District Court’s Order {18} The standard of review that an appellate court employs in cases involving Rule 1-053 has not been clearly expressed in New Mexico appellate decisions. However, our case law leads us to conclude that our review is the same as the review conducted by the district court; that is, we consider whether the special master’s findings of fact are supported by substantial evidence. This is the standard of review employed by our Supreme Court in Lopez, Witt, Lewis, and Niccum, and by this Court in Lozano. This standard is applied regardless of whether the district court had adopted or rejected the special master’s findings. See Niccum, 102 N.M. at 332-33, 695 P.2d at 482-83 (“Once findings of a special master are adopted and approved by the trial court, th[e appellate] court will not disturb those findings when they are supported by substantial evidence.”); Lewis, 74 N.M. at 442-43, 394 P.2d at 593 (explaining that “an appellate court must first review the sufficiency of the evidence to support [the findings] made by the [special] master” and affirming district court’s adoption of the special master’s findings because they were supported by substantial evidence); Witt, 71 N.M. at 413, 417, 379 P.2d at 63, 65 (reversing the district court’s rejection of some of the special master’s findings because the Supreme Court’s review of the record established that the special master’s findings were supported by substantial evidence); Lopez, 53 N.M. at 247-48, 205 P.2d at 493-94 (reversing district court’s rejection of certain of the special master’s findings because the Supreme Court’s review of the evidence failed to reveal that the findings were erroneous, i.e., not supported by substantial evidence); Lozano, 1996-NMCA-074, ¶ 15 (explaining that “an order or judgment by a district court adopting a special master’s report will be upheld on appeal if the special master’s findings are supported by substantial evidence”). Thus, we give no deference to the district court’s findings but instead consider only whether the special master’s findings of fact were supported by substantial evidence. Nonetheless, we examine the district court’s rationale for rejecting the special master’s report in this case in order to provide context for our analysis. B. The District Court’s Grounds for Rejecting the Special Master’s Report {19} The district court rejected the special master’s report after concluding that the special master’s findings concerning beneficial use were “clearly erroneous and not supported by substantial evidence.” In its order, the district court relied on this Court’s decision in State ex. rel. Martinez v. McDermett, 120 N.M. 327, 901 P.2d 745 (Ct. App. 1995). {20} In New Mexico, “water rights are both established and exercised by beneficial irse, which forms the basis, the measure and the limit of the right to use of the water.” Walker v. United States, 2007-NMSC-038, ¶¶ 21-22, 142 N.M. 45, 162 P.3d 882 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); see NMSA 1978, § 72-1-2 (1907) (stating the beneficial use provision of the state water code). Beneficial use has been defined in our case law as “the use of such water as may be necessary for some useful and beneficial purpose in connection with the land from which it is taken.” McDermett, 120 N.M. at 330, 901 P.2d at748 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). “The concept requires actual use for some purpose that is socially accepted as beneficial.” Id. An evaluation for beneficial use generally requires an assessment of “the quantity, place of use, and purpose to which water has actually been applied.” Tri-State Generation & Transmission Ass’n, Inc. v. D’Antonio, 2011-NMCA-015, ¶ 13, 149 N.M. 394, 249 P.3d 932, cert. granted, 2011-NMCERT-002, 150 N.M. 617, 264 P.3d 129. {21} In this case, the special master concluded that water was “put to beneficial use on all of the [bjench [ljands by the end of 1955.” As grounds for the beneficial use determination, the special master relied on evidence of crop growth on the disputed bench lands. Specifically, the special master found credible Baca’s testimony that in 1981, he observed alfalfa crops growing on all of the bench lands during negotiations for the purchase of the property as well as testimony from other witnesses that they had observed crop growth on the bench lands prior to Baca’s purchase of the farm. The special master also found persuasive the testimony of Baca’s expert, who opined that aerial photographs predating Baca’s purchase of the property showed evidence of cultivation, and that an aerial photograph from 1955, in particular, showed the most signs of cultivation on the bench lands. The special master also noted that the OSE’s experts acknowledged that aerial photographs from 1955 and 1974 showed signs of irrigation and that “crops were being grown on some benches.” {22} In addition to the foregoing, the special master’s report indicated that he relied on two additional items to support beneficial use of the water: (1) evidence that “the [bjench [ljands had been constructed for the express purpose of growing crops” and, (2) “an irrigation system [thatj had been installed for delivery of water from the .. . [wjell to all of the [bjenches.” The special master stated that he believed it to be “highly unlikely, if not inconceivable, that someone would go to the trouble of constructing the [b]ench [ljands and installing an irrigation system for those lands without taking the next step of applying irrigation water to the benches.” {23} In rejecting the special master’s finding of beneficial use, the district court disagreed with the special master that the record supported any finding that “irrigation water has ever been used to grow a crop on the disputed bench lands.” The district court also appears to have relied on McDermett to reject the special master’s reliance on the preparatory steps taken toward cultivation as being indicative of beneficial use. On appeal, the OSE maintains that the special master erred as a matter of law based on our holding in McDermett. As we explain below, although we agree with the OSE’s position that the special master’s reliance on the evidence of preparatory steps was improper under McDermett, we nevertheless conclude that the district court erred in disregarding the evidence supporting the special master’s findings concerning crop growth. See McDermett, 120 N.M. at 332, 901 P.2d at 750 (observing that “growing crops constitutes a beneficial use of water”). {24} Of relevance here, McDermett concerned the issue of whether a predecessor in interest to the defendant property owners had established proof of beneficial use of water over an eighty-four acre tract for which water rights were in dispute. Id. at 329-30, 901 P.2d at 747-48. At trial, the defendants presented documentary evidence that a predecessor in interest had drilled a well on the land in question, “put a pump in it,. . . dug two main ditches and approximately six miles of laterals on the property,. . . [and ran] water apparently . . . through all the ditches and laterals” as far back as the year 1907. Id. at 330, 901 P.2d at 748. Additional documentary evidence was presented showing that crops were grown on approximately twenty acres during that year and that some forty years later, crops were grown on the remainder of the land. 120 N.M. at 329, 901 P.2d at 747. The district court determined that the diversion of water onto the entire water tract was sufficient to constitute beneficial use. Id. at 330-31, 901 P.2d at 748-49. This Court reversed, holding that “[a] diversion alone is not beneficial use” and that “[t]here must be an ultimate, actual beneficial use of the water resulting from the diversion.” Id. at 331, 901 P.2d at 749. We stated that “[f]or a diversion of water for the purpose of irrigation to constitute beneficial use, the water must be used to irrigate crops within a reasonable time.” Id. Under the facts presented in that case, there was evidence of actual crop growth — and thus, beneficial use — solely on twenty acres in 1907 and, by contrast, no evidence that water was applied to beneficial use on the remaining sixty-four acres in that year. Id. Thus, we concluded that the district court erred in determining that water had been applied to beneficial use on the entire eighty-four acre tract. Id. {25} In the present case, we agree with the OSE that the special master’s reliance on the evidence of preparatory steps taken toward irrigation and/or cultivation to establish beneficial use was improper under McDermett. Although the special master appeared to understand the holding of McDermett that a diversion alone is not beneficial use, the special master nevertheless drew an impermissible inference that construction of the bench lands and installation of an irrigation system was evidence of beneficial use because the special master considered it to be “highly unlikely” that a property owner would take these actions without taking future steps indicative of beneficial use. We are convinced by the OSE’s argument that neither of these actions is enough under McDermett to establish beneficial use because neither of these reflects an “an ultimate, actual beneficial use of the water.” See id. (emphasis added) (stating that a “diversion of water into irrigation ditches or flooding the land with the diverted water does not, by itself, constitute irrigation for the purpose of establishing beneficial use”). {26} However, unlike the factual scenario presented in McDermett, the special master’s report in this case included findings of actual crop growth on the disputed bench lands. These findings relied in part on Baca’s testimony regarding growth of alfalfa crops on all of the bench lands and the testimony from both Baca’s and the OSE’s experts acknowledging that certain aerial photographs showed signs of cultivation on the bench lands. Even if we set aside the special master’s findings regarding the steps taken preparatory to cultivation, these factual findings of crop growth were sufficient, by themselves, to establish beneficial use of water on the disputed bench lands. See id. at 332, 901 P.2d at 750 (observing that “growing crops constitutes a beneficial use of water”). {27} In rejecting the special master’s finding of beneficial use, the district court had to disregard all of this evidence, which is not permissible under the applicable standard of review. As stated in Witt, “[T]he master’s findings are presumed to be correct and ... so far as they depend upon conflicting evidence, or upon the credibility of witnesses, or so far as there is any testimony consistent with the findings, they must be treated as unassailable.” 71 N.M. at 416, 379 P.2d at 65. The findings were therefore binding on the district court, and we conclude that the district court erred in setting aside the special master’s finding of beneficial use. {28} At oral argument, the OSE argued that as a matter of law, beneficial use cannot occur until crops have been grown and harvested. The OSE has cited no authority establishing that evidence of actual harvest is required, and McDermett states clearly that “growing crops constitutes a beneficial use of water.” 120 N.M. at 332, 901 P.2d at 750. We are not persuaded that Baca had to prove that crops were harvested in order to establish that the water right had been put to beneficial use by the time he purchased the property in question. {29} The OSE raises two arguments on appeal challenging the special master’s reliance on a declaration of beneficial use filed by Baca’s realtor in April as support for the special master’s finding that Baca’s predecessors in interest applied the water right to beneficial use on the disputed bench lands. We decline to address these arguments because even without the evidence of the declaration, other substantial evidence supports the special master’s finding of beneficial use. CONCLUSION {30} Based on the foregoing, we reverse the district court’s order and remand with instructions that the district court consider the OSE’s remaining objection to the special master’s report on the issue of abandonment of the water right. {31} IT IS SO ORDERED. CYNTHIA A. FRY, Judge WE CONCUR: MICHAEL D. BUSTAMANTE, Judge JONATHAN B. SUTIN, Judge Adjudications are generally “lawsuits in state or federal court to resolve all claims to water use in the state of New Mexico including those of pueblos, tribes and the federal government.” Denise D. Fort, The Utton Center, Water Matters'., Adjudications 4-1 (2012), available at http://uttoncenter.unm.edu/pdfs/WaterMatters-2012/2012_water_mattersJinalJiill-publicati on.pdf. During the subfile phase of an adjudication, the Office of the Attorney General (through the use of OSE-specific adjudication teams) determines the elements of individual water rights for each claimant. Fort, supra, 4-2 to 4-3. Each “subfile” corresponds to an individual claimant, such as Baca in this case, or a city or Native American tribe. See Fort, supra, 4-3. Rule 1-053(A) defines the word “master” as including “a referee.”
[ -0.01806706190109253, -0.032406147569417953, -0.0289654228836298, 0.0014317849418148398, 0.055892325937747955, 0.011676700785756111, 0.034132879227399826, 0.015563580207526684, 0.035104189068078995, -0.03498838096857071, -0.0029748438391834497, 0.006883776746690273, -0.05925384536385536, 0.039944518357515335, -0.01187449786812067, 0.08039765805006027, 0.06856846064329147, -0.008636205457150936, 0.040331337600946426, 0.014212952926754951, 0.046014901250600815, -0.0409650020301342, 0.02108079008758068, 0.055021606385707855, -0.03401545435190201, 0.0305484589189291, 0.031113984063267708, 0.025597495958209038, -0.05295129865407944, -0.014167718589305878, 0.010311094112694263, -0.03740526735782623, -0.0014627299970015883, -0.001017972594127059, -0.01896413043141365, -0.020496128126978874, -0.03008805215358734, -0.0018642705399543047, -0.04952884092926979, 0.01643405109643936, -0.023394234478473663, 0.023121289908885956, -0.05983055382966995, -0.008379284292459488, -0.018366031348705292, 0.020889203995466232, 0.004488280974328518, 0.012889097444713116, -0.04957270249724388, 0.04403166472911835, -0.09624284505844116, 0.023413795977830887, -0.047151368111371994, 0.017393985763192177, -0.01546698622405529, 0.030223896726965904, -0.03717656806111336, -0.02115607261657715, -0.027161486446857452, -0.038751836866140366, 0.044583894312381744, -0.030621930956840515, 0.08147995173931122, -0.03184984251856804, 0.014560255222022533, -0.014861193485558033, -0.02808859944343567, 0.00416916748508811, -0.02931451052427292, -0.007589247077703476, -0.021190008148550987, -0.018362797796726227, -0.016399288550019264, 0.005131957586854696, 0.005804013926535845, -0.04148280993103981, 0.026827095076441765, 0.0222278144210577, 0.015132348984479904, 0.036662522703409195, 0.015626180917024612, -0.031190965324640274, -0.0115338284522295, 0.04406604543328285, -0.0020177296828478575, -0.042532339692115784, 0.02074357494711876, -0.031164539977908134, -0.037749990820884705, 0.04836033657193184, -0.028013601899147034, -0.04371412470936775, 0.015553968027234077, 0.0267063919454813, 0.014481713064014912, -0.011946922168135643, 0.07020913064479828, -0.02184978872537613, 0.04750937223434448, -0.020712265744805336, -0.019747886806726456, -0.024281037971377373, 0.019481584429740906, 0.10658549517393112, -0.08472076058387756, -0.046248845756053925, -0.03004593588411808, 0.0034286933951079845, 0.0464380644261837, 0.021198660135269165, 0.012910153716802597, 0.050869740545749664, 0.002502623712643981, -0.034126847982406616, -0.058181870728731155, 0.024381736293435097, 0.022801881656050682, -0.0404600128531456, -0.00551379332318902, -0.0006170379929244518, 0.0473390594124794, 0.018768250942230225, 0.01882823370397091, 0.08661872148513794, 0.010317491367459297, -0.005806806497275829, 0.0104310791939497, 0.01424355898052454, -0.023259608075022697, -0.05133138224482536, 0.019212402403354645, 0.01672700047492981, 0.04449649155139923, 0.009396132081747055, 0.018862741068005562, 0.008424715138971806, 0.017925620079040527, -0.04739614948630333, 0.03786621615290642, -0.024996299296617508, -0.027294453233480453, -0.011444710195064545, 0.029075296595692635, -0.002398755634203553, 0.06373947858810425, 0.014678209088742733, 0.02694576606154442, -0.029864104464650154, -0.0062195369973778725, 0.013536384329199791, 0.024586724117398262, 0.03798144310712814, 0.004724757745862007, -0.03471115231513977, 0.00945037230849266, 0.013642963021993637, 0.038715772330760956, -0.023816190659999847, -0.008042672649025917, 0.028701024129986763, 0.04300502687692642, 0.02352549135684967, 0.02349439077079296, -0.005608098581433296, -0.004703676328063011, 0.00829904805868864, 0.03697618469595909, -0.019081508740782738, -0.046305786818265915, 0.07812753319740295, -0.02535521797835827, -0.07606993615627289, 0.04842840135097504, -0.053576331585645676, 0.0035990301985293627, -0.037679318338632584, 0.02128201723098755, 0.015023982152342796, 0.02441074699163437, -0.01906280592083931, -0.06663832068443298, 0.0626029372215271, -0.016121061518788338, 0.016054363921284676, -0.009967087768018246, -0.04419013857841492, 0.05202704295516014, 0.011143317446112633, 0.03210216388106346, -0.002137374132871628, -0.045035962015390396, -0.05113227292895317, 0.010052591562271118, -0.015232552774250507, 0.048309314996004105, 0.03741617500782013, -0.04636624827980995, 0.0076112267561256886, 0.020639993250370026, 0.027529077604413033, -0.01244839746505022, 0.015270895324647427, 0.04015322029590607, -0.04211096465587616, -0.07142729312181473, 0.020816877484321594, 0.049818363040685654, -0.02868621051311493, 0.02878681570291519, 0.039081066846847534, -0.04172481968998909, 0.03557013347744942, 0.029880236834287643, -0.01203753799200058, 0.014876792207360268, -0.02240355871617794, 0.033642031252384186, -0.05228816345334053, 0.06981801986694336, -0.04991111159324646, 0.03620629012584686, 0.01704329438507557, -0.027429694309830666, 0.05620798468589783, -0.017572935670614243, 0.08648212254047394, 0.04406458139419556, -0.01721031218767166, 0.017115551978349686, 0.00699655432254076, -0.01285210158675909, 0.0005726462695747614, -0.004443637561053038, -0.008382429368793964, 0.05126441642642021, -0.0294924508780241, 0.0077551547437906265, -0.01017184928059578, 0.04491451755166054, -0.036824654787778854, -0.015574547462165356, 0.02700558863580227, 0.01670132391154766, 0.011950653977692127, -0.005149685777723789, -0.014186917804181576, -0.007750350050628185, 0.012515636160969734, -0.055593281984329224, -0.04281489551067352, -0.004226346034556627, 0.005002833437174559, 0.028936656191945076, 0.014222334139049053, 0.0309645626693964, -0.04776844009757042, -0.04986695572733879, -0.01697656512260437, 0.016391107812523842, 0.003102148650214076, -0.011294257827103138, 0.03649323061108589, 0.02333763986825943, -0.01601989008486271, -0.01529006753116846, -0.029421359300613403, -0.02441730536520481, 0.0066380854696035385, -0.02017289772629738, 0.025217562913894653, 0.05457164719700813, 0.025786053389310837, 0.0335511639714241, -0.02603544481098652, 0.0154648432508111, 0.009266714565455914, 0.04137008637189865, -0.021328698843717575, -0.037619780749082565, 0.016856009140610695, 0.03282077610492706, 0.05661408230662346, -0.05987368896603584, -0.04937911778688431, 0.03421097993850708, -0.054221261292696, 0.03442938253283501, -0.022253502160310745, -0.036045316606760025, 0.041009869426488876, 0.0335199348628521, 0.006591845769435167, -0.0038528505247086287, 0.015019753016531467, 0.02528397925198078, 0.016669154167175293, 0.03249862790107727, 0.0004834790015593171, 0.03641001507639885, -0.004429832100868225, 0.01726464368402958, -0.0038884226232767105, -0.0076328059658408165, 0.010947620496153831, 0.004601320251822472, 0.018288562074303627, -0.03477854281663895, 0.0028912529814988375, -0.24874769151210785, 0.007226497866213322, -0.040006373077631, -0.0024212885182350874, 0.06668579578399658, -0.01704525202512741, 0.012834499590098858, 0.00826618354767561, 0.011284802109003067, 0.023618526756763458, -0.00446888105943799, -0.055187951773405075, 0.04522661864757538, 0.02517077326774597, 0.022790340706706047, -0.009778686799108982, -0.0023863865062594414, -0.0474565252661705, -0.017773615196347237, -0.008795169182121754, 0.0523107647895813, -0.03294272720813751, -0.06434870511293411, 0.03360616788268089, 0.04122825339436531, 0.0742858350276947, -0.06625031679868698, 0.027647731825709343, -0.0353112556040287, -0.03727398440241814, -0.011836613528430462, 0.01855185255408287, -0.009989759884774685, 0.0008505517616868019, -0.017511863261461258, -0.0005829319125041366, -0.0008412270690314472, 0.0027549411170184612, -0.016337303444743156, -0.022679267451167107, 0.008712738752365112, -0.04547996446490288, -0.03161359578371048, 0.028397593647241592, 0.011674956418573856, -0.02979709580540657, -0.007724270690232515, -0.006534087937325239, -0.027485039085149765, 0.02455943636596203, -0.0248089749366045, 0.04923348128795624, 0.01848120056092739, 0.006681457161903381, -0.06075674295425415, 0.008835208602249622, -0.05872533842921257, 0.011310460045933723, -0.04611194506287575, 0.04922591522336006, 0.0016096830368041992, -0.06744309514760971, -0.028457872569561005, -0.022078951820731163, -0.016841743141412735, -0.04351658374071121, -0.06481879949569702, -0.06304828822612762, 0.05567488819360733, 0.03630135953426361, 0.006383548025041819, 0.05248447507619858, -0.05345531925559044, -0.09107617288827896, -0.013320035301148891, -0.06267162412405014, -0.008093493990600109, -0.0501023568212986, -0.003035222413018346, -0.00446003582328558, 0.0025894446298480034, -0.006674060598015785, 0.02459968812763691, 0.026987122371792793, 0.019504563882946968, -0.012412642128765583, -0.022375164553523064, 0.04386375471949577, -0.03457491844892502, -0.0024164640344679356, 0.061649858951568604, 0.0331878662109375, -0.029288748279213905, -0.02939668484032154, 0.009198150597512722, 0.024888260290026665, -0.0044005261734128, -0.03163891285657883, -0.0002444310230202973, 0.02549164555966854, 0.04973763972520828, -0.05261330306529999, 0.00888511911034584, -0.0365898571908474, 0.03172033280134201, -0.031240331009030342, -0.07329493761062622, 0.03963073715567589, 0.008691240102052689, 0.042289815843105316, 0.0037326489109545946, -0.03415833041071892, 0.012135642580688, -0.02246248908340931, 0.012457750737667084, -0.020634785294532776, 0.015123357065021992, 0.028175214305520058, 0.053720586001873016, 0.012845675460994244, 0.020412400364875793, 0.059720080345869064, -0.042695581912994385, -0.06693234294652939, -0.07518281042575836, -0.012981921434402466, 0.0027918312698602676, 0.016269057989120483, -0.01968393288552761, 0.04454541951417923, -0.03561624512076378, 0.00012307144061196595, 0.009295931085944176, -0.03253485634922981, 0.023578710854053497, -0.022928845137357712, -0.029717624187469482, -0.059866614639759064, -0.014374474063515663, 0.007736594416201115, -0.03153837472200394, -0.050102733075618744, 0.09229032695293427, 0.029664788395166397, 0.01861586421728134, 0.03458874672651291, 0.00952809676527977, -0.02457321435213089, -0.009177617728710175, 0.0397258885204792, 0.014816880226135254, -0.05312398448586464, -0.014630021527409554, -0.05992286652326584, -0.03138067573308945, -0.03702344372868538, -0.00005618836439680308, 0.03095175512135029, 0.01892213337123394, -0.011833463795483112, 0.006085211411118507, -0.04823201894760132, -0.04317186027765274, -0.03191465139389038, -0.028905047103762627, 0.0644717663526535, 0.0006668053683824837, 0.0153306620195508, -0.019548559561371803, 0.03455211967229843, 0.045912180095911026, -0.07632169127464294, -0.021434791386127472, 0.0008115734672173858, -0.022916797548532486, 0.03144364804029465, 0.001106612617149949, 0.01610739529132843, 0.06131432577967644, 0.020671818405389786, -0.011306092143058777, 0.001523236045613885, 0.004893124103546143, 0.011996976099908352, 0.04833126440644264, -0.036155227571725845, -0.007135683670639992, -0.04806827753782272, -0.029665501788258553, -0.006623216439038515, 0.0004085405671503395, -0.005861485842615366, 0.005867836996912956, 0.04343496635556221, -0.04037061706185341, -0.06936292350292206, 0.0072041661478579044, -0.013634437695145607, 0.03734852001070976, 0.016848674044013023, -0.031605057418346405, -0.01963040791451931, -0.03858577460050583, 0.006885584909468889, -0.005620574112981558, -0.05871282145380974, 0.034944068640470505, 0.018954511731863022, -0.03526030480861664, 0.023699017241597176, -0.057442858815193176, -0.013232422061264515, -0.009317439049482346, -0.004973273724317551, 0.05289159715175629, -0.07027806341648102, 0.01738767698407173, -0.02819676324725151, -0.048320040106773376, -0.011743263341486454, 0.006355823017656803, -0.0586504265666008, 0.005588454660028219, -0.014969944953918457, -0.054923661053180695, 0.04262237623333931, -0.013542999513447285, 0.026087474077939987, 0.01450372114777565, -0.03831963613629341, 0.01183396764099598, -0.05725618451833725, 0.008631602860987186, 0.028561335057020187, -0.02502007968723774, 0.0002787856210488826, -0.022530309855937958, -0.03908652439713478, -0.04504627734422684, 0.044999390840530396, 0.01902862824499607, 0.022314900532364845, -0.002234027022495866, -0.057761915028095245, 0.012732554227113724, -0.015202988870441914, -0.013441953808069229, 0.03347987309098244, -0.01140211895108223, 0.06329450011253357, 0.006362222600728273, 0.007683905772864819, -0.010982080362737179, 0.01261261384934187, 0.04158587008714676, -0.06797327846288681, 0.03579593822360039, 0.008099484257400036, -0.04927825927734375, 0.04881196469068527, 0.02082797698676586, 0.01737574115395546, -0.04348836839199066, 0.01022591907531023, 0.04486203193664551, 0.00830638874322176, 0.03551902621984482, -0.005098398309201002, 0.04497414454817772, -0.0749196782708168, 0.003253599628806114, -0.10962384939193726, -0.015506385825574398, -0.019723914563655853, 0.0253587793558836, -0.019970128312706947, -0.004514702130109072, -0.034747764468193054, 0.06411148607730865, -0.03875061497092247, -0.053759969770908356, 0.016546430066227913, 0.0014671023236587644, -0.029705611988902092, 0.04390031844377518, -0.02441481314599514, -0.013146022334694862, 0.022755775600671768, -0.08893048763275146, -0.021789435297250748, -0.033055491745471954, 0.02115427888929844, 0.002203842392191291, 0.01674661599099636, 0.0007935470785014331, -0.013422797434031963, 0.03433104604482651, 0.033966708928346634, -0.015292312949895859, 0.020757948979735374, -0.06560271978378296, 0.053366292268037796, 0.02087351679801941, 0.017218858003616333, 0.002749921288341284, 0.03474424034357071, -0.019048143178224564, -0.013556540943682194, -0.007753408048301935, 0.02919338457286358, -0.020568834617733955, -0.08426246047019958, 0.03819461539387703, 0.015114398673176765, -0.03398769721388817, -0.00511557050049305, -0.018446702510118484, 0.006127729546278715, -0.03299332410097122, -0.016786472871899605, 0.06064722314476967, -0.038474515080451965, 0.030346954241394997, 0.035600144416093826, 0.09128692001104355, 0.041135113686323166, -0.031367842108011246, -0.024417366832494736, 0.035370081663131714, 0.07085346430540085, 0.021043872460722923, -0.009213795885443687, -0.003540530102327466, 0.032765910029411316, -0.0306478850543499, -0.03266860544681549, -0.002490026643499732, -0.008655359037220478, -0.003648099722340703, 0.002999556018039584, 0.0353989414870739, 0.02677159011363983, 0.027666402980685234, 0.03861771523952484, 0.008391051553189754, -0.022892246022820473, 0.040762536227703094, -0.05089550465345383, 0.04546234756708145, 0.01192396879196167, 0.017225181683897972, -0.048104509711265564, -0.004922932479530573, -0.035751402378082275, -0.0401846207678318, 0.04762294143438339, -0.04158208519220352, 0.02972272038459778, 0.010575773194432259, 0.002122250385582447, -0.009668048471212387, 0.010990453884005547, 0.03908919543027878, -0.03946743905544281, -0.03460134565830231, 0.021640725433826447, 0.005289922002702951, 0.0032968882005661726, -0.005117728840559721, 0.030959511175751686, -0.007057600189000368, -0.0003049640799872577, 0.006270196288824081, -0.006311472505331039, 0.07300613075494766, 0.0123400017619133, 0.08098113536834717, -0.01773752085864544, 0.001998910680413246, 0.028833257034420967, 0.09041658788919449, -0.007230944000184536, -0.05023152753710747, -0.06863346695899963, -0.02820417657494545, -0.06598740071058273, 0.009799659252166748, 0.04189769923686981, -0.01108226552605629, -0.026361234486103058, -0.03977283090353012, -0.02723313309252262, -0.008715475909411907, 0.04086195304989815, -0.04613419994711876, -0.009724373929202557, 0.030557453632354736, 0.08009419590234756, 0.026777807623147964, 0.05688193067908287, 0.052184078842401505, -0.044136736541986465, -0.005061030387878418, 0.006189446896314621, -0.0027757883071899414, 0.004351533018052578, -0.01182042621076107, 0.014362315647304058, -0.08190714567899704, 0.04639966040849686, -0.0035666758194565773, 0.028782347217202187, -0.04464748129248619, 0.05053647980093956, -0.006605091970413923, -0.03845912963151932, 0.10028475522994995, 0.013502373360097408, -0.015734728425741196, -0.005398852750658989, -0.04431002214550972, -0.01566758193075657, -0.022937096655368805, 0.09203977137804031, -0.01727939583361149, 0.03300010412931442, 0.06050539016723633, 0.026684386655688286, -0.04058988019824028, 0.06055748462677002, 0.024103527888655663, 0.016911139711737633, -0.014666265808045864, -0.006031647324562073, -0.02361411228775978, -0.051094744354486465, -0.045625872910022736, -0.002208579331636429, -0.016692861914634705, -0.06475374847650528, 0.0013846989022567868, 0.017647013068199158, -0.012747833505272865, -0.037438731640577316, 0.0381612554192543, 0.010106527246534824, -0.0417768731713295, -0.053723931312561035, -0.03063535876572132, -0.002996585099026561, 0.033407509326934814, 0.05184263363480568, 0.0038817303720861673, -0.04694299399852753, -0.027744393795728683, -0.04984206333756447, 0.04825892299413681, 0.010263988748192787, -0.035315245389938354, 0.00026557373348623514 ]
OPINION WECHSLER, Judge. {1} W e address in this appeal tension between the Tort Claims Act (TCA), NMSA 1978, §§ 41-4-1 to -30 (1976, as amended through 2010), and the Wrongful Death Act (WDA), NMSA 1978, §§ 41-2-1 to -4 (1882, as amended through 2001), as to the maximum liability of a government entity in a wrongful death action when there is one decedent and multiple statutory beneficiaries. We hold that the TCA prevails and that the maximum liability of $400,000 “to any person” under NMSA 1978, Section 41-4-19(A)(3) (2004) (amended 2007), applies. We affirm the judgment of the district court. {2} In the cross appeal, we consider whether the district court erred in allowing Plaintiff to present a video concerning the decedent’s life to the jury, in granting Plaintiff double costs against Defendants under Rule 1-068(A) NMRA, contrary to the TCA, and by accumulating costs from the filing of an offer of settlement under Rule 1-068(A) rather than from the expiration of the period for Defendants to respond to the offer of settlement. We also affirm the judgment of the district court with respect to the issues on cross appeal. BACKGROUND {3} Plaintiff, the Estate of Rueben Lajeuenesse, brought this action by and through a personal representative for the wrongful death of Reuben Lajeuenesse (the decedent) based on the negligent medical care provided by Defendants. Before trial, Defendants made an offer of settlement under Rule 1-068(A) of $350,000. At trial, over Defendants’ objections, Plaintiff played for the jury a video concerning the decedent’s life. The district court ruled that the danger of unfair prejudice did not outweigh the video’s probative value and that Defendants could have the opportunity to cross-examine the persons speaking on the video. {4} The jury awarded Plaintiff damages of $750,000. The district court granted Defendants’ motion for remittitur and reduced the verdict to $400,000 plus medical charges of $13,032, stating in part that “regardless of the language contained in the Wrongful Death Act,” the ‘“per person’ monetary limitation of $400,000 under the Tort Claims Act applies.” With respect to Defendants’ offer of settlement under Rule 1-068(A), the district court granted Plaintiff double costs accumulating from the date Defendants filed the offer of settlement. APPEAL — THE AMOUNT OF THE VERDICT {5} The WDA permits the personal representative of a deceased person to bring an action for damages caused by the wrongful act or neglect resulting in the death of the deceased. Sections 41-2-1,-3. In a wrongful death case, the jury “may give such damages, compensatory and exemplary, as they deem fair and just, taking into consideration the pecuniary injury resulting from the death to the surviving party entitled to the judgment, or any interest in the judgment[.]” Section 41 -2-3. When there is no surviving spouse and the deceased is survived by all of the deceased’s children as in this case, the proceeds of a judgment obtained for wrongful death “shall be distributed” to the children. Section 41-2-3(C). {6} The TCA sets forth the immunity of governmental entities and public employees and the exceptions for which the state has waived immunity for purposes of tort liability. Section 41-4-4(A). The TCA waives immunity for liability for damages for wrongful death caused by the negligence of public employees while acting within the scope of their duties. Id. However, it limits the damages that can be awarded against a governmental entity or public employee acting within the scope of the employee’s duties. Section 41-4-19(A). As pertinent to this case, the TCA provides that the liability of a governmental agency shall not exceed: (3) the sum of four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) to any person for any number of claims arising out of a single occurrence for all damages other than property damage and medical and medically related expenses as permitted under the [TCA]; or (4) the sum of seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) for all claims other than medical or medically related expenses arising out of a single occurrence. Section 41-4-19(A) (2004). {7} To ascertain the proper amount of the verdict, we must examine the interplay of the WDA with the TCA and determine whether a wrongful death action brought by a personal representative on behalf of multiple statutory beneficiaries is considered a single claim under Section 41-4-19(A)(3) (2004) or multiple claims under Section 41-4-19(A)(4) (2004). We review the meaning of statutory language under a de novo review. Cooper v. Chevron U.S.A., Inc., 2002-NMSC-020, ¶ 16, 132 N.M. 382, 49 P.3d 61. We attribute to statutory language its ordinary and plain meaning unless the legislative context indicates otherwise. Id.; see NMSA 1978, § 12-2A-2 (1997) (“Unless a word or phrase is defined in the statute or rule being construed, its meaning is determined by its context, the rules of grammar and common usage.”). We seek to construe statutes covering the same subject matters together and harmoniously whenever possible. Att’y Gen. v. N.M. Pub. Regulation Comm’n, 2011-NMSC-034, ¶ 10, 150 N.M. 174, 258 P.3d 453. We note Plaintiff’s argument that, as remedial statutes, the WDA and the TCA should be construed broadly to advance the legislative intent. On the other hand, the WDA and the TCA are both statutes in derogation of the common law, which generally require strict construction. Romero v. Byers, 117 N.M. 422, 427, 872 P.2d 840, 845 (1994); Methola v. Cnty. of Eddy, 95 N.M. 329, 333, 622 P.2d 234, 238 (1980). Regardless, we endeavor to construe the statutes in this case to fulfill the intent of the Legislature. Methola, 95 N.M. at 333, 622 P.2d at 238 (interpreting the TCA for legislative intent). {8} Plaintiff contends that Section 41-4-19(A)(4) (2004) applies because each statutory beneficiary is a “person” within the meaning of the TCA and, within the WDA, the statutory beneficiaries own the rights represented by a wrongful death action. We do not agree that the WDA or the TCA contemplates this structure under the facts of this case. {9} We begin with the TCA and its relationship with the WDA. The TCA governs the manner in which tort actions can be brought against governmental entities and public employees. See § 41-4-2(A) (stating, as a matter of public policy, “that governmental entities and public employees shall only be liable within the limitations of the [TCA] . . . and in accordance with the principles established in that act”). It is the “exclusive remedy against a governmental entity or public employee for any tort for which immunity has been waived.” Section 41-4-17(A). The TCA provides the specific types of tort liability that are excepted from the immunity granted to governmental entities and public employees. Section 41-4-4(A). A wrongful death action based on the negligence of pub lie employees acting within the scope of their duties in the operation of a hospital is one of the exceptions. Section 41-4-9. We must look to the TCA to determine the availability and extent of a wrongful death action. See § 41-4-4(A). {10} With this structural backdrop, we turn to the WDA. At common law, a cause of action for personal injuries that resulted in death did not survive the death of the injured person. Ickes v. Brimhall, 42 N.M. 412, 415, 79 P.2d 942, 943 (1938). The WDA provides the statutory authority for a wrongful death action, permitting the cause of action to be brought by the personal representative of the injured, deceased person, “notwithstanding the death of the person injured.” Sections 41-2-1, -3; Chavez v. Regents of Univ. of N.M., 103 N.M. 606, 608, 711 P.2d 883, 885 (1985). The WDA ensures that persons whose negligence causes injury that would entitle an injured person to damages if the injured person had not died do not escape liability because the injury results in death. Section 41-2-1. If the injured person did not die, the injured person would possess the cause of action. The WDA permits the cause of action to survive. Id. {11} As originally enacted in 1882, the WDA permitted the surviving beneficiaries of the deceased to bring the action and be awarded damages “not exceeding five thousand dollars . . . with reference to the necessary injury resulting from such death].]” Stang v. Hertz Corp., 81 N.M. 69, 73, 463 P.2d 45, 49 (Ct. App. 1969) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted), aff’d, 81 N.M. 348, 467 P.2d 14 (1970). The WDA was amended in 1891 to give the personal representative of the deceased person the sole right to pursue the action. Stang, 81 N.M. at 73, 463 P.2d at 49; see § 41-2-3. {12} Of course, the Legislature did not intend for the personal representative to personally receive the damages in the capacity of personal representative. The WDA states, as added in 1891, that the jury may award damages, “taking into consideration the pecuniary injury resulting from the death to the surviving party.” Section 41-2-3; Stang, 81 N.M at 73, 463 P.2d at 49. Additionally, the WDA provides that the proceeds of any judgment be distributed to the injured, deceased person’s beneficiaries and further provides the manner of such distribution. Section 41-2-3. It is in this manner that the personal representative acts as a nominal party for the benefit of the statutory beneficiaries. Chavez, 103 N.M. at 608, 711 P.2d at 885. However, the personal representative remains distinct from the beneficiaries as the party who must bring the wrongful death action and as the only party to the action pursuing the claims for damages that result from the injuries. Section 41-2-3; Chavez, 103 N.M at 609, 711 P.2d at 886; see In re Estate of Sumler, 2003-NMCA-030, ¶ 29, 133 N.M. 319, 62 P.3d 776 (rejecting an argument that a wrongful death action abates upon the death of a beneficiary because the “right to bring the action is separate from the right to share in the proceeds of any recovery: . . . the right of action survives to the . . . personal representative, not to the statutory beneficiaries”). {13} We consider this status to be determinative when viewing the WDA through the language of the TCA. See § 41-4-4(A) (stating that governmental immunity is waived only to the extent provided by the TCA). Section 41-4-19(A)(3) (2004) of the TCA limits the damages “to any person for any number of claims arising out of a single occurrence.” (Emphasis added.) The person addressed is the person making, or having the ability to make, claims. Under the WDA, statutory beneficiaries do not bring claims; the personal representative does because the injured.person is deceased. Section 41-2-3; see Maestas v. Overton, 86 N.M. 609, 610, 526 P.2d 203, 204 (Ct. App. 1974) (“A literal reading of the statute gives the personal representative a cause of action, only if the decedent would have had one, absent death.”), rev’d on other grounds by 87 N.M. 213, 531 P.2d 947 (1975). Therefore, although the statutory beneficiaries receive the damages, the TCA focuses on the personal representative because it is the personal representative who brings the claims. {14} Moreover, this Court does not believe that the Legislature intended to expand governmental liability under the TCA based on the number of statutory beneficiaries that may survive an injured deceased in an action under the WDA. There is only one deceased person in a wrongful death action. For the purposes of “preservation” of the right of action, the personal representative replaces the injured deceased under the WDA. See Stang, 81 N.M. at 79, 463 P.2d at 55 (stating that the WDA “preserves” the rights of action and “transmits” it to the personal representative). Plaintiff argues in this regard that the Legislature intended to expand governmental liability because, as stated in Stang, it intended the WDA “to make negligence causing death costly to the wrongdoer.” Stang, 81 N.M. at 77, 463 P.2d at 53. To be sure, the Legislature intended the WDA to preclude wrongdoers from escaping the consequences of their wrongdoing. But the WDA nevertheless contemplates in circumstances such as this case that there be a single recovery from the wrongdoer, even though it may be divided among more than one statutory beneficiary. The WDA’s purpose concerning wrongdoers does not address the Legislature’s clarity in permitting an action under the WDA only within the structure of the TCA. Section 41-4-4(A). {15} Plaintiff argues that the measure of damages wrongful death uniform jury instruction demonstrates that the personal representative acts only on behalf of the statutory beneficiaries. UJI 13-1830 NMRA, the jury instruction given in part in this case, expresses that the personal representative brought the lawsuit on behalf of the surviving beneficiaries and names the beneficiaries. We agree that the uniform jury instruction parallels the WDA requirement that the jury determine the proper sum to be distributed to the surviving party or parties. Section 41-2-3. {16} Another aspect of UJI 13-1830, however, underscores that the personal representative is the single person in this case bringing the claims on behalf of the statutory beneficiaries under the WDA. UJI 13-1830 includes several possible elements of damages depending on the evidence in the case. These include expenses for medical care and treatment, funeral and burial expenses, pain and suffering, the value of the deceased’s life apart from lost earning capacity, loss of consortium, loss of guidance or counseling of minor children, and other expected benefits. Id. The use note to UJI 13-1830 indicates that “the elements of damage listed in the instruction may not all be recoverable by the same person or entity.” By way of example, the use note states that the personal representative may not be the person to recover for a loss of consortium claim unless the personal representative is one and the same as the surviving spouse or familiar caretaker. Use Note, UJI 13-1830. In this case, all claims were made by the personal representative on behalf of all the statutory beneficiaries equally. No claims for damages were made that were recoverable by a person other than the personal representative. But, depending on the claims and evidence, the recovery may focus on more than solely the personal representative in another wrongful death case. We do not address the maximum damages under the TCA if claims for damages were made that would change the.focus in this manner. {17} We lastly address Plaintiffs argument that the Legislature could not have intended “person” within Section 41-4-19 to mean “a personal representative” because the maximum liability under Section 41-4-19 could then be manipulated by the appointment of co-personal representatives. Although more than one personal representative can be designated, see, e.g., Wachocki v. Bernalillo Cnty. Sheriff’s Dep’t, 2010-NMCA-021, ¶ 2, 147 N.M. 720, 228 P.3d 504, aff’d by 2011-NMSC-039, 150 N.M. 650, 265 P.3d 701, such designation would not affect the maximum liability under Section 41-4-19. The Legislature used the singular in Section 41-2-3 in allowing “the personal representative” to bring a wrongful death action. Even if there were co-personal representatives, they serve the singular purpose ofbringing the wrongful death action. {18} Statutory interpretation is not necessarily a precise undertaking. See Jeffrey v. Hays Plumbing & Heating, 118 N.M. 60, 63, 878 P.2d 1009, 1012 (Ct. App. 1994) (stating that “[w]e should not attribute to the [Legislature an undue precision in drafting and thereby frustrate legislative intent when we construe a statute”). We nevertheless seek the Legislature’s intent, even if statutes cannot be read in perfect harmony. See City of Albuquerquev. Montoya, 2012-NMSC-007,¶ 12, 274 P.3d 108 (stating that we will depart from the plain meaning “to deal with an irreconcilable conflict among statutory provisions” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). Section 41-4-19(A)(3) (2004) protects the public funds of the state from tort liability for damages in part by limiting the damages that can be recovered by any person for a single occurrence to $400,000. Personal representatives may bring wrongful death actions to pursue injuries to and resulting from the death of their deceased. Sections 41-2-1, -3. The personal representative, whether consisting of one or more individuals, is the “person” for purposes of Section 41-4-19(A)(3) (2004). Section 41-4-19(A)(3) (2004) controls the liability limitation in this case. CROSS APPEAL — VIDEO {19} Exhibit 27 was entitled “Day in the Life video.” The district court allowed Plaintiff to present it to the jury over Defendants’ objection. It lasted approximately five minutes and included, in bucolic settings with intermittent guitar music, six unidentified people speaking about the decedent. It begins and ends with a view of the cemetery where the decedent is buried and includes descriptions of the decedent’s interests and character. {20} We review the district court’s admission of evidence for an abuse of discretion. See State v. Sarracino, 1998-NMSC-022, ¶ 20, 125 N.M. 511, 964 P.2d 72 (reviewing “the admission of evidence under an abuse of discretion standard and [stating that we] will not reverse in the absence of a clear abuse”). “An abuse of discretion occurs when the ruling is clearly against the logic and effect of the facts and circumstances of the case.” Wilde v. Westland Dev. Co., 2010-NMCA-085, ¶ 30, 148 N.M. 627, 241 P.3d 628 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). {21} Defendants objected to the showing of the video to the jury under Rule 11-403 NMRA, which allows the exclusion of evidence “if its probative value is substantially outweighed by a danger of . . . unfair prejudice ... or [by] needlessly presenting cumulative evidence.” Defendants contend on appeal that the video was prejudicial because its principal purpose was to arouse sympathy. {22} We initially note that even Plaintiff acknowledges the misnomer of the video exhibit. The video did not describe a day in the life of the decedent as is typically offered by a plaintiff in a personal injury case. See, e.g., Bannister v. Town of Noble, 812 F.2d 1265, 1270-71 (10th Cir. 1987) (declining to find an abuse of discretion demonstrating the plaintiffs daily routine after an injury). We are thus not guided by the case law addressing such evidence. {23} In this wrongful death case, the sole issue for the jury was damages; the district court granted judgment as to liability as a matter of law. As to damages, the jury had to decide the value of the decedent’s life apart from his earning capacity. The district court could properly, therefore, recognize the description of the decedent’s life on the video as being probative of this issue. See Romero, 117 N.M. at 428, 872 P.2d at 846 (stating that in a wrongful death case the jury must “determine fair and just compensation for the reasonably expected nonpecuniary rewards the deceased would have reaped from life as demonstrated by his or her health and habits”). {24} Defendants assert that the video’s probative value is outweighed by the ability of the video to elicit sympathy, the paucity of facts in the video, the lack of foundation by any witness, the inability to test the facts of the video against other evidence, and the cumulative nature of the video. Defendants stress that the video does not identify the persons speaking or establish dates for the activities attributed to the decedent. {25} In orally ruling on the admission of the video, the district court disagreed with Defendants. As to the emotional nature of the video, the district court stated “I understand there’s guitar playing in the background, but I think to watch a video is pretty flat without some kind of sound.” It added that “the emotion is very limited[,]” and it ruled that it did not “see it as the probative value being substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.” The district court noted that Defendants had already cross- examined two of the three main people who spoke on the video. It allowed Defendants the opportunity to cross-examine the third and to again cross-examine the other two. {26} The district court has broad discretion in allowing this type of evidence because it is in the best position to evaluate the prejudice Defendants assert. State v. Chavez, 116 N.M. 807, 812, 867 P.2d 1189, 1194 (Ct. App. 1993) (noting that the “trial court is in the best position to evaluate the evidence of prejudice” to the defense). We cannot say that the district court abused its discretion by allowing the video evidence. Nor do we believe that the district court placed Defendants in a prejudiced situation by affording them additional cross-examination, as Defendants argue. Defendants could decline to conduct the cross-examination if they believed that it would be unproductive to their case, and, indeed, they did not conduct the cross-examination. CROSS APPEAL — AWARD OF COSTS {27} The jury’s verdict exceeded the offer of judgment Plaintiff had extended to Defendants prior to trial under Rule 1-068(A), and the district court awarded Plaintiff double the costs Plaintiff incurred from the date of Plaintiffs offer. Defendants raise two issues in their cross appeal concerning these costs. They argue that (1) the award of double costs was contrary to the TCA, and (2) the district court should have calculated the double costs from the date Plaintiff’s offer of judgment expired rather than from the date of the offer. We interpret both statutes and rules as matters of law under de novo review and search for their drafters’ intent. See City of Albuquerque, 2012-NMSC-007,¶ 12; Cooper, 2002-NMSC-020, ¶ 16. {28} Rule 1-068(A) provides in pertinent part: Except as provided in this rule, at any time more than ten (10) days before the trial begins, any party may serve upon any adverse party an offer to allow an appropriate judgment to be entered in the action in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the offer. . . . If within ten (10) days after the service of the offer the adverse party serves written notice that the offer is accepted, either party may then file the offer and notice of acceptance together with proof of service thereof and thereupon such judgment may be entered as the court may direct. An offer not accepted shall be deemed withdrawn and evidence thereof is not admissible except in a proceeding to determine costs. If an offer of settlement made by a claimant is not accepted and the judgment finally obtained by the claimant is more favorable than the offer, the defending party must pay the claimant’s costs, excluding attorney’s fees, including double the amount of costs incurred after the making of the offer. As to conflict with the TCA, the TCA provides: No judgment against a governmental entity or public employee for any tort for which immunity has been waived under the Tort Claims Act shall include an award for exemplary or punitive damages or for interest prior to judgment. Section41-4-19(D). Defendants analogize the double costs provision of Rule 1-068(A) to punitive damages and prejudgment interest, both prohibited by the TCA. They further contend that the TCA does not authorize the recovery of double costs, and the TCA should be strictly construed because it is in derogation common law rights. {29} However, double costs under Rule 1-068(A) are not punitive damages or prejudgment interest. Our Supreme Court adopted the double costs provision as an “additional incentive” for the parties to reach a settlement in a case. Rule 1-068 Comm, cmt. for 2003 Amendment. {30} In State ex rel. New Mexico State Highway & Transp. Dep’t. v. Baca, 120 N.M. 1, 896 P.2d 1148 (1995), our Supreme Court considered imposition of attorney fees against the state in light of the state’s immunity under the TCA. In weighing the state’s protection of its public revenues against the “court’s authority to control the parties and the litigation before it” by issuing attorney fee sanctions, the Court determined that the Court’s authority should prevail. Id. at 8, 896 P.2d at 1155. The Court recognized that the sanction of attorney fees has both compensatory and punitive aspects. Id. at 7, 896 P. 2d at 1154. {31} Our Supreme Court acted within its inherent rulemaking authority in promulgating Rule 1-068(A). See Jones v. Harris News, Inc., 2010-NMCA-088, ¶ 5, 148 N.M. 612, 241 P.3d 613 (recognizing that our “Supreme Court has the ultimate authority to prescribe the rules of procedure for the courts of New Mexico”). Although the double costs provision may involve a sanction or punitive aspect, this aspect is subordinate to the primary purpose of the provision to act as an incentive to settlement. No one questions the interest of the courts in promoting settlement as a means to control their dockets and regulate judicial efficiency. See Baca, 120 N.M. at 4, 896 P.2d at 1151 (recognizing the inherent power of the courts “to impose a variety of sanctions on both litigants and attorneys in order to regulate their docket, promote judicial efficiency, and deter frivolous filings” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). Nor do we consider the double costs provision of Rule 1-068(A) to be similar to pre-judgment interest. Costs are not interest. {32} Defendants’ second argument concerning Rule 1-068(A) is that the district court erred by calculating the double costs award from the date Plaintiff made its offer of settlement rather than from the date, ten days later, when Defendants failed to act on the offer. However, when there is a judgment that is more favorable than an offer of settlement, the language of Rule 1-068(A) requires the defending party to pay “double the amount of costs incurred after the making of the offer.” (Emphasis added.) Although it may have been reasonable for our Supreme Coirrt to have written the rule to run the costs from the conclusion of the ten-day period in which a defending party can accept an offer of settlement, it did not do so. Instead, the plain language of Rule 1-068(A) requires the costs to be calculated from the date of the offer. CONCLUSION {33} The district court did not err with respect to the issues raised in both the appeal and the cross appeal. We affirm the district court’s judgment. {34} IT IS SO ORDERED. JAMES J. WECHSLER, Judge WE CONCUR: CELIA FOY CASTILLO, Chief Judge CYNTHIA A. FRY, Judge
[ 0.011613050475716591, -0.008238600566983223, -0.003907684702426195, 0.01918143779039383, 0.03245282173156738, -0.014272485859692097, 0.04398304969072342, 0.01771456189453602, 0.005876828450709581, -0.04004737734794617, 0.0057141780853271484, 0.0292662400752306, -0.05919326841831207, 0.022249292582273483, -0.016434306278824806, 0.05645780265331268, 0.029630551114678383, -0.004046878777444363, 0.04205445572733879, -0.02307168021798134, -0.009588733315467834, -0.05024304986000061, 0.037278540432453156, 0.056382276117801666, 0.04219431430101395, 0.04305284097790718, -0.007934290915727615, 0.023674743250012398, -0.06796593964099884, -0.020897267386317253, 0.04362453147768974, 0.0034775740932673216, -0.03376980125904083, 0.022912735119462013, -0.008359055034816265, 0.018155664205551147, -0.019890204071998596, -0.004831758327782154, -0.011324255727231503, -0.00820223055779934, -0.02281712368130684, 0.012963161803781986, -0.07143423706293106, -0.021727848798036575, -0.003223908832296729, -0.011858486570417881, 0.03222158923745155, 0.02353021129965782, -0.03589855507016182, -0.005634312517940998, -0.05125022679567337, -0.022493325173854828, -0.022360818460583687, 0.027706405147910118, -0.021065959706902504, 0.03999405726790428, -0.021091334521770477, -0.05430220440030098, -0.0027081614825874567, -0.03449316695332527, 0.023794153705239296, -0.011993113905191422, 0.05720503255724907, -0.02307952381670475, -0.010791843757033348, 0.001899108523502946, 0.016321497038006783, 0.04955796152353287, -0.02811156027019024, -0.02827303670346737, -0.02500944584608078, 0.007666345220059156, 0.02043822593986988, 0.003554154420271516, 0.014986487105488777, -0.03861907869577408, -0.011430744081735611, -0.0051925755105912685, 0.03166559338569641, -0.007014827337116003, 0.013361494988203049, -0.046210505068302155, 0.033840328454971313, 0.040082547813653946, 0.000664940569549799, -0.036419253796339035, -0.00016245317237917334, -0.01797759346663952, -0.053867124021053314, 0.019726045429706573, -0.009606682695448399, -0.06439601629972458, -0.007682084571570158, 0.06330009549856186, -0.017232459038496017, -0.018953073769807816, 0.05033731833100319, -0.017351653426885605, -0.0031165655236691236, 0.0042223455384373665, -0.01726747304201126, -0.018159303814172745, 0.002550484612584114, 0.050039418041706085, -0.045906972140073776, 0.008856385014951229, -0.023737337440252304, -0.001088955788873136, 0.03492996096611023, 0.05945447459816933, -0.02367336116731167, 0.04247921705245972, -0.019017547369003296, -0.01403797511011362, -0.10057008266448975, 0.06498213857412338, 0.005651388317346573, -0.03576530143618584, -0.00441635400056839, -0.0040304046124219894, 0.0521257147192955, -0.00035081093665212393, 0.0038028729613870382, 0.06976567208766937, 0.03803052380681038, 0.007900547236204147, 0.028548382222652435, 0.04383034631609917, -0.037523303180933, -0.050125688314437866, 0.03569943085312843, 0.029251229017972946, 0.002810558769851923, -0.004052617121487856, 0.0036170748062431812, 0.015689147636294365, -0.01218357216566801, -0.036014799028635025, 0.04131345823407173, -0.07234293222427368, -0.02657497487962246, -0.04910290986299515, 0.006245309952646494, 0.03081674873828888, 0.06474152952432632, -0.041360802948474884, 0.009988517500460148, 0.0070714992471039295, -0.04616042226552963, 0.005257506854832172, -0.005147348158061504, 0.016594139859080315, 0.03351961821317673, -0.01497748401015997, -0.019093088805675507, 0.023295598104596138, 0.04397738352417946, -0.037708304822444916, -0.001378218992613256, 0.060592081397771835, 0.05984719097614288, 0.016833866015076637, 0.012169579043984413, 0.016852058470249176, 0.03325450047850609, 0.006313667166978121, -0.022496297955513, 0.032903462648391724, -0.02558705396950245, 0.046652913093566895, -0.06152256950736046, -0.01706523820757866, 0.027220474556088448, -0.07190880179405212, -0.026243997737765312, 0.03217242658138275, 0.025179799646139145, -0.006747199222445488, 0.005700408015400171, -0.02556871809065342, -0.07400631159543991, 0.06637432426214218, -0.01629653573036194, 0.03641045466065407, 0.013449672609567642, -0.03728526830673218, 0.04911927133798599, -0.04965721443295479, 0.016941247507929802, -0.02169797755777836, -0.07381318509578705, -0.038168177008628845, 0.03574284166097641, -0.04479003697633743, 0.061340026557445526, -0.011547059752047062, 0.0019569573923945427, 0.035644348710775375, 0.025967717170715332, 0.021328385919332504, -0.019599057734012604, 0.037468865513801575, 0.041217442601919174, -0.014328046701848507, -0.02757604420185089, 0.051490116864442825, 0.05829096958041191, -0.041121356189250946, 0.003189775859937072, 0.03157337009906769, 0.020978936925530434, 0.013271559961140156, -0.012562579475343227, -0.011982721276581287, -0.006674089003354311, -0.05088553577661514, 0.01919400878250599, -0.03350161015987396, 0.038656413555145264, -0.047885552048683167, 0.02374868094921112, 0.0018838567193597555, 0.008619023486971855, 0.025213226675987244, -0.06452111899852753, 0.08940305560827255, 0.026423418894410133, -0.032848186790943146, -0.0008879887755028903, 0.028989221900701523, -0.00943410862237215, 0.0046816919930279255, 0.004779099952429533, 0.0015144632197916508, 0.07150672376155853, -0.017711149528622627, -0.022749871015548706, -0.02896631509065628, 0.060344453901052475, -0.02688710205256939, -0.005785170942544937, 0.07493776828050613, 0.00971105508506298, 0.03754814714193344, -0.06602980196475983, 0.011297378689050674, -0.04307806119322777, 0.019566485658288002, -0.03454381227493286, -0.011967616155743599, -0.023400573059916496, 0.006596778519451618, 0.001334869652055204, 0.011969455517828465, 0.025065189227461815, -0.03316076099872589, -0.03284412622451782, -0.017353316769003868, 0.024249134585261345, -0.013102627359330654, 0.008337589912116528, 0.043933432549238205, 0.0576016791164875, -0.007229105569422245, -0.035002682358026505, -0.052947159856557846, -0.042350880801677704, 0.02010715939104557, -0.0022088463883847, 0.043405789881944656, 0.02363107167184353, -0.02105192095041275, 0.0461445152759552, 0.012259303592145443, -0.009831590577960014, 0.0268810223788023, 0.0682443156838417, 0.016258981078863144, -0.021874815225601196, 0.01712697558104992, -0.025983227416872978, 0.04956412315368652, 0.006977628916501999, -0.05943926051259041, 0.022170759737491608, -0.04939848929643631, 0.017251159995794296, -0.04573894664645195, -0.024055710062384605, 0.05215601995587349, -0.0033025534357875586, 0.022300085052847862, 0.02054159715771675, -0.01245323196053505, 0.04129200056195259, -0.031483836472034454, 0.021913673728704453, 0.03354007005691528, 0.010326527990400791, 0.00819523073732853, -0.03391583636403084, -0.004901593551039696, -0.0005012322799302638, 0.004772022366523743, 0.0002522293070796877, 0.023296957835555077, -0.04919580742716789, 0.025638703256845474, -0.285459041595459, -0.0146139832213521, -0.01358819380402565, -0.030369669198989868, 0.026122260838747025, -0.010470835492014885, 0.03092958778142929, -0.01757696270942688, -0.025773247703909874, 0.032554082572460175, 0.02473817765712738, -0.02366083674132824, 0.045951489359140396, 0.033938586711883545, 0.021690402179956436, -0.032579805701971054, 0.013702844269573689, -0.0027426283340901136, -0.019136136397719383, -0.017502816393971443, 0.03725327178835869, -0.040298640727996826, -0.03930356353521347, 0.0128932548686862, 0.05405762046575546, 0.055891599506139755, -0.05386209115386009, -0.000006577397925866535, -0.04923020303249359, -0.012020349502563477, -0.004897071048617363, 0.024930451065301895, -0.0046747466549277306, -0.022267602384090424, 0.016136905178427696, -0.036755822598934174, 0.013482059352099895, -0.06032360717654228, -0.03864071145653725, -0.02561555616557598, -0.02277609519660473, -0.035028304904699326, -0.03664920851588249, -0.0012246905826032162, 0.015542715787887573, 0.007419068366289139, -0.0293257012963295, 0.027882486581802368, 0.012134755961596966, 0.07391229271888733, 0.015305271372199059, 0.04091232642531395, -0.026914000511169434, 0.02471059560775757, -0.014467603527009487, -0.02706526406109333, -0.05880305543541908, -0.008001996204257011, -0.03018886037170887, 0.04224961996078491, 0.013335072435438633, -0.014480873942375183, -0.052338555455207825, -0.014474108815193176, -0.018637564033269882, -0.0534176379442215, -0.0432995967566967, -0.03380195423960686, 0.09541839361190796, -0.014610852114856243, 0.009074377827346325, 0.04732061177492142, -0.035066962242126465, -0.08719944953918457, 0.009930619038641453, -0.0010616162326186895, -0.01648770272731781, -0.030652042478322983, -0.03193826600909233, 0.04613587632775307, 0.02990618348121643, -0.01819528453052044, 0.02233443781733513, -0.008290300145745277, 0.007354475557804108, -0.008521425537765026, -0.008611589670181274, 0.05124689266085625, -0.020594526082277298, -0.016380373388528824, 0.056759726256132126, 0.006458315998315811, -0.03445720300078392, 0.007022756617516279, -0.01230638287961483, 0.05615181103348732, -0.04634280875325203, -0.021687781438231468, -0.026743615046143532, 0.0014323090435937047, 0.03606189414858818, -0.036414701491594315, 0.008604972623288631, -0.06422462314367294, -0.02285464107990265, 0.007367214187979698, -0.026878511533141136, 0.009618916548788548, 0.01278984546661377, 0.0012603026116266847, 0.0020006499253213406, -0.03184942156076431, 0.01895596832036972, -0.03450389578938484, -0.02479615993797779, -0.058243464678525925, 0.0011753235012292862, -0.006865618750452995, 0.009931419044733047, -0.031092315912246704, 0.030267812311649323, 0.017854368314146996, -0.07217598706483841, -0.02346104197204113, -0.04791439697146416, 0.03370118886232376, -0.004980200901627541, 0.020959550514817238, -0.054047830402851105, 0.04810940474271774, -0.05270906537771225, -0.021007169038057327, -0.011746465228497982, 0.026396261528134346, 0.023215116932988167, -0.037168439477682114, -0.023014109581708908, -0.041313204914331436, -0.012159540317952633, -0.03496857360005379, 0.07711491733789444, -0.011052367277443409, 0.04159727320075035, -0.000076650372648146, 0.0351678803563118, 0.002687923377379775, 0.006821060553193092, -0.004228658974170685, -0.029320470988750458, 0.042077723890542984, 0.03698771074414253, -0.04447140544652939, 0.007956714369356632, -0.07118521630764008, -0.019030248746275902, -0.003253341419622302, 0.0076225618831813335, -0.014020908623933792, -0.01134518999606371, -0.04079226404428482, -0.01595975272357464, -0.013473373837769032, -0.027490688487887383, -0.026213621720671654, 0.019284388050436974, 0.048809558153152466, 0.008065377362072468, -0.008620331063866615, -0.03497478738427162, 0.013635228388011456, 0.001835352391935885, -0.05721839517354965, -0.023430954664945602, 0.02375626750290394, 0.0410650335252285, 0.0068702357821166515, -0.023404961451888084, -0.033682286739349365, 0.05737992003560066, 0.058931633830070496, 0.004016921855509281, -0.041099779307842255, -0.03130481764674187, -0.01338132657110691, 0.02778998576104641, -0.023390980437397957, -0.030389806255698204, -0.04410916939377785, -0.04210985451936722, 0.004517443478107452, 0.009033621288836002, -0.029309794306755066, -0.04462513327598572, 0.026297444477677345, -0.03503694012761116, -0.03678353875875473, 0.028103642165660858, -0.01852029375731945, 0.05783507600426674, 0.043484486639499664, 0.04557005316019058, 0.046490173786878586, -0.009053104557096958, 0.0028249335009604692, -0.009916405193507671, -0.050274383276700974, 0.02441442757844925, 0.036850400269031525, -0.005342521704733372, 0.046203840523958206, -0.06963495165109634, -0.02049785479903221, -0.01809319294989109, -0.013022315688431263, 0.03749360516667366, -0.06646794080734253, 0.044392213225364685, -0.028588296845555305, 0.0037471302784979343, -0.0076002818532288074, 0.014585582539439201, -0.05639698728919029, 0.028352370485663414, -0.0184672549366951, -0.046512261033058167, 0.06729257851839066, 0.01266663707792759, -0.016001496464014053, 0.05248105153441429, -0.004096068907529116, -0.0003744846035260707, -0.042137712240219116, 0.008793981745839119, 0.035664722323417664, -0.019230501726269722, -0.01637466996908188, 0.0012331877369433641, 0.02100296877324581, -0.012263628654181957, 0.02584792859852314, 0.013229692354798317, 0.047453008592128754, 0.0010990089504048228, -0.05467751622200012, -0.004574165679514408, 0.03604739531874657, 0.028033774346113205, 0.002598554827272892, 0.015481827780604362, 0.04951135441660881, -0.029686685651540756, 0.015519367530941963, -0.01853969693183899, -0.013879465870559216, 0.03134413808584213, -0.05536014586687088, -0.01805916614830494, -0.017389297485351562, -0.02081925794482231, 0.08949028700590134, -0.026662735268473625, 0.04890063405036926, -0.01582459732890129, -0.006931074429303408, 0.06238170340657234, 0.049486611038446426, 0.0009358929819427431, -0.0037405951879918575, 0.039305977523326874, -0.08741487562656403, -0.018596528097987175, -0.06474217772483826, 0.013059736229479313, -0.016188010573387146, 0.056406427174806595, 0.03230615332722664, 0.008404283784329891, -0.03273512050509453, 0.016757788136601448, -0.079957015812397, -0.00911554042249918, -0.008559945039451122, -0.017382366582751274, -0.020309627056121826, 0.018981218338012695, -0.05640391260385513, 0.03985653817653656, 0.014156718738377094, -0.07719026505947113, -0.04233894869685173, -0.045435886830091476, 0.012770634144544601, 0.04447418451309204, 0.03417192026972771, -0.028822867199778557, -0.012721585109829903, 0.053516242653131485, 0.04645882919430733, -0.001295970636419952, 0.004064226057380438, -0.029055673629045486, 0.041102536022663116, 0.024943415075540543, -0.020098896697163582, -0.005086134187877178, 0.01137088518589735, -0.04537568613886833, -0.06149270385503769, 0.04708201438188553, 0.05603179708123207, -0.026137394830584526, -0.053108859807252884, 0.05078372359275818, 0.010990274138748646, -0.015359540469944477, -0.004828581586480141, -0.0008598029380664229, -0.028698602691292763, -0.04318131133913994, -0.02175857126712799, 0.03423098474740982, 0.02337629534304142, 0.10135867446660995, -0.009677276946604252, 0.08953738212585449, 0.028495168313384056, -0.0014133830554783344, 0.01665862649679184, 0.0014072258491069078, 0.08706309646368027, 0.05639740452170372, 0.040877100080251694, 0.011714257299900055, 0.021720198914408684, -0.005452109035104513, -0.018403666093945503, 0.05405176430940628, -0.013788013719022274, -0.023122143000364304, 0.03599625825881958, 0.0013326368061825633, 0.006580417510122061, -0.022766856476664543, 0.02568379044532776, 0.03883081674575806, -0.025444049388170242, 0.09756390750408173, -0.03297964483499527, 0.06918960064649582, -0.0028368954081088305, 0.01246181596070528, -0.021986784413456917, -0.009541054256260395, -0.05690934881567955, 0.02870897203683853, 0.02608051337301731, -0.018708933144807816, -0.03324221074581146, -0.05695885792374611, 0.00990335550159216, -0.016778644174337387, -0.01752174086868763, 0.12245450168848038, -0.03510510176420212, -0.05627559497952461, -0.01715685799717903, -0.016434840857982635, -0.03197148069739342, 0.006789057049900293, 0.01956936903297901, 0.012121492996811867, -0.0313887856900692, -0.04796413332223892, 0.004778596106916666, 0.055015359073877335, -0.04118144512176514, 0.07864715158939362, -0.04786669462919235, 0.024073759093880653, 0.07944419980049133, 0.007062602788209915, -0.03383324295282364, -0.05846673250198364, -0.05776356905698776, -0.02002071402966976, -0.034408990293741226, 0.0034269557800143957, 0.02417098730802536, 0.03289157897233963, -0.019185870885849, -0.004934196826070547, 0.013249280862510204, 0.007353124208748341, 0.047364842146635056, -0.05671432241797447, 0.012190147303044796, 0.0818554237484932, 0.005154842045158148, 0.004450065083801746, 0.023495113477110863, 0.04612455889582634, -0.0011968211038038135, 0.006490393541753292, -0.005052348133176565, 0.01988120749592781, 0.026773346588015556, -0.0233730711042881, 0.009155294857919216, -0.06905675679445267, 0.005403100047260523, -0.022400593385100365, -0.02591562829911709, -0.051514871418476105, 0.027381673455238342, -0.03427600860595703, -0.018385816365480423, 0.06381014734506607, 0.01345764473080635, -0.00348861631937325, -0.033810265362262726, -0.026887943968176842, -0.0031579204369336367, -0.027863530442118645, 0.05478905886411667, -0.030684256926178932, 0.01773897372186184, 0.03164421021938324, -0.00831800326704979, -0.03876803070306778, 0.04570203647017479, 0.008193675428628922, -0.013982715085148811, -0.020606504753232002, -0.004919226281344891, -0.01943363808095455, -0.03556361794471741, -0.011541158892214298, 0.03603089973330498, -0.03856679052114487, -0.034361712634563446, 0.01332797296345234, 0.04902781918644905, 0.008123068138957024, -0.038379792124032974, 0.01385649386793375, 0.002480031456798315, -0.026935990899801254, -0.05632622539997101, -0.038742318749427795, 0.009886342100799084, -0.008468050509691238, -0.00995812751352787, 0.014753074385225773, -0.07477302849292755, 0.029834004119038582, -0.04366879165172577, 0.042770449072122574, 0.05187521502375603, -0.011159678921103477, -0.0208799559623003 ]
OPINION CHÁVEZ, Justice. {1} The main question in this case is whether Crawford v. Washington, 541 U.S. 36 (2004) and its progeny preclude a forensic pathologist from relating subjective observations recorded in an autopsy report as a basis for the pathologist’s trial opinions, when the pathologist neither participated in nor observed the autopsy performed on the decedent. We answer this question affirmatively and conclude that there was a Confrontation Clause violation because (1) the autopsy report contained statements that were made with the primary intention of establishing facts thatthe declarantunderstood might be used in a criminal prosecution, (2) the statements in the autopsy report were related to the jury as the basis for the pathologist’s opinions and were therefore offered to prove the truth of the matters asserted, and (3) the pathologist who recorded her subjective observations in the report did not testify at trial and Defendant Amoldo Navarette did not have a prior opportunity to cross-examine her. We therefore reverse and remand for a new trial. The remaining issues raised by Navarette are without merit. BACKGROUND {2} Navarette was tried and convicted as a principal for the first-degree murder of Reynaldo Ornelas and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon for the non-fatal shooting of Reynaldo’s brother, Daniel Ornelas. The Ornelas brothers were shot while leaning into the open driver’s side window of a parked car driven by Dolores “Lolo” Ortega, in which Navarette was the front-seat passenger. Navarette’s defense was that the driver was the shooter. Daniel testified that Navarette shot him and his brother. However, the first police officer who interviewed Daniel about the shooting testified that Daniel said that he did not know who shot him. Only two other witnesses testified that they saw who shot the Ornelas brothers. Diane Ornelas testified that Navarette was the shooter. Miguel Montoya testified that Lolo, the driver, was the shooter. {3} Presumably to assist the jury in assessing who shot the victims, the State called Dr. Ross Zumwalt, the Chief Medical Investigator for the State of New Mexico, to testify about the cause and manner of Reynaldo’s death; whether the entry and exit wounds could explain Reynaldo’s position at the time he was shot; and whether Dr. Zumwalt had an opinion, based on the observations recorded in the autopsy report, as to whether the gun was fired from within two feet of the victim. Dr. Zumwalt testified that Dr. Mary Dudley, who at the time of trial was the Chief Medical Investigator in Kansas City, Missouri, performed the autopsy on Reynaldo. The autopsy was performed as part of a homicide investigation and two of the investigating officers attended the autopsy. Dr. Zumwalt neither participated nor observed Dr. Dudley perform the autopsy, yet he testified that Dr. Dudley followed the standard procedure for performing autopsies. {4} Navarette objected to bothDr. Zumwalt’s testimony and Dr. Zumwalt’s reliance on the autopsy report, asserting his Sixth Amendment right to confront witnesses against him. After hearing preliminary testimony from Dr. Zumwalt and listening to oral argument, the trial court asked the State whether Dr. Zumwalt’s testimony was necessary. B ased in part on the representation that his testimony was necessary, the trial court overruled Navarette’s objection, and Dr. Zumwalt was permitted to testify before the jury and to rely on the contents of the autopsy report in expressing his opinions. {5} The State referred Dr. Zumwalt to the contents of the autopsy report throughout his direct examination. The autopsy report itself was never offered into evidence. Photographs of the decedent showing entry and exit wounds were admitted without objection, as were figure diagrams illustrating the location of the entry and exit wounds. Based on the photographs and the contents of the autopsy report describing Reynaldo’s injuries, Dr. Zumwalt testified that Reynaldo died rapidly from internal bleeding resulting from a single gunshot wound. This opinion was corroborated by eyewitnesses, each of whom testified that they heard gunshots, saw Reynaldo take a few steps backward, and collapse dead shortly after being shot. {6} The disputed issue was who shot Reynaldo — the driver, who was closest to Reynaldo, or Navarette, who was several feet away from Reynaldo. Relevant to this disputed issue, Dr. Zumwalt testified that based on the entry and exit wounds, Reynaldo could have been leaning into the window at the time he was shot. Perhaps more important was Dr. Zumwalt’s testimony regarding the absence of soot or stippling. He testified that the standard procedure is for a pathologist to look for soot or stippling on the decedent’s clothing or body. He further testified that evidence of soot, stippling, and gunpowder is not always clear to the naked eye, and therefore analysts often need to “use a magnifying scope to look for [evidence of gunpowder or powder flakes].” He also testified that at times a decedent’s clothing is preserved and sent to a crime lab for closer analysis regarding the presence of soot or stippling. Through his testimony, Dr. Zumwalt suggested that at the time the gun was fired, the gun was not within two feet of Reynaldo because the autopsy report states that no evidence of soot or stippling was found on Reynaldo’s body or clothing. During cross-examination Dr. Zumwalt again repeated Dr. Dudley’s assertion in the report that this was a distant range shooting, because Dr. Dudley did not see any evidence of a close range shooting. The prosecution emphasized Dr. Zumwalt’s testimony in his closing argument to the jury, explaining that based on the expert testimony, the shooter could not have been the driver. It is against this factual backdrop that we analyze Navarette’s Confrontation Clause objection. DISCUSSION The Validity of Navarette’s Confrontation Clause Objection Depends on Whether Dr. Zumwalt Related Testimonial Statements Made by Dr. Dudley {7} Our examination of Crawford and its progeny reveals that at least five justices of the United States Supreme Court have agreed upon the following principles that we conclude are essential to a Sixth Amendment Confrontation Clause analysis. Crawford, 541 U.S. at 36; U.S. Const. amend. VI. The first principle relevant to this case is that an out-of-court statement that is both testimonial and offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted may not be admitted unless the declarant is unavailable and the defendant had a prior opportunity to cross-examine the declarant. Crawford, 541 U.S. at 53-54 (“[T]he Framers would not have allowed admission of testimonial statements of a witness who did not appear at trial unless he was unavailable to testify, and the defendant had had a prior opportunity for cross-examination.”). What constitutes a testimonial statement is not easily discernable from a review of Crawford and its progeny. In Crawford, the United States Supreme Court described “testimonial” statements as “solemn declaration^] or affirmation[s] made for the purpose of establishing or proving some fact.” Id. at 51 (quoting 2 N. Webster, An American Dictionary of the English Language (1828)). The Crawford majority also set forth the following non-exhaustive list of “core class of ‘testimonial’ statements”: [.E]x parte in-court testimony or its functional equivalent — that is, material such as affidavits, custodial examinations, prior testimony that the defendant was unable to cross-examine, or similar pretrial statements that declarants would reasonably expect to be used prosecutorially[;] extrajudicial statements . . . contained in formalized testimonial materials, such as affidavits, depositions, prior testimony, or confessions[;] [and] statements that were made under circumstances which would lead an objective witness reasonably to believe that the statement would be available for use at a later trial. Id. at 51-52 (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). {8} Since Crawford, a majority of the United States Supreme Court has mainly focused on the primary purpose for which the statement was made. “[Statements] are testimonial when . . . the primary purpose of the interrogation is to establish or prove past events potentially relevant to later criminal prosecution.” Davis v. Washington, 547 U.S. 813, 822 (2006). We have previously asked whether a statement was made for the primary purpose of establishing “past events potentially relevant to later criminal prosecution” — in other words, for the purpose of providing evidence. Davis, 547 U.S., at 822, 126 S.Ct. 2266; see also Bullcoming [v. New Mexico], 564 U.S. [___], at ---, 131 S.Ct. [2705], at 2716-2717 [(2011)]; [Michigan v.] Bryant, 562 U.S., at ---, ---, 131 S.Ct. [1143], at 1157, 1165 [(2011)]; Melendez-Diaz [v. Massachusetts], 557 U.S. [305], at 310-311, 129 S.Ct. 2527[, at 2532 (2009)]; Crawford, 541 U.S., at 51-52, 124 S.Ct. [at] 1354. Williams v. Illinois, ___U.S. ___, ___, 132 S. Ct. 2221, 2273-74 (2012) (Kagan, J., dissenting, joined by Scalia, Ginsburg, and Sotomayor, JJ.). Justice Thomas agrees with the primary purpose analysis, although he would also require the statement to be solemn or formal, akin to an affidavit. The original formulation of that test asked whether the primary purpose of an extrajudicial statement was to establish or prove past events potentially relevant to later criminal prosecution. I agree that, for a statement to be testimonial within the meaning of the Confrontation Clause, the declarant must primarily intend to establish some fact with the understanding that his statement may be used in a criminal prosecution. Id. at__, 132 S. Ct. at 2261 (Thomas, J., concurring in the judgment) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Therefore, we conclude that the second principle, with which at least five justices agree, is that a statement can only be testimonial if the declarant made the statement primarily intending to establish some fact with the understanding that the statement may be used in a criminal prosecution. {9} The third principle is that when determining whether an out-of-court statement is testimonial, there is no meaningful distinction between factual observations and conclusions requiring skill and judgment. This principle was articulated by the majority in Bullcoming v. New Mexico, ___U.S. ___, 131 S. Ct. 2705 (2011): The New Mexico Supreme Court held surrogate testimony adequate to satisfy the Confrontation Clause in this case because analyst Caylor “simply transcribed the resul[t] generated by the gas chromatograph machine,” presenting no interpretation and exercising no independent judgment. Most witnesses . . . testify to their observations of factual conditions or events, e.g., “the light was green,” “the hour was noon.” Such witnesses may record, on the spot, what they observed. Suppose a police report recorded an objective fact — Bullcoming’s counsel posited the address above the front door of a house or the read-out of a radar gun. Could an officer other than the one who saw the number on the house or gun present the information in court — so long as that officer was equipped to testify about any technology the observing officer deployed and the police department’s standard operating procedures? As our precedent makes plain, the answer is emphatically “No.” Id. at ___, 131 S. Ct. at 2714-15. {10} The fourth principle is that even if a statement (in this case, a forensic report), does not target a specific individual, the statement may still be testimonial. In Williams, four justices concluded that a forensic report was not testimonial because the report did not target a specific individual. Id. at ___, 132 S. Ct. at 2243 (plurality opinion). Justice Thomas rejected this approach in his concurring opinion, stating “The new primary purpose test [from the Williams plurality opinion] asks whether an out-of-court statement has the primary purpose of accusing a targeted individual of engaging in criminal conduct. That test lacks any grounding in constitutional text, in history, or in logic.” Id. at ___, 132 S. Ct. at 2262 (Thomas, J., concurring in the judgment) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Writing for four justices who dissented in Williams, Justice Kagan also rejected this approach, stating: [T]he plurality states that the Cellmark report was not prepared for the primary purpose of accusing a targeted individual. Where that test comes from is anyone’s guess. Justice THOMAS rightly shows that it derives neither from the text nor from the history of the Confrontation Clause. And it has no basis in our precedents. Id. at___, 132 S. Ct. at 2273 (Kagan, J., dissenting, joined by Scalia, Ginsburg, and Sotomayor, JJ.) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). {11} The fifth principle is that the fact that an out-of-court statement (in this case, the forensic report) is not inherently inculpatory does not make it non-testimonial. Again, four justices in Williams held that a report which is not inherently inculpatory is not testimonial. Id. at __, 132 S. Ct. at 2243-44 (plurality opinion). Justice Thomas rejected this conclusion, stating that “the distinction between those who make ‘inherently inculpatory’ statements and those who make other statements that are merely ‘helpful to the prosecution’ has no foundation in the text of the [Sixth] Amendment.” Id. at ___, 132 S. Ct. at 2263 (Thomas, J., concurring in the judgment). Justice Kagan, writing for four justices, also rejected this notion, stating that the plurality could not “gain any purchase from the idea that a DNA profile is not inherently inculpatory.” Id. at ___n.5, 132 S. Ct. at 2274 n.5 (Kagan, J., dissenting, joined by Scalia, Ginsburg, and Sotomayor, JJ.) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). {12} The sixth principle is that the Confrontation Clause is violated only if the testimonial statement is offered to prove the truth of the matters asserted. Crawford, 541 U.S. at 59-60 n.9 (citing Tennessee v. Street, 471 U.S. 409, 411-12, 414 (1985) (where the defendant testified that police had read accomplice’s confession to him and forced him to repeat it, admission of accomplice’s confession was proper so that the jury could see how the confessions differed)); accord State v. Aragon, 2010-NMSC-008, ¶ 6, 147 N.M. 474, 225 P.3d 1280, overruled on other grounds by State v. Tollardo, 2012-NMSC-008, 275 P.3d 110. {13} The seventh and final principle that we have identified as relevant to the inquiry in this case is that an out-of-court statement that is disclosed to the fact-finder as the basis for an expert’s opinion is offered for the truth of the matter asserted. Therefore, the declarant must testify at trial and be subject to cross-examination, or alternatively must be unavailable, and the defendant must have had a prior opportunity to cross-examine the declarant. This principle is also derived from Williams. Four justices concluded that an out-of-court statement that supports an expert witness’s opinion is not offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, but is only offered as the basis for the expert’s opinion. Williams, ___ U.S. at ___, 132 S. Ct. at 2239-40 (plurality opinion). The four justices did, however, acknowledge that the basis must otherwise be established during the trial, or the expert’s opinion that depends on the basis is not entitled to any weight. Id. at ___, 132 S. Ct. at 2241. {14} Justice Thomas disagreed that statements which form the basis of an expert’s opinion are not introduced to prove the truth of the statements. “[Statements introduced to explain the basis of an expert’s opinion are not introduced for a plausible non-hearsay purpose. There is no meaningful distinction between disclosing an out-of-court statement so that the factfinder may evaluate the expert’s opinion and disclosing that statement for its truth.” Id. at ___, 132 S. Ct. at 2257 (Thomas, J., concurring in the judgment). Justice Kagan, writing for the balance of the Court, was more to the point. [W]hen a witness, expert or otherwise, repeats an out-of-court statement as the basis for a conclusion,... the statement’s utility is then dependent on its truth. If the statement is true, then the conclusion based on it is probably true; if not, not. So to determine the validity of the witness’s conclusion, the factfinder must assess the truth of the out-of-court statement on which it relies. That is why the principal modern treatise on evidence variously calls the idea that such “basis evidence” comes in not for its truth, but only to help the factfinder evaluate an expert’s opinion “very weak,” “factually implausible,” “nonsense,” and “sheer fiction.” Id. at _, 132 S. Ct. at 2268-69 (Kagan, J, dissenting, joined by Scalia, Ginsburg, and Sotomayor, JJ.). {15} Applying these principles, we must answer whether the statements in the autopsy report that formed the basis of Dr. Zumwalt’s testimony were testimonial. Our Court of Appeals has held that an autopsy report admitted into evidence in a homicide trial was testimonial hearsay under the Confrontation Clause. State v. Jaramillo, 2012-NMCA-029, ¶ 16, 272 P.3d 682. In Jaramillo, the court held that the autopsy report was testimonial because it contained findings and conclusions including “an exercise of judgment and analysis ... as [the medical examiner] formed opinions based on his medical training and as he interpreted factual findings.” Id. ¶ 9. The Court of Appeals also justified its holding by explaining that: The medical examiner’s finding of homicide was critical to substantiate allegations that Defendant abused [the victim] and caused his death. Therefore, the autopsy report was prepared with the purpose of preserving evidence for criminal litigation. In this case, the face of the autopsy report itself states that an autopsy was requested because of “the circumstances” of [the victim’s] death, being a severe brain injury of a sort commonly associated with trauma. By the time the medical examiner had determined the cause of death to be closed head injuries and the manner of death to be homicide, there was no doubt this would be used against someone in a criminal prosecution. NMSA 1978, Section 24-11-7 (1973) requires an autopsy with complete findings when a “medical investigator suspects a death was caused by a criminal act or omission or the cause of death is obscure[.]” Jaramillo, 2012-NMCA-029, ¶ 10. {16} In this case, Dr. Zumwalt acknowledged that the autopsy on Reynaldo was performed as part of a homicide investigation. In fact, two police officers attended the autopsy. It is axiomatic that Dr. Dudley made the statements in the autopsy report primarily intending to establish some facts or opinions with the understanding that they may be used in a criminal prosecution. As the Jaramillo court noted: [I]n New Mexico, any sudden, violent, or untimely death, the cause of which is unknown, must be reported to law enforcement. NMSA 1978, § 24-11-5 (1975). Medical examiners are obligated by statute to report their findings directly to the district attorney in all cases they have investigated. NMSA 1978, § 24-11-8 (1973). This forensic role is entirely in keeping with the medical examiner’s purpose to “serve the criminal justice system as medical detectives by identifying and documenting pathologic findings in suspicious or violent deaths and testifying in courts as expert medical witnesses.” Id. ¶ 13 (quoting Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward 244 (Nat’l Research Council of the Nat’l Acads. 2009)). These same statutory sections, NMSA 1978, §§ 24-11-5 (1975), -7 (1973), and -8 (1973), would apply here because this case involved a violent death by shooting in New Mexico, which would ordinarily raise suspicion that the death was caused by a criminal act. A medical examiner obligated to report her findings to the district attorney should know that her statements may be used in future criminal litigation. As the Jaramillo court observed: There is no reason to suspect that a pathologist with considerable experience and knowledge of statutory duties to report suspicious deaths to law enforcement officers would not anticipate criminal litigation to result from his determination that the trauma-related death of a child was the result of homicide. . . . [Rjuling the death a homicide reflects directly on the issue of a defendant’s guilt or innocence. No question existed that the report would support and be used in a criminal prosecution. Id. ¶ 11. {17} Similarly, there is no reason that Dr. Dudley, aware of her statutory duties to report, should not have anticipated that criminal litigation would result from her autopsy findings of death by a bullet wound and her findings regarding soot, stippling, and gunpowder. As Dr. Zumwalt explained, the Office of the Medical Investigator’s primary duties “are to examine those individuals in New Mexico who die suddenly and unexpectedly or who die of an injury in order to determine the cause of death . . . and give an opinion as to the manner of death . . . .” Thus, these statutory sections apply as a general matter to cases within the Office of the Medical Investigator. Because Dr. Zumwalt conceded that it was immediately clear that this autopsy was part of a homicide investigation, the observations in Jaramillo apply with equal force here. As in Jaramillo, the medical examiner’s findings as to the cause of death and as to soot, stippling, and gunpowder all went to the issues of whether Reynaldo’s death was a homicide and, if so, who shot him. These issues reflected directly on Navarette’s guilt or innocence. Thus, as in Jaramillo, these statements are testimonial. {18} Moreover, our conclusion is bolstered by Bullcoming, ___ U.S. at ___, 131 S. Ct. at2705. The Bullcoming majority made clear that “[a] document created solely for an ‘evidentiary purpose’ . . . made in aid of a police investigation, ranks as testimonial.” Id. at 2717. Because an autopsy conducted in the context of a death caused by this type of injury will automatically trigger a duty by medical examiners to report their findings to the district attorney, see § 24-11-8, we conclude that autopsy reports regarding individuals who suffered a violent death are testimonial. As indicated by the fourth and fifth principles, it does not matter that the autopsy report does not target a specific person or that the autopsy report does notproduce inherently inculpatory evidence. See discussion, ¶¶ 10-11, supra. The observations, findings, and opinions within the report are statements that were made when the pathologistunderstood thatthe statements might be used in a criminal prosecution. {19} However, the Court of Appeals in Jaramillo carefully emphasized that it was the admission of the autopsy report itself that violated the Confrontation Clause. See Jaramillo, 2012-NMCA-029, ¶¶ 6-14. The court noted that “[bjecause admission of the autopsy report alone constituted prejudicial error mandating reversal, we need not address Defendant’s argument regarding Dr. Parsons’ [reference to the report].” Id. ¶ 6. In this case, the autopsy report was not admitted into evidence. Thus, the issue here is whether an expert can relate out-of-court statements to the jury that provide the basis for his or her opinion, as long as the written statements themselves are not introduced. This question was answered by the United States Supreme Court in Williams. We note that the Jaramillo opinion was issued on November 23, 2011, and Williams was not decided until June 18, 2012. Therefore, the Court of Appeals did not have the benefit of the fractured Williams opinion at the time it wrote Jaramillo. However, prescient of how a majority of the United States Supreme Court might rule on the issue, the Court of Appeals held that the autopsy report in Jaramillo could not be introduced even under Rule 11-703 NMRA, which provides: The facts or data in the particular case upon which an expert bases an opinion or inference may be those perceived by or made known to the expert at or before the hearing. If of a type reasonably relied upon by experts in the particular field in forming opinions or inferences upon the subject, the facts or data need not be admissible in evidence in order for the opinion or inference to be admitted. Facts or data that are otherwise inadmissible shall not be disclosed to the jury by the proponent of the opinion or inference unless the court determines that their probative value in assisting the jury to evaluate the expert’s opinion substantially outweighs their prejudicial effect. (quoted in Jaramillo, 2012-NMCA-029, ¶ 18 (internal quotation marks omitted)). {20} Although our evidentiary rule permits the disclosure of inadmissible evidence if a court specifically determines that the probative value of the inadmissible evidence in assisting the jury to evaluate the expert’s opinion substantially outweighs their prejudicial effect, a majority of the United States Supreme Court rejects this approach. In Williams, Justice Thomas addressed this issue by stating: Of course, some courts may determine that hearsay of this sort is not substantially more probative than prejudicial and therefore should not be disclosed under Rule 703. But thatbalancing test is no substitute for a constitutional provision that has already struck the balance in favor of the accused. See Crawford, 541 U.S., at 61, 124 S.Ct. 1354 (“[The Confrontation Clause] commands, not that evidence be reliable, but that reliability be assessed in a particular manner: by testing in the crucible of cross-examination”). Williams,___U.S. at___, 132 S. Ct. at 2259 (Thomas, J., concurring in the judgment). Writing for four justices, Justice Kagan rejected the approach as a subterfuge. Imagine for a moment a poorly trained, incompetent, or dishonest laboratory analyst. (The analyst in Bullcoming, placed on unpaid leave for unknown reasons, might qualify.) Under our precedents, the prosecutor cannot avoid exposing that analyst to cross-examination simply by introducing his report. Nor can the prosecutor escape that fate by offering the results through the testimony of another analyst from the laboratory. But under the plurality’s approach, the prosecutor could choose the analyst-witness of his dreams (as the judge here said, “the best DNA witness I have ever heard”), offer her as an expert (she knows nothing about the test, but boasts impressive degrees), and have her provide testimony identical to the best the actual tester might have given (“the DNA extracted from the vaginal swabs matched Sandy Williams’s”) — all so long as a state evidence rule says that the purpose of the testimony is to enable the factfinder to assess the expert opinion’s basis. (And this tactic would not be confined to cases involving scientific evidence. As Justice THOMAS points out, the prosecutor could similarly substitute experts for all kinds of people making out-of-court statements.) The plurality thus would countenance the Constitution’s circumvention. If the Confrontation Clause prevents the State from getting its evidence in through the front door, then the State could sneak it in through the back. What a neat trick — but really, what a way to run a criminal justice system. No wonder five Justices reject it. Id. at ___, 132 S. Ct. at 2272 (Kagan, J., dissenting, joined by Scalia, Ginsburg, and Sotomayor, JJ.). {21} The record in this case does not reveal that the trial court was ever asked to perform the Rule 11-703 balancing test. Given the viewpoint of a majority of the United States Supreme Court, the Confrontation Clause analysis makes any Rule 11-703 analysis irrelevant in this case. Additionally, in this case, the importance of a bright-line constitutional rule that requires the out-of-court declarantto be subjected to cross-examination is readily apparent. Dr. Zumwalt testified that evidence of soot, stippling, or gunpowder cannot always be easily seen by the naked eye and often ends up on the clothing, rather than the skin, and therefore autopsy photographs of the body would not necessarily capture such evidence. Consequently, in material respects, the autopsy findings do not involve objective markers that any third party can examine in order to express an independent opinion as to the existence or non-existence of soot or stippling. Such observations are not based on any scientific technique that produces raw data, but depend entirely on the subjective interpretation of the observer, who in this case was Dr. Dudley. How Dr. Dudley reached the conclusion that there was no evidence of soot or stippling on Reynaldo’s body or clothing should have been the subject of cross-examination. Inquiry into her training, the equipment used to arrive at her subjective conclusion, whether the evidence of soot or stippling might have been masked by blood, or any other variables that would influence her decision should have been tested in the crucible of cross-examination. “[Tjhe analysts who write reports that the prosecution introduces must be made available for confrontation even if they possess ‘the scientific acumen of Mme. Curie and the veracity of Mother Teresa.’” Bullcoming, ___ U.S. at __, 131 S. Ct. at 2715 (quoting Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts, 557 U.S. 305, 319 n.6 (2009)). {22} This is not to say that all material contained within an autopsy file is testimonial and therefore inadmissible. Without attempting to catalogue all material in a file that could be admissible, we note that an expert witness may express an independent opinion regarding his or her interpretation of raw data without offending the Confrontation Clause. See Aragon, 2010-NMSC-008, ¶¶ 26-30 (confrontation case framing the question presented as whether the testifying analyst was testifying to his own opinion or merely parroting the opinion of the analyst who performed the forensic analysis and noting that the testifying analyst had not analyzed the raw data to reach his conclusion). For example, in this case, after being shown the autopsy photographs, Dr. Zumwalt expressed his own opinion about the entry and exit wounds, explaining the basis for his opinion. He did not simply parrot the opinion or subjective statement of the pathologist who performed the autopsy and took the photographs. Thus, he was available for cross-examination. {23} Because Dr. Zumwalt related testimonial hearsay from Dr. Dudley to the jury, and it was not established that Dr. Dudley was unavailable and Navarette had a prior opportunity to cross-examine Dr. Dudley, Navarette’s confrontation rights were violated. We therefore reverse his convictions and remand for a new trial consistent with this opinion. Navarette’s Remaining Issues Are Without Merit {24} Pursuant to State v. Franklin, 78 N.M. 127, 129, 428 P.2d 982, 984 (1967) and State v. Boyer, 103 N.M. 655, 658, 715 P.2d 1, 4 (Ct. App. 1985), Navarette contends that the trial court abused its discretion by admitting the testimony of Ricky Ornelas, a witness to the crime, who testified that Navarette had threatened Ricky with a pistol several months before the shooting. The State had served notice of its intention to introduce the evidence before trial pursuant to Rule 11-403 NMRA. After hearing argument of counsel during a pretrial hearing, the trial court reserved ruling on the issue until the evidence was offered at trial. At the time that the testimony was offered, Navarette did not object to the testimony. Because we reverse and remand for a new trial, we do not need to address this issue. {25} Navarette also argues that the trial court erred in failing to quash the indictment because he received a target letter describing the charges against him written in English and he speaks only limited English. He raises this challenge pursuant to Article II, Section 14 of the New Mexico Constitution, which guarantees a defendant the right “to have [criminal] chargefs] and testimony interpreted to him in a language that he understands ....” To support a motion to quash an indictment based on improper notice, the defendant must demonstrate prejudice. State v. Haynes, 2000-NMCA-060, ¶ 25, 129 N.M. 304, 6 P.3d 1026. Navarette has not asserted that he was prejudiced, much less demonstrated any prejudice. The evidence before the trial court was that Navarette had been interviewed by police officers for over one hour in English and had also answered all of the arraigning judge’s questions in English. We therefore conclude that the trial court did not err in denying Navarette’s motion to quash the indictment. {26} Finally, Navarette argues under Franklin and Boyer that he was deprived of the right to present witnesses in his defense under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article II, Section 14 oftheNewMexico Constitution. Franklin, 78 N.M. at 129, 428 P.2d at 984; Boyer, 103 N.M. at 658, 715 P.2d at4. Article II, Section 14 of the New Mexico Constitution provides that “[i]n all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have the right ... to have compulsory process to compel the attendance of necessary witnesses in his behalf . . . .” Similarly, the Sixth Amendment provides that “[i]n all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right ... to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor . . . .” U.S. Const. amend. VI. {27} As the source of the violation, Navarette asserts that he was not able to call Officer Ted Shoemaker as a witness because Officer Shoemaker was ill and unable to testify. Despite his protests, Navarette and the State stipulated to the substance of Officer Shoemaker’s testimony or rather, the testimony he would have given had he been able to testify, and the substance of that stipulation was presented to the jury. The parties stipulated that Officer Shoemaker was near the scene at the time of the shooting, that he heard four gunshots before being dispatched to the scene, and that he was the second officer to arrive on the scene. Therefore, Navarette has no reason to complain. In any event, this case is remanded for a new trial, in which case Navarette may consider whether to call Officer Shoemaker as a witness. CONCLUSION {28} Because the forensic pathologist related testimonial hearsay to the jury in support of his opinions, Navarette’s confrontation rights were violated. We reverse his convictions and remand for a new trial. {29} IT IS SO ORDERED. EDWARD L. CHÁVEZ, Justice WE CONCUR: PETRA JIMENEZ MAES, Chief Justice RICHARD C. BOSSON, Justice CHARLES W. DANIELS, Justice BARBARA J. VIGIL, Justice Rosemary Ortega, Lolo’s sister, testified at Navarette’s trial that she could not recall specific events from the day of the shooting. The State impeached Ortega and presented her with her testimony from Lolo’s trial. However, she still could not remember anything and the prosecution was allowed to read her testimony from Lolo’s trial. At that trial, she testified that she saw Navarette with the gun in his hand. Effective June 16, 2012, the language of Rule 11-703 has been amended to be consistent with the restyled Federal Rules of Evidence. The changes are stylistic and have no effect on the substance of the rule. Rule 11-703 cmt.
[ -0.009238959290087223, -0.016203852370381355, -0.041279155761003494, 0.02362077496945858, 0.04594787582755089, -0.026360606774687767, 0.08848461508750916, 0.003534285118803382, -0.002427221043035388, -0.050830304622650146, 0.013236540369689465, 0.05976757034659386, -0.038254015147686005, 0.023197008296847343, 0.011411357671022415, 0.09555406868457794, 0.05874945595860481, -0.024356264621019363, 0.020279210060834885, 0.02425704337656498, 0.02483903244137764, -0.06511040031909943, -8.643176556688559e-7, 0.03988933563232422, 0.03164885938167572, 0.00527168158441782, -0.0191448163241148, 0.018285220488905907, -0.05703434348106384, 0.01229707058519125, 0.011958870105445385, -0.004491850268095732, -0.013751872815191746, -0.028029702603816986, -0.02522537112236023, -0.008492804132401943, -0.036809343844652176, 0.007927222177386284, -0.01215976569801569, 0.03922653570771217, -0.053300466388463974, -0.006604642607271671, -0.06711156666278839, -0.02237028442323208, -0.04286875203251839, 0.0023679803125560284, 0.02828008309006691, 0.053347185254096985, -0.012112029828131199, 0.009469425305724144, -0.050945479422807693, 0.01348661445081234, -0.033862970769405365, 0.055993642657995224, 0.0015916443662717938, 0.026318393647670746, -0.029874105006456375, -0.05538308992981911, -0.02253911830484867, -0.032679300755262375, -0.021864136680960655, -0.013166294433176517, 0.03627976402640343, 0.0006216118927113712, 0.005031723063439131, 0.017418725416064262, 0.003674831474199891, 0.026920918375253677, -0.07852756977081299, -0.006066871806979179, -0.06911919265985489, -0.02389286644756794, 0.023833606392145157, -0.010238084942102432, -0.01998082548379898, -0.045692455023527145, 0.02084660530090332, 0.025346921756863594, 0.04651591181755066, 0.024177776649594307, 0.04373988136649132, -0.01878916099667549, 0.007752631325274706, 0.04710972681641579, 0.0023881581146270037, -0.05765708535909653, 0.014202754944562912, -0.04066634923219681, -0.03934158384799957, 0.027410555630922318, -0.056223656982183456, -0.04787084832787514, 0.02084137685596943, 0.03932727128267288, -0.009426319040358067, 0.009252947755157948, 0.08154915273189545, -0.03413929045200348, 0.000026083038392243907, 0.008388791233301163, -0.005868368316441774, -0.022403856739401817, 0.030405327677726746, 0.06609154492616653, -0.09258576482534409, 0.00039092812221497297, -0.007153527345508337, 0.00866383034735918, -0.017729107290506363, 0.04013373702764511, -0.0182246845215559, 0.02456686645746231, -0.030206259340047836, -0.016168905422091484, -0.08683306723833084, 0.04965696856379509, 0.030639084056019783, -0.03798848018050194, 0.036526426672935486, -0.03494648262858391, 0.011641678400337696, -0.0024290725123137236, 0.02111455425620079, 0.07630858570337296, 0.018780427053570747, 0.038703855127096176, -0.016840169206261635, 0.042255740612745285, -0.01583046466112137, -0.05334494635462761, -0.005146115552634001, 0.043752800673246384, 0.023317553102970123, 0.018479200080037117, -0.006368129979819059, -0.027556998655200005, 0.010470638051629066, -0.02963384799659252, 0.0029088782612234354, 0.02141590602695942, -0.001946374075487256, -0.045785319060087204, 0.04699847847223282, -0.0068704173900187016, 0.06063588708639145, -0.05447729304432869, 0.023881513625383377, -0.009638912975788116, -0.01944434642791748, -0.017227474600076675, 0.03562919795513153, 0.06064749136567116, 0.04175963252782822, -0.0789606124162674, 0.008494186215102673, 0.03882647678256035, 0.02525194361805916, -0.026484740898013115, 0.026180095970630646, 0.03760458156466484, 0.054435037076473236, 0.041496533900499344, 0.021681206300854683, -0.02603960782289505, 0.017370540648698807, 0.024609992280602455, -0.009367687627673149, -0.003619132563471794, -0.00932320300489664, 0.02027321420609951, -0.03210802003741264, -0.010145763866603374, 0.05468052998185158, -0.03717052564024925, 0.0003524326893966645, 0.022054754197597504, 0.03678768873214722, 0.0018991794204339385, 0.0028201937675476074, -0.05141354724764824, -0.064780592918396, 0.021248698234558105, -0.0596684068441391, -0.021125009283423424, -0.014370791614055634, -0.012452062219381332, 0.05485937371850014, -0.005844933912158012, -0.024686407297849655, 0.01414337195456028, -0.05711015313863754, -0.059957247227430344, 0.014514492824673653, -0.026743650436401367, 0.06863364577293396, -0.028019867837429047, -0.025403354316949844, 0.07836814969778061, 0.0073912483640015125, 0.051526110619306564, 0.025606706738471985, 0.02623586542904377, 0.04203147813677788, -0.03261817619204521, -0.04783570021390915, 0.034313201904296875, 0.026965787634253502, -0.020661672577261925, 0.022000527009367943, 0.09705547988414764, -0.009465429931879044, -0.0008266940712928772, 0.007713488303124905, -0.00319414003752172, 0.019533006474375725, -0.01625656895339489, 0.047137703746557236, -0.014950776472687721, 0.05792151391506195, -0.02916814759373665, 0.040707752108573914, -0.00700099254027009, -0.0011821096995845437, 0.024337057024240494, -0.06822609156370163, 0.0858907550573349, 0.051917172968387604, -0.031182657927274704, -0.0326203815639019, 0.014650223776698112, 0.014058203436434269, 0.022470971569418907, 0.012471849098801613, 0.018734745681285858, 0.020438218489289284, -0.007051612250506878, 0.012837715446949005, -0.011957206763327122, 0.023478969931602478, -0.06653495132923126, 0.008174625225365162, 0.042335450649261475, 0.04996782913804054, 0.03919721767306328, 0.00010370775271439925, -0.02266530878841877, -0.0026388762053102255, 0.0039280918426811695, -0.040801238268613815, -0.016389507800340652, -0.02203785814344883, 0.0029388980474323034, 0.014798134565353394, 0.001354589476250112, 0.03072749264538288, -0.03621797263622284, -0.01631438359618187, 0.016840187832713127, 0.03439328819513321, 0.03107794001698494, 0.007621187251061201, 0.06621985137462616, -0.0036563496105372906, -0.005745269823819399, -0.034008145332336426, -0.048556990921497345, -0.03899969160556793, 0.02050488255918026, 0.012360034510493279, 0.037479378283023834, 0.04547593742609024, 0.022175820544362068, -0.004069986753165722, 0.00674185948446393, -0.02373358979821205, 0.012064918875694275, -0.004370948765426874, 0.008153725415468216, 0.007599453907459974, 0.010726207867264748, -0.011973128654062748, 0.029602540656924248, -0.041574228554964066, -0.03328811749815941, -0.05071233958005905, -0.05319017171859741, 0.018538642674684525, -0.038009051233530045, -0.033067431300878525, 0.05359024181962013, 0.008103621192276478, 0.033807456493377686, 0.03552200272679329, 0.012497157789766788, 0.050744444131851196, 0.015990158542990685, 0.012930471450090408, 0.017097515985369682, 0.007748625241219997, -0.04021602123975754, -0.0294294785708189, -0.004231070168316364, 0.018452074378728867, -0.04519368335604668, 0.031323835253715515, 0.029548127204179764, -0.008020126260817051, 0.014961144886910915, -0.267756849527359, 0.022877631708979607, -0.005722804460674524, -0.0684627890586853, 0.0720568373799324, -0.01354917697608471, 0.005497628357261419, -0.043263498693704605, -0.05480177700519562, 0.05388830974698067, 0.011182560585439205, 0.005190207622945309, 0.02512255683541298, 0.021209074184298515, 0.018414940685033798, -0.03131575137376785, -0.023439019918441772, -0.01995427906513214, 0.007574230898171663, 0.015991654247045517, 0.016633346676826477, -0.05073050782084465, -0.03645368665456772, 0.0034550479613244534, 0.05062288045883179, 0.0655720978975296, -0.044574979692697525, 0.04708953946828842, -0.05939405784010887, -0.038851529359817505, -0.019695594906806946, 0.00491744838654995, -0.02059282548725605, -0.021901482716202736, -0.034304793924093246, 0.0014927071752026677, 0.012331288307905197, -0.010027190670371056, -0.010464699007570744, 0.007917755283415318, -0.011274201795458794, -0.06319624185562134, -0.030915454030036926, 0.01739485003054142, 0.040002863854169846, 0.018208425492048264, -0.031683873385190964, -0.01249399408698082, -0.028706368058919907, 0.054806098341941833, -0.01612129993736744, 0.020836690440773964, -0.03403986990451813, 0.021251028403639793, -0.04040808230638504, -0.013151944614946842, -0.020185697823762894, -0.0031317153479903936, -0.07756514847278595, 0.012952592223882675, 0.0025752668734639883, -0.029084034264087677, -0.0443546324968338, -0.0020103384740650654, 0.00406957883387804, -0.0466323122382164, -0.030700987204909325, -0.031866032630205154, 0.06855789572000504, 0.01749470829963684, 0.022741660475730896, 0.030136622488498688, -0.04238416254520416, -0.0975412130355835, -0.0061448789201676846, -0.0138801708817482, -0.027234815061092377, -0.09024820476770401, -0.013848510570824146, -0.005844125058501959, -0.039173372089862823, 0.015583178959786892, 0.055686354637145996, -0.008148552849888802, -0.018001871183514595, 0.02594003826379776, 0.011235910467803478, 0.06574192643165588, -0.041852228343486786, -0.005894661881029606, 0.04178472235798836, 0.020110735669732094, 0.014175917953252792, -0.0013596360804513097, -0.014992961660027504, 0.012542706914246082, 0.004147207364439964, 0.008282866328954697, 0.020204896107316017, -0.008890856988728046, 0.050646234303712845, -0.0950884073972702, 0.0011246888898313046, -0.05331699177622795, -0.009174318984150887, -0.012841346673667431, -0.05248478427529335, 0.02915102429687977, 0.040878776460886, -0.02293236367404461, -0.021435610949993134, -0.0022263466380536556, 0.057876765727996826, -0.009339768439531326, 0.032537832856178284, -0.035122621804475784, 0.017154408618807793, 0.0015664127422496676, 0.01488156896084547, -0.011025919578969479, -0.03157789632678032, 0.02178821712732315, -0.09377588331699371, -0.018465595319867134, -0.06537620723247528, 0.009497047401964664, 0.046036072075366974, -0.04154258966445923, -0.029802357777953148, 0.042141035199165344, -0.02382395975291729, -0.04587755352258682, 0.030783211812376976, 0.013996887020766735, 0.048785772174596786, 0.009029524400830269, -0.011508206836879253, -0.042132724076509476, -0.007748369127511978, 0.012502157129347324, 0.0425807349383831, -0.00973633024841547, 0.0037289659958332777, 0.00223285099491477, 0.054983511567115784, -0.026548685505986214, 0.006641730200499296, -0.0028388032224029303, -0.05510047450661659, 0.00671190582215786, 0.05580097436904907, -0.037393126636743546, 0.04005945101380348, -0.05348515138030052, -0.036269254982471466, -0.020735954865813255, 0.02629191055893898, 0.03401413559913635, 0.010719876736402512, -0.052215587347745895, -0.0026584630832076073, -0.03692593425512314, 0.013300102204084396, -0.04054306820034981, -0.011329186148941517, 0.03139496222138405, -0.040287863463163376, -0.045926760882139206, -0.017172005027532578, 0.019450128078460693, -0.01896444335579872, -0.08762047439813614, -0.04551904276013374, -0.023500651121139526, 0.00820105243474245, 0.030458368360996246, 0.006156448274850845, 0.008065336383879185, 0.026668839156627655, 0.03631991147994995, 0.0014309113612398505, -0.02838854491710663, -0.02866896241903305, -0.007178210187703371, 0.04294971749186516, 0.020244278013706207, -0.008314289152622223, -0.057253915816545486, -0.012272574938833714, 0.017570147290825844, -0.027683096006512642, -0.01142923254519701, -0.03484227880835533, 0.03266459330916405, -0.07220737636089325, -0.017024224624037743, 0.003433406352996826, -0.0182671956717968, 0.04398113861680031, -0.006793846841901541, 0.02109159715473652, -0.0002763787342701107, -0.005550363566726446, 0.02069820463657379, -0.014055462554097176, -0.05330347269773483, 0.039579957723617554, 0.005742549430578947, -0.035244230180978775, 0.019405625760555267, -0.050841618329286575, -0.02389664202928543, -0.03498777374625206, -0.008618869818747044, 0.05914969742298126, -0.0619424507021904, 0.04302704334259033, -0.030590476468205452, -0.032146189361810684, 0.023764735087752342, 0.0023873320315033197, -0.04109087213873863, -0.020827410742640495, 0.0071398233994841576, -0.03685087710618973, 0.0714753195643425, 0.006001706700772047, -0.019039830192923546, 0.08231867104768753, -0.0393025167286396, -0.011474338360130787, -0.02016754448413849, -0.007389626000076532, 0.06623400002717972, -0.04820442199707031, -0.04075907543301582, -0.022007552906870842, -0.0005070576444268227, -0.018245616927742958, 0.049890369176864624, 0.049806348979473114, 0.026124654337763786, -0.006298461928963661, -0.006005994975566864, -0.01661447435617447, -0.013321558013558388, 0.03686918690800667, -0.01974034495651722, -0.006494144909083843, 0.07559927552938461, 0.009841813705861568, 0.0065221223048865795, -0.016797592863440514, -0.01626734435558319, 0.0512000173330307, -0.034650009125471115, -0.003984785173088312, -0.0046629696153104305, -0.04269099980592728, 0.03566190227866173, -0.007581711281090975, 0.011543412692844868, -0.012586796656250954, 0.018185235559940338, 0.03499292954802513, -0.013688270002603531, 0.026677487418055534, 0.03226207569241524, 0.0397152341902256, -0.046544112265110016, -0.01755574718117714, -0.07503840327262878, 0.004543242510408163, 0.0002556406834628433, 0.02271123044192791, 0.05990072339773178, 0.003377495799213648, 0.015592606738209724, 0.05471299961209297, -0.06816564500331879, -0.02908508852124214, -0.032836344093084335, -0.008502974174916744, -0.04053282365202904, 0.005565710365772247, -0.02935275062918663, 0.03279269114136696, 0.022285591810941696, -0.06025495007634163, -0.02994525246322155, -0.02469465136528015, 0.021409180015325546, 0.046093568205833435, -0.011369608342647552, 0.03146630525588989, -0.013468235731124878, 0.05321342125535011, 0.0684526264667511, 0.026638522744178772, 0.019838592037558556, -0.037135083228349686, 0.052058663219213486, 0.04474462941288948, 0.014751921407878399, -0.01770561933517456, 0.011035243049263954, 0.03255468234419823, -0.06798826903104782, 0.013076433911919594, 0.03840986266732216, -0.0025935193989425898, -0.044010140001773834, 0.050686635076999664, -0.022791843861341476, -0.06580495089292526, -0.0009112791158258915, 0.010152319446206093, -0.039749812334775925, -0.021626483649015427, -0.01048477366566658, 0.026471540331840515, -0.0011206496274098754, 0.06366554647684097, 0.0012745829299092293, 0.06244608387351036, 0.019418789073824883, -0.023810533806681633, 0.048946309834718704, -0.0013007045490667224, 0.06543511897325516, 0.04507795348763466, 0.03723808377981186, 0.005555111914873123, 0.06509228050708771, 0.00022839277517050505, -0.03971197083592415, -0.008268633857369423, -0.034273967146873474, 0.012202154844999313, -0.00649895379319787, 0.0442219115793705, 0.037907566875219345, -0.018888017162680626, 0.04044893756508827, -0.00339118973352015, 0.01504147332161665, 0.02947903797030449, -0.043696872889995575, 0.040038399398326874, 0.053688712418079376, -0.009286615066230297, -0.006468019913882017, -0.02306867390871048, -0.01665770821273327, -0.011937564238905907, -0.02973492443561554, -0.021561546251177788, -0.007669299840927124, -0.049740538001060486, 0.00994421448558569, -0.05943281948566437, -0.0112495431676507, 0.08653280138969421, -0.02344469539821148, 0.011159271001815796, 0.013314559124410152, 0.01736796647310257, 0.025462182238698006, -0.00887097604572773, 0.005188000854104757, -0.021059812977910042, -0.018728157505393028, -0.02288351207971573, -0.020015303045511246, 0.04731428623199463, -0.032933834940195084, 0.03831642121076584, -0.03935016691684723, 0.01176584791392088, 0.05325689911842346, 0.027457058429718018, -0.05054605379700661, -0.038713593035936356, -0.0377020500600338, -0.01593942940235138, -0.01316460594534874, -0.013772126287221909, 0.015716256573796272, 0.005994275212287903, -0.021722638979554176, 0.017902716994285583, -0.019284872338175774, 0.01123138703405857, 0.06625383347272873, -0.044043172150850296, -0.005664653144776821, 0.06978096067905426, 0.04504102095961571, 0.027820440009236336, 0.02664189040660858, 0.04920836538076401, 0.015459509566426277, -0.03792154788970947, 0.003857320174574852, -0.02641359530389309, 0.021102003753185272, -0.04181167855858803, 0.01444192323833704, -0.09205973893404007, 0.009784281253814697, -0.016478171572089195, -0.04687001183629036, -0.09666077792644501, 0.015687748789787292, -0.029489489272236824, -0.010749372653663158, 0.03349824249744415, 0.03998586907982826, 0.008466043509542942, 0.00994042307138443, -0.015212461352348328, -0.01601654291152954, 0.025704672560095787, 0.04993719980120659, -0.052173689007759094, 0.05215965583920479, 0.023201286792755127, -0.004062964115291834, -0.01948956772685051, 0.021563509479165077, 0.04059181734919548, 0.008878149092197418, -0.039431147277355194, -0.006547804456204176, -0.02067594788968563, -0.07642486691474915, -0.02145548351109028, 0.024429695680737495, -0.023158550262451172, -0.03933229669928551, 0.008021042682230473, -0.007965103723108768, -0.01982303522527218, -0.006589633412659168, 0.0020258284639567137, 0.05970190465450287, -0.06495680660009384, -0.06649365276098251, -0.0025904346257448196, 0.012619467452168465, -0.000056194327044067904, 0.03192831575870514, 0.006003052927553654, -0.06315497308969498, 0.022576954215765, -0.034059058874845505, -0.002177271991968155, 0.0251143965870142, 0.01235850341618061, -0.005358342081308365 ]
OPINION WECHSLER, Judge. {1} Absent various exceptions, Article II, Section 10 of the New Mexico Constitution requires officers executing a warrant at a premises to knock and announce their presence and authority and then wait a reasonable time to permit those inside to voluntarily open the door. Police executing a search warrant at Defendant Pebbles Jean- Paul’s home knocked and announced their presence and authority, waited one second, and when they received no response, forcibly entered her home with a battering ram. They believed that this short wait was authorized by the fact that a man had been standing near the window, looking out in the direction of the police as they approached the home and had moved away from that position as the police reached the door. We conclude that the mere one-second wait was not justified by either the exigent circumstances exception or the futility exception to the knock-and-announce requirement. Additionally, the one-second wait was simply too short to permit the occupants either to answer the door or from which to infer that they had refused to voluntarily admit the police. Accordingly, we reverse the district court’s denial of Defendant’s motion to suppress. BACKGROUND {2} On September 22, 2009, several officers went to Defendant’s home in order to execute a search warrant for controlled substances. The officers parked away from the home and approached it from an inconspicuous direction. As the officers approached, they observed someone in the residence, later identified as Michael Dickson, approximately three to five feet from the window, facing out. The officers were approximately eight feet from the window at that point, but they could not say that Dickson made eye contact with them or that he actually saw them. Dickson was approximately five to six feet from the front door of the residence. An officer described Dickson as being “seen” at the window and then “not seen,” but the officer did not state that Dickson ran or hid, only that the officer no longer saw him. The officers knocked on the door and announced “Police department; search warrant!” The officers’ belt tape recorded the fact that approximately four seconds after the officers began knocking, and approximately one second after the officers completed the phrase “search warrant,” the officers struck the door with a battering ram. Once inside, the officers found drugs and drug paraphernalia. {3} Defendant was charged with drug trafficking by distribution and possession of drug paraphernalia. She moved to suppress the evidence obtained during the execution of the search warrant, arguing that by waiting such a short period before forcibly entering, the officers did not comply with the constitutional requirement that they knock and announce their presence and authority and then wait a reasonable time for an answer prior to forcibly entering the premises and that no exceptions existed that would have permitted the police to dispense with the requirement. The district court denied the motion, and Defendant entered into a conditional plea agreement under which she pleaded guilty to the trafficking charge, reserving her right to appeal the denial of her motion to suppress. STANDARD OF REVIEW {4} Defendant contends that the district court erred by denying her motion to suppress the evidence obtained during the execution of the warrant. We review the district court’s suppression ruling to determine “whether the law was correctly applied to the facts, viewing them in a manner most favorable to the prevailing party.” State v. Hand, 2008-NMSC-014, ¶ 6, 143 N.M. 530, 178 P.3d 165 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). We defer to the district court’s factual findings so long as they are supported by substantial evidence. Id. Substantial evidence is “such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” State v. Gonzales, 2010-NMCA-023, ¶ 4, 147 N.M. 735, 228 P.3d 519 (alterations, internal quotation marks, and citation omitted). After deferring to the district court’s factual findings, we review de novo the constitutional question of whether the search was reasonable. Id. In the district court, it was the State’s burden to demonstrate the reasonableness of the execution of the search warrant. State v. Ulibarri, 2010-NMCA-084, ¶ 12, 148 N.M. 576, 240 P.3d 1050, cert. denied, 2010-NMCERT-008, 148 N.M. 942, 242 P.3d 1288. INTERSTITIAL APPROACH {5} Defendant’s motion was brought pursuant to both the federal and state constitutions and, on appeal, her arguments rely on both the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article II, Section 10 of the New Mexico Constitution. Article II, Section 10 provides that “[t]he people shall be secure in their persons, papers, homes and effects, from unreasonable searches and seizures” and is an analogue of the Fourth Amendment. “While the federal constitution provides a minimum level of protection below which the states may not descend, states remain free to provide greater protection.” State v. Javier M., 2001-NMSC-030, ¶ 24, 131 N.M. 1, 33 P.3d 1 (alteration, internal quotation marks, and citation omitted)). Under New Mexico’s interstitial approach to state constitutional interpretation, this Court should only reach the state constitutional question if the federal constitution does not provide the protection sought by the party raising the issue. See State v. Gomez, 1997-NMSC-006, ¶¶19-20, 122 N.M. 777, 932 P.2d 1. When applying the interstitial approach, “the court asks first whether the right being asserted is protected under the federal constitution.” Id. ¶ 19. “If it is, then the state constitutional claim is not reached.” Id. “If it is not, then the state constitution is examined.” Id. We must therefore decide whether the federal constitution would offer Defendant any protection in this case prior to reaching her claim under the state constitution. {6} In the absence of certain exceptions, the Fourth Amendment requires police who are executing a warrant to announce their presence and authority and to wait a reasonable time for an occupant to answer before entering the premises. Wilson v. Arkansas, 514 U.S. 927, 931-36 (1995). This rule, commonly called the lcnock-andannounce rule, is also a requirement of Article II, Section 10 of the New Mexico Constitution. State v. Attaway, 117 N.M. 141, 149-50, 870 P.2d 103, 111-12 (1994). But while both the federal and state constitutions include the knoclc-and-announce requirement, the remedies for a violation under the two constitutions are not the same. In Hudson v. Michigan, 547 U.S. 586, 591-94 (2006), the Supreme Court held that if the police fail to adhere to the knoclc-and-announce rule, the Fourth Amendment does not require suppression of any evidence obtained during the search as a remedy for the violation. Hudson reasoned that “but for” causation is a necessary condition for suppression and that a violation ofthe lcnock-and-announce rule does not cause the discovery of evidence, since regardless ofthe manner ofthe officers’ entry, the evidence would inevitably be discovered during the subsequent search, and the search itself would be valid pursuant to the warrant. Id. at 592. Hudson also determined that the beneficial effects of exclusion are outweighed by its social costs when it comes to knock- and-announce violations because of the potential for increased violence against officers who might be hesitant to enter unannounced if they believed that evidence might be suppressed and the potential for the destruction of evidence by those inside the residence. Id. at 595. {7} In contrast, Attaway states that suppression is the appropriate remedy under Article II, Section 10 of the New Mexico Constitution for the failure to follow the knock-and-announce rule. Attaway, 117 N.M. at 150 n.6, 870 P.2d at 112 n.6. Attaway was decided prior to Hudson and did not appear to consider the policy considerations addressed in Hudson in support of the conclusion that suppression is not an appropriate remedy. Our Supreme Court has not had the occasion since Hudson to reconsider Attaway or the application of the exclusionary rule for knock- and-announce violations under the state constitution. See Hand, 2008-NMSC-014, ¶ 5 n.2 (stating that “[bjecause neither party briefed the effect of Hudson on New Mexico’s knock-and-announce jurisprudence and because we conclude that the district court erroneously suppressed the evidence, we leave the question of Hudson’s effect to be decided another day”). Therefore, Attaway controls, and the remedy for any violation of Article II, Section 10 ’s knock-and-announce requirement continues to be suppression of the evidence. {8} Although Gomez’s discussion of the interstitial analysis applied to the interpretation of the rights afforded under the federal and state constitutions, as opposed to the remedies, we believe its analysis is equally applicable to instances such as this one, in which, even if the rights provided under the two constitutions were the same, the remedy for a violation of those rights can be different. See Gomez, 1997-NMSC-006, ¶ 20 (citing as an example of the interstitial approach State v. Gutierrez, 116 N.M. 431, 446-47, 863 P.2d 1052, 1067-68 (1993), which declined to incorporate the federal good-faith exception to the exclusionary rule into the state constitution because refusing to apply the remedy of the exclusionary rule would undermine the purpose of the state constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures). Because any violation of Defendant’s rights under the United States Constitution would not provide her with a remedy in this proceeding, we need not decide whether the police conduct violated Defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights. See Gomez, 1997-NMSC-006, ¶¶ 19-20. Therefore', we assess Defendant’s claim only in light of the protections provided by Article II, Section 10 of the state constitution. KNOCK AND ANNOUNCE UNDER ARTICLE II, SECTION 10 {9} In New Mexico, “[l]aw enforcement officers executing a search or arrest warrant are constitutionally required to knock and announce their identity and purpose and then wait a reasonable time to determine if consent to enter will be given, prior to forcefully entering a dwelling.” Gonzales, 2010-NMCA-023, ¶ 5. The rule “requires that officers make known not only their presence, but also their authority under the warrant that they are serving.” State v. Vargas, 2008-NMSC-019, ¶ 18, 143 N.M. 692, 181 P.3d 684. By requiring the police to announce the fact that they have a warrant and then give the occupants time to voluntarily answer the door, the knock-and-announce rule protects “those elements of privacy and dignity that can be destroyed by a sudden entrance” and gives “occupants the time necessary to collect themselves and to prepare for the entry of the police before answering the door.” Id. ¶ 15 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). The rule serves a number of additional purposes, including preventing the needless destruction of property, reducing the risk of violence to both occupants and police, and permitting an opportunity for the occupants to comply with the law. Ulibarri, 2010-NMCA-084, ¶ 10. {10} Courts have carved out various exceptions to the rule, and of these, two that are relevant here are that police need not comply with the knock-and-announce requirement in situations in which knocking and announcing the officers’ presence and authority would be futile in that it would amount to nothing more than a useless gesture, see Vargas, 2008-NMSC-019, ¶ 11, and when there are exigent circumstances militating against such an announcement. See also Ulibarri, 2010-NMCA-084, ¶ 13. The futility exception applies when it is clear that the authority and purpose of the police are already known to those within the premises, such that knocking and announcing that the police intend to execute a warrant would serve no purpose. See Vargas, 2008-NMSC-019, ¶¶ 3, 17 (holding that the futility exception applied when the occupant of a home opened the door, saw the police, exclaimed “Oh, shit!,” and attempted to close the door). Exigent circumstances include situations involving, among other things, “a demonstrable risk that evidence will be destroyed while the officers wait to be denied entry, or specific information . . . indicating that the danger to the officers executing the warrant will be increased, rather than decreased, if the officers comply with the rule.” State v. Vargas, 1996-NMCA-016, ¶ 5, 121 N.M. 316, 910 P.2d 950. {11} To determine whether an exception applies, a court must look to the totality of the circumstances “at the time of entry from the point of view of a reasonable, well-trained, and prudent police officer” to decide whether the officer had a reasonable belief that there were exigent circumstances or that knocking and announcing would be futile. Vargas, 2008-NMSC-019, ¶ 12. The reasonableness of an officer’s belief is measured under a reasonable suspicion standard, “which is not high” but which “requires specific, articulable facts, together with reasonable inferences therefrom, as a basis for concluding that the facts and circumstances of the particular entry justified dispensing with the knock-and-announce requirement.” Id. (alteration, internal quotation marks, and citation omitted). FUTILITY AND EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES {12} The district court determined that the knock-and-announce requirement was excused because of both the futility and exigent circumstances exceptions. The basis of the district court’s conclusion that the officers were not required to knock and announce their presence was that it was highly probable that Dickson had seen the officers approaching the house such that it would have been “futile to require a prolonged delay which could result in disposing of evidence.” At the suppression hearing, an officer testified that it is standard operating procedure for police to expedite the process of entering a home when they have been seen by someone inside due to the possibility that the home’s occupants could destroy evidence or get a weapon. But the mere fact that officers have been observed by a home’s occupants does not relieve them of the knock-and-announce requirement. See State v. Williams, 114 N.M. 485, 487-89, 840 P.2d 1251, 1253-55 (Ct. App. 1992) (applying the knock-and-announce rule despite the fact that the occupants of a home made eye contact with members of a SWAT team as they approached the house); cf. State v. Reynaga, 2000-NMCA-0534 12, 129 N.M. 257, 5 P.3d 579 (stating that “[w]e disagree with the [sjtate’s argument that the knock-and-announce requirement serves no purpose once someone inside a . . . home is alerted to the presence of police” and holding that the knock-and-announce requirement applies even when the door has already been opened due to a ruse by police). Such a rule would require every person — whether guest or resident — who sees officers approaching a home to immediately go to the door and open it in order to avoid a forcible entry. People are not generally required to throw open their door to the police, and it is the announcement of the fact that the police have authority to enter pursuant to a warrant that alerts a person that it is lawful for the police to enter a premises regardless of the occupants’ wishes. See Commonweath v. Carlton, 701 A.2d 143, 147 (Pa. 1997) (“[Tjhere is no requirement that anyone open the door to their dwelling in the absence of police statement of their authority and purpose. In a free society, the mere presence of police does not require an individual to throw open the doors to his house and cower submissively before the uniformed authority of the state.”). Until the police announce that they have a warrant, the occupants have no reason to believe that the police may forcibly enter and thus no reason to believe that they must answer the door if they wish to avoid a forcible breach. {13} Relying on Vargas, 2008-NMSC-019, the State contends that our Supreme Court has dispensed with the knock- and-announce requirement when the presence of officers is known. However, Vargas is not on point. Vargas held that knocking and announcing would have been futile when the defendant happened to open the door just as the officers reached it, saw the officers, said “Oh shit!,” and attempted to close the door — all before the officers were able to knock and announce. Id. ¶¶ 3-4, 17. In Vargas, a reasonable officer could have concluded that the defendant knew that the officers were there for some type of investigation involving him or the house since the defendant uttered an exclamation that suggested an awareness and dissatisfaction with having been caught doing something illegal. The defendant then affirmatively engaged in conduct that sought to prevent the officers from entering when he attempted to shut the door, thereby indicating that he likely would not voluntarily open the door if the officers were to then knock and announce their presence and authority. Vargas simply holds that the futility exception applies under circumstances in which it is reasonable to believe that the occupant of a home knows the identity of the officers and their purpose for being at the premises and nevertheless affirmatively refuses to permit the officers to enter. {14} Vargas is consistent with authorities from other jurisdictions that hold that an affirmative act by an occupant of a premises demonstrating refusal to admit police or an attempt to escape after becoming aware of their identity and purpose renders futile any further efforts by the police to knock and announce. See, e.g., United States v. Peterson, 353 F.3d 1045, 1049 (9th Cir. 2003) (holding that the futility exception applied when, just as a SWAT team was about to announce its presence, the defendant opened the door, saw the SWAT team, and attempted to deny them entry); United States v. McGee, 280 F.3d 803, 806-07 (7th Cir. 2002) (holding that the “useless gesture” exception applied when the occupant of a home had run out of the back door as the police began to knock and announce). Vargas does not abrogate Williams or otherwise sweepingly dispense with the lcnock-and-announce requirement any time an occupant of a premises knows that the police are outside. {15} The State relies on two other cases involving affirmative acts of refusal for the proposition that other courts have found that knocking and announcing is notrequired when the occupants of a premises have seen the police outside. In Richards v. Wisconsin, 520 U.S. 385, 388 (1997), an officer disguised as a maintenance man knocked on the defendant’s motel room door. The defendant cracked open the door, saw a uniformed officer standing behind the disguised officer, and slammed the door closed. Id. The officers then waited two or three seconds and, without announcing that they were there under the authority of a warrant, began ramming the door in order to gain entry into the room. Id. In State v. Ochadleus, 2005 MT 88, ¶ 12, 326 Mont. 441, 110 P.3d 448, officers executing a warrant at a residence made eye contact with a man inside. They announced that they were police and that they had a search warrant, and they ordered the man to open the door. Id. The man first walked toward the door as if to open it, but when the officers again called out that they were the police, the man began backing away. Id. As soon as the man backed away, the police used a battering ram to enter the residence. Id. Although we need not decide whether the particular facts ofRichards or Ochadleus would support an exception to the lcnock-and-announce rule under the New Mexico Constitution, both Richards and Ochadleus are consistent with the principle that some affirmative act by an occupant demonstrating a refusal to admit the police after their presence and purpose are known renders unnecessary any further act of knocking and announcing. These cases do not support the proposition that officers need not knock and announce their presence and authority and then wait a reasonable time to permit the occupants to respond any time an occupant has merely viewed the officers approaching from outside the area to be searched. {16} The State also relies on the unreported federal district court decision of United States v. Shaw, No. 02-4008101/03-SAC, 2002 WL 31926894 (D. Kan. Nov. 22, 2002), modified on rehearing Nos. 02-40081-01-SAC, 02-40081-03-SAC, 2003 WL 356066 (D. Kan. Jan. 23, 2003). In that case, an officer in plain clothes knocked on the door of the residence to be searched, hoping that the occupants would answer voluntarily, without knowing that the person knocking was a police officer. Id. at *1. If the occupants did so, several uniformed officers were to announce that they were police with a search warrant and then enter the residence. Id. However, as the first officer approached the door, he realized that it was open and that there was a woman standing approximately two feet from him on the other side of the doorway. Id. She turned and looked at him, making eye contact. Id. The plain-clothed officer opened the door without knocking and announcing. Id. Approximately one second later, the uniformed officers following behind him announced that they were the police and that they had a warrant and then entered. Id. The federal district court for the district of Kansas upheld the search under the futility exception, finding that due to the position of the uniformed officers behind the first officer, it was reasonable for the officers to conclude that the woman had seen the uniformed officers and that she knew that they were there by authority of a warrant. Id. at *3. {17} We are not persuaded by Shaw’s reasoning. The fact that a person has observed police outside the door of a home does not, in the absence of other evidence, lead to a reasonable belief that the person knows that the police have a warrant that permits them to enter. Moreover, the State fails to point out that Shaw was later modified on rehearing for this very reason: On rehearing, the district court stated that “[e]ven if [the woman in the doorway] recognized [the first officer] or the officer beside him on the porch as police officers, her recognition would not have justified their reasonable belief that she actually knew of the reason for their presence.” Id. For its conclusion that it was not reasonable to believe that the woman would have known that the police were there to execute a search warrant, the court relied on the facts that the woman was not arrested for any crimes related to the evidence discovered at the house and that she was not shown to have any knowledge of the events that caused the warrant to be issued. Id. However, this inquiry seems to look to information that the police would not necessarily have at the time of the entry, such as whether the woman who the officers saw in the doorway would be arrested during the search and whether she was someone who had any involvement with the illegal activity. See Vargas, 2008-NMSC-019, ¶ 12 (stating that the reasonableness inquiry looks at the information known to officers at the time of entry). Unless the police have information at the time of the entry that leads to a reasonable belief that the person who has observed them knows both that they are officers and that they have authority to enter pursuant to a warrant, the futility exception does not apply. The fact that someone has simply seen the police does not generally provide a factual basis for a reasonable suspicion that the occupant knows that the officers have authority to enter pursuant to a warrant. See 2 Wayne R. LaFave, Search and Seizure: A Treatise on the Fourth Amendment § 4.8(f), at 693 (4th ed. 2004 & Supp. 2011) (stating that “there is no good reason for concluding, as some courts have done, that the occupants are aware of the authority and purpose merely because the police knew that someone within had seen them approaching or that someone outside had shouted something into the premises”). Shaw does not support the State’s claim. {18} The State also contends that the futility exception applies because Dickson knew of the police officers’ presence. Again, however, it is not sufficient that occupants know of the police’s presence; they must also know of the police’s purpose and authority for being there. We recognize that in this case the officers could have reasonably believed that what Dickson saw when he was facing the direction of the window was six uniformed officers carrying a battering ram and approaching the house. While these facts might come closer to providing a reasonable suspicion that Dickson knew that the officers were there to execute a warrant than those cases in which the occupant of a home simply sees an officer outside of the door, we nevertheless conclude that these facts do not support a reasonable suspicion that Dickson knew that the officers were there to search the home pursuant to a warrant. This is not a case in which occupants of a home engaged in any conduct evincing a consciousness of guilt or some other action that would demonstrate that they knew why the police were there. {19} Furthermore, even if these facts did give rise to such a reasonable suspicion, we would nevertheless conclude that the futility exception does not apply. New Mexico has only applied the exception when there has been an affirmative act of refusal by an occupant of the premises because such action more clearly demonstrates that an occupant does not intend to voluntarily permit the police to enter than does a mere brief period of inaction. See Vargas, 2008-NMSC-019, ¶ 14. Other courts have also primarily applied the exception when there has been some affirmative act of refusal or other effort to avoid the execution of the warrant. See, e.g., McGee, 280 F.3d at 806-07 (stating that “[i]n general, the ‘useless gesture’ exception to the ‘knock[-]and[-]announce’ rule is applied when a suspect affirmatively refuses to answer his door to allow the government to serve a valid search warrant” but that it will also apply if someone is seen to have fled the premises); United States v. James, 764 F.2d 885, 888 (D.C. Cir. 1985) (holding that the futility exception excused the officers’ failure to announce that they had a search warrant when, after knocking and calling out that they were the police, the officers heard the defendant running down the back stairs); People v. Williams, 499 N.W.2d 404, 408-09 (Mich. Ct. App. 1993) (upholding an almost instantaneous forcible entry after officers saw someone watching them as they approached the residence and then saw people running toward the back of the house as the police announced their presence and authority). Dickson’s act of being “seen” and then “not seen” is too ambiguous to constitute an act, such as fleeing, that would indicate that he was aware that the police were there to execute a warrant and that he sought to thwart that intent in some way. We are not persuaded that the application of the futility exception any time an occupant presumably has seen the police properly supports the purposes of the knock-and-announce rule because it does not account for the fact that until the occupants are informed that the officers are there to execute a warrant, they have no reason to believe that they are required to answer the door, speak with officers, or permit the officers to enter. Applying the exception under these circumstances would undermine two of the primary purposes of the knock-and-announce rule: to prevent the needless destruction of property and to protect the sanctity and privacy of the home. {20} Because there was no evidence presented that demonstrated that the occupants of Defendant’s home were already aware of the police’s purpose in coming to Defendant’s home and there was no evidence from which the officers could reasonably conclude that the occupants would have sought to thwart or avoid the police’s lawful entry to search, the futility exception did not excuse the knock- and-announce requirement. {21} The fact that Dickson was in a position from which the police could reasonably suspect that he had seen them also did not create the kind of exigent circumstances that would excuse the knock- and-announce requirement based on a suspicion that evidence would be destroyed. Although many drug investigations arguably involve the possibility of the destruction of evidence, the United States Supreme Court has refused to permit a blanket exception to the knock-and-announce rule for cases involving illegal drugs. See Richards, 520 U.S. at 391-94. The mere possibility that an occupant might destroy evidence does not give rise to an exigency. Ortega, 117 N.M. at 162, 870 P.2d at 124. Instead, circumstances must be such that a cautious, prudent, and well-trained officerwouldhave a “reasonable belief that evidence is being or is about to be destroyed.” Id. {22} A number of the New Mexico cases concluding that exigent circumstances excused the knock-and-announce rule when a warrant was for drugs rely on the possibility of an increased danger to officers. See, e.g., State v. Lopez, 2005-NMSC-018, ¶ 25, 138 N.M. 9, 116 P.3d 80 (upholding a finding of exigent circumstances based on a reasonable suspicion of increased danger to officers when the officers had information that there were two to four people in the residence with access to multiple firearms including automatic weapons and that one of the residents was a drug dealer); Vargas, 1996-NMCA-016, ¶¶ 9, 13 (upholding a finding of exigent circumstances based on areasonable suspicion of increased danger to officers when the officers had information that the defendants were involved in dealing drugs, that both were gang members and carried weapons, that one of the defendants had threatened police, and that during numerous police dispatches to the defendants’ residence over the prior ten years, the defendants and other residents had a propensity to behave violently and to challenge the police); Attaway, 117 N.M. at 153, 870 P.2d at 115 (upholding a finding of exigent circumstances based on a reasonable suspicion of increased danger to officers when the officers had information that the defendant was a drug user and dealer, that he had previously been convicted of weapons and drug charges, that he possessed a large arsenal of weapons, including an automatic weapon and a number of other guns, and he in the past had threatened police officers); cf. Williams, 114 N.M. at 488-89, 840 P.2d at 1254-55 (affirm ing the district court’s finding of no exigent circumstances based on increased danger to officers because although the officers believed that the occupants were drug dealers and that drug dealers are generally armed, “there was no evidence at the time of execution of the search warrant indicating that anyone threatened the officers or that they were placed in fear by persons either inside or outside the residence”). In this case, however, the district court did not find that the officers had a reasonable suspicion that there would be an increased danger to officers if they announced their presence and purpose, and, although the State preserved the argument in the district court, it does not put forth an argument on appeal that the district court’s ruling could be affirmed on this basis. Accordingly, we do not consider whether the officers had a reasonable suspicion of increased danger and look only to whether there was reasonable suspicion that the occupants ofDefendant’s home would destroy evidence. See In re Doe, 98 N.M. 540, 541, 650 P.2d 824, 825 (1982) (stating that an appellate court should not reach issues that the parties have not raised in their briefs). {23} We have found only two New Mexico cases holding that exigent circumstances excused the knoclc-andannounce requirement based wholly on a destruction-of-evidence rationale. The most recent is Ortega. There, an officer received information that the defendant was supplying heroin to a man with whom he lived and that the man was selling the heroin to others. Ortega, 117 N.M. at 161, 870 P.2d at 123. The informant told officers that the defendant and his housemate would destroy the evidence if they knew that the police were coming. Id. The officer verified this information through other informants. Id. at 161-62, 870 P.2d at 123-24. When the officer went to execute the warrant, some children outside the home started yelling “Cops! Cops!” Id. at 162, 870 P.2d at 124. One child ran into the house, and the officer followed, without stopping to announce his presence or the fact that he was there to execute a search warrant. Id. In upholding the validity of the entry, the New Mexico Supreme Court “place[d] little stock in [the officer’s] fourteen years of experience and general knowledge regarding the destruction ofnarcotics.” Id. at 163, 870 P.2d at 125. Instead, the Court relied on the fact that “it was objectively reasonable for [the officer] to believe evidence would be destroyed because he had information to that effect from three different informants who had been in contact with [the defendant] to support that belief.” Id. Therefore, once the children alerted the occupants of the home to the presence of the police, the police were justified in entering immediately in order to prevent the destruction of evidence. Id. {24} In State v. Sanchez, 88 N.M. 402, 404, 540 P.2d 1291, 1293 (1975), overruled in part on other grounds by Attaway, 117 N.M. 141, 870 P.2d 103, the district court found that the officers reasonably believed that drugs would be destroyed because an informant had specifically told the officers that the occupants of the home would flush the heroin down the toilet if the officers did not move quickly, and, as the officers approached the home, people inside were moving around and yelling as if they might have been alerted to the presence of the police and were attempting to take action in response. {25} In this case, in contrast to Ortega and Sanchez, there was no testimony regarding any specific evidence that police had for believing that evidence was being or would be destroyed. Any suspicion the police might have had about the possibility that evidence would be destroyed was not based on information about Defendant or her home and instead would have been based solely on the officers’ general experience. Such a generalized suspicion would arise in every case involving drugs — a result that is not permitted by Richards and Ortega. See State v. Cohen, 957 P.2d 1014, 1016 (Ariz. Ct. App. 1998) (holding that the exigent circumstances exception did not apply when officers executing a warrant for drugs made eye contact with occupants of a home, and entered approximately one second after knocking and announcing, since there was no reasonable suspicion that a longer wait would have increased the danger to officers or resulted in the destruction of evidence; any suspicions the officers had were not based on the particular facts of the case). {26} The State argues that the fact that Dickson was seen by the police in the window and then not seen provides a reasonable suspicion that either he or Defendant was destroying evidence. Although the record is somewhat ambiguous as to when Dickson was seen and not seen, if his movement away from the window occurred prior to the officers’ announcement of their presence and purpose, we cannot reasonably conclude that the fact that someone moves about a residence knowing that the police are outside, but not knowing that they are there to execute a warrant, gives rise to the inference that he is destroying evidence. See Syakhasone v. State, 39 S.W.3d 5, 10-11 (Ark. Ct. App. 2001) (holding that there were no exigent circumstances excusing the knock-and-announce requirement when, as the officers approached the house to execute a warrant for drugs, the officers saw someone open a curtain, look in the officers’ direction, and then pull the curtain back; any concerns about safety and the destruction of drugs were not based on anything particular to the defendant’s case). Furthermore, to the degree that Dickson moved away from the window at the same time that the officers knocked and announced, his mere movement within the home does not give rise to a reasonable suspicion that he was destroying evidence. See Commonwealth v. DeMichel, 277 A.2d 159, 164 (Pa. 1971) (holding that there were no exigent circumstances excusing the knock- and-announce requirement when officers who went to a house to execute a warrant for illegal lottery tickets that could be readily destroyed announced their presence to someone peering through the blinds, and the person then dropped the blinds and did not open the door after a period of between five and twenty seconds; the officers’ concern about the destruction of the lottery tickets was based on the fact that they could easily be destroyed, not on any particular facts demonstrating that they would be). This is not a case in which the officers saw Dickson running or taking other action that would suggest a frantic response to the presence of the police and that would therefore provide a reasonable suspicion that evidence was being destroyed. Cf. Laffitte v. State, 370 So. 2d 1108, 1108-10 (Ala. Crim. App. 1979) (upholding an almost immediate entry after police announced their presence and authority because, as they came to the door, police saw three people in the living room, one of whom grabbed some marijuana that had been lying there, and the three ran toward the back of the house); State v. Kofoed, 208 P.3d 278, 279-81 (Idaho 2009) (finding exigent circumstances based on the possible destruction of evidence when, as the police knocked and announced their presence and authority, they heard someone drop or kick something and then footsteps moving rapidly away from the door); State v. Kelley, 658 N.W.2d 279, 284, 289 (Neb. 2003) (finding exigent circumstances in part based on the possible destruction of evidence when, after a woman looked out of the window at the police as they knocked and announced, she looked “surprised” and left in a manner that appeared to be running, and then “a loud commotion” was heard inside). Because the State failed to demonstrate that the officers had a particularized reasonable suspicion that someone in Defendant’s home was destroying evidence after Dickson saw the police, it was error to apply the exigent circumstances exception to the knock-and-announce requirement. REASONABLENESS OF KNOCK AND ANNOUNCE {27} Although there was no exception excusing the knock-and-announce requirement altogether, the police in this case did in fact announce their presence and purpose prior to forcibly breaching the door. Therefore, the State contends that this Court can affirm the district court under a right-for-any-reason rationale because the officers complied with the constitutional rule. See Gallegos, 2007-NMSC-007, ¶ 26 (“[W]e will affirm the [district] court’s decision if it was right for any reason so long as it is not unfair to the appellant for us to do so.”). The State asserts that the brief time between the announcement of the officers’ presence and purpose and the forcible breach of the door was reasonable because the officers were constructively refused admittance. {28} In order to comply with the knock- and-announce rule, police must announce their presence and purpose and receive an actual refusal from those inside or wait out the time necessary to infer a constructive refusal prior to forcibly entering. Lopez, 2005-NMSC-018, ¶ 27. The time that officers must reasonably wait before inferring that the occupants have refused to answer the door is not fixed and instead depends on the totality of the circumstances. See Hand, 2008-NMSC-014, ¶ 7. Relevant circumstances include the size of the premises that the occupants would have to traverse in order to come to the door; the time of day, which might impact whether occupants were likely to be asleep or awake and whether they might need to dress; and whether the police know that an occupant is inside, such that if they hear no sound at all or sounds that suggest that the occupant does not intend to answer, it is more likely to mean that the occupant is refusing to admit the police. See id. ¶¶ 8-9. {29} Even when, as here, a residence is small, New Mexico courts have approved waits only as short as ten seconds in the absence of exigent circumstances. See id. ¶¶ 9, 11 (holding that a ten-to-twenty-second wait was sufficient to support an inference that admission was being denied based on the fact that “a small space” was involved, the police heard movement inside, and the defendant made no verbal response); State v. Johnson, 2006-NMSC-049, ¶¶ 12-17, 140 N.M. 653, 146 P.3d 298 (holding that a ten-second wait was reasonable to infer constructive refusal based on the small size of the hotel room and the fact that the defendant did not respond in any way); see also Gonzales, 2010-NMCA-023, ¶¶ 3, 16 (holding that an eight-second wait was too short a time to infer constructive refusal); cf. Lopez, 2005-NMSC-018, ¶¶ 3, 19 (holding that a three-second wait was reasonable because the exigent circumstances exception applied). The ten-second wait found in some of New Mexico ’scasesisa very short time in which to expect one to gather oneself and come to the door, but it has been justified based on the particular circumstances of those cases. As one commentator has noted regarding the question of how long officers must wait for an occupant to answer before inferring constructive refusal, it has understandably been held that a wait of two to four seconds is inadequate. Generally, however, it may be said that courts have been unduly lenient on this score, holding that the police may proceed to enter after waiting no longer than ten or twenty seconds. . . . More understandable is the view that such brief periods will suffice when a reasonable inference may be drawn that the inhabitants of the house had observed the arrival of the police and were well aware of the officers’ authority and purpose[.] 2 LaFave, supra, § 4.8(c), at 673-76 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). This case requires us to determine whether the brief wait in this case was reasonable when officers could reasonably conclude that Dickson was aware of their presence as they approached the house and then of their purpose and authority once they knocked and announced that they had a warrant. {30} The parties disagree about the length of time that the officers waited before they forcibly entered Defendant’s home. The district court found, based on a review of an officer’s belt tape, that there were approximately three-and-a-half seconds before the door was breached. However, the district court did not indicate the starting point for its count — whether it was when the officers started knocking or when they completed their statement that they had a search warrant. This lack of clarity is important because the appropriate starting point is from the time that the first announcement of the police’s presence and purpose has been completed. See Johnson, 2006-NMSC-049, ¶ 11 (stating that the appropriate time to be measured is the time “after knocking and announcing and before forcing entry” (emphasis added)); but see id. (quoting a Tenth Circuit case for the proposition that the time begins when officers “begin to announce” their presence). The time period cannot begin when the police start to knock or when they announce that they are the police, because until the occupants are notified that the police are there to execute a search warrant, they have no reason to believe that they are required to either open the door or suffer a forcible entry. The State argues that this Court can review the belt tape and draw its own conclusion about the length of time that the officers waited since we may review the district court’s findings to see if they are supported by substantial evidence in the record and since this Court is in as good a position to measure the time on the belt tape as the district court. However, we do not see this issue as a question of whether the district court’s finding was correct but as a question of whether its measurement began at the appropriate time. This is a question of law on which we need not defer to the district court. See State v. Williams, 2011-NMSC-026, ¶ 8, 149 N.M. 729, 255 P.3d 307 (stating that an appellate court reviews de novo the district court’s legal conclusions on a motion to suppress). The district court did not cite a starting point for its count. We conclude that the appropriate starting point was when officers completed their announcement, “Police department; search warrant.” See Johnson, 2006-NMSC-049, ¶¶ 11-12 (measuring the time after the initial announcement was made and before the forcible entry began). The appropriate ending point is when the officers began to hit the door with the battering ram. See id. ¶ 11 (“When the officers began hitting the door with the battering ram, they ceased ‘knocking’ and began ‘entering.’”). A review of the belt tape demonstrates that it was approximately one second after the officers completed the phrase “search warrant,” that the officers struck the door with a battering ram. However, even if we were to calculate the time as three-and-a-half seconds, as did the district court, or as five seconds, as urged by the State, the calculation would not affect our analysis because any of these times is shorter than the time periods recognized as reasonable under our case law. Further, there is nothing within these particular circumstances that justifies a period shorter than has thus far been recognized as proper in our jurisprudence. {31} Although the district court found that it was reasonable for the police to believe that Dickson saw them outside the residence, one second is simply too short a period of time to give the -“occupants the time necessary to collect themselves and to prepare for the entry of the police before answering the door.” Vargas, 2008-NMSC-019, ¶ 15; see also Syakhasone, 39 S.W.3d at 10-11 (holding that a two-to-five-second wait was too short, even when, as the officers approached the house to execute a warrant for drugs, the officers saw someone open a curtain, look in the officers’ direction, and then pull the curtain back); West v. United States, 710 A.2d 866, 867-69 (D.C. 1998) (holding that a five-second wait was too short when, after police executing a warrant for drugs knocked and announced, they heard the video game that had been being played stop and heard the sound of footsteps in the house that were not coming to the door; these facts were ambiguous, since a person could stop playing a video game in order to either exclude or admit the police, and even the most cooperative occupantmightmalce the sound of footsteps in order to “fetch his bathrobe or slippers before coming to the door”); DeMichel, 277 A.2d at 164 (holding that a five-to-fifteen-second wait was too short when, after police executing a warrant for drugs announced their presence to someone who was looking at them through the blinds, the blinds were dropped); see also Wynne v. Commonwealth, 427 S.E.2d 228, 229-31 (Va. Ct. App. 1993) (holding that a five-second wait was not reasonable when the officers could see the occupants of the home inside, who were making no move to answer the door). It is therefore also too short a period from which to infer constructive refusal to voluntarily open the door. See Hand, 2008-NMSC-014, ¶ 7 (stating that constructive refusal may only be inferred if the occupants do not admit the officers within a reasonable period of time). Accordingly, under these circumstances, a one, three-and-a-half, or five second period of time cannot constitute a constructive refusal on the part of the home’s occupants. {32} We recognize that, under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, when there are circumstances not amounting to an actual exigency but that raise the same types of concerns — such as the possibility of the destruction of evidence or the possibility that the occupants may have weapons — a court may properly take into account these concerns in assessing the reasonableness of the time that the police are required to wait. Under the Fourth Amendment, when the possibility of exigent circumstances exists but does not excuse the knock-and-announce rule altogether, the reasonableness assessment is based not on the time it would take for a person to collect oneself and answer the door, but on the time that it might take to do the harm sought to be prevented by the exception. See Hudson, 547 U.S. at 590 (citing United States v. Banks, 540 U.S. 31, 41 (2003), as an example in which the exigent circumstances exception did not excuse the knock-and-announce requirement, but the possibility of the destruction of drugs permitted the police to wait only the period that it might take for a person to attempt to destroy drugs, rather than a reasonable period for the person to answer the door or constructively refuse). This approach has been criticized because, although the Supreme Court has rejected a blanket exigent circumstances exception for drug cases, it seems to have substituted a blanket rule allowing for an extremely short wait once officers have knocked and announced their presence and authority. See 2 LaFave, supra, § 4.8(c), at 678 (“The major difficulty with the Banks Court’s exigencies analysis is this: while the Court claimed to have embraced the ‘same criteria’ as are used for no-knoclc searches and to have mandated a ‘totality of the circumstances’ approach, all of which would seem to mean that Richards[, 520 U.S. at 391-94] (proscribing use of a blanket rule whereby a risk of evidence destruction is assumed in all narcotics cases) also applies here, there seem to be no case-specific particularities involved in the Court’s assessment of the risk that [the defendant] would destroy the cocaine.”). Regardless, the Fourth Amendment rule that the appropriate measure of time in cases involving drugs is the time it would take the occupants to begin destroying them, rather than the time it would take them for the occupants to come to the door, has not been adopted as part of our knock-and-announce jurisprudence under Article II, Section 10. Even after Banks, our Supreme Court has stated that “[a]bsent exigent circumstances, officers must knock and announce their purpose and identity, then wait a reasonable period of time to determine if consent to enter will be given before forcefully entering.” Johnson, 2006-NMSC-049, ¶ 12 (emphasis added); cf. Lopez, 2005-NMSC-018, ¶ 23 (applying the Banks Fourth Amendment rule that reasonableness is assessed by reference to the time it would take for someone to attempt to engage in the conduct that the exigent circumstances exceptions seek to prevent to a case where the exigent circumstances exception applied based on an increased danger to officers, and stating that when, as in Lopez, the exigent circumstances exception applies, officers are permitted to “altogether dispense with the knoclc[-]and[-] announce rule or partially comply by knocking and announcing their identity and purpose before forcible entry, leaving the decision to the officers’ judgment based on their experience”). Johnson was a case involving a search warrant for drugs, and, although it cited Banks, it did not conclude, as in Banks, that once the police officers knocked and announced their presence and purpose they created an exigency based on the possibility that the occupants would attempt to destroy the drugs. See Johnson, 2006-NMSC-049, ¶¶ 12-17. Instead, Johnson continued to evaluate the reasonableness of the police officers’ wait by reference to how long it might take Johnson to answer the motel room door or for the police to reasonably infer constructive refusal to open the door. Id. Similarly, in Hand, which also involved a search for drugs, our Supreme Court looked to the time it would take for someone to come to the door or otherwise respond to the police. 2008-NMSC-014, ¶¶ 7-12. It did not consider the time it would take for someone who had been alerted to the presence of police to begin to destroy the drugs. Id. Thus, when exigent circumstances do not excuse the knock-and-announce requirement, under theNewMexico Constitution, the assessment of how long officers must reasonably wait between knocking and announcing and a forcible entry continues to be made by reference to the time that it would take someone to voluntarily respond or for the police to infer constructive refusal, not by the time that it would take for the occupants to engage in the behavior that the exigent circumstances exceptions seek to prevent. {33} We note that, even if we were to apply the Fourth Amendment standard, Banks found a time period of fifteen to twenty seconds to be reasonable in light of the possibility that the occupants of the home would hear the announcement by the police and then attempt to destroy the drugs sought under the warrant. Banks, 540 U.S. at 41. Here, with only a one-to-five-second wait, if Banks applied, it would not compel a conclusion that the delay in this case was reasonable. CONCLUSION {34} The police’s entry into Defendant’s home after waiting only one to five seconds after knocking and announcing violated her right to be free of unreasonable searches under the New Mexico Constitution. Accordingly, the district court erred in denying Defendant’s motion to suppress evidence obtained during the search. We reverse and remand to permit Defendant to withdraw her conditional plea. See State v. Hodge, 118 N.M. 410, 416, 882 P.2d 1, 7 (1994) (stating that where a defendant enters a conditional guilty plea, she is permitted to withdraw the plea after prevailing on appeal). {35} IT IS SO ORDERED. JAMES J. WECHSLER, Judge WE CONCUR: CYNTHIA A. FRY, Judge J. MILES HANISEE, Judge
[ -0.020430438220500946, 0.017470713704824448, -0.01843062974512577, -0.00437628710642457, 0.041242167353630066, -0.0014151361538097262, 0.11424534022808075, 0.01208004541695118, -0.020115859806537628, -0.051151856780052185, -0.002843341091647744, -0.003432489698752761, -0.06577654927968979, -0.009501174092292786, 0.002101865131407976, 0.07057574391365051, 0.06115394085645676, 0.020091969519853592, 0.020923620089888573, -0.025922074913978577, 0.035716671496629715, 0.004423884674906731, 0.04883076995611191, 0.04977833107113838, 0.0500718429684639, 0.017864229157567024, -0.0016376260900869966, -0.020729999989271164, -0.06580761820077896, -0.006470724940299988, 0.01940055936574936, -0.027955755591392517, -0.00518623786047101, -0.04613860324025154, -0.003212268464267254, 0.03827595338225365, -0.01543837133795023, 0.0027547022327780724, -0.02723068930208683, 0.044307153671979904, -0.03211374208331108, -0.011301545426249504, -0.05862816050648689, -0.030794735997915268, -0.07584284245967865, -0.029774798080325127, 0.02109835296869278, 0.026662221178412437, -0.022748760879039764, -0.0022623741533607244, -0.0726926177740097, 0.0426693819463253, 0.02642756886780262, 0.030206479132175446, 0.043045926839113235, -0.017294496297836304, -0.031075049191713333, -0.053244926035404205, -0.003234607633203268, -0.013634000904858112, -0.009168076328933239, -0.022596366703510284, 0.06831686943769455, -0.02723977155983448, 0.015975046902894974, -0.009512853808701038, 0.01706618070602417, 0.07337839156389236, -0.022213615477085114, -0.008657604455947876, -0.04359855875372887, 0.013406749814748764, -0.0014686948852613568, -0.019805382937192917, -0.0443539135158062, -0.03903912752866745, 0.045107606798410416, 0.026617322117090225, -0.00041710902587510645, 0.06085919961333275, 0.033899642527103424, -0.03671145811676979, 0.0018145715584978461, 0.021169917657971382, -0.026679417118430138, -0.04544619470834732, -0.009847531095147133, -0.01973840221762657, -0.010464298538863659, 0.013068262487649918, -0.041818857192993164, -0.03960709273815155, 0.01022279728204012, 0.03399311751127243, -0.016212230548262596, 0.014034222811460495, 0.04941626265645027, -0.023495923727750778, 0.046466849744319916, 0.02336565963923931, 0.023326434195041656, -0.0706774890422821, 0.020262420177459717, 0.06512002646923065, -0.07382792234420776, -0.021424323320388794, -0.0000580752021051012, -0.042635198682546616, -0.006473242305219173, 0.03061365708708763, 0.017104726284742355, 0.0519094355404377, -0.0017262294422835112, -0.02761238068342209, -0.051102347671985626, 0.05130618065595627, 0.041356462985277176, 0.004682639613747597, 0.00916831474751234, -0.005116241984069347, 0.013747184537351131, 0.01584184169769287, -0.018513884395360947, 0.07442276179790497, 0.04743601009249687, -0.012304123491048813, -0.010899059474468231, 0.05368774011731148, 0.003389971097931266, -0.05712883174419403, -0.0290032010525465, 0.01699460856616497, 0.05100012570619583, 0.01313579361885786, -0.03704327344894409, -0.044495269656181335, -0.0033468666952103376, -0.03242187201976776, 0.03336351737380028, -0.02675466053187847, -0.042247474193573, -0.02078692987561226, 0.054597239941358566, 0.0026146501768380404, 0.048706311732530594, -0.03371268883347511, 0.018642326816916466, -0.04835269972681999, -0.01643911935389042, -0.0020430872682482004, 0.04618304967880249, 0.04683217033743858, 0.03038061410188675, -0.06381728500127792, -0.022658109664916992, 0.03821149095892906, 0.010636693798005581, 0.010433347895741463, -0.0067531210370361805, 0.012671993114054203, 0.043729498982429504, 0.04398060590028763, 0.0014605552423745394, 0.006018518935889006, -0.005328768398612738, 0.05019031837582588, -0.010003994219005108, 0.027942880988121033, 0.00016763598250690848, 0.032783254981040955, -0.01465070154517889, -0.004859672859311104, 0.02975287102162838, -0.0015184311196208, -0.013949054293334484, 0.009577506221830845, 0.039783429354429245, 0.018071020022034645, 0.007849251851439476, -0.007154644932597876, -0.06537517160177231, 0.04891999438405037, -0.022916210815310478, -0.0030736096668988466, -0.031821269541978836, -0.026326773688197136, 0.05042402818799019, -0.009411115199327469, -0.018458301201462746, -0.040552202612161636, -0.05363209545612335, -0.00526940543204546, -0.001635638764128089, -0.013779194094240665, 0.06250819563865662, -0.020890243351459503, -0.04729960486292839, 0.023158054798841476, -0.009942000731825829, 0.07705704122781754, 0.0404423363506794, 0.037035997956991196, 0.08312191069126129, -0.04157152771949768, -0.069247305393219, 0.03744317963719368, 0.02812040224671364, -0.012877446599304676, 0.018080219626426697, 0.07315149903297424, -0.03255680203437805, -0.015074485912919044, -0.014683322980999947, -0.013467972166836262, 0.032749973237514496, 0.0029243663884699345, 0.04372415319085121, -0.03145574778318405, 0.04590430483222008, -0.0699237659573555, 0.008787281811237335, -0.02005789428949356, -0.01816033013164997, 0.06792791187763214, -0.04214916378259659, 0.07846731692552567, 0.047904882580041885, -0.050117235630750656, -0.03438383340835571, 0.013329011388123035, 0.016751324757933617, -0.03248196095228195, -0.006160367745906115, 0.019588157534599304, 0.055528029799461365, 0.014782780781388283, 0.01347025204449892, 0.0022191929165273905, -0.00042374434997327626, -0.06080399453639984, 0.01943713240325451, 0.00838281400501728, 0.02431599795818329, 0.039804767817258835, -0.03440745547413826, -0.032820120453834534, 0.015921378508210182, -0.019658368080854416, 0.026275144889950752, -0.005176424048841, -0.013871307484805584, -0.0015381023986265063, 0.03551233559846878, -0.01195240207016468, 0.1035429984331131, -0.08326911926269531, -0.04119196906685829, -0.01017042901366949, 0.07899308949708939, 0.007269166875630617, 0.02123310975730419, 0.033116575330495834, 0.01936749927699566, -0.016735579818487167, -0.05263691768050194, -0.0635012611746788, -0.015941085293889046, 0.035829897969961166, -0.012533843517303467, 0.07407567650079727, 0.009646457619965076, -0.002833455568179488, 0.016126297414302826, -0.017393099144101143, 0.009155957028269768, 0.027188891544938087, 0.03880312293767929, 0.012373956851661205, -0.006813389249145985, 0.0007148610893636942, 0.00836086180061102, 0.04908568784594536, -0.06281577795743942, -0.054572995752096176, 0.02689322642982006, -0.039742086082696915, 0.0047930278815329075, -0.024081001058220863, -0.06626398116350174, 0.05980772525072098, -0.002244433155283332, -0.006099916063249111, -0.019717922434210777, 0.029426757246255875, 0.043713632971048355, 0.049398042261600494, 0.0022435770370066166, 0.02818797528743744, 0.05307404696941376, -0.05955877527594566, -0.005230223760008812, 0.0318731889128685, 0.00645381910726428, 0.0024548466317355633, 0.016149669885635376, -0.006068462505936623, -0.006895530968904495, 0.020656907930970192, -0.24470184743404388, 0.03284204378724098, -0.015479745343327522, -0.06921744346618652, 0.013858126476407051, 0.008541557937860489, 0.02675759792327881, -0.016881609335541725, -0.05137068033218384, 0.07501668483018875, 0.002596056554466486, -0.0344039686024189, 0.01456594467163086, 0.038668468594551086, 0.0008330755517818034, -0.0596313439309597, 0.013205931521952152, -0.03223253786563873, 0.008165626786649227, 0.023554151877760887, 0.06852690130472183, -0.049404893070459366, -0.011427704244852066, -0.02803937904536724, 0.06377238780260086, 0.050241414457559586, -0.028137480840086937, 0.020812269300222397, -0.030665941536426544, -0.05929666385054588, -0.004536035005003214, -0.004174919333308935, -0.03371304273605347, 0.013723891228437424, -0.014497901313006878, 0.01683589443564415, 0.022167732939124107, -0.05739675834774971, -0.04568137973546982, -0.011439511552453041, -0.015695936977863312, -0.044304534792900085, -0.007265947759151459, 0.030259879305958748, 0.05455029755830765, -0.008978800848126411, -0.020840520039200783, -0.03923683986067772, -0.016914542764425278, 0.043787289410829544, -0.04601982608437538, 0.013508965261280537, -0.03768102824687958, -0.0043239048682153225, -0.021691828966140747, 0.019289452582597733, -0.02123267948627472, 0.0011941473931074142, -0.032960932701826096, 0.02630547061562538, -0.0030887587927281857, -0.036601487547159195, -0.03776843473315239, -0.02235083095729351, 0.010998431593179703, -0.024997754022479057, -0.01123888697475195, -0.04211340844631195, 0.057314347475767136, 0.0029656074475497007, 0.03480357304215431, 0.04466382414102554, -0.022418614476919174, -0.09236938506364822, -0.02059812657535076, -0.02605423331260681, 0.013580827042460442, -0.049376726150512695, -0.04759771004319191, 0.024494299665093422, -0.04288424924015999, 0.013338922522962093, 0.03986453637480736, 0.0445193387567997, 0.004667737055569887, 0.008007815107703209, -0.032777175307273865, 0.01984715461730957, -0.05719861760735512, -0.01838294230401516, 0.05338551476597786, 0.02636682614684105, 0.013884608633816242, -0.03945751488208771, 0.017990393564105034, 0.005098407156765461, -0.015140688046813011, 0.00030511440127156675, -0.019782330840826035, -0.017658282071352005, 0.06293469667434692, -0.03261006623506546, 0.031242795288562775, -0.04225124418735504, 0.004498991649597883, 0.01044501457363367, -0.04803136736154556, 0.017691537737846375, 0.028734790161252022, 0.006861766334623098, 0.019982153549790382, -0.0038028531707823277, 0.03544052317738533, -0.015828490257263184, -0.018517592921853065, -0.03259706124663353, 0.026555035263299942, -0.005832752678543329, 0.02955619990825653, 0.012592224404215813, -0.010132573544979095, 0.02160416543483734, -0.07324196398258209, -0.02898464910686016, -0.05741897225379944, 0.019476626068353653, 0.017815230414271355, 0.02421850897371769, 0.009864266961812973, 0.009415630251169205, -0.027210090309381485, 0.002977048745378852, -0.011328513734042645, 0.0058241356164216995, 0.036798954010009766, -0.014426935464143753, -0.021871335804462433, -0.03283321484923363, 0.023676956072449684, 0.008953595533967018, 0.023548781871795654, -0.004940629471093416, 0.03713371232151985, 0.03531524911522865, 0.04034655541181564, -0.012736251577734947, 0.03308919072151184, -0.04772339016199112, -0.01650189235806465, 0.016256066039204597, 0.05946023762226105, -0.0684482678771019, 0.04034937918186188, -0.09461048245429993, -0.02198878303170204, -0.0523567795753479, -0.012323207221925259, 0.02405381016433239, 0.007283269893378019, -0.060923121869564056, -0.009160780347883701, -0.04169418290257454, -0.003875753143802285, -0.04408276453614235, 0.0053842999041080475, 0.08801098167896271, -0.04740966111421585, 0.010504096746444702, -0.05128162354230881, 0.04201175644993782, -0.020910639315843582, -0.0566757470369339, -0.049676910042762756, 0.011414227075874805, 0.0385780893266201, 0.016997160390019417, -0.019634729251265526, 0.03438974916934967, -0.0031949649564921856, 0.0205021221190691, 0.03857021778821945, -0.019262069836258888, -0.0029568388126790524, -0.000506708980537951, 0.05560748651623726, -0.03610961139202118, 0.008752436377108097, -0.03301484137773514, 0.01177350152283907, -0.03457658737897873, -0.027508491650223732, -0.003959679044783115, 0.005168805364519358, -0.03529416769742966, -0.05174809321761131, -0.05706619471311569, -0.024574657902121544, -0.0035363403148949146, 0.01598401740193367, 0.02707979828119278, 0.008774532936513424, -0.02506227418780327, -0.03342438489198685, 0.014533582143485546, -0.011429920792579651, -0.05772915109992027, 0.05441820248961449, 0.028863001614809036, -0.04823615029454231, 0.02433035522699356, -0.07955345511436462, -0.0037715015932917595, -0.012920549139380455, 0.017516372725367546, 0.014952787198126316, -0.060569629073143005, 0.027989337220788002, -0.006025076378136873, -0.028508126735687256, -0.004106250125914812, -0.0007581252139061689, -0.03632815182209015, -0.020041335374116898, -0.006866734474897385, -0.033047184348106384, 0.05465995892882347, -0.02499479427933693, -0.01810641959309578, 0.06466425210237503, -0.028488541021943092, -0.01489976141601801, -0.01762501336634159, 0.01697806641459465, 0.02650277689099312, -0.052856944501399994, -0.02328367717564106, 0.011218364350497723, -0.014212318696081638, -0.03981609269976616, 0.09847889840602875, 0.024239160120487213, 0.021159837022423744, -0.0017267890507355332, -0.02935853786766529, -0.015005979686975479, -0.009933529421687126, 0.08533207327127457, -0.01498874556273222, -0.0014851689338684082, 0.10610993206501007, 0.004081372637301683, -0.0033029094338417053, -0.0239085853099823, -0.011394239962100983, 0.04011744633316994, -0.03333836793899536, -0.002594362711533904, 0.009696787223219872, -0.015567058697342873, 0.011967917904257774, 0.026147913187742233, -0.0017495477804914117, -0.034298375248909, -0.012713748030364513, 0.030003495514392853, 0.005882257595658302, -0.003038927214220166, -0.009576353244483471, 0.0680755004286766, -0.05173560231924057, -0.049636110663414, -0.08370211720466614, -0.00038111352478154004, 0.044944580644369125, 0.036249712109565735, 0.020004836842417717, 0.013349062763154507, 0.006863391026854515, 0.044085707515478134, -0.06779460608959198, -0.0363023616373539, 0.039727918803691864, -0.005056384950876236, -0.04116511344909668, 0.050594083964824677, -0.057349398732185364, -0.01024672668427229, 0.010870723985135555, -0.05021124333143234, -0.03504609316587448, -0.025975024327635765, 0.02184424176812172, 0.03078388422727585, -0.004609870258718729, 0.020741475746035576, -0.004787994083017111, 0.05167480185627937, 0.05496162921190262, -0.007482527289539576, 0.015586921945214272, -0.034872930496931076, 0.03436373546719551, 0.018781954422593117, -0.005961745046079159, -0.05937947705388069, -0.0062543428502976894, -0.00831972248852253, -0.07044488191604614, 0.02651192434132099, -0.025694573298096657, -0.01838964782655239, -0.07527676969766617, 0.04995725303888321, -0.006472116801887751, -0.07255631685256958, -0.009235254488885403, 0.015815747901797295, -0.01333225704729557, -0.05965259671211243, -0.02678299881517887, 0.01191799622029066, 0.0069267950020730495, 0.044859398156404495, 0.03612283617258072, 0.06849634647369385, 0.03795678913593292, -0.005835189484059811, 0.03803068771958351, -0.017740067094564438, 0.05120158940553665, 0.03358267992734909, 0.03568193316459656, -0.02276817336678505, 0.049072906374931335, -0.020511414855718613, -0.011917768977582455, 0.039200130850076675, -0.010646919719874859, -0.02912418358027935, 0.006212073843926191, 0.020190143957734108, 0.04860544204711914, -0.03145061060786247, 0.02537960559129715, -0.0033997392747551203, 0.005670084152370691, 0.05552314221858978, 0.013463817536830902, 0.06250089406967163, 0.04663195088505745, -0.005359781440347433, -0.03185597062110901, 0.017309660091996193, -0.009140217676758766, -0.03090490959584713, 0.008303672075271606, -0.029078785330057144, 0.02558298036456108, -0.03866104781627655, 0.011099121533334255, -0.05882493406534195, -0.006506438832730055, 0.05077681317925453, -0.019245566800236702, 0.009741215966641903, 0.031601373106241226, -0.007147583179175854, 0.008497756905853748, -0.0008424300467595458, -0.010423429310321808, 0.04488009214401245, -0.01394518930464983, -0.00518662529066205, -0.008391653187572956, 0.053942158818244934, -0.010969667695462704, 0.0310679879039526, -0.005212500225752592, -0.0249799657613039, -0.013150875456631184, 0.01778687722980976, -0.034405581653118134, -0.02069656364619732, -0.05866965651512146, -0.021902449429035187, -0.009289546869695187, 0.019578885287046432, 0.023172736167907715, -0.029590504243969917, -0.030414702370762825, 0.019298138096928596, 0.014117568731307983, -0.04881087318062782, -0.018891867250204086, -0.010503580793738365, -0.009797136299312115, 0.075551837682724, 0.04027514159679413, 0.027232157066464424, 0.021458245813846588, 0.046480972319841385, -0.018623623996973038, -0.031988535076379776, -0.012435197830200195, -0.007954530417919159, 0.009666910395026207, -0.015007351525127888, -0.021704893559217453, -0.07984143495559692, 0.00427284138277173, 0.017083799466490746, 0.003773571690544486, -0.07841894775629044, 0.0353052020072937, -0.012293586507439613, -0.008085230365395546, 0.04748891666531563, -0.005215559154748917, 0.010537656024098396, -0.04887039214372635, -0.03869985416531563, 0.009156990796327591, -0.0026423530653119087, 0.06236712634563446, -0.0568954274058342, 0.047825995832681656, 0.05171747878193855, -0.025962771847844124, -0.012811917811632156, 0.03578399866819382, 0.04314601793885231, 0.012854191474616528, -0.006984957028180361, -0.028593100607395172, -0.027849385514855385, -0.08803290873765945, -0.04589864984154701, 0.0011315420269966125, -0.03101227805018425, -0.04841965064406395, 0.01438402570784092, -0.013917292468249798, -0.033308789134025574, 0.002500544534996152, 0.009768321178853512, 0.06760688871145248, -0.021949918940663338, -0.02091130055487156, 0.014930455014109612, 0.008776539005339146, -0.007780404295772314, -0.03018665686249733, 0.015319217927753925, -0.048797670751810074, -0.001820840872824192, -0.01990331895649433, 0.010824169963598251, 0.053002700209617615, -0.02266700007021427, -0.0049952371045947075 ]
OPINION CHÁVEZ, Justice. {1} Defendant Bruce Hall was convicted of a sex crime in California pursuant to a plea agreement. Hall subsequently moved to New Mexico and was charged with the fourth-degree felony of failing to register as a sex offender in violation ofNMSA 1978, Section 29-llA-4(N) (2005). The New Mexico Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), NMSA 1978, §§ 29-11A-1 to -10 (1995, as amended through 2007), requires a person convicted of any of twelve enumerated sex offenses, or who is convicted of an equivalent offense in any other jurisdiction, to register as a sex offender with the county sheriff for the New Mexico county in which that person resides. What constitutes an equivalent offense and how a court makes such a determination are the subjects of this opinion. We hold that an offense is “equivalent” to a New Mexico offense, for purposes of SORNA, if the defendant’s actual conduct that gave rise to the out-of-state conviction would have constituted one of the twelve enumerated offenses requiring registration pursuant to SORNA. When the defendant’s out-of-state conviction results from a plea agreement, courts may look to the charging documents, the defendant’s written plea agreement, and the transcript of the plea hearing to determine the defendant’s actual conduct and whether such conduct would have constituted one of the twelve enumerated offenses. BACKGROUND {2} Hall moved to New Mexico in 2006 from California, where he had previously been convicted of violating a California misdemeanor statute prohibiting “annoying or molesting” a child under the age of eighteen. Cal. Penal Code § 647.6(a)(1) (West 1995). As a result of this conviction, Hall was required to register as a sex offender in California. {3} In 2008, Hall called the Las Cruces Police Department and claimed that he was being harassed. Hall told the responding officer that he was being harassed because he was a convicted sex offender in California. Hall also told the officer that he was not registered as a sex offender in New Mexico. Hall was charged with failure to register as a sex offender in violation of Section 29-11A-4(N). {4} Hall moved to dismiss the charge, arguing that there was no statute in New Mexico equivalent to California’s “annoying or molesting” a minor statute, and therefore his failure to register did not violate SORNA. The State responded that Hall was required to register in New Mexico because the sex crime he committed in California is equivalent to the New Mexico crime of sexual contact of a minor in the fourth degree, which is a registrable offense. The State described the conduct giving rise to the California conviction as Hall “inappropriately touching] the private parts” of several boys that he was lifting up to look into a camera’s viewfinder. The district court denied the motion, and Hall entered a conditional plea of guilty, allowing him to appeal the denial of his motion to dismiss. {5} The Court of Appeals reversed the district court’s ruling, holding that Hall’s California conviction was not equivalent to criminal sexual contact of a minor under SORNA and, as such, Hall was not required to register as a sex offender upon moving to New Mexico. State v. Hall, 2011-NMCA-047, ¶ 9, 149 N.M. 546, 252 P.3d 770. The Court of Appeals focused its “inquiry on the statutory elements of the [two] offenses,” id. ¶ 5, concluding that each statute required an element that the other did not, id. ¶¶ 6-8. The Court of Appeals concluded that a conviction for criminal sexual contact of a minor requires touching or the application of force, while California’s “annoying or molesting” statute does not. Id. ¶ 8. The Court of Appeals therefore held that the two offenses were not “equivalent” for purposes of SORNA, id. ¶ 9, and Hall’s conviction for failure to register should be reversed, id. ¶ 10. The Court of Appeals acknowledged that both statutes at issue require proof of an abnormal sexual interest in children, but nevertheless concluded that “the fact that both statutes may serve similar purposes is in no way controlling.” Id. ¶ 9. We granted the State’s petition for writ of certiorari, and now reverse the Court of Appeals and remand to the district court for proceedings consistent with this opinion. Rule 12-501 NMRA. DISCUSSION {6} “A sex offender residing in this state shall register with the county sheriff for the county in which the sex offender resides.” Section 29-llA-4(A). A “sex offender” includes a person who “changes residence to New Mexico, when that person has been convicted of a sex offense” in another jurisdiction. Section 29-11A-3(D)(2). “Sex offense” is defined as any of twelve enumerated New Mexico offenses “or their equivalents in any other jurisdiction.” Section 29-llA-3(E). {7} The Legislature neither defined “equivalent” nor explained how courts should determine when an out-of-state offense is equivalent to one of the twelve enumerated registrable offenses. Hall argues that for an out-of-state conviction to be equivalent to a registrable offense in New Mexico, the defendant must have been convicted of a statute that contains precisely the same elements as one of the twelve enumerated offenses. He contends that because the California offense of “annoying or molesting” a child does not contain the required elements of any of the twelve enumerated offenses, he was not convicted of a “sex offense” under SORNA. {8} The State urges us to look beyond the elements of the offense to the actual conduct that supported the conviction in the other jurisdiction. In the State’s view, if Hall was convicted on the basis of conduct that would have constituted one of the twelve enumerated offenses, the out-of-state conviction is equivalent. Under this “actual conduct” approach, it does not matter that the out-of-state offense and the New Mexico offense do not share precisely the same elements. The State contends that the conduct underlying Hall’s “annoying or molesting” conviction would have constituted criminal sexual contact of a minor if it had taken place in New Mexico. The Language and History of SORNA Suggest that It Should Be Interpreted Broadly {9} What constitutes an equivalent offense involves a question of statutory interpretation. Interpretation of a statute is an issue of law that we review de novo. State v. Rowell, 121 N.M. 111, 114, 908 P.2d 1379, 1382 (1995). Our main goal when interpreting a statute is to give effect to the Legislature’s intent. Id. Deciphering what was intended by the Legislature requires us to examine “the object the legislature sought to accomplish and the wrong it sought to remedy.” Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). The history and background of the legislation also informs our search for legislative intent and the proper interpretation of legislation. See Chatterjee v. King, 2012-NMSC-019, ¶ 12, 280 P.3d 283 (in addition to examining the language of the statute, we consider its history and background). {10} The Legislature has made findings that support its stated purpose in enacting SORNA, which is “to assist law enforcement agencies’ efforts to protect their communities.” Section 29-11A-2(B). The Legislature has found that “sex offenders pose a significant risk of recidivism,” and “the efforts of law enforcement agencies to protect their communities from sex offenders are impaired by the lack of information available concerning convicted sex offenders who live within the agencies’ jurisdictions.” Section 29-11 A-2(A)(l)-(2). Therefore, SORNA requires every sex offender to provide local law enforcement with comprehensive personal information including the offender’s name, date of birth, social security number, address, and place of employment, as well as physical information including fingerprints and aDNA sample. Section 29-llA-4(B), (E). Other than the sex offender’s social security number and DNA profile, all of this information is provided to schools and day care centers within one mile of the offender’s residence, and most of the information is available to the public on the internet. Section 29-11A-5.1(D), (E). {11} The Legislature has amended SORNA several times since its enactment in 1995 as the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA), 1995 N.M. Laws, ch. 106, each time broadening rather than narrowing the law. Four years after enacting SORA, the Legislature added to the list of registrable offenses and began requiring nonresident sex offenders to register in New Mexico if they work or attend school in the state. 1999 N.M. Laws, ch. 19, §§ 2-3. The Legislature also deleted a provision of the law that had prohibited distribution of registry information, instead requiring information to be released to the public upon request. Compare 1995 N.M. Laws, ch. 106, § 6 (“Information obtained from a sex offender pursuant to [SORA] shall not be disseminated to persons or entities other than law enforcement agencies.”), with 1999 N.M. Laws, ch. 19, § 8(B) (describing procedure for a member of the public to obtain registry information). {12} In 2000, the Legislature began requiring law enforcement to give sex offenders’ information to local schools, and it authorized the Department of Public Safety to create a website publishing the information to the general public. 2000 N.M. Laws, ch. 8, § 4(D)-(E). It also made failure to register as a sex offender a fourth-degree felony; it had previously been a misdemeanor. Compare 1999 N.M. Laws, ch. 19, § 4(1), (J) (prescribing misdemeanor penalties for failure to register), with 2000 N.M. Laws, ch. 8, § 2(1), (J) (defining failure to register as a felony). Once again, the Legislature added to the list of crimes that constitute sex offenses. 2000 N.M. Laws, ch. 8, § 1(B). {13} In 2005, the Legislature amended the statute to make tribal court convictions a basis for SORNA registration, and it again added to the list of registrable offenses. 2005 N.M. Laws, ch. 279, § 1. The 2005 amendments deleted the requirement that a “sex offender” must be over the age of eighteen. Compare 2004 N.M. Laws, ch. 1, § 10(A) (Spec. Sess. 2003) (‘“[S]ex offender’ means a person eighteen years of age or older who . . .”), with 2005 N.M. Laws, ch. 279, § 1(D) (‘“[S]ex offender’ means a person who . . .”). In addition, the registry website, previously an optional resource provided by the Department of Public Safety, became mandatory. 2005 N.M. Laws, ch. 279, § 5(E). {14} In 2007, the Legislature added the language at issue in this case. SORNA had previously merely stated that a ‘“sex offense’ means” any one of a list of New Mexico offenses. 2007 N.M. Laws, ch. 68, § 1(E). The relevant section was subsequently amended to read, “‘sex offense’ means any of the following offenses or their equivalents in any other jurisdiction.” 2007 N.M. Laws, ch. 69, § 5(E). {15} We must assume that this change in language had meaning. See NMSA 1978, § 12-2A-18(A)(2) (1997) (A statute should be construed to “give effect to its entire text.”); Leyba v. Renger, 114 N.M. 686, 688, 845 P.2d 780, 782 (1992) (“When the legislature enacts a new statute, we presume that it intended to establish new law or to change law as it previously existed.”); In re Estate of Greig, 107 N.M. 227, 229, 755 P.2d 71, 73 (Ct. App. 1988) (“Courts assume that the legislature will not enact useless statutes or amendments.”). The shift from a discrete list of offenses to a list of offenses and their equivalents must logically have expanded rather than contracted the scope of registrable conduct. {16} In the seventeen-year history of SORNA, the Legislature has continually amended the law to make it more expansive — that is, to register more people for more offenses, to make information more accessible to the public, and to increase penalties for failing to comply. In this way, the Legislature has demonstrated its preference for a broad registry law that provides more, rather than less, protection for the community. {17} In addition, because SORNA is remedial legislation, see State v. Myers, 2011-NMSC-028, ¶ 42, 150 N.M. 1,256 P.3d 13 (“SORNA is primarily remedial in purpose and effect.” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)); State v. Brothers, 2002-NMCA-110, ¶ 20, 133 N.M. 36, 59 P.3d 1268 (“SORNA has a remedial purpose, namely, to protect communities from sex offenders.”), it must be interpreted broadly. See, e.g., In re Esther V., 2011-NMSC-005, ¶ 17, 149 N.M. 315, 248 P.3d 863 (“We interpret remedial statutes liberally to facilitate and accomplish their purposes and intent.” (internal quotation marks, brackets, and citation omitted)). Given the choice between a narrow, elements-based approach to the law and a broader approach that examines the offender’s actual conduct, we find the broader approach more consonant with the Legislature’s intent. {18} We read SORNA to mean that the defendant’s offense in the foreign state, rather than the statute under which the defendant was convicted, must be the equivalent of an enumerated registrable offense in New Mexico. To determine equivalence, courts must look beyond the elements of the conviction to the defendant’s actual conduct. To hold otherwise would be to undermine the legislative intent of SORNA and allow sex offenders convicted in other jurisdictions to avoid registration, even when their conduct would have supported a registrable conviction in New Mexico. This is not to say that the elements of the out-of-state offense are entirely irrelevant. When the elements of the out-of-state sex offense are precisely the same elements of a New Mexico sex offense, the inquiry is at an end. However, even when the elements are dissimilar, courts should consider the defendant’s underlying conduct to determine whether the defendant’s conduct would have required registration in New Mexico as a sex offender. {19} Hall argues that the rule of lenity applies to this case, and therefore we must interpret SORNA narrowly. Under the rule of lenity, “criminal statutes should be interpreted in the defendant’s favor when insurmountable ambiguity persists regarding the intended scope of a criminal statute.” State v. Ogden, 118 N.M. 234, 242, 880 P.2d 845, 853 (1994). However, the fact that the language of a statute is susceptible to two interpretations does not necessarily render the statute ambiguous. Id. (“A criminal statute is not ambiguous for purposes of lenity merely because it is possible to articulate a construction more narrow than that urged by the Government.” (internal quotation marks, brackets, and citation omitted)). A statute is ambigitous for the purpose of the rule of lenity only if “reasonable doubt persists about a statute’s intended scope even after resort to the language and structure, legislative history, and motivating policies of the statute.” Id. (quoting Moskal v. United States, 498 U.S. 103, 108 (1990)) (internal quotation marks omitted). Here, the legislative history and motivating policies behind SORNA indicate clearly and without ambiguity that the registration requirement should encompass more, rather than fewer, out-of-state offenders. {20} We are not the only jurisdiction to take this approach. For example, in State v. Mueller, 2010-0710, pp. 5-6 (La. App. 4 Cir. 12/8/10); 53 So. 3d 677, 681-82, the Louisiana Court of Appeal held that a conviction in Oklahoma for indecent exposure was equivalent to the Louisiana crime of indecent behavior with juveniles. Even though the Louisiana statute had as an element that the victim must be a juvenile, and the Oklahoma statute under which the defendant had been convicted did not, the court observed that the victims of the Oklahoma crime were minors. Id. Therefore, the elements of the Louisiana crime were met by the defendant’s Oklahoma conviction, the two crimes were equivalent, and the defendant’s conviction for failure to register as a sex offender was upheld. Id. at pp. 5-6, 14; 53 So. 3d at 681-82, 687. {21} In In re North v. Board of Examiners of Sex Offenders of State of New York, 871 N.E.2d 1133 (N.Y. 2007), the Court of Appeals of New York applied a similar analysis, which it described as follows: [W]e conclude that . . . SORA requires registration whenever an individual is convicted of criminal conduct in a foreign jurisdiction that, if committed in New York, would have amounted to a registrable New York offense. This necessarily requires that the Board compare the elements of the foreign offense with the analogous New York offense to identify points of overlap. When the Board finds that the two offenses cover the same conduct, the analysis need proceed no further for it will be evident that the foreign conviction is the equivalent of the registrable New York offense for SORA purposes. In circumstances where the offenses overlap but the foreign offense also criminalizes conduct not covered under the New York offense, the Board must review the conduct underlying the foreign conviction to determine if that conduct is, in fact, within the scope of the New York offense. If it is, the foreign conviction is a registrable offense under SORA’s essential elements test. Id. at 1139. {22} The remaining question is how should a New Mexico court determine the actual conduct that supported the defendant’s conviction of a sex offense in another jurisdiction when deciding equivalency under SORNA. In this case, Hall was convicted of annoying or molesting a child under California Penal Code Section 647.6 pursuant to a plea agreement. When a defendant enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, the charging document, plea agreement, or transcript of the plea hearing should establish the factual basis for the plea. A New Mexico court should consider the facts stated in such documents when determining whether the conduct underlying the plea would have constituted a violation of one of the twelve enumerated SORNA offenses that require sex offender registration. In essence, the question is whether the out-of-state fact-finder necessarily must have found facts that would have proven the elements of the New Mexico registrable offense. If so, the alleged sex offender has committed the equivalent of an enumerated New Mexico sex offense. {23} We conclude that this analysis provides adequate protection for a defendant’s rights. It is consistent with the jurisprudence of United States Supreme Court cases addressing how federal courts should analyze state court convictions for purposes of the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA), 18 U.S.C. § 924(e)(1) (2000). ACCA provides for a fifteen-year mandatory minimum sentence for a defendant who illegally possesses a firearm after three previous convictions “for a violent felony or a serious drug offense.” Id. Depending on the circumstances, the crime of burglary might or might not be considered a “violent felony.” Shepard v. United States, 544 U.S. 13, 15-16 (2005). Although the Supreme Court has generally taken a categorical approach to ACCA sentencing, it has also held that a sentencing court may look at the charging document and jury instructions from a prior burglary conviction in order to ascertain the circumstances of the defendant’s offense and determine whether or not the defendant should be sentenced as an “armed career criminal.” Taylor v. United States, 495 U.S. 575, 602 (1990). The Courthas subsequently expanded that analysis to allow courts to consult a bench-trial judge’s formal rulings of law and findings of fact, and in pleaded cases . . . the statement of factual basis for the charge, shown by a transcript of plea colloquy or by written plea agreement presented to the court, or by a record of comparable findings of fact adopted by the defendant upon entering the plea. Shepard, 544 U.S. at 20. Shepard and Taylor allow courts to consider facts that were found by a jury beyond a reasonable doubt, or the equivalent. Such evidence would also be appropriate for consideration by a New Mexico court as it analyzes facts underlying an out-of-state conviction for purposes of SORNA. {24} We realize that in some cases, such as a guilty plea in which there was no allocution, there will be no factual findings for a New Mexico court to review. In that instance, the court will be limited to comparing the elements of the foreign sex offense to those of the enumerated offenses under SORNA. In some cases, this will mean that out-of-state sex offenders will not have to register in New Mexico, even for serious offenses. If the Legislature is disturbed by this possibility, it is free to amend SORNA once again. Several states have passed laws requiring out-of-state sex offenders to register for any offense that was registrable in the state of conviction. See, e.g., Ind. Code Ann. §11-8-8-5(b)(l) (West 2012) (The term “sex or violent offender” includes “a person who is required to register as a sex or violent offender in any jurisdiction.”); Mont. Code Ann. § 46-23-502(9)(b) (2007) (A “sexual offense” includes “any violation of a law of another state, a tribal government, or the federal government that is reasonably equivalent to a violation listed in subsection (9)(a) or for which the offender was required to register as a sexual offender after an adjudication or conviction.” (emphasis added)). This type of provision is an option for New Mexico as well. If the Legislature is concerned about adopting other states’ registry requirements wholesale, it could also allow an affirmative defense for sex offenders whose actual conduct in the foreign state would not have constituted a registrable offense in New Mexico. See, e.g., S.C. Code Ann. § 23-3-430(A) (2010) (A person convicted in a foreign country may raise defense that “the offense . . . was not equivalent to any offense in this State for which he would be required to register.”). For a summary of the statutes and case law dealing with registration of out-of-state sex offenders in various states, see Tracy Bateman Farrell, Validity, Construction, and Application of State Statutory Requirement that Person Convicted of Sexual Offense in Other Jurisdiction Register or Be Classified as Sexual Offender in Forum State, 34 A.L.R. 6th 171 §§ 25-26 (2008). The Record Is Insufficient for a Court to Determine Whether Hall’s Conduct Violated One of the Enumerated Registrable Offenses {25} The State contends that Hall’s conduct supporting his conviction in California would have been conduct that violated the New Mexico offense of criminal sexual contact of a minor because his conduct involved touching several boys’ “private parts.” To convict a defendant in New Mexico of criminal sexual contact of a minor in the third degree, the State must prove that the defendant touched or applied force to the intimate parts (defined as the “primary genital area, groin, buttocks, anus or breast”) of a child under the age of thirteen. NMSA 1978, § 30-9-13(A), (C)(1) (2003); see also UJI14925 NMRA & Use Note (defining elements of criminal sexual contact with a minor under the age of thirteen, including list of intimate parts). {26} In theory, we agree with the State’s framing of the issue: if the defendant’s conduct had occurred in New Mexico, and the conduct would have supported a conviction of an offense enumerated in SORNA, then the defendant committed an equivalent offense and must register as a sex offender in New Mexico. However, we cannot make this determination in Hall’s case because the record is inadequate for a New Mexico court to determine in what conduct Hall engaged that gave rise to his California conviction. The State’s allegations of Hall’s conduct may support a conclusion that his conduct would have violated the New Mexico crime of criminal sexual contact of a minor in the third degree; however, we cannot accept these allegations for two reasons. {27} First, the State has not established enough facts to support the elements of the New Mexico offense. For example, the State has neither established the victims’ ages at the time of the offense, which are necessary to establish criminal sexual contact of a minor in the third degree under Section 30-9-13(C)(l), nor has the State established the aggravating factors that are necessary to prove criminal sexual contact of a minor in the third or fourth degree under an alternative theory. See § 30-9-13(C)(2), (D). Furthermore, under any theory of criminal sexual contact of a minor, the crime requires touching of “intimate parts,” defined as “the primary genital area, groin, buttocks, anus or breast.” Section 30-9-13(A). “Primary genital area” is defined elsewhere in New Mexico statutes as “the mons pubis, penis, testicles, mons veneris, vulva or vagina.” NMSA 1978, §§ 30-9-14(B), 30-9-14.3(B) (1996). The State has not established where on their bodies Hall touched the California victims, saying only that he touched their clothed “private parts.” {28} Second, despite the State’s assertions, these factual allegations are entirely unsubstantiated. The record does not contain any stipulation by Hall regarding his conduct or any documents reflecting an allocution in California. Without evidence, we cannot accept the State’s unsubstantiated allegations as fact or speculate about the age of the victims or where Hall touched them, if at all. “It is not our practice to rely on assertions of counsel unaccompanied by support in the record. The mere assertions and arguments of counsel are not evidence.” Muse v. Muse, 2009-NMCA-003, ¶ 51, 145 N.M. 451, 200 P.3d 104. Because we cannot state categorically that the California offense of “annoying or molesting” a minor is equivalent to criminal sexual contact with a minor, and therefore a registrable offense, the State must produce evidence to demonstrate that the offenses are equivalent in this case. Principles of Comity Bo Not Require Hall to Register as a Sex Offender in New Mexico {29} Finally, the State argues that Hall’s California offense of “annoying or molesting” a child must be per se registrable in New Mexico because of the principles of comity and full faith and credit. See U.S. Const. art. IV, § 1; N.M. Const. art. IV, § 1. We reject this argument. Registration pursuant to SORNA is a matter of New Mexico law, even if it rests upon a conviction in a foreign jurisdiction. Hall has been duly convicted, sentenced, and punished in California, and we show the State of California no disrespect by independently evaluating our state’s interest in having Hall register as a sex offender in New Mexico. We have found no indication that other states analyze registration for out-of-state sex offenses through the lenses of comity or full faith and credit, and nothing in New Mexico law requires that we interpret this issue any differently. CONCLUSION {30} To determine whether a foreign sex offense is equivalent to a New Mexico sex offense for purposes of SORNA, and where the two offenses when compared do not share the exact same elements, a court must look beyond the elements of the offense and consider whether the defendant’s actual conduct, had it occurred in New Mexico, would have constituted a registrable offense. However, in this case, there is an insufficient factual record on which to determine the defendant’s actual conduct. For this reason, we reverse the Court of Appeals and remand to the district court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion, with leave for Hall to withdraw his guilty plea. {31} IT IS SO ORDERED. EDWARD L. CHÁVEZ, Justice WE CONCUR: PETRA JIMENEZ MAES, Chief Justice RICHARD C. BOSSON, Justice CHARLES W. DANIELS, Justice PAUL J. KENNEDY, Justice The conditional plea agreement states that it is conditional on the appeal of a motion to suppress, but the only motion that appears in the record is a motion to dismiss. The State has suggested that “annoying or molesting” a child is equivalent to criminal sexual contact of a minor in the fourth degree, rather than third. However, this analysis appears to be in error. The State alleges that Hall inappropriately touched several young boys outside their clothing as he held them up to look into a camera’s viewfinder. If the boys were under the age of thirteen, which seems likely if Hall physically picked them up, that could constitute criminal sexual contact of a minor in the third degree under Section 30-9-13(C)(1). Criminal sexual contact of a minor in the fourth degree applies to sexual contact with children thirteen to eighteen years old where there is either force or coercion, Section 30-9-13(D)(l), or where the perpetrator is an employee at the child’s school, Section 30-9-13(D)(2). GivenJhat the State has not described either of these circumstances, we construe the State to mean that Hall committed the equivalent of criminal sexual contact of a minor in the third, rather than the fourth, degree.
[ -0.04868019372224808, -0.010502936318516731, -0.00341974850744009, -0.01994665339589119, 0.01366259902715683, -0.006918600760400295, 0.06504922360181808, 0.01034095510840416, -0.008972423151135445, 0.0012065884657204151, 0.02774318866431713, 0.025539401918649673, -0.045449398458004, 0.030035890638828278, -0.026562055572867393, 0.022876635193824768, 0.06874442845582962, 0.016213875263929367, 0.006799774244427681, -0.026414426043629646, 0.028769103810191154, 0.030572406947612762, 0.03084474988281727, 0.04452679306268692, 0.01544968131929636, -0.014264452271163464, -0.012172025628387928, -0.01038213912397623, -0.09405134618282318, 0.016627581790089607, 0.033006008714437485, -0.045819178223609924, -0.006636103615164757, 0.014997103251516819, 0.03074061870574951, -0.0086043206974864, -0.02014022320508957, -0.021800300106406212, -0.022613124921917915, 0.02391660399734974, -0.03717954084277153, -0.0038773836567997932, -0.07657929509878159, -0.03208642825484276, -0.00030514824902638793, 0.01904519833624363, 0.0020256866700947285, 0.008740993216633797, -0.024188365787267685, 0.005973583087325096, -0.05437500402331352, 0.009673560969531536, -0.034796182066202164, 0.037631094455718994, 0.03262289613485336, 0.003522890852764249, -0.0525294728577137, -0.04832390323281288, -0.04656350240111351, -0.017732907086610794, 0.027838461101055145, -0.024346502497792244, 0.05388535559177399, -0.0488743782043457, 0.013871665112674236, 0.013589215464890003, -0.0013404568890109658, 0.050134364515542984, -0.044306956231594086, -0.02184220403432846, -0.04128025472164154, -0.02189156599342823, 0.007877173833549023, -0.015689676627516747, 0.003095596795901656, -0.026057202368974686, 0.007176227867603302, 0.025596432387828827, -0.005674229934811592, 0.030810048803687096, -0.002990755718201399, 0.036972999572753906, -0.02000623382627964, 0.023468466475605965, 0.029070913791656494, -0.04987802729010582, -0.06600327044725418, 0.008701375685632229, -0.035012297332286835, 0.039236702024936676, -0.0359046645462513, -0.02496076375246048, 0.020933974534273148, 0.06157970428466797, 0.016938865184783936, -0.005613764747977257, 0.08268418908119202, -0.047816574573516846, 0.01489090733230114, -0.00342506542801857, -0.0023292575497180223, -0.02128617651760578, 0.03241216391324997, 0.029074491932988167, -0.04495451599359512, -0.03632542863488197, 0.0036711771972477436, 0.04885704442858696, -0.019541192799806595, -0.03067971207201481, -0.0047868043184280396, 0.039383430033922195, 0.0077133397571742535, -0.01685795746743679, -0.06904616206884384, 0.069337397813797, -0.002846150193363428, -0.06853490322828293, -0.008022097870707512, 0.0012573552085086703, 0.004458441399037838, 0.03675801679491997, -0.003654643427580595, 0.05266634374856949, 0.03429919108748436, 0.03313508257269859, -0.005193991120904684, 0.05561425909399986, -0.011526919901371002, -0.05271390825510025, -0.036450084298849106, 0.02554088458418846, 0.07145091146230698, 0.043459076434373856, -0.013006656430661678, -0.0413842499256134, -0.026280997321009636, -0.04304340481758118, 0.05814250186085701, -0.006260889582335949, 0.013114893808960915, 0.02367827482521534, 0.02132096327841282, 0.006708555854856968, 0.0805201604962349, -0.029523596167564392, -0.0000055548257478221785, -0.005796053912490606, -0.01477938611060381, 0.02273242175579071, 0.027114462107419968, 0.036245618015527725, 0.00037151548895053566, -0.053393520414829254, 0.0053079212084412575, 0.027759261429309845, 0.011204181239008904, -0.0022440815810114145, -0.025542279705405235, 0.010471460409462452, 0.006943127606064081, 0.019907429814338684, -0.00903599988669157, 0.003381583606824279, 0.0275034848600626, 0.017887845635414124, 0.011068165302276611, -0.019534261897206306, -0.08040927350521088, 0.03961949422955513, -0.034541551023721695, -0.02758871391415596, 0.02042088285088539, -0.03064005635678768, -0.008083270862698555, 0.004284422844648361, 0.061246201395988464, 0.043578583747148514, 0.013024908490478992, -0.03838563337922096, -0.06099601835012436, 0.040841422975063324, -0.030333787202835083, 0.012847017496824265, -0.03455881401896477, -0.0404144711792469, 0.04862206056714058, -0.02327154576778412, 0.028908468782901764, 0.027748454362154007, -0.05690922960639, -0.004567344207316637, 0.04172200337052345, -0.0329519584774971, 0.049430593848228455, 0.009029709734022617, -0.02680184133350849, 0.01508854515850544, -0.0162460058927536, 0.04210173338651657, -0.035793237388134, -0.002747895894572139, 0.06694862246513367, -0.045960165560245514, -0.09869423508644104, 0.019241077825427055, 0.03462234139442444, -0.00405096122995019, 0.037764277309179306, 0.07338948547840118, -0.025469934567809105, 0.005148615222424269, 0.019261417910456657, -0.015566919930279255, 0.043711986392736435, -0.00617721863090992, 0.08062191307544708, 0.007774055935442448, 0.02839655801653862, -0.0845145583152771, -0.004619152285158634, 0.015403073281049728, -0.054935064166784286, 0.05189109221100807, -0.05503104627132416, 0.08568284660577774, 0.042276352643966675, -0.048167310655117035, -0.0012625701492652297, 0.010389243252575397, 0.04131356626749039, -0.005282094702124596, 0.02921193838119507, 0.020926745608448982, 0.04262874275445938, 0.014513131231069565, 0.01029827818274498, 0.01610117219388485, 0.03249131143093109, -0.055910542607307434, 0.009258918464183807, 0.055295202881097794, 0.009389521554112434, 0.07208356261253357, -0.02200249582529068, 0.01564553566277027, 0.01040542870759964, -0.011322474107146263, -0.026660753414034843, 0.006184617523103952, -0.013637087307870388, 0.004781091585755348, 0.031027156859636307, -0.033590614795684814, 0.03490231931209564, -0.04718857258558273, -0.0317523218691349, -0.025838037952780724, 0.04826069995760918, -0.0009788681054487824, 0.020178597420454025, -0.012077750638127327, -0.03172549605369568, -0.037069711834192276, -0.06649842858314514, -0.0583903007209301, -0.016435710713267326, -0.0033289433922618628, -0.02985900081694126, 0.0019168863072991371, 0.0012465346371755004, 0.013330409303307533, -0.00005331694774213247, -0.015857961028814316, 0.03592522069811821, 0.028626304119825363, 0.04393678158521652, -0.015246674418449402, -0.0045879497192800045, -0.019258124753832817, -0.0005271557020023465, 0.015150862745940685, -0.013220648281276226, -0.06668146699666977, 0.010084928013384342, -0.03849858418107033, 0.012427808716893196, -0.026077423244714737, -0.0412587970495224, 0.0481744185090065, 0.0296397153288126, 0.0249626524746418, 0.020449023693799973, 0.028725484386086464, -0.0005901881959289312, 0.03760373964905739, -0.008254000917077065, 0.049022991210222244, 0.027792882174253464, 0.0048850043676793575, 0.005224893335253, 0.024196118116378784, -0.001600981573574245, 0.0017120635602623224, 0.017322350293397903, -0.01522046234458685, -0.008515366353094578, -0.005202117841690779, -0.2637212574481964, 0.05855715647339821, -0.007382140960544348, -0.031954679638147354, 0.020294180139899254, -0.003322343807667494, 0.030524207279086113, -0.033152271062135696, -0.01863706298172474, 0.025975367054343224, -0.029669255018234253, -0.018159059807658195, 0.03426695987582207, 0.036454979330301285, -0.0037689702585339546, -0.05152976140379906, 0.007891588844358921, -0.029041938483715057, -0.036360785365104675, 0.016522154211997986, 0.011498566716909409, -0.04519801586866379, -0.05238989368081093, -0.007636054884642363, 0.030340995639562607, 0.09210104495286942, -0.03805810213088989, -0.012237912975251675, -0.0549628846347332, -0.01568150334060192, -0.01109245978295803, 0.0013735609827563167, -0.012217787094414234, -0.028316065669059753, -0.0208699069917202, 0.030272014439105988, 0.041784219443798065, -0.039498306810855865, -0.04864271730184555, -0.014788244850933552, -0.0241756122559309, -0.04096068814396858, -0.02730439230799675, -0.00008766198152443394, 0.05684811249375343, 0.009340708144009113, -0.034954968839883804, 0.013044013641774654, -0.031823184341192245, 0.004615874029695988, -0.029746534302830696, 0.008174283429980278, -0.027930866926908493, 0.014092829078435898, -0.04125623777508736, -0.00971533078700304, -0.025077572092413902, 0.016983741894364357, -0.014623747207224369, 0.013823696412146091, -0.012953337281942368, -0.06675812602043152, -0.06337491422891617, -0.016664594411849976, -0.023533672094345093, -0.04061376303434372, -0.05622171610593796, -0.032935645431280136, 0.08521987497806549, 0.057554565370082855, 0.000930554058868438, 0.03933794051408768, -0.042526062577962875, -0.08364015072584152, 0.009006643667817116, -0.0425090417265892, -0.027258098125457764, -0.022763656452298164, -0.030124690383672714, 0.014327050186693668, -0.011395973153412342, -0.011077607050538063, 0.016014624387025833, 0.03089975193142891, -0.024768870323896408, 0.0038016040343791246, 0.009593854658305645, 0.07397318631410599, -0.022761596366763115, -0.031273454427719116, 0.03358738496899605, 0.034098654985427856, -0.006824601907283068, -0.016915854066610336, 0.027545327320694923, 0.049454979598522186, 0.012975550256669521, -0.01754726655781269, -0.01113494485616684, -0.01703605242073536, 0.03449782729148865, -0.06377261877059937, 0.024981001392006874, -0.03658086434006691, -0.03105245530605316, 0.021200284361839294, -0.04531119391322136, 0.024329140782356262, 0.006891064345836639, 0.0029992961790412664, 0.025190990418195724, -0.0213437769562006, 0.00311289937235415, -0.034648869186639786, 0.01905057579278946, -0.0170374047011137, 0.011369334533810616, 0.006175133865326643, 0.04961024224758148, 0.0483800545334816, 0.01504365261644125, 0.00859422143548727, -0.011929105035960674, -0.06128302961587906, -0.07396907359361649, -0.010930565185844898, 0.01599370315670967, 0.05693458020687103, 0.007789048831909895, 0.04607655480504036, -0.06227054446935654, 0.002495085122063756, 0.015840189531445503, -0.036955151706933975, 0.0236241202801466, 0.005119663663208485, -0.05295869708061218, -0.026386981830000877, 0.013185429386794567, 0.003661694936454296, 0.054781269282102585, 0.003618879709392786, 0.04982341080904007, 0.06413429230451584, 0.04284641891717911, 0.011231356300413609, 0.013215761631727219, -0.016107290983200073, -0.03617377579212189, 0.033231496810913086, 0.034827206283807755, -0.049153950065374374, 0.005433001555502415, -0.08124398440122604, -0.03823458403348923, -0.006933209486305714, 0.020152254030108452, 0.028479361906647682, -0.023402182385325432, -0.03600434213876724, -0.013432408683001995, -0.03001980297267437, 0.010294182226061821, -0.05710379779338837, -0.018337508663535118, 0.03436746075749397, -0.011510999873280525, 0.017875419929623604, -0.012811769731342793, 0.03914054110646248, -0.04559207335114479, -0.029199764132499695, -0.056193508207798004, -0.018428167328238487, -0.01986740715801716, 0.01591937057673931, -0.01844431832432747, -0.018980184569954872, 0.05000878497958183, 0.021225303411483765, 0.014610600657761097, -0.0038510006852447987, -0.003486904315650463, 0.0006838592234998941, 0.039816152304410934, -0.04734041541814804, -0.04008118063211441, -0.029626382514834404, -0.003216836601495743, -0.026292331516742706, 0.022455597296357155, 0.013284239917993546, -0.03130717948079109, 0.026907360181212425, -0.026381347328424454, -0.0857480987906456, -0.007337756454944611, -0.025805165991187096, 0.032092779874801636, 0.012500614859163761, 0.02716420777142048, -0.018723927438259125, -0.02854609675705433, -0.005956682376563549, -0.006023749243468046, -0.06009064242243767, 0.044315848499536514, -0.013944482430815697, -0.022826846688985825, 0.0012861096765846014, -0.05616963282227516, -0.033094193786382675, -0.008392785675823689, 0.01201046071946621, 0.03121592476963997, -0.0286493431776762, 0.005908062215894461, -0.044968750327825546, -0.03509613499045372, -0.024552518501877785, -0.003966929856687784, -0.03525041416287422, 0.03542611747980118, -0.01930883340537548, -0.06289409846067429, 0.004274375271052122, -0.015534648671746254, -0.003051890293136239, 0.0011098714312538505, -0.039148975163698196, 0.04630596935749054, -0.028997357934713364, 0.02443363517522812, 0.011187423951923847, -0.044307123869657516, 0.008048966526985168, -0.023180117830634117, -0.0006411857903003693, -0.016229236498475075, 0.07932940870523453, 0.05293439328670502, 0.04711775854229927, -0.041016481816768646, -0.028903495520353317, -0.004657367244362831, 0.013020912185311317, -0.004835154861211777, -0.003653066698461771, -0.004322668071836233, 0.0749225914478302, -0.030901163816452026, -0.03946565091609955, 0.0023431703448295593, -0.030732624232769012, 0.05724717676639557, -0.022465234622359276, -0.0046677845530211926, -0.028458595275878906, -0.014526154845952988, 0.0053171431645751, -0.02242628112435341, 0.05228955298662186, -0.02191143110394478, -0.003264171537011862, 0.03888764604926109, 0.03471273556351662, 0.0038912342861294746, -0.007430491968989372, 0.03992736339569092, -0.06598587334156036, -0.05099940672516823, -0.09154584258794785, 0.039017848670482635, -0.0004139681113883853, 0.025389768183231354, 0.02136254496872425, 0.012358739972114563, -0.0038609157782047987, 0.030331837013363838, -0.07147109508514404, -0.030551178380846977, -0.005619321949779987, -0.0034764758311212063, -0.028703879565000534, 0.0429101400077343, -0.011976738460361958, 0.02649969980120659, -0.0014257398433983326, -0.10313846915960312, -0.05060804635286331, -0.009561392478644848, 0.0089250598102808, 0.004127586726099253, 0.04964477941393852, -0.005240876227617264, -0.05133713036775589, 0.030288783833384514, 0.05737273767590523, 0.02729310654103756, 0.023114096373319626, -0.05028597265481949, 0.07315298169851303, 0.04965929314494133, -0.010485849343240261, -0.0258080642670393, 0.011649701744318008, -0.004171268083155155, -0.02304712124168873, -0.020308207720518112, 0.004241026937961578, -0.00572610180824995, -0.06716249883174896, 0.07771696150302887, 0.034729134291410446, -0.058308377861976624, -0.012601647526025772, 0.015999948605895042, -0.001448395662009716, -0.023077815771102905, -0.03248630464076996, 0.034018393605947495, 0.003326412755995989, 0.0745878517627716, 0.04902404174208641, 0.07952811568975449, 0.048281941562891006, -0.04419445991516113, 0.023180371150374413, 0.05473456531763077, 0.08154342323541641, 0.022395135834813118, 0.02578694187104702, 0.0026915394701063633, 0.05397149920463562, -0.04701448604464531, -0.024746539071202278, 0.01577121764421463, -0.003953535575419664, -0.02664402686059475, 0.04384312033653259, -0.006249210797250271, 0.03812519088387489, -0.027133174240589142, 0.06441287696361542, 0.027805650606751442, 0.04389912635087967, 0.029444009065628052, -0.005757829640060663, 0.05518067628145218, 0.043659936636686325, 0.007470207288861275, -0.022578516975045204, 0.008703954517841339, -0.035529136657714844, -0.03301537409424782, 0.04176577180624008, -0.07549124211072922, 0.012527946382761002, -0.06874673068523407, 0.0037877745926380157, -0.035668015480041504, 0.0070347860455513, 0.0785626545548439, 0.016409926116466522, -0.004387555178254843, -0.006484575103968382, 0.014181018806993961, 0.027104509994387627, -0.026279175654053688, -0.01684938557446003, -0.0026575408410280943, -0.013507899828255177, -0.05992952361702919, -0.023380272090435028, 0.037993431091308594, -0.011252263560891151, 0.05831051990389824, -0.0010695653036236763, -0.03415651246905327, 0.013081857934594154, 0.003937257453799248, -0.015342441387474537, -0.036539699882268906, -0.04806182160973549, 0.0027339092921465635, -0.029328223317861557, -0.01874016970396042, 0.03119049407541752, -0.02163008227944374, -0.03679049015045166, 0.04640541970729828, -0.0009789072209969163, -0.0185643769800663, 0.05665205419063568, -0.048560988157987595, 0.009550753980875015, 0.04638276621699333, 0.025033466517925262, 0.0311835128813982, 0.03347910940647125, 0.06736060976982117, 0.0007006067899055779, -0.027668623253703117, 0.041974231600761414, -0.03066359832882881, 0.04994039610028267, 0.010252689011394978, 0.0004893973818980157, -0.0747121050953865, -0.006190683227032423, 0.01330561377108097, 0.026150207966566086, -0.05036308988928795, 0.04630773141980171, -0.024953952059149742, 0.011007115244865417, 0.08499611169099808, 0.03279389068484306, -0.04710457846522331, 0.0013042523059993982, -0.010637309402227402, 0.02170289121568203, -0.004193430300801992, 0.0789794921875, -0.018362607806921005, 0.0830913707613945, 0.051461800932884216, -0.025369035080075264, 0.020496655255556107, 0.046189144253730774, 0.03751920908689499, -0.03318149223923683, -0.017163220793008804, 0.030081158503890038, -0.04608603194355965, -0.04402460157871246, -0.06361008435487747, 0.025647593662142754, -0.0043341973796486855, -0.023700032383203506, 0.02328294701874256, 0.020365053787827492, -0.019247129559516907, -0.006521486211568117, 0.04445459693670273, 0.03724171221256256, -0.060195278376340866, -0.0342777818441391, -0.02316907048225403, -0.015430085361003876, 0.018792299553751945, -0.017264969646930695, 0.007592536974698305, -0.03290679678320885, 0.014966275542974472, -0.02958007901906967, 0.0601242259144783, -0.0006115277647040784, -0.023549161851406097, -0.008217026479542255 ]
OPINION SUTIN, Judge. {1} The district court affirmed a decision of the Secretary of the New Mexico Public Education Department (the Department) revoking the teaching license of Chad Skowronski. Skowronski appeals. We affirm. BACKGROUND {2} At this point, we only recite a few of the many facts underlying a story strewn with credibility issues seen completely differently by a hearing officer, who recommended dismissal of the Department’s administrative charges against Skowronski, and the Secretary, who alone made the final decision to revoke Skowronski’s teaching license. The underlying facts will be more fully presented in later sections of this Opinion. {3} The Department charged Skowronski with engaging in inappropriate and improper sexual contact or behavior with a fourteen-year-old female (the Victim). Skowronski, a science teacher, had a teaching license issued by the Department. The alleged contact occurred in the living room of persons who owned and operated the charter school where Skowronski had been hired to teach and where the Victim was considering attending, and who were also the Victim’s godparents. The Victim’s godparents hosted an event that included a potluck followed by a poker game, which was attended, among other guests, by Skowronski, the Victim, and the Victim’s parents. Following the party, the Victim’s parents spent the night in a tent in a nearby field. The Victim, who had stayed overnight at her godparents’ home many times, slept on the couch in the living room. Skowronski also slept in the living room, on the floor at a distance, according to Skowronski, of ten feet from the Victim, but according to the Victim and her father, within one to two feet of the Victim. The alleged contact occurred when the Victim and Skowronski were alone in the living room. {4} The Department’s notice of contemplated action to take disciplinary action against Skowronski’s license went first to a hearing officer. SeeNMSA 1978, § 61-1-4(F) (2003) (explaining that if the licensee requests a hearing, a hearing shall be held within sixty days); 6.68.3.9(D)(1) NMAC (11/30/2005) (stating that all hearings may be conducted by a hearing officer who is a licensed New Mexico attorney and who is not employed by the Department). After an evidentiary hearing, the hearing officer made recommended findings of fact and conclusions of law followed by a recommended decision. See 6.68.3.12(B) NMAC (11/30/2005) (stating that the hearing officer “shall submit a formal written report to the [Secretary consisting of [among other things] . . . proposed findings of fact, proposed conclusions of law, and [a proposed] order”). The hearing officer found that the charges had not been proved by a preponderance of the evidence. And he recommended that the notice of contemplated action be dismissed with prejudice. {5} The hearing officer’s recommended decision went to the Secretary for final decision. S'eeNMSA 1978, § 61-1-13 (1993) (stating that after a hearing has been completed, the members of the board shall consider the case and shall thereafter render a decision); 6.68.3.13(A) NMAC (11/30/2005) (stating that the Secretary “shall render a final decision and order based on a preponderance of the evidence”). The Secretary entered a decision and order which, after indicating that she had familiarized herself with the record before the hearing officer, and after adopting some of the hearing officer’s recommendations and rejecting others, revoked Skowronski’s license, ultimately concluding “that good and just cause hav[e] been established by a preponderance of the evidence to warrant revocation.” As reflected later in this Opinion, the essential difference between the hearing officer’s view of the circumstances and that of the Secretary was how these two decision makers saw the credibility of Victim and Slcowronski and the believability of their testimony. {6} Slcowronski appealed to the district court. See NMSA 1978, §§ 39-3-1.1, 61-1-17 (1999); Rule 1-074 NMRA. In its final decision on the Rule 1-074 appeal, the district court affirmed the decision of the Secretary. Slcowronski appeals the decision ofthe district court and asserts the following points: (1) the Department erred as a matter of law in submitting his license revocation to the Secretary for final decision, (2) the Secretary erred in substituting her own credibility findings for those of the hearing officer, (3) the Department and the Secretary denied him due process of law, and (4) the Secretary’s decision was not supported by substantial evidence. DISCUSSION I. The Issue of the Secretary’s Authority to Make the Final Revocation Decision {7} Skowronslci contends that the Secretary did not have constitutional or statutory authority to delegate exclusive authority to a cabinet secretary to revoke a teaching license. He argues that Article XII, Section 6 of the New Mexico Constitution and the Uniform Licensing Act (the Licensing Act), NMSA 1978, §§ 61-1-1 to -33 (1957, as amended through 2003), required the Department to refer the hearing officer’s recommended decision for a final decision by a quorum instead of by a single individual. The issue requires us to interpret constitutional and legislative acts, issues of law only, and our review is de novo. City of Aztec v. Gurule, 2010-NMSC-006, ¶ 5, 147 N.M. 693, 228 P.3d 477; see Att’y Gen. v. N.M. Pub. Regulation Comm'n, 2011-NMSC-034, ¶ 10, 150 N.M. 174, 258 P.3d 453. We first set out the relevant constitutional and statutory provisions, plus administrative rules promulgated by the Department. Afterward, we analyze the question of what Article XII, Section 6 and the applicable statutes intended in regard to who makes the final revocation decision. The Constitution {8} Article XII, Section 6 states in full: Public education department; public education commission. A. There is hereby created a “public education department” and a “public education commission” that shall have such powers and duties as provided by law. The department shall be a cabinet department headed by a secretary of public education who is a qualified, experienced educator who shall be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. B. Ten members of the public education commission shall be elected for staggered terms of four years as provided by law. Commission members shall be residents of the public education commission district from which they are elected. Change of residence of a commission member to a place outside the district from which he was elected shall automatically terminate the term of that member. C. The governor shall fill vacancies on the commission by appointment of a resident from the district in which the vacancy occurs until the next regular election for membership on the commission. D. The secretary of public education shall have administrative and regulatory powers and duties, including all functions relating to the distribution of school funds and financial accounting for the public schools to be performed as provided by law. E. The elected members of the 2003 state board of education shall constitute the public education commission, if this amendment is approved, until their terms expire and the districts from which the state board of education were elected shall constitute the state public education commission districts imtil changed by law. {9} Before this amendment establishing the Public Education Department, the Secretary of Public Education and the State Board of Education had the final administrative say on revocation of licenses. See, e.g.,Bd. of Educ. of Melrose Mun. Sch. v. N.M. Bd. of Educ. (Melrose), 106 N.M. 129, 130-31, 740 P.2d 123, 124-25 (Ct. App. 1987) (involving whether the State Board of Education erred in reversing the credibility determinations of a local board); Bd. of Educ. of Alamogordo Pub. Sch. v. Jennings, 98 N.M. 602, 604-05, 651 P.2d 1037, 1039-40 (Ct. App. 1982) (involving whether the State Board of Education erred in reversing a local board), overruled on other grounds by Melrose, 106 N.M. 129, 740 P.2d 123. Upon amendment, the Public Education Commission (the Commission) was originally composed of the elected members of the 2003 State Board of Education. N.M. Const, art. XII, § 6(E). But the powers and duties of the Commission were not those given to the previous State Board of Education but, instead, were those “provided by law.” N.M. Const, art. XII, § 6(A). The Licensing Act {10} The Licensing Act pre-dated the amendment of Article XII, Section 6. The Licensing Act defines “board,” an operative word in the matter before us, as, among other things, “aboard, commission},] or agency that administers a profession or occupation licensed pursuant to Chapter 61 NMSA 1978}.]” Section 61-1-2(A)(3). The Licensing Act also defines “board” as “any other state agency to which the . . . Licensing Act ... is applied by law}.]” Section 61-1-2(A)(4). Taking several sections of the Licensing Act together, the Act provides the procedures required for revocation of licenses by boards. See, e.g., §§ 61-1-2(A)(3), (4), (C), (D); §§ 61-1-4 to -17, -19, -21. A licensee has a right to a hearing before the board that has authority to take revocation action. Section 61-1-3(F). The hearing can take place before the board or before a board-selected hearing officer who must submit a report to the board with findings of fact. Section 61-1-7(A). {11} Of particular note is Section 61-1-13(A). It provides in part that “}a]fter a hearing has been completed, the members of the board shall proceed to consider the case and as soon as practicable shall render their decision, provided that the decision shall be rendered by a quorum of the board.” Id. Slcowronski relies on this section in arguing that because the term “quorum” can apply o nly to multiple-m emb er bodies,Sec tion61-l13(A) necessarily mandates that more than a singular individual, such as the Secretary, must participate in revocation decisions. See Polk Cnty. v. State Bd. of Equalization, 484 S.W.2d 49, 56 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1972) (“The word ‘quorum’ implies a meeting, and the action must be group action, not merely action of a particular number of members as individuals.” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). He points out that the Licensing Act applies to the licensing of teachers and that it requires that a revocation decision be made by “members of the board,” meaning members of any board, commission, or agency as to which the Licensing Act applies. See § 61-1-2(A)(3), (4); see also NMSA 1978, § 22-10A-31 (2003) (stating, in relation to licensed school employees, “[i]n accordance with the procedures provided in the . . . Licensing Act, . . . the state board [department] may . . . revoke a department-issued license”). Skowronski asserts that either the Commission created in the amendment to Article XII, Section 6 or some other body of at least more than one person was required to review the record before the hearing officer and make a final decision. The Public Education Department Act {12} The Public Education Department Act (the Education Act), NMSA 1978, §§ 9-24-1 to -15 (2004, as amended through 2006), was a result of the 2003 constitutional amendment to Article XII, Section 6. The constitutional amendment amended the “state board of education” and the “state department of public education” out of existence and created in their stead a “public education commission” and a “public education department” to be headed by a cabinet-level “secretary of public education” appointed by the governor. N.M. Const. art. XII, § 6(A); see id. annot. (the 2003 amendment) (explaining that Subsection (A) of Article XII, Section 6 (1986), which had provided for the creation of a “state board of education” and a “state department of public education” was rewritten by the 2003 amendment, which was subsequently adopted through a special election on September 23, 2003). The Education Act clarifies that all references in law to the state board of education and all references to the state department of public education or the department of education “shall be deemed to be references to the public education department.” Section 9-24-15(C). Pursuant to Sections 22-10A-1 to -11.1, it is the “state board [department]” that issues licenses. {13} Under the Education Act, the Secretary is the administrative head of the Department. See § 9-24-5(A). The powers and duties of the Secretary include “manag[ing] all operations of the [Department and . . . administering] and enforcing] the laws with which he or the [Department is charged” and “[t]o perform his duties, the [S]ecretary has every power expressly enumerated in the law, whether granted to the [S]ecretary [or] the [D]epartment .... [including] talcfing] administrative action by issuing orders ... to ensure implementation of and compliance with the provisions of law for which administration or execution he is responsible and to enforce those orders ... by appropriate administrative action in the courtsf.]” Section 9-24-8(A), (B)(5). In addition, “[t]he [S]ecretary may make and adopt such reasonable and procedural rules as may be necessary to carry out the duties of the [Department and its divisions.” Section 9-24-8(D). {14} Section 9-24-9(A) of the Education Act relates to the Public Education Commission created under Article XII, Section 6 and states that “[t]he [C]ommission shall be administratively attached to the [Department, with administrative staff provided hy the [D]epartment.” In terms of the duties and responsibilities of the Commission, Section 9-24-9(A) states only that “[t]he [C]ommission shall advise the [D]epartment on policy matters and shall perform other functions as provided by law.” {15} The Secretary adopted regulations pursuant to Section 9-24-8(D). See 6.68.3.1 to .16 NMAC (11/30/2005). The regulations track the Licensing Act and provide for a notice of contemplated action, time limits for requesting and scheduling a hearing, appointment of a hearing officer, subpoena authority for discovery and hearing purposes, discovery rights, recitation of a licensee’s rights, and an administrative hearing. See 6.68.3.8 to .15 NMAC. In particular, New Mexico Administrative Code Regulation 6.68.3.12(B) provides for submission to the Secretary of a hearing officer’s report, and Regulation 6.68.3.13(A), (B), and (C) provides for a final decision of the Secretary. The regulations are silent with respect to the Commission. And they do not provide for a hearing before the Secretary. The Public School Code and the School Personnel Act {16} Sections in the Public School Code, NMSA 1978, §§ 22-1-1 to -31-6 (excluding Article 5 A) (1967, as amended through 2012), and the School Personnel Act, NMSA 1978, §§ 22-10A-1 to -39 (1967, as amended through 2011), namely, Section 22-2-2(K) of the Public School Code and Section 22-10A-31 of the School Personnel Act relate to revocation of teachers’ licenses. Section 22-10A-31 provides: “In accordance with the procedures provided in the . . . Licensing Act . . ., the state board [department] may deny, suspend},] or revoke a [D]epartment-issued license for incompetency, moral turpitude[,] or any other good and just cause.” Section 22-2-2(K) similarly provides that “[t]he [Department shall . . . deny, suspend[,] or revoke a license according to law for incompetency, moral turpitude[,] or any other good and just cause[.]” The Authority Question {17} The puzzling question here is whether the Article XII, Section 6 amendment and the Education Act grant to the Secretary the exclusive authority to revoke a teacher’s license. The Licensing Act, a general act controlling the process for revocation of licenses issued by agencies covered by the Licensing Act, and including teachers’ licenses, has remained untouched through the various alterations made by the Article XII, Section 6 amendment and post-amendment legislation, in regard to how a “board,” as defined in the Licensing Act, is to make the final decision regarding license revocation. In the Education Act, the Legislature has apparently construed that Article XII, Section 6(A)’s reference to “suchpowers and duties as provided by law” that the Department and the Commission shall have allows the Legislature to limit the Commission’s powers and duties to nothing beyond a purely advisory role. Section 9-24-9(A). Yet, the Constitution does not give any hint that the Commission is to be relegated solely to an advisory position. Also, in the Education Act, the Legislature gave broad duties and responsibilities to the Secretary. See § 9-24-8. But nothing in the Education Act specifically grants the Secretary the exclusive duty and responsibility to make final license revocation decisions. The Public School Code and the School Personnel Act also contain no such specific grant to the Secretary, leaving the revocation decision to the “board” or “department.” See §§ 22-2-2(K), 22-10A-31. Only through the promulgated Department regulations is the Secretary made the exclusive decider in regard to license revocation. See 6.68.3.13(A), (B), (C) NMAC. {18} The Department and the Secretary argue that, based on the constitutional amendment and Sections 9-24-15 (C), 22-10A-31,22-2-2(K), the Department is charged with the duty to revoke teaching licenses issued by the Department. They emphasize that the Department is headed by the Secretary with broad powers and duties, who must enforce the laws with which the Department is charged, including Section 22-10A-31, and who must take the required administrative actions to enforce Section 22-10A-31. Their logic moves to the further position that, in her enforcement of Section 22-10A-31, the Secretary must follow the procedures of the Licensing Act and that she did so by adopting regulations pursuant to Section 9-24-8(D). The regulations grant to the Secretary the authority to decide the revocation question after reviewing the report of the hearing officer. 6.68.3.13(A), (B), (C) NMAC. {19} The Department and the Secretary also argue a number of further points. They argue that “quorum” in Section 61-1-13 of the Licensing Act applies when the deciding body is a multiple-member board and not when, as here, “the decider is a single individual^]” They argue that the language of the Licensing Act, which is general legislation, does not override the specific constitutional authority permitting specific legislation and control in regard to the question of authority to revoke licenses. They assert that the Licensing Act’s procedures “embrace a ‘state agency’ made subject to its coverage by law” and that the agency in this case is the Department whose Secretary is required to enforce Section 22-10A-31. They further argue that nowhere in the Constitution or the statutes is the Commission given a duty or authority to play any part in the administrative revocation process. In regard to the Commission, the Department and the Secretary point out that the Commission has enumerated statutory duties as expressly set out in Sections 22-2-2.2, 22-2-14(C), (G), 22-8B-16, 22-14-3, and 22-14-3.1. Among the duties are approving or disapproving charter school applications, see § 22-8B-16, and supervising the administration of federal aid funds relating to vocational education and vocational rehabilitation. See §§ 22-14-3, -3.1. The Department and the Secretary conclude that logic and common sense require the conclusion that, under the statutory scheme relating to education, the Secretary, and not the Commission or any other group, has the authority to make the final determination of revocation and that any view to the contrary is absurd. {20} There does exist a gap between the Licensing Act’s plural-member or quorum authority as applied to boards, commissions, or agencies that regulate license issuance and that of the Education Act, the Public School Code, and the School Personnel Act. The Licensing Act does not appear to have ever contemplated that license revocation be in the exclusive domain of a single person, even a cabinet secretary. The use of “quorum” in the Licensing Act, as well as the Act’s use of “members of the board,” indicates that the Legislature contemplated that more than a single person would make a revocation decision. The Licensing Act has not been amended to change these procedural requirements. Yet, in the Education Act, the Legislature chose to severely limit the Commission’s duties and responsibilities. And, in the Public School Code, the Legislature did not grant authority to discipline licensees in its enumeration of the duties of the Commission. It appears that the Legislature intended in the School Personnel Act to equate “board” with the “department.” See, e.g., § 22-10A-3(A)-(C); see also § 22-10A-31(A) (“[T]he state board [department] may deny, suspend[,] or revoke a department-issued license for incompetency, moral turpitude[,] or any other good and just cause.”); § 9-24-15(C) (“All references in law to the state board of education shall be deemed to be references to the public education department. All references to the state department of public education or the department of education shall be deemed to be references to the public education department.”). As the district court analyzed this, the intent extends to substituting the Department for the Board as authority to revoke a teaching license with final authority resting in the Secretary. The district court also particularly noted that none of the various laws giving authority to the Public Education Commission grant the Commission the authority to revoke teaching licenses. Furthermore, the Secretary promulgated regulations giving the Secretary exclusive and final authority as to license revocations. Those regulations have the force of law. See, e.g., Truong v. Allstate Ins. Co., 2010-NMSC-009, ¶ 24, 147 N.M. 583, 227 P.2d 73; Duke City Lumber Co. v. N.M. Envtl. Improvement Bd., 101 N.M. 291, 292, 681 P.2d 717, 718 (1984) (“The Legislature grants agencies the discretion of promulgating rules and regulations which have the force of law.”). {21} We are hard pressed to hold that the Secretary lacked authority to revoke Skowronslci’s license. Article XII, Section 6 grants broad authority to the Legislature in regard to the duties and authority of the Commission and the Secretary. The Legislature enacted a scheme of specific legislation relating to those duties and authority. It is not our position to question the wisdom of placing the final decision regarding revocation of a teacher’s license in one person. See State ex rel. Udall v. Pub. Emps. Ret. Bd., 120 N.M. 786, 788, 907 P.2d 190, 192 (1995) (stating that “[i]t is not the province of [the c]ourt to inquire into the wisdom or policy of an act of the Legislature”). We think it is significant that, other than arguing how the constitutional and statutory provisions are to be interpreted, Skowronski cites no authority to support his arguments. Thus, in interpreting the entire constitutional and statutory education-related scheme, we must side with the position of the Department and the Secretary. We see no constitutional mandate that requires an interpretation of the constitutional and statutory scheme as placing the final decision-making authority in the Commission or some unspecified group or as precluding the Secretary from having the final administrative say. Nor do we see any basis in the scheme to determine that the Commission or any group has the authority to make the revocation decisions. We therefore hold that neither the Secretary, the Department, nor the district court erred on the question of the Secretary’s authority to make the final revocation decision. II. The Issues of Substitution of Credibility Determinations and Denial of Due Process The Administrative Hearing and Review Standards {22} Regulation 6.6 8.3.8 (B) states that the Department “may suspend, revoke},] or take other disciplinary action against a license . . . for incompetency, immorality[,] or any other good and just cause.” The regulation lists nine examples of “[ojther good and just cause.” Id. Barring success on his lack-of-authority argument, it seems clear that Slcowronski does not contest that, were the Victim’s allegations true, revocation would be proper under Regulation 6.68.3.8(B). {23} The regulations provide that the purpose of the hearing before the hearing officer is “to determine whether sufficient grounds exist for the suspension, revocation},] or other disciplinary action” and that the Department has the “burden of proof ... to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that sufficient grounds exists.” 6.68.3.11(A) NMAC. After the hearing, the hearing officer must submit a formal written report to the Secretary containing proposed findings of fact, proposed conclusions of law, and a proposed order. 6.68.3.12(B) NMAC. {24} The regulations contemplate that the Secretary’s role is that of adjudicator. The Secretary has the duty to “review the report of the hearing officer together with any briefs or proposed findings/conclusions/orders timely submitted by the parties” and to then “render a final decision and order based on a prep onderance of the evidence.” 6.68.3.13 (A) NMAC. The Secretary is required to “(1) adopt the hearing officer’s proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law},] and order; or (2) modify said findings of fact and conclusions of law and order and render a decision; or (3) reopen the case to receive additional evidence . . .; or (4) reject any action against the licensee’s licensure}.]” 6.68.3.13(A)(l)-(4) NMAC. The regulations expressly state that “}t]he [Secretary is not an appellate reviewer of the hearing officer’s proposed findings/conclusions/order},]” but that “the [Secretary is ultimately responsible for issuing a final decision and order relative to possible disciplinary action against a licensee’s educator licensure.” 6.68.3.13(B) NMAC. If the Secretary “seeks to deviate” from proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law of the hearing officer, the Secretary must go further and make “an independent review of the transcript of the [proceedings]” before the hearing officer. Id. The Secretary’s deviations must be “supported by a preponderance of the evidence}.]” Id. Substitution of Credibility Determinations {25} The issue is whether the Secretary erred in (1) failing to defer to and rejecting the hearing officer’s credibility determinations that supported a recommendation to dismiss the Department’s charges; and (2) making her own, different credibility determinations to support revocation. Thus, the issue requires analysis of what legal requirement exists, if any, that imposes a duty upon the Secretary to defer to the credibility determinations of the hearing officer. This issue is one of law, which we review de novo. Gurule, 2010-NMSC-006, ¶ 5. {26} Slcowronski argues that neither the Licensing Act nor the Department’s regulations permit the Secretary to “reject outright” the hearing officer’s credibility determinations or to substitute her own credibility findings or her “own views” for those of the hearing officer. In support of his contention, Slcowronski discusses three New Mexico cases: In re Bristol, 2006-NMSC-041, 140 N.M. 317, 142 P.3d 905; Melrose, 106 N.M. 129, 740 P.2d 123; and Jennings, 98 N.M. 602, 651 P.2d 1037. Skowronski’s authorities do not support his contention. {27} In re Bristol is distinguishable and inapplicable. In re Bristol involved attorney disciplinary proceedings and described a rule-driven disciplinary process that differed in key respects from the process set forth in the Department’s regulations. 2006-NMSC-041, ¶ 1. Disciplinary proceedings against an attorney commenced with a hearing before a hearing committee. Id. ¶ 2. The hearing committee was designated to take evidence during the course of a formal disciplinary proceeding and to issue “its findings of fact, conclusions and recommendations for discipline or other disposition of the matter, which are submitted directly to the [disciplinary [bjoard.” Id. ¶¶ 2, 15 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). The disciplinary board then appointed a hearing panel to review the recommended decision of the hearing committee. Id. ¶¶ 3, 12. Our Supreme Court emphasized in In re Bristol that in terms of its review of the committee’s factual findings, the hearing panel’s role was consistent with the role of a district court acting in an appellate capacity to review an administrative agency’s factual determinations. Id. ¶ 16. Thus, the hearing panel was to “defer to the hearing committee on matters of weight and credibility, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the hearing committee’s decision[,j and resolving all conflicts and reasonable inferences in favor of the decision reached by the hearing committee.” Id. {28} Unlike the hearing committee in In re Bristol, which was charged with making findings and conclusions, the hearing officer in this case was granted the more limited duty of making proposed findings and proposed conclusions. See id. ¶ 2. Compare Rule 17-104(C)(3) NMRA (stating in regard to the rules governing attorney discipline that hearing committees “shall have the power and duty ... to report to the [djisciplinary [bjoard their findings of fact, and conclusions of law[,j and recommendations”), with 6.68.3.12(B) NMAC (stating that “the hearing officer shall submit a formal written report to the [Sjecretary consisting of . . . proposed findings of fact [&n&\proposed conclusions of law” (emphasis added)). And unlike the hearing panel in In re Bristol, which was to review the hearing committee’s findings of fact in a deferential, appellate capacity, here, the Secretary was explicitly “not an appellate reviewer of the hearing officer’s proposed findings/conclusions/order.” 6.68.3.13 (B) NMAC. “Rather, the [Sjecretary is ultimately responsible for issuing a final decision and order relative to possible disciplinary action against a licensee’s educator licensure.” Id. In light of the differences between the respective duties of the In re Bristol hearing committee and the hearing officer in this case and the differences between the In re Bristol hearing panel and the Secretary in this case, In re Bristolh&s no bearing on our analysis of the issues presented in this case. {29} Further, we note that neither Melrose nor Jennings supports Skowronski’s argument that the Secretary was not permitted to reject the hearing officer’s proposed findings and conclusions. In fact, they tend to support the opposite conclusion. In Jennings, this Court held that the State Board of Education was entitled to reach conclusions contrary to those of its own hearing officer provided that the conclusion was not unreasonable and was supported by substantial evidence. 98 N.M. at 608, 651 P.2d at 1043. In Jennings, this Court upheld the State Board of Education’s decision notwithstanding the fact that the extent of the Board’s record examination was limited to its having “reviewed the report” of the hearing officer. Id. at 604, 651 P.2d at 1039; see also id. at 614, 651 P.2d at 1049 (Donnelly, J., dissenting) (explaining that “fundamental fairness requires that when the State Board... elects to disregard the findings and conclusions of its own hearing officer and to arrive at a contrary result, it must review the entire record of the . . . hearing” especially where “the ultimate decision rests upon the credibility of. . . opposing major witnesses”). {30} In Melrose, this Court explained that “Jennings was incorrectly decided to the extent [that] it permits the State Board to reach a decision contrary to the hearing officer’s, particularly on issues involving the credibility of witnesses, without the State Board having reviewed the transcript of proceedings, as it relates to the issue involved.” Melrose, 106 N.M. at 131, 740 P.2d at 125. We clarified, however, that our decision here does not affect the holding of Jennings to the effect that the State Board can reverse the decision of its hearing officer, without taking new evidence, even on points turning on the credibility of witnesses. We only require that before the State Board opts to reject the decision of its hearing officer, particularly when the credibility of the witnesses is at issue, that at the very least it review so much of the transcript of the proceedings before the hearing officer as is necessary to support its decision. Melrose, 106 N.M. at 131, 740 P.2d at 125 (emphasis added). {31} Skowronski does not argue, nor on this record could he reasonably argue, that the Secretary rejected the hearing officer’s proposed findings of fact or his views of the credibility of the witnesses without having reviewed the transcript of the proceedings. The Secretary stated in her final decision that she had “familiarized [herself] with the record, including the hearing officer’s report, and [was] otherwise fully advised in this matterf.]” She follows this statement with nine full pages of findings of fact, each supported by references to the hearing transcript and other parts of the record. Thus, it is clear that the Secretary, in rejecting the hearing officer’s proposed findings, did so in a manner that comported with Jennings and that was in line with Judge Donnelly’s dissent that we cited with approval in Melrose. See Melrose, 106 N.M. at 131, 740 P.2d at 125. {32} Finally, contrary to Skowronski’s argument that the Secretary was not permitted to reject the hearing officer’s credibility determinations, the Department’s regulations provide the Secretary with the liberty to deviate from any of the hearing officer’s proposed findings or conclusions provided that any deviation is supported by a preponderance of the evidence after conducting an independent review of the transcript of the hearing. 6.68.3.13(B) NMAC. By his failure to acknowledge this aspect of the Department’s regulations, Skowronski avoids calling attention to an obvious gap in his argument that the Secretary exceeded her authority by rejecting the hearing officer’s proposed findings. At the same time, Skowronski also forgoes any potential argument regarding whether the Secretary’s deviations were supported by a preponderance of the evidence, thus leaving us under no obligation to consider the issue. See Rivera-Platte v. First Colony Life Ins. Co., 2007-NMCA-158, ¶ 28, 143 N.M. 158, 173 P.3d 765 (declining to address an issue that was not briefed on appeal). In sum, neither the Department’s regulations nor the case law cited by Skowronski supports a holding that the Secretary exceeded her authority by making her own credibility or fact-based determinations. We see no basis for reversal in this regard. Due Process {33} The question whether due process was violated is a question of law that we review de novo. Gurule, 2010-NMSC-006, ¶ 5. State revocation of a professional or occupational license requires procedural due process. See Bell v. Bitrson, 402 U.S. 535, 539 (1971) (stating that licenses are not to be taken away without the procedural due process required by the Fourteenth Amendment); see also Barry v. Barchi, 443 U.S. 55, 69-70 (1979) (Brennan, J., concurring) (stating that due process applies even more particularly to a revocation of an occupational license). A procedural due process analysis involves consideration of three factors. Mathews v. Eldridge, 424 U.S. 319, 335 (1976); see also Bd. of Educ. of Carlsbad Mun. Sch. v. Harrell, 118 N.M. 470, 478, 882 P.2d 511, 519 (1994) (recognizing the three Mathews factors). First, the private interest that will be affected by the official action; second, the risk of an erroneous deprivation of such interest through the procedures used, and the probable value, if any, of additional or substitute procedural safeguards; and finally, the [government’s interest, including the function involved and the fiscal and administrative burdens that the additional or substitute procedural requirement would entail. {34} Skowronski contends that “[t]he most serious [d]ue [pjrocess violation occurred as a result of the Secretary’s overruling the [hjhearing [ojfficer’s credibility findings [] without the opportunity ... to observe the witnesses’ demeanor.” In support of this contention, Skowronski calls our attention to a number of cases containing language that is ostensibly helpful, yet actually are unpersuasive in the context of his due process argument. For example, we do not find persuasive Skowronski’s citation to dicta from cases in which courts from other jurisdictions described their respective standards of review applicable to appeals from administrative agency decisions and did not consider due process arguments. See, e.g., Dep’t of Health & Welfare v. Sandoval, 742 P.2d 992, 995-96 (Idaho Ct. App. 1987); Md. Comm'n on Human Relations v. Kaydon Ring & Seal, Inc., 818 A.2d 259, 275-76 (Md. Ct. Spec. App. 2003); McEwen v. Tenn. Dep’t of Safety, 173 S.W.3d 815, 821-23 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2005). {35} Additionally, Skowronski’s reliance on In re Villeneuve, 709 A.2d 1067 (Vt. 1998), is misplaced. In In re Villeneuve, the Vermont Supreme Court followed the majority rule that, generally, due process only requires that board members or administrative officers, who were not present when testimony was taken, review the testimony before participating in an administrative decision. See id. at 1070. Based on the particular facts of In re Villeneuve, which involved a determination by the New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board that a new vehicle was not a “lemon” and that the purchaser of the vehicle was, therefore, not entitled to a refund, the court noted that members of the board who were absent from the hearing, and therefore did not personally view or test drive the vehicle, prevented the absent members from participating in the board’s decision. Id. at 1068, 1070-71. The court agreed with the lower court that “the view and test drive must have been important to the board majority’s evaluation that the defects and warranty non[jconformities did not ‘substantially impair the use, market value[,] or safety of the vehicle.’ ” Id. at 1070. Thus, in In re Villeneuve, the record “did not provide a reasonable basis for evaluating the evidence” because the board’s decision depended upon its inspection and test drive of the vehicle. Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). In In re Villaneuve, insofar as the board’s decision did not depend upon witness testimony or credibility determinations, does not stand for the proposition that the dictates of due process demand that credibility determinations are made based on personal observation of a witness’s demeanor, and Skowronski’s argument is not buttressed by this case. {36} Of Skowronski’s numerous citations, three cases are on point insofar as they discuss due process claims in the context of appeals from administrative decisions: Hearne v. Chicago School Reform Board of Trustees, 749 N.E.2d 411 (Ill. App. Ct. 2001); Stanley v. Review Board of Department of Employment & Training Services, 528 N.E.2d 811 (Ind. Ct. App. 1988); and Appeal of Dell, 668 A.2d 1024 (N.H. 1995). Nevertheless, we do not believe these cases provide a basis for reversing the Secretary’s decision. {37} The Hearne, Stanley, and Appeal of Dell courts all recognized that, generally, administrative boards are at liberty to reject the recommendations of their hearing officers, based on a review of the evidence of record and transcripts, provided that the board adequately explains its conclusions; however, they explained that an exception to the general rule is warranted where credibility alone is the determinative factor. Hearne, 749 N.E.2d at 421, 425-26; Stanley, 528 N.E.2d at 813-14; Appeal of Dell, 668 A.2d at 1033-34. {38} Yetthe Hearne, Stanley, and Appeal of Dell courts also recognized that such an exception is narrowly limited to those cases in which it is clear that the board either failed to adequately support its decision with references to the record, Hearne, 749 N.E.2d at 426, or where a review of the record could not support such a determination because demeanor credibility was the only basis from which the fact-finder could draw a conclusion as to who was being honest. See Stanley, 528 N.E.2d at 815 (stating that the board “[hjaving never heard or seen the witnesses, having no first hand perception of the manner in which they offered their testimony, and having no other evidence from, which to discern the truthfulness of the witnesses' statements, the board nevertheless rejected the referee’s findings in favor of its own groundless opinion of demeanor credibility” thereby “essentially [denying] the parties the right to be heard” (emphasis added)); Appeal of Dell, 668 A.2d at 1034 (explaining that “members of the hearing panel acting as fact[-]finders must be present for testimony . . . that concerns the disputed factual basis of a complaint where determination of those disputed facts rests, in some material part, on the fact[-]finder’s assessment of their credibility, as shown by their demeanor or conduct at the hearing[,]” but recognizing an exception to that rule which is applicable to cases in which the board can evaluate the evidence in the record by employing its own expertise and technical judgment to the facts therein (omission in original) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). {39} Here, although the hearing officer indicated in his proposed findings of fact that “the demeanor of the witnesses while testifying” was one factor that led to his proposed decision in favor of Skowronski, the hearing officer did not base his determination exclusively on this factor. The Secretary, on the other hand, based her decision on the facts presented by the various witnesses, the contradictions therein, and upon the Victim’s written statement. The Secretary’s conclusions were supported by the record and were based on her analysis of the facts and factual contradictions that were discernable from her review of the transcript and from the Victim’s written statement. We are not persuaded that the facts of this case fit the narrow “on credibility alone” exception recognized by the courts in Hearne, Stanley, and Appeal of Dell. {40} In sum, the Secretary’s determination in this case was permissible under New Mexico law, and we are not persuaded that case law from other jurisdictions compels a different conclusion. See Melrose, 106 N.M. at 131, 740 P.2d at 125 (explaining that even in those cases in which the decision turns on the credibility of witnesses, fundamental fairness and due process may be met provided that the board reviews the entire record). We conclude that the administrative procedure used here did not create a risk of erroneous deprivation of Skowronski’s occupational license. See Mathews, 424 U.S. at 335. Accordingly, we hold that Skowronski was not deprived of his right to due process by the fact that the Secretary failed to observe the witnesses’ demeanor or by her failure to defer to the hearing officer’s proposed findings of fact. {41} Through his remaining due process arguments, Skowronski attempts to support his due process deprivation claim with claims of the Department’s and the Secretary’s bias. The claims of bias are speculative and unsupported by the record. As such, we decline to consider them. See Santa Fe Exploration Co. v. Oil Conservation Comm’n, 114 N.M. 103, 108, 835 P.2d 819, 824 (1992) (declining to consider arguments based on factual allegations that are unsupported by citation to the record proper). {42} Also unavailing is Skowronski’s claim, based on Giglio v. United States, 405 U.S. 150, 154 (1972), thathe was deprived of due process because the Department did not reveal to the hearing officer “serious discrepancies” between the Victim’s statements contained in the Department’s investigative file and her sworn testimony. First, Skowronski does not show that Giglio, which stems from and applies to criminal prosecutions, has ever been or should now be applied in the context of an administrative hearing. See id. (explaining that in a criminal case, the prosecution must disclose evidence which might alter the fact-finder’s judgment of the credibility of a crucial prosecution witness). Second, even were we to assume that the Department’s failure to reveal these “serious discrepancies” to the hearing officer created a “risk of an erroneous deprivation” of Skowronski’s license, any potential risk was negated by the hearing officer’s impression of the veracity of the Victim. See Mathews, 424 U.S. at 334-35 (stating that the risk of an erroneous deprivation of a private interest through the procedures used is considered, among other factors, in analyzing a due process argument). Because the hearing officer believed Skowronski and did not believe the Victim, we do not see how the “potential safeguard”of requiring the Department to point to additional evidence that tended to show that the Victim was untruthful would have had a material bearing on the hearing officer’s result. See id. (stating that, in examining a procedural due process argument, courts should consider “the probable value, if any, of additional or substitute procedural safeguards”). This argument does not provide a basis for reversal. {43} Skowronski’s final due process claim is that the district court erred in denying him the opportunity to pursue further discovery, under the court’s original jurisdiction, contrary to Maso v. State Taxation & Revenue Department, 2004-NMCA-025, 135 N.M. 152, 85 P.3d 276, and despite Skowronski’s allegations of bias and political motivation. Skowronski argues that, as in Maso, his contentions regarding the Department’s bias in regard to teachers accused of sexual misconduct, based simply upon the accusation, could not be “brought up” in the administrative proceedings over which the Department presided, nor could he have obtained discovery at that level to pursue a contention of bias. Skowronski argues that the district court had exclusive jurisdiction to consider the constitutional due process claim in the first instance and that the district court had “no constitutional authority ... to ‘ decline ’ to accept general jurisdiction over an allegation that an agency proceeding violated [d]ue [pjrocess, any more than a district court may decline to hear any complaint within its general jurisdiction.” Yet Skowronski does not seek reversal on a separate and distinct ground that the district court erred in denying his request for discovery under a theory that the court had general jurisdiction to do so. Rather, he indicates only that the district court’s decision to “ ‘decline}] to invoke its original jurisdiction’ is particularly troubling” as some sort of extension of his point on appeal that he was denied due process by the Department and the Secretary. We fail to see the connection. {44} In sum, Skowronski’s claimed due process violations are variously unsupported by law or the record. As such, they do not provide a basis for reversal. We hold that Skowronski’s due process right was not violated by the Department, the Secretary, or the district court. III. The Secretary’s Decision and Order Was Supported by Substantial Evidence {45} Skowronski contends that the Secretary’s decision is not supported by substantial evidence. The district court reviews an agency’s final decision. Section 39-3-1.1; see also § 61-1-17 (“A person entitled to a hearing provided for in the . . . Licensing Act . . ., who is aggrieved by an adverse decision of a board issued after hearing, may obtain a review of the decision in the district court pursuant to the provisions of Section 39-3-1.1}.]”). {46} The district court addressed in detail the evidence on which the Secretary relied, and “}u]nder the applicable standard of review, the [c]ourt . . . affirm[ed] the Secretary’s decision.” By “decision,” the court presumably meant, as it stated at the beginning of its decision, “the decision by the . . . Department, acting through the . . . Secretary . . ., to revoke [Skowronski’s] teaching license}.]” Pursuantto Section 39-3-1.1(D), Section 61-1-17, and also Rule 1-074, under its review standard, the district court is limited to deciding whether the administrative agency acted fraudulently, arbitrarily, or capriciously; whether, based on a review of the whole record, its decision is supported by substantial evidence; whether the agency acted in accordance with the law; or whether its action was outside the scope of the authority of the agency. Paule v. Santa Fe Cnty. Bd. of Cnty. Comm’rs, 2005-NMSC-021, ¶ 26, 138 N.M. 82, 117 P.3d 240. The scope and standard of our review of a decision of an administrative agency is the same as the scope and standard of review of that decision by the district court, although we, at the same time, determine whether the district court erred in its review. Id.; Rio Grande Chapter of Sierra Club v. N.M. Mining Comm’n, 2003-NMSC-005, ¶ 16, 133 N.M. 97, 61 P.3d 806. {47} An administrative decision will be upheld if the reviewing court is satisfied that there is substantial evidence in the record as a whole to support the agency’s decision and that the evidence in the record demonstrates that the decision is reasonable. Santa Fe Exploration Co., 114 N.M. at 114, 835 P.2d at 830. Substantial evidence is “such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion” reached by the fact-finder. N.M. Indus. Energy Consumers v. N.M. Pub. Regulation Comm’n, 2007-NMSC-053, ¶ 28, 142 N.M. 533, 168 P.3d 105 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); see N.M. Mining Ass'n v. N.M. Water Quality Control Comm’n, 2007-NMCA-010, ¶ 30, 141 N.M. 41, 150 P.3d 991 (stating that “[sjubstantial evidence is evidence that a reasonable mind would recognize as adequate to support the conclusions reached by a fact-finder”). Whole record review requires the appellate courts to “look not only at the evidence that is favorable, but also evidence that is unfavorable to the agency’s determination},]” Fitzhugh v. N.M. Dep’t of Labor, 1996-NMSC-044, ¶ 23, 122 N.M. 173, 922 P.2d 555, and to then decide whether, on balance, the agency’s decision was supported by substantial evidence. Trujillo v. Emp’t Sec. Dep't 105 N.M. 467, 469, 734 P.2d 245, 247 (Ct. App. 1987). Finally, we note that “the possibility of drawing two inconsistent conclusions from the evidence does not prevent an administrative agency’s finding from being supported by substantial evidence.” Id. at 470, 734 P.2d at 248 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). {48} To the extent that Skowronski’s sufficiency of the evidence claim rests upon his contention that the Secretary’s decision was not supported by substantial evidence and was crucially faulty because she did not observe the demeanor of the witnesses, we are not persuaded. Having already rejected the premise upon which this argument is based, namely that the Secretary should have deferred to the hearing officer’s credibility determinations and that she erred in substituting her own credibility findings for those of the hearing officer, we will not consider them for a second time. The Secretary was permitted to deviate from the hearing officer’s proposed findings provided that her deviation was supported by a preponderance of the evidence and that it was based upon a review of the hearing transcripts. 6.68.3.13(B) NMAC. Further, the Secretary was permitted to make credibility determinations based on an independent review of the record. See Melrose, 106 N.M. at 131, 740 P.2d at 125 (indicating that credibility determinations can be made from a review of the record). And the Secretary was expressly not to act in an appellate capacity but as an independent adjudicator. 6.68.3.13(B) NMAC. {49} Additionally, we reject Skowronski’s related contention that “[t]he question before the [district [c]ourt was not merely whether there was substantial evidence to support the Secretary’s finding that [Skowronski] molested [the Victim], but whether there was substantial evidence to support the Secretary’s rejection of the [h]earing [ojfficer’s finding that [the Victim’s] demeanor signaled to the [h]earing [o]fficer that her testimony was false.” This argument advances a standard of review that does not exist, and Skowronski cites no authority to support the standard. We will not adopt it. See In re Adoption of Doe, 100 N.M. 764, 765, 676 P.2d 1329, 1330 (1984) (stating that an appellate court will not consider an issue if no authority is cited in support of the issue and will assume that no such authority exists). Furthermore, Skowronski’s argument is essentially that the Secretary improperly substituted her own credibility determinations for those of the hearing officer, and we have held against Skowronski on that issue. {50} Having reviewed the Secretary’s decision under the standard of review set forth earlier in this Opinion, the district court concluded that “[w]hile the [c]ourt disagrees with the [Secretary] about some of the particulars, there is still sufficient evidence to support what the Secretary decided. Under the applicable standard of review, the [c]ourt must affirm the Secretary’s decision.” Having reviewed the whole record, we agree with the determination of the district court. The Secretary’s decision was supported by substantial evidence, particularly by the Victim’s testimony and written statement. Notwithstanding the existence in the record of facts that were supportive of Skowronski’s position, we cannot on this record conclude that the Secretary’s decision was not supported by substantial evidence. See Trujillo, 105 N.M. at 470, 734 P.2d at 248 (stating that “the possibility of drawing two inconsistent conclusions from the evidence does not prevent an administrative agency’s finding from being supported by substantial evidence” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). CONCLUSION {51} We affirm. {52} IT IS SO ORDERED. JONATHAN B. SUTIN, Judge WE CONCUR: RODERICK T. KENNEDY, Judge MICHAEL E. VIGIL, Judge Skowronski asserts that the bracketed “[department]” in Section 22-10A-31 was inserted by the compilers of the statutory material. Skowronski notes that the New Mexico Session Laws 2003, Chapter 153, Section 52 sets out the original and actual enactment without the word “[department]” immediately following the word “board.” His apparent purpose is to advance a view that the Legislature intended the term “board” to remain a purposeful and controlling term when it comes to actions of the Department relating to revocation of license. We do not find the position persuasive.
[ -0.04801597073674202, -0.012989089824259281, -0.007606856990605593, 0.030083850026130676, 0.020944220945239067, -0.045165691524744034, 0.07605952769517899, 0.08104287087917328, 0.01156885176897049, -0.03429394215345383, -0.005877066403627396, 0.06189439073204994, -0.06151047721505165, 0.046172626316547394, 0.01171485148370266, 0.05611088499426842, 0.03833483159542084, 0.0062818764708936214, -0.008113881573081017, 0.028927896171808243, 0.0019415777642279863, -0.05305223912000656, -0.011431633494794369, 0.05216217413544655, -0.038825273513793945, 0.033438462764024734, 0.006775809917598963, 0.02491188421845436, -0.05355949327349663, -0.003084947122260928, 0.039025478065013885, -0.01396916713565588, 0.011069160886108875, 0.0007607459556311369, 0.02113771252334118, 0.018247855827212334, 0.016972515732049942, -0.027639860287308693, -0.04571392014622688, 0.04446340352296829, -0.0008279635803773999, 0.015795627608895302, -0.03503557667136192, -0.05095777288079262, -0.052915990352630615, -0.04240879788994789, 0.037783633917570114, 0.05412705987691879, 0.020412711426615715, -0.031478218734264374, -0.07899993658065796, -0.018833912909030914, -0.004403593949973583, 0.00869740266352892, -0.031634118407964706, 0.00169233581982553, -0.009490208700299263, -0.024182524532079697, -0.014909014105796814, -0.025630734860897064, -0.0052791316993534565, -0.025977646932005882, 0.04962925985455513, 0.009012687020003796, 0.01717701554298401, -0.01580820418894291, 0.031382542103528976, 0.060314908623695374, -0.057601142674684525, -0.06241574510931969, -0.04458814114332199, 0.009511079639196396, -0.01152676623314619, -0.020113850012421608, 0.008800401352345943, -0.035515718162059784, 0.03275242820382118, 0.006192083470523357, 0.00996146909892559, 0.0243969913572073, 0.01607515662908554, 0.007663603872060776, 0.038808684796094894, 0.028195340186357498, -0.0025613477919250727, -0.07759691774845123, 0.010308967903256416, -0.00566810742020607, -0.03223434090614319, 0.03395114094018936, -0.03529869019985199, -0.0015503575559705496, 0.03382427617907524, 0.030748460441827774, -0.016613585874438286, 0.014920877292752266, 0.046301256865262985, -0.049152083694934845, 0.03251786530017853, -0.027291027829051018, -0.0024071577936410904, -0.026713302358984947, -0.008114084601402283, 0.04926000162959099, -0.1046384871006012, -0.03882131353020668, -0.004825171083211899, -0.009673288092017174, -0.00020316940208431333, 0.040301259607076645, -0.04068482667207718, 0.04619515687227249, -0.012298024259507656, -0.03663060814142227, -0.0965425968170166, 0.05453662574291229, 0.013970980420708656, -0.04119112715125084, 0.008718196302652359, 0.0012256414629518986, -0.0019015867728739977, 0.01657189056277275, 0.010400906205177307, 0.0633307620882988, 0.048266347497701645, 0.001993562327697873, 0.0030137028079479933, 0.03231413662433624, -0.01684064231812954, -0.053651560097932816, 0.01657690852880478, 0.033954888582229614, 0.05465872585773468, 0.02801896445453167, 0.0002003215195145458, -0.03656207397580147, 0.0018637097673490644, -0.06655972450971603, 0.008962862193584442, 0.02950347773730755, -0.0035335987340658903, 0.02014608308672905, -0.013552376069128513, 0.027161099016666412, 0.04758915305137634, -0.0743936151266098, -0.014156218618154526, -0.028108375146985054, -0.01376271340996027, 0.0049210586585104465, 0.03178883343935013, 0.04638531431555748, 0.01778068020939827, -0.042000968009233475, 0.023364132270216942, 0.025686146691441536, 0.032974474132061005, 0.013593164272606373, -0.0066190436482429504, 0.03369169309735298, 0.07237820327281952, 0.0390324704349041, 0.011516131460666656, 0.006445639301091433, -0.0029051718302071095, 0.0218260046094656, -0.024461060762405396, -0.016251295804977417, -0.025283053517341614, 0.06236220523715019, -0.029069842770695686, -0.014288787730038166, 0.04563509672880173, -0.05346386879682541, 0.007408353500068188, -0.004588619340211153, 0.009962458163499832, -0.0006747989682480693, 0.02136116847395897, -0.027119576930999756, -0.08148183673620224, 0.04455415531992912, 0.005942365620285273, 0.012023882940411568, -0.05332055315375328, -0.003329264698550105, 0.02024099789559841, 0.0022543517407029867, 0.007077484857290983, 0.01250666193664074, -0.07241503894329071, -0.04056268557906151, 0.023687051609158516, -0.03501591458916664, 0.07415726035833359, 0.015060796402394772, -0.03387214615941048, 0.046063315123319626, 0.02396174520254135, 0.03595983609557152, 0.029693590477108955, -0.011846578679978848, 0.03153276816010475, -0.04071291536092758, -0.040992621332407, 0.02414781227707863, 0.03215153515338898, -0.03108486719429493, 0.03120611421763897, 0.04088112711906433, -0.06367315351963043, -0.03761213645339012, 0.02318950742483139, 0.029372332617640495, 0.012807697989046574, -0.0027620834298431873, 0.06071116402745247, -0.06467409431934357, 0.018588662147521973, -0.011136317625641823, 0.02037426456809044, 0.009840895421802998, -0.02488090842962265, 0.036445800215005875, -0.042958252131938934, 0.07304763793945312, 0.059566427022218704, -0.021724656224250793, -0.033248864114284515, 0.028474194929003716, -0.023542260751128197, 0.02225389890372753, 0.013233758509159088, 0.004173766355961561, 0.03921366110444069, -0.007796988356858492, -0.01024703774601221, -0.0403205081820488, 0.06435010582208633, -0.069383405148983, -0.0018381003756076097, 0.03680020943284035, 0.024336688220500946, 0.042034830898046494, -0.016082532703876495, 0.01077318750321865, -0.004973703529685736, 0.019971195608377457, -0.006729952059686184, -0.016505343839526176, 0.00041437571053393185, 0.009968850761651993, -0.0002524974988773465, -0.04576365277171135, 0.010528377257287502, -0.042266279458999634, -0.025693316012620926, -0.02708895318210125, 0.029450563713908195, 0.01963694579899311, 0.03393462300300598, 0.03755096718668938, -0.011924495920538902, -0.012449902482330799, -0.03443438187241554, -0.04679306969046593, -0.005226694047451019, 0.029600180685520172, -0.011872625909745693, 0.02541154809296131, 0.028186531737446785, 0.004864026792347431, 0.010106689296662807, -0.01408156007528305, 0.003258167067542672, 0.045865532010793686, 0.02782279998064041, 0.008548800833523273, -0.011450238525867462, -0.000735664798412472, -0.024425186216831207, 0.040623895823955536, -0.06362152844667435, -0.009928729385137558, 0.016735076904296875, -0.02263675630092621, 0.0023814693558961153, -0.022495847195386887, -0.06734296679496765, 0.06687428802251816, -0.0033876223023980856, 0.06425034999847412, 0.00672532431781292, 0.007939320057630539, -0.020188523456454277, 0.035194188356399536, 0.015528331510722637, 0.0009546304354444146, 0.04943932592868805, -0.006512175779789686, -0.002710627159103751, -0.02540363185107708, 0.003786379937082529, 0.01586853712797165, 0.015334898605942726, 0.013515915721654892, -0.048409122973680496, -0.006060391664505005, -0.2491631656885147, 0.04433393105864525, -0.05418171361088753, -0.029659057036042213, 0.04212653636932373, -0.03643065318465233, 0.02878940850496292, -0.05280889570713043, -0.03332715854048729, 0.06592565029859543, -0.01415309589356184, -0.006701637990772724, 0.008419006131589413, 0.05663494020700455, 0.029391314834356308, 0.003638745052739978, 0.006472030654549599, -0.06821417808532715, 0.007071367930620909, 0.018967201933264732, 0.002101167105138302, -0.04353712499141693, -0.0532567985355854, -0.007251187227666378, 0.0445726253092289, 0.08315850049257278, -0.021643199026584625, -0.025041373446583748, -0.08451391011476517, -0.05507698282599449, -0.01335106324404478, -0.05199725925922394, -0.013334523886442184, -0.0038538670632988214, -0.026672132313251495, 0.014465640299022198, -0.0026540388353168964, -0.009548661299049854, -0.01623859629034996, -0.014665234833955765, -0.011938417330384254, -0.0594525970518589, -0.03783136233687401, 0.043998800218105316, 0.07334013283252716, 0.038567185401916504, -0.08610635995864868, -0.0357128269970417, -0.022424884140491486, 0.04376157000660896, -0.007825182750821114, 0.010717912577092648, -0.019205670803785324, 0.007591047324240208, -0.016679897904396057, 0.020150795578956604, -0.03029414266347885, 0.0166549701243639, -0.061466556042432785, 0.03284274786710739, -0.0010368124349042773, -0.04022689163684845, -0.03798089548945427, -0.016598490998148918, -0.032822344452142715, -0.04550943896174431, -0.04638989642262459, -0.02964327111840248, 0.07400104403495789, 0.04105431213974953, -0.03189278021454811, 0.0296806450933218, -0.061786554753780365, -0.07323099672794342, -0.0013260595733299851, -0.0281927902251482, -0.02143227867782116, -0.03829806298017502, -0.02395930327475071, 0.031818561255931854, -0.009486096911132336, 0.007363174110651016, 0.0216127410531044, 0.023560134693980217, -0.0020136202219873667, -0.000930116802919656, 0.005868915002793074, 0.07468325644731522, -0.02487044408917427, -0.03489993140101433, 0.04635649919509888, 0.05034446343779564, -0.031680572777986526, 0.013043571263551712, 0.00629150215536356, 0.06730449944734573, -0.008383405394852161, -0.02522391267120838, -0.03138032928109169, 0.0002952865033876151, 0.01591772586107254, -0.0593867301940918, 0.027009833604097366, -0.049164313822984695, 0.044981248676776886, -0.0161375030875206, -0.043913763016462326, -0.01880490593612194, 0.037240318953990936, 0.015423308126628399, 0.03593294695019722, 0.023971015587449074, 0.03890938684344292, -0.012699357233941555, -0.02274245209991932, -0.02065936103463173, 0.031549882143735886, 0.03924117982387543, -0.0013068885309621692, 0.049400102347135544, -0.013126008212566376, 0.02866683341562748, -0.06750289350748062, 0.0008920356049202383, -0.09708084911108017, -0.004377252422273159, 0.05026457831263542, 0.026247095316648483, -0.004877070430666208, 0.023616913706064224, -0.034004949033260345, -0.02413644641637802, 0.004155639559030533, -0.00009653131564846262, 0.014301538467407227, 0.03534373268485069, -0.039934366941452026, -0.05011219158768654, -0.01887936145067215, 0.019658461213111877, 0.03615281730890274, -0.009927034378051758, 0.04646358639001846, 0.029128435999155045, 0.03250506520271301, -0.02149934507906437, -0.02071831375360489, 0.003117355750873685, -0.022931432351469994, -0.0019136961782351136, 0.017055876553058624, -0.03941872715950012, 0.017240893095731735, -0.043669089674949646, 0.0025675573851913214, -0.005318761337548494, 0.03397129848599434, 0.05525314062833786, -0.002026899252086878, -0.022504137828946114, 0.016173813492059708, -0.04246137663722038, -0.03874422237277031, -0.041036367416381836, -0.02836957573890686, 0.09990111738443375, -0.03675626590847969, 0.020510897040367126, 0.0004603881679940969, -0.0036819269880652428, 0.012807981111109257, -0.0675702914595604, -0.017829714342951775, 0.03175225481390953, 0.03629450127482414, 0.029889509081840515, 0.009916444309055805, 0.017462318763136864, 0.035036347806453705, 0.0046173445880413055, -0.00041243628947995603, -0.04545508697628975, -0.08207140117883682, 0.002535242587327957, 0.06385434418916702, -0.01636352762579918, -0.007354595698416233, -0.06222658231854439, -0.009106832556426525, 0.00009660284558776766, 0.003638313617557287, 0.019003549590706825, -0.03994229808449745, 0.0424673929810524, -0.035409193485975266, -0.07988438755273819, 0.027012348175048828, -0.034574832767248154, 0.009170696139335632, 0.010492817498743534, -0.0007192967459559441, -0.017970720306038857, -0.023484190925955772, -0.026679860427975655, -0.05198271572589874, -0.03820303827524185, 0.054985836148262024, -0.008076653815805912, 0.01900433748960495, 0.022929761558771133, -0.01835661381483078, -0.0062112887389957905, -0.01757659763097763, 0.011272386647760868, 0.054818544536828995, -0.10384317487478256, 0.02070438861846924, -0.025375137105584145, -0.027031512930989265, 0.0036301198415458202, 0.00015683176752645522, -0.03393945097923279, -0.0453190840780735, -0.009895631112158298, -0.01267947070300579, 0.04360075294971466, -0.04164353013038635, 0.008308418095111847, 0.0343494676053524, -0.07108742743730545, 0.01859828643500805, -0.0472903698682785, 0.005947522819042206, 0.03088267892599106, -0.024171091616153717, -0.014836949296295643, -0.024875279515981674, -0.009841463528573513, -0.02976313978433609, 0.0939573347568512, 0.014941125176846981, 0.01707550510764122, 0.0011082503478974104, -0.0506744384765625, 0.007852056063711643, -0.008950136601924896, 0.03812810033559799, 0.016628002747893333, -0.003141145221889019, 0.05655413493514061, 0.011382335796952248, -0.015485383570194244, -0.047962140291929245, -0.00013490817218553275, 0.05843594670295715, -0.05527133494615555, 0.02717829868197441, 0.0030297008343040943, -0.030951213091611862, 0.06790593266487122, -0.028346845880150795, 0.006785972975194454, -0.03874087333679199, -0.02652818150818348, 0.00021018659754190594, 0.032127443701028824, 0.010633292607963085, -0.035857588052749634, 0.05019523948431015, -0.061180368065834045, -0.03929775580763817, -0.08959023654460907, 0.027345633134245872, 0.0008382039959542453, 0.02653185836970806, 0.02890832908451557, 0.0035468614660203457, 0.034006137400865555, 0.024665918201208115, -0.07225358486175537, 0.008577386848628521, 0.008004370145499706, -0.030967919155955315, -0.0649612694978714, 0.04130524769425392, -0.0351790152490139, 0.04835699126124382, 0.00019784171308856457, -0.05088222771883011, -0.028766799718141556, -0.023622866719961166, 0.01967110112309456, 0.025451455265283585, 0.018890976905822754, -0.03207004815340042, 0.0004733430396299809, 0.05108776316046715, 0.0233157891780138, -0.00495152035728097, 0.024238809943199158, -0.03808002546429634, 0.04117431864142418, 0.016642525792121887, 0.0356733463704586, 0.006946620065718889, 0.025052528828382492, -0.000032143441785592586, -0.04932098090648651, 0.04311295226216316, 0.013632543385028839, -0.0035139122046530247, -0.043120354413986206, 0.03483918681740761, -0.0014382586814463139, -0.04345530644059181, -0.024651389569044113, -0.013112762942910194, 0.001254319678992033, -0.039950959384441376, -0.021970123052597046, -0.00009046836203197017, 0.0034939267206937075, 0.0631154328584671, 0.0025592390447854996, 0.06721183657646179, 0.040504325181245804, 0.007967005483806133, -0.021194832399487495, 0.0021186466328799725, 0.0385691337287426, 0.05481984093785286, 0.02224079892039299, 0.01370315346866846, 0.021318191662430763, -0.008094281889498234, -0.037367042154073715, 0.011129269376397133, 0.006274678744375706, 0.01081306766718626, 0.006903038360178471, 0.03814513608813286, 0.043049342930316925, -0.02419053576886654, 0.04398691654205322, 0.04044198989868164, 0.0013022810453549027, 0.06595481932163239, -0.015059488825500011, 0.009663124568760395, 0.03496817871928215, 0.010618493892252445, -0.04428970441222191, -0.003670872189104557, -0.05095610022544861, -0.008046634495258331, 0.00486729247495532, 0.004368977155536413, -0.008451257832348347, -0.05058984458446503, 0.01715845987200737, -0.012003582902252674, -0.00661289319396019, 0.07834304124116898, -0.02161329984664917, 0.0029151160269975662, 0.032801758497953415, -0.010272600688040257, 0.043300315737724304, -0.025826191529631615, -0.016470517963171005, 0.007321278098970652, -0.001237576245330274, 0.008776137605309486, -0.029946131631731987, 0.01873752474784851, 0.011038643307983875, 0.0028200179804116488, -0.03135906904935837, 0.02718365378677845, 0.045195724815130234, 0.03718835860490799, -0.011112049221992493, -0.0463278628885746, -0.0427834577858448, 0.01940912753343582, -0.033636290580034256, 0.023063424974679947, 0.04171823337674141, -0.03632969781756401, -0.056052807718515396, 0.015846649184823036, -0.022672519087791443, 0.0010119425132870674, 0.04591434821486473, -0.010137001983821392, -0.006798897869884968, 0.07628928124904633, 0.02319169230759144, -0.001515022711828351, 0.03339134529232979, 0.04902235046029091, -0.017844071611762047, -0.028601262718439102, 0.02652795799076557, -0.05718192458152771, 0.020041830837726593, -0.029267702251672745, 0.016109304502606392, -0.08248621970415115, 0.02112630195915699, -0.002350010210648179, 0.000795774336438626, -0.05828077718615532, 0.031139960512518883, -0.00743038859218359, 0.024017665535211563, 0.05600522458553314, 0.028294939547777176, -0.04843394458293915, -0.033924710005521774, -0.06269840896129608, -0.029905984178185463, 0.025661960244178772, 0.08125077188014984, -0.03223751112818718, 0.06705484539270401, 0.027632270008325577, -0.022803522646427155, -0.014397891238331795, 0.007778293918818235, 0.020793793722987175, -0.005270697176456451, -0.0029999844264239073, 0.01960376836359501, 0.005463993642479181, -0.05993780121207237, -0.03336741775274277, 0.04473356530070305, -0.03165120258927345, -0.06296718120574951, 0.011770782060921192, -0.036055732518434525, 0.024777807295322418, -0.025405101478099823, 0.028431395068764687, 0.026735741645097733, -0.07775713503360748, -0.03233806788921356, -0.02217816933989525, -0.00796133279800415, 0.013267687521874905, -0.004921327345073223, 0.002141536446288228, -0.05149374529719353, -0.025682661682367325, -0.070854552090168, 0.03951849043369293, 0.057952698320150375, 0.011267924681305885, 0.007566399406641722 ]
OPINION BUSTAMANTE, Judge. {1} In early 2005, Bruce Clinesmith was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The district court appointed a guardian and conservator to protect his person and assets. After the conservator was appointed, Ruth Clinesmith (Wife) and her attorney met with Mr. Clinesmith at the locked assisted care facility where he had been admitted. The conservator unsuccessfully tried to stop the meeting. During the meeting, Mr. Clinesmith executed a new estate plan giving Wife control of his estate. In response to a motion by the conservator to prevent interference with its duties, the district court voided the estate plan. This case presents two issues. Did the district court have jurisdiction over the new estate plan? This appeal was filed over five years after the district court voided the estate plan. Is the appeal timely? Answering the former question in the affirmative and the latter in the negative, we dismiss. I. Background {2} In March 2005, Mr. Clinesmith’s daughter, Cathe Temmerman, filed a verified petition for the appointment of a guardian and conservator, asserting that Mr. Clinesmith suffered from dementia such that he was incapable of managing both his declining health and his estate of over $11 million. At the time the petition was filed, Mr. Clinesmith was eighty-seven years old and living with his Wife in a private residence, but after a hospital stay he was moved into the dementia/Alzheimer’s unit at an elder care facility in late May 2005. Mr. Clinesmith and Wife, initially both represented by attorney Stuart Stein, opposed the petition. {3} Starting in 1992, Mr. Clinesmith had arranged for the bulk of his estate to go to Moody Bible Institute of Chicago (Moody). The estate was spread among three revocable trusts; two administered by Moody and the third by a commercial trust — Salomon Smith Barney. The trust provisions allowed Mr. Clinesmith to draw on the trust assets for his expenses. In separate butparallel proceedings commenced in federal court while this guardianship/conservatorship action in state court was pending, Wife attempted to gain control of the trust assets. In addition, Wife sought to have the monies held in trust for Moody transferred to her pursuant to a power of attorney signed by Mr. Clinesmith in early 2004. {4} In compliance with NMS A 1978, Section 45-5-407 (1998) of the Uniform Probate Code (UPC), the district court appointed a guardian ad litem on March 4, 2005, to represent Mr. Clinesmith. SeeNMSA 1978, §§ 45-1-101 to -7-612 (1975, as amended through 2012). On August 5, 2005, the district court appointed Decades, LLC, an elder care management organization, as a temporary guardian and conservator with “full” powers to manage Mr. Clinesmith’s assets. The same order disqualified Mr. Stein from representing Mr. Clinesmith on the ground that his interests and Wife’s interests were adverse and, therefore, Mr. Stein could not represent both. The order also revoked the 2004 power of attorney granted to Wife by Mr. Clinesmith. {5} Disregarding the order and its effects, Mr. Stein and Wife met with Mr. Clinesmith at the elder care facility on August 18,2005, without notifying the district court, Decades, or the guardian ad litem of the meeting. Staff at the elder care facility notified Decades that Mr. Stein and Wife, along with several of Mr. Stem’s staff, were meeting with Mr. Clinesmith in a private room. A social worker and an attorney representing Decades arrived at the facility shortly thereafter. The Decades staff attempted unsuccessfully to stop the meeting altogether and were unable to discuss the documents with Mr. Clinesmith. {6} At the meeting, Mr. Clinesmith signed a new will naming Wife as personal representative and a new trust document naming Wife as trustee. We refer to these documents as the “new estate plan.” The effect of these modifications was to revoke the previous trusts and “create a new trust with [Wife] as trustee with all the power ‘that an absolute owner of such property would have.’ ” In re Stein, 2008-NMSC-013, ¶ 12, 143 N.M.462, 177 P.3d 513 (per curiam). “These documents had the additional effect of removing all of the assets belonging to [Mr. Clinesmith] from the jurisdiction of the court in the guardianship and conservatorship proceeding.” Id. {7} Decades and Ms. Temmerman (Appellees) filed a motion and sought an emergency hearing to prevent Mr. Stein from “interfer[ing] . . . with Decades’ performance of its duties and the exercise of its powers as temporary guardian and conservator of [Mr.] Clinesmith.” The specific relief requested was an order preventing [Mr.] Stein from having any contact with Mr. Clinesmith, ordering [Mr.] Stein to produce all documents that were presented or involved in the meeting at [Mr. Clinesmith’s residence in the Alzheimer’s ward at an elder care facility] on August 18, 2005, ordering [Mr.] Stein to produce all documents or records pertaining to his representation of Mr. Clinesmith, and for all such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper. At the emergency hearing on the motion, Decades requested orally that the new estate plan be voided. Mr. Stein objected that this request was not made in writing in the motion and, therefore, he did not have notice of such request. The district court orally granted the motion and Decades’ request to void or hold “frozen” the new estate plan. The district court voided the new estate plan “for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that [the court thought] that they were improperly — the signatures were improperly gained.” The district court denied Mr. Stein’s oral request for an interlocutory appeal of this order. The district court’s order was filed on August 29, 2005. W ife did not file a motion for rehearing or reconsideration of this order. After another hearing, the district court disqualified Mr. Stein from representing Wife “and [a]ll [ojther [pjersons with [interests [a]dverse to [Mr.] Clinesmith.” Finally, on October 7, 2005, the district court appointed Decades as permanent guardian and conservator for Mr. Clinesmith. {8} Wife timely filed a notice of appeal from this order on November 4, 2005. The notice stated that she appealed “from the final [o]rder entered ... on October 7, 2005, . . . and from all orders and rulings that preceded, led to, and produced said [o]rder.” Wife then voluntarily dismissed the appeal in February 2006. Mr. Clinesmith died on May 9, 2010, and the district court accepted the recommendations of a special master and approved Decades’ final report on March 4, 2011. The present appeal was timely filed on April 4,2011, over five years after entry of the October 7, 2005, order. {9} As a result of his conduct in this matter, Mr. Stein was disbarred for five years. Id. ¶¶ 19, 73. The Supreme Court held that Mr. Stein’s conduct violated the New Mexico Rules of Professional Conduct, including, inter alia, Rule 16-402 NMRA (communication with persons represented by counsel); Rule 16-804(C) NMRA (misconduct); Rule 16-109(A) NMRA (representing a person in the same or substantially related matter in which that person’s interests were materially adverse to those of a former client). In re Stein, 2008-NMSC-013, ¶¶ 27, 32, 39. Recognizing that Mr. Stein had described Mr. Clinesmith in pleadings as suffering from early stages of dementia and otherwise expressed doubt as to Mr. Clinesmith’s competency, the Court wrote, “[w]hatis so reprehensible to this Court is that [Mr. Stein], acknowledging that [Mr. Clinesmith’s] mental capacity was in question, attempted to take money from him and transfer it to [Wife,] while purporting to represent both of them.” Id. ¶ 25. II. Discussion {10} Appellees argue that Wife failed to timely appeal and, therefore, the appeal should be dismissed. The parties appear to agree that the August 29, 2005, order invalidating the new estate plan was not a final order. While we are not convinced that this is the case, we accept this premise consistent with our interest in facilitating the right to appeal and because we do not pursue arguments the parties do not make. See Govich v. N. Am. Sys., Inc., 112 N.M. 226, 230, 814 P.2d 94, 98 (1991); Headley v. Morgan Mgmt. Corp., 2005-NMCA-045, ¶ 15, 137 N.M. 339, 110 P.3d 1076 (“We will not review unclear arguments, or guess at what [a party’s] arguments might be.”). Appellees argue that the October 7 order was final because it resolved all of the issues in Ms. Temmerman’s initial petition and incorporated all previous orders such that appeal of the August 29 order should have been filed within thirty days of the October 7 order. {11} Wife maintains that the October 7 order did not make the order voiding the new estate plan final and appealable. As we understand her argument, Wife argues that (1) the district court did not have jurisdiction to void the new estate plan because such relief was not requested in Decades’ motion, or the issue could not be considered until after Mr. Clinesmith’s death; and (2) because the court had no jurisdiction over the matter, any order on the new estate plan was not final and appealable. Wife argues that the August 29 order became final only after Mr. Clinesmith died and the district court adopted the special master’s recommendations as to his estate on March 4, 2011. Thus, Wife argues, the appeal filed on April 4, 2011, was timely under Rule 12-201 NMRA. {12} We hold that the district court had the power to address the new estate plan because the district court was exercising its general civil jurisdiction and its order was within the scope of the motion. We also hold that the district court was not precluded from addressing the signing of the new estate plan prior to Mr. Clinesmith’s death. We conclude further that the October 7 order incorporated the August 29 order and that both orders became final and appealable on October 7, 2005. As a result, this appeal — filed over five years later — is untimely. A. Standard of Review {13} The questions before us require that we construe the UPC and the appellate rules. Statutory interpretation is a question of law which an appellate court undertakes de novo. Grygorwicz v. Trujillo, 2009-NMSC-009, ¶ 7, 145 N.M. 650, 203 P.3d 865 (“Determining whether [an] appeal was timely involves the interpretation of court rules, which we review de novo.”); Ottino v. Ottino, 2001-NMCA-012, ¶ 6, 130 N.M. 168, 21 P.3d 37 (“Whether the district court is possessed of jurisdiction over the subject matter of a case is a question of law that we review de novo.”). B. The District Court Had Jurisdiction Over The New Estate Plan {14} Wife maintains that the new estate plan did not fall within the scope of the petition that prompted the August 29 or October 7 orders and, therefore, the district court could not rule on that issue. She argues additionally that, even if the new estate plan fell within the scope of the petition, the new estate plan could not be considered until after Mr. Clinesmith’s death. We are not persuaded. 1. The New Estate Plan Was Raised in the Motion {15} The August 29 order voided the new estate plan in response to Decades’ motion to prevent interference with its duties as temporary guardian and conservator of Mr. Clinesmith’s estate. That motion described Mr. Stein’s meeting with Mr. Clinesmith to sign the new estate plan as “interferfing] with Decades’ performance of its duties and exercise of its powers as Mr. Clinesmith’s guardian and conservator . . . over Decades’ clear and unequivocal objection.” Decades’ duties are related to the overall purpose of a conservatorship: “[T]o protect the person and property of persons whose functional and decision-making capacity has become impaired.” 57 C.J.S. Mental Health § 151 (2007). A conservator is “a person who is appointed by a court to manage the property or financial affairs or both of a protected person}.]” Section 45-5-101(A). “In the exercise of a conservator’s powers, a conservator shall act as a fiduciary . . . .” Section 45-5-417. Thus, a conservator has the authority and obligation to manage the financial affairs of the protected person in that person’s stead. {16} The facts admitted by Mr. Stein at the hearing are sufficient to show that Mr. Stein (1) arranged to meet with Mr. Clinesmith about the new estate plan without notifying Decades, the district court, or the guardian ad litem of the meeting; (2) met with Mr. Clinesmith over the objections of Decades’ staff who arrived after the meeting had begun; and (3) refused to discontinue the meeting or allow Decades’ staff to read the documents or take over the meeting. Since Decades was appointed by the court to “manage the property or financial affairs” of Mr. Clinesmith, any action by Mr. Stein to alter the disposition of Mr. Clinesmith’s estate without Decades’ knowledge and approval, even if it were at the request of Mr. Clinesmith himself, was an interference with Decades’ duties. {17} To the extent Wife argues that she was denied due process of law because she had no notice of Appellees’ intent to request that the new estate plan be voided and no opportunity to present evidence, we disagree. Decades’ motion requested relief from Mr. Stein’s interference with its duties, and Wife acknowledged Decades’ motion in her response. In that response, Wife averred that “[t]he meeting with the Clinesmiths, the witnesses and the two doctors [who accompanied Mr. Stein] was going fine and without incident until [a Decades staff member] came in the room.” Wife acknowledged that Decades’ staff tried to end the meeting and prevent Mr. Clinesmith from signing the new documents. Although Wife claimed that “[t]he [m]otion is . . . silent as to what was the interference with the exercise of the powers of the [temporary [g]uardian and [temporary [c]onservator[,]” the facts, recited by Wife in her response, reflect that Decades sought to prevent the meeting and the signing of documents, and that this objective was thwarted by Wife and Mr. Stein. Wife’s response itself is evidence that the motion was sufficient to provide notice ofDecades’ intent. {18} Wife’s argument that she was denied the opportunity to present evidence on this issue also misses the mark. Wife does not direct this Court to the evidence she would have presented in the district court. Nevertheless, the parties appear to agree on the essential facts: that Mr. Stein arranged a meeting with Mr. Clinesmith without notifying Decades, the district court, or the guardian ad litem and that Decades staff attempted unsuccessfully to prevent the meeting and the signing of a new estate plan. These facts alone establish Mr. Stein’s interference with Decades’ duties as guardian and conservator, which was the basis of the August 29 order. As the district court explained: Mr. Stein, my ruling is based on the fact that I issued an order in this case, and that you, with full knowledge of Mr. Clinesmith’s incapacity, nevertheless, went and saw him on two occasions and secured a signature from him. The trust is a very big issue because that is the basis of the [ffederal [c]ourt lawsuit and that is the very thing that is being changed, and so on that basis, I don’t really need to hear testimony from other people. You’ve admitted the things that I needed to hear today from you. Additional evidence as to Mr. Clinesmith’s testamentary capacity, the specifics of who said what in the meeting, or Mr. Clinesmith’s intent would not alter these undisputed facts. 2. The District Court Had General Civil Jurisdiction {19} The district court had general civil jurisdiction over the conservatorship proceedings and the August 29 order was entered pursuant to that authority. The New Mexico Constitution limits jurisdiction over “special cases and proceedings” to that “conferred by law.” N.M. Const. art. VI, § 13. Probate proceedings are special proceedings. In re Estate of Harrington, 2000-NMCA-058, ¶ 14, 129 N.M. 266, 5 P.3d 1070. In In re Estate of Harrington, however, this Courtheld that the UPC gives “district courts general civil jurisdiction in formal probate proceedings.” Id. ¶¶ 17, 22; see §§ 45-1-302, -302.1. In that case, the question was whether the district court sitting in probate had the authority to liquidate a business that was the subject of a will contest. In re Estate of Harrington, 2000-NMCA-058, ¶ 1. This Court concluded that it did based on construction of the language of Section 45-1-302(B), which gives the district court power to, among other things, “make orders, judgments and decrees and to take all other action necessary and proper to administer justice in matters that come before it.” Id.', In re Estate of Harrington, 2000-NMCA-058, ¶ 16. This Court also found that the UPC’s intent to “promote a speedy and efficient system for the settlement of the estate of the decedent” is facilitated by vesting general civil jurisdiction in the district court in formal probate proceedings. Id. ¶ 19 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); cf. Ottino, 2001-NMCA-012, ¶ 14 (stating that “the district court’s original jurisdiction arises from our state’s constitution” and explaining that “[i]n this light, the statutory jurisdiction vested in our district courts for the purposes of. . . entering orders ... upon divorce ought not to be viewed as a limitation upon the courts’ original jurisdiction, but as an augment to it”). {20} In re Estate of Harrington applies to formal probate proceedings, which are different from conservatorship proceedings. See § 45-3-401(A) (“A formal testacy proceeding is litigation to determine whether a decedent left a valid will.”). Nevertheless, the factors that led the In re Estate of Harrington Court to its conclusion are also present in conservatorship proceedings and, therefore, we determine that district courts have general civil jurisdiction over them. We note first that “[t]he [UPC] governs conservatorship proceedings.” In re Conservatorship of Chisholm, 1999-NMCA-025, ¶ 8, 126 N.M. 584, 973 P.2d 261. Thus, the general definitions and requirements of the UPC apply to conservatorship proceedings to the extent they do not conflict with specific provisions within Article 5 of the UPC, which governs protection of minors and incapacitated persons. See, e.g., §§ 45-1-102, -201, -5-101. Secondly, the issues to be resolved in formal probate proceedings are similar in gravity to those addressed by conservatorship proceedings. The New Mexico Constitution reserves to district courts sitting in probate, rather than probate courts, those issues related to title or possession of real property, which are often the most significant, contested, and complex aspects of the decedent’s estate. N.M. Const. art. VI, § 23; see In re Estate of Duncan, 2002-NMCA-069, ¶ 15, 132 N.M. 426, 50 P.3d 175, rev’d on other grounds by In re Estate of Duncan v. Kinsolving, 2003-NMSC-013, ¶ 8, 133 N.M. 821, 70 P.3d 1260. This division of labor indicates the desire to give these issues the greater protections of a district court. {21} In many ways, the appointment of a conservator is more significant than a formal probate because the appointment deprives the protected person of the autonomy to manage his or her own estate and financial affairs. The importance of this determination is reflected in the statutory conditions for conservatorships, which require, inter alia, (1) notice to those who may have an interest in the protected person or the estate, Section 45-5-405; (2) careful consideration of the least restrictive means of managing the affairs of the protected person, Section 45-5-402.1(A); (3) appointment of a guardian ad litem, visitor, and health care professional to advise the court on the capacity of the person to be protected, Section 45-5-407(B), (C), (D); a jury trial, if requested, Section 45-5-407(P); and (4) processes for the protected person to terminate the conservatorship, Section 45-5-430. {22} In addition, like district courts sitting in formal probate proceedings, district courts in conservatorship proceedings exercise broad powers. S ection 45-1 -3 02, a general provision applicable to conservatorship proceedings, provides that: A. The district court has exclusive original jurisdiction over all subject matter relating to: (2) estates of missing and protected persons; (3) protection of incapacitated persons and minors; (7) governing instruments except wills. B. ... The district court has fullpowerto make orders, judgments and decrees and to take all other action necessary and proper to administer justice in matters that come before it. (Emphasis added.) In addition, Section 45-5-405.1 states that once a basis for appointment of a conservator has been established, A. . . . the court, without appointing a conservator, may authorize, direct or ratify any transaction necessary or desirable to achieve any security, service or care arrangement meeting the foreseeable needs of the person. B. ... the court, without appointing a conservator, may authorize, direct or ratify any contract, trust or other single transaction relating to the protected person’s estate and financial affairs if the court finds that the transaction is in the best interests of the protected person. Furthermore, Section 45-5-402 provides that After the service of notice in a proceeding seeking the appointment of a conservator or other protective order and until termination of the proceeding, the court in which the petition is filed has: A. exclusive jurisdiction to determine the need for a conservator or other protective order; B. exclusive jurisdiction to determine how the estate of the protected person which is subject to the laws of New Mexico shall be managed, expended or distributed to or for the use of the protected person or any of his dependents}.] {23} As in In re Estate of Harrington, we look also to whether the purposes of Article 5 of the UPC “would be frustrated if we gave [it] a narrower interpretation.” In re Estate of Harrington, 2000-NMCA-058, ¶ 20. As discussed above, the goal of a conservatorship “is to protect the person and property of persons whose functional and decision-making capacity has become impaired.” 57 C.J.S. Mental Health §151. The facts before us here provide a prime example of why limiting the district court’s authority would frustrate that purpose. A temporary conservator was appointed to manage Mr. Clinesmith’s estate and financial affairs. Obviously, conduct interfering with those duties is contrary to the goal of the appointment. To hold that the district court was powerless to rectify the interference would frustrate the overarching purpose of the proceedings: the protection of Mr. Clinesmith and his financial affairs. {24} Finally, conservatorship proceedings require a level of judicial oversight and notice that is similar to or more stringent than that in formal probate proceedings. “The distinctions between informal and formal proceedings include the degree of notice and judicial oversight required.” In re Estate of Duncan, 2002-NMCA-069, ¶ 15. Formal proceedings are those “conducted before a district judge with notice to interested persons[,]” Section 45-1-201(A)(19), whereas informal proceedings are “conducted without notice to interested persons.” Section 45-1-201(A)(25). The UPC includes extensive notice requirements for conservatorship proceedings, not only for the initial petition for conservator, but also for other motions and petitions in the course of the proceedings. See, e.g., §§ 45-5-402.1(B)(3), (C), -405, -406(A) (requiring notice to “[a]ny interested person who desires to be notified before any order is made in a . . . protective proceeding” who requests notice); §§45-5-416(C), -430. {25} The UPC requires substantial judicial oversight throughout the conservatorship proceedings and continuing until the protected person’s death and termination of the conservatorship. See, e.g., §§ 45-5-402, - 402.1(B)(3) (giving the court “all the powers over the estate and financial affairs which the [protected] person could exercise if present and not under disability, except the power to make a will”); §§ 45-5-405.1, -407, -416(C) (stating that “[u]pon notice and hearing, the court may give appropriate instructions or make any appropriate order” on motions subsequent to appointment of a conservator). Thus, the UPC sets out specific procedures for appointment of a conservator for the protection of the rights of the incapacitated person. See § 45-5-402.1(A) (stating that the court’s authority mustbe exercised to promote the “maximum self-reliance and independence of a protected person and [the court may] make protective orders only to the extent necessitated by the protected person’s mental and adaptive limitations”). Failure to follow these rules renders the proceedings invalid. See Bonds v. Joplin's Heirs, 64 N.M. 342, 345, 328 P.2d 597, 599 (1958). In fact, under these rules, conservatorship proceedings are formal by default: unlike the proceedings available for probate of a will, there is no procedure whereby a conservator may be appointed without judicial oversight. {26} In sum, the new estate plan was properly before the district court because it was addressed by Decades’ motion and because the district court had and was exercising its general civil jurisdiction when it dealt with the motion. The finality of the August 29 and October 7 orders is not affected by any lack of jurisdiction. 3. The District Court Had The Power to Void The New Estate Plan Prior to Mr. Clinesmith’s Death {27} Wife argues that, notwithstanding the appointment of Decades as temporary conservator and temporary guardian, Mr. Clinesmith was entitled to make changes to his estate plan without the district court’s prior approval, provided that he did so during a period of lucidity, and that, absent a probate action, the district court could not void the new estate plan. Wife further argues that the district court’s reliance on the documents filed by Mr. Stein which set forth Mr. Stem’s understanding that Mr. Clinesmith was suffering from “some sort of memory loss or dementia” did not provide a basis for the district court’s order voiding the new estate plan because issues related to Mr. Clinesmith’s testamentary capacity “should only be evaluated in the pending probate case.” This argument is unavailing for two reasons. {28} First, this argument about the status of the will does not address the alteration of the trust documents, the effect of which was to give Wife power over Mr. Clinesmith’s property and remove his assets from the jurisdiction of the district court in the conservatorship proceedings. In re Stein, 2008-NMSC-013, ¶ 12. This act was in violation of the district court’s authority over the property as well as the conservator’s duties. See § 45-5-402(B) (“After the service of notice in a proceeding seeking the appointment of a conservator . . . until termination of the proceeding, the court . . . has . . . exclusive jurisdiction to determine how the estate of the protected person . . . shall be managed[.]” The order voiding the new estate plan was an exercise of the district court’s general civil jurisdiction over conduct that contravened that authority. {29} Second, this argument presumes that the district court’s order voiding the new estate plan was based on an assessment of Mr. Clinesmith’s testamentary capacity. Wife relies on Lucero v. Lucero in support of her argument. 118 N.M. 636, 884 P.2d 527 (Ct. App. 1994), superseded on other grounds by statute as stated in Chapman v. Varela, 2009-NMSC-041, 146 N.M. 680, 213 P.3d 1109. She argues that the new estate plan could not even be considered until after Mr. Clinesmith’s death because “nothing in the UPC prohibits] [the protected person] from executing [a] will merely because [another] was appointed to be the conservator of her property.” Id. at 639, 884 P.2d at 530. {30} Lucero is inapposite because it pertained to probate of a will and Mrs. Lucero’s testamentary capacity whereas here the proceedings were to appoint a conservator and guardian. Id. at 638, 884 P.2d at 529. The district court voided the new estate plan not because Mr. Clinesmith lacked capacity, but because “the signatures were improperly gained.” The order did not prohibit Mr. Clinesmith from amending his estate plan under properly protective arrangements. Indeed, the UPC explicitly permits a conservator to “faciliat[e] execution of a new will or estate plan where the protected person has sufficient mental capacity}.]” Id. at 640, 884 P.2d at 531. Had he wished to, Mr. Clinesmith could have requested Decades’ assistance with hiring an attorney to prepare a new will and trust documents just as Mrs. Lucero did. Thus, unlike in Lucero, neither the hearing nor the order were directed at Mr. Clinesmith’s testamentary capacity. Rather, the focus of the hearing was on Mr. Stem’s behavior in light of the district court’s order prohibiting him from representing Mr. Clinesmith and the appointment of a guardian ad litem and conservator for Mr. Clinesmith. Although the district court qitestioned Mr. Stein about his understanding of Mr. Clinesemith’s capacity and referred to Mr. Clinesmith’s capacity in the hearing, the order voiding the new estate plan was not directed at whether Mr. Clinesmith intended to amend his estate plan; rather its effect was to return Mr. Clinesmith to the status quo ante the interference. As discussed, the district court had general civil jurisdiction over these proceedings. Nothing in Lucero limits that authority in this case. {31} Wife contends that Lucero stands for the proposition that “[t]he testamentary capacity of Bruce Clinesmith on August 18, 2005 . . . should only be evaluated in the pending probate case.” Lucero does not so hold. Although the Lucero court determined that “[t]he mental capacity of the disabled person was thus intentionally left open [by the UPC] for future litigation, often postmortem[,]” 118 N.M. at 638, 884 P.2d at 529, it does not follow that the UPC requires that litigation of the testamentary capacity of the protected person take place only after death. Wife finds a prohibition where there is only an observation — that such analysis often takes place after death. That the UPC does not foreclose creation of a new will while under conservatorship does not have any impact on whether or when litigation over that instrument will take place. {32} Though Wife maintains that Lucero is “on all fours” with the present case, it is distinguishable. In Lucero, one of the testator’s sons had been appointed conservator and, at her request, he arranged for an attorney to meet with her to make a new will. The testator then died. Id. In a formal probate proceeding at which another son sought to introduce the first will, the district court ruled that appointment of a conservator created “a rebuttable presumption that Mrs. Lucero lacked testamentary capacity[,]” but found that “at the time of execution of the [later] will, Mrs. Lucero . . . was capable of understanding, in a reasonable manner, the nature and effect of the act of executing her Last Will and Testament.” Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). The later will was admitted to probate. Id. This Court affirmed. Id. {33} The procedures employed by the conservator in Lucero and the process by which the new will was made distinguish Lucero from this case. There, the conservator arranged for an attorney to meet privately (except for the witness) with Mrs. Lucero at her home. Id. at 639, 884 P.2d at 530. No one with an interest in Mrs. Lucero’s estate was present, including the conservator, to whom she left a greater portion of her estate than to her other devisees. Id. at 639-40, 884 P.2d at 530-31. Here, the conservator was unaware of the meeting regarding the new estate plan until it was underway and was prevented from reviewing the documents or discussing them with Mr. Clinesmith. The meeting was attended by (1) Wife, who had a substantial interest in the new estate plan and whose interests had been declared adverse to Mr. Clinesmith’s; and (2) Mr. Stein, who represented Wife and was prohibited from representing Mr. Clinesmith in any way. Because Mr. Stein was prohibited from representing Mr. Clinesmith due to the conflict of interest with Wife, no one in the meeting was representing Mr. Clinesmith’s interests until the staff from Decades arrived, and they were unsuccessful in stopping the meeting or the signing of documents. {34} At the hearing, Mr. Stein argued that Decades’ motion pertained only to future conduct and, therefore, did not address his conduct on August 18. Although Wife does not make this argument explicitly on appeal, she makes a similar one: that Decades did not ask specifically for the new estate plan to be voided and, therefore, the court was without power to do so. This argument is without merit not only because, as discussed above, the new estate plan was incorporated into the motion, but also because it assumes the district court is powerless to rectify the instances of interference that prompted the motion in the first place. The motion included a description of the conduct complained of and stated that the meeting resulted in “an [a]mended and [Restated [tjrust and a new [w]ill.” Thus, it obviously encompassed Mr. Stein’s past interference with Decades’ ability to manage Mr. Clinesmith’s estate. To hold that only future interference was addressed by the motion would be absurd because such an interpretation would permit the results of the interference to stand uncorrected even after they were brought to the attention of the district court. This interpretation is counter to the fundamental goals of the UPC and conservatorships. C. The October 7 Order Was a Final Order {35} Having determined that the district court had subject matter jurisdiction over the new estate plan and, therefore, there was no jurisdictional bar to the district court’s ruling on the new estate plan, we turn to whether the October 7 order was final and appealable. Only final orders are appealable. NMSA 1978, § 39-3 -2 (1966); Kelly Inn No. 102, Inc. v. Kapnison, 113 N.M. 231, 234 n.7, 824 P.2d 1033, 1036 n.7 (1992). “The general rule in New Mexico for determining the finality of a judgment is that an order or judgment is not considered final unless all issues of law and fact have been determined and the case disposed of by the trial court to the fullest extent possible.” Kelly Inn, 113 N.M. at 236, 824 P.2d at 1038 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). This general rule is not inflexible. Id. It “is to be given a practical, rather than a technical, construction.” Id. {36} In this case, a detailed analysis of the practical effect of court orders is unnecessary because Section 45-3-107 of the UPC addresses this question. In the context of probate proceedings, “each proceeding before the district court or probate court is indep endent of any other pro ceeding invo lving the same estate.” Id.; see In re Estate of Newalla, 114 N.M. 290, 294, 837 P.2d 1373, 1377 (Ct. App. 1992) (“To hold that orders terminating separate proceedings are final orders is to give finality a practical, rather than a technical, construction.” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). An order is final if it is dispositive as to the issues raised in the petition prompting the order. In re Estate of Newalla, at 294, 837 P.2d at 1377; see § 45-1-201(A)(38) (defining “petition” as “a written motion or other request to the district court for an order after notice”). Multiple petitions may be addressed in a single proceeding and order, and “no petition is defective because it fails to embrace all matters which might then be the subject of a final order.” Section 45-3-107. This rule of the UPC works in conjunction with Rule 1-054 NMRA. See § 45-1-308 (“Appellate review, including the right to appellate review [and] interlocutory appeal, . . . is governed by the rules applicable to civil appeals to the [C]ourt of [A]ppeals from the district court.”); Rule 1-054; In re Estate of Newalla, 114 N.M. at 294-95, 837 P.2d at 1377-78 (stating that when there is more than one claim in a petition, “an order is ordinarily final and appealable only when both matters have been decided, subject, of course, to [Rule 1-054(B)(1)], [which] permits a court to enter a final judgment as to fewer than all of the claims presented in an action if there is no just reason for delay”). Under this rubric, the question of whether an order is final is a factual inquiry into whether the district court has fully decided the issues in the petition that prompted it. {37} A final order may be appealed pursuant to the Rules of Appellate Procedure. See § 45-1-308 (stating that appeals from proceedings conducted under the UPC are “governed by the rules applicable to civil appeals to the [C]ourt of [Ajppeals from the district court”). The Rules of Appellate Procedure provide that an appeal of right from the district court “shall be filed . . . within thirty (30) days after the judgment or order appealed from is filed in the district court clerk’s office.” Rule 12-201(A)(2). This rule states a “mandatory precondition[ ] to the exercise of jurisdiction,” not an “absolute jurisdictional requirement.” Trujillo v. Serrano, 117 N.M. 273, 277-78, 871 P.2d 369, 373-74 (1994) (emphasis omitted). Under Trujillo, this Court may review an appeal even when not timely filed, but “[o]nly [in] the most unusual circumstances beyond the control of the parties.” Id. at 278, 871 P.2d at 374. “Procedural formalities should not outweigh basic rights where the facts present a marginal case which does not lend itself to a bright-line interpretation.” Id. at 276, 871 P.2d at 372. The flexibility of this rule notwithstanding, “[c]ounsel should not rely on the court’s munificence when filing notices of appeal. It is incumbent upon the parties to strictly adhere to our clearly articulated rules of procedure.” Id. at 278, 871 P.2d at 374. {38} Ms. Temmerman’s petition was for the appointment of a guardian and conservator. After appointment as temporary conservator and guardian on August 5, 2005, Decades sought an order to prevent Mr. Stein from interfering with its duties in that role. That motion was granted. On September 28, 2005, the district court heard argument on the petition and reviewed reports submitted by the guardian ad litem and court visitor. The court also heard argument on other pending motions. Wife withdrew several of her motions in opposition to the petition and other motions were rendered moot as a result. Thus, all pending matters related to the petition were resolved at that hearing and memorialized in the October 7, 2005, order that appointed Decades the permanent guardian and conservator. In the context of the UPC, the October 7 order was a final order. {39} Wife filed a notice of appeal of the October 7 final order within the thirty-day period required by Rule 12-201. Wife filed a “notice of voluntary abandonment of appeal” three months later on February 2, 2006, pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 39-3-14 (1851-1852), which provides that: In all causes appealed, or in any other manner brought from any inferior court to any superior court, the party appealing, . . . may, in like manner, dismiss his appeal in the same manner as in the preceding section provided; and when said cause is dismissed, as aforesaid, the judgment in the inferior court shall remain and be in all things as valid, as if said cause had never been removed from said inferior court. Based on that notice, the appeal was dismissed. No other appeal was initiated until the present appeal was filed on April 4, 2011. {40} Wife argues that the first “appeal is not preclusive of the present appeal.” We agree that the mere fact of a voluntarily dismissed appeal is not by itself preclusive of a second appeal. But neither does the voluntary abandonment of an appeal confer on an appellant dispensation to avoid the deadline for filing a second appeal. Section 39-3-14 states that, upon voluntary dismissal of an appeal, it is “as if said cause had never been removed from [the] inferior court.” As Wife acknowledges, upon dismissal of an appeal, the parties are returned to their positions as of the entry of judgment in the lower court and retain their right to appeal the judgment subject to the statutes and rules governing appeals. See id.; Rule 12-401(B) NMRA; Rule 12-201. These rules require that an appeal be filed within thirty days. See Rule 12-201(A)(2). Wife was, therefore, obliged to file her appeal to the October 7 order within thirty days, regardless of whether the first appeal was voluntarily dismissed. {41} There is a dearth of New Mexico cases addressing the effect of voluntary dismissal of an appeal directly. Authority from other jurisdictions persuades us that our construction of Section 39-3-14 is correct. In United States v. Arevalo, 408 F.3d 1233, 1237 (9th Cir. 2005), the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that “an appellant who has voluntarily dismissed his appeal must move to reinstate within the time limits for filing a notice of appeal, or seek an extension of time from the district court to re-file the notice of appeal.” (citation omitted). Accord Williams v. United States, 553 F.2d 420 (5th Cir. 1977) (stating that dismissal of an appeal “placed [appellant] in the same position as if they had never filed a notice of appeal in the first place” and stating that “[t]heir next notice of appeal was not filed until over a year after the judgment complained of was handed down [which was] obviously well outside the sixty-day limit”). {42} The appellate courts’ ability under Trujillo to review untimely appeals does not save this appeal. See Trujillo, 117 N.M. at 278, 871 P.2d at 374. Here, Wife does not point to any unusual circumstances that would require extension of the filing deadline, nor did she request an extension of time to file an appeal. See id.; Rule 12-201(E)(1), (2). Furthermore, the extended period between the October 7 order and the date the appeal was filed — over five years — would stretch the flexibility permitted by Trujillo well beyond its breaking point. See Trujillo, 117 N.M. at 278, 871 P.2d at 374; Chavez v. U-Haul Co. of N.M., 1997-NMSC-051, ¶¶ 19-22, 124 N.M. 165, 947 P.2d 122 (hearing an appeal where notice was filed fifty-eight minutes late, but declining to hear an appeal filed thirty days late). CONCLUSION {43} In conclusion, there was no jurisdictional bar to the district court’s order voiding the plan. Since the court had jurisdiction and the October 7 order resolved all of the issues pertaining to the petition that prompted it, the order was final and appealable. Wife filed this appeal over five years after that order was filed, well beyond the thirty-day deadline, and has provided no extraordinary reason for this Court to consider the untimely appeal. We decline to do so and dismiss the appeal. {44} IT IS SO ORDERED. MICHAEL D. BUSTAMANTE, Judge WE CONCUR: JONATHAN B. SUTIN, Judge TIMOTHY L. GARCIA, Judge
[ -0.012803942896425724, -0.00472044013440609, 0.014098763465881348, -0.020771082490682602, 0.05421389266848564, -0.027554331347346306, 0.03730938583612442, 0.0012366421287879348, 0.00240952312014997, -0.03566037863492966, 0.00044222958968020976, 0.024184688925743103, -0.050480470061302185, 0.05946351960301399, -0.010622034780681133, 0.07138031721115112, 0.04386409372091293, 0.023084085434675217, -0.033400509506464005, -0.004488667938858271, 0.03371085226535797, -0.020014826208353043, 0.02399650402367115, 0.05478208512067795, 0.031118322163820267, 0.024956177920103073, 0.026448717340826988, -0.011515503749251366, -0.06534264981746674, -0.04275587201118469, 0.07136540859937668, -0.021716125309467316, -0.009358030743896961, -0.002003562171012163, -0.009548545815050602, 0.015356640331447124, -0.011210087686777115, -0.017820805311203003, -0.04187594726681709, 0.01865953765809536, -0.06976677477359772, 0.014483186416327953, 0.004149565007537603, -0.007215806748718023, -0.035657014697790146, 0.038045596331357956, -0.04699046537280083, 0.04822859168052673, 0.008612009696662426, -0.053091760724782944, -0.05691644921898842, 0.01340333092957735, 0.01317460648715496, 0.031148090958595276, 0.026747331023216248, 0.03141775727272034, -0.0017463299445807934, -0.052085381001234055, 0.01410319097340107, -0.0375063456594944, 0.01776503212749958, -0.01547861099243164, 0.047793202102184296, -0.04620574414730072, 0.028553487733006477, 0.009998474270105362, 0.005754203535616398, 0.025321513414382935, -0.05112842842936516, -0.023027991876006126, -0.03254134580492973, -0.023491146042943, 0.030456312000751495, -0.0019132718443870544, 0.0005943362484686077, -0.00642725545912981, -0.00585668720304966, 0.018175307661294937, 0.02888067066669464, 0.03158516064286232, -0.004856144543737173, 0.012295147404074669, -0.0401785708963871, 0.03648152947425842, -0.003115130588412285, -0.05119556188583374, -0.0233570858836174, 0.028115855529904366, -0.048974815756082535, 0.05422745645046234, -0.01271821092814207, -0.04213358089327812, -0.005633160006254911, 0.03440312668681145, -0.036087121814489365, 0.011849915608763695, 0.0887942761182785, -0.0208167415112257, 0.015749230980873108, -0.0009576527518220246, 0.0359218530356884, -0.024544700980186462, -0.008106877095997334, 0.036478426307439804, -0.05627257004380226, -0.0013785379705950618, 0.014706099405884743, 0.0003796333621721715, -0.02248380333185196, -0.027734097093343735, -0.026289859786629677, 0.03335187956690788, -0.00385535741224885, -0.03393411636352539, -0.05784369632601738, 0.04602210596203804, 0.04654167219996452, -0.06601845473051071, 0.009227880276739597, 0.013948694802820683, 0.040049295872449875, -0.008036760613322258, -0.019711388275027275, 0.06557736545801163, 0.00795832835137844, -0.021044235676527023, -0.007616851478815079, 0.02139773592352867, -0.01298787072300911, -0.04184086620807648, -0.0110845435410738, 0.02749965898692608, 0.038177330046892166, -0.029955483973026276, -0.01559316087514162, 0.012150944210588932, -0.03248405084013939, -0.03761308267712593, 0.04499803110957146, -0.021808259189128876, -0.016334906220436096, -0.017157157883048058, 0.008313301019370556, 0.025800002738833427, 0.06580385565757751, -0.017145855352282524, 0.05182677507400513, -0.014366348274052143, 0.01887243054807186, 0.015651395544409752, 0.016417840495705605, 0.03368428722023964, 0.01899155229330063, -0.07120902091264725, -0.008321106433868408, 0.016235677525401115, 0.020682506263256073, -0.016742665320634842, -0.014565919525921345, 0.020976142957806587, 0.02624073252081871, 0.022849399596452713, -0.012881631962954998, 0.01634139195084572, 0.04353201016783714, 0.01922748237848282, 0.013616283424198627, 0.05197729170322418, -0.05195658281445503, 0.04231865331530571, -0.06326638162136078, 0.019235210493206978, 0.04517105594277382, -0.09508543461561203, -0.012476572766900063, 0.04156339913606644, 0.03809289261698723, -0.014062752947211266, 0.03407135605812073, -0.08431786298751831, -0.0812554806470871, 0.05749232694506645, 0.027303768321871758, 0.012088164687156677, -0.010918835178017616, -0.017612526193261147, 0.03497164696455002, -0.038754865527153015, 0.06767407804727554, 0.019037606194615364, -0.0605492889881134, -0.037700626999139786, 0.05818336084485054, -0.03158106282353401, 0.05739501491189003, 0.003207269124686718, -0.04353241249918938, 0.0518539622426033, -0.0034801727160811424, 0.041705116629600525, -0.0014775254530832171, -0.02082226052880287, 0.03160497546195984, -0.03136357665061951, -0.017245210707187653, 0.044288553297519684, 0.06197911873459816, -0.02958371862769127, 0.01712089590728283, 0.04704143479466438, -0.007693231571465731, -0.010269000194966793, 0.020309975370764732, 0.028232034295797348, 0.062230434268713, -0.016823777928948402, 0.0217189509421587, -0.07017337530851364, -0.0022686312440782785, -0.04188057407736778, -0.000310425617499277, 0.002972019836306572, 0.004820001311600208, 0.06309639662504196, -0.06836587190628052, 0.08794252574443817, 0.03615516051650047, -0.049353159964084625, -0.037597816437482834, 0.019971653819084167, -0.019718825817108154, 0.01539179589599371, -0.009964690543711185, 0.025725960731506348, 0.05917709320783615, -0.019740942865610123, -0.018807487562298775, -0.012771710753440857, 0.04305744543671608, -0.037752870470285416, -0.01946910470724106, 0.0414247065782547, 0.02065945789217949, 0.044927068054676056, -0.003959371242672205, 0.04492548108100891, -0.06911144405603409, 0.0031739010009914637, -0.05487533286213875, -0.056056004017591476, -0.01184335257858038, -0.0021853437647223473, 0.02388954907655716, 0.01834757998585701, 0.013746561482548714, -0.02736769989132881, -0.04812047258019447, -0.0032684847246855497, 0.02971411496400833, 0.017161916941404343, -0.01571042835712433, 0.03471485525369644, 0.01461243350058794, -0.0026313846465200186, -0.036796703934669495, -0.06262648105621338, 0.019277989864349365, -0.01608680747449398, -0.0034530386328697205, -0.012639228254556656, -0.006347496993839741, -0.017167506739497185, 0.017159029841423035, 0.014449386857450008, 0.06272350996732712, 0.018992573022842407, 0.026336658746004105, 0.023567238822579384, 0.019875409081578255, 0.01007022149860859, -0.0010782699100673199, 0.047543175518512726, -0.0009165754308924079, -0.0387001670897007, -0.024232499301433563, -0.031190799549221992, 0.025425277650356293, -0.05477242171764374, -0.019178129732608795, 0.05425268039107323, 0.03789428249001503, 0.027738140895962715, -0.012158965691924095, 0.030014047399163246, 0.047154270112514496, 0.051959969103336334, 0.04336932674050331, 0.017337312921881676, 0.018588675186038017, -0.012059241533279419, 0.012987061403691769, -0.034699589014053345, 0.00906610582023859, 0.029361320659518242, 0.008806546218693256, 0.04723434895277023, -0.02785668708384037, -0.000047635938244638965, -0.2608931064605713, 0.051796212792396545, -0.013186516240239143, -0.03435881435871124, 0.052190352231264114, 0.015378344804048538, 0.05534518510103226, -0.046392135322093964, -0.03270843252539635, -0.00035888596903532743, 0.018841980025172234, -0.008851605467498302, 0.07344692200422287, 0.0207600686699152, -0.0031289756298065186, -0.036622609943151474, -0.0010310296202078462, -0.015581948682665825, -0.049027618020772934, 0.02584933675825596, 0.021248511970043182, -0.0727723091840744, -0.04187805950641632, -0.004241418559104204, 0.045365605503320694, 0.05850944668054581, -0.05371804162859917, -0.009724191389977932, -0.004776631016284227, -0.02958078496158123, 0.01663203537464142, 0.01843862608075142, 0.0013303457526490092, -0.0200020931661129, -0.03962841257452965, 0.019742140546441078, 0.03477577492594719, 0.031331442296504974, 0.0022596982307732105, -0.018583616241812706, 0.01469372771680355, -0.04154985398054123, -0.06717503815889359, 0.004193583037704229, 0.03490588814020157, 0.0031053940765559673, -0.052512992173433304, 0.03042406029999256, -0.007115911226719618, 0.04525063559412956, -0.03196941688656807, 0.045707810670137405, -0.03822240233421326, 0.005938332062214613, -0.01827903836965561, 0.005259116180241108, -0.08514202386140823, 0.011734960600733757, -0.0440237857401371, 0.03745261952280998, -0.009301489219069481, -0.033903103321790695, -0.02866392768919468, -0.03659602254629135, -0.041595228016376495, -0.04547882452607155, -0.029462767764925957, -0.019059814512729645, 0.07472184300422668, 0.013170902617275715, -0.0029502299148589373, 0.03786084055900574, -0.024110132828354836, -0.061698608100414276, 0.009454403072595596, -0.026586225256323814, -0.006890648044645786, -0.049271706491708755, -0.018419846892356873, -0.010809077881276608, -0.013915279880166054, -0.0009881180012598634, 0.012572291307151318, 0.06346363574266434, 0.0004596758808474988, -0.01445809006690979, -0.01197674497961998, 0.056522633880376816, -0.06407523900270462, -0.003916637971997261, 0.012687895447015762, 0.02281315065920353, -0.05975059047341347, 0.0037467200309038162, 0.025327319279313087, 0.05915931239724159, -0.00883988942950964, -0.01558153796941042, 0.019503187388181686, 0.03633297234773636, 0.07920913398265839, -0.04411941394209862, -0.009476364590227604, -0.0471855029463768, 0.01642684079706669, -0.031196340918540955, -0.08188296109437943, 0.042812637984752655, 0.010024596937000751, 0.03365162014961243, -0.011449248529970646, -0.04328569769859314, 0.08262909203767776, -0.053374022245407104, 0.010725573636591434, -0.02578635700047016, 0.019312992691993713, 0.013585320673882961, -0.012040212750434875, 0.010728116147220135, 0.004831002093851566, 0.029632529243826866, -0.07491760700941086, -0.026043299585580826, -0.060724664479494095, 0.012594546191394329, 0.03338215500116348, 0.012211505323648453, -0.024453207850456238, 0.03328830748796463, -0.023293612524867058, -0.008772731758654118, 0.005792499985545874, -0.019716845825314522, 0.00869692675769329, -0.010276062414050102, 0.002414907095953822, -0.03807203099131584, -0.008565080352127552, -0.0009108694503083825, 0.023553818464279175, -0.03851678594946861, 0.007592346519231796, -0.00137734180316329, 0.01590568944811821, 0.014840765856206417, 0.030319474637508392, -0.012447012588381767, -0.03569948673248291, 0.016091391444206238, -0.004674876574426889, -0.042978961020708084, 0.05034788325428963, -0.06161421537399292, -0.04122902825474739, -0.0295109860599041, 0.0038888799026608467, -0.013116610236465931, 0.017412327229976654, -0.046040065586566925, -0.00829033087939024, 0.0010443746577948332, -0.03437592089176178, -0.04851791635155678, -0.008235873654484749, 0.04627761244773865, -0.002211854327470064, 0.010417703539133072, 0.008949747309088707, 0.017629122361540794, 0.02041519060730934, -0.043155238032341, -0.07220052182674408, -0.006336006335914135, 0.0288603026419878, 0.03469540551304817, -0.016186224296689034, 0.001568799838423729, 0.033972688019275665, 0.027517931535840034, -0.00601097010076046, -0.0529949925839901, -0.021220587193965912, -0.006736014503985643, 0.026482082903385162, -0.034927889704704285, -0.0050910464487969875, -0.02706395834684372, -0.012909932062029839, -0.029811466112732887, -0.008559334091842175, -0.02531828172504902, -0.0319826565682888, 0.025399131700396538, -0.03498649597167969, -0.04528636112809181, 0.05260304734110832, -0.020200109109282494, 0.008328625001013279, 0.037918101996183395, 0.009161235764622688, 0.0014246529899537563, -0.035188961774110794, 0.0111056137830019, -0.0006271757883951068, -0.07099461555480957, 0.02772914245724678, 0.054628003388643265, -0.006190672051161528, 0.0773291289806366, -0.07253990322351456, 0.0334586575627327, -0.024203432723879814, 0.030977753922343254, 0.032839834690093994, -0.03638990595936775, 0.02538808435201645, -0.025046706199645996, -0.04323291778564453, -0.022649528458714485, -0.032818909734487534, -0.06340660154819489, -0.0035236701369285583, 0.0194063913077116, -0.05878322198987007, 0.003871381748467684, -0.010026966221630573, 0.003446076298132539, 0.00706935441121459, -0.03789862245321274, 0.0013825952773913741, -0.035274870693683624, 0.02339015156030655, 0.005100124981254339, -0.0482381135225296, -0.03078898973762989, 0.011986631900072098, -0.018590392544865608, -0.018453847616910934, 0.03874434158205986, 0.03047972545027733, 0.03194211423397064, -0.008618592284619808, -0.054745059460401535, -0.0028601447120308876, 0.01494090911000967, 0.017682351171970367, -0.013393459841609001, 0.032386016100645065, 0.0532207153737545, 0.05558998882770538, -0.027080325409770012, 0.005978809669613838, -0.031687237322330475, 0.03624564781785011, -0.051890917122364044, 0.028021827340126038, -0.06764674186706543, -0.008910574950277805, 0.039817191660404205, -0.00578552158549428, 0.02033310942351818, -0.012319136410951614, -0.00883927009999752, 0.04878977686166763, 0.006516339723020792, -0.023641353473067284, -0.014169919304549694, 0.0446779690682888, -0.07568525522947311, 0.007868428714573383, -0.07025833427906036, 0.020722784101963043, 0.01602889783680439, 0.003257432021200657, 0.00865133572369814, 0.02104439213871956, -0.007363195531070232, 0.016259830445051193, -0.03283163905143738, -0.03870256245136261, 0.03725668787956238, -0.029432017356157303, -0.03479047119617462, 0.04883303865790367, -0.048155028373003006, -0.011385913006961346, 0.022578749805688858, -0.07627163827419281, -0.08905454725027084, -0.011370059102773666, 0.031221088021993637, 0.016945499926805496, 0.03316711261868477, -0.04736652225255966, -0.0034309220500290394, -0.00798929762095213, 0.04570282995700836, 0.024090420454740524, 0.000992198009043932, -0.08158251643180847, 0.020494619384407997, 0.0228803101927042, 0.04442647099494934, -0.04282846301794052, -0.004216890316456556, 0.024916457012295723, -0.018472878262400627, -0.027955230325460434, 0.01613476313650608, -0.022317558526992798, -0.07236625999212265, 0.06925734877586365, 0.034124188125133514, -0.08009650558233261, -0.014977939426898956, -0.021119218319654465, -0.02413838729262352, -0.034953001886606216, -0.02994231879711151, 0.04015791416168213, 0.03854522481560707, 0.026073286309838295, 0.012607011944055557, 0.049558982253074646, 0.054098084568977356, 0.012747829779982567, 0.033885158598423004, 0.03748372942209244, 0.06622832268476486, 0.05230166018009186, 0.030351245775818825, 0.003536791540682316, 0.03320956602692604, 0.008215737529098988, -0.03444864600896835, 0.034038521349430084, -0.026935474947094917, -0.019948633387684822, -0.006872194819152355, 0.024713844060897827, 0.03443785011768341, 0.006356272380799055, 0.06917297095060349, 0.03591964766383171, -0.011247837916016579, 0.010642314329743385, -0.03988107666373253, 0.06849823147058487, -0.013894261792302132, 0.008129673078656197, -0.03249252960085869, 0.00744995241984725, -0.026743492111563683, 0.016313724219799042, 0.005708572454750538, -0.022488323971629143, 0.019211113452911377, -0.014706864953041077, 0.008447781205177307, -0.031855273991823196, -0.030493471771478653, 0.05602610856294632, 0.015531845390796661, 0.027674531564116478, -0.0314454548060894, 0.014170745387673378, -0.026581507176160812, -0.018520845100283623, 0.030310671776533127, 0.0006537784938700497, -0.027991190552711487, 0.002766178920865059, -0.002226394135504961, 0.0551135428249836, -0.0031211539171636105, 0.05461124703288078, -0.025161655619740486, 0.016950951889157295, 0.09067021310329437, 0.06428976356983185, -0.04700803756713867, -0.021868515759706497, -0.08382775634527206, -0.04274631291627884, -0.03918430954217911, 0.014663491398096085, 0.030392201617360115, -0.005964276380836964, -0.07022951543331146, 0.0015394858783110976, 0.03097451664507389, 0.00820941012352705, 0.04896070435643196, 0.008588540367782116, -0.03177684172987938, 0.03439316526055336, 0.04218320921063423, 0.015376292169094086, -0.010698274709284306, 0.013497288338840008, -0.010415793396532536, -0.03427458927035332, 0.0003319885872770101, -0.026351606473326683, 0.03799385204911232, -0.014568857848644257, -0.000561599328648299, -0.10633360594511032, 0.03835608437657356, 0.009194210171699524, -0.04168406501412392, -0.07679799944162369, 0.03869113326072693, -0.03052740916609764, 0.005264504812657833, 0.08114940673112869, 0.06719151139259338, -0.04067985340952873, -0.004238471854478121, 0.009138841181993484, 0.02105730213224888, -0.03161550313234329, 0.06128590181469917, -0.004223996307700872, 0.050519756972789764, 0.03854167461395264, -0.0024140775203704834, 0.0010287214536219835, 0.04700855165719986, 0.007305048871785402, -0.027266645804047585, -0.025970954447984695, -0.0007052901783026755, -0.03638181462883949, -0.008656857535243034, -0.01834106259047985, 0.0008827574201859534, -0.01581730879843235, -0.07553941756486893, -0.005028292536735535, -0.007988673634827137, 0.048398736864328384, -0.06620428711175919, 0.004314931109547615, 0.03293725475668907, -0.024053269997239113, -0.017276421189308167, -0.025657476857304573, -0.01605963706970215, -0.020561721175909042, -0.0205436609685421, 0.017593223601579666, -0.044825971126556396, -0.0007551501039415598, -0.044681768864393234, 0.02570098452270031, 0.0034145566169172525, -0.026709789410233498, -0.033683087676763535 ]
OPINION BUSTAMANTE, Judge. {1} At issue in this case is whether counties may enact ordinances which conflict directly with state statutes reflecting the State of New Mexico’s free range or “fence-out” approach to livestock management. Holding that they cannot, we affirm the district court’s dismissal of the criminal complaint filed against Defendant Ivan Benavidez by the County of Bernalillo. BACKGROUND {2} The County filed a criminal complaint in the Metropolitan Court against Benavidez asserting that he “[d]id allow six cattle to run at large on John Dantis Road, SW and on Metropolitan Detention Center property,” contrary to Bernalillo County, N.M., Code of Ordinances ch. 6, art. VI, § 6-53 (2009) of the Bernalillo County Code. Section 6-53 is part of the Bernalillo County Ordinance generally addressing animals. Section 6-53(a) — the specific part of the ordinance applicable here — provides that: (a) It is unlawful for a person to allow or permit any animal to run at large in or on any alley, street, sidewalk, vacant lot, public property, other unenclosed place in the county, or private property without the permission of the property owner. {3} Benavidez filed a motion to dismiss arguing that Section 6-53(a) conflicted with state law reflecting New Mexico’s free range — or “fence-out” — approach to livestock management. Benavidez asserted that he and his family have been running cattle on the west side of the county “for over 50 years” and that his family had leased land from Westland Corporation which extended over “9 mile hill,” including the land surrounding the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). In response, the County argued that it had the authority to enact Section 6-53(a) pursuant to its general police power. It also argued that the ordinance did not conflict with state law and, if it did, the parts applicable to Benavidez were severable and enforceable. The Metropolitan Court agreed with Benavidez and dismissed the complaint with prejudice. {4} The County appealed to the district court where the parties made essentially the same arguments to the same effect: that is, the district court also granted Benavidez’ motion to dismiss. In the district court, the County stipulated that the “lands in question in this cause are not within the boundaries of an incorporated or unincorporated municipality, nor are they located in a conservancy district or military base.” ANALYSIS {5} Given that we are presented with issues of pure law, our standard of review is de novo. Smith v. Bernalillo Cnty., 2005-NMSC-012, ¶ 18, 137 N.M. 280, 110 P.3d 496. {6} The County concedes that New Mexico follows the open range model of livestock management. The common law of England required animal owners to keep their stock confined and imposed liability on owners for harm caused by animals running at large. Sears v. Fewson, 15 N.M. 132, 135, 103 P. 268, 268 (1909). New Mexico — along with most of the western states — did not recognize or follow the English rule. Rather, in New Mexico, livestock are allowed to run at large without responsibility for their trespass on the unenclosed property of others. Hill v. Winkler, 21 N.M. 5, 11-14, 151 P. 1014, 1016-17 (1915). The County itselfnotes in its briefing that “[tjhis rulé, which is commonly known as ‘fence[-]out,’ was codified in a series of statutes enacted over a period of decades.” The most direct expression of the Legislature’s adoption of the free range approach to livestock management are NMS A 1978, Section 77-16-1 (1909) and NMSA 1978, Section 66-7-363(C) (1978). Section 77-16-1, enacted in 1909, gave statutory voice to the common law “fence-out” rule noted in Hill, by requiring land owners to construct a fence meeting statutory standards to protect their property from livestock. Section 77-16-1 provides: Every gardener, farmer, planter or other person having lands or crops that would be injured by trespassing animals, shall make a sufficient fence about his land in cultivation, or other lands that may be so injured, the same to correspond with the requirements of the laws of this state prescribing and defining a legal fence. Thus, absent a proper fence, a landowner living in an area where the running of livestock is lawful had no claim for damages caused by livestock unless the trespass was proven to be willful. 21 N.M. at 13, 151 P. at 1016; Stewart v. Oberholtzer, 57 N.M. 253, 256, 258 P.2d 369, 370-71 (1953). {7} Section 66-7-363(C) constitutes a relatively recent affirmation by the Legislature of its commitment to the free range approach to running of livestock. Section 66-7-363(C) provides: Owners of livestock ranging in pastures through which unfenced roads or highways pass shall not be liable for damages by reason of injury or damage to persons or property occasioned by collisions of vehicles using said roads and highways and livestock or animals ranging in said pastures unless such owner of livestock is guilty of specific negligence other than allowing his animals to range in said pasture. This section was enacted in 1966 in apparent direct response to our Supreme Court’s decision in Grubb v. Wolfe, 75 N.M. 601, 408 P.2d 756 (1965). In Grubb — handed down on December 13, 1965 — our Supreme Courtheld that the “early day ‘open range’ rule which relieved an owner of livestock from any duty to keep his animals off a public highway” would no longer prevail. Id. at 605, 408 P.2d at 759. Instead the Supreme Court held that “the owner or keeper of livestock capable of doing harm from this source of danger owes a duty of reasonable care to prevent them from wandering unrestrained on the public way.” Id. at 607, 408 P.2d at 760 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Within three months, the Legislature enacted what is now codified as Section 66-7-363 reinstating the common law rule. 1966 N.M. Laws, ch. 44, § 2. {8} The County admits that enforcement of Section 6-53 requires all owners to fence-in their livestock in all unincorporated areas of the County, which “is not required under state statute.” This admission on its face would seem to sound the death knell of Section 6-53(a). But, the County argues, Section 6-53 is not expressly or implicitly preempted by state statute and, in the absence of preemption, the general police power given to it by NMSA 1978, § 4-37-1 (1975) is sufficient to support adoption of Section 6-53(a). We disagree. Section 4-37-1 provides: All counties are granted the same powers that are granted municipalities except for those powers that are inconsistent with statutory or constitutional limitations placed on counties. Included in this grant of powers to the counties are those powers necessary and proper to provide for the safety, preserve the health, promote the prosperity and improve the morals, order, comfort and convenience of any county or its inhabitants. The board of county commissioners may make and publish any ordinance to discharge these powers not inconsistent with statutory or constitutional limitations placed on counties. The County asserts that the provision granting counties “the same powers that are granted municipalities” gives it the authority to enact Section 6-53(a) because municipalities are specifically given the power to “prohibit the running at large of any animal within the boundary of the municipality.” NMSA 1798, § 3-18-3(A)(2) (1971). We note that the municipal power to prohibit animals running at large is consistent with the state statute prohibiting animals from running “at large within the limits of any city, town or village incorporated or unincorporated.” NMSA 1978, Section 77-14-35 (1999) (making it a misdemeanor to allow livestock to run at large within municipal boundaries). {9} The specificity and consistency of Sections 3-18-3(A)(2) and 77-14-35 argue against the County’s position because there is no comparable provision preventing livestock from running at large outside of municipalities; that is, in unincorporated areas of the State’s counties. Rather, as the County itself accurately catalogs, there are statutes specifically — and narrowly — describing areas in which and methods by which counties are allowed to limit the free range default law. For example, NMSA 1978, Section 77-14-4 (1989) allows boards of county commissioners to “prohibit the running at large of livestock within the limits of any conservancy or irrigation district organized under the laws of the state, and within any portion of a military reservation or enclave . . . situate ... in such county.” The County stipulates thatMDC and Dantis Road are not within any conservancy district or military reservation. {10} Similarly, state statutes allow for the creation by counties of “herd law districts.” See NMSA 1978, §§ 77-12-1 to -12 (1923, as amended through 1999). Section 77-12-2 describes a procedure by which landowners can ask a county to create a herd law district. Once a herd law district is “declared,” the fence-out approach to damage by livestock is reversed; that is, a person suffering harm may collect damages even if he does not have a proper fence erected. Section 77-12-5. There are no other statutory provisions directly addressing county authority to enact ordinances limiting free running of livestock. {11} We distill from these provisions no intent by the Legislature to allow counties the general power to disallow the free running of livestock in unincorporated or open areas of their jurisdictions. The intent and effect of Section 6-53(a) is to do precisely that. As such, it is directly contrary to — or inconsistent with — state law and thus beyond the County’s authority. See § 4-37-1. {12} The County relies on a case from Idaho in support of its arguments. Benewah Cnty. Cattlemen’s Ass’n, Inc. v. Bd of Cnty. Comm’rs of Benewah Cnty., 668 P.2d 85 (1983). Benewah is distinguishable. While the Idaho provisions describing county powers are similar to New Mexico’s, other provisions are too different from New Mexico’s to provide any guidance. For example, the Benewah Court concluded that Idaho’s herd law districts could not be created in open range lands and thus precluded the county there from enacting a “fence-in” ordinance which applied to open range within its boundaries. 668 P.2d at 89. This limitation on the creation of herd law districts simply does not apply in New Mexico. In addition, we agree with the dissent in Benewah that the majority took an improperly narrow view of state law when it ignored the general law of open range in Idaho. Id. at 92-93 (Bistline, J., dissenting). We agree with the dissent’s analysis in Benewah. That analysis, unsurprisingly, tracks ours. CONCLUSION {13} Concluding that a bit of the Wild West survives in New Mexico, we affirm the district court. {14} IT IS SO ORDERED. MICHAEL D. BUSTAMANTE, Judge WE CONCUR: CYNTHIA A. FRY, Judge J. MILES HANISEE, Judge
[ -0.024615591391921043, -0.02762649394571781, -0.04086679965257645, -0.010650789365172386, 0.04052301496267319, -0.04952915012836456, 0.04969910532236099, 0.00852292962372303, 0.01805722527205944, -0.011050824075937271, 0.013544004410505295, 0.0374879315495491, -0.08665300160646439, 0.04936723783612251, -0.0024485483299940825, 0.07951752096414566, 0.06490183621644974, 0.036140792071819305, 0.031654488295316696, -0.00400383397936821, 0.011952606961131096, -0.05309068411588669, -0.0029346125666052103, 0.06292838603258133, 0.006516648922115564, 0.01114665437489748, 0.026369472965598106, 0.03582650050520897, -0.07160919159650803, 0.005016895476728678, 0.0304934773594141, -0.01623372733592987, -0.00899194274097681, 0.030441373586654663, 0.011420964263379574, 0.008110778406262398, -0.018124787136912346, -0.028299352154135704, -0.03514206036925316, -0.004747558385133743, -0.01957828737795353, 0.03574923798441887, -0.05217890441417694, -0.013001770712435246, -0.03179346024990082, -0.030617309734225273, 0.0006481001619249582, 0.009076079353690147, -0.040202103555202484, 0.006758566480129957, -0.11058966815471649, -0.007712218910455704, -0.03268593177199364, 0.020359789952635765, 0.0023056059144437313, 0.007370635401457548, -0.07250455766916275, -0.0683378204703331, -0.020535806193947792, -0.017179735004901886, 0.0078115700744092464, -0.04201018065214157, 0.046408262103796005, -0.046624623239040375, 0.0007293740636669099, 0.006683478597551584, 0.0071333725936710835, 0.010480677708983421, -0.04131476208567619, -0.07820509374141693, -0.06079557538032532, 0.021801456809043884, -0.009691355749964714, 0.014323331415653229, 0.007032925263047218, -0.047449178993701935, 0.011061196215450764, 0.014651454985141754, 0.020403901115059853, 0.045855894684791565, 0.006615498103201389, 0.008008886128664017, 0.0033698254264891148, 0.03750865161418915, 0.019246993586421013, -0.05133678764104843, -0.006617092993110418, -0.021724268794059753, -0.05441547930240631, 0.04291078820824623, 0.0024404998403042555, -0.045610006898641586, 0.020234568044543266, 0.036035291850566864, -0.02199140563607216, -0.013970998115837574, 0.050455402582883835, -0.01657108962535858, 0.04606075957417488, 0.0034026058856397867, -0.010779527015984058, -0.035901617258787155, 0.03895930200815201, 0.07559005171060562, -0.07368458062410355, -0.03411651402711868, -0.024526866152882576, -0.01384654175490141, 0.009208090603351593, 0.0012777418596670032, -0.032336484640836716, 0.015444671735167503, 0.003631099360063672, -0.024320995435118675, -0.04083981364965439, 0.05759768933057785, 0.0275113508105278, -0.03790996968746185, 0.03159737214446068, -0.030694350600242615, 0.01854591816663742, 0.03287922590970993, -0.02168678119778633, 0.08824790269136429, 0.013733829371631145, -0.02014605700969696, -0.039802778512239456, 0.049520399421453476, -0.03163837268948555, -0.012239178642630577, -0.043330542743206024, 0.013645661994814873, 0.03771223872900009, -0.005225772969424725, 0.00016983557725325227, -0.02851606160402298, 0.009152508340775967, -0.05058489739894867, 0.0010868958197534084, -0.015658004209399223, -0.032156381756067276, 0.004799609072506428, 0.03230442851781845, 0.01787356473505497, 0.06796260923147202, -0.03291379660367966, 0.0239663477987051, -0.053500719368457794, -0.004550350364297628, 0.00420610373839736, 0.038651321083307266, 0.058473747223615646, 0.00822752807289362, -0.008138983510434628, -0.026569169014692307, 0.02548413909971714, 0.028815994039177895, -0.006902135442942381, -0.014127329923212528, 0.026112617924809456, 0.04457494616508484, 0.047794826328754425, 0.040532082319259644, -0.020858192816376686, -0.0035186652094125748, -0.02010207623243332, 0.02530057355761528, 0.022409893572330475, -0.0385531522333622, 0.06681451201438904, -0.036085572093725204, -0.04010834917426109, 0.04599681496620178, -0.050215207040309906, -0.013792942278087139, 0.01465381309390068, 0.029610464349389076, 0.03132256865501404, 0.0032461537048220634, 0.0033180243335664272, -0.05555221810936928, 0.045105963945388794, -0.013275924138724804, -0.013200006447732449, 0.0003811183269135654, -0.008728998713195324, 0.051435817033052444, -0.0018424171721562743, 0.005074687302112579, 0.005666537210345268, -0.06803819537162781, -0.0321294367313385, 0.027309823781251907, -0.013572834432125092, 0.04593373462557793, 0.02483101189136505, -0.017476174980401993, 0.02356763929128647, 0.018999172374606133, 0.02437039464712143, -0.038066402077674866, -0.004116865806281567, 0.08249999582767487, -0.042106736451387405, -0.04637156054377556, 0.04633527621626854, 0.032628342509269714, -0.038101546466350555, 0.04804415628314018, 0.04790264368057251, -0.045837417244911194, 0.039610300213098526, 0.04010098800063133, -0.00757521390914917, 0.061280861496925354, -0.0019645083229988813, 0.047870174050331116, -0.037644483149051666, 0.039650775492191315, -0.07559242099523544, 0.02133072540163994, 0.0045606656931340694, -0.01873507723212242, 0.03846166655421257, -0.053348589688539505, 0.06600019335746765, 0.06157435476779938, -0.031044896692037582, -0.0157660823315382, 0.017936382442712784, 0.007305905222892761, 0.05847424268722534, 0.01751895435154438, 0.0074170916341245174, 0.03957240656018257, -0.017974285408854485, 0.013623222708702087, -0.011887846514582634, 0.029939115047454834, -0.03189895674586296, -0.010297398082911968, 0.039856165647506714, 0.007233676966279745, 0.037255480885505676, -0.038447827100753784, 0.04206610098481178, -0.014616346918046474, 0.04098369553685188, -0.030614186078310013, -0.05287717282772064, -0.005043583922088146, -0.0006330797332338989, 0.04330746829509735, 0.00427270820364356, 0.08681310713291168, -0.050021376460790634, -0.05856795608997345, -0.025121821090579033, 0.029398368671536446, 0.0018698984058573842, 0.03013775497674942, 0.030131837353110313, 0.01798373833298683, -0.031000563874840736, -0.05115891247987747, -0.05228821933269501, 0.002984362654387951, 0.005583903752267361, 0.007591400761157274, 0.017750902101397514, 0.04682257026433945, 0.020385203883051872, 0.0025823020841926336, 0.004668727051466703, 0.029672235250473022, 0.022258201614022255, 0.031035013496875763, 0.00235951691865921, -0.014174383133649826, -0.008573470637202263, -0.003921408671885729, 0.024405116215348244, -0.04423273727297783, -0.059895992279052734, -0.007699926383793354, -0.030549004673957825, 0.034939952194690704, -0.0764019712805748, -0.05218128859996796, 0.06414978951215744, 0.04081690311431885, 0.047173675149679184, 0.02909168042242527, 0.018604299053549767, -0.016273748129606247, 0.02077922597527504, 0.021453261375427246, 0.022035256028175354, 0.05337667465209961, -0.013085096143186092, 0.020698491483926773, 0.0008263768977485597, -0.0010526602854952216, -0.017453286796808243, 0.01069396547973156, -0.030979102477431297, -0.039409980177879333, 0.018934188410639763, -0.267619252204895, 0.06177464500069618, -0.04565415531396866, -0.03462139889597893, 0.009704562835395336, -0.04008210822939873, 0.008513852953910828, -0.012113276869058609, -0.003046321216970682, 0.02826678194105625, -0.0008495617075823247, -0.07106778025627136, 0.029514838010072708, 0.018220046535134315, 0.017089320346713066, -0.01646263152360916, -0.010482456535100937, -0.05201714113354683, -0.005835315212607384, 0.006447874940931797, 0.023698715493083, -0.0646747425198555, -0.043320588767528534, 0.017425591126084328, 0.04253329336643219, 0.07096609473228455, -0.04240163043141365, 0.02790599688887596, -0.04533235356211662, -0.02716280147433281, -0.021221617236733437, 0.022901225835084915, -0.027277754619717598, -0.02528391033411026, -0.027989422902464867, 0.031337637454271317, 0.0023557632230222225, -0.019194811582565308, -0.020429499447345734, 0.01728997193276882, 0.013287772424519062, -0.026595348492264748, 0.0009844626765698195, 0.04489131271839142, 0.04523004591464996, 0.010763422586023808, -0.030758878216147423, -0.010424771346151829, -0.04706304892897606, 0.025128072127699852, -0.02842310257256031, 0.016895949840545654, -0.011829685419797897, -0.003489134833216667, -0.02198653481900692, 0.005504200700670481, -0.04169679060578346, -0.03973192349076271, -0.05560474842786789, 0.05601900815963745, 0.020587991923093796, -0.09886689484119415, -0.08974181860685349, -0.0026362838689237833, -0.0170454028993845, -0.050207190215587616, -0.04452411085367203, -0.023515280336141586, 0.06196855008602142, 0.040748920291662216, 0.017922407016158104, 0.055392663925886154, -0.031510062515735626, -0.08981676399707794, 0.00794580951333046, -0.03607097640633583, -0.03560004383325577, -0.056879568845033646, -0.023979131132364273, 0.01290752924978733, -0.0035302359610795975, -0.02635451965034008, 0.03770178556442261, 0.017231199890375137, -0.0010735394898802042, -0.00610091770067811, 0.0016710434574633837, 0.036940425634384155, -0.02280503511428833, -0.007176054175943136, 0.053572434931993484, 0.013972727581858635, -0.002107058884575963, -0.015410386957228184, 0.033867400139570236, 0.046792905777692795, -0.004846765659749508, -0.050993844866752625, -0.013727450743317604, 0.02370239421725273, 0.05876320227980614, -0.05945545807480812, 0.01962284743785858, -0.028353771194815636, 0.012320267036557198, 0.003064856631681323, -0.05475936084985733, 0.051246944814920425, 0.041773658245801926, 0.024423792958259583, 0.025330424308776855, -0.028382491320371628, 0.02869369089603424, -0.033361975103616714, -0.046755775809288025, -0.024535058066248894, 0.018180571496486664, 0.009005038067698479, 0.02848866768181324, 0.020230278372764587, 0.0065686567686498165, 0.0120126036927104, -0.027044985443353653, -0.03505693003535271, -0.0780981183052063, -0.007007972337305546, 0.013592948205769062, 0.020230764523148537, -0.004446310456842184, 0.017552878707647324, -0.02980450727045536, -0.036239270120859146, -0.01066777016967535, -0.035931296646595, 0.01884451135993004, 0.004964343272149563, -0.02793589048087597, -0.050435591489076614, -0.02570725418627262, 0.018763666972517967, 0.03627273812890053, -0.022379020228981972, 0.020934879779815674, 0.033575478941202164, 0.01803746446967125, 0.011717698536813259, 0.0020384634844958782, -0.01750793680548668, -0.022491279989480972, 0.06005328521132469, 0.04353614151477814, -0.04906800389289856, -0.021855553612113, -0.04563595727086067, -0.0314817912876606, -0.03646627441048622, 0.040328122675418854, 0.0445561446249485, 0.04517969861626625, -0.048931367695331573, -0.011003452353179455, -0.03996635600924492, -0.018323445692658424, -0.016402626410126686, -0.03349500522017479, 0.05482674017548561, -0.02642901800572872, 0.01769636943936348, -0.018033277243375778, 0.03485715761780739, -0.00468409014865756, -0.06963954120874405, -0.016096120700240135, 0.003764958819374442, -0.03595815971493721, 0.034072574228048325, 0.01437336578965187, 0.0021086460910737514, 0.028197677806019783, 0.05090397223830223, 0.0182784516364336, -0.03388049080967903, 0.03427445515990257, -0.016332395374774933, 0.0553579181432724, -0.042566318064928055, 0.012010111473500729, -0.055020056664943695, 0.02437165565788746, 0.004007080104202032, -0.011679079383611679, 0.017529848963022232, -0.007428579963743687, 0.0315464586019516, -0.049152251332998276, -0.05164418742060661, 0.037206243723630905, -0.03734692931175232, 0.02437695488333702, 0.02192039042711258, -0.001336399232968688, -0.0034881774336099625, -0.019204290583729744, 0.018409814685583115, -0.011408236809074879, -0.061370592564344406, 0.037535928189754486, -0.014726875349879265, -0.0177245382219553, 0.010738120414316654, -0.021561503410339355, -0.039572566747665405, -0.019016871228814125, 0.009572152979671955, 0.02507716231048107, -0.07765700668096542, 0.031849704682826996, -0.012280436232686043, -0.03283798694610596, -0.001766321947798133, 0.014392996206879616, -0.048612236976623535, -0.005313504487276077, 0.015565103851258755, -0.035916250199079514, 0.05842062830924988, -0.03158130496740341, -0.005359488073736429, 0.06849175691604614, -0.06597309559583664, 0.028089791536331177, -0.04923504218459129, -0.0034090017434209585, 0.03290669992566109, -0.061195969581604004, 0.016212839633226395, -0.016130993142724037, -0.015188463032245636, -0.05934184044599533, 0.05989648401737213, 0.01673358492553234, 0.03864039108157158, 0.010911913588643074, -0.04834531620144844, -0.015832506120204926, -0.017731409519910812, -0.014174538664519787, -0.008511122316122055, 0.0053001525811851025, 0.04990936443209648, -0.024988332763314247, -0.029192429035902023, -0.011724584735929966, 0.017630992457270622, 0.03377920389175415, -0.043843917548656464, 0.009155930019915104, 0.002678710501641035, -0.023327521979808807, 0.02080843597650528, -0.0169992558658123, 0.021793127059936523, -0.03166908770799637, -0.020095383748412132, 0.0181986503303051, 0.014404498971998692, 0.03001989983022213, -0.04175492748618126, 0.05978043004870415, -0.04133807495236397, 0.0008312069694511592, -0.09345194697380066, 0.01974487118422985, -0.01720247231423855, 0.035489875823259354, 0.05007888376712799, -0.012536555528640747, -0.012135417200624943, -0.016224177554249763, -0.05653129518032074, -0.02669847570359707, -0.014154735952615738, 0.02014819346368313, -0.050390444695949554, 0.04233386740088463, -0.039462860673666, 0.011562441475689411, -0.006618807557970285, -0.08069166541099548, -0.041349366307258606, -0.020107537508010864, -0.0012224899837747216, 0.009740945883095264, -0.011899642646312714, -0.01488524954766035, -0.032102759927511215, 0.03635328635573387, 0.04081244766712189, -0.018190570175647736, -0.009036168456077576, -0.0724613294005394, 0.08369993418455124, 0.01875164918601513, 0.008799092844128609, -0.036003001034259796, -0.007579825818538666, 0.003400597022846341, -0.05031733214855194, 0.0033490550704300404, 0.017696190625429153, 0.016821933910250664, -0.056510187685489655, 0.07220089435577393, 0.02303984947502613, -0.05507425591349602, 0.009647357277572155, -0.03247663006186485, -0.005081114824861288, -0.002645711414515972, -0.04151954874396324, 0.04438982903957367, 0.01148543506860733, 0.04458001255989075, 0.024862976744771004, 0.0711093544960022, 0.032014742493629456, -0.031524159014225006, 0.028963161632418633, 0.014717066660523415, 0.0532795786857605, 0.005638916045427322, 0.031716566532850266, -0.026807567104697227, 0.02674992009997368, -0.002186081139370799, -0.02847093902528286, 0.01514259073883295, -0.018114428967237473, 0.019880957901477814, 0.0020784286316484213, 0.046656638383865356, 0.04839429631829262, 0.007060260511934757, 0.05516083911061287, 0.027668066322803497, -0.018213879317045212, 0.04066581651568413, -0.05034870281815529, 0.02567502111196518, 0.03239303082227707, 0.013440064154565334, -0.03837006911635399, 0.03398984298110008, -0.014383413828909397, -0.020080674439668655, 0.008791488595306873, -0.028417788445949554, 0.01572358049452305, -0.014902283437550068, -0.012245492078363895, -0.004725269507616758, 0.0275050587952137, 0.07512237876653671, -0.031839530915021896, 0.01719016768038273, 0.05223482474684715, 0.03233712166547775, 0.007184249348938465, -0.037382956594228745, 0.03967347741127014, 0.005484876688569784, -0.008222723379731178, 0.008781972341239452, -0.023023350164294243, 0.06207404285669327, 0.02046487294137478, 0.040168121457099915, -0.020238768309354782, -0.03998186066746712, 0.026909753680229187, 0.008037245832383633, -0.0096968999132514, -0.027558064088225365, -0.07089218497276306, -0.02127021551132202, -0.03253744915127754, 0.01852038875222206, 0.03242658078670502, -0.035117924213409424, -0.045716751366853714, 0.018252547830343246, 0.00014212152746040374, -0.011266144923865795, 0.03175384923815727, -0.012840169481933117, 0.0014434390468522906, 0.036525409668684006, 0.0835919976234436, 0.04594176635146141, 0.018093831837177277, 0.06434202194213867, -0.025581596419215202, -0.0156315378844738, 0.01700526848435402, 0.013216067105531693, 0.003377891145646572, -0.0022424357011914253, 0.02827681228518486, -0.06142016872763634, 0.040096789598464966, 0.03331337496638298, 0.029003508388996124, -0.0449548214673996, 0.0624525211751461, -0.013421960175037384, -0.018162960186600685, 0.0661698505282402, -0.019066082313656807, -0.05403616279363632, -0.02330498769879341, -0.03413616865873337, -0.03125714510679245, -0.010130921378731728, 0.0641411766409874, -0.04422367364168167, 0.022993922233581543, 0.030589940026402473, 0.0034159854985773563, -0.026053518056869507, 0.08354967832565308, 0.0428231917321682, 0.002804678166285157, -0.029220983386039734, -0.007392583414912224, -0.0019558523781597614, -0.057657238095998764, -0.01769457757472992, 0.044342175126075745, 0.002168324077501893, -0.04785744100809097, 0.017383776605129242, 0.013595380820333958, -0.051806796342134476, 0.013712311163544655, 0.042467422783374786, 0.028147125616669655, -0.029687266796827316, -0.03688230738043785, -0.04004267603158951, 0.00462242541834712, -0.01782248541712761, 0.035022251307964325, 0.010524277575314045, -0.06302452832460403, 0.000020727266019093804, -0.023801486939191818, 0.04653625190258026, 0.001344525022432208, -0.007815636694431305, 0.0033938137348741293 ]
OPINION WECHSLER, Judge. {1} Defendant Joe Garcia appeals his conviction of contributing to the delinquency of a minor (CDM), a fourth degree felony, contrary to NMSA 1978, Section 30-6-3 (1990). We hold that (1) the State presented sufficient evidence to support Defendant’s conviction; (2) the CDM statute did not violate Defendant’s right to free expression under the federal and state constitutions; (3) the CDM statute is not unconstitutionally overbroad under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution; (4) as a matter of due process, the CDM statute is not unconstitutionally vague; and (5) under the general/specific rule, the State was not required to charge Defendant for violating the statute prohibiting providing sexually oriented materials harmful to a minor (the sexual oriented materials statute) instead of CDM. Accordingly, we affirm. BACKGROUND {2} Defendant’s conviction arose out of a handwritten, sexually explicit letter that Defendant’s biological daughter, Y.G., found in her underwear drawer. Y.G. lived with her mother, Defendant, and her younger brother. Defendant had recently moved back into the house after a two-to-three year separation from Y. G. ’ s mother. Although they resided in the same house, Y.G. and Defendant did not speak to each other because she lost trust in Defendant and felt abandoned that he previously left the household. {3} On June 10, Y.G. left the house with her mother and two brothers, leaving Defendant alone in the house. Later that same day, Y.G.’s mother and Defendant left the house and Y.G. stayed home. Y.G. started looking for her cellular phone. When she looked in her underwear drawer, she found a handwritten letter containing a story entitled “I Just a Fantasy Story,” which contained five pages describing various sexual acts between the writer, a male, and the reader, a female. Y.G. testified that she immediately recognized the handwriting in the letter to be that of Defendant’s. She pretended that nothing had happened, returned to the living room with her cousins for that evening without saying anything, then spent the next day avoiding Defendant. She did not tell her mother until the next evening. {4} Based on the letter, the State charged D efendant with criminal solicitation to commit incest or, in the alternative, CDM. After a trial, the jury convicted Defendant of CDM. On appeal, Defendant argues that (1) the State presented insufficient evidence to support his conviction; (2) the CDM statute as applied in this case is a content-based regulation that violates Defendant’s right to freedom of speech; (3) the CDM statute is unconstitutionally overbroad; (4) the CDM statute is unconstitutionally vague; and (5) under a general/specific analysis, the State was required to charge Defendant under the sexually oriented materials statute. SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE {5} In order for the jury to convict Defendant of CDM, the State had to prove that 1. ... [Djefendant wrote a letter to his biological daughter . . . soliciting sexual acts, which was placed in [Y.G.’s] underwear drawer; 2. This encouraged [Y.G.] to commit the offense of [i]ncest, or conduct herself in [a] manner injurious to the morals or the health, or the welfare of [Y.G.]; 3. [Y.G.] was under the age of 18[.] Defendant argues that there was insufficient evidence to support Defendant’s conviction because the State submitted no evidence that it was Defendant who placed the letter in Y.G.’s drawer. {6} “The test for sufficiency of the evidence is whether substantial evidence of either a direct or circumstantial nature exists to support a verdict of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt with respect to every element essential to a conviction.” State v. Sena, 2008-NMSC-053, ¶ 10, 144 N.M. 821, 192 P.3d 1198 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). “[Substantial evidence means such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion^]” State v. Baca, 1997-NMSC-059, ¶ 14, 124 N.M. 333, 950 P.2d 776 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). We view the evidence in the light most favorable to, and indulge all inferences in favor of, the verdict. Sena, 2008-NMSC-053, ¶ 10; State v. Sanders, 117 N.M. 452, 456, 872 P.2d 870, 874 (1994). If there is substantial evidence supporting the verdict, we do not reweigh the evidence or substitute our judgment for that of the factfinder. State v. Fuentes, 2010-NMCA-027, ¶ 13, 147 N.M. 761, 228 P.3d 1181. {7} Although the State did not present any direct evidence that it was Defendant who placed the letter in Y.G.’s drawer, the State presented sufficient evidence for a reasonable factfinder to conclude that Defendant was the author of the letter, which leads to a reasonable conclusion that Defendant placed the letter in Y.G.’s drawer. Y.G. testified that she immediately recognized the handwriting in the letter to be that of Defendant’s. The State also presented testimony from an expert handwriting analyst, who testified that the handwriting in the letter was Defendant’s after comparing the letter to a sample of Defendant’s writing. Further, the content of the letter provides clues that Defendant was its author. The letter begins “[s]ometimes when I’m thinking of you and wishing I was with you. I start imagining everything is all right [sic]. Like me walking into your room and your [sic] just their [sic] reading a book and we start talking.” A reasonable inference from this opening is that the writer lives in the same house as Y.G. and does not have a good relationship with her. Combined with Y.G’s testimony that she did not speak to Defendant, this evidence leads to an inference that Defendant wrote the letter. Further, the jury heard testimony that the police executed a search warrant on June 12, 2010, and in conducting a search of the home, found an envelope in Y.G.’s parents’ bedroom with the writing “I Just a fantasy” on it. {8} The evidence that Defendant authored the letter, when combined with the evidence that Defendant was the only one of two males who lived in the house and was alone in the house on the day Y.G. found the letter, is sufficient circumstantial evidence for a reasonable factfinder to conclude that Defendant placed the letter in Y.G.’s drawer. See Baca, 1997-NMSC-059, ¶ 14. Sufficient evidence therefore supported Defendant’s conviction for CDM. CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES Issue Raised at Oral Argument {9} At oral argument, in framing his constitutional arguments, Defendant argued that the jury instruction stating the elements of CDM required that the State had to prove that Defendant “wrote a letter . . ., which was placed in [Y.G.’s] underwear drawer.” Defendant contends that, because of the use of the passive voice in the jury instruction, the jury could have found that Defendant wrote the letter, but did not place it in Y.G.’s drawer, and still convict Defendant of CDM. However, Defendant did not object to the instruction in the district court and therefore did not preserve this issue. See State v. Nichols, 2006-NMCA-017, ¶¶ 26-30, 139 N.M. 72, 128 P.3d 500 (rejecting the defendant’s argument that the broad time frame covered injury instructions denied him due process because the defendant did not object to the instructions in order to preserve the issue). Defendant also waived this argument by failing to raise it in his brief in chief. See State v. Triggs, 2012-NMCA-068, ¶¶ 13-14, 281 P.3d 1256 (stating the general rule that this Court will not address arguments not raised in the brief in chief). Defendant argues that the issue need not be preserved because it implicates his constitutional rights. However, “[e]ven constitutional rights may be lost if not preserved below.” State v. Zamarripa, 2009-NMSC-001-33, 145 N.M. 402, 199 P.3d 846; see also Nichols, 2006-NMCA-017, ¶¶ 26-30 (declining to address the defendant’s unpreserved constitutional arguments). We therefore proceed to address Defendant’s constitutional arguments under the premise that the jury was required to find, and found, that Defendant not only wrote the letter, but also placed it in Y.G’s drawer as argued below and in the briefing before this Court. Standard of Review {10} Defendant makes three arguments that his conviction under the CDM statute violated his rights under the federal and state constitutions. He asserts that the CDM statute (1) is a content-based regulation that violates his rights to freedom of expression under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article II, Section 17 of the New Mexico Constitution, (2) is unconstitutionally overbroad in violation of the First Amendment, and (3) is unconstitutionally vague and therefore violates Defendant’s due process rights. {11} We review each of Defendant’s constitutional arguments under a de novo standard of review. See State v. Ebert, 2011-NMCA-098, ¶4, 150 N.M. 576, 263 P.3d 918 (reviewing the defendant’s arguments that his conviction violated his rights under the First Amendment and that the statute was unconstitutionally vague under a de novo standard of review); see also Vill. of Ruidoso v. Warner, 2012-NMCA-035, ¶¶ 13, 22, 274 P.3d 791 (addressing an argument that an ordinance is overbroad under a de novo standard of review). “We presume that the statute is constitutional, and it is the defendant’s burden to rebut this presumption}.]” State v. Jacquez, 2009-NMCA-124, ¶ 6, 147 N.M. 313, 222 P.3d 685 (citation omitted). Freedom of Expression {12} We first address Defendant’s argument that the CDM statute is a content-based regulation that deprives him of his right to free expression under the federal and state constitutions. Defendant does not challenge the CDM statute facially, but instead argues that, as applied to his conviction arising out of writing and delivering the letter to Y.G., the CDM statute punishes protected expressive conduct. See Vill. of Ruidoso, 2012-NMCA-035, ¶ 5 (“In a facial challenge ... , we consider only the text . . . itself, not its application; whereas, in an as-applied challenge, we consider the facts of the case to determine whether application . . . deprived the challenger of a protected right.”). {13} We must initially determine whether the CDM statute is content based in order to determine the constitutional framework under which to analyze Defendant’s challenge. See Ebert, 2011-NMCA-098, ¶ 8 (applying strict scrutiny to a content-based prohibition); State v. Ongley, 118 N.M. 431, 433, 882 P.2d 22, 24 (Ct. App. 1994) (applying intermediate scrutiny to a challenge to a criminal statute that did not “restrict}] free expression based on the content of what is expressed”). Citing United States v. Playboy Entm’t Grp., Inc., 529 U.S. 803, 811-12 (2000), Defendant argues that the CDM statute is content based because “the regulation of the prohibited conduct ‘focuses only on the content of the speech and the direct impact that speech has on its listeners’ [and] the [United States Supreme] Court has indicated that such an action ‘is the essence of content-based regulation.’” “The principal inquiry in determining content neutrality ... is whether the government has adopted a regulation of speech because of disagreement with the message it conveys.” Ward v. Rock Against Racism, 491 U.S. 781, 791 (1989). {14} The CDM statute provides that [contributing to the delinquency of a minor consists of any person committing any act or omitting the performance of any duty, which act or omission causes or tends to cause or encourage the delinquency of any person under the age of eighteen years. Section 30-6-3. This statute makes no reference to the content of any speech or written expression and does not “distinguish favored speech from disfavored speech on the basis of the ideas or views expressed}.]” Turner Broad. Sys., Inc. v. Fed. Commc’ns Comm’n, 520 U.S. 180, 186 (1997) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). There is no indication that it was adopted because of any disagreement with a particular message that a speaker conveys. Although, the CDM statute has been applied to various circumstances, some involving speech and some involving other conduct, the key to the statute is that it proscribes conduct only when the action “tends to cause or encourage the delinquency of’a minor. Section 30-6-3. In cases involving speech, the statute applies regardless of whether the communication is sexual in nature, as in this case, or whether it encourages minors to engage in other delinquent activities, for example, “burglarizing homes and selling the property for cash and drugs.” State v. Barr, 1999-NMCA-081, ¶ 2, 127 N.M. 504, 984 P.2d 185. {15} In this case, Defendant was not convicted solely based on the contents of the letter. The jury was instructed that it could convict Defendant only if the letter “encouraged [Y.G.] to commit the offense of [ijncest, or conduct herself in [a] manner injurious to the morals or the health, or the welfare of [Y.G.]” Therefore, the conviction did not arise out of the letter itself, but instead arose out of the action of delivering the letter to Y.G. and the effect of the letter, which was to encourage Y.G. to commit incest or act in a way injurious to her health or welfare. Because the CDM statute’s main function is to regulate any conduct that causes or tends to cause or encourage the delinquency of a minor regardless of the specific subject matter, the CDM statute is content neutral, and strict scrutiny does not apply. See Bartnicki v. Vopper, 532 U.S. 514, 526 (2001) (“[GJovernment regulation of expressive activity is content neutral so long as it is justified without reference to the content of the regulated speech.” (emphasis, internal quotation marks, and citation omitted)); cf. Ebert, 2011-NMCA-098, ¶ 8 (assuming without deciding that a statute prescribing “communications based on their sexual content” is a content-based prohibition). {16} Having determined that the CDM statute is content neutral, we apply intermediate scrutiny to the statute in determining whether it infringes on Defendant’s freedom of expression. See Ongley, 118 N.M. at 433, 882 P.2d at 24 (applying intermediate scrutiny to a challenge to a criminal statute that did not “restrict[] free expression based on the content of what is expressed”). “[U]nder the intermediate level of scrutiny applicable to content-neutral regulations, [a law will be] sustained if it [is] shown to further an important or substantial governmental interest unrelated to the suppression of free speech, provided the incidental restrictions [do] not burden substantially more speech than is necessary to further those interests.” Turner Broad. Sys., Inc., 520 U.S. at 186 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Although the New Mexico Constitution provides greater protection with respect to content-based restrictions, see City of Farmington v. Fawcett, 114 N.M. 537, 547, 843 P.2d 839, 849 (Ct. App. 1992), “the protection of the federal and state constitutions are the same, at least with respect to content-neutral restrictions.” Ongley, 118 N.M. at 432, 882 P.2d at 23. {17} We first turn to whether the CDM statute furthers an important or substantial governmental interest unrelated to the suppression of free speech. See Turner Broad. Sys., Inc., 520 U.S. at 186. Defendant, citing Brown v. Entm’t Merchs. Assoc., ___ U.S. __, 131 S. Ct. 2729, 2733-35, 2738 (2011), argues that “disgust is not a valid basis for restricting expression” and that “speech directed at children” is not a category of First Amendment protection. Flowever, the State’s interest in enacting the CDM statute is not to criminalize disgust or to prevent children from hearing a particular message. Generally, “[t]he purpose of the CDM statute is to protect children from harmful adult conduct.” Barr, 1999-NMCA-081, ¶ 17 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). This State’s interest of protecting the well-being of minors is designed to protect children from “delinquency [based on w]hatever the community sense of decency and morality determines delinquency to be.” State v. Trevino, 116 N.M. 528, 532, 865 P.2d 1172, 1176 (1993). This interest “is addressed more to the mental and behavioral aspects of children than to their physical well-being.” Id. at 532-33, 865 P.2d at 1176-77. The United States Supreme Court has held that protecting the mental well-being of children is not only a substantial governmental interest, it is compelling and satisfies strict scrutiny. See New York v. Ferber, 458 U.S. 747, 756-57 (1982) (“It is evident beyond the need for elaboration that a [s]tate’s interest in safeguarding the physical and psychological well-being of a minor is compelling.” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). We too consider the State’s interest of protecting children from delinquency to be a substantial and important governmental interest, unrelated to the suppression of free speech. {18} We next turn to whether CDM statute’s “incidental restrictions [on speech] burden substantially more speech than is necessary to further those interests.” Turner Broad. Sys., Inc., 520 U.S. at 186 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Under the intermediate level of scrutiny, the restriction need not be a less-restrictive means of achieving the legitimate purpose. See id. at 217 (stating that the “less-restrictive-alternative analysis . . . has never been a part of the inquiry into the validity of content-neutral regulations on speech” and that “our cases establish that content-neutral regulations are not invalid simply because there is some imaginable alternative that might be less burdensome on speech” (internal quotation marks and citations omitted)). Defendant argues that the “definition of delinquency used by the [CDM] statute is sweeping” and “criminalizes vast amounts of protected speech because there is no definition of what speech is prohibited.” {19} However, the CDM statute is limited to circumstances that do not substantially burden more speech than necessary to further the interest of protecting children from delinquency. First, in order to convict the defendant of CDM, the defendant’s actions must be directed toward a child. Second, the CDM has a causation requirement. In order for a defendant to be guilty of CDM, the speech must have “cause[d] or tendfed] to cause or encourage” the minor to delinquency, meaning (1) to commit a crime, (2) to refuse to obey the reasonable and lawful commands or directions of a person who has lawful authority of the child, or (3) to conduct himself or herself in a manner injurious to his or her morals, health, or welfare. Section 30-6-3; UJI 14-601 NMRA. Although the definition of delinquency is broad, our Supreme Court has stated that “[t]he ways and means by which the venal mind may corrupt and debauch the youth of our land, both male and female, are so multitudinous that to compel a complete enumeration in any statute designed for protection of the young before giving it validity would be to confess the inability of modern society to cope with the problem of juvenile delinquency.” State v. McKinley, 53 N.M. 106, 111, 202 P.2d 964, 967 (1949). The CDM statute does not burden more speech than necessary in order to fulfill its broad purpose of protecting children from delinquency. {20} We note Defendant’s reliance on In re Douglas D., 2001 WI 47, 243 Wis. 2d 204, 626 N.W.2d 725. In Douglas D., the Wisconsin Supreme Court held that the First Amendment prohibited prosecution under the state’s disorderly conduct statute of a high school student who wrote a story for a creative writing assignment in which the student beheaded the teacher. Id. ¶¶ 6, 9, 11, 39. However, the court held that the “First Amendment.does not inherently bar the [sjtate from applying [the disorderly conduct statute] to unprotected speech, even if the unprotected speech is purely written speech.” Id. ¶¶ 21, 25. The court held that the state can prosecute a defendant under the disorderly conduct statute when the speech at issue is considered “abusive” conduct, which includes “true threats” under the statute. Id. ¶¶ 25, 32. The court held that, in the context of a creative writing assignment and the hyperbole and jest contained in the defendant’s story, the defendant could not be prosecuted because it was not a “true threat” for purposes of the statute and was therefore protected under the First Amendment. Id. ¶ 39. {21} This case is distinguishable from Douglas D. In this case, Defendant’s conviction did not arise solely from the content of Defendant’s letter, but instead was premised on the effect of encouraging or tending to cause or encourage Y.G.’s delinquency. Defendant does not challenge the jury’s finding in this regard. This case is therefore similar to a situation described in Douglas D., in which a defendant’s conduct does constitute a true threat and therefore is outside the realm of First Amendment protection. See id. ¶¶ 32-33. Defendant’s conviction for CDM did not violate his First Amendment or New Mexico Constitution freedom of expression rights. Overbreadth {22} Defendant next argues that the CDM statute is unconstitutionally overbroad under the First Amendment. Particularly, Defendant argues that “New Mexico [c]ourts have construed ‘delinquency’ broadly, to include acts injurious to a minor’s morals, healthy or welfare.” Therefore, Defendant contends that the CDM statute is overbroad because “it criminalizes vast amounts of protected speech because there is no definition of what speech is prohibited.” {23} A defendant may attack an overly broad statute “with no requirement that the [defendant] demonstrate that his own conduct could not be regulated by a statute drawn with the requisite narrow specificity[.]” Gooding v. Wilson, 405 U.S. 518, 520-21 (1972). Under the “First Amendment overbreadth doctrine, a statute is facially invalid if it prohibits a substantial amount of protected speech” beyond that needed to achieve the statute’s proper purpose. Vill. of Ruidoso, 2012-NMCA-035, ¶ 6 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). The United States Supreme Court has described the overbreadth doctrine as follows: The doctrine seeks to strike a balance between competing social costs. On the one hand, the threat of enforcement of an overbroad law deters people from engaging in constitutionally protected speech, inhibiting the free exchange of ideas. On the other hand, invalidating a law that in some of its applications is p erfectly constitutional — p articularly a law directed at conduct so antisocial that it has been made criminal — has obvious harmful effects. In order to maintain an appropriate balance, we have vigorously enforced the requirement that a statute’s overbreadth be substantial, not only in an absolute sense, but also relative to the statute’s plainly legitimate sweep. Invalidation for overbreadth is strong medicine that is not to be casually employed. United States v. Williams, 553 U.S. 285, 292-93 (2008) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). {24} Defendant fails to satisfy his burden of showing that the CDM statute punishes a substantial amount of protected speech. Although Defendant argues that the definition of delinquency is “sweeping” and the CDM statute therefore covers “vast amounts of protected speech,” Defendant fails to provide a single example of any type of protected speech that could lead to a conviction under the CDM statute. As we discussed in the context of Defendant’s freedom of expression argument, the CDM statute is limited to circumstances that do not substantially burden protected speech because a conviction requires that a defendant’s conduct encourage or tend to encourage a minor to (1) commit a crime, (2) refuse to obey the reasonable and lawful commands or directions of a person who has lawful authority of the child, or (3) conduct himself or herself in a manner injurious to his or her morals, health, or welfare. Section 30-6-3; UJI 14-601. Under these circumstances, any incidental infringement on protected speech is not substantial and subject to the “strong medicine” of invalidation. The CDM statute is not overbroad. Williams, 553 U.S. at 293; see State v. James M., 111 N.M. 473, 478, 806 P.2d 1063, 1068 (Ct. App. 1990) (upholding the disorderly conduct statute from an overbreadth challenge because the statute only punished “fighting words” and therefore “avoid[ed] any punishment of speech that is protected [by] the [First Amendment]” (internal quotation marks omitted)). Void for Vagueness {25} Defendant also argues that the CDM statute is unconstitutionally vague and therefore violates his rights of due process under the law. Defendant particularly relies upon the broad definition of delinquency in our case law and the reliance on juries to determine what acts constitute CDM in each particular case. We analyze a claim of vagueness according to the particular facts of each case, State v. Luckie, 120 N.M. 274, 276, 901 P.2d 205, 207 (Ct. App. 1995), and a defendant may not succeed on a vagueness claim if the statute clearly applies to the defendant’s conduct. See State v. Laguna, 1999-NMCA-152, ¶ 24, 128 N.M. 345, 992 P.2d 896. “A statute is void for vagueness if: (1) it fails to provide persons of ordinary intelligence using ordinary common sense a fair opportunity to determine whether their conduct is prohibited; or (2) it fails to create minimum guidelines for the reasonable police officer, prosecutor, judge, or jury charged with enforcement of the statute, and thereby encourages subjective and ad hoc application.” Jacquez, 2009-NMCA-124, ¶ 6. {26} Our Supreme Court has previously addressed Defendant’s argument that the CDM statute is void-for-vagueness in McKinley. In McKinley, our Supreme Court upheld the CDM statute from a void for vagueness challenge in which the defendant argued that the statute “is so vague, indefinite},] and uncertain as to be incapable of interpretation and enforcement.” 53 N.M at 109, 202 P.2d at 966. Our Supreme Court upheld the statute, reasoning that “[t]he common sense of the community, as well as the sense of decency, the propriety, and morality which most people entertain, is sufficient to apply the statute to each particular case, and point out what particular conduct is rendered criminal by it.” Id. at 111, 202 P.2d at 967 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). As set out earlier in this Opinion, the Court noted that “[t]he ways and means by which the venal mind may corrupt and debauch the youth of our land, both male and female, are so multitudinous that to compel a complete enumeration in any statute designed for protection of the young before giving it validity would be to confess the inability of modern society to cope with the problem of juvenile delinquency.” Id.; see also State v. Pitts, 103 N.M. 778, 780, 714 P.2d 582, 584 (1986) (“This Court has held the [CDM] statute constitutional despite the vagueness of its description of the proscribed acts and omissions.”). McKinley and Pitts control our disposition of the issue; and the CDM statute is not void for vagueness. See State v. Wilson, 116 N.M. 793, 796, 867 P.2d 1175, 1178 (1994) (holding that the Court of Appeals is bound by Supreme Court precedent). GENERAL/SPECIFIC {27} Defendant lastly argues that under a general/specific analysis, the State was required to charge Defendant under the sexually oriented materials statute, NMSA 1978, § 30-37-2 (1973), which criminalizes providing harmful sexually oriented materials to a minor. The general/specific statute rule, “to the extent that it requires prosecution under one statute instead of another, is connected with the principle of double jeopardy as it relates to multiple punishment for unitary conduct.” State v. Cleve, 1999-NMSC-017-22, 127 N.M. 240, 980 P.2d 23. The general/specific rule states that if one statute deals with a subject in general and comprehensive terms, and another statute addresses part of the same subject matter in a more specific manner, the latter controls. Id. ¶ 17. Our Supreme Court has stated that, in order for the rule to apply, “Courts should [apply the test enunciated in Blockburger v. United States, 284 U.S. 299 (1932), and] compare the elements of the two relevant crimes. If the elements of the two crimes are the same, the general/specific statute rule applies, and the prosecution must charge the defendant under the special law absent a clear expression of legislative intent to the contrary.” Cleve, 1999-NMSC-017, ¶ 26. Examining whether the elements of the statutes differ requires statutory interpretation, an issue of law that we review de novo. Id. ¶ 7. {28} The sexually oriented materials statute, Section 30-37-2, provides that It is unlawful for a person to knowingly sell, deliver, distribute, display for sale or provide to a minor, or knowingly to possess with intent to sell, deliver, distribute, display for sale or provide to a minor: A. any picture, photograph, drawing, sculpture, motion picture film or similar visual representation or image of a person or portion of the human body, or any replica, article[,] or device having the appearance of either male or female genitals which depicts nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement[,] or sado-masochistic abuse and which is harmful to minors; or B. any book, pamphlet, magazine, printed matter however produced or sound recording which contains any matter enumerated in Subsection A of this section or explicit and detailed verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sexual excitement, sexual conduct or sado-masochistic abuse and which, taken as a whole, is harmful to minors. {29} Defendant concedes that the statutory elements of the CDM statute and the sexually oriented materials statute are not the same, but argues that the New Mexico Supreme Court expressly adopted a modified Blockburger analysis for claims involving statutes that are vague and unspecific. See State v. Gutierrez, 2011-NMSC-024, ¶ 48, 150 N.M. 232, 258 P.3d 1024. Indeed, in Gutierrez, our Supreme Court determined that courts should look to the legal theory advanced by the state when applying the Blockburger analysis. Gutierrez, 2011-NMSC-024, ¶¶ 56-59. {30} Defendant argues that in this case “the legal theory is that by writing a sexually explicit letter which was placed in [Y.G.]’s underwear drawer, [Defendant] encouraged her to conduct herself in [a] manner injurious to the morals or the health, or the welfare of [Y.G.]” (third alteration in original). Defendant contends that this legal theory “duplicates the elements of the [s]exually [o]riented [m]aterials . . . statute[,]” which contains three elements: (1) knowingly providing to a minor (2) explicit and detailed narrative accounts of sexual excitement (3) which, taken as a whole, is harmful to minors. Section 30-37-2(B). However, even accepting Defendant’s argument regarding the theory of the case, the CDM statute and the sexually oriented materials statute contain different elements. The CDM statute requires that the material encourage delinquency, in this case, either encouraging or tending to encourage Y.G. to commit incest or conduct herself in a manner injurious to her morals, health, or welfare. The sexually oriented materials statute only requires the knowing delivery of harmful materials to a minor. {31} Further, in State v. Cuevas, 94 N.M. 792, 792, 617 P.2d 1307, 1307 (1980), overruled on other grounds by Pitts, 103 N.M. 778, 714 P.2d 582, our Supreme Court examined the general/specific rule in a case involving an adult defendant who attended a party with minors and demonstrated how to drink tequila with a lemon. The jury convicted the defendant of CDM and, on appeal, this Court held that the general/specific rule required that the defendant be charged and convicted of violations of the liquor control act, which criminalizes “aid[ing] or assisting] a minor to buy, procure},] or be served with alcoholic liquor.” Cuevas, 94 N.M. at 793, 617 P.2d at 1308. Our Supreme Court reversed, holding that “[CDM] is a crime separate and distinct from any underlying violation of the law. In fact, this Court has said that the underlying act does not have to be illegal if the element of contributing to the delinquency of a minor is still present.” Id. at 794, 617 P.2d at 1309. The Court noted that “[a]n adult can, almost always, be prosecuted under the specific statute dealing with liquor, drugs, sex, etc.[, but the] legislative purpose [of the CDM statute] is different from that behind our drug and liquor laws.” Id. {32} This case is similar and therefore governed by Cuevas. Although Defendant’s conduct leading to the CDM charge could also have led to a conviction under the sexually oriented materials statute, CDM is separate and distinct from any underlying violation of the law. See id. The State had discretion to determine charges that should be brought against Defendant based upon the evidence available to support them. See Cleve, 1999-NMSC-017, ¶ 26 (“This Court has long acknowledged the [state’s] broad discretion to conduct criminal prosecutions, including its power to select the charges to be brought in a particular case.” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). Defendant’s conviction for CDM did not violate the general/specific rule, and the State was not required to charge Defendant under the sexually oriented materials statute. CONCLUSION {33} We hold that (1) the State presented sufficient evidence to support Defendant’s conviction; (2) the CDM statute did not violate Defendant’s right to free expression under the federal and state constitutions; (3) the CDM statute is not unconstitutionally overbroad under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution; (4) as a matter of due process, the CDM statute is not unconstitutionally vague; and (5) under the general/specific rule, the State was not required to charge Defendant for violating the statute prohibiting providing sexually oriented materials harmful to a minor instead of CDM. Accordingly, we affirm. {34} IT IS SO ORDERED. JAMES J. WECHSLER, Judge I CONCUR: J. MILES HANISEE, Judge JONATHAN B. SUTIN, Judge (specially concurring)
[ 0.013128353282809258, -0.04368636757135391, -0.019983502104878426, 0.0029953981284052134, 0.04086955264210701, -0.03537701815366745, 0.0704430565237999, 0.015604724176228046, 0.005916424095630646, -0.019162539392709732, 0.041036155074834824, 0.04426289349794388, -0.03030019998550415, 0.051338378340005875, -0.04706566780805588, 0.05503419041633606, 0.05280676484107971, 0.01339766476303339, 0.027639241889119148, -0.023045463487505913, -0.015162396244704723, 0.004841337911784649, 0.0011090352199971676, 0.07054328918457031, 0.01817731000483036, 0.01571717858314514, 0.03501349315047264, -0.007733043283224106, -0.06333888322114944, -0.008169506676495075, 0.04552147537469864, -0.011601287871599197, 0.02109617553651333, -0.007531953975558281, -0.0231927540153265, -0.020623207092285156, -0.021597009152173996, -0.010549637489020824, -0.0003227716370020062, 0.03402727097272873, 0.0006315727368928492, -0.004347785376012325, -0.037167154252529144, -0.046972908079624176, -0.04833107814192772, 0.013048052787780762, -0.010866337455809116, 0.03861704468727112, 0.0003098422603216022, 0.001983210677281022, -0.060127533972263336, 0.006178565323352814, -0.01658105105161667, 0.02678656205534935, -0.00009066811617230996, 0.014255836606025696, -0.06485971808433533, -0.041622407734394073, -0.00258495076559484, -0.041176728904247284, -0.010966259054839611, -0.022667258977890015, 0.07426469773054123, -0.0038626461755484343, -0.013710211962461472, -0.013922442682087421, 0.01293210219591856, 0.03065059334039688, -0.03240432217717171, -0.03326839208602905, -0.027044596150517464, 0.005769812967628241, 0.0326690711081028, -0.007910173386335373, -0.021130429580807686, -0.01846926473081112, -0.005984162911772728, 0.03256098926067352, -0.010327286086976528, 0.02509363368153572, -0.01825583353638649, 0.02612701803445816, 0.017612412571907043, 0.03520350903272629, -0.024007586762309074, -0.07726076245307922, -0.020811988040804863, 0.02560524269938469, -0.012230735272169113, 0.06832943856716156, -0.027731720358133316, -0.027494298294186592, 0.04286806285381317, 0.07021692395210266, 0.016431383788585663, -0.02272341586649418, 0.06575213372707367, -0.03564062342047691, -0.0012398794060572982, -0.007547701243311167, 0.012712354771792889, -0.006329470779746771, 0.012852221727371216, 0.011884811334311962, -0.0833631083369255, 0.007986658252775669, 0.00970564316958189, 0.006996063981205225, -0.0027760996017605066, -0.0024815115612000227, 0.021509086713194847, 0.04670584946870804, -0.00883808359503746, -0.035756200551986694, -0.07327812910079956, 0.06257529556751251, 0.016744079068303108, -0.06002326309680939, -0.02654159441590309, 0.0034312002826482058, 0.01922990195453167, -0.0043034628033638, 0.015597542747855186, 0.08622392266988754, 0.05272800475358963, 0.0031379989814013243, 0.08119583874940872, 0.06382516771554947, -0.035127848386764526, -0.054148249328136444, 0.008806303143501282, 0.03485723212361336, 0.019586730748414993, 0.008290765807032585, -0.04609436169266701, -0.04233227297663689, -0.02243238128721714, -0.0276808999478817, 0.04419296979904175, -0.004766589961946011, 0.0005162249435670674, -0.028382044285535812, 0.024368684738874435, -0.009114550426602364, 0.029425833374261856, -0.050033677369356155, 0.018107514828443527, 0.023327907547354698, -0.03863759711384773, 0.035105783492326736, 0.045022085309028625, 0.03495633229613304, 0.010690698400139809, -0.05588569492101669, -0.036213770508766174, 0.03651326149702072, 0.039482999593019485, -0.001541330013424158, 0.01624995470046997, 0.05734657496213913, 0.0366123728454113, 0.024621808901429176, -0.00390981137752533, 0.02472998946905136, -0.007390311453491449, 0.03175244480371475, 0.019437290728092194, 0.008375968784093857, -0.04184161499142647, 0.04616063833236694, -0.0023223247844725847, -0.013112984597682953, 0.028568437322974205, -0.023533012717962265, -0.044298943132162094, 0.006082229781895876, 0.021685028448700905, 0.023033561185002327, 0.0009424379677511752, -0.032907795161008835, -0.0688648670911789, 0.050346244126558304, -0.003076661378145218, 0.003594421548768878, -0.013726129196584225, -0.020806297659873962, 0.023830246180295944, -0.02336125448346138, -0.017252499237656593, -0.017977483570575714, -0.08340437710285187, -0.03350812569260597, -0.00433350307866931, -0.01749354973435402, 0.041736166924238205, 0.02596648968756199, -0.023099081590771675, 0.06498869508504868, 0.0058228084817528725, 0.03616994246840477, 0.01782323606312275, 0.018276531249284744, 0.038791473954916, -0.027339762076735497, -0.040656767785549164, 0.03524809703230858, 0.03667796775698662, -0.018769267946481705, 0.009657137095928192, 0.047620631754398346, -0.012620893307030201, 0.002891713986173272, 0.012277606874704361, -0.019512513652443886, 0.00894101895391941, -0.03959118574857712, 0.05738228186964989, -0.03354079648852348, 0.03720957040786743, -0.0570891872048378, 0.012312183156609535, -0.021583860740065575, -0.04236546903848648, 0.05070226266980171, -0.026897089555859566, 0.10364165157079697, 0.06271208822727203, -0.016412345692515373, 0.0022830369416624308, 0.03280371055006981, -0.008260614238679409, -0.02229403331875801, 0.005956354551017284, 0.0038777519948780537, 0.050671402364969254, 0.03841737285256386, -0.004519451409578323, 0.013963666744530201, 0.0332261398434639, -0.036152858287096024, 0.0313594713807106, 0.07080930471420288, 0.025940759107470512, 0.042275719344615936, -0.05565660074353218, -0.004504965152591467, -0.017164479941129684, 0.0013755351537838578, 0.0011893719201907516, -0.03343094885349274, -0.027242813259363174, -0.0038000212516635656, -0.009016227908432484, -0.022714894264936447, 0.008881895802915096, -0.05371424928307533, -0.02500615082681179, -0.020073238760232925, 0.019415272399783134, 0.015068444423377514, -0.00017861735250335187, 0.03514000028371811, 0.008411839604377747, -0.0050704521127045155, -0.03210514038801193, -0.02868148684501648, -0.04824390262365341, 0.016656288877129555, 0.006669678725302219, 0.0237763412296772, 0.02004954218864441, 0.028537508100271225, -0.00782251637428999, -0.0021485083270817995, 0.014051315374672413, 0.025656528770923615, 0.03694269806146622, -0.015356680378317833, -0.034664079546928406, -0.016956226900219917, -0.04477417841553688, 0.014156685210764408, -0.04719342291355133, -0.05799633264541626, 0.028982115909457207, -0.04347648471593857, 0.01632685400545597, -0.014641561545431614, -0.04487605020403862, 0.045996978878974915, 0.03238627687096596, 0.02412816323339939, -0.009332503192126751, 0.03965400531888008, 0.01756497472524643, 0.04791244864463806, 0.02363014593720436, 0.047148268669843674, 0.03475679084658623, -0.034892741590738297, -0.012049752287566662, -0.022686664015054703, -0.01766427606344223, 0.03423328697681427, 0.017856664955615997, 0.008574087172746658, -0.015119537711143494, 0.014733307994902134, -0.2679763436317444, 0.055653393268585205, -0.03761446848511696, -0.04495009407401085, 0.04221374914050102, -0.014990194700658321, 0.035030610859394073, -0.05065339431166649, 0.0013740368885919452, 0.05860290303826332, -0.011862779967486858, -0.015221537090837955, 0.02637345902621746, 0.040907952934503555, 0.018406718969345093, -0.028106391429901123, -0.0026919422671198845, -0.021269941702485085, -0.010281547904014587, 0.041662007570266724, 0.007465258706361055, -0.05537634342908859, -0.039453890174627304, 0.010353807359933853, 0.053614791482686996, 0.04106122627854347, -0.039653480052948, -0.01777135394513607, -0.07402566075325012, 0.0020983130671083927, -0.029687030240893364, -0.0030883564613759518, -0.041161149740219116, 0.010616859421133995, -0.037457846105098724, 0.04011400789022446, 0.004288066178560257, -0.013741541653871536, -0.038582030683755875, 0.00635374803096056, 0.005316777154803276, -0.026354189962148666, -0.036540161818265915, 0.037216294556856155, 0.026615343987941742, 0.0008890762110240757, -0.060998909175395966, -0.0353693924844265, -0.009599000215530396, 0.07268089801073074, -0.05296818166971207, -0.010451912879943848, -0.02052953839302063, 0.032285671681165695, -0.03493427485227585, -0.01712481863796711, -0.057486291974782944, -0.004975022282451391, -0.05318561941385269, 0.02842857502400875, 0.0036021722480654716, -0.05037190392613411, -0.048411231487989426, -0.06676962971687317, -0.010256924666464329, -0.026935115456581116, -0.06754838675260544, -0.05836854130029678, 0.09890703856945038, 0.05370767414569855, 0.03226826339960098, 0.005234174430370331, -0.01522887498140335, -0.07235534489154816, -0.00012840409181080759, -0.028633251786231995, -0.027235012501478195, -0.050872933119535446, -0.03466523438692093, 0.032280854880809784, -0.01511513814330101, -0.016926802694797516, 0.0267369095236063, 0.030293472111225128, -0.0016935566673055291, 0.02249966748058796, 0.0073421248234808445, 0.04864458739757538, -0.05785252898931503, -0.007669722195714712, 0.06384454667568207, 0.06897489726543427, -0.03844771161675453, -0.006077291909605265, 0.042426422238349915, 0.02123703807592392, -0.0036180992610752583, -0.005107714794576168, 0.00409404281526804, -0.008784647099673748, 0.033865977078676224, -0.05193353071808815, 0.03141371160745621, 9.191858225676697e-7, -0.020412063226103783, 0.003934721928089857, -0.06157919019460678, 0.012292926199734211, 0.03268621861934662, -0.025840969756245613, 0.026317168027162552, -0.015534215606749058, 0.02400779351592064, -0.030245723202824593, -0.0011534736258909106, -0.021642614156007767, 0.019784359261393547, -0.02637280896306038, 0.015536855906248093, 0.00020419667998794466, 0.009299107827246189, 0.042629070580005646, -0.045144446194171906, -0.013272884301841259, -0.09098325669765472, -0.020016733556985855, -0.0157991424202919, 0.029420429840683937, 0.01745152845978737, 0.02061670459806919, -0.04671820253133774, -0.01068348903208971, 0.02619859203696251, 0.002267301082611084, 0.028285523876547813, 0.008872599340975285, -0.023695167154073715, -0.06271660327911377, -0.01143775973469019, -0.020499009639024734, 0.04964027181267738, -0.0028385005425661802, 0.013140609487891197, 0.026069214567542076, 0.03425891324877739, -0.015179816633462906, 0.023243507370352745, -0.004241127986460924, -0.06321541219949722, 0.016507331281900406, 0.045739077031612396, -0.06442458927631378, 0.06207672134041786, -0.0356450192630291, -0.0642692819237709, -0.0070205735974013805, -0.004737601615488529, 0.033739183098077774, -0.018825588747859, -0.04177077114582062, 0.0008085464360192418, 0.013810023665428162, 0.016524866223335266, -0.020224465057253838, -0.008418388664722443, 0.058747485280036926, -0.03416123986244202, -0.00385383702814579, -0.031154213473200798, 0.044217634946107864, -0.002781308488920331, -0.03994787856936455, -0.008785665966570377, 0.01127766352146864, -0.004229370970278978, 0.04084660857915878, -0.004989910405129194, 0.0015189695404842496, 0.01967848464846611, 0.03062763623893261, -0.03412085771560669, -0.0665576308965683, -0.015193792060017586, 0.013541472144424915, 0.03128400444984436, -0.005858317948877811, -0.03765042871236801, -0.06162790581583977, -0.06898144632577896, 0.010985546745359898, -0.0016803458565846086, 0.007272984832525253, 0.013276212848722935, -0.013476590625941753, -0.0547630600631237, -0.04684153571724892, -0.012895223684608936, 0.010816723108291626, 0.06561208516359329, 0.025519754737615585, -0.007024313788861036, 0.007531302981078625, -0.04672883823513985, -0.02126193232834339, -0.016550758853554726, -0.039647091180086136, 0.0345827154815197, 0.00015633135626558214, 0.003455971134826541, 0.015573265962302685, -0.08050882816314697, -0.041134804487228394, -0.00899649690836668, -0.012161709368228912, 0.03940364718437195, -0.07370088249444962, 0.03973030298948288, -0.025327766314148903, -0.012631043791770935, -0.005896862596273422, -0.008863944560289383, -0.047520142048597336, -0.004572500474750996, -0.0037047017831355333, -0.026209425181150436, 0.05294194445014, -0.03501763939857483, -0.01026097685098648, 0.011644847691059113, -0.025631610304117203, 0.022911477833986282, -0.013200079090893269, 0.02136211283504963, 0.030473554506897926, -0.034717168658971786, -0.027222484350204468, 0.01105729304254055, 0.010856619104743004, -0.005092684179544449, 0.07528896629810333, 0.054138462990522385, 0.02045120857656002, -0.0252254419028759, -0.02099512703716755, 0.023091787472367287, -0.005623356439173222, 0.00648800004273653, -0.019833683967590332, -0.042321912944316864, 0.08541792631149292, -0.021631641313433647, 0.003155888058245182, -0.023436078801751137, -0.004298127256333828, 0.08024853467941284, -0.04049781337380409, -0.024843866005539894, 0.0062498245388269424, 0.02514488995075226, 0.038621824234724045, -0.007875841110944748, 0.00736395874992013, -0.029535699635744095, 0.038471270352602005, 0.053080860525369644, 0.02767305262386799, -0.011383525095880032, -0.019666297361254692, 0.033600814640522, -0.060490064322948456, -0.031789492815732956, -0.08428338915109634, 0.02271699160337448, -0.0015638349577784538, 0.011059698648750782, 0.03015078604221344, 0.023319413885474205, -0.018955502659082413, 0.024249481037259102, -0.10477201640605927, -0.020083246752619743, -0.00040397123666480184, 0.0024993594270199537, -0.020198095589876175, 0.020230267196893692, -0.020000433549284935, 0.0009743640548549592, -0.0017674645641818643, -0.09031197428703308, -0.04327459633350372, 0.004193240776658058, -0.007669774349778891, 0.05986829102039337, -0.001662921509705484, 0.01827317848801613, 0.027372008189558983, 0.009610483422875404, 0.06432352215051651, 0.02633325196802616, -0.003434431739151478, -0.0056500122882425785, 0.0524369440972805, 0.03742816299200058, -0.008237435482442379, -0.030329758301377296, -0.04208690673112869, -0.011131717823445797, -0.07233893126249313, -0.018475227057933807, 0.05337592959403992, -0.040015462785959244, -0.07865385711193085, 0.055901769548654556, -0.03227444738149643, -0.07956882566213608, -0.00003913805267075077, 0.030106861144304276, 0.00528712896630168, -0.031604815274477005, -0.027995623648166656, 0.05810413882136345, 0.005033687222748995, 0.06639612466096878, 0.03267214819788933, 0.06517420709133148, 0.054100219160318375, -0.013251655735075474, 0.0225838590413332, 0.03921999782323837, 0.05434882640838623, 0.04727989062666893, -0.01491190679371357, 0.03794519975781441, 0.07053603231906891, 0.014703628607094288, -0.02600339613854885, 0.010137825272977352, 0.003070815233513713, 0.012729058042168617, 0.005173476412892342, 0.0018737069331109524, 0.055950962007045746, -0.03903650492429733, 0.08180345594882965, 0.026186805218458176, 0.00945298746228218, 0.04996316879987717, -0.0023443533573299646, 0.030544834211468697, 0.03133999928832054, 0.012416657991707325, -0.056177228689193726, -0.005533765070140362, 0.004188862629234791, 0.01726446859538555, 0.021464837715029716, -0.007643908727914095, 0.006990020629018545, -0.05458404868841171, 0.016237899661064148, -0.035308994352817535, -0.012073962949216366, 0.05280189961194992, -0.04666674882173538, -0.005797368474304676, -0.002463232958689332, 0.013864235021173954, 0.04216545820236206, -0.017949599772691727, -0.011136905290186405, 0.00429338775575161, -0.027653615921735764, -0.04179970547556877, -0.022859882563352585, 0.038735438138246536, 0.016964901238679886, 0.05670178309082985, 0.0104136373847723, -0.019505122676491737, 0.008489674888551235, 0.027660049498081207, -0.032633814960718155, -0.04817834123969078, -0.04679957777261734, -0.022760041058063507, -0.027655238285660744, 0.019864719361066818, 0.060031574219465256, 0.003430853597819805, -0.04670577868819237, 0.004226730205118656, -0.022729262709617615, -0.006634589284658432, 0.021604441106319427, -0.05294695124030113, 0.05112410709261894, 0.04294789955019951, 0.05306548252701759, 0.051637765020132065, 0.006376101169735193, 0.018297085538506508, -0.02906295470893383, -0.05664348229765892, -0.008703978732228279, -0.043687183409929276, 0.03646751120686531, -0.01352724526077509, 0.0005850656307302415, -0.08772260695695877, -0.0005421977839432657, 0.012698980048298836, -0.01599244400858879, -0.05948023125529289, 0.020329078659415245, 0.009160102345049381, 0.009807022288441658, 0.09190747141838074, -0.017727691680192947, -0.03727232664823532, -0.03400611877441406, -0.018449882045388222, 0.016077600419521332, -0.010793233290314674, 0.07197602093219757, -0.016380969434976578, 0.0653071403503418, 0.052931394428014755, -0.008184337988495827, -0.05903802067041397, 0.03320242464542389, 0.04246807470917702, 0.006002254318445921, -0.013467395678162575, 0.03996110334992409, -0.04462209716439247, -0.039308324456214905, -0.05212784186005592, -0.012672774493694305, -0.015899142250418663, -0.02543793059885502, -0.0003108189848717302, -0.04470468685030937, -0.011936601251363754, -0.05961885675787926, 0.04336956888437271, 0.029484234750270844, -0.049312617629766464, -0.023359952494502068, -0.0503050833940506, -0.0029577312525361776, -0.012849787250161171, -0.0041182334534823895, -0.007005874998867512, -0.04654907062649727, -0.0017987391911447048, -0.042605914175510406, 0.03383905440568924, 0.0017659470904618502, 0.000609497947152704, -0.013495733961462975 ]
OPINION FRY, Judge. {1} In this opinion we consider two lawsuits filed by the Estates at Desert Ridge Trails Homeowners’ Association (HOA) seeking to enjoin David Vasquez, Defendant, from renting his home on a short-term basis. The district court denied the HOA’s request for injunctive relief in both cases, and the HOA now appeals those orders. In its first appeal, the HOA primarily argues that the short-term rentals violate the limiting language in the restrictive covenants that lots be used for “single-family residential purposes” and the HOA’s rules and regulations barring certain business activities within the subdivision and rentals for less than thirty days. Between the first lawsuit and the second lawsuit, the HOA amended the restrictive covenants. In its second appeal, the HOA primarily argues that the short-term rentals violate the amended restrictive covenants barring rentals for less than ninety days. For efficiency, we address both appeals in this opinion and affirm the district court. BACKGROUND {2} Defendant purchased a lot in the Estates at Desert Ridge Trails subdivision (Subdivision) in 2006 and constructed ahorne on the lot. All lots purchased in the gated Subdivision were subject to the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions recorded in 2004 (CCRs). In addition to the CCRs, rules and regulations were promulgated in 2007 supplementing the initial rules and regulations recorded with the CCRs. The Subdivision’s HOA was subsequently formed and charged with enforcing the CCRs and the Subdivision’s rules and regulations. The HOA’s First Lawsuit {3} In June 2010, Defendant began renting his home on a short-term basis. Defendant’s internet advertisement of the home listed a minimum rental term of three nights and did not provide for individual room rentals. Defendant testified at the hearing that he rented the home to families and that he had never rented to more than eight people. Defendant also testified that he charged renters a lodger’s tax but did not carry a separate business license for his rental activities related to the home. {4} In September 2010, the HOA’s counsel sent Defendant a letter notifying him that the short-term rentals of his home violated the CCRs and the Subdivision’s rules and regulations. The letter requested that Defendant cease and desist from any further short-term rental activity. When Defendant did not stop renting the home, the HOA sought and was granted an ex parte temporary restraining order and filed a verified complaint for permanent injunctive relief barring Defendant’s short-term rentals. Following two hearings and supplemental briefing by the parties, the district court concluded that the CCRs did not prohibit D efendant from renting his home on a short-term basis and that the HOA rules and regulations constituted an unreasonable interference with Defendant’s use and enjoyment of his property and were therefore unenforceable. The district court issued an order dissolving the temporary restraining order and denying the HOA’s request for injunctive relief. The HOA appealed the district court’s order. The HOA’s Second Lawsuit {5} On November 11, 2010, the HOA board of directors resolved to amend the CCRs to prohibit rentals for less than ninety days. Notice was sent to the members of the HOA that a vote was to be held on the proposed amendments to -the CCRs at the' annual meeting talcing place on December 6, 2010. At the December meeting, fourteen votes were cast in person and thirty-two by proxy in favor of amending the CCRs. Realizing that it did not have what it believed to be the two-thirds vote needed to amend the CCRs, the HOA called a special meeting for January 11,2011, to again vote on the proposed amendments. Forty-nine votes were cast in favor of the proposed amendments at the January meeting. The thirty-two affirmative proxy votes and the fourteen votes cast in person from the December meeting were also included in the final vote tally, bringing the vote total to ninety-five in favor and four against. The HOA considered this vote sufficient to amend and record the Supplemental CCRs. {6} The Supplemental CCRs were recorded on January 25, 2011. On March 3, 2011, the HOA filed suit against Defendant for a second time. The HOA’s complaint sought to enjoin Defendant from engaging in short-term rental activity pursuant to the Supplemental CCRs and alleged various other violations stemming from separate provisions of the Supplemental CCRs and HOA rules and regulations. The district court concluded, however, that a valid amendment to the CCRs required unanimous agreement of the lot owners, which the HOA did not have. Therefore, the district court denied the HOA’s claims, finding that all of the alleged violations fell under the Supplemental CCRs, which it concluded were void. The HOA appealed, again. DISCUSSION I. The First Lawsuit A. The District Court Did Not Abuse Its Discretion in Declining to Consider Violations of CCR Provisions Not Pleaded in the Complaint {7} We begin by addressing the issues raised by the HOA on appeal regarding alleged violations of CCRs and zoning code provisions that were notpleaded in the HOA’s complaint or the motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) in the first lawsuit. The HOA’s complaint and motion for a TRO specifically alleged violations of Article VI, Section 21 of the CCRs and Rules 2.1 and 2.2 of the HOA rules and regulations (Rules 2.1 and 2.2). Neither the complaint nor the motion for a TRO specifically alleged violations of Article VI, Sections 29 (nuisances), 45 (temporary uses), or 49 (zoning; development). In addition, Defendant testified that the HOA notified him that it believed he had violated only Article VI,Section21 of the CCRs and Rules 2.1 and 2.2 of the rules and regulations. Immediately prior to the hearing, the HOA apparently alerted Defendant that it intended to argue that Defendant violated additional CCR sections. Defendant argued prior to the hearing and during his closing argument that evidence and arguments on alleged violations of extraneous provisions of the CCRs were beyond the pleadings and should not be considered. The district court agreed and it specifically limited its ruling to the violations of Section 21 of the CCRs and Rules 2.1 and 2.2 of the HOA rules and regulations alleged in the complaint. {8} On appeal, the HOA argues that the district court’s refusal to rule on these issues was an abuse of discretion because the district court’s order was inconsistent with the record. The HOA claims that its general allegation in the complaint that “Defendant has violated the covenants contained in the D eclaration and the Rule[s] and Regulations of the Subdivision” put Defendant on notice that his conduct not only violated the provisions explicitly alleged in the complaint, but also any other provision the HOA conceivably considered violated by Defendant’s conduct by the time of the hearing. In other words, the HOA contends that violations of Sections 29,45, and 49 were alleged in the complaint under its general allegation regarding Defendant’s violation of the CCRs and that the court abused its discretion in not considering the testimony and briefing on these alleged violations. {9} We are not persuaded. The complaint and the motion for a TRO specified only Section 21 of the CCRs and Rules 2.1 and 2.2 of the rules and regulations. Therefore, Defendant could reasonably understand the HOA’s claims to be limited to those sections. To the extent that the HOA’s eleventh-hour attempt to add violations of other sections of the CCRs and of the rules and regulations can be construed as an attempt to amend its complaint, we review the district court’s denial of that attempt for abuse of discretion. See Roark v. Farmers Group, Inc., 2007-NMCA- 074, ¶ 14, 142 N.M. 59, 162 P.3d 896. Here, Defendant prepared for the hearing on the basis of the complaint and the motion for a TRO, and the HOA did not alert either Defendant or the district court that it intended to assert claims beyond the specific provisions cited in the complaint and the motion until immediately prior to the hearing. Consequently, the district court could have reasonably determined that permitting the purported amendment would be prejudicial to Defendant, and it acted within its sound discretion in refusing to consider the HOA’s additional claims. B. Defendant’s Short-Term Rentals Did Not Violate the Original CCRs {10} We now turn to the.violations alleged in the HOA’s complaint and motion for a TRO and begin with the HOA’s contention that the CCRs prohibited Defendant’s short-term rentals. The district court concluded that Article VI, Section 21 of the CCRs did not prohibit such use. Article VI, Section 21 states, in relevant part, “No Lot or any portion thereof shall be used except for single-family residential purposes.” The HOA argues that use of the home as a short-term rental is inconsistent with the “single-family residential purposes” limitation on the lot because the short-term nature of the rentals makes them more akin to business or commercial uses such as a hotel or lodging house. {11} Interpretation of language in a restrictive covenant is a question of law that we review de novo. Heltman v. Catanach, 2010-NMCA-016-5, 148 N.M.67, 229 P.3d 1239. In interpreting a restrictive covenant, we look to certain general rales of construction: First, when the language of a restrictive covenant is unclear or is subject to ambiguity, then the covenant will be resolved in favor of the free enjoyment of the property and against the restriction. Second, restrictions on land use will not be read into covenants by implication lest the free alienability of property be frustrated. Third, restrictive covenants must be considered reasonably, though strictly, so that illogical, unnatural or strained construction will not be effected. [Fjourth, words in a restrictive covenant must be given their ordinary and intended meaning. Cain v. Powers, 100 N.M. 184, 186, 668 P.2d 300, 302 (1983) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). {12} The HOA does not argue that rentals in general are prohibited by the covenants. Rather, the HOA’s argument necessarily depends on drawing a distinction between short- and long-term rentals, which assumes that while the latter are a permissible residential use, the former, by the nature of their duration, are transformed into a business or commercial purpose. Because the language of the covenant does not specifically draw such a distinction, we turn to an examination of the term “single-family residential purposes” in light of case law both in New Mexico and in other jurisdictions that have interpreted similar restrictive covenants. {13} “Residential use” or “residential purposes” language in a restrictive covenant, without further limiting language, has routinely been interpreted as intending a use of the property for “living purposes, or a dwelling, or a place of abode.” Lowden v. Bosley, 909 A.2d 261, 267 (Md. 2006). Courts following this interpretation read into this term a prohibition on activities associated with a commercial or business purpose, regardless of whether the covenants at issue include such an express prohibition. See Blevins v. Barry-Lawrence Cnty. Ass’n for Retarded Citizens, 707 S.W.2d 407, 408 (Mo. 1986) (en banc) (stating that the plain and ordinary meaning of “residential purposes” is “one in which people reside or dwell, or which they make their homes, as distinguished from one which is used for commercial or business purposes” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)); Mullin v. Silvercreek Condo. Owner’s Ass’n., 195 S.W.3d 484, 490 (Mo. Ct. App. 2006) (defining “residential purposes” as limiting the use of the owner’s unit for the “purpose of residing or dwelling . . . as distinguished from using the realty for commercial or business purposes” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); see also Catawba Orchard Beach Ass'n. v. Basinger, 685 N.E.2d 584, 589 (Ohio Ct. App. 1996) (“The words ‘residence’ or ‘residential’ in restrictive covenants are used in contradiction to the word ‘business.’ ” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). Thus, resolution of this issue is just as much a question of whether short-term rentals constitute a business or commercial purpose as whether short-term rentals are, strictly speaking, a residential purpose. {14} In Mason Family Trust v. DeVaney, this Court held that deed restrictions that limited use of the property to “dwelling purposes only” and specifically prohibited any use of the property for “business or commercial purposes” did not prohibit short-term rentals. 2009-NMCA-048, ¶¶ 1-3, 146 N.M. 199, 207 P.3d 1176. While we stated in DeVaney that the defendant’s use of the property “may have constituted an economic endeavor,” id. ¶ 10, we concluded that his “rental of a house or abode for a short-term use as a shelter to live in [was] significantly different from using the property to conduct a business or commercial enterprise on the premises.” Id. ¶ 14; see id. ¶ 15 (“Under our ruling . . . this commercial or business use restriction [does not] preclude the economic aspect of an owner’s vacation home which is also partially used as a short-term rental for dwelling purposes.”). We specifically limited DeVaney’s holding to the facts presented in that case, but we see no reason to depart from its reasoning here. We therefore conclude, as we did in DeVaney, that an economic benefit flowing to Defendant from the rental of his home, whether long- or short-term, does not by itself constitute an impermissible business or commercial activity under the “residential purposes” restrictive covenant. See Lowden, 909 A.2d at 267 (“While the owner may be receiving rental income, the use of the property is unquestionably ‘residential.’ The fact that the owner receives rental income is not, in any way, inconsistent with the property being used as a residence.” (emphasis omitted)); see also Pinehaven Planning Bd. v. Brooks, 70 P.3d 664, 668 (Idaho 2003) (“Renting the property for residential purposes, whether short[-] or long-term, does not fit within [the covenant’s] prohibitions . . . [and] renting this dwelling to people who use it for the purpose of eating, sleeping, and other residential purposes does not violate the prohibition on commercial and business activity as such terms are commonly understood.”). {15} The HOA points us to a number of cases in which courts have held that residential use restrictions prohibit short-term rentals or temporary occupancy. Most of these cases dealt with “tourist” homes or bed and breakfast-type facilities in which the homeowners rented out individual bedrooms to transient occupiers. See Fick v. Weedon, 613 N.E.2d 362 (Ill. App. Ct. 1993); Bruni v. Thacker, 853 P.2d 307 (Or. Ct. App. 1993); Carr v. Trivett, 143 S.W.2d 900 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1940); Deitrick v. Leadbetter, 8 S.E.2d 276 (Va. 1940). However, this was not the case here where Defendant rented the entire home, and we do not find these cases persuasive. See DeVaney, 2009-NMCA-048, ¶ 14 (citing Hill v. Cmty. of Damien of Molokai, 1996-NMSC-008, ¶ 11, 121 N.M. 353, 911 P.2d 861, in distinguishing the short-term rental of the defendant’s home from a “commercial [use] — i.e., a boarding house that provides food and lodging only — or is institutional in character” (internal quotation marks omitted)). {16} The HOA further cites Benard v. Humble, in which the court held that short-term rentals of a home violated a deed restriction that stated, “No lot shall be used except for single-family residence purposes.” 990 S.W.2d 929, 930, 931 (Tex. Ct. App. 1999) (internal quotation marks omitted). While we note the similarity between the restrictive covenant’s language in Humble and the one currently before us, we find the reasoning used by the court in reaching its conclusion unpersuasive. In attempting to give meaning to the term “residence,” the Humble court looked to both the Texas Family Code’s requirements for establishing residency in order to file a divorce proceeding and cases interpreting “residence” for purposes of the Texas Election Code in ruling that the restrictive covenant prohibited rentals for less than ninety days. Id. at 931-32. We do not agree, however, that the policies behind statutory residency requirements for voting or to establish jurisdiction for divorce proceedings easily translate to the interpretation of restrictive covenants. Furthermore, adopting a similar analysis to that in Humble would require us to disregard our express directive inDeVaney that “[i]n the context of a residential subdivision, we interpret a dwelling purpose to be use[d] as a house or abode, and once a proper use has been established, we do not attach any requirement of permanency or length of stay.” 2009-NMCA-048, ¶ 12; see Yogman v. Parrott, 937 P.2d 1019, 1021 (Or. 1997) (en banc) (stating that “‘residence’ can refer simply to a building used as a dwelling place, or it can refer to a place where one intends to live for a long time[.] The people who rent [the] defendants’ beach house use it as a temporary home, and their purpose is to engage in activities commonly associated with a dwelling place.”). {17} Because we conclude that the “residential purposes” language of the covenant would not, by itself, preclude Defendant’s short-term rentals, we now turn to the “single-family” limitation and the CCR provision at issue as a whole. {18} In Hill, our Supreme Court construed the term “single family” in a restrictive covenant that stated, “No lot shall ever be used for any purpose other than single family residence purposes,” as a limitation on the use of the property as opposed to only a limitation on the type of structure that could be constructed. 1996-NMSC-008, ¶¶ 3, 12-21 (emphasis, internal quotation marks and citation omitted). While the use of the home in Hill as a group home for individuals with terminal illnesses was significantly different from the use in the present case, we agree with the HOA that New Mexico courts interpret the term “single family,” absent clear language in the restrictive covenant to the contrary, as having an independent significance apart from the physical design of the home. Contra Sissel v. Smith, 250 S.E.2d 463, 595, 596-97 (Ga. 1978) (holding that the defendant’s use of her residence as a beauty parlor did not violate the “single family residence purposes only” restrictive covenant because the covenant “should be interpreted as a restriction upon the type s of buildings that can be constructed on the lots . . . and not as a limitation on the types of activities” (emphasis added) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). {19} Because we must consider the use of Defendant’s house, the HOA urges us to look not only to the definition of “family” used in Hill but also to various Albuquerque ordinances and zoning code provisions in order to conclude that Defendant’s short-term rentals are in violation of this provision of the CCRs. While ordinances and zoning code provisions could provide “persuasive evidence for a proper interpretation of [an] ambiguous term in the covenant,” Hill 1996-NMSC-008, ¶ 15, we conclude that the HOA simply did not provide sufficient evidence at the hearing that Defendant was, in fact, violating the “single-family” limitation in the CCRs, no matter how strictly or broadly we interpret that term. Defendant, on the other hand, continuously maintained that his renters were families. For example, when being questioned by Plaintiffs counsel, Defendant repeatedly referred to his renters as families. Furthermore, when specifically asked by his own counsel whether he ever rented to more than one family, Defendant replied, “No sir, just one family.” Presumably in rebuttal, the HOA introduced three surreptitiously taken photos of Defendant’s renters, one taken over his backyard fence showing five middle-aged adults sitting by the pool, and Defendant’s internet advertisement of the property, which does not ask potential renters whether they are related. Regardless of what the HOA intended these photos and the internet advertisement to prove, viewing the evidence and its inferences in support of the district court’s ruling, we cannot hold that the HOA’s evidence established that Defendant has violated the “single family” limitation. {20} Finally, our general rules of construction for restrictive covenants compel the conclusion that Defendant’s short-term rentals do not violate the restrictive covenant at issue. See Cain, 100 N.M. at 186, 668 P.2d at 302. As stated above, nothing in the plain language of the covenant draws a distinction between what the HOA views as permissible long-term rentals and prohibited short-term rentals. Essentially, the HOA asks us to read such a distinction into the covenant by implication, which we will not do. See id. (stating that “when the language of a restrictive covenant is unclear . . . the covenant will be resolved in favor of the free enjoyment of the property and against the restriction . . . [and] restrictions on land use will not be read into [the] covenants by implication lest the free alienability of property be frustrated”). In sum, we emphasize again what we said in DeVaney: If a restrictive covenant is to preclude short-term rentals it must be stated with sufficient specificity in the covenant. 2009-NMCA-048, ¶ 15. C. The HOA’s Rule Against Short Term Rentals is Void {21} The HOA recorded initial rules and regulations with the CCRs in 2004. The initial rules and regulations contained design principles for the Subdivision and granted the HOA’s board of directors the authority to adopt further rules and regulations to “govern the conduct of all persons occupying any part of the Subdivision.” In 2007, the HOA promulgated a new set of rules and regulations (HOA Rules) pursuant to that grant of authority. Article II of the HOA Rules contain two provisions that the HOA argues prohibit Defendant’s short-term rentals. As for Rule 2.1, which restricts business use of the property, we concluded above that Defendant’s short-term rentals were not a business or commercial use and affirm the district court on that basis. Rule 2.2 states, “No [o]wner shall rent his house for less than a thirty (30) day term” and requires the homeowner to forward a copy of the written lease to the HOA. Relying on the Restatement (Third) of Property (Servitudes) § 6.7 (2000), and Wilson v. Playa de Serrano, 123 P.3d 1148 (Ariz. Ct. App. 2005), the district court concluded that any restriction on Defendant’s use of the property needed to be contained in the CCRs and, therefore, this HOA Rule could not be enforced against Defendant. For the following reasons, we affirm. {22} The permissible scope of a homeowners’ association’s rule-making authority to govern use of individually owned property is a matter of first impression in New Mexico. After reviewing the cases and authorities relied upon by the parties, we agree with the approach articulated in the Restatement (Third) of Property (Servitudes) § 6.7. Under the Restatement, a homeowners’ association has the “implied power to adopt reasonable rules to (a) govern the use of the common property, and (b) govern the use of individually owned property to protect the common property.” Id. § 6.7(l)(a), (b). Furthermore, if the homeowners’ association’s declaration grants a general power to adopt rules, the homeowners’ association may adopt “reasonable rules designed to . . . protect community members from unreasonable interference in the enjoyment of their individual lots or units and the common property caused by use of other individually owned lots or units.” Id. § 6.7(2)(a). The comments to the Restatement note that this subsection is limited to the “prevention of nuisance-like activities” because homeowners have a reasonable expectation that they will be protected “from neighborhood nuisances by adoption of preventative rules.” Id. § 6.7 cmt. b. Otherwise, unless there is “specific authorization” in the homeowners’ association’s declaration, a homeowners’ association has no authority to “restrict the use or occupancy of, or behavior within, individually owned lots or units” beyond those rules permissible under subsections (1) and (2) of the Restatement. Id. § 6.7(3). {23} Therefore, under a general grant of rule-making authority, the HOA’s authority to restrict individually owned property pursuant to the HOA Rules was limited to protecting common property and individually owned lots from any unreasonable interference by another lot owner’s use of his or her property. On this point, the HOA argues that rentals for a period of less than thirty days unreasonably interferes with fellow lot owners’ enjoyment of their property because such rentals deprive them of “their right to a limited access neighborhood and devalues] their investment.” Stated another away, the HOA asks us to conclude that short-term rentals constitute a nuisance activity that Rule 2.2 sought to prohibit. {24} We disagree. The HOA points us to no evidence or authority that would lead us to conclude that short-term rentals, more so than long-term rentals, or even access to the Subdivision granted generally to guests of otherproperty owners, constitute a nuisance or unreasonably interfere with the Subdivision’s common property or neighboring properties. We therefore conclude that the HOA has no authority under a general grant of authority to promulgate rules to restrict rental activity in the Subdivision and that Rule 2.2 is an unreasonable restriction on Defendant’s use of his lot. See Restatement § 6.7(2)(a), cmt. b (“Rules are not valid unless they are also reasonable.”). If Defendant’s short-term tenants engage in behavior that could legitimately be considered a nuisance, the HOA certainly has valid rules in place that would allow it to seek redress against Defendant or resort to traditional avenues such as law enforcement. See Kiekel v. Four Colonies Homes Ass’n, 162 P.3d 57, 63-64 (Kan. Ct. App. 2007) (denying claim for injunctive relief to enjoin the defendant’s rentals generally “in order to prevent specific instances of noxious activity” by tenants). {25} Thus, absent specific authorization in the declaration, the HOA had no authority to promulgate a rule restricting rental activity in the Subdivision. The HOA points us to three provisions of the OCRs which it contends granted the HOA this specific authority. Contrary to the HOA’s assertions, these provisions do not specifically authorize the HOA to restrict individually owned property uses, and they do not even mention rentals. We have already determined that the “residential purposes” language of Article VI, Section 21 does not prohibit short-term rentals. Furthermore, the language in Article VI, Section 45 regarding “temporary use” grants no authority to the HOA to restrict rentals. Rather, it requires a property owner to obtain permission from the architectural control committee for temporary uses of a lot and, considering the types of uses listed, implies that non-residential uses are the “temporary uses” needing approval. Finally, the provision in Article IV, Section 4 allowing homeowners to delegate their rights to the common facilities is not a grant of authority to the HOA to restrict rentals on individually owned lots. See Kiekel, 162 P.3d at 62 (holding that a provision authorizing a homeowner to delegate his or her rights to common areas to tenants did not authorize the homeowners’ association to later adopt a bylaw provision restricting rentals). Thus, we see nothing in the CCRs that granted the HOA specific authorization to restrict the rentals of individually owned lots or that put homeowners on notice that the HOA had such authority to impose this type of restriction in the future. {26} For these reasons, we agree with the district court that Rule 2.2 is invalid and cannot be enforced against Defendant. If the HOA desired to prevent short-term rentals, this restriction should have been included in the originally filed CCRs, not in the HOA Rules adopted nearly three years later. See Wilson, 123 P.3d at 1150 (“If the recorded declaration does not contain or at least provide for later adoption of a particular restriction or requirement, that restriction or requirement is invalid.”); Kiekel, 162 P.3d at 62 (holding that without proper authorization in the declaration, a homeowner’s association could not impose rental restrictions by amendment to its bylaws and must “do so through an amendment to the Declaration.”). Cf. New Mexico Condominium Act, NMSA 1978, §§ 47-7B-1 to -21 (1982, as amended through 2012) (“The declaration for a condominium shall contain[] . . . any restrictions on use, occupancy and alienation of the units.” Section 47-7B-5(A)(12)). II. The Second Lawsuit A. TheCCRs WereNotValidly Amended {27} We now turn to the subject of the HOA’s second appeal and consider whether the HOA’s purported amendment to the CCRs validly prohibited short-term rentals. We review this issue de novo. See Heltman, 2010-NMCA-016, ¶ 5; Cain, 100 N.M. at 185, 668 P.2d at 301. {28} The district court determined that, absent unanimous agreement of the HOA members, the CCRs could not be amended before the expiration of the twenty-five-year period in the duration clause of the CCRs. Article VIII, Section 1 of the CCRs states: All of the provisions of this Declaration will run with and bind the land, Members, and Owners . . . for a term of twenty-five (25) years from the date on which this Declaration is recorded . . . after which date this Declaration shall be automatically extended for successive periods of ten (10) years each unless a Supplemental Declaration executed and acknowledged by the President and any other one (1) officer or member of the Board with the approval of the then-Owners of two-thirds ... of the Lots has been recorded . . . amending, modifying, or terminating this Declaration, which Supplemental Declaration shall be effective upon such recordation following the proper execution and acknowledgment thereof. The HOA argues that the plain language of the duration clause, along with other provisions of the CCRs, indicate that the CCRs could be amended at any time upon the affirmative vote of the two-thirds of the HOA members. We disagree. {29} In Heltman, we stated, Where a provision [in a restrictive covenant] provides that a covenant shall remain in effect for an initial period, after which it may be modified by less than unanimous consent, courts have interpreted these provisions to simply provide an exception, after a certain number of years, to the general rule that unanimity is required in order to amend a restrictive covenant. 2010-NMCA-016, ¶ 7. Thus, under Heltman, if the covenants provide an initial duration period, such as the twenty-five-year term here, absent other language in the covenant to the contrary, amendments to the covenants during that initial period are void unless there is unanimous approval among the property owners. See Johnson v. Howells, 682 P.2d 504, 505 (Colo. App. 1984) (holding that restrictive covenants could not be amended before expiration of initial twenty-year period without unanimous agreement of property owners); Kauffman v. Roling, 851 S.W.2d 789, 793 (Mo. Ct. App. 1993) (same); see also Post v. Murphy, 873 P.2d 118, 121 (Idaho 1994) (construing similar restrictive covenant language and concluding that “[t]he Restrictions clearly state that only after January 1, 1995, may the Restrictions be amended by a two-thirds vote . . . until January 1,1995, a unanimous vote is required to amend them”). {30} Notwithstanding Heltman, the HOA urges us to consider additional language in the duration clause that the HOA argues evidences an intent to allow for amendments to the CCRs at any time upon an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members. The HOA claims that the use of the term “has been” in the duration clause — “unless a Supplemental Declaration . . . has been recorded” — contemplates that a supplemental declaration could be recorded during the initial twenty-five years. Similarly, the HOA claims that the language that a supplemental declaration “shall be effective upon such recordation” means that once a supplemental declaration is recorded, it is enforceable, regardless of whether it was amended prior to the expiration of the initial twenty-five-year term. {31} We are not persuaded that the interpretation urged by the HOA is correct. “Unless” and “has been” in the duration clause, which follow “after which date,” clearly qualify the phrase providing that the CCRs will automatically extend at the conclusion of the initial twenty-five-year term. Hale v. Basin Motor Co., 110 N.M. 314, 318, 795 P.2d 1006, 1010 (1990) (“Relative and qualifying words, phrases, and clauses are to be applied to the words or phrase immediately preceding, and are not to be construed as extending to or including others more remote.” (alteration, internal quotation marks, and citation omitted)). Cf. Heltman, 2010-NMCA-016, ¶ 10 (construing “unless” in successive period clause). To construe this language as permitting amendments at any time would render superfluous the language regarding the initial twenty-five-year term. See Illini Fed. Sav. & Loan Ass'n v. Elsah Hills Corp., 445 N.E.2d 1193, 1196 (Ill. App. Ct. 1983) (construing similar duration provision and stating that “if the restrictions can be amended at any time, the [twenty]-year and successive [ten]-year time periods would be rendered meaningless”); In re Wallace’s Fourth Southmoor Addition to City of Enid, 874 P.2d 818, 820 (Okla. Civ. App. 1994) (“If the owners had intended that the covenants could be amended at any time by sixty percent of the owners, they would not have needed to include any reference to a twenty-year period.”); Howells, 682 P.2d at 505 (“The plain meaning of the paragraph in question is that the covenants will be binding for twenty years, after which time they are automatically extended unless sixty percent of the property owners agree to change them[.]”). {32} For these same reasons, the “effective upon such recordation” language in the duration clause does not evidence an intent to allow amendments during the initial time period. InHeltman,we considered whether an amendment to the covenants after expiration of the initial duration period, but during a successive ten-year period following automatic extension, was effective immediately or at the conclusion of the tenyearperiod. 2010-NMCA-016, ¶¶ 10-12. We held that the amendment was not effective until the start of the next successive ten-year period because it was not passed by a unanimous vote. Id. ¶ 12. Here, the language relied upon by the HOA is located in the section of the duration clause regarding amendments to the CCRs after the initial twenty-five-year time period has expired. If anything, this provision actually seems intended to prevent the result found in cases such as Heltman wherein the amendments do not become enforceable until an automatically triggered extension period has expired. See, e.g., Scholten v. Blackhawk Partners, 909 P.2d 393, 396 (Ariz. Ct. App. 1995); In re Wallace’s Fourth Southmoor Addition to the City of Enid, 874 P.2d at 820. {33} The cases cited by the HOA in support of its position, however, do highlight the language in a restrictive covenant that can be used to allow amendments to become immediately enforceable despite the presence of an initial duration period. In Reinecke v. Kleinheider, the restrictive covenant contained an initial fifteen-year period but also allowed for amendments “at any time.” 804 S.W.2d 838, 841 (Mo. Ct. App. 1991). The Reinecke court did not provide a quotation of the relevant portions of the duration clause such that we could undertake an adequate comparison, but the court clearly found the “at any time” language, which is not in the CCRs before us, determinative to its outcome. Id. Similarly, in Good v. Bear Canyon Ranch Ass’n, the duration clause stated, “This [declaration and any amendments or supplements to it shall remain in effect from the date of recordation for a period of fifty . . . years.” 160 P.3d 251, 254 (Colo. App. 2007) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). The Good court concluded that “[t]he inclusion of the terms ‘amendments’ and ‘supplements’ contemplates that amendments may be made to the covenants during the initial fifty-year period.” Id. That is not the case here where the duration clause states that only the original CCRs, and not amendments or supplements, are enforceable for the twenty-five-year period. Finally, in Brockway v. Harkleroad, the declaration provided, “These covenants and restrictions may be amended during the first twenty . . . years ... by an instrument signed by not less than seventy-five percent ... of the Lot Owners.” 615 S.E.2d 182, 184 (Ga. Ct. App. 2005). However, there is no analogous provision in the CCRs currently before us expressly authorizing amendments during the initial duration period. {34} Finally, we also reject the HOA’s argument that other provisions of the CCRs evidence an intent to allow amendments at any time. The HOA relies on Article VIII, Section 2(a), to argue that since the CCRs have already been amended to transfer Class B membership to Class A membership, then it is illogical to say that the CCRs cannot be amended before expiration of the twenty-five-year period. As we have noted, there are two avenues to an effective amendment during the initial duration period. One would be by unanimous approval of all of the members. The second would be express authorization in the CCRs allowing for such an amendment. See Reinecke, Good, Brockway. Section 2(a) expressly authorizes the “declarant,” which is the developer of the Subdivision, to unilaterally amend, modify, or terminate the CCRs until either ninety percent of the lots are sold or, at the latest, December 31, 2015. Therefore, Subsection 2(a) permitted a specific amendment by the developer to transfer membership rights to homeowners, but the CCRs did not authorize the HOA to amend the CCRs to restrict the homeowners’ uses of their property. {35} The HOA also points to Section 2(b), which sets out procedures for amending the CCRs and specifically restates the two-thirds voting requirement for amendments but does not restate the twenty-five-year duration period. Construing Section 2(b) as allowing amendments at any time upon a two-thirds vote because it fails to restate the duration period, however, would effectively abrogate the duration clause and render the twenty-five-year duration period meaningless. See Cain, 100 N.M. at 186, 668 P.2d at 302 (stating that “restrictive covenants must be considered reasonably, though strictly, so that illogical, unnatural or strained construction will not be effected” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). {36} Therefore, considered as a whole, the plain meaning ofthe duration clause evidences an intent to allow a supplemental declaration to supplant an automatic extension of the CCRs at any time after the expiration of the twenty-five-year period, not during the twenty-five-year period itself. In other words, once the twenty-five-year time period has expired, the CCRs automatically extend unless a supplemental declaration has been recorded. Once recorded, the supplemental declaration becomes effective regardless of whether an automatic extension has been triggered and not completely run its ten-year course. For these reasons, we agree with the district court that the Supplemental D eclaration recorded by the HOA is void and unenforceable. Because we conclude that unanimous approval of HO A members was required to amend the CCRs during the initial twenty-five-year period, we do not consider the issues argued by the parties regarding the validity of the votes cast at the December annual meeting. B. The District Court Did Not Abuse Its Discretion in Declining to Consider Alleged Violations Under the Original CCRs {37} Having concluded that the Supplemental CCRs are unenforceable, we are faced with a purported amendment issue similar to the one addressed earlier in this opinion. The HOA’s complaint in the second lawsuit only alleged violations of the Supplemental CCRs. Furthermore, Defendant specifically objected to the trial of any claims based on the original CCRs because such violations were not pleaded in the complaint. The district court agreed and considered only claims based on the Supplemental CCRs, and it ruled that the Supplemental CCRs were unenforceable. The HOA now argues on appeal that when the district court set aside the Supplemental CCRs, it left the original CCRs still in effect. The HOA therefore claims that we should now consider whether Defendant violated the original CCRs, despite its allegations and arguments below that it was the Supplemental CCRs that were violated. {38} The HOA is correct in asserting that the original CCRs are still in effect. However, in the second lawsuit, the HOA neither alleged violations of the original CCRs as an alternative count in its complaint nor did it attempt to refute Defendant’s argument that the district court should not consider alleged violations under the original CCRs. The first time the HOA attempted to persuade the district court to consider alleged violations of the original CCRs was in its untimely motion to reconsider and amend the judgment. Therefore, the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying the HOA’s attempt to amend its complaint. C. The HOA Waived Its Arguments Regarding Defendant’s Alleged Violations of HOA Rules {39} Finally, the HOA argues that the district court erred in failing to rule upon the HOA’s allegations in the complaint and the motion for preliminary and permanent injunction that Defendant violated HOA Rule 8.5. The district court made no explicit findings of fact or conclusions of law on these allegations, and the district court’s order stated only that the HOA’s “request for preliminary and permanent injunctions is denied” without clarification as to whether this applied to Defendant’s alleged violations of HOA Rules. {40} W e conclude, however, that the HOA waived the arguments regarding an alleged violation of HOA Rule 8.5 by failing to introduce evidence supporting its allegations and by failing to file a timely motion to reconsider and amend the judgment to include these issues. At the hearing, HOA’s counsel asked an HOA witness whether the HOA requires homeowners to provide certain information to the HOA under Rule 8.5. The witness replied in the affirmative. HOA’s counsel did not, however, elicit any further testimony from the HOA representative or from any other witness as to whether Defendant actually provided this information. The HOA points us to the requests for admission attached to Plaintiff’s Exhibit 30, but the requests for admission were never admitted as evidence at the hearing. Rather, the HOA introduced only D efendant’s answers to interrogatories, which do not state whether Defendant did or did not comply with the HOA Rules. See Ulibarri v. Homestake Mining Co., 112 N.M. 389, 395, 815 P.2d 1179, 1185 (Ct. App. 1991) (stating that “[t]he party alleging the affirmative of an issue has the burden of proving that issue”). Finally, while the HOA did file a motion to reconsider and amend the judgment arguing that the district court failed to rule on whether Defendant violated HOA Rule 8.5, this motion was filed nineteen days after the district court entered its order and was therefore untimely. See Rule 1-052(D) NMRA (requiring a motion to amend to be filed within ten days of judgment); Rule 1-059(E) NMRA (same). For these reasons, we conclude that the district court did not err in not ruling on matters pleaded, but not tried, by the HOA when the HOA failed to provide a factual basis for the district court to rule in its favor. CONCLUSION {41} For the foregoing reasons we affirm the district court’s denial of the HOA’s requests for injunctive relief in both cases. {42} IT IS SO ORDERED. CYNTHIA A. FRY, Judge WE CONCUR: JAMES J. WECHSLER, Judge MICHAEL D. BUSTAMANTE, Judge The HOA also encourages us to consider the distinction drawn between “residence” and “transient occupancy” in the New Mexico Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act (the Act), NMSA 1978, §§ 47-8-1 to -52 (1975, as amended through 2007), in order to conclude that Defendant’s short-term rentals violate the CCRs. Section 47-8-3(V). We disagree with the HOA that the Act is applicable to the case before us since no claims have been alleged under the Act. We note in passing, however, that the Act also includes a definition for “single family residence,” seemingly amuchclosermatch linguistically to the language before us but not cited by the HOA, as a “structure maintained and used as a single dwelling unit.” Section 47-8-3(S) (emphasis added). Section 45 states, “Temporary Uses. Any lot or portion thereof may be used by Declarant as a sales office, model home, storage area, or construction yard during the construction and sales period. Any other temporary use by any party must have the prior written approval of the Architectural Control Committee.”
[ 0.011655976995825768, -0.011699626222252846, -0.03793103247880936, 0.016223272308707237, 0.05849688872694969, -0.03448451682925224, 0.07539878785610199, 0.002975655486807227, 0.003970911726355553, -0.018282458186149597, -0.05653921514749527, 0.059903834015131, -0.04302285611629486, 0.06680136173963547, -0.02924351580440998, 0.08384203165769577, 0.020760411396622658, 0.0050189136527478695, 0.008108132518827915, -0.0185539573431015, 0.027064211666584015, -0.04856489226222038, 0.008813715539872646, 0.0625406950712204, 0.003832785412669182, 0.012272301129996777, 0.03008306585252285, 0.023305576294660568, -0.08427975326776505, -0.04617052152752876, 0.019661681726574898, -0.025941507890820503, 0.018572719767689705, -0.009566002525389194, 0.007063867524266243, -0.017501290887594223, -0.00036269697011448443, -0.024640802294015884, -0.02245570346713066, 0.011720842681825161, -0.018566742539405823, 0.030880052596330643, -0.019266551360487938, 0.004041987471282482, -0.03361966833472252, 0.035220127552747726, -0.007728988770395517, 0.014183521270751953, -0.03528472036123276, -0.04148160293698311, -0.07705491781234741, 0.0018495945259928703, 0.005921030417084694, 0.014488562010228634, 0.02679402381181717, 0.028460731729865074, -0.017474941909313202, -0.07284511625766754, -0.009062623605132103, -0.023948708549141884, 0.051100797951221466, -0.010690408758819103, 0.05317630618810654, -0.029118612408638, -0.018608814105391502, 0.036747660487890244, 0.003681980539113283, 0.01937994919717312, -0.01631513610482216, -0.026855802163481712, 0.007103415206074715, 0.004051809199154377, 0.03543936088681221, 0.02218601107597351, -0.04430614784359932, -0.03592768684029579, 0.0013320973375812173, 0.053967785090208054, 0.023473719134926796, 0.040879856795072556, 0.030889492481946945, 0.010314945131540298, -0.0053328173235058784, 0.04342207685112953, -0.01523351389914751, -0.030854828655719757, 0.0028200489468872547, -0.02645241469144821, -0.027796126902103424, 0.06569948047399521, -0.02152399718761444, -0.046081751585006714, 0.05025390908122063, 0.03241454064846039, -0.015004297718405724, -0.014628076925873756, 0.08810436725616455, -0.007628106977790594, 0.055523037910461426, 0.01026016566902399, -0.0022595510818064213, -0.011417766101658344, 0.030753906816244125, -0.000340273545589298, -0.06422006338834763, -0.002508430741727352, -0.010056713595986366, 0.015142497606575489, 0.023988904431462288, -0.017694154754281044, -0.0005579408025369048, 0.04117527976632118, 0.012797203846275806, -0.03174196928739548, -0.04560087248682976, 0.041603878140449524, 0.00010356535494793206, -0.022160544991493225, -0.0031218084041029215, -0.01121784932911396, 0.030023492872714996, 0.012564869597554207, -0.0002686196530703455, 0.07132375240325928, 0.0377921387553215, -0.021464241668581963, 0.02225630171597004, 0.03133382648229599, -0.016065511852502823, -0.056359682232141495, 0.015378876589238644, 0.004637434612959623, 0.025602325797080994, -0.001071832375600934, -0.027172477915883064, -0.011325947940349579, 0.007096119690686464, -0.04526463896036148, 0.034726135432720184, -0.06959373503923416, -0.03887299448251724, -0.029976775869727135, 0.032517194747924805, 0.009293370880186558, 0.0620846152305603, 0.0019402744947001338, 0.017003098502755165, -0.03083648718893528, -0.012572715990245342, -0.022132547572255135, -0.011208049952983856, 0.03222230449318886, -0.008581748232245445, -0.04571184143424034, -0.021526454016566277, 0.06785458326339722, 0.04935509338974953, 0.01126133743673563, -0.0033326076809316874, 0.053323373198509216, 0.010977819561958313, 0.006625236012041569, 0.07190794497728348, 0.03195842728018761, 0.031220803037285805, 0.030318235978484154, -0.0023231145460158587, 0.0027986515779048204, -0.006653323769569397, 0.06754626333713531, -0.05239887163043022, -0.025181222707033157, 0.03727644309401512, -0.07633402943611145, -0.0057348874397575855, 0.015331846661865711, 0.04281625896692276, 0.0030235901940613985, 0.00986284576356411, -0.010526644065976143, -0.07720226794481277, 0.03284575045108795, -0.009764106944203377, 0.004977698903530836, 0.00559982331469655, -0.0695575699210167, 0.04677604138851166, -0.03179674968123436, 0.04881035163998604, 0.0070300111547112465, -0.07985846698284149, -0.04215710982680321, 0.01887837052345276, -0.03971384838223457, 0.04686237499117851, 0.013767993077635765, -0.03409278392791748, 0.016465017572045326, -0.0053523508831858635, 0.05587448179721832, -0.015788566321134567, 0.030547669157385826, 0.042827486991882324, -0.029110580682754517, -0.06930100917816162, 0.014337887056171894, 0.01949372887611389, -0.015233135782182217, 0.0019521064823493361, 0.016354119405150414, -0.0035040408838540316, 0.03589077666401863, 0.02126222662627697, 0.005606494843959808, 0.020307181403040886, -0.017574280500411987, 0.041532963514328, -0.018681317567825317, 0.05487171933054924, -0.06057768687605858, 0.04778699204325676, -0.009685124270617962, -0.05216451734304428, 0.05165381357073784, -0.03405405953526497, 0.07359911501407623, 0.05150336027145386, -0.02048517018556595, -0.01810595951974392, 0.03651656582951546, -0.015590564347803593, 0.025650812312960625, -0.019398093223571777, -0.03516684100031853, 0.11452546715736389, -0.00011797645129263401, 0.010918336920440197, -0.04967888817191124, 0.027774203568696976, -0.05321433022618294, -0.008598900400102139, 0.03253733366727829, 0.01218606997281313, 0.01412754412740469, -0.0332670696079731, 0.002963048405945301, -0.012300779111683369, 0.0035458670463413, -0.033406831324100494, -0.0715431347489357, -0.008001895621418953, 0.003891377942636609, 0.06093495711684227, 0.028065653517842293, 0.010037068277597427, -0.01808103732764721, -0.019979439675807953, 0.019610153511166573, 0.004567132797092199, -0.0036170051898807287, -0.006832655053585768, 0.06781404465436935, -0.009400639683008194, -0.020789653062820435, -0.008469696156680584, -0.022766008973121643, -0.007450733333826065, 0.010483588092029095, -0.029172899201512337, -0.010576645843684673, 0.019784437492489815, -0.002464925404638052, 0.017568135634064674, -0.023185970261693, -0.02183268964290619, 0.006785442586988211, 0.04415559768676758, 0.014181366190314293, 0.027909446507692337, -0.01638551615178585, -0.0008529339684173465, 0.06464674323797226, -0.00554922828450799, -0.042410917580127716, -0.0001777346187736839, -0.041424572467803955, 0.04231882467865944, -0.02766364812850952, -0.0745294839143753, 0.059177882969379425, 0.02124747447669506, 0.0033667117822915316, -0.03366527706384659, 0.011248433962464333, 0.050516385585069656, 0.03801725432276726, 0.016928432509303093, 0.00811972189694643, 0.029251523315906525, -0.016614528372883797, -0.006787533406168222, -0.02650066837668419, -0.015721609815955162, 0.016822662204504013, -0.0016215844079852104, 0.017007267102599144, -0.05358713120222092, 0.012060236185789108, -0.23904509842395782, 0.013583977706730366, -0.03347543999552727, -0.07143823057413101, 0.01255184505134821, -0.02540169097483158, 0.020112432539463043, -0.034749217331409454, -0.019351618364453316, 0.03938206285238266, 0.011086863465607166, -0.060353778302669525, 0.018381690606474876, 0.0019379709847271442, 0.022838637232780457, -0.01264131162315607, -0.0025177074130624533, -0.04966646432876587, -0.0022209924645721912, -0.0012279247166588902, -0.000414467096561566, -0.057738423347473145, -0.017494287341833115, -0.0035019959323108196, 0.022774385288357735, 0.08212848752737045, -0.034886494278907776, 0.008094674907624722, -0.06515799462795258, -0.019743243232369423, -0.011500440537929535, -0.0005871679168194532, -0.029599333181977272, -0.00044876616448163986, -0.030989987775683403, 0.04514503479003906, 0.031914424151182175, -0.017093714326620102, -0.07099486887454987, 0.011622101999819279, -0.002512563019990921, -0.04007144644856453, -0.057604968547821045, 0.02994595840573311, 0.0260836873203516, 0.004070614464581013, -0.049266282469034195, -0.00722254766151309, -0.014407307840883732, 0.025977250188589096, 0.0002542786824051291, 0.022628452628850937, 0.029115822166204453, 0.029187336564064026, -0.06457829475402832, 0.015137681737542152, -0.04947125166654587, -0.03539905324578285, -0.030116451904177666, 0.07204559445381165, 0.006929920986294746, -0.060293085873126984, 0.0001614291250007227, -0.04358822852373123, -0.015992658212780952, -0.03264397755265236, -0.060994792729616165, -0.045805077999830246, 0.08495459705591202, 0.013421090319752693, 0.024849217385053635, 0.04347079619765282, -0.009364795871078968, -0.07912714034318924, 0.011125432327389717, -0.019325250759720802, 0.022518157958984375, -0.04475510120391846, -0.016261026263237, 0.019581353291869164, 0.03612178564071655, -0.026867425069212914, 0.019735494628548622, 0.027025073766708374, 0.003181133419275284, -0.015764864161610603, -0.023791557177901268, 0.05472878739237785, -0.021040262654423714, 0.0026771435514092445, 0.03166657313704491, 0.03014015406370163, -0.029515592381358147, 0.013052444905042648, 0.014520781114697456, 0.06263832747936249, -0.013367753475904465, -0.07947510480880737, -0.008750674314796925, 0.03818399831652641, 0.05059961602091789, -0.07759779691696167, 0.06470248103141785, -0.04965631291270256, -0.009587299078702927, -0.02069959230720997, -0.03274695575237274, 0.03682028129696846, 0.055219102650880814, 0.04414811357855797, 0.020792361348867416, -0.017726249992847443, 0.04896777495741844, -0.03919650614261627, -0.016188831999897957, -0.06185892969369888, 0.021350760012865067, -0.010843470692634583, -0.007669936865568161, -0.009906714782118797, 0.016030941158533096, 0.050334881991147995, -0.04836034029722214, -0.056478120386600494, -0.08223147690296173, 0.05294371396303177, 0.017350981011986732, 0.04661983251571655, -0.001930593280121684, 0.03748897835612297, -0.0019604770932346582, -0.0239503625780344, -0.013836651109158993, 0.0007304555620066822, 0.016424404457211494, -0.025671156123280525, -0.016646303236484528, -0.0632348582148552, -0.001181060099042952, 0.01393103413283825, 0.004260930232703686, -0.030459381639957428, 0.002884710906073451, 0.05937248095870018, 0.028855938464403152, -0.0003032649401575327, 0.006663948763161898, 0.0010565825505182147, -0.032093942165374756, 0.03236402943730354, -0.02399449609220028, -0.058669816702604294, 0.02621188946068287, -0.04850929602980614, -0.038492728024721146, -0.024119865149259567, -0.0015056899283081293, 0.024969667196273804, -0.01482620369642973, -0.027379652485251427, 0.013464804738759995, 0.0058941286988556385, -0.01933828368782997, -0.035994574427604675, -0.005736569873988628, 0.06127217039465904, -0.022212795913219452, 0.023150146007537842, -0.05201828107237816, 0.007459104526787996, 0.0358152873814106, -0.06269395351409912, -0.02332991361618042, -0.0064601413905620575, 0.016496242955327034, 0.008883191272616386, -0.005667118821293116, 0.0057145520113408566, 0.03323541209101677, 0.020473744720220566, 0.01710706204175949, -0.004911747761070728, -0.01160274725407362, -0.012490244582295418, 0.06304524838924408, -0.05250578373670578, -0.018371788784861565, -0.039983972907066345, -0.020940128713846207, -0.0031545215751975775, 0.006448050495237112, 0.01558147743344307, -0.021528376266360283, 0.008598564192652702, -0.03218848630785942, -0.07819414883852005, 0.05648195743560791, -0.02171807922422886, 0.006827558856457472, 0.028801217675209045, -0.04623100534081459, -0.06013018265366554, -0.02839231677353382, -0.011805269867181778, 0.004078326281160116, -0.042200349271297455, 0.03189864382147789, 0.01662559062242508, -0.017862360924482346, 0.042748309671878815, -0.04643448069691658, -0.0649963840842247, 0.005871201865375042, 0.0074712070636451244, 0.028928952291607857, -0.051395319402217865, 0.024221349507570267, -0.04502692073583603, -0.024016134440898895, 0.013534432277083397, 0.04541439935564995, -0.02711968868970871, 0.006996015552431345, -0.0028973035514354706, -0.05073653534054756, 0.05717306211590767, -0.05268476903438568, 0.002555127488449216, 0.02567760832607746, -0.06082687899470329, 0.027167728170752525, -0.03958849981427193, 0.001871965592727065, 0.01139421109110117, -0.03532977029681206, 0.010977932251989841, -0.053537990897893906, -0.03651810809969902, -0.020209435373544693, 0.06770423799753189, -0.006517953239381313, 0.07754958420991898, 0.005682656075805426, -0.050709281116724014, 0.002849196782335639, 0.03347483649849892, -0.007489215116947889, -0.018069621175527573, 0.007936954498291016, 0.0680493637919426, -0.007070678751915693, 0.01033113431185484, -0.031310588121414185, 0.008135730400681496, 0.02664344199001789, -0.06790687143802643, 0.022638646885752678, -0.01579200103878975, -0.022240957245230675, 0.039727091789245605, -0.02790367789566517, 0.01579955965280533, -0.008145461790263653, 0.010868815705180168, 0.03421832621097565, 0.06638536602258682, 0.012380529195070267, -0.018510369583964348, 0.040761128067970276, -0.05309051275253296, -0.04757312312722206, -0.0821533352136612, 0.0290864035487175, -0.004764200188219547, 0.01911582425236702, 0.00824063178151846, 0.01951237954199314, -0.049629077315330505, 0.052511122077703476, -0.06915915012359619, -0.04056387022137642, -0.01652311347424984, -0.027829831466078758, -0.002350414637476206, 0.04083689674735069, -0.028149735182523727, 0.012125959619879723, 0.02858242765069008, -0.07088646292686462, -0.046782031655311584, -0.018326539546251297, -0.008432936854660511, 0.03530723229050636, 0.011021681129932404, 0.0024094595573842525, -0.03090336173772812, 0.047659993171691895, 0.02394849993288517, 0.02160194329917431, 0.032981522381305695, -0.041654255241155624, 0.06194460391998291, 0.023846596479415894, 0.007770785596221685, 0.009134845808148384, -0.008758989162743092, 0.034368760883808136, -0.0568910613656044, 0.014678072184324265, -0.004846011288464069, -0.03189295902848244, -0.05569830909371376, 0.047982294112443924, 0.03245827183127403, -0.0310804583132267, -0.010079515166580677, -0.005745773669332266, 0.029656484723091125, -0.013478006236255169, -0.03922587260603905, 0.0194126944988966, 0.0008848930592648685, 0.05790652334690094, -0.0007953387685120106, 0.09010347723960876, 0.03802043944597244, 0.0028817234560847282, 0.020152881741523743, 0.010729405097663403, 0.033156368881464005, 0.05535908043384552, -0.0015141447074711323, 0.009807906113564968, -0.0053421431221067905, -0.0022193423938006163, -0.0018853427609428763, 0.0033130869269371033, -0.0220723208039999, -0.05040552094578743, -0.03690830618143082, 0.0008092402131296694, 0.04526662454009056, 0.007449160795658827, 0.04888486489653587, 0.036295849829912186, 0.015257935039699078, 0.0410834439098835, -0.03961368277668953, 0.07232475280761719, 0.0008002961985766888, 0.02780306525528431, -0.013541429303586483, 0.012640236876904964, -0.01923651434481144, -0.023319369181990623, 0.061913710087537766, -0.04592915624380112, 0.028957899659872055, -0.002017364604398608, 0.0016916247550398111, -0.006622411776334047, 0.00259320717304945, 0.05622004717588425, -0.053023193031549454, 0.01874861679971218, -0.017899254336953163, 0.02885468676686287, -0.010283980518579483, 0.009468425996601582, 0.02308637835085392, -0.0034770905040204525, 0.040692288428545, -0.022423524409532547, -0.009159576147794724, 0.06020216643810272, -0.005086581688374281, 0.04572945088148117, -0.03425831347703934, 0.018814047798514366, 0.040579844266176224, 0.05541447177529335, -0.04389254003763199, -0.024087199941277504, -0.059435226023197174, -0.012892408296465874, -0.07129605859518051, 0.019822534173727036, 0.038793500512838364, -0.024915140122175217, -0.08654159307479858, -0.005037952214479446, -0.012891886755824089, -0.006508436519652605, 0.02879064343869686, -0.025781840085983276, 0.03514552488923073, 0.004953383002430201, 0.04730510711669922, 0.028278684243559837, 0.026516787707805634, 0.029588710516691208, -0.013582101091742516, -0.006480309646576643, -0.00882549025118351, -0.0012706425040960312, 0.02768591418862343, -0.03875422850251198, -0.01687121018767357, -0.10326385498046875, 0.03280511125922203, 0.005652592051774263, -0.024123799055814743, -0.052565742284059525, 0.06951607018709183, 0.005850928369909525, -0.05569009855389595, 0.11125464737415314, 0.01167870219796896, -0.019643662497401237, -0.04277798533439636, -0.04532092064619064, 0.016364576295018196, 0.01306441705673933, 0.04094083607196808, 0.00626290263608098, 0.04715096205472946, 0.041493162512779236, -0.04710519686341286, -0.022785404697060585, 0.03874776139855385, 0.02757403440773487, -0.01781599037349224, -0.05568700283765793, -0.0000016687022252881434, -0.030738694593310356, -0.06902503967285156, -0.05105709284543991, 0.0235541220754385, -0.010796751827001572, -0.06099637597799301, -0.004358713515102863, -0.02178247459232807, -0.012620193883776665, -0.031763363629579544, 0.04023561254143715, 0.04132465273141861, -0.026526443660259247, -0.027536287903785706, -0.030006956309080124, -0.010674129240214825, 0.02475588396191597, -0.000327801622916013, -0.000464985438156873, -0.05200609564781189, 0.019309770315885544, -0.035524941980838776, 0.014822321943938732, 0.012467864900827408, -0.014806224033236504, -0.014126460067927837 ]
OPINION FRY, Judge. {1} Appellees American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 18 (AFSCME) and Communication Workers of America (CWA) (collectively, the Unions) represent two groups of classified employees who work for the State of New Mexico. In fiscal year 2009 (FY2009), the State implemented salary increases for its classified employees that differed from those required by collective bargaining agreements previously executed by the State and the Unions. Each Union reacted by filing grievances that were ultimately submitted to arbitration for resolution. The arbitrators determined that the State’s pay package for FY2009 violated the terms of the agreements and accordingly issued awards in favor of the Unions. The State appeals from the district court’s confirmation ofthe arbitration awards, arguing that the district court employed an improper standard of review and that the arbitrators acted in excess of their authority. We affirm. BACKGROUND Terms of the Agreements {2} In September 2005, AFSCME and CWA each entered into a collective bargaining agreement (collectively, the Agreements) with the State that covered, in relevant part, contractual salary increases for three fiscal years, ending in FY2009. This appeal specifically concerns two contractual salary increases for FY2009 required by the Agreements. The first of these contractual salary increases provided a two percent general salary increase subject to “the Governor’s Recommendation” for employees in each Union’s bargaining unit that was to be effective the first full pay period following July 1, 2008. The second salary increase was “[sjubject to legislative appropriation” and was a compa-ratio based within-band salary increase that was to be effective the first full pay period following January 1, 2009. Both Agreements were identical with respect to these two contractual salary increase provisions. In addition, the Agreements provided that: In the event the salary increases described [above] are not implemented because the [Legislature fails to appropriate sufficient funds in any fiscal year, the Union[s] ha[ve] the right to reopen bargaining over general salary and within band [salary] increases that would be effective for the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the [Legislature fails to appropriate sufficient funds[.] The Agreements included grievance and arbitration provisions to be followed by the parties in the event of an alleged violation, misapplication, or misinterpretation of the Agreements. {3} The Union-represented employees constituted a subset of all classified employees working for the State in FY2009. During the 2008 legislative session at issue in this case, it is undisputed that the Legislature would have needed to appropriate approximately $8 million to fund the two salary increases required by the Agreements — $5.8 million for employees within the AFSCME bargaining unit and approximately $1.9 million for the CW A bargaining unit employees. By contrast, the Legislature would need to appropriate approximately $15.9 million dollars in order to extend the two salary increases provided for in the Agreements to all eligible classified employees — both unrepresented workers as well as Union-represented employees. Legislative Appropriations for FY2009 {4} The Legislature’s appropriation bill for FY2009 appropriated $12,833,000 “toprovide incumbents in agencies governed by the Personnel Act . . . with an average salary increase of two and four-tenths percent . . . based on employee job performance as determined by the personnel board.” (Emphasis added.) This increase was to be effective July 1, 2008. A second bill passed by the Legislature provided “an additional average salary increase of one-halfpercent” to be effective on July 1, 2008, that was to be paid by each state agency using its “cash balances, vacancy savings[,] and other available funds.” (Emphasis added.) This bill authorized the Department of Finance and Administration to distribute up to $500,000 of the appropriation contingency fund to those agencies that did not have available funds for the one-half percent salary increase. {5} Following the legislative session, the State Personnel Office (SPO) contacted representatives of the Unions and informed them that it believed the Legislature had not appropriated sufficient funds to cover the salary increases required by the Agreements. Two meetings were held between the Unions and SPO to discuss the legislative appropriations and the pay package that SPO was planning to recommend to the Personnel Board. At the conclusion of the second meeting, the Unions requested an additional meeting and an opportunity to present a counterproposal to SPO’s planned recommendation. This request was denied, and the Personnel Board then approved and the State implemented a pay package for FY2009 that differed not only from the terms of the Agreements, but also from the pay package discussed by SPO and the Unions at the two meetings. The package that was implemented provided: “[a] salary increase of [two and four-tenths percent] of pay-band midpoint to incumbents in agencies governed by the Personnel Act” and “[a]n additional [one-halfpercent] of pay-band midpoint salary increase for incumbent employees subject to the Personnel Act.” This flat two and nine-tenths percent salary increase was effective July 1, 2008, and applied to all classified employees, including unrepresented and Union-represented employees. Arbitration Proceedings {6} Both AFSCME and CWA filed grievances with SPO following the implementation of the pay package for FY2009. The Unions’ primary argument was that even if the funding appropriated by the Legislature was insufficient to give all classified employees the two salary increases contracted for under the Agreements, there were nonetheless sufficient funds appropriated to fully fund the increases for Union-represented employees and still provide an “average” of two and four-tenths percent and an additional “average” of one-half percent in salary increases for all employees. The Unions also alleged that SPO had negotiated in bad faith by failing to give the Unions an opportunity to bargain over the pay package that was ultimately implemented by the State. {7} Unable to resolve their disputes through the grievance process, the State and the Unions submitted to arbitration. Arbitration between AFSCME and the State occurred on March 27, 2009, before arbitrator Alvin Goldman. On June 15, 2009, Goldman issued an opinion and award in favor of AFSCME. Goldman determined that the State had not violated the first salary increase requirement of the AFS CME Agreement — the two percent increase effective on July 1, 2008 — because the pay plan implemented by the State for FY2009 provided an increase of two and nine-tenths percent on July 1, 2008. However, he determined that the State failed to provide the compa-ratio increases required by the AFSCME Agreement and, therefore, the total “received wage increases for bargaining unit employees were less than would have been received had the pay [package] conformed” with the requirements of the AFSCME Agreement. Goldman concluded that the $12.5 million dollars appropriated by the Legislature was “more than enough” to meet the State’s obligation to pay the AFSCME Agreement increases to Union-represented employees and “stillpermit smaller increases for non bargaining unit personnel.” {8} In terms of the award, Goldman directed the State to calculate what the salary levels would have been for AFSCME-represented employees had they received the salary increases contemplated by the AFSCME Agreement and, if permitted by FY2010 allocations, to adjust the FY2010 salary levels to reflect the level they would have been had the salary increases been provided. In addition, the award directed that “bargaining unit employees shall be paid the difference between what they were paid in [FY]2009 and what they would have been paid had their pay been raised by” the two salary increases required by the AFSCME Agreement. {9} Arbitration between CWA and the State took place at a hearing on May 6, 2009, before arbitrator John Criswell, during which the parties submitted evidence and presented testimony. On September 25, 2009, Criswell issued what he termed an “interim award” in favor of CWA. He concluded that there was “undisputed evidence” demonstrating that the Legislature appropriated sufficient funds for the salary increases required by the CWA Agreement and, thus, the State improperly failed to pay the salary increases. Like Goldman in the AFSCME arbitration, Criswell determined that the language of the legislative appropriation bills required only that the salary increases received by all classified employees total an “average” of two and nine-tenths percent and that there was no evidence presented by the State that it “was impossible to comply with this requirement by granting the [Union-]represented employees their legally required salary increase[s]” under the terms of the CWA Agreement “while providing a lesser increase to [an] unrepresented employee[].” Criswell concluded that there was no evidence presented that the State “owed any legal obligation to pay to the unrepresented employees the same salary increases that the [CWA Agreement] called for.” {10} After finding in favor of CWA, Criswell expressed his uncertainty as to the possible remedies available to make the CWA-represented employees whole. He therefore indicated that the award was of an interim nature and that he would retain jurisdiction until: (1) the State provided CWA with a list of employees who should have received the two salary increases required by the CWA Agreement along with the amounts of the increases for each employee; and (2) the parties attempted to agree on a “proper, legal method” which could permit payment of the two salary increases to the employees. District Court’s Review of the Arbitration Awards {11} The State filed a motion in district court seeking judicial review of the arbitration awards pursuant to the Uniform Arbitration Act (UAA), NMSA 1978, Sections 44-7A-1 to -32 (2001). The Unions filed cross-motions seeking confirmation of the awards. After consolidating the individual cases involving each Union, the district court confirmed the arbitration awards. The district court found that while it “may or may not have reached the same conclusions as the [arbitrators, the [cjourt d[id] not find the decisions of the [ajrbitrators in each of these cases to have been so ‘palpably mistaken,’ so ‘completely irrational,’ or so violative of public policy as to warrant the [cjourt’s substitution of its interpretation and conclusions for that of the duly chosen arbitrators who had the benefit of first hand review of the testimony and the subject matter expertise of an experienced arbitrator.” This appeal followed. DISCUSSION {12} The State raises four issues on appeal that it contends require reversal of the district court’s confirmation of the AFSCME and CWA arbitration awards. As a preliminary matter, the State contends that the district court applied an improper standard of review in the proceedings below. The State also challenges substantive aspects of the arbitration awards, arguing that the awards must be vacated because the arbitrators exceeded their powers under the UAA by: (1) committing “gross error of fact or law” in determining that the Legislature appropriated sufficient funds to cover the Agreement salary increases and (2) mandating remedies that violate provisions of the Public Employee Bargaining Act (PEBA), NMSA 1978, §§ 10-7E-1 to -26 (2003, as amended through 2005), and the New Mexico Constitution. See § 44-7A-24(a)(4) (providing that a district court “shall vacate an award made in the arbitration proceeding” if the arbitrator exceeded his/her powers). I. District Court’s Review of the Arbitration Awards {13} The State initially argues that the district court applied an erroneous standard of review under Section 44-7A-24(a)(4) in determining whether to confirm or vacate the arbitration awards. The district court relied on Fernandez v. Farmers Ins. Co. of Arizona, 115 N.M. 622, 857 P.2d 22 (1993), for the applicable standard of review. In Fernandez, our Supreme Court emphasized that the UAA “controls the scope of the district court’s review of an arbitration award” and that such review is generally limited to allegations that the award was the result of “fraud, partiality, misconduct, excess of powers, or technical problems in the execution of the award.” 115 N.M. at 625, 857 P.2d at 25. The UAA neither empowers the district court to review an arbitration award on the merits of the controversy nor grants the district court the authority to review an award for errors of law or fact. Id. at 626, 857 P.2d at 26. {14} The State maintains that the district court should have conducted an independent review of the arbitration records prior to determining whether the arbitrators exceeded their powers. This view is contrary to our case law, including Fernandez, which holds that a district court’s review of an arbitration award is limited in scope and does not permit de novo review. Our Supreme Court noted in In re Arbitration Between Town of Silver City and Silver City Police Officers Ass’n that judicial review of arbitration awards is strictly limited and that “[d]e novo review of the merits of arbitration awards by the district court would only serve to frustrate the purpose of arbitration, which seeks to further judicial economy by providing a quick, informal, and less costly alternative to judicial resolution of disputes.” 115 N.M. 628, 632, 857 P.2d 28, 32 (1993). The district court is not to apply de novo review and “should simply conduct an evidentiary hearing and enter findings of fact and conclusions of law” with respect to each statutory basis raised as a ground for vacating or modifying the award. Id. at 631-32, 857 P.2d at 31-32 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Thus, the district court determines, based on the evidence presented to it, whether the award was the result of “fraud, partiality, misconduct, excess of powers, or technical problems in the execution of the award.” Fernandez, 115 N.M. at 625, 857 P.2d at 25. {15} We conclude that the standard advocated by the State is a de novo standard that our case law has firmly rejected. In contrast, the review applied by the district court was consistent with the standard established by our jurisprudence. In the district court, the parties requested a hearing, filed several written pleadings in support of their arguments, and submitted the arbitration records and exhibits. The district court’s final order stated that the court held a hearing on the matter, reviewed the parties’ briefs and the arbitration decisions prior to reaching its decision, and concluded that there was no ground for vacating the award. {16} The State further argues that the district court’s reliance on Fernandez for the applicable standard of review was incorrect because Fernandez does not articulate a standard governing judicial review of arbitration awards under Section 44-7A-24(a)(4). We are not persuaded for two reasons. First, the State itself relied on Fernandez as the appropriate standard of review for the district court in its initial motion seeking vacatur of the arbitration awards and in its response brief to the Unions’ cross-motions for confirmation of the awards. See Cordova v. Taos Ski Valley, Inc., 1996-NMCA-009, 121 N.M. 258, 263, 910 P.2d 334, 339 (explaining that “[a] party who has contributed, at least in part, to perceived shortcomings in a trial court’s ruling should hardly be heard to complain about those shortcomings on appeal”). {17} Second, the district court’s reliance on Fernandez was not improper. Although Fernandez was decided under a prior version of the UAA, the basis for vacating an award due to an arbitrator exceeding his or her powers is the same in both the current and the previous versions of the UAA. Compare NMSA 1978, § 44-7-12(A)(3) (1971) (repealed 2001), with § 44-7A-24(a)(4). The Supreme Court stated in Fernandez that New Mexico courts should follow the majority view and should “only find that arbitrators have exceeded their powers when the arbitrators rule on a matter that is beyond the scope of the arbitration agreement; inconsistent with the arbitration agreement; removed from their consideration by statute; or removed from their consideration by case law.” Fernandez, 115 N.M. at 628, 857 P.2d at 28 (citations omitted). Consequently, it was proper for the district court to rely on Fernandez for guidance in determining whether the arbitrators exceeded their powers in the present case. {18} We also decline to follow the authority from other jurisdictions that the State relies on in arguing that the district court should have conducted an independent review of the arbitration records. As demonstrated above, New Mexico appellate decisions have addressed the standard of review applicable to Section 44-7A-24(a) challenges to an arbitrator’s decision, and we therefore see no reason to look for guidance from other jurisdictions. See Fernandez, 115 N.M. at 628, 857 P.2d at 28 (holding that an arbitrator’s error of law did not equate to the arbitrator having exceeded his power); see also In re Town of Silver City, 115 N.M. at 632, 857 P.2d at 32 (involving an argument that an arbitrator exceeded his power by applying an incorrect standard of law); Nat’l Union of Hosp. Emps. v. Bd. of Regents, 2010-NMCA-102, ¶¶ 31-32, 149 N.M. 107, 245 P.3d 51 (involving a request to vacate an award on the ground that the arbitrator exceeded his powers by conducting a final-offer arbitration that was contrary to a hospital labor resolution and the PEBA); K.R. Swerdfeger Constr., Inc. v. Bd. of Regents, 2006-NMCA-117, ¶¶ 1, 18-19, 140 N.M.374, 142 P.3d 962 (involving a contractor who argued that the arbitrator exceeded his powers because the award violated public policy). II. Our Standard of Review {19} On appeal, we review a district court’s confirmation of an arbitration award to determine whether substantial evidence in the record supports the district court’s findings of fact and whether the district court correctly applied the law to the facts when making its conclusions of law. Casias v. Dairyland Ins. Co., 1999-NMCA-046, ¶ 8, 126 N.M. 772, 975 P.2d 385. Therefore, in this case, we review the district court’s conclusion that the arbitrators did not exceed their powers and determine whether that conclusion flows from sufficiently supported facts and whether it is a correct application of the UAA’s requirements. III. Whether the Arbitrators Exceeded Their Powers {20} We next address whether the district court erred in determining that the arbitrators did not exceed their powers under Section 44-7A-24(a)(4). As noted above, an arbitrator is considered to have exceeded his/her powers when the arbitrator rules on a matter that is beyond the scope of the arbitration agreement, inconsistent with the arbitration agreement, or removed from the arbitrator’s consideration by statute or by case law. Fernandez, 115 N.M. at 628, 857 P.2d at 28. In this case, the State contends that the arbitrators exceeded their powers (1) by determining that the Legislature had appropriated sufficient funds to cover the salary increases mandated by the Agreements and (2) by entering awards that violate provisions of the New Mexico Constitution as well as (3) Section 10-7E-17(E) ofthe PEBA. We address each of these arguments in turn. A. The Arbitrators Did Not Exceed Their Powers in Finding That the Legislature Appropriated Sufficient Funds to Cover the Salary Increases {21} The State argues that the arbitrators exceeded their powers and committed gross error in finding that the Legislature appropriated sufficient funds to cover both salary increases required by the Agreements. The State challenges the arbitrators’ legal and factual findings concerning the language of the two legislative appropriation bills, House Bill 2 (HB2) and Senate Bill 165 (SB165), from the 2008 legislative session. Specifically, the State argues that the arbitrators erroneously interpreted the phrase “average salary increase” in the bills and that the arbitrators made faulty calculations in determining whether the legislative appropriations were sufficient to fund the two salary increases. {22} We view the State’s arguments as an attempt to have this Court review de novo the arbitrators’ determinations. We decline to do so. The UAA does not permit de novo review of the merits of the arbitrations at issue in this case. In re Town of Silver City, 115 N.M. at 632, 857 P.2d at 32 (emphasizing that the UAA “neither empowers the district court to review an arbitration award on the merits of the controversy, nor grants the district court the authority to review an award for errors of law or fact”). “Judicial reexamination of arbitrators’ rulings on findings of fact and issues of law . . . prolong adversary proceedings, thereby frustrating the parties’ goals of using [arbitration as] an expeditious and relatively inexpensive alternative to litigation.” Fernandez, 115 N.M. at 626, 857 P.2d at 26. Consequently, judicial review of arbitration awards should avoid making an arbitration award “the commencement, not the end, of litigation.” Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). {23} Our review of the record indicates that during the arbitration proceedings, the State considered the legal and factual issues it now raises on appeal to be within the scope of the arbitrators’ decision-making authority. At the start of the arbitrations, the parties stipulated to a broad statement of issues, including whether the State had violated the Agreements by implementing the pay package for FY2009 and, if so, what remedy was appropriate. During both arbitrations, the State presented testimony concerning its interpretation of the two legislative bills and, specifically, how it interpreted the language “average salary increase” in these bills. The parties also presented testimony and exhibits concerning the factual issue of whether the funds appropriated by the Legislature were sufficient to cover the salary increases required by the Agreements. Either expressly or impliedly through its argument before the arbitrators, the State considered these legal and factual issues to be within the scope of the arbitration. Accordingly, having agreed to submit these issues to the arbitrators, the State was bound by the arbitrators’ legal and factual findings on these issues. United Tech. & Res., Inc. v. Dar Al Islam, 115 N.M. 1, 6, 846 P.2d 307, 312 (1993) (“Having bitten once at the arbitration apple, [the unsuccessful party] cannot now take a second bite from the judicial one.”). “So long as the award is made fairly and honestly and is restricted to the scope of the submission, it must be confirmed by the district court.” Fernandez, 115 N.M. at 627, 857 P.2d at 27. {24} Thus, just as the district court lacked authority to review the merits of the issues arbitrated, we are also unable to reweigh the evidence and rule on the merits of the issues arbitrated. Even if the arbitrators committed legal or factual error, as the State claims on appeal, we see no permissible basis for reviewing the merits of the issues that were arbitrated. We reiterate that “[l]egal and factual mistakes, such as applying the wrong standard of proof, do not comprise an abuse of power” under Section 44-7A-24(a)(4). See In re Town of Silver City, 115 N.M. at 632, 857 P.2d at 32 (determining that an arbitrator did not exceed his power by applying the incorrect standard of proof); see also Fernandez, 115 N.M. at 625-26, 857 P.2d at 25-26 (determining that an arbitrator did not exceed his power in interpreting a statute concerning uninsured motorist benefits, even if the interpretation was arguably incorrect, because his actions were within the scope of the arbitration agreement and the award was fairly and honestly made); K.R. Swerdfeger Constr., 2006-NMCA-117, ¶ 26 (“An arbitrator’s incorrect interpretation of a statute is not sufficient to show that enforcement of the arbitration award would violate public policy.”). B. The Arbitrators Did Not Exceed Their Powers by Issuing Awards That the State Contends Require an Unconstitutional Retroactive Salary Increase {25} The State argues that the arbitrators acted in excess of their authority by issuing awards that allegedly require retroactive salary increases for the Unions’ employees in violation of Article IV, Section 27 of the New Mexico Constitution. Article IV, Section 27 provides: No law shall be enacted giving any extra compensation to any public officer, servant, agent or contractor after services are rendered or contract made; nor shall the compensation of any officer be increased or diminished during his term of office, except as otherwise provided in this constitution. The State maintains that the remedies provided in the arbitration awards constitute extra compensation for services already performed in violation of Article IV, Section 27. {26} We reject the State’s argument. As noted earlier, the arbitrators determined that sufficient funds were allocated by the Legislature to cover the salary increases required by the Agreements and, therefore, that the State violated its contractual obligations under the Agreements by failing to provide these salary increases in FY2009. Thus, the arbitrators’ chosen remedy was not payment for services already performed but, instead, payment that the Unions’ employees were contractually entitled to at the time they performed their services and failed to receive due to the State’s breach of its contractual obligations under valid and binding Agreements. Stated differently, the remedies mandated by the arbitrators were not “extra compensation” as used in Article IV, Section 27 for services performed in FY2009, but compensation that the Unions’ employees were entitled to and would have received were it not for the State’s violation of the Agreements. Moreover, the Unions’ employees cannot be faulted for undertaking grievance and arbitration procedures that were resolved after the end of FY2009, which was the fiscal year during which the contractual salary increases were to take effect. We therefore conclude that the arbitration awards did not require an unconstitutional salary increase and that the arbitrators did not act in excess of their authority in this regard. C. The Arbitrators Did Not Exceed Their Authority by Issuing Awards That Allegedly Violated Provisions of the PEBA {27} The State also argues that the arbitrators exceeded their powers by mandating monetary relief that will require the Legislature to appropriate funds. Emphasizing that the legislative appropriations at issue in this case were specifically limited to FY2009, the State contends that the funds are no longer available. Consequently, the State argues that the monetary relief included in the arbitration awards violates Section 10-7E-17(E) of the PEBA. In addition, the State asks that we apply the non-delegation doctrine to vacate the arbitration awards. {28} Section 10-7E-17 of PEBA covers the scope of bargaining between public employers and labor representatives. In relevant part, Subsection 17(E) provides that: E. An impasse resolution or an agreement provision by the state and an exclusive representative that requires the expenditure of funds shall be contingent upon the specific appropriation of funds by the [LJegislature and the availability of funds. . . . An arbitration decision shall notrequire the reappropriation offunds. (Emphasis added.) The State argues that this provision prohibited the arbitrators from “requiring a reappropriation of funds from an already enacted budget.” The Unions argue, however, that Section 10-7E-17 applies only to arbitrations following an impasse, which is defined under the PEBA as the “failure of a public employer and an exclusive representative, after good-faith bargaining, to reach agreement in the course of negotiating a collective bargaining agreement.” Section 10-7E-4(K). The Unions contend that this appeal arises from grievances and arbitration proceedings filed after the parties had already negotiated and signed the Agreements; therefore, they claim that Subsection 17(F) — which does not contain an express reappropriation prohibition — is applicable here: F. An agreement shall include a grievance procedure to be used for the settlement of disputes pertaining to employment terms and conditions and related personnel matters. The grievance procedure shall provide for a final and binding determination. The final determination shall constitute an arbitration award within the meaning of the [UAA]; such award shall be subject to judicial review pursuant to the standard set forth in the [UAA], The costs of an arbitration proceeding conducted pursuant to this subsection shall be shared equally by the parties. Section 10-7E-17(F). {29} We need not determine whether Subsections 17(E) or 17(F) applies to this case. The State’s argument is premised on its contention that the arbitration awards would require further appropriation or a reappropriation of funds by the Legislature. However, the arbitrators determined that the Legislature already appropriated sufficient funds in FY2009 for the State to meet its contractual obligations under the Agreements and that the State failed to meet its contractual obligation to distribute the funds according to the terms of the Agreements. The State’s representation that it has already used the funds appropriated by the FY2009 legislative appropriations should not affect the arbitrators’ decisions and awards in favor of the Unions. There is no difference between this case and other cases where adverse judgments are rendered against the State; as in those cases, the State cannot avoid its obligation to comply with the judgment by maintaining that compliance would require it to seek further appropriations from the Legislature. Cf. Salazar v. Ramah Navajo Chapter, 567 U.S. _, 2012 WL 2196799, at *7 (June 18, 2012) (explaining that “[o]nce ‘Congress has appropriated sufficient legally unrestricted funds to pay the contracts at issue, the Government normally cannot back out of a promise to pay on grounds of ‘insufficient appropriations,’ even if the contract uses language such as ‘subject to the availability of appropriations,’ and even if an agency’s total lump-sum appropriation is insufficient to pay all the contracts the agency has made’” (quoting Cherokee Nation of Okla. v. Leavitt, 543 U.S. 631, 637 (2005)) and that this rule “furthers the Government’s own long-run interest as a reliable contracting partner in the myriad workaday transaction of its agencies.” Salazar, 2012 WL 2196799, at *1 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). {30} At oral argument, the State raised a second argument based on Subsection 17(E) of the PEBA. The State contended that the term “agreement provision” in Subsection 17(E) means a collective bargaining agreement and, therefore, that the Agreements in this case were dependent upon the “specific appropriation” of funds by the Legislature required by that subsection. The State argued that the two legislative appropriation bills of relevance to this case were not specific enough to meet this requirement because they did not contain definitive language tying the appropriations to the Agreements. {31} The term “agreement provision” is not defined in the statute and has not previously been interpreted by our appellate courts. Assuming without deciding that Subsection 17(E) applies to the Agreements in this case, we nonetheless conclude that the legislative appropriations were specific enough to withstand scrutiny. HB 2, the Legislature’s primary appropriations bill during the 2008 legislative session, included several provisions discussing appropriations for each state agency or department. The bill appropriated $12,833,000 “to provide incumbents in agencies governed by the Personnel Act . . . with an average salary increase of two and four-tenths percent based on employee job performance as determined by the personnel board” to be effective on July 1, 2008. This provision within the bill specified the effective date, the rate of the increase, and that it was an appropriation for all agencies covered by the Personnel Act. Though the percent of the increase and effective date varied from those specified in the Agreements, there is no question that this language in HB 2 included the Union-represented employees, a subset of “incumbents in agencies governed by the Personnel Act.” {32} We are not persuaded that the Legislature, in using the term “specific” in Subsection 17(E), intended for it to be applied in the manner that the State raises. It would be unrealistic to require the Legislature to specifically delineate within its appropriation bills all of the contractual salary obligations the State enters into with various entities, including unions. We therefore conclude that the arbitrators did not exceed their powers because the awards do not violate Subsection 17(E) of the PEBA. IV. The Dissent’s View {33} We briefly address the arguments asserted in the Dissent. The Dissent contends that the UAA/Fernandez standard of review we employ in this Opinion is improper under the circumstances of this case for two primary reasons: (1) our Supreme Court in Bd. of Educ. of Carlsbad Mun. Sch. v. Harrell, 118 N.M. 470, 882 P.2d 511 (1994), requires broader judicial review under these circumstances, and (2) the PEBA itself requires a different standard of judicial review. The Dissent maintains that, under Harrell, the PEBA’s directive in Section 10-7E-17(F) requiring application of the UAA’s limited judicial review violates the doctrine of separation of powers and principles of due process. Because of these violations, the Dissent contends, the arbitration awards in this case are subject to more expansive judicial review than permitted by the UAA. The Dissent also maintains that the PEBA itself restricts an arbitrator to the interpretation of the four corners of the collective bargaining agreement and precludes interpretation of legislative bills. {34} The problem with the Dissent’s contentions is that the State never raised these issues or points in this Court, nor were they presented to the arbitrators or the district court. A necessary prerequisite to the Dissent’s position based on Harrell is the determination that Section 10-7E-17(F) is unconstitutional. See Harrell, 118 N.M. at 473, 882 P.2d at 514 (holding that a provision of the State Personnel Act limiting judicial review in an appeal from a school board’s decision to discharge a certified employee was unconstitutional). In their briefs in this Court, none of the parties cited Harrell or suggested that any part of the PEBA was constitutionally infirm. Nor did any of the parties argue that the PEBA precluded the arbitrators from interpreting the appropriation bills. In fact, both the State and the Unions asked the arbitrators to interpret the bills in question, and both presented evidence to aid the arbitrators in their interpretation. On appeal, the State argues only that the arbitrators’ interpretations were legally flawed, not that the interpretations were unauthorized. {35} In our view, it would be unfair to the parties for us, sua sponte, to conceive of and articulate legal theories that never occurred to the parties and that were not raised in the proceedings below or on appeal. The State did not make the arguments crafted by the Dissent and, more importantly, the Unions have never had any opportunity to respond to these unstated arguments. Were we to decide this case as the Dissent suggests, the Unions would be justifiably dismayed that they have been denied the opportunity to present a different view of Harrell and the PEBA. Our Supreme Court has admonished that “[cjourts risk overlooking important facts or legal considerations when they take it upon themselves to raise, argue, and decide legal questions overlooked by the lawyers who tailored the case to fit within their legal theories.” N.M. Dep’t of Human Servs. v. Tapia, 97 N.M. 632, 634, 642 P.2d 1091, 1093 (1982); see State v. Werner, 115 N.M. 131, 132, 848 P.2d 1, 2 (Ct. App. 1992) (explaining that appellate courts should not address arguments the parties have failed to brief unless “there could be no valid reason for the lower court’s action” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)), rev’d on other grounds by 117 N.M. 315, 871 P.2d 971 (1994). {36} While the Dissent correctly observes that the standard of review is not subject to the usual preservation requirements, the Dissent’s contentions cannot reasonably be characterized as a simple determination of the proper standard of review. Rather, for us to determine that we should apply something other than the UAA standard governing the judicial review of arbitration awards, we would first necessarily have to strike down Section 10-7E-17(F), which requires that any arbitration award “shall be subject to judicial review pursuant to the standard set forth in the [UAA].” Id. The only way to strike down that statute is to determine it to be unconstitutional, just as the Supreme Court in Harrell found a provision in the State Personnel Act to be unconstitutional in order to adopt a different standard of review. This is a proposition that is far more complex than the simple choice of a de novo or abuse of discretion standard of review. {37} In addition, the question here is not one of preservation. We would be concerned with preservation if the State had made the Dissent’s contentions on appeal and the Union had objected on the ground that the arguments were never made below. Here, the arguments were never made in this Court — at least not until the Dissent made them. We decline to create arguments that the parties themselves have not raised. CONCLUSION {38} We affirm the district court’s confirmation of both the AFSCME and the CWA arbitration awards. {39} IT IS SO ORDERED. CYNTHIA A. FRY, Judge I CONCUR: JONATHAN B. SUTIN, Judge J. MILES HANISEE, Judge (dissenting).
[ -0.015335317701101303, -0.02830790914595127, -0.013950425200164318, -0.035041775554418564, 0.04958716779947281, -0.00022123465896584094, 0.044844675809144974, 0.03286215662956238, 0.03064746968448162, -0.06432778388261795, 0.01575435884296894, 0.06654911488294601, -0.08425064384937286, 0.03329593688249588, -0.00469815032556653, 0.08678101003170013, 0.03412977606058121, 0.025996996089816093, 0.0018168549286201596, -0.02074132114648819, 0.010273057036101818, 0.015116011723876, 0.0664125382900238, 0.032348938286304474, -0.005919986870139837, 0.033030953258275986, 0.019927961751818657, -0.0047455416060984135, -0.02477334253489971, 0.003354055806994438, 0.011801527813076973, 0.00014803986414335668, -0.022039802744984627, 0.0038765836507081985, -0.016482995823025703, 0.020781276747584343, -0.0006902742898091674, -0.023911483585834503, 0.028078768402338028, -0.03065567836165428, -0.00436822697520256, 0.0103553906083107, -0.0358736552298069, 0.023618973791599274, -0.048404261469841, -0.024061206728219986, -0.002758823335170746, -0.0016558428760617971, -0.029788101091980934, 0.030130542814731598, -0.08538247644901276, -0.005705786403268576, -0.003767198184505105, 0.02306286059319973, 0.005206748843193054, 0.026496490463614464, -0.07243037223815918, -0.03881051763892174, -0.021353092044591904, -0.04815499112010002, 0.008057931438088417, -0.0015175677835941315, 0.019216075539588928, -0.05108917877078056, 0.001879033981822431, -0.01591852307319641, 0.01912323385477066, 0.015291978605091572, -0.038842834532260895, -0.030989844352006912, -0.03784072771668434, 0.015215924009680748, 0.01439567282795906, -0.03624241054058075, 0.024396661669015884, -0.07215061783790588, -0.016710927709937096, 0.03371858596801758, 0.007045830134302378, -0.011352144181728363, 0.0029521510004997253, 0.004993017762899399, 0.03189658001065254, 0.040020909160375595, 0.03288106620311737, -0.06824545562267303, -0.017096146941184998, -0.029594969004392624, -0.045074112713336945, 0.0776456817984581, -0.03457487374544144, -0.04016553983092308, 0.0026529685128480196, 0.03622720390558243, 0.033980969339609146, -0.017568262293934822, 0.06012195721268654, -0.017391188070178032, 0.06122661009430885, 0.007176098879426718, 0.02337655797600746, -0.023210939019918442, 0.01044466532766819, 0.06229396536946297, -0.04769454151391983, -0.019580721855163574, -0.017531514167785645, -0.03740660846233368, 0.012213741429150105, 0.008267329074442387, -0.004679025616496801, 0.004350302275270224, 0.004224936943501234, 0.014406162314116955, -0.057829223573207855, 0.04527181386947632, 0.007407395634800196, -0.04045923799276352, -0.0028306893073022366, -0.04616616293787956, 0.04488622769713402, 0.03293250501155853, 0.0015233983285725117, 0.061622779816389084, 0.019921494647860527, 0.000585707020945847, 0.005082014016807079, 0.040331315249204636, -0.04485179856419563, -0.033610790967941284, 0.007031944114714861, 0.030216213315725327, -0.014841780066490173, 0.016527986153960228, 0.009752337820827961, -0.022623775526881218, -0.033573929220438004, -0.014620591886341572, 0.050766199827194214, -0.003248825203627348, 0.006426658481359482, 0.0017877554055303335, 0.014142991043627262, 0.012816833332180977, 0.03308592736721039, -0.023238761350512505, 0.01684948243200779, -0.03121664747595787, 0.009637358598411083, 0.013595771975815296, 0.016402702778577805, -0.015938039869070053, 0.0043994346633553505, -0.02715412899851799, 0.006035041995346546, 0.011147589422762394, 0.07722538709640503, -0.004039953928440809, 0.030660102143883705, 0.076840341091156, 0.04704730212688446, 0.014338351786136627, 0.013844428583979607, -0.014746191911399364, -0.019733896479010582, -0.005613803397864103, 0.015693070366978645, -0.013651711866259575, -0.018369469791650772, 0.0912310853600502, -0.02858453057706356, 0.004460037220269442, 0.020419301465153694, -0.048472341150045395, -0.010002358816564083, 0.0021425427403301, 0.01768401265144348, 0.02171986736357212, -0.003136524697765708, 0.03074892796576023, -0.06752011179924011, 0.012283830903470516, 0.020493287593126297, 0.04078124463558197, -0.003905070945620537, -0.019099591299891472, 0.043023981153964996, -0.050798967480659485, -0.0108785480260849, -0.020826172083616257, -0.09096858650445938, -0.024265076965093613, 0.0532914437353611, -0.010801572352647781, 0.04499402642250061, 0.03077624924480915, -0.002342561027035117, 0.02169123664498329, 0.00931557733565569, 0.036535680294036865, -0.01614760234951973, -0.005446433089673519, 0.04230827838182449, -0.030680472031235695, -0.05473467707633972, 0.08140312135219574, 0.037030044943094254, -0.028155367821455002, -0.01666867733001709, 0.06001899391412735, -0.03097056970000267, 0.0019944740924984217, 0.01604590378701687, -0.010484114289283752, 0.025054670870304108, -0.04453401267528534, 0.06732986867427826, -0.040038928389549255, 0.03785060718655586, -0.04180973768234253, 0.05808576941490173, 0.014980124309659004, -0.007805221248418093, 0.05847218260169029, -0.07042761147022247, 0.06974475830793381, 0.03236251324415207, -0.06217743828892708, 0.002503450494259596, 0.03171737864613533, 0.013954578898847103, -0.001256711082533002, 0.004508791025727987, 0.0053987991996109486, 0.08287521451711655, -0.02540981024503708, -0.046066172420978546, -0.034514978528022766, 0.028613988310098648, -0.055695585906505585, 0.00776169216260314, 0.0529148206114769, 0.04095415771007538, 0.061715081334114075, -0.05695915222167969, -0.01386659499257803, 0.0025166035629808903, 0.0051392968744039536, 0.01676594838500023, -0.02387908473610878, -0.029323773458600044, 0.011341934092342854, 0.0027267385739833117, -0.014669368974864483, -0.008987026289105415, -0.03946520388126373, -0.019007448107004166, -0.03404633700847626, 0.030515439808368683, 0.015398558229207993, 0.04777560755610466, 0.0047617689706385136, 0.029751941561698914, -0.026859188452363014, -0.033563800156116486, -0.03474118560552597, 0.0028558927588164806, 0.00866500660777092, -0.00592257734388113, -0.033571477979421616, 0.03796832263469696, 0.040515463799238205, 0.0046171341091394424, 0.016226181760430336, -0.006911649368703365, 0.049067020416259766, 0.02686217799782753, -0.023389333859086037, -0.04830598458647728, -0.020526854321360588, -0.041129112243652344, 0.054416198283433914, -0.032495107501745224, -0.023659566417336464, 0.04412277042865753, -0.04109182581305504, -0.002966449363157153, -0.07115566730499268, -0.06772301346063614, 0.030075475573539734, -0.003107645781710744, 0.026106230914592743, -0.016236089169979095, -0.004727853927761316, 0.00802798941731453, 0.0030151857063174248, 0.02248491160571575, 0.027681443840265274, 0.01334975566715002, -0.04955417290329933, 0.011231916956603527, -0.007917708717286587, -0.02347804233431816, -0.009014998562633991, -0.0020123182330280542, -0.012118368409574032, 0.005547627341002226, -0.01396397314965725, -0.25177082419395447, 0.05164383351802826, -0.05078181251883507, -0.008700404316186905, 0.03745168447494507, -0.037375543266534805, 0.017326870933175087, -0.012052677571773529, -0.028582025319337845, 0.04923062026500702, 0.02769627422094345, -0.006633462384343147, 0.026552828028798103, 0.048057980835437775, -0.0015190418343991041, -0.04396003484725952, -0.02175338752567768, -0.04684082418680191, 0.007768681738525629, 0.0165839996188879, 0.025663862004876137, -0.06704092770814896, -0.0169246606528759, 0.015053885988891125, 0.05836237967014313, 0.0745590403676033, -0.016580862924456596, -0.017385240644216537, -0.03486312925815582, -0.049010638147592545, -0.025394104421138763, 0.0034352964721620083, 0.055960625410079956, -0.009055757895112038, 0.01666245236992836, -0.003988893236964941, 0.022527877241373062, -0.014051259495317936, -0.04451041296124458, -0.04946037381887436, -0.012130501680076122, -0.02384418249130249, -0.024426383897662163, 0.015659943222999573, 0.06397008150815964, 0.02549825608730316, -0.04939751327037811, 0.015278780832886696, -0.0024914315436035395, 0.03384963050484657, -0.007220511324703693, 0.021673915907740593, -0.021291594952344894, 0.009791133925318718, -0.04876014217734337, 0.016307499259710312, -0.034962963312864304, 0.004098788369446993, -0.05000266805291176, 0.0561845637857914, -0.03553108498454094, -0.044684186577796936, -0.0317598395049572, -0.022718805819749832, -0.07076936215162277, -0.026314659044146538, -0.04171665385365486, -0.007734931539744139, 0.06632539629936218, -0.014934679493308067, 0.016225142404437065, 0.0185540858656168, -0.04283221438527107, -0.07281360030174255, 0.033259667456150055, -0.05471858009696007, -0.028109455481171608, -0.021852320060133934, -0.015430507250130177, 0.03213077038526535, 0.0269288569688797, -0.01909365877509117, 0.05446867272257805, 0.011039107106626034, 0.004776342306286097, 0.024438932538032532, 0.033027999103069305, 0.05451154336333275, -0.056535668671131134, -0.020398275926709175, 0.042258571833372116, 0.02852463349699974, 0.02871156670153141, -0.007480377797037363, 0.057263799011707306, 0.028346316888928413, -0.044368159025907516, -0.011417989619076252, -0.04135368391871452, 0.028418749570846558, 0.0748169869184494, -0.09456192702054977, -0.01220916397869587, -0.03711184859275818, -0.01793394610285759, 0.011778967455029488, -0.029269980266690254, 0.014157690107822418, 0.05365436151623726, -0.004777844063937664, 0.008295460604131222, -0.05628829821944237, 0.024888694286346436, -0.012383387424051762, -0.03505135327577591, -0.038285963237285614, 0.009243888780474663, 0.015052604489028454, -0.0029590993653982878, 0.04914801940321922, 0.0034101344645023346, 0.02169044502079487, -0.022727228701114655, -0.05902900919318199, -0.09723217040300369, 0.010117795318365097, -0.02256009355187416, -0.008061526343226433, -0.014040867798030376, 0.019232720136642456, -0.020273104310035706, -0.046646878123283386, -0.011062520556151867, 0.00047414045548066497, 0.006347679067403078, 0.0027447957545518875, -0.018628748133778572, -0.0402175672352314, 0.002605781890451908, -0.0024897311814129353, 0.016468599438667297, 0.00670065451413393, 0.016201386228203773, -0.026075541973114014, 0.029430760070681572, 0.03527333587408066, -0.0009645148529671133, -0.022306298837065697, 0.0024344886187464, 0.053019583225250244, 0.04146314784884453, -0.05687389150261879, -0.014697360806167126, -0.05110645666718483, -0.015338881872594357, 0.017510494217276573, 0.02103108912706375, -0.020680485293269157, 0.028827285394072533, -0.06877517700195312, -0.021957729011774063, -0.043991707265377045, -0.022542905062437057, -0.046219974756240845, 0.023126846179366112, 0.06389500945806503, -0.03716503456234932, -0.012887581251561642, -0.03962798789143562, 0.050882115960121155, 0.001872033579275012, -0.02386542223393917, -0.018382981419563293, -0.0006832728977315128, -0.022681474685668945, 0.012276175431907177, 0.026472067460417747, 0.014402106404304504, 0.03913141414523125, 0.0354992039501667, -0.006192130036652088, -0.021549822762608528, -0.03530421480536461, 0.009088242426514626, 0.03593173995614052, -0.022475002333521843, 0.008642344735562801, -0.026087375357747078, 0.012546748854219913, 0.0013587846187874675, 0.02368803508579731, -0.01655164733529091, -0.024065110832452774, 0.008740588091313839, -0.04945212975144386, -0.027513714507222176, 0.03399607911705971, 0.0013561310479417443, 0.03429046645760536, -0.018097398802638054, 0.0012578986352309585, 0.03729500621557236, -0.017447590827941895, 0.0012450127396732569, -0.03490762040019035, -0.07878421247005463, 0.011329997330904007, 0.011694032698869705, -0.010088515467941761, 0.005245206877589226, -0.06515094637870789, 0.026130443438887596, -0.03397035971283913, 0.027642367407679558, 0.06344158947467804, -0.1072046160697937, 0.05059320479631424, -0.004769420716911554, -0.0043938844464719296, -0.03331675007939339, 0.015566443093121052, -0.030104761943221092, 0.001987355062738061, 0.01860322244465351, -0.032887283712625504, 0.01695925183594227, -0.03597072511911392, 0.00506055261939764, 0.032985955476760864, -0.046560969203710556, 0.0327848382294178, -0.030720343813300133, -0.01087929867208004, 0.029940053820610046, -0.014167777262628078, 0.022814683616161346, -0.053691789507865906, -0.03701481223106384, -0.02526790089905262, 0.0432310588657856, -0.03253704681992531, 0.008429642766714096, -0.009685249999165535, -0.06178892031311989, -0.02327110804617405, -0.01412087120115757, 0.0008268778910860419, 0.004925616551190615, -0.017740523442626, 0.06944780796766281, 0.0045590088702738285, 0.007347242906689644, -0.011740786023437977, 0.031882788985967636, 0.04115009307861328, -0.05074131116271019, 0.0035589858889579773, 0.021932924166321754, -0.011844705790281296, -0.009182617999613285, -0.008078554645180702, 0.031428445130586624, -0.045091379433870316, 0.03444622829556465, -0.000641770486254245, 0.04595351591706276, -0.008573212660849094, -0.0151604525744915, 0.046571284532547, -0.062057361006736755, -0.0524488165974617, -0.10195259004831314, -0.025875737890601158, -0.02995561808347702, 0.07088427990674973, 0.011738117784261703, -0.004559305030852556, -0.023130983114242554, 0.03526635840535164, -0.06913796812295914, -0.027530891820788383, 0.006521250586956739, -0.03076818585395813, -0.035172298550605774, 0.06270208209753036, -0.05632256716489792, 0.007409977726638317, -0.023358913138508797, -0.06601450592279434, -0.03450348600745201, -0.005774228367954493, 0.023817626759409904, -0.01216744352132082, 0.016605116426944733, -0.05106646567583084, -0.04200565069913864, 0.09037765115499496, 0.04196945205330849, -0.013244044966995716, 0.03014872409403324, -0.028766348958015442, 0.027141060680150986, 0.07590215653181076, -0.003115733852609992, -0.0056960550136864185, -0.009769420139491558, -0.004337882623076439, -0.04198252782225609, 0.0010495528113096952, 0.017446186393499374, -0.02917572110891342, -0.07772313803434372, 0.04275431111454964, -0.007437364663928747, -0.04643702879548073, -0.010467903688549995, 0.009906447492539883, -0.0114138750359416, 0.0044811442494392395, -0.015239119529724121, 0.04059956595301628, -0.028456849977374077, 0.03639014810323715, 0.06158320605754852, 0.08820054680109024, 0.018381841480731964, 0.017056813463568687, 0.005422620102763176, 0.0037244216073304415, 0.04724687710404396, 0.03192900866270065, 0.05155648663640022, -0.025838220492005348, 0.012918476015329361, -0.016944946721196175, -0.047990936785936356, 0.0324178971350193, -0.013506857678294182, -0.002475147368386388, 0.04022397845983505, 0.031187143176794052, 0.07048825174570084, 0.01368016004562378, 0.041452351957559586, 0.051168475300073624, 0.010009609162807465, 0.03178121894598007, -0.049708910286426544, 0.06929808855056763, 0.015534935519099236, 0.02580016478896141, -0.04776301980018616, -0.011472980491816998, -0.01363282185047865, -0.002370610134676099, -0.00881581474095583, -0.004472719971090555, -0.010832942090928555, -0.018924158066511154, 0.01286698505282402, -0.0041483365930616856, 0.008419414050877094, 0.08710026741027832, -0.022865526378154755, -0.027774998918175697, -0.01738077774643898, -0.01821480318903923, 0.008238506503403187, -0.0051001873798668385, 0.012412982061505318, 0.036412499845027924, -0.039111990481615067, -0.0025111581198871136, -0.021318083629012108, 0.045332200825214386, 0.029712853953242302, 0.07236072421073914, -0.010424941778182983, 0.024531684815883636, 0.05466794967651367, 0.016791604459285736, -0.004450040869414806, -0.018958188593387604, -0.06932656466960907, -0.014296543784439564, 0.001129200216382742, 0.0278950072824955, 0.03537754714488983, 0.01573922485113144, -0.02368486300110817, 0.018674058839678764, -0.013247012160718441, -0.06934845447540283, 0.014147975482046604, -0.03588240221142769, 0.029299940913915634, 0.04120442643761635, 0.07784447073936462, 0.023089420050382614, 0.030814526602625847, 0.06115272641181946, -0.040558550506830215, 0.0132073275744915, 0.02561204321682453, -0.0395052507519722, 0.005768562201410532, 0.03561811521649361, -0.012479613535106182, -0.07304120063781738, -0.0032600436825305223, 0.04884475842118263, 0.018724631518125534, -0.04107965528964996, 0.06567367911338806, 0.007973766885697842, -0.0435415618121624, 0.0939515233039856, 0.018649989739060402, -0.053034547716379166, 0.005604412406682968, -0.004083018284291029, -0.03469604253768921, -0.006757187191396952, 0.055105917155742645, -0.010081492364406586, 0.010219193063676357, 0.061492886394262314, 0.006114292424172163, 0.01722206547856331, 0.04497893527150154, 0.005296851973980665, -0.019988998770713806, -0.04267697036266327, -0.03242975473403931, -0.039047326892614365, -0.027363823726773262, -0.027163736522197723, 0.028331918641924858, -0.030609719455242157, -0.04553624987602234, 0.014801410026848316, -0.004359901882708073, -0.042067572474479675, -0.0781542956829071, 0.031104212626814842, 0.04004984721541405, -0.043565716594457626, -0.06453407555818558, -0.03538810461759567, 0.051041461527347565, 0.008115878328680992, -0.024195317178964615, 0.0002534253289923072, -0.041754066944122314, 0.03707379102706909, -0.062458738684654236, -0.0021402451675385237, 0.04142695292830467, -0.009610566310584545, 0.01055074017494917 ]
OPINION BUSTAMANTE, Judge. {1} The joint and stipulated motion for publication filed by the State and Defendant is granted. The Memorandum Opinion filed in this case on October 26, 2012, is withdrawn and this Formal Opinion is substituted in its place. {2} The State appeals the dismissal of a felon in possession charge against Defendant. The district court dismissed the charge on the ground that Defendant’s conditional discharge entered in 2006 had not been revoked, and therefore could not serve as the predicate felony for the current felon in possession charge. On appeal, the State argues that a conditional discharge is a “conviction” for purposes of satisfying the definition of the felon in possession statute. Alternatively, the State argues that the district court erred in dismissing the charge because the conditional discharge order had been revoked. We affirm based on our case law holding that a conditional discharge order is not a “conviction,” and the fact that the conditional discharge order in this case was not revoked. DISCUSSION {3} The felon in possession statute defines a “felon” as “a person convicted of a felony offense.” NMSA 1978, § 30-7-16(C)(2) (2001). Prior to 1993, when the conditional discharge option was made available for first-time felons, Defendant’s guilty plea would have been considered a conviction because a conviction was considered a “finding of guilt, even before formal adjudication by the court, much less before sentencing.” State v. Mondragon, 107 N.M. 421, 424, 759 P.2d 1003, 1006 (Ct. App. 1988). However, as discussed in State v. Herbstman, 1999-NMCA-014, ¶ 20, 126 N.M. 683, 974 P.2d 177, the 1993 enactment of the conditional discharge statute carved out an exception to that general rule such that a conditional discharge order could not serve as a “conviction” unless a particular statute expressly so stated. Cf. NMSA 1978, § 31-18-17(A) (2003) (stating that for habitual offender enhancement a conditional discharge is considered a prior felony conviction). Subsequent case law has reaffirmed this principle. See, e.g., In re Treinen, 2006-NMSC-013, ¶ 4, 139 N.M. 318, 131 P.3d 1282; State v. Fairbanks, 2004-NMCA-005, ¶8, 134 N.M. 783, 82 P.3d 954. {4} The State argues that either Defendant’s conditional discharge was revoked by operation of law or the failure to order it revoked was a ministerial oversight. In this case, a conditional discharge order was entered in October 2006. Consistent with NMSA 1978, Section 31-20-13 (1994), the order was entered without an adjudication of guilt and with a sentencing term of two years and six months. The plea and disposition agreement acknowledged Defendant’s potential incarceration. In June 2007, Defendant’s probation was revoked, and he was placed back on probation. In February 2008, Defendant’s probation was revoked again, but this time the district court ordered that Defendant be incarcerated for 182 days. The district court’s order did not state that the conditional discharge was revoked; to the contrary, the box for revoking conditional discharge was unchecked. {5} The State argues that the failure to mark the box was a ministerial oversight. The transcript of the sentencing hearing does not support the State’s contention. The parties announced to the district court that they had reached an agreement on the violation: Defendant would serve six months in jail. The court accepted this agreement without any discussion concerning the revocation of the conditional discharge order. In light of the complete absence of any discussion about exercising the court’s discretion to revoke the conditional discharge, we reject the claim that the unchecked box was a ministerial oversight. {6} The State also argues that the conditional discharge order was revoked by operation of law. First, the State maintains that a conditional discharge is a form of a deferred sentence and, once Defendant was incarcerated, the conditional discharge was revoked as a matter of law. The Legislature enacted the conditional discharge statute as an alternative to a deferred sentence, however, in that there is no adjudication of guilt unless the court exercises its discretion to revoke the conditional discharge order under S ection 31-20-13(B). See Herbstman, 1999-NMCA-014, ¶ 20. To equate a conditional discharge with a deferred sentence would render the statute meaningless, a point emphasized in Herbstman. Id. {7} The State is correct that the conditional discharge statute contemplates that a defendant will be subject to probation during his sentence. See § 31-20-13(A). However, we are not limited to a consideration of Section 31-20-13(A). The statute provides the district court with broad sentencing discretion upon a probation violation. See § 31-20-13(B) (“If the person violates any of the conditions of probation, the court may enter an adjudication of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided by law.”). It is a basic rule of statutory construction that the use of the word “may,” as opposed to “shall,” confers discretion with the court. See State v. Donahoo, 2006-NMCA-147, ¶ 7, 140 N.M. 788, 149 P.3d 104. {8} In this case, the record indicates that the district court did not choose to enter an adjudication of guilt. As we have stated, we are not inclined to speculate that this was an oversight given the lack of any discussion on the matter at the sentencing hearing and the absence of any indication to do so in the court’s order revoking probation. Cf. State v. Lohberger, 2008-NMSC-033, ¶ 22, 144 N.M. 297, 187 P.3d 162 (noting that a lack of certainty in court orders should not be at the expense of important rights). Oral comments by a judge may be used to clarify a written ruling by the court, and in this case the judge’s silence reaffirms the written order and its inaction on the revocation issue. See Ledbetter v. Webb, 103 N.M. 597, 604, 711 P.2d 874, 881 (1985) (stating that a district court’s verbal comments can be used to clarify written findings). {9} The State refers us to Vives v. Verzino, 2009-NMCA-083, ¶ 15, 146 N.M. 673, 213 P.3d 823, where we examined a Florida sentencing procedure and concluded that it was not analogous to a conditional discharge because the defendant had been sentenced to jail as part of his punishment. We observed that under Section 31-20-13 (A), a defendant is placed on probation. Vives, 2009-NMCA-083, ¶ 15. In the current case, however, we are guided by the language of Section 31-20-13(B), which gives a sentencing court broad discretion after probation has been revoked. Defendant’s plea specifically authorized the district court to impose a period of incarceration in the event of a probation violation. Therefore, even if Section 3 0-20-13 does not itself contemplate incarceration, the district court, in its broad sentencing discretion, could conclude that the conditional discharge would not he revoked, but Defendant would nevertheless be punished according to the terms of the plea agreement he had with the State, which permitted incarceration upon a probation violation. See State v. Mares, 119 N.M. 48, 51, 888 P.2d 930, 933 (1994) (observing the sentencing court’s broad discretion to apply the unique terms of a plea agreement, which may deviate from the statutory punishment that would otherwise occur). Finally, the State relies on State v. Handa, 120 N.M. 38, 45-46, 897 P.2d 225, 232-33 (Ct. App. 1995), where the defendant had included a conditional discharge as a prior felony in his plea agreement. Handa does not support the State’s argument, because it is an “invit[ed] error” case. We held that the defendant could not complain about the erroneous inclusion of the conditional discharge because he himself had suggested it. Id. {10} We acknowledge that Defendant did not successfully complete the term of his probation. See Fairbanks, 2004-NMCA-005, ¶ 10 (noting that “the successful completion of probation under the terms of a conditional discharge results in the eradication of the guilty plea or verdict and there is no conviction”). However, Section 31-20-13(B) gives the district court the discretion to revoke or not revoke the conditional discharge after a finding of non-compliance. In the absence of any oral or written indication that the district court intended to revoke the conditional discharge order, the record in this case supports the view that the conditional discharge order was not revoked. Instead, the court crafted a punishment permitted by the underlying plea agreement. CONCLUSION {11} For the reasons stated above, we affirm the district court’s dismissal of the felon in possession charge. {12} IT IS SO ORDERED. MICHAEL D. BUSTAMANTE, Judge WE CONCUR: MICHAEL E. VIGIL, Judge LINDA M. VANZI, Judge
[ -0.05936776101589203, -0.04963169991970062, 0.00017451845633331686, 0.005027982871979475, 0.05196334049105644, -0.002301652915775776, 0.043086327612400055, -0.0009059085277840495, -0.01750902645289898, -0.032684314996004105, -0.02273903787136078, 0.03842562437057495, -0.043789852410554886, 0.041154902428388596, 0.009029339998960495, 0.04071611166000366, 0.0785360261797905, 0.021857457235455513, 0.05128509923815727, 0.010480820201337337, 0.001453448086977005, -0.047142744064331055, 0.012589511461555958, 0.044756632298231125, 0.022580726072192192, 0.018204307183623314, 0.02473057620227337, 0.025971893221139908, -0.053803931921720505, -0.03181259706616402, 0.012986130081117153, 0.004028889816254377, -0.018944529816508293, 0.01760513335466385, -0.0009788520401343703, 0.020387133583426476, -0.021568572148680687, -0.028738640248775482, -0.0048766229301691055, 0.037906721234321594, -0.0051812417805194855, 0.007973829284310341, -0.03890398517251015, -0.0215261559933424, -0.056430500000715256, 0.01619585230946541, 0.012641515582799911, -0.016266871243715286, -0.00915481150150299, -0.008558548986911774, -0.08110708743333817, 0.0022649995516985655, -0.005900182295590639, 0.0230109803378582, -0.002237260341644287, 0.021864712238311768, -0.05801955610513687, -0.04387739300727844, -0.012622044421732426, -0.03107547014951706, 0.024030594155192375, -0.04492552578449249, 0.03330923989415169, 0.04240664094686508, -0.009478233754634857, -0.022132400423288345, 0.022776031866669655, 0.04405711591243744, -0.0426555834710598, -0.015064417384564877, -0.045117273926734924, 0.014475504867732525, 0.019288044422864914, 0.009629864245653152, -0.003378793364390731, 0.012414634227752686, 0.021204140037298203, 0.04987114295363426, -0.013562045060098171, 0.008674575947225094, 0.03402965888381004, -0.007289485540241003, 0.07245854288339615, 0.045513518154621124, -0.005487846210598946, -0.03717029467225075, -0.04259958490729332, -0.033059895038604736, -0.03628990799188614, 0.038564808666706085, -0.020721357315778732, -0.015160738490521908, 0.03863287717103958, 0.024675339460372925, -0.010987474583089352, 0.00406419625505805, 0.06459013372659683, -0.025223467499017715, 0.061293549835681915, 0.02383492887020111, 0.016957027837634087, -0.05399715527892113, 0.016345297917723656, 0.023410044610500336, -0.059683799743652344, -0.006347947753965855, -0.01873127929866314, -0.01082064863294363, 0.014909853227436543, 0.004512915853410959, -0.016029929742217064, 0.06257986277341843, 0.021174291148781776, 0.006077707279473543, -0.0717330053448677, 0.07079349458217621, 0.008320449851453304, -0.01961955800652504, 0.011914734728634357, -0.0276565570384264, 0.04325605928897858, -0.006005431525409222, 0.020890872925519943, 0.08481717854738235, 0.035779960453510284, -0.022376619279384613, 0.010524673387408257, 0.02126425877213478, -0.03938904404640198, -0.0913517028093338, 0.0038408797699958086, 0.01073997002094984, 0.00974517222493887, 0.007023204118013382, -0.0354718454182148, -0.0466991625726223, -0.021163789555430412, -0.028707122430205345, 0.07660709321498871, -0.01858445629477501, -0.0420808345079422, -0.010867765173316002, -0.006632471457123756, 0.004312286619096994, 0.038565319031476974, -0.06592538207769394, 0.02867671474814415, -0.0258779413998127, -0.009662019088864326, -0.006489962339401245, 0.04221207648515701, 0.005875399801880121, 0.019690455868840218, -0.025210479274392128, -0.026687046512961388, 0.021886620670557022, 0.015256872400641441, 0.024073440581560135, -0.0239101592451334, 0.04544420912861824, 0.06023678183555603, 0.06282828748226166, 0.017768677324056625, 0.013354691676795483, -0.0014571220381185412, 0.028153764083981514, 0.005600591190159321, 0.000932283466681838, -0.011730780825018883, 0.04253198578953743, -0.019859658554196358, -0.042140811681747437, 0.03923634812235832, -0.05010780319571495, -0.027889620512723923, 0.044539500027894974, 0.018693333491683006, 0.010845540091395378, -0.0031761128921061754, -0.04956981539726257, -0.06427179276943207, 0.06571158021688461, 0.012014077976346016, -0.017216049134731293, -0.0645965039730072, -0.03024003654718399, 0.03904673084616661, -0.01592158153653145, 0.027669670060276985, -0.0074620782397687435, -0.08140578120946884, -0.023241570219397545, 0.0229959599673748, -0.03892636299133301, 0.015915442258119583, 0.027867039665579796, -0.057355884462594986, 0.06011633202433586, 0.00479299807921052, 0.04987005144357681, 0.034817252308130264, 0.010464275255799294, 0.04157702252268791, -0.053328558802604675, -0.06445624679327011, 0.05116436630487442, 0.0303871501237154, -0.009653226472437382, 0.01628839038312435, 0.07364016771316528, 0.006548277568072081, -0.021901296451687813, 0.007229242939502001, -0.028400415554642677, 0.06115807592868805, -0.012491588480770588, 0.029056107625365257, -0.041125256568193436, 0.026929397135972977, -0.05389779061079025, 0.034049130976200104, 0.014953669160604477, -0.003521139035001397, 0.06725813448429108, -0.010374220088124275, 0.07679615169763565, 0.04446420446038246, -0.036394499242305756, 0.02129114419221878, 0.012686171568930149, 0.020985646173357964, -0.0017057243967428803, 0.024273663759231567, -0.0212431401014328, 0.048236023634672165, 0.028351817280054092, -0.006554953753948212, 0.019941043108701706, 0.025045953691005707, -0.03691967949271202, 0.013788406737148762, 0.030649418011307716, 0.02100793458521366, 0.06627849489450455, -0.020219311118125916, 0.006995268631726503, -0.007985907606780529, 0.013800379820168018, -0.015956485643982887, -0.02369813621044159, -0.012006056495010853, -0.0013513213489204645, 0.028143486008048058, 0.02350868098437786, 0.005041345022618771, -0.023898571729660034, -0.041124191135168076, -0.028275389224290848, 0.0372789092361927, 0.008541623130440712, 0.008369610644876957, 0.014711040072143078, 0.0144286397844553, -0.04880211874842644, -0.06884251534938812, -0.06864302605390549, -0.00297593604773283, 0.01142952125519514, 0.012219807133078575, 0.04714800789952278, 0.01697152853012085, 0.0006404398009181023, 0.01981796696782112, -0.022557931020855904, -0.002029367024078965, 0.005174191668629646, 0.023762254044413567, 0.01503290981054306, -0.006415709387511015, -0.016138937324285507, -0.01755337603390217, 0.0034866880159825087, -0.0031112877186387777, -0.06306757777929306, 0.020461751148104668, -0.07427818328142166, 0.030018087476491928, -0.006725808139890432, -0.036679092794656754, 0.07777344435453415, 0.019390840083360672, 0.017236212268471718, -0.0011296608718112111, -0.006556238979101181, 0.020294781774282455, 0.028755346313118935, -0.010409011505544186, 0.03121921420097351, 0.022446289658546448, 0.0015345532447099686, -0.010111825540661812, -0.029063433408737183, 0.027627678588032722, 0.007554781623184681, 0.03081175871193409, 0.0229549091309309, -0.03159063681960106, 0.045935869216918945, -0.2415405511856079, 0.02761564962565899, -0.02553478442132473, -0.0648246631026268, 0.031991057097911835, -0.03327403962612152, 0.012354152277112007, -0.0493583083152771, -0.015270030125975609, 0.06644001603126526, -0.041097115725278854, 0.012872643768787384, 0.030945157632231712, 0.034513380378484726, 0.03466833382844925, -0.02483360283076763, 0.027078501880168915, -0.018966535106301308, -0.03209400549530983, 0.009859642013907433, -0.022633636370301247, -0.05629961937665939, -0.05680788680911064, -0.0054345871321856976, 0.028121234849095345, 0.05732538923621178, -0.03757752105593681, -0.0038122280966490507, -0.07921691983938217, -0.04167958348989487, -0.019321756437420845, -0.010967418551445007, -0.0035119818057864904, 0.010399886406958103, -0.001993488986045122, 0.009845959022641182, 0.02552669867873192, 0.012941724620759487, -0.023884255439043045, 0.001352609251625836, 0.015024540945887566, -0.030079113319516182, -0.04006250947713852, 0.02798883430659771, 0.0419050008058548, 0.012979578226804733, -0.06609226763248444, -0.018518351018428802, -0.017895976081490517, 0.03465709090232849, -0.00847288966178894, -0.017101652920246124, -0.05441728234291077, 0.025225510820746422, -0.01929873414337635, -0.018712472170591354, -0.029212942346930504, -0.006698394659906626, -0.0353417731821537, 0.06086258590221405, -0.023852555081248283, -0.055223748087882996, -0.026702575385570526, -0.029249846935272217, -0.02979656681418419, -0.04496577009558678, -0.04636836796998978, -0.03690394014120102, 0.09087266772985458, 0.03182335942983627, 0.009487240575253963, 0.03951739892363548, -0.03152039647102356, -0.08116917312145233, 0.008436840027570724, -0.0015731825260445476, -0.007742537651211023, -0.017283953726291656, -0.027364013716578484, 0.035046640783548355, -0.0036241502966731787, -0.027082061395049095, 0.03635650500655174, 0.02301141433417797, -0.008893764577805996, -0.013366308063268661, 0.030802831053733826, 0.062424030154943466, -0.03837636485695839, -0.020436717197299004, 0.07238513231277466, 0.026320554316043854, -0.012410469353199005, 0.023128505796194077, 0.010109051130712032, 0.013008469715714455, -0.01962599903345108, -0.022222520783543587, -0.04777926951646805, 0.0010802341857925057, 0.07956071197986603, -0.08178117126226425, 0.023565705865621567, -0.01835450530052185, 0.008063474670052528, -0.0038835546001791954, -0.05309499427676201, 0.004109990317374468, 0.03390735015273094, -0.011231722310185432, 0.0495845191180706, 0.021808339282870293, 0.05697565898299217, -0.03475183993577957, 0.002843025838956237, -0.022772548720240593, 0.01308794878423214, 0.025853874161839485, 0.01357436552643776, 0.030544133856892586, 0.007846524007618427, 0.00644592335447669, -0.06433730572462082, -0.03760620579123497, -0.08845557272434235, -0.008407152257859707, 0.019942015409469604, 0.004325853660702705, -0.007017965894192457, 0.015146289952099323, -0.025554029271006584, -0.0444057323038578, -0.006599785760045052, 0.0036601724568754435, 0.016458235681056976, -0.006608953233808279, -0.03598593920469284, -0.04418909549713135, -0.006512981839478016, -0.046198830008506775, 0.02959289960563183, -0.04152823984622955, 0.026214739307761192, 0.011140394024550915, 0.02302245981991291, -0.026936326175928116, -0.0006708003929816186, 0.015033580362796783, -0.0393449030816555, 0.021580616012215614, 0.051866356283426285, -0.06558408588171005, 0.011008757166564465, -0.05381917208433151, -0.050940949469804764, -0.01794705167412758, 0.022870086133480072, 0.008421443402767181, 0.0021760188974440098, -0.06283329427242279, 0.02473846636712551, -0.02643909864127636, -0.020539870485663414, -0.06022191420197487, 0.012613466009497643, 0.0672602578997612, -0.034734729677438736, 0.02528012916445732, -0.015043506398797035, 0.04713209345936775, -0.03010820597410202, -0.06620468199253082, -0.03581598401069641, 0.014089703559875488, 0.028935402631759644, 0.05061797425150871, -0.007355122361332178, -0.004717207048088312, 0.024886133149266243, 0.03720533475279808, 0.018720805644989014, -0.017746644094586372, -0.045070961117744446, 0.009604123421013355, 0.02789461240172386, -0.041948623955249786, -0.0010572036262601614, -0.046571843326091766, -0.021977894008159637, -0.0017576352693140507, -0.046689361333847046, -0.0006198282353579998, 0.02024485357105732, -0.010347455739974976, -0.024492887780070305, -0.06319604814052582, -0.010362309403717518, -0.0023509557358920574, 0.02062668837606907, 0.05733990669250488, 0.015239153057336807, -0.018449025228619576, -0.016946537420153618, -0.043196942657232285, 0.025824174284934998, -0.06174927204847336, 0.04528559744358063, 0.0364307202398777, -0.029863206669688225, -0.00610034866258502, -0.03925217688083649, 0.009209578856825829, -0.02060186117887497, -0.002240706468001008, 0.03771360218524933, -0.09866642206907272, 0.05170498788356781, -0.029274314641952515, -0.04199283570051193, 0.027170825749635696, 0.0020132868085056543, -0.0277858953922987, 0.006927056238055229, 0.003547561587765813, -0.03608320653438568, 0.044721707701683044, -0.009072340093553066, 0.017842216417193413, 0.06216605752706528, -0.029495636001229286, 0.0022940360940992832, -0.04821999743580818, 0.04699186608195305, 0.05981066823005676, -0.06683013588190079, 0.021802270784974098, -0.0063129933550953865, 0.009562304243445396, -0.009565362706780434, 0.0622590072453022, 0.046539098024368286, 0.024844234809279442, -0.00005035513822804205, -0.0813838392496109, 0.015233022160828114, -0.027630819007754326, 0.038551799952983856, -0.016003593802452087, -0.029688624665141106, 0.1260538399219513, -0.009973530657589436, 0.01897134631872177, -0.022807056084275246, -0.029138069599866867, 0.07124638557434082, -0.02391401305794716, -0.021904919296503067, -0.013704692013561726, 0.008929962292313576, 0.033742889761924744, 0.011478538624942303, 0.02604004740715027, -0.04475519061088562, -0.0053098201751708984, 0.04547620192170143, 0.025715421885252, 0.03233923390507698, -0.021117012947797775, 0.0427815243601799, -0.08313866704702377, -0.018723564222455025, -0.08370675891637802, -0.007108713965862989, 0.003930165898054838, 0.017822498455643654, 0.012971065007150173, 0.006187520921230316, -0.03857136145234108, 0.029120992869138718, -0.062281712889671326, -0.008376920595765114, -0.027754636481404305, 0.009258909150958061, -0.023169351741671562, 0.07719481736421585, -0.0330616794526577, 0.005903690122067928, -0.03219404071569443, -0.08246008306741714, -0.041210975497961044, -0.006417298689484596, 0.02560959942638874, 0.0170330498367548, -0.002071202965453267, 0.013127205893397331, -0.02066982164978981, 0.06256204098463058, 0.06573113799095154, -0.003055703593418002, -0.004510878119617701, -0.05437430366873741, 0.03472298011183739, 0.05204777792096138, -0.014794902876019478, -0.06298993527889252, -0.0012167558306828141, 0.01684391312301159, -0.0565401092171669, -0.0231751948595047, 0.051063623279333115, 0.004911249503493309, -0.074718177318573, 0.02965547703206539, -0.021545058116316795, -0.048319995403289795, -0.034919776022434235, -0.005453517660498619, -0.03899814933538437, -0.05712474137544632, -0.040831308811903, 0.05507296696305275, -0.0049863881431519985, 0.0572311207652092, 0.027690747752785683, 0.03596353903412819, 0.06516856700181961, -0.020489707589149475, 0.005933959968388081, 0.02670215256512165, 0.0680498257279396, 0.07645237445831299, 0.01915828511118889, -0.008184448815882206, 0.039763279259204865, -0.022047927603125572, -0.03168559819459915, -0.003943405579775572, -0.004038415849208832, 0.012794394977390766, 0.011200865730643272, 0.05366159602999687, 0.07346650213003159, -0.03601505607366562, 0.03839154168963432, 0.025958938524127007, 0.014440394006669521, 0.044492531567811966, 0.012748753651976585, 0.022462356835603714, 0.029627466574311256, 0.02683555893599987, -0.02312205545604229, -0.007393109146505594, -0.005658402107656002, -0.0025021880865097046, -0.017794953659176826, -0.00144241435918957, -0.0159593615680933, -0.07073000818490982, 0.0034203866962343454, -0.014634526334702969, -0.002459377981722355, 0.07451269775629044, -0.04577602818608284, -0.019642088562250137, 0.011999337933957577, 0.012333327904343605, 0.005296169314533472, -0.01834031380712986, 0.003924327902495861, 0.02476978302001953, 0.006060208659619093, -0.004971047397702932, 0.003304064506664872, 0.03656308725476265, 0.020990710705518723, 0.035640258342027664, 0.024491332471370697, -0.010618960484862328, -0.0013127450365573168, 0.010989204980432987, -0.018561482429504395, -0.05167507380247116, -0.029749171808362007, -0.03152547404170036, -0.05487916246056557, 0.008384044282138348, 0.004533270839601755, -0.011316657066345215, -0.033638883382081985, -0.00279644294641912, 0.002203464275225997, -0.012287301942706108, 0.02137557603418827, -0.06058404594659805, 0.04633929580450058, 0.04662288725376129, 0.054860107600688934, 0.04187583923339844, 0.0033421004191040993, 0.05024110898375511, -0.031190693378448486, -0.0235762856900692, 0.018129797652363777, -0.049462296068668365, 0.04401358589529991, -0.005831546150147915, -0.01415489986538887, -0.06357104331254959, 0.03510119393467903, 0.01837236061692238, -0.014698339626193047, -0.05161026865243912, 0.012885774485766888, -0.01015629805624485, 0.009986363351345062, 0.060961104929447174, -0.017526738345623016, -0.04115249216556549, -0.056738853454589844, 0.0015915380790829659, -0.0075461370870471, -0.0024341619573533535, 0.07445909827947617, -0.02069324441254139, 0.06471970677375793, 0.0406261570751667, -0.012195257470011711, -0.012503895908594131, 0.02397797256708145, 0.041593823581933975, -0.021596722304821014, -0.03995737433433533, -0.016537725925445557, -0.036165207624435425, -0.04187801480293274, -0.030147630721330643, 0.015062965452671051, -0.033028408885002136, -0.058579254895448685, 0.02399844489991665, -0.013569368980824947, 0.001775285811163485, -0.005176146049052477, 0.035354744642972946, 0.028196509927511215, -0.04723310098052025, -0.055427003651857376, -0.02563963457942009, -0.004389511421322823, 0.019361259415745735, -0.015160025097429752, 0.011464330367743969, -0.034543074667453766, 0.008805053308606148, -0.07933475077152252, 0.0033581354655325413, 0.04272572323679924, 0.005027642473578453, -0.0336410254240036 ]
OPINION WECHSLER, Judge. {1} This appeal results from the breakdown in negotiations of collective bargaining agreements between Plaintiffs American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 18, AFL-CIO, CLC, AFSCME Local 1888, AFSCME Local 3022, AFSCME Local 624, and AFSCME Local 2962 (the Unions) and Defendant City of Albuquerque (the City) to succeed ones that had expired. We hold that the failure of the City’s Labor Management Relations Ordinance (LMRO), Albuquerque, N.M. Code of Ordinances, eh. 3, art. 2, §§ 3-2-1 to -18 (2003, as amended through 2005) (Abq. Ord.) to include provisions for binding impasse arbitration does not preclude the LMRO from grandfather status under the Public Employee Bargaining Act (the PEBA), NMSA 1978, §§ 10-7E-1 to -26 (2003, as amended through 2005). We also hold that in this case the PEBA enforcement of an existing collective bargaining agreement in the event of impasse (the PEBA evergreen clause) is subject to the requirements of appropriation and availability of funds under the PEBA and that the complaint was moot with respect to unions that had reached collective bargaining agreements with the City. We affirm. BACKGROUND {2} The Unions are the exclusive bargaining representatives for employees of the City. Because existing collective bargaining agreements were to expire on June 30, 2010, they engaged in negotiations with the City under the LMRO to replace the existing collective bargaining agreements. During the negotiations, the Unions brought suit, asking the district court to declare that the LMRO violates the PEBA because the LMRO does not contain impasse arbitration and evergreen provisions that are required by the PEBA. {3} On June 30, 2010, the Unions filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to continue the expiring collective bargaining agreements until new agreements were reached. The district court granted partial injunctive relief, continuing the agreements with certain exceptions until a full evidentiary hearing before the court. {4} The parties then filed cross-motions for summary judgment. The district court denied the Unions’ motion and granted summary judgment in favor of the City. Following City of Deming v. Denting Firefighters Local 4521, 2007-NMCA-069, 141 N.M. 686, 160 P.3d 595, the district court concluded that the grandfather clause of the PEBA, Section 10-7E-26(A), applies to the LMRO’s collective bargaining provisions. The district court also granted the City’s motion to dismiss Local 1888 and Local 3022 because they reached new agreements with the City, and their claims in the complaint were therefore moot. GRANDFATHER STATUS OF LMRO IMPASSE PROCEDURES {5} On appeal, the Unions argue that the district court erred in not ruling that (1) the impasse procedure of the LMRO violates the PEBA and (2) the lack of an evergreen clause in the LMRO violates the PEBA. The City counters that the district court properly concluded that the PEBA requirements do not apply because the LMRO is entitled to grandfather status under the PEBA. {6} Generally, we review a district court’s grant of summary judgment under de novo review. Vill. of Wagon Mound v. Mora Trust, 2003-NMCA-035, ¶ 57, 133 N.M. 373, 62 P.3d 1255. Specifically, in this case, we review the district court’s interpretation of the PEBA as a question of law subject to de novo review. See City of Deming, 2007-NMCA-069, ¶ 6 (“To decide whether the grandfather clause applies, we must interpret the PEBA and make a determination of law.”). “Summary judgment is proper if there are no genuine issues of material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Roth v. Thompson, 113 N.M. 331, 334, 825 P.2d 1241, 1244 (1992). {7} The PEBA was designed “to guarantee public employees the right to organize and bargain collectively with their employers, to promote harmonious and cooperative relationships between public employers and public employees and to protect the public interest by ensuring, at all times, the orderly operation and functioning of the state and its political subdivisions.” Section 10-7E-2. It grants most public employees the right to “form, join or assist a labor organization for the purpose of collective bargaining through representatives chosen by public employees.” Section 10-7E-5. It sets forth various provisions and procedures to comply with its collective bargaining requirement. As pertinent to this case, the PEBA requires public employers other than the State of New Mexico and exclusive representatives to follow impasse procedures that include mediation and binding arbitration, unless the public employers and the exclusive representatives agree in writing to an alternative procedure. Section 10-7E-18(B), (C). In addition, the PEBA requires, in the event of impasse, that the existing contract “continue in full force and effect until it is replaced by a subsequent written agreement.” Section 10-7E-18(D). {8} The PEBA’s grandfather clause reads A public employer other than the state that prior to October 1, 1991 adopted by ordinance, resolution or charter amendment a system of provisions and procedures permitting employees to form, join or assist a labor organization for the purpose of bargaining collectively through exclusive representatives may continue to operate under those provisions and procedures. Any substantial change after January 1, 2003 to any ordinance, resolution or charter amendment shall subject the public employer to full compliance with the provisions of Subsection B [.] Section 10-7E-26(A). Section 10-7E-26(B)(8) requires any such public employer making a substantial change to include within the change specific provisions and procedures, including “impasse resolution procedures equivalent to those set forth in” Section 10-7E-18. Thus, the PEBA’s grandfather clause has two requirements: (1) that a public employer have adopted “a system of provisions and procedures permitting employees to form, join or assist a labor organization for the purpose of bargaining collectively through exclusive representatives” and (2) that the public employer has done so prior to October 1, 1991. Section 10-7E-26(A); Regents of Univ. of N.M. v. N.M. Fed’n of Teachers, 1998-NMSC-020, ¶ 34, 125 N.M. 401, 962 P.2d 1236; City of Denting, 2007-NMCA-069, ¶ 9. {9} The City originally adopted the LMRO in 1977 and last amended it in 2002. The purposes of the LMRO are similar to those in the PEBA, including allowing employees of the City “to organize and bargain collectively with” the City. Abq. Ord. § 3-2-2(A). It contains various provisions and procedures that control the collective bargaining relationship of the City and the Unions. Abq. Ord. §§ 3-2-1 to -18. It does not, however, contain binding arbitration or evergreen provisions. {10} Our Supreme Court discussed the purposes of grandfather clauses in Regents, 1998-NMSC-020, ¶¶ 23-28, a case involving the prior version of the PEBA. It observed that the effect of grandfather clauses is to “narrow, qualify, or otherwise restrain the scope of the statute” or to “remove from the statute’s reach a class that would otherwise be encompassed by its language.” Id. ¶ 24. As the Court stated, “[a] grandfather clause preserves something old, while the remainder of the law of which it is a part institutes something new.” Id. ¶ 25. It further noted that grandfather clauses should be construed strictly or narrowly and with the purpose of giving effect to the Legislature’s intent. Id. ¶¶ 27, 48. {11} This Court acknowledged those purposes in addressing impasse procedures in City of Denting, 2007-NMCA-069, ¶ 23. In that case, we held that the PEBA’s grandfather clause applied to an ordinance provision that addressed impasse through advisory arbitration. Id. ¶24. We reversed the district court that had denied grandfather status because “the advisory arbitration impasse procedure of the ordinance did not provide any more than the right to petition the government and thus was not a meaningful opportunity to engage in collective bargaining.” Id. ¶ 19 (internal quotation marks omitted). {12} The Unions make similar arguments in this case. The impasse provision of the LMRO calls for mediation at the request of a party, and, if the mediation fails, binding arbitration only upon voluntary agreement of the parties. Ahq. Ord. § 3-2-14(A), (B). The LMRO does not contain an evergreen provision. The Unions contend that, by failing to provide binding impasse resolution procedures and evergreen protection, the LMRO does not provide “a system allowing employees to form, join or assist a Union in ‘collective bargaining’ as required by [the] PEBA.” {13} We understand the Unions’ position to be that because the provisions and procedures of the LMRO do not require binding arbitration and include evergreen provisions, the LMRO does not satisfy the “collective bargaining” requirement for grandfather status. The Unions contend that without a procedure for finality in the event of impasse a collective bargaining process is meaningless. They reason that the Legislature did not intend to extend grandfather status to such a process. {14} However, the Unions’ argument attaches an additional requirement to the PEBA’s grandfather clause. For ordinances adopted before October 1, 1991, the PEBA’s grandfather clause requires only that the system adopted permit “employees to form, join or assist a labor organization for the purpose of bargaining collectively through exclusive representatives.” Section 10-7E-26(A). The PEBA defines “collective bargaining” as “the act of negotiating between a public employer and an exclusive representative for the purpose of entering into a written agreement regarding wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment}.]” Section 10-7E-4(F). The Unions’ argument demands that we evaluate the effectiveness of the LMRO as an avenue for collective bargaining. The PEBA does not include this requirement. See City of Albuquerque v. Montoya, 2012-NMSC-007, ¶ 21, 274 P.3d 108 (holding that the LMRO selection procedure for appointment of local board members “does not violate the definition of collective bargaining under” the PEBA). {15} The evolution of the PEBA assists in our analysis. It was originally enacted in 1992 and was effective until 1999. It was reenacted in 2003. The original version of the PEBA, effective from 1992 to 1999, included language that granted grandfather status to public employers other than the state or a municipality only if the public employer’s “ordinance, resolution or charter amendment has resulted in the designation of appropriate bargaining units, the certification of exclusive bargaining agents and the negotiation of existing collective bargaining agreements.” NMSA 1978, § 10-7D-26(B) (1992) (repealed 1999). This language, which contained an effectiveness component necessary for grandfather status for public employers other than the state and municipalities, was removed by the Legislature when it reenacted the PEBA in 2003. Section 10-7E-26. We glean from the removal of this language and the absence of any language concerning quality or effectiveness in the current PEBA that the Legislature intended that a public employer’s system of provisions and procedures permitting collective bargaining would not be subject to that type of scrutiny to achieve grandfather status. See El Paso Elec. Co. v. N.M. Pub. Regulation Comm’n, 2010-NMSC-048, ¶ 16, 149 N.M. 174, 246 P.3d 443 (stating that when the Legislature expressly removed part of a definition in a statute, the removed portion is outside the scope of the statute). {16} In addition, as we discussed in City of Deming, the original version of the PEBA did not require binding arbitration; it required only advisory mediation. NMSA 1978, § 10-7D-18(B)(1) (1992) (repealed 1999); City of Deming, 2007-NMCA-069, ¶ 22. Other than to eliminate the effectiveness component discussed above that did not relate to municipalities and to address substantial changes after January 1, 2003, the grandfather clause did not change on reenactment. Compare § 10-7E-26 and § 10-7D-26 (1992) (repealed 1999). Significantly, the Legislature did not add a requirement that binding arbitration to resolve impasse was necessary for grandfather status. {17} Also significant to our analysis is that the Legislature did include requirements for compliance with the PEBA in both versions of the PEBA but only if a public employer other than the state adopts a system of provisions and procedures permitting collective bargaining after October 1, 1991. In such instances, the grandfather clause does require for grandfather status, among other provisions and procedures consistent with the PEBA, that the newly adopted system include “impasse resolution procedures equivalent to those set forth in” the PEBA. Section 10-7E-26(B)(8); Section 10-7D-26(C) (1992) (repealed 1999). The Unions’ argument would extend this requirement to systems adopted by public employers other than the state prior to October 1, 1991. But the Legislature specifically did not include any such requirement for public employers adopting ordinances prior to October 1, 1991. Section 10-7E-26. {18} The Unions would limit City of Deming to its facts in which the city’s labor relations ordinance, which, although it did not provide for binding arbitration, required arbitration in which the arbitrator issues an opinion to the city council, which then renders a final, binding decision. See City of Deming, 2007-NMCA-069, ¶ 3. While we agree with the Unions that the impasse procedure considered in City of Deming may be more effective in resolving an impasse because there is a conclusion built into the procedure, the effectiveness of the procedure in City of Deming, or its closer compliance to the PEBA than the LMRO, was not part of the City of Deming analysis. {19} Rather, as we discussed in City of Deming, we interpret the PEBA’s grandfather clause to effectuate legislative intent. City of Deming, 2007-NMCA-069, ¶ 23. As fully discussed in Regents, the grandfather clause preserves “something old, while the remainder of the law of which it is a part institutes something new.” Regents, 1998-NMSC-020, ¶ 25; see City of Deming, 2007-NMCA-069, ¶ 23. In reenacting the PEBA, the Legislature preserved efforts by public employers to adopt systems of provisions and procedures permitting collective bargaining while enacting a new law that applied when grandfather status did not apply. The Legislature did not limit grandfather status to public employers adopting ordinances prior to October 1, 1991 in the way it did for later actions. Although the procedures under the PEBA providing binding arbitration to resolve impasse are more effective in concluding disputes, the PEBA does not require that the LMRO, adopted prior to October 1, 1991, contain such procedures in order to receive grandfather status. The failure of the LMRO to provide for binding-impasse arbitration does notpreclude the LMRO from grandfather status under the PEBA. APPLICATION OF THE EVERGREEN PROVISION {20} The PEBA evergreen clause requires expiring collective bargaining agreements to continue until replacement agreements are in place. Section 10-7E-18(D). The LMRO does not contain an evergreen provision. The Unions argue on appeal that the LMRO violates the PEBA because it does not have an evergreen provision and that “the LMRO should be deemed to contain” an evergreen provision. {21} The district court held that the PEBA evergreen clause does not apply to the economic components of the existing agreements in part because the evergreen clause “is subject to the requirements of appropriation and availability of funds under Section 10-7E-17(E)” of the PEBA. That section, in pertinent part, provides that “[a]n impasse resolution or an agreement provision [of a collective bargaining agreement] by a public employer other than the state or the public schools and an exclusive representative that requires the expenditure of funds shall be contingent upon the specific appropriation of funds by the appropriate governing body and the availability of funds.” Section 10-7E-17(E). {22} Important to the Unions’ appeal are the arguments that are not before us concerning the evergreen clause. In the district court, the City did not argue, as it does on appeal, that the grandfather clause of the PEBA applies to the LMRO with respect to the LMRO’s silence concerning evergreen status. Indeed, the district court noted that the City agreed that the PEBA evergreen clause applied to it, subject to the City’s arguments that the Bateman Act and the LMRO trump the requirements of the evergreen provision. Although the district court also relied upon the Bateman Act in its decision, we do not discuss this argument because Section 10-7E-17(E) sufficiently supports the district court’s decision. We do not address the City’s grandfather clause argument because the City did not raise it before the district court. Additionally, the Unions did not argue below, and do not argue on appeal, that the PEBA does not apply to the City in every respect. Significantly, no argument has been made that, even if the impasse resolution procedures of the LMRO are entitled to grandfather status, Section 10-7E-17(E) of the PEBA does not apply to the City. Regents, 1998-NMSC-020, ¶ 35 (stating that grandfather clauses should be construed strictly or narrowly). Indeed, Regents instructs that the requirements for grandfather clause status be construed narrowly, analyzing portions of a public employer’s policy separately. Id. {23} On the record before us, we thus conclude that Section 10-7E-17(E) applies to economic components of the extension of the expired collective bargaining agreements under the PEBA evergreen provision. Under Section 10-7E-17(E), agreement provisions that require the expenditure of funds are subject to “the specific appropriation of funds” and “the availability of funds.” See Int’l Ass’n of Firefighters v. City of Carlsbad, 2009-NMCA-097, ¶¶ 1, 16, 147 N.M. 6, 216 P.3d 256 (holding that Section 10-7E-17(E) prevails over a binding arbitration award issued pursuant to Section 10-7E-18(B)(2)). It is not an issue whether the City appropriated funds for or during the term of the agreements. No City appropriation has occurred to extend the agreements, and the City contends that it does not have available funds to fund the economic components of the extension. The PEBA leaves that determination to the legislative functions of the public employer. The PEBA does not require the extension of existing collective bargaining agreements in conflict with Section 10-7E-17(E). MOOTNESS WITH RESPECT TO AFSCME LOCAL 1888 AND AFSCME LOCAL 3022 {24} While this lawsuit was pending, AFSCME Local 1888 and AFSCME Local 3022 entered into new contracts with the City. The Unions contend that the district court improperly granted the City’s motion to dismiss the two unions as moot. We address the issue under de novo review. Garcia v. Dorsey, 2006-NMSC-052, ¶ 13, 140 N.M. 746, 149 P.3d 62. {25} We test for mootness by determining whether an actual controversy exists. City of Las Cruces v. El Paso Elec. Co., 1998-NMSC-006, ¶ 16, 124 N.M. 640, 954 P.2d 72. Our Supreme Court has stated “[t]he prerequisites of actual controversy ... in a declaratory judgment action are: a controversy involving rights or other legal relations of the parties seeking declaratory relief; a claim of right or other legal interest asserted against one who has an interest in contesting the claim; interests of the parties must be real and adverse; and the issue . . . must be ripe for judicial determination.” Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). {26} The Unions argue that an actual controversy continues to exist despite the new agreements because the new agreements will expire in the next two years. Secondarily, they contend that, even assuming an actual controversy no longer exists, this case presents an issue of public interest that is likely to reoccur. They rely on Bradbury & Stamm Construction v. Board of County Commissioners of Bernalillo County, 2001-NMCA-106, ¶¶ 10-11, 131 N.M. 293, 35 P.3d 298. In that case, the plaintiff had claimed that the county had improperly declined to apply a statutory residential preference in the bidding on a construction project. Id. ¶¶ 2-4. The district court ruled for the plaintiff, and the county granted the plaintiff the bid because it disqualified the low bidder, notbecause of aresidential preference. Id. ¶¶ 5-6. This Court determined that, although there no longer appeared to be an actual controversy concerning the residential preference statute, it nevertheless denied the plaintiff’s motion to dismiss the appeal as moot because the issue was of substantial public importance that “may well reoccur}.]” Id. ¶ 12. {27} Although Bradbury & Stamm does not indicate that an actual controversy continues to exist in this case, it does address the Unions’ secondary position. However, in Bradbury & Stamm, the issue “may well” have reoccurred if the Court did not decide the issue between the parties before it. In this case, the issues raised by AFSCME Local 1888 and AFSCME Local 3022 are the same issues raised by the other unions, and the Court is deciding the issues. CONCLUSION {28} The PEBA grandfather clause applies to the LMRO impasse resolution procedures notwithstanding the failure of the LMRO to require binding arbitration to resolve impasse. The PEBA evergreen clause does not apply to the economic components of the existing collective bargaining agreements, at least in the manner in which this case was argued, because of the PEBA’s requirements that provisions of collectivebargaining agreements that require an expenditure of funds are subject to the “specific appropriation of funds” and “the availability of funds” in Section 10-7E-17(E). The complaint was moot with respect to AFSCME Local 1888 and AFSCME Local 3022. We affirm. {29} IT IS SO ORDERED. JAMES J. WECHSLER, Judge I CONCUR: JONATHAN B. SUTIN, Judge TIMOTHY L. GARCIA, Judge (specially concurring)
[ -0.007920227013528347, -0.051700592041015625, -0.02829630859196186, 0.010762583464384079, 0.03594764694571495, 0.005132741294801235, 0.027258455753326416, 0.01147149596363306, 0.04206753522157669, -0.07587161660194397, 0.006472839042544365, 0.029198605567216873, -0.09878398478031158, 0.043797750025987625, 0.0014274846762418747, 0.05706532672047615, 0.026205308735370636, 0.02498573809862137, 0.02793542668223381, -0.023638831451535225, 0.016776716336607933, -0.015595628879964352, 0.0635175108909607, 0.03363998979330063, 0.009069399908185005, 0.004509331192821264, 0.013827179558575153, 0.011154819279909134, -0.04287804290652275, 0.010756919160485268, 0.03400811925530434, 0.004600269719958305, -0.005424741189926863, -0.011470538564026356, 0.0006843261071480811, 0.007445860654115677, -0.00521498266607523, 0.017611371353268623, 0.002173250075429678, 0.02237352728843689, -0.011352823115885258, 0.05160072073340416, -0.022831065580248833, -0.013046874664723873, -0.030450807884335518, 0.01069756131619215, -0.030139021575450897, 0.03353182226419449, -0.03127317130565643, -0.01297780778259039, -0.06704704463481903, -0.0377056784927845, 0.028167767450213432, 0.019415095448493958, 0.004659747704863548, 0.016166746616363525, -0.03975985199213028, -0.08330129832029343, -0.0031708998139947653, -0.016855912283062935, 0.013425735756754875, 0.0004055422905366868, 0.0728168860077858, -0.031722210347652435, 0.015889042988419533, -0.007707154843956232, 0.03517129272222519, 0.022431718185544014, -0.02940213307738304, -0.03108556941151619, -0.03808038681745529, -0.005118690896779299, -0.010657538659870625, -0.0025935748126357794, 0.03566328436136246, -0.051894623786211014, -0.009235095232725143, 0.06402412801980972, 0.009666258469223976, 0.05339271202683449, 0.020068418234586716, 0.00383879360742867, 0.04831534996628761, 0.01723097823560238, -0.0063849217258393764, -0.02463945373892784, -0.051915302872657776, 0.018898338079452515, -0.03523147106170654, 0.03672165423631668, 0.007839087396860123, -0.048278193920850754, 0.023037023842334747, 0.030785053968429565, 0.02091098576784134, -0.008350360207259655, 0.07210218161344528, -0.010826269164681435, 0.03175869584083557, 0.002582468092441559, 0.016353342682123184, -0.05323018878698349, 0.019146524369716644, 0.05424458906054497, -0.046913355588912964, -0.020089631900191307, -0.020769350230693817, -0.006483316421508789, 0.02477339096367359, -0.015226456336677074, -0.02116784080862999, 0.03561244532465935, 0.029007134959101677, -0.01869063265621662, -0.06735721975564957, 0.05898375064134598, 0.0495922714471817, -0.0586039237678051, -0.04084578529000282, -0.019254565238952637, -0.000001764707121765241, 0.019636565819382668, -0.007041953504085541, 0.07771222293376923, 0.021193183958530426, 0.0005824546096846461, -0.013425414450466633, 0.03646473214030266, -0.06695856153964996, -0.039518553763628006, -0.038006071001291275, 0.037797678261995316, 0.025864414870738983, -0.01623694598674774, -0.021635627374053, -0.024350622668862343, -0.027521073818206787, -0.03845576196908951, 0.07072794437408447, -0.05598049238324165, -0.029870282858610153, 0.007784755900502205, -0.0001539165823487565, 0.014780089259147644, 0.029060887172818184, 0.024404121562838554, 0.036863602697849274, -0.043441083282232285, -0.004582697059959173, -0.0279630608856678, 0.016449667513370514, -0.006156305782496929, 0.016433481127023697, -0.023581160232424736, -0.02756541408598423, 0.03844909369945526, 0.0714377909898758, -0.02570856176316738, -0.004646881949156523, 0.07183192670345306, 0.03943736478686333, -0.005064907018095255, 0.02479710802435875, 0.028018169105052948, -0.004608179908245802, 0.017115194350481033, -0.007346256636083126, -0.017256375402212143, -0.004626038484275341, 0.09704317152500153, -0.009616373106837273, -0.00908649992197752, 0.02531275525689125, -0.07362505048513412, -0.019065115600824356, 0.00780530646443367, 0.06234150752425194, 0.01285290066152811, 0.040910255163908005, -0.004576312378048897, -0.061885248869657516, 0.015980681404471397, -0.024756386876106262, 0.03573145344853401, 0.013219939544796944, -0.02374999225139618, 0.06370148807764053, -0.025001203641295433, 0.049070049077272415, -0.00997980684041977, -0.06632369011640549, -0.06410747766494751, 0.047579385340213776, -0.02480139210820198, 0.032686375081539154, 0.013685704208910465, -0.0033423404674977064, 0.004710676614195108, 0.008510199375450611, 0.01240519993007183, 0.01916416361927986, 0.0011048370506614447, 0.03842110186815262, -0.03310956433415413, -0.06026817485690117, 0.0371147021651268, 0.03743236884474754, -0.017653362825512886, -0.0316745899617672, 0.047384899109601974, -0.04748573899269104, 0.015179459936916828, 0.01790069229900837, -0.006351694464683533, 0.06231415644288063, -0.060337554663419724, 0.038209218531847, -0.058440979570150375, 0.05387560650706291, -0.04214569553732872, 0.059676919132471085, 0.01841900125145912, 0.009531012736260891, 0.02129044570028782, -0.06588128954172134, 0.05892671272158623, 0.06486485153436661, -0.06283283978700638, -0.0031352629885077477, 0.036198753863573074, 0.027855094522237778, -0.004285242408514023, 0.0006104520289227366, 0.01122188102453947, 0.10903262346982956, -0.034233737736940384, -0.008506301790475845, -0.014306590892374516, 0.045840587466955185, -0.02890164591372013, 0.001321333460509777, 0.03842196241021156, 0.008682708255946636, 0.024814311414957047, -0.03642015531659126, -0.0036327391862869263, -0.007628720719367266, 0.023533547297120094, -0.0025546972174197435, -0.008982274681329727, -0.0100688636302948, -0.0147687504068017, 0.0038466460537165403, -0.030032461509108543, 0.014301853254437447, -0.07301411032676697, -0.025017112493515015, -0.01989157870411873, 0.036726102232933044, 0.0015256201149895787, 0.015302457846701145, -0.012400672771036625, 0.017686838284134865, -0.019963720813393593, -0.050271037966012955, -0.04366091638803482, -0.04582235589623451, -0.014101584441959858, -0.01194242388010025, 0.030092716217041016, 0.01332327350974083, 0.020477602258324623, 0.0033082603476941586, 0.023161260411143303, 0.010254185646772385, 0.0493948794901371, 0.02670254372060299, -0.023941872641444206, -0.02379612810909748, -0.022803394123911858, -0.0041747065261006355, 0.008777732960879803, -0.044077567756175995, -0.05491640418767929, -0.006397441029548645, -0.028498338535428047, 0.01710248924791813, -0.07036171108484268, -0.0627780333161354, 0.0363125242292881, 0.003952089697122574, 0.00988710392266512, -0.028268570080399513, 0.004690862726420164, 0.019368117675185204, -0.002388077788054943, 0.038797419518232346, 0.030093183740973473, 0.0444958321750164, -0.0577099472284317, -0.000339156569680199, -0.028579039499163628, 0.0134965805336833, -0.023323727771639824, 0.014192840084433556, -0.002834997372701764, -0.0014159271959215403, -0.00532850157469511, -0.23600175976753235, 0.006642797030508518, -0.04139227047562599, -0.011977649293839931, 0.0005515101947821677, -0.05391276255249977, -0.0002440657262923196, -0.01694783754646778, -0.03770450875163078, 0.027227221056818962, 0.008220172487199306, -0.010231366381049156, 0.04760695993900299, 0.04614357650279999, -0.01128842681646347, -0.00223372015170753, -0.004375961609184742, -0.07446381449699402, -0.011645976454019547, -0.0014567965408787131, 0.04558275640010834, -0.045336101204156876, -0.03150876611471176, 0.00420979131013155, 0.06089748069643974, 0.09663251787424088, -0.017658095806837082, -0.017393475398421288, -0.03910452872514725, -0.040049318224191666, 0.01123986579477787, 0.022544313222169876, 0.013379992917180061, 0.008353135548532009, 0.01625024527311325, -0.004857387859374285, 0.029679836705327034, -0.03206285089254379, -0.04521862789988518, -0.016786906868219376, -0.001843667938373983, -0.03515991196036339, -0.02947821095585823, 0.02040906436741352, 0.051217202097177505, 0.013483724556863308, -0.0488111674785614, -0.006673759315162897, -0.012592232786118984, 0.05320416018366814, -0.004071082454174757, 0.019546231254935265, -0.012486757710576057, 0.03424467891454697, -0.016833288595080376, 0.026749342679977417, -0.06043749302625656, -0.022167081013321877, -0.03347172960639, 0.04700096696615219, -0.030190765857696533, -0.07488743960857391, -0.047053784132003784, -0.008909962140023708, -0.07724886387586594, -0.04480625316500664, -0.03306809812784195, -0.01564939133822918, 0.08391688019037247, 0.024574516341090202, 0.031915899366140366, 0.042178936302661896, -0.04500677436590195, -0.0743706077337265, 0.025440702214837074, -0.0009134980500675738, 0.000993945635855198, -0.04219537973403931, -0.03263464197516441, 0.01264275424182415, 0.00411986606195569, -0.027102800086140633, 0.02288595773279667, 0.03457513451576233, -0.015600718557834625, 0.03902592882514, 0.008030485361814499, 0.03255452215671539, -0.054968368262052536, -0.006261092144995928, 0.034604161977767944, 0.042061202228069305, 0.005713252350687981, -0.023167148232460022, 0.03780421242117882, 0.02499733306467533, -0.04941464960575104, -0.03439128026366234, -0.016109229996800423, 0.022256575524806976, 0.03442806378006935, -0.0660780817270279, 0.0006826400640420616, -0.024784261360764503, 0.014469271525740623, 0.013924259692430496, -0.05778107792139053, -0.012475072406232357, 0.062353212386369705, 0.024398086592555046, 0.0325690433382988, -0.053018637001514435, 0.06092151626944542, -0.022898243740200996, -0.020112572237849236, -0.04262355715036392, 0.024984316900372505, 0.007561023347079754, 0.030897637829184532, -0.007882367819547653, -0.011133250780403614, 0.03225577995181084, -0.00313004688359797, -0.05859994515776634, -0.09499914944171906, 0.034360889345407486, -0.03762340545654297, 0.048687491565942764, -0.00023723124468233436, 0.036000967025756836, -0.05009246990084648, -0.03002309985458851, 0.0004768420185428113, 0.006329962983727455, -0.0022927161771804094, -0.018287254497408867, -0.0026818239130079746, -0.06009959056973457, 0.010495807975530624, 0.012876779772341251, 0.009282324463129044, -0.0006873372476547956, 0.024202805012464523, -0.007838617078959942, 0.0024021132849156857, 0.00958208553493023, 0.024574430659413338, -0.04075467213988304, -0.03239346295595169, 0.061801787465810776, 0.03034478984773159, -0.06528129428625107, 0.0006044218898750842, -0.05198535695672035, -0.007941645570099354, -0.024896573275327682, 0.016209224238991737, -0.0018835618393495679, 0.013985932804644108, -0.05644974485039711, -0.020035162568092346, -0.030694302171468735, 0.005984005983918905, -0.029893580824136734, 0.02016647346317768, 0.04148952662944794, 0.015482710674405098, -0.01862732134759426, -0.03943641111254692, 0.03890250623226166, 0.0031878724694252014, -0.042765550315380096, -0.030246663838624954, -0.0005570619250647724, 0.003230122849345207, 0.019273241981863976, 0.009971072897315025, 0.004348939750343561, 0.017373912036418915, 0.014535162597894669, -0.01579267717897892, -0.042891666293144226, -0.032687958329916, -0.011461214162409306, 0.03812163323163986, -0.036448001861572266, -0.003233272349461913, -0.05475045368075371, -0.02183830551803112, -0.018154840916395187, 0.05018835514783859, -0.02684999816119671, -0.015986371785402298, -0.01669754646718502, -0.058056335896253586, -0.058682192116975784, 0.03416737541556358, -0.033510856330394745, 0.0472433939576149, 0.029509566724300385, 0.0012356402585282922, 0.018731359392404556, -0.073646180331707, 0.008690856397151947, -0.03390100225806236, -0.07978624850511551, 0.008890887722373009, 0.03096567839384079, -0.02598506771028042, 0.0001858396572060883, -0.051543645560741425, 0.026104656979441643, -0.030559469014406204, 0.04742557182908058, 0.013472385704517365, -0.057744741439819336, 0.05368511378765106, -0.009710281156003475, -0.022887375205755234, -0.009439538232982159, 0.029211636632680893, -0.04526802524924278, -0.01716405525803566, 0.02292577363550663, -0.025549598038196564, 0.03739987686276436, -0.019758611917495728, -0.006759727839380503, 0.003962044138461351, 0.008191428147256374, -0.009626185521483421, -0.07844354957342148, -0.010773956775665283, 0.024857940152287483, -0.015976155176758766, 0.04029446840286255, -0.028505997732281685, -0.04210732877254486, 0.006989256013184786, 0.046116165816783905, -0.012250515632331371, 0.007304010912775993, -0.012750166468322277, -0.06573951244354248, -0.000996520509943366, 0.012024933472275734, 0.06745929270982742, -0.00873203482478857, -0.01883484609425068, 0.0689585953950882, -0.03232232481241226, 0.014867404475808144, -0.0356932058930397, 0.006850029807537794, 0.04766455665230751, -0.011974206194281578, -0.006570523139089346, 0.05184110999107361, -0.005546187981963158, -0.005208615213632584, -0.0010206541046500206, 0.01940733753144741, -0.05435183271765709, 0.015029435977339745, 0.009421666152775288, 0.04894399270415306, 0.016190508380532265, -0.030978988856077194, 0.06460682302713394, -0.0887153372168541, -0.04747522994875908, -0.0752498060464859, 0.02121102809906006, -0.0174670722335577, 0.04479582607746124, 0.006640047300606966, 0.041536781936883926, -0.035991836339235306, 0.03348778933286667, -0.06155182421207428, -0.02947237901389599, 0.013393924571573734, -0.014375722967088223, -0.008759580552577972, 0.05032828450202942, -0.049896784126758575, 0.015704944729804993, 0.013454883359372616, -0.07639112323522568, -0.02664465829730034, -0.04434002935886383, 0.011283522471785545, 0.006479914765805006, 0.013912511058151722, -0.0568646602332592, -0.03201380744576454, 0.04207182303071022, 0.03149682655930519, -0.02282813750207424, 0.002690053079277277, -0.07356784492731094, 0.03675910457968712, 0.04396642744541168, -0.02666504681110382, -0.03451862186193466, -0.013400218449532986, -0.025885896757245064, -0.04562603682279587, 0.0170094333589077, 0.009657343849539757, 0.0058570969849824905, -0.05834057182073593, 0.03805552423000336, 0.003006651997566223, -0.05185868218541145, 0.023061929270625114, -0.0027237634640187025, -0.01230309996753931, -0.02765786647796631, -0.023413222283124924, 0.03277725726366043, -0.021338215097784996, 0.06024784594774246, 0.023444605991244316, 0.08110938966274261, 0.032063424587249756, 0.01716219075024128, 0.020749922841787338, 0.001651896396651864, 0.07479986548423767, 0.05435601621866226, 0.053258076310157776, -0.004653977695852518, 0.03665563464164734, 0.005833528470247984, -0.03194606676697731, 0.03510208800435066, 0.02115880511701107, 0.007959331385791302, 0.03018447756767273, 0.027112282812595367, 0.09463557600975037, -0.0482521690428257, 0.04445703700184822, 0.03915194049477577, -0.03236331045627594, 0.02519761025905609, -0.046243101358413696, 0.047812145203351974, 0.019982576370239258, -0.009171000681817532, -0.050027791410684586, -0.008042371831834316, -0.03409288451075554, 0.005188466515392065, 0.018445465713739395, 0.012423551641404629, -0.005771555006504059, -0.011151549406349659, 0.055028557777404785, -0.02940235286951065, 0.04389302805066109, 0.09240161627531052, -0.021597206592559814, -0.031956661492586136, 0.002363553736358881, 0.00040233542677015066, 0.0003397182154003531, 0.0005375636392273009, 0.010726496577262878, 0.009093647822737694, 0.011877228505909443, -0.03247464448213577, 0.01750241592526436, 0.0633537620306015, 0.008026685565710068, 0.0651661679148674, -0.016687970608472824, 0.025141602382063866, 0.06069200485944748, -0.007418137975037098, -0.0025933552533388138, -0.02651241049170494, -0.055433325469493866, 0.018916260451078415, -0.028252577409148216, 0.014504233375191689, 0.03867208585143089, 0.009172444231808186, -0.06061640381813049, 0.0020253960974514484, 0.017822271212935448, -0.05065011978149414, 0.013751387596130371, -0.013861436396837234, 0.029925372451543808, 0.03103991039097309, 0.04349597916007042, -0.0023578049149364233, 0.022462528198957443, 0.06733347475528717, -0.03750673681497574, -0.0030055728275328875, 0.019420268014073372, -0.023012058809399605, 0.015818003565073013, 0.004448479041457176, 0.012999077327549458, -0.06408504396677017, 0.025619298219680786, 0.03584148362278938, 0.04008612781763077, -0.060015782713890076, 0.04213577136397362, -0.037831470370292664, -0.04668541997671127, 0.06443994492292404, 0.009750761091709137, -0.021815607324242592, 0.0034097598399966955, -0.020086318254470825, -0.0269237719476223, -0.00849808007478714, 0.04403097927570343, -0.007193407975137234, 0.009257808327674866, 0.03911531716585159, 0.02079829014837742, 0.004476991947740316, 0.05400141701102257, 0.037086501717567444, -0.007004910614341497, -0.043403174728155136, -0.0029606549069285393, -0.025918012484908104, -0.033576980233192444, -0.09226307272911072, 0.018373573198914528, -0.005003448575735092, -0.07433496415615082, 0.014588548801839352, -0.006272857543081045, -0.033739253878593445, -0.029658040031790733, 0.03905108943581581, 0.040803391486406326, -0.027314849197864532, -0.03264184296131134, -0.032120391726493835, 0.02167837880551815, 0.030924001708626747, 0.00382641376927495, -0.0016554821049794555, -0.04500285163521767, 0.04051000997424126, -0.05541185662150383, -0.029274266213178635, 0.05532890558242798, 0.03933543711900711, 0.008883499540388584 ]
OPINION VANZI, Judge. {1} Appellant Benjamin M. Duran (Duran) appeals from a district court order concerning the distribution of the Estate of Eligió Vigil (the Estate). We address three issues on appeal: (1) whether the Legislature intended that statutory allowances that were not claimed while the surviving spouse was alive be transferred to the estate of the surviving spouse after her death, (2) whether the district court erred in finding that Appellant failed to prove that he made tax payments on the homestead owned by the Estate from his personal funds, and (3) whether the district court erred in directing distribution of the remaining assets in the Estate directly to the heirs of the surviving spouse rather than to the personal representative of her estate. We affirm. BACKGROUND {2} The following facts are undisputed. Eligió Vigil (Eligió) died intestate on September 23, 1999. At the time of his death, Eligió was married to Pilar Vigil (Pilar). Eligió and Pilar had no children together as this was a second marriage for each of them, but they each had three children from prior marriages. {3} On May 1, 2000, Pilar petitioned the district court to appoint her as the sole personal representative ofthe Estate. Eligio’s son, Tony Vigil (Tony), responded and also asked to he appointed personal representative and that the administration be supervised. The district court appointed both Pilar and Tony as co-personal representatives of the Estate, ordered unsupervised administration without bond, and ordered that letters of administration be issued to both personal representatives upon qualification and acceptance. {4} Pilar died intestate on May 18, 2006, having survived Eligió by seven years. At the time of her death, the case involving the Estate had been administratively closed due to inaction. Tony filed a motion to reopen on June 9, 2009. The motion stated that Pilar had died, that her son, Duran, was appointed as the personal representative of his mother’s estate by the Doña Ana County Probate Court, and that Duran intended to replace Pilar as the co-personal representative of Eligio’s Estate. The motion was granted, and the district court entered an order of substitution of co-personal representative and substitution of counsel on July 14, 2009. {5} On May 20, 2010, Tony moved to set aside Duran’s appointment of substitution of co-personal representative on the basis that no letters testamentary and acceptance were ever issued to Pilar. Before the motion was ruled on, Duran filed a petition for order of complete settlement adjudicating final distribution of the Estate. The petition provided that the only asset remaining in the Estate of any value was property (Rinconada property). The Rinconada property was sold in March 2010 for $150,000, netting $136,026.12 for the Estate. Duran stated that “disagreements have arisen between the [cjo[pjersonal [Representatives” about the distribution of the proceeds from the sale of the property that were “resting in the trust account” of Tony’s attorney. The petition requested payment to Pilar’s estate of a $30,000 statutory family allowance and a $15,000 personal property allowance, prior to distribution ofthe remaining assets pursuant to the Probate Code’s rules of intestate succession. See NMSA 1978, §§ 45-2-402 (1995), 45-2-403 (1999) (amended 2011). Further, Duran asked to be personally reimbursed in the amount of $3,967.35 for property taxes that he claimed to have paid on the Rinconada property from 2000-2009. Finally, in his capacity as personal representative of Pilar’s estate, Duran requested distribution of Pilar’s one-fourth intestate share and reimbursement of attorney fees. {6} Tony also filed a proposal for distribution of the Estate’s remaining assets and an accompanying memorandum in support. The proposal agreed that one-fourth ofthe intestate share should be distributed to the heirs of Pilar but opposed the granting of either a personal property or family allowance to Pilar’s estate. With regard to Duran’s claim for reimbursement of the $3,967.35 in property taxes, Tony’s proposal asked the district court to consider the request in light of the limitation on presentation of claims set forth in NMSA 1978, Section 45-3-803 (1993) (amended 2011). {7} The district court held a hearing on January 3, 2011, and the parties presented evidence and argument. After allowing both sides to submit requested findings and conclusions, the court ruled that (1) the statutory allowance claims by Pilar’s estate were precluded by laches and equitable estoppel and that, alternatively, it would be inconsistent with the Legislature’s intent to award these allowances to Pilar’s estate or heirs of a surviving spouse after her death; and (2) although principles of equity would generally require reimbursement for payment of taxes, in this case, Duran had not provided sufficient evidence that he had actually paid the taxes and, therefore, his claim was denied. The district court also ordered distribution of the Estate by intestate succession and right of representation directly to the heirs. This appeal followed. DISCUSSION {8} Duran raises three issues on appeal. He contends that (1) the district court erred in denying the family and personal property allowances to the estate of Pilar, (2) the district court erred in denying Duran’s claim for reimbursement for property taxes paid by him individually, and (3) the district court erred in directing distribution to the heirs of the surviving spouse rather than to the personal representative of her estate. We take each of Duran’s arguments in turn. Our Legislature Did Not Intend That Statutory Allowances Be Transferred to the Estate of the Surviving Spouse {9} Duran’s first issue on appeal is that the district court erred in denying the family and personal property allowances to Pilar’s estate. The district court found that, based on the conduct of Pilar and/or her then attorney, her estate’s statutory allowance claims were precluded by the doctrines of laches and equitable estoppel. In the alternative, the court ruled that it would be inconsistent with the Legislature’s intent that the statutory allowances, which are meant to provide for a surviving spouse during her lifetime, should be awarded to Pilar’s estate or heirs after her death. We conclude that the Legislature did not intend that the personal allowances be transferred from the estate of the first spouse to the estate of the surviving spouse. Accordingly, we do not reach the question of whether our Legislature intended to immunize the statutory allowances from all equitable and legal defenses. {10} Because our review requires us to interpret provisions of the Probate Code, our review is de novo. United Rentals Nw., Inc. v. Yearout Mech., Inc., 2010-NMSC-030, ¶ 7, 148 N.M. 426, 237 P.3d 728. “The principal objective in the judicial construction of statutes is to determine and give effect to the intent of the [Ljegislature.” Regents of Univ. of N.M. v. N.M. Fed’n of Teachers, 1998-NMSC-020, ¶ 28, 125 N.M. 401, 962 P.2d 1236 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). “The first guiding principle in statutory construction dictates that we look to the wording of the statute and attempt to apply the plain meaning rule, recognizing that when a statute contains language which is clear and unambiguous, we must give effect to that language and refrain from further statutory interpretation.” United Rentals, 2010-NMSC-030, ¶ 9 (alteration, internal quotation marks, and citation omitted). Further, we construe the Probate Code in light of its purpose and interpret it “to mean what the Legislature intended it to mean, and to accomplish the ends sought to be accomplished by it.” San Juan Agrie. Water Users Ass’n v. KNME-TV, 2011-NMSC-011, ¶ 14, 150 N.M. 64, 257 P.3d 884 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). {11} Sections 45-2-402 and -403 govern the family and personal property allowance provisions at issue in this case. Section 45-2-402 states, in relevant part, that “[a] decedent’s surviving spouse is entitled to a family allowance of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000). If there is no surviving spouse, each minor child and each dependent child of the decedent is entitled to a family allowance.” Section 45-2-403 similarly provides a personal property allowance in household furniture, automobiles, furnishings, appliances, and personal effects to the surviving spouse in an amount not to exceed $15,000. {12} Neither provision specifically addresses what happens if the allowances are not claimed prior to the death of the surviving spouse. What is clear, however, is that these separate allowances are designated specifically for the personal well being of the surviving spouse and are not treated the same as amounts inherited from the decedent by will or intestate succession. See §§ 45-2-402, -403; In re Estate of Jewell, 2001-NMCA-008, ¶ 9, 130 N.M. 93, 18 P.3d 334 (“The purpose of the [statutory] allowances is to ensure that a surviving spouse is not left penniless and abandoned by the death of a spouse.” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). It would serve no statutory purpose to transfer the allowances to the surviving — and in this case unrelated — heirs of a surviving spouse. “It is fundamental that statutes will be construed so that their application will be neither absurd nor unreasonable.” Midwest Video v. Campbell, 80 N.M. 116, 119, 452 P.2d 185, 188 (1969). Similarly, “[w]e will not construe a statute to defeat [its] intended purpose.” Padilla v. Montano, 116 N.M. 398, 403, 862 P.2d 1257, 1262 (Ct. App. 1993). Thus, construing the statutory terms in light of the purposes and objectives of the Probate Code’s provisions on allowances, we conclude that our Legislature did not intend that statutory allowances unclaimed during the lifetime of the surviving spouse would then be transferred to the heirs of the surviving spouse. {13} Duran argues that New Mexico case law supports his position that a surviving spouse’s right to statutory allowances automatically passes to her estate following her death. We disagree. The cases cited by Duran hold only that a surviving spouse is entitled to the family and personal property allowance notwithstanding the testator’s intent. See Conley v. Quinn, 66 N.M. 242, 252, 346 P.2d 1030, 1036 (1959) (holding that, under the prior version of the Probate Code’s property allowance provision, a . surviving spouse had an unqualified right to the property); Bell v. Estate of Bell, 2008-NMCA-045, ¶ 35, 143 N.M. 716, 181 P.3d 708 (holding that “transfers outside of a will cannot offset or preclude the statutory allowances set forth in Sections 45-2-402 and -403”); Salopek v. Hoffman, 2005-NMCA-016, ¶ 10, 137 N.M. 47, 107 P.3d 1 (reaffirming that “the family allowance and personal property allowance are not subject to offset or defenses and pass outside the will by operation of law”); Estate of Jewell, 2001-NMCA-008, ¶¶ 5, 9 (stating that the Probate Code provides statutory allowances to a surviving spouse on a priority basis exempt from creditors of the estate and that these allowances pass outside the will by operation of law). As we have noted, these cases stand only for the proposition that these allowances “constitute a statutory entitlement for the benefit of surviving spouses.” Estate of Jewell, 2001-NMCA-008, ¶ 9 (emphasis added). Duran has not referred us to any contrary case interpreting the Uniform Probate Code permitting the statutory allowances to enure to the benefit of a surviving spouse’s heirs, and we have found none. Where a party cites no authority to support an argument, we may assume no such authority exists. In re Adoption of Doe, 100 N.M. 764, 765, 676 P.2d 1329, 1330 (1984). Consequently, we hold that consistent with our rules of statutory construction, as well as the strong public policy in favor of awarding the allowances so that a surviving spouse would be adequately taken care of immediately after her spouse’s death, our Legislature did not intend these allowances to be transferred from the decedent’s estate to the estate and heirs of the surviving spouse. We affirm the district court’s ruling. Duran’s Claim for Reimbursement for Payment of Property Taxes Was Properly Denied {14} The issue that we next address is whether substantial evidence exists to support the district court’s finding that there was insufficient evidence to establish that Duran paid the property taxes out of his personal funds. In accordance with our standard of review, the judgment of the district court will not be disturbed on appeal if the findings of fact entered by the court are supported by substantial evidence, are not clearly erroneous, and are sufficient to support the judgment. See Mascarenas v. Jaramillo, 111 N.M. 410, 412, 806 P.2d 59, 61 (1991) (stating that it is the appellate court’s duty to interpret the district court’s findings to determine whether they are sufficient to support the judgment). Further, “when a finding is made against the party with the burden of proof, [the appellate court may] affirm such a finding if it was rational for the fact finder to disbelieve the evidence offered in support of that finding.” Sosa v. Empire Roofing Co., 110 N.M. 614, 616, 798 P.2d 215, 217 (Ct. App. 1990). {15} In his petition for order of complete settlement, Duran stated that he individually claimed reimbursement in the amount of $3,967.35 for property taxes he paid on the Rinconada property from 2000 to 2008. In support of this contention, Duran filed an affidavit claiming that “from the year 2000 to 2009, he paid property taxefs] on the Eligió Vigil land and house in Rio Arriba County, in the total amount of $3,967.35[.]” At the January 3, 2011 hearing, Duran’s counsel argued that Duran was entitled to reimbursement of the taxes paid. The district court disagreed and stated that it had not been adequately assured that the taxes had been paid out of Duran’s personal funds and that an accounting of the funds in the Estate would be required to confirm that he had personally paid the taxes. The court said, “Because of the long delay that has gone on and state of the accounting, ... I cannot feel assured that the money that was used to pay the taxes was money that. . . personally had belonged to . . . Duran and that he has suffered a loss that would require reimbursement.” Specifically, the court found that Pilar and her family had possession and control over all the real and personal-property of the Estate, that there was no accounting for those assets as required by NMSA 1978, Section 45-3-706 (1983) of the Probate Code, that Pilar misrepresented the value of the real property, which was subsequently sold for six times the amount that Pilar claimed it to be worth, and that the only remaining asset of any value in the Estate after Pilar’s death was the real property. Therefore, the district court concluded, the application of equitable principles precluded Duran’s claim for reimbursement. {16} Duran’s sole argument on appeal is that Tony “fails to cite any evidence justifying the district court’s decision” and that he is entitled to reimbursementbecause his affidavit recited “that he did pay such property taxes from the year 2000 to 2009.” We are not persuaded by Duran’s argument. As an initial matter, we note that Duran does not challenge any of the district court’s findings regarding the misconduct of Pilar and/or her then attorney. Further, but for the bare assertion in his affidavit, Duran provided no evidence that he personally paid taxes on the Rinconada property. Even after the district court expressed its concern at the hearing and suggested an accounting of the funds in the Estate could confirm that Duran personally made the payments, he did not come forth with any additional evidence. We cannot say that the district court erred in finding that Duran failed to carry his burden of proving that he paid the taxes from his personal funds rather than from the Estate’s funds. Duran Failed to Preserve His Claim That the Share of the Estate Must Be Distributed to Him as Personal Representative of Pilar’s Estate {17} Duran’s final argument on appeal is that the district court erred in directing distribution of the Estate directly to the heirs of the surviving spouse rather than to him as the personal representative of Pilar’s estate. Tony contends that Duran failed to preserve this claim and, for the reasons that follow, we agree. {18} “To preserve an issue for review on appeal, it must appear that appellant fairly invoked a ruling of the trial court on the same grounds argued in the appellate court.” Woolwine v. Furr’s, Inc., 106 N.M. 492, 496, 745 P.2d 717, 721 (Ct. App. 1987). Duran asserts that his argument in the district court and his requested findings and conclusions sufficiently preserved the issue for our review. At the conclusion of the January 3, 2011 hearing, counsel for Tony raised the issue of distribution of that part of the Estate inherited by Pilar. The following colloquy took place between counsel and the court: Counsel for Tony: If you could provide out of Pilar’s estate down in Doña Ana County a determination of heirship, file it, so we could rely on it and utilize that. . . . Court: Right. Is there any problem doing that? Counsel for Duran: I would see no reason not to just distribute it to . . . Duran as the personal representative. Counsel for Tony: He’s not the personal representative [of Pilar’s estate], ... If we gave it to Pilar’s estate, we would be exposing ourselves to claims from every one of her heirs. Court: Has a determination of heirs been made in Pilar’s estate in [the probate case]? Counsel for Duran: No, there’s no doubts or controversy. Counsel for Tony: Hopefully you can just file one and get a conformed copy to me and then we could utilize that in our distribution. Counsel for Duran: Well, it’s in the Probate Court, and they don’t have hearings that make these— Court: No, but it has been filed. Counsel for Duran: Oh yes. Yes, in Probate Court in Doña Ana County. Court: Well alright. Well can you just get a copy of the determination of heirs from Pilar’s probate file and get it to [Tony’s counsel] and then he can— Counsel for Duran: Well, I can get him a copy of the petition which states [who] they are. Court: And it’s unopposed? Nobody filed anything in opposition to the proposed heirs? Counsel for Duran: No. Nobody. Court: Well that should be enough. Counsel for Tony: Does it list all the heirs? Counsel for Duran: Of course. Court: Alright. That should be enough if you relied on that. {19} Based on the above, it is clear that although Duran’s counsel said there was no reason not to distribute to the personal representative, he made no objection when the district court agreed to distribute the property directly to Pilar’s heirs and, in fact, he agreed to provide a list of heirs to Tony’s counsel. In addition to failing to object, Duran’s counsel made no legal argument that distribution to the personal representative was required as a matter of law, and he cited no law to that effect. Preservation serves the purposes of (1) allowing the trial court an opportunity to correct any errors, thereby avoiding the need for appeal, and (2) creating a record from which the appellate court can make informed decisions. Diversey Corp. v. Chem-Source Corp., 1998-NMCA-112, ¶ 38, 125 N.M. 748, 965 P.2d 332. Counsel’s failure to timely object to the district court’s ruling precludes review by this Court. {20} Further, we are not persuaded that Duran’s single proposed conclusion of law stating that “[t]he portion of th[e E]state to which the heirs of Pilar ... are entitled is properly payable to her [pjersonal [representative and not directly to her heirs” was sufficient to alert the district court that it needed to rule on the matter. We note that Duran’s proposed findings and conclusions, which were filed simultaneously with the ones filed by Tony, did not reference the Probate Code cited to on appeal and did not give the opposing party a fair opportunity to meet the alleged objection. As such, Duran failed to preserve this argument for review by this Court, and we will not address it further. See Rule 12-216(A) NMRA (“To preserve a question for review it must appear that a ruling or decision by the district court was fairly involced[.]”); State v. Lucero, 104 N.M. 587, 590, 725 P.2d 266, 269 (Ct. App. 1986) (“The [district] court had no opportunity to consider the merits of, or to rule intelligently on, the argument [the] defendant now puts before us.”). CONCLUSION {21} For the reasons set forth above, we affirm the judgment of the district court. {22} IT IS SO ORDERED. LINDA M. VANZI, Judge I CONCUR: JONATHAN B. SUTIN, Judge RODERICK T. KENNEDY, Judge (specially concurring).
[ -0.002638682723045349, -0.0647306740283966, 0.01634560339152813, 0.017813658341765404, 0.06882718205451965, -0.0059678866527974606, 0.046719785779714584, -0.02410595864057541, 0.021586326882243156, -0.05508994311094284, 0.010129204951226711, -0.007375743705779314, -0.07210809737443924, 0.0672742947936058, -0.021137317642569542, 0.09085439890623093, 0.05993850901722908, 0.03086310625076294, -0.008931901305913925, -0.005144685506820679, 0.036055788397789, 0.01794029027223587, -0.008927715010941029, 0.042728956788778305, 0.009660769253969193, 0.036481909453868866, 0.008612602949142456, -0.017842840403318405, -0.04175683483481407, -0.01697591319680214, 0.012705879285931587, -0.015568958595395088, -0.048184435814619064, 0.013383375480771065, -0.05108132213354111, 0.01926472969353199, 0.001005801954306662, -0.03579297661781311, -0.031811606138944626, 0.026738563552498817, -0.010010597296059132, 0.013951561413705349, -0.030683113262057304, -0.006907581817358732, -0.02571328543126583, -0.020322859287261963, -0.00664087338373065, 0.02874613180756569, -0.03572314232587814, -0.023031510412693024, -0.07899992167949677, -0.023103488609194756, -0.003880848875269294, 0.03462832421064377, -0.0026990557089447975, 0.02041802555322647, -0.04772801697254181, -0.06536272913217545, -0.003344273893162608, -0.014846820384263992, -0.012105871923267841, -0.01474306732416153, 0.06832018494606018, -0.01582377776503563, 0.005850623361766338, -0.005984354764223099, 0.011926255188882351, 0.027970310300588608, -0.058732450008392334, -0.026716504245996475, -0.07223033159971237, 0.013454307802021503, 0.06396612524986267, 0.01834438368678093, -0.02134772576391697, -0.07821253687143326, 0.011887634173035622, 0.04121642932295799, 0.02845161221921444, 0.022279832512140274, 0.03296297416090965, 0.025447553023695946, -0.004961899481713772, 0.04390285536646843, -0.0074477302841842175, -0.04361018165946007, -0.055643703788518906, -0.000014272253793023992, -0.027492472901940346, 0.04585092514753342, -0.031351249665021896, -0.06411014497280121, 0.04382999241352081, 0.042116615921258926, -0.019030213356018066, 0.015869036316871643, 0.08754158020019531, -0.007372597232460976, 0.015431040897965431, 0.026766395196318626, -0.07328660786151886, -0.020153598859906197, 0.029550625011324883, 0.05821385234594345, -0.05326637253165245, -0.0274566188454628, -0.02051873505115509, 0.009258267469704151, -0.01212930865585804, -0.03624413534998894, 0.010235445573925972, 0.005559857934713364, 0.0033934686798602343, -0.04631294682621956, -0.05464314669370651, 0.03434205800294876, 0.07761000096797943, -0.03239593282341957, -0.017983417958021164, -0.007990017533302307, 0.04086006432771683, 0.027051610872149467, -0.012330315075814724, 0.07844933122396469, 0.025355208665132523, -0.031730275601148605, 0.04443548619747162, 0.008363877423107624, -0.022560084238648415, -0.04102250561118126, -0.01191412378102541, 0.04291604831814766, 0.028048137202858925, -0.005197042133659124, -0.0060899932868778706, -0.006549738347530365, -0.016500186175107956, -0.030069749802350998, 0.015188181772828102, -0.07280616462230682, -0.0002686675579752773, 0.008170508779585361, 0.0332493893802166, -0.03368878364562988, 0.07476995885372162, 0.0025707732420414686, 0.03817107528448105, -0.037611622363328934, 0.013750648126006126, -0.020895542576909065, 0.017889264971017838, 0.012738260440528393, 0.010942299850285053, -0.010519718751311302, -0.02331511303782463, 0.054537951946258545, 0.03170420601963997, -0.016087189316749573, 0.011123484000563622, 0.030703920871019363, 0.023409469053149223, 0.028801025822758675, 0.04660389944911003, 0.0034917546436190605, -0.0007701957365497947, 0.047504425048828125, 0.02508852258324623, 0.043996792286634445, -0.014172161929309368, 0.013788053765892982, -0.06154418736696243, -0.030543873086571693, 0.04199206084012985, -0.031834494322538376, -0.03329349309206009, 0.00468804594129324, 0.05935503914952278, -0.013241920620203018, 0.030777521431446075, -0.02075212635099888, -0.07624338567256927, 0.048348214477300644, -0.01614198461174965, -0.03603268787264824, 0.00865529477596283, 0.013701044023036957, 0.03434660658240318, 0.003302995814010501, 0.03713911026716232, -0.01995706930756569, -0.04613382741808891, -0.036980725824832916, 0.0012787040323019028, -0.023022977635264397, 0.010908001102507114, 0.007188512943685055, -0.05784492939710617, 0.03936241567134857, 0.022389644756913185, 0.037078168243169785, -0.027948858216404915, 0.037660617381334305, 0.02369726076722145, -0.061828672885894775, -0.01530357077717781, 0.02676628716289997, 0.03687337413430214, -0.00224740756675601, 0.012097809463739395, 0.05371250957250595, -0.016614390537142754, 0.020589051768183708, 0.03754078224301338, -0.0025938774924725294, 0.06005692109465599, -0.03198346495628357, 0.04306868836283684, -0.034207288175821304, 0.024554429575800896, -0.05605572089552879, 0.05577315762639046, 0.02482813037931919, -0.020453285425901413, 0.03316130489110947, -0.036582980304956436, 0.08077166974544525, 0.07814055681228638, -0.04292519763112068, 0.0003346533630974591, -0.002160030649974942, -0.01671616919338703, 0.024864105507731438, -0.002975712064653635, 0.01349047850817442, 0.04630950093269348, -0.001801548176445067, -0.02907715179026127, -0.02757674641907215, 0.04108510538935661, -0.04143156483769417, -0.0013028507819399238, 0.07386665046215057, 0.027570247650146484, 0.05005500465631485, -0.000996553455479443, 0.026864679530262947, 0.008119061589241028, 0.01644272729754448, -0.03118666633963585, -0.005490611772984266, -0.033581238240003586, 0.0035976923536509275, 0.013021476566791534, -0.010699085891246796, 0.04459729418158531, -0.06788937002420425, -0.03842451423406601, 0.0014552195789292455, 0.010093559511005878, 0.0072621232829988, 0.0023120467085391283, 0.014099327847361565, 0.017505081370472908, -0.03338948264718056, -0.02240736596286297, -0.03679249435663223, -0.05168033018708229, 0.02159312553703785, 0.004727644845843315, -0.022047333419322968, 0.05310722067952156, 0.007552370894700289, 0.026234548538923264, -0.010280114598572254, 0.017603255808353424, 0.037072114646434784, 0.03545490279793739, 0.053069766610860825, -0.014227012172341347, -0.03334436193108559, 0.006872204598039389, 0.0754624605178833, -0.03935215622186661, -0.03651371970772743, -0.06130214408040047, -0.0386488102376461, 0.06344068795442581, -0.06310638785362244, -0.04563533142209053, 0.08180823177099228, 0.03253662586212158, 0.04332097992300987, 0.0037944477517157793, 0.009755677543580532, 0.017686456441879272, 0.030920229852199554, 0.018621981143951416, 0.04267644137144089, 0.008561340160667896, -0.026561154052615166, -0.016518840566277504, -0.03492516651749611, -0.007061800453811884, 0.0274729672819376, 0.024978157132864, 0.025565849617123604, -0.015576410107314587, 0.010457432828843594, -0.2394149750471115, 0.046711720526218414, -0.014454392716288567, -0.03844251483678818, 0.021085677668452263, -0.01643090695142746, 0.018092604354023933, -0.001068044570274651, -0.008954533375799656, 0.07603386789560318, 0.0022231435868889093, -0.02989771217107773, 0.032586876302957535, 0.01055693719536066, -0.005046426318585873, -0.00365136144682765, -0.0023576889652758837, -0.014475175179541111, 0.0009606940438970923, 0.015713220462203026, 0.0014197989366948605, -0.0747714713215828, -0.025355244055390358, 0.029238849878311157, 0.053095560520887375, 0.053666334599256516, -0.04534107446670532, 0.008047245442867279, -0.07029742002487183, -0.01336245983839035, -0.0012073891703039408, 0.006045252084732056, -0.01283315196633339, 0.0010000743204727769, -0.018413977697491646, 0.023406367748975754, 0.011006614193320274, -0.014561660587787628, 0.005176340229809284, 0.017008988186717033, 0.05147996544837952, -0.048605285584926605, -0.03409409150481224, 0.005655998829752207, -0.013443760573863983, -0.0018106718780472875, -0.06421350687742233, -0.008968883194029331, -0.013393772765994072, 0.053869832307100296, -0.0028557865880429745, 0.01412501372396946, 0.0022367530036717653, 0.01420229859650135, -0.02059675194323063, 0.0014816531911492348, -0.048013173043727875, -0.0022867745719850063, -0.06838343292474747, 0.07842710614204407, 0.0063452706672251225, -0.03230663016438484, -0.021936411038041115, -0.02762438729405403, -0.026997938752174377, -0.04677392542362213, -0.02523031458258629, -0.031474366784095764, 0.044041555374860764, 0.039498936384916306, 0.010390078648924828, 0.003804020117968321, -0.02752392180263996, -0.08652205765247345, -0.007912307046353817, -0.013275283388793468, 0.021950654685497284, -0.014649529941380024, -0.03220219910144806, 0.00700010173022747, 0.02877870574593544, -0.04773159697651863, 0.01825011894106865, 0.020542722195386887, -0.006089256145060062, -0.007026650011539459, -0.02456834726035595, 0.02014397457242012, -0.028320951387286186, -0.002706800354644656, 0.035129524767398834, 0.0318601094186306, -0.01780998334288597, 0.0025943571235984564, 0.022313013672828674, 0.04159003123641014, -0.003966162912547588, -0.035770516842603683, -0.028526123613119125, 0.055827196687459946, 0.05466074496507645, -0.06428170949220657, -0.009149806573987007, -0.022054070606827736, 0.005065536126494408, -0.005239784251898527, -0.07780467718839645, 0.03146808221936226, 0.036967530846595764, -0.0034941155463457108, 0.02812827378511429, -0.01568899303674698, 0.04579292610287666, -0.025906994938850403, 0.0023987905588001013, -0.03188465163111687, 0.04192080348730087, -0.01633116975426674, -0.007802619598805904, -0.01031549833714962, 0.0022258167155086994, 0.016580596566200256, -0.054589882493019104, -0.048548374325037, -0.07218553870916367, 0.010517901740968227, 0.023787187412381172, -0.010735813528299332, -0.015645207837224007, 0.01274020690470934, -0.005532729905098677, -0.009813770651817322, -0.01544444914907217, -0.004166309256106615, 0.015407520346343517, 0.005307349842041731, -0.010167368687689304, -0.07645486295223236, 0.045058444142341614, 0.007397035602480173, -0.014083707705140114, -0.03515438362956047, 0.004216564353555441, -0.0021027829498052597, 0.016583997756242752, 0.016627725213766098, -0.013189163990318775, -0.02647176757454872, -0.0675053820014, 0.03665300831198692, 0.031824059784412384, -0.025496656075119972, 0.013374916277825832, -0.04732901602983475, -0.057151615619659424, -0.04703347012400627, 0.02614101767539978, -0.01578705757856369, -0.001820170320570469, -0.05188508331775665, -0.007267609238624573, -0.0027241127099841833, -0.020920874550938606, -0.0027431079652160406, -0.06970099359750748, 0.071233369410038, -0.009440148249268532, 0.025340180844068527, -0.04853929206728935, 0.028871605172753334, 0.0025240506511181593, -0.02371898666024208, -0.031109781935811043, -0.02290562354028225, -0.014097638428211212, -0.0007313909009099007, -0.00817152764648199, 0.02112465538084507, 0.006763544399291277, 0.04150521010160446, -0.014013852924108505, -0.042579732835292816, -0.03196490556001663, -0.0024606860242784023, 0.07429883629083633, -0.022106440737843513, 0.005368278827518225, -0.051655590534210205, -0.007250990718603134, -0.027101682499051094, -0.03544003143906593, 0.0065732477232813835, -0.020992957055568695, 0.016046646982431412, -0.03912954404950142, -0.054324403405189514, 0.07096043229103088, -0.009768150746822357, -0.012534230947494507, 0.01948951557278633, 0.0018498498247936368, 0.001386703341268003, -0.023630401119589806, 0.02308681793510914, -0.007740433793514967, -0.0775899887084961, 0.025975661352276802, 0.030503276735544205, -0.028910385444760323, 0.0023819326888769865, -0.04739725589752197, -0.007113764528185129, -0.03528468310832977, 0.023182226344943047, 0.04323549196124077, -0.04189126938581467, 0.039559345692396164, 0.004901587963104248, -0.036345142871141434, -0.03794802725315094, 0.012859887443482876, -0.034881751984357834, 0.03585624694824219, 0.01627236045897007, -0.024921495467424393, 0.06392732262611389, -0.0017584312008693814, -0.03304624930024147, 0.08622103929519653, -0.04272598400712013, 0.022400027140975, -0.056531112641096115, -0.0426960363984108, 0.04720117151737213, -0.023725196719169617, -0.026164855808019638, -0.016075894236564636, -0.020368026569485664, -0.019380846992135048, 0.039291396737098694, -0.0008038415689952672, 0.07175032794475555, -0.0075234235264360905, -0.049869097769260406, 0.006305091083049774, -0.01392623782157898, 0.01242571510374546, -0.022746194154024124, 0.025671880692243576, 0.09610279649496078, -0.017854342237114906, -0.01118292286992073, 0.009974374435842037, -0.02505272626876831, 0.021348508074879646, -0.06960214674472809, -0.014799064956605434, -0.02475617825984955, -0.043202172964811325, 0.06520894914865494, -0.0014090666081756353, 0.02370162308216095, -0.010439814999699593, 0.013081086799502373, 0.037081826478242874, 0.021768109872937202, 0.019436977803707123, -0.02512526698410511, 0.016064517199993134, -0.06572355329990387, -0.02112169936299324, -0.0786825567483902, -0.021993523463606834, -0.07733556628227234, 0.014388184063136578, -0.005729123018682003, 0.03782842308282852, -0.005219827871769667, 0.023363104090094566, -0.07841749489307404, -0.042445383965969086, 0.009645688347518444, 0.012254729866981506, -0.01746952533721924, -0.008279276080429554, -0.03362700343132019, 0.005585814826190472, 0.02365265041589737, -0.0697505995631218, -0.027051685377955437, -0.0004957212368026376, 0.011005327105522156, 0.01904345490038395, 0.04821392893791199, -0.031883493065834045, 0.021192315965890884, 0.010537545196712017, 0.031263332813978195, -0.024890655651688576, 0.008461065590381622, -0.045152775943279266, 0.058519355952739716, 0.014713645912706852, 0.02102288417518139, -0.027111640200018883, -0.012710233218967915, 0.004863867536187172, -0.038122668862342834, 0.01184070110321045, 0.003652185434475541, -0.006923781707882881, -0.05175798386335373, 0.06948499381542206, -0.01072276383638382, -0.06309453397989273, 0.019985103979706764, -0.010335441678762436, 0.02111096866428852, -0.0193676445633173, -0.03323793411254883, 0.04313959926366806, -0.01199387013912201, 0.051007941365242004, -0.0027995931450277567, 0.05284780263900757, 0.040236152708530426, -0.015769129619002342, 0.03642268851399422, -0.006086917594075203, 0.0697658583521843, 0.040141742676496506, 0.0320555716753006, -0.02214939333498478, 0.04275790974497795, 0.030209871008992195, -0.025732455775141716, 0.01885078102350235, -0.03777416795492172, 0.004012898541986942, 0.04359462857246399, 0.021777983754873276, 0.05426778271794319, -0.021833151578903198, 0.0776255652308464, 0.04845229536294937, 0.01793164387345314, 0.07084785401821136, -0.06764727085828781, 0.051864154636859894, -0.02884766459465027, -0.004935514647513628, -0.023577509447932243, 0.012031935155391693, -0.0105943838134408, 0.008240788243710995, 0.036635350435972214, -0.026195896789431572, -0.01830490492284298, -0.04562962427735329, -0.03733334690332413, -0.015647942200303078, -0.0217360220849514, 0.06702539324760437, -0.028924772515892982, -0.013693825341761112, -0.012587948702275753, -0.0009885776089504361, 0.039482396095991135, -0.02304660528898239, -0.0058018057607114315, 0.005516612436622381, -0.03139081224799156, -0.00983799435198307, -0.00190755317453295, 0.06447147578001022, -0.013256830163300037, 0.046781495213508606, -0.011510678566992283, -0.0032382330391556025, 0.05885894596576691, 0.05117635428905487, -0.027959072962403297, -0.04119951277971268, -0.04024776816368103, -0.007554214913398027, -0.07535189390182495, 0.08514304459095001, 0.03101043775677681, -0.018065661191940308, -0.04235871508717537, 0.028548764064908028, 0.010599149391055107, -0.029956527054309845, 0.059723589569330215, -0.04793120175600052, -0.015901979058980942, 0.012710176408290863, 0.050320710986852646, 0.033200182020664215, 0.004743408411741257, 0.04811515286564827, -0.01580669917166233, -0.020874937996268272, -0.02059045061469078, 0.029942253604531288, 0.04155489429831505, 0.015219897031784058, -0.018418869003653526, -0.10955779999494553, 0.012108217924833298, -0.005675539840012789, -0.014549287967383862, -0.06495403498411179, 0.04283362254500389, 0.012038573622703552, -0.017548754811286926, 0.06707893311977386, 0.020439058542251587, -0.03351523354649544, -0.027426250278949738, -0.03239267319440842, -0.016572171822190285, 0.013323737308382988, 0.060108814388513565, -0.02830798737704754, 0.04677844047546387, 0.011031190864741802, -0.026610972359776497, -0.04110094532370567, 0.051146481186151505, 0.026144150644540787, -0.017746858298778534, -0.004306358750909567, -0.010798311792314053, -0.009925509802997112, -0.03277502581477165, -0.06103961169719696, 0.0199319738894701, -0.02617204375565052, -0.06701397150754929, -0.015292906202375889, 0.0340660996735096, -0.012385882437229156, 0.009864960797131062, 0.0343935526907444, 0.02656690590083599, -0.05871137976646423, -0.005421656183898449, -0.03337429463863373, 0.01210339367389679, -0.00847725197672844, 0.09666084498167038, 0.025768272578716278, -0.042522553354501724, -0.014289319515228271, -0.04645998403429985, 0.01908355951309204, 0.029520006850361824, -0.021518465131521225, 0.019993357360363007 ]