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Asevedo v. Anchorage School Dist

Supreme Court of Alaska
Jun 25, 1992
843 P.2d 1209 (Alaska 1992)

Summary

In Asevedo, we discussed the de novo trial under AS 14.20.205: "[T]he most common meaning of the term de novo trial is a proceeding where there is both a new evidentiary hearing and original fact finding. It is our view that the legislature contemplated such a proceeding in enacting AS 14.20.205."

Summary of this case from Linstad v. Sitka School Dist

Opinion

No. S-5089.

June 25, 1992.

Appeal from the Superior Court.

Before RABINOWITZ, C.J., and BURKE, MATTHEWS, COMPTON and MOORE, JJ.


On consideration of the petition for review, filed on May 11, 1992, and the response to the petition, filed on May 26, 1992,

IT IS ORDERED:

1. The petition for review is denied on the issue of whether petitioner has a right to trial by jury in a proceeding conducted under AS 14.20.205.

2. The petition is also denied on the issue of whether the trial court erred in imposing sanctions against the petitioner.

3. The petition for review is granted on the issue of whether the de novo trial required under AS 14.20.205 must entail the opportunity to present new evidence or merely calls for a de novo review on the evidence presented in the administrative hearing.

4. The trial court's order that the de novo trial requirement of AS 14.20.205 is satisfied by a proceeding in which the trial court acts as the original fact finder based on the evidence presented in the administrative hearing is reversed. De novo review based on the record is appropriate in certain circumstances. Kott v. City of Fairbanks, 661 P.2d 177, 180 n. 1 (Alaska 1983); State v. Lundgren Pacific Construction Co., 603 P.2d 889, 896 n. 18 (majority opinion) and 898-99 (Matthews, J., concurring) (Alaska 1979). While such a procedure may be referred to as a de novo trial, see Kott and Lundgren, the most common meaning of the term de novo trial is a proceeding where there is both a new evidentiary hearing and original fact finding. It is our view that the legislature contemplated such a proceeding in enacting AS 14.20.205. We suggested such a conclusion in Matanuska-Susitna Borough v. Lum, 538 P.2d 994, 1001 (Alaska 1975), when, in discussing AS 14.20.205, we cited a Washington decision which construed a similar statute "to require no less than a determination by the trial court which was `independent of any conclusion of the school board, and . . . based solely upon the evidence and testimony which the trial court receives.'" (quoting Hattrick v. North Kitsap School Dist., 81 Wn.2d 668, 504 P.2d 302, 303 (1972)).

By illustrative contrast the legislature granted the superior court discretionary authority in most administrative appeals to hold a "trial de novo, in whole or in part." AS 22.10.020(d). A trial de novo "in part" would describe, among other things, original fact finding based on the administrative record. See Kott v. City of Fairbanks, 661 P.2d 177, 180 n. 1 (Alaska 1983).


Summaries of

Asevedo v. Anchorage School Dist

Supreme Court of Alaska
Jun 25, 1992
843 P.2d 1209 (Alaska 1992)

In Asevedo, we discussed the de novo trial under AS 14.20.205: "[T]he most common meaning of the term de novo trial is a proceeding where there is both a new evidentiary hearing and original fact finding. It is our view that the legislature contemplated such a proceeding in enacting AS 14.20.205."

Summary of this case from Linstad v. Sitka School Dist

describing this type of review as a de novo trial "in part"

Summary of this case from Linstad v. Sitka School Dist
Case details for

Asevedo v. Anchorage School Dist

Case Details

Full title:VICTOR ASEVEDO, PETITIONER, v. ANCHORAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT, RESPONDENT

Court:Supreme Court of Alaska

Date published: Jun 25, 1992

Citations

843 P.2d 1209 (Alaska 1992)

Citing Cases

Linstad v. Sitka School Dist

The court conducted original fact finding based on the administrative record. See Asevedo v. Anchorage Sch.…

State v. Madison

While some courts suggest that the term " trial de novo" is ambiguous as to whether it demands a full…