Lead Opinion
[¶ 1] Arlen and Beverly Flynn appeal from a judgment entered on a jury verdict dismissing their action against Hurley Enterprises, Inc., for maintaining a public or private nuisance near their McKenzie County property. The district court erred in allowing the introduction of evidence concerning the reputation and good deeds of Vess Hurley and Hurley Enterprises and erred in instructing the jury. Those errors affected the Flynns’ substantial rights. We reverse the judgment and remand for a new trial.
I
[¶ 2] Since 1999, the Flynns have resided on property they owned in East Fair-view, a small unincorporated village which lies on the border between North Dakota and Montana. In 2007, Hurley Enterprises, which is owned by Vess Hurley, began
[¶ 3] The Flynns sued Hurley Enterprises and Hurley claiming the noise, odor, dust and general discomfort generated by Hurley Enterprises’ business activities constituted a private and public nuisance and seeking abatement of the nuisance and damages. In a pretrial ruling, the district court granted summary judgment dismissing the action against Vess Hurley individually. After a four-day trial, a jury returned a verdict finding Hurley Enterprises did not unreasonably interfere with the Flynns’ use of their property so as to create a private or public nuisance, and the action was dismissed.
II
[¶ 4] The Flynns argue the district court erred in allowing evidence regarding the reputation and good deeds of Hurley Enterprises and its owner, Vess Hurley.
[¶ 5] “A district court has broad discretion over the presentation of evidence and the conduct of trial, but it must exercise its discretion in a manner that best comports with substantial justice.” Wahl v. Northern Improvement Co.,
“Under N.D.R.Ev. 401, 402, and 403, the district court has broad discretiоn in admitting or excluding evidence. State v. Stoppleworth,2003 ND 137 , ¶ 13,667 N.W.2d 586 ; State v. Klose,2003 ND 39 , ¶ 28,657 N.W.2d 276 . Relevant evidence is generally admissible. Brandt v. Milbrath,2002 ND 117 , ¶ 13,647 N.W.2d 674 ; N.W.R.Ev. 402. Relevant evidence means ‘evidence having 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.’ N.D.R.Ev. 401. Under NJD.R.Ev. 403, the trial court also has discretion to exclude relevant evidence if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice. Stoppleworth, at ¶ 13; Klose, at ¶ 28. A trial court abuses its discretion if it acts in an arbitrary, unreasonablе, or .unconscionable manner, or if its decision is not the product of a rational mental process. Schaefer v. Souris River Telecomm. Coop.,2000 ND 187 , ¶ 10,618 N.W.2d 175 .”
[¶ 6] In Rassier v. Houim,
“Q.What is Hurley Enterprises’ reputation within the East Fairview community?
A. Very good. He’s done a lot of good for the whole community. I know of things that he’s done that no one even talks about and he wouldn’t talk about them because he doesn’t brag about what he dоes. But, I’ll tell you, there’s a lot of good things coming from that man sitting at that table right there.”
Doug Dschaak acknowledged he was “pretty good friends” with Vess Hurley and testified Hurley Enterprises had a “good” reputation within the community.
[¶ 7] Shirley Hardy, a resident of the East Fairview area for 60 years, testified:
“Q. Are you familiar with Hurley Enterprises, Vess Hurley’s business?
A. Well, like everybody else is. It’s a big business in Fairview.
Q. What types of things does Hurley Enterprises do for East Fairview?
A. Well, it contributes wherever it’s needed. We had two boys just killed in a motorcycle wreck and he stepped in and took care of lots of things on that. He contributes to the community quite a bit and he’s always there to help if we need help on small things on the farm, he volunteers.”
[¶ 8] AnnDee Taylor, a teacher at Fair-view school, testified:
“Q. Are you familiar with Mr. Hurley’s business, Hurley Enterprises?
A. Yes.
Q. And how have you become familiar with that business?
A. Mostly through the school. I am the advisor for Explore America....
[[Image here]]
A.Vess has always come to me through the school. He’s very concerned about any of the lower income kids that are in need. Like I said, I’m . the advisor for the Explore Americа. It’s a group that takes the high school on an educational trip to Washington, D.C. and New York City for a week. In the past, if there’s any kids that have been short of money Vess’s company has given a check for if they have been short on what they have raised because they raise all their funds themselves. And then just two years ago we had a student that has been raised by her sister and her parents are meth-heads, it’s how you’re gonna put it, and he was very concerned about her. He asked if there was any way — he wanted her tо go. I told him I wasn’t sure since there was only two days before the trip but I would call the company and see if we could make it happen. And he said if there was any way, you know, if we could make it happen, that he would write a check. So, I called and we checked into it and they told me if we could get the money that they would make it happen. So, they wrote a check and the girl got to go on the trip. Everything is done anonymously. He absolutely wants no credit. That’s what amazes me the most. Since then he has bought thе same girl a car, pays all of the insurance, pays all of the repairs. This girl would have nothing. The sister tries to help out as much as she can but I know that it has meant the world to her.... ”
[¶ 9] Vess Hurley testified that he plowed snow for East Fairview without charge because he finds it “enjoyable”; that when his plowing damaged a resident’s flowerbed, he and his children fixed it the next spring; and that he owns “the Big Opening Bar” outside of town which
[¶ 10] In Rassier,
“In determining the utility of conduct that causes an intentional invasion of another’s interest in the use and enjoyment of land, the following factors are important:
(a) the social valué that the law attaches to the primary purpose of the conduct;
(b) the suitability of the conduct to the character of the locality; and
(c) the impracticability of preventing or avoiding the invasion.”
The Restatement clarifies that the activity at issue in the balancing test is the property owner’s invasive conduct that is alleged to constitute the nuisance, not conduct of the defendant in the community at large unrelated to the challenged conduct. See generally J. Purver, Annot., Modem status of rules as to balance of convenience or social utility as affecting relief from nuisance,
[¶ 11] Our case law recognizes this principle. In Hale, involving a law enforcement shooting range alleged to be a private and public nuisance, we spoke of “balancing the utility of the law enforcement shooting range against the harm to the Hales.”
[¶ 12] The challenged testimony here was irrelevant because it did not “tend[ ] to prove or disprove any fact in issue.” Peters-Riemers v. Riemers,
[¶ 13] Hurlеy Enterprises argues the Flynns “opened the door” for the admission of this evidence. In Schwab v. Zajac, we explained:
• “In describing the ‘opened the door’ doctrine, one court has explained that “ ‘[a]s an evidentiary principle, the concept. of ‘opening the door’ allows the admission of otherwise inadmissible testimony to ‘qualify, explain, or limit’ testimony or evidence previously admitted.’ ” Lawrence v. State,846 So.2d 440 , 452 (Fla.2003) (quoting Rodriguez v. State,753 So.2d 29 , 42 (Fla.2000)). In State v. Hernandez,2005 ND 214 , ¶ 20,707 N.W.2d 449 , we cited several cases involving ‘the admissibility of otherwise inadmissible evidence after the opposing party opened the door for the admission of that evidence.’ We explained, ‘The common thread in those decisions is that a trial court is vested with discretion to decide whether a party has opened thedoor for the admission of otherwise inadmissible evidence.’ Id. at ¶ 21.”
[¶ 14] Hurley Enterprises relies on three statements Arlen Flynn made during the trial which “attempted to demonize” Hurley Enterprises. However, these “statements” simply were affirmative responses to leading questions posed by Hurley Enterprises’ attorney during cross-examination. The Flynns did not “open the door” to this evidence.
[¶ 15] Hurley Enterprises also relies оn the Flynns’ attorney’s opening statement that the Flynns were aware “Hurley Enterprises likely has done some good in Fairview and East Fairview.” We have said that “[a]ssertions of recent fabrication or improper influence or motive made during counsel’s opening statement may ... open the door to' admissibility of prior consistent statements of the witness.” State v. Burgard,
[¶ 16] We conclude the district court abused its discretion in allowing introduction of evidence about the reputation and good deeds of Hurley and Hurley Enterprises.
Ill ■
[¶ 17] The Flynns argue the district court erred in instructing the jury on the immunity afforded nuisance defendants.
[¶ 18] In State v. Romero,
“ ‘Jury instructions must correctly and adequately inform the jury of the applicable law, and must not mislead or confuse the jury.’ State v. Erickstad, 2000 ND 202 , ¶ 16,620 N.W.2d 136 . On appeal, we review jury instructions as a whole to decide whether the instructions ‘adequately and correctly inform the jury of the applicable law, even though part of the instruction standing alone may be insufficient or erroneous.’ State v. Barth,2001 ND 201 , ¶ 12,637 N.W.2d 369 . When considered as a whole, if a jury instruction correctly advises the jury of the law, ‘it is sufficient even if part of it standing alone may be insufficient.’ Id. ‘Selecting only a part of the instructions without considering the jury instructions as a whole is not proper because it can result in erroneous and misleading inferences.’ City of Minot v. Rubbelke,456 N.W.2d 511 , 513 (N.D.1990). Further, a district court is not required to give jury instructions in the specific language requested by the defendant. Id. at 513.
“Only scant evidence may be needed to support a jury instruction.” Cartier v. Northwestern Elec., Inc.,
[¶ 19] Hurley Enterprises presented evidence that because East Fairview is an unincorporated town, it is governed by the McKenzie County Board of Commissioners. In 2008 the Flynns and others petitioned the Board to abandon Cass Avenue, a street located between the Flynns’ property and Hurley Enterprises’ property. The Board denied the petition, in part to allow Hurley Enterprises access to a building on its property. There had been no county-wide zoning in McKenzie County until zoning оrdinances were adopted by the Board in 2012. At that time, “anything that was there,” including Hurley Enterprises, was “grand fathered in.” East Fairview has a three-member sewer board, which is a nonprofit entity that met informally and infrequently. One or more members of the sewer board authorized Hurley Enterprises to dump sewage into the manhole near the property line with the Flynns.
[¶ 20] Based on this evidence, the district court instructed the jury, over the Flynns’ objection, as follows:
“ACTS DONE UNDER STATUTORY AUTHORITY NOT DEEMED NUISANCE
“Nothing which is done or maintained under the express authority of a statute, law, or action of a governing body shall be deemed a nuisance. This protection is lost if the authority given is exceeded or is exercised in a negligent or unreasonable manner.”
With the exception of the phrase “law, or action of a governing body,” the first sentence of the instruction is taken from N.D.C.C. § 42-01-12, which provides: “Nothing which is done or maintained under the express authority of a statute shall be deemed a nuisance.” The second sentence of the instruction is from City of Fargo v. Salsman, in which we stated the protection afforded under N.D.C.C. § 42-01-12 “is lost if the authority given is exceeded or is exercised in a negligent or unreasonable manner.”
[¶ 21] Because N.D.C.C. § 42-01-12 grants immunity to a defendant in a nuisance action, the statute must be strictly construed. See Messer,
[1122] Section 42-01-12, N.D.C.C., is identical to and was derived from California Civil Code § 3482, and court decisions interpreting the California statute are relevant. See J.P. Furlong Enters., Inc. v. Sun Exploration and Prod. Cо.,
“We have consistently applied a narrow construction to section 3482 and to the principle therein embodied. Thus, a number of years ago we observed, “ ‘A statutory sanction cannot be pleaded in justification of acts which by the general rules of law constitute a nuisance, unless the acts complained of are authorized by the exprеss terms of the statute under which the justification is made, or by the plainest and most necessary implication from the powers expressly conferred, so that it can be fairly stated that the legislature contemplated the doing of the very act which occasions the injury.’ ” (Hassell v. San Francisco (1938)11 Cal.2d 168 , 171,78 P.2d 1021 , 1022-23; quoting 46 C.J., Nuisances, § 41, p. 674; see also Varjabedian v. City of Madera (1977)20 Cal.3d 285 , 291,142 Cal.Rptr. 429 ,572 P.2d 43 ; Nestle v. City of Santa Monica (1972)6 Cal.3d 920 , 938, fn. 16,101 Cal.Rptr. 568 ,496 P.2d 480 ).
“As we recently confirmed in Var-jabedian, A requirement of “express” authorization embodied in the statute itself insures that an unequivocal legislative intent to sanction a nuisance will be effectuated, while avoiding the uncertainty that would result were evеry generally worded statute a source of undetermined immunity from nuisance liability.’ (P. 291, 142 Cal.Rptr. p. 433, 572 P.2d p. 47).”
“[T]he exculpatory effect of Civil Code section 8482 has been circumscribed by decisions of this court. In Hassell v. San Francisco (1938)11 Cal.2d 168 , 171,78 P.2d 1021 , 1022, we said: “ ‘A statutory sanction cannot be pleaded in justification of acts which by the general rules of law constitute a nuisance, unless the acts complained of are authorized by thе express terms of the statute under which the justification is made, or by the plainest and most necessary implication from the powers expressly conferred, so that it can be fairly stated that the legislature contemplated the doing of the very act which occasions the injury.’ ” This interpretation was reiterated in Nestle v. City of Santa Monica (1972)6 Cal.3d 920 , 938,101 Cal.Rptr. 568 ,496 P.2d 480 , and we adhere to it in the case at bar.”
[¶ 23] Hurley Enterprises relies on a county’s general authorization to zone property as the express statutory authority qualifying it for immunity under N.D.C.C. § 42-01-12. Section 11-33-01, N.D.C.C., provides in relevant part that “the board of county commissioners of any county may regulate and restrict within the county ... the location and the use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use, or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, аnd other purposes.” This statute does not expressly or by necessary implication authorize the actions of Hurley Enterprises alleged to be a nuisance. Nor can the Board’s refusal to grant the petition to abandon Cass Avenue be considered express authorization of Hurley Enterprises’ allegedly invasive actions.
[¶ 24] Moreover, the addition to the instruction of the phrase, “law, or action of a governing body,” is particularly troublesome. Hurley Enterprises has not presented any express stаtutory authority under which the nonprofit sewer board was acting. Section 42-01-12, N.D.C.C., requires that the conduct asserted to be a nuisance be expressly authorized by “statute.” Although a city ordinance falls within the meaning of “statute” under Cal. Civ.Code § 3482, see Wheeler v. Gregg,
[¶ 25] We conclude the district court erred in instructing the jury.
[¶26] The Flynns argue the district court’s error in allowing introduction of the reputation and good deeds evidence and its error in instructing the jury justify reversal and remand for a new trial.
[¶ 27] “Alleged errors regarding the admission of evidence are governed by N.D.R.Ev. 103, which requires a substantial right of the party be affected” for the error to be reversible. Van Berkom v. Cordonnier,
“Unless justice requires otherwise, no error in admitting or excluding evidence, or any other error by the court or a party, is ground for granting a new trial, for setting aside a verdict, or for vacating, modifying, or otherwisе disturbing a judgment or order. At every stage of the proceeding, the court must disregard all errors and defects that do not affect any party’s substantial rights.”
[¶ 28] One of the jury instructions for determining whether a nuisance had been established informed the jury “[t]he factors you are to consider in assessing the reasonableness of the Defendant’s interference with the Plaintiffs’ use of their property include ... balancing the utility of the Defendant’s conduct against the harm to the Plaintiffs.” The record indicates Hurley Enterprises is a big part of, and has a favorable reputation in, the East Fairview community. However, Hurley Enterprises did not focus during the trial on the utility of its business activities alleged to constitute a nuisance to the East Fairview community or to oil development in general. Instead, Hurley Enterprises relied on the reputation of and the good deeds performed by Vess Hurley and Hurley Enterprises to satisfy the utility part of the balancing analysis. During closing arguments Hurley Enterprises’ attorney told the jury the instruction on balancing was “critical in your analysis” and argued “[w]hen you are balancing the utility of the Defendant’s conduct against the harm you do look at everything involved and you do look at Hurley Enterprises’ benefits to the community.” This improperly admitted reputation and good deeds evidence had a direct bearing on whether Hurley Enterprises’ conduct could be viewed as constituting a nuisance.
[¶ 29] The erroneous jury instruction essentially affords immunity to a defendant in a nuisance action. This instruction expanded immunity for nuisance far beyond what the law allows by exculpating Hurley Enterprises through any action taken by a govérning body regarding its activities. Hurley Enterprises’ attorney stated during closing arguments that this was a “critical instruction” and argued that nearly all of the conduct alleged to be a nuisance was specifically authorized by actions of the Board of County Commissioners or the lagoon board. The jury may well have found Hurley Enterprises was immune from liability under this erroneous instruction.
[¶ 30] Having reviewed the record, we conclude these errors affected the Flynns’ substantial rights, entitling them to a new trial.
V
[¶ 31] The judgment is reversed and the case is remanded for a new trial.
Concurrence Opinion
concurring specially.
[¶ 33] I concur in the result and most of the majority opinion. I am, however, concerned with the reliance on the California cases cited in part III of the opinion. While I agree that N.D.C.C. § 42-01-12 was derived from the California Civil Code and that court decisions interpreting that section are relevant, the cases cited in the majority opinion were decided after that provision became a part of the North Dakota statutes. Thus, while thе California decisions may be relevant, where a statute is taken from another state and adopted without change the presumption that we adopted that state’s construction of that statute arises only when that construction was previously placed upon it by the courts of the state from which the statute was taken. State v. Dilger,
[¶ 34] My concern is the language under the California cases appears to negate the protection provided by the statute. For example, in the airport case thе language might be read to require the statute must specifically provide an airport be built and make noise before the protection of the statute would apply. Greater Westchester Homeowners Ass’n v. City of Los Angeles,
[¶ 35] Although the previous cases of this Court may not define the scope of the immunity under N.D.C.C. § 42-01-12, I believe that scope can only be defined on a case-by-case basis and I would not rely on the California cases to define the extent of the immunity in a given case. Rather, I believe it is enough direction that we strictly construe the statute as the Court did in Messer v. City of Dickinson,
[¶ 36] In other respects I concur in the analysis and the result of the majority opinion.