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680 P.2d 994

Colquitt v. Hill

Court of Civil Appeals of Oklahoma

Decided March 27, 1984

Court of Civil Appeals of Oklahoma · decided 1984-03-27

Cited by 1 later decisions — most recently July 2001

1 state decisions

Relies on Orthopedic Clinic v. Jennings

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1984-03-27

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BRIGHTMIRE, Judge.

¶1The issue presented for review here brings into focus the authority of a judge, sitting as a court of equity, to grant a new trial “in the interest of equity.”

¶2I

¶3Plaintiff Eva I. Colquitt brought this action to enjoin defendant Frank Hill from carrying on commercial activity — an automobile body and repair business — which she alleged to be in violation of subdivision plat restrictions.

¶4The matter was tried June 24, 1982, at which time judgment was granted to defendants.

¶5On July 2,1982, plaintiff moved the court to vacate such judgment and grant a new trial, alleging surprise at trial and newly discovered evidence. Each allegation was *995supported by affidavit. The surprise she complained of was a proof requirement imposed by the trial judge at the close of the trial on a matter she thought had been admitted in the pleadings. The trial court granted the motion for new trial on September 10, 1982. Defendants appeal.

¶6II

¶7While the trial judge did not specify why he thought equity would be served by granting a new trial, we are obliged to presume that he had good reason for his conclusion and that he exercised a sound decisional discretion.

¶8Moreover, under 12 O.S.1981 § 1031.1, a trial judge is given almost unlimited power to vacate his judgment within 30 days after its rendition. This statute has been construed as authorizing use of the power it grants after the 30 day period if a party has invoked it within the 30 day span by filing a motion to vacate a judgment. Orthopedic Clinic v. Jennings, Okl., 481 P.2d 139 (1971).

¶9Defendants’ conclusion that the trial court, in granting a new trial, acted arbitrarily is not supported by the record.

¶10Affirmed.

DeMIER, P.J., and STUBBLEFIELD, J., concur.
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