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Simple English definitions for legal terms
manifest-error-or-clearly-wrong rule
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A quick definition of manifest-error-or-clearly-wrong rule:
Manifest-Error-or-Clearly-Wrong Rule: This is a rule that says an appeals court cannot change a decision made by a lower court unless there is no good reason for the decision. The appeals court has to look at all the evidence and make sure the lower court's decision was reasonable before they can change it.
A more thorough explanation:
The manifest-error-or-clearly-wrong rule is a legal principle that applies in some jurisdictions. It states that an appellate court cannot overturn a trial court's finding of fact unless a review of the entire record shows that the finding has no reasonable basis.
For example, let's say a trial court found that a defendant was not guilty of a crime because there was not enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the appellate court reviews the record and finds that the trial court's decision was based on a reasonable interpretation of the evidence presented, then the appellate court cannot overturn the decision.
Another example could be a trial court's decision to award custody of a child to one parent over the other. If the appellate court reviews the record and finds that the trial court's decision was based on a reasonable consideration of the child's best interests, then the appellate court cannot overturn the decision.
The manifest-error-or-clearly-wrong rule is designed to give deference to trial court judges who are in the best position to evaluate the evidence and make factual determinations. It also promotes consistency and finality in the legal system by limiting the circumstances under which appellate courts can overturn trial court decisions.