JA QUARRIUS IGNONT v. RICK BREEN BREEN RAPID LUBE (2025)

Writ application granted. See per curiam.

WJC

JDH

PDG

JMG

CRC

Supreme Court of Louisiana December 16, 2025

SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA

No. 2025-C-01230

JA'QUARRIUS IGNONT

VS.

RICK BREEN D/B/A BREEN'S RAPID LUBE

On Writ of Certiorari to the Court of Appeal, Second Circuit,

PER CURIAM

A court of appeal may not set aside a trial court's finding of fact in the absence of manifest or clear error. Rosell v. ESCO, 549 So.2d 840, 844-45 (La. 1989). Because of the trial court's ability to observe the tone, temperament, and nonverbals of witnesses to determine credibility, a finding related to a witness's credibility demands “great deference.” Id at 844.

Here, the trial court found Ignont's witnesses more credible than Breen's. The court of appeal reweighed the evidence and failed to give proper deference to the trial court's judgment. The court of appeal judgment is reversed and the trial court judgment reinstated.

COURT OF APPEAL JUDGMENT REVERSED; TRIAL COURT JUDGMENT REINSTATED.

Weimer, C.J., dissents and would grant and docket.