Lane v. Hughes Aircraft Co.

Opinion

BROWN, J.

In this case, we consider the standard applicable to review of an order granting a motion for a new trial under Code of Civil Procedure section 657 (section 657). Consistent with our prior decisions, we hold that such an order “must be sustained on appeal unless the opposing party demonstrates that no reasonable finder of fact could have found for the movant on [the trial court’s] theory.” (Jones v. Citrus Motors Ontario, Inc. (1973) 8 Cal.3d 706, 710 [106 Cal.Rptr. 28, 505 P.2d 220] (Jones).) Because the Court of Appeal did not apply that highly deferential standard in this…