Rulli v. Fan Co.

The question presented in this civil action is whether a trial court abuses its discretion by ordering the enforcement of a disputed settlement agreement without first conducting an evidentiary hearing. Analysis of the law and the underlying record in this case causes us to conclude that it is not within the province of the trial judge to enforce a purported settlement agreement when the substance or the existence of that agreement is legitimately disputed. Accordingly, we reverse the judgment of the court of appeals.

Where possible, it is generally within the discretion of the trial judge to…