beginning hearing in North Dakota

2012We conclude the statutory duty to defend does not apply to the parties’ indemnity agreement because it expresses a contrary intent. [¶23] The City argues that under Bridston v. Dover Corp. , 352 N.W.2d 194 (N.D. 1984), there is a duty to defend any time “save harmless” language is used in an indemnity provision.

2012We conclude the statutory duty to defend does not ap ply to the parties’ indemnity agreement because it expresses a contrary intent. [¶ 28] The City argues that under Bridston v. Dover Corp., 352 N.W.2d 194 (N.D.1984), there is a duty to defend any time “save harmless” language is used in an indemnity provision.

2021Id. “[T]he ‘introduction of allegedly inadmissible evidence in a non-jury case is rarely reversible error, and we would only reverse such a holding if all the competent evidence is insufficient to support the judgment or unless it affirmatively appears that the incompetent evidence induced the court to make an essential finding which would not otherwise have been made.’” Id. at ¶ 23 (quoting In re J.S.L., 2009 ND 43, ¶ 25 , 763 N.W.2d 783 ). [¶14] At the beginning of the hearing, Lerfald’s attorney stated, “What I’ve got is a preliminary matter that we could offer the affidavits and exhibits i

2021Id. “[T]he ‘introduction of allegedly inadmissible evidence in a non-jury case is rarely reversible error, and we would only reverse such a holding if all the competent evidence is insufficient to support the judgment or unless it affirmatively appears that the incompetent evidence induced the court to make an essential finding which would not otherwise have been made.’” Id. at ¶ 23 (quoting In re J.S.L., 2009 ND 43, ¶ 25 , 763 N.W.2d 783 ). [¶14] At the beginning of the hearing, Lerfald’s attorney stated, “What I’ve got is a preliminary matter that we could offer the affidavits and exhibits i

2021Id. “[T]he ‘introduction of allegedly inadmissible evidence in a non-jury case is rarely reversible error, and we would only reverse such a holding if all the competent evidence is insufficient to support the judgment or unless it affirmatively appears that the incompetent evidence induced the court to make an essential finding which would not otherwise have been made.’” Id. at ¶ 23 (quoting In re J.S.L., 2009 ND 43, ¶ 25 , 763 N.W.2d 783 ). [¶14] At the beginning of the hearing, Lerfald’s attorney stated, “What I’ve got is a preliminary matter that we could offer the affidavits and exhibits i

2021Id. “[T]he ‘introduction of allegedly inadmissible evidence in a non-jury case is rarely reversible error, and we would only reverse such a holding if all the competent evidence is insufficient to support the judgment or unless it affirmatively appears that the incompetent evidence induced the court to make an essential finding which would not otherwise have been made.’” Id. at ¶ 23 (quoting In re J.S.L., 2009 ND 43, ¶ 25 , 763 N.W.2d 783 ). [¶14] At the beginning of the hearing, Lerfald’s attorney stated, “What I’ve got is a preliminary matter that we could offer the affidavits and exhibits i

2013Id. at 203 ; see also N.D.C.C. § 27-10-01.3(1)(a); Holkesvig v. Welte, 2012 ND 14, ¶ 11 , 809 N.W.2d 323 . [¶ 12] Here the order to show cause stated the purpose of the hearing was to “Show Cause as to why the Estate of Robert Cashmore has not been closed.” The petition for the order to show cause pointed out that this Court affirmed the district court’s August 2009 order requiring the $6,377.83 payment to Trudy Cash-more and asserted the “Personal Representative has failed to make the payment as ordered.” At the beginning of the hearing, Trudy Cashmore made it clear that the refusal to make t

2013Id. at 203 ; see also N.D.C.C. § 27-10-01.3(1)(a); Holkesvig v. Welte, 2012 ND 14, ¶ 11 , 809 N.W.2d 323 . [¶ 12] Here the order to show cause stated the purpose of the hearing was to “Show Cause as to why the Estate of Robert Cashmore has not been closed.” The petition for the order to show cause pointed out that this Court affirmed the district court’s August 2009 order requiring the $6,377.83 payment to Trudy Cash-more and asserted the “Personal Representative has failed to make the payment as ordered.” At the beginning of the hearing, Trudy Cashmore made it clear that the refusal to make t

2013Id. at 203 ; see also N.D.C.C. § 27-10-01.3(1)(a); Holkesvig v. Welte, 2012 ND 14, ¶ 11 , 809 N.W.2d 323 . [¶ 12] Here the order to show cause stated the purpose of the hearing was to “Show Cause as to why the Estate of Robert Cashmore has not been closed.” The petition for the order to show cause pointed out that this Court affirmed the district court’s August 2009 order requiring the $6,377.83 payment to Trudy Cash-more and asserted the “Personal Representative has failed to make the payment as ordered.” At the beginning of the hearing, Trudy Cashmore made it clear that the refusal to make t

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels' arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶ 12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels’ arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels' arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶ 12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels’ arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels' arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶ 12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels’ arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶ 12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels’ arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶ 12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels’ arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶ 12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels’ arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶ 12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels’ arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels' arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶ 12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels’ arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels' arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶ 12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels’ arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels' arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶ 12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels’ arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels' arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶ 12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels’ arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶ 12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels’ arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶ 12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels’ arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels' arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

2007See Brandt, 2002 ND 117, ¶ 25 , 647 N.W.2d 674 ; Perry, 1997 ND 213, ¶¶ 21-22 , 570 N.W.2d 224 ; Larson, 1997 ND 22, ¶ 6 , 558 N.W.2d 852 ; Schutt, 548 N.W.2d at 384 ; Marohl, 462 N.W.2d at 146 ; Mauch, 345 N.W.2d at 344 ; Okken, 325 N.W.2d at 269 ; Wall, 274 N.W.2d at 218-19 ; Cook, 251 N.W.2d at 395-96 ; Wrangham, 231 N.W.2d at 756 ; Maier, 123 N.W.2d at 32 ; Weber, 49 N.D. at 329-36 , 191 N.W. at 612-14 . [¶ 12] Here, at the beginning of the hearing on the motion for a new trial, the district court prefaced counsels’ arguments with a request to assume the Court would have, sitting without a

1984We do not substitute our judgment for that of the school board, Dodds, supra at 169 , and in view of the record cannot conclude the school board did not consider the implications of its decision to discharge Cunningham on his professional standing.