Stevens v. Jurnigan

Holding

In a case where the complaint asserted claims based on sexual abuse that occurred from 1993-2000, when the plaintiff was between 8 and 15 years old, the Circuit Court of Sussex County granted the appellants’ pleas in bar under the then-applicable statute of limitation, after considering deposition testimony and documentary evidence. The Court of Appeals reversed the circuit court’s judgment, reviewing the case de novo on appeal — without giving any deference to the circuit court’s factual findings based on evidence presented by the parties. The Court of Appeals applied the wrong standard of review. Viewing this matter under the proper legal standard, the judgment of the Court of Appeals is reversed, the circuit court’s judgment is reinstated.