AI Generated Opinion Summaries

This summary was computer-generated without any editorial revision. It is not official, has not been checked for accuracy, and is NOT citable.

Facts

The Plaintiffs, acting as trustees of the Brewer Family Trust, sought to evict the Defendant from a piece of real property. The dispute arose over the Defendant's continued occupation of the property and the Plaintiffs' claim for damages, costs, and attorney fees. The Defendant contested the Plaintiffs' capacity to sue as individuals rather than as trustees of the trust.

Procedural History

• District Court, Valencia County: The court ordered the Defendant to vacate the property and awarded damages, costs, and attorney fees to the Plaintiffs. (headnotes)

Parties' Submissions

• Defendant-Appellant: Argued that the Plaintiffs improperly sued as individuals rather than in their capacity as trustees of the Brewer Family Trust, in violation of Rule 1-017(A) NMRA.
• Plaintiffs-Appellees: Asserted that Rule 1-017(A) NMRA permits trustees of an express trust to sue in their own names without specifying their capacity as trustees.

Legal Issues

• Whether the Plaintiffs, as trustees of an express trust, could sue in their individual names without specifying their capacity as trustees under Rule 1-017(A) NMRA.

Disposition

• The Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's judgment.

Reasons

Per Wechsler J. (Fry C.J. and Kennedy J. concurring):

The Court held that Rule 1-017(A) NMRA unambiguously allows trustees of an express trust to sue in their own names without specifying their capacity as trustees. The Court emphasized that the plain language of the rule governs its interpretation, and no further analysis was necessary. The Court also noted that the rules of civil procedure are designed to ensure the just, speedy, and inexpensive resolution of disputes. Based on this reasoning, the Court affirmed the district court's judgment.