United States v. Davis (In re Davis)
United States v. Davis (In re Davis)
Opinion of the Court
MEMORANDUM OPINION
The matter before this court is a Motion for Summary Judgment pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 7056
On September 28, 1989, Plaintiff filed a complaint to determine dischargeability of debt pursuant to § 523(a)(2)(A) and/or § 523(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code.
The burden of proof in a complaint to determine dischargeability pursuant to § 523(a)(6) and § 523(a)(2)(A) of the Bankruptcy Code is upon the creditor, and that burden is clear and convincing. In re Ikner, 883 F.2d 986 (11th Cir. 1989); In re Hunter, 780 F.2d 1577 (11th Cir. 1986). Plaintiffs Motion for Summary Judgment is based upon a judgment for Plaintiff against the Defendant in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia pursuant to 42 U.S.C.A. § 5157. The court invited both parties to submit briefs as to whether the burden of proof in 42 U.S.C.A. § 5157 was at least clear and convincing. Plaintiffs brief filed on February 27, 1990, does not address this issue on the burden of proof.
This court has previously held that in a dischargeability proceeding issue preclusion under the doctrine of collateral es-toppel will not be given effect where the burden of proof in the underlying judgment is not at least clear and convincing. In re Lichter, 104 B.R. 521 (Bankr.M.D.Ga. 1989). Plaintiff seeks to have its judgment against Defendant in United States v. Davis given issue preclusion effect under the doctrine of collateral estoppel. The burden of proof in a civil suit is preponderance of the evidence. Herman & MacLean v. Huddleston, 459 U.S. 375, 387-91, 103 S.Ct. 683, 690-92, 74 L.Ed.2d 548 (1983). Since Plaintiffs judgment in the underlying case of United States v. Davis was based on a civil statute,
. R.Bankr.P. 7056
. 42 U.S.C.A. § 5157 (West Supp. 1989).
.11 U.S.C.A. § 523(a)(2)(A) (West Supp. 1989). 11 U.S.C.A. § 523(a)(6) (West Supp. 1989).
. 42 U.S.C.A. § 5157 (West Supp. 1989).
Reference
- Full Case Name
- In re Thomas Earl DAVIS, a/k/a Thomas E. Davis, a/k/a T.E. Davis, SSN: 260-64-1030 Debtor. UNITED STATES of America v. Thomas Earl DAVIS
- Status
- Published