4
ANALYSIS
Standard of Review
Whether a prescriptive easement exists is a question of fact. See Fiest v. Steere,
175 Kan. 1, 6, 259 P.2d 140 (1953); see also 28A C.J.S. Easements § 270. The existence
of a prescriptive easement must be shown by clear and convincing evidence. Hale v.
Ziegler, 180 Kan. 249, 256, 303 P.2d 190 (1956). Clear and convincing evidence is
evidence sufficient to establish that the truth of the facts asserted is highly probable. In re
Adoption of C.L., 308 Kan. 1268, 1278, 427 P.3d 951 (2018). Clear and convincing
evidence is an intermediate standard of proof between a preponderance of the evidence
and beyond a reasonable doubt. 308 Kan. at 1278.
We review a district court's findings of fact for substantial competent evidence and
exercise unlimited review over legal conclusions based on those factual findings. Rivera
v. Schwab, 315 Kan. 877, 914, 512 P.3d 168 (2022). We consider whether the district
court's findings of fact "are sufficient for the plaintiffs to have prevailed on their claims
under the correct legal standard." 315 Kan. at 914. "Substantial competent evidence refers
to legal and relevant evidence that a reasonable person could accept as being adequate to
support a conclusion." State, ex rel. Secretary, DCF v. M.R.B., 313 Kan. 855, 862, 491
P.3d 652 (2021). While conducting this review, "'an appellate court does not weigh
conflicting evidence, evaluate witnesses' credibility, or redetermine questions of fact.'"
Board of Miami County Comm'rs v. Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy, Inc., 292 Kan. 285,
325, 255 P.3d 1186 (2011) (quoting Hodges v. Johnson, 288 Kan. 56, 65, 199 P.3d 1251
[2009]). "Rather, the appellate court should review the facts of the case in the light most
favorable to the prevailing party below to ascertain whether the trial court's decision is
properly supported by substantial competent evidence." In re Adoption of J.M.D., 293
Kan. 153, 171, 260 P.3d 1196 (2011). Put differently, "appellate review of factual