Applying the Tipsy Coachman Doctrine

In a previous article, I discussed the appellate doctrine known as the tipsy coachman doctrine, which stands for the principle that an appellate court can affirm a trial court even if the trial court reached the right result (supported by the record) but for the wrong reasons. This doctrine allows an appellee (party prevailing in the trial court and responding to appeal) that is arguing to affirm the trial court’s ruling to present any argument on appeal supported by the record even if that argument was not raised in the trial court. Dade County School Board v. Radio Station WQBA,...

14 December

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The Trial Court Reached The Right Result For The Wrong Reason – The Tipsy Coachman

Posted by David Adelstein

in Appeal

Trial courts sometimes reach the right result / ruling, but for the wrong reason. This wrong reason serves as the basis of an appeal. However, under the appellate principle known as the “tipsy coachman doctrine,” an appellate court can affirm a trial court’s ruling even if the trial court reached the right result / ruling, but for the wrong reason. The right reason(s), though, needs be supported by the record before the trial court (that makes up the record before the appellate court). See Dade County School Board v. Radio Station WQBA, 731 So.2d 638 (Fla. 1999); accord State Farm Fire...