Section 10 Burden of Proof and Standard of Review

• Library: Remedies 2006

At the trial court level, the burden of proof is on the party seeking cancellation or rescission to prove by “clear, cogent and convincing” evidence the right to maintain the suit, the invalidity of the instrument, and the right to relief. See:

• Davis v. Pitti, 472 S.W.2d 382, 387 (Mo. 1971)
• Peterein v. Peterein, 408 S.W.2d 809, 813 (Mo. 1966)
• Cull v. Pfeifer, 307 S.W.2d 424 (Mo. 1957)
• Hawkins v. Allison, 764 S.W.2d 719, 728 (Mo. App. S.D. 1989)
• Bolin v. Anders, 559 S.W.2d 235, 241 (Mo. App. W.D. 1977)
• Polette v. Williams, 496 S.W.2d 340, 342 (Mo. App. E.D. 1973)

Cancellation or rescission will be ordered only when clearly justified by a consideration of all...