d. (§1.19) De Novo Review
The de novo standard of review governs pure questions of law. It is the most stringent standard of review in the appellate courts. Because the appellate court is in as good a position as the trial court to decide questions of law, it is free to substitute its own judgment for that of the trial court. Franklin v. INS, 72 F.3d 571, 572 (8th Cir. 1995); All Star Amusement, Inc. v. Dir. of Revenue, 873 S.W.2d 843, 844 (Mo. banc 1994). Accordingly, the likelihood of reversal is much greater when...
