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IN THE SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS OF WEST VIRGINIA September 2005 Term

No. 32522

FILED November 17, 2005
released at 3:00 p.m.
RORY L. PERRY II, CLERK SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS OF WEST VIRGINIA

DELMUS BURGE, Plaintiff Below, Appellee, V.

KENNETH FORTNEY AND THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY, Defendants Below, KENNETH FORTNEY, Appellant.

Appeal from the Circuit Court of Marion County Honorable David R. Janes, Judge Civil Action No. 00-C-263 (M) AFFIRMED

Submitted: September 7, 2005 Filed: November 17, 2005 Kenneth Fortney Shinnston, West Virginia Pro Se Thomas K. Fast FAST LAW OFFICE Fayetteville, West Virginia Attorney for the Appellee, Delmus Burge

JUSTICE DAVIS delivered the Opinion of the Court. JUSTICE STARCHER concurs and reserves the right to file a concurring opinion.

SYLLABUS BY THE COURT

1.

"Where the issue on an appeal from the circuit court is clearly a

question of law or involving an interpretation of a statute, we apply a de novo standard of review." Syllabus point 1, Chrystal R.M. v. Charlie A.L., 194 W. Va. 138, 459 S.E.2d 415 (1995).

2.

"A statutory provision which is clear and unambiguous and plainly

expresses the legislative intent will not be interpreted by the courts but will be given full force and effect." Syllabus point 2, State v. Epperly, 135 W. Va. 877, 65 S.E.2d 488 (1951).

3.

The plain language of W. Va. Code

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West Virginia Law