Andrews

MEMORANDUM **

Robert Raphaelson appeals the district court’s order granting plaintiffs Ashley Andrews and Ashtonwood Stud Associates, L.P. (collectively, “Andrews”) partial summary judgment on her claims for conversion under Nevada law. Andrews appeals the district court’s order reducing the jury’s punitive damages award. We affirm the district court’s grant of summary judgment, but reverse the district court’s reduction of punitive damages.

The facts and procedural history of this case are familiar to the parties, and we do not repeat them here. We review the district court’s grant of summary judgment de novo. Diaz v. Eagle Produce Ltd. P’Ship, 521 F.3d 1201, 1207 (9th Cir.2008). We review the district court’s determination of state law under the same standard. See Salve Regina Coll. v. Russell, 499 U.S. 225, 239 , 111 S.Ct. 1217 , 113 L.Ed.2d 190 (1991).

I

Under Nevada law, “[cjonversion is a distinct act of dominion wrongfully exerted over another’s personal property in denial of, or inconsistent with his title or rights therein or in derogation, exclusion, or defiance of such title or rights.” Evans v. Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc., 116 Nev. 598 , 5 P.3d 1043, 1048 (2000)…