Adjudicating the Dispute Flashcards
What types of injunctive relief can be granted ex parte?
Temporary restraining order (TRO)
When is an ex parte TRO proper?
- Applicant files a paper under oath clearly showing that he will suffer immediate and irreparable harm without TRO; AND
- Applicant’s lawyer certifies in writing efforts to give oral or written notice to D/D’s lawyer, OR why such notice should not be required under the circumstances
What happens when a TRO is issued?
- Court must state specific terms (describe in detail what D must do or refrain from doing, why it was issued, and why the threatened injury to P was irreparable)
- Post bond (in case TRO was issued improperly)
- Serve on D asap (P’s attorney certifies an attempt to notify at the time of the TRO)
- D may object
How long may a TRO last?
Effective for no more than 14 days
Can be extended for up to 14 days if good cause shown (No longer than 28 days)
What happens if court issues a TRO?
Order must be served on D as soon as possible
What can D do if the court issues a TRO?
Move to dissolve or modify the TRO
What must be shown to obtain a preliminary injunction?
- Applicant is likely to suffer irreparable harm without injunction;
- Likely to win on the merits of the underlying case;
- Balance of hardships favors him;
- Injunction is in the public interest
What are the procedural steps for obtaining a preliminary injunction?
- Court may consolidate hearing on motion with trial of case;
- Preliminary injunction must state specific terms and why it was issued;
- Court makes findings of fact and conclusions of law;
- If granted, Applicant must post bond.
(Order granting or denying injunction is immediately appealable)
What are the rules on voluntary dismissal?
P may make one by right (dismiss without prejudice) before D serves an answer or motion for summary
The next time, dismiss with prejudice
How long does a D have to respond to avoid default?
21 days after service OR 60 days from mailing of waiver
What is the process for entering default?
P has to move for it after 21 days
What is the effect of entry of default?
D’s right to respond is cut off
What is the process for securing a default judgment?
The clerk can enter judgment if:
- D made no response at all,
- Claim is for a certain sum of money,
- P gives affidavit of the sum of money owed, AND
- D is not minor or incompetent;
Otherwise, apply to the court
When can a default judgment be granted without notice to D?
If he did not appear in the case
What are D’s options following a default or default judgment?
D may move to set aside a default or a default judgment
Need good cause or viable defense
When can a court grant relief from a default judgment over a D who did not know of the claim?
Relief is justified;
Innocent third persons will not be prejudiced
What is the process a court uses to evaluate a 12(b)(6) motion?
Court looks only at P’s allegations of fact, asks whether P would win a judgment if the facts were true as alleged.
What must a party moving for summary judgment show?
- No genuine dispute of material fact AND
- He is entitled to judgment as a matter of law
How long does a party have to move for summary judgment?
30 days after the close of discovery
What evidence can be considered in a summary judgment?
- Allegations D failed to deny
- Evidence produced under oath