Approaches

Question 1

Federal Subject Matter

Answer 1

1. Federal Question
   
   • Well Pleaded Complaint Rule
2. Diversity
   
   • Citizenship
   • Amount in Controversy
     
     • Aggregation
3. Supplemental
4. Removal

Question 2

Personal Jurisdiction

Answer 2

1. Due Process
   
   • Traditional Basis
     
     • In-State Service
     • Domicile
     • Consent
   • Statutory Authority - Long Arm Statute
   • Minimum Contacts
     
     • Purpose Availment
     • Frequency and Regularity
     • Nature and Quality
     • Nexus Test (Relation between cause of action and contacts)
   • Fair Play and Substantial Justice
     
     • Convenience of Forum
     • Interest of Forum in Adjudicating Suit
     • Interest in Providing a Local Forum
     • Access to Alternative Forum
     • Avoidance of Multiple Suits/Conflicting Adjudications.
2. Service of Process

Question 3

Choice of Law

Answer 3

1. Hanna-Rules Enabling Act/Supremacy Clause: Is there a Federal Rule Statute on Point?
2. If not, discuss Erie Issue
   
   • State Erie Rule
   • Apply Rule
   • Outcome Determinative Test
   • Byrd (Balancing Test)

Question 4

Res Juddicata

Answer 4

1. Same cause of action
2. Prior Judgment
   
   • Valid
   • Final
   • On the Merits
3. Persons bound by prior judgment

Question 5

Disclosure/Discovery

Answer 5

1. Required Disclosure
2. Discovery
   
   • Scope of discovery
     
     • Relevance to Claim/Defense
     • Proportionality
     • Work product
     • Expert Facts/Opinion
   • Discovery Methods/Devices/Medical Exams
   • Use of Deposition Testimony/Interrogatory Answers as Trial Evidence
   • Sanctions

Question 6

Collateral Estoppel

Answer 6

1. Identical Issues
2. Actually Litigated and Determined
3. Necessarily Determined
4. Full/Fair Opportunity to Litigate Issue
5. Persona Bound/Privity
6. Persons who can invoke
   
   • Shield - Non Party Defendant
   • Sword - Non Party Plaintiff