Bar Exam Masters Questions Flashcards
Who completes the civil cover sheet when a party appears pro se?
The clerk.
Within what time-frame must a defendant return a waiver of formal service?
Within 20 days of receipt.
What is the interpleader process?
- The stakeholder deposits the property or money in court, recovers costs and attorney’s fees, then disappears for the claimants to litigate over who gets the property.
What is interpleader?
A device by which persons having conflicting claims against a stakeholder may be joined as defendants and required to interplead so that the stakeholder may avoid exposure to double liability.
Who may bring an interpleader action?
The stakeholder may bring the action as a plaintiff, suing the claimants as defendants. Alternatively, should a claimant first sue the stakeholder he may as a defense measure (by counterclaim) turn the suit into an interpleader action.
Interpleader is…
a two-stage action.
- In the first stage, it is determined whether the requirements of interpleader are satisfied
- In the second stage the claimants litigate to determine their rights in the fund or property
When the prevailing party recovers attorney’s fees because the opposing party’s claim or defense was not supported by facts or the law, who pays the award?
The losing party 50/50 with his or her lawyer unless the lawyer acted in good faith based on what the client told him or her.
Where is a nonparty deposed?
In the county of his or her residence unless agreed otherwise.
When a court orders a party against whom judgment is entered to complete the statutory form, when must it generally be completed?
45 days (don’t know what this is referring to?)
When is the court not permitted to grant a motion to enlarge time to file?
The court may not extend the time for making a motion for new trial, for rehearing, or to alter or amend a judgment; making a motion for relief from a judgment; taking an appeal or filing a petition for certiorari; or making a motion for a directed verdict.
Enlargement
Any time prescribed may be enlarged by the court with or without motion if a request is made before the time expires. If the request is made after the time expires, a motion is required and will be granted only for excusable neglect. The court may not extend the time for:
- Motion for belated directed verdict;
- motion for new trial or rehearing;
- sua sponte grant of new trial;
- motion for amendment of judgment;
- motion for relief from judgment;
- notice of appeal; or
- petition for certiorari
When is personal jurisdiction found if a nonresident does something outside of Florida that causes an injury within Florida?
When the defendant is engaged in solicitation or service activity in Florida OR its products are used in Florida in the ordinary course of business (i.e. goes to minimum contacts analysis).
When is a motion for judgment on the pleadings timely?
After the pleadings are closed, but within such time as not to delay the trial.
What is a motion for judgment on the pleadings (defense motion)
A motion for judgment on the pleadings is available after the pleadings are closed, but not so late as to delay the trial. This motion tests the legal sufficiency of the claim or defense stated, NOT the factual support for the allegations
If the court decides to dismiss a necessary party rather than proceed without him or her, what is the absentee called?
An indispensable party