bar_prep_copy_20190711104745 Flashcards
What types of discipline for breaking rules?
Private or public reprimand/censorSuspension for finite periodDisbarment
Requirements for admission to bar?
Rational: law school, oathIrrational: citizenship or state residencyRequirements for you to apply: duty to fully cooperate, truth and full disclosure
What is your duty when you know of violation?
Actual personal knowledgeReport what you know UNLESS protected as confidenceAvailable to testifyDuty to report is 24/7 worldwide duty
Can duty to report be trumped by another duty?
Yes. Duty of confidentiality OR membership in approved lawyer assistance program
When is multi-jurisdictional practice allowed?
General rule is can’t practice where not admitted.Temporarily permissible when: with local counsel, special permission, mediation or arbitration, anything “reasonably related” yo home practice Permanently permissible as: in house or federal government
When is supervisor responsible?
Knew of misconduct at time when consequences could have been mitigated AND lawyer fails to take remedial action.OrViolation raises substantial question to supervisor honesty or character/fitness to practice law AND you were told to do it.
Remember subordinate is not responsible when…
Told to do it AND arguable that you thought it was ok.
These activities require a law license
Appearance in judicial proceeding/depositionsNegotiate settlementsDrafting documents that effect substantial legal rights
These activities do not require a law license
InterviewFilling in formsWriting legal memos
Fee division with non-lawyer
General rule is fee division is not allowed with non-lawyer.Exceptions:Heirs of deceased attorneyEmployees- salaries, pension, bonus
Law firm and partnerships
Only lawyers can be partners in business that involves practice of law. Except s/hNo implication of partnershipYou can list dual professions, but solicit rules apply like lawyer, and attorney/client privilege does not apply
Contractual restrictions on practice
Generally not allowed, except retirement or withdrawing from firm
General rule for accepting or rejecting clients
Generally, lawyers have freedom to reject cases.Exceptions: Defenseless or oppressed (should)Pro bono (should, also fulfill pro bono in other ways)Appointments (must accept unless GOOD CAUSE)
When does lawyer have duty to reject cases?
Physical or mental inabilityConflict of interstStrong feelings or biasFrivolous claim or frivolous motionIncompetenceExceptions to duty to reject, take ALE.AssociationLearn it in timeEmergency
What decisions belong to client?
Sue, settle, testify, please, jury or bench, appeal
What decisions belong to lawyer?
Procedural and tactical decisions, to file, depositions, discovery, continuances
Within the bounds of the law
Means e honest and truthful, subject to discipline for knowingly making a false statement of fact/law to court or failing to correct previously made false statement of material fact/law
When can lawyer withdraw - terminate AC privilege?
Withdraw is judge’s decision, depending on stage of matter.Mandatory withdraw (“must see withdraw”):Duty to reject situationsClient fraud and refusal to rectify fraudClient insists on violation of law/ethical provisionClient has begun new illegal course of actionPermissive withdraw (lawyer may leave):Any reason that will not harm the clientIf client consentsIn one of these conditions: client persis in criminal or fraudulent conduct, client has used attorneys services to commit past crime or fraud, client objective is imprudent, client breaks promise to lawyer to pay the fee, unreasonable financial hardship on attorney practice, client will not cooperate.
Client may not abandon client, must a lid material adverse effect on client by…
Dissuade clientRequest permission to withdrawDo as instructedIf permitted to withdraw give clien reasonable notice to get new lawyer
Client lawyer contracts
Lawyer can limit representation through k
Quick advice programs
Conflict of interst ruled are relaxed, bc lawyer does not have time to run conflict checkActual knowledge can be inferredRules change if lawyer actually hired.
When shall fee arrangement be determined?
Arrangement (which includes scope of representation, basis or rate of fee, and expenses for which client will be responsible) shall be communicated to client BEFORE representation starts.
Factors in setting reasonable fee.
Time and laborDifficulty and novelty of questionsExperience, reputationRelationshipsExclusionsFixed or contingentFees customarily charged
Contingent fee agreements, when are they allowed?
Must be reasonable, signed by client (watch out for making promise - then breaking)Must not use in criminal case (no incentive fee AND no % of publication rights based upon representation - But client can take interest in book unrelated to representation watch for undue influence.)*Mustnot use domestic relations case
What explanations required for contingency fees?
Must be explained - in writing, signed by client - be clear: before you take the case AND after the case is concluded (settlement letter)
Referral fees are unethical except when you meet all of the following…
Attorneys work togetherWith clients written informed consent that discloses the share each lawyer will getPaid proportionally to work done, and,One reasonable fee in total.
Reciprocal referral agreement are allowed with the following restrictions.
Not exclusive rangmenReferred client must be toldReferral agreement must not interfere with lawyers professional judgmentAgreement should not be of indefinite duration.
Rules when lawyer is using or selling practice of law
Must sell entire practiceSeller must exercise competence in identify a buyer who is qualified to undertake representationWritten notice must be given to sellers clientsSeller must cease practice of lawPurchaser must take all clients and matters
AC privilege v. Confidentiality
Privilege = protects confidential communications, compelled disclosures, governs disclosure of info,Protects confidential communications with prospective clients.Confidentiality = covers the same AND any other info obtained by attorney relating to representation regardless of source, voluntary revelation, disclosure and use
Work product doctrine
Material prepared by a lawyer for litigation is immune from discovery UNLESSother side shows substantial need, and, Inability to gather material without nude hardship.
Client authorized disclosure
Express authorization requires informed consent (client agrees, lawyer sufficiently explains)There is some I plied authorization, like sharing w/ paralegal.
Exceptions to privilege
Waived by clientClient seeks attorney service to assist in FUTURE CRIME/FRAUDcommunication relevant to issue of breached AC relationshipCivil cases btwn parties who were formerly joint clients
Exceptions to confidentiality (WIIPPOR)
Wavied by clientInformed consentImplied authority to disclose to further the representationPrevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm in futurePrevent substantial financial harm/fraudObtain legal or ethical advice for lawyerRequired by law or court order
Disclosure of past crimes.
Not allowed
Death of party and confidentiality
Death of party does not end your obligations
General rule for conflict of interest
Generally lawyer cannot represent adverse interests of CLIENT OR PROSPECTIVE CLIENT, but conflict can be cured in some instances if: lawyer explains risks AND client agrees in writing
Conflict of interest and lawyers personal interest
Rule or mutationNo sexual relationships unless preexisitingNo loans to clients in connection with pending litigation
Lawyers as witness?
Lawyer cannot be necessary witness for clientExceptions:Uncontested or ministerial matterLegal fee matterIf substantial hardship to client otherwise
General rule with Lawyer acquiring interest in litigation
Lawyer annot acquire interest in litigationExceptionsContingent feesSecurity liens
Screening of disqualifying lawyer
Lawyer conflict of interest will not be muted to firm… If arises out of prior association with her prior form provided she is Timmy screened
General rule with entering into business with clients
Lawyer can’t enter into a business deal with client.Exceptions:Ordinary transactionsAs long as terms are fairExceptions require writing: full disclosure of terms, advised to get individual legal counsel, informed consent and signed by client
Rules with conflict of interest
Lawyer have conflicting interests with prospective or current clients and former clients.This requires:No interests adverse to clientsNo multiple clients where “potential conflict (unless; reasonable belief of no adverse affect AND client gives written informed consent
Representing two clients and aggregate settlement claims
Lawyer shall not make ASC without,Informed consent in writing from each client after full review of entire settlement.Full review includes:Clients come to agreement among themselves how to share aggregate sumDisclosure to all the terms (including total amount to be paid or received, existence and nature of all claims defenses and pleas involved in settlement, details of other client participation, how lawyers fees will be paid)
Conflict of interest and corporate representation
Lawyer represents the corporation/entity, not individual officer or director.If layer knows of action that violates duty to organization AND violation likely to cause substantial injury, lawyer MUST proceed as reasonable to protect interests of company.must report violation to higher authoritymay report to outside organization as necessary to prevent substantial injury
Security violations
Duty of security lawyers to report up the chain and if no appropriate response must report to board of directors and may report to SEC
Conflict of interest and influence of third party persons
Lawyer may be paid by third party, but requires WIC from client AND client confidences must be kept
Imputed disqualification
Lawyers related as parent, chld, sibling or spouse shall not represent adverse parties, unless full informed consent, but no rule of imputation.
Lawyer service as arbitrator, mediator or judge
Generally lawyer that transitions from public to private practice cannot take matters where previously acted or had substantial responsibilityExceptions: drafting laws, compiling statistics, drafting leal opinions.If lawyer involved in following situations, another lawyer in firm can take matter if Orr lawyer is timely screened: finding of guilt as judge, drafting contract,representing government.Elements of screen:Written disclosure to government, no fee to screened attorney, no working on or discussing case or access to files by screened attorney.
Competence is a two pronged duty
Professional responsibility and malpractice.
What cause of actions allow recovery for civil liability?
TortsContractsFiduciary relationships
Successful claim for civil liability requires
Money lossCausation*but for what the lawyer did, client would have won case.Purpose of civil malpractice claim is compensation.
Standard of care for civil liability
General practitioner, lawyer shall provide “competent representation” to a client which requires legal knowledge, skill and preparation. ORDINARY STANDARD OF REASONABLE CARE.SPECIALISTS. Higher standard of care for their speciality
Maintaining competence for professional responsibility
Purpose is punishment.Doesn’t require money loss or causation.
Acceptance of employment
Lawyers presumed to be GENERALISTS and COMPETENT.
Exercise of diligence and care.
Reasonably consult with clientKeep client reasonably informedPromptly comply with reasonable requestsExplain matters to clientCommunicate all settlement offers
Limiting liability for malpractice
Lawyer cannot do it prospectively unless client has independent counsel.
General duties in litigation
Authority to act for client: law,tactic, strategyCivility, courtesy, decorum: mandatory duty to be truthful, aspirational duty to be courteous.
Attorney conduct for claims and defenses in litigation
Lawyer must have good faith basis for actions, make only meritorious claims and contentions.
Lawyer responsibility with client fraud or perjury
Client is COMMITTING fraud or perjury - lawyer must seek to withdraw from the matter. If denied, or if withdrawal does not resolve the problem, then lawyer may disclose fraud to the judge.Client HAS COMMITTED fraud or perjury - secret cannot be disclosed. But lawyer does have duty rectify false testimony.
Communications in course of representation, unrepresented persons.
Can’t give leal advice.Cannot appear disinterested when you are in fact an advocate/adversary.Can negotiate a transaction or settle clients disputes with unrepresented person.Only advice you should give them get a lawyer.
Different roles of lawyers
Lawyer as advisor: client entitled to all information - entitled to candid advice; should give moral,economic or rival advice.Lawyer as evaluator: doing something for client for benefit of 3p - must be compatible with other aspects of representation, and, clients WIC, must be truthful in evaluation.
Duty of lawyer as arbitrator or 3P neutral
Must explain that there is no AC privilegeLitigation, the must withdraw
When lawyer acts as trustee for client funds, lawyer must keep money in separate account, in the state where lawyer practices unless…
The client consents to account being in another stateSmall sums may use pooled trust accountNote lawyer funds may only be used to cover bank service charges
Lawyer as trustee for client property (other than money)
Lawyer must safeguard clients property in bonded warehouse
How does general rule regarding receipt of settlements changed for DISPUTED CLAIMS?
Generally, receipt of style,ent requires prompt notification, keep records, render accounting and pay promptly.For disputed claims, disputed amount remains in client trust account until settled.
Retainer, what are the types?
- Advance on fees (belongs) to client (goes into trust account) and unearned portion is returned if layer is fired or withdraws.2. Availability retainer (belongs) to attorney (goes into lawyers account)
Gifts from client?
Allowed if reasonable, but must not draft deed of gift or will, unless you are related to donor.
Public communications about services.
Advertising. Cannot be false or misleading - applies to ads, personal communication, office signs. Do not create misunderstandings: 1) cannot create unjustified expectations, 2) cannot have unsubstantiated comparisons, 3) cannot imply results by improper means.Firm names and letterheads. Dead people can stay in name. Ratification names are ok if not misleading.
Direct contact with prospective clients - SOLICITATION.
General ban on solicitation.Definition of solicitation: solicitation is seeking fee-paying work through in person, live telephone, or real time electronic contact with a non-lawyer prospect with whom the lawyer has no family, close personal previous rel.
Permissible solicitation (unless the prospective has made known to the lawyer a desire not to be solicited by the lawyer)
Targeted direct mailGroup and prepared legal services so long as the memberships or subscriptions for the plan are not solicited from persons who are…EducationNo fee will be takenClose friends and relatives, present clients and former clients.
Lawyer Activity in Improving the legal system - judges.
Judges -candor, must reveal adverse decisions or statute o appropriate jurisdiction. Must let judge know of adversarial law, from controlling jurisdictions. Can’t bury on adverse decision, but can distinguish bad cases away.No explanation is required to be given to court (duty to reveal not explain)Can offer good faith argument to change the lawNo obligation to reveal facts opposed to your position.
Lawyer activity improving legal system - witnesses.
No contingent fees for experts.Can pay reasonable expenses and lost wages lay witnessesNo need to obtain permission of other side to interview witnessesCan advise witnesses they don’t have to voluntary testify if 1) person is related to or is an agent of the party that lawyer represents, and 2) the person will be harmed by volunteering.
Lawyers interacting with jurors
Lawyer talking to lawyer = disbarment.During trial, no communication with lawyer.After trial, must not communicate if any of these 3 conditions are met: 1. Local law/gvt order prohibits2. Juror tells you they don’t want to talk3. Purpose of contract is to harass or coerce the juror.
Trial publicity
No public statement outside courtroom that lawyer should reasonably know would have a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing the cases.Lawyer can speak publicly what a reasonable lawyer would believe is required to protect client from substantial undue prejudicial effect.
Special responsibilities of the prosecutor.
Must not prosecute without probable cause.Assure the accused is advised of his counselMust not seek a waiver of pretrial rights from an unrepresented accused.Disclose known evidence and information that ends to negate guilt (Brady rule) or mitigate the degree of the offense.
CJC Judicial Ethics; who does CJC apply to?
CJC applies to those who perform judicial functions (including magistrates, court commissions)
CJC rules for family members
Judges must take reasonable steps to ensure family members follow the rules.
Rules for judge and receiving gifts
Judge can accept and not report BOOKS, HONORARIA or ORDINARY SOCIAL GIFTS, as long as1. Not excessive for purpose/relationship.2. Not reasonably perceived to influence judge3. No gifts from person likely to appear before judgeMust report gifts in excess of $150 (may vary by statute)Can accept and MUST report invitations to attend activity without cost (waived conference fee).
Judges and he law.
Must follow the law. 24 hour day duty.Never off dutyCannot use judicial letterhead for personal business.Cannot criticize or commend jury outside court opinion.No continuing business relationship with lawyer likely to come before court.
Judges and impropriety and the appearance elf impropriety.
Judges must avoid appearance of impropriety with respect to cases and issues that are likely to come before court.Must not make pledges, promises or commitments that are inconsistent with duties of office when judge creates a reasonable perception that CJC has been violated.
Four cannons of CJC. (udep)
- upholding the integrity and independence of the judiciary2. duties of impartiality and diligence3. Extra-judicial activities including compensation4. Political activity of judges
Judge should be disqualified or offer to step down (unless parties remit) when…
- Judge has personal knowledge of possibly disputed facts.2. If former partner or close relative is party, attorney or witness before the judge (close relative = immediate family NOT COUSINS, and you count spousal family as yours)3. Judge cannot have economic interest in matter before her. Exceptions: mutual funds and securities held by charitable orgs.4. When judge knows parry contributed more than specifics amount to campaign. In an emergency necessity overrides disqualification
Judge litigation responsibilities
- Maintain professional competence2. Prompt disposition of court business3. Responsibility of decorum is on judge, not lawyers4. No ex parte communications with 4 exceptions: expressly authorized by law, emergency, mediation or settlement with consent of parties, de minimums communications
Judge and activities to improve the legal system; ADMINISTRATION.
Must not appoint on basis of nepotism or political contributionDisinterested expertsNo independent investigations of facts
Judge and activities to improve the legal system; OUTSIDE LEGAL ACTIVITIES.
Judge may serve as officer for organization devoted to improvement of law provided, org is not engaged in proceeding that could come before judge.Judge can’t FUND RAISE personally. Judge cannot be guest of honor or keynote speaker at fundraiser judge is involved with.FIDUCIARY RELATIONSHIPS, generally judge must not serve as executor - except for close family - but can if: there is no interference with official duties, proceedings would not come before judge, matter not involved in court under judge’s appellate jurisdiction. No economic interest
Judges duty to report others
Judge must report to agency if he KNOWS BY PERSONAL/ACTUAL knowledge of lawyer or judge who violates rules
Judge and extra-judicial activities including compensation
MAY: serve as officer on nonprofit board, teach, give personal references for others if stated its personal.MAY NOT: serve on profit board, be member of or use organization that discriminates. (actual knowledge of discrimination is key)Exception; private org. designed to preserve religious or cultural valuesOnce judge learns of discrimination MUST resign from org.
May judge practice law?
No, unless Practicing pro se, or giving free legal advice to family
Judges in business
Judges MUST NOT engage in business dealings that might be perceived to exploit judges position
Rules when judge is running for office
Can speak at gatherings, but judge must not make pledges, promises or commitments that are inconsistent with impartial performance of dutiesCan ask for vote for self, but not for ticket.
A lawyer is not a bus, she is a piano
Lawyer is not a bus, which takes all comers (except those appointed or oppressed), she is a piano, which has an affirmative duty to respond appropriately and be honest in response.
Unconnected lawyer communication with juror
NO LAWYER, whether connected to case or not, may communicate with juror about case.
Attorney civil liability for potential clients
Lawyer does not owe duty to of care to prospective client.Lawyer must not represent client in present piece of litigation and substantially opposed in different litigation.
What is lawyers duty to client regarding papers?
Lawyer must give client all papers, legal memos and document drafts.
Can a judge accept benefits associated with spouse?
Yes, judge may accept benefits that INCIDENTALLY benefit the judge through association with spouse.Acceptance cannot appear to undermine judges integrity or impartiality.
Wife wanted to obtain past due child support. She hires a new attorney and they agree to a contingency fee based on 10% of recovery. Is the attorney subject to discipline?
NO. Despite the domestic issue, rules do not prohibit a lawyer from using a contingency fee to recover money that is PAST DUE.
Lawyers and drafting legal instruments that bestow gifts on themselves.
Lawyer that drafts an instrument that bestows a substantial gift on himself IS SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINE. Lawyer may not draft legal instrument for client that gives substantial gift to himself, unless relative.
If the lawyer suspects, but does not know for sure, both his client and clients mother, who will be witness, of lying, can the attorney call these witnesses to the stand?
YES. Lawyer ha a general duty to client of dedication and commitment. Therefore, lawyer must resolve reasonable doubts in favor of client. Lying requires actual knowledge to act upon.*note lawyer may refuse to offer evidence that he reasonably believes to be false, other than the testimony of criminal defendant.
Lawyer did not notify client that settlement check had arrive, is this proper?
NO. Lawyer should have made sure client was promptly notified that check arrived.
Lawyer agreed to do legal work on contingency basis, based on 1.75% of gross receipts from movie if they win, is this proper?
The lawyers free agreement is PROPER even though it gives the lawyer a personal interest in the subject of the litigation because THE RULE AGAINST PERSONAL INTEREST IN SUBJECT TO LITIGATION HAS AN EXCEPTION THAT ALLOWS REPRESENTATION FOR CONTINGENCY FEES.
Attorney is voting member of legislation committee hat is voting on issue that, if anacted, would materially benefit one of her regular clients. Would it be proper for the attorney to participate in debate and vote?
YES, provided that she informs the legislative committee that she represents an unnamed client whose interests could be materially benefitted by the statue. Rules allow lawyer to participate in law reform activity that will effect the interests of a client.
A judge, whose colleagues wrote the majority opinion and he wrote a scholarly dissent on matter A, was invited to testify on a bill that would amend that statute to reflect the judge’s position on matter A. May the judge testify?
Yes, because a judge may engage in activities designed to improve the law. Rules only limit SOME types of political activities, not including legislative testimony.
Partner and associate form partnership agreement that includes agreement as to fee division, AND that associate will remit to partner all fees he earns after, if he leaves early. Are they subject to discipline?
YES, bc the agreement places a restriction on associates right to practice if he leaves partnership early.
If a public accountant,whose testimony is relevant to your clients case, calls you and asks for advice when Ps ttorney calls to speak privately, is it proper for you to advise him to not talk unless subpoenaed?
YES, bc the accountant acted as your clients agent in rendering accounting advice.
When are two solo attorneys working in same office space considered a “firm” for purposes of the imputed disqualification rule with respect to conflicts of interest?
Relevant factors in determining whether lawyers who share office space are deemed a firm include: whether they hold themselves out to public as a single unit, frequently consult and assist each other, refer cases to each other, work jointly on cases, and have access to each other files.Mere fact that lawyers share fees does not make them a firm.
If a prosecutor states to a reporter hat, “she was certain the D was the right man bc he has a history of crime…etc.” is the prosecutor subject to punishment?
YES, bc the prosecutor should have known the statement would likely prejudice the trial.A lawyer who is connected with a case must not make a public statement outside the courtroom that the lawyer should reasonably would have substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing the case.
A lawyer strongly suspected, but had no proof that the opposing party was skydiving after he claimed to be totally disabled due to a back injury sustained at work. If the lawyer told opposing counsel he had movies of his party skydiving, is that lawyer subject to discipline?
YES, bc the employer’s lawyer lied about having movies.When dealing on behalf of a client with a 3P, a lawyer must not knowingly make a false statement of law or material fact.
Is a judge allowed to solicit contributions for her own campaign?
Judge is prohibited from personally soliciting contributions for her own campaign.
Is it proper for partner to represent client that was previously represented by another partner in firm, but no other attorney gained access to confidential information?
Yes, it would be proper for second partner in firm to represent client, despite being previously represented by another partner BECAUSE neither the new partner, nor any other lawyer gained access to the confidential information regarding the prior matter.
If subordinate lawyer acts in accordance w a supervisors reasonable resolution of an arguable question of professional duty should be abide by partners resolution?
Yes. Subordinate only has duty to call case to courts attention when violation is clearly in point, if debatable go with supervisor.
What are the two types of rules?
Mandatory “must rules” and advisory “should or proper rules, aspirational.”
What are the three levels of scrutiny?
(1) Rational basis, (2) Intermediate scrutiny, and (3) strict scrutiny.
When will a law be upheld under strict scrutiny?
If law is necessary to achieve a compelling gvt. purpose.Gvt has the burden of proof.(Most demanding standard on gvt).
When will a law be upheld under intermediate scrutiny?
If it is substantially related to an important gvt. purpose.Gvt. has burden of proof. Gvt. purpose becomes important.
When will a law be upheld under rational basis test?
If law is rationally related to a legitimate gvt. purpose.Challenger has burden of proof to show no conceivable legitimate purpose.
How does the Bill of Rights apply to federal and state governments?
BOR applies directly to Fed.BOR applies to state/local gvt through incorporation via the due process clause of 14th amendment.
What are the exceptions to BOR applying to state/local government (AMs not yet confirmed as applying).
3rd (soldier quartered), 5th (grand jury indictment), 7th (jury trials in civil cases), and 8th (excessive fines).
8th Amendment protects against
Excessive Fines
7th Amendment guarantees
right to jury trials in civil cases
5th Amendment guarantees
grand jury indictment in criminal cases
3rd amendment protects against
Gvt quartering soldiers in citizen’s homes.
State Action - Court enforcing racially restrictive covenants?
YES
State action - Government leases premises to restaurant that racially discriminates?
YES
State action - gvt provides free books to private schools that racially discriminate?
YES
State Action - teacher fired from school that is funded 99% by government funds?
NO - no state action
State Action - NCAA orders suspension of basketball coach at state university?
NO - no state action when NCAA orders firing of public school coach
State Action - Private entity regulates interscholastic sports w/in state?
YES - w/in a state
State Action - private club with liquor license from state racially discriminates?
No - not state action
What are the exceptions to rule that private conduct need not comply w/ Constitution?
(1) Public Functions Exeption(2) Entanglement
What is the public functions exception?
Exception to general rule that private conduct does not qualify as state action.Definition - private entity is performing a task traditionally, exclusively done by the government.
What is the entanglement exception?
Exception to general rule that private conduct does not qualify as state action.Definition - constitution applies if the government affirmatively authorizes, encourages or facilitates unconstitutional activity.
When does the constitution apply to the protection of individual liberties?
When there is STATE ACTION.Private conduct need not comply with the constitution.
What are the key rules of State taxation of interstate commerce (not really tested)?
States may not use their tax systems to help in-state businessSubstantial NexusFairly Apportioned
What is meant by “full faith and credit.”
Concept that court in one state court must enforce all judgments of courts in another state, so long as:Court had personal/SMJJudgment must be on meritsJudgment must be final.
What are the exceptions to DCC?
(1) Congressional approval(2) Market Participant Exception
What are the exceptions to the Article IV P&I Clause?
NONE.
What is required to apply the P&I Clause from Article IV?
(a) Discrimination against out-of-staters (b) Discrimination with regard to civil liberties or important economic activity.
Can corporations and aliens sue under the P&L Clause of Article IV?
No
Can corporations and aliens sue under the DCC?
Yes.
What is required for the DCC to apply?
Burden on interstate commerce.However, does not require discrimination against out-of-staters to apply.
What doctrine should be considered if there is a potential issue of gvt action discriminating against out-of-staters?
(1) DCC(2) P&I Clause of Article IV
What provision is violated when a law discriminates against out-of-staters ability to EARN A LIVING?
P&I Clause of Article IV UNLESS it is necessary to achieve an important government purpose.
Preemption?
Concept under issues of federalism.Definition – Under the Supremacy Clause (Art. VI) the constitution and laws and treaties made pursuant to it are the supreme law of the land.Bottom line: valid federal law overrides or preempts inconsistent state law.
How can preemption be found?
(1) Express(2) Implied – if (a) it is not possible for someone to simultaneously comply with both fed and state law, (b) state law impedes the achievement of a federal objective, OR (c) Congress evidences clear intent to preempt.(3) State cannot tax where payment would come out of federal treasury.
Presidential Pardon
President has power to pardon anyone ACCUSED OR CONVICTED OF FEDERAL (not state) CRIMES, except where person has been impeached by House.Impeachment does not apply to civil liability.
Presidential Executive Privilege
Privilege exists for presidential papers and conversations, except where important government interests override privilege.
Presidential Immunity
ABSOLUTE IMMUNITY for civil suits for money damages for actions accrued while in office.No immunity for actions occurring prior to taking office.
When can the president, VP and federal officers be impeached or removed?
For treason, bribery or high crimes/misdemeanors.Impeachment does not remove person from office.Impeachment requires majority House vote AND conviction requires 2/3 Senate vote.
Presidential power of appointment applies to…
Ambassadors, federal judges and OFFICERS.Congress may limit appointment power of INFERIOR OFFICERS.
Presidential removal power
President may remove any executive branch official, EXCEPT(i) office where independence from pres is desirable, and(ii) where good cause shown.
Is Senate approval required for Executive Agreements? What about treaties?
NO - Exe agmtsYES - Treaties
When a treaty or executive agreement conflicts with state law, which controls?
BOTH TREATIES and EXECUTIVE AGREEMENTS control over conflicting state law.
When a treaty conflicts with federal statute - which controls?
Whichever was adopted LAST IN TIME controls.
When an executive agreement conflicts with federal statute - which controls?
FEDERAL STATUTE controls.
When a treaty or executive agreement conflicts with constitution - which controls?
Constitution - always.
What are the key legislative powers?
(1) Tax, (2) Spend, and (3) Commerce
When does Congress have a police power
General rule - never. However, Congress does have MILD police power in following areas:MilitaryIndian ReservationsLand (federal)District of Columbia
Article I, Section 8?
Necessary and Proper Clause. Congress can adopt all laws that are necessary and proper to exercise its authority.
When may Congress regulate commerce with foreign nations, Indian Tribes or among the states?
(1) Channels of Commerce, (2) Instrumentality(3) Economic Activity with substantial effect on interstate commerce
What is meant by “channels of commerce?”
Channels are the places where commerce occurs, such as waterways, highways, internet.
What is meant by “Instrumentalities” with regard to interstate commerce?
Things or persons that facilitate commerce.
What is meant by “substantial effect” on interstate commerce?
Substantial BUT NOT CUMMULATIVE.
10th Amendment
Acts as a limit on Congressional powers NOT SPECIFICALLY GRANTED to Congress, NOR PROHIBITED TO STATES.These powers are RESERVED to the states or people.
Can congress compel state regulatory or legislative action?
NO.But Congress can induce state action with STRINGS ON GRANTS, so long as conditions are expressly stated and relate to purpose of program.
Can Congress prohibit harmful commercial activity by state governments?
YES. (10th Am)
Which amendment bars suits against states in federal court?
11th Am
What is the result of sovereign immunity?
Bars suits against states in state courts or federal agencies, even on federal law claims.
What are the exceptions to sovereign immunity (only time state can be sued)?
(1) Waiver(2) Fed. laws adopted under s 5 of 14th Am(3) Via federal government(4) Bankruptcy proceedings
Does sovereign immunity apply to state officers?
No, they may be sued.Sued for injunctive relief.Sued for money damages to be paid out of their own pockets, however, May not be sued if damages would be paid out of state treasury.
What is abstention?
Rule that federal courts may not enjoin pending state court proceeding.
What is the final judgment rule?
Rule that SCOTUS may hear cases only after there has been a final judgment of highest state court OR a US Court of appeals, OR of a 3 judge federal district court.
How do virtually all cases come to Supreme Court?
Writ of Certiorari.Court has complete discretion regarding which cases it hears.
When must SCOTUS hear case?
When appeal exists from decision of three-judge federal district courts
When does SCOTUS have original and exclusive jurisdiction
Suits between state governments.
What is required for a case to be justiciable in front of SCOTUS?
(1) Standing and (2) RipenessCase cannot be MOOT or POLITICAL QUESTION.
What are the key political questions SCOTUS will not review?
(1) US guarantee to each state a republican form of government (Guarantee CLause)(2) Challenges to POTUS foreign policy(3) Challenges to impeachment/removal process, (4) Challenges to partisan gerrymandering
What is the political question doctrine?
Refers to constitutional vioaltions that the federal courts will not adjudicate.
What is mootness?
Rule that if events after the filling of lawsuit ENDS Ps INJURY, the case must be dismissed as moot because P must present LIVE CONTROVERSY.
What will keep case alive despite probable mootness?
Non-frivilous money damage claims.
What is ripeness?
Question of whether a federal court may grant pre-enforcement review of a statute or regulation.
When a court questions pre-enforcement review, what is at issue?
Ripeness.
What does court consider when evaluating ripeness?
(1) Hardship that will be suffered without pre-enforcement review (HARDSHIP), and(2) The fitness of issues and record for judicial review (RECORD).
When the court examines potential hardship and sufficiency of the record, what is likely at issue?
Ripeness.
What are the exceptions to mootness?
(1) The wrong is CAPABLE OF REPETITION but EVADES review because of inherently limited time duration (Abortion cases),(2) Volunary cessation, (3) Class Action Sutis
Article III
Defines federal judicial power, which requires cases and controversies: meaning a case must be justiciable.Court does not render advisory opinions.
What is standing, generally?
The issue of whether P is proper party to bring matter to court.
What is required of P to have standing?
(1) Injury(2) Causation & redressability(3) No 3P standing(4) No generalized grievances
What is a general grievance, and when is it typically discussed.
Discussed under standing.P does not have standing if they are suing solely as a CITIZEN/TAXPAYER.
If P is suing solely as citizen or taxpayer - what result?
P lacks STANDING - this is merely a general grievance.
What is meant by “no third party standing?”
A P cannot assert claims of others, of third parties, who are NOT BEFORE THE COURT because P must present proof they personally suffered injuries.
What are the exceptions to no third party standing?
(1) Close relationship where P can be trusted to adequately represent interests of 3P(2) Injured 3P is unlikely to assert own rights(3) Organization
An organization may sue for its members when…
(a) members would have standing, (b) interests are germain to organizations purpose, and(c) neihter the claim no relief requires participation of individual members.
Does a custodial parent have standing for child?
Yes.Only non-custodial parents do not have standing.
What is causation & redressability
Element of standing.P must allege and prove that the D caused the injury so that a favorable court decision is likely to remedy the harm.
When a court questions pre-enforcement review, what is at issue?
Ripeness.
What does court consider when evaluating ripeness?
(1) Hardship that will be suffered without pre-enforcement review (HARDSHIP), and(2) The fitness of issues and record for judicial review (RECORD).
When the court examines potential hardship and sufficiency of the record, what is likely at issue?
Ripeness.
What are the exceptions to mootness?
(1) The wrong is CAPABLE OF REPETITION but EVADES review because of inherently limited time duration (Abortion cases),(2) Volunary cessation, (3) Class Action Sutis
Article III
Defines federal judicial power, which requires cases and controversies: meaning a case must be justiciable.Court does not render advisory opinions.
What is standing, generally?
The issue of whether P is proper party to bring matter to court.