Cal. Civ. Pro Flashcards
When can California assert PJ?
(1) Long-Arm Statute and (2) Constitutional limit
What is sufficient for specific jurisdiction?
An interactive website.
What cases may a CA superior court hear?
General subject matter jurisdiction. Almost all civil and most federal law claims.
What are the classifications of cases in CA?
(1) Limited civil cases, (2) Unlimited Civil Cases, (3) Small claims
When is a case limited?
The amount of recovery is $25,000 or less. There is limited discovery, no special demur, generally no equitable relief, no real title claims, and a speedy jury trial.
When are cases unlimited?
(1) Exceeds $25,000, (2) seeks equitable relief, (3) title to land.
When is a case small claims?
Any amount less than $10,000 for individuals and $5,000.
How is a case type determined for the proper state court?
Amount of claim alone (no interest) and type of relief sought.
What is the effect of reclassification?
No effect on jurisdiction.
How is reclassification done?
(1) Voluntary by plaintiff and automatic, (2) motion to reclassify, (3) judicial discretion.
What is required for motions to reclassify?
(1) notice and (2) hearing, (3) without considering merits of case
When can case be reclassified from limited to unlimited?
If the judge deems there is a possibility the final amount will exceed $25,000.
What is the effect of aggregation in CA civ pro case type?
If there is a multi-party case, when one of the plaintiff’s claims or defendant’s counter-claim exceeds the threshold are are moved to unlimited.
What automatically causes venue?
A local action for the title to land.
How is venue chosen in a transitory action?
(1) Any county where the defendant resides, or (2) where the transaction or event occurred.
Where is venue appropriate for a corporation?
(1) Principal place of business, (2) transaction or injury occurred.
What venue is appropriate for an unicorporated organization or partnership?
(1) Principal place of business, (2) transaction or injury, or (3) domicile of any partners.
How is venue determined for multi-claim cases?
Venue is chosen for the most important relief sought.
How is transfer made?
(1) A motion with or before a motion to strike, (2) agreement of parties.
When can a CA court transfer a case outside the CA system?
(1) Waiver, (2) Forum selection clauses, (3) interests of justice and parties justifies it upon motion.
What is forum inconveniens?
When a CA court dismisses a case so that another jurisdiction may here the case.
What is necessary and sufficient for service of process?
(1) Any 18 year old non-party may serve, (2) summons, (3) copy of the complaint.
How is CA subsitutive service applicable?
(1) Personal service MUST be tried first, (2) must be made at the usual abode, (3) left with a competent 18 year old adult who lives there, (4) informed of the contents, OR (5) by first-class mail.
When is subsituted service completed?
10 days after the certified mail.
What is required for service by mail?
You must have the defendant return the acknowledgement form.
How may service be done on a corporation?
(1) registered agent, (2) officer or general manager at the officer, or (3) someone in
When is service by publication available?
(1) after reasonable diligence to serve in usual methods with (2) an affidavit confirming the attempt.
How can outside CA service be done?
Prepaid mail with return receipt requested with signature.
How many days are allowed for mail & email?
10 days for mail, 5 days for email.
What is frivolous litigation?
Bad faith, completely without merit, or asserted for the sole purpose of harassment.
How does the complaint differ in CA?
Fact in CA, plausibility in Fed.
What are the contents required in pleading?
(1) Statements of facts, (2) judgment demanded, (3) no need to allege SMJ, because it must classify the type of case.
What must be included in the judgment demanded?
Including amount unless personal injury or wrongful death or when there is a claim for punitive damages.
How can a defendant get an estimate of damages?
A defendant can demand a statement of damages. The plaintiff must give it in 15 days or risk a court order.
What must be alleged for the “ultimate facts”?
The specific facts described in particularity that lend to the elements of each claim.
How may a plaintiff sue an unknown defendant?
(1) State unawareness of identity and (2) specify Doe.
What are verified pleadings?
Signed under oath by affidavit and can be treated as evidence.
When are verified pleadings required?
(1) Shareholder suits and (2) against the government.
How could a defendant respond?
Within 21 Days may (1) answer, (2) demur, (3) motion to quash service of summons, (4) motion to strike for inconvenient forum, (5) anti-SLAPP.
What is a general demur?
A defendants response claiming there is insufficient facts to state a claim.
What is a motion for judgment on the pleadings?
A motion by other party after both have submitted pleading.