Civ Pro Flashcards
relation back doctrine
an amended pleading is considered to have been filed on the day the original pleading was filed if the amended pleading concerns the same conduct, transaction, or occurrence as the original pleading
usually used for SoL purposes
Rule 15(c)
allows a plaintiff to substitute the name of a party when there was a case of mistaken identity if:
- the D being brought in had notice of the action AND
- the D knew or should have known that but for P’s mistake about D’s identity, the suit would have been brought against him
if satisfied, the amended complaint relates back to the original filing
preliminary injunction purpose
preserve status quo until a hearing on the merits
D must be given notice of the request and an opportunity to be heard before the a decision is made
temporary restraining order
preserve the status quo immediately without a hearing on the merits
what must the party seeking the order show for a TRO
must show irreparable harm if the TRO is not granted
what must an answer by the D contain
1- deny or admit the allegations in the complaint
2- set out all affirmative defenses
how long does the D have to file an answer after service if no Rule 12 motion was made
21 days
how long does the D have to file an answer after a rule 12 motion was made and denied
14 days
what happens if D fails to file an answer in time
default judgment
what is default
court clerk makes an entry of a default judgment if the D does not respond with an answer in the required time period
when can the court clerk enter a default
when the amount of the claim is for a sum certain AND
D has not yet appeared in the case
If D has appeared, only the judge can enter a default judgment
what must a complaint contain
1- state the grounds for federal SMJ
2- contain a statement of the claim that, if proven, entitles the plaintiff to relief
3- A demand for judgment of relief
two documents required for service of process
1- summons from court informing D of lawsuit and how much time D has to respond AND
2- a copy of the complaint
five methods of service of process
1- waiver of service
2- personal service/handing to D
3- handing docs to a responsible person at D’s usual place of abode
4- service on an authorized agent
5- any method valid in the state where the federal court is located or where federal service is to be made
what law does the federal court apply in a fed question claim (choice of law issue)
federal law
what law does the federal court apply for a diversity case
fed court applies its own procedural rules and federal rule of evidence
fed court applies substantive law of the state in which it sits, including that state’s choice of law provisions
rule for whether a rule is substantive or procedural
A rule is substantive if it substantially affects the outcome of the case
what are common substantive rules
Statute of limitations
choice of law rules
elements of a claim or defense
two main ways to determine where venue is proper
1- in a federal court where any D resides, if all Ds reside in the same state
2- in a fed district where a substantial part of the events or omissions occurred or where a substantial part of the property is located
what is venue
which federal court can properly hear the case
fallback provision for venue
venue is proper where any D is subject to PJ with respect to the action
what is removal
A defendant in state court has the claim moved (removed) t federal court
rule for when removal is proper
A case can only be removed to federal court when the federal could have exercised fed jx in the first place
two requirements for a court’s exercise of PJ over a D
1- state statute must authorize PJ
2- the exercise of PJ must meet the constitutional requirements of due process (minimum contacts test)
general PJ
court has jx over all causes of action over the D in the state bc the D is at home in the state
specific PJ
D has the necessary minimum contacts with the forum state such that the exercise of PJ over the D for this current case would be fair and reasonable
where is an individual at home for general PJ
state of domicile
where is a corp at home for general PJ
state of incorp and PPB