Civil Procedure Flashcards
Personal jurisdiction is about the court’s power over who?
the parties
When determining if a court has personal jurisdiction over a party, what two things must be satisfied?
- State statute,
2. Constitution (Due Process)
What is the constitutional analysis for determining if a court has personal jurisdiction over a party?
Does the party have “such minimum contacts” with the forum so jurisdiction does not offend traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice.
Three steps:
- contact
- Relatedness
- Fairness
For personal jurisdiction, what level of contact must be present?
- The contact must result from purposeful availment, and
2. Foreseeability (it must be foreseeable that the defendant would get sued in this forum)
For specific personal jurisdiction, Defendant’s contact with the forum state must be sufficiently _____________ with Plaintiff’s claim(s).
related
If a claim does not arise from the defendant’s contact with a forum state, a court may have general personal jurisdiction over the defendant if he is ___ ______ in the forum.
at home
Where is a person always “at home” for purposes of personal jurisdiction?
Where they are domiciled.
Where is a corporation domiciled?
- Where incorporated, and
2. Where it has its principal place of business.
Is fairness assessed in issues of general personal jurisdiction?
No - only relevant to specific personal jurisdiction
When assessing the fairness factor for personal jurisdiction, what factors are considered?
- Burden on the defendant and witnesses
- State’s interest
- Plaintiff’s interest
In assessing fairness for personal jurisdiction, when assessing the burden on defendant and witnesses, must the court determine this is the MOST convenient forum?
No. Even if it is difficult for the defendant or witnesses to travel to the forum, it is ok unless the Defendant can show it puts her at a severe disadvantage in the litigation.
What is constitutionally required for service of process?
Notice must be reasonably calculated under all the circumstances to apprise interested parties of the action.
What two documents does process consist of?
- Summons
2. Complaint
Who can serve process?
Any non party who is at least 18 years old.
If a defendant is served in the United States, within how long must service take place?
No more than 90 days after filing the complaint.
On an individual in the United States, how may process be served on an individual?
- Personal service,
- Substituted service (at defendant’s usual abode to someone of suitable age and discretion who resides there)
- Service on Defendant’s agent.
- State law methods.
How may process be served on a business or organization in the United States?
- Deliver process to an officer, managing agent, or general agent,
- State law methods
How may process be served on a minor or incompetent person in the United States?
Any method permitted by state law in the state where service is to be made.
How may process be served in a foreign country?
Any method allowed by international agreement, or, if there is no such agreement:
- As directed by an American Court,
- Method allowed by the foreign country’s laws (if reasonably calculated to give notice)
- Method directed by foreign official in response to a letter of request from the American Court (if reasonably calculated to give notice)
- Personal service in the foreign country (unless prohibited by its law)
- Mail sent by the clerk of the American court requiring signed receipt (unless prohibited by the foreign country’s laws)
How does a plaintiff request defendant waive service of process?
Plaintiff mails Defendant a notice and request to waive formal service, including a copy of the complaint and two copies of a waiver form, with a prepaid return envelope.
If a defendant waives service but fails to return the waiver form, then plaintiff has defendant served, if defendant did not have good cause for failing to return the waiver is there a penalty to defendant?
Yes - defendant must pay for service.
How is service proved?
The person who served process files a report with the court detailing how service was made. If the server was a civilian, the report is by affidavit.
Where may process be served?
Within the state in which the federal court sits.
It may be served outside the state if state law allows.
When is a defendant immune from service?
When defendant is present in the state to appear as a party, witness, or attorney in a different civil case.
How may other documents (besides the complaint) be served on a party?
By delivery or mail to the party’s attorney (or the party directly if they are pro se), or via email if the party agrees.
Does a party get a extra time to respond when a party serves by mail?
Yes, three days - service is deemed complete when mailed.
State court has general subject matter jurisdiction to hear any type of case, except which?
- Patent infringement,
- Bankruptcy,
- Cases where the United States is involved (e.g., fines, penalties, or forfeitures under the laws of the United States)
- Cases with consuls and vice-consuls as defendants,
- Anti-trust cases
- Admiralty cases
- Foreign state is a party
- Postal matters
- Internal Revenue
- Securities Exchange Act
Federal courts have jurisdiction over which two main types of cases?
- Diversity of citizenship
2. Federal question
What are the two requirements for diversity of citizenship cases?
- The cases is between citizens of different US states, or between a citizen of a US state and a citizen of a foreign country,
- The amount in controversy exceeds $75,000
For diversity jurisdiction, may a any plaintiff be a citizen of the same state as one of the defendants?
No - there must be complete diversity.
For a United States’ citizen, what is the state of her citizenship?
The US state where she is domiciled.
Can a person have more than one domicile at a time?
No.
How does a person establish a new domicile?
- Presence in a new place, and
2. Intent to make that home for the foreseeable future.
Where is a corporation a citizen of?
Every US state or country where it is incorporated and the ONE US state or country of its principal place of business.
Where is a corporation’s principal place of business?
Where its managers direct, coordinate, and control corporate activity.
“Nerve center”
Where is an unincorporated association a citizen of?
In the citizenship of all of its members.
In a limited partnership, to determine citizenship do you include the citizenships of both the general and limited partners?
yes.
What is the citizenship of a decedent, minor, or incompetent person?
Their citizenship - not the citizenship of their representative.
For diversity jurisdiction, may the amount in controversy be exactly $75,000?
No - must EXCEED $75,000
For diversity jurisdiction, a plaintiff must plead in ______ _________ that the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.
good faith.
When may a plaintiff aggregate claims to reach the minimum amount in controversy for diversity jurisdiction?
Any SINGLE plaintiff may aggregate claims against any SINGLE defendant, or against JOINT tortfeasors.
What cases will a federal court refuse to hear, even if the elements of diversity jurisdiction are met?
- Divorce,
- Alimony,
- Child custody,
- Probate and estate
A federal court has federal question jurisdiction when Plaintiff’s complaint arises under _______ _________ ____.
under federal law.
In a federal question case, is the citizenship of the plaintiff or amount in controversy relevant?
No
Is it enough that some federal issue is raised by the complaint?
No - plaintiff’s claim itself must arise under federal law.
Ask - “Is plaintiff enforcing a federal right?”
Removal transfers a case from a _______ trial court to a __________ court.
state; federal
If removal of a case was improper, the federal court can __________ the case back to state court.
remand.
Who may remove a case to federal court?
defendants only
When may an appropriate party remove a case to federal court?
Within 30 days of service
What are two exceptions that apply when removing a case filed under diversity of citizenship?
- No removal if any defendant is a citizen of the forum, and
- No removal more than one year after the case was field in state court (UNLESS Plaintiff acted in bad faith to prevent removal)
What is the exception to the rule that no removal is permissible if a year has passed since complaint has been filed in state court?
A case becomes removable if Plaintiff voluntarily dismisses the claim against a defendant who would defeat diversity.
To which court may a defendant remove a case to?
The federal court “embracing” the state court where the case was filed.
How does a party remove a case to federal court?
- File a notice
- Attach all documents served on her in state court
- Serve copy of notice on Plaintiff
- file a copy of notice in state court
Supplemental jurisdiction gets claims into a case even though:
the claims do not meet diversity or FQ jurisdiction
For a court to have supplemental jurisdiction, the claims alleged by plaintiff must share a:
common nucleus of operative facts
For what claims does a court not have supplemental jurisdiction, even when there is a common nucleus of operative facts?
For claims brought by plaintiff’s in a case invoking diversity jurisdiction.
A non-federal, non-diversity claim may be heard in federal court if it arises under a common nucleus of operative facts unless it is…
- Asserted by a plaintiff,
- In a diversity of citizenship case, and
- If one plaintiff meets the diversity jurisdiction requirements against a defendant, and a second plaintiff has claims against the same defendant arises from the same transaction but does not meet the amount in controversy requirement, P2 may have supplemental jurisdiction (Hypo 5D).
If a plaintiff meet all of the requirements of supplemental jurisdiction, may the court decline it?
Yes - court has discretion if
- state law claim is complex,
- state issues would predominate the case, or
- federal claim is dismissed early in the case
What is the Eerie Doctrine?
In a diversity of citizenship case in federal court, when a federal court must decide an issue of law, it must determine whether to use state or federal law.
How does a court determine which law (federal or state) to apply in a case?
- If there is a federal law on point, the court must use the federal law.
- If no federal law is on point, the court must determine if the issue is procedural or substantive. If the issue is substantive, the court will apply state law, If the issue is procedural, the court must use federal law.
What are four clearly substantive issues of law?
- Elements of a claim or defense,
- Statute of limitations,
- Rules for tolling statutes of limitations, and
- Conflict (or choice) of law rules.
How does a court determine if an issue is substantive?
- If it is outcome determinative,
- Balance of interests
- Will the issue avoid forum shopping (If the federal court ignores state law on this issue, will it cause parties to flock to federal court?)
Eerie means there [is/is no] general federal common law.
is no
This means general common law torts, contracts and property claims are under state law.
What is venue?
Which federal court will here a case.
Plaintiff may lay venue in any district where:
- All defendants reside, or
- A substantial part of the claim arose, or
- If all defendants live in different districts of the forum state, where ANY defendant resides
For venue, does it matter where the plaintiff resides?
No.
If a defendant does not reside in the United States, venue is proper in _____________________.
any district.
Where does a person reside for venue purposes?
Where they are domiciled.
What is transfer?
A case goes from one trial court in a judicial system to another court in the same juridical system.
Where may a case be transferred without waiver?
To a proper venue that has personal jurisdiction over the defendant(s).
When may a case be transferred to ANY district (even if venue is improper)?
If the original court is a proper venue, under a transfer statute if all parties consent and the court finds cause for the transfer (convenience and interest of justice).
For transfer of venue under a transfer statute, who bears the burden of proof for the transfer?
The defendant.
Because transfer would override Plaintiff’s choice of forum
What does a court look to when deciding whether or not to transfer a case?
Public factors: What law applies, what community should be burdened with jury service, desire to keep a local controversy in a local court, etc.
Private factors: convenience (e.g., where is the evidence and the witnesses?)
What is a forum-selection clause?
A provision in which the parties agree that a dispute between them will be litigated in a particular court.
Federal law will enforce a forum selection clause if they are not ____________.
unreasonable.
In federal court, ___________ law governs transfer of venue.
federal
If the original district is an improper venue, what may it do?
Transfer in the interests of justice or dismiss the case.
What is forum non conveniens?
Where another court, in another judicial system, is the “center of gravity,” and it makes more sense to have that case hear the case, a federal court will dismiss or stay the case.
Why can’t a court transfer a case in forum non conveniens?
Because the more convenient forum is in a different judicial system (cannot transfer a case from federal to state court)
What must a plaintiff contain in her complaint?
- Subject matter jurisdiction
- short, plain statement of claim (now requires facts supporting a plausible claim)
- A demand for relief sought
In her complaint, a plaintiff must plead facts supporting a ______________ claim.
plausible
How does a judge determine plausibility of plaintiff’s claims?
Her own experience and common sense.
Which claims must be plead with particularity?
- Fraud,
- Mistake,
- Claims for special damages
How may a defendant respond to plaintiff’s complaint?
By answer or motion.
When must a defendant respond to plaintiff’s complaint?
- Within 21 days of service, or
2. If service was waived, within 60 days from the date plaintiff mailed complaint
Are motions pleadings?
NO!
What is a motion for a more definite statement?
Motion filed before an Answer when a plaintiff’s complaint is so vague or ambiguous the defendant simply cannot respond.
What is a motion to strike?
Asks the court to remove redundant or immaterial things from a pleading (ANY party may move to strike)
What are the 12(b) defenses?
- Lack of subject matter jurisdiction
- lack of personal jurisdiction
- improper venue
- improper process
- improper service of process
- failure to state a claim
- failure to join indespensable party
When may a defendant raise a 12(b) motion?
In motion or in their answer.
Which 12(b) motions are waived if not raised in the defendant’s first motion or answer?
- lack of personal jurisdiction
- improper venue
- improper process
- improper service of process
When may a defendant raise a 12(b)(6) motion (failure to state a claim)
Anytime through trial.
When may a defendant raise a motion for lack of subject matter jurisdiction?
Anytime - no time restraints
If a court determines it lacks subject matter jurisdiction, what must the court do?
It MUST dismiss (or remand if the case was removed from state court)
If a defendant makes a pre-answer motion which is denied, when must he file an answer?
within 14 days of notice of the denial.
How may a defendant respond to allegations of a complaint?
- Admit
- Deny
- State he lacks sufficient information to admit or deny.
What is a defendant never deemed to admit?
damages
If a defendant fails to assert an affirmative defense in his answer, what might happen?
He may waive it.
If a defendant raises an affirmative defense in his answer, must the plaintiff respond to the answer?
No, the allegations in defendant’s answer are deemed denied
When does a plaintiff have a right to amend her complaint?
Once within 21 days after defendant serves his first rule 12 response.
When does a defendant have a right to amend his answer?
Once within 21 days of serving his answer.
If a party has no right to amend, how may a party amend a complaint or answer?
Must seek leave of the court.
When determining if a party may amend a pleading, what factors does a court look to?
- delay
- prejudice,
- futility of amendment
What is variance?
Where the evidence at trial does not match what was pleaded.
If a plaintiff presents evidence that is at variance with the pleadings and the defendant DOES NOT object, what may the plaintiff do?
Amend at or after trial to conform to the evidence.
If a plaintiff presents evidence that is at variance with the pleadings what may a defendant do?
The defendant may object that the evidence is at variance with the pleadings - evidence will be inadmissible.
When may a plaintiff amend her pleading to add an additional claim after a statute of limitations has run?
If the claim relates back to the original complaint.
When do amended pleadings relate back?
If they concern the same conduct, transaction, or occurrence as the original pleading.
How may a plaintiff change a defendant after a statute of limitations has run?
If the amendment will relate back, which means
- It concerns the same conduct, transaction or occurrence as the original,
- the new party knew of this case within 90 days of filing,
- She also knew or should have known that, but for a mistake, she would have been named originally.
What are supplemental pleadings?
Pleadings that set forth things that happened after the pleading was filed.
Example: P sues D on Jan. 15 for breach of contract that occurred Jan. 1, hen on Feb. 1, D punches P in the face.
Is there ever a right to file a supplemental pleading?
No.
How may a plantiff file a supplemental pleading?
Must make a motion , which will be granted in the discretion of the court.
What does Rule 11 apply to?
All documents, except discovery.
When a lawyer or pro se party signs a document, she certifies that, to the best of her knowledge and belief, after reasonable inquiry:
- The paper is not for an improper purpose,
- The legal contentions are warranted by law (or nonfrivolous argument for law change), and
- The factual contentions and denials of factual contentions have evidentiary support (or are likely to after further investigation.
If there is a violation of Rule 11, against whom may sanctions be ordered?
The party, attorney, or firm responsible.
Is a law firm jointly responsible for Rule 11 violations by an attorney?
Yes.
What is the purpose of Rule 11 sanctions?
To deter, not punish.
If another party violates Rule 11, can you file a motion for sanctions immediately?
No.
Must serve the motion on the other party, but not file for 21 days.
Does the safe harbor provision of Rule 11 apply when the court raises Rule 11 issues on its own?
No.
Which claims may a plaintiff join?
Any claims she wants, even if they are wholly unrelated to the original claim (still must have SMJ)
When may multiple plaintiffs join claims against a defendant?
When their claims arise from the same transaction or occurrence, and their claims raise at least one common question.
When may a court require a nonparty be joined?
If the person is necessary.
Who is a necessary party?
- An absentee, without whom, a court cannot accord complete relief among existing parties (worried about multiple suits)
- An absentee whose interests may be harmed if he is not joined, OR
- An absentee who claims an interest that subjects a party (usually the defendant) to a risk of multiple obligations.
When may a necessary party be joined?
If joinder is feasible:
- Court has personal jurisdiction over you, and
- joining would not defeat diversity.
If a necessary party cannot be joined, what must the court do?
- proceed without A or
2. Dismiss the entire case.
What factors does a court look at to decide how to proceed if a necessary party cannot be joined?
- Is there an alternative forum available
- What is the actual likelihood of harm to the necessary party?
- Can the court shape relief to avoid harm to necessary party?
What is a counterclaim?
A claim against an opposing party.
Where does a defendant assert a counterclaim?
In his answer.