Civil Procedure Flashcards
Are cases that are a mixture of law and equity triable by a jury?
Legal issues tried first by jury, then equitable.
How do you enforce a property judgment
Writ of possession for real property
writ of replevin for personal property
distress writ
writ of garnishment
Substitute Service on Private mailbox or shared office
If the only address discoverable is that of a private mailbox or shared office, service may be made on the person by leaving a copy with the individual in charge, but ONLY if process server determines that person still maintains a mailbox at that location
What is a writ of certiorari
This common law writ is an extraordinary method of review of a lower court action that constitutes a departure from essential requirements of law and causes irreparable harm
If adverse party relies upon evidence in case file, must he serve that evidence on opposing party?
YES, at least 5 days before hearing, or hand delivered no later than 2 days before hearing.
When can you conduct post-verdict interview of jurors
by motion served no later than 10 days after verdict, except for good cause shown.
Can you make a motion for continuance?
Yes but only granted for good cause.
What defenses does a third party defendant have in the action?
He may assert he is not liable to D, and may assert all defenses against P that D would have against P, even if D doesn’t raise them.
When does arbitrator have to issue decision in non-binding arbitration?
10 days after arbitration concluded
-decision is referred to judge who enters judgment if no request for trial is made w/in 20 days
Are remittitur and additur permitted
Yes. If adversely affected party does not agree, court must order a new trial
When can court make sua sponte motion for new trial?
Not later than 15 days after entry of judgment or judgment (if no jury)
What is a certificate of authority in mediation?
The representative with the authority to settle (can be the attorney) must file this with court and serve on all parties 10 days prior to mediation
Belated directed verdict motion
- can only be made on grounds from directed verdict motion
- must be made within 15 days of verdict
Can you obtain a stay pending appeal?
Yes by filing bond for the amount of the judgment plus twice the statutory rate of interest
How much time does the state get to answer a complaint
40 days (except when sued in a tort action, then its 30 days)
SOL med mal action
2 years
Receiver’s duty to file report
Inventory under oath due within 20 days of appointment and then every three months thereafter.
When is electronically store information NOT discoverable?
When the info or format requested is not reasonably accessible because of undue burden, court may still order discover upon a showing of good cause or it may limit discovery depending on whether it is cumulative, or it is available from a less expensive source, or if burden of discovery outweighs benefits.
When can a request for physical examination be served?
At any time after commencement, if to P, or after service of process, if to D
Who can enter default?
Clerk - if D hasn’t appeared at all (no notice req’d)
Court - if D has appeared. Must be upon notice to D
How long do you have to take an appeal?
30 days from rendition of appealable order, or 30 days from decision on a timely filed written post-trial motion
When can the court transfer an action that was filed in the wrong venue?
If case was brought in the wrong venue, court may transfer to a county in which it could have originally been brought. If 2 or more counties are proper, P gets to choose.
Pleading requirements for a class action
- Designation “class representative” next to caption
- must allege all requirements of a class action
Can you get deposition testimony pending appeal?
Yes, you can get a court order to perpetuate your own or someone else’s testimony upon motion - court will grant if it is satisfied that the deposition may prevent a failure or delay of justice.
When is MPAL discoverable?
Only upon a showing of:
- substantial need
- inability without undue hardship to obtain substantial equivalent by other means
OR
-if party intends to use it at trial, he must produce it
How can a party set aside a default?
Upon proof of
- good cause for default
- meritorious defense AND
- due diligence in seeking relief after learning of default.
What if the condition is not physical - can you serve a notice to examine?
Need to make a motion
What are an intervenor’s rights in the litigation?
He takes the full status of a party, but also takes the litigation as he finds it, so no rights to reargue early orders, and he cannot raise additional claims without permission.
When can a pleading be amended to conform to the evidence?
During or after trial, or even after judgment to reflect issues not pleaded but actually tried by express or implied consent, s/l/a there’s no defense that the opposing party did not have the opportunity to prepare, which would result in prejudice
Powers of arbitrator
to administer oaths and issue subpoenas
True or false:
A court has the inherent power to award attorneys fees for bad faith conduct against party or attorney?
TRUE, only after notice and an opportunity to be heard.
When can a pleading be amended
-As of right before a responsive pleading is served, or if no responsive pleading is required, w/in 20 days of service of the pleading, otherwise by leave of court (freely granted when justice so requires) or written consent of adversary
Is there a duty to supplement discovery responses?
NO!!
When are signatures on an instrument deemed admitted?
When their genuineness is not specifically denied in the pleading
Impleader
D may bring in person not a party to the action who may be liable to D for all or part of P’s claim (e.g. indemnity, contribution, subrogation).
-NOT available where impleaded D may be directly liable to P or if D has a completely unrelated claims against the non-party
How long do you have to object to a physical examination
30 days, 45 days after service of complaint if D.
What must you do before filing a motion to compel
Confer in good faith! And you must certify that you have attempted to confer in good faith.
Is an employee considered a party for purposes of deposition notice or subpoena?
No. - must serve subpoena instead of notice
When can plaintiff’s claims against a third party D (in an amended complaint) relate back to the filing of a third-party complaint?
When the plaintiff’s claims in the amended complaint arise from the same conduct, transaction or occurrence AND the third-party complaint was filed within the statute of limitations
What cases does the FRCP apply to?
All civil actions in circuit and county courts, except those to which other rules (probate, family law, small claims apply)
When must initial CMC be held in complex action
W/in 60 days of order declaring matter complex. Lead counsel and client must attend.
What does an attorney certify when he signs a document?
That:
- he has read the document;
- to the best of his knowledge there are grounds to support it.
- It is not interposed for delay.
- Confidential information is protected.
What is an Indispensable party
One whose interest will inevitably, directly and substantially be affected, or
Court will not be able to resolve controversy completely and effectively without party
What grounds may be raised in any pleading or motion?
- lack of subject matter jurisdiction
- failure to state a cause of action
- failure to join an indispensable party
Special verdict
Jury returns answers to specific factual questions., The judge then applies the law to the facts as found by the jury.
If substance of verdict is imperfect, what can court do?
-send the jury back to deliberate or order a new trial
Permissive joinder- who may sue together
-any plaintiffs who have a common interest in the subject matter of the action and in obtaining relief demanded. Family members may sue together in tort actions
What is Florida’s pleading requirement
Florida requires a statement of “the ultimate facts showing the pleader is entitled to relief”
What is a Fact Information Sheet
After judgment, judgment creditor can ask court to order judgment debtor to fill out sheet and all attachments to aid in enforcement of judgment. You get 45 days to complete or you can be held in contempt.
Judgment creditor can also obtain discovery
Grounds for involuntary dismissal
- failure to prosecute (10 months) or
- failure to comply with rules or order of court
- at close of P’s evidence in a JUDGE trial, on grounds that P has shown no right to relief
Review of voluntary binding arbitration is limited to:
-failure of arbitrator to comply with rules of procedure or evidence; partiality or misconduct of arbitrator, violation of US or Florida constitution
Does claimant in medical malpractice action need a verified written opinion from a medical expert?
Yes!
What happens if a person transfers their interest in the subject matter of litigation (e.g., note)
Suit can be continued by or against original party, unless court on motion directs the transferee be substituted or joined.
Can a person subject to an injunction move to modify or dissolve it?
Yes, at any tome. If party makes a motion, it shall be heard within 5 days.
What must be plead with specificity?
Fraud, mistake, special damages
Where are P and D’s depositions taken
P - county where action is pending
D - county of residence or business
corporate - county where principal place of business is
Purpose of pre trial conference
- narrow issues
- discuss settlement
- necessity of amendments to pleadings
Alias Summons
2nd summons
In general in discovery, when can a minor have a parent or guardian present?
Any time, unless it is shown that the presence of parent/guardian is likely to have a material/negative effect
How long do you have to respond to an amended pleading?
10 days
Who can sign depo if W can’t
The officer who took the deposition signs it, and it has the same effect as if W signs it, unless court orders otherwise.
What happens if you do not comply with judgment within the time it specifies that it needs to be performed?
- court may issue a writ of attachment
- court may hold disobedient party in contempt
Do bonds, notes, contracts need to be attached to the pleading?
yes, unless incorporated in the pleading
What unincorporated associations may be sued as entities?
- labor unions
- fraternal benefit societies that issue insurance benefits
- condominium and mobile home owners associations
If court grants motion to strike a sham pleading, what may it do?
-Court may enter default or summary judgment, or permit additional pleading for good cause shown.
How must affirmative defenses be plead?
They must be specifically pleaded in answer, unless grounds for it appear on the fact of a prior pleading and the defense is asserted as a basis for dismissing the pleading for failure to state a COA
Can you withdraw jury demand?
Only with consent of all parties.
Can parties stipulate to a FNC dismissal?
Yes, subject to approval by the trial court.
Must be in writing and signed by parties
When may you instruct a party not to answer
- Preserve a privilege
- Enforce a limitation on discovery
- to Present a motion to terminate or limit the examination on the grounds of annoyance, embarrassment or oppression (can get a protective order)
When can dismissal or default be used as discovery sanction
Only where the court makes an express written finding of a willful or deliberate refusal to obey a discovery order.
Motion for judgment on costs, attorneys fees or both must be served no later than __________
30 days after filing judgment
What grounds are waived if not raised in first pleading ( MTD or answer)
- insufficient service of process
- venue
- lack of jurisdiction
Who picks mediators and arbitrators?
Mediators - parties agree
Arbitrators - appointed by court from list of available arbitrators
Non-binding arbitration
- informal; testimony is minimal
- can proceed in a party’s absence
- must be completed within 30 days of first arbitration unless extended by court order, but only up to 60 days
- if a panel of arbitrators, decision is a majority vote
What is a writ of attachment
It is a command to the sheriff to take into custody so much of D’s property to satisfy the debt demanded plus costs
Can you serve pleadings on a Sunday?
No, unless P by affidavit states that he has reason to believe that D will escape from the state under protection of Sunday.
How long do you have to answer ROGS
30 days, except D has at least 45 days to respond after service of the complaint.
When can a party move for summary judgment
Any time after 20 days from commencement, and must give at least 20 days notice of hearing. However, if hearing date is set after motion is served, you do not have to give 20 days notice of hearing date.
When can you amend a pleading
Any time, even after verdict.
Exception - unfair surprise to a party
Time limit for challenging an assertion of privilege
20 days of service from assertion, specifying grounds for challenge (e/g/. waiver, lack of standing, not privileged)
Even if work product is discoverable, what is ALWAYS protected
Attorney’s mental impressions, conclusions or legal theories.
Sanctions available for willful refusal to comply with discovery orders (after notice and opportunity to be heard)
- Judgment by default
- Dismissal of action
- Striking pleadings
- staying proceedings until order is complied with
- prohibiting party from asserting claims or defense
- prohibiting introduction of certain evidence
- contempt
- payment of costs or attorneys fees
- any other order that is just.
Can you take the deposition of an examining expert
YES!!! In accordance with all other discovery rules.
How does SOL apply to counterclaims?
Compulsory counterclaims: calculated as of the filing of plaintiff’s complaint
Permissive counterclaim: calculated as of the filing of the counterclaim
Motion to Dismiss for Failure to prosecute - can party that has failed to prosecute save the case?
Yes, by showing good cause in writing why the action should remain pending.
How are ROGs served?
Must serve ALL parties, and file certificate of service with court. Answers do not need to be filed unless court orders it.
Conduct required for liability for punitive damages
- intentional misconduct
- gross negligence
If a complaint is amended adding a new party, when must you serve new party?
120 days from order granting leave to amend.
May a court permit telephonic deposition?
Yes
What do attachment and garnishment do?
Provide P with security for payment of any final judgment
What are supplemental pleadings and when are they allowed?
- For new matters arising AFTER complaint is filed
- Permission of court, upon motion, is required
- This is different from a supplemental complaint, filed after final judgment where court has retained jurisdiction
BOP for punitive damages
clear and convincing evidence
Who gets written report of examination
Examined party only gets it if they request it (which waives privilege)
Medical Malpractice Pre Suit Screening Rule
- send Notice of Intent to litigate to D prior to expiration of SOL by certified mail RRR
- parties may obtain pre suit screening discovery - unsworn statements upon oral examination, document demands, physical exam.
- unsworn statement not discoverable or admissible in civil action
- have to wait 90 days before filing suit.
- to avoid SOL issue, commence action within 60 days of the expiration of 90 day period, or within remaining SOL, whichever is longer.
What is a motion for judgment on the pleadings
- can only be filed once pleadings are closed
- trial court is limited to pleadings, so appropriate for when complaint fails to state a COA, or answer fails to state affirmative defense
- same standard as MTD
Motion to Alter or Amend judgment
Must be made w/in 15 days of entry of judgment
When can a temporary injunction WITHOUT NOTICE be granted?
Only if
-immediate and irreparable injury will result before the adverse party can be heard in opposition
-attorney certifies in writing any efforts that have been made to give notice
-the reasons why notice should not be required are stated
MUST BE ENDORSED WITH DATE AND HOUR OF ENTRY and state findings
What is discoverable?
All relevant, unprivileged matters
Motion for Mistrial
is made on the ground that some statement or act is so prejudicial that in all probability it would be impossible to have a fair trial.
Does case instituted in new forum after FNC dismissal relate back to the Florida complaint for SOL purposes?
Yes
Can an injunction be granted if there is an adequate remedy at law?
No
What are the two stages of an interpleader action?
First stage, determine whether requirements of interpleader are satisfied - court can have stakeholder deposit property with court and dismiss them
Second stage - claimants litigate their rights to the property
If party does not fulfill conditions precedent, what can court do?
Order a new trial
What happens if D makes good-faith offer and p rejects
D entitled to reasonable costs and attorney’s fees if judgment is no liability or damages at least 25% less than the offer
When is a reply due?
w/in 20 days, or 10 days after court order
What happens if court fails to rule on a directed verdict motion at the time it is presented?
The failure to decide reserves it for later determination. Moving party may then move w/in 15 days of verdict to have judgment set aside and entered in accordance with her motion for a directed verdict.
Two step process for discovery from expert witnesses who are expected to be called at trial
For an expert expected to be called at trial -
- First, ROGs to opposing party to discovery identity and substance of facts and opinions of expert.
- Second, discovery directed to expert, only upon notice, subject to an Order re: scope, and Ct shall require payment of fee to expert for responding, and may require both parties to share the fee
Voluntary binding arbitration
- procedure established by written agreement
- 10 days to file written decision
- may be appealed to circuit court w/in 30 days
- if no appeal, judge enters judgment.
Method of transferring a case between courts
P pays service charge of clerk w/in 30 days. If not paid, the court that entered the order to transfer must dismiss w/o prejudice.
Who is entitled to notice of class action
Each class member who can be identified and located through reasonable effort. Rep pays cost of giving notice
If expert fails to make a written report, can she still testify at trial?
It’s up to court - court may exclude her testimony
Can the court grant a MTD without a hearing?
No
What is a motion to strike a sham pleading and when can it be made?
- It is made wen a party asserts that all or part of a pleading is a sham.
- Can be made at any time before trial
- It must be VERIFIED
- court may take testimony to decide whether to grant motion
Whose obligation is it to bring up capacity issue
Defendant must contest status of plaintiff; plaintiff does not otherwise have to plead it or prove it.
Motion to set Aside Judgment - w/in one year after judgment
- Mistake, inadvertence, surprise or excusable neglect
- Newly discovered evidence
- Fraud, misrepresentation or other misconduct
When is joint statement for discovery due in complex action?
14 days before conference.
When is a determination made as to class action status
as soon as practicable after hearing. Once class action status is determined, class must be given notice and claim may not be voluntarily dismissed without court approval upon notice to all class members.
If answers are inconsistent among themselves, what can court do?
Send the jury back or
Order a new trial
Punitive damages cannot exceed
Three times compensatory damages or $500,000 whichever is greater
-must be separately stated
What happens if a party objects to the production of documents under a subpoena?
Records ARE NOT produced.
Party seeking discovery must get order order, or can notice a deposition with a subpoena duces tecum instead and take their deposition
What happens if you do not answer admissions?
They are deemed admitted
When is trial for complex action?
No sooner than six months and no later than 24 months from date of CMC