Federal Procedure Flashcards
Where do the FRCP apply?
US District courts
US District courts of appeals
USSC
US territories
What are the requirements of a complaint?
- written AND
- states essential facts AND
- under oath AND
- made before a magistrate/judicial officer
When is an arrest warrant issued?
- if a complaint establishes probable cause OR
2. if a defendant fails to appear on a summons
When is a summons issued?
At the request of an attorney for the government
What are the requirements of a warrant?
- defendant’s name AND
- offense charged AND
- command that defendant be arrested and brought before a judge AND
- signed by a judge
How is a warrant issued?
- def arrested AND
2. def shown a copy of the warrant
How is a personal summons issued?
personal service on the defendant OR
leaving a copy at the residence with a person of a suitable age AND mailing a copy to defendant’s last known address
How is a summons issued on an organization?
- delivered to an agent AND
2. mailed to organization’s last known address of principle place of business
What does an officer do after executing a warrant?
Return it to a judge (can be done electronically)
When can evidence obtained from a warrant be suppressed?
Where there is a finding of bad faith
What must a judge tell a defendant at initial appearance?
- content of complaint AND
- right to counsel AND
- circumstances for pretrial release AND
- preliminary hearing (only if D came in under a criminal complaint) AND
- 5th Amendment rights
- right to notice consulate
- right to an identity hearing
When must a preliminary hearing be held?
within 14 days after IA if the defendant is in custody:
within 21 days after IA if defendant is out of custody
What are the defendant’s rights at a preliminary hearing?
Cross examination
Introduction of evidence
Can a defendant challenge illegally acquired evidence at a preliminary hearing?
Nope
How many members in a grand jury?
16-23 (there may also be alternates).
16 is a quorum for purposes of hearing testimony
What are the responsibilities of a grand jury foreperson?
- Administer oath AND
- Sign indictments AND
- Record number of jurors concurring AND
- File record with the clerk
When may a grand jury indict/’return of indictment’?
When 12 jurors concur (quorum for purposes of returning of indictment)
When may offenses be joined?
- When they are of same/similar character OR
- When they are the same act or transaction OR
- They are part of a common scheme or plan
When may the defendant move to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction?
At any time during the pendency of the case
May a defendant be held after the court dismisses his case for a defect in the indictment/information?
Yes, for a “specified amount of time” (unclear as to how long that can be)
What is the process for a a defendant to notify the government of an alibi defense?
- government requests notice of alibi w/ time/date/place of offense
- within 14 days after the government’s request, the defendant responds with
- place of alibi
- name of alibi
- address of alibi
- phone number of alibi
When may a defendant’s statements made during a psychological exam be admitted?
- at a competency proceeding OR
2. at a capital sentencing
Under what circumstances are depositions taken in federal cases?
- to preserve testimony for trial (like a motion to perpetuate testimony) OR
- under exceptional circumstances when the interests of justice require OR
- if a detained material witness requests
When may a defendant be present for a deposition?
When he is in custody or out of custody but NOT if the witness is outside the united states
What discovery must the government disclose prior to trial?
- defendant’s oral/written statements AND
- defendant’s criminal record AND
- documentes objects:
- material to the case OR
- obtained from the defendant OR
- that the government will use at trial - Reports of exams, tests, experts
When may venue be transferred?
- defendant states in writing that he wishes to plea AND
- defendant waives right to trial where complaint is pending AND
- defendant files statement in transferee court AND
- the AUSAs in both districts approve the transfer
When may a case be decided by fewer than 12 jurors?
- the parties stipulate in writing OR
- the court finds it necessary to excuse juror for good cause OR
- the defendant waives right to jury trial, government consents and court approves
How many peremptory challenges in a capital case?
20
How many peremptory challenges in a felony case?
6
How many peremptory challenges in a felony case with joint defendants?
10