Joinder Flashcards

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1
Q

“SMJ required”

A

Must assess whether claim invokes diversity or federal question SMJ
-If neither applies, try to invoke supplemental jurisdiction
-Remember supplemental jurisdiction plaintiff-diversity limitation

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2
Q

Joinder

A

Joinder rules define the scope of the case:
1. How many parties can be joined in the case?
2. How many claims can be joined in the case?
-Each claim must be allowed under FRCP
-Each claim must have SMJ

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3
Q

Claim joinder by Plaintiff

A

Under FRCP, a single plaintiff asserting a claim may join any additional claim he has against that adverse party, even if its unrelated to the original claim
-But each claim must have SMJ (usually this issue)

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4
Q

Joinder by multiple plaintiffs or defendants

A

Claims by multiple plaintiffs or against multiple defendants must:
(1) arise from the same transaction or occurence; and
(2) raise at least one common question of fact or law

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5
Q

Absentee party

A

A non-party to a case

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6
Q

Necessary and indispensable parties

A

For an absentee party to join a case, ask:
1. Is the absentee necessary (required)?
2. If so, can the absentee be joined?
3. If not, can the case proceed anyways?

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7
Q

Necessary absentee

A

An absentee is a necessary party when:
1. The absentee’s interest may be harmed if she is not joined;
-Most likely
2. The court cannot provide complete relief without it; or
3. It claims an interest that subject a party to multiple obligations
-Usually the defendant

*Joint tortfeasors are never necessary

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8
Q

Absentee joinder

A

Joinder is feasible for the absentee when:
1. The court has PJ over the absentee; and
2. The court has federal SMJ over the claim by or against the absentee

*If joinder is feasible, then the absentee is joined to the case

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9
Q

Indispensable absentee

A

Court must consider whether to proceed without the absentee or dismiss the case by using the below factors:
-Presence of alternative forum
-Likelihood of harm
-Court’s ability to provide relief to avoid that harm

If court dismisses the case, the absentee is an “indispensable party”

*Bar exam rarely tests indispensable factors

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10
Q

Claim joinder by Defendant

A

A counterclaim is a claim against an opposing party (usually D against P)
-Once a defendant serves a counterclaim in its answer, the plaintiff must respond under Rule 12 within 21 days of service

Two types of counterclaims:
-Compulsory counterclaim
-Permissive counterclaim

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11
Q

Compulsory counterclaim

A

A counterclaim that arises from the same transaction or occurrence as the plaintiff’s claim
-Must file in the pending case or the claim is waived (use it or lose it)
-Must have SMJ or supplemental jurisdiction

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12
Q

Permissive counterclaim

A

A counterclaim that does NOT arise from the same transaction or occurrence as the plaintiff’s claim
-Not required to file it in the case (can bring claim in separate suit)
-Must have SMJ

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13
Q

Crossclaim

A

A claim against a co-party arising from the same transaction or occurrence
-Permissive! (can bring claim in separate suit)
-Must have SMJ

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14
Q

Impleader (third-party claim)

A

When a defendant brings in a third party through an impleader claim to shift liability to the third-party defendant
-Defendant becomes third-party plaintiff (TPP)
-Third party becomes third-party defendant (TPD)
-Permissive

*Look for indemnity or contribution
-Indemnity shifts liability completely to the TPD
-Contribution makes the TPD cover a pro-rata share of the claim

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15
Q

Impleader process

A

The defendant must:
1. File a third-party complaint naming the TPD
2. Formally serve the complaint on the TPD
-Creates right to implead within 14 days of serving the answer, unless good cause

Once the TPD is impleaded, it and P may assert claims against each other
-SMJ required

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16
Q

Intervention

A

A nonparty absentee uses a timely intervention to bring herself into a case as a plaintiff or defendant
-Intervention as a right if her interest may be harmed if not joined (same test as necessary absentee)
-Permissive intervention is within the court’s discretion
-SMJ required

17
Q

Interpleader

A

RARELY TESTED

Applies if separate actions might result in double liability against a stakeholder
-Interpleader makes claimants litigate to determine who has the valid claim

18
Q

Class action lawsuits

A

A case in which representative(s) sue on behalf of a group

Four requirements:
1. Too many class members for a practical joinder
2. All members have some common issue
3. Class representative’s claim(s) are typical for the class; and
-Can invoke diversity if class rep’s claim meets the requirements
4. Class representative will fairly and adequately represent the class

19
Q

Three types of class action lawsuits

A
  1. Prejudice
    -Class treatment is necessary to avoid harm to either party
    -No notice requirement
    -Rare
  2. Injunctive or declaratory relief
    -Class seeks an injunction or a declaratory judgment because the defendant treated the class members alike
    -No notice requirement
  3. Common question or damages (mass torts)
    -Common questions predominate or individual questions; and
    -Class action is a superior method to handle dispute
    -Class representative must notify all individual members (by mail paid for by the rep) that they can opt out, will be bound by judgment, and can enter a separate appearance
    -Most common on exam
20
Q

Court certification of class action

A

A case is not a class action until the court:
1. Certifies it as a class action;
2. Defines the class and the class claims, issues, or defenses; and
3. Appoints class counsel, who fairly and adequately represents interests

21
Q

Settlement of class action

A

Need court approval to settle or dismiss a certified class action
-For mass torts class actions, the court may refuse to approve unless the members are given a second chance to opt out

22
Q

Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA)

A

Grants non-DJ/FQ SMJ for a class action if:
-At least 100 members
-Any class member is of diverse citizenship of any defendant; and
-Aggregated claims exceed $5M