MBE - Civ. Pro. Federal Flashcards
Corporation Citizenship
Citizen of every state in which it is incorporated and the one state in which it has its principal place of business
Which State law applies in diversity case?
law of the state where federal court hearing the case is.
Note: this state laws may require applying another state law => do not be thrown!
P cannot invoke supplemental J (diversity only)
- unless multiple Ps and 1 P lack 75+ requirement
- However, for cases based solely on diversity, supplemental jurisdiction is not available for claims by the plaintiff against persons made parties under the impleader rules when use of supplemental jurisdiction would be contrary to the requirements of diversity jurisdiction.
When does a conduct fall under the same transaction, occurrence, or conduct?
When upon reading the original complaint, D would get notice of the amended pleading’s allegations:
If does not relate back, won’t be allowed to amend.
when is business entity PJ ok?
the entity must be subject to the court’s personal jurisdiction WITH respect to the particular civil action in question.
just saying subject to PJ is too broad
can parties agree to venue that would not be ok otherwise?
Yes, this is not like waiving PJ, which is not allowed.
What law applies if a case is transferred from improper venue?
if for improper grounds => new venue
if from proper venue => old venue law
Specific jurisdiction of a corporation
For specific jurisdiction (i.e., jurisdiction for the instant cause of action only), it must be determined whether the state has a long arm statute authorizing jurisdiction and whether the statute is constitutional (i.e., whether the defendant has sufficient minimum contacts with the jurisdiction such that the exercise of jurisdiction over him would be fair and reasonable).
Is there a time limit to transfer?
No, as long as reasonable and in the interest of justice.
careful! do not confuse this with removal OR with changing venue because improper.
What if there is no venue where 1) all D’s reside or 2) substantial part of the claim arose?
The action may be brought in a judicial district in which any defendant is subject to the court’s personal jurisdiction with respect to such action.
For statute of limitation purposes, when does the action commence?
if federal question => the moment complaint is filed
diversity cases => state rule for determining when the action is commenced applies.
Is misjoinder ground for dismissal?
No, on a motion or on its own, the court may sever the claims, add or drop a party, but misjoinder in itself if not a ground for dismissal
Is a jointly and severally liable party a necessary party for joinder?
No, potential D who may be jointly and severally liable is not a necessary party for joinder.
Can court’s denial of MSJ to issue an injunction be appealed?
No, denial of MSJ on preliminary injunction does not make it interlocutory (which can be appealed)
Can parties consent to transfer the case from an improper venue to another improper venue?
No, if the case is initially brought in a wrong venue, the court can either dismiss the case or transfer it to the right venue “for the interest of justice.
But if initially in the correct venue, judge may allow to move to a venue that all parties consented to or another proper venue.
when ruling on directed verdict (as a matter of law), does the court interpret credibility and conflicts of evidence?
No, the court only decides if a reasonable jury could have bases to rule for the non-moving party.
Attachment
Seizing property without court writ to secure potential judgment. This is a provisional remedy that can be granted anytime after start of the action.
What can a court do when an indispensable party cannot be joined (no SMJ). m
may dismiss the case or continue without the indispensable party if “equity and good conscious” indicate that the case must continue.
In a FQ cases, is there Erie (decide what law applies) issue?
No! if not a diversity, ALWAYS apply FEDERAL RULEs (no procedural/substantive analysis)
What does the judge do when Renewed motion for judgment as a matter of law is combined with motion for new trial?
Rule of RNAMOL and give a conditional ruling on the new trial. Then, if the RNOMOL is reversed on appeal, an automatic new trial will start.
Is an involuntary dismissal dismissal with prejudice?
Yes involuntary dismissals (failure to prosecute, failure to comply with FRCP, failure to show right to relief) are adjudications of the merits, therefore are dismissals with prejudice, which means that cannot being the same case again.
Can ask for jury in the complaint?
Yes, can ask for jury in pleadings or within 14 days after the last pleading (answer).
If you feel like you are the wrong D to get sued, can you implead the guy party and file motion to dismiss?
To impleading is only proper when the joining party is DERIVATIVELY liable to the D, cannot implead to substitute the D and switch Ds.
The right thing to do here is to file and answer denying the allegation.
When can a party object to jury instructions?
Anytime before jury retires to consider a verdict!