MBE Weakpoints Flashcards
What is a Final Judgment?
One which ends litigation on the merits (all claims are resolved) and leaves nothing for the rendering court to do but execute the judgment.(Appeal is thereby precluded from any decision that adjudicates some but not all claims in the action.)Priority: HIGH
What are the exceptions to the Final Judgment Rule?
- Rule 54(b) Exception.
- Statutory Exceptions.
- Certified Appeal Exception.
- Collateral Order Doctrine.
- Writs of Mandamus and Prohibition.
- Pendent Appellate jurisdiction.
- Certification of Class Action.
Priority: HIGH
Under the Rule 54(b) exception, when is an appeal allowed?
When:
1. The action has multiple parties or multiple claims;
2. The court directs entry of a final judgment for some of the claims or parties; AND
3. The court expressly determines that there is no just reason for delay.\
*If the above elements are NOT met, then the appeal must wait until after a final judgment for the entire case.Priority: HIGH
When may a Preliminary Injunction be issued?
- Upon notice to the adverse party; AND
- If the moving party gives security in an amount the court deems proper.\
- *The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure allow the court to issue both a restraining injunction or a mandatory injunction.Priority: Medium
What must the moving party show for a Preliminary Injunction to be issued?
- Likelihood of success on the merits;
- Likely threat of irreparable harm to the movant;
- That the harm alleged by the movant outweighs any harm to the non-moving party; AND
- The injunction is in the public interest.
- Priority: Medium
What is a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), and when is it available?
An emergency remedy used to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of a hearing or application.It is ONLY available when the moving party will suffer immediate and irreparable harm.Priority: Medium
For an ex parte TRO, what must the moving party do?
- Provide specific facts in a sworn statement showing immediate and irreparable injury, injury, loss, or that damage will result before an adverse party can be heard;
- Certify in writing any efforts made to give notice to the adverse party and why notice should not be required; AND
- Give security in an amount that the court deems proper.\
- *The United States, its officers, and its agencies are not required to give security.Priority: Medium
When may a party amend a pleading as of right?In all other cases?
As of right: Within 21 days after service either of the original pleading OR a responsive pleading/pre-answer motion to the original pleading.In all other cases: With the opposing party’s written consent OR with leave of the court upon motion.Priority: Medium
When does an amendment to a pleading relate back to the original pleading?
When:* The amendment asserts a claim or defense that arose out of the same conduct, transaction, or occurrence as the original pleading allegations; OR* The law that provides the applicable statute of limitations allows the relation back.Priority: Medium
What is a Compulsory Counterclaim?
A claim that:1. Arises out of the same transaction or occurrence as the opposing party’s claim; AND2. Doesn’t require adding another party whom the court cannot acquire jurisdiction.*It MUST be stated in the party’s pleading; otherwise, it is barred in future litigation.Priority: Medium
When presenting papers to the court, what must a party certify under Rule 11?
That:1. It is not being presented for any improper purpose;2. The claims, defenses, and other legal contentions were warranted and non-frivolous;3. The factual contentions have evidentiary support or will likely have it after further discovery; AND4. The denials of factual contentions are warranted.*Sanctions may be issued for failure to comply.Priority: Medium
Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, when may multiple plaintiffs join in one action (Permissive Joinder)?
If:1. Joint and several relief is asserted by them OR the claim arises out of the same transaction or occurrence;2. A common question of law or fact to all plaintiffs exist; AND3. Subject matter jurisdiction exists for each claim.*The process is similar for multiple defendants.Priority: HIGH
A party MUST be joined in an action if that party is necessary AND joinder is feasible.When is a party necessary?
A party is necessary if:* The court cannot grant complete relief without the absent party;* The absent party has an interest in the action that would be impaired or impeded if that person is not joined; OR* The party’s absence would leave an existing party subject to a substantial risk of multiple liability or inconsistent obligations.Priority: Medium
A party MUST be joined in an action if that party is necessary AND joinder is feasible.When is joinder feasible?
When:1. Joinder will not remove subject matter jurisdiction; AND2. The court has personal jurisdiction over the necessary party.Priority: Medium
_Class Actions_When can one or more members sue on behalf of an entire class?
- The class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable (numerosity);2. There are questions of law or fact in common to the class (commonality);3. The claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims/defenses of the class (typicality); AND4. The representative parties will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class (adequacy of representation).Priority: Medium
_Class Actions_Once the class action requirements are met, the class will be certified when?
If:1. Risk of Inconsistent/Dispositive Adjudications – when separate actions would create a risk of (i) inconsistent adjudications for other class members, or (ii) harm the interests of absent class members;2. Declaratory/Injunctive Relief – the party opposing the class has acted or refused to act on grounds that apply generally to the class so that injunctive or declaratory relief would be appropriate to the class as a whole; OR3. Predominance & Superiority – common questions of law or fact to the class members predominate over any questions affecting individual members and a class action is superior to other available methods to adjudicate the case.Priority: Medium
Under Rule 37(e), when may a party be sanctioned for failing to preserve ESI?
When:1. The ESI should have been preserved in anticipation of litigation;2. The party failed to take reasonable steps to preserve it; AND3. It cannot be restored or replaced through additional discovery.Priority: Medium
What does the Attorney Work Product doctrine protect?
All materials prepared by an attorney or his agents in anticipation of or during a litigation. They are protected from disclosure unless:1. A substantial need for the materials exist; AND2. A substantial equivalent cannot be obtained without undue hardship.Priority: Medium
When may a court issue sanctions with respect to Pretrial Conferences?
If a party or attorney:* Fails to appear;* Is substantially unprepared to participate;* Does not participate in good faith; OR* Fails to obey a scheduling or other pretrial order.Priority: Medium
What is the standard on a Motion to Dismiss?
The court must:1. Consider the facts in the light most favorable to the non- moving party; AND2. Determine whether there is any basis upon which relief can be granted for the non-moving party.*The court DOES NOT evaluate the merits of the case.Priority: HIGH
What are the Motion to Dismiss grounds?
- Lack of subject matter jurisdiction;2. Lack of personal jurisdiction;3. Improper venue;4. Insufficient process;5. Insufficient service of process;6. Failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted;7. Failure to join a necessary party.*Grounds 2-5 are deemed waived if not raised in the first responsive pleading or Motion to Dismiss.Priority: HIGH
When will a court grant a Motion for Summary Judgment?
When:1. There is no genuine issue of material fact; AND2. The movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.*When reviewing the motion, the court MUST view the evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party.Priority: HIGH
When will a motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law (JMOL) be granted?
It will be granted if:1. The non-moving party has been fully heard on an issue during a jury trial; AND2. The court finds that a reasonable jury would not have a legally sufficient basis to rule in favor of the non-moving party on the issue.Priority: Medium
What are the elements of a valid contract?
- Mutual Assent (offer and acceptance);2. Consideration; AND3. No defenses to formation.Priority: HIGH
What law governs contracts for the Sale of Goods?
Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code.*Under the UCC, a contract may be made in any manner sufficient to show agreement (i.e. conduct showing parties recognize existence of a contract).*For mixed contracts, the predominant purpose determines which law governs.Priority: HIGH
What are the elements of Mutual Assent?
- Offer: A manifestation of present intent to contract, with definite and reasonably certain terms, that is communicated to the offeree.2. Acceptance: A manifestation of assent to the terms of the offer, which indicates a commitment to be bound.Priority: HIGH
When is an offer Terminated?
Offers may be terminated before acceptance by:* Revocation by offeror;* Rejection or Counter-offer by offeree;* Lapse of time;* Death / Incapacity of either party; OR* Supervening illegality.Priority: HIGH
When may an offer be revoked, and which types of offers are not revocable?
They may be revoked at any time before acceptance through unambiguous words/conduct indicating an unwillingness/inability to contract (effective when received).Irrevocable offers include: option contracts, a merchant’s firm offer, beginning performance for unilateral contracts, and offers that were relied on to the offeree’s detriment.Priority: HIGH
What is a Merchant’s Firm Offer?
- An offer to buy or sell goods;2. By a merchant;3. In a signed writing;4. Which states that the offer will be held open and is not revocable; AND5. The assurance to keep the offer open must be signed separately by the offeror.*Enforceable WITHOUT consideration.Priority: HIGH
Rejection vs. Counteroffer
Rejection: Manifestation of intent to not accept an offer (words/conduct) which terminates the offer. Offers CANNOT be accepted after they have been rejected.Counteroffer: Both a rejection that terminates the original offer and a NEW offer.Priority: HIGH
What is the Mirror Image Rule and UCC exception?
The common law Mirror Image Rule holds that an acceptance MUST exactly mirror the offer.UCC Art. 2 Exception: The acceptance DOES NOT need to mirror the offer, and additional terms may be added. Additional terms are included if:1. Both parties are merchants;2. The term is not a material change;3. The offer doesn’t limit acceptance to the exact terms; AND4. No objection was made within a reasonable time.Priority: Medium
When is an agreement deemed Indefinite?
When the terms of the agreement are NOT certain (they cannot be ascertained to a reasonable degree of certainty), the contract is deemed indefinite and is unenforceable.*A contract that is indefinite as to duration is generally invalid.Priority: Medium
What is Consideration?
A bargained for exchange of a promise for a return promise or performance (that benefits the promisor or causes detriment to the promisee).*Past or moral consideration is NOT sufficient to support a contract.Priority: HIGH
When does Promissory Estoppel apply?
Applies when:1. A party reasonably and foreseeably relied to his detriment on the promise of the other party;2. The promisor should have reasonably expected a change in position in reliance of the promise; AND3. Enforcement of the promise is necessary to avoid injustice.Priority: HIGH
Settlement of Legal Claims
The voluntary relinquishment of some known right or privilege.*Constitutes valid consideration.Priority: Medium
What is the Common Law Pre-Existing Duty Rule?What are the exceptions?
Past performance or performance of a pre-existing duty is NOT adequate consideration.Exceptions:* If there is an addition or change in performance or promise;* Unforeseen circumstances – a fair and equitable modification is made due to unanticipated changed circumstance AND the contract is not yet fully performed by either party; OR* Third-party promise – the duty was owed to a third-person, not the promisor.Priority: HIGH
Is consideration required for a modification to a UCC Art. 2 sale of goods contract?
NO, consideration is not required for contract modifications made in good faith.BUT, the modification must be in writing if:* It falls within the Statute of Frauds; OR* The original contract states that modifications must be in writing.Priority: HIGH
_Duress_Physical Compulsion vs. Economic Duress
Physical Compulsion: If a person physically compels a person to agree to contract, then the contract is void.Economic Duress: If a person makes an improper threat that induces a party (who has no reasonable alternative but to enter into the contract), then the contract is voidable.*A mere threat to breach is generally insufficient)Priority: Medium
Undue Influence occurs when?
There is:1. Unfair persuasion of a person,2. Who is either: * Under the domination of the person exercising the influence; OR * Justified in assuming that the person will not act in a manner inconsistent with his welfare because of his relationship between them (i.e. parent/child).Priority: Medium
Mutual Mistake vs. Unilateral Mistake
Mutual Mistake: When (1) both parties are mistaken as to the basic assumption on which the contract is made, (2) the mistake is material to the contract, AND (3) the person asserting the mistake did not bear the risk of the mistake.Unilateral Mistake: A mistake by one party, that is unknown to the other party, concerning a basic assumption that has a material effect on the contract.Priority: Medium
Fraudulent Misrepresentationvs.Non-Fraudulent Misrepresentation
Fraudulent: When one party knowingly makes a false representation of a fact AND the other party reasonably relies on the misrepresentation to their detriment.Non-Fraudulent: When there is a statement of material fact by a party or agent that is false, inducing the contract, AND the other party reasonably relies on the misrepresentation to his detriment.Priority: Medium
Procedural Unconscionabilityvs.Substantive Unconscionability
Unconscionability usually occurs if the contract/term is BOTH substantively and procedurally unconscionable.Procedural: When one party to the contract has a superior bargaining position over the other, and uses that power to their advantage.Substantive: When the contract contains terms that are obviously unfair and one-sided in favor of the person with the superior bargaining power.Priority: Medium
Under the Statute of Frauds, which types of contracts require a signed writing to be valid?
- Marriage contracts.2. Suretyships (unless the main purpose exception applies).3. Contracts that cannot be fully performed in 1 year.4. Contracts for the sale of real property (or creating an interest in real property).5. Promises to pay an estate’s debt from the personal funds of the Executor/Administrator.6. Contracts for the sale of goods for $500 or more.Priority: HIGH
Contracts for the sale of goods for $500 or more MUST be in writing.What are the four exceptions to this rule?
- Merchant’s Confirmatory Memorandum.2. Goods accepted or Paid for.3. Custom Made Goods.4. Admission during judicial proceeding.Priority: HIGH
What satisfies the writing requirement under the Statute of Frauds?
The writing MUST:1. Be signed by the party to be charged;2. Identify the subject matter of the contract;3. Indicate that a contract has been made by the parties; AND4. State the essential terms with reasonable certainty.*An agreement DOES NOT need to be in one writing, it may consist of several writings.Priority: HIGH
What are Expectation Damages?When are they recoverable?
They arise directly from the breach, and are an attempt to put the non-breaching party in the same position it would have been in but for the breach.To recover, the damages must be:1. Caused by the defendant;2. Foreseeable;3. Certain; AND4. Unavoidable.Priority: HIGH
What are Consequential Damages?When are they recoverable?
They arise indirectly from the breach, and are awarded because of the injured party’s special circumstances.To recover, the damages must be:1. Reasonably foreseeable at the time of contract formation;2. Arise from the plaintiff’s special circumstances that the defendant knew or had reason to know of; AND3. Reasonably certain (not speculative).Priority: HIGH
Under the UCC, what remedies does a seller have if a buyer breaches a contract for the sale of goods?
- Withhold delivery of the goods;* Cancel;* Recover cover damages;* Recover market damages;* Recover lost profits if the seller is a lost volume seller;* Stop delivery of the goods when he discovers buyer is insolvent;* Stop delivery of a truckload when buyer breaches; OR* Replevy identified goods.Priority: HIGH
Cover Damagesvs.Market Damagesvs.Loss-in-Value Damages
Cover: Difference in price between the contact price and price of substitute goods.Market: Difference between the market price and contract price (used if buyer did not cover in good faith or at all).Loss-in-Value: Difference between the value as promised and the value of the non-conforming goods (used if buyer keeps the non-conforming goods).Priority: HIGH
When will the Waste Doctrine apply?
IF:1. The contractor performs in good faith, but defects nevertheless exist; AND2. Remedying the defects greatly exceeds the value of the completed work.*In this instance, the decrease in value becomes the proper measure of damages.Priority: HIGH
When is Restitution awarded?
It is awarded to prevent unjust enrichment, and is available when one party confers a benefit to another party.Damages will be awarded based on the value of the benefit conferred.Priority: HIGH
What is Rescission?
Recession treats the contract as canceled.*It is available if there was a problem with contract formation (defense to formation, fraud, misrepresentation).Priority: Medium
When will a contract NOT be rescinded?
IF:* A valid equitable defense applies; OR* The plaintiff sued for damages under the contract in a prior action.Priority: Medium
What is a Fee Simple Absolute?
A conveyance of absolute ownership of real property. The property is freely _devisable, descendible, and alienable._Priority: Medium
What is a Fee Tail?
A conveyance of real property to a person AND their heirs.*Most states have abolished fee tail ownership.Priority: Medium
What is a Fee Simple Defeasible, and when is it created?
A conveyance of property that has conditions placed on it.It is created when the grantor uses express conditional language to indicate that it will be terminated upon the occurrence/non-occurrence of an event or condition.Priority: HIGH
What are the three types of Fee Simple Defeasibles?
Fee Simple Subject to a Condition Subsequent – reserves a future interest in the grantor (right of re-entry).Fee Simple Determinable – reserves a future interest in the grantor (possibility of reverter).Fee Simple Subject to Executory Interest – reserves a future interest in a third-party.Priority: HIGH
What is a Life Estate?
A conveyance of real property where a specified life-tenant is entitled to possession of the property during their lifetime.Upon the life tenant’s death, the property transfers outright to another party (the remainderman).Priority: Medium
Possibility of Reverter vs. Right of Re-entry
Possibility of Reverter: Creates a future interest of possession in the grantor if a specified condition occurs (property automatically vests to the grantor upon occurrence of the condition).Right of Re-entry: Creates a future interest in the grantor, wherein the grantor has the right to re-enter and take the property if a specified condition occurs.Priority: HIGH
Vested Remainder vs. Contingent Remainder
Vested remainder: A future interest in land that is given to an identifiable person with NO conditions.Contingent remainder: A future interest in land that is conditioned upon the occurrence (or non- occurrence) of a specific event.*In most jurisdictions, a future remainder interest is devisable and passes to that person’s heirs.Priority: HIGH
What is Tenancy in Common?
The default estate created by a conveyance/bequest of real property to two or more people, unless:* There is express language stating that the parties have survivorship rights (joint tenancy); OR* If the conveyance stated “as husband and wife†(creating a tenancy by the entirety).*Each tenant has an undivided interest and the right to use and enjoy the property.Priority: Medium
What Four Unities must be present for a Joint Tenancy to be created?
- The unity of time;2. The unity of title;3. The unity of interest; AND4. The unity of possession.There must be clear and express intent to create a joint tenancy.Priority: Medium
Under what circumstances can an out-of-possession co-tenant collect rent from an in-possession co- tenant (who is in exclusive possession of the property)?
When:* There is an agreement stating as such; OR* The co-tenant seeking rent was wrongfully ousted.Priority: Medium
When is a co-tenant entitled to reimbursement from other co-tenants for improvements made to the property?
ONLY IF there is a separate agreement stating as such.BUT, if the property appreciated due to the improvements, only the improving co-tenant is entitled to the increase in value.Priority: Medium
A lease provides the tenant with a present possessory interest in the property, and gives the landlord a future interest.What are the three types of Leaseholds?
- Tenancy for Years – fixed period of time, automatically terminates;2. Periodic Tenancy – initial period of time, then automatically continues for additional equal periods until terminated by proper notice.Created by: express agreement, implication, or by law.1. Tenancy at Will – continues until either party terminates it, usually created by express agreement.Priority: HIGH
What may a Landlord do if a Tenant remains on the property and does not pay rent?
- Initiate eviction proceedings; OR* Allow the tenant to remain on the property, and sue for damages.Priority: Medium
What are the Landlord’s two options if a tenant holds over?
He may:* Evict the tenant; OR* Hold the tenant over (by holding the tenant over, an implied month-to-month tenancy is created).Priority: Medium
What is the Warranty of Habitability?What can the Tenant do upon breach?
It’s implied in EVERY residential lease, and requires the Landlord to provide a place to live that is habitable (reasonably suitable for human needs).If breached, the Tenant may:* Move out and terminate the lease;* Withhold or reduce the rent;* Repair the issue and deduct the cost from the rent; OR* Remain on the premises and sue for damages.Priority: Medium
When does Constructive Eviction occur?
When:1. The landlord breached a duty to the tenant;2. The landlord’s breach caused a loss of the substantial use and enjoyment of the premises;3. The tenant gave the landlord notice of the condition;4. The landlord failed to remedy it in a reasonable time after notice was given; AND5. The tenant vacated the premises.Priority: HIGH
Does a Landlord have a duty to mitigate his damages?
At common law, a landlord DID NOT have a duty to mitigate.BUT, now most states DO impose a duty to take reasonable steps to mitigate losses (i.e. attempting to lease to another tenant).*Mitigation doesn’t need to be successful to recover damages, and a landlord is entitled to sue for the difference in rent between the new and original tenant.Priority: HIGH
_Assignment of a Lease_When does an Assignment occur, and who is liable to the Landlord for rent thereafter?
It occurs when the assignor transfers ALL of his remaining interest in a lease to a third-party (the assignee).Assignee → liable to the landlord for rent and all other covenants that run with the land (privity of estate).Assignor (Original Tenant) → also remains liable for rent (privity of contract).Priority: HIGH