MGMT 311 Exam 1 - FLASHCARDS - Chapter 5
What are the stages of litigation?
- Pretrial. 2. Trial. 3. Post-trial
What are fixed fees?
Fee for a specific service
What are hourly fees?
Amount depends on where you are and the lever of expertise of the lawyer
What is the hourly fee in Brazos county?
About $100 to $900
What are contingency fees?
Percentage of the win. 33 and 1/3 up to 40 percent is legally allowed. Lawyer doesn’t get fee for their services if they don’t win the case
What is a retainer?
Lump sum of money attorney is requiring you to give them up front. Money is used to pay the fees of the lawyer
What contingency fees deal with?
Personal injury cases. The plantiff’s attorney will most likely charge a contingency fee
What happens in the complaint part of the pleading stage?
Plaintiff files Complaint/Petition to the court
What does the plantiff’s complaint contain?
Jurisdiction. Facts showing that the particular court has subject-matter and personal jurisdiction.
Legal theory. The facts establishing the plaintiff’s claim and basis for relief.
Remedy. The remedy (such as the amount of damages) that the plaintiff is seeking
What happens in the service process part of the pleading stage?
a. Defendant gets a copy of complaint/petition and summons/citation informing the defendant they have been sued and where they are supposed to respond..
b. Defendant is served by sheriff, constable, or process server.
What happens if the defendant doesn’t answer the complaint and summons by the time limit listed?
If defendant does not answer within time limit after service, then plaintiff wins by default.
What is the Texas way to answer a citation?
The texas way to answer is a general denial of plaintiff’s allogations
What does denial of the plantiff’s allogations mean?
Denial of Plaintiff’s allegations doesn’t mean they didn’t do it, it means they need to prove it isn’t true
What is an affirmative defense?
Generally say that even if the plaintiff can prove what they accused, there is an alternative reason why the plaintiff cannot win the case. A defense that brings up new facts or issues not in the complaint that, if true, would be a legal reason why the plaintiff should not win, or should win less than they’re asking for.
True or false: self defense is an example of affirmative defense?
TRUE
What are counterclaims?
claim the defendant has back against the plantiff
What is motion to dismiss?
Asking a case to be dismissed. Most often filed by defendant
What is motion for judgment on the pleadings?
Asking the judge to define the case based solely what is presented in those pleadings
What is motion for summary judgment?
providing proof to the judge that the parties don’t disagree on facts, they disagree on how to apply the law.
What is the process of obtaining information on a case and all of the witnesses involved?
Discovery
What is the purpose of discovery?
a. Obtain information
b. Preserves evidence
c. Helps in settlement
d. Prevents surprise
e. Establishes witness’ testimony
f. Narrows issues in dispute for trial
What are the tools of discovery?
- Despositions. 2. Interrogatories. 3. Requests for Admissions. 4. Requests for Documents and other tangible things. 5. Request for Physical or Mental Examinations
What are Despositions?
Sworn testimony by a party to the lawsuit or by any witness, recorded by an authorized court official. The person deposed gives testimony and answers questions asked by the attorneys from both sides. The questions and answers are recorded, sworn to, and signed. Depositions also give attorneys the opportunity to ask immediate follow-up questions and to evaluate how their witnesses will conduct themselves at trial.
True or false: depositions can be employed in court to impeach (challenge the credibility of) parties or witnesses who change their testimony at the trial?
TRUE