Mix Flashcards
B driving truck and gets into accident with M. B sues M. At trial, only witness is S who at first tells investigator that M ran the red light. Then, at trial, S says that B ran the red light. A timely objection should be…
Overruled, prior inconsistent statement. for impeachment, a party may show that the w has, on another occasion, made statements that are inconsistent with some part of his present testimony. Credibility of W can be attacked by any party, including party who calls the W.
M made prior inconsistent statement. On x-exam, M is asked whether he has ever lied under oath. An objection should be…
Sustained, not proper impeachment. Florida does not allow an examining attorney to ask a w about prior bad acts or prior specific instances of misconduct that did not result in conviction (this is CONTRARY to federal rules, which allow a party to impeach a w by asking about prior bad acts that concern w’s character for truth and veracity)
A witness is asked on the state if he has ever been convicted of any crime. An objection should be…
Sustained. Improper question. FL follows the Fed rules regarding impeachment w crim convictions - convcition must be for FELONY (punished by more than 1 year) or misd involving dishonesty or false statement. However FL cts, unlike fed cts have discretion to exclude ANY conviction under 403 balancing test.
In civil suit, P calls S to testify that she knows D. S testifies that she is aware of D’s reputation in the community and that it was bad. An objection should be …
Sustained, only evidence of character trait of truthfulness is admissible to impeach. Bad character for truthfulness is admissible to attack cred of W, but here, S didn’t testify as to D’s bad character for truthfulness. General reputation is inadmissible, must relate to w’s truthfulness.
P v D in civil case. P says he has severe emotional disturbance following injuries caused by D. In D’s case, they call P’s psychiatrist who treated P for emotional disturbance. Objection should be…
Overruled, psychotherapist-patient privilege not applicable since P put his emotional condition in issue. P can’t use privilege when he puts his mental/emotional condition as element of claim.
D injures P while driving. P sues D. During case in chief, P offers certified copy of jury verdict and conviction finding D guilty of reckless driving for the incident that cause P’s inuries. Objection should be…
Sustained, Florida does not recognize the federal rules which allow certain convictions to be admitted as an exception to the hearsay rule
D injures P while driving. P sues D. During case in chief, P offers D’s guilty plea in reckless driving case. Objection should be…
A guilty plea is admissible in subsequent litigation when offered by the adverse party. The plea itself is considered an admission by a party opponent, which is an exception to the hearsay rule in Florida. Florida does not recognize hearsay exception for criminal convictions and a guilty plea is not a conviction.
D injures P while driving. P sues D. During case in chief, P calls D to the stand and says “Were you drinking the day of the accident?”. D objects, saying this is a leading question. What result?
Objection overruled. Leading questions are allowed on direct for w’s who are hostile, uncooperative, or opposing parties or person identified with opposing party
D injures P while driving. P sues D. During case in chief, P calls S and asks what D’s reputation is. What result.
Objection sustained. Character evidence is generally inadmissible in civil case.slight probative value of character is outweighed by danger of prejudice, possible distraction of jury from main issue and waste of time. The only relevance of testimony responsive to this q is to show that D is a careless driver and therefore was driving carlessley at the time of the accident. Character evidence is not admissible for this purpose.
D accused of fraud. During trial, govt calls D’s accountant concerning accounting advice she gave to D. Admissible?
No, accountant-client privilege. FL recognizes accountant-client privilege which protects info and comms btwn a CPA/LPA & client in rendition of accounting svcs. Client may assert the privilege
In criminal trial for fraud, govt calls D’s wife and asks if she is familiar with a fraudulent transaction involved in the case. D objects saying she’s incompetent to testify against her husband. Result?
Overruled - only matters privileged in florida are confidential marital comms. FL doesn’t recognize spousal immunity (i.e. the doctrine that one spouse is incompetent to testify against the other) however, FL recognizes privilege for confidential comms btwn spouses during course of valid marriage
Husband makes confidential communication to wife during marriage. A year later, they divorce. Later, ex wife is called to testify against ex husband about that communication. Result?
marital privilege would still apply to any confidential comms made during the valid marriage - the privilege survives divorce.
A duplicate is admissible to the same extent as an original unless
(1) a genuine issue is raised about the original’s authenticity or (2) under the circumstances it would be unfair to admit the duplicate in place of the original
A witness’s prior inconsistent statement is not hearsay if…
(1) it’s made under penalty of perjury at prior trial or proceeding (then can be used as substantive evidence in addition to impeachment evidence) or
(2) used to impeach
In Florida, dying declaration applies when:
(1) either civil or criminal case
(2) made while declarant believed death was imminent
(3) concerns the cause or circumstances of what he believes to be his impending death
A guilty plea is admissible in subsequent litigatio when…
offered by the adverse party. It is considered an admission of a party opponent
Lay opinions are admissible when
(i) w can’t readily and with equal accuracy and adequcacy, communicate what she perceived to trier of fact w/o testifying in the form of an opinion
(ii) testimony won’t mislead trier of fact and
(iii) opinions do not require special knowledge or training
The business records exception applies when
a record s made in the ordinary course of biz and for legitimate biz purpose
When the prosecution rests its case in chief, the judge, in front of the jury says to the defense, “I can’t wait to see your case. The prosecution has done a great job implicating your client.” Result?
In florida, trial judge is prohibited from summing up evidence or commenting to jury on weight of evidence or credibility of witness. The comments are improper and constitute reversible error.
When is a treatise admissible in florida?
Only to attack the credibility of an expert on x-exam once it has been established as authoritative - NOT as substantive evidence
Evidence of compromises or offers to compromise is ..
inadmissible to prove or disprove the validity or amount of a disputed claim. Conduct/statements made in course of negotiating a compromise also are excluded, therefore admissions of fact made during compromise negotiations are inadmissible.
T or F: a witness in Florida may be impeached by proof of a conviction of a crime
True. When W is untruthful about existence or # of their prior convictions, they may be proved by extrinsic evidence (cert copy of judgment of conviction
What is the accident report privilege?
In Florida, a privilege is recognized for written reports made by people involved in motor accidents. Such reports are for the confidential use of hte Dept of Highway Safety and not admissible in either a crim or civil trial that arises out of the accident. Oral statements made to LEO for purpose of completing report also are included within priv, except that at crim trial, LEO may testify to any statement made to him by person involved in accident (provided that person’s priv against self incrim is not violated). Urine/BAC IS admissible, not priv.
When is habit evidence admissible in FL?
Habit evidence in FL is admissible to prove a pattern of behavior to corroborate other evidence that shows the habit occurred at the relvant time. Iti s NOT admissible as direct evidence.
What is the best evidence rule?
provides that in proving the terms of a writing, where the terms are material, the OG writing mustbe produced. Secondary evidence of the writing, such as oral tesitmony regarding the writing’s contents, is permitted only after it has been shown that hte original is unavailable for some reaosn other than the serious misconduct of hte proponent.
When can a lay witness opine as to handwriting?
If the lay witness has perosnal knowledge of the handwriting of the supposed writer and did not become familiar with the handwriting for purposes of testifying
When is a declaration of an existing state of mind admissible?
When
(1)decl’s state of mind is directly in issue and (2) is material to the controversy and
(3) (FL only) not made under circumstances that indicate lack of trustworthiness
D is on trial for receipt of stolen property. D calls character witness. On x-exam, prosecutor asks CW “Did you know that D was convicted 5 yrs ago for offering a bribe?” If objected to, what result?
Improper in form. Prosecution may test CW by x-exam regarding basis of knowledge of d’s reputation. In FL, pros can ask on x-exam whether CW has HEARD of particulr instances of D’s misconduct pertinent to the traint in question. Because govt asked whether he KNEW, it’s improper
A statement offered to show its effect on the listener is…
NOT hearsay
Present sense impression is
a statement of the declarant’s then existing state of mind, emotion, sensation or physical condition and is an exception to the hearsay rule
Under federal law what is required for standing?
Injury in fact
causation
redressibility
Under federal law, what is injury in fact
must be concrete (one that actually exists and isn’t just hypothetical) and particularized to P (affects P in personal/individual way)
Under federal law, when will a taking be found?
(1) confiscation of a person’s property by govt or
(2) permanent or regular physical occupation of person’s property by govt
What is the Taking Clause
5th amendment provides that private property may only be taken (1) for public use and (2) govt must pay just compensation
What are the 2 exceptions to the takings clause?
(1) development exception
(2) emergency exception
What is the development exception to the taking clause?
Municipalities often attempt to condition building or developing permits on a landowner’s (1) conveying title to part of the property to govt e.g. to be used as streets OR (2) granting the public an easement to access the property. The exception to taking clause applies if govt shows (1) essential nexus btwn condition and proposed development (conditions relates to legitimate pub interest) and (2) adverse impact of proposed development is roughly proportional to the loss caused to prop owner from forced transfer
What is a regulatory taking under fed law?
When govt regulation denies a landowner of all economically viable use of their land (e.g. regulation prohibiting any building on the land), the reg amounts to taking unless principles of nuisance or prop law make the use prohibitable
List 3 examples of takings under fed law
(1) condemnation of land to build highway
(2) creating public acces easement on private prop
(3) abolishing inheritance rights
List 3 examples of regulations (NOT takings) under fed law?
(1) zoning ordinances that merely prohibit most beneficial use of prop
(2) ordering destruction of diseased trees)
(3) landmark ordinances generally
What is strict scrutiny and when is it applied?
A law is upheld if it is necessary to achieve a compelling govt purpose. applied when affecting fundamental rights OR suspect classificatons.
what is rational basis and when is it applied
A law is upheld if it is rationally related to a legitimiate govt purposes. Valid unless arbitrary or irrational. Applies when not involving suspect class or fundamental rights.
what is intermediate scrutiny and when applied
Law upheld if substantially related to an important govt purpose. applied when involving gender and legitimiacy.
what is procedural due process under federal law
DPC of 5A (applicable to states via 14A) provides that ap erson has a right to a fair process when the govt deprives the person of life, liberty or property.
is federal govt negligence sufficient to state a procedural due process claim?
No, must be intentional or reckless govt action
Procedural due process requires
(1) notice (reaosnably calculated to inform the person)
(2) opportunity to be heard
and
(3) neutral decisionmaker (can’t have actual bias or serious risk of actual bias)
An offer creates…
reasonable expectation in the offeree that the offeror is willing to enter into a contract on the basis of the offered terms.
Consideration is…
bargained for exchange that constitutes a benefit to the promisor or a detriment to the promisee.
For an offer to be valid it must..
(1) expres a promise, undertaking, or commitment to enter into K
(2) have certainty & definiteness in essential terms (e.g. price, time, quantity) and
(3) communicate the offer to offeree.
An acceptance is…
manifestation of assent to the terms of offer
without certainty and definiteness of an essential term (quantity), an offer will…
fail
What is a requirements K?
where a buyer promises to buy from a certain seller all the goods it requires. Offers that define the quantity term as the buyer’s requirements satisfy the requirement that the subject matter and terms be sufficiently specific bc requirements can usualy be determined objectively and therefore are capable of being made certain. Reqs may not be unreasonably disporportionate to any stated estimate or any normal prior requirements.
What is a merchant’s firm offer?
(1) An offer by a merchant to buy or sell goods
(2) in signed writing that
(3) gives assurances it will be held open. It is not revocable for lack of consideration during the time period state or if no time stated for a reasonable time not to exceed 3 months.
Under Article 2, where one party fails to pay the contract price, does that excuse the non-breaching party from performance of the K?
No, the nonbreaching party would be limited to a suit to recover the amount owed but is not justified in suspending its own performance.
What is impracticability?
When the nonoccurrence of the event was a basic assumption of hte parties in making the K and neither party assumed the risk of an event occurring, contractual duties may be discharged in light of an unanticipated or extraordinary event. Usually these are embargoes ,crop failures, war, labor strikes or substantial unforeseen cost increases.
What is the test for unconscionability?
The test is whether the K was the result of one party’s being in a superior bargaining position, resulting in an unfair advantage over the other party at the time of execution.
B makes a contract with S by phone. S quoted B $1.70 per gallon for fuel and B agreed. S sends B the fuel, but B only pays 1.50 per gallon. What result?
When delivery has been made and accepted, the K is enforceable to the extent of the goods received and accepted, even when there is no writing. Thus, valid K for 1.70/gallon
UCC modification of K
no consideration required as long as made in good faith
Accord
an agreement in which one party to an existing K agrees to accept some other different performance than what was contracted for originally (e.g. partial payment of the amount due under the K). There must be a bona fide dispute as to the claim or some alteration, however slight, in debtor’s consideration.
In Florida, which branch controls eminent domain?
Legislative (but subject to judicial review) Courts give great deference to legislative findings and decisions
In Florida, may the legislature delegate its eminent domain authority?
Yes
What must a taking of property through eminent domain have?
A public purpose that benefits the state in a tangible and foreseeable way
What is an example of a public purpose that usually justifies eminent domain?
public recreation parks
What is the test for determining whether eminent domain is valid?
The taking must serve the greatest public benefit while creating the least possible inconvenience. It must be reasonably necessary
The land taken through eminent domain must …
Be suitable for the intended purpose
True or false: in FL, eminent domain may be used in congested areas to create public parks.
True - however, wild and rural areas may not be taken for that purpose
Govt wants to condemn property. Owners reply that the property is subject to deed restrictions specifying specific use. What result?
For purposes of eminent domian, there is no vested property right for which govt must pay compensation by virtue of the existence of deed restrictions, even where the public use is inconsistent with those restrictions.
Who determines whether eminent domain compensation is reasonable?
The jury - it’s a judicial, not legislative determination
What is the calculation for the value of property taken by eminent domain?
fair market value of the prop at the time of the taking
What must a party seeking to rescind a contract based on misrepresentation/fraudulent inducement show?
Must show that the misrepresentation went to a material factor, past or present, in the negotiations. Actual reliance is required
In an action for recission based on misrepresentation or fraud in the inducement is it necessary for the party seeking rescission to restore what he received before bringing the action?
No, but a court may require restoration as a condition precedent to granting this relief
What is unconscionability for purposes of K law?
Allows a court to refuse to enforce a K (or modify K) to avoid “unfair” terms. Unconscionability is determined by the circumstances as they existed at the time the K was formed. The basic test is whether the terms are so one sided as to be unconscionable under the circumstances at the time the K was formed.
What might a court do if it finds a K unconscionable?
- refuse to enforce K
- enforce remainder of K w/o the unconscionable clause or
- limit application of any clause so as to avoid an unconscionable result
At common law, what is generally required to modify a K?
new consideration
At common law, can a K be modified orally?
Yes, unless the K, as modified, falls within the SOF
What is minor breach?
minor breach occurs where obligee gains the substantial benefit of her bargain despite the obligor’s defective performance. The remedy is to provide minor damages to the aggrieved party.
What is material breach?
material breach occurs where obligee does not receive substantial benefit of her bargain. If breach is material, nonbreaching party:
1. may treat K as at end (discharging her duties)
2.will have immediate right to al lremedies for breack, including total damages
What is a quasi K and when is it appropriate?
In a situation where there is a failed K, quasi K relief may be available. Relief is appropriate if (1) one party conferred a benefit on the other by performing a service for the other (2) person had reasonable expectation of being compensated for service (3) benefits were conferred at express or implied req of person receiving them and (4) if person were allowed to retain w/o comp’ing, would cause unjust enrichment.
A makes an offer to B to buy your bike for $100. B reluctantly says, “fine, I accept, but I was hoping for $200.” What result?
This is an acceptance because it is a manifestation of B’s intent to be bound to the terms offered by A. An acceptance accompanied by an expression of distisfaction is still effective as long as it stops short of actual dissent.
What is required for a land K to be enforceable?
It must be in writing signed by the party to be charged. The writing must contain all essential terms which include:
1. a description of property
2. IDs parties of K
3. price & manner of payment
What is the result of a mutual mistake in K?
If both parties are mistaken about facts relating to agreement, K may be voidable by adversely affected party if
1. mistake concerns basic assumption on which K is made
2.mistake has material effect on agreed upon exchange
3. party seeking avoidance did not assume the risk of mistake
I form a K sell my house to you for $100k. Before we close the deal, we discover the true value of the house is $250k. I argue mutual mistake as a defense. What result?
I will probably lose, because if parties to a K make assumptions as to the value of the subj matter of a K , those assumptions are generally not remedied because we each assume the risk that our assumption as to value could be wrong
What is the usual measure of damages for breach of land K sale?
difference between the K price and market value of land on date of breach
When is specific performance available?
If:
1. K is enforceable
2.all K conditions fulfilled
3.legal remedy inadequate
4.enforcement is feasible
5.mutuality of remedies exists
6.no defenses avail to defendant
What types of defenses is specific performance subject to?
equitable defenses:
1.unclean hands
2.laches
3. sale to a BFP
when does the unclean hands defense arise as a defense to specific performance?
when party seeking S.P. is guilty of wrongdoing in transaction being sued upon. Wrongdoing must be related to transaction being sued upon. it’s not sufficient that P has defrauded the other person in similar transactions.
Jack and Rebecca, married to each other, own Blackacre as
tenants by the entirety. Jack then secretly transfers his interest to
Miguel. What does Miguel have?
Miguel has nothing, no unilateral transfer of a tenancy by the entirety. An individual spouse can’t encumber tenancy by entirety and a deed/mortgage executed by one spouse is ineffective
Suppose that siblings Kevin and Randall co-own a cabin. Kevin
contributed 90% of the purchase price and Randall 10%.
Which form of ownership is this?
It’s a tenancy in common because they have disparate shares
Tenant 1 and Tenant 2 have a tenancy in common. T1 contributed 90% of purchase price and T2 10%. T1 in common takes a can of paint and divides up the premises and says T2 can only enjoy 10% of property. Is that permissible?
No bc each co-tenant gets to use and enjoy the whole property, regardless of the other co-tenant’s ownership. Neither has the right to exclusive possession of any part. If one co-T wrongfully excludes the other from the whole or any part, they commit ouster.
In FL, either party may terminate a residential periodic tenancy by giving what notice?
year to year = 60 days
quarter to quarter = 30 days
month to month = 15 days
week to week = 7 days
What’s special about tenancy at will leases in florida?
they apply to RESIDENTIAL tenancies only. Nonresidential tenancies with periodic rent payment & no fixed termination date is tenancy at will
What notice is required to terminate a tenancy at will in FL?
Annual payments → 3 months notice
Quarterly payments → 45 days notice
Monthly payments → 15 days notice
Weekly payments → 7 days notice
A statute retroactively alters a law (ex post facto law) in a substantially prejudicial manner under federal law if:
(1)Makes crim act that was innocent when done
(2)Prescribes greater punish for act than was prescribed when committed OR
(3) Reduces evidence required to convict
A grants B a right of way across A’s land so that B can more easily reach his land. What does B have?
B has an easement appurtenant. B’s land is benefited so it’s hte dominant tenement. A’s land serves B so it’s the servient tenement.