PJ & SMJ

Question 1

Basic idea

Answer 1

This involves one question: can P sue D in this state? That’s all. It is not concerned with what COURT we go to in that state – that is subject matter jurisdiction.

Question 2

Whether there’s personal jurisdiction is a two-step analysis:

Answer 2

1. Satisfy a state statute AND
2. Satisfy the Constitution (Due Process).

Same whether filed in state or fed ct

So whether a federal court in CA has PJ is assessed exactly the same way as whether a state court in CA would have PJ.

Question 3

In personam jurisdiction

Answer 3

P sues to impose a personal obligation on D.

Question 4

Statutory analysis. Most states have a series of statutes that allow personal jurisdiction in different situations, such as personal jurisdiction over defendants who:

Answer 4

(1) are served with process in the state, or
(2) are domiciled in the state, or
(3) do certain things (e.g., commit a tortious act, conduct business) in the state.

Question 5

In California, though, the statutory analysis is easy. Why?

Answer 5

Because the statute reaches the Constitutional limt

Question 6

Constitutional analysis.

Answer 6

D must have purposefully availed of the forum – much reach out to the forum to gain some benefit or protection.

Question 7

Basic idea of SMJ

Answer 7

Here, we’ve decided we have personal jurisdiction over D in California and that we’ll sue in state (not federal) court. There is one trial court in California – the Superior Court. Each of the 58 counties has one Superior Court.

Question 8

The Superior Court has general subject matter jurisdiction. What does that mean?

Answer 8

It can hear any civil case (any as in from anywhere in the world)

Question 9

Are there any kinds of cases the Superior Court cannot hear?

Answer 9

Yes, but few::

Cases arising under some federal law must be brought in federal court: – e.g., patent infringement, bankruptcy, some federal securities and antitrust claims. But most cases arising under federal law can be heard by state courts.

Question 10

Within the Superior Court, there are different classifications of cases:

Answer 10

1. Limited Civil Cases.
2. Unlimited Civil Cases.
3. Small Claims Cases.

Question 11

Limited Civil Cases.

Answer 11

These are civil cases in which the amount in controversy does not exceed $25,000 (25k or less)

• In a limited civil case, you get limited discovery and cannot file a “special demurrer.”
• And in a limited case, generally you cannot get a permanent injunction or declaratory judgment or determine title to land.

Question 12

Biggest limitation: in a limited case

Answer 12

No claimant can recover more than $25,000

Question 13

Unlimited Civil Cases.

Answer 13

• These include civil cases in which the plaintiff sues to determine title to land or seeks general equitable relief.
• If the case is seeking damages, the amount is unlimited over $25,000

Question 14

Small Claims Cases.

Answer 14

These are heard in a small claims division of the Superior
Court. Amounts in controversy:

• • If plaintiff is an individual: $10,000 or less.
• • If plaintiff is an entity: $5,000 or less.

Question 15

Who determines classification?

Answer 15

Plaintiff

Question 16

Plaintiff initially determines the classification.
– In doing so, what do we consider?

Answer 16

The “amount of the demand, or the recovery sought, or the value of the property, or the amount of the lien” in controversy.

This does not include interest on the claim or costs

Question 17

Classification is limited v unlimited civil case:

Answer 17

If plaintiff files a limited civil case, she must note the classification in the caption of the complaint. You need not note if it is unlimited.

Question 18

Reclassification.
– If a case is misclassified or if subsequent events make it clear that the original classification should be changed, does the court lose subject matter jurisdiction?

Answer 18

No - the case is reclassified

Question 19

Reclassification can happen in 2 ways:

Answer 19

1. Automatic
2. On Motion

Question 20

Automatic Reclassification:

If P amends her complaint in a way that changes the classification (raises or decreases the amount in controversy from limited to unlimited or unlimited to limited), what happens?

Answer 20

Clerk of court reclassifies the case

Question 21

On motion reclassification. A party can move to reclassify. Or the court can reclassify on its own motion. What is required here?

Answer 21

The court must give notice to all parties and hold a hearing

Question 22

In determining whether to reclassify, can the court consider the merits of the underlying claim?

Answer 22

No - we do not try the case to classify it

Question 23

Can the court consider materials beyond the pleadings, such as a judicial arbitration award and settlement conference statement to reclassify?

Answer 23

Yes - it can look beyond the pleadings and it must consider a judicial arbitration award

Question 24

If there is a motion to reclassify from unlimited to limited, reclassification is OK if the judge finds that the case:

Answer 24

1) will necessarily result in a verdict of $25,000 or less; OR
2) more than $25,000 is virtually unobtainable

Question 25

If there is a motion to reclassify from limited to unlimited, reclassification is OK if the judge finds:

Answer 25

there is a possibility the verdict will exceed $25,000

Question 26

Effect of multiple claims. Rule:

Answer 26

the entire case is either limited or unlimited. So no case is mixed, with some limited and some unlimited aspects.

Question 27

Can we aggregate claims?

Answer 27

Yes - same rule as federal rules

Question 28

P-1 asserts a claim of $26,000 against D and P-2 asserts a claim of $14,000 against D in the same case. Can this be filed as an unlimited civil case?

Answer 28

Yes - P1s claim is unlimited, so the case is unlimited: that means that any claimant can recover any amount

Question 29

P sues D for $20,000 in a limited civil case. D files a cross-complaint against P for $26,000. What happens?

Answer 29

The entire case is reclassified as unlimited because Ds cross-complaint exceeds $25,000

Question 30

P sues D for $26,000 in an unlimited case. D files a cross-complaint against P for $12,000. What happens?

Answer 30

The entire case is unlimited