Pretrial Adjudication

Question 1

What does it mean if a case is dismissed with prejudice?

Without prejudice?

Answer 1

With prejudice: adjudication on the merits, cannot relitigate.

Without prejudice: no adjudication on the merits, can relitigate.

“On the merits” means a decision based on all relevant legal arguments and evidence presented.

Question 2

When may P voluntarily dismiss an action without a court order?

Answer 2

P can voluntarily dismiss without court order by either:

1. Filing a notice of dismissal before the opposing party serves either an answer or a motion for summary judgment, whichever comes first; or
2. A stipulation of dismissal signed by all parties who have appeared

Rule 41(a)(1)(A)

A voluntary dismissal by the plaintiff, court order, or stipulation is considered without prejudice.

Question 3

Can a plaintiff relitigate a claim after dismissal if claim was dismissed by court order or stipulation?

Answer 3

Yes, because dismissal by court order or stipulation is without prejudice.

Question 4

Can a plaintiff relitigate a claim after dismissal if claim was dismissed by the plaintiff herself?

Answer 4

Yes, dismissal by plaintiff is without prejudice unless it is the P’s second dismissal on the claim (which is dismissed with prejudice).

Question 5

Can a plaintiff relitigate a claim after dismissal if claim was dismissed by settlement?

Answer 5

No, dismissal as a result of settlement is with prejudice.

Question 6

What is involuntary dismissal under Rule 41(b)?

Answer 6

When D seeks to dismiss the action because P has violated the rules or court order

FRCP 41(b)

Question 7

Involuntary dismissal under Rule 41(b) is ____ prejudice

Answer 7

With prejudice.

Question 8

What is a default under Rule 55(a)?

Answer 8

Occurs when D fails to timely respond to the complaint (within 21 days of service or 60 days after waiver)

⚠️ Note: This is not the same as a default judgment, which is when the court enters the default into the record

Question 9

What is a default judgment under Rule 55(b)?

Answer 9

Judgment on the record that D defaulted

Question 10

Difference between a default and a default judgment?

Answer 10

Default = D’s failure to respond (stage 1)

Default judgment = judgment entered into the record after D defaults (stage 2)

Question 11

When can the court clerk enter a default judgment?

Answer 11

If P shows that:

1. D was properly served;
2. Deadline to respond has expired;
3. D failed to respond;
4. D is not a minor or incompetent; and
5. Sum owed is certain (by affidavit)

Question 12

What can P do if the sum of damages is uncertain when seeking a default judgment?

Answer 12

P can seek default judgment from the court and judge will hold a hearing to determine damages

⚠️ Note: Court clerk cannot enter default if damages are uncertain - must be done by a judge

Question 13

When can the court set aside a default judgment?

Answer 13

For good cause within 1 year (typically shown if there was an honest mistake, fraud, or some circumstance outside of D’s control).

FRCP 55(c),
FRCP 60

Question 14

What is a 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss?

Answer 14

A motion to dismiss the case before discovery because the P has failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.

FRCP 12(b)(6)

Question 15

When will a motion to dismiss be granted?

Answer 15

Generally, it will be granted when a complaint does not contain enough specific allegations to make it plausible that P could be entitled to relief.

⚠️ Exception: Remember that claims of fraud or mistake must be pled with particularity, rather than only plausibilty.

Question 16

When is a motion for summary judgment proper?

Answer 16

Until 30 days after the close of discovery, a motion for SJ is proper if pleadings and evidence submitted show no genuine issue of material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

FRCP 56(c)

Question 17

When does no genuine issue of material fact exist?

Answer 17

When no reasonable jury/person could return a verdict in favor of the non-moving party.

Question 18

Upon filing a motion for summary judgment, the moving party must:

Answer 18

Make a prima facie showing that:

1. No genuine issue of material fact exists; and
2. Moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law

FRCP 56

Question 19

After the moving party shows that summary judgment is proper, what is the second step?

Answer 19

Burden then shifts to non-moving party to present evidence showing that a genuine issue of material fact exists.

FRCP 56

Question 20

Can the moving party rely on her own complaint to show summary judgment is proper?

Answer 20

No, must put forth other evidence showing there is no genuine issue of material fact.

FRCP 56(c)

Question 21

What is the deadline to file a motion for summary judgment?

Answer 21

30 days after discovery has ended.

FRCP 56(b)

Question 22

Define

partial summary judgment

Answer 22

Issued when only some material facts are not at issue.

FRCP 56(d)(1)

Question 23

Define

declaratory judgment

Answer 23

Ruling that informs parties of a legal relationship between parties or their rights. Often filed prior to a lawsuit to prevent one from occuring later.

FRCP 57