Priority MEE Flashcards
Federal jx includes… (+ well pleaded complaint R)
Federal jx includes both federal question jx (involving a federal law) and diversity of citizenship jx (complete diversity btwn the parties and an AIC over 75K). The PTF’s good faith allegation on the face of the complaint will suffice unless it seems certain the amount cannot be met.
General Fed Jx R:
Supplemental jx (def + 2 primary limitations + 4 situations where dist ct may use discretion to decline)
Generally, every claim in fed ct must have a basis for fed SMJ. Supp jx allows claims to be brought in fed ct that a fed ct would not independently have jx over if the additional claims are part of the same case or controversy (common nucleus of operative fact) as the claim which does have federal jx in the case.
Supp jx may not destroy DIV or be used for 3rd P claims. LOW AMOUNT = OK JUST NEED T/O!!
Fed ct may decline if complex/novel state issue, claim predominates over claim w/ OG Jx, fed ct dismissed all claims it had OG Jx, or other exceptional circumstances
Transfer Rule…. (2 parts)
+ bonus pro (Ps, time limit, rsn for denial)
For the convenience of the parties and witnesses, in the interest of Justice, a dist ct may transfer any civil action to any other dist or division where it could have been brought or any dist or division to which all parties have consented (ex- FS CL)
Bonus- Any party may bring a transfer at any time, although the motion to transfer will be denied if delay causes undue prejudice.
Venue is proper
Venue is proper where any Def resides (if all Defs reside in the same state) or where a sub part or omission of the events in the claim occurred.
Parties may be permissively joined when…
Required joinder of parties requires ____________ and __________ OR __________ and _____________
Parties may be permissively joined when there is a common question of law or fact arising from the same T/O (or series of occurrences).
Jx kept in tact + ct inability to afford complete relief w/o the 3rd P
OR
Jx kept in tact + 3rd P’s int may be sub impaired / risk of inconsistent judgments
A fed ct may Abstain from hearing a case when (+pro w/ state ct)
A federal court may abstain from hearing a case if the constitutionality of a STATE STATUTUE is at issue. The federal court will wait until the state court rules on the case and then decide the state constitutionality issue.
A party may Amend a PL _________ within ______days of ______________or otherwise need _______ or __________
A party may amend an answer to a complaint once within 21D of the OG PL, responsive PL or pre-ans M,
or otherwise with the opposing party’s written consent or the court’s leave.
Omnibus motion rule (which defenses apply)
Generally, failing to raise Rule 12 defenses related to service of process, personal jx or venue in a P’s first answer or pre-answer motion will result in waiver
Work Product is..
WP is not discoverable unless…
WP is considered he documents prepared by lawyers (and others involved) in anticipation of litigation. Work product is not discoverable unless the requesting P can show a substantial need to avoid undue hardship in obtaining the material from another source.
Summary Judgment must be granted if… (3 parts)
To defeat…
Summary judgment must be granted if, from the PL, affidavits and discovery materials, there is no genuine dispute of material facts and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. The CT will view the evidence in light most favorable to the nonmovant and without considering the credibility of any witnesses. To defeat a MSJ, the nonmovant must counter the presented evidence with relevant evidence of her own to show a genuine issue of material fact on the matter.
Claim Preclusion…(3)
Issue Preclusion…
Claim preclusion precludes the same parties or parties in privity from subsequently re-litigating the same claim (T/O) after a VFJOTM
Issue preclusion will preclude the relitigation of an issue already and actually decided that was essential to a VFJOTM after the party against whom it is asserted against had a fair opportunity to be heard on the matter. Generally, no new PTFs permitted.
To grant a JAMOL the ct must find _____________ by ________________.
+ timing pro
RJAMOL will depend on if ________________ and __________
timing pro + will be limited to________________
To grant a JMOL, the CT must find that a RSB jury would not have a LEGALLY SUFFICIENT BASIS to find for that P on that issue. The CT will view the evidence in light most favorable to the Nonmovant and without considering the credibility of any witnesses. A JAMOL must be made during trial to preserve the right to move for a RJAMOL.
To determine if a ct should grant a RMJAMOL, cts will consider if a P previously moved for JAMOL and on what grounds.
Must file w/in 28D of the judgment and will be limited to the grounds raised in the initial JMOL.
A new trial may be granted if…
There is a SERIOUS ERROR that occurred DURING the trial that caused the jury verdict to lack substantial weight.
ex. admitting evidence that would have a substantial effect on the verdict, errors in a material jury instruction, the verdict is found excessive, or if the verdict is against the clear weight of the evidence- as long as the judge is not replacing the jury’s verdict with the verdict she would have reached and based in a serious error of judgment).
To be appealable…
(+collateral order doctrine + interlocutory appeals)
To be appealable, an order must be a FJOTM. A FJOTM is one that ends the litigation on the merits, resolves all claims and leaves nothing for the court to do but execute the judgment.
Collateral order = exception where claim/issue is separable. Look for IMMEDIATE HARM in deferring
Under the Interlocutory Appeals Act, review remains discretionary and may be available when the trial judge certifies that the interlocutory order involves a controlling question of law, as to which there is substantial grounds for difference of opinion, immediate appeal from the order may materially advance the ultimate termination of litigation, and appeals court then agrees to allow the appeal.
In determining whether to certify a class action, the court will consider (4 req.’s +defs)
(+ bonus classifications)
NUMEROSITY (that joinder is impracticable), any COMMON Q L/F , the named P’s interest must be TYPICAL of the class and ADEQUATELY REP the absent class members and rep of class
Bonus: Additionally, the action must fall into a category of risk of inconsistent results to where separate trials would impair all ptfs, def acted or refused to act on grounds applicable to the whole class to where injunctive relief would be inapplicable, or common questions of law or fact predominate to where a class action is the superior method of adjudication.
Broad R to obtain a sec int (2)
Broad attachment Rule
Procedure to attach (3)
To obtain a valid sec int in collateral, a creditor must ATTACH the collateral.
To attach a valid security interest,
1. sec’d party gives value to the debtor
2. the debtor must have rights in the collateral (ownership/possession)
3. and the debtor must authenticate (sign) sec agreement describing the collateral or the sec’d P otherwise retains possession/control —- SUPER GENERIC NOT OKAY
General Perfection Rule
To obtain rights against a third party claimant to a debtors collateral, a secured party must also perfect its security interest.
Unless automatically perfected (like a PMSI), a creditor can perfect its security interest in goods by
1. Filing, in the proper public office, a financing statement that IDs THE PARTIES, authorized by Debtor, & describes the collateral —- SUPER GENERIC OKAY
2. Or by taking possession/control
If a security agreement includes an AAP clause, the sec int attaches when _____________________.
AAP R for Consumer Goods?
If a security agreement includes an AAP clause, the sec int attaches when the debtor OBTAINS AN INT in the property.
For consumer goods, an AAP CL is ineffective unless the debtor acquires within 10D after given value
A PMSI arises when __________ or ______________.
PMSI in CONSUMER goods perf R: ____
A PMSI in inventory if perfected upon _______ and will have priority over other inventory if ______ and ______
A PMSI arises when a creditor sells the goods to the debtor on credit (or advances funds to purchase the goods), RETAINING A SEC INT in the goods
A PMSI in CONSUMER goods is automatically perfected upon attachment.
The PMSI in inventory is perfected upon filing and will hold priority over other inventory if the the PMSI is perfected upon Debtor’s possession AND sec’d P sends a NOTIFICATION of the PMSI TO THE HOLDER of any conflicting sec interests before the debtor receives possession
A PMSI in equipment or other goods has priority over conflicting sec interest if
the PMSI is perfected before or within 20D of the debtor RECEIVING POSSESSION
Proceeds are ___________ OR ELSE ___________ or ______________
Proceeds perfection R: ____
identifiable proceeds attachment rule and perfection rule
that which is acquired upon disposition of the collateral.
Proceeds are perfected automatically (after attachment) if the sec int in the original collateral is perfected within 20D or else perfection beyond 20D must be pursuant to the financing statement or identifiable cash.
A sec’d int automatically attaches to identifiable proceeds and automatically perf for 20D.
Chattel paper is…
A deposit account is …
+ DNI?
+ method of perfection?
the document used to sell property on credit while retaining some interest in the property.
a right to payment obligation maintained with a bank.
DNI investment accounts
*can only be perfected by control
The authenticated record is…
The financing statement is…
is the sec agreement in a record which contains
1. a description of the collateral
2. and is authenticated by the debtor.
is the statement filed in the proper public office that contains
1. the parties names
2. and a description of the collateral
A BOCB is… (5)
Shelter Rule for BOCB
A buyer for goods who has given NEW VALUE in the ordinary course to a seller in the business of selling goods of that kind in GOOD FAITH w/o actual knowledge of a conflicting int
Under the Shelter Principle, if a buyer a acquires property free of a security interest, then any subsequent transfer by the buyer to someone else is also free of the security interest.
***The second buyer is not required to qualify as a BOCB.
General Buyer Collateral Rule?
However, a Consumer Buyer of consumer goods takes ____________ even if ________________ unless _____________.
A consumer buyer is (def)
(A buyer of collateral subject to a perfected sec int generally takes the collateral subject to that int. However,)
A consumer buyer of consumer goods takes free of a sec int, even if it is a perfected PMSI, unless prior to the purchase, the sec’d party filed a financing statement COVERING the goods.
A consumer buyer is a person who buyers consumer goods for value, for his own personal, family or household use, from a consumer seller, without knowledge of the sec int.
Marriage is _____________
3 Elements of a ceremonial marriage
A marriage is a civil contract involving the legal Union of two people.
1. Consent
2. Capacity (age usually 18 unless parent consent)
3. Compliance w/ legal formalities (usually a license and solemnization by an authorized officer)
Legal formalities for a marriage license (& when it will be rejected)
Age- usually 18+ or need parental consent
Waiting period
Premarital testing if nec (results cannot block issuance)
License not issued if a party is married to someone else, parties are too closely related, sham marriage, or parties of incapable of understanding the nature
A CL marriage is…. (2 parts)
A CL marriage generally requires.. (4)
A valid marriage that creates marital rights and obligations IDENTICAL to a ceremonial marriage without having performed the legal requirements. CL marriage has been abolished in most states.
1. Consent- both parties must agree and be old enough and not related
2. Cohabitate
3. Holding out in public (joint bank account, telling fam & friends they’re married, etc)
An annulment is …..
void marriage is…
3 types of void marriages
An annulment is a judicial declaration that a marriage was invalid due to an impediment at the time of the marriage, and therefore, never occurred. It may be void or voidable.
void marriage- was never valid from the start and cannot be made valid (judicial decree unnec).
1. Bigamy (although under the UMDA, a bigamous marriage can be validated upon the removal of the impediment- when the prior marriage has been terminated as long as good faith)
**also under presumption of validity, the last of several marriage is presumed valid
2. Incest / blood relationship
3. Incapacity (P lacks ability to understand the nature- voidable if P gains capacity under the UMDA)
What is a limited divorce (& 2 common situations)
A limited divorce is when the court resolves support and property issues while the parties live apart and remain legally married (mainly medical or religious situations)
A divorce is….
Filing for divorce requires…. (Divorce jx). This allows____________
To divide marital assets in a divorce______________
Modification R?
A divorce is a judicial decree that terminates the legal marriage.
Filing for divorce requires at least one of the parties to be a resident of that state. P jx of merely one of the parties will allow a state court to issue a divorce decree and then other states may recognize the decree through FF&C CL.
To divide marital assets, a court needs pjx over both parties. Property distribution orders are generally not modifiable, absent fraud.
Ex parte divorce is… (what is it + limitation)
When a court with personal jx over only one spouse can issues a divorce decree but can not determine property division, maintenance or custody issues
3 requirements for enforceability of premarital agreements
- Full & fair disclosure (of assets/obligations or else unconscionable)
- Fair & rsb terms (considering wealth, age, and health of parties- no public assistance or child custody/support)
- Voluntary signed in writing by both (no fraud, duress, time pressure, consider business experience & opportunity for legal counsel)
Modification of a premarital agreement may be prohibited if…
*ct caveat?
Under the UPAA, ________________ unless______________.
Always consider _________
The parties include a no-modification clause in the agreement, but the ct may always modify child support, provisions, despite a no-modification clause.
Under the UPAA (Uniform Premarital Agreement Act), modification or elimination of spousal support is permitted unless it would leave a spouse to depend on welfare.
Always consider public policy.
Community property vs equitable distribution
Community property- all marital property (acquired during marriage no gift/inheritance) split 50/50
ED- equitable split not nec equal (ct will consider length of marriage, health/income/age of spouses, education, child rearing, future needs, standard of living). NO MODIFICATION UNLESS FRAUD
General spouse support duty R:
spousal support is… (def)
To modify a spousal support order, one must show_________
Generally, a spouse has a duty to support their spouse.
Spousal support is the obligation of one party to provide financial support to the other, even upon divorce, if that person cannot provide for his or her own needs (cannot be discharged in bankruptcy)
*to modify, show a sub change in circumstance
The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act acts as a __________ (hint: pro)
LAS for PJx over a nonresidents to establish or enforce child support
General child support R:
7 factors to consider in determining child support
Both parents have an absolute duty to support their children until the child reaches the age of majority or is otherwise emancipated.
Ages, special needs, party obligations, assets, medical expenses, standard of living and BIOTC
Child custody is….
Uniform Child Custody Jx & Enf Act (UCCJEA) 2 part analysis
How is “home state” defined?
What is considered evi for sig connection?
*continuing jx R
In awarding child custody, the court will consider ___________, which encompasses (5 things)
Modifying a support order requires _____________such as (2)
Child custody is a parent’s right to make legal and/or physical decisions affecting a child’s life.
- Grants SMJ if child’s HOME STATE (residence w/ parent since birth or at least 6 consecutive months or was child’s home state for at least 6 months and 1 parents continues to live there)
- Allows ct to enter/modify order IF NO HOME STATE as long as SIG CONNECTION AND EVI in the state regarding CHILD CARE)
**Ct that makes initial ruling has exclusive cont jx until neither parents nor child resides in state or child no longer has sig connection & no more evi available
In awarding child custody, the court will consider the BIOTC (encompasses parent’s wishes, the child’s wishes, ability for the parent to provide for child’s needs, adjustment to home/community)
Modifying a support order requires a showing of a substantial change in circumstances, such as the needs of the child or the ability for the parent to pay
A ct may have Temporary emergency jx over a child for custody orders if _________
child is in immediate danger (if prior order exists, rsb time for parties to return to original state)
*order will cont until future determination or emergency order will cont
The Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act (PKPA) requires that ______________ as long as _______________ and ______________
state courts MUST give FF&C to child custody decrees of other state courts when: (1) issuing court had jx
AND (2) the assertion of jx consistent with the jx requirements of the PKPA.
UCCJA or UCCIEA (most states)= sub same requirements as the
РКРА
Visitation Rule (including the presumption)
Denial of visitation only allowed if…
Generally, there is a rebuttable presumption that the noncustodial parents should be granted RSB VISITATION w/ a minor. Visitation cannot be denied for non-payment of child support.
Denial of visitation is only allowed if it would seriously endanger the child’
6 situations that will terminate parental rights + standard
clear and convincing proof of
abuse (even of a sibling), abandonment, neglect, incapacity or proof that the child has been placed outside the home of a relative for 15 of the past 22 months
*note- biological parents may voluntarily give up their parental rights
Adoption is _____________
Generally, adoption may only occur…
However, (consent caveat) ___________
Adoption is the legal severance of the biological parent’s legal rights and responsibilities for the child (visitation rights usually lost) for their child.
Generally, both bio parents need consent, apart from cases of mental illness or abandonment. And if child is non-marital, consent of bio father only req.’d if he has assumed responsibility
UPAA governs ____________
Challenger must prove __________ OR _________________.
COL caveat?
Uniform Premarital and Marital Agreements Act governs the enforcement of premarital agreements. Specifically, the party against whom enf is sought must prove involuntariness OR unconscionability.
The act also allows parties to a prenup to choose which state’s marriage laws apply.
A debtor may give security rights in future property by…
Including an after acquired property clause
General Authority R (from P to A) Actual Authority may be express or implied….
Parties must have?
An agent has the power to bind the principal to a contract when the agent acts with actual or apparent authority Actual authority may be express or implied. Express authority is when the P clearly gives authority to A through oral or written words.
implied authority exists when the PRINCIPAL’s conduct leads the A to RSBLY believe that she has authority, such as through nec acts to complete a transaction on the P’s behalf
***must have consent (capacity)
General Rule for Apparent Auth?
Apparent authority exists when ______________ due to _____________
Will establish ___________ liability.
Even when an A lacks actual or authority, the P can be held liable for the A’s acts if the A acted with Apparent Auth.
Apparent Auth exists when the third party dealing with the agent RSBly believes that the agent has authority to act on the P’s behalf due to an act or neg from the P (holding out A as an agent)
**will amount to vicarious liability
a P may be vicariously liable (3 parts) if
the A or emp was acting within the scope of their employ, made a minor deviation from employ, or committed an intentional torts for P’s benefit
an A will be liable for contracts entered into with a third party if (3 parts)
- the A had no actual or apparent authority to enter into the K
- if the P is undisclosed to the 3rd P (where the 3rd P does not know the A is acting on another’s behalf)
- or if the P is partially disclosed (3rd P knows A is working on behalf of a P but doesn’t know ID)
A General Prtnrship is (3 parts + test + liability)
The association of two or more persons to carry on a for-profit business as co-owners. All partners will be J/S L.
Specific intent to form a Prtnrshp unnec (only the agreement to form a for-profit business together). No paperwork is needed and will be the default if parties have improperly tried to form another business association.
TEST- sharing of profits (presumption). Also, exercise of control & day-to-day operations considered.
Generally, an agent is prohibited from delegating authority to a 3rdP without…….
P’s express authorization
Revocation of Agency Authority is effective… unless___________
As soon as either party gives notice to the other party (unless A has an interest in the subject matter of the power)
6 ways to terminate the agency relationship besides revocation
Agreement states expiration, change in circumstances, passage of time, loss of capacity, A’s breach of fiduciary duty, revocation
An agent has a duty to their Prinicipal of… (3 + basic definitions)
A principal has a duty to it’s agent to… (3)
- Duty of care (follow instructions, rsbly perform, notify P, diligence, etc)
- Duty of loyalty (avoid self-int)
- Accounting (provide P with notice of issues and info of funds)
- Rsb compensation (unless A has agreed on gratuitous)
- Reimbursement (for expenses and losses rsbly incurred in carrying out duties)
- Cooperation (P must cooperate with A to help A carry out functions)
3 ways to end a prtnrship
- Death of any partner
- End of a definite term / completion
- Partner dissociates
When a partner dissociates from a partnership (which occurs when ___________) _________ occurs which triggers _________ (define).
When a partner dissociates (may occur at any time upon desire to withdraw, agreed upon event, expulsion or bankruptcy) dissolution occurs which triggers the winding up of the assets (procedure by which the prtnrship assets are liquidated and creditors are paid).
An LLP is…
Any partnership can become an LLP upon _____________ and _____________.
Who has Liability before vs after LLP statement is filed?
An LLP is a partnership that limits a partner’s personal liability obligations and actions of the business.
Any partnership can become an LLP upon approval of partners by vote and filing a statement of qualification with the state containing partner names, addresses, election and effective date.
Before statement is filed, partners are jointly and severally liable.
After the statement is filed, LLP partner is liable.
Ratification will allow __________even if ______________ as long as ____________and then ______________.
P to be liable for the acts of the A, even if the A lacked authority as long as P KNEW the material facts w/ capacity to authorize a transaction and then affirmed/manifested the BENEFIT of the transaction.
An LP is…
Define general partner vs limited partner (+ liability)
An LP is formed by
An LP is a partnership that contains both general partners and limited partners for purposes of liability. General partners manage and control day-to-day operations (owe same fiduciaries as a general partnership & are J/S L) while limited partners have limited authority and are usually passive investors (no fiduciary duties and liable only to the extent of their investment)
Formation - Filing a certificate of limited partnership that contains names, addresses and signatures of general partners with the state
Consumer goods are _______
Inventory refers to _________
Equipment refers to _________
Goods bought primarily for household, family or personal purposes.
Goods other than farm products that are for sale or lease or (includes goods at a store, raw material, work in process or materials used/consumed in business like fuel or wood)
Goods other than consumer goods, inventory, or farm products that is generally used the business, such as machinery, vehicles or computers
Farm Products are
Goods such as crops, livestock, and supplies used or produced in farming operation
Default occurs when…
Sec’d P has a right to ______ or________ as long as _____________
Courts will consider….3
The debtor does not make the required payments to the sec’d party. The sec’d party has a statutory right to repossess the collateral pursuant to the judicial process or self help as long as the sec’d party does not breach the peace.
To determine whether repossession was peaceful courts examine: (i) where the repossession took place; (ii) who was present; and (iii) whether any protests were made. In general, breaking into locked property is a breach of the peace.
A promoter is personally liable for _______________ even if _______________
Unless ____ (3)
A promoter is personally liable for KNOWINGLY ACTING on behalf of a corp even if the Corp has not come into existence unless
1. NOVATION releasing the promoter from liability
2. A 3RD P RELIES ON the corp for performance
3. or the promoter had NO ACTUAL KNOWLDEGE that the corp’s charter has not yet been issued
Corp liability for preincorp transactions
Corp is not liable for pre-in Corp transactions, even those for the benefit of the Corp
A security interest in a nonconsumer deposit account is perfected by…
control
Art 9 governs…
Sec interests of personal property and fixtures, and provides the rules for their priority
Minor errors in the debtor’s name = ok unless________
Primary example? Unless______
Minors errors = ok (will not render the fin statement ineffective) unless seriously misleading
Sufficient name of debtor = seriously misleading unless statement discoverable in search of the records of the filing office under correct name
Art III requires… and permits…
The judiciary has the power to review..
Art III requires the establishment of a SC and permits Congress to create other fed courts w/ limitations
The judiciary has the pwr to review:
1. Another branch act and declare uncon
2. The constitutionality of a decision by a state’s highest ct
3. And state actions under the supremacy CL
11th A prohibits
+ 4 exceptions
a state or state agency for being sued in fed ct unless
consent, inj/dec relief, when damages are paid by the officer and Congressional enforcement of 13, 14, & 15
4 Standing Requirements (w/ definitions)
- Injury in fact- concrete & particularized (future must be actual/imminent)
- Causation- injury caused by D’s violation of a con or other fed right
- Redressability- the requested relief is likely to prevent injury
- Prudential- PARTY = proper party in invoke judicial resolution
An organization may sue on its own behalf or on behalf of its members if… (3)
- Members would have standing in their own right
- the interests at stake are germane to the ORG’S PURPOSE
- Member participation = unnec
The Commerce Clause of the Constitution grants Congress the BROAD pwr to _____________ including (3)
Regulate commerce btwn the states, including the Channels and instrumentalities of interstate commerce (including persons and things moving in) as well as any activity that substantially affects interstate commerce.
Congress May regulate INTRAstate non-economic activity as long as…
there is a RATL BASIS for concluding that there is a cumulative national impact that has a SUBSTANTIAL EFFECT ON interstate commerce
5 limitations on conditional funding
- Condition must be for general welfare
- Conditions must be CLEAR
- Relate to fed interest in particular nat’l project/program
- No uncon requests
- And no commandeering- cant exceed the point to which pressure turns into compulsion
The entire DCC Rule
As enumerated in the constitution, Congress has the power to regulate commerce among the states and foreign nations. The dormant commerce clause, also known as the negative implication of the commerce clause, allows states to regulate in commerce areas where the Congress has not already enacted a law unless:
1. The state law is discriminatory against other states- to where it protects the local economy at the expense of out-of-state competitors (& even if the law is discriminatory, it will still be permitted if the state is acting as a market participant, had clear permission from Congress, is acting on a traditional state function such as waste disposal, or its nec to achieve an important non-economic state interest where there are no rsb alt)
2. The state law avoids regulating wholly out-of-state activity:
3. And there is no undue burden on interstate commerce
State action is… requires….
(+DNI)
Necessary to trigger con protections (includes traditional govt functions or sig state involvement like joint venture). Needs state affirmative act to facilitate, encourage or authorize activity.
DNI mere licensing
A lease will be considered a security agreement for the purposes of ART 9 when…
Consignments will be considered a security agreement when…
The economic reality of the transaction involves personal property (especially where there is a payment obligation and the lease has some sort of “economic life”)
Delivery to a merchant that deals in goods of that kind— no auctioneers — he uses his own name (individual or biz), & not known by creditors to be engaged in selling others’ goods
***no consumer goods and the value must be at least 1K
A disposition if collateral is deemed commercially rsb BY LAW if (3 different ways)
+ Order of proceeds disposition after a sale/auction (sec’d trans)
- Usual manner of a recognized market
- At the current price in any recognized market @ time of dis
- Or in conformity w/ rsb comm practices among dealers w/ similar property
Disposition expenses then Satisfaction of the obligation owed to the disposing sec’d P then subordinate interests
Effect of a sec’d party’s disposition in collateral
After default when the sec’d party disposes of the collateral, the sec’d party’s interest is discharged as well as any subordinate sec interests
Slayer statute bars…
An individual who feloniously and intentionally kills the decedent (D)
**includes vol man but not invol man
Lapse R (IOW when will the gift fail?)
vs anti-lapse conditions
Generally, if a B does not survive T, the gift will lapse/fail. However, an anti-lapse statute will save the gift if B had living descendants related by blood
To distribute assets in a divorce… (2 req.’s)
There must have been a valid marriage and pjx over both parties
Define these types of gifts
Specific
General
Demonstrative
Residue
- Specific - property distinguished with rsb accuracy from T’s other property
- General- property that is described in a general manner, not as specific as a specific gift, but can still be ID’d from T’s estate. General gifts must “speak” and be clear at the time of death
- Demonstrative- comes from a particular source
- Residuary- property that remains in the estate after all other gifts are made
Articles of Incorporation are… they must include (4)
Bylaws are….
Bonus: under the RMBCA, bylaws may not contain…
The governing documents of a Corp
1. Corp name
2. # of shares Corp is authorized
3. Address of registered office
4. Name & address of each incorporator
Rules and regulations adopted by the BOD that govern the internal operations and management of a Corp.
Bonus: Under the RMBCA, bylaws may not contain provisions that are inconsistent with the Articles or a law of that jx
Shareholder has a right to inspect records if… (2)
Proper purposes related to SH interest and 5D notice
A direct action is…
A derivative action is…
+ standing req (2)
+procedure (2)
A suit for injury/breach of a duty OWED TO A SH (must be actual injury to HIM & not simply injury suffered by Corp) ***rare
A suit by SH on behalf of the corp for breach of fiduciary
Standing-
1. P must have been a SH @ time of the wrong AND time action was filed AND cont as a SH during lit AND Must fairly & accurately rep corp interests
Pro- serve written demand on board unless futile (don’t forget about business judgment rule)
STRATEGY:
1. Whether a breach has occurred
2. ID SH remedy
Business Judgment Rule + effect on liability.
Rebuttable presumption that directors/other corporate officers acted within the BIOTCorp if acted in GOOD FAITH and same care that an ORDINARY PRUDENT OFFICER in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances.
Result = insulated from breaching the duty of care
A quorum exists when…
A majority of directors in office are present (at time of vote)
*will be valid unless articles say otherwise
In a prtnrship, how will a transferee become a partner?
All partners consent
How is the agency relationship structured in a prtnrship?
A partner is an agent of the prtnrship and May contractually bind the prtnrship when the partner acts with actual or apparent authority (for business purposes)
How does a partnership convert into an LLP? (2)
Approval by all partners and file a statement of qualification with the state
an ultra vires act is _________
3 possible consequences?
Act beyond the scope of the specific corp’s purpose (usually found in articles)
Consequences include a SH suit, a Corp suit (directly on an officer) or state action to dissolve
to cleanse a director’s self-dealing/COI, he may use the safe harbor R, which requires…..(2)
- remaining FAIR TO THE CORP given the circumstances
- Received approval after disclosing material facts by either a majority of the disinterested SH or BOD
A def may be found liable for strict liability if (3 general elements)
- FSB high risk of sig physical harm
- Even w/ RSB care
- Activity not commonly engaged in
A codicil is.. (def + effect related to date)
A Holographic will is… (def + 3 req.s)
An amendment, modification or alteration to a previously existing will. When a codicil is validly executed, the OG Will is treated as republished and deemed to have been executed on the date the codicil was executed.
A holographic will is an unwitnessed handwritten will. These are not recognized in all states. If recognized, they will revoke a prior valid will.
Req.= T’s handwriting, SIGNED, and show intent to make a will (not say, simply a LTR that expresses intent to amend a will).
COL to determine will validity CL vs UPC
CL- T’s domicile @ time of death
UPC- where will was executed OR T is domiciled at time of death
An Agent is________ in order to________
+ 3 req.’s
A person or entity that acts on behalf of another (or a principal) to create a fiduciary relationship.
Bonus 3 requirements: need assent (formal or informal agreement), benefit of the P, and control of P to A
Vicarious liability may STILL be found in Emp-IC relationships for these 3 situations
- Inherently dangerous/hazardous activity
- Nondelegable duty (care)
- Implied apparent auth w/ rsb reliance
**P be liable if neg training/hiring
Generally, property is partnership property if…..
Property acquired solely in the name of a partner is presumed to be separate property (even if used for prtnrshp purposes) if… (2)
If acquires in the name of the partnership
1. He avoids using prtnrshp assets to acquire the property
2. And no written title instrument references the prtnrshp
a parter breaches the duty of care in these 3 situations
a) grossly negligence/ or reckless conduct;
(b) intentional misconduct; OR
(c) a knowing violation
of law.
An LLC is _______________
It is formed when________________ and __________________.
An LLC is a business entity that relieves its owners of personal liability for debts and obligations of the company.
It is formed by by filing a signed certificate w/ sec of state and the company has at least 1 member.
Member-managed vs manager- managed LLC
+ presumption
+requirement for member managed
Manager-managed is when the LLC is run by an elected group of managers, who manage the company similar to a BOD.
Presumption = member managed
*The Operating Agreement must state that the LLC is manager-managed
________________ will liable for a pre-incorporation K where the K was subsequently adopted by the Corp? Unless (2)
BOTH the Corp AND the promoter (unless novation or K specifically absolves promoter)
Implied adoption of a pre-incorporation K occurs when
The Corp has reason to know or knows the material terms of the K and accepts a benefit from the K
3 requirements for a De Facto Corp
+standing requirement
- GOOD FAITH ATTEMPT to incorporate
- Otherwise eligible to incorporate
- TOOK ACTION indicating that it considered itself a Corp
***only a person who was unaware that Corp was not properly formed may assert
Piercing the veil occurs when….
4 situations where a court will Pierce the Corporate Veil (+LLC caveat).
Once the corp veil is pierced, _____________________ unless_____________.
A ct is able reach into the personal liability of SHs apart from its limited liability
1. ALTER-EGO / noseparation btwn Corp and SHs
2. SH failed to follow corporate formalities
3. INADEQUATE CAPITALIZATION of the Corp at its inception to cover debts/liabilities
4. Preventing FRAUD/ILLEGALITY
***all applies to LLCs except #3
Once the corp veil is pierced, all persons composing the corp (SH) maybe personally liable unless not involved in active management
Authorized shares are___________. Found where?
The maximum # of shares a corp MAY ISSUE, as set in the articles.
In order to increase the # of shares to be issued, a corp must…. (3)
- Amend the articles
- Changes must be adopted by the BOD
- Changes must be approved by a majority of SHs
Outstanding shares are (def)
Under the RMBCA each outstanding share is entitled to ___________ unless _____________
The total # of shares issued by the Corp and held by the SHs.
Under the RMBCA (revised model bus Corp act), each outstanding share is entitled to ONE VOTE unless provided in Articles
Which shareholders are entitled to vote?
SH registered on the record date
RMBCA, Record date cannot be fixed more than ___ days before SH meeting.
If not fixed at all, default = ?
70
Default = day before the first notice is delivered to SH
A valid proxy SH must be ___________ or ______________.
Signed on an APPOINTMENT FORM or an ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION.
A proxy SH must be accepted if
On its face there is no rsb grounds to deny its genuineness and authenticity
A proxy Is only valid for ________ months, unless proxy form provides otherwise.
11
Revocability of proxy agreements +even if_____________
+unless ________ AND ____________
Proxy agreements are freely revocable by the SH, even if proxy states that its irrevocable.
**unless proxy expressly states and it is coupled with an interest/right
A special meeting is __________
Proper notice to Shareholders for a SPECIAL MEETING = more than ____ but less than ___ and must include________
A special meeting is reserved for business involving fundamental changes that require SH approval. Notice must be more than 10D but less than 60D to all SH eligible to vote AND include full description of the purpose of the meeting.
2 ways to waive notice of a special meeting
Delivering a signed writing to the Corp OR attending the meeting without objecting at the beginning of the meeting
5 requirements for SH to have the right to inspect and copy corp’s accounting records
- Inspection made during regular business hours
- 5D written notice
- Written notice describes w/ rsb particularity
- Good faith / proper purpose
- Records are directly connected with that purpose
***note that certain records may be inspected without purpose (articles, bylaws, annual reports, meeting minutes, BOD resolutions, communication to SH)
Under the RMBCA, unless the articles state otherwise, the BOD may hold regular meetings with _____ days notice and special meetings with ______ days notice.
Special notice requirements =?
0 and 2
Date , time & place only
A secretary of a Corp normally has the authority to ___________________
Maintain and authenticate records of the Corp
Restrictions on the transfer of shares of the Corp must be _____________.
An absolute restraint will be _________.
Rsb
Invalid
2 requirements of the fiduciary duty of loyalty
- Director must act in the best interests of the corp
- And without personal COI
3 situations of a corporate COI
- Director/officer or a family member is a PARTY to the transaction
- ^^ beneficial interest / close link that would affect judgment
- Or is involved w/ another entity conducting business w/ the corp