Rules Flashcards
rule 4
summons
what does process consist of?
a summons and a copy of the complaint (tells D what the claims are)
who can service be made by?
any non party who is at leas 18
types of service
1) personal service (anywhere)
2) substituted service (only can be served at the D’s dwelling or usual abode and must serve someone of suitable age and discretion who resides there)
3) serve’s def’s agent
4) 4(e)(2) allows to use methods of service under state law (certified mail)
rules for service on businesses
1) serve an officer or manager or general agent
2) permits service of a summons anywhere within the state in which the district court sits (in harmony with enabling act)
how to waive service
1) waiver by first class mail and easy to do 2 )plaintiff mails to the def process and 2 copies of a waiver form and self-addressed envelope
if D mails back waiver form what happens?
she waived formal service of process
why would a defendant waive service of process?
1) they will have longer to reply with defensive response
2) process requires 21 days but waiver you have 60
3) if they don’t return waiver and does not have good cause then the def must pay cost of service
what is the geographic limitation of serving process?
within a state which the fed ct sits
what is the special service rule of rule 4?
applies to parties joined under rules 14 or 19 and allows for service within a judicial district of the US and no more than 100 miles from where the summons was issued (“bulge rule”)
when is service permitted?
when authorized by a fed statute
what two steps does a limited federal long-arm statute call for? (international D)
1 )is D subject to jurisdiction in any of the 50 states?
2) do D’s contacts with the US satisfy due process
rule 5
service
Rule 8
complaints/pleadings
what does rule 8 require the D to do?
either admit, deny or plead insufficient info in response to each allegation.
what does failure to deny under rule 8 constitute?
an admission but doesn’t apply to damages
what was rule 8(d) motivated by (amended and supplemental pleadings)
belief that anyone with any injury should be able to plead a case w/o needing to know the terms.
under rule 8 what must a complaint contain?
a “short and plain” statement of why the court has jurisdiction and why the pleader is entitled to relief and what relief is being sought.
Rule 9
special circumstances
what does rule 9 do?
heightened the pleading requirement beyond the requirements of Twiqbal. (fraud, mistake or special damages. need details)
Rule 11
signing/representations/sanctions
what does rule 11 apply to?
all docs except discovery
characteristics of rule 11
1) requires attorney to sign all docs
2) sanctions are discretionary
3) safe harbor- 21 days to fix problem, then can file motion
4) rule applies to every paper filed in court other than discovery
what are the requirements for a complaint under rule 11?
1) SMJ
2) short and plain statement of claim
3) demand for relief
3 rules from Twiqbal when reviewing a complaint
1) ignores conclusions of law and focuses on the alleged facts
2) facts must support plausible claim, not just a possible claim
3) to determine plausibility the judge uses their own experience and common sense (subjective)
Rule 12
defenses
what two options does rule 12 give Ds?
1) file a responsive pleading (answer)
2) file a motion that raises one or more of the defenses and objections set out in that rule (7 defenses in rule 12(b) can be raised if answer is not waived)
under rule 12 what is motion for judgement on the pleadings?
requires an answer to be filed first and allows for resolution of an issue or entire case prior to discovery.
when is a rule 12 motion for judgement on the pleadings appropriate?
1) when D has not offered a legally sufficient denial in his answer
2) if there’s some legal bar to recovery
3) if it’s clear after the complaint that the case will turn on a pure question of law (no facts)