Semester 2 Flashcards
What puts all potential claimants in one suit to avoid multiple inconsistent judgments?
Interpleader
What are the 2 types of interpleader?
Rule (regular) interpleader under R22, all rules of jurisdiction, service, and venue apply.
Statutory interpleader allows for diversity between any 2 claimants, an AIC of $500, and nationwide jurisdiction.
Under R23, what must be satisfied to certify a class?
Numerosity, commonality, Typicality, Adequate representation. Also the class category is one of Incompatible Standards, Limited Funds, Injunctive Relief, Damages.
What is a class category of Incompatible Standards?
Members of the class would risk inconsistent or varying adjudications individually.
What is a class category of Limited Funds?
The number of claims exceed the amount available to satisfy them.
What class category is based on Predominance and Superiority?
Damages class category, where predominant questions of law or fact are over individual questions, and class action is the superior method of adjudicating.
Under Rule 26, what is the scope of discovery?
Any non-privileged matter relevant to claim or defense of any party and proportional to the needs of the case.
How is discovery relevance different than evidentiary relevance?
In terms of discovery, relevance is much broader than evidence. Admissibility is not a determining factor.
Reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence.
What is considered for the proportionality of discovery?
- Importance of the issues at stake.
- Amount in Controversy.
- Relevant access to the information.
- Resources of the parties.
- Importance of discovery to resolving out of court.
- Burden and expense weighed against benefit.
What must be included in a discovery certification?
Any disclosure or discovery request/response must be certified that it is correct as of time made, consistent with the rules, for proper purpose, and not unduly burdensome.
What can a party do to limit requested discovery?
R26(c) allows for a protective order to limit discovery. This can prevent annoyance, embarrassment, undue burden or protect trade secrets. It may also ask that production be of a certain format.
What is required prior to seeking a discovery protective order?
Parties must attempt to meet and confer prior to seeking a protective order on discovery.
How is discovery limited by rule?
Discovery must be nonprivileged and proportional by rule. Discovery can be further limited if unreasonably cumulative, easily obtainable elsewhere, outside the scope or already had ample chance to obtain.
Who may be ordered to produce discovery?
Any party to the case may be ordered to produce discovery. Also, non parties can be ordered to produce discovery under a R45 subpoena.
Who has the burden in discovery disputes?
The requester must show request is relevant. If arguing trade secrets/burdensome, the responding party has the burden.
What is ESI?
ESI is electronically stored information.
How is ESI specifically limited?
R26(b)(2)(B) places limits on ESI if not reasonably accessible because of undue burden or costs. If responding party shows not reasonably accessible, the court can still order production if requesting shows good cause.
When discovery is unduly burdensome, the court may shift costs. What factors are considered for cost-shifting?
The court will consider:
Extent request is specifically tailored to relevant info,
Availability from other sources,
Total costs of production compared to AIC and resources,
Ability of either to control costs,
Importance of issues at stake,
Relative benefits to the parties.
What is Attorney-Clint privilege in Civil Procedure?
Attorney client privilege mirrors evidence. Statements made between the attorney and client, or representatives.
What is an Upjohn warning?
An Upjohn warning provides notice to employees of a company that an attorney works for the company and not the employee, statements by employees may not be protected.
What is the work-product doctrine?
The work product doctrine protects documents and tangible things prepared in anticipation of litigation from discovery. However a court may order those disclosed upon a showing of substantial need.
What is never discoverable as work product?
The mental impressions, conclusions, opinions, or legal theories of a parties attorney are always protected.
What test is used to determine if material was prepared in anticipation of litigation?
The majority use a “because of” test to determine if material was prepared in anticipation of litigation.
What is a Privilege Log?
Under R26(b)(5), when information is withheld as privileged, a log must note the nature of information not disclosed in a manner that will allow parties to assess the claim without revealing the information.