SP 22 Concepts Flashcards
Pleadings
A paper containing factual assertions that support jurisdiction and legal claims in a civil lawsuit.
5 Kinds:
- Complaint
- Answer
- Counterclaim
- Crossclaim
- Reply
FRCP 7(a)
Complaint
Plaintiffs first pleading stating grounds for federal subject matter jurisdiction and factual assertions and claim against opposing party
FRCP 7(a)
Answer
Defendants first pleading, which responds to the factual allegations of the complaint and asserts defenses and sometimes claims by the defendant.
Needs to be filed within 21 days.
FRCP 7(a)
Counterclaim
When the defendant includes a claim against the plaintiff
FRCP 7(a)
Crossclaim
When the defendant includes a claim against a codefendant
FRCP 7(a) FRCP 13(g)
Reply
Uncommon and often needs the court permission. This is a response to an answer
FRCP 7(a)
Pleading w Particularity
Must give strong inference that the defendant acted with a particular state of mind
Heightened pleading standard for fraud or mistake
FRCP 9(b)
Special Damages
Damages that would not normally be anticipated
FRCP 9(g)
Claim for Relief
Needs:
1) short and plain statement of the grounds for the courts jurisdiction toon
2) short and plain statement of the claim showing pleader is entitled to relief
3) demand for relief sought
FRCP 8(a)
Alternative Claims or Theories
A party to a pleading may set out 2 or more statements of a claim or defense alternatively or hypothetically
And claims maybe inconsistent
FRCP 8(d)
TWIQBAL
Twombley—did away w no set of facts standard for alternative statements in pleadings
Iqbal- created plausibility standard for alternative statements
Plausibility Standard
- somewhere between possible and probable
- standard varies by circuit
- context specific
- reviewing court to draw on it judicial experiences and common sense
FRCP 8(d)
Defendants options in responding to a complaint
- Do Nothing (Rule 55)
- File an answer
- File a motion to dismiss (Rule 12)
- File both a motion and an answer
Default Judgement
-failure to plead or otherwise defend after 21 days
(Condition subsequent)
-can be entered by clerk or judge
-may set aside for good cause proven by unresponsive party
FRCP 55
Grounds for Relief from a final judgement
1) Mistake, surprise, excusable neglect
2) Newly discovered evidence
3) Fraud
4) Void judgement
5) judgement has been satisfied
6) Any other reason that justifies
FRCP 60(b)
Time to Serve Responsive Pleadings
1) 21 days after being served the summons
2) 14 days after a pre answer motion is denied
FRCP 12(a)
Defenses aka Pre-answer motions
A) lack of SMJ B) lack of PJ C) Improper venue D) Insufficient process E) Insufficient service of process F) Failure to state a claim G) Failure to join a party
FRCP 12(b)
Motion for a more definite Statement
Must be made before a response
Must point out the defects within the pleading
Must articulate the details desired
FRCP 12(e)
Rule 12(b) Motions that are waived if not joined within earliest pleadings/motions
Lack of personal jurisdiction
Improper venue
Insufficient process
Insufficient service of process
FRCP 12(g&h)
Rule 12(b) Motions that can be raised anytime
Lack of subject matter jurisdiction
Failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted
Failure to join a party under rule 19
FRCP 12(g&h)
When Responding to a Pleading a Party Must:
- state in short and plain terms it’s defenses to each claim asserted
- admit or deny the allegations asserted against it by An opposing party.
FRCP 8(b)
Affirmative Defenses
Found In FRCP 8(c)
Accord and Satisfaction Arbitration and award Assumption of risk Contributory negligence Duress Estoppel Failure of consideration Fraud Illegality Injury by fellow servant Laches License Payment Release Res Judicata Statute of Frauds Statute of Limitations
Signature
Every paper submitted to the court must be signed by the attorney of record or personally by the pro se individual
FRCP 11(a)
PLEE
Representations to the Court
P= no improper Purpose L= Legally non frivolous E= Evidence to support facts E= Evidence to support denials or defenses
FRCP 11(b)