The Court System - How It Works - What It Means Tenant Rights

7/18/2019 The Court System - How It Works - What It Means Tenant Rights

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THE COURT SYSTEM - HOW IT WORKS - WHAT IT MEANS

THE COURT SYSTEM - HOW IT WORKS - WHAT IT MEANS

The legal syste !n the U.S. !s "ase# $n the ph!l$s$phy that the t%&e

'a(ts $' a g!)en s!t&at!$n--an# hen(e *&st!(e--w!ll ee%ge !' the

pa%t!es t$ a ($&%t a(t!$n a(t as a#)e%sa%!es %athe% than as ($$pe%at!)e

pa%t!(!pants. The the$%y !s that !' ea(h s!#e )!g$%$&sly a#)an(es !ts

$wn )e%s!$n $' the 'a(ts+ an !pa%t!al th!%# pe%s$n $% g%$&p $' pe%s$ns

,*ge $% *&%y w!ll s!'t $&t the t%&th. C%!t!(s p$!nt $&t that th!s

syste #epen#s $n e&al!ty $' %ep%esentat!$n ,ass&!ng the pa%t!es a%e

p%$(ee#!ng th%$&gh a#)$(ates. I' $ne a#)$(ate !s "ette% than the $the%+

$% has $%e $ney t$ p%epa%e the (ase+ the t%&th ay n$t ee%ge.

The a#)e%sa%y systes &se has "een espe(!ally (%!t!(!0e# !n 'a!ly law

(ases $n the g%$&n# that !t !ntens!1es #!)!s!$ns w!th!n a 'a!ly %athe%

than ael!$%ates the. 2e(a&se ($$pe%at!$n "etween '$%e% sp$&ses !s

ne(essa%y !' (h!l#%en a%e !n)$l)e#+ the a#)e%sa%y syste sees

pa%t!(&la%ly !napp%$p%!ate !n these !nstan(es. In %esp$nse+ a n&"e% $'

!nn$)at!)e p%$(e#&%es a%e "e!ng &se# t$ help sp$&ses an# #$est!(

pa%tne%s %es$l)e the!% #!sp&tes w!th$&t %e($&%se t$ the t%a#!t!$nal

a#)e%sa%!al app%$a(h. 3$% !nstan(e+ any states %e&!%e $% en($&%age
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pa%ents w!th (h!l#%en wh$ (ant ag%ee $n (&st$#y an# )!s!tat!$n t$ eet

w!th a ($&%t e#!at$%. In th!s eet!ng+ the e#!at$% helps the pa%t!es

t$ e4pl$%e the!% #!5e%en(es an# (%a't the!% $wn s$l&t!$ns. An# !n any

($&n!t!es+ p%!)ate e#!at!$n se%)!(es a%e !n(%eas!ngly a)a!la"le '$%

"$th ($&%t %e'e%%als an# sp$&ses t$ &se "e'$%e e!the% 1les '$% a

#!)$%(e. 3!nally+ any 'a!ly law att$%neys a%e thesel)es "e($!ng

e#!at$%s an# help!ng #!)$%(e-"$&n# pa%t!es t$ %es$l)e the!% #!5e%en(es

w!th$&t the ne(ess!ty $' ea(h pe%s$n ha)!ng an att$%ney.

SOME TERMINO6O7Y

CASE

A (ase #es(%!"es a #!sp&te ta8en t$ ($&%t. An appellate ($&%t #e(!s!$n

p&"l!she# !n a "$$8 $' s&(h #e(!s!$ns !s als$ (alle# a (ase an# ay "e

&se# as g&!#an(e $% p%e(e#ent "y $the% ($&%ts. A pe%s$n #$!ng legal

%esea%(h w!ll ($$nly say that he has t$ l$$8 &p a (ase t$ see !' !ts

%&l!ng $n a p$!nt sh$&l# "e '$ll$we# "y $the% ($&%ts. The ($%e legal

!ss&e !n a (ase !s s$et!es %e'e%%e# t$ as the g%a)aan $' the (ase.

6EA9IN7 CASE

The $st !p$%tant p&"l!she# (ase !n a pa%t!(&la% a%ea $' law !s (alle#

the lea#!ng (ase. S&(h !p$%tant (ases a%e &se# as g&!#an(e "y lawye%s

an# *ges wh$ 'a(e s!!la% !ss&es late%. 3$% e4aple+ !n the a%ea $'

a"$%t!$n+ the lea#!ng (ase !s R$e ). Wa#e.


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6ITI7ATION

6!t!gat!$n !s the p%$(ess $' "%!ng!ng an# p&%s&!ng a laws&!t. 6!t!gat!$n

$'ten p%$(ee#s &(h l!8e t%en(h wa%'a%e !n!t!al ($&%t pape%s #e1ne the

pa%t!es legal p$s!t!$ns as t%en(hes #e1ne "attle1el# p$s!t!$ns. A'te%

the !n!t!al a(t!)!ty+ lawye%s s!t "a(8 '$% se)e%al $nths $% yea%s an#

l$" legal a%t!lle%y at ea(h $the% &nt!l they g%$w t!%e# $' the wa%'a%e

an# "eg!n settleent neg$t!at!$ns. I' settleent !s &ns&((ess'&l ,; l!!ts $n h$w

&(h !n'$%at!$n (an "e $"ta!ne# '%$ the $pp$s!ng pa%ty > %e&!%eents

that (e%ta!n types $' (ases "e a%"!t%ate# ,a s!ple% p%$(e#&%e %athe%

than p&she# th%$&gh the ($&%t syste > %e&!%eents that att$%neys

!n'$% the!% (l!ents $' alte%nat!)e #!sp&te %es$l&t!$n p%$(e#&%es s&(h

as e#!at!$n+ an# > ($&%t-sp$ns$%e# te(hn!&es s&(h as !n!-t%!als an#

ea%ly ne&t%al e)al&at!$n that a%e #es!gne# t$ get the pa%t!es t$ settle

"y g!)!ng the a %eal!st!( assessent $' what !s l!8ely t$ happen !' the

(ase g$es t$ t%!al.


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ACTION

A(t!$n !s an$the% w$%# '$% laws&!t+ (ase+ legal atte% $% l!t!gat!$n.

Ca&se $' a(t!$n %e'e%s t$ a set $' 'a(ts that a8e &p the g%$&n#s '$%

1l!ng a laws&!t.

ISSUE

Iss&e %e'e%s t$ the (ent%al p$!nt $' #!sp&te !n a (ase.

HEARIN7

A hea%!ng !s a legal p%$(ee#!ng ,$the% than a t%!al hel# "e'$%e a *ge

$% ($&%t ($!ss!$ne%. At a t%!al+ #!sp&te# &est!$ns $' 'a(t an# law

a%e %es$l)e# an# the (ase !s ($n(le# ,alth$&gh the pa%t!es ay

appeal. At a hea%!ng+ $n the $the% han#+ p%el!!na%y !ss&es+ p%$(e#&%al

!ss&es ,!n(l!ng g%ant!ng an &n($nteste# $% #e'a&lt #!)$%(e an# p$st-

t%!al $#!1(at!$ns an# en'$%(eents a%e hea%#.

E4aple @: a&l has s&e# Taya '$% #!)$%(e. The!% t%!al !s t$ "e hel# !n

n!ne $nths. Taya nee#s al!$ny n$w+ h$we)e%+ s$ she 1les a %e&est '$%

tep$%a%y al!$ny. The ($&%t s(he#&les a hea%!ng at wh!(h a&l an# Taya

(an appea% "e'$%e a *ge an# $%ally p%esent the!% sepa%ate s!#es. A'te%

l!sten!ng t$ a&l an# Taya+ the *ge w!ll #e(!#e !' Taya !s ent!tle# t$

the al!$ny+ an# !' s$+ h$w &(h.


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E4aple B: a&l %e(e!)es sp$%a#!( %$yalty payents '$% a "$$8 he w%$te

se)en yea%s ag$. He (la!s that the !n($e !s spe(&lat!)e an# h$pes t$

8eep !t '%$ "e!ng ($ns!#e%e# !n the &p($!ng #!)$%(e t%!al whe%e the

a$&nt $' pe%anent al!$ny w!ll "e #ete%!ne#. A wee8 "e'$%e the t%!al+

a&l %e&ests a hea%!ng t$ #ete%!ne whethe% the law %e&!%es that the

*ge ($ns!#e% h!s %$yalty !n($e !n sett!ng Tayas al!$ny.

SI9E 2AR--A9MINISTRATIDE HEARIN7

A#!n!st%at!)e law !s the "$#y $' law g$)e%n!ng a#!n!st%at!)e agen(!es-

-that !s+ th$se agen(!es (%eate# "y C$ng%ess $% state leg!slat&%es+ s&(h

as the S$(!al Se(&%!ty A#!n!st%at!$n+ state Unepl$yent Ins&%an(e

2$a%#s+ state Wel'a%e C$!ss!$ns an# the O((&pat!$nal Sa'ety an# Health

A#!n!st%at!$n. The a&th$%!ty these agen(!es p$ssess !s #elegate# t$

the "y the "$#!es wh!(h (%eate# the the S$(!al Se(&%!ty

A#!n!st%at!$ns p$we% ($es '%$ C$ng%ess.

A#!n!st%at!)e agen(!es a#!n!ste% law th%$&gh the (%eat!$n an#

en'$%(eent $' %eg&lat!$ns $st $' these %eg&lat!$ns pe%ta!n t$

p%$)!#!ng s$e type $' "ene1t t$ appl!(ants. 3%e&ently+ an appl!(ant

$"*e(ts t$ an agen(ys #e(!s!$n t$ #eny+ l!!t $% te%!nate the "ene1ts

p%$)!#e# an# see8s t$ ha)e the #e(!s!$n %e)!ewe#. Th!s %e)!ew !s (alle#

an a#!n!st%at!)e hea%!ng an# !s hel# "e'$%e an a#!n!st%at!)e law *ge

,A.6...


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A#!n!st%at!)e hea%!ngs a%e !n'$%al+ yet )e%y !p$%tant. Us&ally+ the

A.6.. eets w!th %ep%esentat!)es '%$ the agen(y an# the appl!(ant

see8!ng "ene1ts. The appl!(ant ay (h$$se t$ "e $% n$t "e %ep%esente#

"y an att$%ney an# !n 'a(t+ any a#!n!st%at!)e agen(!es pe%!t

pa%alegals+ law stents $% law (le%8s t$ appea% $n "ehal' $'

appl!(ants. Ea(h s!#e p%esents !ts e)!#en(e an# el!(!ts test!$ny '%$

!ts w!tnesses. The hea%!ng !s $'ten tape %e($%#e#+ as $pp$se# t$ ta8en

#$wn "y a ($&%t %ep$%te%. The A.6.. %en#e%s a #e(!s!$n (alle# an

a#!n!st%at!)e $%#e%+ wh!(h ay "e %e)!ewe# "y e!the% a h!ghe% le)el

w!th!n the agen(y $% "y a ($&%t.

TRIA6

A t%!al ay "e "e'$%e a *ge $nly $% "e'$%e a *&%y. D!%t&ally all

'a!ly law t%!als a%e hel# w!th$&t *&%!es.

2ENCH TRIA6

A "en(h t%!al !s an$the% te% '$% a t%!al "e'$%e a *ge $nly. In

gene%al+ the pa%t!es "eg!n w!th the p%esentat!$n $' e)!#en(e+ alth$&gh

!n s$e (ases they a8e $pen!ng stateents. A'te% the pla!nt!5 1n!shes

p%esent!ng h!s e)!#en(e+ the #e'en#ant p%esents he% (ase. A'te% the

#e'en#ant ($n(les he% p%esentat!$n+ the pla!nt!5 ay %e"&t the

#e'en#ants (ase. Ra%ely a%e (l$s!ng a%g&ents a#e. The *ge ay %&le

!e#!ately+ "&t $%e $'ten ta8es anywhe%e '%$ a 'ew h$&%s t$ a 'ew


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wee8s t$ ($ns!#e% the e)!#en(e an# %ea(h a #e(!s!$n.

SU2MISSION

When a *ge #$es n$t !e#!ately ann$&n(e a #e(!s!$n+ the *ge !s sa!#

t$ ta8e the (ase &n#e% s&"!ss!$n.

URY TRIA6

In a *&%y t%!al+ the *&%y !s sele(te# "y the pa%t!es th%$&gh a p%$(ess

(alle# )$!% #!%e+ whe%e the *ge $% pa%t!es as8 *&%$%s &est!$ns !n

$%#e% t$ #ete%!ne the!% "!ases an# $p!n!$ns. ,Ea(h s!#e gets t$ %e*e(t

a (e%ta!n n&"e% $' p$tent!al *&%$%s. A'te% the *&%y !s (h$sen an#

sw$%n !n+ the pa%t!es g!)e $pen!ng a%g&ents+ p%esent the!% e)!#en(e an#

g!)e (l$s!ng a%g&ents. The *&%y then #el!"e%ates when !t %ea(hes a

#e(!s!$n+ !t %et&%ns t$ the ($&%t%$$ an# ann$&n(es the )e%#!(t.

The %$ll $' the *&%y !s t$ #e(!#e !ss&es $' 'a(t. a%t!es a%e ent!tle#

t$ a *&%y t%!al "y the 'e#e%al ($nst!t&t!$n !n th$se types $' (ases+

s&(h as "%ea(h $' ($nt%a(t+ wh!(h e4!ste# !n @FG;+ the e5e(t!)e #ate $'

the ($nst!t&t!$n. K!n#s $' (ases that ha)e ($e !nt$ e4!sten(e s!n(e

then+ h$we)e%+ s&(h as #!)$%(e ,wh!(h !n @FG; st!ll 'ell &n#e% the

%el!g!$&s ($&%ts an# a(t!$ns !n *&)en!le ($&%ts+ a%e n$t g&a%antee#

*&%y t%!als. States a%e '%ee t$ a8e *&%y t%!als a)a!la"le '$% s&(h

a(t!$ns+ "&t 'ew ha)e. In 'a(t+ $nly Te4as an# 7e$%g!a pe%!t *&%y

t%!als '$% #!)$%(es.


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WHERE THE 6AW COMES 3ROM

The%e a%e tw$ a*$% ways !n wh!(h legal p%!n(!ples a%e #e)el$pe# !n the

Un!te# States. One !s th%$&gh appellate ($&%t #e(!s!$ns !n !n#!)!#&al

(ases+ (alle# (ase law. The $the% !s th%$&gh the passage $' laws "y

)$te%s an# leg!slat!)e "$#!es+ (alle# stat&tes.

CASE 6AW

6egal p%!n(!ples that a%e #e)el$pe# "y appellate ($&%ts when #e(!#!ng

appeals a%e ($lle(t!)ely te%e# the (ase law $% ($$n law. S!n(e the

@Bth (ent&%y+ the ($$n law has "een Englan#s p%!a%y syste $' law.

When the Un!te# States "e(ae !n#epen#ent+ states a#$pte# the Engl!sh

($$n law as the!% law. S!n(e that t!e+ #e(!s!$ns "y U.S. ($&%ts ha)e

#e)el$pe# a "$#y $' U.S. (ase law wh!(h has s&pe%se#e# Engl!sh ($$n

law !n $st a%eas.

SI9E 2AR--RECE9ENT

%e(e#ent !s a legal p%!n(!ple+ (%eate# "y a ($&%t #e(!s!$n+ wh!(h

p%$)!#es an e4aple $% a&th$%!ty '$% *ges #e(!#!ng s!!la% !ss&es

late%. 7ene%ally+ #e(!s!$ns $' h!ghe% ($&%ts ,w!th!n a pa%t!(&la% syste

$' ($&%ts a%e an#at$%y p%e(e#ent $n l$we% ($&%ts w!th!n that syste--

that !s+ the p%!n(!ple ann$&n(e# "y a h!ghe% ($&%t &st "e '$ll$we# !n

late% (ases. 3$% e4aple+ the Cal!'$%n!a S&p%ee C$&%t #e(!s!$n that


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&na%%!e# pe$ple wh$ l!)e t$gethe% ay ente% !nt$ ($ha"!tat!$n

ag%eeents ,Ma%)!n ). Ma%)!n+ !s "!n#!ng $n all appellate ($&%ts an#

t%!al ($&%ts !n Cal!'$%n!a ,wh!(h a%e l$we% ($&%ts !n %elat!$n t$ the

Cal!'$%n!a S&p%ee C$&%t. S!!la%ly+ #e(!s!$ns $' the U.S. S&p%ee

C$&%t ,the h!ghest ($&%t !n the ($&nt%y a%e gene%ally "!n#!ng $n all

$the% ($&%ts !n the U.S.

9e(!s!$ns $' l$we% ($&%ts a%e n$t "!n#!ng $n h!ghe% ($&%ts+ alth$&gh

'%$ t!e t$ t!e a h!ghe% ($&%t w!ll a#$pt the %eas$n!ng an# ($n(l&s!$n

$' a l$we% ($&%t. 9e(!s!$ns "y ($&%ts $' the sae le)el ,&s&ally

appellate ($&%ts a%e ($ns!#e%e# pe%s&as!)e a&th$%!ty. That !s+ they

sh$&l# always "e (a%e'&lly ($ns!#e%e# "y the late% ($&%t "&t nee# n$t "e

'$ll$we#.

As a p%a(t!(al atte%+ ($&%ts (an &s&ally 1n# p%e(e#ent '$% any

#!%e(t!$n they want t$ g$ !n #e(!#!ng a pa%t!(&la% (ase. A(($%#!ngly+

p%e(e#ent !s &se# as $'ten t$ *&st!'y a pa%t!(&la% $&t($e !n a (ase as

!t !s t$ g&!#e the #e(!s!$n.

STATUTE

Un#e% the U.S. an# state ($nst!t&t!$ns+ stat&tes a%e ($ns!#e%e# the

p%!a%y s$&%(e $' law !n the U.S.--that !s+ leg!slat&%es a8e the law

,stat&tes an# ($&%ts !nte%p%et the law ,(ases.


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M$st state stat&tes a%e $%gan!0e# "y s&"*e(t atte% an# p&"l!she# !n

"$$8s %e'e%%e# t$ as ($#es. Typ!(ally+ a state has a 'a!ly $% (!)!l

($#e ,whe%e the #!)$%(e laws a%e &s&ally ($nta!ne#+ a (%!!nal ($#e

,whe%e !n(est+ "!gay an# #$est!( )!$len(e laws a%e $'ten '$&n#+

wel'a%e ($#e ,wh!(h ($nta!ns laws %elate# t$ p&"l!( "ene1ts+ p%$"ate

($#e ,whe%e laws a"$&t w!lls+ t%&sts an# p%$"ate p%$(ee#!ngs a%e

($lle(te# an# any $the% ($#es #eal!ng w!th a w!#e )a%!ety $' t$p!(s.

3e#e%al stat&tes a%e $%gan!0e# !nt$ s&"*e(t atte% t!tles w!th!n the

Un!te# States C$#e ,'$% e4aple+ T!tle @G '$% (%!es an# T!tle @@ '$%

"an8%&pt(y.

SI9E 2AR--6E7IS6ATIDE INTENT

6eg!slat!)e !ntent !s what a leg!slat&%e as a wh$le ha# !n !n# when !t

passe# a pa%t!(&la% stat&te. N$%ally+ any g!)en stat&te !s !nte%p%ete#

"y l$$8!ng *&st at the stat&tes lang&age. 2&t when the lang&age !s

a"!g&$&s $% &n(lea%+ ($&%ts t%y t$ glean the leg!slat!)e !ntent "eh!n#

w$%#s "y l$$8!ng at leg!slat!)e !nte%p%etat!$ns ,'$% !nstan(e+ %ep$%ts

!ss&e# "y leg!slat!)e ($!ttees wh!(h we%e %el!e# &p$n "y leg!slat$%s

when )$t!ng $n the stat&te.

Stat&tes a%e $'ten a"!g&$&s en$&gh t$ s&pp$%t $%e than $ne

!nte%p%etat!$n+ an# the ate%!al %ee(t!ng leg!slat!)e !ntent !s

'%e&ently spa%se. Th!s lea)es ($&%ts '%ee t$ !nte%p%et stat&tes

a(($%#!ng t$ the!% $wn p%e#!le(t!$ns. On(e a ($&%t !nte%p%ets the

leg!slat!)e !ntent+ h$we)e%+ $the% ($&%ts w!ll &s&ally n$t g$ th%$&gh


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the e4e%(!se aga!n+ "&t %athe% w!ll en'$%(e the stat&te as !nte%p%ete#

"y the $the% ($&%t.

UNI3ORM STATUTES

Un!'$% laws+ s&(h as the Un!'$% Ch!l# C&st$#y &%!s#!(t!$n A(t+ the

Un!'$% %e-Ma%!tal Ag%eeent A(t+ an# $the%s+ a%e $#el laws p%$p$se#

"y a nat!$nal g%$&p $' *ges+ lawye%s an# law p%$'ess$%s (alle# the

Un!'$% 6aw C$!ss!$ne%s. The ($!ss!$ne%s p%$p$se the laws states

a%e '%ee t$ ena(t $% %e*e(t the.

T$p!(s ($)e%e# "y &n!'$% laws a%e $'ten $nes !n wh!(h the%e !s &(h

!nte%state a(t!)!ty+ s&(h as a%%!age+ #!)$%(e+ pate%n!ty+ (&st$#y an#

(h!l# s&pp$%t an# !n wh!(h ($ns!sten(y+ p%e#!(ta"!l!ty an# &n!'$%!ty

a%e #es!%a"le. S$e &n!'$% laws ha)e "een passe# "y all states ,'$%

e4aple+ the Un!'$% Ch!l# C&st$#y &%!s#!(t!$n A(t whe%eas $the%s ha)e

$nly "een ena(te# "y a 'ew ,'$% !nstan(e+ the Un!'$% 9!)$%(e

Re($gn!t!$n A(t. Clea%ly+ the (ent%al g$al $' &n!'$%!ty !s well se%)e#

$nly !' a s!gn!1(ant n&"e% $' states ena(t a g!)en &n!'$% law.

OR9INANCE

An $%#!nan(e !s a law ena(te# "y a &n!(!pal "$#y+ s&(h as a (!ty

($&n(!l $% ($&nty ($!ss!$n ,s$et!es (alle# ($&nty ($&n(!l $% ($&nty

"$a%# $' s&pe%)!s$%s. O%#!nan(es g$)e%n atte%s n$t al%ea#y ($)e%e# "y


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state $% 'e#e%al laws s&(h as 0$n!ng+ sa'ety an# "&!l#!ng %eg&lat!$ns.

SI9E 2AR--6AWS O3 SU2STANCE AN9 ROCE9URE

6aws wh!(h #e1ne legal #&t!es an# %!ghts a%e (alle# the s&"stan(e $'

the law+ $% s&"stant!)e law. S&"stant!)e laws !n(le the stan#a%#s '$%

(&st$#y+ the g%$&n#s '$% #!)$%(e an# the %!ght t$ ha)e an a"$%t!$n.

On the $the% han#+ the "$#y $' laws wh!(h tells h$w t$ g$ t$ ($&%t an#

get *!(!al %el!e' !s gene%ally (alle# the law $' (!)!l p%$(e#&%e.

C!)!l p%$(e#&%e !s p%e#$!nantly a#e &p $' stat&tes an# %&les !ss&e# "y

!n#!)!#&al ($&%ts.

ARTIES

A pe%s$n wh$ s&es $% #e'en#s a laws&!t $% any pe%s$n *$!ne# !n a

laws&!t+ s&(h as a pens!$n plan a#!n!st%at$% !s (alle# a pa%ty. A pa%ty

has the %!ght t$ ($n#&(t #!s($)e%y an# %e(e!)e n$t!(e $' all p%$(ee#!ngs

($nne(te# w!th the laws&!t.

RO ER OR RO SE

A pa%ty t$ a laws&!t wh$ %ep%esents he%sel'+ %athe% than "e!ng

%ep%esente# "y a lawye% !s (alle# a pa%ty !n p%$ pe% ,$% p%$ se. 2$th

te%s ean ?'$% y$&%sel'.? %$ pe% an# p%$ se l!t!gants $'ten 1n# !t


13/84

#!(&lt t$ #$ the!% $wn legal w$%8 "e(a&se the legal syste !s h$st!le

t$ sel'-helpe%s. A%!0$na an# C$l$%a#$+ h$we)e%+ ha)e !pleente# an

a&t$ate# ($&%t syste that p%$)!#es pe$ple w!th legal !n'$%at!$n an#

helps the ($plete ($&%t #$(&ents thesel)es. Als$+ sel'-help law

"$$8s an# pa%alegals wh$ #!%e(tly se%)e the p&"l!( a%e !n(%eas!ngly

a)a!la"le t$ help p%$ pe% an# p%$ se l!t!gants !n any states.

6AINTI33

The pe%s$n wh$ !n!t!ates a laws&!t "y 1l!ng a ($pla!nt !s (alle# the

pla!nt!5. When the #$(&ent that !n!t!ates a laws&!t !s (alle# a

pet!t!$n %athe% than a ($pla!nt+ the !n!t!at!ng pe%s$n !s &s&ally

%e'e%%e# t$ as the pet!t!$ne% %athe% than the pla!nt!5.

9E3EN9ANT

The pe%s$n aga!nst wh$ a laws&!t !s 1le# !s &s&ally (alle# the

#e'en#ant. In s$e states+ $% !n (e%ta!n types $' a(t!$ns+ the #e'en#ant

!s (alle# the %esp$n#ent. The te% %esp$n#ent !s als$ &se# t$ #es!gnate

the pe%s$n %esp$n#!ng t$ an appeal.

SI9E 2AR--SECIA6 CONCERNS O3 6AINTI33S AN9 9E3EN9ANTS

In 3$%a a&pe%!s. In 3$%a a&pe%!s !s a 6at!n te% ean!ng ?!n the

(ha%a(te% $' a pa&pe%.? It %e'e%s t$ a pet!t!$n 1le# "y a p$$% pe%s$n

!n $%#e% t$ p%$(ee# !n ($&%t w!th$&t ha)!ng t$ pay ($&%t ($sts s&(h as


14/84

1l!ng 'ees.

In '$%a pa&pe%!s p%$(ee#!ngs a%e a)a!la"le !n e)e%y state. A pe%s$n

w!th a l$w !n($e ,&s&ally el!g!"le '$% $% %e(e!)!ng p&"l!( ass!stan(e

1lls $&t !n '$%a pa&pe%!s pape%s ,!n#!(at!ng !n($e an# e4penses

"e'$%e 1l!ng h!s 1%st ($&%t pape% ,($pla!nt $% answe%. The pape%s

%e&est that the ($&%t #e(!#e whethe% $% n$t the ($sts "e pa!#. Alth$&gh

a hea%!ng "e'$%e a *ge !s s$et!es nee#e#+ the $%e &s&al p%a(t!(e !s

'$% the ($&%t t$ g%ant $% #eny the %e&est w!th$&t a hea%!ng.

M!l!ta%y pe%s$nnel. A pe%s$n $n a(t!)e !l!ta%y #&ty !s a pe%s$n wh$ has

enl!ste# !n the a%e# se%)!(es an# !s se%)!ng $&t the te% $' h!s

enl!stent+ $% !s an $(e% !n the a%e# se%)!(es wh$ has n$t

t%ans'e%%e# t$ the %ese%)es+ %es!gne#+ %et!%e# $% "een #!s!sse#. A

pe%s$n $n a(t!)e !l!ta%y #&ty !s p%$h!"!te# "y a 'e#e%al law ,S$l#!e%s

an# Sa!l$%s C!)!l Rel!e' A(t+ J< U.S.C. Se(t!$n J !t w$&l#

"e t$$ #!s%&pt!)e an# e4pens!)e '$% the !l!ta%y t$ ha)e !ts e"e%s

($!ng an# g$!ng l$ng #!stan(es *&st "e(a&se they ha)e "een s&e#.


15/84

CO-RESON9ENT

The ?$the% an? $% ?$the% w$an? nae# !n the ($&%t pape%s '$% a 'a&lt

#!)$%(e alleg!ng a#&lte%y !s (alle# the ($-%esp$n#ent.

AE66ANT

The pe%s$n wh$ $"*e(ts t$ the t%!al ($&%t #e(!s!$n an# as8s the

appellate ($&%t t$ %e)!ew the #e(!s!$n "y 1l!ng an appeal !s (alle# an

appellant ,als$ (alle# a pet!t!$ne% !n s$e states.

AE66EE

The pa%ty aga!nst wh$ an appeal !s 1le# !s (alle# the appellee $% the

%esp$n#ent. S$et!es the appellee w!ll als$ appeal (e%ta!n aspe(ts $'

the l$we% ($&%ts #e(!s!$n he then "e($es a (%$ss-appellant as well as

an appellee. In th!s s!t&at!$n+ the appellant ,the $ne wh$ 1le# the

appeal "e($es a (%$ss-appellee $% (%$ss-%esp$n#ent.

TYES O3 COURTS

TRIA6 COURT

The t%!al ($&%t !s the ($&%t !n wh!(h a laws&!t !s 1le#+ an# whe%e all

l!t!gat!$n &p t$ an# !n(l!ng the t%!al !s hel#.


16/84

AE66ATE COURT

An appellate ($&%t !s $ne wh!(h #e(!#es appeals $' t%!al ($&%t #e(!s!$ns

$% l$we% appellate ($&%t #e(!s!$ns. A states h!ghest ($&%t--&s&ally

(alle# the s&p%ee ($&%t--!s an appellate ($&%t. S$ !s the U.S. S&p%ee

C$&%t.

3AMI6Y COURT

3a!ly ($&%ts a%e spe(!al t%!al ($&%ts that hea% $nly 'a!ly law (ases.

3I6IN7S/AERS

All pape%s 1le# w!th a ($&%t %ega%#!ng a laws&!t a%e (alle# ($&%t

pape%s. C$&%t pape%s typ!(ally ($ns!st $' plea#!ngs ,($pla!nt $%

pet!t!$n an# answe%+ $t!$ns ,w%!tten %e&ests t$ the ($&%t t$ ta8e

s$e spe(!1( a(t!$n an# ($&%t $%#e%s ,w%!tten $%#e%s %es&lt!ng '%$ a

t%!al $% hea%!ng.

The te% %esp$ns!)e plea#!ng !s &se# t$ #es(%!"e any ($&%t pape% 1le#

"y a #e'en#ant !n #!%e(t %esp$nse t$ the ($pla!nt $% pet!t!$n 1le# "y

the pla!nt!5. An answe% !s the typ!(al %esp$ns!)e plea#!ng. Othe%s

!n(le )a%!$&s $t!$ns+ s&(h as a $t!$n t$ &ash se%)!(e $' p%$(ess $%

a $t!$n t$ #!s!ss the ($pla!nt+ wh!(h !s !nten#e# t$ get the

($pla!nt $% pet!t!$n #!s!sse# at the $&tset $' the (ase.


17/84

A n&"e% $' states ha)e #e)el$pe# p%e-p%!nte# ($&%t '$%s '$% &se !n

($&%t p%$(ee#!ngs !n)$l)!ng s&(h atte%s as #!)$%(es+ g&a%#!ansh!ps an#

tep$%a%y %est%a!n!ng $%#e%s. These '$%s a%e espe(!ally help'&l t$

pe$ple han#l!ng the!% $wn (ases w!th$&t lawye%s (he(8!ng "$4es an#

1ll!ng !n "lan8s !s &s&ally &(h eas!e% than 1g&%!ng $&t what nee#s t$

g$ !nt$ a #$(&ent that &st "e type# '%$ s(%at(h. On the $the% han#+

s$e '$%s a%e s$ ($n'&s!ng that they !nt!!#ate all "&t the $st

8n$wle#gea"le lawye%s $% pa%alegals.

SUMMONS

A pape% !ss&e# "y a ($&%t !n'$%!ng a pe%s$n that a ($pla!nt has "een

1le# aga!nst he% ,that !s+ that she has "een s&e# !s (alle# a s&$ns.

The s&$ns tells he% that she !s "e!ng s&e#+ "y wh$+ '$% what+ an#

that she &st 1le a %esp$nse w!th the ($&%t w!th!n a (e%ta!n t!e $%

w!ll l$se.

COM6AINT

The ($pla!nt !s the 1%st ($&%t pape% 1le# !n a laws&!t. It "%!ey

states the pla!nt!5s )!ew $' the (%&4 $' the legal #!sp&te an# as8s

the ($&%t t$ %es$l)e the #!sp&te. In s$e types $' (ases an# !n (e%ta!n

states+ a ($pla!nt !s (alle# a pet!t!$n $% a l!"el. Ites that

typ!(ally appea% !n a ($pla!nt !n(le:


18/84

Capt!$n. The (apt!$n !s the hea#!ng wh!(h appea%s $n all ($&%t pape%s.

The (apt!$n ($nta!ns the naes $' the pa%t!es t$ the laws&!t ,'$%

e4aple+ S&san R$e+ la!nt!5+ ). R$"e%t R$e+ 9e'en#ant+ the nae $'

the ($&%t ,'$% e4aple+ 3e#e%al 9!st%!(t C$&%t '$% the Easte%n 9!st%!(t

$' ennsyl)an!a+ the (ase n&"e% wh!(h has "een ass!gne# "y the ($&%t

(le%8+ an# the t!tle $' the ($&%t pape% ,'$% e4aple+ C$pla!nt '$%

Ann&lent.

Allegat!$ns. An allegat!$n !s a stateent a#e !n ($&%t pape%s that sets

'$%th a pa%tys "el!e' as t$ what the 'a(ts a%e !n a g!)en (ase.

Re'e%%!ng t$ stateents a#e !n ($&%t pape%s as allegat!$ns se%)es as a

%e!n#e% that they ay $% ay n$t "e t%&e. Th&s+ when a pa%ty has

allege# s$eth!ng+ she has a#e (ha%ges wh!(h %ea!n t$ "e p%$)en.

%aye%. The p%aye% !s the pa%t $' a ($pla!nt wh!(h %e&ests the ($&%t

t$ g%ant s$e spe(!1( *!(!al %el!e' ,'$% e4aple+ a #!)$%(e+

p$ssess!$n $' the 'a!ly h$e+ (h!l# s&pp$%t $% (&st$#y.

ANSWER

An answe% !s a '$%al %esp$nse t$ allegat!$ns a#e !n a ($pla!nt ,$%

pet!t!$n. N$%ally+ the answe% e!the% a#!ts $% #en!es the allegat!$ns+

alth$&gh s$e states all$w an answe% t$ state a la(8 $' 8n$wle#ge as t$

whethe% a pa%t!(&la% allegat!$n !s t%&e $% 'alse. I' the #e'en#ant 'a!ls

t$ 1le an answe%+ the pla!nt!5 &s&ally w!ns "y #e'a&lt. In a #!)$%(e+

'a!l&%e t$ 1le an answe% ay %es&lt !n a #e'a&lt #!)$%(e.


19/84

E4aple: Ma%t!n !s s&e# '$% pate%n!ty "y h!s '$%e% l$)e%+ Rh$#a. Ma%t!n

w!ll "e se%)e# w!th a ($pla!nt ,$% pet!t!$n ($nta!n!ng the allegat!$n

that Rh$#a "el!e)es he !s the 'athe% $' he% (h!l#. He &st answe% w!th!n

a (e%ta!n pe%!$# $' t!e ,&s&ally a"$&t < #ays $% l$se "y #e'a&lt. In

h!s answe%+ he &st e!the% a#!t $% #eny ea(h $' the ($pla!nts

allegat!$ns. In s$e states+ Ma%t!n ay %esp$n# that he #$esnt 8n$w

whethe% $% n$t an allegat!$n !s t%&e.

2RIE3

When a pa%ty ,e!the% th%$&gh he% lawye% $% !n p%$ pe% s&"!ts a w%!tten

legal a%g&ent t$ a ($&%t--&s&ally t$ s&pp$%t a $t!$n $% a p$s!t!$n

asse%te# at a t%!al--the #$(&ent !s $'ten (alle# a "%!e'. It typ!(ally

($ns!sts $' a stateent $' the 'a(ts %ele)ant t$ the (ase an# a%g&ents

s&pp$%te# "y %e'e%en(es t$ legal a&th$%!ty ,stat&tes+ %eg&lat!$ns $%

ea%l!e% ($&%t #e(!s!$ns. Many "%!e's a%e &!te lengthy the la"el

?"%!e'? !s an !n'a$&s !sn$e% (ele"%ate# "y the w%!te% 3%an0 Ka'8a wh$

#es(%!"e# a lawye% as ?a pe%s$n wh$ w%!tes a @


20/84

stat&te s&pp$%t!ng ea(h p$!nt.

C!tat!$ns. The p%$pe% %e'e%en(e ,as esta"l!she# "y the legal p%$'ess!$n

t$ a (ase+ ($nst!t&t!$n+ stat&te+ legal en(y(l$pe#!a $% legal t%eat!se

!s (alle# a (!tat!$n. A (!tat!$n ($nta!ns the nae $' the (ase $% $the%

a&th$%!ty+ the nae $' the "$$8 !n wh!(h !t !s '$&n#+ the )$l&e !n

wh!(h !t appea%s+ !ts page $% se(t!$n n&"e% an# the yea% #e(!#e# $%

ena(te#. C!tat!$ns all$w any %ea#e% t$ 1n# the s$&%(e an# %ea# !t.

E4aple: The p%$pe% (!tat!$n '$% the (ase all$w!ng w$en t$ ha)e an

a"$%t!$n !s R$e ). Wa#e+ L@< U.S. @ ,@;F. The nae $' the (ase

!n(les the nae $' the pla!nt!5 ,R$e '$ll$we# "y a ). ,ean!ng

)e%s&s '$ll$we# "y the #e'en#ants nae ,Wa#e. L@< !s the )$l&e

n&"e% whe%e the (ase !s '$&n# !n the se%!es (alle# Un!te# States

Rep$%ts ,a""%e)!ate# "y U.S. at page @. The (ase was #e(!#e# !n @;F.

AMICUS CURIAE 2RIE3

A!(&s (&%!ae !s a 6at!n te% ean!ng ?'%!en# $' the ($&%t.? It !s a

legal a%g&ent 1le# !n a laws&!t "y a pe%s$n $% $%gan!0at!$n n$t a

pa%ty t$ the (ase+ "&t wh$ has an !nte%est !n the $&t($e. 3$% e4aple+

!n the S&p%ee C$&%t a"$%t!$n (ase+ We"ste% ). Rep%$#&(t!)e Se%)!(es+

a!(&s (&%!ae "%!e's we%e 1le# "y h&n#%e#s $' p%$-(h$!(e an# ant!-

a"$%t!$n $%gan!0at!$ns. The ($&%t ay g!)e the a%g&ents !n the a!(&s

(&%!ae "%!e' as &(h $% as l!ttle we!ght as !t (h$$ses.


21/84

A33I9ADIT

An a#a)!t !s a w%!tten stateent a#e "y a pe%s$n wh$ s!gns the

stateent !n '%$nt $' a n$ta%y p&"l!( an# swea%s t$ !ts t%&th.

A#a)!ts a%e &se# !n pla(e $' l!)e test!$ny !n any (!%(&stan(es

,'$% e4aple+ when a $t!$n !s 1le#+ a s&pp$%t!ng a#a)!t ay "e

1le# w!th !t.

9EC6ARATION

A #e(la%at!$n !s a w%!tten stateent s&"!tte# t$ a ($&%t !n wh!(h the

w%!te% swea%s ?&n#e% penalty $' pe%*&%y? that the ($ntents a%e t%&e.

That !s+ the w%!te% a(8n$wle#ges that !' he !s ly!ng+ he ay "e

p%$se(&te# '$% pe%*&%y. 9e(la%at!$ns a%e n$%ally &se# !n pla(e $' l!)e

test!$ny when the ($&%t !s as8e# t$ $%#e% tep$%a%y p%$)!s!$ns '$%

al!$ny+ (h!l# s&pp$%t+ (&st$#y+ )!s!tat!$n an# p%$pe%ty #!)!s!$n.

A typ!(al #e(la%at!$n sets '$%th the 'a(t&al asse%t!$ns $' the pe%s$n

s!gn!ng !t ,(alle# the #e(la%ant an# en#s w!th a stateent w$%#e# l!8e

th!s $ne: ?I #e(la%e &n#e% penalty $' pe%*&%y that the '$%eg$!ng !s t%&e

an# ($%%e(t+ an# w$&l# "e y test!$ny !' I we%e !n a ($&%t $' law.? The

#ate an# pla(e $' s!gn!ng a%e &s&ally !n(le#.

S$e states all$w #e(la%at!$ns t$ "e &se# !n the pla(e $' a#a)!ts+

th&s a)$!#!ng a t%!p t$ the n$ta%y p&"l!(.


22/84

ASSERTION

An asse%t!$n !s a stateent that a th!ng !s t%&e !n the !n# $' the

pe%s$n a8!ng the stateent+ whethe% $% n$t !t has "een p%$)en t$ "e

t%&e.

3INANCIA6 STATEMENT

A 1nan(!al stateent ,s$et!es (alle# an !n($e an# e4pense

#e(la%at!$n !s a ($&%t pape% wh!(h %e&!%es a pa%ty t$ spe(!'y he%

$nthly !n($e an# e4penses. The ($&%t $'ten %e&!%es ea(h #!)$%(!ng

sp$&se t$ 1ll $&t a 1nan(!al stateent s$ that the ($&%t has a

($plete p!(t&%e $' the pa%t!es 1nan(!al s!t&at!$ns "e'$%e a8!ng a

#e(!s!$n $n al!$ny+ (h!l# s&pp$%t+ payent $' att$%neys 'ees $% $the%

1nan(!al atte%s.

HA2EAS CORUS ETITION

Ha"eas ($%p&s !s 6at!n '$% ?y$& sh$&l# ha)e the "$#y.? In legal te%s+

!t !s a pet!t!$n 1le# w!th a ($&%t "y a pe%s$n wh$ $"*e(ts t$ h!s $wn

$% an$the%s #etent!$n $% !p%!s$nent. The pet!t!$n &st sh$w that the

($&%t $%#e%!ng the #etent!$n $% !p%!s$nent a#e a legal $% 'a(t&al

e%%$%. Ha"eas ($%p&s pet!t!$ns a%e &s&ally 1le# "y pe%s$ns se%)!ng

p%!s$n senten(es. In 'a!ly law+ a pa%ent wh$ has "een #en!e# (&st$#y $'

h!s (h!l# "y a t%!al ($&%t ay 1le a ha"eas ($%p&s pet!t!$n. Als$+ a

pa%ty ay 1le a ha"eas ($%p&s pet!t!$n !' a *ge #e(la%es he% !n


23/84

($ntept $' ($&%t an# *a!ls $% th%eatens t$ *a!l he%.

SI9E 2AR--TERMS SOMETIMES 3OUN9 IN COURT AERS

A"$)e (apt!$ne# (a&se. The a"$)e (apt!$ne# (a&se !s a ph%ase &se# !n

($&%t pape%s ean!ng the pa%t!(&la% (ase. It all$ws the w%!te% t$ %e'e%

t$ the (ase w!th$&t %estat!ng !ts nae. It !s n$t ne(essa%y+ h$we)e%+ t$

&se th!s ph%ase.

E4aple: Ass&e 3%e# $hns$n !s %ep%esent!ng h!sel' !n h!s #!)$%(e an#

1les a %e&est '$% a $#!1(at!$n $' (h!l# s&pp$%t. In ($&%t pape%s+ he

ay %e'e% t$ h!s $wn (ase $' $hns$n ). $hns$n as ?the a"$)e (apt!$ne#

(a&se.?

In($%p$%ate "y %e'e%en(e. The eth$# $' !n(l!ng the ($ntents $' a

#$(&ent--s&(h as a lette%--!n ($&%t pape%s $% a ($nt%a(t w!th$&t

a(t&ally %etyp!ng !t !s (alle# !n($%p$%at!ng "y %e'e%en(e. Th!s !s #$ne

"y atta(h!ng the #$(&ent t$ the "a(8 $' the ($&%t pape%s $% ($nt%a(t

an# %e'e%%!ng t$ !t w!th ($n)$l&te# lang&age s&(h as+ ?the lette% !s

atta(he# t$ th!s #$(&ent as E4h!"!t A an# !n($%p$%ate# "y %e'e%en(e as

!' '&lly set $&t w!th!n th!s #$(&ent.?

COURT ERSONE6

C6ERK


24/84

W!th!n $&% *!(!al syste+ the%e a%e any types $' (le%8s. C$&%t (le%8s

,'%e&ently (alle# ($&nty (le%8s 8eep t%a(8 $' #$(&ents 1le# w!th

($&%ts these (le%8s ay als$ "e (alle# (!)!l $% (%!!nal (le%8s+

#epen#!ng $n the ($&%t !n wh!(h they w$%8. C$&%t%$$ (le%8s a%e ass!gne#

t$ pa%t!(&la% *ges t$ han#le the pape% $w !n the ($&%t%$$ law

(le%8s ,&s&ally law stents $% lawye%s ass!st *ges ,an# s$et!es

att$%neys !n legal %esea%(h an# w%!t!ng. Calen#a% (le%8s han#le the

s(he#&l!ng $' t%!als an# hea%!ngs.

2AI6I33

A "a!l!5 !s a law en'$%(eent $(e%+ &s&ally a she%!5+ a%shal $%

($nsta"le+ ass!gne# t$ a ($&%t%$$ t$ 8eep pea(e an# ass!st the *ge+

($&%t%$$ (le%8s+ w!tnesses an# *&%y.

U97E RO TEM

A *ge p%$ te !s n$t a %eg&la% *ge+ "&t s$e$ne ,&s&ally a lawye%

wh$ !s "%$&ght !n t$ se%)e tep$%a%!ly as a *ge w!th the ($nsent $'

the pa%t!es. Many ($&%ts &se p%$ te *ges "e(a&se the%e a%e t$$ any

(ases '$% the %eg&la% *ges t$ han#le. Alth$&gh e)e%y pa%ty has the

%!ght t$ ha)e h!s (ase hea%# "y a %eal *ge+ *ges p%$ te a%e $'ten

p%a(t!t!$ne%s !n the 1el# !n wh!(h they a%e as8e# t$ hea% (ases an#

ha)e as &(h+ !' n$t $%e+ 8n$wle#ge than a %eal *ge. %$ te *ges

a%e &se# $'ten !n 'a!ly law (ases+ espe(!ally !n #e'a&lt #!)$%(es.


25/84

MASTER

A aste% ,s$et!es (alle# a spe(!al aste% !s a ($&%t-app$!nte#

$(!al wh$ helps the ($&%t (a%%y $&t a )a%!ety $' spe(!al tas8s !n a

spe(!1e# (ase. 3$% e4aple+ the aste% ay ta8e test!$ny $% pe%!t

#!s($)e%y $' e)!#en(e. She then p%epa%es a %ep$%t '$% the *ge. In any

'a!ly law p%$(ee#!ngs+ s$e %$&t!ne atte%s+ s&(h as &n($nteste#

#!)$%(es+ a%e ($n#&(te# "y a aste%.

COURT COMMISSIONER

A ($&%t ($!ss!$ne% !s a pe%s$n app$!nte# "y a *ge t$ ass!st he% !n

1n#!ng 'a(ts+ hea%!ng test!$ny '%$ w!tnesses an# %es$l)!ng !ss&es.

C$&%t ($!ss!$ne%s a%e '%e&ently lawye%s $% %et!%e# *ges. In any

states+ ($&%t ($!ss!$ne%s ($$nly hea% test!$ny ($n(e%n!ng the

)al!#!ty $' w!lls+ p%es!#e $)e% #e'a&lt #!)$%(es an# $the% #e'a&lt

hea%!ngs+ #e(!#e al!$ny an# (h!l# s&pp$%t $#!1(at!$ns+ an# #e(!#e

#!s($)e%y $t!$ns.

COURT REORTER

A ($&%t %ep$%te% !s a pe%s$n t%a!ne# t$ ta8e #$wn a )e%"at! a(($&nt $'

all p%$(ee#!ngs !n the ($&%t%$$ ,"&t &s&ally n$t !n the *ges

(ha"e%s &nless a pa%ty %e&ests !t. M$st ($&%t %ep$%te%s t$#ay &se

spe(!al a(h!nes that ena"le the t$ get #$wn e)e%y w$%#. 6ate%+ they


26/84

p%epa%e type# t%ans(%!pts '$% &se "y the pa%t!es an# the *ge $n

appeal. C$&%t %ep$%te%s als$ %e($%# an# t%ans(%!"e #ep$s!t!$ns.

Unt!l %e(ently+ ($&%t %ep$%te%s ha# t$ an&ally type $&t the t%ans(%!pt

'%$ the!% sh$%than# n$tes. N$w+ h$we)e%+ any %ep$%te%s ha)e a(h!nes

that %ea# the %e($%#!ng a(h!ne tape an# (%eate a te4t 1le that (an "e

p%!nte# $&t $n a stan#a%# ($p&te% p%!nte%.

NOTARY U26IC

A n$ta%y p&"l!( !s a p&"l!( $(!al wh$+ #epen#!ng $n the state+ has

the p$we% t$ a(8n$wle#ge s!gnat&%es+ a#!n!ste% $aths an# a%at!$ns+

ta8e #ep$s!t!$ns an# !ss&e s&"p$enas !n laws&!ts. N$ta%!es p&"l!( a%e

$st ($$nly &se# t$ a(8n$wle#ge s!gnat&%es+ espe(!ally $n ($&%t pape%s

s&(h as a#a)!ts.

Alth$&gh n$ta%!es p&"l!( a%e p&"l!( $(!als+ $st a%e pe$ple wh$ w$%8

!n p%!)ate !n#&st%y an# ta8e a state-a#!n!ste%e# test t$ "e($e

n$ta%!es p&"l!(. O'ten+ $ne $% $%e epl$yees $' la%ge !nst!t&t!$ns

wh!(h p%$(ess &(h pape%w$%8 ,s&(h as "an8s+ !ns&%an(e ($pan!es an#

%eal estate "%$8e%s an# la%ge law $(es a%e n$ta%!es p&"l!(. Als$+

any pe$ple wh$ w$%8 at ($&%th$&ses a%e n$ta%!es p&"l!(.

TERMINO6O7Y

CASE NUM2ER


27/84

The n&"e% g!)en "y the ($&%t (le%8 t$ a laws&!t when !t !s 1le# !s

(alle# the (ase n&"e%. Ea(h (ase !n a ($&nty has a &n!&e n&"e% s$

that !t ay "e #!st!ng&!she# '%$ all $the% (ases !n that ($&nty.

CASE RECOR9

All pape%s 1le# w!th the ($&%t #&%!ng a laws&!t an# the t%ans(%!pts $'

all hea%!ngs an# t%!als ,a#e "y a ($&%t %ep$%te% "e($e pa%t $' the

$(!al (ase %e($%#. I' a pa%ty appeals '%$ a t%!al ($&%t *gent+

the appellate ($&%t n$%ally ($ns!#e%s $nly !n'$%at!$n ($nta!ne# !n the

(ase %e($%#. It !s the%e'$%e !p$%tant '$% a pa%ty #&%!ng the t%!al t$

get all $' he% e)!#en(e an# $"*e(t!$ns !nt$ the (ase %e($%# !n the e)ent

she late% #e(!#es t$ appeal.

9OCKET SHEET

A #$(8et sheet !s a #$(&ent 8ept !n a (ase 1le at the ($&%th$&se. It

l!sts all pape%s 1le# an# a(t!$ns ta8en !n a (ase. The *ge ay als$

n$te $n !t any a(t!$n ta8en #&%!ng a hea%!ng $% t%!al. E4(ept '$%

*&)en!le ($&%t an# (e%ta!n $the% types $' ($n1#ent!al atte%s ,s&(h as

a#$pt!$ns+ (ase 1les an# #$(8et sheets a%e p&"l!( %e($%#s an# (an "e

!nspe(te# "y any$ne.

CA6EN9AR


28/84

When &se# as a )e%"+ the w$%# ?(alen#a%? !s slang '$% s(he#&l!ng a

t%!al. ,3$% e4aple+ ?The M&%phy #!)$%(e (ase !s (alen#a%e# '$%

Septe"e% %#.? When &se# as a n$&n+ !t %e'e%s t$ a aste% l!st 8ept "y

a ($&%t+ (alle# the (!)!l (alen#a%+ wh!(h sh$ws (ases that a%e %ea#y '$%

$% !n t%!al. S$e states #$ n$t all$w (ases t$ "e pla(e# $n a ($&%t

(alen#a% &nt!l all p%el!!na%y p%$(e#&%es+ s&(h as #!s($)e%y an#

$t!$ns+ ha)e "een ($plete#. Unless the pla!nt!5 $% #e'en#ant ,$% $ne

$' the!% lawye%s %e&ests that a (ase "e pla(e# $n th!s (alen#a%+ !t

w!ll ne)e% "e s(he#&le# '$% t%!al. In 'a(t+ any (ases a%e #!s!sse#

e)e%y yea% "e(a&se att$%neys 'a!l t$ ta8e th!s )!tally !p$%tant step.

E4aple: Estelle an# I%a 7%een a%e $%#e%e# t$ %et&%n t$ ($&%t !n s!4

$nths '$% the *ge t$ #e(!#e whethe% Estelle w!ll nee# al!$ny any

l$nge%. In the ($&%th$&se (ase 1le '$% the Ma%%!age $' 7%een ,the t!tle

$' the (ase+ ge 7a%(!a w!ll pla(e a sheet $' pape% ,$'ten a '$% $n

wh!(h she has w%!tten ?H&s"an# t$ pay w!'e BJ< pe% $nth '$% s!4

$nths. a%t!es t$ %et&%n t$ ($&%t !n s!4 $nths '$% '&%the% $%#e%.?

COURT RU6E

E)e%y ($&%t has %&les ,$'ten (alle# l$(al %&les g$)e%n!ng the

p%$(e#&%es spe(!1( t$ that ($&%t. 9eta!ls s&(h as the s!0e an# length

$' the ($&%t pape%s+ t!e l!!ts '$% 1l!ng (e%ta!n #$(&ents+ the ($st

$' 1l!ng an# when a (ase ay "e pla(e# $n a (alen#a% a%e #!(tate# "y

these %&les. In $st states+ statew!#e ($&%t %&les g$)e%n the a$&nt $'

al!$ny an# (h!l# s&pp$%t t$ "e pa!# "ase# $n the !n($es $' the sp$&ses


29/84

an# the n&"e% $' (h!l#%en. C$&%t %&les a%e &s&ally '$%&late# "y

leg!slat!)e an# a#!n!st%at!)e *!(!al "$#!es+ $% "y the ($&%ts

thesel)es.

2IAS

Any ental ($n#!t!$n that w$&l# p%e)ent a *ge $% *&%$% '%$ "e!ng 'a!%

an# !pa%t!al !s (alle# "!as. It ay "e g%$&n# '$% #!s&al!1(at!$n $'

the *ge $% *&%$% !n &est!$n.

EREMTORY CHA66EN7E

M$st states all$w the pa%t!es t$ a (ase t$ #!s!ss the *ge ass!gne# t$

the (ase w!th$&t ha)!ng t$ p%$)e a(t&al "!as. Calle# a pe%ept$%y

(hallenge+ th!s %!ght ay &s&ally $nly "e e4e%(!se# $n(e "y a pa%ty !n

any g!)en (ase.

2ENCH

The '&%n!t&%e $n wh!(h the *ge s!ts !s (alle# the "en(h. When

s$eth!ng !s #$ne '%$ the "en(h+ !t eans !t was #$ne "y a t%!al *ge.

CHAM2ERS

A *ges $(e !s %e'e%%e# t$ as he% (ha"e%s. Settleent ($n'e%en(es

an# a#$pt!$ns a%e &s&ally hel# !n he% (ha"e%s. 9&%!ng a t%!al+ when the


30/84

*ge wants t$ e4a!ne #$(&ents+ spea8 w!th w!tnesses $% spea8 w!th the

att$%neys $&ts!#e the *&%ys p%esen(e+ the *ge p%es!#es !n (ae%a+ the

6at!n te% '$% ?!n (ha"e%s+? an# h$l#s a ($n'e%en(e e!the% !n the

(ha"e%s $% at the "en(h ,whe%e the att$%neys an# *ge wh!spe% s$ the

*&%y (ant hea%.

RECUSA6

Re(&sal !s the p%$(ess "y wh!(h a *ge )$l&nta%!ly %e$)es h!sel' '%$

hea%!ng a pa%t!(&la% (ase "e(a&se $' "!as+ ($n!(t $' !nte%est+

%elat!$n t$ a pa%ty+ att$%ney $% w!tness+ $% '$% any $the% %eas$n.

CONTINUANCE

When a ($&%t p$stp$nes a hea%!ng+ t%!al $% $the% s(he#&le# app$!ntent

,s&(h as a settleent ($n'e%en(e+ !t !s (alle# a ($nt!n&an(e. I' $ne

pa%ty !s n$t p%epa%e# '$% a hea%!ng $% t%!al+ the ($&%t ay g%ant a

($nt!n&an(e t$ all$w the pa%ty t$ get a lawye% $% $the%w!se p%epa%e s$

as n$t t$ "e at a #!sa#)antage. Wh!le ($nt!n&an(es a%e $'ten (alle# '$%

$n the g%$&n# $' 'a!%ness+ they als$ a%e ($$nly s$&ght "y att$%neys

s$lely '$% the p&%p$se $' #elay!ng the p%$(ee#!ng $% ha%ass!ng the $the%

s!#e.

SERDICE O3 CASE 9OCUMENTS

A pa%ty t$ a laws&!t has the %!ght t$ %e(e!)e w%!tten n$t!(e that he !s


31/84

"e!ng s&e# $% that a hea%!ng w!ll "e hel# wh!(h !ght a5e(t h! !n s$e

way. Many %&les ha)e "een #e)el$pe# t$ g$)e%n what n$t!(e nee#s t$ "e

g!)en+ an# h$w an# when !t &st "e #el!)e%e#. These a%e &s&ally

($nta!ne# !n ($&%t %&les an# %&les $' (!)!l p%$(e#&%e.

Se%)!(e $' ($&%t pape%s ,als$ %e'e%%e# t$ as se%)!(e $' p%$(ess $%

se%)!(e !s the #el!)e%y $' ($&%t pape%s t$ a pa%ty+ w!tness $% $the%

pe%s$n wh$ has a sta8e !n the (ase. E)e%y state has #eta!le# laws

spell!ng $&t *&st h$w the pape%s ay "e #el!)e%e#+ an# "y wh$. When a

pe%s$n has "een p%$)!#e# w!th '$%al n$t!(e $' the 1l!ng $' a laws&!t

,that !s+ that he has "een s&e#+ $' a ($&%t hea%!ng $% t%!al+ $%

$%#e%!ng h! t$ atten# a hea%!ng+ t%!al $% #ep$s!t!$n+ he !s sa!# t$

ha)e "een se%)e#.

In $st (ases+ !n(l!ng #!)$%(es+ the 1%st pape%s that &st "e se%)e#

a%e the s&$ns an# ($pla!nt. These #$(&ents g!)e the #e'en#ant n$t!(e

that the laws&!t has "een 1le# an# what the pla!nt!5 !s see8!ng ,'$%

e4aple+ a #!)$%(e. The ($&%t (ann$t p%$(ee# &nless the pla!nt!5

p%$pe%ly se%)es the #e'en#ant w!th these pape%s. The%e a%e 1)e a*$%

types $' se%)!(e:

> e%s$nal se%)!(e--When the pe%s$n se%)e# !s phys!(ally han#e# ($&%t

pape%s n$t!'y!ng he% that she has "een s&e#+ she !s sa!# t$ ha)e "een

pe%s$nally se%)e#. W!th al$st all laws&!ts+ the ($pla!nt an# s&$ns

&st "e pe%s$nally se%)e# &nless the #e'en#ant ag%ees t$ a((ept se%)!(e.

,See "el$w. I' the #e'en#ant #$es n$t ag%ee t$ a((ept se%)!(e an# !s


32/84

n$t pe%s$nally se%)e#+ the ($&%t (ann$t ta8e any a(t!$n !n the (ase+

&nless the pla!nt!5 (an sh$w that pe%s$nal se%)!(e was !p$ss!"le.

SI9E 2AR--ACCETIN7 SERDICE O3 COURT AERS

The least e4pens!)e an# $st ($n)en!ent way t$ sat!s'y the se%)!(e

%e&!%eent !s '$% s$e$ne $n "ehal' $' the pla!nt!5 t$ a!l the

s&$ns an# ($pla!nt t$ the #e'en#ant an# as8 he% t$ s!gn+ #ate an#

%et&%n a '$% a(8n$wle#g!ng that she %e(e!)e# the. Th!s )$l&nta%y

a((eptan(e $' ($&%t pape%s !s (alle# a((ept!ng se%)!(e $% a(8n$wle#gent

$' se%)!(e+ an# sa)es the pla!nt!5 '%$ ha)!ng t$ pay s$e$ne t$ l$(ate

an# han# #el!)e% the pape%s+ wh!(h !s $the%w!se %e&!%e# !' the

#e'en#ant #$esnt ($$pe%ate. In s$e states+ the 'a!l&%e t$ a((ept

se%)!(e )$l&nta%!ly a8es the #e'en#ant %esp$ns!"le '$% the ($st $'

se%)!(e e)en !' he $the%w!se w!ns the (ase.

> Se%)!(e "y a!l--On(e a pa%ty has "een p%$pe%ly se%)e# w!th the

($pla!nt an# s&$ns+ $st '&t&%e ($&%t pape%s !n the laws&!t ay "e

se%)e# $n the pa%t!es "y 1%st-(lass a!l. M$st states %e&!%e that

s$e$ne $the% than a pa%ty t$ the a(t!$n #$ the a(t&al a!l!ng an# 1le

p%$$' $' the se%)!(e w!th the ($&%t.

> Se%)!(e "y p&"l!(at!$n--When the whe%ea"$&ts $' a #e'en#ant a%e

&n8n$wn+ $% pe%s$nal se%)!(e w!th!n the state !s !p$ss!"le+ a ($&%t ay

all$w the #e'en#ant t$ "e se%)e# w!th n$t!(e $' the laws&!t "y


33/84

p&"l!sh!ng the n$t!(e !n a newspape% $' gene%al (!%(&lat!$n. As a

gene%al atte%+ th!s type $' se%)!(e !s $nly all$we# !n (ases !n)$l)!ng

p%$pe%ty an# stat&s ,pe%s$nal %elat!$nsh!ps a5e(te# "y the law. Th&s

#!)$%(es an# (e%ta!n a#$pt!$ns ,stat&s an# pa%t!t!$n s&!ts ,p%$pe%ty

ay "e all$we# t$ p%$(ee# a'te% se%)!(e "y p&"l!(at!$n. 2&t !ss&es s&(h

as (h!l# (&st$#y an# s&pp$%t (ann$t "e #e(!#e# &nt!l an# &nless pe%s$nal

se%)!(e $((&%s.

SI9E 2AR--2I3URCATION

In s!t&at!$ns whe%e the pla!nt!5 !s &na"le t$ pe%s$nally se%)e the

#e'en#ant+ the pa%t!es #$nt ne(essa%!ly ha)e t$ stay a%%!e#. The ($&%t

(an "!'&%(ate the (ase--that !s+ #!)!#e !t--!n tw$. The #!)$%(e !tsel'

!s #ete%!ne#. Only when the #e'en#ant !s pe%s$nally se%)e# (an the

($&%t then #e(!#e the %elate# !ss&es $' (&st$#y an# )!s!tat!$n+ (h!l#

s&pp$%t+ al!$ny+ an# p%$pe%ty #!)!s!$n.

> Na!l an# a!l--Na!l an# a!l se%)!(e !s the p$st!ng $' the n$t!(e $n

the pe%s$ns h$e an# then a!l!ng h! a ($py ,hen(e na!l!ng an#

a!l!ng.

> S&"st!t&te# $% alte%nate se%)!(e--In s$e states+ s&(h as New Y$%8+

s&"st!t&te# $% alte%nate se%)!(e !s any eth$# $' se%)!(e a ($&%t all$ws

when pe%s$nal se%)!(e !s !p$ss!"le $% !p%a(t!(a"le. In $the% states+

s&(h as Cal!'$%n!a+ s&"st!t&te# se%)!(e !s lea)!ng the ($&%t pape%s w!th


34/84

a %esp$ns!"le pe%s$n at the #e'en#ants h$e $% "&s!ness an# then

a!l!ng the #e'en#ant a ($py.

In $st #!)$%(e (ases+ !' a #!)$%(e !s all that !s "e!ng s$&ght+ se%)!(e

$'ten (an "e a#e "y a!l $% p&"l!(at!$n. I'+ h$we)e%+ al!$ny+ (h!l#

s&pp$%t+ (&st$#y+ )!s!tat!$n $% a #!)!s!$n $' p%$pe%ty !s "e!ng s$&ght

!n a##!t!$n t$ the #!)$%(e !tsel'+ $st states %e&!%e pe%s$nal se%)!(e

$n the #e'en#ant. In e!the% (ase+ !' the #e'en#ants whe%ea"$&ts a%e

&n8n$wn+ se%)!(e "y p&"l!(at!$n !s $'ten the $nly a)a!la"le eth$#.

On(e the #e'en#ant has "een se%)e# w!th the s&$ns an# ($pla!nt+

se%)!(e $' $st s&"se&ent ($&%t pape%s ay "e #$ne "y a!l!ng the+

w!th$&t the nee# '$% an a(8n$wle#gent $' se%)!(e '$%. S$e pape%s+

h$we)e%+ s&(h as ($ntept $' ($&%t hea%!ng n$t!(es an# tep$%a%y

%est%a!n!ng $%#e%s &st st!ll "e '$%ally se%)e#. The pa%ty "e!ng

se%)e#+ h$we)e%+ ay )$l&nta%!ly a((ept these pape%s.

A'te% the #e'en#ant has "een se%)e#+ she &s&ally 1les an answe% $%

$the% %esp$nse. She &st se%)e th!s $n the pla!nt!5+ an# &s&ally (an

se%)e !t "y a!l "e(a&se the pla!nt!5+ "y !n!t!at!ng the laws&!t+ has

al%ea#y appea%e# !n the (ase an# ($nsente# t$ the ($&%ts p$we% t$ hea%

the (ase.

Se%)!(e $' ($&%t pape%s $n a w!tness ,'$% e4aple+ se%)!(e $' a n$t!(e

tell!ng the w!tness that h!s #ep$s!t!$n has "een s(he#&le#+ &st

&s&ally "e #$ne pe%s$nally se%)!(e "y a!l $% p&"l!(at!$n !s al$st


35/84

ne)e% s&(!ent.

ROCESS AN9 ROCESS SERDER

Any ($&%t #$(&ent (a%%y!ng the ($&%t seal $% (le%8s s!gnat&%e+ that

&st "e p%$pe%ly se%)e# $n ,that !s+ g!)en t$ the pa%ty $% w!tness

nae# !n the #$(&ent+ !s (alle# a p%$(ess #$(&ent $% p%$(ess. A

s&"p$ena--a #$(&ent %e&!%!ng the appea%an(e $' a pe%s$n $% the

p%$#&(t!$n $' #$(&ents at a hea%!ng--an# a s&$ns a%e e4aples $'

($&%t p%$(ess. R&les as t$ wh$ (an se%)e p%$(ess an# h$w !t &st "e #$ne

)a%y. S$e states all$w $nly she%!5s+ a%shals an# ($nsta"les t$ se%)e

p%$(ess. Othe% states als$ a&th$%!0e %eg!ste%e# p%$(ess se%)e%s ,$'ten

p%!)ate !n)est!gat$%s+ an# a 'ew states all$w se%)!(e "y any$ne @G $%

$)e% wh$ !s n$t a pa%ty t$ the (ase.

ROO3 O3 SERDICE

A p%$$' $' se%)!(e !s a ($&%t pape% 1le# "y a p%$(ess se%)e% as

e)!#en(e that she se%)e# the w!tness $% pa%ty t$ the laws&!t w!th the

($&%t pape%s she was !nst%&(te# t$ se%)e.

URIS9ICTION

When a ($&%t has the a&th$%!ty t$ #e(!#e a (ase+ !t !s sa!# t$ ha)e

*&%!s#!(t!$n $)e% !t. In all states+ (e%ta!n types $' ($&%ts ,$'ten

(alle#+ #epen#!ng $n the state+ s&pe%!$%+ (!%(&!t+ ($&nty+ #!st%!(t $%


36/84

'a!ly ($&%ts a%e g!)en spe(!1( an# e4(l&s!)e *&%!s#!(t!$n t$ han#le

'a!ly law (ases. A 'a!ly law ($&%t (ann$t+ h$we)e%+ hea% "an8%&pt(!es

$% (%!!nal (ases.

SU2ECT-MATTER URIS9ICTION

The a&th$%!ty t$ #e(!#e a pa%t!(&la% type $' (ase !s (alle# s&"*e(t-

atte% *&%!s#!(t!$n. The s&"*e(t-atte% *&%!s#!(t!$n $' a ($&%t !s set

"y the 'e#e%al $% state ($nst!t&t!$n+ $% "y state stat&tes.

In $%#e% '$% a ($&%t t$ ha)e s&"*e(t-atte% *&%!s#!(t!$n $)e% a #!)$%(e

a(t!$n+ at least $ne sp$&se &st ha)e l!)e# !n the ($&nty whe%e the

($&%t !s l$(ate# '$% a (e%ta!n pe%!$# $' t!e. S$e states als$ %e&!%e

the sp$&se t$ ha)e l!)e# w!th!n the state '$% a (e%ta!n length $' t!e+

&s&ally a 'ew $nths l$nge% than the t!e !n the ($&nty. 3$% e4aple+ t$

$"ta!n a #!)$%(e !n Cal!'$%n!a+ a pe%s$n &st ha)e l!)e# !n Cal!'$%n!a

'$% at least s!4 $nths+ an# !n the pa%t!(&la% ($&nty !n wh!(h he wants

t$ $"ta!n the #!)$%(e '$% at least th%ee $nths. In Ill!n$!s+ a pe%s$n

&st ha)e l!)e# !n the state '$% n!nety #ays+ !n New Y$%8 an# New

e%sey+ the %e&!%eent !s $ne yea%. In Te4as+ a pe%s$n &st ha)e l!)e#

!n the state '$% s!4 $nths an# !n the pa%t!(&la% ($&nty !n wh!(h she

wants t$ $"ta!n the #!)$%(e '$% at least n!nety #ays.

ERSONA6 URIS9ICTION

I' the ($&%t !s "e!ng as8e# t$ #ete%!ne al!$ny+ (h!l# s&pp$%t+


37/84

(&st$#y+ )!s!tat!$n $% the #!)!s!$n $' p%$pe%ty+ the ($&%t &st ha)e the

p$we% t$ a8e $%#e%s ($n(e%n!ng the !n#!)!#&al #e'en#ant. Th!s !s (alle#

pe%s$nal *&%!s#!(t!$n. e%s$nal *&%!s#!(t!$n !s als$ (alle# ?!n pe%s$na

*&%!s#!(t!$n.?

3$% a ($&%t t$ ha)e pe%s$nal *&%!s#!(t!$n $)e% the #e'en#ant+ the

#e'en#ant &st ha)e "een pe%s$nally se%)e# ,$% ha)e a((epte# se%)!(e $'

the ($&%t pape%s an# the #e'en#ant &st ha)e at least s$e ($nta(ts

w!th the state !n wh!(h the ($&%t !s l$(ate#. N$ set n&"e% &al!1es as

the !n!& ea(h s!t&at!$n &st "e analy0e# (ase "y (ase. I' the

#e'en#ant l!)es $&t $' state+ the ($&%t &st l$$8 at the #e'en#ants

($nta(ts w!th the state. 7$!ng !nt$ a state %eg&la%ly t$ ($n#&(t

"&s!ness !s &s&ally s&(!ent '$% the ($&%t t$ $"ta!n *&%!s#!(t!$n

sen#!ng (h!l# s&pp$%t payents t$ a state+ w!th$&t a(t&ally )!s!t!ng the

state+ h$we)e%+ !s n$t.

E4aple: 9en!se an# Walte% spent the!% ent!%e a%%!e# l!'e !n C$l$%a#$.

9en!se $)e# t$ New Me4!($+ esta"l!she# %es!#en(y an# s&e# '$% #!)$%(e.

I' Walte% has )!%t&ally n$ ($nta(ts w!th New Me4!($+ the New Me4!($

($&%t has n$ pe%s$nal *&%!s#!(t!$n $)e% h!. As a p%a(t!(al atte%+ th!s

eans the ($&%t ay awa%# 9en!se a #!)$%(e+ "&t (ann$t a8e any

#e(!s!$ns a5e(t!ng the #!)!s!$n $' p%$pe%ty+ an awa%# $' al!$ny $%

(h!l# s&pp$%t+ $% a #ete%!nat!$n $' (&st$#y an# )!s!tat!$n "e(a&se

these atte%s a5e(t Walte%s %!ghts as an !n#!)!#&al. I'+ h$we)e%+

Walte% an# 9en!se spent 1)e wee8s e)e%y s&e% #&%!ng the!% a%%!age !n

New Me4!($+ the ($&%t ay %&le that Walte%s ($nta(ts w!th New Me4!($


38/84

a%e s&(!ent '$% the%e t$ "e pe%s$nal *&%!s#!(t!$n !n New Me4!($.

IN REM URIS9ICTION

Re !s 6at!n '$% ?th!ng.? When a ($&%t e4e%(!ses !n %e *&%!s#!(t!$n+ !t

e4e%(!ses a&th$%!ty $)e% a th!ng+ %athe% than a pe%s$n. 3$% e4aple+ !'

a #!)$%(!ng ($&ple as8s a ($&%t t$ s&pe%)!se the sale $' the!% 'a!ly

h$e+ the ($&%t e4e%(!ses !n %e *&%!s#!(t!$n $)e% the h$&se. Us&ally+

the p%$pe%ty &st "e l$(ate# !n the sae ($&nty as the ($&%t '$% !t t$

ha)e !n %e *&%!s#!(t!$n.

A ($&%t wh!(h g%ants a #!)$%(e e4e%(!ses !n %e *&%!s#!(t!$n $)e% the

a%%!age. One sp$&se &st l!)e !n the sae ($&nty as the ($&%t

,the%e'$%e the a%%!age !s !n the ($&nty '$% the ($&%t t$ e4e%(!se !n

%e *&%!s#!(t!$n $)e% the a%%!age.

DENUE

Den&e !s the legally p%$pe% pla(e whe%e a pa%t!(&la% (ase sh$&l# "e

1le# $% han#le#. E)e%y state has %&les #ete%!n!ng the p%$pe% )en&e '$%

#!5e%ent types $' laws&!ts. 3$% e4aple+ the )en&e '$% a pate%n!ty s&!t

!ght "e the ($&nty whe%e the $the% $% the an allege# t$ "e the 'athe%

l!)es the s&!t ($&l#nt "e "%$&ght !n an &n%elate# ($&nty at the $the%

en# $' the state. The state+ ($&nty $% #!st%!(t !n wh!(h a laws&!t !s

1le# $% a hea%!ng $% t%!al !n that a(t!$n !s ($n#&(te# !s (alle# the

'$%&.


39/84

SI9E 2AR--3ORUM NON CONDENIENS

3$%& n$n ($n)en!ens eans ?!n($n)en!ent '$%&.? Alth$&gh the%e a%e

%&les wh!(h g$)e%n whe%e a laws&!t &st "e 1le#+ s$et!es the l$(at!$n

!s !n($n)en!ent '$% the w!tnesses $% pa%t!es. I' a pa%ty a8es an

a#e&ate sh$w!ng $' !n($n)en!en(e+ the p%!n(!ple $' '$%& n$n ($n)en!ens

all$ws a *ge t$ #e(l!ne t$ hea% a (ase e)en th$&gh the ($&%t !s an

app%$p%!ate ($&%t '$% the (ase.

E4aple: D!n(e an# Cla!%es #!)$%(e (ase was #e(!#e# !n M!a!+ 3l$%!#a+

"&t "$th ha)e s!n(e $)e# t$ O%lan#$. Any %e&est '$% $#!1(at!$n &st

1%st "e 1le# !n M!a!+ "&t e!the% pa%ty ($&l# %e&est that the ($&%t

#e(l!ne t$ hea% the (ase+ an# !nstea#+ t%ans'e% !t t$ O%lan#$ '$% the

hea%!ng.

MOTIONS

A $t!$n !s a w%!tten %e&est t$ the ($&%t. When a pa%ty as8s the ($&%t

t$ ta8e s$e 8!n# $' a(t!$n !n the ($&%se $' l!t!gat!$n+ $the% than

%es$l)!ng the ent!%e (ase !n a t%!al+ the %e&est !s a#e !n the '$% $'

a $t!$n. M$t!$ns a%e $'ten a#e "e'$%e t%!als t$ %es$l)e p%$(e#&%al an#

p%el!!na%y !ss&es+ an# ay "e a#e a'te% t%!als t$ en'$%(e $% $#!'y

*gents. M$t!$ns ay als$ "e a#e t$ %es$l)e legal !ss&es !n the (ase

!' the%e !s n$ #!sag%eeent a"$&t the 'a(ts. Us&ally (alle# a $t!$n '$%


40/84

s&a%y *gent $% a $t!$n '$% s&a%y a#*!(at!$n $' the !ss&es+

these $t!$ns (an %es$l)e all $% $st $' the !ss&es !n a (ase w!th$&t

the nee# '$% a t%!al.

N$%ally+ $ne s!#e s&"!ts a $t!$n+ the $the% s!#e s&"!ts a w%!tten

%esp$nse+ an# the ($&%t h$l#s a hea%!ng at wh!(h the pa%t!es g!)e "%!e'

$%al a%g&ents. ,S$e $t!$ns a%e ($ns!#e%e# $nly $n the "as!s $' the

w%!t!ngs. Then the ($&%t app%$)es $% #en!es the $t!$n.

SI9E 2AR--HEARIN7S TO RESO6DE MOTIONS

When a pa%ty $"*e(ts+ e!the% !n pe%s$n $% !n w%!t!ng+ t$ the $the%

pa%tys $t!$n+ the ($&%t &st h$l# a hea%!ng $n the atte%. I' the

pa%ty aga!nst wh$ the $t!$n was 1le# 'a!ls t$ sh$w &p '$% the

hea%!ng+ the p%$(ee#!ngs &s&ally g$ '$%wa%# w!th$&t he%. In these

(!%(&stan(es+ &s&ally the pa%ty wh$ 1le# the $t!$n w!ll n$%ally get

what he %e&este#.

I' a pe%s$n !s se%)e# w!th a s&"p$ena $%#e%!ng h! t$ appea% at a

hea%!ng "&t 'a!ls t$ sh$w &p+ he ay "e g&!lty $' ($ntept $' ($&%t an#

s&"*e(t t$ a%%est+ 1ne $% !p%!s$nent. The%e'$%e+ a pe%s$n wh$ has

"een s&"p$enae# "&t wh$ !s &na"le t$ atten# a hea%!ng when !t !s

s(he#&le# sh$&l# (all $% w%!te the ($&%t (le%8 !n a#)an(e an# %e&est a

($nt!n&an(e.

An !n (ae%a hea%!ng !s a hea%!ng hel# !n the *ges (ha"e%s an# !s


41/84

n$t $pen t$ the p&"l!(. In (ae%a hea%!ngs &s&ally ta8e pla(e t$ p%$te(t

the p%!)a(y $' the pe$ple !n)$l)e# an# a%e ($$n !n (ases $'

g&a%#!ansh!ps+ a#$pt!$ns an# (&st$#y #!sp&tes alleg!ng (h!l# a"&se.

A 'a!ly law (ase !ght !n)$l)e any $% all $' these $t!$ns:

M$t!$n '$% p%el!!na%y $%#e%s. When a ($&ple sepa%ates $% 1les '$%

#!)$%(e+ a pa%ty $'ten nee#s the !e#!ate !nte%)ent!$n $' a ($&%t t$

esta"l!sh al!$ny+ (h!l# s&pp$%t+ (&st$#y an# &se $' p%$pe%ty ,'$%

e4aple+ the (a%. C$&ples wh$ a%e &na"le t$ w$%8 $&t a%%angeents

thesel)es $'ten %e&est a p%el!!na%y hea%!ng ,als$ (alle# a tep$%a%y

hea%!ng "e'$%e the *ge.

O%#e% t$ sh$w (a&se. An $%#e% t$ sh$w (a&se !s an $%#e% !ss&e# "y a

*ge+ %e&!%!ng a pe%s$n t$ appea% !n ($&%t at a hea%!ng an# tell the

*ge ,that !s+ sh$w (a&se why the ($&%t sh$&l#nt ta8e a (e%ta!n

a(t!$n.

Many states all$w a sp$&se $% $the% pe%s$n )!(t!!0e# "y #$est!(

)!$len(e t$ $"ta!n a ($&%t $%#e% %e&!%!ng the a"&se% t$ appea% !n ($&%t

an# sh$w (a&se why the ($&%t sh$&l# n$t !ss&e a tep$%a%y %est%a!n!ng

$%#e% p%$h!"!t!ng h! '%$ '&%the% ha%!ng the )!(t!s. The ($&%t (an

als$ !ss&e an $%#e% %e&!%!ng an a"&s!)e sp$&se t$ $)e $&t $' the

'a!ly h$e.


42/84

In 'a!ly law+ $%#e%s t$ sh$w (a&se a%e als$ &se# when a pa%ty )!$lates

a ($&%t $%#e%+ s&(h as an $%#e% t$ pay al!$ny $% (h!l# s&pp$%t. In th!s

s!t&at!$n+ the $the% pa%ty w!ll as8 the ($&%t t$ h$l# an $%#e% t$ sh$w

(a&se hea%!ng t$ #ete%!ne whethe% the pa%ty wh$ has )!$late# the ($&%t

$%#e% sh$&l# "e hel# !n ($ntept $' ($&%t.

SI9E 2AR--3AI6IN7 TO SHOW U AT AN OR9ER TO SHOW CAUSE

HEARIN7

I' a pe%s$n 'a!ls t$ appea% !n ($&%t when she has "een p%$pe%ly $%#e%e#

t$ #$ s$+ the *ge !s a&th$%!0e# t$ !ss&e a wa%%ant ,a ($&%t $%#e%

a&th$%!0!ng a law en'$%(eent $(e% t$ a%%est s$e$ne '$% he% a%%est.

A wa%%ant !ss&e# th!s way !s (alle# a "en(h wa%%ant.

E4aple: $e has 'allen "eh!n# $n h!s ($&%t-$%#e%e# (h!l# s&pp$%t. $es

'$%e% w!'e+ !ll+ has se%)e# $e w!th an $%#e% t$ sh$w (a&se why he

sh$&l# n$t "e hel# !n ($ntept $' ($&%t '$% n$t ($ply!ng. $e 'a!le# t$

appea% at the s(he#&le# hea%!ng the *ge !ss&e# a "en(h wa%%ant

a&th$%!0!ng the p$l!(e t$ a%%est $e an# "%!ng h! "e'$%e the *ge t$

answe% the (ha%ge $' ($ntept.

M$t!$n '$% a p%$te(t!)e $%#e%. A p%$te(t!)e $%#e% !s any $%#e% !ss&e# "y

a ($&%t wh!(h !s eant t$ p%$te(t a pe%s$n '%$ ha% $% ha%assent. A

p%$te(t!)e $%#e% !s ($$nly &se# t$ p%$te(t a pa%ty $% w!tness '%$

&n%eas$na"le $% !n)as!)e #!s($)e%y %e&ests ,'$% e4aple+ ha%ass!ng


43/84

&est!$ns !n a #ep$s!t!$n+ $% an &nne(essa%y e#!(al e4a!nat!$n. 6ess

$'ten+ a tep$%a%y %est%a!n!ng $%#e% !ss&e# t$ p%$h!"!t #$est!(

)!$len(e !s %e'e%%e# t$ as a p%$te(t!)e $%#e%.

M$t!$n t$ &ash se%)!(e $' p%$(ess. When a pe%s$n wh$ has "een se%)e#

w!th ($&%t pape%s "el!e)es that the se%)!(e was n$t a#e a(($%#!ng t$

law+ he (an 1le a $t!$n t$ !n)al!#ate $% &ash the se%)!(e. I' the

$t!$n !s s&((ess'&l+ se%)!(e &st "e t%!e# aga!n. The %eas$ns a ($&%t

!ght &ash se%)!(e $' p%$(ess !n(le !p%$pe% se%)!(e te(hn!&es ,s&(h

as lea)!ng the pape%s $n a #$$%step $% se%)!(e $&ts!#e the ge$g%aph!(al

*&%!s#!(t!$n $' the ($&%t.

M$t!$n t$ "!'&%(ate. 2!'&%(at!$n !s the a(t $' #!)!#!ng a t%!al !nt$ tw$

pa%ts. In 'a!ly law+ "!'&%(at!$n $((&%s when the #!)$%(e !tsel' !s

#ete%!ne# sepa%ately '%$ the %elate# !ss&es $' (&st$#y an# )!s!tat!$n+

(h!l# s&pp$%t+ al!$ny+ an# p%$pe%ty #!)!s!$n.

M$t!$n t$ *$!n a pa%ty. $!n#e% !s the p%$(ess $' "%!ng!ng s$e$ne !nt$

an e4!st!ng laws&!t as an a##!t!$nal pa%ty "e(a&se h!s %!ghts $%

$"l!gat!$ns a%e !n)$l)e# !n the (ase. 3$% e4aple+ when a ($&%t #!)!#es

a pens!$n as a%!tal p%$pe%ty #&%!ng a #!)$%(e+ the pens!$n plan

a#!n!st%at$% $'ten &st "e *$!ne# as a pa%ty t$ the #!)$%(e+ s$ that !'

the ($&%t awa%#s a sp$&se payents &n#e% the $the% sp$&ses pens!$n+ the

plan a#!n!st%at$% (an a8e the p%$pe% a%%angeents. Th!s !s ne(essa%y

"e(a&se $st pens!$n plans p%$h!"!t the a#!n!st%at$%s '%$ pay!ng

any$ne $the% than the epl$yee $% $the% pe%s$n nae# as "ene1(!a%y--


44/84

that !s+ s$e$ne ent!tle# t$ "ene1ts--$' the pens!$n.

M$t!$n t$ ($pel #!s($)e%y. When pa%t!es #!sag%ee $)e% whethe% (e%ta!n

!n'$%at!$n !s $"ta!na"le th%$&gh the #!s($)e%y p%$(ess+ they (an

%e&est that the ($&%t %es$l)e the!% #!sp&te. They s&"!t the!% %e&ests

!n the '$% $' w%!tten $t!$ns. N$%ally+ a #!s($)e%y $t!$n as8s e!the%

'$% an $%#e% ($pell!ng the $the% s!#e t$ %esp$n# t$ #!s($)e%y %e&ests

$% '$% a p%$te(t!)e $%#e% l!!t!ng the #!s($)e%y e5$%ts $' the $the%

s!#e.

M$t!$n '$% san(t!$ns. When a ($&%t ($n(les that a pa%ty t$ a laws&!t

$% an att$%ney has !s&se# the legal p%$(ess !n s$e way+ a penalty

(alle# a san(t!$n ay "e !p$se#. C$$n san(t!$ns a%e 1nes ,t$ "e pa!#

t$ the $the% s!#e $% t$ the ($&%t+ l!!tat!$ns $n a pa%tys a"!l!ty t$

a8e (e%ta!n a%g&ents $% t$ ($n#&(t #!s($)e%y+ an# !n e4t%ee (ases+ a

1n#!ng $' ($ntept $' ($&%t.

E4aple: Nate has s&e# 6$!s '$% a "%ea(h $' the!% ($ha"!tat!$n

ag%eeent. 6$!s s(he#&le# Nates #ep$s!t!$n+ "&t Nate #!# n$t appea%+

n$% #!# he (all t$ say he nee#e# t$ %es(he#&le $% ($&l#nt atten#. As a

%es&lt+ 6$!s was $&t the $ney she pa!# the ($&%t %ep$%te% an# he%

att$%ney. T$ %e($)e% !t+ she 1le# a $t!$n as8!ng the ($&%t t$ ($pel

Nate t$ appea% '$% h!s #ep$s!t!$n an# als$ as8!ng the ($&%t t$ !p$se

san(t!$ns aga!nst Nate !n the a$&nt $' $ney h!s n$n-($$pe%at!$n ($st

he%.


45/84

OR9ER

An $%#e% !s the #e(!s!$n %en#e%e# "y a *ge a'te% a hea%!ng.

9ISCODERY

The '$%al p%$(e#&%es &se# "y pa%t!es t$ a laws&!t t$ $"ta!n !n'$%at!$n

"e'$%e a t%!al !s (alle# #!s($)e%y. 9!s($)e%y helps a pa%ty 1n# $&t the

$the% s!#es )e%s!$n $' the 'a(ts+ what w!tnesses 8n$w+ an# $the%

e)!#en(e. R&les #!(tat!ng the all$wa"le eth$#s $' #!s($)e%y ha)e "een

set &p "y C$ng%ess ,'$% 'e#e%al ($&%ts an# "y state leg!slat&%es ,'$%

state ($&%ts. C$$n #!s($)e%y #e)!(es !n(le:

> 9ep$s!t!$n--a p%$(ee#!ng !n wh!(h a w!tness $% pa%ty !s as8e# t$

answe% &est!$ns $%ally &n#e% $ath "e'$%e a ($&%t %ep$%te%.

> Inte%%$gat$%!es--w%!tten &est!$ns sent "y $ne pa%ty t$ the $the%

pa%ty '$% the latte% t$ answe% !n w%!t!ng &n#e% $ath.

> Re&est '$% a#!ss!$n--a %e&est t$ a pa%ty that he a#!t (e%ta!n

'a(ts. One pa%ty sen#s the $the% a %e&est '$% a#!ss!$n s$ that "as!(

!ss&es the pa%t!es ag%ee &p$n (an "e %es$l)e# an# n$t ha)e t$ "e p%$)en

!' the pa%t!es g$ t$ t%!al.

> Re&est '$% phys!(al e4a!nat!$n--a %e&est t$ a pa%ty that he "e

e4a!ne# "y a #$(t$% !' h!s health !s at !ss&e.


46/84

> Re&est '$% p%$#&(t!$n $' #$(&ents--a %e&est t$ a pa%ty t$ han# $)e%

(e%ta!n #e1ne# #$(&ents. In 'a!ly law (ases+ pa%t!es $'ten %e&est

'%$ ea(h $the% "an8 stateents+ pay st&"s an# $the% #$(&ents sh$w!ng

ea%n!ngs+ assets an# #e"ts.

> Re&est '$% !nspe(t!$n--a %e&est "y a pa%ty t$ l$$8 at tang!"le

!tes ,$the% than w%!t!ngs !n the p$ssess!$n $% ($nt%$l $' the $the%

pa%ty. Ites t$ "e !nspe(te# !n(le h$&ses+ (a%s+ appl!an(es an#

)!%t&ally any $the% phys!(al !te.

> S&"p$ena--an $%#e% tell!ng a w!tness t$ appea% !n ($&%t $% at a

#ep$s!t!$n. A s&"p$ena !s !ss&e# "y the ($&%t+ an# !' the w!tness 'a!ls

t$ ($ply+ he (an "e hel# !n ($ntept $' ($&%t.

> S&"p$ena #&(es te(&--an $%#e% tell!ng a w!tness t$ t&%n $)e% (e%ta!n

#$(&ents t$ a spe(!1( pa%ty $% t$ "%!ng the t$ a s(he#&le#

#ep$s!t!$n. A s&"p$ena #&(es te(& !s !ss&e# "y the ($&%t+ an# !' the

w!tness 'a!ls t$ ($ply+ he (an "e hel# !n ($ntept.

The s($pe $' !n'$%at!$n $"ta!na"le th%$&gh #!s($)e%y !s &!te "%$a# an#

n$t l!!te# t$ what (an "e &se# !n a t%!al. 3e#e%al ($&%ts an# $st

state ($&%ts all$w a pa%ty t$ #!s($)e% any !n'$%at!$n ?%eas$na"ly

(al(&late# t$ lea# t$ the #!s($)e%y $' a#!ss!"le e)!#en(e.? 2e(a&se $'

th!s "%$a# stan#a%#+ pa%t!es $'ten #!sag%ee a"$&t what !n'$%at!$n &st

"e e4(hange# an# what ay "e 8ept ($n1#ent!al. These #!sp&tes a%e


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%es$l)e# th%$&gh ($&%t %&l!ngs $n #!s($)e%y $t!$ns.

E4aple @: Ellen an# Ay ha)e "een l!)!ng t$gethe% '$% se)en yea%s an#

ha)e p&%(hase# a (a%+ s$e '&%n!t&%e an# any h$&seh$l# g$$#s. They%e

g$!ng sepa%ate ways+ "&t (ann$t ag%ee $n h$w t$ #!)!#e the!% p%$pe%ty.

The!% #!sp&te "e($es nast!e% as the #ays p%$g%ess+ an# Ellen s&es Ay+

(la!!ng Ay has "%ea(he# an $%al ag%eeent. Ays lawye% wants t$ 8n$w

Ellens &n#e%stan#!ng $' h$w they $wne# the!% p%$pe%ty+ s$ he s(he#&les

Ellens #ep$s!t!$n. He w!ll as8 Ellen what she &n#e%st$$# t$ "e the

a%%angeent an# '&%the% w!ll as8 he% t$ !#ent!'y any #$(&ents

s&pp$%t!ng he% p$s!t!$n+ s&(h as ag%eeents+ %e(e!pts $% "an8

stateents.

E4aple B: 2!ll an# 2e%n!(e a%e #!)$%(!ng. The ($&%t $%#e%e# 2!ll $&t $'

the 'a!ly h$e t$ all$w 2e%n!(e t$ stay the%e w!th the (h!l#%en. 2!ll

an# 2e%n!(e ha)e #e(!#e# t$ sell the h$&se+ "&t #$nt ag%ee $n the

)al&e+ an# the%e'$%e ea(h plans t$ ha)e an app%a!se% s&"!t an

app%a!sal. I' 2e%n!(e %e'&ses t$ all$w 2!lls app%a!se% a((ess t$ the

h$&se+ 2!ll w!ll ha)e t$ %e&est an !nspe(t!$n.

STIU6ATIONS

A st!p&lat!$n !s an ag%eeent "etween pa%t!es t$ a laws&!t that a

(e%ta!n 'a(t ay "e ($ns!#e%e# t%&e $% that a (e%ta!n p%$(e#&%e ay "e

'$ll$we# !n ($&%t. M$st st!p&lat!$ns a%e p&t !n w%!t!ng+ "&t th!s !s

&s&ally n$t a %e&!%eent.


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E4aple: e#%$ an# Ma%!a a%e #!)$%(!ng. 9&%!ng the!% a%%!age they

"$&ght a h$&se+ wh!(h they n$w ag%ee !s w$%th @L


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An$the% #e)!(e t$ get the pa%t!es t$ settle--(alle# ea%ly ne&t%al

e)al&at!$n--!s t$ ha)e the p%esent the!% (ase t$ an !pa%t!al pe%s$n

,$'ten a %et!%e# *ge $% e4pe%!en(e# lawye% an# %e(e!)e '%$ that

pe%s$n an h$nest assessent $' wh$ !s l!8ely t$ p%e)a!l !n t%!al.

9UE ROCESS

9&e p%$(ess !s "est #e1ne# !n $ne w$%#--'a!%ness. Th%$&gh$&t the U.S.s

h!st$%y+ !ts ($nst!t&t!$ns+ stat&tes an# (ase law ha)e p%$)!#e#

stan#a%#s '$% 'a!% t%eatent $' (!t!0ens "y 'e#e%al+ state an# l$(al

g$)e%nents. These stan#a%#s a%e 8n$wn as #&e p%$(ess. When a pe%s$n !s

t%eate# &n'a!%ly "y the g$)e%nent+ !n(l!ng the ($&%ts+ he !s sa!# t$

ha)e "een #ep%!)e# $' $% #en!e# #&e p%$(ess.

E4aple: E0%a an# Sha%$n a%%!e# !n New Y$%8 an# ha# a s$n+ 9a%w!n. They

#!)$%(e# an# Sha%$n $)e# t$ Cal!'$%n!a 9a%w!n staye# w!th E0%a. 9a%w!n

late% $)e# t$ Cal!'$%n!a t$ l!)e w!th Sha%$n Sha%$n s&e# E0%a '$%

(h!l# s&pp$%t !n Cal!'$%n!a. E0%a (la!e# that "e(a&se he #!#nt l!)e !n

Cal!'$%n!a an# ha# ne)e% "een t$ Cal!'$%n!a !t w$&l# "e &n'a!% ,a #en!al

$' #&e p%$(ess '$% h! t$ #e'en# the (h!l# s&pp$%t laws&!t !n

Cal!'$%n!a. The U.S. S&p%ee C$&%t ag%ee#+ say!ng that Sha%$n sh$&l#

"%!ng he% (h!l# s&pp$%t %e&est !n New Y$%8. ,Th!s e4aple !s "ase# $n a

(ase (alle# K&l8$ ). S&pe%!$% C$&%t+ L U.S. GL ,@;FG.

RETROACTIDE A6ICATION O3 6AWS


50/84

A stat&te passe# "y a leg!slat&%e &s&ally states that !t shall $nly

apply a'te% a (e%ta!n #ate. O((as!$nally+ th$&gh+ laws a%e a#e

%et%$a(t!)e--that !s+ they apply t$ e)ents that happene# "e'$%e the law

was passe#. ,C%!!nal laws a%e ne)e% %et%$a(t!)e--the leg!slat&%e (ann$t

a8e a past a(t a (%!e. I' the stat&te !tsel' #$esnt !n#!(ate the

#ate !t !s t$ "e($e e5e(t!)e+ ($&%ts n$%ally !nte%p%et !t t$ ha)e

'&t&%e e5e(t $nly.

E4aple: Ass&e that the M!nnes$ta leg!slat&%e passes a law %e&!%!ng a

($&ple t$ &n#e%g$ a "l$$# test as a %e&!%eent $' "e!ng a%%!e#. The

leg!slat&%e !nten#s that !t apply t$ ($&ples "$th plann!ng t$ a%%y an#

al%ea#y a%%!e#. ,C&%%ently+ M!nnes$ta #$es n$t %e&!%e "l$$# tests

"e'$%e a%%!age. Apply!ng the law t$ al%ea#y a%%!e# ($&ples !s a

%et%$a(t!)e appl!(at!$n $' the law. A a%%!e# M!nnes$tan !ght (hallenge

the law a%g&!ng that apply!ng !t t$ he% !s &n($nst!t&t!$nal "e(a&se she

ha# n$ e4pe(tat!$n $' e)e% ha)!ng t$ &n#e%g$ a "l$$# test as a

%e&!%eent $' "e!ng a%%!e# !n M!nnes$ta.

ESTOE6

In (e%ta!n s!t&at!$ns+ the law %e'&ses t$ all$w a pe%s$n t$ #eny 'a(ts

when an$the% pe%s$n has %el!e# $n an# a(te# !n a(($%#an(e w!th the 'a(ts

$n the "as!s $' the 1%st pe%s$ns "eha)!$%. Th!s !s (alle# est$ppel.

The%e a%e tw$ 8!n#s $' est$ppel.


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C$llate%al est$ppel p%e)ents a pa%ty t$ a laws&!t '%$ %a!s!ng a 'a(t $%

!ss&e wh!(h was al%ea#y #e(!#e# aga!nst h! !n an$the% laws&!t. 3$%

e4aple+ !' 9$nna $"ta!ne# a pate%n!ty *gent aga!nst 6e%$y an# then

s&e# h! '$% (h!l# s&pp$%t+ 6e%$y w$&l# "e ($llate%ally est$ppe# '%$

(la!!ng he !snt the 'athe%.

E&!ta"le est$ppel p%e)ents $ne pa%ty '%$ ta8!ng a #!5e%ent p$s!t!$n

at t%!al than she #!# at an ea%l!e% t!e !' the $the% pa%ty w$&l# "e

ha%e# "y the (hange. 3$% e4aple+ !' a'te% $"ta!n!ng the pate%n!ty

*gent+ 6e%$y s&es 9$nna '$% (&st$#y+ 9$nna !s n$w e&!ta"ly est$ppe#

'%$ (la!!ng !n the (&st$#y s&!t that 6e%$y !s n$t the 'athe%.

RES U9ICATA

Res *!(ata !s 6at!n '$% ?a th!ng a#*!(ate#.? Th!s eans that $n(e a

atte% has "een #e(!#e# "y a ($&%t+ !t w$nt "e #!st&%"e#. Res *!(ata

&s&ally appl!es when a ($n!(t a%!ses "etween the sae pa%t!es $)e% the

sae 'a(ts that we%e %es$l)e# !n an ea%l!e% (ase. The ($&%t %e'&ses t$

hea% the atte% a se($n# t!e+ (!t!ng %es *!(ata.

CO66ATERA6 ATTACK

When a sepa%ate an# new laws&!t !s 1le# t$ (hallenge s$e aspe(t $' an

ea%l!e% an# sepa%ate (ase+ !t !s (alle# a ($llate%al atta(8 $n the

ea%l!e% (ase. Th!s !s #!5e%ent than an appeal+ wh!(h !s a (hallenge t$


52/84

s$e aspe(t $' a #e(!s!$n a#e !n the sae (ase.

E4aple: Sa $"ta!ns a #!)$%(e !n Ne)a#a w!th$&t p%$pe%ly n$t!'y!ng h!s

w!'e+ 6a&%!e. 6a&%!e 1les a late% laws&!t see8!ng t$ set as!#e the

#!)$%(e an# sta%t the #!)$%(e p%$(ee#!ngs $)e%. 6a&%!es (ase !s a

($llate%al atta(8 $n the #!)$%(e.

The law wants *gents t$ "e 1nal whene)e% p$ss!"le+ an# th&s

($llate%al atta(8s a%e #!s($&%age#. Many a%e 1le#+ "&t &s&ally $nly

s&((ee# when an $")!$&s !n*&st!(e $% &n($nst!t&t!$nal t%eatent $((&%%e#

!n the ea%l!e% (ase.

E ARTE

E4 pa%te eans ?"y $ne s!#e.? Alth$&gh a *ge !s n$%ally %e&!%e# t$

eet w!th all pa%t!es !n a (ase an# n$t w!th *&st $ne+ the%e a%e

(!%(&stan(es whe%e th!s %&le #$es n$t apply an# the *ge !s all$we# t$

eet w!th *&st $ne s!#e ,e4 pa%te. In a##!t!$n+ s$et!es *ges w!ll

!ss&e tep$%a%y $%#e%s e4 pa%te ,that !s+ "ase# $n $ne pa%tys %e&est

w!th$&t hea%!ng '%$ the $the% s!#e when t!e !s l!!te# $% !t w$&l# #$

n$ appa%ent g$$# t$ hea% the $the% s!#e $' the #!sp&te. 3$% e4aple+ !'

a w!'e (la!s #$est!( )!$len(e+ a ($&%t ay !e#!ately !ss&e an e4

pa%te $%#e% tell!ng he% h&s"an# t$ stay away. On(e hes $&t $' the

h$&se+ the ($&%t h$l#s a hea%!ng+ whe%e he (an tell h!s s!#e an# the

($&%t (an #e(!#e whethe% the e4 pa%te $%#e% sh$&l# "e a#e pe%anent.


53/84

EPUITA26E OWER

I' st%!(t appl!(at!$n $' the law w$&l# "e &n'a!% t$ a pe%s$n+ $st

($&%ts ha)e the a&th$%!ty+ (alle# e&!ta"le p$we%+ t$ "en# the %&les t$

p%e)ent s&(h an $&t($e. Engl!sh C$&%ts $' E&!ty we%e esta"l!she#

h&n#%e#s $' yea%s ag$ t$ tepe% the legal!st!( %!g$%s $' Engl!sh ($$n

law. E&!ty p%!n(!ples we%e a#$pte# "y U.S. ($&%ts when th!s ($&nt%y was

'$%e#. T$#ay+ when a ($&%t e4e%(!ses e&!ta"le p$we%s+ !t $'ten #$es s$

t$ p%e)ent $ne pa%ty '%$ ta8!ng &n'a!% a#)antage $' an$the% $% '%$

p%$1t!ng "y he% $wn w%$ng#$!ng.

C6EAN HAN9S 9OCTRINE

Un#e% the (lean han#s #$(t%!ne+ a pe%s$n wh$ has a(te# w%$ngly+ e!the%

$%ally $% legally--that !s+ wh$ has ?&n(lean han#s?--w!ll n$t "e helpe#

"y a ($&%t when ($pla!n!ng a"$&t the a(t!$ns $' s$e$ne else.

In 'a!ly law+ the #$(t%!ne !s !n)$8e# $st $'ten !n tw$ s!t&at!$ns.

3!%st+ a pa%ent wh$ 8!#naps an# then late% %e&ests (&st$#y w!ll $'ten

"e #en!e# (&st$#y &nless the (h!l# !s !n #ange% $' ha% '%$ the $the%

pa%ent. Se($n#+ a sp$&se wh$ ($n(eals assets $% $the%w!se

!sapp%$p%!ates a%!tal p%$pe%ty #&%!ng the a%%!age $% sepa%at!$n w!ll

$'ten "e penal!0e# !n the #!)!s!$n $' p%$pe%ty at the #!)$%(e "y "e!ng

awa%#e# less than he% 'a!% sha%e. Th!s+ $' ($&%se+ %e&!%es that the

!nn$(ent sp$&se lea%n $' the ($n(ealent $% !sapp%$p%!at!$n.


54/84

STATUTE O3 6IMITATION

A stat&te $' l!!tat!$n !s a law that sets the #ea#l!ne '$% 1l!ng a

laws&!t !n a pa%t!(&la% 8!n# $' #!sp&te. These #ea#l!nes )a%y #epen#!ng

$n the state+ the type $' !ss&e an# the (!%(&stan(es $' the (ase. A

laws&!t 1le# a'te% the #ea#l!ne w!ll "e th%$wn $&t $' ($&%t.

In Cal!'$%n!a an# Te4as+ '$% e4aple+ when $ne pe%s$n "%ea(hes a w%!tten

($nt%a(t+ the $the% pe%s$n has '$&% yea%s t$ s&e th!s !s (alle# a '$&%-

yea% stat&te $' l!!tat!$n. A pe%s$nal !n*&%y s&!t+ s&(h as an assa&lt

an# "atte%y (ase "%$&ght "y the )!(t! $' #$est!( )!$len(e+ &st "e

"%$&ght w!th!n $ne yea% '%$ the #ate $' the !n*&%y !n Cal!'$%n!a an#

w!th!n tw$ yea%s !n Te4as.

The%e a%e n$ stat&tes $' l!!tat!$n '$% 1l!ng a n$-'a&lt #!)$%(e.

3!l!ng a 'a&lt #!)$%(e+ h$we)e%+ &s&ally !n)$l)es a t!e l!!tat!$n '$%

e4aple+ an !nn$(ent sp$&se has $nly a set pe%!$# $' t!e a'te% lea%n!ng

$' he% sp$&ses a#&lte%y ,$% #ese%t!$n $% (%&elty t$ 1le '$% #!)$%(e

$n th!s g%$&n#. 3a!l&%e $' $ne sp$&se t$ 1le the 'a&lt #!)$%(e w!th!n

the t!e pe%!$# ay p%$)!#e the $the% sp$&se w!th a #e'ense t$ the

#!)$%(e.

RESUMTION

A 'a(t ass&e# t$ "e t%&e &n#e% the law !s (alle# a p%es&pt!$n. 3$%

e4aple+ a (%!!nal #e'en#ant !s p%es&e# t$ "e !nn$(ent &nt!l the


55/84

p%$se(&t!ng att$%ney p%$)es "ey$n# a %eas$na"le #$&"t that she !s

g&!lty. %es&pt!$ns a%e &se# t$ %el!e)e a pa%ty '%$ ha)!ng t$ a(t&ally

p%$)e the t%&th $' the 'a(t "e!ng p%es&e#. On(e a p%es&pt!$n !s %el!e#

$n "y $ne pa%ty+ h$we)e%+ the $the% pa%ty !s n$%ally all$we# t$ $5e%

e)!#en(e t$ #!sp%$)e ,%e"&t the p%es&pt!$n. The p%es&pt!$n !s 8n$wn

as a %e"&tta"le p%es&pt!$n. In essen(e+ then+ what a p%es&pt!$n %eally

#$es !s pla(e the $"l!gat!$n $' p%esent!ng e)!#en(e ($n(e%n!ng a

pa%t!(&la% 'a(t $n a pa%t!(&la% pa%ty.

CONC6USIDE RESUMTION

The law #$es n$t all$w s$e p%es&pt!$ns t$ "e #!sp%$)e#+ n$ atte% h$w

st%$ng the e)!#en(e t$ the ($nt%a%y. These a%e (alle# ($n(l&s!)e

p%es&pt!$ns. The p%es&pt!$n that a (h!l# "$%n t$ a a%%!e# ($&ple !s

($ns!#e%e# the (h!l# $' the h&s"an# !s $'ten !%%e"&tta"le ,that !s+ y$&

(ant a%g&e w!th !t e)en !' y$& (an p%$)e the h&s"an# !snt the 'athe%.

A g%$w!ng n&"e% $' ($&%ts+ h$we)e%+ ha)e hel# ($n(l&s!)e p%es&pt!$ns

t$ "e &n($nst!t&t!$nal ,t$$ &n'a!%+ an# th&s a #en!al $' #&e p%$(ess+

espe(!ally !n the a%ea $' pate%n!ty+ "e(a&se $' "l$$# tests wh!(h (an

e4(le pate%n!ty w!th @


56/84

I#ah$+ !' the %e(!p!ent ta8es the steps ne(essa%y t$ ($n)e%t !t t$ an

I#ah$ *gent.

In the past+ states $'ten #!# n$t a5$%# '&ll 'a!th an# (%e#!t t$

(&st$#y #e(!s!$ns $' ($&%ts !n $the% states+ p%e'e%%!ng !nstea# t$

#e(!#e the !ss&es $n the e)!#en(e "e'$%e the. Th!s $'ten le# t$

($nt%a#!(t$%y (&st$#y $%#e%s an# s$et!es (h!l#%en we%e 8!#nappe# an#

th%$wn "a(8 an# '$%th. N$w+ h$we)e%+ the a%ental K!#napp!ng %e)ent!$n

A(t an# the Un!'$% Ch!l# C&st$#y &%!s#!(t!$n A(t %e&!%e states t$

g!)e '&ll 'a!th an# (%e#!t t$ (&st$#y #e(!s!$ns %en#e%e# !n $the%

states.

COMITY

C$!ty !s the legal #$(t%!ne &n#e% wh!(h ($&nt%!es %e($gn!0e an# en'$%(e

ea(h $the%s legal #e(%ees. C$!ty &s&ally a%!ses !n tw$ s!t&at!$ns !n

'a!ly law. The 1%st !s whe%e a #!)$%(e !s g%ante# "y an$the% ($&nt%y.

I' "$th pa%t!es we%e p%esent an# ($nsente# t$ the #!)$%(e+ the%e !s

&s&ally n$ p%$"le w!th the U.S. %e($gn!0!ng the '$%e!gn #!)$%(e #e(%ee.

The se($n# s!t&at!$n a%!ses !n (h!l# (&st$#y (ases. The Un!'$% Ch!l#

C&st$#y &%!s#!(t!$n A(t %e&!%es that state ($&%ts %e($gn!0e p%$pe%ly

ente%e# (&st$#y #e(%ees $' $the% nat!$ns !n t&%n+ any $the% ($&nt%!es

a%e "eg!nn!ng t$ %e($gn!0e U.S. (&st$#y $%#e%s.

RESENTIN7 THE CASE


57/84

W!tnesses wh$ test!'y at a t%!al $% hea%!ng a%e &est!$ne# "y tw$ "as!(

te(hn!&es--#!%e(t e4a!nat!$n an# (%$ss-e4a!nat!$n. 6awye%s+ $% the

pa%t!es thesel)es !' they a%ent %ep%esente# "y lawye%s+ #$ the

e4a!n!ng ,&est!$n!ng.

9IRECT EAMINATION

9!%e(t e4a!nat!$n ($ns!sts $' &est!$ns as8e# !n a #!%e(t '$%+ that

!s+ a '$% wh!(h #$es n$t s&ggest the answe%+ s&(h as ?Whe%e we%e y$& $n

&ly @GthQ? 9!%e(t e4a!nat!$n !s ($n#&(te# $' w!tnesses wh$ a%e

'%!en#ly t$ the &est!$ne%.

CROSS-EAMINATION

A &est!$n that s&ggests the answe%--'$% e4aple+ ?Y$& we%e at the sh$p

$n &ly @Gth+ we%ent y$&Q?--!s (alle# a lea#!ng &est!$n an# (an "e

&se# $nly $n (%$ss-e4a!nat!$n. C%$ss-e4a!nat!$n &est!$ns a%e as8e# "y

the pa%ty wh$se p$s!t!$n !s $pp$se# "y the w!tness.

S$et!es+ when pa%t!es a%ent %ep%esente# "y lawye%s+ these '$%al

%&les $' &est!$n!ng a%e n$t &se#. Instea#+ w!tnesses &se na%%at!)e

'$%ats an# s!ply tell the!% st$%!es.

SI9E 2AR--EERT WITNESS

An e4pe%t w!tness !s a pe%s$n wh$ test!1es at a t%!al "e(a&se she has


58/84

spe(!al 8n$wle#ge !n a pa%t!(&la% 1el#. Th!s ent!tles he% t$ test!'y

a"$&t he% $p!n!$n $n the ean!ng $' 'a(ts. N$n-e4pe%t w!tnesses a%e $nly

pe%!tte# t$ test!'y a"$&t 'a(ts they $"se%)e# an# n$t the!% $p!n!$ns

a"$&t these 'a(ts. In 'a!ly law t%!als+ ($$n e4pe%t w!tnesses

!n(le: > a(t&a%!es+ wh$ test!'y a"$&t )al&es $' sp$&ses pens!$n

plans '$% the p&%p$se $' #!)!#!ng the at #!)$%(e

> (h!l# psy(h$l$g!sts $% #e)el$pent spe(!al!sts+ wh$ test!'y a"$&t the

"est !nte%ests $' the (h!l# when (&st$#y $% )!s!tat!$n !s !n #!sp&te

> app%a!se%s+ wh$ test!'y a"$&t p%$pe%ty )al&es when the pa%t!es (ann$t

ag%ee+ an#

> (a%ee% ($&nsel$%s+ wh$ test!'y a"$&t a h$ea8e%s a"!l!ty t$ %et&%n

t$ the w$%8 '$%(e '$% the p&%p$se $' #ete%!n!ng the a$&nt an# #&%at!$n

$' al!$ny.

2UR9EN O3 ROO3

The "&%#en $' p%$$' %e'e%s t$ the $"l!gat!$n $' a pa%ty t$ p%$)e h!s

allegat!$ns #&%!ng a t%!al. Typ!(ally+ the pla!nt!5 &st p%$)e whate)e%

allegat!$ns he !n(le# !n h!s ($pla!nt !n $%#e% t$ w!n h!s (ase. The

#e'en#ant !s g!)en the $pp$%t&n!ty t$ s&"!t e)!#en(e t$ %e"&t the

pla!nt!5s (ase. T$ %e"&t gene%ally eans t$ ($ntest a stateent $%

e)!#en(e p%esente# "y an$the%.


59/84

STAN9AR9 O3 ROO3

The a$&nt $' e)!#en(e wh!(h a pla!nt!5 ,$% p%$se(&t!ng att$%ney+ !n a

(%!!nal (ase &st p%esent !n a t%!al !n $%#e% t$ w!n !s (alle# the

stan#a%# $' p%$$'. 9!5e%ent (ases %e&!%e #!5e%ent stan#a%#s $' p%$$'

#epen#!ng $n what !s at sta8e. The ($$n stan#a%#s a%e:

> 2ey$n# a %eas$na"le #$&"t ,(%!!nal (ases--'$% a (%!!nal #e'en#ant

t$ "e ($n)!(te# $' a (%!e+ the p%$se(&t$% &st p%$)e he% (ase t$ the

p$!nt that the *&%$%s ha)e n$ %eas$na"le #$&"ts !n the!% !n#s that the

#e'en#ant #!# whate)e% he !s (ha%ge# w!th ha)!ng #$ne.

> Clea% an# ($n)!n(!ng e)!#en(e ,(!)!l (ases !n)$l)!ng the p$tent!al

l$ss $' !p$%tant !nte%ests s&(h as the te%!nat!$n $' pa%ental %!ghts-

-'$% a pa%ty t$ p%$)e a (ase &n#e% th!s stan#a%#+ she &st sh$w

s$eth!ng $%e than !t !s $%e l!8ely than n$t+ "&t n$t as &(h as

"ey$n# a %eas$na"le #$&"t. N$ legal s(h$la% has e)e% "een a"le t$ #e1ne

(lea% an# ($n)!n(!ng e)!#en(e $%e p%e(!sely than that.

> %ep$n#e%an(e $' the e)!#en(e ,$st (!)!l (ases !n(l!ng 'a&lt

#!)$%(es--p%ep$n#e%an(e $' the e)!#en(e gene%ally eans that a pa%ty

w!ll w!n !' she (an sh$w that !t !s $%e l!8ely than n$t that he%

($ntent!$n !s t%&e.

RU6ES O3 EDI9ENCE


60/84

R&les $' e)!#en(e ,'$&n# !n the stat&tes an# ($&%t %&les $' ea(h state

#ete%!ne what e)!#en(e ay "e a#!tte# !nt$ a t%!al $% hea%!ng an#

&n#e% what (!%(&stan(es.

A9MISSI26E EDI9ENCE

Anyth!ng a *ge all$ws a *&%y ,$% h!sel' t$ ($ns!#e% !n %ea(h!ng a

#e(!s!$n #&%!ng the t%!al !s (alle# a#!ss!"le e)!#en(e "e(a&se !t !s

?a#!tte#? !nt$ e)!#en(e. Many types $' e)!#en(e a%e n$t a#!ss!"le

"e(a&se they #$nt sat!s'y legal stan#a%#s $' %el!a"!l!ty $% 'a!%ness.

These stan#a%#s ha)e #e)el$pe# $)e% h&n#%e#s $' yea%s an# a%e ($nstantly

s&"*e(t t$ (hange.

E4aple: 6a&%a !s s!4 yea%s $l#+ an# the%e !s e)!#en(e that she has "een

a"&se# "y he% 'athe%. Un#e% t%a#!t!$nal e)!#en(e %&les+ any stateents

6a&%a a#e $&ts!#e $' the ($&%t%$$ t$ a ($&nsel$%+ pa%ent $% $the%

pe%s$n ($n(e%n!ng the a"&se w$&l# "e ($ns!#e%e# !na#!ss!"le e)!#en(e.

Only he% stateents a#e !n ($&%t !n '%$nt $' he% 'athe% w$&l# "e

a#!ss!"le. 2e(a&se $' the #!(&lty !n ha)!ng a (h!l# spea8 '%eely !n

a ($&%t+ any states a%e n$w e4pe%!ent!ng w!th all$

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The Court System - How It Works - What It Means Tenant Rights