Civil Procedure

Personal JurisdictionTraditional Bases for Asserting JurisdictionConstitutional BasesIn remQuasi in remNotice/Service of Process

Subject Matter JurisdictionFederal QuestionDiversitySupplemental Jurisdiction

PendentAncillary

RemovalVenue

RuleTransferForum non conveniens

Choice of LawPleadings

NoticeService of ProcessComplaintAnswerCounter ClaimsCross-ClaimsAmendment and Supplemental PleadingsRule 11

Joinder of Parties and ClaimsParties

RequirementsCompulsoryPermissive

ClaimsClass ActionsInterventionImpleaderInterpleader

Rule 22Statutory

DiscoveryTypesScopeSanctions

Resolution Prior to Trial

12b6DismissalSummary Judgment

Jury7th AmdNonsuitJMOLRenewed JMOL

AppealFJR

Subsequent ProceedingsRes JudicataCollateral Estoppel

Community Property

Basic PresumptionsIssues Which Affect All or Most of Property

Antenuptial AgreementTransmutationDivorceDeath

Separate Each Item of PropertyCharacterization

Basic PresumptionsPersonal Injury AwardsRetirement BenefitsDisability Pay and Worker’s CompensationSeverance PayStock OptionsBusiness and Professional GoodwillEducation and TrainingWhole Life InsuranceTerm Life Insurance

Source of FundsAcquisition of Property: Marriage of MooreImprovement of Property

Actions by Spouses Altering Character of PropertyAntenuptial AgreementsTransmutations: in writing after 1985Marriage Woman’s Special Presumption (1975)Taking Assets in Joint Title

Death: LucasDivorce

Before 1984: LucasAfter 1984: joint tenancy = cpAfter 1987: any joint form = cpReimbursement to sp

Community Labor Enhancing Value of spPereira: cp enhanced value of businessVan Camp: unique sp business

Reverse Pereira & Van Camp: sp labor to cpDistribution

DivorceRuleReasons to Deviate

DeathWillIntestate

Quasi-Community Property

RuleDivorceDeath

Management and Control During MarriageEqual Management RuleExceptions

Preemption

Constitutional Law

Approach

Is there a justiciable case or controversy?What type of Constitutional issue?If an individual right is at issue, is there state action?What individual rights are at issue?

Justiciable Case or Controversy (Federal Courts)?RipenessAbstentionMootnessPolitical QuestionStanding

What type of Constitutional issue?Separation of Powers

JudicialLegislativeExecutive

DomesticAppointment and RemovalVetoPardonsChief Executive

ForeignWarForeign RelationsTreatyExecutive Agreements

ImpeachmentScope of Congressional Authority

Source of Power Commerce ClauseSpendingTaxingTakingCitizenshipCivil RightsForeign AffairsElections

Limitations on power of 10th AmendmentState Interference with Federal System

PreemptionDormant Commerce ClausePrivileges and Immunities Clause

If and individual right is at issue, is there state action?What individual right is at issue?

Speech (1st Amendment)Prior RestraintVagueness or OverbreadthContent Regulation or Content Neutral

Content RegulationsInciting Imminent Lawless ActionDefamationObscenityFighting WordsCommercial Speech

FalseTrue

Content NeutralPublic Forums: Time, Place & Manner

RestrictionsNonpublic ForumsSymbolic ExpressionFreedom of Association

Taking (5th Amendment)Religion

EstablishmentFree Exercise

Equal ProtectionClassification or Fundamental Interest

SuspectQuasi-suspectOther

Government Intent to DiscriminateSubstantive Due ProcessProcedural Due Process

Life, Liberty, or Property?What process is due?

Contracts Checklist and Practice

UCCMerchants Common Law

Is there a valid contract?OfferTermination of Offer

LapseRevocationRejectionOperation of Law

AcceptanceConsiderationDefenses to Formation

Statute of FraudsMistakeIllegalityIncapacityUnconscionabilityDuress and CoercionFraud

Third Party Rights or ObligationsThird Party Beneficiaries

Intended or IncidentalCreditory or DoneeVesting of RightsWho can sue whom?

Assignment of RightsAssignments are ValidRevocableWho can sue whom?Multiple Assignments

Delegation of DutiesTerms of Contract

Interpretation of Ambiguous TermsParol Evidence RuleModificationUCC: Delivery Obligations

Risk of LossWarranties of QualityContract Limitations on Warranties

PerformanceConditions

TypesSatisfaction of ConditionsExcuse of Conditions

Wrongful PreventionInability or Unwillingness to PerformAnticipatory RepudiationWaiverEstoppel

Discharge of DutiesPerformanceImpossibilityImpracticabilityFrustration of Purpose

RescissionNovationAccord and Satisfaction

BreachMaterialityTests for Materiality

RemediesDuty to MitigateDamages

CompensatoryExpectationConsequential

LiquidatedPunitiveUCC

Buyer BreachesSeller Breaches

Specific PerformanceC: Valid ContractC: Plaintiff’s conditions are satisfiedI: Inadequacy of Legal RemediesM: Mutuality of RemedyE: Feasibility of EnforcementD: Defenses

Unclean HandsLachesMistakeMisrepresentationUnconscionabilityStatute of Frauds/Part Performance

Quasi-Contractual ReliefRescission

G: Grounds for RescissionMistake

MutualUnilateral

MisrepresentationInnocentFraudulent

D: DefensesUnclean HandsLaches

ReformationV: Valid ContractG: Grounds for Reformation

MistakeMutualUnilateral

MisrepresentationD: Defenses

LachesSale to BFP

Corporations

Organization of the Corporation

Formation RequirementsPeoplePaperAct

Legal Significance of Formation of CorporationDe Facto Corporation & Corporation by EstoppelBylawsPromotersForeign Corporations

Issuance of Stock

DefinitionSubscriptionsConsideration

FormAmount

Preemptive Rights

Directors and Officers

Statutory Requirements – DirectorsBoard Action

Role of DirectorsDuty of Care

NonfeasanceMisfeasance: Business Judgment Rule

Duty of LoyaltyInterested Director TransactionsCompeting VenturesCorporate Opportunity

Which Directors are Liable?Officers Owe Same Duties as DirectorsIndemnification of Directors and Officers

Shareholders

Theories for Holding Shareholders Liable to Creditors of CorporationGeneral RulePiercing Corporate Veil

UndercapitalizationAlter EgoTorts

Shareholder Management of CorporationShareholder Derivative SuitsVoting

General RuleExceptionsVoting Trusts & Voting AgreementsWhere to Shareholder Vote?

Act in Two WaysUnanimous Written ConsentMeeting

Annual MeetingSpecial MeetingNotice

How do Shareholders Vote?QuorumMajority

Cumulative VotingStock Transfer RestrictionsRight to Inspect (and Copy) Books and Records of CorporationDistributions

Fundamental Corporate Changes

Characteristics of Fundamental Corporate ChangesAmendment of ArticlesMergers or ConsolidationsSale of Assets or Share ExchangeDissolution

VoluntaryInvoluntaryWinding Up

Securities Law Considerations

Securities are InvestmentsState Law LiabilitiesFederal Anti-Fraud Rule: Rule 10b-5Federal Anti-Speculation Rule 16b

Criminal Procedure

Exclusionary RuleIllegal search and seizures excluded unless

Grand jury, civil, immigration, paroleGood faith reliance on statute or warrantImpeachment only

Fruit of Poisonous TreeDefenses

Free willInevitable discoveryIndependent source

Search and SeizureGovernment ActionReasonable Expectation of PrivacyValid Search WarrantExceptions to Warrant

EvanescentPlain ViewConsentStop and FriskBorder SearchesHot PursuitSearch Incident to Lawful ArrestAutomobile Exception

ConfessionsMust be VoluntaryMiranda Warnings and Defenses

Pretrial Identification6th Right to Counsel14th Denial of Due ProcessDefense: Independent In-court Identification

Right to Trial by JuryDouble Jeopardy14th Due ProcessRight to Counsel at TrialGuilty Pleas

Criminal Law

Principle of Criminal LawAccomplice Liability

ElementsWithdrawalAccessory After the Fact

Inchoate OffensesSolicitationConspiracyAttempt

Offenses Against the PersonHomicide

First Degree Murder (si)Murder/2nd Degree Murder (m)

DefensesJustificationProvocation (mitigation)Felony Murder DefensesLack of Causation

Hastening InevitableSimultaneous Acts

Voluntary ManslaughterDefenses

Lack of CausationHastening InevitableSimultaneous Acts

Involuntary ManslaughterDefenses

Lack of CausationHastening InevitableSimultaneous Acts

Rape (g)Assault (si)Battery (g)

DefensesConsentNot voluntary intoxication

Kidnapping (g)False Imprisonment (g)Mayhem

Offenses Against PropertyLarceny (si)Embezzlement (si)False Pretenses (si)Receipt of Stolen PropertyArson (m)Burglary (si)

Offenses Against Person/Personal PropertyRobbery (si)Extortion (si)

Offenses Against PublicForgeryBigamy (sl)Misprison

DefensesSelf DefenseDefense of OthersDefense of PropertyIntoxication

VoluntaryInvoluntary

InsanityM’NaughtenIrresistible ImpulseALI Substantial CapacityDurham Product

MistakeNecessityDuressCrime PreventionInfancyConsentEntrapment

Evidence

Form of the QuestionLeadingCompoundMisleading/ConfusingArgumentativeConclusionaryCumulativeNon-responsiveUnduly Harassing or EmbarrassingAssumes Facts Not in Evidence

PurposeLogical RelevanceLegal Relevance

Discretionary ExclusionPublic Policy Exclusion

Liability InsuranceSubsequent Remedial ConductSettlement Offers, etc.Payment/Offer to Pay Medical Expenses

PresentationCompetency

Required AttributesClasses

ImpeachmentBias or IntentTruth, Veracity, DishonestyDefects in Memory, Perception, KnowledgeConviction of a CrimeInconsistent Statements

Character EvidenceCivil

Generally Not AdmissibleExceptions

HabitCharacter in Issue in Case

CriminalInadmissible if…Exceptions

Issue other than bad character: MIMICOpen Door Rule by DEvidence of Victim’s bad character

Opinion TestimonyLayExpert

Judicial NoticeHearsay

RuleExceptions

NonhearsayVerbal Acts or Legally Operative FactsEffect on HearerDeclarant’s State of MindAdmissions

VicariousParty OpponentCo-conspiratorAdoptive

Unavailability ExceptionsDying DeclarationsStatement Against InterestFormer Testimony

Documentary ExceptionsRequirements

AuthenticationBest Evidence Rule

Business RecordsRecorded RecollectionOfficial RecordsAncient Documents

Reliability ExceptionsState of MindExcited UtterancePresent Sense ImpressionDeclarations of Physical Condition

Other ExceptionsLearned TreatisesDocuments Affecting Property InterestsReputationFamily RecordsMarket RecordsFederal Catch-All Exception

PrivilegesPhysician-Patient PrivilegeAttorney-Client PrivilegeMarital

Spousal Testimonial PrivilegeConfidential Marital Communications

Waiver

Professional Responsibility

ApproachWhat is the duty?Conflicting duties?Breach?What should attorney have done?What remedy or sanction should be imposed (if in call)?

Duty of ConfidentialityRuleDistinguish A/C PrivilegeExceptions

ConsentCrimeDefense by AttorneyCompelled by Law

Duty of LoyaltyRuleImputed DisqualificationConflicts Between Attorney and Client

Interested in Subject Matter of LitigationBusiness Transactions or Adverse InterestsPublication Rights ContractsLoans and Advances to ClientLimiting Malpractice LiabilityGiftsClose RelationshipsTrial Counsel as a Witness

Conflicts Among ClientsOpposite Sides of Same MatterOpposing Present Client in Simultaneously Pending MatterTwo Clients with Inconsistent PositionsMultiple Clients in Same MatterFormer Government Lawyer

Conflicts Due to Third Party InterferenceFiduciary Duty

Attorneys FeesNon-ContingentContingent

WrittenTypes of Actions Allowing Contingent FeesAmount of FeesFee Splitting

Client Trust AccountsDuty to Safeguard

Duty to SeparateDuty to Keep Good Records…

Duty of CompetenceRuleMalpractice DistinguishedAccepting Representation

Should AcceptMust Reject

Scope of RepresentationClientAttorney

Duty to CommunicateDuty of DiligenceDuty to Withdraw

MandatoryPermissiveProcedure for Withdrawal

Duty of Candor to Public and Dignity to Profession (separate)RuleAdvertising

Not False or MisleadingNot Harass or SolicitAd Must…Solicitation: individualized contact

Duty of Candor to Court and Fairness to AdversaryRule: candor and honestyDuty to State Law TruthfullyDuty to Present Facts and Evidence TruthfullyDuty to Produce EvidenceDuty to Uphold Law

Duty of FairnessWith others

Communications with Adversary and Third PartiesCommunications with Persons Represented by Counsel

Dealing with PressSpecial Duties of Prosecutors

Duty to Preserve Dignity of CourtDuty to Expedite CasesDuty to Preserve Impartiality and Decorum of Tribunal

Additional Duties to Profession and PublicNo Unauthorized Practice of LawNo Dishonest ConductDuty to Report Misconduct

Duties of Subordinate Lawyers

Real Property

Estates in Land

Present Possessory EstatesFee Simple AbsoluteDefeasible Fees

Fee Simple DeterminableFee Simple Subject to Condition SubsequentFee Simple Subject to an Executory Interest

Life EstateElementsPur Autre VieWaste

ElementsAffirmative (Voluntary) WastePermissive WasteAmeliorative Waste

Future InterestsElementsReversionsRemainders

ElementsIndefeasibly Vested RemainderVested Remainder Subject to OpenContingent Remainder

Class GiftsRule Against PerpetuitiesRule Against Restraints on AlienationConcurrent Estates

Joint TenancyTenancy in CommonTenancy by the EntiretyRights and Duties of Cotenants

Landlord and Tenant

Nature of LeaseholdTenancy for YearsPeriodic TenancyTenancy at WillTenancy at SufferanceHoldover Doctrine

LeaseTenant Duties and Landlord Responsibilities

Waste

Duty Not to Use Premises for Illegal PurposesDuty to Pay RentLandlord Remedies

Landlord Duties and Tenant RemediesGenerally, No Duty to RepairDuty to Deliver Actual PossessionQuiet Enjoyment

BreachActual EvictionPartial EvictionConstructive Eviction

Implied Warranty of HabitabilityAssignments and Subleases

AssignmentSubleaseConsequences of Assignment

Privity of EstateConsequences of SubleaseCovenants Against Assignment or SubleaseAssignments by Landlord

Fixtures

ElementsCommon Ownership CasesDivided Ownership CasesThird-Party Seller v. Mortgagee

Rights to Others Land: Easements, Profits, Covenants, and Servitudes

EasementsIntroduction

ElementsTypes

AffirmativeNegative

Easement AppurtenantEasement in Gross

Creation of EasementsExpressImplied by Law

Easement Implied from Existing UseEasement Implied without Any Existing UseEasement by Necessity

PrescriptionScope

Termination of EasementsFailed Easement = License

Covenants Running with the Land at Law (Real Covenants)A successor in interest is bound if

covenant runs with landintentnoticehorizontal privityvertical privitytouch and concern

A successor in interest may enforce a covenant ifbenefit runs with the land

intentvertical privitytouch and concern

Remedy: damages onlyTermination

Equitable ServitudesA successor in interest is bound if

intentnoticetouch and concern

A successor in interest may enforce a covenant ifintenttouch and concern

Defenses to EnforcementRemedyTermination

Adverse Possession

Conveyancing

Land Sale ContractsStatute of FraudsDoctrine of Equitable ConversionMarketable Title

Deeds: Form and ContentDelivery and AcceptanceCovenants for Title and Estoppel by DeedRecording

Common LawModern Recording Acts

NoticeRace-NoticeRace

Wills: Form and Content

Security Interests in Land

Rights Incidental to Ownership of Land (Natural Rights)

Exclusive Right to Use and PossessRight to Lateral and Subjacent Support of Land

Adjacent Land OwnersSubjacent Occupants

Water RightsWatercourses

Riparian DoctrineNatural FlowReasonable UseNatural v. Artificial Use

Prior Appropriation DoctrineGroundwater

Absolute OwnershipReasonable UseCorrelative RightsAppropriative Rights

Surface WatersNatural FlowCommon EnemyReasonable Use

Airspace RightsRight to Exclude

Torts Checklist and Practice

Intentional TortsPrima Facie Case

AssaultBatteryIntentional Infliction of Emotional DistressFalse ImprisonmentTrespass to LandTrespass to ChattelsConversion

DefensesConsentSelf DefenseDefense of OthersDefense of PropertyNecessity

PublicPrivate

General ConsiderationsDefamation

Prima Facie CaseCommon LawConstitutional

DefensesTruthConsentAbsolute PrivilegeQualified Privilege

General ConsiderationsInvasion of Privacy

Prima Facie CaseIntrusion Upon SeclusionFalse LightDisclosure of Private FactsAppropriation

DefensesConsentAbsolute Privilege (false light and disclosure)Qualified Privilege (false light and disclosure)

General ConsiderationsNegligence

DutyForeseeable plaintiffStandards of Care

RPPUTCProfessionalStatutoryChildrenCommon Carriers and InnkeepersLand Owner to Undiscovered TrespasserLand Owner to Discovered TrespasserLand Owner to LicenseeLand Owner to Invitee

Affirmative Duty to ActBreach

FactsRes ipsa loquitur

CausationActual, but forProximate, foreseeability

Damages

DefensesContributory NegligenceComparative Negligence

PurePartial/Modified

Assumption of RiskGeneral Considerations

Strict LiabilityPrima Facie CaseWild AnimalsUltrahazardous Conditions/Abnormally Dangerous ActivitiesDefensesGeneral Considerations

Products LiabilityPrima Facie CaseTheories

NegligenceStrict LiabilityImplied WarrantyExpress WarrantyMisrepresentation

IntentionalNegligent

Wrongful Institution of Legal ProceedingsMalicious ProsecutionAbuse of Process

Interference with Business RelationsNuisanceGeneral Considerations

Vicarious Liability Joint and Severally Liable TortfeasorsSurvival Acts/Wrongful DeathTort Immunities

RemediesDamages

Actual DamagesNominal DamagesPunitive Damages

RestitutionLegal Remedies

MoneyReplevinEjectment

Equitable RemediesConstructive TrustEquitable Lien

Injunction (“I put five bucks down”)I: Are the legal remedies inadequate?P: Is a property right involved?F: Is an injunctive relief decree feasible?B: Should the hardships be balanced?D: Defenses

Laches

Wills

Execution of WillsAttested Wills

Must haveInterested Witnesses and Extra Benefit TestAttestation Clause

Holographic WillsTestamentary Capacity

Undue InfluenceInsane DelusionFraud

Revocation of WillsThree Methods of Revocation

Subsequent Valid WillPhysical ActOperation of Law

Dependent Relative RevocationComponents of Wills

IntegrationRepublication by CodicilIncorporation by ReferenceActs of Independent Significance

Interpretation of WillsExtrinsic Evidence AdmissibleLapseAdemptionAbatement

Intestate SuccessionShare of Surviving SpouseShare Not Passing to Surviving SpouseSpecial Problems

AdoptionStepchildrenAdvancements

Simultaneous DeathRights of Surviving Spouse and Children

Remember Date for PretermittancePretermitted SpousePretermitted Children

Bars to SuccessionHomicide: SlayersElder AbuseNo Contest Clause

Trusts

Elements of a Valid TrustTrustor/SettlorDeliversTrust Property (trust res)To TrusteeFor Benefit of BeneficiariesWith Intent to CreateA Valid Trust for a Valid Purpose

Types of TrustsDiscretionary TrustSupport TrustMandatory TrustHonorary TrustSpendthrift TrustSecret TrustSemi-Secret TrustCharitable TrustTotten TrustRevocable TrustResulting Trust

Modification and Termination of TrustsGeneral RuleClaflin DoctrineChanged Circumstances

Fiduciary Duties of TrusteeStandard of CareDuty of LoyaltySelf-DealingCare for Trust PropertyPrudent Investor Rule

Liabilities of TrusteeOnly Beneficiaries Have StandingTypes of Actions

RemovalDamagesEquitable Remedy: Constructive TrustDefenses

LachesConsentExculpatory Clause

Trustee’s Liability for Acts of OthersAgentsCo-TrusteesPredecessor Trustees