ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Chapter Objectives 1 I. INTRODUCTION 1 II. CIVIL LAW 2

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1 PREFACE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR xxix xxxiii xxxv 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE COURT SYSTEM 1 Chapter Objectives 1 I. INTRODUCTION 1 II. CIVIL LAW 2 A. What Is Civil Law? 2 B. How Does Civil Law Differ from Other Areas of Law? 3 1. The Parties 3 2. The Pleadings 4 3. The Rules 5 4. The Burden of Proof 5 5. The Outcome 7 III. SOURCES OF LEGAL AUTHORITY IN THE UNITED STATES 8 A. The Constitution 8 B. Statutes 8 1. Administrative Rules and Regulations 9 2. Ordinances 10 C. Case Law 10 D. Common Law 11 IV. JURISDICTION 11 A. Subject Matter Jurisdiction 12 B. Personal Jurisdiction Physical Presence in the Forum 13

2 xii 2. Domicile or Residence in the Forum Property Ownership in the Forum Consent Minimum Contacts 14 V. FEDERAL AND STATE COURT SYSTEMS 14 A. Levels of the Federal Court System Trial Courts: U.S. Federal District Court Appellate Courts: U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals U.S. Supreme Court 15 B. Levels of the State Court System Trial Courts Appellate Courts State Supreme Courts 17 C. Federal versus State Law 17 Case Excerpt: Peters v. Alpharetta Spa, LLC 19 Chapter Summary 22 Skills You Need in the Real World 22 The Life of a Paralegal 24 Ethical Issues for the Paralegal 25 Websites 25 Forms and Court Documents 26 Key Terms 28 Review Questions 28 Applying What You Have Learned 29 Endnotes 30 2 THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM 31 Chapter Objectives 31 I. INTRODUCTION 31 II. JUDGES 31 A. Becoming a Judge Judicial Appointment Election Judicial Selection Committee 33 B. The Role of the Judge Judges as Referees Judicial Rulings 34 a. Motions 34 b. Evidence Judges as Fact Finders 35

3 xiii III. ATTORNEYS 35 A. Becoming an Attorney Law School Education The Bar Examination Joining the State Bar Specialization 37 a. Plaintiffs Attorneys 37 b. Defendants Attorneys 38 c. The Day-to-Day Practice of Law 38 IV. COMPENSATING LEGAL PROFESSIONALS 38 A. Contingency Fees 38 B. Hourly Rates 40 V. ORGANIZATION OF THE LAW OFFICE 40 A. Partners 41 B. Associate Attorneys 41 C. Attorney Ethics Ethical Codes 42 a. Private Reprimand 42 b. Public Reprimand 42 c. Temporary Suspension of License 43 d. Disbarment 43 e. Criminal Prosecution Common Ethical Violations 43 a. Commingling Funds 43 b. Lack of Diligence 44 VI. PARALEGALS 44 A. Development of the Paralegal Profession 44 B. Daily Activities of Paralegals 45 C. Licensing and Certifying Paralegals 46 D. Paralegal Ethics 48 E. Legal Document Assistants 49 VII. CLIENTS 49 VIII.COURTHOUSE PERSONNEL 49 A. Clerk of Court 50 B. Registrar of Deeds 50 C. Probate Court 51 D. Tax Office 51 Case Excerpt: Spoelstra v. Gahn 52 Chapter Summary 55 Skills You Need in the Real World 55

4 xiv The Life of a Paralegal 56 Ethical Issues for the Paralegal 57 Websites 57 Forms and Court Documents 58 Key Terms 58 Review Questions 59 Applying What You Have Learned 59 Endnotes 61 3 BRINGING A LEGAL ACTION 63 Chapter Objectives 63 I. INTRODUCTION 63 II. EVALUATING A CIVIL CASE 64 A. What Is a Case Evaluation? The Nature of the Claim The Facts 65 a. Factual Analysis 65 b. The Legal Requirement to Investigate a Case The Defendant s Liability The Impact of the Law The Likelihood of Recovery The Extent of the Plaintiff s Injuries 69 B. Initial Client Meeting Obtaining Authorizations from Clients HIPAA Concerns with Medical Records Other Information from Client 73 a. Details of the Incident 74 b. Police Reports 74 c. Investigative Reports 74 d. Police Accident Reconstructionist Report 74 e. Witnesses 75 f. Other Critical Information Client Intangibles 75 a. Client Personality 76 b. Will the Client Make a Good Witness? 76 c. Cross-Referencing the Client s Version 76 d. The Client s Web Presence 76 e. Interview Techniques for Clients Information the Law Firm Provides to the Client 79

5 xv III. INVESTIGATING THE CLAIM 80 A. Attorneys and Paralegals as Investigators 80 B. Paralegal Investigators Locating Witnesses 81 a. Witness Locator Services 81 b. Internet Search Interviewing Witnesses 82 a. Interviewing Techniques 83 b. Purposes of the Interview 84 c. Deceitful Witnesses 84 C. Documenting the Scene of the Accident Photographs Video Diagramming the Scene 86 D. Gathering Evidence 86 E. Researching Public Records The Clerk of Courts Office The Deed Room UCC Filings Birth, Marriage, and Death Records Tax Office 89 Case Excerpt: Oakley v. Nolan 90 Chapter Summary 94 Skills You Need in the Real World 94 The Life of a Paralegal 95 Ethical Issues for the Paralegal 95 Websites 96 Key Terms 96 Review Questions 96 Applying What You Have Learned 97 Endnotes 99 4 CIVIL COMPLAINTS 101 Chapter Objectives 101 I. INTRODUCTION 101 II. PARTIES 102

6 xvi III. JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES IN CIVIL SUITS 102 A. Personal Jurisdiction Presence Domicile Consent Minimum Contacts Special Appearance 104 B. Subject Matter Jurisdiction General Jurisdiction Courts Limited Jurisdiction Courts 105 a. Federal Question 106 b. Diversity of Citizenship 106 c. Amount in Controversy 106 d. Pendent and Ancillary Jurisdiction 107 e. Exclusive Jurisdiction 108 f. Removal 108 C. In Rem Jurisdiction 109 D. Concurrent Jurisdiction 109 IV. CAPACITY AND STANDING 109 A. Capacity 109 B. Standing Elements of Standing Case or Controversy Requirement 113 a. Ripeness Doctrine 113 b. Mootness Doctrine 113 c. Advisory Opinions 114 V. THE ELEMENTS OF A COMPLAINT 114 A. Identification of Court 114 B. Style or Caption of a Complaint Businesses as Parties Plea of Misnomer Deceased Parties Fugitives 116 C. Title of Action 117 D. Allegation of Jurisdiction 117 E. Factual Contentions Liability Allegations Sufficiency of the Allegations 119 F. Demand for Judgment/Prayer for Relief Request for Damages Jury Trial Demand 121

7 xvii VI. COMPLAINT ATTACHMENTS AND EXHIBITS 121 A. Verifications 121 B. Exhibits 121 C. Affidavits 122 VII. SUMMONS AND SERVICE OF PROCESS 124 A. Service by Personal Delivery 126 B. Service by Other Means 126 C. Serving a Corporation or Government Entity 126 Case Excerpt: Emory Univ. v. Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless, Inc. 128 Chapter Summary 131 Skills You Need in the Real World 132 The Life of a Paralegal 133 Ethical Issues for the Paralegal 134 Websites 134 Key Terms 135 Review Questions 135 Applying What You Have Learned 136 Endnotes THE DEFENDANT S ANSWER 137 Chapter Objectives 137 I. INTRODUCTION 137 II. THE ANSWER 138 A. The Function of the Answer 138 B. The Minimum Requirements of the Answer 138 C. Drafting the Answer Denying Claims Other Responses in Answers Bad Faith 143 D. Serving the Answer on the Plaintiff 144 E. Failure to Respond to the Complaint 145 F. Failure to Respond to Allegations in the Complaint 145 III. DEFENSES 146 A. Affirmative Defenses 146 B. Counterclaims Compulsory and Permissive Counterclaims Res Judicata Replies to Counterclaims 150

8 xviii IV. RULE 12(b)(6) MOTIONS 151 A. Purpose of the Rule 12(b)(6) Motion 151 B. When Can a Defendant File a Rule 12(b)(6) Motion? 152 C. Motions to Strike 153 V. CROSS-CLAIMS 153 A. Answers to Cross-Claims 155 B. Time Limits for Cross-Claims 155 VI. THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS 155 A. Impleader 156 B. Interpleader 158 C. Intervention 158 VII. CLASS ACTIONS 161 Case Excerpt: Flores v. Skaro 163 Chapter Summary 166 Skills You Need in the Real World 167 The Life of a Paralegal 167 Ethical Issues for the Paralegal 168 Websites 168 Forms and Court Documents 168 Key Terms 172 Review Questions 172 Applying What You Have Learned 173 Endnotes EVIDENCE 175 Chapter Objectives 175 I. INTRODUCTION 175 II. WHAT IS EVIDENCE? 176 A. Relevance 177 B. Competence 178 C. Admissibility 178 III. THE ROLE OF EVIDENCE 179 A. Laying the Foundation 180 B. Tendering Evidence 182

9 xix C. Objecting to Evidence Improper Conclusion Relevance Prejudice Other Issues 184 IV. TYPES OF EVIDENCE 184 A. Direct Evidence What Qualifies as Direct Evidence Eyewitness Testimony 185 B. Circumstantial Evidence 186 C. Documentary Evidence 187 D. Other Categories of Evidence Testimonial Evidence Demonstrative Evidence Scientific Evidence 190 V. SPECIFIC EVIDENTIARY RULES 190 A. The Best Evidence Rule 190 B. Hearsay Hearsay in Documents Exceptions to the Hearsay Rule 192 a. Excited Utterance 192 b. Business Records 193 c. Statements for Purpose of Medical Diagnosis 193 C. Authentication Judicial Notice Self-Authenticating Document 196 D. Privileges The Marital Privilege The Attorney Client Privilege 198 Case Excerpt: Jenkins v. CACH, LLC 199 Chapter Summary 203 Skills You Need in the Real World 203 The Life of a Paralegal 204 Ethical Issues for the Paralegal 205 Websites 205 Key Terms 206 Review Questions 206 Applying What You Have Learned 206

10 xx 7 DISCOVERY 209 Chapter Objectives 209 I. INTRODUCTION 209 II. PURPOSE OF DISCOVERY 210 A. Clarification of the Facts 210 B. Preservation of Testimony for Later Use 211 C. Avoiding Surprise at Trial 211 D. Narrowing the Issues 211 III. SHORT HISTORY OF DISCOVERY 211 IV. DISCOVERY IN MODERN CIVIL PRACTICE 212 A. Rules of Civil Procedure 213 B. Sequence of Discovery 213 C. Supplementing Discovery Responses 214 D. Expert Witnesses in Modern Discovery 215 E. Electronic E-Discovery 215 V. DISCOVERY METHODS 217 A. Interrogatories Limitations on Interrogatories 219 a. Unreasonably Cumulative or Burdensome 219 b. Objections to Specific Questions Drafting Interrogatories Answering Interrogatories Time Limits on Interrogatories 222 B. Requests for Production of Documents 223 C. Depositions Preparing for a Deposition Setting a Deposition Conducting the Deposition 228 a. Opening Stipulations 228 b. Reserving Objections 229 c. Permissible Questions 229 d. Cross-Examining a Witness During the Deposition 230 e. Use of Exhibits Persons Present at the Deposition 231 a. The Witness 231 b. The Attorneys 231 c. The Court Reporter 231 d. The Parties 232

11 xxi 5. Duration of the Deposition After the Deposition 232 D. Requests for Physical and/or Mental Examination 235 E. Requests to Admit 236 VI. OBJECTIONS TO DISCOVERY REQUESTS 236 A. Work Product 237 B. Unduly Burdensome, Cumulative, and/or Expensive 237 C. Constitutional Rights 237 D. Trade Secrets 238 E. Protective Orders 238 VII. FAILURE TO RESPOND TO DISCOVERY REQUESTS 240 VIII. COMPELLING DISCOVERY 240 IX. SOFTWARE THAT ASSISTS IN DISCOVERY 241 Case Excerpt: Maynard v. Nygren 242 Chapter Summary 248 Skills You Need in the Real World 248 The Life of a Paralegal 248 Ethical Issues for the Paralegal 249 Websites 250 Key Terms 250 Review Questions 250 Applying What You Have Learned MOTIONS PRACTICE 253 Chapter Objectives 253 I. INTRODUCTION 253 II. BRINGING A MOTION 254 A. Construing the Language in a Motion 254 B. Drafting a Motion 254 C. Serving a Motion Certificate of Service Attaching Affidavits to the Motion 256 D. Filing a Motion 258 E. Arguing a Motion 259 F. Ruling on a Motion 261 G. Written Motions 261 H. Oral Motions 261

12 xxii III. ISSUES THAT CAN BE ADDRESSED IN A MOTION 261 A. Motion for Summary Judgment 262 B. Motion for Partial Summary Judgment 264 C. Judgment on the Pleadings 264 D. Affirmative Defenses Lack of Jurisdiction Over the Subject Matter Lack of Jurisdiction Over the Person Improper Venue Insufficiency of Process and Service of Process Failure to Join a Necessary Party Under Rule E. 12(b)(6) Motion 266 F. Motion for More Definite Statement 266 G. Motion for Default Judgment 268 IV. THE JUDGE S ROLE IN CONSIDERING MOTIONS: MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT 268 V. USING MOTIONS TO CLARIFY ISSUES IN LITIGATION 270 VI. PRETRIAL, TRIAL, AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS 270 A. JNOV Motions 271 B. Motion for Directed Verdict 271 C. Motion for New Trial 271 Case Excerpt: Niepsuj v. Doe 273 Chapter Summary 277 Skills You Need in the Real World 278 The Life of a Paralegal 278 Ethical Issues for the Paralegal 279 Websites 279 Forms and Court Documents 280 Key Terms 281 Review Questions 281 Applying What You Have Learned 282 Endnotes PREPARING FOR AND CONDUCTING THE TRIAL 285 Chapter Objectives 285 I. INTRODUCTION 285

13 xxiii II. PREPARING TOOLS FOR THE TRIAL 286 A. The Attorney s Role 287 B. The Paralegal s Role Chronology of Events Master Index Issue Table Witness Cross-Reference Witness Summaries Trial Timetable Organized Client File Trial Notebook Paralegal Trial Notebook Preparing Exhibits 296 III. PREPARING WITNESSES FOR THE TRIAL 297 A. Review Deposition Testimony 297 B. Double- and Triple-Check Documentation 298 C. What to Tell Witnesses about Testifying Do: Review the File Do: Dress Professionally Do: Make Eye Contact Do: Be Polite Do: Tell the Truth Don t: Guess Don t: Get Angry or Use Sarcasm Don t: Take Notes to the Witness Stand 300 IV. PREPARING FOR THE TRIAL: ROLE OF THE PARALEGAL 300 A. Reconnoiter the Courtroom 301 B. Rehearse Your Equipment 301 C. Learn the Layout of the Courthouse 301 D. Master the Trial Notebook or the Case Files 302 E. Get Ready for Stress 302 F. Anticipate Problems 302 V. MOCK TRIALS 303 VI. PHASES OF THE TRIAL 303 A. Pretrial Conference 303 B. Calendar Call 306 C. Jury Selection Trial Paralegals and Jury Selection Peremptory Jury Strikes Challenges for Cause 307 D. Opening Statements 308

14 xxiv E. Presentation of the Plaintiff s Case Witnesses 308 a. Direct Examination 309 b. Cross-Examination 310 c. Paralegal Assistance during the Testimony Phase of the Trial Resting the Case Motion for Directed Verdict 311 F. Presenting the Defense Defense Witnesses Resting the Defense Case 312 G. Charge Conference 312 H. Closing Argument 314 I. Jury Instructions 314 J. Jury Deliberation 315 K. Verdict 315 L. Judgment 316 M. Enforcing the Judgment 316 Case Excerpt: In re Lowell 317 Chapter Summary 323 Skills You Need in the Real World 323 The Life of a Paralegal 324 Ethical Issues for the Paralegal 325 Websites 325 Key Terms 326 Review Questions 326 Applying What You Have Learned DAMAGES 329 Chapter Objectives 329 I. INTRODUCTION 329 II. TYPES OF DAMAGES 330 A. Compensatory Damages General Damages 331 a. Calculating Damages 331 b. Pain and Suffering Special Damages 332 a. Lost Wages 332 b. Medical Bills 333 c. Future Losses 333 d. Emotional Distress 334

15 xxv e. Loss of Consortium 334 f. Bad Faith Damages 334 B. Punitive Damages 335 C. Nominal Damages 336 III. PROVING DAMAGES 336 A. Distinguishing between General and Special Damages 336 B. Presenting Proof at Trial 337 C. Proving Property Losses 338 D. The Collateral Source Rule 338 E. Mitigation of Damages 339 F. Prior Injuries 340 IV. EQUITABLE REMEDIES 340 V. EVALUATING POTENTIAL DAMAGES 341 A. Reviewing the Facts of a Case 341 B. Asset Searches 342 C. The Jury s Role Jury Instructions JNOV 343 Case Excerpt: Zak v. Riffel 344 Chapter Summary 354 Skills You Need in the Real World 355 The Life of a Paralegal 355 Ethical Issues for the Paralegal 356 Websites 356 Key Terms 356 Review Questions 357 Applying What You Have Learned 357 Endnotes ARBITRATION, MEDIATION, AND SETTLEMENT 359 Chapter Objectives 359 I. INTRODUCTION 359 II. ARBITRATION 360 A. The History of Arbitration 360 B. The Federal Arbitration Act 361

16 xxvi C. Comparing Arbitration to Appraisal 361 D. Types of Arbitration 362 E. Issues That Can Be Submitted to Arbitration 362 F. Limitations on Arbitration Cases 363 G. Arbitrators 363 H. The Arbitration Agreement 364 III. MEDIATION 364 A. State Mediation Programs 365 B. Certified Mediators 365 C. The Mediation Conference 366 D. Persons Required to Be Present at Mediation 366 E. The Mediator s Authority 367 F. Impasse 367 IV. SETTLEMENT 368 A. Reasons to Settle 368 B. Settlements Are Contracts Mutual Assent Capacity Consideration Legality 370 C. Procedures in Bringing About a Settlement Settlement Brochure 370 a. Factual Basis of Plaintiff s Claim 371 b. Summary of Plaintiff s Damages 371 c. Overview of the Law 371 d. Summary of Recent Jury Awards 372 e. Offer to Settle Demand Letter Offers of Judgment 375 D. Releases 377 Case Excerpt: Joyner s Mech., Inc. v. Miller 377 Chapter Summary 381 Skills You Need in the Real World 381 The Life of a Paralegal 381 Ethical Issues for the Paralegal 382 Websites 383 Key Terms 383 Review Questions 383 Applying What You Have Learned 384 Endnotes 385

17 xxvii 12 APPEALS 387 Chapter Objectives 387 I. INTRODUCTION 387 II. STARTING AN APPEAL 388 III. CHANGING COURTS 388 A. Notice of Appeal 389 B. Terminology on Appeal 390 C. The Record 390 D. Appellate Docket Number 391 IV. BRIEFS 391 A. Appellant s Brief of an Appellate Brief 392 a. Title Page 392 b. Statement of Facts 392 c. Enumerations of Error 393 d. Argument 394 e. Conclusion Filing Deadlines Serving Copy on Appellee 395 B. Appellee s Brief 395 C. Oral Argument 396 V. THE POWERS OF THE APPELLATE COURTS 396 A. Affirming 396 B. Reversing 397 C. Modifying 397 D. Remanding 397 VI. THE STATE SUPREME COURT 397 A. Petition for Cert 398 B. Granting Cert 398 C. Denying Cert 399 VII. THE U.S. SUPREME COURT 399 Case Excerpt: City of Riverside v. Horspool 400 Chapter Summary 406 Skills You Need in the Real World 406 The Life of a Paralegal 407

18 xxviii Ethical Issues for the Paralegal 408 Websites 408 Key Terms 409 Review Questions 409 Applying What You Have Learned 409 Endnotes 410 GLOSSARY 411 INDEX 417