Fundamentals of California Litigation for Paralegals with CDROM

by Marlene A. Maerowitz; Thomas A. Mauet

• ISBN13: 9780735546516
• ISBN10: 0735546517
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback w/Disk
• Copyright: 2004-10-01
• Publisher: Wolters Kluwer

Summary

The new edition of Mauet and Maerowitz's highly successful textbook builds on its strengths to convey up-to-date essential information on the skills and processes of litigation in California. The authors present an efficient and effective method for teaching and studying: the text presents a complete explanation of the litigation process, from the time the client walks into the office through trial and post-judgment, including settlements and alternative forms of resolution the balanced approach avoids oversimplifying the litigation process, but also limits the number of rules and procedures covered to prevent overwhelming students pedagogical aids throughout the text iquest; including boldface terms defined in the glossary, numerous examples, charts, checklists, and sample documents, chapter overviews and summaries, and review questions iquest; reinforce the material and enhance accessibility the book is tailored To The California rules, with each chapter referencing the specific California statute where more information can be found California forms are included throughout an effective workbook on computer disk contains five case scenarios based on California law for students to use in completing assignments For The course and for instructors to use as case studies in class; Judicial Council forms give students experience with the forms they will complete in practice the thorough Instructor's Manual answers the questions posed in the book And The workbook and provides sample test questions for each chapter, complete with answers and explanations Changes For The Second Edition reflect developments in the law And The classroom: revisions keep pace with California litigation, including the establishment of courts of limited jurisdiction as opposed to municipal courts expanded section on jurisdiction offers more examples on personal jurisdiction and how the law is applied in California condensed chapter on Evidence more closely corresponds To The needs of paralegals new forms expanded section on using the Internet for litigation preparation

Table of Contents

Preface	xxv
PART I INVESTIGATING AND PLANNING THE LITIGATION	1	(108)
Introduction to Litigation	3	(16)
Chapter Objectives	4	(1)
Introduction	4	(1)
The Litigation Process	4	(8)
Sources of law	5	(1)
Statutes	5	(1)
Court cases	6	(1)
Constitutions	6	(1)
The court system	7	(1)
Overview for litigation cases	8	(3)
Remedies	11	(1)
The Paralegal's Role	12	(1)
Ethical Considerations	13	(6)
Chapter Summary	15	(1)
Key Terms	16	(1)
Review Questions	16	(3)
Informal Fact Gathering and Investigation	19	(42)
Chapter Objectives	20	(1)
Introduction	20	(1)
Structuring Fact Investigations	20	(9)
What facts do I need to get?	22	(1)
How do I structure my fact investigation?	23	(1)
Use of a litigation chart	23	(1)
How to structure a litigation chart	23	(2)
What are the likely sources of proof?	25	(3)
How much time should I spend?	28	(1)
What sources should I investigate?	28	(1)
Client Interviews	29	(13)
Client attitudes and disclosure	30	(1)
Interview preparation	31	(1)
Initial client interview	31	(5)
Liability	36	(1)
Damages	36	(1)
Client background	37	(1)
Parties	37	(1)
Defenses and cross-claims	38	(1)
Statutes of limitation	38	(1)
Witnesses	39	(1)
Records	39	(1)
Physical evidence	39	(1)
Other law firms	39	(1)
Client goals	40	(1)
Next steps	40	(1)
Sample interview checklist	40	(2)
Follow-up client interviews	42	(1)
Exhibits Acquisition	42	(5)
Scene	43	(1)
Physical evidence	44	(1)
Records	45	(2)
Witness Interviews	47	(9)
Who and when to interview	47	(2)
Locating witnesses	49	(1)
Purposes of the interview	50	(1)
Arranging the interview	51	(1)
Structuring the interview	52	(2)
Recording the interview	54	(1)
Interviewing techniques	55	(1)
Evaluating witnesses	56	(1)
Expert Reviews	56	(2)
Computerized Fact Gathering	58	(3)
Chapter Summary	59	(1)
Key Terms	60	(1)
Review Questions	60	(1)
Case Evaluation and Strategy	61	(28)
Chapter Objectives	62	(1)
Introduction	62	(1)
Establishing the Terms of the Attorney-Client Agreement	62	(8)
Work covered	63	(1)
Lawyer's fee	63	(1)
Retainers	64	(1)
Costs	65	(1)
Billings	65	(1)
Authorization to file suit	66	(1)
Next steps	66	(4)
Declining Representation	70	(2)
Planning the Litigation	72	(4)
Reevaluate the client's objectives, priorities, and cost constraints	72	(1)
Define the client's litigation objectives	73	(1)
Develop a ``theory of the case''	73	(1)
Plan the pleadings	73	(1)
Plan the discovery	74	(1)
Plan the dispositive motions	75	(1)
Plan the settlement approach	75	(1)
Develop a litigation timetable	76	(1)
Example of Litigation Planning: Novelty Products, Inc. v. Gift Ideas, Inc.	76	(6)
Reevaluate the client's objectives, priorities, and cost constraints	78	(1)
Define the client's litigation objectives	79	(1)
Develop a ``theory of the case''	80	(1)
Plan the pleadings	80	(1)
Plan the discovery	80	(1)
Plan the dispositive motions	81	(1)
Plan the settlement approach	81	(1)
Develop a litigation timetable	82	(1)
Prefiling Requirements	82	(7)
Statutory notice requirements	83	(1)
Contract requirements	83	(1)
Mediation, arbitration, and review requirements	83	(1)
Administrative procedure requirements	83	(1)
Appointment of legal guardian	84	(1)
Discovery before suit	84	(1)
Demand letters	84	(2)
Chapter Summary	86	(1)
Key Terms	86	(1)
Review Questions	87	(2)
Parties and Jurisdiction	89	(20)
Chapter Objectives	90	(1)
Introduction	90	(1)
Parties to the Action	90	(1)
Joinder of Parties and Claims	91	(4)
Real party in interest	92	(1)
Capacity to sue	92	(1)
Required joinder of parties	93	(1)
Permissive joinder of parties	94	(1)
Special pleading rules	94	(1)
Subject Matter Jurisdiction	95	(4)
Jurisdiction of state courts	95	(2)
Jurisdiction of federal courts	97	(1)
Removal jurisdiction from state to federal court	97	(2)
Personal Jurisdiction	99	(4)
Due process requirements	100	(2)
Service-of-process requirements	102	(1)
Federal Versus State Court	103	(1)
Venue	104	(2)
Determining venue	104	(1)
Change of venue	105	(1)
Choice of Court Based on Choice of Law	106	(3)
Chapter Summary	106	(1)
Key Terms	107	(1)
Review Questions	107	(2)
PART II PRETRIAL LITIGATION	109	(210)
Pleadings	111	(46)
Chapter Objectives	112	(1)
Introduction	112	(1)
General Pleading Requirements	112	(6)
Statement of fact requirements for claims	113	(1)
Content requirements	113	(1)
Caption	113	(1)
Name of Court	113	(1)
Title of the Action	114	(1)
Designation	115	(1)
Signing pleadings	115	(1)
Format requirements	116	(2)
Service and filing	118	(1)
Complaints	118	(14)
Identification of the parties	119	(1)
Cause of action	120	(1)
Format	120	(1)
Pleading statement of facts	121	(1)
Use plain English	122	(1)
Use exhibits	123	(1)
Official form complaints	123	(1)
Prayer for relief	124	(1)
Filing and service of summons	124	(1)
Issuing the summons	124	(1)
Persons who may serve the summons	125	(1)
Methods of service	125	(1)
Individuals	125	(2)
Minors, Wards, and Conservatees	127	(1)
Corporations, Partnerships, and Associations	127	(1)
Officers and Agencies of the State and Municipal Government Organizations	127	(2)
Timeliness of service	129	(1)
Proof of service	129	(1)
Service by mail	129	(3)
Answers	132	(9)
Timing	132	(1)
General requirements	132	(1)
Specific denials	133	(2)
General denials	135	(3)
Affirmative defenses	138	(2)
Prayer for relief	140	(1)
Practice approach	141	(1)
Cross-Claims	141	(3)
Compulsory cross-complaints	142	(1)
Permissive cross-complaints	143	(1)
Limitations on cross-complaints against third parties	143	(1)
Practice approach	143	(1)
Interpleader	144	(1)
Interpleader when defendant is named as a party	144	(1)
Where multiple claims are alleged	144	(1)
Practice approach	145	(1)
Intervention	145	(4)
Intervention of right	145	(2)
Permissive intervention	147	(1)
Timing	148	(1)
Practice approach	148	(1)
Class Actions	149	(3)
General class requirements	149	(1)
General facts requirements	150	(1)
Procedure	151	(1)
Amendments of Pleadings and Supplemental Pleadings	152	(5)
Amendments by right	152	(1)
Amendments by leave of court	152	(1)
Statutes of limitation and ``relation back''	153	(1)
Changing facts and theories	153	(1)
Changing parties	153	(1)
Supplemental pleadings	154	(1)
Practice approach	154	(1)
Chapter Summary	154	(1)
Key Terms	155	(1)
Review Questions	155	(2)
Law and Motions	157	(18)
Chapter Objectives	158	(1)
Introduction	158	(1)
General Requirements for Motions	158	(8)
Form	159	(1)
Notice of motion	159	(2)
Content of the motion	161	(1)
Proof of service	162	(3)
Responses to motions	165	(1)
Hearing and argument	165	(1)
Order	166	(1)
Extensions of Time and Continuances	166	(2)
Substitution of Parties	168	(1)
Removal	169	(6)
Should you remove?	169	(1)
What are the procedural requirements for removal?	169	(1)
Timing	169	(1)
Notice of removal	170	(1)
Filing a notice in state court	171	(1)
Further proceedings	171	(1)
Chapter Summary	172	(1)
Key Terms	172	(1)
Review Questions	172	(3)
Motion Practice	175	(22)
Chapter Objectives	176	(1)
Introduction	176	(1)
Demurrers	176	(2)
Motions to Strike	178	(1)
Judgment on the Pleadings	179	(1)
Summary Judgment	180	(7)
When made	181	(1)
Standards and matters considered	181	(1)
Hearing, order, and appealability	182	(1)
Practice approach	182	(1)
Notice	183	(1)
Motion	184	(1)
Separate statement	184	(1)
Opponent's responses	185	(2)
Dismissals and Defaults	187	(6)
Voluntary dismissals	187	(2)
Involuntary dismissals	189	(1)
Defaults	189	(4)
Consolidation and Separate Trials	193	(4)
Consolidations	193	(1)
Separate trials	194	(1)
Chapter Summary	194	(1)
Key Terms	195	(1)
Review Questions	195	(2)
Provisional Remedies	197	(24)
Chapter Objectives	198	(1)
Introduction	198	(1)
Claim and Delivery	199	(3)
Temporary Restraining Orders and Preliminary Injunctions	202	(7)
Temporary restraining orders	202	(1)
Law	202	(1)
Practice approach	203	(1)
Complaint and Summons	204	(1)
Application for TRO and Preliminary Injunction	204	(1)
Attorney's Certificate Regarding Notice	204	(1)
Witness Declarations	205	(1)
Security for Costs	205	(1)
Order and Service	206	(1)
Preliminary injunctions	207	(1)
Law	207	(1)
Practice approach	207	(1)
Permanent injunctions	208	(1)
Writs of Attachment	209	(5)
The law	209	(1)
Practice approach	210	(4)
Lis Pendens	214	(7)
Chapter Summary	218	(1)
Key Terms	219	(1)
Review Questions	219	(2)
Evidence	221	(26)
Chapter Objectives	222	(1)
Introduction	222	(1)
The Paralegal's Role	223	(1)
Relevance	223	(3)
Character traits	225	(1)
Habit evidence	225	(1)
Policy exclusions	225	(1)
Hearsay	226	(2)
Is it a ``statement''?	227	(1)
Was the statement made ``out of court''?	227	(1)
Is the out-of-court statement ``offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted in the statement''?	228	(1)
Hearsay Exceptions	228	(8)
Admission of a party opponent	228	(1)
Prior statements by witnesses	229	(1)
Declarations against interest	229	(2)
Former testimony	231	(1)
Contemporaneous statements	232	(1)
Spontaneous statements	232	(1)
Statements for purposes of medical diagnosis	233	(1)
Statement of present mental or physical state	233	(1)
Dying declarations	234	(1)
Records exceptions	234	(2)
Other exceptions	236	(1)
Witnesses, Exhibits, Judicial Notice, and Objections	236	(5)
Witnesses	236	(1)
Competency	236	(1)
Impeachment	237	(1)
Expert witnesses	238	(1)
Exhibits	239	(1)
Real evidence	239	(1)
Demonstrative evidence	240	(1)
Writings	240	(1)
Business records	240	(1)
Public records	240	(1)
Best evidence rule	241	(1)
Judicial notice	241	(1)
Privileges	241	(6)
Lawyer-client privilege	242	(1)
Work product privilege	242	(1)
Physician-patient privilege	243	(1)
Marital privileges	243	(1)
Chapter Summary	243	(1)
Key Terms	244	(1)
Review Questions	245	(2)
Discovery	247	(72)
Chapter Objectives	248	(1)
Introduction	248	(1)
Discovery Overview	248	(5)
Types of discovery	248	(2)
The paralegal's role	250	(1)
Computerized litigation support	251	(1)
Conducting research	251	(1)
Locating information about parties and witnesses	252	(1)
Organizing discovery	252	(1)
Scope of Discovery	253	(1)
Relevance	253	(1)
Insurance agreements	253	(1)
Experts	253	(1)
Privileges	254	(1)
Trial preparation materials	254	(1)
Discovery Strategy: A Seven-Step Process	254	(5)
What facts are needed in order to establish a winning case on the client's claims (or to defeat the opponent's claims)?	255	(1)
What facts already have been obtained through informal fact investigation?	255	(1)
What ``missing'' facts must still be obtained through formal discovery?	255	(1)
What discovery methods are most effective for obtaining the missing facts?	256	(1)
What facts and witnesses, already identified through informal investigation, must be pinned down by formal discovery?	256	(1)
What restrictions does the client's litigation budget place on the discovery plan?	257	(1)
In what order should the discovery proceed?	257	(1)
When should discovery start?	257	(1)
In what order should discovery be carried out?	258	(1)
Interrogatories	259	(15)
Law	259	(2)
Practice approach	261	(1)
Topics: what information should I seek?	262	(1)
Drafting the interrogatories	263	(1)
Headings	264	(1)
Definitions and Instructions	264	(1)
Interrogatory Style	265	(2)
Signing, Serving, and Filing	267	(1)
Responses to interrogatories	268	(1)
Researching and Preparing Answers	269	(1)
Objections	270	(1)
Answers	270	(4)
Signing, Serving, and Filing	274	(1)
Requests to Produce Documents and Subpoenas	274	(12)
Law	274	(1)
Practice approach	275	(1)
Timing	275	(1)
Organization	276	(1)
Drafting requests to produce	276	(1)
Heading	276	(1)
Definitions	277	(1)
Requests Format	277	(2)
Signing, Serving, and Filing	279	(1)
Responses to requests to produce	279	(1)
Researching and Preparing Responses	280	(1)
Objections	281	(1)
Answers	282	(2)
Signing, Serving, and Filing	284	(1)
Document subpoenas to nonparties	284	(1)
Document productions	285	(1)
Depositions	286	(17)
Law	287	(1)
Timing	287	(1)
Notice	288	(1)
Location	289	(1)
Persons present	289	(1)
Recording	289	(1)
Signing, correcting, and filing	290	(1)
Objections	290	(1)
Practice approach	291	(1)
Scheduling the deposition	291	(2)
Preparing for the deposition	293	(3)
Preparing the client for deposition	296	(3)
Taking notes at the deposition	299	(1)
Summarizing the deposition	300	(1)
Chronological Summary	300	(1)
Subject Matter Summary	301	(1)
Topic Index	302	(1)
Narrative Summary	303	(1)
Physical and Mental Examinations	303	(1)
Law	304	(1)
Practice approach	304	(1)
Requests to Admit Facts	304	(8)
Law	305	(2)
Practice approach	307	(1)
Timing	307	(1)
What to request	308	(1)
Drafting the requests	308	(2)
Choosing a response	310	(1)
Requesting party's responses	311	(1)
Exchange of Expert Witness Information	312	(1)
Discovery Motions	312	(7)
Protective orders	313	(1)
Orders compelling discovery	314	(1)
Chapter Summary	315	(1)
Key Terms	316	(1)
Review Questions	316	(3)
PART III SETTLEMENT, TRIAL, AND POST-TRIAL	319	(72)
Settlements	321	(14)
Chapter Objectives	322	(1)
Introduction	322	(1)
Preparing a Settlement Brochure	323	(1)
Settlement Contracts	323	(12)
Releases and covenants not to sue	324	(1)
Drafting the agreement	324	(3)
Structured and installment settlements	327	(1)
Terminating the suit	328	(2)
Offers of judgment	330	(1)
Evidence rules	331	(1)
Insurer good faith requirements	332	(1)
Chapter Summary	332	(1)
Key Terms	333	(1)
Review Questions	333	(2)
Trial Preparation, Trial, and Appeal	335	(34)
Chapter Objectives	336	(1)
Introduction	336	(1)
The Paralegal's Role	336	(1)
Pretrial Conferences	337	(1)
Organization of Files	337	(8)
Trial Materials	345	(6)
Divider method	345	(1)
Trial notebook method	345	(1)
Facts	346	(1)
Pleadings	346	(1)
Discovery	346	(1)
Motions	346	(1)
Jury selection	347	(1)
Charts	347	(1)
Direct examinations (your case-in-chief)	348	(2)
Cross-examinations (opponent's case)	350	(1)
Closing arguments	350	(1)
Jury instructions	351	(1)
Research	351	(1)
Theory of the Case	351	(1)
Preparation of Witnesses	352	(3)
Preparation of Exhibits	355	(1)
Order of Trial	356	(1)
Assistance During Trial	357	(2)
Planning for the courtroom	357	(1)
Voir dire	358	(1)
The trial	359	(1)
The Paralegal's Conduct During Trial	359	(1)
Appeal	360	(9)
The appellate process	360	(2)
The record on appeal	362	(1)
Written briefs	362	(2)
The paralegal's role	364	(1)
Chapter Summary	365	(1)
Key Terms	366	(1)
Review Questions	367	(2)
Enforcement of Judgments	369	(12)
Chapter Objectives	370	(1)
Introduction	370	(1)
Demand Letter	370	(1)
Abstracts of Judgment and Notices of Lien	371	(1)
Writs of Execution	372	(5)
The till tap	372	(4)
The keeper	376	(1)
The bank levy	376	(1)
Wage Garnishments	377	(1)
Locating Assets	377	(4)
Chapter Summary	379	(1)
Key Terms	379	(1)
Review Questions	379	(2)
Alternative Dispute Resolution	381	(10)
Chapter Objectives	382	(1)
Introduction	382	(1)
Arbitration Versus Mediation	382	(1)
The Arbitration Process	383	(2)
Judicial arbitration	383	(1)
Arbitration by agreement	384	(1)
Preparing for Arbitration	385	(2)
The Arbitration Hearing	387	(4)
Chapter Summary	388	(1)
Key Terms	388	(1)
Review Questions	389	(2)
Litigation File: Jones v. Smith	391	(40)
Glossary	431	(20)
Index	451