CIVIL PROCEDURE CLASS 10

CIVIL PROCEDURE CLASS 10

Professor FischerColumbus School of Law

The Catholic University of AmericaSept. 18, 2002

WHAT WILL WE DO TODAY?

We will continue to discuss waiver and consolidation rules for Rule 12 defenses under Rule 12(g) and 12(h)

We will do a rule reading exercise Next, we will discuss the pleading requirements for

the Answer under the FRCP Rules 8(b) and c

HYPERTECHNICALISM

Are you being driven crazy by the superbly technical wording of Rules 12(g) and (h)

If so, I invite you to take up Glannon’s challenge and rewrite the rules in simpler language without changing their meaning.

ANOTHER HYPO

Jean brings an action in federal court against George for his statement that there is no relationship more important than that between the U.S. and Mexico. Jean’s complaint claims that this injures all Canadians. George makes a Rule 12(e) motion, which is granted. After Jean supplies further particulars, George makes a Rule 12(b)(6) motion. Is the second motion procedurally permissible under the FRCP?

DANGER OF WAIVER

Certain Rule 12 defenses may be waived if party does not follow the requirements in Rule 12 (g) and (h)

THIS IS AN AREA WHERE IT IS EASY FOR LAWYERS TO MAKE MISTAKES WITH SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES, SO PAY ATTENTION CAREFULLY!

USE IT OR LOSE IT

FRCP Rule 12(g), 12(h) Which types of 12(b) defenses can be waived?

(see 12(h)(1) and (2)) How can a D lose the right to make these 12(b)

defenses? Are there any exceptions? What is the purpose of the consolidation and

waiver provisions?

Early Determination of 12(b) Defenses

See Rule 12(d) Why do the FRCPs encourage the early

determination of the 12(b) defenses?

ANOTHER HYPO

Pooh is served with a complaint in a federal civil action brought by Piglet. Pooh makes a pre-trial 12(b)(2) motion for lack of personal jurisdiction and loses. In preparing his Answer, Pooh wants to include a defense that the court has no subject matter jurisdiction. Please advise Pooh on whether he can include this defense in his Answer

THE ANSWER

What is an answer?

TIME LIMITS FOR ANSWER

When must D SERVE her answer? When must D FILE her answer?

TIME LIMITS FOR ANSWER

When must D SERVE her answer? If formal service, 20 days from service of complaint/summons (12(a)(1)(A)); if waiver of service, 60 days from request if D in U.S. (12)(a)(1)(B))

When must D FILE her answer? Within a reasonable time of serving answer (5(d))

HOW DO YOU SERVE THE ANSWER?

See RULE 5(b)- mail service permitted or can hand deliver to attorney/party or can leave at attorney/party’s office w/someone in charge or at a conspicuous place, or, if no office, at party’s dwelling house with someone of suitable age and discretion

Must file certificate of service with court

What are D’s Options When Served With A Complaint?

(or waives service of complaint)

What are D’s Options When Served With a Complaint?

Don’t respond -- consequences? Rule 12(b) pre-answer motion -12(b)(1)-(7) Rule 12(e) motion Answer with admissions & denials - 8(b) Answer with admissions & denials and

affirmative defenses - 8(b) and 8(c)

More Options

Counterclaims and cross-claims (FRCP 13) Add additional D to counterclaim (13(h)) Impleading a Third Party (FRCP 14) Whether to Claim a Jury Trial?

Pleading the Answer

Notice Pleading “Short and plain” statement of D’s defense to each

pleaded claim (8(b)) Respond by numbered paragraphs in the answer

corresponding to numbered paragraphs in complaint (10(b))

Can be inconsistent in answer as well as complaint: 8(e)

3 PLEADING OPTIONS IN ANSWER

Admit Deny Deemed Deny

ADMISSIONS

8(b) - Can make specific admissions 8(d) - Anything not denied is deemed

admitted - SO BE CAREFUL! Exception - where an answer would subject a

party to criminal charges, the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects him

DENIALS

8(b)- D need only deny allegations in the complaint that she actually disputes. It’s typical to deny entire paragraphs but that is not always appropriate - Zielinski case

Specific Denial - deny particular portion of a claim General Denial - deny each and every averment of

Complaint 8(d) - Anything not denied is deemed admitted - SO

BE CAREFUL!!

DEEMED DENIALS

Effect of pleading that D is “without knowledge and information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of an averment”.

How much inquiry must a D make prior to pleading a deemed denial? See Greenbaum v. U.S.; Controlled Environment Systems v. Sun Process

Greenbaum v. U.S.

What was substantive dispute? What was the procedural issue? How did the E.D. Pa. Resolve this procedural

issue? Didn’t court disregard anti-waiver provision

of 12(h)(3)?

Controlled Environment Systems v. Sun Process Co., Inc.

What was the problem with the plaintiff’s pleading in para. 10 of the answer to counterclaim?

DEEMED DENIALS

1. One can lack knowledge but still have enough information to form a belief under 8(b)

2. The phrase “on information and belief” is generally accepted but is not recognized as a denial by 8(b)

AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES

Some defenses must be affirmatively pleaded under 8c

1. ENUMERATED: E.g. contributory negligence, fraud, res judicata

2. UNENUMERATED: Also “any other matter constituting an avoidance or affirmative defense”

CONCEPT: Is D relying on some new facts that would come as a surprise at trial?

UNENUMERATED AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES

How does the D know if something is an affirmative defense or not?

UNENUMERATED AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES

How does the D know if something is an affirmative defense or not?

Research - there may be relevant court opinions

D may be able to construe statutes to discern whether language gives rise to affirmative defenses

CONSEQUENCE OF FAILING TO PLEAD AN AFFIRMATIVE

DEFENSE

What happens if D fails to plead an affirmative defense?

CONSEQUENCE OF FAILING TO PLEAD AN AFFIRMATIVE

DEFENSE

The defense will be waived, unless the court allows amendment

In determining waiver, courts will examine: 1. whether P had knowledge of the facts 2. Prejudice to P resulting from failure to plead If wrongly plead as counterclaim, court will relabel

as affirmative defense

BURDEN OF PROOF FOR AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES

Who bears the burden to prove an affirmative defense?

BURDEN OF PROOF FOR AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES

Party raising the affirmative defense must prove it at trial

NOTE THAT AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES SHIFT THE BURDEN OF PROOF ON THAT DEFENSE

RESPONDING TO AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES

How should plaintiff respond to an affirmative defense?

RESPONDING TO AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES

All affirmative defenses are AUTOMATICALLY DENIED under 8(d). No response is required.