Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

Introduction and Overview - History of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) - Titles and organization of the FRCP - Purpose and scope of the FRCP - Distinction between code pleading and notice pleading - Formatting and local rules for pleadings - Rule 11 and sanctions for improper conduct - Rule 12 motions to dismiss or for summary judgment Commencement of Suits - Filing a complaint and commencement of a civil action - Issuance of summons and service of process on defendants - Serving papers on parties and filing with the court - Computation of time and extensions of deadlines Pleadings and Motions - Requirements for plaintiff's claim and defendant's answer - Affirmative defenses and alternative statements of claims or defenses - Discovery process and rules for document requests, interrogatories, requests for admissions, and depositions - Initial disclosures and exceptions to disclosure rules - Discovery plan and deadlines for amending pleadings and expert disclosures Trial Process - Right to a trial by jury and order of scheduling cases for trial - Voluntary dismissal of actions and consolidation of related cases - Taking of testimony in open court - Summary judgment and motions for a new trial - Provisional and final remedies, including attachment, injunctions, receivership, and offer of judgment Special Proceedings and District Courts - Special types of litigation in federal courts, such as condemnation actions and matters before magistrate judges - Conduct of business and issuing orders by district courts and clerks - Supplemental rules for admiralty or maritime claims and asset forfeiture actions