Civil Procedure Study Guide

Subject Matter Jurisdiction

Federal question and diversity jurisdiction, amount in controversy, and supplemental jurisdiction essential for determining federal court authority.

Personal Jurisdiction

Constitutional due process limits, minimum contacts analysis, general versus specific jurisdiction, and consent to jurisdiction.

Venue and Forum Selection

Proper venue under 28 USC 1391, transfer of venue, forum non conveniens, and forum selection clause enforcement.

Erie Doctrine and Choice of Law

Federal-state law conflicts, substantive versus procedural distinctions, outcome-determinative test, and Rules Enabling Act analysis.

Pleading Standards and Motions

Notice pleading, Twombly/Iqbal plausibility standard, Rule 12 motions, and amended pleadings under Rule 15.

Joinder of Claims and Parties

Permissive and compulsory joinder, counterclaims, crossclaims, third-party practice, interpleader, and intervention rules.

Class Actions

Rule 23 requirements, certification prerequisites, types of class actions, and settlement procedures frequently tested.

Discovery Rules and Scope

Discovery devices, relevance and proportionality limits, privileges, work product doctrine, and discovery sanctions.

Pretrial Adjudication and Summary Judgment

Rule 56 standards, burden of production, genuine disputes of material fact, and partial summary judgment.

Trial Procedures and Judgments

Right to jury trial, directed verdict, JMOL, new trial motions, and relief from judgment.

Appeals and Final Judgment Rule

Final judgment requirement, interlocutory appeals, collateral order doctrine, and appellate review standards.

Claim and Issue Preclusion

Res judicata elements, collateral estoppel requirements, mutuality doctrine, and preclusion in subsequent litigation.