458

TRIAL AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS

CH.12

B 12.95

TADINC 0T0H< CAS< 'ROM TH< @;RE

455

series of short-ans er fa!t "#estions.25o The $#rors ans er the "#estions instea% of %esi&natin& a inner. 'ro( a)) the ans ers* the $#%&e !onstr#!ts the e"#i+a)ent of a &enera) +er%i!t. If the ans ers a,,ear in!onsistent* the $#%&e is o-)i&e% to .atte(,t to re!on!i)e the $#r/0s fin%in&s* -/ e1e&esis if ne!essar/* . . . . -efore either res#-(ittin& the( or or%erin& a ne tria). 251 Parties to !o(,)e1 !ases (a/ ,refer a s,e!ia) +er%i!t -e!a#se of the &#i%an!e it &i+es the $#r/ in fa!t-fin%in&.es Ho e+er* the/ ha+e no ri&ht to ha+e the $#r/ ret#rn a s,e!ia) +er%i!t in fe%era) !o#rts. The/ !an on)/ re"#est one.252 Man/ tria) $#%&es ha+e -een re)#!tant to #se the %e+i!e. So(e re)#!tan!e (a/ ste( fro( the fa!t that $#%&es are #nfa(i)iar ith it. So(e a,,arent)/ !o(es fro( a fear of en!roa!hin& #,on the in%e,en%en!e of the $#r/.254 Co(,are% to &enera) +er%i!ts at )east* s,e!ia) +er%i!ts %o i(,ose ti&hter !ontro)s an% (a/ therefore ref)e!t a (ore s#s,i!io#s attit#%e to ar% $#ries.255 'ina))/* so(e hesitation to #se s,e!ia) +er%i!ts ste(s fro( !on!ern a-o#t the ,ossi-i)it/ of in!onsistent fin%in&s.253 So(e !o#rts see( re!e,ti+e to a !o(,ro(ise4 a &enera) +er%i!t a!!o(,anie% ith ans ers to ritten interro&atories. 'e%era) R#)e 456-7 ,ro+i%es this o,tion* a&ain* at the %is!retion of the !o#rt. This +er%i!t for( ,er(its $#rors to %e!)are a inner -#t re"#ires the( to sho their or8. Ho e+er* it is e+en (ore +#)nera-)e to in!onsisten!ies than the s,e!ia) +er%i!t* sin!e the $#r/0s ans ers (a/ -e in!onsistent not on)/ ith ea!h other* -#t a)so ith the &enera) +er%i!t. S#-%i+ision 6-7 ,ro,oses %ifferent so)#tions for this ,ro-)e(* none of the( entire)/ reass#rin&.

B 12.95

TADINC TH< CAS< 'ROM TH< @;RE4 MOTIONS 'OR @;DCM<NT AS A MATT<R O' LAA AND 'OR N<A TRIAL

Dire!te% =er%i!ts an% @#%&(ents N.O.=. Re,hrase% as [1 ] @#%&(ents as a Matter of La

After tria) has -e&#n* a ,art/ (a/ -/F(otion re"#est the !o#rt either to ren%er $#%&(ent itho#t )ettin& the !ase &o to a $#r/ +er%i!t* or 6if a +er%i!t has -een entere%7 to ren%er $#%&(ent o,,ose% to that in%i!ate% -/ the +er%i!t. Tra%itiona) ter(ino)o&/ for the first s#!h or%er is directed verdict an%* for the or%ers of the se!on% t/,e* 5udgment n.o.v. 6or $#%&(ent not ithstan%in& the +er%i!t7. A 1551 a(en%(ent to R#)e 59 of the 'e%era) R#)es of Ci+i) Pro!e%#re %is!ar%e% the t o ter(s in fa+or of the sin&)e ,hrase* 5udgment as a matter o3 la6. This %e+e)o,(ent (#st -e note%. Eet* for se+era) reasons* it (a/ not -e terri-)/ i(,ortant. 'irst* the a(en%(ent i)) or8 )itt)e if an/ !han&e in %eeision(a8in&.s0. sin!e the test for a $#%&(ent as a (atter of )a a,,ears to -e the sa(e as the test ,re+io#s)/ a,,)ie% to -oth %ire!te% +er%i!ts an% $#%&(ents n.o.+. Se!on%* (an/ state !o#rts i)) !ontin#e for the foreseeG-)e f#t#re to -e &o+erne% -/ ,ro!e%#ra) )a e(,)o/in& the t o o)%er ter(s. Thir%* e+en fe%era) !o#rts (a/ !ontin#e to e(,)o/ the(* sin!e %ire!te% +er%i!t an% $#%&(ent n.o.+. are #sef#) to %ifferentiate the t o s#-s,e!ies of the to,i! !o+ere% -/ the (ore &eneri! ter(* $#%&(ent as a (atter of )a . H/ hate+er na(e* se,arate ,ro!e%#ra) %e+i!es for ta8in& the $#r/ o#t of the ,i!t#re -efore or after a +er%i!t sti)) f#n!tion in a)) A(eri!an !o#rts. It !ontin#es to -e i(,ortant to &ras, their si(i)arities an% %ifferen!es an%* for !on+enien!e an% !)arit/ of %is!#ssion* it i)) -e #sef#) to refer to the( -/ their tra%itiona) tit)es* %ire!te% +er%i!t an% $#%&(ent n.o.+. Motions for %ire!te% +er%i!t an% for $#%&(ent not ithstan%in& the +er%i!t ha+e (#!h in !o((on. <a!h is &o+erne% -/ the sa(e )e&a) stan%ar%. The/ !an an% often %o a%%ress the sa(e fa!t#a) re!or%. A,,e))ate !o#rts free)/ ree1a(ine %e!isions on -oth. 'or a)) that* e sha)) see that ea!h (a8es a %is!rete !ontri-#tion as ,art of a series of (otions s!reenin& the (erits of the !ase.

259 R#)e 456a7* &o+ernin& s,e!ia) +er%i!ts in fe%era) !o#rt* refers to . ritten "#estions s#s!e,ti-)e of a !ate&ori!a) or other -rief ans er . . .. . On the #ses an% !ontri-#tions of s,e!ia) +er%i!ts in fe%era) )iti&ation* see Brodin, supra, note 221* at 32--84. 251 Gallick v. Baltimore & Ohio R.R. Co., 2:2 ;.S. 198* 115 615327. See generally Dona)!) O)an%er* Note* Resolving nconsistencies in !ederal Special "erdicts, 52 'ORDHAM L. R<=. 1985 615847.

252 See <)i>a-eth A. 'a#)8ner* #sing the Special "erdict to $anage Comple% Cases and &void Compromise "erdicts, 21 ARI?. ST. L.@. 25: 615857. Another* )ess !o((on reason for re"#estin& a
s,e!ia) +er%i!t (a/ -e to iso)ate ,arti!#)ar fa!ts. 'or e1a(,)e* a ,#-)i! fi&#re ho -rin&s a )i-e) a!tion (a/ -e as intereste% in ha+in& a $#r/ fin% that the )i-e) as fa)se as he is in re!o+erin&* an% (ore )i8e)/ to o-tain the for(er* too* &i+en the hea+/ -#r%en of ,ro+in& a!t#a) (a)i!e.
252 R#)e 456a7 .is ,er(issi+e* not (an%ator/. Ahether a s,e!ia) or &enera) +er%i!t is to -e ret#rne% 6-/ the $#r/7 rests in the so#n% %is!retion of the tria) !o#rt.. 'R G() & $ **+R B 2595.

254 !R +,+-)(&*, .&-+ & $ **+R B 12.1.

255 A s,e!ia) +er%i!t .,#ts ,s/!ho)o&i!a) ,ress#re on the $#rors to a%here to their )e&a))/ ,res!ri-e% f#n!tions an% to ,re+ent the( fro( %e!i%in& !ases on &ro#n%s the/ are instr#!te% to i&nore.. /&$+S, (&0&R, & *+#BS,OR! B :.22. 256 See generally Sha#n P. Martin* Rationali1ing the rrational2 )he )reatment o3 #ntena4le !ederal Civil /ury "erdicts, 28 CR<ICHTON L. R<=. 382 615557. Of !o#rse* &enera) +er%i!ts* too* !an -e in!onsistent. Sha#n P. Martin* Rationali1ing the rrational2 )he )reatment o3 #ntena4le !ederal Civil /ury "erdicts, 28 CR<ICHTON L. R<=. 382 615557 Motions for $.n.o.+. 6$#%&(ent as a (atter of )a in fe%era) !o#rts7 or ne tria) !an -e #se% to !ontro) the $#r/ in s#!h !ases. See B 12.95* in3ra. 257 The A%+isor/ Co((ittee note to the 1551 a(en%(ent (a8es this !)ear* statin& that the ne ter(ino)o&/ .effe!ts no !han&e in the e1istin& stan%ar%. That e1istin& stan%ar% as not e1,resse% in the for(er r#)e* -#t as arti!#)ate% in )on&-stan%in& !ase )a .. 'or a %issentin& +ie * that the o#t!o(e in so(e !ases (a/ -e affe!te% -/ the a(en%(ent* see Mi!hae) @. Aa&&oner* -e6 Rule 57 $ay +nd ,irected "erdicts 3or 8lainti33s, 22 S . ;. L. R<=. 285 615527. The A%+isor/ Co((ittee a)so state% that the !han&e in ter(ino)o&/ as (ere)/ a te!hni!a)it/. .If a (otion is %eno(inate% a (otion for %ire!te% +er%i!t or for $#%&(ent not ithstan%in& the +er%i!t* the ,art/0s error is (ere)/ for(a). S#!h a (otion sho#)% -e treate% as a (otion for $#%&(ent as a (atter of )a in a!!or%an!e ith this r#)e..

432

%is!retion on the tria) $#%&e to %e,)o/ it. H#t a)) a)so shar,)/ restri!t its a+ai)a-i)it/ to &ro#n%s an% so(e !o#rtsM. %#-io#s )o&i!* !on%e(ne% a%%it#r as #n!onstit#tionaL281 a short ,erio% - ten %a/s in fe%era) - after-#t the has +er%i!t is ret#rne% or $#%&(ent IaJ The Theoreti!a) @#stifi!ation for Co#rt is entere%.

464 460

TRIAL AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS CH.12 TRIAL AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS

TRIAL AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS

B 12.95

CH.12 CH.12

TADINC TH< CAS< 'ROM TH< @;RE

B 12.95

432
. j(;I

Center 3oras(umanities, nc.,2<2 theerror S#,re(e The &ro#n%s forIn ne Gasperini tria) are v. as n#(ero#s the so#r!es of ,ossi-)e in the Co#rt a%%e% a Re!a)) that the f#n!tion of the $#r/ is to %e)i-erate* to ei&h the e+i%en!e f#rther rin8)e to re(ittit#r ,ra!ti!e in fe%era) %i+ersit/ !ases. There state )a in tria). So(e states r#)es )ist the &ro#n%s.sM -#t 'e%era) R#)e 556a7617 an% (an/ state !hoosin& -et een a res#)t fa+ora-)e to ,)aintiff or to %efen%ant. @#ries %eri+e their a#thori>e% !o#rts set for asi%e hi!h as e1!essi+e +er%i!t hi!h .%e+iates r#)es si(,)/ a#thori>e ne tria) for .an/ to reason a ne tria) an/ has heretofore a#tono(/ fro( the !hara!ter of the e+i%en!e in the !ase. So )on& as e+i%en!e !reates o#)% -e !o#rt.. reasona-)e !o(,ensation.. a -roa%er stan%ar% -een &rante% in(ateria))/ an a!tionfro( at )a hat in fe%era) Most &ro#n%s for This ne is tria)* a an% s#-stantia) !ontro+ers/ o+er ho sho#)% in* $#ries sho#)% an% %o than the fe%era) (is!arria&e-of-$#sti!e or .sho!8s the !ons!ien!e. stan%ar%.sM The ho e+er* fa)) into t &en#ine o !ate&ories. The first an% (ost tro#-)eso(e !ate&or/ !onsists of ha+e the )ast or%. @#%&es ha+e the )ast or%* ho e+er* hen the e+i%en!e s#,,orts errors in the $#r/0s e+a)#ation thethat e+i%en!e. The se!on% !onsists of errors,#r,oses in the an% therefore S#,re(e Co#rtof he)% the state stan%ar% ser+e% s#-stanti+e 258 235 on)/ one si%e. tria) ,ro!ess* in!)#%in& errors infe%era) the )a %i+ersit/ a,,)ie%.!ase. !ontro))e% in a The $#r/0s +er%i!t !o#)% !oin!i%e ith the on)/ ri&ht res#)t in s#!h !ases. The &rant of ,artia) ne tria) )i(ite% to the iss#e of %a(a&es is another ,ossi-i)it/ On!e* ho e+er* the $#r/ )oses a#thorit/ !hoose -et een !onf)i!tin& res#)ts* hen the a(o#nt of the +er%i!t has -een to atta!8e%. In fe%era) !o#rt* ,artia) ne its tria) I-) <+a)#ati+e <rrors4 =er%i!ts That Are <1!essi+e* ,resen!e -e!o(es in!i%enta). .(a/ not -e resorte% to #n)ess it !)ear)/ a,,ears that the iss#e to -e retrie% is so Ina%e"#ate* or that Other ise A&ainst the Weight of in the %istin!t se,arate fro( others that a tria) of it a)one -e!ase ha% !an itho#t Thean% !on!)#sion thethe e+i%en!e s#,,orts on)/ one res#)t(a/ -e as the <+i%en!e in$#sti!e..284 -e %e)i-erates (a%e !a#tio#s)/* A $#r/ thattohas e+i%ent to theS#!h !o#rtor%ers -efore (#st the $#r/ as after. ho Thee+er. first o,,ort#nit/ en% e+a)#ate% %a(a&es i(,ro,er)/ (a/ e)) a)so ha+e e+a)#ate% )ia-i)it/ i(,ro,er)/. In the !ase th#s !o(es -/ (eans of a (otion for %ire!te% +er%i!t* here-/ the !o#rt !an Ahen the tria) $#%&e !on!)#%es that the +er%i!t is e1!essi+e* ina%e"#ate* or ,arti!#)ar* an ina%e"#ate +er%i!t (a/ -e a !o(,ro(ise +er%i!t hi!h !annot fair)/ -e inter,ose its %e!ision on the e+i%en!e an% 8ee, the $#r/ fro( e+er !onsi%erin& the other ise a&ainst the ei&ht of the e+i%en!e* she is se!on%-&#essin& the $#r/ in its set asi%e on)/ in ,art. !ase. The se!on% o,,ort#nit/ !o(es -/ (eans of a (otion for $#%&(ent n.o.+.255 e+a)#ation of the e+i%en!e..N Eet* #n)i8e %ire!te% +er%i!t* $#%&(ent n.o.+.* or 6$#%&(ent ithstan%in& +er%i!t7* here-/ the !o#rt !an re+erse +er%i!t $#%&(ent as a (atter *not an or%er for a nethe tria) on the &ro#n%s that thean% +er%i!t is a $#r/ Neof )a tria) %eter(inations %iffer fro( %ire!te% +er%i!ts $#%&(ents n.o.+. not #ns#,,orte% -/ e+i%en!e. a&ainst the ei&ht ofin the e+i%en!e %oes not %e,ri+e the +er%i!tinner of $#r/ +er%i!ts tria). It or $#%&(ents $#st a+ai)a-i)it/. De!isions &rantin& or %en/in& %ire!te% on)/ for!es hi( to s#-(it his e+i%en!e to a ne $#r/. His ,ro-)e( 285 is that he &ets .too n.o.+. are o,en to re!onsi%eration on re+ie . In !ontrast* it is "#ite %iffi!#)t to (#!h $#r/ tria)* not too )itt)e..2:1 o-tain re+ersa) of the !o#rt0s %e!ision &rantin& or ref#sin& to &rant a (otion for ne I-J The Le&a) Stan%ar% Co+ernin& Dire!te% =er%i!ts This e1,)ainstria). h/ In the the test first for &rantin& ne &rant tria) isof )ess the test for ,)a!e* the a restri!ti+e ne tria) than (otion - stan%in& a)one - is an% @#%&(ents N.O.=. %ire!te% +er%i!tF$#%&(ent n.o.+.2:2 On a,,ea)a-)e the other han%* the $#%&e to set is asi%e the after a ne inter)o!#tor/. It is not #nti)for a fina) $#%&(ent ren%ere% +er%i!t an% or%er a ne tria) $#st -e!a#se she o#)% ha+e %e!i%e% to the !ase %ifferent)/ tria)*283 ass#(in& that the is #nfa+ora-)e to the ,art/ ho resiste% the nean% <a!h s/ste( a,,)ies a$#%&(ent sin&)e )e&a) stan%ar% %e!i%e -oth %ire!te% +er%i!ts o#)% #n%er!#t the $#r/ as fa!t-f)n%er.+N tria)*28: <+en then* it S/ste(s is re+ie ha+e a-)e on)/ forho a-#se of in %is!retion.eM Ahen ne $#%&(ents n.o.+.239 +arie%* e+er* ho strin&ent thatthe stan%ar% tria) %eter(ination -ase% on e+i%entiar/ the stan%ar% a,,e))ate re+ie sho#)% -e. At one is e1tre(e* the $#%&e (a/ &ro#n%s* not interfere if there isof an/ e+i%en!e - e+en for a-#se of %is!retion is e1tre(e)/ narro a&ainst .sM $#st a .s!inti))a. - s#,,ortin& a +er%i!t the (o+in& ,art/.231 At the other .Tria) -/ $#r/*. in the ,ri(ar/ an% #s#a) sense of the ter( at !o((on )a an% in the e1tre(e* a ,art/ s#,,orte% -/ e+i%en!e reasona-)/ A(eri!an !onstit#tions . . . is a tria) -/ a $#r/ of t e)+e (en in the ,resen!e an% #n%er the
s#,erinten%en!e of a $#%&e e(,o ere% to instr#!t the( on )a an% to a%+ise the( on the fa!ts* an% . . . to set asi%e their +er%i!t if* in his o,inion* it is a&ainst the )a or the e+i%en!e.

Inter+ention in @#r/ Cases

KKLL------L.44.44LL44L4L44GMM-GM-M-M-MGM-M-M--.. The test for fe%era) an% (ost --.-G..... --state !o#rts )ies so(e here in -et een. Ae sa/ .so(e here. -e!a#se the test is ne!essari)/ a,,ro1i(ate. One of the (ost fre"#ent)/ of in s#,,ortin& a $#r/ +er%i!t !o#)% fa)) to2?; one of the (otions.eM "#ote% for(#)as !a,a-)e as state% &etna Casualty & Surety Co. v. ,re/ >eats2

TADINC TH< CAs< 'ROM TH< @;RE

'e%era) an% (ost state !o#rts steer a (i%%)e !o#rse. .The !o#rt sho#)% re+ie the re!or% a %#t/ ho)e*. Co#rt has sai%* -#t an% .it (#st On s#!h a (otion it as is the ofthe the S#,re(e $#%&e to set asi%e the +er%i!t &rant%isre&ar% a)) e+i%en!e fa+ora-)e to the (o+in& ,art/ that the $#r/ is not re"#ire% to -e)ie+e. That is* the a ne tria)* if he is of o,inion that the +er%i!t is a&ainst the !)ear ei&ht of !o#rt sho#)% &i+e !re%en!e to the e+i%en!e fa+orin& the non(o+ant as e)) as that the e+i%en!e* or is -ase% #,on e+i%en!e hi!h is fa)se* or i)) res#)t in a 0e+i%en!e s#,,ortin& the (o+in& ,art/ that is #n!ontra%i!te% an% #ni(,ea!he%* at (is!arria&e of $#sti!e* e+en tho#&h there (a/ -e s#-stantia) e+i%en!e hi!h )east to the e1tent that that e+i%en!e !o(es fro( %isintereste% itnesses.0 .232 On the o#)% ,re+ent %ire!tion of a +er%i!t. other han%* the e1isten!e of $#st any fa+ora-)e e+i%en!e 6no (atter ho (ea&er7 i)) This for(#)ation it !)ear that the !o#rt (a/ %ire!te% &rant a ne tria) e+en if it fin%s n.o.+. The test not(a8es ,rote!t fe%era) )iti&ants fro( +er%i!ts or $#%&(ents .s#-stantia) e+i%en!e. to s#,,ort the +er%i!t* -e!a#se on ne tria)* #n)i8e %ire!te% evidence test. fe%era) !o#rts #s#a))/ a%(inister has* often -een !a))e% the substantial +er%i!t or $.n.o.+*<+i%en!e the !o#rt is does ei&h the e+i%en!e* not $#st test it for s#ffi!ien!/. s#-stantia) in this sense hen it is !a,a-)e of ,ro+i%in& a reasona-)e Another !o((on for(#)a is that the $#%&e (#st -e )eft ith a %efinite an% fir( -asis for a $#ror to fin% for the ,art/ o,,osin& the %ire!te% +er%i!t or $#%&(ent n.o.+. !on+i!tion that a (ista8e has -een !o((itte%.+e (otion. Or* as one fe%era) !ir!#it !o#rt ,#t it* the test In a,,)i!ation* this test (#st ta8e into a!!o#nt the %e)i-erati+e s8i)) of the $#r/ in is !ase. hether the e+i%en!e istria) s#!h that* itho#t ei&hin& the !re%i-i)it/ of the the !ir!#(stan!es of the The +er%i!t in .a that is )on& an% !o(,)i!ate% an% itnesses or other ise !onsi%erin& the ei&ht of the e+i%en!e* there !an -e %ea)s ith a s#-$e!t (atter not )/in& ithin the or%inar/ 8no )e%&e of $#rors . . . -#t one !on!)#sion as to the +er%i!t that reasona-)e (en Ior o(enJ !o#)% sho#)% -e s!r#tini>e% (ore !)ose)/. than the +er%i!t in a si(,)e tria) %ea)in& ith ha+e rea!he%.sM fa(i)iar s#-$e!t (atter.2:3 Certain@/* the tria) $#%&e sho#)% -e (ost hesitant to set asi%e the +er%i!t an% or%er ne the tria) on e+i%entiar/ &ro#n%s the -een 8e/ iss#e To !a)) this s#-stantia) e+i%en!e test hashen a) a/s so(ein hat (is)ea%in&.sM the !ase as !re%i-i)it/* a (atter the $#r/. It s#&&ests that !)assi!a))/ the (otionfor tests the "#a)it/ or ei&ht of the e+i%en!e* hen it rea))/ tests hethererror there sufficient e+i%en!e fro( or hi!h a reasona-)e Another 8in% of e+a)#ati+e isis that the +er%i!t is e1!essi+e ina%e"#ate as a $#r/ !o#)% fin% a&ainst the (o+ant. It is (ore #sef#) to %es!ri-e it as a .reasona-)e (atter of fa!t. 2:: This is )o&i!a))/ no %ifferent fro( a ei&ht of the e+i%en!e !)ai(. $#ror. test* an% the 1551 a(en%(ent to R#)e 596a7 sho#)% en!o#ra&e this shift Eet the %eter(ination of #n)i"#i%ate% an% ,#niti+e %a(a&es is often so s,e!#)ati+e to in thin8in& -/ e1,ress)/ referrin& to a .reasona-)e $#r/. stan%ar%. -e&in ith that $#%i!ia) inter+ention on a ne tria) (otion (a/ see( es,e!ia))/ ,ro-)e(ati!a). The !on%itiona) &rant of ne tria) has often ,ro+i%e% a a/ o#t* ho e+er. The tria) $#%&e &rants the (otion #n@ess the o,,osin& ,art/ a&rees to a re%#!tion @remittiturA or in!rease @additurA of the +er%i!t.eM In fe%era) !o#rts* the !o#rt (a/ or%er a re(ittit#r if the +er%i!t is so e1!essi+e that it .sho!8s the I2J Ne Tria) Motions !ons!ien!e..2:5 The ,art/ ho !onsents to s#!h a re(ittit#r ai+es an/ ri&ht to a,,e))ate re+ie of it.289 The S#,re(e Co#rt has #,he)% re(ittit#r a&ainst Se+enth Ia) on histori!a) In Cenera) A(en%(ent atta!8* re)/in& The (ost i%e)/ #se% for( of $#%i!ia) !ontro) of $#ries is the or%er &rantin& a ne tria) on a)) or so(e ,art of the iss#es. The ,o er to set asi%e +er%i!ts an% &rant ne tria)s as e))-esta-)ishe% in 1:51 an% e1er!ise is therefore !onsistent ith the !onstit#tiona) (&0&R,, & *+#BS,OR! B :.28* it is %o#-tf#) that their $#%&es a!t#a))/ as (#!h %is!retion as the test see(s to !onfer. &#arantee of $#r/ tria1.233 A)) $#ris%i!tions ,er(it this !ontro) an% !onfer -roa% 6in 2:4 122 '.2% 259*so(e 252-52 64th C))4. 15417. ,ra!ti!a))/ #nre+ie a-)e7 !ir!#(stan!es*
2?5 See 'R G() B 55. 2?9 *ind v. Schenley ndus., nc.,G() 2:8 & '.2% :5* 59-51 62% Cir. 15397. 2:: As 292 'R $ **+R B 2528. o,,ose% to e1!essi+e as a (atter of )a . See note 2:9* 29: Reeves v. Sanderson 8lum4ing supra. 8rods., nc., 529 ;.S. 122* 151 629997 6"#otin& 'R G() & $ **+R B 25257. 2:8 He (#st &i+e the o,,osin& ,art/ the o,tion* ho e+er* an% (a/ not si(,)/ fi1 the ,ro,er )e+e) of %a(a&es hi(se)f. $c.innon v. City o3v.Ber6yn, :5942: '.2% 1282* 1285 15847. 'e%era) !o#rts are S#,re(e Co#rt has 29; Sim4lest $aynard, '.2% 1*4 62% 6:th Cir.Cir. 15:97. The ;nite% States %i+i%e% on hat the ,ro,er )e+e) sho#)% -e4 the hi&hest reasona-)e a(o#nt* a reasona-)e a(o#nt* or the o-ser+e% that .the stan%ar% for a %ire!te% +er%i!t #n%er 'e%era) R#)e of Ci+i) Pro!e%#re 596a7 . . . is )o est reasona-)e a(o#nt. See, e.g., Gorsalit1 v.%ire!t Olin $athieson Chem. Corp., ;2B '.2% 1922* 65th Cir. that the tria) $#%&e (#st a +er%i!t if* #n%er the &o+ernin& )a 194: * there !an -e -#t one reasona-)e 15:97. !on!)#sion as to the +er%i!t . . . . If reasona-)e (in%s !o#)% %iffer as to the i(,ort of the e+i%en!e* ho e+er* a +er%i!t sho#)% not -e %ire!te%.. &nderson v. *i4erty *o44y, nc., 4:: ;.S. 242* 259 615837. 2?B $OOR+ B 55.12I2JI&JIiiiJIHJ. 295 SeeCo., note 234* supra. 2<7 ,onovan ". 8enn Shipping 425 ;.S. 348 615::7. 299 Capital )raction Co. v. (o/, 1:4 ;.S. 1* 12-14 6185574

258 That is* the/ ha+e the a#thorit/ to reso)+e the (erits of the !ase in fa+or of the on)/ )iti&ant hose ,osition is s#,,orte% -/ the e+i%en!e. .Ahether the e+i%en!e ,resente% at tria) is s#ffi!ient to !reate an iss#e of fa!t for the $#r/ or i)) ,er(it the !o#rt to enter $#%&(ent as a (atter of )a is 23: R#)e 556-7. so)e)/ 2<1 Compare ,imick v. Schiedt, 252 ;.S. 4:4* 483 615257 6. hat re(ains is in!)#%e% in the +er%i!t a)on& a "#estion of )a to -e %eter(ine% -/ the tria) !o#rt.. 'R G() & $ **+R B 2524. In other ith the #n)a f#) e1!ess - innot that sense it )ast has -een -/ the $#r/ an% the re(ittit#r has the 29< See, e.g., MINN. R. CI=. P. 55.91. sit#ations* the $#%&e (a/ ha+e the or%fo#n% in this sense -#t -%oes ha+e the a#thorit/ toeffe!t #n%o of the (ere)/ )o,,in& off an-/ e1!res!en!e.7* 6ith /tria). ehl v.See Southern 8aci3ic in3ra. Co., 42: P.2% 588%e!isions 6Ca). 153:7 6a))o on in& or8 of the $#r/ or%erin& a ne B 12.95I2J* Ne tria) -ase% an 235 Another* )ess i(,ortant !ate&or/ !onsists of ne )/ %is!o+ere% e+i%en!e that !o#)% not* ith a%%it#r in state !o#rt7. See Sann* Remittiturs -/ @and %ifferent &dditursA )e&a) in !ederal Courts2 &n +valuation 'ith of the e+i%en!e are &o+erne% stan%ar% fro( the one &o+ernin& reasona-)e %i)i&en!e*e+a)#ation ha+e -een %is!o+ere% an% ,ro%#!e% at tria). Sin!eas#!h e+i%en!e is rare)/ %is!o+ere% Suggested &lternatives, 28 CAS< A. R<s. %is!#sse% L. R<=. 15: 615887 6#r&in& e)i(ination of re(ittit#r in fe%era) %ire!te% +er%i!ts an% $#%&(ents n.o.+. in this s#-se!tion. ARICHT & MILL<R B 2524. ithin the !#sto(ari)/ short ti(e ,erio%s for see8in& ne tria)* it is ,ro-a-)/ (ore !o((on)/ a%+an!e% in !o#rts to e)i(inate in!onsisten!/ an% ineffi!ien!/7. s#,,ort of a (otion for 255 re)ief'ro( fro( $#%&(ent. See R#)e 396-7627* the Latin ,hrase non o4stante%is!#sse% veredicto. at B 12.11I2JI-J* in3t=a. 518 ;.S. 415* 422 615537. 239 Th#s* ine1!essi+e fe%era) !o#rt* the .stan%ar% . . . is the sa(e hether it not arises in the ,ro!e%#ra) 2:9 Of !o#rse* the282 +er%i!t (a/ -e -e!a#se it e1!ee%s stat#tor/ )i(its. The error is then 283 ;.S. at 424. for $#%&(ent as a (atter of )a ,rior to the s#-(ission of the !ase to the $#r/ or !onte1t e+a)#ati+e* -#t an error of518 )a of . a (otion in the Gasoline !onte1t of aB rene (otion Re3 forCo., $#%&(ent as454* a (atter of )a .. 2<5 after the $#r/ has ret#rne% a 2<; 8rods. Co. v.e% Champlin 282 ;.S. 599 615217 2:1 !R +,+-)(&*, .&-+ & $ **+R 12.4. +er%i!t.. 'R G() & $ **+R B 2524. That stan%ar% has -een e1,ress in R#)e 59 sin!e 1551. After See B sa(e* 12.95I2JI-J* 2:2 In%ee%* erete!hni!a) it the no ne in3ra. tria) sho#)% -e &rante% -e!a#se the !o#rt !o#)% enter that $#%&(ent as re+isions (a%e -/ a(en%(ent in 299:* R#)e 596a7 states a $#%&(ent as a (atter of a (atter of )a . 'R G() B 55. -e AsChem. a res#)t* on)/ a (inorit/ of states ha+e a%o,te% aan ne iss#e tria) stan%ar% 2<9 &llied Corp. v.a ,ai3ion, nc., 445 ;.S. 22* 24* 23 2<?%#rin& )a (a/ entere% .Ii$f ,art/ has -een f#))/ hear% on615897. a that $#r/ tria) an% the !o#rt is the sa(e as the reasona-)e $#r/ stan%ar% #s#a))/ #se% not for ha+e %ire!te% +er%i!tF$#%&(ent n.o.+. See /&$+S, fin%s a reasona-)e $#r/ o#)% a )e&a))/ s#ffi!ient e+i%entiar/ -asis to fin% for the ,art/ See Bthat 12.95I2JIaJ* in3ra. (&0&R, & *+#BS,OR! B :.28. on that iss#e . . .. . 288 518 ;.S. at 423. 2:2 A)tho#&h so(e231 statesThis ha+e is a%o,te% this .thirteenth $#ror. for ne /&$+S, !a))e% the .s!inti))a. r#)etest fro( the tria)* Latinsee ter( referrin& to a (ere ,arti!)e. 'or 285 'or a of %is!#ssion the stan%ar% its a,,)i!ation to ne tria) %eter(inations* B 12.95I2JI %J* & %is!#ssion the r#)e of an% !itation of an% i))#strati+e A)a-a(a state %e!isions* see !R see +,+-)(&*, .&-+ infra. $ **+R B 12.2.

4Q@-

TRIAL AND POSTGTRIAL MOTIONS

e)). 12

B 12.95

TADINC TH< CAS< 'ROM TH< @;RE

instea% a res,onse to the !ase at han%*. ,re$#%i!ia))/ s#,,)e(entin& the re!or%. It re+erse% an% re(an%e% for a ne tria)* In !ontrast* a !)ose)/ %i+i%e% S#,re(e Co#rt in #nited States v. he)% that hat the %issenters !hara!teri>e% as .,rofo#n%)/ %ist#r-in&. e+i%en!e of e1tensi+e $#ror %r#& an% a)!oho) into1i!ation during %e)i-erations ent to the (enta) ,ro!esses of the $#r/ an% as therefore ina%(issi-)e to i(,ea!h the +er%i!t. 0I0he (a$orit/ th#s a&&ressi+e)/ enfor!e% the fe%era) +ersion of the e1!)#sionar/ e+i%entiar/ r#)e* not ithstan%in& a stron& ar&#(ent that %r#& an% a)!oho) !ons#(,tion are e1traneo#s an% ante!e%ent to the $#r/0s %e)i-erati+e ,ro!ess.

I2J IaJ

The Inter,)a/ of Dire!te% =er%i!ts an% @#%&(ents N.O.=. Aith Other Pro!e%#ra) La The Consisten!/ of Dire!te% =er%i!ts an% @#%&(ents N*R.=* Aith the Ri&ht to @#r/ Tria)

its ,osition in )ater !ases*293 #sin& the e))-a!!e,te% r#)e that %ire!te% ere ,er(issi-)e to !reate so(ethin& of a )e&a) fi!tion. A fe%era) reser+in& %e!ision on a (otion for %ire!te% +er%i!t !o#)% )ater t#rn aro#n% +er%i!t #ns#,,orte% -/ e+i%en!e the theor/ that he as@;RE !onsi%eration of the B 12.95 TADINC on TH< CAS< 'ROM TH< 435 (otion for %ire!te% +er%i!t..N R#)e 596-7 !o%ifies this fi!tion -/ (a8in& $#%&(ents n.o.+. a+ai)a-)e on)/ to the ,art/ ho has (a%e .a (otion for a $#%&(ent as a (atter I! Pro!ess of )a .. * #n%er R#)e 596a7. <rrors s,e!if/in& the &ro#n%s on hi!h the (otion is -ase%.29s J nee% not e1,ress)/ reser+e %e!ision on the (otionK the r#)e ,ro+i%es that The !o#rt Thereis are a +ariet/ to of ha+e errors that (a/ the taint the tria) ,ro!ess. These to in!)#%e $#%i!ia) .the !o#rt !onsi%ere% s#-(itte% a!tion to the $#r/ s#-$e!t the !o#rt0s errors in instr#!tin& the $#r/ or a%(ittin& or !o((entin& on the e+i%en!e* an% )ater %e!i%in& the )e&a) "#estions raise% -/ the (otion*. The )ater %eter(ination (a/ (is!on%#!t -/ ,arties* !o#nse)* itnesses or $#rors* as e)) as a)so -e -/ an a,,e))ate !o#rt* re+ersin& the tria) !o#rt0s %enia) of ,re$#%i!ia) $#%&(ent n.o.+.295 251 ha,,enstan!e.s The $#%&e has %is!retion to &rant a ne (a/ tria) for s#!h errors. This In%ee%* the S#,re(e Co#rt has he)% that a !o#rt of a,,ea)s e+en %ire!t entr/ of 252 $#%&(ent as ho a (atter of that re(an%in&7 hen* -e after it has har()ess. e1!ise% is s#-$e!t* e+er*of to)a the 6instea% ,ossi-i)it/ the error (a/ %ee(e% No e+i%en!e hi!h as asi%e erroneo#s)/ -/ the tria) !o#rt* therea%+erse)/ is ins#ffi!ient +er%i!t (a/ -e set an% ne a%(itte% tria) &rante% #n)essO the error affe!te% the 2Io e+i%en!e )eft ri&hts to s#,,ort the $#r/ +er%i!t. s#-stantia) of the !o(,)ainin& ,art/. The tria) $#%&e0s s#,erior a-i)it/ to assess the ,re$#%i!ia) effe!t of errors on the tria) ,ro!ess e1,)ains h/ he &enera))/ en$o/s s#!h %is!retion on r#)in& on (otions for ne tria). Of the s#n%r/ errors of tria) ,ro!ess hi!h (a/ $#stif/ a ne tria)* $#r/ (is!on%#!t (erits f#rther %is!#ssion. The histori! r#)e at !o((on )a as that a $#ror (a/ not i(,ea!h his o n +er%i!t. 252 The r#)e as inten%e% ,art)/ to ,rote!t the !an%or of se!ret $#r/ %e)i-erations an% ,erha,s to ,rote!t the instit#tion of $#r/ fa!tfin%in& itse)f fro( e(-arrassin& %is!)os#re of its i(,re!ision. - Sin!e $#ries t/,i!a))/ %e)i-erate in se!ret* the r#)e (a%e it e1tre(e)/ %iffi!#)t to ,ro+e $#r/ (is!on%#!t in (an/ !ases. To%a/* (ost $#ris%i!tions ha+e str#!8 a !o(,ro(ise -et een the %esire to ,rote!t !an%i% $#r/ %e)i-eration an% the nee% to !ontro) $#r/ (is!on%#!t. A)(ost a)) $#ris%i!tions #se an e1!)#sionar/ e+i%entiar/ r#)e to ,rote!t the (enta) ,ro!esses of $#rors fro( %is!)os#re.s0. H#t .the ,er(issi-i)it/ of $#ror testi(on/ hin&es #,on the ,#r,ose for hi!h it is offere%..253 @#rors are often ,er(itte% to testif/ a-o#t e1traneo#s infor(ation or o#tsi%e inf)#en!e that (a/ ha+e tainte% the $#r/0s %e)i-erat)ona.P.

There is no )o&i!a) %iffi!#)t/ in s"#arin& %ire!te% +er%i!ts an% $#%&(ents n.o.+. ith the ri&ht in fe%era) !o#rt to tria) -/ $#r/*299 S#!h %is,ositions are #na+ai)a-)e #n)ess the $#r/ !o#)% reasona-)/ fin% on)/ for the (o+in& ,art/. The on)/ f#n!tion for the $#r/ to ,erfor( in s#!h !ases o#)% -e the !ere(onia) one of anno#n!in& the so)e ,ossi-)e res#)t.+M Sin!e* ho e+er* the Se+enth A(en%(ent ri&ht to $#r/ tria) at ti(es re,resents a tri#(,h of histor/ o+er )o&i!*292 the (atter re"#ires f#rther %is!#ssion. Dire!te% +er%i!ts ha+e not ,ose% (#!h of a ,ro-)e(. <ar)/ on* the ;nite% States S#,re(e Co#rt a,,eare% to re&ar% the a#thorit/ of !o#rts to %ire!t +er%i!ts as e))esta-)ishe% in !o((on )a .292 H/ 1542* the S#,re(e Co#rt o-ser+e% that Se+enth A(en%(ent !ha))en&es to fe%era) %ire!te% +er%i!ts ere .fore!)ose% -/ re,eate% %e!isions (a%e here !onsistent)/ for near)/ a !ent#r/..294 The S#,re(e Co#rt %i% rea% the Se+enth A(en%(ent to -)o!8 $#%&(ent n.o.+* in one fa(o#s ,re-r#)e %e!ision.295 Ho e+er* the Co#rt a)tere%

n re Beverly (ills !ire *itigation2B< s#,,)ies a &oo% i))#stration of the (o%ern

255 482 ;.S. 19: 6158:7. 'or a tren!hant !riti!is( of the !ase an% an ana)/sis of 'e%. R. <+i%. 979, see <% ar% T. S aine* Note* 8reC,eli4erations /uror $isconduct, +vidential ncompetence, and /uror Responsi4ility, 58 EAL< L.J. 18: 615597. 299 'or %is!#ssion of the )atter* see B 12.9:I1J* supra. 291 .This interna))/ in!onsistent ,ra!ti!e. as ren%ere% #nne!essar/ -/ the 1532 a(en%(ent of R#)e
596a7. $OOR+ B 59 A,,. 192. The r#)e no states that .ItJhe or%er of the !o#rt &rantin& a (otion for a %ire!te% +er%i!t is effe!ti+e itho#t an/ assent of the $#r/.. :72 See B 12.9:I1J* supra.

r#)e an% s#&&ests one test for $#r/ (is!on%#!t. There* one of the $#rors re,orte% to the $#r/ the res#)ts of his ho(e e1,eri(ent ith e)e!tri!a) irin&* in !ontra%i!tion of e1,ert testi(on/ %#rin& the tria). On a,,ea)* the !o#rt !onsi%ere% the $#rors0 testi(on/ a-o#t this e1traneo#s infor(ation an% re$e!te% the +er%i!t inners0 ar&#(ents that the e1,eri(entin& $#ror as on)/ re)/in& on his o n &enera) 8no )e%&e an% !o((on e1,erien!e. Instea%* it fo#n% that the $#ror0s a!tions 00 ent -e/on% (ere &enera) 8no )e%&e an% as

292 In 8arks v. Ross, 52 ;.S. 232* 2:2 618517* the Co#rt note% that .IiJt is #n%o#-te%)/ the ,e!#)iar ,ro+in!e of the $#r/ to fin% a)) (atters of fa!t* an% of the !o#rt to %e!i%e a)) "#estions of )a arisin& thereon. H#t a $#r/ has no ri&ht to ass#(e the tr#th of an/ (ateria) fa!t* itho#t so(e e+i%en!e )e&a))/ s#ffi!ient to esta-)ish it.. That %ire!te% +er%i!ts %iffer .in so(e (a$or res,e!ts. fro( .the histori! $#r/ !ontro) %e+i!es - the %e(#rrer to the e+i%en!e* nons#it* an% a (otion for ne tria). . .*. !R +,+-)(&*, .&-+ & $ **+R B 12.2* has not tro#-)e% the S#,re(e Co#rt.
:7; Gallo6ay

2B7

See generally $OOR+ B 55.12.

v. #nited States, 215 ;.S. 2:2* 285 615427. :75

tria) (otions -ase% on $#%i!ia) errors* sin!e the/ ,resent "#estions of )a . In ,ra!ti!e* the assess(ent of their ,re$#%i!ia) effe!t in+o8es a %is!retion hi!h is entit)e% to s#-stantia) res,e!t on a,,ea). See /&$+S, (&0&R, & *+#BS,OR! B :.25. Re&ar%in& the a,,e))ate re+ie of %is!retionar/ or%ers &enera))/* see B 12.95I2JI%J* in3ra.

251 In theor/* there is no %is!retion in %e!i%in& ne

Slocum v. -e6 >ork *i3e ns. Co., 228 ;.S. 234 615127.

252 See R#)e 31.

See Co((ent* mpeachment o3 /ury "erdicts, 25 ;. CHI. L. R<=. 239 615587. 2B; See generally /&$+S, (&0&R, & *+#BS,OR! B :.2:. 255 !Rl+,+-)(&*, .&-+ & $r**+R B 12.5.
2B:

2B9 &ttridge v. Cencorp ,iv. o3 ,over )echs.

298

nn nc., 823 '.2% 112* 11: 62% Cir. 158:7. 2B? See, e.g., 'e%. R. <+i%. 3936-7. See generally $OOR+ B 55.12I2JIeJIiiiJIDJ.
355 '.2% 29:* 214 63th Cir. 15827.

IJ

@#%&(ents

Sin!e the sa(e )e&a) stan%ar% &o+erns -oth %ire!te% +er%i!ts an% $#%&(ents n.o.+.*211 an% sin!e the/ often a%%ress the sa(e fa!t#a) re!or%* it is nat#ra) to as8 h/ -oth are ne!essar/. The ,rin!i,a) !ontri-#tion of $#%&(ents n.o.+* is that the/ (a8e it ,ossi-)e for tria) $#%&es to !onser+e !o#rt an% ,art/ reso#r!es. The/ %o this -/ ,er(ittin& tria) !o#rts to %efer a!tin& on the !on!)#sion that the e+i%en!e ,er(its on)/ one res#)t #nti) the $#r/ has %e)i-erate% an% ret#rne% its +er%i!t. 'or t o reasons* this is one of the fe instan!es in !i+i) ,ro!e%#re here %e)a/ #)ti(ate)/ ser+es $#%i!ia) effi!ien!/. 'irst* if the $#r/ e+ent#a))/ fin%s for the (o+ant* the tria) !o#rt is s,are% fro( (a8in& a r#)in& that is (ore +#)nera-)e on a,,ea) than a $#%&(ent on a $#r/ +er%i!t. Se!on%* %eferrin& a r#)in& #nti) a (otion for $#%&(ent n.o.+* re%#!es the ne!essit/ for retria) of the !ase if a,,ea) is s#!!essf#))/ ta8en*212 -/ a))o in& the $#r/ to ret#rn a +er%i!t that !an
:79 +.g.,

Baltimore & Carolina *ine, nc. v. Redman, 255 ;.S. 354 615257. :7? Redman, 255 ;.S. at 358-55.

298 'e%era) !o#rts #s#a))/ a,,)/ the )i(itation stri!t)/* an% the s,e!ifi!ation re"#ire(ent a%%e% in 1551 effe!ti+e)/ re$e!te% ear)ier !ases ho)%in& that so(ethin& )ess than a for(a) (otion for %ire!te% +er%i!t as s#ffi!ient to ,reser+e a ,art/0s ri&ht to (o+e for $#%&(ent n.O.=. See $OOR+ B 59.49I2JK R#)e 596a7 a%+isor/ !o((ittee0s note 61551 a(en%(ent7. Sin!e Se+enth A(en%(ent !on!erns are )o!a) to fe%era) !o#rts* states - e+en those hi!h t/,i!a))/ a%o,t )an&#a&e of the 'e%era) R#)es of Ci+i) Pro!e%#re are free to %is,ense ith the %ire!te% +er%i!t ,rere"#isite in their $#%&(ent n.o.+. r#)es. See, e.g., IND. R. O' TRIAL PROC.* Tria) R#)e 59.
:7B C3 -eely v. $artin K. +4y Constr. Co., 283 ;.S. 21:* 222 6153:7 6.there is no &reater restri!tion on the ,ro+in!e of the $#r/ hen an a,,e))ate !o#rt enters $#%&(ent n. o. v. than hen a tria) !o#rt %oes .... .7. :17 'eisgram :11 See

v. $arley Co., 528 ;.S. 449 629997.

&
$ **+R B

B 12.95I1JI-J* supra.

:12 C3 !R +,+-)(&*, .&-+

12.2 6.H/ aitin&* the $#%&e a+oi%s %is,#tes a-o#t the

47 0

438

TRIAL AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS TRIAL AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS

CH.12

CH.12

B 12.95

'ROM TH< @;RE T1LDINC TH< CAS< 'ROM TH< @;RE B 12.95 TADINC TH< CAS<

4:1

435

This is the sa(e "#estion ,ose% -/ tria) itse)f. Ae !o#)% th#s a%(inister this test -e reinstate% on re(an%. itho#t (otions -/ sen%in& e+er/ !ase to tria) an% treatin& e+er/ $#r/ +er%i!t as sett)e% fa!t. If that as o#r ho e+er* it (o+es o#)% ha+e o (a$or %ra -a!8s. Consi%er an s/ste(* e1a(,)e. Defen%ant for at %ire!te% +er%i!t in a feNe.ra) !ase. The fa!ts in so(e !ases!on!)#%es are esta-)ishe% )on& -efore tria). $#st To re"#ire to -e trie% The $#%&e that ,)aintiff has fa))en short ofthe( s#-(ittin& eno#&h e+i%en!e o#)% nee%)ess)/ -#r%en the ,art/ e+i%en!e ho ho)%sstan%ar%.+. hat sho#)% -e the !ar%s an% to (eet the s#-stantia) Ho e+er* innin& he %enies %efen%ant0s (otion. aste $#%i!ia) reso#r!es. Therefore* the$#r/ first (otions a+ai)a-)e ,er(it H/ %e)a/in& %e!ision #nti) the hasthree ret#rne% a +er%i!t* the $#%&e !reates the stron& ter(ination ,ossi-i)it/ of the !ase tria) +er%i!ts as ha,,ens* the that-efore the $#r/ i)) -e&ins. ret#rn a Se!on%* +er%i!t intreatin& fa+or of $#r/ %efen%ant. If this esta-)ishe% fa!t (a/ so(eti(es %en/ ,arties s#-stanti+e $#sti!e. The )ast t o a reasona-)e !o#rt i)) ne+er ha+e to ,ass on the hi&h)/ re+ie a-)e "#estion 6 hether (otions offer ,rote!tion here. $#r/ !o#)% fin% for ,)aintiff7 ,ose% ear)ier -/ %efen%ant0s (otion for %ireGte% i))it-e ith $#r/ !ases +er%i!t. Sin!e there i)) -e To -etter +er%i!t.G14 #n%erstan% Defen%ant hen an% h/ is !ontent a,,ro,riate tothe %e!i%e -/ (otion s#-stantia) e+i%en!e s#,,ortin& the +er%i!t* ,)aintiff atta!8 it. rather than -/ the or%inar/ tria) ,ro!ess* it is #sef#) to e1a(ine o#r !annot s#-$e!t s#!!essf#))/ in )ar&er ,ers,e!ti+e. The Ci+i) a%$#%i!ation has t o essentia) f#n!tions. One (i&ht -e !a))e% a law f#n!tion. !ase The is )ao+er.2)5 f#n!tion is to atta!h the ,ro,er )e&a) si&nifi!an!e to sett)e% fa!ts. The ,ro!ess of resear!h* ar&#(ent an% %e)i-eration (a8in& #, the )a Let #s !han&e of o#r h/,otheti!a) !ase. Ass#(e that the $#r/ ret#rns a f#n!tion is in%ifferent to ho one or e)e(ent hen fa!ts are sett)e%. Co#rts !on!)#%e !i+i) +er%i!t for ,)aintiff. No the $#%&e (#st a!t #,on his !on+i!tion that a%$#%i!ation -/ ,erfor(in& the )a f#n!tion an% (a/ %o so as soon as the/ %ee(,)aintiff0s !ase is #ns#,,orte% -/ s#-stantia) e+i%en!e -/ The &rantin& (otion esta-)ishe% those fa!ts s#,,ortin& a !aseen%in& r#)e. other%efen%ant0s essentia) in !i+i) for $#%&(ent n.o.+. The $#%&(ent n.o*+. o,tion a)so !onser+es tiGe an% effort in this settin&. The a%$#%i!ation (i&ht -e !a))e% the 3act f#n!tion. The fa!t f#n!tion is to reso)+e fa!t#a) tria) $#%&e0s %e!ision to &rant %efen%ant0s (otion for $#%&(ent n.o.+. (a/ !ontro+ersies. The fa!t f#n!tion often !ons#(es a far )ar&er a(o#nt of ,art/ an% -e affir(e% on a,,ea). ne tria) shoG)% not -e ne!essar/ e+en if he is re+erse%. The $#%i!ia) reso#r!es than theH#t )a a f#n!tion. a,,e))ate !o#rt !an (ere)/ re(state the $#r/ +er%i!t. If* on the other han%* the tria) The first three (otions a+ai)a-)e to %e!i%e the (erits 6%is(issa) for fai)#re to state !o#rt ha% .&rante% %e.fen%ant0s (otion for a %ire!te% +er%i!t* re+ersa) o#)% ha+e a !)ai(* $#%&(ent on the ,)ea%in&s* an% s#((ar/ $#%&(ent7 ser+e to re%#!e the !ost re"#ire% an entire)/ ne of the fa!t f#n!tion of !i+i) a%$#%i!ation. The/ %o this -/ !reatin& o,,ort#nities for 2)3 tria). !o#rts to %ee( fa!ts esta-)ishe% as ear)/ as ,ossi-)e. The e1isten!e of three s#!h (otions ref)e!ts A the f#rther rea)i>ation that the ,oint the ,retria) ,hase at hi!h are ,ro+i%e% -/ $#stifi!ation for of the a%%e% o,,ort#nit/ for fa!ts %e!ision 225 esta-)ishe% +aries fro( n.o.+. !ase to !ase. S#-stantia))/ ti(e an% effort i)) -e $#%&(ents (a/ -e that the "#a)it/ )ess of %e!isions i)) i(,ro4e if the !o#rt has sa+e% -/ &rantin& a %ire!te% +er%i!t* none -/ &rantin& $#%&(ent n.o.+.223 The (ore ti(e to %e!i%e. The !o#rt rea))/ !annot )on& %e)a/ san%in& the !ase to the $#r/ rationa)e for these (otions %eri+es fro( the nee% to ,reser+e of the of a (otion in or%er to (#)) o+er ainstea% %iffi!#)t %ire!te% +er%i!t "Gestion.ri&hts The ,r.os,e!t ,arties #n%er for s#-stanti+e )a . @#rors %o not !onsi%er s#-stanti+e )a as s#!h* $#%&(ent n.o.+. ,er(its the !o#rt to !onsi%er the "#estion for -#t it %eter(ines the free%o( the/ are &i+en -/ the !o#rt0s instr#!tions to ei&h the a s#-stantia))/ )on&er ,erio% of ti(e.2): e+i%en!e in rea!hin& a +er%i!t.+N Ahen the e+i%en!e is s#!h that $#rors !o#)% fin% for a ,art/ on)/ -/ e1!ee%in& that free%o(* then a +er%i!t for that ,art/ o#)% %o +io)en!e to the s#-stanti+e ri&hts of the o,,osin& ,art/.228 The sa(e !on!ern %oes ,ro,riet/ of a %ire!te% +er%i!t* as e)) asan% a,,ea)s fro( its &rant* a)so %efers to the $#r/..7. not arise in non$#r/ !ases* sin!e )e&a) &#ar%ian fa!t-fin%er are an% one. That e1,)ains 212 Or !on!)#%es that an #nsett)e% "#estion of )a (a8es the %e!ision hether to &rant a %ire!te% h/

225 %ire!te% +er%i!tsDire!te% an% $#%&(ents n.o.+. no a rea) !o#nter,art -en!h tria)s. +er%i!ts a)soha+e (a8e %is!rete an% in i(,ortant !ontri-#tion. 'irst* Motions for %e!i%in& !ases itho#t 6oroften not ithstan%in&7 tria)ifref)e!t the ,ro!e%#ra) $#%&(ents n.o.+. o#)% -e i(,ossi-)e the $#%i!ia) s/ste( %i% not a)so $#%&(ent thatre!o&ni>e it is not a)the a/s ne!essar/of or a%esira-)e rea!h the (erits thro#&hri&ht the to $#r/ tria) ,ossi-i)it/ %ire!te% to +er%i!t. A !onstit#tiona) or%inar/ ,ro!ess of tria). Tria)s are in%is,ensa-)e on)/ in those !ases here the fa!ts ,re+ents &rant of $#%&(ent n.o.+. -/ either the tria) or the a,,e))ate !o#rt a-sent an ne+er -e!o(eear)ier esta-)ishe% ,rior to tria)* an% $#ries the )ast an% or%in on)/ here the (otion for %ire!te% +er%i!t in ha+e fe%era) !o#rts the !o#rts of so(e states. 218 e+i%en!e ,ro+i%es reasona-)e s#,,ort forfro( either ,)aintiff or %efen%ant0s !onf)i!tin& Se!on%* not a)) !ases ,rofit %e)a/in& %e!ision #nti) after the $#r/ has ret#rne% a +ersions of the fa!ts. Dire!te% +er%i!ts (a8e it ,ossi-)e to ter(inate tria) as soon as it -e!o(es +er%i!t. !)ear that the e+i%en!e fai)s to offer a )e&a))/ ,er(issi-)e !hoi!e to the $#r/. This (a/ -e as soon as a)) the e+i%en!e is Post-Tria) s#-(itte%* hen ,)aintiff has s#-(itte% a)) of his I%J The Interre)ationshi, of Motion e+i%en!e* or* in rare !ases* e+en i((e%iate)/ after ,)aintiff &i+es his o,enin& Pra!ti!e an% Dis,ositions on A,,ea) state(ent.+N In (ost $#ris%i!tions* the ,art/ a&ainst0 ho( a +er%i!t is ret#rne% (a/ see8 $#%&(ent n.o.+. or a ne tria) in the a)ternati+e.PN The +er%i!t- inner in fe%era) I!J The Re)ationshi, of Dire!te% =er%i!ts an% !o#rt a)so (a/ (o+e for a ne tria) ten %a/s after $#%&(ent n.o.+. 6$#%&(ent as a Motions @#%&(ents N.O.=. to <ar)ier (atter of )a 7 is &rante% a&ainst hi(.221 for In han%)in& a)ternati+e (otions* the tria) Motions for De!i%in& Cases in Lie# Tria) !o#rt has a !o(,)ete ran&e of o,tions. It (a/ &rant $#%&(ent n.o.+. an% a ne of tria)* %en/ -oth (otions* or &rant either an% (otion hi)e %en/in& thethe other.222 <a!h res,onse Dire!te% +er%i!ts $#%&(ents n.o.+. are )ast in a series of fi+e (otions #se% 222 !arries its o n i(,)i!ations for a,,e))ate re+ie . to %e!i%e !i+i) !ases on the (erits an% there-/ interr#,t the or%inar/ tria) ,ro!ess.

The first s#!h (otion in fe%era) !o#rt a (otion to %is(iss for to state a Ahen the %istri!t !o#rt %enies $#%&(ent n.o.+.* -#t is &rants ne tria)* its or%er is fai)#re not !)ai( #,on hi!h re)ief !an -e &rante%.++ Motions for $#%&(ent on the ,)ea%in&sM0 i((e%iate)/ a,,ea)a-)e in the fe%era) s/ste( -e!a#se there is no fina) $#%&(ent. 0 an% for the s#((ar/ $#%&(entMM fo))oof. the ne tria) or%er on)/ on a,,ea) The ,art/ (a/ raise "#estion of the +a)i%it/ fro( an e+ent#a)A,art fina) $#%&(ent after the se!on% tria). fro( the re!ent a(en%(ent in 225 R#)e 59 !onso)i%atin& %ire!te% +er%i!ts an% n.o.+. into$#%&(ent the sin&)en.o.+. ter(* an% 5udgment as a-oth matter o3 la6, are there are on)/ a Ahen the $#%&(ents %istri!t !o#rt %enies ne tria)* %e!isions atte(,ts in the On fe%era) r#)es to,art/ infor(ho the rea%er of the interre)ationshi, of these a,,ea)a-)e in fe the nor(a) !o#rse. a,,ea)* the ,re+ai)e% on the (otions.222 Eet %e!isions* !o((entar/ an% )an&#a&e in the r#)es s#,,ort the !on!)#sion that a)) ,ose the sa(e test4 ,o the esta4lished 3acts support a legal rule 6hich should 4e applied to decide all or part o3 the caseD:2;
$ **+R B 2522 6%e!)arin& R#)e 59 to -e .essentia) to the ,reser+ation an% ,ro,er a,,)i!ation of the
a,,)i!a-)e s#-stanti+e )a ..7.

225 A fe%era) 218 )iti&ant #n%er R#)e 416-7 for in+o)#ntar/ %is(issa)* the (otion is of for $#%&(ents On(a/ ho (o+e the Se+enth A(en%(ent re"#ires %ire!te% +er%i!t -#t (otions as ,re%i!ates re)ati+e)/ (inor n.o.+. si&nifi!an!e. See B 11.94 6in+o)#ntar/ %is(issa)s7* supra, B 512.19 6-en!h tria)s7* in3ra. in fe%era) !o#rt* see B 12.95I2JIaJ* supra. There is a !onstit#tiona) ri&ht to $#r/ tria) in the !o#rts of

+er%i!t !)ose* e+en if the e+i%en!e is !)ear. 'or e1a(,)e* hen thG )e&a) %GfiGition of a ,arti!#)ar !)ai( is #nsett)e%* e+i%en!e in the !ase (a/ !)ear)/ s#,,ort the !)ai( as ,)aintiff %efines it an% fai) ith e"#a) !)arit/ to s#,,ort the !)ai( as %efine% -/ %efen%ant.

126!7 6!onsi%eration of (atters o#tsi%e the ,)ea%in&s !on+erts their a (otion for $#%&(ent ,)ea%in&s 214 A,,e))ate !o#rts free)/ s#-stit#te $#%&(ent for that on of the tria) !o#rts to hen re+ie in& %ire!te% one for s#((ar/ $#%&(ent7. +er%i!ts. Li8e tria) !o#rts* the/ (#st %ra a)) reasona-)e inferen!es fa+ora-)e to the ,art/ o,,ose% to the (otion. (otion* $OOR+ B 59.52I1J.!ha))en&es ,)aintiffs )e&a) theor/ -/ #sin& as esta-)ishe% fa!t 225 In a R#)e 126-7637 %efen%ant ,)aintiffs o n a))e&ations. !o(,)ete% !reate esta-)ishe% either ,art/ (a/ (o+e for :15 C3 Ahen 'R G() & $ **+R,)ea%in&s B 2522 6.If the $#r/ a&rees fa!t* ith the !o#rt0s a,,raisa) of the eG%en!e* an% ret#rns $#%&(ent on the ,)ea%in&s. Ahen esta-)ishe% fa!tsfor ne!essar/ toas %e!ision on)/ -e!ase ,resente% a +er%i!t for the ,art/ ho (o+e% $#%&(ent a (atter!an of )a * the IS at anfro( so#r!es o#tsi%e the ,)ea%in&s* either ,art/ (a/ (o+e for s#((ar/ $#%&(ent. en%..7. :29 C3 Ro-ert @. Cre&or/* $any to Cross2 8ractice sai% in the $odern +ra o3%esira-)e to ta8e a 213 .'orOne this )oo reason theRivers a,,e))ate !o#rts Rule ha+e 57 re,eate%)/ that it is #s#a))/ Summary 5udgment, 22 'LA. ST. ;. L. R<=. 385 615537 6ar&#in& re)a1ation of stan%ar%s(otion.. for s#((ar/ +er%i!t* an% then ,ass on the s#ffi!ien!/ of the that e+i%en!e on a ,ost-+er%i!t 'R G() & $#%&(ent sho#)% %i(inish #se of R#)e 59 ,ro!e%#res7. $ **+R B 2522. :2? See B 12.98I2J* supra. 21: The %ire!te% +er%i!t (otion f)a&s the "#estion for the !o#rt. The (otion for $#%&(ent n.o.+. in :2< See, e.g., !reund v. -ycomed &mersham, 24: '.2% :52* :31 65th Cir* 29927. C.3 'R G() & fe%era) !o#rt (a/ !o(e as )ate as 19 %a/s after $#%&(ent. R#)e 59!4t07. The triG !o#.rt (a/ not #n%#)/ %e)a/ %e!ision on a (otion for $#%&(ent n.o.+.* -#t has (ore ti(e to !onsi%er It than as ,ra!ti!a))/ a+ai)a-)e to !onsi%er the (otion for a %ire!te% +er%i!t.

229 R#)e 596-7. He nee% not a ,atterne% ait entr/ on of $#%&(ent onA(en%(ent. the +er%i!t in fe%era) !o#rt. R#)es 596-7 (ost states !)ose)/ the Se+enth See !R +,+-)(&*, .&-+ & $an% **+R B 11.:. 556-7 -oth re"#ire on)/ the (otions -e fi)e% )ater than ten %a/s after entr/ the $#%&(ent. 215 that In s,ite of the fai)#re ofno R#)e 59 to !onte(,)ate the )ast of o,tion* fe%era) .!o#rts !ontin#e% to ho)% that the/ ha+e ,o er to %ire!t a +er%i!t on the o,enin& state(ent -#t that the ,o er sho#)% not -e 221 R#)e 596!7627. e1er!ise% there is an/ %o#-t a-o#t the fa!ts.. G() & $ **+R B 2522. 222 In rare !ases* the if !o#rt (a/ %en/ $#%&(ent n.o.+. an% 'R or%er a ne tria)* hen on)/ a (otion for 229 R#)e 126-7637* discussed 8.9:I2JI!J* supra. $#%&(ent n.o.+. is -efore the !o#rt. The )an&#a&e in of B R#)e 596-7 see(s to ,ro+i%e for this. Eet the ,ra!ti!e sho#)% -e )i(ite% to !ases here &ro#n%s for $#%&(ent n.o.+. e1ist -#t the !o#rt .-e)ie+es that the %efe!t in 221 R#)e 126!7* discussed in B 8.9:I1J* supra. the ,roof (i&ht -e222 re(e%ie% on a se!on% tria)* if nee%e% e+i%en!e as r#)e% o#t -/ so(e error of the R#)e 53* discussed in B or 11.92* supra. !o#rt.. 'R G() & $ **+R B 2528. 222 'or e1a(,)e* R#)e 126%7 states that hen .(atters o#tsi%e the ,)ea%in&s are ,resente% to an% not 222 'or a (ore e1ten%e% %is!#ssion this ,ro!ess* see 'R-e G() & $+**+R 2549K Note* 8ostC .... . e1!)#%e% -/ the !o#rt* theof I126-7637J (otion sha)) treate% as one forBs#((ar/ $#%&(ent "erdict $otions #nder 8rotecting the "erdictC'inner, 52 MINN. L. R<=. 258 615387. On the 224572 R#)e 536!7 &o+ernin& s#((ar/ $#%&(ents (a8es e1,)i!it referen!e to )i(itation the test* statin& s#((ar/ on fe%era) inter)o!#tor/ re+ie * see B 12.94* in3ra. hen affi%a+its or other t/,es of (ateria)s %ee(e% a,,ro,riate .sho that $#%&(ent .sho#)% -e ren%ere%. ::; See B 12.92 6the $#%&(ent r#)e7* in3ra. C3 &lliedfa!t Chem. ". (o+ant ,ai3ion,is nc., 445 to ;.S. 22* 24 as a (atter of there is fina) no &en#ine iss#e as to an/ (ateria) an% Corp. that the entit)e% a $#%&(ent 615897 6e(,hasi>in& of mandamus re+ie &rant of ne An in!reasin& n#(-er )a .. #na+ai)a-i)it/ After re!ent a)so a(en%(ents* R#)eto59627617 (a8es hat tria)7. as for(er)/ ter(e% %ire!te% +er%i!t an% of state s/ste(s* ho e+er* %o !onfer $#ris%i!tion o+er $#r/ or%ers &rantin& nea )e&a))/ tria)s.s#ffi!ient See $#%&(ent a+ai)a-)e #,on aa,,e))ate sho in& that .a reasona-)e o#)% not ha+e e+i%entiar/ !R +,+-)(&*,-asis. .&-+ $+**+R 12.4K Ra-ino it>* Revie6 is o3 therefore )rial Court Orders to& reso)+e the B !ase %ifferent)/K an%&ppellate that the (o+ant entit)e% to Granting .$#%&(ent as a (atter of -e6 )rials, 8 R;TC<RS R<=. 435 615547. )a .. SeeL. also R#)e 126%7 6!onsi%eration of (atters o#tsi%e the !o(,)aint !on+erts a 126-7637 (otion to one 445 for s#((ar/ $#%&(ent7 & R#)e ::5 &llied Chem., ;.S. at 24.

4:2

TRIAL AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS

CH. )it

BI2.19

H<NCH TRIALS 6NON-@;RE CAS<S7

II I

(otion (a/ ar&#e &ro#n%s for a ne tria) in the e+ent that the a,,e))ate !o#rt fin%s error in the %enia) of the (otion for $#%&(ent n.o.+.223 The a,,e))ate !o#rt (a/ then enter $#%&(ent n.o.+.* a ar% a ne tria)* or re(an% for the tria) !o#rt to (a8e the ne tria) %eter(ination.sN Ahen the %istri!t !o#rt &rants the (otion for $#%&(ent n.o.+.* R#)e 59607 re"#ires it a)so to r#)e !on%itiona))/ on the ne tria) (otion in anti!i,ation of a ,ossi-)e re+ersa) of the $#%&(ent n.o.+. on a,,ea). On a,,ea)* the a,,e))ate !o#rt i)) either affir( $#%&(ent n.o.+. an% en% the (atter* or re+erse. In the e+ent of re+ersa)* hen the %istri!t !o#rt has %enie% the (otion for ne tria)* the a,,e))ate !o#rt (a/ or%er entr/ of $#%&(ent on the +er%i!t* re+erse the %enia) of the (otion for ne tria) an% or%er a ne tria)* or re(an% the !ase to the tria) !o#rt for re!onsi%eration of the (otion for ne tria1.228 Ahen the %istri!t !o#rt &rants the (otion for $#%&(ent n.o.+. an% !on%itiona))/ &rants ne tria) as e))* there is a fina) $#%&(ent fro( hi!h to a,,ea). A)tho#&h the !on%itiona) &rant of ne tria) is sti)) te!hni!a))/ nonfina)* it is ,ra!ti!a) to ,er(it the a,,e))ate !o#rt to re+ie the ne tria) or%er -e!a#se the !ase is a)rea%/ -efore it on a,,ea) of the $#%&(ent n.o.+. an% it has a)rea%/ -e!o(e fa(i)iar ith (#!h of the e+i%en!e in the !ase in r#)in& on that $#%&(ent. R#)e 596!7617 therefore ass#(es that the a,,e))ate !o#rt (a/ rea!h the ne tria) or%er if it re+erses the $#%&(ent n.o.+.225 In this e+ent* the a,,e))ate !o#rt (a/ re(an% the !ase to the tria) !o#rt for ne tria)*249 re+erse the &rant of the (otion for ne tria) an% or%er entr/ of $#%&(ent on the +er%i!t* or re(an% the !ase to the tria) !o#rt for re!onsi%eration of the (otion for ne tria)*241

e1tensi+e #se* -#t .it raises . . . fe er ,ro!e%#ra) ,ro-)e(s than %oes tria) to it $;r/..245 The $#%&e in a -en!h tria) is -oth )a enfor!er and trier of fa!t. Sin!e these f#n!tions are ,erfor(e% -/ the sa(e ,erson* %istin!tions -et een the t o %o not (atter as the/ %o in $#r/ tria)s. Conse"#ent)/* %ire!te% +er%i!ts an% $#%&(ents n.o.+.* hi!h ,rote!t a&ainst )a )ess $#r/ +er%i!ts* ha+e no rea) !o#nter,art in -en!h tria)s. A %efen%ant in a -en!h tria) (a/ (o+e for %is(issa)* or* in a fe%era) !o#rt* for $#%&(ent as a (atter of )a * at the !)ose of ,)aintiff0s s#-(ission of e+i%en!e.P. -#t #n)i8e the (otion for %ire!te% +er%i!t* this (otion is not to a+ert (is!hief -/ the fa!t-fin%er. The ,erson r#)in& on the (otion is the fa!t fin%er. In fa!t* #n%er R#)e 526!7* either ,art/ in a -en!h tria) (a/ (o+e for $#%&(ent as a (atter of )a hene+er his o,,onent has -een f#))/ hear% ith res,e!t to a ,otentia))/ %is,ositi+e iss#e of fa!t* an% the !o#rt (a/ 6-#t nee% not7 enter .$#%&(ent on ,artia) fin%in&s. at an/ ti(e it !an a,,ro,riate)/ (a8e a fin%in& of fa!t on that iss#e.24: N or %o ne tria) (otions in $#r/ tria)s ha+e ,re!ise !o#nter,arts in -en!h tria)s. Most errors ,ro(,tin& ne tria) or%ersMs o!!#r on)/ in $#r/ tria)s. 245 Ahen an error %oes arise in a -en!h tria)* the !o#rt often si(,)/ rehears ,art of the !ase or re!onsi%ers its %e!ision.259 Eet -en!h tria)s are not easier than $#r/ tria)s in !"" res,e!ts. The/ !an ,#t "#ite a strain on $#%&es ho (#st r#)e on the a%(issi-i)it/ of e+i%en!e an% !onsi%er its ei&ht if a%(itte%* at ro#&h)/ the sa(e ti(e.251 'e%era) R#)e 526a7 re"#ires the !o#rt to (a8e fin%in&s of fa!t in non-$#r/ !ases or hen the $#r/ is #se% on)/ in an a%+isor/ !a,a!it/. Often the tria) !o#rt i)) %ire!t the ,re+ai)in& ,art/ to ,re,are ,ro,ose% fin%in&s of fa!t an% the

12.10 BENCH TRIALS (NON-JURY CASES

So(e !ases are tria-)e on)/ -efore I#%&es.+M Others (#st -e trie% -efore a $#%&e -e!a#se the ,arties ai+e their $#r/ !)ai(s.sM Non-$#r/ 6-en!h7 tria)s (a8e #, a si&nifi!ant ,ortion of tria) )iti&ation. 244 Not on)/ is the -en!h tria) in 223 R#)e 596%7. See -eely v. $artin K +4y Constr. Co., 283 ;.S. 21: 6153:7. 22: R#)e 596%7. On the a#thorit/ of the !o#rt of a,,ea)s to enter a $#%&(ent as a (atter of )a
see 'eisgram v. $arley Co., 528 ;.S. 449* 44:-45 629997. ::< $OOR+ B 59.54. Ho e+er* #se of an/ fe%era) r#)e of !i+i) or a,,e))ate ,ro!e%#re as a#thorit/ for re)a1in& the fina)it/ re"#ire(ent ar&#a-)/ e1!ee%s the stri!t#res of 'e%era) R#)e of Ci+i) Pro!e%#re 82 an% 'e%era) R#)e of A,,e))ate Pro!e%#re 16-7 that the r#)es not -e !onstr#e% to e1,an% $#ris%i!tion. :;7 $ontgomery 'ard & Co. v. ,uncan, 211 ;.S. 242* 254 615497 6.If the $#%&(ent ere re+erse%* the !ase* on re(an%* o#)% -e &o+erne% -/ the tria) $#%&e0s a ar% of a ne triaQ..7.
:;1 $OOR+ B 59.54I2J. As note% ear)ier* tria) !o#rts en$o/ !onsi%era-)e %is!retion in or%erin& ne tria)s. See B 12.95I2J* supra. Ho e+er* ,erha,s -e!a#se R#)e 596!7617 e1,)i!it)/ entertains the ,ossi-i)it/ of re+ersa)* !on%itiona) or%ers &rantin& ne tria)s a,,ear so(e hat (ore +#)nera-)e. See, e.g., the !ases !ite% in 'R G() & $ **+R B 2549. 242 The ri&ht to a $#r/ tria) is ,rote!te% -/ !onstit#tiona) or stat#tor/ )a * see B 12.9:I1J* supra, an% .no si(i)ar re"#ire(ent ,rote!ts tria) -/ the !o#rt . . . .. Beacon )heatres, nc. v. 'estover, 255 ;.S. 599* 519 615557. :;: See B 12.9:I2J* supra. At the sa(e ti(e* a .!o#rt (a/* if it ishes* s#-(it an iss#e to an

%ire!t)/*

a%+isor/ $#r/ on its o n initiati+e* -#t the +er%i!t of s#!h a $#r/ is a%+isor/ on)/* an% the #)ti(ate res,onsi-i)it/ for fin%in& the fa!ts re(ains ith the !o#rt.. 'R G() & $ **+R B 52. Professor Ari&ht a%%s4 .In an a!tion not tria-)e to a $#r/ as of ri&ht* the !o#rt (a/* ith the !onsent of -oth ,arties* or%er a tria) ith a $#r/ hose +er%i!t has the sa(e effe!t as if tria) -/ $#r/ ha% -een a (atter of ri&ht.. ARICHT & MILL<R B 52. :;; Beacon )heatres, nc., 255 ;.S. 599 6re,ortin& that (ore fe%era) !ases are trie% -efore $#%&es than -efore $#ries7. :;5 Beacon )heatres, nc., 255 ;.S. at 344. :;9 See R#)e 526!7.

225

24: R#)e 526!7 a%+isor/ !o((ittee0s notes 615517.

:;<

See B 12.95I2JIaJ* supra.

.A)tho#&h theoreti!a))/ ne tria) (otions (a/ -e &rante% in $#%&e as e)) as $#r/ tria)s* . . . the t/,e of errors (eritin& a ne tria) t/,i!a))/ (ise on)/ in $#r/ tria)s. 'or e1a(,)e* e+en if the !o#rt erroneo#s)/ re!ei+es !ertain e+i%en!e in a non$#r/ tria)* the $#%&e si(,)/ (a/ %isre&ar% that e+i%en!e hen ren%erin& $#%&(ent* a+oi%in& the nee% for a ne tria).. !R/8E,+-)(& F .&-+ & $ **+R B 12.4.

245

259 Th#s* (otions for rehearin& or for re!onsi%eration are ,ro-a-)/ (ore !o((on than (otions for ne tria) in -en!h tria)s. In%ee%* R#)e 55 a#thori>es ne tria) in -en!h tria)s .for an/ reason for hi!h rehearin& has heretofore -een &rante% in a s#it in e"#it/ . . . .. 251 'or an e1a(ination of -en!h tria)s fro( the ,ers,e!ti+e of the tria) $#%&e* see Ro&er S. Ha/%o!8 & @ohn Sonsten&* Court )riol +mpirical Survey2 ntervie6 Responses !rom )rial /udges +%plaining )heir +%periences and "ie6s Regarding the )rial o3 -onC5ury Cases, 11 WM. MITCH<LL L. R<=. ::5 615857.

47 6

TRIAL AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS THfAL AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS

CH.12 CH.12

LB _12_.I_1 ____________. ____________________________--M-@-M-;.MLD-M-C44.4.4M44M<44MN44.4.4T44.4.4S4LL B 12.11 LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

@;DCM<NTS

4:5

!o#rt. R#)e 39 is t/,i!a). sorts into serio#s an% notso)oser to 'e%era) o-$e!t* as a,,ro,riate* an%R#)e then 39 !raft its ,ro-)e(s o n fin%in&s fro( the s#-(issions. The a,,e))ate !o#rts ha+e shar,)/ !hastise% the tria) !o#rts hi!h %o this #n!riti!a))/* serio#s !ate&ories. !itin& the .,otentia) for o+errea!hin& an% e1a&&eration on the ,art of attorne/s S#-%i+ision 6a7 a%%resses the se!on% !ate&or/* !orre!tion -/ the %istri!t !o#rt of ,re,arin& fin%in&s of fa!t hen the/ ha+e a)rea%/ -een infor(e% that the $#%&e has .0!)eri!a)0 (ista8es - (ista8es that !a#se a $#%&(ent* or%er* or other ,art of the re!or% %e!i%e% in their fa+or..252 Ahen* ho e+er* the tria) !o#rt ,ro+i%es a fra(e or8 for to ,ro,ose% ref)e!t so(ethin& thanr#)in&* hat theas a!t#a))/ %e!i%e% or hat a!t#a))/ the fin%in&s -/other its -en!h )oser ta8es the o,,ort#nit/ to res,on% trans,ire%..P. S#-%i+ision 6-7 a%%resses the first !ate&or/4 to the(* an% the !o#rt %oes not si(,)/ a%o,t the fin%in&s +er-ati(* the S#,re(e Co#rt (1! has a,,ro+e% ,ro!ess.sM s#r,rise* or e1!#sa-)e ne&)e!tK (2! ne )/ (ista8e* the ina%+erten!e* %is!o+ere% that* .IfJin%in&s ith reasona-)e %i)i&en!e* !o#)% not -een R#)e 52 states e+i%en!e that* on a,,ea)* of fa!t* hether -ase% onha+e ora) or other %is!o+ere% in ti(e to (o+e for a ne tria) #n%er R#)e 556-7K 627 fra#% e+i%en!e* (#st not -e set asi%e #n)ess !)ear)/ erroneo#s* an% the re+ie in& !o#rt 6 hether ,re+io#s)/ !a))e% intrinsi! or e1trinsi!7* (isre,resentation* or (#st &i+e %#e re&ar% to the tria) !o#rt to $#%&e the itnesses0 !re%i-i)it/.. Th#s* (is!on%#!t of an o,,osin& ,art/K ("! the $#%&(ent is +oi%K 657 the $#%&(ent $#%&(ent in a -en!h tria) %iffers fro( s#((ar/ $#%&(ent in that the $#%&e0s fa!t hasin -een satisfie%* or %is!har&e%K it is -ase% on an ear)ier $#%&(ent fin%in&s a -en!h tria) re)ease%* are re+ersi-)e on)/ if !)ear)/ erroneo#sK s#((ar/ $#%&(ent that has -een re+erse% or +a!ate%K or a,,)/in& it ,ros,e!ti+e)/ is no )on&er is not si(i)ar)/ shie)%e% on re+ie -/ the !)ear)/ erroneo#s stan%ar% -e!a#se it is or 637%eter(ination* an/ other reason $#stifies -ase% e"#ita-)eK on the $#%&e0s as that a matter o3re)ief. la6, that the (ateria) fa!ts are itho#t &en#ine %is,#te. 0 Se!tion 12.95I2JI-J* in3ra, no %is!#sses of S#-%i+ision 6!7 states that &ro#n%s (1!#(3! (#st -e offere% )ater thanstan%ar%s a /ear fro( a,,e))ate re+ie . $#%&(ent. it is to atta!8 !o))atera))/ the )e&a) s#ffi!ien!/ of the $#%&(ent offere% B!ertain)/ 12.11 than JUDGMENTS for enfor!e(ent in a )ater )a s#it.238 S,a!e ,er(its on)/ a fe the &ro#n%s )iste% in R#)e 396-7.235 #1$ The N!t%&e !n' (o&)e o* J%'g+ent, I t is not eas/ to o-tain re)ief fro( a $#%&(ent #n%er this ,ro+ision* -#t easier s,e!ifi! !o((ents on

The si&nifi!an!e of a $#%&(ent !an -e t ofo)%. 'irst* $#%&(ent either for ,#r,ose of re)ie+in& a ,art/ fro( free* !a)!#)ate%* an% %e)i-erate !hoi!es he has %a(a&esMP (a%e..2:2 oor an in$#n!tionM. &i+es the $#%&(ent-ho)%er )e+era&e o+er the ,erson a&ainst ho( the $#%&(ent as ren%ere%. The (one/-$#%&(entho)%er has a!!ess to s,e!ia) ,ro!e%#res to e1,e%ite ,a/(ent of the a ar%. 231 One or%ere% to -eha+e a I!J A(en%(ent !ertain a/ -/ an in$#n!tion (#st %o so or s#ffer !i+i) an% ,ossi-)/ !ri(ina) !onte(,t.rM Se!on%* $#%&(ents fina) an% on a the (erits ,re!)#%e to ,arties the f#t#re R#)e 556e7. &i+es ,arties in fe%era) !o#rt* -rief o,,ort#nit/ see8 in a(enG(ent fro( re)iti&atin& iss#es an% (otions ho)e !)ai(s hi!h in (i&ht other those ise !ons#(e ti(e* of @#%&(ent. R#)e 556e7 rese(-)e ,#r,ose fi)e% #n%eG (one/ an% s!ar!e $#%i!ia) reso#r!es. G#)e.396a7*2:G Ghe ,#r,ose of ea!h- is to &i+e tr#e effe!t to the $#%&(ent -/ e)i((at(& #n ittin& error. 2:5 AIthin Gn %a/s fro( entr/ of $#%&(ent. Ti(e)/ fi)in& 8ee,s the $#%&(ent fro( Parties %isa%+anta&e% -/ $#%&(ents (#st !onsi%er hat if an/thin& the/ !an %o to -eGo((G fina) for ,Gr,oses Nf a,,ea). A R#)e 396a7 (otion !an -e (a%e at an/ ti(e i(,ro+e their )ot the hen thefor $#%&(ent fina) - that AItho#t affe!tin& ti(e a,,ea). has 2:3 -e!o(e Moreo+er hi)e the is % to sa/* hen a,,ea) has -een #ns#!!essf#) or the ti(e for ta8in& an a,,ea) has e)a,se%. Three a,,roa!hes of R#)e &'( ! is on !)eri!a) (ista8es* R#)e 556e7 !onte(,)ates Gnista8es -/OGG4 are !onsi%ere% -e)o . One !an ,re+ai) #,on a s#-se"#ent !o#rt ,resente% ith the !o#rt.+P $#%&(ent to %e!)are it #nenfor!ea-)e -e!a#se it is %efe!ti+e 6!o))atera) atta!87* one !an tr/ to -e e1!#se% fro( the $#%&(ent 6e1traor%inar/ re)ief7* or one !an tr/ to (a8e the $#%&(ent (ore a&reea-)e 6a(en%(ent7.

47 7

I2J Resistin& the Pre!)#si+e <ffe!t of 'ina) @#%&(ents HoGeGer* the (otions %iffer in se+era) res,e!ts. R#)e 556e7 (otions (#st -e fi)e%

[ ]

Co""!te&!" Atta!8M-

Cro#n% (1! is es,e!ia))/ s#ite% to re)ief fro( %efa#)t $#%&(ents. .N R#)e 55 treats Definin& the ter( in a -roa% sense* 'e%era) R#)e 546a7 states that .@#%&(ent ... entr/ of a %efa#)t an% entr/ of $#%&(ent on the %efa#)t as se,arate sta&es. .The !o#rt in!)#%es a %e!ree an% an/ or%er fro( hi!h an a,,ea) )ies.. The r#)e th#s ties (a/ set asi%e an entr/ of %efa#)t for &oo% !a#se. hen it is #na!!o(,anie% -/ $#%&(ents to fina) or%ers an% a s(a)) !)ass of inter)o!#tor/ or%ers a,,ea)a-)e in $#%&(ent.+. The +oi%-$#%&(ent !ate&or/ of &ro#n% 647 is )i(ite% to a $#%&(ent fe%era) !o#rt.255 00+oi% on)/ on &ro#n%s of )a!8 of $#ris%i!tion or for so(e fai)#re of %#e ,ro!ess in the This %efinition fai)s to 'ina))/* !a,t#re %es,ite the f#n!tiona) si&nifi!an!e $#%&(ents ha+e 637* in ori&ina) ,ro!ee%in&..2:2 the o,en-en%e% ,hrasin& of &ro#n% !o(,)etin& thee+in!e% !ase. In #n%erstan%a-)e fe%era) !o#rt* $#%&(ent fo))o s %e!ision. !o#rts ha+e hesitation in #sin& it. It ,ecision see(s to%es!ri-es e1ist for %eter(inations of an% fa!t.not (a%e -/ the $#%&e0s fin%in&s or -/ $#r/ +er%i!t. /udgment .is .#n#s#a) !ases. for the the ,rono#n!e(ent of that %e!ision an% the a!t that &i+es it )e&a) effe!t..253 The $#%&(ent is fi)e% -/ %e)i+er/ to the %istri!t !o#rt !)er8 an% entere% thro#&h re!or%in& -/ the !)er8..N Ahi)e the a!t of entr/ is not ,erfor(e% -/ the !o#rt* it is nonethe)ess i(,ortant to the for!e an% effe!t of the $#%&(ent. - @r.* & (istory and nterpretation o3 Rule 97@aA 367 $OOR+ B 39.92I1J. See generally Theo%ore A. Donah#e*
o3 the !ederal Rules o3 Civil 8rocedure, 42 DRAD< L. R<=. 431 615527. 238 See the %is!#ssion of !o))atera) atta!8* B 12.11I2JIaJ* supra.

So stron& is the nee% to reso)+e !ontro+ersies an% s#!h is the for!e of ,re!)#sion %o!trine that ,arties are not free to re)iti&ate a ,rior $#%&(ent $#st -e!a#se it as ron& on the (erits.235 There are on)/ a fe ,aths of es!a,e* 8no n as ,oints of !o))atera) atta!8. The (ost i(,ortant are the &#arantee of noti!e an% the !onstraint on territoria) $#ris%i!tion hi!h is ,art of the )a of !onstit#tiona) %#e ,ro!ess. The )i8e)ihoo% that these or the fe other &ro#n%s for !o))atera))/ atta!8in& $#%&(entsM. i)) -e a+ai)a-)e in a &i+en !ase is re(ote.
I-J

E-t&!o&'in!&. Re"ie*

235 The ;nite% States S#,re(e Co#rt reaffir(e% the )i(itation of R#)e 396-7 to e1traor%inar/ !ases in
#nited States v.v.Beggerly, 524 ;.S. 28* 4: 534* 615587 6.#n%er R#)e*Constr. an in%e,en%ent a!tion )ri4e sho#)%o3-e :52 &nderson Bessemer City, 4:9 ;.S. 5:2 615857Kthe Ramey Co. v. &pache a+ai)a-)e on)/ to ,re+ent a &ra+e (is!arria&e $#sti!e..7. 'or 6e(,hasi>in& e1ten%e% %is!#ssion of the &ro#n%s* see $escalero Reservation, 313 ' .2% 434* 433-38 of 619th Cir. 15897 a)so the effe!t of $#%i!ia) 'R G() & **+R BB ori&ination of $ fin%in&s on 2843-2834. the "#a)it/ of %e!ision-(a8in&7. See Dristen '$e)%sta%* /ust the !acts, $aGam & Revie6 o3!R the 8ractice o3.&-+ the "er4atim &doption o3 !indings o3 !act and Conclusions o3 *a6, 44in :?7 See +,+-)(&*, & $ **+R B 12.3* 6notin& it .(ost fre"#ent)/ is in+o8e% s#!!essf#))/ ST. LO;IS ;. L.@. 15: 629997. the %efa#)t settin& or hen the ,)aintiffs s#it as %is(isse% for fai)#re to ,rose!#te an% $#%&(ent as entere% -/ (ista8e the ,art/ f#))/ inten%e% a!ti+e)/ to )iti&ate the %is,#te..7. See generally Peter $. :5: &nderson, 4:9 sin!e ;.S. at 5:2. Hresnan & @a(es P. Corne)io* Note* Relie3 !rom ,e3ault /udgments #nder Rule 97@4A - & Study o3 !ederal 254 R#)e 526!7 a%+isor/ !o((ittee0s notes 61551 a(en%(ent7. :55 Case *a6, 45 'ORDHAM L. R<=. 553 615817. To s#!!ee% in ha+in& a %efa#)t $#%&(ent +a!ate%* one (a/ See BB ha+e to 12.92-12.95* %e(onstrate supra. the e1isten!e of a .(eritorio#s %efense*. 'R G() & $ **+R B 2832* #n)ess the :59 'R G() & ,ro!#re% $ **+R B 2351. $#%&(ent as itho#t noti!e. See 8eralta v. (eights $edical Center, nc., 485 ;.S. 89 615887. 25: 2:1R#)e R#)e58. 556!7. See generally B 11.92 6%efa#)t $#%&(ents7* supra. 372 !R +,+-)(&*, .&-+ & $ **+R Bof 12.3. 258 00IIJt is !r#!ia) to the effe!ti+eness the $#%&(ent an% for (eas#rin& the ti(e ,erio%s for a,,ea) an% the fi)in& of +ario#s ,ost-tria) (otions.. 'R G() & $ **+R B 2351.

e an a,,ea). d. See, e.g., 8rimus &uto !in. Servs. v. OttoC'al nc 284 ' S#,, 2% 845 4:-48 6N.D. Ohio 829927. *.* . . * %a(a&es* see &enera))/ B 14.91. in3ra. 239 . On a ies !annot #se R#)e 556e7 R#)ein3ra. 396a7 to a)ter the inten%e% effe!t of a $#%&(e t Th in$#n!tions* see &enera))/ B or 14.92* GoGGo4 KGGonGe% .to GIeri!a) errors. or .(atters of !)ear o+ersi&ht* not "#estions in+o:+in& KG4 On the nat#re of (one/-$#%&(ent enfor!e(ent ,ro!ee%in&s* see B 15.92* in3ra. 232 On S h & 231 . on re!o+er/* or a re%#!tion in an a ar%.. !R +,+-)(&* .&-+ &$ **+R B 123 G#-stanha) !han&es re"#ire .a (otion for ne !onte(,t* tria) (a%e no than ten %a/s after #Gf @G%&GeGt* or the ,rere"#isites for !i+i) an% !ri(ina) see B)ater 14.92I2@* in3ra. a (Gt)On for re)ief fro( the $#%&(ent* hi!h (a/or (a/ not -e s#-$e!t to a one- 0Eear 232%e,en%(& On the ,rere"#isite to !)ai( ,re!)#sion thatB $#%&(ents -e supra. fina) an% on the (erits* see B 15.95* ti(e )i(it on the &ro#n% for re)ief #se%. See 12.11I2JI-J* / in3ra. 376 $OOR+ B 39.12. 234 On the (eanin& of !o))atera) atta!8 an% ho it %iffers fro( %ire!t atta!8* see B 2.94* supra. :95 See, 377 Boa1 H. $utuaI *i3e nsurance Co. o3 -e6 >ork, 143 '.2% 221 68th Oir. 15447* is fre #ent) offere% as Gn e.g., $illiken v. $eyer, 211 ;.S. 45:* 432 615497K !ederated ,epGt Stores, nc. v. $oitie, 452 ;.S. i))#stration* TGer: the tria) !o#rt !orre!te% its error* &rantin& %efen%ant0s (Gtion tG a(en% the @#%&(Gnt 254* 258 615817 6statin& that the Hres 5udicata !onse"#en!es of a fina)* #na,,ea)e% $#%&(ent Iare notJ fro( %is(issa) of ,)aintiff s !ase itho#t ,re$#%i!e to %is(issa) ith , . %i The ,resent +ersion of R#)e 55 the fa!t that the ha+e -een1 Ge@# ron&i!e* . . . ..7. 6e7 a)tere% !o%ifies-/ this a#thorit/. 'R $#%&(ent G() & $(a/ **+R B 2819
255 On 2:5 P rti
374

Ahen the ti(e for %ire!t atta!8 on the $#%&(ent -/ (otion for $#%&(ent n.o.+. or 2:G ne 'R G() & $ **.+R 2G34. .Ahas ,art/e1,ire%* re(ains #n%er a %#t/ to ta8e )e&a) ste,s to rote!t his for tria) or -/ Ba,,ea) (an/ $#ris%i!tions ,ro+i%e )i(ite% GGaGnterests. In Gart)!#)ar* It or%iGari)/ is not ,er(issi-)e to #se this (otion to re(e@K a fai)#re e1traor%inar/ re)ief fro( the $#%&(ent -/ f#rther (otion in the tria)
,G di iscuese ni B 12.11I2JI-J* supra.

Gn-

233 The/ arev.%is!#sse% in B 2.94I2@* supra. venEgasC2Isernande1 S71'lu% Records, 2:9 '.2% 182* 185 61st Oi)0. 29947K #nited StatesG v. GG2 GGG tn nite tates Currency, 253 '.2% 15:* 135 n.5 61st Cir. 29947. 0