CONFLICT OF LAWS



Final Examination, Spring 1999








QUESTION I

182 raw points, 56 per cent of test








A. You decide you like the justice better in Baton Rouge. What steps should you take:

1. in the action in Texas?

Forum non conveniens 7 points _______
Discretionary with trial court 7 points _______
Try to get Louisiana case heard first 7 points _______
Try discovery in the Texas action 7 points _______

2. in the action in Baton Rouge?

Get longarm service made quickly 7 points _______
Move the case as quickly as possible 7 points _______

B. You file answer in Texas. Does Texas now have jurisdiction? Did it prior to your entry of appearance?

Yes, there's been an appearance 7 points _______
Yes, personal service within jurisdiction 7 points _______

C. What substantive law should the Texas justice of the peace apply? Discuss various approaches.

Louisiana law should apply under any test 7 points _______
Discuss lex locus contractus 7 points _______
Discuss center of gravity 7 points _______
Discuss interest analysis 7 points _______
Mention of Louisiana rule 7 points _______

D. How do you bring redhibition to attention of Texas court? Must Texas recognize this Louisiana remedy?

Plead and "prove" (or show court) Louisiana law 7 points _______
A defense is more entitled to full faith and credit 7 points _______

E. Hornblower now served by mail with the Louisiana suit, after judgment in Texas. Discuss jurisdictional issue.

Hornblower meets minimum contacts 7 points _______

F. Discuss what steps Hornblower must take to have Texas judgment recognized in Baton Rouge court.

Triple certification 7 points _______
under 28 U.S. Code § 1738 7 points _______

G. You tell Baton Rouge court Texas court erred on the merits. Discuss your chances for success.

Zero 7 points _______
Texas judgment is res judicata 7 points _______
Not first suit filed but first judgment rendered is res judicata 7 points _______
Texas judgment is entitled to full faith and credit 7 points _______
May not go behind judgment into the merits of case 7 points _______

H. Baton Rouge renders judgment in your favor.

1. Which judgment now governs the parties?

The latest judgment governs 7 points _______

2. What if anything is Hornblower's remedy?

Hornblower may appeal 7 points _______

3. What result if Hornblower follows that course?

Hornblower will win 7 points _______




QUESTION II

144 raw points, 44 per cent of test



The judge has asked you to prepare a memorandum advising him on the jurisdictional questions. Do so.

Louisiana is home state of child 9 points _______
definition of home state
9 points _______
Race to courthouse, continuing vs. home state jurisdiction 9 points _______
Louisiana may have ousted Texas continuing jurisdiction 9 points _______
This emergency could be handled in Louisiana 9 points _______
Emergency jurisdiction is not favored 9 points _______
Judges of the two courts should confer 9 points _______
Ex parte order not entitled to FFC under UCCJA or FPKPA 9 points _______

Increase in support only if he can be served 9 points _______
or if in same action in which he appeared 9 points _______
or if she goes under UIFSA (URESA) 9 points _______
or uses Louisiana longarm based on 1990-1995 contact 9 points _______

Partition of newly discovered assets not res judicata 9 points _______
Jurisdiction only if he can be served here 9 points _______
or if in same action in which he appeared 9 points _______
But court must apply Texas law of division of community 9 points _______



Return to The Castle Classroom


Copyright ©2002 by M. R. Franks - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED