CONFLICT OF LAWS



Final Examination, Summer 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 Mississippi?

Forum non conveniens 7 points _______
Discretionary with trial court 7 points _______
Try to get Louisiana case heard first 7 points _______
Try discovery in the Mississippi 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 and reconventional demand in Mississippi. Does Mississippi now have jurisdiction? Did it prior to your entry of appearance? Prior to your reconventional demand?

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

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

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

D. How do you bring the direct action device to attention of the Mississippi court? Must Mississippi recognize this Louisiana remedy?

Plead and "prove" (or show court) Louisiana law 7 points _______
Mention of Collins case 7 points _______

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

Mansell meets minimum contacts 7 points _______

F. Discuss what steps Mansell must take to have Mississippi judgment recognized in Baton Rouge court.

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

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

Zero 7 points _______
Mississippi judgment is res judicata 7 points _______
Not first suit filed but first judgment rendered is res judicata 7 points _______
Mississippi 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 Mansell's remedy?

Mansell may appeal 7 points _______

3. What result if Mansell follows that course?

Mansell 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas law of division of community 9 points _______



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