CONFLICT OF LAWS



Final Examination, Fall 1997





QUESTION I

95 raw points, 50 per cent of test



Statutes of limitations are always procedural and local 5 points _______
Unless New Hampshire has a "borrowing statute" 5 points _______
Will New Hampshire on choice of law apply Louisiana law 5 points _______
Is tort prescribed under Louisiana substantive law? 5 points _______
But a tort has been committed in New Hampshire 5 points _______
New Hampshire has right to protect its citizens from falsehood 5 points _______
New Hampshire will apply New Hampshire law 5 points _______
But will award damages nationwide 5 points _______
Under so-called "single publication rule" 5 points _______
Longarm jurisdiction as to Morning Advocette proper 5 points _______
Single publication sent into New Hampshire suffices 5 points _______
Cause of action arises out of forum activity 5 points _______
Broadmouth has not availed himself of the jurisdiction 5 points _______
Foreseeability is questionable under facts of this case 5 points _______
Can Broadmouth be served in New Hampshire? 5 points _______
Does Broadmouth own property in New Hampshire? 5 points _______
Even so, Shaffer v. Heitner requires minimum contacts 5 points _______




QUESTION II

99 raw points, 50 per cent of test



A. List each of the various ways in which a state may obtain in personam jurisdiction over a person.

Personal service of process within the jurisdiction 3 points _______
Domicile, residence or nationality 3 points _______
Waiver, consent and acceptance of service 3 points _______
Choice of forum in advance as by contract 3 points _______
Continuing jurisdiction of earlier case 3 points _______
Entry of appearance by filing suit or answer 3 points _______
Minimum contact 3 points _______
Specific jurisdiction arising out of forum contact
3 points _______
General jurisdiction from ongoing contact
3 points _______
There must be "availing" of the forum 3 points _______
Which may be by stream of commerce 3 points _______


B. Explain the doctrine of mutuality of estoppel. State the Louisiana position on mutuality of estoppel, i.e., whether Louisiana requires mutuality of estoppel for issue preclusion.

Offensive use of judgment by non-party to action 3 points _______
One party is not collaterally estopped by foreign judgment 3 points _______
If other party would not have been estopped by contrary outcome 3 points _______
Louisiana does not require mutuality as a condition to offensive use 3 points _______


C. Define "home state of the child" and list the various tests for determining child ccustody jurisdiction between two competing states, indicating the order in which those tests will be applied.

Home state is state in which child lived with parent 3 points _______
For six months immediately preceding filing of action 3 points _______
Or from birth 3 points _______
Periods of temporary absence are counted 3 points _______
First tier, home state 3 points _______
Second tier, has been home state of child within six months before filing 3 points _______
And child was removed by a person claiming custody 3 points _______
And a parent continues to reside in such state 3 points _______
Third tier, best interests, substantial connection, evidence available within jurisdiction 3 points _______
Fourth tier, child physically present and either abandoned or an emergency exists 3 points _______
Fifth tier, no other state has jurisdiction and best interests require jurisdiction 3 points _______


D. Define "renvoi."

"Renvoi" means a reference back 3 points _______
When application of another state's law sends the issue back to F-1 3 points _______
The question is whether the reference is to "whole law" or "municipal law" 3 points _______
"Whole law" includes a jurisdiction's conflict-of-laws rules
3 points _______
"Municipal law" includes everything but a jurisdiction's conflicts rules
3 points _______


E. Define "dépeçage."

Application of laws of different states to govern different issues 3 points _______
Of course, forum law always governs procedure 3 points _______




Return to The Castle Classroom


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