The Art of Litigation » Civil Procedure

Motions for Summary Judgment

Woodruff — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:30:06 +0000

Prof. Bradley Shannon has done a great job of covering civil procedure in his scholarship. His articles on Motions for Summary Judgment are well worth your time to read. They are short and stay on topic.

He also has a great article on pleadings following the Twombly and Iqbal decisions by the Supreme Court.

Famous Trials

Woodruff — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:09:41 +0000

Douglas Linder at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law has created a webpage of famous trials. It contains transcripts, biographies, and other information. The earliest trial included is that of Socrates (399 B.C.). The most recent trial covered is the prosecution of Moussauri in 2006. It is a great source of information.

Famous Trials.

The Florida Discovery Handbook

Woodruff — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 06:02:13 +0000

The Trial Lawyers Section of the Florida Bar has created a very useful discovery reference. I have recommended it to both practicing lawyers and pro se litigants.

The Florida Handbook on Discovery: http://www.flatls.org/index.php?option=com_rubberdoc&view=category&id=40&Itemid=62

The Court System in Florida

Woodruff — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:27:57 +0000

Florida’s court system contains four levels.

At the trial level jurisdiction is divided between the County Courts and the Circuit Courts. The County Courts hear controverseys up to and including $15,000.00. The County Courts also handle small claims matters (those being claims up to $5,000.00). The Circuit Courts have jurisdiction over cases where more than $15,000.00 is at issue.

Appeals from County Court are handled by the Circuit Court unless a certified question exists. If a question is certified by the County Court, then that matter is heard by a District Court of Appeal. Most appeals from Circuit Court go to a District Court of Appeal. Under certain circumstances an appeal can be made directly to the Florida Supreme Court from the Circuit Court.

And where do cases go if appellate review is sought from a District Court of Appeal? That would be the Florida Supreme Court.

This is a simplified description to assist you in understanding the Florida court system. I have provided a link to a jurisdiction chart hosted on the Florida Courts webpage.

http://www.flcourts.org/courts/bin/Jurisdiction_chart.pdf