GUIDETOPRACTICE

INTHE UNITEDSTATESDISTRICTCOURT FORTHE WESTERNDISTRICTOFLOUISIANA AUGUST2012

TableofContents
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................................3 GENERALINFORMATIONABOUTTHEWESTERNDISTRICT.......................................................................... 3 I.GENERALRULESOFPLEADING................................................................................................................... 5 II.MOTIONSFRCP7,LR7.1........................................................................................................................ 10 III.DISCOVERY,FRCP5,33,37,45;LR26.................................................................................................... 12 IV.SUBPOENAS,FRCP45........................................................................................................................... 14 V.DEFAULTJUDGMENT,FRCP55,LR55.1.................................................................................................. 16 VI.TAXATIONOFCOSTS.............................................................................................................................. 18 VII.REMOVALOFCASESFROMSTATECOURT........................................................................................... 22 VIII.ADMIRALTY&MARITIMECLAIMS....................................................................................................... 25 IX.APPEALS.................................................................................................................................................33 X.REGISTRATIONOFJUDGMENTS.............................................................................................................. 37 XI.SCHEDULEOFFEES .................................................................................................................................38

INTRODUCTION
WelcometotheUnitedStatesDistrictCourt,WesternDistrictofLouisiana!ThisGuideto PracticeisdesignedfortheassistanceofpractitionersbeforethisCourt.Itisnotadefinitive statementofthelawandmaynotbecitedassuch.PleaseconsulttheFederalRulesof ProcedureandtheLocalRulesforthefulltextofrules.IfthereisadiscrepancywiththisGuide andtheFederalRulesofCivilProcedureorLocalRules,therulesarecontrollingandnotthis Guide.TheWesternDistrictisalwayshappytohelpattorneysandstaff.Pleasecontactthe ClerksOfficeifyouneedassistance.

GENERALINFORMATIONABOUTTHEWESTERNDISTRICT
Therearethree(3)districtcourtsintheStateofLouisiana:Eastern28U.S.C.98(a);Middle28 U.S.C.98(b);andWestern28U.S.C.98(c).TheWesternDistrictisthelargestcourtasfaras area,consistingof42parishesboundedontheeastbytheMississippiandAtchafalayaRivers, onthenorthbytheStateofArkansas,onthewestbytheStateofTexas,andonthesouthby theGulfofMexico.TheWesternDistrictisdividedinto5administrativedivisions:Alexandria, LakeCharles,Lafayette,Monroe,andShreveportwithcourtheldinallfivedivisionaloffices.

FilingPleadings
ThefilingsystemfortheWesternDistrictofLouisianaisnowelectronic.Itismandatorythat attorneysfilepleadingselectronically.(LR5.7.01)Rulesforelectronicfilingmaybefoundinthe AdministrativeProceduresforElectronicFilingacopyofwhichmaybeviewedonthecourts websiteatwww.lawd.uscourts.gov.Filingsbyproselitigantsorattorneysexemptedfrom electronicfilingshouldbemailedto:UnitedStatesDistrictCourt,WesternDistrictof Louisiana,300FanninStreet,Suite1167,Shreveport,La.711013083.PleadingsMAYNOTBE FILEDBYFACSIMILETRANSMISSIONintheWesternDistrictofLouisianaexceptinemergencies andonlywiththepriorauthorizationofajudgeofthecourt.(LR5.5)

LocationoftheRecord
Theelectronicrecordmaybeaccessedatwww.lawd.uscourts.govbyasystemknownas PACER(PublicAccesstoCourtElectronicRecords).PACERchargesasmallaccessfee.Therecord canalsobeviewedatanyofficeoftheClerkofCourt.Oldercaserecordsfrom1999through 2005havebeenscannedinandrecordedaselectronicimagesandareavailableforviewingat anyofficeoftheClerkofCourtorbyaccessingPACERthroughtheCourtswebsite.Caserecords fromJanuary1,1977toDecember31,1998areavailableonmicrofilm.Acompletesetof microfichecaserecordsarepresentintheShreveportOfficeatalltimes.Amicrofichecopyof

eachclosedcaserecordfiledinaparticulardivisionispresentintheClerk'sofficeforthat division. Indices:TheindicesinthisCourtcanbefoundonmicrofilmandalsoelectronically.Forolder casesfiledafter1977andthatarenotelectronic,eachdivisionhasamicrofilmindexforthe entiredistrictbothbypartyandbycase.ThereisacardindexofearliercasesinShreveport. Venue:Venueisthelocationwheretheactionispending.Asamatteroflaw,venueonly appliestothedistrict.Thereisnodivisionalrightofvenue.(Exception:28U.S.C.1441(a) requiresthatacaseberemovedtothedistrict&divisionwhereitispending.)Normally,cases areassignedtothedivisionwheretheactionaroseorwhereapreponderanceofthepartiesis located.However,assignmentofcasesisamatterofadministrationandisaccomplishedin accordancewiththeinstructionsoftheCourt.

StateandFederalCourtDifferences
FEES:Instatecourt,adepositmustbemadepriortofilingasuitandthereisachargeforeach documentfiledinthecase.Infederalcourt,thereisaninitialfilingfeeforthefilingofthe Complaint.Generally,thereisnofeeforfilinganysubsequentpleadingsinthecourtexceptfor anoticeofappeal. JURIES:Instatecourt,adepositmustbemadetocoverthecostofajury.Infederalcourt, thereisnochargewhenapartyrequestsajury.However,ifthepartiesfailtotimelynotifythe Courtofasettlementandthejurorsappearneedlessly,oneorbothofthepartiesmaybe assessedjurycostsunderLR54.1. CASEMANAGEMENT:Instatecourt,theattorneyispermittedtocontrolthepaceofthe litigation.Infederalcourt,oncethecomplaintisfiled,thecourttakescontrolofthe managementofthecase.Calendaringforschedulingconferences,statusconferences, settlementconferences,pretrialconferencesandtrialsiscontrolledbytheCourt.Informalor voluntaryextensionsoftimebetweenattorneysarenotrecognizedbytheCourt,unless orderedorapprovedbytheCourt.Iftheattorneysfailtomovethecase,theactionmaybe dismissedforfailuretoprosecuteunderLR41.3(e.g.noserviceofprocesswithin120daysof thefilingofthecomplaint,orfailuretojoinissuebyanswerordefaultwithin60daysafter serviceofprocess). EXECUTIONOFJUDGMENTS:Thisisoneareawherethereisverylittledifferencebetween stateandfederalcourt.UnderFRCP69(a)"Theproceduresonexecution***shallbein accordancewiththepracticeandprocedureofthestateinwhichthedistrictcourtisheld..."If thejudgmentisinfavoroftheUnitedStates,however,specialrulesapply,andtheFederal DebtCollectionProceduresAct,28U.S.C.3001,etseq.shouldbefollowed.
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I. 1. SizeofPaper

GENERALRULESOFPLEADING

Pleadingsshouldbeon8"X11"lettersizepaper.(LR10.1) 2. Caption Captionshouldcontainthefollowing:nameofthecourt,divisionofthecourt,titleofthe action,civilactionnumber,judgeandmagistrateJudge,nameofpleading(e.g."complaint", "answer",etc.)andjurydemand(ifoneiscontainedinthepleading)underLR38.1.Inthe originalComplaint,thetitleoftheactionshallincludethenamesofallparties,butinall otherpleadingsitissufficienttostatethenameofthefirstplaintiff,etal.,andthenameof thefirstdefendant,etal.SeealsoFRCP7and10(a)andLR10.1. EXAMPLEOFACAPTION: UNITEDSTATESDISTRICTCOURT WESTERNDISTRICTOFLOUISIANA SHREVEPORTDIVISION PAULPLAINTIFF,ETAL. VERSUS NO.5:91cv1234 JUDGESTAGG MAG.JUDGEHORNSBY

DONDEFENDANT,ETAL. 3.

Signatures(FRCP11,LR5.7.08,11.1,11.2) a. Theuserloginandpasswordrequiredforattorneystosubmitdocuments electronicallyisnowtheattorneyssignatureforallpurposes.(LR5.7.08) Documentsmuststillcontainasignatureline.Attorneysmaysignthesignature lineusingthisformat:s/attorneysname. Attorneysmustprovidethefollowinginformationbelowthesignatureline: (1)NameofAttorney(Ifmorethanoneattorneyappearsforasingleparty,there mustbeadesignationofTrialAttorneyorTA.)

b.

c.

(2)NameofLawFirm (3)Address (4)Telephoneandfaxnumber (5)AttorneyIdentificationnumber(LouisianaBarNumberorother)

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(6)Emailaddress EXAMPLEOFADDRESS/SIGNATUREINFORMATION

__s/I.M.Attorney,T.A.______________________ I.M.Attorney,T.A.,Bar#12345 Smith&Smith 123MainStreet MainCity,LA70000 imattorney@lawfirm.com Phone:(318)2261234 Fax:(318)2265678 4.ServiceofProcess(FRCP4) AsummonsandacopyoftheComplaintmustbeserveduponeachdefendantunderFRCP4(a) unlessdefendantsignsawaiverofserviceunderFRCP4(d). a. SummonsIssuanceunderFRCP4(b) Uponfilinganewcivilactionoradocumentaddinganewparty(e.g.,amended complaintorthirdpartycomplaint),summonswillnowbeissuedelectronicallybythe ClerksOfficepursuanttoStandingOrder1.14andsenttocounselthroughthesystem bytheNoticeofElectronicFiling.Counselwillprintthesummonsandservealongwith thecomplaintaccordingtoFederalRuleCivilProcedure4.Attorneyswhowishtohave summonsissuedondemandmaydosobyfilingaProposedSummons/Requestfor SummonswithintheECFSystem.Note:Casesexemptfromthisprocessinclude: noticesofremoval,transfersfromotherUnitedStatesDistrictCourtsandbankruptcy appeals. b. WaiverofServiceunderFRCP4(d)and12(a)(1)(B) (1) Waiverofserviceisequivalenttoserviceofprocessexcept (a) Thereisnowaiverof"anyobjectiontothevenueortothe jurisdictionofthecourtoverthepersonofthedefendant."(FRCP 4(d)(1))

(b) Timetoansweris60daysfrommailingoftherequestforwaiver. SeealsoFRCP4(d)(3)and12(a)(1)(B). c. ObligationtoServeunderFRCP4(c)(1) "Theplaintiffisresponsibleforserviceofasummonsandacomplaint..." d. WhocanserveasummonsandcomplaintunderFRCP4(c)(2) Anypersonwhoisatleast18yearsofageandnotapartymayserveasummons andcomplaint. e. Howprocesscanbeserved (1) OnanIndividualby (a) personaldelivery;(FRCP4(e)(2))

(b) domiciliaryservice(i.e."leavingcopiesthereofattheindividual's dwellinghouseorusualplaceofabodewithsomepersonofsuitableage ordiscretionthenresidingtherein...");(FRCP4(e)(2)) (c) deliverytoanauthorizedagent;(FRCP4(e)(2))

(d) underthelawoftheStateofLouisiana.(FRCP4(e)(1))(For exampleunderLongArmServiceunderLa.R.S.13:3201,etseq.) (2) Onacorporation,partnershiporunincorporatedassociationby (a) deliverytoanofficer,managingorgeneralagentortoanagent appointedforserviceofprocess;(FRCP4(h)(1) (b) underthelawoftheStateofLouisiana.FRCP4(e)(1);FRCP 4(h)(1)(LongArmService,La.R.S.13:3201,etseq.) (3) OntheUnitedStatesofAmericaby(FRCP4(I)) (a) DeliverytotheUnitedStatesAttorneyby (1) PersonaldeliverytotheU.S.Attorney,anAssistantU.S. AttorneyoranemployeeoftheU.S.Attorneydesignated forserviceofprocess; Registeredorcertifiedmailaddressedtothe"civilprocess clerk"attheU.S.Attorney'soffice:
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(2)

(a) RegisteredorcertifiedmailtotheUnitedStates AttorneyGeneral; (b) Registeredorcertifiedmailtotheheadofany agencyoftheUnitedStatesthatisbeingsued.Note:Ifan officeroremployeeoftheUnitedStatesisbeingsuedin anindividualcapacityinconnectionwiththeirservicewith thegovernment,theUnitedStatesmustbeservedasset forthaboveANDtheofficeroremployeemustbeserved individuallyasprovidedinFed.R.Civ.P.4(e),(f)or(g)[i.e. normalserviceonanindividual].Fed.R.Civ.P.4(i)(2). f. Proofofservice (1) Form"USM285"isproofofservicebyaUnitedStatesMarshal.FRCP4(l)

(2) AnaffidavitofserviceisproofofservicebyanyoneotherthanaUnited StatesMarshal.FRCP4(l) (a) Under28U.S.C.1746anunsworndeclarationunderpenaltyof perjurymaybesubstitutedforanaffidavit. Theproofofservicemustbearanoriginalsignature.Aphotocopy isnotsufficient. Ifproofofserviceismadeonacopyofthereversesideofa subpoena,thefrontmustalsobecopiedtoindicatewhatwas served.

(b)

(c)

(3) WhenLongArmServiceismade,proofofserviceisanaffidavitofmailing alongwiththereturnreceipt.La.R.S.13:3205. g. Servingprocessinaforeigncountry(FRCP4(f)) (1) byanyinternationallyagreedmeansreasonablycalculatedtogivenotice, suchasthosemeansauthorizedbytheHagueConventionontheServiceAbroad ofJudicialandExtrajudicialDocuments; (2) ifthereisnointernationallyagreedmeansofserviceortheapplicable internationalagreementallowsothermeansofservice,providedthatserviceis reasonablycalculatedtogivenotice: (a) Inthemannerprescribedbythelawoftheforeigncountry;
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(b)

Asdirectedbytheforeignauthorityinresponsetoaletter rogatoryoraletterofrequest; Bypersonaldelivery; Bymailfromtheclerkofcourtwithareturnreceipt.Note:Touse thismethod,delivertotheclerkofcourt:(1)thedocumentstobe served&(2)acheckpayabletotheU.S.Postmasterforthe amountofpostagerequired.

(c) (d)

h.

Timelimitforserviceofprocess (1) Serviceofthesummonsandcomplaintmustbemadeuponadefendant within120daysofthefilingofthecomplaint.FRCP4(m) (2) UnderlocalruleLR41.3,adefendantmaybedismissed"whereno serviceofprocesshasbeenmadewithin120daysafterfilingthecomplaint." TheOrderofDismissalshallallowforreinstatementoftheactionwithinthirty (30)daysforgoodcauseshown.

5.

CertificationofService(FRCP5(d)&LR5.3) Acopyofallpleadingsandmotionsaftertheoriginalcomplaintmustbeservedonall partiesandacertificationofservicemustbefiledwiththepleadingormotionwiththe ClerkofCourt.Thisdoesnotapplytodisclosureorrequestsfordiscoveryorresponses torequestsfordiscoveryexemptedfromfilingwiththeclerkofcourtunderFed.R.Civ.P. 5(d).

6.

FilingofNewSuitChecklist a. Complaint(SeeFRCP3,8&10(a))

b. CivilCoverSheet(FormavailableatanyofficeoftheClerkofCourtandalsoon thecourtswebsiteatwww.lawd.uscourts.gov.) c. Payfees.Foracivilaction,pay$350.(28U.S.C.1914)Foranapplicationto proceedforawritofhabeascorpus(includingapetitionunder28U.S.C.2254),pay $5.00.(28U.S.C.1914)Ifunabletopay,proceedInFormaPauperis(i.e.without prepaymentoffees)whichrequiresanaffidavitinsupportoftheapplicationwhichcan befoundinanyofficeoftheClerkofCourt.28U.S.C.1915NOTE:Aseamanmay proceedwithoutprepaymentofcosts.Costswillbebilledattheconclusionofthecase. 28U.S.C.1916

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II.MOTIONSFRCP7,LR7.1
1. MotionsinGeneral.Arequestforacourtordermustbemadebymotionwhich,unless madeduringahearingortrial,shallbemadeinwriting,statewithparticularitythegrounds therefore,andstatethereliefsought. 2. Form a. NoticeItisnotnecessaryfortheattorneytofilea"notice"withthemotion. TheClerkwillissuea"notice"ofthemotionimmediatelyuponfiling. b. Briefs Amemorandumbriefmustaccompanyeachmotionexceptforthoseexparte motionssetforthinLR7.4.1.SeealsoLR7.8. (1)Abriefmaynotexceed25pageswithoutpermissionoftheCourt. (2)Areplybrief(whichisanybriefotherthananoriginalbriefinsupportoforin oppositiontothemotion)maynotexceed10pages.NOTE:TheFederalRulesof CivilProceduredonotprovideforthefilingofareplybriefandacceptanceof suchbriefisdiscretionarywiththejudge.Somejudgesrequireleaveofcourtto fileareply.Pleaseconsultthepracticesoftheindividualjudges. (3)Anybriefexceeding10pagesmusthave: (a) Atableofcontentswithpagereferences;and

(b) Atableofcases(arrangedalphabetically),statutesandother authoritiescited,withreferencestothepagesofthebriefwheretheyare cited. c. MotionsNotRequiringaBrief(LR7.4.1) (1)Expartemotionsdonotrequireabriefbut"muststatethegroundstherefore andciteanyapplicablerule,statute,orotherauthorityjustifyingthereliefsought." (2)"Priortofilinganymotionunderthissection,withexceptionofamotionto withdrawascounsel,themovingpartyshallattempttoobtainconsentforthe filingandgrantingofsuchmotionandacertificateofthisattemptshallbe includedinthemotion." d. MotionsforLeaveofCourttoFileaPleading/Document.LR7.6 (1)ConsentofopposingpartymustbesoughtpriortoseekingleaveofCourt.
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(2)Iftheopposingpartyconsents,themotionwillbeconsideredexparte. e. MotionsforSummaryJudgment(LR56.1&56.2) (1)StatementofMaterialFactsNotatIssueEverymotionforsummary judgmentshallbeaccompaniedbyaseparate,shortandconcisestatementof thematerialfactsastowhichthemovingpartycontendsthereisnogenuine issuetobetried." (2)StatementofMaterialFactatIssueAnoppositiontoamotionforsummary judgmentshallincludeaseparate,shortandconcisestatementofthematerial factsastowhichthereexistsagenuineissuetobetried." (3)AdmissionofMaterialFacts"Allmaterialfacts***willbedeemed admitted,forthepurposesofthemotion,unlesscontrovertedasrequiredby thisrule." f. ProposedOrders(Tograntreliefsought) (1)Everyexpartemotionshouldbeaccompaniedbyaproposedorder.LR7.4.1 (2)Everydiscoverymotionshouldbeaccompaniedbyaproposedorder.LR37.1 (3)Aproposedordershallbeonapageseparatefromthemotionandshallbear acaption.LR58.1 3. NoticeandHearing a. NoticeofMotion Immediatelyuponthefilingofeveryadversarymotion,theClerkwillissuea "Notice"settingforth: (1) b. (2) (3) (4) Thenatureofthemotionandthenameofthepartyfilingsuchmotion; Thebriefingschedulefortheparties; Thejudgespolicyonoralargument; The"hearing"dateforthemotion.

OralArgument

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(1)"OralargumentwillbeallowedonlywhenorderedbytheCourt.Allother motionswillbedecidedbytheCourtonthebasisoftherecord,includingtimely filedbriefsandanysupportingoropposingdocumentsfiledtherewith."LR78.1 (2)Oralargumentmaybegrantedbythecourtonthemotionofapartyorex propriomotu. c. Hearing (1)NohearingonamotionwillbeheldunlessspecificallyorderedbytheCourt. The"hearing"dateinthemotionnoticeisthedateuponwhichthemotionis submittedtothejudgeormagistratejudge. (2)Ifahearingisheld,therecanbenooraltestimonyofferedwithoutprior authorizationoftheCourt.LR43.1

III.DISCOVERY,FRCP5,33,37,45;LR26
1. DiscoveryandDisclosureMaterialsarenotnormallyfiledwiththeCourt.(i.e.discovery requests&responsesoranydisclosures) a. b. Discoveryisgenerallyamatterbetweencounsel. Exceptions: DisclosuresunderRule26(a)(1)or(2)andthefollowingdiscoveryrequestsmust notbefiledunlesstheyareusedintheproceedingorthecourtordersfiling: depositions,interrogatories,requestsfordocumentsortopermitentryupon landandrequestsforadmission.FRCP5(d) c. Thepartymakingadiscoveryrequestiscustodianofanydiscoverymaterials producedinresponsetothatrequest.LR26.5

2.

LimitonInterrogatories

Nomorethan25writteninterrogatoriesmaybepropoundedwithoutleaveofcourtunder FRCP33(a). 3. RequestsforProduction Priornoticeofanycommandedproductionofdocumentsandthings***beforetrialshallbe servedoneachparty....(SeeFRCP45(b)(1)andLR26.5) 4. FormatofDiscoveryRequests(LR26.2)

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a.

Eachdiscoveryrequestshallhaveaspaceleftafteritsufficienttopermit responsetosuchrequest. Ifthespaceleftforresponsetoarequestisinsufficient,thepersonresponding shallrepeattherequestpriortomakingtheresponse.

b.

5.

MotionsToCompelDiscovery(FRCP37(a)(2)(A)andLR37.1) a. Requirements: (1)Acopyofthediscoveryrequestinquestionalongwithanyresponsethereto mustbeattachedtoanymotiontocompel. (2)Acertificatethatamicableeffortstoresolvethediscoverydisputehavebeen attemptedmustbeattachedtoeverymotiontocompel. (a)Counselformovermusthavearrangedaconferenceeitherpersonally orbytelephonetosettlethedispute. (b)Movermustsetforththereasonwhysettlementwasnotreachedor thefactthattheopposingpartyrefusedtoconferifsuchisthecase. (c)Sanctionsmaybeimposedforfailuretoconferorfailuretoconferin goodfaith. (3)Everydiscoverymotionmustbeaccompaniedbyaproposedordercovering thereliefsought,whichproposedordermustbearacaptionandbeona separatepagefromthemotion.LR37.1 b. Motionstocompelarenoticedinthesamemannerasalladversarymotionswith thenoticeincludingbriefingtimes,thejudge'spolicyonoralargument,etc.

6.

DepositionsFRCP30 a. PrisonersApartymustobtainleaveofcourtifthepersontobeexaminedis confinedinprison.FRCP30(a)(2)(B) b. NumberofDepositions(withoutleaveofcourt) (1) (2) c. Ten(10)persideFRCP30(a)(2)(A). One(1)perwitnessFRCP30(a)(2)(A).

MethodofRecording

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(1)Thepartywhonoticesthedepositionmuststateinthenoticethemethodby whichthetestimonyshallberecorded.Unlessthecourtordersotherwise,it mayberecordedbyaudio,audiovisual,orstenographicmeans.Thepartytaking thedepositionshallbearthecostoftherecording.Anypartymayarrangeto transcribeadeposition.FRCP30(b)(3) (2)Withpriornoticetothedeponentandotherparties,anypartymaydesignate anothermethodforrecordingthetestimonyinadditiontothatspecifiedinthe originalnotice.FRCP30(b)(3)Thepartiesmaystipulateorthecourtmayorder thatadepositionbetakenbytelephoneorotherremotemeans.FRCP30(b)(4) d. TimeLimitofDeposition (1)Adepositionislimitedtoonedayofseven(7)hours.FRCP30(d) (2)ThecourtmustallowadditionaltimeconsistentwithFRCP26(b)(2)ifneeded forafairexaminationofthedeponentorifthedeponentoranotherpersonor othercircumstanceimpededordelaystheexamination.FRCP30(d)

IV.SUBPOENAS,FRCP45
1. IssuingCourt AsubpoenacanonlyissuefromtheCourtforthedistrictwherethewitnessisto appearorwhereproductionistobemade.FRCP45(a)(2) WhoIssuesaSubpoena a. b. TheClerkofCourt;and Anattorney(asofficerofthecourt)onbehalfof (1)Acourtwheretheattorneyisauthorizedtopractice;or (2)Acourtforadistrictwhereadepositionistobetakenorproduction istobemadeFRCP45(a)(3) 3. FormoftheSubpoena(FRCP45(a)) a. Requirements:

2.

(1)Nameofthecourtissuingthesubpoena(whichmustbethedistrictwhere thedefendantwillappear); (2)Titleofaction,courtwheretheactionispending&thecivilactionnumber;

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(3)Acommandtoappear&givetestimonyortoproducedocuments; (4)ArecitationofFRCP45(c)and(d); (5)Signatureoftheissuingofficial(eithertheClerkortheattorney).

b.Thereisnolongerarequirementthatthe"Seal"oftheCourtappearonasubpoena. c."Acommandtoproduceevidenceortopermitinspectionmaybejoinedwitha commandtoappearattrialorhearingoratdeposition,ormaybeissuedseparately." FRCP45(a)(1) d.Theclerkshallissueasubpoena,signedbutotherwiseinblank,toapartywho requestsit,whoshallcompleteitbeforeservice.FRCP45(a)(3) 4. ServiceoftheSubpoena a.Anypersonwhoisnotapartyandwhoisatleast18yearsofagemayservea subpoena. b.Serviceismade (1) Bydeliveringacopytosuchperson,and

(2) Bytenderingtothatpersonthefeesforoneday'sattendanceandthe mileageallowedbylaw(iftheperson'sattendanceiscommanded). (a)Awitnessshallbepaidanattendancefeeof$40perdayforeachday's attendance.28U.S.C.1821(b) (b)MileageallowanceisbasedontheratenotedontheU.S.General Serviceswebsiteatwww.gsa.gov.

c.

Wheremayasubpoenabeserved? (1)AtanyplacewithintheStateofLouisiana.SeeFRCP45(b)(2),La.R.S. 13:3661,andLa.CCP1351&1356 (2)Within100milesoftheplaceofthedeposition,hearing,trial,production,or inspectionspecifiedinthesubpoena.

d.

Doesproofofserviceofasubpoenaneedtobefiled?FRCP45(b)(4) (1)Ordinarily,proofofserviceofasubpoenadoesnothavetobefiledwiththe Court.

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(2)Proofofservicemustbefiledwheneverthereareproceedingstoenforcethe subpoenaorforanyotherreliefconnectedwithsuchsubpoena. 5. NoticeofCancellationofaSubpoena a.Itisthedutyoftheattorneywhoissuesasubpoenatonotifythewitnessofany cancellationofthetrial,hearingordeposition. b.Failuretonotifyawitnessofcancellationmayresultinsanctionsontheattorneywho issuedthesubpoena.

V.DEFAULTJUDGMENT,FRCP55,LR55.1
UnderFRCP55,defaultjudgmentisatwostepprocess:(1)First,"Entry"ofDefault mustbeenteredafterdelaysforansweringhaveelapsed;(2)Second,"Judgment"byDefault willbeenteredbutonlyaftera14daydelaybetween"entry"andsigningofa"judgment"by default.TheprocedureinthisCourtparallelstheLouisianaStateCourtprocedureof "preliminary"defaultand"confirmation"ofdefault. DefaultChecklist 1. 2. 3. Proofofserviceofprocess Motionforentryofdefault EntryofDefault a.ArequestforentryofdefaultmustbepresentedtotheClerkinwriting. b.Norequestforentryofdefaultwillbeconsideredunlessthereisproofofserviceof thesummonsandcomplaintfiledintherecord. c.Delayforanswering.Adefendanthas21daysfromserviceofthesummonsand complaintuponsuchdefendanttofileananswertothecomplaint,FRCP12(a)EXCEPT asfollows: (1)TheUnitedStateshas60daystoanswer; (2)WhenserviceisbytheLongArmStatute,La.R.S.13:3205,defaultcannotbe entereduntiladelayof30daysfromthefilingoftheaffidavitofservicehas elapsed. (3)Whenamotionisfiled,thetimeforansweringisextendeduntil14daysafter noticeoftheCourt'sactiononthemotion(orwhenamotionformoredefinite
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statementisgranted,until14daysafterserviceofthe"moredefinite statement").FRCP12(a) (4)Whentherehasbeenawaiverofservice,thetimeforansweringissixty(60) daysfromthedateofmailingoftherequestforwaiverofservice.FRCP4(d)(3) 4. JudgmentbyDefault a.Ajudgmentofdefaultshallnotbeentereduntil14calendardaysafterentryof default.(LR55.1) b.Anapplicationforadefaultjudgmentshouldbebya"MotionForDefaultJudgment" andaproposed"JudgmentbyDefault". c.JudgmentbytheClerk.FRCP55(b)(1) (1)"Whentheplaintiff'sclaimagainstadefendantisforasumcertainorfora sumwhichcanbycomputationbemadecertain"theClerkcanenterajudgment bydefault.(Note:DefaultjudgmentsbytheClerknormallyincludeactionssuch asasuitonapromissorynote,asuitonopenaccount,etc.) (2)Proofrequiredfordefaultjudgment: (a)"Entry"ofdefault; (b)Affidavitofaccountbyaproperofficial(nottheattorneyforplaintiff); (c)Affidavitshowingthedefendantisnotaninfantorincompetent person;FRCP55(b)(1) (d)Affidavitshowingthedefendantisnotintheactiveserviceofthe armedforced; (e)Anyotherproofrequiredbythenatureoftheclaim(e.g.apromissory note). d. JudgmentbytheCourt.FRCP55(b)(2) (1) AnyclaimwhichcannotbesubmittedtotheClerkshouldbesubmittedto aDistrictJudge. (2) ProofRequiredforadefaultjudgment: (a) "Entry"ofdefault;

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(b)

Documentaryproof;

(c) Livetestimony.CAVEAT:Iflivetestimonyisrequired,plaintiff mustapplytotheCourtforanevidentiaryhearingandreceive permissiontopresentwitnessesunderLR43.1Alistofwitnesses&abrief summaryoftheirexpectedtestimonyshouldbeincludedinanyrequest. 3. SettingasideENTRYofDefaultorJUDGMENTbyDefault. (a)"Entry"ofdefaultcanonlybesetasidebyamotiontotheCourt"upon goodcauseshown."FRCP55 (b)"Judgment"bydefaultcanonlybesetasideunderFRCP60(b).No pleadingswillbefiledonbehalfofadefendantagainstwhomdefaulthas beenenteredexceptamotiontosetasidethedefaultunderFRCP55(c).

VI.TAXATIONOFCOSTS
1.InGeneral(FRCP54,LR54,28U.S.C.1920) a.ThePrevailingpartyisawardedcostsunderLR54(d).Ajudgmentwillnormallystate whoisawardedcosts.However,intheabsenceofsuchlanguage,theprevailingparty willbepresumedtohavebeenawardedcosts.Aprevailingpartyisallowedalimited rangeofcostsunder28U.S.C.1920. b.WhentoFileaBillofCosts(LR54.3):Apartyentitledtocostsshall,within30days afterreceivingnoticeofentryofjudgment,serveontheattorneyfortheadverseparty andfilewiththeclerkaBillofCosts. c.DocumentationincludedwithBillofCosts: 1.AOForm133(foundonwebsiteatwww.lawd.uscourts.gov) 2.Memoranduminsupport,documentationoneachitemofcostsandan explanationastowhyeachitemofcostswasnecessaryandshouldbeallowed. SeeLR54.3.TheClerkcandisallowanyexpensesthatdonothaveanexplanation orsupportingdocumentation. 3.Itemizedocketfeesunder28U.S.C.1923. d.Objectionstoabillofcosts.Objectionsmustbefiledwithinsevendaysfromthe receiptoftheapplication.LR54.4

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e.Clerktaxation.Afterthetimeforobjectionshasrun,theclerkwillthentaxcosts. Costsmaybetaxedbytheclerkon14daysnotice.LR54(d) F.ReviewofTaxation.Apartywhoisdissatisfiedmayfilewithin7daysaftertaxationof costs,amotiontoreviewtheactionoftheclerk.LR54.5,Fed.R.Civ.P.54(d)Amotionto reviewwillbedecidedbythedistrictjudgewhoisassignedtothecase. 2.ItemsTaxableasCosts a.FeesoftheClerkandtheMarshal 1. 2. Filingfeesunder28U.S.C.1914. TheUnitedStatesastheprevailingpartycanrecoverfilingfeesunder28 U.S.C.1914anddocketfeesunder28U.S.C.1923,evenifthesecosts wereneveractuallyprepaid.

b.FeesoftheCourtReporterForAllorAnyPartoftheTranscriptNecessarily ObtainedForUseintheCase 1.Depositionsmaybeallowedif (a)placedintoevidenceattrial (b)usedforimpeachmentandcrossexaminationpurposes (c)usedinsupportofasuccessfulmotionforsummaryjudgment (d)andotherusesasdeterminedasnecessarilyusedforthecase 2.VideotapedDepositionsareallowedifenteredintoevidenceattrial.Other usesofvideotapeddepositionsareallowedonlyatthediscretionofthejudge. c.FeesforWitnesses Witnessfeesarelimitedtothosedaysonwhichtrialtestimonyisgivenordepositions areusedinsupport.Allowanceofwitnessfeesforattendanceattrialondaysotherthan onwhichtestimonyisgivenisamatterlefttothetrialcourt'sdiscretion,basedupon thenecessityofthepresenceofthewitness. 1.AttendanceFeesof$40.00perdayareallowedforeachdaythewitness testified.See28U.S.C.1821(b).But, Realpartiesininterestarenotentitledtofeesorallowancesas witnesses.
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Expertwitnessesareallowedthesamefeesasotherwitnesses attendancefees,mileageandsubsistence.Specialexpert witnessfeesarenotallowed. Federalemployeesarenotallowedattendancefeesbutmay receivethemileageandsubsistenceallowanceforovernight stays.

2.MileageFees. 1.PrivatelyOwnedAutomobile:Mileagefeestoandfromthe courthouseareallowedfortheuseofprivatelyownedautomobilesat thegovernmentrateineffectatthetimeofthetrial.Seeratesat www.gsa.com. 2.CommonCarrier:Awitnesswhotravelsbycommoncarrier(airline) shallbepaidfortheactualexpensesoftravelonthebasisofthemeans oftransportationreasonablyutilizedandthedistancenecessarily traveledtoandfromsuchwitnesssresidencebytheshortestpractical route.Suchawitnessshallutilizeacommoncarrieratthemost economicalratereasonablyavailable.Areceiptorotherevidenceof actualcostshallbefurnished.See28U.S.C.1821(c)(1).NOTE:Ifcounsel doesnotprovideareceipt,costswillautomaticallybedisallowed. 3.SubsistenceFees:Asubsistenceallowanceispaidtoawitnesswhenan overnightstayisrequiredbecausethewitnesslivestoofartotravelbackand fortheachdayfromtheirresidencetothecourthousetoattendtrial.A subsistenceallowanceforawitnessshallbepaidinanamountnottoexceedthe maximumperdiemallowanceprescribedbywww.gsa.gov,pursuantto5 U.S.C.5702(a),forofficialtravelintheareaofattendancebyemployeesofthe FederalGovernment. 4.Tollchargesortollroads,bridges,tunnels,andferries,taxicabfares betweenplacesoflodgingandcarrierterminals,andparkingfeesshallbepaidin fulltowitnessesincurringsuchexpenses.See28U.S.C.1821(c)(3). d.FeesforServiceofSummonsandSubpoena.Thefollowingservicefeesareallowed 1.Forsummonsandotherinitialprocess 2.Fortrialsubpoenasforwitnesseswhotestifiedattrial 3.Fordepositionsubpoenasforwitnesseswhosedepositionswereusedattrial
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4.UnitedStatesMarshalfeespursuantto28U.S.C.1921 e.FeesforPrinting,PhotocopyingandExemplification. 1.Copycostsareallowedofthosedocumentswhichareplacedinevidenceat trialorthosewhichwereusedforasuccessfulmotionforsummaryjudgmentor othersuccessfulmotion. 2.Copiesobtainedmerelyfortheconvenienceofapartyinpreparingfortrial arenottaxablewithoutpretrialauthorizationfromthetrialcourt. 3.Routinecopyexpenses(exchangedbetweencounsel)arenotallowed. 4.Expensesforphotographs,graphicenlargements,charts,models, demonstrativeevidence,andotherexhibitsarenotallowedunlessorderedby thecourt. f.OtherCosts.Othercoststhataretaxableincludethefollowing:Bondpremiums; interpreterfeesuponorderofcourt;burningofCDsforuseintrial;costsonappeal (FRAP39)forpreparationandtransmissionofrecord,reporterstranscript,premiums paidforasupersedeasbondorotherbondtopreservetherightspendingappeal,and thefeeforfilingthenoticeofappeal. 3.ItemsNotUsuallyTaxable: a.Specialexpertwitnessfees(Expertsareallowedsamecostsasanyotherwitness) b.Attorneytravelexpensestoattenddepositions c.Attorneyfees(Nottaxablebytheclerkinabillofcosts;butmaybeappliedforina motionfiledwithcourtwithin14daysofjudgment) d.Postage e.FederalExpressorotherlikecharges f.Longdistancetelephonecalls g.Faxcharges h.Routinecopiessenttoopposingcounsel i.Investigativeorconsultingservices j.Trialevidenceassistancefromoutsidecompany
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k.Legalresearch 4.AppealofTaxationofCosts: a.MotiontoReviewClerksTaxationofCostsfilewithin7daysoftheclerkstaxation ofcosts.Fed.R.Civ.P.54(d)(1)andLR54.5. b.CourtofAppeal(FRAP39)Apartycanappealthedistrictjudgesdecisiontothe CourtofAppeal.Thestandardforappellatereviewofadistrictcourtsdeterminationof costsisabuseofdiscretion.Note:Filingofanappealdoesnotsuspendtaxationofcosts unlessajudgehasstayedthecasependingappeal. 5.MiscellaneousItemsonTaxationofCosts: a.Ifposttrialmotionsarefiled,thebillofcostsmustbefiled30daysaftertheruling onthelastposttrialmotion. b.Ajudgmentisenteredonthedatethatitisrecordedinthecourtsdocket. c.Theclerksofficecannotreviewamotionforcoststhatalsocontainsamotionor applicationforattorneysfees.Itisthereforerecommendedthatprevailingpartiesnot combineanapplicationforattorneysfeesinabillofcosts.Theseshouldbesubmitted astwoseparatedocuments. d.Ifpartiessettlecostsbeforecostshavebeentaxed,counselshouldnotifytheclerks officethatthematterhasbeensettledandshallfileastipulationstatingthatcostshave alsobeenresolved. e.Oncethematterofcostshasbeendetermined,costsshouldbepaiddirectlytothe prevailingpartyandnotthecourt. f.Forproblemswithcollectionofcosts,prevailingpartiesshouldconsultLouisianalaw onprocedurestoexecutejudgment.

VII.REMOVALOFCASESFROMSTATECOURT 28 U.S.C. 1441

REMOVALCHECKLIST:NoticeofRemoval,CopyofStateCourtfilings,FilingFee($350),Civil CoverSheet,NoticetootherpartiesandtheClerkoftheStateCourt. 1. GeneralRulesforRemoval,28U.S.C.1441
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AnycivilactionbroughtinaStatecourtmayberemovedbythedefendantorthe defendants. 2. NoticeofRemovalRequirements,28U.S.C.1446(a) a. b. c. SignedinaccordancewithFRCP11; Ashortandplainstatementofthegroundsforremoval; Acopyofallprocess,pleadings,andordersserveduponthepartyremovingthe action.

3.

TimeforRemoval,28U.S.C.1446(b) Filedwithin30daysof a. Serviceofsummonsorinitialpleadingsinanaction,or

b. "Receiptbythedefendant***ofacopyofanamendedpleading,motion,order orotherpaperfromwhichitmayfirstbeascertainedthatthecaseisonewhichisorhas becomeremovable."28U.S.C.1446(b)Note: Ifthecasearisesunderdiversityofcitizenshipjurisdiction,thecasemustberemoved within1yearofcommencementoftheaction. 4. RemovalOrder a. Uponthefilingofanoticeofremoval,anorderwillissuefromtheCourtsetting forththerequirementsforthepartiestotheremovedaction. b. Removalordercontents.28U.S.C.1447 (1) Obligationsofremovingdefendant: (a) Filealistofallattorneysappearinginthecasetogetherwiththe partiestheyrepresent; (b) Filecopiesofallrecordsandproceedingswhichoccurredinthe Statecourtpriortoremoval; (c) FilealistofalldocumentsfiledintheStatecourt,arrangedby dateoffiling; (d) FileacertificatethattheentireStatecourtrecordhasbeenfiled inthefederalcourt;
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(e) Transferany"registry"fundsfromtheStatecourttothefederal court.Thisonlyincludesfundsheldforthebenefitofthelitigants,not anyfundsondepositwiththeStatecourttocoverthecostsoffiling documents. (2) Obligationsofallparties: a) RefileanypendingandundecidedStatecourtexceptionsor motionsas"Motions"inthefederalcourt;(ifnotrefiled,StateCourt exceptionsormotionswillnotbedecided) (b) IfanyattorneywhoappearedintheStatecourtactionisnot admittedtopracticebeforethefederalcourt,within21daysfrom removal,theattorneymust: (1) Fileanapplicationtopracticebeforethefederalcourt;or

(2) Fileamotionforadmissiontopracticebeforethefederal court"prohacvice";or (3) Secureasubstituteattorneyqualifiedtopracticebefore thefederalcourt. 5. NoticetoOtherPartiesandtheStateClerkofCourt,28U.S.C.1446(c)and(d) a. "Promptlyafterthefiling"ofanoticeofremoval,"defendantsshallgivewritten noticethereoftoalladversepartiesandshallfileacopyofthenoticeofremovalwith theclerkofsuchStatecourt". b. FilingofacopyofthenoticeofremovalwiththeStateclerk"shalleffectthe removalandtheStatecourtshallproceednofurtherunlessanduntilthecaseis remanded." 6. 7. Nobondisrequiredforremovalofastatecourtaction. Remand,28U.S.C.1447(c)and(d) a. Amotiontoremandforaproceduraldefectmustbefiledwithin30daysoffiling ofthenoticeofremoval. b. Amotiontoremandforlackofsubjectmatterjurisdictionmaybefiledatany timebeforefinaljudgment.

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c. JoinderofPartiesinaRemovedCivilAction.LR7.7Ifmotionforjoinderofparties isfiledinaremovedcivilactionandjoinderofsuchpartiesmayserveasgroundsfora remandtostatecourt,themotionmust (1) Statethatgrantingofthemotiontojoinpartiesmaybegroundsfora remandtostatecourt, (2) Setforthsufficientfactsforthecourttomakeadeterminationof whetherjoinderisappropriateinlightof28U.S.C.1447(e). d. Remandorder (1) "Mayrequirepaymentofjustcostsandanyactualexpenses,including attorneyfees,incurredasaresultoftheremoval." (2) "Acertifiedcopyoftheorderofremandshallbemailedbytheclerkto theclerkoftheStatecourt." e. Appealunder28U.S.C.1447(d)

"AnorderremandingacasetotheStatecourtfromwhichitwasremovedisnot reviewableonappeal..."

VIII.ADMIRALTY&MARITIMECLAIMS FRCP 9(h) & Supplemental Rules

(1)AttachmentandGarnishmentUnderRuleB Ifthedefendantshallnotbefoundwithinthedistrictthereforepreventinginpersonam jurisdiction,anaction(QuasiInRem)maybecommencedbyattachmentofassets.Itistobe notedthatanyjudgmentrenderedisenforceableonlytotheextentofthevalueofthe attachedproperty.SeeRuleBandLAR4.1A. ChecklistforanAttachmentandGarnishmentComplaintunderRuleB: 1. Complaintmust a.Specificallysetforthanadmiraltyandmaritimeclaimforwhichinpersonam jurisdictionwilllie; b.Beverifiedbytheplaintiff(ortheattorneyiftheclientisnotfoundinthe District);
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c.Containaprayerforattachmentofthedefendantsgoodsorchattelsorcredit (garnishment); d.Beaccompaniedbyaseparateaffidavitbytheplaintiffortheattorneystating that,tothebestofhisinformationorbelief,thedefendantcannotbefoundin thedistrict.RuleB&LAR4.1A 2. 3. CivilCoverSheet.LR10.1(Pleaseseesectiononfilingofnewssuits.) FilingFeeifappropriate.(Pleaseseesectiononfilingofnewsuitsespeciallyasit appliestoseaman.) Process.RuleB(1)&LAR4.1 a.Aproposedorderforattachment&garnishment;and b.Aproposedwarrantofarrest.

4.

Ifexigentcircumstancesexistwhichmakereviewbythecourtimpossible,the attachmentcanbeorderedbytheClerkprovidedthatthecourtholdapost attachmenthearingwhereintheplaintiffmustshowtheexigentcircumstances. However,everyeffortshouldbemadetosecurejudicialreviewbeforeresorting tothisprocedure. 5. Securityforcosts.LAR65.1.1 Unlessapartyisproceedinginformapauperisorisrelievedfromprepayment ofcostsbystatute(e.g.aseamanssuit,28U.S.C.1916)orunlessotherwise orderedbycourt,securityinthesumof$250.00shallbeposted(cashorsurety). Pleasenote:TheUnitedStatesMarshalfortheWesternDistrictofLouisiana requiresthataseparatecheckpayabletotheMarshalaccompanytherequest forserviceasadepositforcostsincurredinseizingandmaintainingthevessel. Thecheckshallbeintheamountof$5,000ifasubstitutecustodianofthevessel willbeappointedor$15,000iftheU.S.Marshalwillberequiredtohireaguard totakecustodyofthevessel.Theunusedportionofthesefundswillbe returneduponthevesselsrelease.However,pleasebearinmindthatthe vesselwillnotbereleaseduntilallcostsofcourtandtheseizurehavebeenpaid infull. 6. ResponsivePleadingsRuleB(3) Defendantsshallhave30daysafterprocesshasbeenexecutedwithinwhichto fileananswer.Garnisheesshallfileandserveananswertothecomplaintand
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anygarnishmentinterrogatorieswithin21daysafterserviceorelsecompulsory processmaybeawardedagainstthegarnishee. Note:Ifthegarnisheeisinpossessionofassetsofthedefendant,heistoholdthose assets,ordepositthemintotheregistryofthecourt,subjecttofurtherorderofthe court. DefaultJudgmentRuleB(2) Priortoentryofajudgmentbydefaultinanattachmentandgarnishmentcaseunder RuleB,theappropriatedelaysassetoutaboveinResponsivePleadingsmusthave elapsedafteroneofthefollowingmethodsofnoticehasbeeneffected: (1)thattheplaintifforgarnisheehasgivenpropernoticeoftheactiontothedefendant bymailrequiringareturnreceipt; (2)thatthecomplaint,summonsandprocessofattachmentorgarnishmentwasserved onthedefendantunderFRCP4(d)or(I)or (3)thattheplaintifforthegarnisheehasmadediligenteffortstogivenoticetothe defendantandhasbeenunabletodoso. Note:SeethesectiononentryofdefaultinthisGuidefortheprocedureforentryofa defaultandtakingofajudgmentbydefaultinacivilcase. 7.ArrangementsforSubstituteCustodian&MovementoftheVessel.NOTE:Although, notrequiredbylaw,inordertoexpeditecompletionoftheseizureofthevessel, counselshouldprepareaseparatemotionandordertoappointasubstitutecustodian andanorderformovementofthevesselwithinthedistrict. (2)ArrestofaVesselUnderRuleC InordertoenforceanymaritimelienorwheneverastatuteoftheUnitedStatesprovidesfor amaritimeactioninremanaction(InRem)canbefiledtoarrestthevesselandalsoto proceedinpersonamagainstanypersonwhomaybeliable.RuleC(1) ChecklistforArrestofaVesselunderRuleC: 1. Complaintmust:beverified;describe,withreasonableparticularity,the propertytobearrested;andstatethatthepropertyisnow,orwillbe,withinthedistrict duringthependencyofthelitigation.RuleC&LAR4.1

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Note:Thosewrongfullydeprivedofavesselorothermaritimeproperty,thoseseeking toperfecttitletoavessel,andthoseseekingthejudicialsaleofavessel&the distributionoftheproceedsamongtheownersofthevesselmayavailthemselvesof theinremproceduresofRuleCandthenoticeproceduresofRuleB(2).RuleD 2. 3. 4. CivilCoverSheet.LR10.1 FilingFee.(Seethesectiononfilingnewsuitsespeciallyinregardstoseaman.) Process.RuleC(1)&LAR4.1 a. b. c. Summons(original&onecopyforeachdefendanttobeserved); Proposedorderauthorizingawarrantforthearrestofthevessel;& Proposedwarrantofarrest.

Thecourtwillthenreviewtheverifiedcomplaintandanysupportingpapersand,ifthe requirementssetforthintheruleshavebeenmet,willsigntheproposedorder authorizingtheissuanceofawarrantforarrestofthevessel.Ifthepropertyisfreightor proceedsofproperty,theClerkshallissueasummonstothepersonhavingcontrolof thepropertyorfundstoshowcausewhysuchpropertyorfundsshouldnotbeplacedin theregistryofthecourt. Note:Anypersonpossessingpropertythatisthesubjectoftheactionbuthasnotbeen broughtwithincontrolofthecourt(i.e.partofavesselsgearwithinthedistrictbutnot onthevesselwhenarrested)may,bymotion,beorderedtoshowcausewhythe propertyshouldnotbeturnedovertotheU.S.Marshalorplacedintheregistryofthe court.RULEC(5) Ifexigentcircumstancesexistwhichmakereviewbythecourtimpossible,the attachmentcanbeorderedbytheClerkprovidedthatthecourtholdapostattachment hearingwhereintheplaintiffmustshowtheexigentcircumstances.However,EVERY effortshouldbemadetosecurejudicialreviewbeforeresortingtothisprocedure. Note:InactionsbytheUnitedStatesforforfeituresforfederalstatutoryviolations,the clerk,uponfilingofthecomplaint,shallforthwithissueasummonsandwarrantforthe arrestofthevesselorotherpropertywithoutrequiringacertificationofexigent circumstances.RULEC(3) 5.Securityforcosts. LAR65.1.1(SeealsoProcessSectionunder1)Attachmentand GarnnishmentunderRuleB.)NOTE:Toexpeditematters,counselisadvisedto
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contacttheU.S.Marshalforspecificinstructionsandrequiredpaperworkregardingthe actualseizurePRIORtofilingthecomplaint. NoticeRULEC(4) Ifthepropertyisnotreleasedwithintendaysafterexecutionofprocess,theplaintiff shallpromptly...causepublicnoticeoftheactionandarresttobegivenina newspaper...designatedbyorderofthecourt.PleaseseeLAR64.1forwhatthe publicationshouldcontain.Dependingonthedivisionofthiscourtwheretheactionis filed,thosenewspapersareasfollows: AlexandriaDivision LafayetteDivision TheAlexandriaDailyTownTalk TheDailyAdvertiser LakeCharlesAmericanPress MonroeMorningWorld TheTimes

LakeCharlesDivision MonroeDivision

ShreveportDivision

Note:WhenthearrestedpropertyisreleasedpursuanttoRuleE(5)(bygivingof security,bystipulationorbyorderofthecourt),nonoticeotherthantheexecutionof thejudgmentisrequired.RULEC(4) InanyclaimwhereinpublicationisnecessaryunderRuleC(4),thetimeforfilinga statementofinterestinorrightagainstthepropertyisextendedfor21daysfromthe dateofpublication.LAR64.1 ResponsivePleadingsRULEC(6) Theclaimantofpropertythatisthesubjectofanactioninremshallfileaclaimwithin 14daysafterprocesshasbeenexecuted,orwithinsuchadditionaltimeasmaybe allowedbythecourt,andshallserveananswerwithin21daysafterthefilingofthe claim. 6.ArrangementsforSubstituteCustodian&MovementoftheVessel.NOTE:Although, notrequiredbylaw,inordertoexpeditecompletionoftheseizureofthevessel, counselshouldprepareaseparatemotionandordertoappointasubstitutecustodian andanorderformovementofthevesselwithinthedistrict.) 3)MiscellaneousAdmiraltyandMaritimeMatters MovementofaSeizedVessel.LAR64.3
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Avesselunderseizuremaybemovedwithinthedistrictwithoutaseparateorder a.WhenevertheU.S.Marshaldeemsnecessary;or b.Atthejointwrittenrequestofthedetaineeandtheownerofavesselprovidedthatahold harmlessagreementisexecutedinfavoroftheU.S.Marshal. Note:Toexpeditematters,aseparatemotionandorderformovementofthevesselwithinthe districtshouldbefiledwiththecomplaint! AppointmentofConsentGuardian. TheU.S.Marshalisauthorized,withoutspecialorderofthecourt,toappointthemasteror othercompetentpersonassubstitutecustodianofavesselunderseizureprovidedthatall partieshaveagreed,inwriting,totheappointmentandhaveagreed,inwriting,toholdtheU. S.Marshalharmlessfromanyliabilityasaresultoftheappointment.Note:Toexpedite matters,aseparatemotionandordertoappointasubstitutecustodianshouldbefiledwiththe complaint. SecurityforReleaseoftheVessel SupplementalRuleE(5)andLAR64.2providethespecificsforsecuringthereleaseoftheseized propertybysubstitutingadequatesecurity.Normally,thisisdonebythefilingofaspecial bondasdescribedinRuleE(5)(a).TheamountofthebondshallbeapprovedbytheClerkor thecourt,orbystipulationoftheparties.Iffixedbythecourt,thebondshallnotbenomore thanthevalueofthepropertyortwicetheamountoftheclaim,whicheverisless,withinterest at6percentperannum. Ifthereleaseisbystipulation,theseizingpartymustalsoagree,inwriting,toholdtheU.S. Marshalharmlessforanyliabilityresultingfromthereleaseoftheproperty.LAR64.2. Ifitappearsthatadditionalclaimsmaybefiled,avesselownermayfileageneralbondas providedforinRuleE(5)(b),whichshouldpreventthesubsequentseizureofthevesselinthis districtaslongasthebondisinanamountatleasttwicethatofallaggregateclaims. Atanytime,anypartymaypetitionthecourtforadecrease,increaseoralternateformof security.RuleE(6). 4)LimitationofLiabilityActions TheLimitationofLiabilityAct(46U.S.C.181195andSupplementalRuleF)allows shipownerstopetitionU.S.DistrictCourtsforacertaindegreeofprotectionfromlossesthat mayexceedthevalueofthevesselanditspendingfreight.
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WhoMayFile?Alimitationactionmaybebroughtbyavesselsownerordemisecharterer(i.e. whereallcontrolofthevesselistakenfromtheownerandvestedinthecharterer)whodoes nothaveprivityorknowledgeoftheeventscausingtheloss.Theactionisnotgenerally availabletovoyageortimecharterers.46U.S.C.183. Whenmusttheactionbefiled?Alimitationactionmustbefilednotlaterthansixmonths afterreceiptofaclaiminwriting...SupplementalRuleF(1).Thisneednotbeaformalclaim, butisadequateifitinformstheowner,whetherdirectlyorindirectly,ofaclaimantsintention tolooktotheownerfordamages. Whereshouldtheactionbefiled?RuleF(9)Ifavesselhasbeenattachedorarrested,a limitationofliabilityactionshouldbefiledinthedistrict&divisionwherethevesselhasbeen attachedorarrested. Ifavesselhasnotbeenattachedorarrested,buttheownerhasbeen suedwithrespecttoaclaimrelatingtothevessel,alimitationofliabilityactionshouldbefiled inthedistrictanddivisionwheretheactionispending. Ifavesselhasnotbeenarrestedorattachedandnosuithasbeenfiled,alimitationof liabilityactionshouldbefiledinthedistrictanddivisioninwhichthevesselislocated. Ifavesselhasnotbeenarrestedorattached,nosuithasbeenfiledandthevesselisnot locatedinthedistrict,alimitationofliabilityactionmaybefiledinanydistrict. Note:Theactionmaybetransferredtoanotherdistrictpursuanttotheregularvenue provisions. ChecklistforaLimitationofLiabilityaction:RuleF(2) 1.Factsonwhichrighttolimitationcanbedetermined; 2.Demandforexonerationfromorlimitationofliability; 3.Descriptionofthevoyageonwhichtheclaim(s)arose,includingthedateandplaceofits termination; 4.Astatementoftheknownclaimsorliensagainstthevesselarisingoutofthatvoyage; 5.Thevalueofthevesselanditspendingfreightattheendofthevoyageand 6.AnallegationthattheclaimarosewithouttheprivityorknowledgeofthePlaintiffin limitation. Note:Additionally,atthetimeoffiling,Plaintiffshalldepositwiththecourtanamountequalto thevalueoftheownersinterestinthevesselandthependingfreightattheendofthevoyage
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orapprovedsecurityinthatamountwithinterestat6%perannum.Attheownersoption,he mayturnoverthevesselandpendingfreighttoatrusteeappointedbythecourtinlieuof depositingsecurity.Sumssufficienttocovercostsandexpensesmustalsobedeposited, however. Whatwillthecourtdo?Uponcompletecompliancewiththeabove,thecourtwill,upon applicationbytheplaintiff,enjointhefurtherprosecutionofanyclaimssubjecttolimitation. Thecourtwillalsoissueanoticetoallpersonsassertingclaimssubjecttolimitation admonishingthemtofiletheirclaimswiththeClerk.Thedeadlineforsofilingshallbenoless than30daysafterissuanceofthenotice.Theplaintiffinlimitationshallpublishthisnoticeina newspaperasthecourtshalldirectonceaweekforfoursuccessiveweekspriortothedate fixedforfilingclaimsandshallmailacopyofthenoticetoeachknownclaimantnolaterthan thedateofthesecondpublication.SupplementalRuleF(4)Note:Counselfortheplaintiffin limitationshouldpreparetheproposedorderofinjunctionandthenoticetobepublished! Whattheclaimantsmustdo?RuleF(5)Priortothedatefixedforfilingclaims,eachclaimant mustfileandservetheirclaimwhichmustinclude: 1.Specificfactsinsupportoftheclaim; 2.Thespecificitemsoftheclaim;and 3.Thedateonwhichtheclaimaccrued. Note:Iftheclaimantwishestocontesttherighttoexonerationorlimitation,heshouldalsofile ananswertothecomplaint. Note:Ifanyclaimantwishestocontesttheadequacyofthesecurity,hemaydoso,bymotion, atanytime.Thereafter,thecourtwillcausedueappraisementandadjustthesecurity accordingly.SupplementalRuleF(7) Whathappensaftertheclaimsarefiled?RuleF(6)Within30daysafterthedeadlineforfiling claims,theplaintiffshallsendtoeachclaimantsattorney(ortoanyproseclaimants)alist consistingof: 1.Thenameofeachclaimant; 2.Thenameandaddressofeachclaimantsattorney;and 3.Thenatureandamountofeachclaim.

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IX.APPEALS
APPEALSCHECKLIST

1. 2. 3. 1.

NoticeofAppeal Filingfees($455) Transcript

AppealsfromCivilCases a. Whatjudgmentsareappealable? (1) Ajudgmentororderthatis"final" (a) Ajudgmentis"final"ifitdisposesofallclaimsastoallparties.

(b) "Whenmorethanoneclaimforreliefispresentedinanaction** *orwhenmultiplepartiesareinvolved,thecourtmaydirecttheentryof afinaljudgmentastooneormorebutfewerthanalloftheclaimsor partiesonlyuponanexpressdeterminationthatthereisnojustreason fordelayanduponanexpressdirectionfortheentryofjudgment."FRCP 54(b) (2) Certaininterlocutorydecisions.Note:Leavetoappealfroman interlocutoryordermustbesoughtbypetitionfromtheCourtofAppeals.See FRAP5and28U.S.C.1292 (a) Adecisioncontainingastatementfromthedistrictjudgethat "suchorderinvolvesacontrollingquestionoflawastowhichthereisa substantialgroundfordifferenceofopinionandthatanimmediate appealfromtheordermaymateriallyadvancetheultimatetermination ofthelitigation."28U.S.C.1292(b) (b) Certaininterlocutoryorderslistedin28U.S.C.1292(a),including ordersinvolvinginjunctions,ordersinvolvingreceiverships,anddecrees involvingadmiraltycases. (3) Appealoforderofdistrictcourtgrantingordenyingclassaction certification.Mustbemadewithin14daysafterentryoforder.Fed.R.Civ.P.23(f). b.

Whencanacasebeappealed?FRAP4
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(1) Generally,anoticeofappealmustbefiledwiththeclerkofthedistrictcourt within30daysofthe"entry"oftheFed.R.Civ.P.58separatejudgment,ifrequired,or 150daysofentryofthejudgmentororderonthedocket.(Fed.R.Civ.P.58) (2) IncasesinvolvingtheUnitedStates,thetimeforappealis60daysfrom"entry" ofjudgmentinthedistrictcourt. (3) INPERMISSIVEAPPEALSUNDERFRAP5apetitionforpermissiontoappealmust befiledwithin14daysofentryofjudgmentwiththeclerkofthecourtofappeals. (4) ExtensionofTimetoAppealforLackofNotice.FRAP4(a)(6) (a) DistrictCourtmustfind: (1) Partydidnotreceivenoticeoftheentryofthejudgmentwithin 21daysofthedateofentryofthejudgmenteitherfromtheclerkorfrom anyparty(SeeFRCP77(d));and (2) "Nopartywouldbeprejudiced."

(b) Motionmustbefiledwithin"180daysofentryofthejudgmentororder orwithin14daysofreceiptofsuchnotice,whicheverisearlier." (c) Thetimeforappealmaybereopenedfor"aperiodof14daysfromthe dateofentryoftheorderreopeningthetimeforappeal." c. AnoticeofappealmustconformtoFORM1,FRAP.Note:Allpartiesjoininginanotice ofappealmustbelistedinthenotice.Thedesignation"etal."isnotsufficienttoinclude partiesnotspecificallylisted.Morales,etal.v.PanAmericanLifeIns.Co.,914F.2d83(5th Cir.1990). d. Whathappenstoanoticeofappealfiledpriorto"Entry"ofJudgment?Generally,"a noticeofappealfiledaftertheannouncementofadecisionororderbutbeforetheentryofthe judgmentorordershallbetreatedasfiledonthedateofandafterentry."FRAP4(a)(2) e. Howisanoticeofappealaffectedbythefilingofposttrialmotions?FRAP4(a)(4) (1) "Ifanypartymakesatimelymotionofatypespecifiedimmediatelybelow,the timeforappealforallpartiesrunsfromtheentryoftheorderdisposingofthelastsuch motionoutstanding.ThisprovisionappliestoatimelymotionundertheRulesofCivil Procedure: (a) forjudgmentunderFRCP50(b)(i.e.JudgmentasaMatterofLaw);
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(b) toamendormakeadditionalfindingsoffactunderFRCP52(b),whether ornotgrantingthemotionwouldalterthejudgment; (c) toalteroramendthejudgmentunderFRCP59;

(d) forattorney'sfeesunderFRCP54ifadistrictcourtunderFRCP58 extendsthetimeforappeal; (e) foranewtrialunderFRCP59;or

(f) forreliefunderFRCP60ifthemotionisfiledwithin28daysafterentryof judgment. Note:Anoticeofappealfiledpriortothetimelyfilingofoneofthesemotionsisineffective untilentryoftheorderdisposingofthemotion.Ifsuchorderisbeingappealed,thenoticeof appealmustbeamended. f. Howcanyou"stay"executionofajudgment? (1) Automatic14DayStay Generally,"Noexecutionshallissueuponajudgmentnorshall proceedingsbetakenforitsenforcementuntiltheexpirationof14days afteritsentry."FRCP62(a)Note:Therearesomeexceptionsfor injunctions,receivershipactions,patentactions,etc. (2) SupersedeasBondsFRCP62(d) (a) Filingofasupersedeasbondactsasastayfromexecutionofa judgmentonappeal. (b) Asupersedeasbondmaybefiledatanytimeonorafterthetime theappealistaken. (c) Asupersedeasbondiseffectivefromthetimeofapprovalbythe court. (d) Foramoneyjudgment,asupersedeasbondissetat120%ofthe judgment.LR62.2(UnlesstheCourtothersotherwise) g. Isitnecessarytofileacostbond?FRAP7

Whileacostbondmayberequiredbythedistrictcourt,thisCourtdoesnotrequirea costbondUNLESSSPECIFICALLYREQUIREDBYCOURTORDER.
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2.

AppealsfromCriminalCasesunderFRAP4(b) a. Whenmayacasebeappealed? (1) "Inacriminalcase,adefendantshallfilethenoticeofappealinthe districtcourtwithin14daysaftertheentryeitherofthejudgmentororder appealedfromoranoticeofappealbytheGovernment." (2) ThenoticeofappealbytheGovernment"mustbefiledinthedistrict courtwithin30daysafter(I)theentryofthejudgmentororderappealedfrom or(ii)thefilingofanoticeofappealbyanydefendant." (3) "Anoticeofappealfiledaftertheannouncementofadecision,sentence ororderbutbeforeentryofthejudgmentororderistreatedasfiledonthe dateofandaftertheentry." (4) Timeforappealmaybeextendeduntil14daysfollowingdispositionof thefollowingmotions:(a)MotionArrestingJudgment;FRCrP34;(b)MotionFor NewTrialongroundsotherthannewlydiscoveredevidence;FRCrP33;(c)A MotionforNewTrialonthegroundsofnewlydiscoveredevidencefiledwithin 14daysafterentryofjudgment.d) MotionforJudgmentofAcquittal (Fed.R.Cr.P.29)(e) MotionforReconsideration. Note:Bothofthesemotionsmustbefiledwithin7daysafterverdictorfinding ofguiltyorafterpleaofguiltyornolocontendere. (5) Anextensionofupto30daysmaybegrantedbythedistrictcourtfor eithergoodcauseorexcusableneglect.

3.

RulesApplyingtoAllAppeals. a. Fees (1)$5forfilingthenoticeofappealinthedistrictcourt.28U.S.C.1917 (2)$450fordocketingthecaseintheCourtofAppeals.28U.S.C.1913 Note:Bothofthesefeesshouldbepaidtotheclerkofthedistrictcourt. However,"failureofanappellantto"submitthefeewiththenoticeofappeal "doesnotaffectthevalidityoftheappeal,butisgroundonlyforsuchactionas thecourtofappealsdeemsappropriate,whichmayincludedismissalofthe appeal."FRAP3

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b.

Orderingatranscript (1) Uponfilinganoticeofappeal,theclerkofthedistrictcourtwillprovide appellantwithaformentitled"TranscriptOrder". (2) Itistheobligationofappellanttomakesatisfactoryarrangementswith thecourtreporterforprovidingthetranscript. (3) Whenorderingatranscript,appellantshouldmailcopiesoftheorder formasdirectedonthebackofthatform.Copiesshouldbemailedto:Appeals Unit,UnitedStatesClerkofCourt,300FanninStreet,Suite1167,Shreveport,La. 711013083.Note:Atranscriptshouldbefiledbythecourtreporterwithin30 daysofcompletionofthe"TranscriptOrder",unlessanextensionisgrantedby thecourtofappeals.

c.

Filingoftherecordonappeal(FRAP10) (1) "Therecordonappealconsistsoftheoriginalpapersandexhibitsfiledin thedistrictcourt,thetranscriptofproceedings,ifany,andacertifiedcopyofthe docketentriespreparedbytheclerkofthedistrictcourt." (2) Whentherecordonappealiscompletedbytheclerkofthedistrictcourt, itistransmittedtothecourtofappeals.Thistransmissionisnormally: (a) Within15daysofthefilingofthetranscript,or

(b) Within15daysofthenoticeofappealifnotranscriptisordered. 5thCir.R.11.3

X.REGISTRATIONOFJUDGMENTS 28U.S.C.963
RegistrationofJudgmentChecklist 1. CertifiedCopyoftheJudgmentofanycourtofappeals,districtcourt,bankruptcycourt ortheCourtofInternationalTrade. 2. Either a. AcertificationfromtheClerkthatthejudgmentisfinaleitherbyappealorbythe expirationofthetimeforappeal(AOForm451).OR
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b. AnorderfromtheCourtthatenteredthejudgmentthatthejudgmentshouldbe registeredinanotherdistrict(Issuanceofthisorderrequiresashowingofgoodcause.) 3. Afilingfeeof$39.

COMMENTS: 1. AjudgmentinanactionfortherecoveryofmoneyorpropertyenteredinanyUnited StatesDistrictCourtmayberegisteredinanyotherUnitedStatesDistrictCourt. 2. Ajudgmentregisteredinanotherdistrictshallhavethesameforceandeffectasa judgmententeredinsuchdistrictcourt. 3. Asatisfactionofjudgmentmayberegisteredinalikemanner.Allthatisrequiredisa certifiedcopyofthesatisfactionofjudgment.

XI.SCHEDULEOFFEES
NewSuits $350 $5 $46 HabeasCorpus Miscellaneous

Afilingnotinapendingaction,e.g.: PetitiontoPerpetuateTestimonyFRCP27(a) TrusteeFilingsunder28U.S.C.754 LettersRogatory RegistrationofaJudgment,28U.S.C.1963 NoticeofaDeposition(outofdistrict) $455 ($5forDistrictCourt,$450 forCourtofAppeals)

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Appeal

AppealofaMagistrateRuling DepositforGarnishment AttorneyAdmission

$37(CriminalMisdemeanorCase) $15(answeringtheinterrogatories) $201(Aduplicatecertificateis$18) $105

AttorneyAdmission,ProHacVice

CertificateofGoodStanding RecordsSearch&Certification ExemplificationCertificate

$18 $30 $21 $53 $11 $0.50/page $6 $30

RetrievalofRecordfromFRC CertificationofaCopy Photocopying CopyofMicrofiche

Reproductionofrecordings,proceedings,regardless ofmedium

ReturnedChecks WitnessFee MileageAllowance WEBPACERUsage

$53 $40

$0.565/mile $0.10/page

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