what can an attorney write to compel a court to have a trial

by Nettie Collins 7 min read

A writ of mandamus is a remedy that can be used to compel a lower court to perform an act that is ministerial in nature and that the court has a clear duty to do under law. When filing a petition for writ of mandamus, you must show that you have no other remedy available. A writ of mandamus is different from an appeal.

Full Answer

What does it mean to file a motion to compel?

MOTIONTO COMPEL PRODUCTION OF DEFENSE TRIAL COUNSELS CASE FILE DefendantBRANDON KIJUAN FIELDS, by and through his attorney, the STATE APPELLATE DEFENDER OFFICE, by MEREDITH KRAUSE, moves this Honorable Court to grant this Motion to Compel Production ofDefense Trial Counsels Case File in this case and says in support …

Can a lawyer be called as a witness in a trial?

Dec 30, 2016 · Motion To Compel Mediation. Most judges require mediation before a contested family law hearing or a trial because it is so successful. Most mediations result in a mediated settlement agreement, or “M.S.A.”. If mediation is not required by the judge, it can still be ordered. Even the few judges who do not require mediation will usually ...

How do you get a court order to compel information?

A writ of mandamus is a remedy that can be used to compel a lower court to perform an act that is ministerial in nature and that the court has a clear duty to do under law. When filing a petition for writ of mandamus, you must show that you have no other remedy available. A writ of mandamus is different from an appeal.

When to file a motion to compel a witness?

Aug 06, 2014 · 3. Lawyer A threatens to file a motion to compel. 4. Lawyer B “answers” some of the requests either: a. by sending a letter that generally discusses discovery (rather than a formal discovery answer actually answering the specific interrogatories) or. b. by serving a formal discovery answers signed by the lawyer (rather than signed by the party).

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What are the five major methods of discovery?

There are basically six types of discovery in family court: 1) interrogatories; 2) requests for production of documents and inspection 3) requests for admissions; 4) depositions; 5) subpoenas duces tecum; 6) physical and mental examinations.

What is a note of issue?

This document is called a "Note of Issue." It's a document that lets the court know that all discovery is complete. It's a way for the court to know that the lawsuit is technically ready for trial. Once your attorney prepares and files a "Note of Issue" your case will sit on the trial calendar for many months.

What are the three types of discovery?

That disclosure is accomplished through a methodical process called "discovery." Discovery takes three basic forms: written discovery, document production and depositions.Nov 29, 2018

What is an affidavit of discovery?

The affidavit shall. verify that the discovery of documents sought is necessary for fairly disposing of the matter or for saving costs; furnish reasons why each category of documents is required to be discovered, and.

What is a NOI in court?

Abbreviation for "Not Otherwise Indexed."Oct 15, 2021

What does Noi stand for in law?

NOI – “ Note of Issue” Another court form which a party, usually the plaintiff, must file in order to place a divorce action on the court's trial calendar.Oct 17, 2012

What is exculpatory evidence?

Evidence, such as a statement, tending to excuse, justify, or absolve the alleged fault or guilt of a defendant.

What is the burden of proof in the trial of a civil lawsuit?

For example, in criminal cases, the burden of proving the defendant's guilt is on the prosecution, and they must establish that fact beyond a reasonable doubt. In civil cases, the plaintiff has the burden of proving his case by a preponderance of the evidence.

What is the first step in the discovery process?

The first phase of the discovery process is the written discovery phase. During this phase, your attorney may send and receive requests to produce documents, requests for admissions of facts, and written interrogatories.Oct 27, 2020

What are the most common discovery techniques?

The most commonly used discovery devices are depositions, interrogatories, requests for admissions, requests for production of documents, requests for inspection and e-discovery.

How do I prepare for discovery?

1:377:44Preparing for Discovery - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst take a good look at everything in the case once put it aside and then a few days before theMoreFirst take a good look at everything in the case once put it aside and then a few days before the examination. Review it all again to make sure that it's fresh in your mind.

Is a notice to produce a pleading?

A Notice to Produce under Rule 21.10(1)(a) requires the production of a document or thing “referred to” in an affidavit or pleading. Thus, if it is described or referred to in a general manner or as part of an identified class of documents then this rule is satisfied.

Why do judges require mediation?

Most judges require mediation before a contested family law hearing or a trial because it is so successful. Most mediations result in a mediated settlement agreement, or “M.S.A.”. If mediation is not required by the judge, it can still be ordered. Even the few judges who do not require mediation will usually order it if requested.

What happens if a motion is granted?

If the motion is granted, the judge will sign an Order Compelling Mediation or an Order to Mediate. That order usually appoints a specific mediator and orders the parties to contact the mediator and mediate by a specific date.

Is mediation a trial?

Trial is expensive and unpredictable. Mediation allows the parties to negotiate and voluntarily sign an agreement. Judges hear admissible testimony, review admissible evidence, and tell you the outcome. There is no negotiation in court. Some of what you want the judge to consider might not be admissible in court.

When Can a Writ of Mandamus Be Filed?

There is no time limit for filing a writ of mandamus. However, a petition for a writ of mandamus could be dismissed if you unreasonably delay in filing it.

Limitations on a Writ of Mandamus

A writ of mandamus can only be filed in limited circumstances. It cannot be used to:

How long is a writ?

A petition for a writ cannot be longer than 50 pages. The requirements for the margins and fonts are the same as the requirements for an appellate brief. A certificate of compliance is also required. This tells the court that the party has complied with the requirements of the appellate rules. A certificate of service is also required. This shows that the party has served a copy of the petition on all opposing parties, and also sent a copy to the trial judge. The petition is filed directly in the appellate court. If a party files the petition in the wrong court, the court has the power to transfer it to the right court, not to dismiss it. A filing fee of generally $300 is required unless the party has been determined to be indigent . The party should call the appellate court clerk’s office to confirm that court’s filing fee.

Where is a writ petition filed?

The writ petition is filed in the appellate court and served on the opposing parties.

What is an extraordinary writ petition?

An extraordinary writ petition is a different way to ask an appellate court to review the actions or inactions of a lower tribunal . Writ petitions can only be used in very rare, or “extraordinary,” circumstances, where there is no other adequate remedy or ability to appeal . See Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.100. In civil cases, writs are most commonly used to: compel a judge or other official to perform a ministerial act he or she refuses, but is required, to do (writs of mandamus); prevent a lower tribunal from performing an act it has no jurisdiction to do (writs of prohibition); or challenge non-final orders that cannot otherwise be immediately appealed (writs of certiorari). An extraordinary writ petition can be filed, provided certain criteria are satisfied, with the appellate court while the case is still going on in the lower tribunal. Filing a writ petition usually does not stay (stop) the proceedings in the lower tribunal. Rather, to stay the lower tribunal proceedings during the writ proceeding, a party would normally have to also move for and be granted a stay. Stay motions are discussed in Chapter 11 of this Handbook. See also Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.310.

What is a writ of mandamus?

If a lower tribunal judge or other official is required by law to perform a duty and refuses or fails to perform it, a party can file a petition for writ of mandamus. An appellate court may issue a writ of mandamus to force the lower tribunal, or another government officer, to perform an official duty. The requirements for a writ of mandamus are:

Can an extraordinary writ be granted?

An extraordinary writ will not be granted to fix an ordinary mistake in the middle of a case. A party should carefully think about whether to file a petition for an extraordinary writ. A petition for an extraordinary writ should only be filed if a party truly believes that there has been a miscarriage of justice that simply cannot be fixed later or any other way.

What is a prohibition writ?

Prohibition is a writ used to stop a lower tribunal from doing something that it does not have jurisdiction to do. In other words, it is used to stop a lower tribunal from doing something unlawful or improper. District courts of appeal can issue writs of prohibition to lower courts or state agencies.

What is a certiorari in Florida?

Certiorari, also called “cert.” lets an appellate court review a non- final order of the lower tribunal that departs from the essential requirements of law when there is no other means of appeal. It allows the appellate court to decide whether the lower tribunal is handling the proceedings in a regular way and according to the law. Certiorari gives the appellate court the power to reach down and stop a miscarriage of justice where no other remedy exists. Unlike the district courts of appeal, the Florida Supreme Court does not have jurisdiction to grant writs of common law certiorari. To get a writ of certiorari, a petitioner must show:

What is an attorney's fee award?

an attorney's fee award— where your spouse pays for the attorney’s fees you incurred in bringing the motion. evidentiary sanctions—where the court prevents your spouse from introducing certain evidence at trial, and. jail time—ordering that your spouse spend a certain amount of time in jail.

What is a request for production of documents?

Whether you live in a mandatory disclosure state or not, you can send your spouse a formal request for information, typically called a “Request for Production of Documents.”. You can also send questions for your spouse to answer under oath, called “Interrogatories.”.

What is a motion to compel discovery?

If that fails, a court order is the next option. A motion to compel discovery is a request for the court to order the opposing side to disclose or produce discovery. The federal and state rules require that the parties attempt to resolve the issue before resorting to court action.

Why do domestic cases settle without trial?

There can be many reasons for this: one party is not ready for trial, one party does not want to go through a trial, or the parties, apart from emotional discord, may actually agree or be willing to compromise.

What is not privileged?

Any document that is not privileged, is relevant to the subject matter involved, and is proportional is discoverable through depositions, written interrogatories, requests for production of documents, mental or physical examinations, and requests for admission. Not only is relevant information discoverable, but so is the “existence, description, ...

How many interrogatories can a party serve?

For example, under the federal rules and Missouri rules, a party may only serve upon the party no more than 25 interrogatories including all discrete subparts.

What happens if a motion is denied?

However, if the motion is denied, the court will require that “the moving party or the attorney advising the motion or both of them to pay to the party or deponent who opposed the motion the reasonable expenses incurred in opposing the motion, including attorney’s fees…”.

What is 62.01?

Under Rule 62.01, you may make a motion for the parties to appear before the court for a case management conference. Local rules in family court proceedings typically require you to schedule a conference after a petition or motion is served on the opposing party.

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Types

  • Discovery the process of requesting and obtaining information from an opposing party to a legal action takes many forms. The most commonly used include:
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Summary

  • Discovery is the process by which the parties to a legal action request and obtain information and evidence from the other parties. The Rules of Court of each jurisdiction are very specific as to how this information can be requested, and how the other party must respond including a very tight timeline. Failing to provide full responses to discovery requests, or to respond on time, is the top…
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Issues

  • In some jurisdictions, a party is permitted to file a Motion to Compel Discovery immediately if the other party has missed the deadline for responding. Many jurisdictions, however, attempt to lessen the burden this places on the court by requiring the requesting party to prove a good faith effort was made to obtain the responses before filing. This is commonly referred to as a meet a…
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Example

  • For example, a Motion to Compel Discovery has been filed by Marys attorney on the day after her estranged husband, Neal, was supposed to deliver his answers to interrogatories and request for production of documents. The day the discovery was due, Neals attorney called Marys attorney to say that it was taking longer than expected to get the documents together, and to ask for an ext…
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Effects

  • While failing to comply with other discovery requests may result in sanctions by the court. Failing to appear or otherwise comply with a subpoena may result in a charge of contempt of court, which may result in a hefty fine, or even jail time.
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Incidents

  • In December, 2015, a man went into a center for people with developmental disabilities, and opened fire, killing 14 people. The FBI tracked the purchase of the gun used in the shooting to Syed Farook, then surrounded his home in a standoff. Eventually, Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, attempted to flee in a black SUV. They got into a shootout with police, and both were killed.
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Background

  • The FBI, fearing the mass shooting was a terrorist act instituted by a terrorist cell, attempted to go through the Farooks iPhone to determine who he had been in contact with. Unfortunately, the authorities were unable to break into the encrypted information on the phone, so they sought the help of Apple in unlocking the information.
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Security

  • While Apple complied with a subpoena to turn over account information, and had their engineers give advice as to investigative options available to the government, the company refused to provide a code to open the encrypted information. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed an ex parte Motion to Compel Apple to unlock Farooks encrypted iPhone. On February 16, 2016 hea…
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Advantages

  • The government suggests this tool could only be used once, on one phone. But thats simply not true. Once created, the technique could be used over and over again, on any number of devices. In the physical world, it would be the equivalent of a master key, capable of opening hundreds of millions of locks
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Quotes

  • We are challenging the FBIs demands with the deepest respect for American democracy and a love of our country. We believe it would be in the best interest of everyone to step back and consider the implications.
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