guide to practice in western district

7/29/2019 Guide to Practice in Western District

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GUIDETOPRACTICE

INTHE

UNITEDSTATESDISTRICTCOURT

FORTHE

WESTERNDISTRICTOFLOUISIANA

AUGUST2012


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TableofContentsINTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................. 3

GENERALINFORMATIONABOUTTHEWESTERNDISTRICT.......................................................................... 3

I.GENERALRULESOFPLEADING................................................................................................................... 5

II.MOTIONS FRCP7,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


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INTRODUCTION

WelcometotheUnitedStatesDistrictCourt,WesternDistrictofLouisiana!ThisGuideto

PracticeisdesignedfortheassistanceofpractitionersbeforethisCourt.Itisnotadefinitive

statementofthelawandmaynotbecitedassuch.PleaseconsulttheFederalRulesof

Procedure

and

the

Local

Rules

for

the

full

text

of

rules.

If

there

is

a

discrepancy

with

this

Guide

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,

onthe

north

by

the

State

of

Arkansas,

on

the

west

by

the

State

of

Texas,

and

on

the

south

by

theGulfofMexico. TheWesternDistrictisdividedinto5administrativedivisions: Alexandria,

LakeCharles,Lafayette,Monroe,andShreveportwithcourtheldinallfivedivisionaloffices.

FilingPleadings

ThefilingsystemfortheWesternDistrictofLouisianaisnowelectronic.Itismandatorythat

attorneysfilepleadingselectronically.(LR5.7.01)Rulesforelectronicfilingmaybefoundinthe

AdministrativeProceduresforElectronicFilingacopyofwhichmaybeviewedonthecourts

website

at

www.lawd.uscourts.gov.

Filings

by

pro

se

litigants

or

attorneys

exempted

from

electronicfilingshouldbemailedto:UnitedStatesDistrictCourt,WesternDistrictof

Louisiana,300FanninStreet,Suite1167,Shreveport,La.711013083.PleadingsMAYNOTBE

FILEDBYFACSIMILETRANSMISSIONintheWesternDistrictofLouisianaexceptinemergencies

andonlywiththepriorauthorizationofajudgeofthecourt.(LR5.5)

LocationoftheRecord

Theelectronicrecordmaybeaccessedatwww.lawd.uscourts.govbyasystemknownas

PACER(PublicAccesstoCourtElectronicRecords).PACERchargesasmallaccessfee.Therecord

canalso

be

viewed

at

any

office

of

the

Clerk

of

Court.

Older

case

records

from

1999

through

2005havebeenscannedinandrecordedaselectronicimagesandareavailableforviewingat

anyofficeoftheClerkofCourtorbyaccessingPACERthroughtheCourtswebsite.Caserecords

fromJanuary1,1977toDecember31,1998areavailableonmicrofilm.Acompletesetof

microfichecaserecordsarepresentintheShreveportOfficeatalltimes. Amicrofichecopyof


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eachclosedcaserecordfiledinaparticulardivisionispresentintheClerk'sofficeforthat

division.

Indices:TheindicesinthisCourtcanbefoundonmicrofilmandalsoelectronically.Forolder

casesfiledafter1977andthatarenotelectronic,eachdivisionhasamicrofilmindexforthe

entiredistrict

both

by

party

and

by

case.

There

is

acard

index

of

earlier

cases

in

Shreveport.

Venue:Venueisthelocationwheretheactionispending. Asamatteroflaw,venueonly

appliestothedistrict. Thereisnodivisionalrightofvenue.(Exception:28U.S.C.1441(a)

requiresthatacaseberemovedtothedistrict&divisionwhereitispending.) Normally,cases

areassignedtothedivisionwheretheactionaroseorwhereapreponderanceofthepartiesis

located. However,assignmentofcasesisamatterofadministrationandisaccomplishedin

accordancewiththeinstructionsoftheCourt.

Stateand

Federal

Court

Differences

FEES: Instatecourt,adepositmustbemadepriortofilingasuitandthereisachargeforeach

documentfiledinthecase. Infederalcourt,thereisaninitialfilingfeeforthefilingofthe

Complaint. Generally,thereisnofeeforfilinganysubsequentpleadingsinthecourtexceptfor

anoticeofappeal.

JURIES: Instatecourt,adepositmustbemadetocoverthecostofajury. Infederalcourt,

thereisnochargewhenapartyrequestsajury. However,ifthepartiesfailtotimelynotifythe

Courtofasettlementandthejurorsappearneedlessly,oneorbothofthepartiesmaybe

assessedjury

costs

under

LR54.1.

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

serviceof

process).

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. GENERALRULESOFPLEADING1. SizeofPaperPleadingsshouldbeon8"X11"lettersizepaper.(LR10.1)

2. CaptionCaptionshouldcontainthefollowing: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. NO.5:91cv1234

VERSUS JUDGESTAGG

DONDEFENDANT,ETAL. MAG.JUDGEHORNSBY

3. Signatures(FRCP11,LR5.7.08,11.1,11.2)

a. Theuserloginandpasswordrequiredforattorneystosubmitdocuments

electronicallyisnowtheattorneyssignatureforallpurposes.(LR5.7.08)

b. Documentsmuststillcontainasignatureline.Attorneysmaysignthesignature

lineusingthisformat:s/attorneysname.

c. Attorneysmustprovidethefollowinginformationbelowthesignatureline:

(1)NameofAttorney(Ifmorethanoneattorneyappearsforasingleparty,there

mustbeadesignationofTrialAttorneyorTA.)

(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

[email protected]

Phone:(318)2261234

Fax:(318)

226

5678

4. ServiceofProcess(FRCP4)

AsummonsandacopyoftheComplaintmustbeserveduponeachdefendantunderFRCP4(a)

unlessdefendantsignsawaiverofserviceunderFRCP4(d).

a. SummonsIssuanceunderFRCP4(b)Uponfilinganewcivilactionoradocumentaddinganewparty(e.g.,amended

complaintorthirdpartycomplaint),summonswillnowbeissuedelectronicallybythe

ClerksOffice

pursuant

to

Standing

Order

1.14

and

sent

to

counsel

through

the

system

bytheNoticeofElectronicFiling.Counselwillprintthesummonsandservealongwith

thecomplaintaccordingtoFederalRuleCivilProcedure4.Attorneyswhowishtohave

summonsissuedondemandmaydosobyfilingaProposedSummons/Requestfor

SummonswithintheECFSystem.Note:Casesexemptfromthisprocessinclude:

noticesofremoval,transfersfromotherUnitedStatesDistrictCourtsandbankruptcy

appeals.

b. WaiverofServiceunderFRCP4(d)and12(a)(1)(B)

(1)

Waiverof

service

is

equivalent

to

service

of

process

except

(a) Thereisnowaiverof"anyobjectiontothevenueortothe

jurisdictionofthecourtoverthepersonofthedefendant." (FRCP

4(d)(1))


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(b) Timetoansweris60daysfrommailingoftherequestforwaiver.

SeealsoFRCP4(d)(3)and12(a)(1)(B).

c. ObligationtoServe underFRCP4(c)(1)

"Theplaintiff

is

responsible

for

service

of

asummons

and

acomplaint.

.."

d. WhocanserveasummonsandcomplaintunderFRCP4(c)(2)

Anypersonwhoisatleast18yearsofageandnotapartymayserveasummons

andcomplaint.

e. Howprocesscanbeserved

(1) OnanIndividualby

(a)

personal

delivery;

(FRCP

4(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,

partnership

or

unincorporated

association

by

(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;

(2) Registeredorcertifiedmailaddressedtothe"civilprocess

clerk"attheU.S.Attorney'soffice:


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(a) RegisteredorcertifiedmailtotheUnitedStates

AttorneyGeneral;

(b) Registeredorcertifiedmailtotheheadofany

agencyoftheUnitedStatesthatisbeingsued. Note:Ifan

officeror

employee

of

the

United

States

is

being

sued

in

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.

(b) Theproofofservicemustbearanoriginalsignature. Aphotocopy

isnotsufficient.

(c)

If

proof

of

service

is

made

on

a

copy

of

the

reverse

side

of

a

subpoena,thefrontmustalsobecopiedtoindicatewhatwas

served.

(3) WhenLongArmServiceismade,proofofserviceisanaffidavitofmailing

alongwiththereturnreceipt.La.R.S.13:3205.

g. Servingprocessinaforeigncountry (FRCP4(f))

(1) byanyinternationallyagreedmeansreasonablycalculatedtogivenotice,

suchasthosemeansauthorizedbytheHagueConventionontheServiceAbroad

ofJudicial

and

Extrajudicial

Documents;

(2) ifthereisnointernationallyagreedmeansofserviceortheapplicable

internationalagreementallowsothermeansofservice,providedthatserviceis

reasonablycalculatedtogivenotice:

(a) Inthemannerprescribedbythelawoftheforeigncountry;


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(b) Asdirectedbytheforeignauthorityinresponsetoaletter

rogatoryoraletterofrequest;

(c) Bypersonaldelivery;

(d)

Bymail

from

the

clerk

of

court

with

areturn

receipt.

Note:

To

use

thismethod,delivertotheclerkofcourt:(1)thedocumentstobe

served&(2)acheckpayabletotheU.S.Postmasterforthe

amountofpostagerequired.

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

to

requests

for

discovery

exempted

from

filing

with

the

clerk

of

court

under

Fed.R.Civ.P.

5(d).

6. FilingofNewSuitChecklist

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

b. CivilCoverSheet (FormavailableatanyofficeoftheClerkofCourtandalsoon

thecourtswebsiteatwww. l awd. uscourt s. gov.)

c. Payfees.Foracivilaction,pay$350.(28U.S.C.1914)Foranapplicationto

proceedfor

awrit

of

habeas

corpus

(including

apetition

under

28

U.S.C.

2254),

pay

$5.00.(28U.S.C.1914)Ifunabletopay,proceedInFormaPauperis(i.e.withoutprepaymentoffees)whichrequiresanaffidavitinsupportoftheapplicationwhichcan

befoundinanyofficeoftheClerkofCourt.28U.S.C.1915NOTE:Aseamanmay

proceedwithoutprepaymentofcosts.Costswillbebilledattheconclusionofthecase.

28U.S.C.1916


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II.MOTIONS - FRCP7,LR7.1

1. MotionsinGeneral.Arequestforacourtordermustbemadebymotionwhich,unless

madeduringahearingortrial,shallbemadeinwriting,statewithparticularitythegrounds

therefore,andstatethereliefsought.

2.

Form

a. Notice Itisnotnecessaryfortheattorneytofilea"notice"withthemotion.

TheClerkwillissuea"notice"ofthemotionimmediatelyuponfiling.

b. Briefs

Amemorandumbriefmustaccompanyeachmotionexceptforthoseexparte

motionssetforthinLR7.4.1.SeealsoLR7.8.

(1)

A

brief

may

not

exceed

25

pages

without

permission

of

the

Court.

(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)

"Prior

to

filing

any

motion

under

this

section,

with

exception

of

a

motion

to

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)StatementofMaterialFactsNotatIssue Everymotionforsummary

judgmentshall

be

accompanied

by

aseparate,

short

and

concise

statement

of

thematerialfactsastowhichthemovingpartycontendsthereisnogenuine

issuetobetried."

(2)StatementofMaterialFactatIssue Anoppositiontoamotionforsummary

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.

Noticeand

Hearing

a. NoticeofMotion

Immediatelyuponthefilingofeveryadversarymotion,theClerkwillissuea

"Notice"settingforth:

(1) Thenatureofthemotionandthenameofthepartyfilingsuchmotion;

(2) Thebriefingschedulefortheparties;

(3)

The

judges

policy

on

oral

argument;

(4) The"hearing"dateforthemotion.

b. 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. Discoveryisgenerallyamatterbetweencounsel.

b. Exceptions:

DisclosuresunderRule26(a)(1)or(2)andthefollowingdiscoveryrequestsmust

notbe

filed

unless

they

are

used

in

the

proceeding

or

the

court

orders

filing:

depositions,interrogatories,requestsfordocumentsortopermitentryupon

landandrequestsforadmission.FRCP5(d)

c. Thepartymakingadiscoveryrequestiscustodianofanydiscoverymaterials

producedinresponsetothatrequest.LR26.5

2. LimitonInterrogatories

Nomorethan25writteninterrogatoriesmaybepropoundedwithoutleaveofcourtunder

FRCP33(a).

3. RequestsforProductionPriornoticeofanycommandedproductionofdocumentsandthings***beforetrialshallbe

servedoneachparty....(SeeFRCP45(b)(1)andLR26.5)

4. FormatofDiscoveryRequests(LR26.2)


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a. Eachdiscoveryrequestshallhaveaspaceleftafteritsufficienttopermit

responsetosuchrequest.

b. Ifthespaceleftforresponsetoarequestisinsufficient,thepersonresponding

shallrepeattherequestpriortomakingtheresponse.

5. MotionsToCompelDiscovery (FRCP37(a)(2)(A)andLR37.1)

a. Requirements:

(1)Acopyofthediscoveryrequestinquestionalongwithanyresponsethereto

mustbeattachedtoanymotiontocompel.

(2)Acertificatethatamicableeffortstoresolvethediscoverydisputehavebeen

attemptedmustbeattachedtoeverymotiontocompel.

(a)Counsel

for

mover

must

have

arranged

aconference

either

personally

orbytelephonetosettlethedispute.

(b)Movermustsetforththereasonwhysettlementwasnotreachedor

thefactthattheopposingpartyrefusedtoconferifsuchisthecase.

(c)Sanctionsmaybeimposedforfailuretoconferorfailuretoconferin

goodfaith.

(3)Everydiscoverymotionmustbeaccompaniedbyaproposedordercovering

therelief

sought,

which

proposed

order

must

bear

acaption

and

be

on

a

separatepagefromthemotion. LR37.1

b. Motionstocompelarenoticedinthesamemannerasalladversarymotionswith

thenoticeincludingbriefingtimes,thejudge'spolicyonoralargument,etc.

6. DepositionsFRCP30

a. Prisoners Apartymustobtainleaveofcourtifthepersontobeexaminedis

confinedinprison. FRCP30(a)(2)(B)

b.

Numberof

Depositions

(without

leave

of

court)

(1) Ten(10)persideFRCP30(a)(2)(A).

(2) One(1)perwitnessFRCP30(a)(2)(A).

c. MethodofRecording


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14

(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)The

court

must

allow

additional

time

consistent

with

FRCP

26(b)(2)

ifneeded

forafairexaminationofthedeponentorifthedeponentoranotherpersonor

othercircumstanceimpededordelaystheexamination.FRCP30(d)

IV.SUBPOENAS, FRCP45

1. IssuingCourtAsubpoenacanonlyissuefromtheCourtforthedistrictwherethewitnessisto

appearorwhereproductionistobemade. FRCP45(a)(2)

2. WhoIssuesaSubpoena

a. TheClerkofCourt;and

b. Anattorney(asofficerofthecourt)onbehalfof

(1) Acourtwheretheattorneyisauthorizedtopractice;or

(2) Acourtforadistrictwhereadepositionistobetakenorproduction

istobemadeFRCP45(a)(3)

3. FormoftheSubpoena (FRCP45(a))

a. Requirements:

(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

commandtoappearattrialorhearingorat deposition,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)Awitness

shall

be

paid

an

attendance

fee

of

$40

per

day

for

each

day'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)Within

100

miles

of

the

place

of

the

deposition,

hearing,

trial,

production,

or

inspectionspecifiedinthesubpoena.

d. Doesproofofserviceofasubpoenaneedtobefiled?FRCP45(b)(4)

(1)Ordinarily,proofofserviceofasubpoenadoesnothavetobefiledwiththe

Court.


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16

(2)Proofofservicemustbefiledwheneverthereareproceedingstoenforcethe

subpoenaorforanyotherreliefconnectedwithsuchsubpoena.

5. NoticeofCancellationofaSubpoena

a.It

is

the

duty

of

the

attorney

who

issues

asubpoena

to

notify

the

witness

of

any

cancellationofthetrial,hearingordeposition.

b.Failuretonotifyawitnessofcancellationmayresultinsanctionsontheattorneywho

issuedthesubpoena.

V.DEFAULTJUDGMENT,FRCP55,LR55.1

UnderFRCP55,defaultjudgmentisatwostepprocess:(1)First,"Entry"ofDefault

mustbeenteredafterdelaysforansweringhaveelapsed;(2)Second,"Judgment"byDefault

willbe

entered

but

only

after

a14

day

delay

between

"entry"

and

signing

of

a"judgment"

by

default.TheprocedureinthisCourtparallelstheLouisianaStateCourtprocedureof

"preliminary"defaultand"confirmation"ofdefault.

DefaultChecklist

1. Proofofserviceofprocess

2. Motionforentryofdefault

3. 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


17/39

17

statementisgranted,until14daysafterserviceofthe"moredefinite

statement").FRCP12(a)

(4) Whentherehasbeenawaiverofservice,thetimeforansweringissixty(60)

daysfromthedateofmailingoftherequestforwaiverofservice.FRCP4(d)(3)

4. JudgmentbyDefault

a. Ajudgmentofdefaultshallnotbeentereduntil14 calendardaysafterentryof

default. (LR55.1)

b. Anapplicationforadefaultjudgmentshouldbebya"MotionForDefaultJudgment"

andaproposed"JudgmentbyDefault".

c. JudgmentbytheClerk. FRCP55(b)(1)

(1)"When

the

plaintiff's

claim

against

adefendant

is

for

asum

certain

or

for

a

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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18

(b) Documentaryproof;

(c) Livetestimony. CAVEAT: Iflivetestimonyisrequired,plaintiff

mustapplytotheCourtforanevidentiaryhearingandreceive

permissiontopresentwitnessesunderLR43.1Alistofwitnesses&abrief

summaryof

their

expected

testimony

should

be

included

in

any

request.

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

orsupporting

documentation.

3.Itemizedocketfeesunder28U.S.C.1923.

d.Objectionstoabillofcosts.Objectionsmustbefiledwithinsevendaysfromthe

receiptoftheapplication.LR54.4


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19

e. Clerktaxation.Afterthetimeforobjectionshasrun,theclerkwillthentaxcosts.

Costsmaybetaxedbytheclerkon14daysnotice.LR54(d)

F. ReviewofTaxation.Apartywhoisdissatisfiedmayfilewithin7daysaftertaxationof

costs,amotiontoreviewtheactionoftheclerk.LR54.5,Fed.R.Civ.P.54(d)Amotionto

reviewwill

be

decided

by

the

district

judge

who

is

assigned

to

the

case.

2.ItemsTaxableasCosts

a. FeesoftheClerkandtheMarshal

1. Filingfeesunder28U.S.C.1914.

2. 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

on

which

testimony

is

given

is

a

matter

left

to

the

trial

court's

discretion,

based

upon

thenecessityofthepresenceofthewitness.

1.AttendanceFeesof$40.00perdayareallowedforeachdaythewitness

testified.See28U.S.C.1821(b).But,

Realpartiesininterestarenotentitledtofeesorallowancesaswitnesses.


20/39

20

Expertwitnessesareallowedthesamefeesasotherwitnesses attendancefees,mileageandsubsistence.Specialexpert

witnessfeesarenotallowed.

Federalemployeesarenotallowedattendancefeesbutmayreceive

the

mileage

and

subsistence

allowance

for

overnight

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

overnightstay

is

required

because

the

witness

lives

too

far

to

travel

back

and

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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21

4.UnitedStatesMarshalfeespursuantto28U.S.C.1921

e.FeesforPrinting,PhotocopyingandExemplification.

1.Copycostsareallowedofthosedocumentswhichareplacedinevidenceat

trialor

those

which

were

used

for

asuccessful

motion

for

summary

judgment

or

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


22/39

22

k. Legalresearch

4.AppealofTaxationofCosts:

a.MotiontoReviewClerksTaxationofCostsfilewithin7daysoftheclerkstaxation

ofcosts.

Fed.R.Civ.P.

54(d)(1)

and

LR

54.5.

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

alsobeen

resolved.

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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23

AnycivilactionbroughtinaStatecourtmayberemovedbythedefendantorthe

defendants.

2. NoticeofRemovalRequirements,28U.S.C.1446(a)

a.

Signedin

accordance

with

FRCP

11;

b. Ashortandplainstatementofthegroundsforremoval;

c. Acopyofallprocess,pleadings,andordersserveduponthepartyremovingthe

action.

3. TimeforRemoval,28U.S.C.1446(b)

Filedwithin30daysof

a.

Service

of

summons

or

initial

pleadings

in

an

action,

or

b. "Receiptbythedefendant***ofacopyofanamendedpleading,motion,order

orotherpaperfromwhichitmayfirstbeascertainedthatthecaseisonewhichisorhas

becomeremovable." 28U.S.C.1446(b)Note:

Ifthecasearisesunderdiversityofcitizenshipjurisdiction,thecasemustberemoved

within1yearofcommencementoftheaction.

4. RemovalOrder

a.

Uponthe

filing

of

anotice

of

removal,

an

order

will

issue

from

the

Court

setting

forththerequirementsforthepartiestotheremovedaction.

b. Removalordercontents. 28U.S.C.1447

(1) Obligationsofremovingdefendant:

(a) Filealistofallattorneysappearinginthecasetogetherwiththe

partiestheyrepresent;

(b) Filecopiesofallrecordsandproceedingswhichoccurredinthe

Statecourt

prior

to

removal;

(c) FilealistofalldocumentsfiledintheStatecourt,arrangedby

dateoffiling;

(d) FileacertificatethattheentireStatecourtrecordhasbeenfiled

inthefederalcourt;


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24

(e) Transferany"registry"fundsfromtheStatecourttothefederal

court.Thisonlyincludesfundsheldforthebenefitofthelitigants,not

anyfundsondepositwiththeStatecourttocoverthecostsoffiling

documents.

(2)

Obligationsof

all

parties:

a) RefileanypendingandundecidedStatecourtexceptionsor

motionsas"Motions"inthefederalcourt;(ifnotrefiled,StateCourt

exceptionsormotionswillnotbedecided)

(b) IfanyattorneywhoappearedintheStatecourtactionisnot

admittedtopracticebeforethefederalcourt,within21daysfrom

removal,theattorneymust:

(1)

Filean

application

to

practice

before

the

federal

court;

or

(2) Fileamotionforadmissiontopracticebeforethefederal

court"prohacvice";or

(3) Secureasubstituteattorneyqualifiedtopracticebefore

thefederalcourt.

5. NoticetoOtherPartiesandtheStateClerkofCourt,28U.S.C.1446(c)and(d)

a. "Promptlyafterthefiling"ofanoticeofremoval,"defendantsshallgivewritten

noticethereof

to

all

adverse

parties

and

shall

file

acopy

of

the

notice

of

removal

with

theclerkofsuchStatecourt".

b. FilingofacopyofthenoticeofremovalwiththeStateclerk"shalleffectthe

removalandtheStatecourtshallproceednofurtherunlessanduntilthecaseis

remanded."

6. Nobondisrequiredforremovalofastatecourtaction.

7. Remand,28U.S.C.1447(c)and(d)

a. Amotiontoremandforaproceduraldefectmustbefiledwithin30daysoffiling

ofthenoticeofremoval.

b. Amotiontoremandforlackofsubjectmatterjurisdictionmaybefiledatany

timebeforefinaljudgment.


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25

c. JoinderofPartiesinaRemovedCivilAction.LR7.7Ifmotionforjoinderofparties

isfiledinaremovedcivilactionandjoinderofsuchpartiesmayserveasgroundsfora

remandtostatecourt,themotionmust

(1) Statethatgrantingofthemotiontojoinpartiesmaybegroundsfora

remandto

state

court,

(2) Setforthsufficientfactsforthecourttomakeadeterminationof

whetherjoinderisappropriateinlightof28U.S.C.1447(e).

d. Remandorder

(1) "Mayrequirepaymentofjustcostsandanyactualexpenses,including

attorneyfees,incurredasaresultoftheremoval."

(2) "Acertifiedcopyoftheorderofremandshallbemailedbytheclerkto

theclerkoftheStatecourt."

e. Appealunder 28U.S.C.1447(d)

"AnorderremandingacasetotheStatecourtfromwhichitwasremovedisnot

reviewableonappeal..."

VIII.ADMIRALTY&MARITIMECLAIMS

FRCP 9( h) & Suppl ement al Rul es(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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26

c.Containaprayerforattachmentofthedefendantsgoodsorchattelsorcredit

(garnishment);

d.Beaccompaniedbyaseparateaffidavitbytheplaintiffortheattorneystating

that,tothebestofhisinformationorbelief,thedefendantcannotbefoundin

thedistrict.

Rule

B

&

LAR

4.1

A

2. CivilCoverSheet.LR10.1(Pleaseseesectiononfilingofnewssuits.)

3. FilingFeeifappropriate.(Pleaseseesectiononfilingofnewsuitsespeciallyasit

appliestoseaman.)

4. Process.RuleB(1)&LAR4.1

a.Aproposedorderforattachment&garnishment;and

b.A

proposed

warrant

of

arrest.

Ifexigentcircumstancesexistwhichmakereviewbythecourtimpossible,the

attachmentcanbeorderedbytheClerkprovidedthatthecourtholdapost

attachmenthearingwhereintheplaintiffmustshowtheexigentcircumstances.

However,everyeffortshouldbemadetosecurejudicialreviewbeforeresorting

tothisprocedure.

5. Securityforcosts.LAR65.1.1

Unlessaparty

is

proceeding

informapauperisorisrelievedfromprepayment

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

returnedupon

the

vessels

release.

However,

please

bear

in

mind

that

the

vesselwillnotbereleaseduntilallcostsofcourtandtheseizurehavebeenpaid

infull.

6. ResponsivePleadingsRuleB(3)

Defendantsshallhave30daysafterprocesshasbeenexecutedwithinwhichto

fileananswer.Garnisheesshallfileandserveananswertothecomplaintand


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27

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,

notrequired

by

law,

in

order

to

expedite

completion

of

the

seizure

of

the

vessel,

counselshouldprepareaseparatemotionandordertoappointasubstitutecustodian

andanorderformovementofthevesselwithinthedistrict.

(2)ArrestofaVesselUnderRuleC

InordertoenforceanymaritimelienorwheneverastatuteoftheUnitedStatesprovidesfor

amaritimeactioninremanaction(InRem)canbefiledtoarrestthevesselandalsoto

proceedinpersonamagainstanypersonwhomaybeliable. RuleC(1)

Checklistfor

Arrest

of

aVessel

under

Rule

C:

1. Complaintmust:beverified;describe,withreasonableparticularity,the

propertytobearrested;andstatethatthepropertyisnow,orwillbe,withinthedistrict

duringthependencyofthelitigation.RuleC&LAR4.1


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28

Note:Thosewrongfullydeprivedofavesselorothermaritimeproperty,thoseseeking

toperfecttitletoavessel,andthoseseekingthejudicialsaleofavessel&the

distributionoftheproceedsamongtheownersofthevesselmayavailthemselvesof

theinremproceduresofRuleCandthenoticeproceduresofRuleB(2).RuleD

2.

CivilCover

Sheet.

LR10.1

3. FilingFee.(Seethesectiononfilingnewsuitsespeciallyinregardstoseaman.)

4. Process. RuleC(1)&LAR4.1

a. Summons(original&onecopyforeachdefendanttobeserved);

b. Proposedorderauthorizingawarrantforthearrestofthevessel;&

c. Proposedwarrantofarrest.

Thecourtwillthenreviewtheverifiedcomplaintandanysupportingpapersand,ifthe

requirementssetforthintheruleshavebeenmet,willsigntheproposedorder

authorizingtheissuanceofawarrantforarrestofthevessel. Ifthepropertyisfreightor

proceedsofproperty,theClerkshallissueasummonstothepersonhavingcontrolof

thepropertyorfundstoshowcausewhysuchpropertyorfundsshouldnotbeplacedin

theregistryofthecourt.

Note:Anypersonpossessingpropertythatisthesubjectoftheactionbuthasnotbeen

broughtwithincontrolofthecourt(i.e.partofavesselsgearwithinthedistrictbutnot

onthe

vessel

when

arrested)

may,

by

motion,

be

ordered

to

show

cause

why

the

propertyshouldnotbeturnedovertotheU.S.Marshalorplacedintheregistryofthe

court.RULEC(5)

Ifexigentcircumstancesexistwhichmakereviewbythecourtimpossible,the

attachmentcanbeorderedbytheClerkprovidedthatthecourtholdapostattachment

hearingwhereintheplaintiffmustshowtheexigentcircumstances. However,EVERY

effortshouldbemadetosecurejudicialreviewbeforeresortingtothisprocedure.

Note:InactionsbytheUnitedStatesforforfeituresforfederalstatutoryviolations,the

clerk,upon

filing

of

the

complaint,

shall

forthwith

issue

asummons

and

warrant

for

the

arrestofthevesselorotherpropertywithoutrequiringacertificationofexigent

circumstances. RULEC(3)

5. Securityforcosts. LAR65.1.1(SeealsoProcessSectionunder1)Attachmentand

GarnnishmentunderRuleB.) NOTE:Toexpeditematters,counselisadvisedto


29/39

29

contacttheU.S.Marshalforspecificinstructionsandrequiredpaperworkregardingthe

actualseizurePRIORtofilingthecomplaint.

Notice RULEC(4)

Ifthe

property

is

not

released

within

ten

days

after

execution

of

process,

the

plaintiff

shallpromptly...causepublicnoticeoftheactionandarresttobegivenina

newspaper...designatedbyorderofthecourt.PleaseseeLAR64.1forwhatthe

publicationshouldcontain.Dependingonthedivisionofthiscourtwheretheactionis

filed,thosenewspapersareasfollows:

AlexandriaDivision TheAlexandriaDailyTownTalk

LafayetteDivision TheDailyAdvertiser

LakeCharlesDivision LakeCharlesAmericanPress

MonroeDivision MonroeMorningWorld

ShreveportDivision TheTimes

Note:WhenthearrestedpropertyisreleasedpursuanttoRuleE(5)(bygivingof

security,bystipulationorbyorderofthecourt),nonoticeotherthantheexecutionof

thejudgmentisrequired.RULEC(4)

InanyclaimwhereinpublicationisnecessaryunderRuleC(4),thetimeforfilinga

statementof

interest

in

or

right

against

the

property

is

extended

for

21

days

from

the

dateofpublication. LAR64.1

ResponsivePleadings RULEC(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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30

Avesselunderseizuremaybemovedwithinthedistrictwithoutaseparateorder

a.WhenevertheU.S.Marshaldeemsnecessary;or

b.Atthejointwrittenrequestofthedetaineeandtheownerofavesselprovidedthatahold

harmlessagreement

is

executed

in

favor

of

the

U.

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

than

the

value

of

the

property

or

twice

the

amount

of

the

claim,

whichever

is

less,

with

interest

at6percentperannum.

Ifthereleaseisbystipulation,theseizingpartymustalsoagree,inwriting,toholdtheU.S.

Marshalharmlessforanyliabilityresultingfromthereleaseoftheproperty. LAR64.2.

Ifitappearsthatadditionalclaimsmaybefiled,avesselownermayfileageneralbondas

providedforinRuleE(5)(b),whichshouldpreventthesubsequentseizureofthevesselinthis

districtaslongasthebondisinanamountatleasttwicethatofallaggregateclaims.

Atanytime,anypartymaypetitionthecourtforadecrease,increaseoralternateformof

security.Rule

E(6).

4)LimitationofLiabilityActions

TheLimitationofLiabilityAct(46U.S.C.181 195andSupplementalRuleF)allows

shipownerstopetitionU.S.DistrictCourtsforacertaindegreeofprotectionfromlossesthat

mayexceedthevalueofthevesselanditspendingfreight.


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WhoMayFile?Alimitationactionmaybebroughtbyavesselsownerordemisecharterer(i.e.

whereallcontrolofthevesselistakenfromtheownerandvestedinthecharterer)whodoes

nothaveprivityorknowledgeoftheeventscausingtheloss. Theactionisnotgenerally

availabletovoyageortimecharterers.46U.S.C.183.

Whenmust

the

action

be

filed?

A

limitation

action

must

be

filed

not

later

than

six

months

afterreceiptofaclaiminwriting... SupplementalRuleF(1). Thisneednotbeaformalclaim,

butisadequateifitinformstheowner,whetherdirectlyorindirectly,ofaclaimantsintention

tolooktotheownerfordamages.

Whereshouldtheactionbefiled? RuleF(9)Ifavesselhasbeenattachedorarrested,a

limitationofliabilityactionshouldbefiledinthedistrict&divisionwherethevesselhasbeen

attachedorarrested. Ifavesselhasnotbeenattachedorarrested,buttheownerhasbeen

suedwithrespecttoaclaimrelatingtothevessel,alimitationofliabilityactionshouldbefiled

in

the

district

and

division

where

the

action

is

pending.

Ifavesselhasnotbeenarrestedorattachedandnosuithasbeenfiled,alimitationof

liabilityactionshouldbefiledinthedistrictanddivisioninwhichthevesselislocated.

Ifavesselhasnotbeenarrestedorattached,nosuithasbeenfiledandthevesselisnot

locatedinthedistrict,alimitationofliabilityactionmaybefiledinanydistrict.

Note:Theactionmaybetransferredtoanotherdistrictpursuanttotheregularvenue

provisions.

Checklistfor

aLimitation

of

Liability

action:

Rule

F(2)

1.Factsonwhichrighttolimitationcanbedetermined;

2.Demandforexonerationfromorlimitationofliability;

3.Descriptionofthevoyageonwhichtheclaim(s)arose,includingthedateandplaceofits

termination;

4.Astatementoftheknownclaimsorliensagainstthevesselarisingoutofthatvoyage;

5.The

value

of

the

vessel

and

its

pending

freight

at

the

end

of

the

voyage

and

6.AnallegationthattheclaimarosewithouttheprivityorknowledgeofthePlaintiffin

limitation.

Note:Additionally,atthetimeoffiling,Plaintiffshalldepositwiththecourtanamountequalto

thevalueoftheownersinterestinthevesselandthependingfreightattheendofthevoyage


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32

orapprovedsecurityinthatamountwithinterestat6%perannum. Attheownersoption,he

mayturnoverthevesselandpendingfreighttoatrusteeappointedbythecourtinlieuof

depositingsecurity. Sumssufficienttocovercostsandexpensesmustalsobedeposited,

however.

Whatwill

the

court

do?

Upon

complete

compliance

with

the

above,

the

court

will,

upon

applicationbytheplaintiff,enjointhefurtherprosecutionofanyclaimssubjecttolimitation.

Thecourtwillalsoissueanoticetoallpersonsassertingclaimssubjecttolimitation

admonishingthemtofiletheirclaimswiththeClerk. Thedeadlineforsofilingshallbenoless

than30daysafterissuanceofthenotice. Theplaintiffinlimitationshallpublishthisnoticeina

newspaperasthecourtshalldirectonceaweekforfoursuccessiveweekspriortothedate

fixedforfilingclaimsandshallmailacopyofthenoticetoeachknownclaimantnolaterthan

thedateofthesecondpublication. SupplementalRuleF(4)Note:Counselfortheplaintiffin

limitation

should

prepare

the

proposed

order

of

injunction

and

the

notice

to

be

published!

Whattheclaimantsmustdo? RuleF(5)Priortothedatefixedforfilingclaims,eachclaimant

mustfileandservetheirclaimwhichmustinclude:

1.Specificfactsinsupportoftheclaim;

2.Thespecificitemsoftheclaim;and

3.Thedateonwhichtheclaimaccrued.

Note:

If

the

claimant

wishes

to

contest

the

right

to

exoneration

or

limitation,

he

should

also

file

ananswertothecomplaint.

Note:Ifanyclaimantwishestocontesttheadequacyofthesecurity,hemaydoso,bymotion,

atanytime. Thereafter,thecourtwillcausedueappraisementandadjustthesecurity

accordingly. SupplementalRuleF(7)

Whathappensaftertheclaimsarefiled? RuleF(6)Within30daysafterthedeadlineforfiling

claims,theplaintiffshallsendtoeachclaimantsattorney(ortoanyproseclaimants)alist

consistingof:

1.The

name

of

each

claimant;

2.Thenameandaddressofeachclaimantsattorney;and

3.Thenatureandamountofeachclaim.


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33

IX.APPEALSAPPEALSCHECKLIST

1. NoticeofAppeal

2.

Filingfees

($455)

3. Transcript

1. AppealsfromCivilCases

a. Whatjudgmentsareappealable?

(1) Ajudgmentororderthatis"final"

(a)

Ajudgment

is

"final"

ifit

disposes

of

all

claims

as

to

all

parties.

(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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34

(1) Generally,anoticeofappealmustbefiledwiththeclerkofthedistrictcourt

within30daysofthe"entry"oftheFed.R.Civ.P.58separatejudgment,ifrequired,or

150daysofentryofthejudgmentororderonthedocket.(Fed.R.Civ.P.58)

(2) IncasesinvolvingtheUnitedStates,thetimeforappealis60daysfrom"entry"

ofjudgment

in

the

district

court.

(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.

Anotice

of

appeal

must

conform

to

FORM

1,

FRAP.

Note:

All

parties

joining

in

anotice

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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35

(b) toamendormakeadditionalfindingsoffactunderFRCP52(b),whether

ornotgrantingthemotionwouldalterthejudgment;

(c) toalteroramendthejudgmentunderFRCP59;

(d)

forattorney's

fees

under

FRCP

54

ifadistrict

court

under

FRCP

58

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)

SupersedeasBonds

FRCP

62(d)

(a) Filingofasupersedeasbondactsasastayfromexecutionofa

judgmentonappeal.

(b) Asupersedeasbondmaybefiledatanytimeonorafterthetime

theappealistaken.

(c) Asupersedeasbondiseffectivefromthetimeofapprovalbythe

court.

(d)

Foramoney

judgment,

asupersedeas

bond

is

set

at

120%

of

the

judgment.LR62.2(UnlesstheCourtothersotherwise)

g. Isitnecessarytofileacostbond? FRAP7

Whileacostbondmayberequiredbythedistrictcourt,thisCourtdoesnotrequirea

costbondUNLESSSPECIFICALLYREQUIREDBYCOURTORDER.


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36

2. AppealsfromCriminalCasesunderFRAP4(b)

a. Whenmayacasebeappealed?

(1) "Inacriminalcase,adefendantshallfilethenoticeofappealinthe

districtcourt

within

14

days

after

the

entry

either

of

the

judgment

or

order

appealedfromoranoticeofappealbytheGovernment."

(2) ThenoticeofappealbytheGovernment"mustbefiledinthedistrict

courtwithin30daysafter(I)theentryofthejudgmentororderappealedfrom

or(ii)thefilingofanoticeofappealbyanydefendant."

(3) "Anoticeofappealfiledaftertheannouncementofadecision,sentence

ororder butbeforeentryofthejudgmentororder istreatedasfiledonthe

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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37

b. Orderingatranscript

(1) Uponfilinganoticeofappeal,theclerkofthedistrictcourtwillprovide

appellantwithaformentitled"TranscriptOrder".

(2)

Itis

the

obligation

of

appellant

to

make

satisfactory

arrangements

with

thecourtreporterforprovidingthetranscript.

(3) Whenorderingatranscript,appellantshouldmailcopiesoftheorder

formasdirectedonthebackofthatform. Copiesshouldbemailedto:Appeals

Unit,UnitedStatesClerkofCourt,300FanninStreet,Suite1167,Shreveport,La.

711013083. Note:Atranscriptshouldbefiledbythecourtreporterwithin30

daysofcompletionofthe"TranscriptOrder",unlessanextensionisgrantedby

thecourtofappeals.

c.

Filingof

the

record

on

appeal

(FRAP

10)

(1) "Therecordonappealconsistsoftheoriginalpapersandexhibitsfiledin

thedistrictcourt,thetranscriptofproceedings,ifany,andacertifiedcopyofthe

docketentriespreparedbytheclerkofthedistrictcourt."

(2) Whentherecordonappealiscompletedbytheclerkofthedistrictcourt,

itistransmittedtothecourtofappeals. Thistransmissionisnormally:

(a) Within15daysofthefilingofthetranscript,or

(b)

Within15

days

of

the

notice

of

appeal

ifno

transcript

is

ordered.

5thCir.R.11.3

X.REGISTRATIONOFJUDGMENTS

28U.S.C.963

RegistrationofJudgmentChecklist

1.

CertifiedCopy

of

the

Judgment

of

any

court

of

appeals,

district

court,

bankruptcy

court

ortheCourtofInternationalTrade.

2. Either

a. AcertificationfromtheClerkthatthejudgmentisfinaleitherbyappealorbythe

expirationofthetimeforappeal(AOForm451).OR


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38

b. AnorderfromtheCourtthatenteredthejudgmentthatthejudgmentshouldbe

registeredinanotherdistrict(Issuanceofthisorderrequiresashowingofgoodcause.)

3. Afilingfeeof$39.

COMMENTS:

1. AjudgmentinanactionfortherecoveryofmoneyorpropertyenteredinanyUnited

StatesDistrictCourtmayberegisteredinanyotherUnitedStatesDistrictCourt.

2. Ajudgmentregisteredinanotherdistrictshallhavethesameforceandeffectasa

judgmententeredinsuchdistrictcourt.

3. Asatisfactionofjudgmentmayberegisteredinalikemanner.Allthatisrequiredisa

certifiedcopyofthesatisfactionofjudgment.

XI.SCHEDULEOFFEES

NewSuits $350

HabeasCorpus $5

Miscellaneous $46

Afilingnotinapendingaction,e.g.:

PetitiontoPerpetuateTestimony FRCP27(a)

TrusteeFilingsunder28U.S.C.754

LettersRogatory

RegistrationofaJudgment,28U.S.C.1963

NoticeofaDeposition(outofdistrict)

Appeal $455 ($5forDistrictCourt,$450

forCourtofAppeals)

AppealofaMagistrateRuling $37(CriminalMisdemeanorCase)

DepositforGarnishment $15(answeringtheinterrogatories)

AttorneyAdmission $201(Aduplicatecertificateis$18)

AttorneyAdmission,ProHacVice $105


39/39

CertificateofGoodStanding $18

RecordsSearch&Certification $30

ExemplificationCertificate $21

RetrievalofRecordfromFRC $53

CertificationofaCopy $11

Photocopying $0.50/page

CopyofMicrofiche $6

Reproductionofrecordings,proceedings, regardless $30

ofmedium

ReturnedChecks $53

WitnessFee $40

MileageAllowance $0.565/mile

WEBPACERUsage $0.10/page