Assignment:
Post-Trial Motions
The losing party may seek a judgment notwithstanding the verdict (judgment n.o.v) on the grounds that the jury's decision was clearly inconsistent with the law or the evidence. Such motions are rarely granted. The judge is also empowered to enter a judgment n.o.v on his or her own initiative. Either party may also move for a new trial. The winning party might do so on the grounds that the remedy provided was inferior to that warranted by the evidence. The losing party commonly claims an error of law to support a motion for a new trial. Other possible grounds for a new trial include jury misconduct or new evidence.
Appeals
After the judgment is rendered, either party may appeal the decision to a higher court. The winner may do so if he or she feels the remedy is inadequate. Ordinarily, of course, the losing party brings the appeal. As noted, the appealing party is the appellant or the petitioner, while the other party is the appellee or respondent. The appeals court does not try the case again. In theory, at least, its consideration is limited to mistakes of law at the trial level. The appellant will argue, for example, that a jury instruction was erroneous or that the judge erred in failing to grant a motion to strike testimony alleged to have been prejudicial. The appeals court does not hear new evidence. Its decision is based on the trial record, materials filed by the opposing attorneys, and oral arguments.
The appellate court announces its judgment and ordinarily explains that decision in an accompanying document labeled an opinion. (Most of the cases in this text are appellate court opinions.) If no error is found, the lower court decision is affirmed. In finding prejudicial error, the appellate court may simply reverse (overrule) the lower court. Or the judgment may be to reverse and remand, wherein the lower court is overruled and the case must be tried again in accordance with the law as articulated in the appeals court opinion. After the decision of the intermediate appellate court, a further appeal may be sought at the highest court of the jurisdiction. Most of those petitions are denied.
Questions- Part Two
1. What are the purposes and uses of the concept of jurisdiction? Why do we limit the courts to which a claim can be taken?
2. Law cases often read like soap operas even as they reveal important truths. A woman and man, each married to others, had engaged in a long-term love affair. The woman's husband died, and she pleaded with her paramour to leave his New York home to visit her in Florida. She affirmed her love for the man. They made arrangements to meet in Miami, but on his arrival at the airport he was served a summons informing him that he was being sued. His Florida "lover" sought $500,000 for money allegedly loaned to him and for seduction inspired by a promise of marriage.
a. Does the Florida court have proper jurisdiction over him?
b. What if he had voluntarily come to Florida on vacation? See Wyman v. Newhouse, 93 F.2d 313 (2d Cir. 1937).
3. Sea Pines, a privately owned suburban community on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, was designated a wildlife sanctuary by the state legislature. After study, the state Department of Natural Resources decided to issue permits to allow limited deer hunting on the land to reduce overpopulation. Various environmental groups challenged the issuance of the permits. What defense would you expect the state to offer in court? Explain. See Sea Pines Ass'n for Protection of Wildlife v. South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources, 550 S.E. 2d 287 (S.C. S. Ct. 2001).