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Civil Procedure • Erie Doctrine
CIVPRO#035
Legal Definition
Elements of a claim or defense, statutes of limitations, and choice of law rules are always substantive, and thus state law should apply.
Plain English Explanation
Under the Erie Doctrine, certain issues are always considered substantive, meaning that state law will always apply in these situations. These include:
(1) Elements of a claim or defense: The specific components that make up a legal claim or defense are substantive. For example, if you're bringing a negligence claim, the state law will define what elements you need to prove to succeed.
(2) Statutes of limitations: These are the time limits for when a lawsuit must be filed. Because they directly impact whether a claim can even be brought, they are always treated as substantive, and state law governs.
(3) Choice of law rules: These rules determine which state’s laws apply when a case involves parties or events from different states. Since these decisions can significantly impact the outcome of the case, state law governs this issue as well.
(1) Elements of a claim or defense: The specific components that make up a legal claim or defense are substantive. For example, if you're bringing a negligence claim, the state law will define what elements you need to prove to succeed.
(2) Statutes of limitations: These are the time limits for when a lawsuit must be filed. Because they directly impact whether a claim can even be brought, they are always treated as substantive, and state law governs.
(3) Choice of law rules: These rules determine which state’s laws apply when a case involves parties or events from different states. Since these decisions can significantly impact the outcome of the case, state law governs this issue as well.
