Civil Procedure - Law Applied by Federal Courts

This episode of Study for the Bar in Your Car, guided by Angela's notes,, dives into what law federal courts apply, focusing on interactions between state and federal law and the concept of federal common law.

A core principle is the Erie Doctrine, fundamental in diversity cases (citizens of different states). Federal courts in diversity cases must apply state substantive law but follow federal procedural law, including the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP). This prevents forum shopping and ensures equitable administration of laws. Federal courts determine state law by following the state's highest court or predicting its ruling if precedent is absent,. The substance/procedure line is complex; state rules, even seemingly proced ...