A motion for a new trial in an adversary proceeding is the topic of this blog post.
A motion for a new trial in an adversary proceeding is filed under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure Rule 59(a) and Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 9023 which authorize the filing of a motion for a new trial on some or all of the issues.
Deadline to file a motion for a new trial in an adversary proceeding.
A motion for a new trial in an adversary proceeding in United States Bankruptcy Court can be only be filed on certain grounds and must be filed within 14 calendar days after the judgment is entered. However if the stakes are high enough filing a motion for new trial can be very useful.
Grounds for a motion for a new trial in an adversary proceeding.
The main grounds for a motion for a new trial in an adversary proceeding in United States Bankruptcy Court after a jury trial are (1) the verdict is against the weight of the evidence; (2) newly discovered evidence: (3) prejudicial conduct by the court or opposing counsel, and (4) juror misconduct although other grounds might apply in certain situations.
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 59(a) states that,
“(a) In General.
(1) Grounds for New Trial. The court may, on motion, grant a new trial on all or some of the issues—and to any party—as follows:
(A) after a jury trial, for any reason for which a new trial has heretofore been granted in an action at law in federal court; or
(B) after a nonjury trial, for any reason for which a rehearing has heretofore been granted in a suit in equity in federal court.
(2) Further Action After a Nonjury Trial. After a nonjury trial, the court may, on motion for a new trial, open the judgment if one has been entered, take additional testimony, amend findings of fact and conclusions of law or make new ones, and direct the entry of a new judgment.”
Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 9023 states in pertinent part that, “Except as provided in this rule and Rule 3008, Rule 59 F.R.Civ.P. applies in cases under the Code. A motion for a new trial or to alter or amend a judgment shall be filed, and a court may on its own order a new trial, no later than 14 days after entry of judgment.”
The party filing a motion for a new trial in an adversary proceeding in United States Bankruptcy Court has the burden of showing sufficient facts and evidence to support their grounds and must show that a miscarriage of justice will result if the judgment is not vacated and a new trial granted.
For example a party requesting a new trial on the grounds that the verdict is against the weight of the evidence has the burden of convincing the judge that the verdict is against the clear weight of the evidence or is based on evidence which is false or will result in a miscarriage of justice.
The party filing a motion for a new trial in an adversary proceeding on the grounds of newly discovered evidence must show that the evidence in question was discovered after the date of the trial; that the moving party exercised due diligence to discover the evidence before the end of the trial; the evidence is material and not merely cumulative or impeaching; and the new evidence would likely have changed the outcome of the case.
A party requesting a new trial in an adversary proceeding on the grounds of prejudicial conduct by the judge or opposing counsel must show that they were so severely prejudiced that they were prevented from having a fair trial. For example it is improper for a judgment to comment on any ultimate factual issues such as the issue of which party was negligent, which party breached the contract, etc. And a new trial can be ordered in cases where the opposing counsel committed misconduct at the trial that made it reasonably certain that the verdict was influence by the prejudicial statements. An opening or closing statement incorrectly expands any potential grounds of liability or takes away any benefit the aggrieved party may have won a prior motion such as a motion for partial summary judgment, violating an in limine order or the Federal Rules of Evidence.
The party requesting a new trial in an adversary proceeding on the grounds of juror misconduct must show that the juror misconduct resulted in them suffering prejudice which could include extraneous information obtained by a juror from friends or relatives or a juror introducing facts or evidence acquired outside of the courtroom during jury deliberations.
Sample motion for a new trial in an adversary proceeding for sale.
Attorneys or parties that would like to view a portion of a 16 page sample motion for new trial in an adversary proceeding in United States Bankruptcy Court containing brief instructions, a memorandum of points and authorities with citations to case law and statutory authority, sample declaration and proof of service by mail sold by the author can see below.
Sample Motion for New Trial in United States Bankruptcy Court by Stan Burman on Scribd
The author of this blog post, Stan Burman, is a freelance paralegal who has worked in California and Federal litigation since 1995 and has created over 300 sample legal documents for sale.
For licensed attorneys and law firms that need assistance with any California or Federal litigation matters, Mr. Burman is available on a freelance basis. Mr. Burman may be contacted by e-mail at DivParalgl@yahoo.com for more information. He accepts payments through PayPal which means that you can pay using most credit or debit cards.
Do you want to use this article on your website, blog or e-zine? You can, as long as you include this blurb with it: “Stan Burman is the author of over 300 sample legal documents for California and Federal litigation and is the author of a free weekly legal newsletter. You can receive 10 free gifts just for subscribing. Just visit freeweeklylegalnewsletter.gr8.com/ for more information.
Follow Stan Burman on Twitter at:
https://twitter.com/LegalDocsPro
DISCLAIMER:
Please note that the author of this blog post, Stan Burman is NOT an attorney and as such is unable to provide any specific legal advice. The author is NOT engaged in providing any legal, financial, or other professional services, and any information contained in this blog post is NOT intended to constitute legal advice.
The materials and information contained in this blog post have been prepared by Stan Burman for informational purposes only and are not legal advice. Transmission of the information contained in this blog post is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, any business relationship between the author and any readers. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel.