Source: https://blog.ceb.com/2016/04/13/use-this-checklist-for-every-declaration/
Timestamp: 2017-07-25 08:46:28
Document Index: 297634088

Matched Legal Cases: ['§2015', '§2003', '§437', '§702', '§437', '§700', '§2015', '§12', '§5']

Use this Checklist for Every Declaration | CEBblog™
Posted on April 13, 2016 by Julie Brook, Esq.	Litigators use declarations and affidavits to present facts to the judge from various types of witnesses. Their use can become routine and sometimes even sloppy. But beware: Declarations are subject to the same objections and scrutiny as testimony at trial. Here’s a checklist to help you carefully draft every declaration and avoid common omissions. First off, you may be wondering what’s the difference between declarations and affidavits. Declarations are made and signed under penalty of perjury (CCP §2015.5), whereas affidavits are written declarations made under oath and attested to, ordinarily by a notary public (CCP §2003). Because they need not be notarized, litigants almost always use declarations rather than affidavits.
All declarations (or affidavits) used to authenticate evidence should contain the following:
__ 1. A caption that includes (Cal Rules of Ct 3.1110(b), 3.1115)
__ a. The name of the declarant or affiant;
__ b. The title of the motion that it supports, e.g., Declaration of Sam Jones in Support of Plaintiff John Smith’s Motion for Summary Judgment or Summary Adjudication;
__ c. The hearing date, time, and location, and the name of the hearing judge, if ascertainable;
__ d. The nature or title of any attached document other than an exhibit;
__ e. The date the action was filed; and
__ f. The trial date (if set).
__ 2. Facts showing the declarant’s personal knowledge of the evidence (see CCP §437c(d); Evid C §702), e.g., by
__ a. Observation of an event (e.g., “I saw the car run the red light”);
__ b. Presence during a conversation (e.g., “I was present and heard Sue say …”); or
__ c. Receipt of a document (e.g., “I received the letter from defendant on February 2”).
__ 3. Facts showing that declarant is competent to testify to the matters stated in the declaration. See CCP §437c(d); Evid C §§700–701.
__ 4. Facts supporting the motion:
__ a. Admissible evidence, not, e.g., hearsay or opinions; and
__ b. Evidentiary facts, not legal conclusions or ultimate facts.
__ 5. Declarant’s signature under penalty of perjury. CCP §2015.5.
Declarations can be very important in a case. Indeed, a summary judgment motion can be lost based on defects in the affidavits and declarations. By checking off each of these requirements for every declaration you prepare, you won’t be the one who submitted the defective declaration.
For guidance on preparing declarations for a noticed motion, turn to CEB’s California Civil Procedure Before Trial §§12.59-12.81. Also check out CEB’s California Summary Judgment §§5.8-5.31 on preparing declarations in support of or opposition to a summary judgment motion.
Filed under: Civil Litigation, Legal Topics, Litigation Strategy, Pretrial Matters | Tagged: affidavit, attorney, declaration, evidence, noticed motion, pretrial motion practice, witness statement |	« Starting Your Law Practice: Taking the First Steps Sabbaticals Aren’t Just for Academics Anymore »
Daniel P. Barer, on April 13, 2016 at 10:48 am said:	I believe the information required by CRC 3.1110(b) would be required only if the declaration is filed as a separate paper. If the declaration is filed as an attachment to a motion or opposition paper, I believe that all the “caption” requires is the information prescribed in CRC 3.1115–the declarant’s name, and the motion or proceeding the declaration supports or opposes.
Reply	Julie Brook, Esq., on April 14, 2016 at 11:54 am said:	Although not required, filing a declaration as a separate document with full case caption and other case information is a recommended practice. It makes it much less confusing for all parties and the court when trying to identify specific documents.
Reply	Moving Tactically: Should You Make a Motion? | CEBblog™, on July 18, 2016 at 7:49 am said:	[…] Use this Checklist for Every Declaration […]