Opinion ID: 2593626
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: It Was Error to Deny Leave to Amend.

Text: Hallam argues that it was an abuse of discretion to deny his first and second motions for leave to amend his complaint. Leave to amend complaints under Alaska Civil Rule 15(a) is to be freely given. [15] The court should first `consider the request for leave to amend under [Civil Rule 15(a)] uninfluenced by whether, under Rule 15(c), the amendment would or would not relate back....' [16] The defendant may then plead the statute of limitations, and the court may assess the plea in light of Rule 15(c). [17] In light of the liberal policy allowing amendment, we hold that it was error to deny Hallam's motions to amend his complaint. We express no opinion as to whether the new claims will relate back.