Opinion ID: 2368166
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Existing Remedies For Delayed Production Of Evidence

Text: Allstate argues that Alaska Civil Rule 37 provides adequate sanctions for evidence that is produced late, but while litigation is still pending. We agree. Where evidence is produced late, but before a judgment is entered, Civil Rule 37 grants trial courts broad discretion to fashion remedies for discovery order violations. [37] A court may consider the nature and severity of the violation, the prejudice to the opposing party, and any other factors it deems appropriate. [38] Courts may order sanctions including payment of expenses incurred as a result of late-produced evidence, burden-shifting, or exclusion of pleadings, testimony, or other evidence. [39] In Dooley's case, Watson was sanctioned for the late production of photograph annotations. The court required him to pay $12,200 to Dooley, Dooley was given the opportunity to re-depose Paul, and additional time was allowed to prepare for trial. In short, the trial court's response was appropriately aimed at reinforcing the importance of abiding by the discovery rules, leveling the playing field, insuring that the case could be fairly tried on its merits, and remedying the financial consequences of concealment. Allstate and Watson argue that Civil Rule 60(b) is also the appropriate remedy for the late production of the Cook note, but their argument is unconvincing. Civil Rule 60(b) allows for relief from final judgment under several circumstances, including those in which evidence is newly-discovered and/or where there has been fraud or misconduct by an adverse party. But Civil Rule 60(b) would likely provide no relief at all for Dooley. Motions under Civil Rule 60(b)(2) and (3) must be filed within one year of notice of the entry of judgment. [40] A motion filed by Dooley under Civil Rule 60(b) would be time-barred even though Dooley cannot be accused of failing to respond promptly; the existence of the Cook note was not revealed to him until more than a year after entry of the judgment in Dooley v. Paul. [41]