Opinion ID: 2089165
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Procedural defects of Powers's petition

Text: M.R.Civ.P. 27(a) provides that any person who desires to perpetuate testimony by deposition prior to the commencement of an action may file a verified petition in the Superior Court of the county of the residence of the expected adverse party seeking an order allowing such perpetuation. M.R.Civ.P. 27(a)(1). [2] If there is more than one expected adverse party, the petitioner may file in any county in which one of the expected adverse parties resides. Id. The rule further requires certain items to be set forth in detail: (i) that the petitioner expects to be a party to an action cognizable in a court of the state but is presently unable to bring it or cause it to be brought, (ii) the subject matter of the expected action and the petitioner's interest therein, (iii) the facts which the petitioner desires to establish by the proposed testimony ... and the petitioner's reasons for desiring to perpetuate... it, (iv) the names or a description of the persons the petitioner expects will be adverse parties and their addresses so far as known, and (v) the names and addresses of the persons to be examined ... and the substance of the testimony ... which the petitioner expects to elicit.... Id. Rule 27 also contains a notice requirement which provides, in relevant part: The petitioner shall thereafter serve a notice upon each person named in the petition as an expected adverse party, together with a copy of the petition, stating that the petitioner will apply to the court, at a time and place named therein, for the order described in the petition. At least 20 days before the date of hearing the notice shall be served either within or without the state in the manner provided in Rule 4(d), (e), or (j) for service of summons; but if such service cannot with due diligence be made upon any expected adverse party named in the petition, the court may make such order as is just for service.... M.R.Civ.P. 27(a)(2). Planned Parenthood raises several objections to Powers's petition to perpetuate her own testimony, all of which focus on her alleged failure to comply with the requirements of M.R.Civ.P. 27(a). The standard of review for orders granting or denying petitions to perpetuate testimony is an abuse of discretion. Shore v. Acands, Inc., 644 F.2d at 386 (discussing F.R.Civ.P. 27).