Linked by David Adams on Fri 3rd Oct 2008 15:24 UTC
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Member since:
2006-01-04
NAIAL (Nor am I a lawyer), but here is what I have seen:
Whether it's the initial complaint or a counterclaim lawyers will normally try to probe for any weakness in the basis of the suit by requesting a dismissal based on case law and/or the logic, completeness or sometimes timeliness of the claim or counterclaim. This is a first gasp tactic, not a last one. Once the request for dismissal is denied or an amended complaint is submitted then the case proceeds. Sometimes even to a trial. But, as mentioned above, there's no point contesting a case whose alleged merits can be debunked.
As to a judge dismissing the case on his/her own, my understanding is that the judge rules on what is presented. If the plaintiff or counterclaim plaintiff fails to state a [valid] claim the judge will usually note this and dismiss without prejudice so that an amended complaint can be filed. This was seen in the Wallace vs. IBM and Wallace vs. GNU cases where even after 5 tries no supportable legal claim had been submitted and eventually the judges threw them out *with* prejudice.
Edited 2008-10-03 19:01 UTC