Civil Procedure: Erie Doctrine (Part 1): Federal Law or State Law? Substance vs. Procedure

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00:00 Introduction to the Erie Doctrine
The video introduces the Erie Doctrine and its relevance when a federal court hears a state law claim, particularly in diversity cases.

01:30 When Erie Applies
The Erie Doctrine becomes relevant only when a federal court adjudicates a state law claim, not a federal law claim.

03:02 The Erie v. Tompkins Case
The landmark Erie Railroad Co. v. Tompkins case is introduced to illustrate how and why Erie analysis arises in federal court.

06:20 Overruling Swift v. Tyson
The Supreme Court overturns Swift v. Tyson, holding that federal courts must apply state substantive law in diversity cases.

07:40 Step Two: Is the Decision Within Erie’s Scope?
We determine whether the conflict is governed by Erie or by a separate line of cases like Hanna v. Plumer, based on the source of federal law.

08:44 Erie vs. Hanna Distinction
If the federal rule in question is statutory (like a Federal Rule of Civil Procedure), the case is handled under Hanna—not Erie.

10:18 The Hanna v. Plumer Case
The video walks through Hanna v. Plumer, where a federal rule conflicted with state law, and the Supreme Court ruled in favor of applying the federal rule.

14:59 Summary of Step Two – Scope
If the federal law is statutory, Erie doesn’t apply; if it’s based on judicial precedent, Erie analysis is necessary.

17:28 Step Three: Apply Erie Doctrine
When Erie applies, federal courts must use state law for substantive issues and federal law for procedural issues in diversity cases.

18:28 Preview of Substance vs. Procedure
The lesson transitions to a discussion of how to distinguish substantive and procedural law, which is central to completing Erie analysis.

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