Overview of topics...

NOTE: A number of new laws concern judicial procedure. All of Issue 177 was devoted to them. Two more new laws are considered in this issue, along with our usual case coverage.

LEAD NOTE :

• WHEN COURT'S DELAYED DECISION CAUSES LOSS OF
  P'S CLAIM, WHO PAYS THE PRICE?
  Motion for Minor Procedural Defect Denied with Leave to Renew, But in Decision So Late That Renewal Is Now Futile

NEW LAWS:

• Promiscuous Use of Information Subpoenas Served on Third Persons Prompts Corrective Amendment
• Assistant Attorneys General Can Supply Affidavit Needed as Basis for Taking Default Judgment

GENERAL PRACTICE:

• Controversial Time Limit on Summary Judgment Motion Is Extensively Reviewed and Cases Collated in Law Review Article
• Does Amendment or Supplement of Bill of Particulars Require Redrawing of Whole Bill?

SPECIAL NOTE :

• Extensive Review of Cross-Motion Time Problems in First - Department Case

BACKLOG ITEMS:

• $2 Million Verdict Set Aside for Prejudicial Comments by P, in Summation, About D's Medical Experts
• No Substitution of Alternate Jurors After Deliberations Have Begun Unless All Parties Consent
• When P and D Arbitrate and P wins, No Estoppel for P in P's Suit Against D's Attorney for Inducing D's Breach