Hanna Analysis (Direct Conflict)

Definition

The test from Hanna v. Plumer for resolving clashes between federal rules and state law. When a valid Federal Rule of Civil Procedure directly conflicts with — or 'answers the same question as' — a state law, the federal rule controls in federal court. This avoids the more complex Erie balancing test.

Examples

• •The petitioner argued that Rules 3, 8, and 9 directly conflict with Delaware's AOM requirement because they answer the same question: what is needed to commence and maintain a lawsuit in federal court.

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