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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Conformity Act
Read a random definition: national association
A quick definition of Conformity Act:
The Conformity Act was a law passed in 1872 that required federal district courts to follow the same procedures as state courts for similar cases, except for equity and admiralty matters. However, this law was replaced by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in 1938. Even when the Conformity Act was in effect, federal judges could still choose to ignore state practices that they believed would make it difficult to administer justice. This led to confusion and conflicting decisions.
A more thorough explanation:
The Conformity Act was a federal statute passed in 1872 that required the practice and procedure in federal district courts to conform to the practice and procedure used by state courts for similar cases, except in equity and admiralty matters. However, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure replaced the Conformity Act in 1938.
Even when there was conformity, it was not always mandatory. The federal judge could disregard a state practice that would hinder the administration of the law or justice. This led to conflicting decisions and confusion.
For example, if a federal district court in California was hearing a case involving a breach of contract, the Conformity Act would require the court to follow the same procedures as the California state court for similar cases. This would include the rules for filing a complaint, serving the defendant, and presenting evidence.
However, if the federal judge believed that a particular state practice would not serve the ends of justice, they could choose to disregard it. This gave the judge some discretion in how they applied the Conformity Act.