Understanding the Fauntleroy Doctrine and Its Legal Implications

Definition & Meaning

The Fauntleroy Doctrine is a legal principle that requires states to honor and enforce the judgments made by courts in other states, provided that those courts had proper jurisdiction. This doctrine applies even if the judgment involves a claim that is considered illegal in the state where enforcement is sought. The principle was established in the landmark case Fauntleroy v. Lum, 210 U.S. 230 (1908).

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A court in State A issues a judgment for a breach of contract. If the defendant moves to State B, the plaintiff can seek to enforce that judgment in State B, assuming State A had proper jurisdiction.

Example 2: A custody ruling made in State C is enforced in State D, even if certain aspects of the ruling may not align with State D's laws (hypothetical example).

State-by-state differences

State Notes
California Generally enforces judgments but may have specific public policy exceptions.
New York Enforces judgments from other states unless they violate New York public policy.
Texas Requires that the foreign judgment meets certain criteria for enforcement.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Full Faith and Credit Clause A constitutional requirement for states to recognize each other's laws and judicial decisions. The Fauntleroy Doctrine is a specific application of this clause concerning judgments.
Res Judicata A legal doctrine preventing the same case from being tried again. Res judicata applies to the same parties and issues, while the Fauntleroy Doctrine concerns enforcement across states.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you need to enforce a judgment from another state, start by confirming that the original court had proper jurisdiction. You may want to consult with a legal professional to understand the specific requirements in your state. Additionally, consider using US Legal Forms to find templates and forms that can help you navigate the enforcement process.

Quick facts

  • Typical fees for enforcement can vary by state.
  • Jurisdiction is crucial; the original court must have had authority.
  • Possible penalties for non-compliance may include fines or other legal actions.

Key takeaways