What is the purpose of 11(b)?

• A. To explain when and what a lawyer promises or represents to a court
• B. To regulate jury selection
• C. To govern the filing fee schedule
• D. To define admissibility of evidence

Answer: (A)

Rule 11(b) governs representations to the court when filings are made. It requires that, by presenting to the court, a lawyer or unrepresented party certify that the claims, defenses, and other contentions are supported by existing law or a nonfrivolous argument for extending or modifying the law, and that the factual contentions have evidentiary support or will likely have such support after discovery. It also provides for sanctions if those representations are made for improper purposes or without reasonable inquiry. This is why the purpose is described as explaining what a lawyer promises or represents to the court in filings. It isn’t about jury selection, filing fee schedules, or the admissibility of evidence, which are governed by other rules and procedures.