Which action would violate the rules on delaying litigation?

• A. Using means whose primary purpose is to delay or incur needless expense.
• B. Filing motions with genuine purpose to speed resolution.
• C. Engaging in settlement negotiations to resolve the matter.
• D. Conducting discovery to obtain relevant information.

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is that courts bar dilatory tactics—actions whose primary aim is to delay the case or rack up needless expenses. Using means whose primary purpose is to delay or incur needless expense fits that description exactly. It undermines the efficient administration of justice and can lead to sanctions because it isn’t about advancing the merits or moving toward a resolution.

By contrast, filing motions with a genuine purpose to speed resolution, engaging in settlement negotiations to resolve the matter, and conducting discovery to obtain relevant information are legitimate, constructive tools. They’re designed to clarify issues, encourage settlement, or gather information needed to prevail, not to delay.