- 269 - The very purpose of a trial is to test the truthfulness of testimony and other evidence proffered by the parties. Examining the possibility that testimony is perjurious is one of the principal functions of cross- examination. * * * Rule 60(b) should not reward the lazy litigant who did not adequately investigate his or her case, or who did not vigorously cross-examine a witness. [Fn. refs. omitted.] 12 Moore, Moore's Federal Practice, sec. 60.43[1][c], at 60-131 to 60-132 (3d ed. 1998). In this regard, courts have denied relief under rule 60(b)(3) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure where the moving party had a full and fair opportunity to uncover the alleged fraud or perjury at trial. See Bunch v. United States, supra at 1283. We have already described the Government misconduct in these cases supra pp. 218-225. Arguably, Messrs. McWade's and Sims' failure to disclose the Thompson and Cravens settlements and the Alexander understanding to the Court constitute fraud, misrepresentation, or misconduct within the meaning of rule 60(b)(3) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. However, as discussed above, fraud, misrepresentation, or misconduct alone is not sufficient to require or justify relief under rule 60(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. To the contrary, relief under rule 60(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure is warranted only where the fraud, misrepresentation, or misconduct has prevented the adversely affected party from fully and fairly presenting his or her case at trial. In re M/V Peacock, supra. We are convinced that the Government misconduct did not prevent the remaining test case petitioners from fully and fairlyPage: Previous 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 Next
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