Jerry and Patricia A. Dixon, et al - Page 196




                                       - 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 fairly           


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