1. If someone files a suit, is a basic level of sense-checking done before the defendant is served and issued a summons? Basically I'm asking if someone could just file a lawsuit with absolutely no reason just to inconvenience someone else.
2. Can a court summon anyone to appear at any court anywhere in the country, or can the defendant choose to travel to their closest/most convenient court? (If the former, can the defendant claim travel expenses or similar?)
3. Is there a specific reason that in-person depositions are mandated in civil suits like this? It seems you could communicate everything you need to over video conferencing without having to be physically present, regardless of any COVID-type excuses.
Gabe probably just can't be bothered travelling and I don't blame him.