Shepherd v. Exxon Mobil Corporation et al

Filing 104

RULING denying 100 MOTION for Entry of Rule 54(B) Final Judgment as to Cross-Claim of Kirby Inland Marine LP filed by SGS North America, Inc.. Signed by Judge James J. Brady on 10/15/09. (BP, )

Download PDF
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA KENNETH SHEPHERD CIVIL ACTION VERSUS NO. 06-509-JJB EXXONMOBIL, ET AL. RULING ON MOTION FOR RULE 54(b) CERTIFICATION Before the court is a motion by SGS North America Inc. for entry of judgment under Fed. Rule Civ. P. 54(b). There is no need for oral argument. When multiple claims and parties are involved, the court "may direct the entry of judgment as to one or more but fewer than all of the claims or parties only upon an express determination that there is no just reason for delay." Fed. Rule Civ. P. 54(b). While application of the rule is discretionary, there is "an historic federal policy against piecemeal appeals". H & W Industries, Inc. v. Formosa Plastics Corp., USA, 860 F.2d 172, 175 (5th Cir. 1988). For that reason, district courts have been instructed to use the procedure sparingly rather than routinely. Jasmin v. Dumas, 726 F.2d 242 (5th Cir. 1984). Under the circumstances of this particular matter, the court finds that certification would not be appropriate. SGS will remain a party in the matter and factual issues remain which are interrelated with those determined by the court's summary judgment ruling. 1 Accordingly, the motion for certification under Rule 54(b) (doc.100) is hereby DENIED. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, October 15, 2009. JAMES J. BRADY, JUDGE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA 2

Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.


Why Is My Information Online?