Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-2_07-cv-02359/USCOURTS-azd-2_07-cv-02359-2/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 190
Nature of Suit: Other Contract Actions
Cause of Action: 28:1332 Diversity-Other Contract

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WO

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

Alfred Albano, et al.,

Plaintiffs, 

v.

Shea Homes Limited Partnership, et al.,

Defendants. 

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No. CV-07-2359-PHX-SMM

No. CV-08-505-PHX-SMM (consolidated)

ORDER

Before the Court is Plaintiffs’ Offer of Judgment as to Robert & Cynthia Kegerreis

pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 68 (Dkt. 75). Rule 68 states that “more than 10 days before

the trial begins, a party defending against a claim may serve on an opposing party an

offer to allow judgment on specified terms, with the costs then accrued.” Fed. R. Civ. P.

68(a) (emphasis added). Rule 68 only applies only to offers made by defendants. Delta

Air Lines Inc. v. August, 450 U.S. 346, 350 (1981). No similar procedure applies for

settlement demands by plaintiff. Id. However, if a counterclaim for money damages has

been asserted against plaintiff, a Rule 68 offer may be made to that claim. Simon v.

Intercontinental Transport (ICT) B.V., 882 F.2d 1435 (9th Cir. 1989). Rule 68 further

states that only after the other party’s acceptance can either party file the offer and notice

of acceptance. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 68(a). An unaccepted offer is considered withdrawn

and is not admissible, except in a proceeding to determine costs. Fed. R. Civ. P. 68(b).

Case 2:07-cv-02359-SMM Document 77 Filed 11/04/08 Page 1 of 2
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Here, Plaintiffs made an offer of judgment to Defendants and filed it with the

Court. Plaintiffs are not defending against a claim or counterclaim. Therefore, Rule 68

does not apply to Plaintiffs, and Plaintiffs cannot make an offer of judgment pursuant to

Rule 68. Furthermore, even if Plaintiffs’ offer of judgment was valid under Rule 68,

Plaintiffs should not have filed it until after Defendants have accepted it.

Accordingly,

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED striking Plaintiffs’ Offer of Judgment as to Robert &

Cynthia Kegerreis (Dkt. 75).

DATED this 4th day of November, 2008.

Case 2:07-cv-02359-SMM Document 77 Filed 11/04/08 Page 2 of 2