Source: https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/322/137/
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 00:51:27+00:00

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Justia › US Law › US Case Law › US Supreme Court › Volume 322 › Allen Calculators, Inc. v. National Cash Register Co.
Pursuant to the provisions of an earlier decree of injunction in a suit by the United States against a defendant under the antitrust laws, the defendant petitioned for and was granted leave on certain conditions to acquire stock of a competitor. The proceeding was adversary throughout, and neither party appealed. The appellant here had sought, but was denied, leave to intervene.
1. Under Rule 24(a) of the Rules of Civil Procedure, appellant was not entitled to intervene as of right. P. 322 U. S. 140.
(a) No statute of the United States conferred an "unconditional right" to intervene. Clayton Act, § 16; R.C.P. 24(a)(1). P. 322 U. S. 140.
(b) The appellant would not be bound by any judgment in the action. R.C.P. 24(a)(2). P. 322 U. S. 141.
(c) Appellant had no interest in "a distribution or other disposition of property in the custody of the court." R.C.P. 24(a)(3). P. 322 U. S. 141.
(d) Missouri-Kansas Pipe Line Co. v. United States, 312 U. S. 502, distinguished. P. 322 U. S. 141.
2. Upon the entire record, it does not appear that the district court abused its discretion in denying the appellant leave to intervene. R.C.P. 24(b)(2). P. 322 U. S. 142.
Where examination of the entire record leading to the court's final order discloses that the issue were thoroughly explored and that the parties were adequately represented, the action of the court denying intervention should not be reviewed.
Appeal under the Expediting Act from an order of the District Court denying leave to intervene in an antitrust proceeding.
will supplement the plant, patents, machines, or facilities of the defendant corporation and that the acquisition thereof is desired for that purpose and will not substantially lessen competition, then jurisdiction is reserved to pass an order permitting the same upon such terms and conditions as may be right."
National, desiring to acquire stock of Allen-Wales Adding Machine Corporation, petitioned for leave and gave the required notice to the Attorney General. The Government filed an answer opposing the grant. The matter was set for hearing in the District Court November 15, 1943. On that day, Allen Calculators, Inc., the appellant, presented a motion for leave to intervene. The United States consented to the proposed intervention; National opposed it. The District Judge granted intervention conditionally and allowed counsel for the appellant to make an opening statement and to take some part in the proceedings. Subsequently, but prior to the closing of the hearing, he ruled that the appellant would not be allowed to intervene. Before making his ruling, he was advised, in answer to his inquiry, that the president of the appellant would be called as a witness by the Government. November 16, he entered a formal order denying intervention.
"(a) Intervention of Right. Upon timely application, anyone shall be permitted to intervene in an action: (1) When a statute of the United States confers an unconditional right to intervene; or (2) when the representation of the applicant's interest by existing parties is or may be inadequate and the applicant is or may be bound by a judgment in the action; or (3) when the applicant is so situated as to be adversely affected by a distribution or other disposition of property in the custody of the court or of an officer thereof."
"(b) Permissive Intervention. Upon timely application, anyone may be permitted to intervene in an action: (1) when a statute of the United States confers a conditional right to intervene; or (2) when an applicant's claim or defense and the main action have a question of law or fact in common. In exercising its discretion, the court shall consider whether the intervention will unduly delay or prejudice the adjudication of the rights of the original parties."
right of intervention, as required by (1). The appellant relies on § 16 of the Clayton Act, [Footnote 3] but that section merely authorizes private parties to sue for relief against threatened damage consequent upon the violation of the antitrust laws. It grants no privilege, much less an unconditional right, to intervene in suits under the Sherman Act brought by the United States. The application did not fall under (2), for the appellant clearly would not be bound by any judgment in the action. Nor had it any interest in the distribution or disposition of property in the custody of the court so as to come under (3).
The appellant relies upon Missouri-Kansas Pipeline Co. v. United States, 312 U. S. 502. That case, however, is to be distinguished. There, the applicant on whose behalf intervention was asked was named in the original decree as one who should be heard in respect of its property rights in the event certain action was taken. Such action was taken and, despite the terms of the original decree, intervention was denied. Clearly, as to the intervenor, the action was final. We accordingly entertained the appeal.
in accumulating proofs and arguments without assisting the court. The record here discloses that the parties produced all data they and the court thought was available upon the issues in the case. Moreover, the court invited the Government to call the appellant's president to testify as to his knowledge concerning the issues.
Act of Feb. 11, 1903, c. 544, § 2, 32 Stat. 823, as amended March 3, 1911, c. 231, § 291, 36 Stat. 1167, 15 U.S.C. § 29. Cf. Act of Feb. 13, 1925, c. 229, § 1, 43 Stat. 938, 28 U.S.C. § 345.
28 U.S.C. following section 723c.
United States v. California Co-op. Canneries, 279 U. S. 553.
United States v. California Canneries, supra.
Id., cases cited p. 279 U. S. 556.

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