Opinion ID: 573887
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: vacating the default

Text: 16 Rich contends that even if the district court had subject matter jurisdiction, the default should be set aside to allow him to litigate on the merits. A motion to set aside a default judgment is in the sound discretion of the judge,  'the person most familiar with the circumstances of the case and ... in the best position to evaluate the good faith and credibility of the parties.'  Marziliano v. Heckler, 728 F.2d 151 at 156 (quoting Davis v. Musler, 713 F.2d 907, 912 (2d Cir.1983)). The court must consider whether the default was willful, whether setting aside the default would prejudice the opposing party, and whether the moving party has shown that he may have a meritorious defense. Marziliano v. Heckler, 728 F.2d 151, 157 (2d Cir.1984); Davis v. Musler, 713 F.2d 907 (2d Cir.1983); Meehan v. Snow, 652 F.2d 274 (2d Cir.1981). 17 A default should not be set aside when it is found to be willful. See In re Men's Sportswear, Inc., 834 F.2d 1134, 1138-1139 (2d Cir.1987); Brock v. Unique Racquetball & Health Clubs, Inc., 786 F.2d 61 (2d Cir.1986). Rich admits he deliberately chose not to appear in the action because he faced possible indictment upon return to New York. 18 Vacating the default and requiring the plaintiffs to litigate the merits of their case now--eight years after they commenced this action and nine years after the events complained of--surely would cause irreparable prejudice. Early in these proceedings Rich was granted a stay of discovery. The eight year delay, during which discovery was stayed, inevitably renders it difficult for plaintiffs to reconstruct and prove events which occurred almost a decade ago. See Musler, 713 F.2d at 916. 19 Rich has made no showing of a meritorious defense. Even if there were a trial on the merits, Rich admits he would not appear, either for discovery or for trial. He concedes that his non-appearance during earlier proceedings was a severe handicap to the presentation of his position, and that his anticipated failure to submit to discovery in New York will allow an adverse inference, a preclusion of proof or of a defense, or a default during trial. Rich's anticipated refusal to appear undercuts any reason to believe he may succeed on the merits.