Opinion ID: 526487
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Propriety of Motion to Dismiss

Text: 5 Initially, we reject Baker's argument that we lack jurisdiction to hear Raulie's motion to dismiss because Raulie did not file a cross-appeal from the district court's September 7 notation order granting Baker an extension of time in which to file his notice of appeal. Raulie attacks our jurisdiction of Baker's appeal by contending that Baker did not file a timely notice, and that the district court abused its discretion in granting Baker leave to file an untimely notice. It is perfectly proper to raise such a jurisdictional challenge by motion to dismiss rather than cross-appeal. 6th Cir.R. 8(a)(1); Marsh v. Richardson, 873 F.2d 129, 130 (6th Cir.1989); Trivette v. New York Life Ins. Co., 270 F.2d 198, 199 (6th Cir.1959). Moreover, even if Raulie had chosen an improper vehicle to raise the issue, we would still be bound to make jurisdictional inquiry on our own motion. Liberty Mutual Ins. Co. v. Wetzel, 424 U.S. 737, 740, 96 S.Ct. 1202, 1204, 47 L.Ed.2d 435 (1976); Owens v. Brock, 860 F.2d 1363, 1367 (6th Cir.1988); Trivette, 270 F.2d at 199.