Opinion ID: 780118
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Statutory Appellate Jurisdiction

Text: 30 Ordinarily, appeals are permitted only from final decisions of the district courts. 28 U.S.C. § 1291. One exception to this rule, contained in 28 U.S.C. § 1292(b), however, permits appellate jurisdiction over interlocutory civil orders [w]hen a district judge ... [is] of the opinion that such order involves a controlling question of law as to which there is substantial ground for difference of opinion and that an immediate appeal from the order may materially advance the ultimate termination of the litigation, and so certifies in a written order. 28 U.S.C. § 1292(b). Upon entry of such an order, the court of appeals has the discretion to accept or decline jurisdiction. Id. 31 On April 24, 2002, the district court certified this case for appeal under 28 U.S.C. § 1292(b). Final Order of April 24, 2002, at 6. The prerequisites for appellate jurisdiction are satisfied. First, the interaction of federal, New York, and Indonesian law poses substantial ground for difference of opinion. 28 U.S.C. § 1292(b). Second, our review of the district court's order will advance the litigation by resolving the disposition of funds that allegedly belong to a foreign sovereign. Pursuant to our discretion under 28 U.S.C. § 1292(b), we therefore accept jurisdiction to hear this appeal. 11