Opinion ID: 2072945
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Review of Order Appointing a Receiver

Text: The appointment of a receiver to enforce the terms of an injunction is a matter within the discretion of the trial judge. See Consolidated Rail Corp. v. Fore River Ry., 861 F.2d 322, 326 (1st Cir.1988); Van Oss v. Premier Petroleum Co., 113 Me. 180, 189, 93 A. 72, 75 (1915). When more traditional remedies such as further injunctive orders and contempt proceedings have not succeeded in obtaining compliance, a court of equity is justified, particularly in aid of an outstanding injunction, in turning to less common ones, such as receivership, to get the job done. Morgan v. McDonough, 540 F.2d 527, 533 (1st Cir.1976). In this case, the Superior Court acted well within the scope of its discretion in appointing a receiver after Emerson failed to comply with the preliminary injunction. Without reiterating the entire history of the case, it is clear from the uncontested affidavits submitted with the State's motion requesting the appointment of a receiver that Emerson accepted at his facility numerous truckloads of tires from outside Durham in direct and patent contravention of court orders. The acceptance of tires continued even after the court found Emerson in contempt. The appointment of a receiver to oversee operations and ensure compliance with the terms of the preliminary injunction was thus fully justified by Emerson's flagrant disregard of the express terms of the injunction.