Opinion ID: 516086
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Removal of the Claims Against Harper

Text: 14 Richards argues that lack of service on Harper made removal improper.
15 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1441(c) (1982) would permit removal of the claim against Harper if service had occurred. That section states: 16 Whenever a separate and independent claim or cause of action, which would be removable if sued upon alone, is joined with one or more otherwise non-removable claims or causes of action, the entire case may be removed and the district court may determine all issues therein, or, in its discretion, may remand all matters not otherwise within its original jurisdiction. 17 The claims against Baucus and Williams are separate and independent of those against Harper. See Am. Fire & Casualty Co. v. Finn, 341 U.S. 6, 13-14, 71 S.Ct. 534, 539-540, 95 L.Ed. 702 (1951) (claims not separate and independent where they originate from single wrong); Emrich v. Touche Ross & Co., 846 F.2d 1190, 1197 (9th Cir.1988) (separate wrongs). Richards alleges harm by each legislator from separate acts or failures to act.
18 Lack of service of process on Harper could present difficulty. He responds that 28 U.S.C. Secs. 1447(a) and 1448 give the district court power to complete the service of process initiated in state court. 1 19 Although Sec. 1448 appears to support his argument our precedent holds otherwise. In Beecher v. Wallace, 381 F.2d 372, 373 (9th Cir.1967), we concluded that where the plaintiff has not served the defendant with process prior to removal, the district court has no power to complete the service. Rather, the court must issue new process pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 4. Id. 20 Although the court did not issue new process, we agree with its determination that Harper waived the lack of service. After removal, federal rather than state law governs the course of the later proceedings. Granny Goose Foods, Inc. v. Teamsters Local 70, 415 U.S. 423, 437, 94 S.Ct. 1113, 1123, 39 L.Ed.2d 435 (1974); Savarese v. Edrick Transfer & Storage, Inc., 513 F.2d 140, 144 n. 6 (9th Cir.1975). Harper made a general appearance, filed a responsive pleading without disputing personal jurisdiction, and does not question lack of service in his brief on appeal. He waived any defect in service. Benny v. Pipes, 799 F.2d 489, 492 (9th Cir.1986), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 108 S.Ct. 198, 98 L.Ed.2d 149 (1987); Savarese, 513 F.2d at 145. Removal of the Harper claim was proper.