Opinion ID: 182792
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Motion for Interlocutory Appeal or Reconsideration

Text: Finally, Capitol argues the district court erred by denying its motion for a Rule 54(b) judgment, which would have enabled Capitol to appeal at once the order granting summary judgment to Guest, or in the alternative, for reconsideration of the same order. The interlocutory appeal issue is now moot because a final judgment has been entered and the case has been presented to this court on appeal. Thus, Capitol has already obtained the relief it sought, that is, the right to appeal the order. See I.A.M. Nat'l Pension Fund Benefit Plan A v. Cooper Indus., Inc., 789 F.2d 21, 24 (D.C.Cir.1986) (interlocutory order merges into final judgment and is reviewable upon appeal from final judgment). The district court addressed Capitol's request for reconsideration pursuant to Rule 54(b), which not only authorizes the court to enter a partial final judgment but also recognizes its inherent power to reconsider an interlocutory order as justice requires. See Greene v. Union Mut. Life Ins. Co. of Am., 764 F.2d 19, 22-23 (1st Cir.1985) (Breyer, J.) (the district judge is in the best position to assess whether or not `justice requires' [reconsideration]). The district court understandably determined justice did not require reconsidering its order, for Capitol raised no arguments for reconsideration the court had not already rejected on the merits except its argument that the court had improperly weighed testimony. Similarly, on appeal, Capitol merely repeats its arguments concerning summary judgment. These arguments are without merit for reasons already stated; a fortiori, the district court did not abuse its discretion by denying Capitol's motion for reconsideration.