Opinion ID: 218487
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Order restricting future litigation

Text: Finally, we consider the District Court’s decision to restrict Hoffenberg’s right to file future suits in the District of New Jersey. We have held that “a continuous pattern of groundless and vexatious litigation can, at some point, support an order against further filings of complaints without the permission of the court.” In re Oliver, 682 F.2d 443, 446 (3d Cir. 1982). Courts must remain mindful, however, that “[a]ccess to the courts is a fundamental tenet of our judicial system,” and “legitimate claims should receive a full and fair hearing no matter how litigious the plaintiff may be.” Id. Significantly for purposes of the present case, we have explained that an injunction against future filings “should not be imposed by a court without prior notice and some occasion to respond.” Gagliardi v. McWilliams, 834 F.2d 81, 83 (3d Cir. 1987). The District Court here gave notice to Hoffenberg that his failure to plead in compliance with the Rules of Civil Procedure would result in “sanctions.” But the District Court did not afford notice of the particular order that it intended to enter placing restrictions upon Hoffenberg’s right to file suit. As a result, Hoffenberg did not have an opportunity to object before the order was entered. As we have explained, “[i]f the circumstances warrant the imposition of an injunction, the District Court must give notice to the litigant to show cause why the proposed injunctive relief should not issue. This ensures that the litigant is provided with the opportunity to oppose the court’s order before it is instituted.” Brow v. Farrelly, 994 F.2d 1027, 1038 (3d Cir. 1993) (citation 10 omitted, emphasis added); see In re Oliver, 682 F.2d at 446 (concluding that a remand was warranted where the district court failed to provide litigant with notice and an opportunity to oppose an order restricting future filings). Given the absence of proper notice here, we will vacate the injunction imposed and remand so that Hoffenberg can be afforded an opportunity to respond. We express no view on whether Hoffenberg’s conduct, in this case or in the others cases cited by the District Court, would support entry of an order restricting his right to file future litigation. That issue is best left to the District Court in the first instance, in the sound exercise of its discretion, after it considers Hoffenberg’s objections and weighs them against the record and the need to curtail potentially abusive future litigation.4