Opinion ID: 336170
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Perpetuation of Testimony Pending Appeal

Text: 37 While the appeal from the adjudication of bankruptcy was pending, Crateo requested permission, pursuant to Rule 27(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, to depose an officer of the Southern National Bank of Houston. This testimony was allegedly needed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the purported forgery on the promissory note and the satisfaction of the note discussed in part II, supra. The order denying Crateo's motion is an appealable order. Ash v. Cort, 512 F.2d 909 (3rd Cir. 1975). Cf. Martin v. Reynolds Metals Corporation, 297 F.2d 49 (9th Cir. 1961). 38 On appeal, we must decide whether there was an abuse of discretion by the trial court. Ash v. Cort, supra. For the reasons stated previously in part II, supra, Crateo could not collaterally attack the Texas judgment. There was, therefore, no reason in this bankruptcy proceeding to take depositions on the subject. Crateo's motion was properly denied. 39 The judgment in No. 73-3208 and the order in No. 74-2088 are affirmed. The appeals in Nos. 74-2615 and 75-3061 are dismissed. Considering Nos. 74-2615 and 75-3061 as motions to remand to permit the district judge to consider appellant's Rule 60(b) motions, the motions are denied.