Opinion ID: 755571
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: issues raised on appeal and standards of review

Text: Appellants principally challenge five distinct elements of the settlement. First, they raise the threshold issue whether the district court had jurisdiction over this class action. Second, they challenge the court's certification of the settlement class. Third, they contest the district court's order approving the proposed settlement as fair and reasonable. Fourth, appellants take issue with the district court's $90 million award of attorneys' fees. Finally, they once more take aim at the district court's handling of this case, appealing the denial of their motion to disqualify under 28 U.S.C. §§ 455(a), 455(b)(1) and 455(b)(5)(iv). The decision of whether to approve a proposed settlement of a class action is left to the sound discretion of the district court. Girsh v. Jepson, 521 F.2d 153, 156 (3d Cir.1975). Consequently, we will reverse the district court for a clear abuse of discretion. Id. at 156 n. 7. In addition, the certification of a class and the award of reasonable attorneys' fees are also subject to an abuse of discretion standard. In re General Motors Corp. Pick-Up Truck Fuel Tank Products Liability Litigation, 55 F.3d 768, 782 (3d Cir.1995) (G.M. Trucks ). An appellate court may find an abuse of discretion where the 'district court's decision rests upon a clearly erroneous finding of fact, an errant conclusion of law or an improper application of law to fact.'  Id. at 783 (quoting International Union, UAW v. Mack Trucks, Inc., 820 F.2d 91, 95 (3d Cir.1987)). Our review of jurisdictional issues, however, is plenary. Anthuis v. Colt Industries Operating Corp., 971 F.2d 999, 1002 (3d Cir.1992).