Document: 485 U.S. 271 108 S.Ct. 1133 99 L.Ed.2d 296 GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION, Petitionerv.MAYACAMAS CORPORATION. No. 86-1329. Argued Dec. 7, 1987. Decided March 22, 1988. Syllabus Petitioner sued respondent in state court for breach of contract. Respondent did not remove the action to federal court, but, one month later, filed a diversity against petitioner Federal District Court same The denied petitioner's motion stay or dismiss before it, finding that facts case fell short those necessary justify requested discontinuance under Colorado River Water Conservation Dist. v. United States, 424 800, 96 1236, 47 483, which held that, "exceptional" circumstances, district may an because pendency similar state-court litigation. Appeals dismissed appeal lack jurisdiction, holding neither 28 U.S.C. § 1291 provides appeals from "final decisions" courts—nor 1292(a)(1)—which authorizes interlocutory orders granting denying injunctions—allowed immediate Court's order. also declined treat notice as application writ mandamus All Writs Act. Held: 1. A order when suit is pending immediately appealable 1292(a)(1). Pp. 275-288. (a) Since question does end litigation but ensures it will continue Court, 1291. fall within collateral-order exception 1291, since fails satisfy exception's "conclusiveness" requirement inherently tentative and made with expectation be final word on subject addressed. Given both nature factors considered natural tendency courts attempt eliminate matters need decided their dockets, usually expect revisit reassess light events occurring normal course (b) relates only conduct progress cannot injunction Petitioner's claim pursuant doctrine Enelow New York Life Ins. Co., 293 379, 55 310, 79 L.Ed. 440, Ettelson Metropolitan 317 188, 63 163, 87 176, stays "legal" proceedings "equitable" grounds were injunctions, rejected. Enelow-Ettelson overruled based outmoded procedural differentiations produces arbitrary anomalous results modern practice. 279-288. 2. has failed its burden showing refusal dismissal constituted abuse discretion sufficient warrant extraordinary remedy Appeals. assertion party's decision spurn removal bring separate federal-court invariably constitutes circumstances warranting 288-290. 806 F.2d 928, (CA 9 1986), affirmed. MARSHALL, J., delivered opinion all other Members joined, except KENNEDY, who took no part consideration case. SCALIA, concurring opinion, post, p. 290. Elliot L. Bien, San Francisco, Cal., petitioner. Gregory H. Ward, Palo Alto, respondent. Justice MARSHALL Court. 1 primary issue this whether appealable. 2 * Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Mayacamas entered into contract agreed purchase aircraft manufactured by subsequently refused make payments due, claiming petitioner, increasing production availability aircrafts, had frustrated respondent's purpose transaction, was sell demand high. thereupon Superior Chatham County, Georgia. Respondent, declining answer counterclaim. In addition, approximately after commencement suit, States Northern California. This alleged formed basis suit. 3 promptly moved 483 (1976). River, we solely court. Id., at 818, S.Ct., 1246; see Moses Cone Memorial Hospital Mercury Construction Corp., 460 1, 13-19, 103 927, 935-938, 74 765 (1983).1 argued supported River. disagreed. Finding "the justify" proceeding motion. See C 85-20658 RPA (ND Jan. 24, 1986). 4 Ninth Circuit, alleging jurisdiction over either 12912 1292(a)(1).3 Appeals, event found these sections provided appellate mandamus, brought Act, 1651,4 grant application. nor 1292(a)(1) allowed 929-930 (1987).5 then ground would cause "serious hardship prejudice" 930. Finally, stated even if treated have right "[i]t well court's deny" 930-931. 5 We granted certiorari, 481 1068, 107 2458, 95 868 (1987), resolve division Circuits denial resolution appealable.6 now affirm. II 6 principal contention That section review courts. long general rule "ends merits leaves nothing do execute judgment." Catlin 324 229, 233, 65 631, 633, 89 911 (1945).7 such effect: indeed, Cohen Beneficial Industrial Loan 337 541, 69 1221, 93 1528 (1949), however, recognized "small class" decisions are though they terminate underlying 546, 1225. "finally determine[s] claims separable from, collateral to, rights asserted action, too important independent itself require deferred until whole adjudicated." Ibid. asserts falls Cohen's "collateral order" doctrine. 7 Cohen, many occasions refine final-judgment rule. articulated three-pronged test determine finally nonetheless Coopers & Lybrand Livesay, 437 463, 98 2454, 57 351 (1978); also, e.g., Richardson-Merrell Inc. Koller, 472 424, 431, 105 2757, 2761, 86 340 (1985); Firestone Tire Rubber Co. Risjord, 449 368, 375, 101 669, 674, 66 571 (1981). First, must "conclusively disputed question." U.S., 468, 2458. Second, "resolve completely action." Third finally, "effectively unreviewable (footnote omitted). If any requirements, 8 (1983), meets each three requirements therefore 11-13, 934-935. applying doctrine, refusing proceed satisfies second third prongs test. "plainly presents merits" "unreviewable appealed now" once issues litigation, give determination res judicata effect. 12, 935 gave more extended treatment first contrasted two kinds nonfinal orders: " 'inherently tentative,' id., n. 14, 935, quoting supra, 469, 11, although technically amendable, "made addressed," 14. used challenged certification class, example kind ordinarily revise response "in ordinary litigation." 13, nature. An stay, noted, "necessarily contemplates further resolving substantive case" enter full confidence parallel "be adequate vehicle complete prompt between parties." 28, 943; 935. normally settle matter time, prong satisfied Application leads different result. decide test—the separability reviewability judgment—because meet initial conclusive question. denies contemplate" close time. motion, determined should await developments concluding balance warrants stay. example, wish becomes comprehensive than former begins rapid pace. Thus, whereas necessarily implies dispute, indicate confident propriety Indeed, given Because "inherently tentative" critical sense—because [it] addressed"—the meaning III 10 argues alternative 1292(a)(1), gives injunctions. Switzerland Cheese Assn., E. Horne's Market, Inc., 385 23, 25, 193, 195, 17 23 (1966); International Products Corp. Koons, 325 403, 406 (CA2 1963) (Friendly, J.). Under certain refuse judicial injunctions case, concurrent proceeding, 11 line cases examine began some 50 years ago, 440 (1935). At time decision, law equity remained jurisprudential systems judges administered systems, so judge chancellor law. Enelow, plaintiff recover life insurance policy. company raised affirmative defense policy been obtained fraud trial equitable defense. appealed. likened issued restrain stated: 12 "[T]he . [the statute.] And, aspect, makes difference cases, stayed, view established distinction 'proceedings national .' 13 14 "It thus apparent decree requiring, require, shall tried, exercising what essentially effect grants refuses restraining precisely acted upon bill complaint purpose." 382-383, 311. 15 concluded 16 176 (1942), reaffirmed notwithstanding Rules Civil Procedure fully merged interim. relevant identical responded them fashion. argument fusion destroyed analogy ordered law, plaintiffs position restrained 192, 164-165. injunction. historical analysis bred curious contours. rule, most recently restated Balti- Contractors, Bodinger, 348 75 249, 233 (1955), staying own conditions met. merger equity, arise satisfied, equivalent injunction, condition met, fails. When historically counterclaim legal, power proceedings. And equitable, stayed his he issuing merely arranging docket. unless legal counterclaim, analogized premerger 18 parties dispute deny Both agree prior equity. They vigorously contest, requisite sense. relies primarily Seventh Circuit Microsoftware Computer Systems, Ontel 686 531 (1982). avoiding unnecessary wasteful duplication lawsuits," F.2d, 536. hand, urges us adopt reasoning below drew motions "defenses" "considerations." 929-930. considerations apply.8 19 decline address appealability terms; sterility debate illustrates fundamental precedents area. understood deficient utility relating criticized perpetuation "outmoded differentiations" consequent produce incongruous results. Baltimore 184, 254; Morgantown Royal 254, 257-258, 1067, 1069-1070, 1347 (1949). refrained overruling decisions,9 today take step. half century's experience persuaded us, impressive array commentators, unsound theory, unworkable practice, achieve legitimate goals. 20 As matter, is, world total fiction. Even announced, artificial. Although judges. single official judge, required regulating him, call just system little justification. With accomplished Procedure, practice describing lost connection reality courts' system. Judge Charles Clark, draftsman Rules, wrote: 21 "[W]e rationale explain concept enjoining himself decides method follow trying metamorphosis hostile 'side' could overclear lay litigant divided procedure; without fictitious sea change form split self instant mutually antagonistic parts, surely think Alice's Wonderland." Beaunit Mills, Eday Fabric Sales 124 563, 565 1942). 22 presupposed justice tribunals, tribunals "sides" court; abandonment separation, premise disappeared. distinctions actions defenses, moorings actual artificiality intellectual infelicity; gulf procedures renders hopelessly operation. straightforward questions other, properly Experience shown frequently difficult sometimes insoluble. Suits involve diverse request forms relief often easily categorized legal. complained handling "Enelow-Ettelson virtually impossible apply averments prayers puree theories antecedents old bifurcated system." Danford Schwabacher, 488 454, 456 (CA9 1973). Actions declaratory judgments look Congress judgment remedy. placed unenviable solving problems labels currency, considering suits never brought." Diematic Manufacturing Packaging Industries, 516 975, 978 (CA2), cert. denied, 423 913, 217, 46 141 (1975). task characterizing proved equally intractable. early arbitration special setting up agreement defense." Shanferoke Coal Supply Westchester Service 449, 452, 313, 314, 583 But enforced and, correlatively, arbitration. Olson Paine, Webber, Jackson Curtis, 731, 735 (CA7 citing, J. Story, Commentaries Equity Pleadings 804 (J. Gould 10th rev. ed. 1892). More recently, lower differed completion administrative Compare H.W. Caldwell Son, ex rel. John Moon Sons, 407 21, (CA5 1969), Pepper Miani, 734 1420, 1422 (CA10 1984). conflict regarding proper characterization confusion requiring assign obsolete analogue 24 Most important, "divorced rational coherent policy." Lee Ply*Gem 193 U.S.App.D.C. 112, 115, 593 1266, 1269 omitted), 441 967, 2417, 60 1073 (1979). depends set way reflects review. There reason suitable satisfied. rule's focus 254 (noting "incongruity taking type [proceeding] proceeding"). Two consequences, yet not.10 25 For reasons, repeatedly lambasted called "a remnant attic," 455, "an anachronism wrapped atavism," Hartford Financial Florida Software Services, 712 724, 727 (CA1 1983), "Byzantine peculiarit[y]," England Power Asiatic Petroleum 183, 189 1972). apparently confronted appeal, every record criticism doctrine.11 One urged reject outright. Mar-Len Louisiana, Parsons-Gilbane, 732 444, 445-447 1984) (Rubin, dissenting). majority panel so, 'artificial,' 'medieval,' 'outmoded.' 445, (citations Another Judge, wrote extensive scholarly critique great reluctance repudiating improper. 733-742 (Posner, 26 Commentators less scathing evaluations Professor Moore collaborators noted difficulty archaic defenses expressed Supreme accept opportunity offered having ceased, more." Moore, B. Lucas, Moore's Practice ¶ 110.20[3], 245 (1987). Wright gone further, arguing Courts attempting rationalize rejecting it. C. Wright, A. Miller, Cooper, Gressman, 3923, (1977). 27 sterile antiquated seems conclusive. overturn establishing hold automatically prevent truly needed. Section will, course, provide practical 'serious, perhaps irreparable, consequence.' Carson American Brands, 450 79, 84, 993, 996, 67 59 (1981), 181, 252. virtue may, appropriate reviewed permissive provision 1292(b),12 mandamus.13 Our prevents relevance repudiate IV contends appealable, directing vacate making argument, points eschew favor bringing absence "imperative circumstances" present respond dismissing Brief 23. Refusal concludes, "demonstrable discretion" issuance mandamus. 5. 29 observed remedy, reserved situations. See, Kerr 426 394, 402, 2119, 2123-2124, 48 725 traditionally "to confine inferior lawful exercise prescribed compel authority duty so." Roche Evaporated Milk 319 26, 938, 941, 1185 (1943). accord historic "exceptional amounting 'usurpation power' writ. Will 389 90, 95, 88 269, 273, 305 (1967), De Beers Consol. Mines, Ltd. 212, 1130, 1133, 1566 (1945). Moreover, party seeking "burden 'clear indisputable.' Bankers Cas. Holland, 346 384, 145, 148, 106 (1953), Duell, 172 576, 582, 286, 287, 43 559 (1899). 30 stringent standard.14 1246-1247, clearest justifications," 819, 1247. show clearly overstepped exceptional dimissal intimated acceptance pointed circumstance warranted V 31 Accordingly, 32 It ordered. 33 KENNEDY 34 concurring. 35 I join write separately principally express me addition Part II. While come oversimplifies somewhat tentative." categorical otherwise qualifying lose status, become "nonfinal," contemplate—or even, invite renewal aggrieved later date. (in free obstruction proceeding) categorically irretrievably denied. subject" insofar period subsequent reconsideration renewed concerned. inconceivable indictment absolute immunity (an once, Nixon Fitzgerald, 457 102 2690, 73 349 (1982)), unappealable, simply announces reconsider conclusion prosecution's 36 my view, sense (1) likely reconsidered, (2) effective, nearly accorded date—that harm caused during interval severe. almost always met proceedings, justified. 37 note today's result reached adopted First 'an unsettled controlling discretion.' Boreri Fiat S.P.A., 763 17, (1985), Sorren, 605 1211, 1213 Sobol Heckler Congressional Committee, 709 129, 130-131 (1983); Midway Mfg. Omni Video Games, 668 70, 71 (1981); re Continental Investment 637 (1980). approach support our opinions, 1225-1226, (1949); 2457-2458, (1978), policy, Donlon Industries Forte, 402 937 1968) J.) (when reviewable abuse-of-discretion "likelihood reversal negligible delay expense incident [immediate] hard-pressed courts"); 72 (questions "are reversed offer intervene"). here, embrace adversarial exploration consequences. think, finality jurisprudence sorely limiting principles, be, originally announced class [of decisions] review." 1225-1226. determining exist include relative comprehensiveness, convenience, actions. Arizona Carlos Apache Tribe, 463 545, 570, 3201, 3215, 77 837 (1983). provides, pertinent part: "The where direct Court." from: "(1) Interlocutory thereof, granting, continuing, modifying, dissolving dissolve modify Act writs aid respective jurisdictions agreeable usages principles law." dissented jurisdiction. He 931 (Sneed, affirmed ibid. 928 1987) (case below) (holding appealable), 1982) 1292(a)(1)). Frankfurter, speaking unanimous explained Cobbledick 309 323, 325, 540, 84 783 (1940): "Since grace ingredient justice, very beginning has, forbidding piecemeal disposition purposes controversy, enfeebling administration. Thereby avoided permitting harassment cost succession various rulings rise, initiation entry judgment. To administration leaden-footed. Its momentum arrested reviews component elements unified cause." Accord, Gold Johns-Manville 723 (CA3 1983) avoid duplicative 1292(a)(1)); Andrews Southern Discount Georgia, 662 722, 724 (CA11 1981) (same); Brewing Clarke, 303 844, 846 (CA5) (same), 371 891, 83 190, (1962). dissenting accused Ettelson. 261-263, 1071-1072 (Black, interpreted left intact 184-185, 254. bizarre outcomes illustrated Travel Consultants, Management 125 108, 367 334 (1966), 386 912, 861, 785 (1967). specific performance, defendant counterclaimed damages contract, order, "part" performance. anomalous, correctly compelled decisions. Langley Colonial Leasing England, 707 2, 1983); Standard Chlorine Delaware, Leonard, 384 304, 307-309 1967); Nascone Spudnuts, 763, 767-770 1984); Chapman Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, 401 626, 628 (CA4 1968); Wallace Norman 467 824, 827 1972); Mansbach Prescott, Ball Turben, 598 1017, 1022-1023 (CA6 1979); Matterhorn, NCR 866, 870-871 1985); Mellon-Bank, N.A. Pritchard-Keang Nam 651 1244, 1247-1248 (CA8 1981); Mediterranean Enterprises, Ssangyong 708 1458, 1462, 1421 Miller Drexel Burnham Lambert, 791 850, 853, 1986) (per curiam); 1269, 1292(b) states, "When civil section, involves there substantial materially advance ultimate termination writing thereupon, discretion, permit taken ." Several viewed Congress' enactment 1292(b), occurred decisions, justification abandoning 738 Issuance involving orders. clear, deprives jury reversible Beacon Theatres, Westover, 359 500, 510-511, 948, 956-957, 988 (1959). find demonstrate consider appropriately divergent ways requests convert petition Harmon, 425 916 1970) (treating permission file mandamus); Wilkins Erickson, 484 969 1973) shows serious prejudice). matter.

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