Legal Document

484 U.S. 301 108 S.Ct. 586 98 L.Ed.2d 629 Evelyn MARINO, et al., Petitionersv.Juan U. ORTIZ al. No. 86-1415. Jan. 13, 1988.* Rehearing Denied Feb. 22, 1988. See 1082, 1064. Ronald Podolsky, New York City, for petitioners. Gled D. Nager, pro hac vice, United States as amicus curiae, supporting petitioners, by special leave of Court. Leonard J. Koerner, respondents. PER CURIAM. 1 Petitioners seek to challenge a consent decree approving an agreement settling Title VII lawsuit against the City York. After results police sergeant's examination revealed that blacks and Hispanics had passed at disproportionately low rates, groups representing these minority members Police Department sued under Civil Rights Act 1964, 78 Stat. 253, amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e seq. Three other were permitted intervene codefendants: "the Sergeants Benevolent Association ('SBA'), over 500 officers on eligible list who obtained provisional appointments sergeants; Eligibles ('SEA'), but not received appointments; various white ethnic societies individual (the 'Schneider Intervenors')." Hispanic Society Dept. v. Dept., 806 F.2d 1147, 1151 (CA2 1986) (Costello case below). The parties reached settlement, which was first approved District Court interim basis, finally, after hearing, decree. settlement provided black candidates failed make would be promoted until racial/ethnic composition new sergeants approximately same group taking test. SBA SEA signed agreement; Schneider Intervenors, although opposing chose appeal. 2 are claim they placed even though scored least high lowest scoring officer order. Although presented their objections move pursuant Federal Rule Procedure 24, either initially codefendants or later replace Intervenors purposes Airlines, Inc. McDonald, 432 385, 395, 97 2464, 2470, 53 423 (1977). Instead, filed suit during period between approval final decree, claiming violation Fourteenth Amendment equal protection rights. In 1144 (Marino below), Appeals affirmed Court's dismissal petitioners' suit, deeming it impermissible collateral attack persons could have intervened in underlying litigation. also attempted appeal from 306 1147 1986). Costello, dismissed because petitioners litigation giving rise We granted certiorari consider judgments, 481 1047, 107 2177, 95 833 (1987). 3 As issue raised Marino, namely, whether district court may dismiss challenging nonparties litigation, we equally divided, therefore affirm judgment Appeals. hold lawsuit, appeal, lawsuit's settlement; therefore, rule only those properly become parties, adverse judgment, is well settled. See, e.g., ex rel. Louisiana Jack, 244 397, 402, 37 605, 607, 61 L.Ed. 1222 (1917); Fed.Rule App.Proc. 3(c) ("The notice shall specify party appeal"). suggested there exceptions this general rule, primarily "when nonparty has interest affected trial court's judgment." F.2d, 1152. think better practice such intervention appeal; denials motions are, course, appealable. Inc., supra. 4 Accordingly, judgments 5 Affirmed. * Together with Department, (see 19.4).

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