Court Opinion

ID: 9451017
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-04 17:03:41.351289+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:32:32.252379
License: Public Domain

VAN OOSTERHOUT, Circuit Judge
(concurring specially).
I agree with the majority determination that the District Court’s action in refusing to transfer these cases is not arbitrary and that no abuse of discretion is shown. Such determination adequately supports the result reached.
In my view, our overruling of Great Northern R. R. v. Hyde, 8 Cir., 238 F.2d 852, adhered to on rehearing, 245 F.2d 537, cert. denied 355 U.S. 872, 78 S.Ct. 117, is too broad. I agree that Great Northern may go too far to the extent that it denies the availability of mandamus or prohibition to review for abuse of discretion orders transferring cases out of the circuit in appropriate situations. In our present case, no transfer was made. Hence any error in refusing to transfer can be considered by this court upon direct appeal from final judgment.
Judge Sanborn in Great Northern presents cogent reasons supported by respectable authority at pp. 855-857 of 238 F.2d why the gate should not be widely opened to the use of extraordinary writs in situations such as this where the statute confers power upon the trial court and makes no provision for an interlocutory appeal.
Judge Goodrich in All States Freight, Inc. v. Modarelli, 3 Cir., 196 F.2d 1010, 1012, quoted with approval by us in Great Northern, states in part:
“But we cannot escape the conclusion that it will be highly unfortunate if the result of an attempted procedural improvement is to subject parties to two lawsuits: first, prolonged litigation to determine the place where a case is to be tried; and, second, the merits of the alleged cause of action itself.”
I agree with the view expressed in Great Northern thus stated:
“So far as this Court is concerned, we shall hereafter grant leave to apply for mandamus or prohibition to review transfer orders if and when an Act of Congress or a decision of the Supreme Court requires us to do so. We think that, in the interest of an expeditious, efficient and orderly administration of justice, controversies about venue *365should be finally settled and determined at the District Court level.” 238 F.2d 852, 857.
Such should be the general rule and leave should be granted to file a petition for writ only in extraordinary cases.
Possibly additional situations might develop in the future which might justify entertaining an extraordinary writ. Such situation can best be met when it arises.