Court Opinion

ID: 8772258
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-11-26 12:48:38.107054+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:02:18.343438
License: Public Domain

PER CURIAM.
Judge Lacomhe's order (170 Fed. 1022) is in no sense final, even assuming that a decree finally determining this proceeding is itself a final decree in the suit from which an appeal can be taken. The reference which he has directed to the master is not a mere ministerial act in execution of a final order. It is a substantial part of the litigation, upon the determination of which the rights of the parties wholly depend. Although no parties to the record have raised this point, the brief of others interested does raise It, and in any case no jurisdiction can be conferred by consent, for the proceedings are non eoram judice. We must therefore dismiss the appeal, and the parties must prosecute the reference before the special master.