82 F.R.D. 193 | S.D. Fla. | 1979
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
The history of this litigation is well documented and will not be recapitulated here except as it has direct bearing on this decision.
Pursuant to the Pretrial Order of February 7,1979, as amended, plaintiffs in the six above-captioned lawsuits have filed a motion seeking to dismiss without prejudice, the Clough, Lewis-Nebraska, Plumley and Horwitz-Ohio cases,
I.
DISMISSAL OF OVERLAPPING CASES
Defendants’ opposition to dismissal of the four cases is based on the “well established rule” that it is the subsequently filed case, not the earlier filed case, that should be dismissed when identical causes are being litigated in more than one forum. This Court recognizes that such a rule may at times be preferable “because it is sometimes more important that there be a rule
In general, courts are not required to forbear when confronted with duplicative litigation, but do so as a matter of comity and to avoid a waste of judicial resources. Kline v. Burke Constr. Co., 260 U.S. 226, 229, 43 S.Ct. 79, 67 L.Ed. 226 (1922); Covell v. Hegman, 111 U.S. 176, 182, 4 S.Ct. 355, 28 L.Ed. 390 (1883); Florida v. United States, 285 F.2d 596, 604 (8th Cir. 1960). As the court in Florida stated:
“There is no rigid or inflexible rule for determining priority of cases pending in federal courts involving the same subject matter. ‘Wise judicial administration, giving regard to conservation' of judicial resources and comprehensive disposition of litigation, does not counsel rigid mechanical solution of such problems.’ Kerotest Mfg. Co. v. C-O-Two Co., 342 U.S. 180, 183, 72 S.Ct. 219, 221, 96 L.Ed. 200.”
In light of these considerations, this Court finds judicial economy would be greatly enhanced by dismissing the four actions as urged by the plaintiffs. None of the defendants’ allegations present sufficient reason to deny the motion. The representations made by defendants involving the conveniences of trying the cases in their “home” forums does not evince any real prejudice and are significantly outweighed by judicial economy considerations of proceeding with only two eases, Lewis-New Jersey and Horwitz-New Jersey.
In addition, there are other factors that weigh in favor of granting the plaintiffs’ motion. A letter from former counsel with Kirkland & Ellis on behalf of defendants to counsel for the plaintiffs indicates an acquiescence to the dismissal of the cases. Nor do the acts of the parties undercut this interpretation as indicated by the refusal of the defendants to reply to three earlier filed actions,
Defendants also argue that the long delay in action by the plaintiffs should not allow them to rely on any express or implied promise or agreement with a counsel no longer with Kirkland & Ellis. Plaintiffs’ explanation of the delay due to the pendency of the P.D.Q. litigation just recently concluded, hardly justifies this inaction on plaintiffs’ part. On the other hand, it is irrelevant to the issue that the attorney who made the representation has left the employ of defendants’ counsel. In any event, none of these considerations outweigh the obvious need of “[w]ise judicial administration” and the elimination of repetitious and needless litigation on the dockets of federal courts.
II.
CLASS DEFINITIONS
Plaintiffs also move this Court to redefine the starting and ending dates of the classes already certified.
Defendants’ argument is well taken. No theory or principle advanced by the plaintiffs supports the proposition that the scope of the certified classes should be reconsidered at this time.
Defendants’ motion to dismiss plaintiffs DiMartino and Greenlee must be granted. As the defendants point out, as purchasers of automobiles beyond the ending date established by this Court for the classes, they are not members of those certified classes, and therefore inadequate representatives under Rule 23(a)(4).
S.Ct. 848, 43 L.Ed.2d 74 (1970). See Booth v. Prince George’s County, Maryland, 66 F.R.D. 466, 476 (D.Md.1977). The classes will be dismissed for infirmity under Rule 23(a)(4) unless within thirty days another member of the class is granted leave to intervene. Norman v. Connecticut State Board of Parole, 458 F.2d 497 (2d Cir. 1972); cf. Indiana Employment Division v. Burney, 409 U.S. 540, 93 S.Ct. 883, 35 L.Ed.2d 62 (1973).
. See P.D.Q., Inc. of Miami v. Nissan Motor Corporation, 577 F.2d 910 (5th Cir. 1978); In re Nissan Motor Corp. Antitrust Litigation, 385 F.Supp. 1253 (Jud.Pan.Mult.Lit.1974); In re Nissan Motor Corp. Antitrust Litigation, 352 F.Supp. 960 (Jud.Pan.Mult.Lit.1973).
. Clough 75-1974 — Civ-CA;
Lewis 75-1998-Civ-CA;
Plumley 75-2145-Civ-CA;
Horwitz 75-2146-Civ-CA.
. Lewis 75-2080-Civ-CA;
Florwitz 75-2202-Civ-CA.
. Lewis 75-1998-Civ-CA;
Horwitz 75-2146-Civ-CA;
Plumley 75-2145-Civ-CA.
. Order of December 4, 1975, which applied a formula set forth in this Court’s Order of August 26, 1975.
. Plaintiffs’ argument involving the statute of limitations is irrelevant for the purposes of determining proper class definition.
. Plaintiffs incorrectly argue that this Court’s Order denying defendants’ motion to decertify, filed June 1, 1976, dealt with the question of DiMartino, Greenlee and their respective classes. At page 2 of the motion, filed February 13, 1976, the defendants stated “if the motion to decertify all classes prevails, the Nissan defendants will not need to challenge the classes in individual cases and therefore a full discussion of these matters has been deferred at this time.” This statement obviously included the discussion in the preceding paragraph concerning these named plaintiffs. The Order on Decertification dealt only with the separation of liability and damages.