You are viewing a free summary from Descrybe.ai. For citation checking, legal issue analysis, and other advanced tools, explore our Legal Research Toolkit — not free, but close.

Eastwood Auto Body & Garage, Inc. v. City of Waterbury

Citations: 157 F.3d 137; 1998 WL 658663Docket: Docket 97-9278

Court: Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit; September 25, 1998; Federal Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Plaintiffs-appellants Eastwood Auto Body and Garage, Inc., sought in banc review after a panel of the Court denied their request for additional time to file a petition for rehearing. The Court has the authority under Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 26(b) to extend the time for filing such petitions for good cause, even if the original time has expired. However, the decision to grant such motions is discretionary. Citing precedent, the Court noted that previous requests for extensions based on changes in law have been denied as attempts to reopen final judgments. The Court observed a pattern of repeated defaults and delays by the appellants, which it characterized as wasteful of judicial resources and detrimental to the civility between counsel. As the appellants failed to present compelling evidence that their case warranted further review, the motion for in banc review was denied, and the mandate was issued immediately.

Legal Issues Addressed

Denial of In Banc Review

Application: The appellants' motion for in banc review was denied due to their inability to demonstrate sufficient grounds for further review.

Reasoning: As the appellants failed to present compelling evidence that their case warranted further review, the motion for in banc review was denied, and the mandate was issued immediately.

Extension of Time for Filing Petitions under Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 26(b)

Application: The court has discretion to extend filing deadlines for petitions for good cause, but such extensions are not granted if they appear to reopen final judgments.

Reasoning: The Court has the authority under Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 26(b) to extend the time for filing such petitions for good cause, even if the original time has expired. However, the decision to grant such motions is discretionary.

Judicial Discretion in Granting Extensions

Application: The court exercised its discretion to deny the appellants' request for an extension, citing a lack of compelling evidence and a pattern of delays.

Reasoning: The Court observed a pattern of repeated defaults and delays by the appellants, which it characterized as wasteful of judicial resources and detrimental to the civility between counsel.