October Term 2001 · Docket 01-417
Can a class member appeal a settlement they opposed?
Robert Devlin wants to appeal a pension settlement. The Fourth Circuit blocked his appeal.
Verified source milestones
- — An official oral-argument transcript was verified.
The arguments, in order
This case may have been argued more than once. Each entry below uses that session's official transcript. Later arguments do not erase earlier ones.
Argument 1 ·
What happened at the argument
Devlin's counsel stated the case concerns the right to appeal.
He noted the district court confirmed the settlement over objections.
He argued the Fourth Circuit wrongly blocked his appeal.
Scardelletti's counsel agreed objectors have important interests in settlements.
Read the official transcript for this argument · Official argument details
Sources used for this argument breakdown
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 26, lines 11-10 — Transcript, file page 26, lines 11-10
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 36, lines 8-23 — Transcript, file page 36, lines 8-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 14-17 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 14-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 4-13 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 4-13
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 49, lines 29-31 — Transcript, file page 49, lines 29-31
A citizen's guide to the whole case
What this case is about
Robert Devlin opposed a class action settlement. The district court approved it anyway. The Fourth Circuit denied his appeal. He argues he has a right to appeal. The government argues only proper parties may appeal.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 26, lines 11-10 — Transcript, file page 26, lines 11-10
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 36, lines 8-23 — Transcript, file page 36, lines 8-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 14-17 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 14-17
How the case got here
The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on March 26, 2002.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 4-13 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 4-13
What each side wants
Devlin wants to appeal the settlement approval.
Scardelletti wants to block Devlin's appeal.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 26, lines 11-10 — Transcript, file page 26, lines 11-10
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 36, lines 8-23 — Transcript, file page 36, lines 8-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 14-17 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 14-17
What each side says
Devlin argues objectors have important interests in settlements.
Scardelletti argues only proper parties may appeal judgments.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 26, lines 11-10 — Transcript, file page 26, lines 11-10
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 36, lines 8-23 — Transcript, file page 36, lines 8-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 14-17 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 14-17
What the justices asked
Chief Justice Rehnquist asked if the case is submitted.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 4-13 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 4-13
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 49, lines 29-31 — Transcript, file page 49, lines 29-31
Why it matters
This case defines who can challenge class settlements. It affects the rights of objectors in future litigation. It clarifies the path to appellate review for dissatisfied members.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 26, lines 11-10 — Transcript, file page 26, lines 11-10
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 36, lines 8-23 — Transcript, file page 36, lines 8-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 14-17 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 14-17
What happens next
This article currently covers the argument record. Use the official docket link for later case activity.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 4-13 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 4-13
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 49, lines 29-31 — Transcript, file page 49, lines 29-31
Official Court provenance
Official docket and case history · Official Supreme Court oral-argument detail page
Title and summary sources
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 26, lines 11-10 — Transcript, file page 26, lines 11-10
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 36, lines 8-23 — Transcript, file page 36, lines 8-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 14-17 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 14-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 26, lines 11-10 — Transcript, file page 26, lines 11-10
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 36, lines 8-23 — Transcript, file page 36, lines 8-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 14-17 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 14-17
Revision history
- Revision 1 · Official Transcript ·
Correction: Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.
- Revision 2 · Official Transcript ·
Correction: Migrated to the dated official Court activity contract without model use.