A plaintiff filed a diversity action in federal district court. The defendant moved under Rule 12(b)(6) to dismiss for failure to state a claim. The court granted the motion and entered an order dismissing the entire action without prejudice while expressly granting the plaintiff 21 days to file an amended complaint. Instead of amending, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal two days later. How is the court of appeals most likely to treat the appeal?
The court of appeals will dismiss the appeal for lack of jurisdiction because an order dismissing without prejudice and granting leave to amend is not a final decision under 28 U.S.C. §1291.
The appeal is proper because the order ended the district court's involvement, making the dismissal final.
The appeal is proper because dismissals without prejudice are treated the same as dismissals with prejudice for purposes of finality.
The appeal may proceed only if the district court issues a certification under 28 U.S.C. §1292(b), which has not been obtained here; therefore the court will dismiss the appeal.
A dismissal without prejudice that grants leave to amend ordinarily does not end the litigation on the merits; the plaintiff can still return to the district court and pursue the case by amending. Because it is not a "final decision" within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 1291, the order is not immediately appealable, and the court of appeals lacks jurisdiction. The appeal will therefore be dismissed as premature unless and until the district court either enters a final judgment (e.g., dismisses with prejudice) or certifies an interlocutory appeal under a statutory exception. Obtaining § 1292(b) certification was not sought here, so that option is unavailable.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What does 'dismissal without prejudice' mean in a legal context?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What is 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and how does it define 'final decision'?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What is the difference between appeals under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and 28 U.S.C. § 1292(b)?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Multistate Bar Examination
Civil Procedure
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Pass with Confidence.
Bar Prep Package
You have hit the limits of our free tier, become a Premium Member today for unlimited access.
Military, Healthcare worker, Gov. employee or Teacher? See if you qualify for a Community Discount.
3 Month Pass
$299.99
$99.99/mo
One time purchase of $299.99, Does not auto-renew.
BEST DEAL
Lifetime Pass
$399.99
One time purchase, Good for life.
What You Get
All Bar Prep Package plans include the following perks and exams .