Laws: Cases and Codes : U.S. Code : Title 28 : Section 2109


   

U.S. Code as of: 01/19/04
Section 2109 - Notes
                                   SOURCE
    (June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 963.)
                       HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES                   
      Based on portions of section 29 of title 15, U.S.C., 1940 ed.,
    Commerce and Trade, and section 45 of title 49, U.S.C., 1940 ed.,
    Transportation (Feb. 11, 1903, ch. 544, Sec. 2, 32 Stat. 823; Mar.
    3, 1911, ch. 231, Sec. 291, 36 Stat. 1167; June 9, 1944, ch. 239,
    58 Stat. 272).
      Section consolidates portions of section 29 of title 15, U.S.C.,
    1940 ed., and section 45 of title 49, U.S.C., 1940 ed., with
    changes of substance and phraseology.
      The revised section includes the principal provisions of sections
    29 and 45 of titles 15 and 49, U.S.C., 1940 ed., respectively, in
    case of the absence of a quorum of qualified Justices of the
    Supreme Court.
      Sections 29 and 45 of titles 15 and 49, U.S.C., 1940 ed.,
    respectively, were identical and were applicable only to decisions
    of three-judge courts in antitrust cases under section 107 of said
    title 15 and Interstate Commerce cases under sections 1, 8, and 12
    of said title 49, "or any other acts having a like purpose that may
    hereinafter be enacted." The revised section broadens and extends
    the application of such provisions to include "any case involving a
    direct appeal to the Supreme Court from the decision of a district
    court or a district court of three judges which cannot be heard and
    determined because of the absence of a quorum of qualified
    justices." It includes direct appeals in criminal cases under
    section 3731 of title 18 (H.R. 1600, 80th Cong.).
      Sections 29 and 45 of titles 15 and 49, U.S.C., 1940 ed.,
    respectively provided that the Supreme Court certify the case to
    the Circuit Court of Appeals and that the Senior Circuit Judge,
    qualified to participate should designate himself and two other
    circuit judges next in order of seniority. Other provisions were
    made for designation of circuit judges from other circuits in case
    of insufficient circuit judges being available in the circuit.
      The revised section permits the Chief Justice of the United
    States to designate the "court of appeals" to hear the case in banc
    or by means of a specially constituted court of appeals composed of
    the three circuit judges senior in commission who are able to sit.
    In case of disqualification or disability, the court shall be
    filled by designation and assignment as provided in chapter 15 of
    this title.
      The provisions of section 29 of title 15, U.S.C., 1940 ed., and
    section 45 of title 49, U.S.C., 1940 ed., relating to time for
    appeal are incorporated in section 2101 of this title. The
    provisions of said sections for direct appeal to the Supreme Court
    are retained in said titles 15 and 49.
      The second paragraph of the revised section is new. It recognizes
    the necessity of final disposition of litigation in which appellate
    review has been had and further review by the Supreme Court is
    impossible for lack of a quorum of qualified justices.

Ads by FindLaw