The Enelow-Ettelson Rule was a regulation that previously stated that if a federal court case was suspended while awaiting a verdict on a just defence (such as arbitration), it could be challenged as an injunction if the case could have been a typical lawsuit prior to the merger of law and equity. This principle was established by two court cases: Enelow v. New York Life Ins. Co. and Ettelson v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co.
The Enelow-Ettelson rule, which is no longer in effect, was a legal doctrine that allowed for the appeal of a federal court proceeding that was put on hold while an equitable defence was being determined. This hold was considered an injunction and could be appealed under 28 USCA § 1292(a)(1). However, this rule only applied if the proceeding could have been maintained as an action at law before the merger of law and equity. For instance, if a person filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking damages for breach of contract, but the defendant argued for arbitration, the court could pause the lawsuit while the arbitration was being determined. Under the Enelow-Ettelson rule, this pause would be considered an injunction and could be appealed. Nevertheless, this rule is no longer in effect and has been replaced by other legal doctrines.
The Enelow-Ettelson Rule is a legal principle that prohibits a party from simultaneously pursuing a legal claim for damages and requesting equitable relief in the same lawsuit.
The Enelow-Ettelson Rule was established by the United States Supreme Court in 1942.
The purpose of the Enelow-Ettelson Rule is to prevent parties from seeking conflicting remedies in a single lawsuit, ensuring that legal and equitable claims are addressed separately.
No, the Enelow-Ettelson Rule primarily applies to cases involving labor disputes, particularly those arising under the National Labor Relations Act.
Yes, a party can pursue monetary damages in one lawsuit and seek injunctive relief in a separate lawsuit, as long as the claims do not overlap.
If a party violates the Enelow-Ettelson Rule by pursuing conflicting remedies in the same lawsuit, the court may dismiss the claim for equitable relief or damages, depending on the circumstances.
Yes, there are exceptions to the Enelow-Ettelson Rule. For example, if the legal and equitable claims arise from the same set of facts and are inseparable, the court may allow them to proceed together.
Yes, the parties can waive the application of the Enelow-Ettelson Rule by mutual agreement, allowing them to pursue both legal and equitable claims in the same lawsuit.
The Enelow-Ettelson Rule primarily applies to federal courts, but some state courts have adopted similar principles to address conflicting remedies.
While the Enelow-Ettelson Rule has been subject to criticism and its application has evolved over time, it is still recognized and applied in certain contexts, particularly in labor law cases.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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