United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

Allen Calculators, Inc. v. National Cash Register Co., 322 U.S. 137 (1944)

Allen Calculators, Inc. v. National Cash Register Co.

No. 592

Argued March 28, 1944

Decided May 1, 1944

322 U.S. 137

Syllabus

Pursuant to the provisions of an earlier decree of injunction in a suit by the United States against a defendant under the antitrust laws, the defendant petitioned for and was granted leave on certain conditions to acquire stock of a competitor. The proceeding was adversary throughout, and neither party appealed. The appellant here had sought, but was denied, leave to intervene.

Held:

1. Under Rule 24(a) of the Rules of Civil Procedure, appellant was not entitled to intervene as of right. P. 322 U. S. 140.

(a) No statute of the United States conferred an "unconditional right" to intervene. Clayton Act, § 16; R.C.P. 24(a)(1). P. 322 U. S. 140.

(b) The appellant would not be bound by any judgment in the action. R.C.P. 24(a)(2). P. 322 U. S. 141.

(c) Appellant had no interest in "a distribution or other disposition of property in the custody of the court." R.C.P. 24(a)(3). P. 322 U. S. 141.

(d) Missouri-Kansas Pipe Line Co. v. United States, 312 U. S. 502, distinguished. P. 322 U. S. 141.

Page 322 U. S. 138

2. Upon the entire record, it does not appear that the district court abused its discretion in denying the appellant leave to intervene. R.C.P. 24(b)(2). P. 322 U. S. 142.

Where examination of the entire record leading to the court's final order discloses that the issue were thoroughly explored and that the parties were adequately represented, the action of the court denying intervention should not be reviewed.

Appeal dismissed.

Appeal under the Expediting Act from an order of the District Court denying leave to intervene in an antitrust proceeding.