528 F. 2d 605 - Alvarado v. Maritime Overseas Corporation

This case involved the identical issues presented in LeCompte v. Mr. Chip, Inc., 528 F.2d 601 (5th Cir. 1976), also decided this day. LeCompte controls the disposition of this case. Accordingly, we vacate and remand.

Arising in the same court as LeCompte, this case involved the identical conditions affixed to a 41(a)(2) order of dismissal 'without prejudice.' The conditions were: (1) any subsequent suit must be filed in the present court; (2) plaintiff must show a need of extraordinary circumstances before reopening the case; and (3) an affirmative demonstration to the court's satisfaction that a valid cause of action can be maintained against defendant.

What makes the instant case even stronger than LeCompte for reconsideration by the district court is the fact that defendant herein never objected to plaintiff's motion for dismissal without prejudice. Although some type of curative conditions can be imposed to protect the defendant's interests, there is no unshakable mandate that conditions be imposed in all cases. This is particularly true where defendant has not objected to the dismissal for this itself evidences a lack of any prejudice upon defendant. See 9 Wright & Miller, Federal Practice & Procedure § 2366, at 177 (1971). Moreover, defendant must not have believed the conditions were necessary to protect his interests for he failed to file a brief in this Court to oppose the contentions asserted by plaintiff.

We vacate the district court's order and remand for a redetermination in light of LeCompte v. Mr. Chip, Inc., supra.

Vacate and remand.