Jones v. United States
Jones v. United States
Opinion of the Court
Motion by defendant to dismiss the complaint herein pursuant to Rule 12(b) (1), Fed.Rules Civ.Proc., 28 U.S.C.A., for lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter and pursuant to Rule 12(b) (6) for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted. From the papers it is obvious that only the first objection is pertinent.
Plaintiff is the executrix of a decedent who was a former member of the armed forces of the United States. Between December 1, 1957 and April 30, 1958 defendant issued certain checks for retirement pay to decedent, aggregating $1,142.15. According to the complaint and motion papers these checks, though issued to decedent, were paid by the defendant to unknown third persons without the endorsement or authority of plaintiff’s decedent. Plaintiff brought the action under Section 1346(a) (2).
Defendant’s motion is grounded on Section 1346(d) which denies such jurisdiction to this Court in the case of a civil action or claim for a pension or compensation for official services of officers or employees of the United States.
Plaintiff apparently relies on. Section 1346(a) (2) which provides that the district courts shall have original jurisdiction, concurrent with the Court of Claims, of:
“(2) Any other civil action or claim against the United States, not exceeding $10,000 in amount, founded either upon the. Constitution, or any Act of Congress, or any regulation of an executive department, or upon any express or implied contract with the United States, or for liquidated or unliquidated damages in cases not sounding in tort.”
But Section 1346(d) (1) and (2) provides that:
“(d) The district co.urts shall not have jurisdiction under this section of:
“(1) Any civil action or claim for a pension;
“(2) Any civil action or claim to recover fees, salary, or compensation for official services of officers or employees of the United States.”
Under the last mentioned section it is clear that it is immaterial whether this
Under the circumstances it is unnecessary to pass on whether the claim is for a pension or retirement pay because in neither instance does this Court have jurisdiction. If the claim were based upon some theory of tortious conduct on the part of defendant in paying to a fraudulent endorser checks delivered to decedent it might be possible for plaintiff to ■ institute an action in this Court, in which event the claim would be under the Federal Tort Claims Act, §§ 1346, 2671-2680. Presently, however, the Court has no alternative but to dismiss the complaint, with leave to plaintiff to amend if she deems it advisable.
Settle order within five (5) days on two (2) days’ notice.
. All statutory references herein are to Title 28, U.S.C.A.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Agnes JONES, as of the Last Will and Testament of Isiah Hansford v. United States
- Cited By
- 2 cases
- Status
- Published