U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 2002

Hamler v. Veneman

Hamler v. Veneman
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit · Decided May 22, 2002 · Niemeyer, Michael, Motz
34 F. App'x 948

Hamler v. Veneman

Opinion

PER CURIAM.

Pearlene J. Hamler appeals from the district court’s order dismissing without prejudice her complaint in which she asserted a number of claims with respect to real property that was owned by her now-deceased parents. The district court’s dismissal without prejudice is not appealable. See Domino Sugar Corp. v. Sugar Workers Local Union 392, 10 F.3d 1064, 1066-67 (4th Cir. 1993).

A dismissal without prejudice is a final order only if “ ‘no amendment [in the complaint] could cure the defects in the plaintiffs case.’ ” Id. at 1067 (quoting Coniston Corp. v. Vill. of Hoffman Estates, 844 F.2d 461, 463 (7th Cir. 1988)). In ascertaining whether a dismissal without prejudice is reviewable in this court, the court must determine “whether the plaintiff could save his action by merely amending his complaint.” Id. at 1066-67. In this case, Hamler may move in the district court to reopen her case and to file an amended complaint specifically alleging facts sufficient to state a claim. Therefore, the dismissal order is not appealable. Accordingly, we dismiss the appeal for lack of jurisdiction. We also deny Hamler’s pending motions for summary judgment, motion for judgment of obstruction of justice, and motion to consolidate. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

DISMISSED.

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