Harrell v. Northern Electric Co.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Harrell v. Northern Electric Co., 679 F.2d 31 (5th Cir. 1982)
29 Empl. Prac. Dec. (CCH) 32,842; 1982 U.S. App. LEXIS 18138; 29 Fair Empl. Prac. Cas. (BNA) 913

Harrell v. Northern Electric Co.

Opinion of the Court

PER CURIAM:

We have re-examined our holding in light of the subsequent decision by the Supreme Court in Pullman-Standard v. Swint, - U.S. -, 102 S.Ct. 1781, 72 L.Ed.2d 66 (1982). Reviewing the record in accordance with the teachings of Pullman-Standard v. Swint relative to ultimate and subsidiary facts, and in light of the other authorities cited, we conclude that, except as modified herein, the result and mandate are correct. They are reaffirmed.

We reaffirm our conclusion that the trial judge erred in his assessment of the disparate impact issue. The error committed was essentially an error of law; the district court erred in its application of controlling legal principles to stipulated facts. The district court also erred in its evaluation of the stipulated facts as they related to the disparate impact issue. To the extent the assessment was factual it was clearly erroneous, Fed.R.Civ.P. 52(a). To the extent the assessment involved legal conclusions, it was legally incorrect.

We also reaffirm our conclusion relative to Rose Harrell’s claims of discriminatory treatment. Again, the trial judge’s factual assessment was clearly erroneous and his legal assessment was in error.

*32The Petition for Rehearing asserts that the rendering of judgment in favor of Betty Dagons, Patricia Ann Pittman and Tommie Jean Smith Hinton is not consistent with the bifurcated status of this litigation. On reconsideration, we agree. That portion of the opinion rendering judgment in favor of Dagons, Pittman and Hinton is recalled and such claims as they may present shall be considered on remand when the district court determines the members of the class and determines the damages and other remedies to which the class, and the members thereof, are entitled.

In all other respects, the Petition for Rehearing is DENIED and no member of this panel nor judge in regular active service on the court having requested that the court be polled on rehearing en banc, (Rule 35 Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure; Local Fifth Circuit Rule 16) the Suggestion for Rehearing En Banc is DENIED.

Reference

Full Case Name
Rose HARRELL, on behalf of herself and all persons similarly situated v. NORTHERN ELECTRIC COMPANY, DIVISION OF SUNBEAM CORPORATION
Cited By
2 cases
Status
Published