Morton v. Quaker Action Group
Headline: Federal district court’s preliminary injunction is reinstated as the Court vacates an appeals-court modification, leaving the original district-court order fully in effect while the case continues.
Holding: The Court vacated the Court of Appeals’ April 19, 1971 modification and reinstated the District Court’s April 16, 1971 preliminary injunction, leaving that injunction fully in force pending further order.
- Reinstates the district court’s preliminary injunction and its temporary relief.
- Prevents the appeals court modification from taking effect.
- Keeps the case status unchanged until the Supreme Court issues further orders.
Summary
Background
The Solicitor General of the United States asked the Court for an emergency stay, and the respondents opposed that request. The Chief Justice, acting as the Circuit Justice for the D.C. Circuit, entered an April 20, 1971 order at 6 p.m., vacating an April 19, 1971 appeals-court modification and reinstating the District Court’s April 16, 1971 preliminary injunction. The Chief Justice referred the matter to the full Court for consideration.
Reasoning
The full Court considered the application, the opposition, and the Chief Justice’s referral, and then ordered two things: (1) the Court of Appeals’ April 19 modification was vacated, and (2) the District Court’s April 16 preliminary injunction was reinstated and is to remain in full force and effect. The short order in the record provides the Court’s procedural outcome but does not include a detailed written opinion explaining the Court’s legal reasoning.
Real world impact
Because the District Court’s preliminary injunction is back in place, whatever temporary relief that injunction provided continues to operate while the case proceeds. The practical effect is felt by the parties to the underlying suit and by anyone the injunction was meant to protect or restrict. This order is procedural and not a final decision on the merits; the status could change if the Court issues further orders.
Dissents or concurrances
Mr. Justice Douglas did not take part in the consideration of this matter, as the order itself records.
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