Ninth Circuit News

Ninth Circuit News
March 17,2000

As you may have heard, Judge Wiggins, who was one of the three judges who heard our appeal, died on March 2, 2000. We extend our condolences to the friends and family of Judge Wiggins. Before he died, however, the three judge panel had reached a decision that denied Exxon's appeal of the "undue influence on a juror" issue. Thus, we are very pleased to report that we won that appeal by a three to zero vote. A final decision had not, though, been made on the two punitive damages appeals before Judge Wiggins died. The Ninth Circuit has therefore replaced Judge Wiggins with Judge Mary Schroeder, who was appointed by President Carter in the 1970's. Judge Schroeder has the option of requesting a re-hearing on the two punitive damage appeals, or deciding those issues based on the record before her. We will, of course, update this recording as developments unfold in the Ninth Circuit.

At this time there has been no schedule for payment disbursements from the Exxon Supplemental Claims programs, regardless of recently published reports to the contrary. We will update this message when we are able to give estimates as to when any payments will be made. You may also call our toll-free information line, (800) 397-7455, for additional information.

Publications of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals:

If you have any questions, please contact your direct action attorney or call 1-800-EXSPILL (1-800-397-7455). DO NOT TELEPHONE OR WRITE TO THE COURT OR TO THE CLERK OF COURT.