5th Circuit Upholds MDL Court's Authority over Pretrial Matters

NEW ORLEANS - The 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has ruled in a dispute over asbestos-related document production that a federal MDL court's authority covers not only depositions but subpoenas as well. In Re: Clients and Former Clients of Baron & Budd, P.C.; Occupational Medical Resources Inc., Nos. 06-20835, 06-20836 (5th Cir.).

On Feb. 8, the 5th Circuit denied a petition filed by Occupational Medical Resources Inc. and individuals whose records are in OMR's possession seeking a writ of mandamus ordering a Texas federal court to rule on motions to intervene and motions to quash regarding a document production …