Hedges v. Anna Maria College

Background

Donna Hedges brought the case against Anna Maria College on behalf of herself and all other persons similarly situated. On December 31, 2020, the parties notified the court that they had reached an agreement in principle resolving all issues. The opinion does not describe the settlement’s terms.

Court’s Action

The court cancelled all previously scheduled conferences and other deadlines. It dismissed the case with prejudice and without costs, including attorneys’ fees, to either party. The clerk was directed to terminate all open motions and close the case.

The order allowed the parties to apply to reopen the case within 30 days. Such an application had to show good cause for keeping the case open in light of the settlement, and a request filed after 30 days or without a showing of good cause could be denied on that basis alone. The order also stated that, if the parties wanted the court to retain jurisdiction—meaning authority—to enforce the settlement, they had to submit the settlement agreement and request an order expressly retaining jurisdiction within the same 30-day period.

Classification

This is a procedural order because the court closed the case based on the parties’ settlement without deciding the underlying claims.