Weekes v. Crazy Aaron Enterprises, Inc.

Background

On February 8, 2022, the parties notified the court that they had reached an agreement in principle resolving all issues. The order does not describe the agreement’s terms.

Court’s order

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

The parties could apply to reopen the case within 30 days of the order. The application had to show good cause for keeping the case open in light of the settlement. The court stated that a request filed after 30 days or without a showing of good cause could be denied on that basis alone.

The court also explained that, if the parties wanted it to retain jurisdiction—the authority to enforce the settlement agreement—they had to submit the agreement and request an order expressly retaining that authority within the same 30-day period.

Putative class members

The court ordered the caption changed by removing the phrase stating that Robert Weekes sued individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. Because the parties had not notified the court that they intended to comply with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(e), which governs certain class settlements and dismissals, the dismissal and any settlement applied only between Robert Weekes and Crazy Aaron Enterprises, Inc. They did not bind absent putative class members.

Disposition

Judge Valerie Caproni dismissed the case with prejudice and without costs, terminated the open motions, and directed that the case be closed. The order did not decide the underlying claims on their merits.