Parties Exchange Appellate Briefs in Removal of Hawaiian Asbestos Claims

SAN FRANCISCO –– Parties in a jurisdictional dispute involving a federal officer question have exchanged appellate briefs in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, with the plaintiffs contesting the evidence the asbestos defendant presented when supporting removal of the asbestos claims.

In a brief filed Jan. 17, however, defendant Crane Co. urged the 9th Circuit to affirm the District Court’s order, saying that it had provided extensive evidence supporting its government contractor defense, even though it was not obligated to do so when removing the case.

Douglas and Mary Leite filed their claims in September …