This column reports on several significant, representative decisions handed down recently in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Judge I. Leo Glasser declined to remand a case to state court where plaintiffs could not state a cause of action against the non-diverse defendants. Judge Jack B. Weinstein found that officers sued in a §1983 action for “false arrest” had acted reasonably and therefore had qualified immunity. And Judge Joseph F. Bianco declined to grant injunctive relief to plaintiff in connection with his suspension from the Merchant Marine Academy for alleged sexual misconduct.

Motion to Remand Denied

In Mraz v. J.P. Morgan Bank, 17 CV 6380 (EDNY, May 3, 2018), Judge Glasser denied a motion to remand a complaint to state court, despite a facial absence of diversity, based on his finding that plaintiffs “could not possibly recover” on their claims against the non-diverse parties. Slip op. 9.