This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

Two lawsuits were instituted against McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, and the United States arising out of airplane crashes near Paris and in Pago Pago (pronounced Pango Pango). The United States was implicated in that both suits alleged that the FAA failed to properly certify and inspect the aircraft involved. All three parties petitioned for writs of mandamus to stop the district court from notifying potential plaintiffs of the actions before it.

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

The court's holding and decision will be displayed here.

Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.