Schmidt v. Lessard, 414 U.S. 473 (1974)

Schmidt v. Lessard


No. 73-568


Decided January 14, 1974
414 U.S. 473

APPEAL FROM THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF WISCONSIN

Syllabus

The three-judge District Court’s order, in a class action challenging the constitutionality of the Wisconsin statutory scheme for involuntary commitment of mental patients, that "judgment be and hereby is entered in accordance with the Opinion heretofore entered," which opinion stated that appellees were entitled to injunctive relief against further enforcement of "the present Wisconsin scheme," is sufficient as an order "granting" an injunction to invoke this Court’s appellate jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1253. Gunn v. University Committee, 399 U.S. 383, distinguished. For purposes of plenary judicial review, however, the court’s order does not satisfy the requirements of Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. 65(d) that an order granting an injunction "be specific in terms" and "describe in reasonable detail . . . the act or acts sought to be restrained. . . ."

349 F.Supp. 1078, vacated and remanded.