In Re Bernard Steppe, Jr., Petitioner, 928 F.2d 410 (Fed. Cir. 1991)

Bernard Steppe, Jr. petitions for writ of mandamus to compel the Claims Court to permit discovery.

As gleaned from the writ, Steppe filed a complaint in the Claims Court on August 13, 1990. Steppe served interrogatories on the United States and thereafter moved to compel. The Claims Court suspended all discovery and directed the United States to file a motion to dismiss.

Here, Steppe asks us to direct the Claims Court to allow discovery to proceed. Steppe relies on RUSCC 12(i) that provides that discovery shall not be suspended unless good cause is shown on separate motion.

Mandamus is an extraordinary remedy to be reserved for extraordinary situations. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. v. Mayacamus Corp., 108 S. Ct. 1133, 1143 (1988). A party seeking issuance of a writ must show that it has no other adequate means to attain the relief desired. Allied Chemical Corp. v. Daiflon, Inc., 449 U.S. 33, 35 (1980). Here, Steppe is free to seek review of the propriety of the Claims Court's order suspending discovery on direct appeal after final judgment. Consequently, it cannot be said that he has no other adequate means to seek the relief he desires. See Allied Chemical, 449 U.S. at 36 (trial court's order ordering a new trial does not justify issuance of a writ because litigant may seek review after final judgment).

Accordingly,

IT IS ORDERED THAT:

Steppe's petition for writ of mandamus is denied.