In re Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Inc.
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
51 F.3d 1293 (1995)
Relevant factsFree
A nationwide class of HIV-positive hemophiliacs sued four blood-product manufacturers for negligence based on state law, and the district court certified the class, proposing to instruct the jury using a single, synthesized negligence standard combining the various states' negligence rules rather than applying each state's own law. The manufacturers sought a writ of mandamus vacating the certification, arguing the proposed jury instructions were legally improper.
IssueFree
Whether, under the Erie Doctrine, a class certification by a federal district court with diversity jurisdiction is improper if the court does not apply substantive state law.