Massachusetts Association for Retarded Citizens v. Edward J. King

BOWNES, Circuit Judge.

Defendants-appellants Edward J. King, et al., appeal what they assert are “orders” of the district court, issued in the five consolidated cases concerning the rights of mentally retarded citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. They claim that these oral “orders,” made during the course of a district court hearing, alter the terms of the Personnel Decree entered into by the parties. We hold that the statements of the district court were not “orders” and that they, therefore, are not appealable.

This action arises out of five cases, filed as class actions on behalf…