NYLife Distributors, Inc. v. Adherence Group, Inc.

OPINION OF THE COURT

MANSMANN, Circuit Judge.

In this case of first impression, we consider whether the broad discretionary standard set forth in Brillhart v. Excess Ins. Co. of America, 316 U.S. 491, 62 S.Ct. 1173, 86 L.Ed. 1620 (1942), or the more narrow “exceptional circumstances” test enunciated in Colorado River Water Conservation Dist. v. United States, 424 U.S. 800, 96 S.Ct. 1236, 47 L.Ed.2d 483 (1976), applies to a district court’s decision to dismiss an interpleader action commenced under 28 U.S.C. § 1335 (1993), in favor of parallel state court proceedings. Guided by the Supreme…