Bell v. Beneficial Consumer Discount Co.

Dissenting Opinion by

Spaeth, J.,

The question presented by this appeal is whether an order dismissing a class action is interlocutory or final. The majority of the court has ordered the appeal quashed, and has denied a petition to reconsider its order, without explanatory opinion. I regret and respectfully dissent from this action. My reasons may be summarized as follows:

In certain cases, particularly consumer protection, securities, and civil rights cases, class actions are essential to the vindication of individual rights. In view of this fact, whether an order dismissing a class action is…