In plaintiffs-homebuyers' putative class action to recover statutory treble damages pursuant to section 8(d)(2) of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) of 1974, district court's dismissal of the complaint for lack of jurisdiction is reversed as the plain language of RESPA section 8 indicates that Congress created a private right of action without requiring an overarching allegation. Finally, plaintiffs are not barred by the filed rate doctrine as it simply does not apply in this case.
Read Alston v. Countrywide Fin. Corp., No. 08-4334
Appellate Information
On Appeal from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
(D.C. Civil No. 07-cv-03508)
District Judge: Honorable James T. Giles
Opinion Filed October 28, 2009
Judges
Before: Barry, Fisher, and Jordan, Circuit Judges
Opinion by Barry, Circuit Judge
Counsel
Counsel for Appellant: Edward W. Ciolko, Joseph H. Meltzer, Donna S. Moffa, Terrence S. Ziegler, Barroway, Topaz, Kessler, Meltzer & Check; Eric G. Calhoun, Travis & Calhoun
Counsel for Appellee: Christine N. Kohl, Michael J. Singer, United States Department of Justice, Civil Division.
