Legal Definitions - Perlman doctrine

The Perlman Doctrine is a legal principle that allows a third party to immediately appeal a discovery order. This principle was established in the case of Perlman v. United States in 1918.

The Perlman Doctrine states that a discovery order directed at a disinterested third party is immediately appealable because the third party will not risk contempt by refusing to comply. The third party's ability to protect their rights would be hindered if they could not appeal immediately.

For example, if a court orders a bank to release a customer's financial records, the bank can appeal the order under the Perlman Doctrine. The bank is a disinterested third party and would not want to risk contempt by violating the court's order. Therefore, the bank can immediately appeal the order to protect their rights.

The Perlman Doctrine is important because it allows third parties to protect their rights and interests in legal proceedings. Without this principle, third parties would be forced to comply with discovery orders even if they believed it would harm their interests.