PERLMAN DOCTRINE

Perlman doctrine. The principle that a discovery order directed at a disinterested third party is immediately appealable on the theory that the third party will not risk contempt by refusing to comply. • The doctrine originated in Perlman v. United States, 247 U.S. 7, 13, 38 S.Ct. 417, 420 (1918). The Court reasoned that the third party’s ability to protect his or her rights would be thwarted if the party could not appeal immediately.

[Blacks Law 8th]