In re Fulton: Seventh Circuit Affirms Its Position with Majority of Circuits on Passive Retention of Property as Violation of Sections 362 and 542

By Lawrence R. Ahern III, Brown & Ahern (Nashville, TN)

Introduction

In In re Fulton,1 the Seventh Circuit has restated its position on passive violation of the automatic stay, holding that failure by the City of Chicago to turn over impounded vehicles after the owners' bankruptcy filings violated Bankruptcy Code sections 362 and 542.

Fulton – Background and Ruling

The Fulton ruling arose from consolidated appeals by the City from bankruptcy courts for the Northern District of . . .

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