Document: 436 U.S. 584 98 S.Ct. 1991 56 L.Ed.2d 554 Willard E. ROBERTSON, Petitioner,v.Edward F. WEGMANN, Executor of the Estate Clay L. Shaw, et al. No. 77-178. Argued March 21, 1978. Decided May 31, Syllabus One Shaw filed an action for damages and injunctive relief under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against petitioner others, claiming that they had deprived him his constitutional rights. Upon death before trial, respondent executor estate was substituted as plaintiff. Petitioner other defendants a motion to dismiss on ground Shaw's abated action. The District Court denied motion. court held applicable survivorship rule governed by 1988, which provides jurisdiction conferred district courts protection civil rights shall be exercised conformably with federal laws so far such are suitable "but in all cases where . deficient provisions necessary furnish remedies common law, modified changed constitution statutes [forum] State" apply long "not inconsistent Constitution United States." found "deficient not providing survival," then Louisiana law like would survive only favor spouse, children, parents, or siblings, none whom alive at time death, but refused state finding it law. In place created "a survival actions personal representative deceased." Appeals affirmed. Held: should have adopted caused abate. Pp. 590-595. (a) There is nothing 1983, despite its broad sweep, indicate causing abatement particular invariably ignored absolute survivorship. No claim made Louisiana's do general comport underlying policies decision restrict certain relations specified above unreasonable. 590-592. (b) goal compensating those injured deprivation no basis requiring compensation one who merely suing decedent's executor. And, given most plaintiff's fact might abate adversely affect 1983's role preventing official illegality, least situations here there illegality death. P. 592. 545 F.2d 980, reversed. Malcolm W. Monroe, New Orleans, La., petitioner. Edward Wegmann, respondents. Mr. Justice MARSHALL delivered opinion Court. 1 early 1970, States Eastern Louisiana. Four years later, trial commenced, died. question presented whether required adopt statute, this abate, free instead create common-law allowing survive. Resolution turns statute "inconsistent 1988.1 2 * 1969, tried charges having participated conspiracy assassinate President John Kennedy. He acquitted jury within days arrested committed perjury testimony trial. Alleging these prosecutions were undertaken bad faith, complaint named Attorney Orleans Parish, Jim Garrison, five persons, including Robertson, alleged lent financial support Garrison's investigation through organization known "Truth Consequences." On application, enjoined prosecution action, v. 328 F.Supp. 390 (1971), affirmed, 467 113 (CA5 1972).2 3 Since seeking damages, parties continued discovery after injunction issued. Trial set November 1974, August 1974 estate, Wegmann (hereafter respondent), moved plaintiff, granted motion.3 4 dismiss. It began analysis referring 1988; that, when "deficient" regard "suitable remedies" actions, 5 "the State wherein [the] cause held, same 6 survival." 391 1353, 1361 (1975). siblings. person requisite relationship been rule. But Id., 1368. 7 interlocutory appeal taken pursuant 28 1292(b), Fifth Circuit first noted agreed "if applies, abates." 982 (1977). Like Court, applied survivorship, remedial purposes embodied Civil Rights Acts." F.2d, 983. offered number justifications creating continue action: Such better further 984-985; "foste[r] uniform application laws," id., 985; consistent "[t]he marked tendency allow areas concern," ibid. concluded "as matter instituted plaintiff prior survives estate." 987. 8 We certiorari, 434 983, 607, 54 477 (1977), we now reverse. II 9 As both below assumed, 1988. This recognizes "federal unsuited insufficient 'to remedies' "; simply does "cover every issue may arise context action." Moor Co nty Alameda, 411 693, 703, 702, 93 1785, 1792, 36 596 (1973), quoting When thus "deficient," 1988 instructs us turn State," See n. 1, supra. Regardless source case, however, clear ultimate " 'is responsive need whenever right impaired.' County supra, Sullivan Little Hunting Park, Inc., 396 229, 240, 90 400, 406, 24 386 (1969). 10 recognized below, specific area covered relating upon either defendant." U.S., 702 14, S.Ct., 1792.4 governing exist, however. These statutes, vary widely types claims allowed, see Prosser, Law Torts 900-901 (4th ed. 1971), intended modify simple, if harsh, 19th-century rule: "[A]n party's [always] extinguished party himself wrongdoer." 1792; Michigan Central R. Co. Vreeland, 227 59, 67, 33 192, 194, 57 417 (1913). Under statutory modifying law,5 principal reference point determining subject important proviso Because proviso, III 11 resolving questions inconsistency between raised must look provisions, also expressed [them]." 406; 1792. Of importance "would policy consideration." Johnson Railway Express Agency, 421 454, 465, 95 1716, 1722, 44 295 instant arises "Reconstruction statutes" has accorded 'a sweep [their] language.' Griffin Breckenridge, 403 88, 97, 91 1790, 1796, 29 338 Price, 383 787, 801, 86 1152, 1160, 16 267 (1966). 12 Despite can find include persons prevention abuses power acting color See, e. g., Carey Piphus, 435 247, 254, 1042, 1047, 55 252 (1978); Mitchum Foster, 407 225, 238-242, 92 2151, 2159-2161, 32 705 (1972); Monroe Pape, 365 167, 172-187, 81 473, 476-484, 492 (1961). policies, indeed La.Code Civ.Proc.Ann., Art. 428 (West 1960); La.Civ.Code Ann., 2315 1971). Moreover, automatically many States—for example, defamation malicious prosecution—would apparently Louisiana.6 than damage property deceased's plaintiff; rather, F.Supp., 1361-1363; 1971); J. Wilton Jones Liberty Mutual Ins. Co., 248 So.2d 878 (La.App. 1970 1971) (en banc).7 surely few survived close relatives, any event contention manner unreasonable one.8 13 therefore difficult how undermined estate.9 A contemplating illegal activity always prepared face prospect being him. light prospect, even aware intricacies hardly influenced behavior provisions.10 14 true uniquely remedy incursions claimed authority secured Nation." 239, 2160. That available, mean (or representative) allowed disregard refers us. cannot considered "inconsistent" because causes lose litigation. If success benchmark, reason appropriate favoring essentially irrelevant. quite clearly refer statutes; say accepted rejected based solely side advantaged thereby. circumstances here, several relatives itself sufficient deemed 1988.11 IV 15 Our holding today narrow one, limited generally inhospitable while independent adverse effect 1983. different situation well presented, noted, "did provide tort actions," 1363, significantly restricted Cf. 258, 1049 (failure "recognize analogous action" deny plaintiff). intimate view, moreover, about could 592, 10; cf. Brazier Cherry, 293 401 1961) (deceased allegedly beaten policemen; widow estate). Here he sued actions. Respondent's conclude mere lawsuit declare 17 Accordingly, judgment 18 Reversed. 19 BLACKMUN, BRENNAN WHITE join, dissenting. 20 disturbing decision, although almost apologetically self-described one," ante, 594, cut back what acknowledged, 590, "broad sweep" I dissent. 21 read emphasis does, 585 593-594, 11, Federal "was adopt" secondary matter. seems me places cart horse. Section requires utilization ("shall enforced conformity States"). authorizes resort "are adapted object" "protection their rights, vindication" punish offenses agai st law." Even then, alternative Surely, exception. 22 Accepting proper starting point, necessarily follows, me, To sure, specifically statute. States" "suitable" necessary." stand bright clear. And brightness clarity, myriad rules 23 First. (1969), case concerned availability compensatory violation 1982, question, explicitly Douglas, writing painted brush scope court's choice-of-law authority: "[A]s utilized, whichever serves statutes. drawn from sources, impaired." 406 (emphasis added). 25 Court's present reading hyperlogical sadly out line precept forth quoted material. give flexibility shape procedures accord Acts, choosing "better serves" understand reject seriously undermines substantial concerns. accept apparent conclusion absent extreme inconsistency, restricts matters procedure remedy. too often interfere efficient redress 26 Second. easily squared treatment problems immunity Acts. Only Term, (1978), award procedural due process Though arose Illinois, did feel compelled inquire into Illinois' decisional nor test possible "inconsistency" scheme, embracing Instead, fashioned rule, sources view type injury, govern uniformly State. 257-259, 13, 1049-1050. 27 Similarly, constructing immunities consistently relied rules. Piphus recognizes, attributing prosecutors, Imbler Pachtman, 424 409, 417-419, 96 984, 988-989, 47 128 (1976); judges, Pierson Ray, 547, 554-555, 87 1213, 1217-1218, 288 (1967); officials, language silent, felt bound forum and, standards, historic concerns Acts.1 Third. flexible permitting methodology employed major provision structure, namely, Rules Decision Act. 1652.2 Act "except treaties Acts Congress otherwise require provide." exception interpreted crabbed wooden fashion, but, instead, used expression interests. Thus, labor contracts suits 301(a) Labor Management Relations Act, 1947, 185(a), Textile Workers Union Lincoln Mills, 353 448, 77 912, 972 (1957); transactions commercial paper issued party, Clearfield Trust States, 318 363, 63 573, L.Ed. 838 (1943); avoid reservation mineral land acquisition agreement bore heavily wildlife regulatory program, Lake Misere Land 412 580, 2389, 37 187 (1973). Auto Hoosier Cardinal Corp., 696, 709, 1107, 1115, 192 (1966): "[S]tate [under Act] supplements fulfills policy, requires." (WHITE, J., dissenting.) Just conflict though explicit terms so, too, disregarded fails adequate opponents 1866 distinctly legislation became protesting remarks Congressman Kerr relative (which contained predecessor version 1988): 30 "I go illustrate practical working extraordinary measure. [T]he authors bill feared, very properly system heretofore administered fail supply precedent guide enforcement strange bill, thwarted difficulty, confer judicial legislation, make th y think necessary. last clause third section [of 1988] 31 "That say, may, cases, please, call original). Cong.Globe, 39th Cong., 1st Sess., 1271 (1866). Fourth. critical victims unconstitutional deterrence misconduct future. Any obviously interferes directly second interest first. unsuitability shown hand. will happen infrequently survivor survivors nonrelatives collateral fit four classes survivors. surmises, 591-592, "surely survived" lawyer experience planning probating estates knows frequently encountered. applies ill-intentioned defendant's was. acknowledges, 586 2, defendant Garrison brought "in faith harassment," 390, affirmed erroneous. 113, 122. deterrence, intention deprive particularly strong, intimates, 257 1048-1049 11. Insuring deterrent gains premise inadequate deter violations disfavored groups. 34 appears intentional caused, beating defendant. result, declaiming, reconsider applicability explain certainty federalism served variegated workable depend causation entire prove. 35 makes sense passing reference, behavioral influence. opines "be provisions." litigation "sweating out" proceedings case. imagine occasioned realization dawned might—just might—abate extent, attributed lessened. compensation, answer intimate, personally injured, parents exist absence them deep affront, all, sustained. propounds unreasoned conclusion, ibid., "goal purport why r cognize derivative brother parent, denying similar nephew, grandparent, legatee. Fifth. regards system's structuring Ante, observation, course, gratuitous immediately observes, 592 8, resolve confronts here. reasonableness allocating recoveries. guaranteed decedent observation Longshoremen's Harbor Workers' Compensation §§ 908(d), 909(d) (1970 ed., Supp. V), Employers' Liability 45 limit dependents (albeit larger class allows) gratuitous. Those main purpose loss shifting rather conduct. mention it, provided 1986 statute's principle vicarious liability, off point. character liability 1986, failing prevent wrongful acts, induced recovery widows next kin amount damages. 42d 749-752, 756-763 (1871); 710 26, 1796. 38 1983," seeks justify nonsurvivorship feels comparatively generous anyway. grudging allowance give, just gives part, grind sweep." Would Louisiana? omission admits, 591, 6, litigated Johnson, Death Callais Coach: Mystery Wrongful Survival Actions, La.L.Rev. (1976). Defamation wholly large 591 6. Does preserving stingier 39 Sixth. allows uniformity, counsel know answer. Litigants identically aggrieved residing geographically adjacent results vagaries engage uncertain characterization nearest cousin, questionable begin with, since interests protected different. Nor arcane law—which differs according "strictly personal," damage, 2315, ¶ "other damages," 3. La.L.Rev., 52. 40 so-called "absolute" viz., nonrelated legatees familial legatees, simple goals perhaps compensation. violated someone's legitimate windfall release victim. certainty, equal remedy, supports unanswered advanced Appeals: uniformity decisions fulfillment great 1359, 1363-1365; 41 Seventh. Rejecting limitations cease serve instance, limitation, litigants prudently plan. means some scrutiny suitability. disserved abatement. unfortunate reach today's construing act again gap filled. Title pertinent part: "The criminal chapter 18, vindication, carry effect; object, extended said disposition cause, nature, infliction punishment guilty." Younger Harris, 37, 746, 669 bar enjoining prosecution, "finding establishes irreparable injury immediate comity restraints discussed Younger." Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. 25(a)(1). observed, Rule "does [of] [It] describes once determined substantive death." 1977) original) dissenting argues lack coverage, "[un]suitable" post, 595. Both deficiency, agrees them. 983; 1358-1361 (1975); Brief Respondent wrongs mentioned [42 U.S.C.] 1985." Although 1985 dismissed part failure granted. 1356, 1369-1371. dismissals challenged 1988's law" State, kind established our jurisprudence passage 1866, Swift Tyson, Pet. 865 (1842); 1792 (referring "at law"). latter interpretation received scholarly support. g. Basista Weir, 340 74, 85-86 (CA3 1965); Theis, Garrison: Some Observations Common Law, 681, 684-685 258 (1978). ifference correct plainly governs An abates vast majority see, Dean Shirer, 547 227, 229-230 (CA4 1976) (South Carolina law); Hall Wooten, 506 564, 569 (CA6 1974) (Kentucky law). 1364 17. Louisiana, (assuming deceased, text infra ); fall category personal" 1960), 23, 52, Official Revision Comment (c) 428. For deceased 1364, 18. approach suggested take approach, limiting relatives. 908(d) V) (Longshoremen's Act); 59 (Federal Act). cannot, bind reasonable not, preclude 702-703, own order marginal influence result farfetched assumptions desire ability deliberately select die suit (for reasons entirely unconnected illegality) addition und rlying desirability concern guidance lacking." 588. With "statutory lacking"; laws, unless found. While agree, hence develop law—without inconsistency—can bearing whatever value nationwide spoken, direction, indicating content reliance issues. contrary. There, permit importation new dictum, problem lower courts. permitted survival, little occasion consider states, except provide, regarded apply."

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