Document: 337 U.S. 530 69 S.Ct. 1233 93 L.Ed. 1520 RAGANv.MERCHANTS TRANSFER & WAREHOUSE CO., Inc. No. 522. Argued April 20, 1949. Decided June Rehearing Denied Oct. 10, See 70 33. Mr. Cornelius Roach, Kansas City, Mo., for petitioner. Douglas Hudson, Fort Scott, Kan., respondent. Justice DOUGLAS delivered the opinion of Court. 1 This case, involving a highway accident which occurred on October 1, 1943, came to District Court by reason diversity citizenship. Petitioner instituted it there September 4, 1945, filing complaint with court—the procedure specified Federal Rules Civil Procedure, 28 U.S.C.A.1 As prescribed those Rules, summons was issued.2 Service had December 28, 1945. has two-year statute limitations applicable such tort claims.3 Respondent pleaded and moved summary judgment. claimed that tolled statute. argued statute4 not until service summons. 2 The struck defense denied respondent's motion. A trial verdict rendered Appeals reversed. 10 Cir., 170 F.2d 987. It ruled, after review authorities, requirement within statutory period an integral part state's limitations. accordingly held Guaranty Trust Co. v. York, 326 99, 65 1464, 89 2079, 160 A.L.R. 1231, governed tha motion judgment should have been sustained. case is here petition certiorari we granted because importance question presented. 3 Erie R. Tompkins, 304 64, 58 817, 82 1188, 114 1487, premised theory in cases rights enjoyed under local law vary enforcement sought federal court rather than state court. If recovery could be court, Otherwise, authorized invoke jurisdiction would gain advantages over confined courts. York applied principle statutes that, where one barred from he likewise 4 conceded if present were barred. therefore seem bar as held. force reasoning avoided argument Procedure determine manner action commenced courts—a matter Tompkins does control. since suit properly before ran, 5 That result Bomar Keyes, 162 136, 141. But enforce statute.5 Here, can no doubt look find cause brought. Since created law, measure found only law. carries same burden subject defenses Cities Dunlap, 308 208, 60 201, 84 196; Palmer Hoffman, 318 109, 117, 63 477, 482, 87 645, 144 719. accrues comes end when so declares. West American Tel. T. Co., 311 223, 61 179, 85 139, 132 956; supra. Where qualifies or abridges it, must follow suit. Otherwise different other, transgressed. 6 We draw distinction this brought after, before, started In both right asked enforce. undertook life action. cannot give longer without adding something may do consistently Tompkins. 7 question6 careful canvass written Judge Huxman, distinguished member bar, contrary. ordinarily accept determination (see Huddleston Dwyer, 322 232, 237, 64 1015, 1018, 88 1246), will disturb here. 8 Affirmed. 9 RUTLEDGE dissents. his dissenting Cohen Beneficial Industrial Loan Corp., 541, 1221. Rule provides, 'A civil court.' 4(a) provides: 'Upon clerk shall forthwith issue deliver marshal person specially appointed serve it. Upon request plaintiff separate additional against any defendants.' An earlier issued 7, thereafter served quashed. Kan.Gen.Stats.1935, § 60-306. Id., 60-308 'An deemed meaning article, each defendant, at date him, codefendant who joint contractor, otherwise united interest him. publication proper, first publication. attempt commence equivalent commencement thereof article party faithfully, diligently endeavors procure service; but followed sixty days.' Rights Act, U.S.C. 43, U.S.C.A. 43. Note

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