Document: 398 U.S. 375 90 S.Ct. 1772 26 L.Ed.2d 339 Petsonella MORAGNE, etc., Petitioner,v.STATES MARINE LINES, INC., et al. No. 175. Argued March 4, 1970. Decided June 15, Charles Jay Hardee, Jr., Tampa, Fla., for petitioner. Nathan Baker, Hoboken, N.J., petitioner, as amicus curiae. Louis F. Claiborne, Washington, D.C., United States, curiae, by special leave of Court. David B. Kaplan, Boston, Mass., American Trial Lawyers Ass'n, Dewey R. Villareal, and C. G. Kerr, respondents. Mr. Justice HARLAN delivered the opinion 1 We brought this case here to consider whether The Harrisburg, 119 199, 7 140, 30 L.Ed. 358, in which Court held 1886 that maritime law does not afford a cause action wrongful death, should any longer be regarded acceptable law. 2 complaint sets forth Edward Moragne, longshoreman, was killed while working aboard vessel Palmetto State navigable waters within Florida. Petitioner, his widow representative estate, suit state court against respondent States Marine Lines, Inc., owner Vessel, recover damages death pain suffering experienced decedent prior death. claims were predicated upon both negligence unseaworthiness vessel. 3 removed Federal District Middle Florida on basis diversity citizenship, see 28 U.S.C. §§ 1332, 1441, there filed third-party Gulf Terminal Company, decedent's employer, asserting had contracted perform stevedoring services workmanlike manner or causing accident resulted from Gulf's operations. 4 Both sought dismissal portion petitioner's requested unseaworthiness. They contended provided no recovery State's territorial waters, statutory right under law, Fla.Stat. § 768.01 (1965), F.S.A., did encompass liability. dismissed challenged ground, citing Court's decision Tungus v. Skovgaard, 358 588, 79 503, 524 (1959), cases construing statute, but made certification necessary 1292(b) allow petitioner an interlocutory appeal Appeals Fifth Circuit. 5 took advantage procedure furnished 25.031 certify Supreme question wrongful-death statute allowed concept is understood After reviewing history Act, answered negative. ,211 So.2d 161 (1968). On return Appeals, affirmed order, rejecting argument she entitled reversal federal without regard scope statute. 409 F.2d 32 (1969). stated its disposition compelled our Tungus. granted certiorari, 396 900, 212, 24 176 (1969), invited participate id., at 952, S.Ct., 423, 418, reconsider important remedies tortious deaths waters. 6 In divided consequences flow rule 'in absence death,' first announced Harrisburg. All members agreed where left remediless general statutes, remedy may applicable giving act. However, four Justices dissented further holding 'when admiralty adopts it must enforce integrated whole, with whatever conditions limitations creating has attached.' U.S., 592, 506. dissenters would have could utilize 'supply remedy' breaches federally imposed duties, substantive contained Id., 597, 599, 509, 510. extent role played been subject substantial debate uncertainty Court, Hess 361 314, 80 341, 305 (1960); Goett Union Carbide Corp., 340, 357, 341 (1960), opinions sides acknowledging shortcomings present See 314—315, 338—339, 343, 356. fresh consideration entire subject, we concluded primary source confusion found Tungus, latter decision, somewhat dubious even when rendered, such unjustifiable anomaly followed. therefore reverse judgment Appeals.1 I. 8 Harrisburg acknowledged result reached little justification except primitive English legal history—a far deaths. That case, like this, behalf family worker State. Following several precedents lower courts, trial awarded ship circuit affirmed, ruling tort 'may complained injury, wrong redressed law.' 15 610, 614 (1883). This reversing, relied primarily then-recent Insurance Co. Brame, 95 754, 580 (1878), common English, 'no civil lies injury results * death.' 756.2 examine justifications common-law rule; rather, simply noted 'we know country adopted different sea maintains land,' concluded, despite contrary decisions courts before after Brame apply equally 213, 146.3 9 Our analysis indicates based particular set factors had, decided, long since thrown into discard England, never existed all. Further, regardless viability applied land-based affairs, difficult discern adequate reason extension admiralty, system then already differentiated many respects 10 One expect, inquiry sources rule, find clear compelling what seems striking departure dictated elementary principles remedies. Where existing imposes duty, violations are compensable if they nothing ordinary notions justice suggests violation nonactionable because serious enough contrary, criticized ever inception, described terms 'barbarous.' E.g., Osborn Gilliett, L.R. Ex. 88, 94 (1873) (Lord Bramwell, dissenting); Pollock, Law Torts 55 (Landon ed. 1951); W. Holdsworth, History 676—677 (3d 1927). Because duty exists, entirely remedial matter. It true harms assuaged identical two cases: mere person physically harmed whole harm, those closest him—usually spouse children—seek their total loss one whom depended. difference, however, coupled practical difficulties defining class beneficiaries who seem account law's refusal recognize killing actionable tort. expects, therefore, persuasive, independent apparent anomaly. 11 Legal historians sole feature early survive century—the felony-merger doctrine. supra, 52—57; Origin Rule Baker Bolton, L.Q.Rev. 431 (1916). According doctrine, act constituted felony. treated less than offense Crown, merged into, pre-empted by, Smith Sykes, Freem. 224, 89 Eng.Rep. 160 (K.B. 1677); Higgins Butcher, Yel. 89, 61 1606). doctrine fact punishment felony felon forfeiture property Crown; thus, crime punished, remained base action. Since all intentional negligent homicide felonious, 12 explicit statement came Lord Ellenborough, sitting nisi prius, Camp. 493, 170 1033 (1808). cite authority, give supporting reasoning, refer announcing '(i)n Civil court, human being injury.' Ibid. Nor seemingly cited denial other reported earliest ones, 17th century. supra; supra. Bolton derive ground might supported time inception. House Lords 1916 confirmed historical derivation, although part continue modified Admiralty Commissioners S. Amerika, (1917) A.C. 38. Parker's 'anomalous scientific jurist,' once 'the trespass drowned felony,' 'explicable grounds' disappearance justification. 44, 50; Sumner agreed, relying Brame. Although conceding force Bramwell's dissent Gillett, 93 (1873), Parker 'any functions rules ought prevail logical jurisprudence,' thus he bound follow past decisions. A.C., 42 43.4 13 marshaled England country. limited instances adopt vestige effect delayed until criminal trial. include property; nothing, instances, bar subsequent suit. Grosso Delaware, Lackawanna & West. Co., 50 N.J.L. 317, 319—320, A. 233, 234 (1888); Hyatt Adams, 16 Mich. 180, 185—188 (1867); Prosser, 8, 920—924 1964). Nevertheless, some rejected 'incapable vindication,' e.g., Sullivan Pac. 23 Fed.Cas. pp. 368, 371 (No. 13,599) (C.C.Neb.1874); Shields Yonge, Ga. 349 (1854); cf. Cross Guthery, Root 90, 92 (Conn. 1794), generally well. Throughout period adoption, culminating failed produce satisfactory applying 14 Some explained holdings prompted asserted difficulty computation 'repugnance setting price life,' Connecticut Mut. Life Ins. New York N.H.R. 25 Conn. 265, 272—273 (1856); 191. recognized calculation sustained dependents estate deceased, required most Smith, Wrongful Death Damages North Carolina, 44 N.C.L.Rev. 402, 405, 406, nn. 17, 18 (1966), more insurmountable assessment nonfatal personal injuries. Hollyday Reeves, 386, 388 6,625) (D.C.Md.1879); Green Hudson River Barb. 9, 17—18 (N.Y. 1858). suggested commentators prohibition nonstatutory actions derived support ancient possessor, Eden Lexington Frankfort 53 Ky. 204, 206 (1853); itself influenced principle. 431, 435 now universally principle pertains only victim's own claims, suffering, bearing dependent permitted suffers ibid; Pollock 53; Winfield, Affecting Liability Tort, 29 Col.L.Rev. 239 250, 253 (1929). likely much blessing age. thrust well opinions. Such nearly automatic adoption odds principle, widely accepted during years Nation, '(o)ur ancestors them (the) (of law) claimed birthright; situation.' Van Ness Pacard, Pet. 137, 144, 374 (1829) (Story, J.); Lottawanna, 21 Wall. 558, 571—574, 22 654 (1875); Pound, Formative Era 93—97 (1938); H. Hart Sacks, Process 450 (tent. 1958). bitterly 'was situation,' imagine was. 17 why Maritime always, thing apart was, large extent, administered courts; owed greater debt law;5 and, focus matter, developed unknown These included solicitude welfare men undertook venture hazardous unpredictable voyages. Gilmore Black, 1—11, (1957); P. Edelman, Injury (1960). suggest govern relations, unjust domain, wisely incompatible sea. conclusion Chief Chase, Sea Gull, p. 909 12,578) (C.C.Md. 1865). He remarked 'There cases, indeed, redress can surviving injuries occasioned through another; these peculiar relation traceable feudal forfeitures certainly better becomes humane liberal character proceedings withhold remedy, established inflexible rules.' 910. 19 Numerous similar same result. Columbia, 27 704 (D.C.S.D.N.Y.1886); Manhasset, 918 (D.C.E.D.Va.1884); E. Ward, 456 (C.C.E.D.La.1883); Garland, 924 (D.C.E.D.Mich.1881); Holmes O. C.R. 75 (D.C.Or.1880); Towanda, 74 14,109) (C.C.E.D.Pa.1877); Plummer Webb, 894 11,234) (D.C.Maine 1825); 386 (D.C.Md.1879). Despite tenor decided judges rely jurisdiction (only) founded reason, become firmly jurisprudence country.' 208, 144. Without discussing considerations respect II 20 need not, pronounce verdict correct extrapolation decisional existence. A development major significance intervened, making sharply out keeping policies modern wholesale abandonment area sway, quite evidently sense rule's injustice generated so criticism original promulgation. To rejection judicial. 1937 emasculated expressly overruling it. Rose Ford, (1937) 826. Atkin about Amerika '(t)he reasons given, otherwise, unsatisfactory,' 'if really relevant due felony, ago relegated museum.' At rate, saw extending illogical clearly apply.' 833, 834. that, barred recognition claim person, himself 'loss expectation life'—a vested interval between thereupon passed, aid survival estate. expressed doubt 'capable estimated money: made.' 834.6 Thus, measure differ, heirs names. Much earlier, legislatures began evidence unanimous disapproval partially abrogating Campbell's Vict., c. (1846), families persons conduct, 'although shall caused Circumstances amount Felony.'7 every today enacted 402. Congress created railroad employees, Employers' 45 51—59; merchant seamen, Jones 46 688; high seas, High Seas 761, 762.8 also, Tort Claims 1346(b), liability certain circumstances negligently private person. See, Richards 369 1, 82 585, 492 (1962). numerous broadly taken make public policy allowing statutes wide recovery. legislative establishment carries beyond each involved. given appropriate weight matters construction also Landis, Statutes Sources Law, Harvard Essays 226—227 (1934). Holmes, speaking Taft Brandeis McKenna, very topic death: '(I)t me dealing sometimes too slow covering imply exclude reference purpose limiting scope. Johnson 163 30, 32. going notion (other appeal) lie being, say disappeared. forbade action, profound man's body hanged goods confiscated shown States.' Panama Rock, 266 209, 216, 58, 60, 69 250 (1924) (dissenting opinion.)9 Dean Pound subsequently echoed observation, concluding that: 'Today thinking Comment Statutes—Application Admiralty, NACCA L.J. 188, 189 (1954); Cox Roth, 348 207, 210, 242, 244, 99 260 (1955). appreciation broader legislation reflects practices times. As Professor Landis said, 'much ordinarily 'common law' finds enactment.' 214. always perceive impact innovations interweave new inherited principles—many deriving earlier exertions. legislature course, merely enact policies. By conception sphere effect. reflect dimensions problem attention legislature, inviting situations mischief identical. reinforced exists enactment course series situations, generality underlying attested jurisdictions. 215—216, 220—222. hand, may, order promote other, conflicting interests, prescribe particularity compass aim, erecting strong inference territories boundaries drawn feel dispensation. must. Therefore, analyze care congressional enactments abrogated field, determine none applies situation case. Part III, infra. sufficient point conclude, ago, work allowance exception. breach favoring direction cases. III undertaking, granting portions domain. affirmative indication intent preclude judicial From date 1920, seas duties For accommodated whenever favored recovery10 acted 1920 furnish denied State, passing landmark statutes. 41 Stat. 537, 761 seq. Section Act provides 31 'Whenever act, neglect, default occurring marine league shore maintain district exclusive benefit wife, husband, parent, child relative vessel, corporation liable ensued.' provides: 'The provisions regulating rights affected (Act). (Act) Great Lakes limits *.' 33 second 1007, 688, which, seamen protections employers resulting follows seaman's employment status seas.11 34 participating oral construed forbid perpetuate three anomalies discrepancy produced holds sway: conduct violating (here furnishing unseaworthy vessel) produces victim injured, frequently killed. distinction compatible 35 incongruity provide seaworthy ship, outside three-mile limit—since unseaworthiness, Kernan Dredging 355 426, 430 n. 78 394, 397, 382 (1958)—but whose local excludes claims. argues federal, covers limit, rational supports availability remedy. 36 third, assertedly 'strangest' seaman—that is, member ship's company, covered Act—is seaworthiness extended performs traditionally done statute.12 37 There States' distinctions lacking evidence, presume affirmatively intended freeze presumption traditional responsibility vindicate ceding function exclusively States. respondents argue do just manifested quoted above. 38 misconceive concern. Senate Reports consist remarks supporters proposed Act. Those '(e)very western Europe,' 'disgrace civilized people.' depend laws bring line enlightened nations confer sea.' accomplish 'for leaving unimpaired uniformity, properly legislate seas.' S.Rep.No.216, 66th Cong., 1st Sess., 3, (1919); H.R.Rep.No.674, 2d (1920). discussion bill floor evidenced concern remedy,' 59 Cong.Rec. 4486, power create way 593, 507. 39 Read light believe ensure continued historically waters; failure extend cover reflected lack necessity coverage rather desire insulate benefits available independently void up seas. Congress, acting fill void, legislated limit problem.13 express provision disturbed ensured Congress' solution another destroying previously existed. 40 meeting suffer excluded undisturbed familiar actually generous negligence. vastly presently exist. '(T)he obscure relatively used perhaps largely Mahnich Southern S.S. 321 96. 64 455, 88 561 (1944), shipowner's use diligence ship. 315, 361; Tetreault, Seamen, Seaworthiness, Rights Harbor Workers, Cornell L.Q. 381, 392—393, (1954). Nonseamen negligence, virtually Osceola, 158, 175, 483, 487, 47 760 (1903). backdrop standard behavior as—and favorable than—that equation changed drastically, transformation absolute satisfied diligence. Mitchell Trawler Racer, 362 539, 926, 941 principal vehicle overshadowing 315—332; achieved equal importance longshoremen harbor workers seamen. Shipping Sieracki, 328 85, 66 872, 1099 (1946). happen fall encompassing foreseen Congress. declined disturb appeared effectuate cannot read instruction evolving seaworthiness, damnum absque injuria unless expand match duty. put way, message abrogate remedies; intention appears foreclosing law.14 43 wholly consistent passage almost simultaneously observed Gillespie Steel 379 148, 155, 85 308, 312, 199 (1964), achieve 'uniformity exercise jurisdiction' location uniformity scarcely require nonuniformity effectuation will assure uniform vindication policies, removing tensions discrepancies accommodate concepts. (1960).15 concerns Acts constitutionally 'a coextensive with, operating uniformly in, 575, (1875). conclude Act.16 mari jurisprudentially unsound hardship, cease countervailing dictate adherence matter stare decisis. turn factors. IV Very weighty underlie lightly overrule Among desirability guide individuals, enable plan affairs assurance untoward surprise; furthering fair expeditious adjudication eliminating relitigate proposition case; maintaining faith judiciary impersonal reasoned judgments. weighed factor, often considered mainstay decisis, singularly absent confidence people ability predict vitally facilitate planning activity encourage settlement disputes resort courts. threatened least announcement well-established behavior. change shipowners vessels. Shipowners understand occurs, hardly said molded around possibility few escape breach. Rather, expectations ships exceptional disturbs expectations. 'If serves reinforce effectual well-understood obligations, net innovation strengthen security.' 577; 485, 574—577, 585—595, 606—607; Thoughts About Stare Decisis, either strands decisis counsel persuasively Certainly resolution game de novo reconsideration face consequence that. closely arguable proposition—it rested foundation announced, increasingly over behind, conjunction corollary, litigation-spawning easily susceptible workable solutions. opportunity prove acceptability, instead suffered universal repudiation. supplant disarray simpler further, impede, efficiency adjudication. Finally, judicious precedent threatening unjustified policy. Respect process enhanced, diminished, today.17 V 48 Respondents necessitate spell elements 'cause action.' fears exaggerated, fashioning removes access personal-injury answer questions arise 49 argue, example, devised 'borrowed' claim. respond barrier fatal injuries, reason—in suits least18—that share laches immemorially runs, two-year Act,19 looked analogy foreign limitations. Kenney Trinidad 832, 840 (C.A.5th Cir. 1965); 296 149, 628. decide now, months timeliness raised. demonstrates, slight aspect precise counterpart governing determination recover. General specify receive question, look guidance expressions spoken Act,20 Act,21 Longshoremen's Workers' Compensation Act.22 Though similar, differs slightly naming relatives priority 51 contends three, borrowed deals specifically seas—for contrast, beneficiary specific employers—based unlike late workmen's compensation laws, responsibilities standardized amounts fault employer. 52 'person,' bases violative Act.23 borrowing schedule beneficiaries, preferences ensuring torts, varying decedent. occasion, according argument, borrow coastal effectuated preference issue think final await sifting future litigation. purposes existence affords coming grips If still subsidiary issues resolution, damages, persuasive guidance. acts implemented success decades. experience built counsels raises problems grist mill. 54 sum, contrast torrent litigation swirled followed it, federal-state accommodation occasioned, expected placid prospect indeed makes for, against, discarding accordingly hold duties. reversed, remanded opinion. ordered. 56 Reversed remanded. 57 BLACKMUN foreclosed seeking her invoke proper below. jurisdiction, 318, 345; McAllister Magnolia Petroleum 357 221, 1201, 1272 (1958), solely arguing encompassed Under declared theory proceed, short challenge—which make—to validity itself. removal claim, presented interpretation definitively settled referral. point, moved uphold court's ruling. brief motion, urged unsound; unseaworthiness; re-examina- tion views heard motion file argument. opposed affirm 'Appellant (petitioner) : discussed Appellant's Brief thoroughly argued Briefs heretofore filed.' Neither stating: 'No useful served additional review pertinent authority appeal. encompasses state.' While language clear, evident attack length, receiving objections consideration, presumed refused entertain stating deemed challenge decision. voiced prevailing area, 840—841 (C.A. 5th 1965). objection, merits otherwise precluded pressing failing urge Neely Martin K Eby Constr. 330, 87 1072, 1081, (1967); Giordenello 480, 1245, 1503 (1958); California Taylor, 353 553, 557 2, 77 1037, 1039, 1034 Husty 282 694, 701 702, 240, 629 (1931); Tyrrell 243 361, (1917); Curtis Publishing Butts, 130, 145, 1975, 1986, 1094 (1967) (opinion Harlan, J.). Her us subsumes continuing rests. suggested, 418 parties Solicitor address themselves overruled, amici fully addressed Swift Tyson, 865 (1842), expounded stated: everywhere been, countries, particular, good 'natural equity Since, maintained right, received generally, government kind, forced 146. placed alternative sufficient. arose collision Royal Navy submarine Crown owners pensions payable navy sailors died collision. remote protected voluntary payments deprived.' 42, 51. Similar reasoning involved situation. 758—759, 580. neither enunciation France, noted, Louisiana view differ 205, 212—213, 142, Grigsby Coast Service, 412 1011, 1023—1029 1969); Benedict, (6th Knauth 1940); 358. Wright, concurring, 'In money life enjoyment life, impossible fix shortening life. But best do. paradoxical adequate.' 848. tolerated able exact wrongdoer 'criminal appeal.' proceeding indictment means punishing homicide. successful monetary recovery, threat informal substitute damages. Over years, became common, abolished 1819. Geo. 46. (1916); 58—59. National Parks 457; Outer Continental Shelf Lands 1331—1343 (making areas jurisdiction). Cf. 16, Rock maintainable Canal Zone, embodied civil-law damage fault. majority's engrafting onto forbidding immediately repudiated Dec. 29, 1926, 7, 927; 227. understanding boundaries. plaintiff defendant Hamilton, 207 398, 133, 264 (1907). probably meant application vacuum. 1927 passed 1424, 901 seq., accidental arising employment. comply affect longshoreman's shipowner, bear serve yet example joint contributor last situation, providing precludes seaman waters—whether 'intended Constitution, necessarily supersedes 155. alongside sue employer Doyle Albatross Tanker 367 465 (C.A.2d 1966); Pope Talbot, Inc. Hawn, 346 202, 98 143 (1953). Likewise, preclusive interpreted Gillespie. hinder, jurisdiction'; preclusion predecessor, Lindgren 281 38, 686 (1930), thought exist decided. 304; 429—430, 397. Similarly, Parliament 'nothing therein Kingdom called Scotland.' 93, (1846). Scotland death; aimed cured disturbing Scottish 'excluded operation all.' 52. note authorizes admiralty,' place side Devlin Flying Tiger 220 F.Supp. (D.C.S.D.N.Y.1963), contrary. Bugden Cambridge, 319 Mass. 65 N.E.2d 533 avoid presentation juries, come juries. Fitzgerald 83 1646, 720 (1963). debates, Representative Volstead, manager chairman Judiciary Committee, told 4485. erroneous disregards 'saving clause' 1333, permission clause. When asked jury trials Volstead replied: 'I so. Perhaps, purposes, practice prevails, jury, allowed. I practice.' expression discussion. forcing highlighted ruled concerned 'traditional concepts,' 'concepts 'unseaworthiness' comparative rule.' Legislature cover, considered, 'completely foreign' seaworthiness. 211 So.2d, 164, 166. state, Hill, Law-Making Power Courts: Constitutional Preemption, 67 1024 Note, Common Harv.L.Rev. 1512, 1523—1526 worth noting congruence run, applicable. discuss standards comprehended state-prescribed period. (1958). purport related areas, 457, 1331—1343. former neglect national park exterior though Judge Learned Hand Puleo Moss 159 842, 845 (1947), quickly reconsidered, Guerrini 167 352, (1948), not. 609 515 (separate Brennan, Rodrigue Aetna Cas. Sur. 395 1835, 360 parks, carved implication realm admiralty. determined treat artificial islands, located vessels 'as enclaves upland State.' 'deliberately eschewed novel structures,' 355, 1837, inconsistent applied. dispensation 'inapposite,' 363, 1841, analogue undisputed husband limit. introduced Senate, request, would, among things, 3143, 91st Sess. hearings scheduled bill. field valid M. 397 179, 194 21, 850, 857, (1970). take pending bill, pass incongruous, legislating foreclosed, negative were, disregard 'Congress controlling Lines 20, 1650, 1204, 763. 762. 51; 688. 909. 11, 761.

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