Document ID: ./input/supremecourt_opinions/opinions/16pdf/16-254_5iel.pdf
Page Number: 3.0

Cite as:  581 U. S. ____ (2017) 

3 

Syllabus 

(c) Three extratextual sources are especially helpful in ascertaining
Article  10(a)’s  meaning.    First,  the  Convention’s  drafting  history 
strongly suggests that the drafters understood that service by postal
channels was permissible.  Second, in the half-century since the Con-
vention  was  adopted,  the  Executive  Branch  has  consistently  main-
tained  that  the  Hague  Service  Convention  allows  service  by  mail. 
Finally, other signatories to the Convention have consistently adopt-
ed Water Splash’s view.  Pp. 8–12. 

(d) The fact that Article 10(a) encompasses service by mail does not
mean  that  it  affirmatively  authorizes  such  service.   Rather,  service 
by mail is permissible if the receiving state has not objected to service 
by mail and if such service is authorized under otherwise-applicable
law.  Because  the  Court  of  Appeals  concluded  that  the  Convention 
prohibited service by mail, it did not consider whether Texas law au-
thorizes the methods of service used by Water Splash.  That and any
other remaining issues are left to be considered on remand to the ex-
tent they are properly preserved.  P. 12. 

472 S. W. 3d 28, vacated and remanded. 

ALITO, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which all other Mem-
bers joined, except GORSUCH, J., who took no part in the consideration 
or decision of the case.