Opinion ID: 45549
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The FSIA Bars the Contempt Order

Text: 35 The FSIA creates the sole method for obtaining jurisdiction over a sovereign state. Republic of Austria v. Altmann, 541 U.S. 677, 691, 124 S.Ct. 2240, 159 L.Ed.2d 1 (2004). It also provides the sole, comprehensive scheme for enforcing judgments against foreign sovereigns in civil litigation. 28 U.S.C. § 1609. The legislative history surrounding the FSIA specifically discusses contempt orders and states that they may be unenforceable if immunity exists. H.R.Rep. No. 94-1487, at 22 (1976), reprinted in 1976 U.S.C.C.A.N. 6604, 6621. 36 The contempt order, as written, does not fall within the provisions of the FSIA. A review of the relevant sections, § 1610 and § 1611, shows that they do not present a situation in which the order could stand. Those sections describe the available methods of attachment and execution against property of foreign states. Monetary sanctions are not included. Therefore, in issuing the contempt order, the district court relied on an erroneous conclusion of law. As such, the court abused its discretion, and the contempt order is vacated.