Document: 414 U.S. 291 94 S.Ct. 505 38 L.Ed.2d 511 H. Keith ZAHN et al., Petitioners,v.INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY. No. 72—888. Argued Oct. 16, 1973. Decided Dec. 17, Syllabus Multiple plaintiffs with separate and distinct claims must each satisfy the jurisdictional amount for suits in federal courts, this diversity class action under Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. 23(b)(3) by owners of lakeshore property charging respondent polluting lake, where only named but not unnamed could show damages amount, a is maintainable. Each plaintiff Rule any was does be dismissed from case. Snyder v. Harris, 394 332, 89 1053, 22 319, followed. Pp. 292—302. 469 F.2d 1033, affirmed. Peter F. Langrock, Middlebury, Vt., petitioners. Taggart Whipple, New York City, respondent. Mr. Justice WHITE delivered opinion Court. 1 Petitioners, asserting that they were fronting on Lake Champlain Orwell, Vermont, brought District Court behalf consisting themselves 200 lake-front lessees. They sought International Paper Co., corporation, allegedly having permitted discharges its pulp paper-making plant, located York, to flow into Ticonderoga Creek carried stream Champlain, thereby waters lake damaging value utility surrounding properties. The suit as action, jurisdiction assertedly resting 28 U.S.C. § 1332(a)(1). claim found $10,000 convinced 'to legal certainty' every individual owner had suffered pollution excess $10,000. Reading 319 (1969), precluding maintenance member whose did individually concluding it would feasible define whom more than claim, then refused permit proceed action. 53 F.R.D. 430 (Vt.1971). A divided Appeals affirmed, 1033 (CA2 1972), principally authority supra. We granted petition writ certiorari, 410 925, 93 1370, 35 585 (1973). 2 correctly held case governed rationale Court's prior cases construing statutes defining therefore affirm judgment. 3 From outset, Congress has provided between citizens different States are maintainable district courts if 'matter controversy' exceeds statutory minimum, now set at 1332(a).1 same jurisdictional-amount requirement applied when general federal-question 1331(a), invoked.2 classic statement dichotomy developed applying these sections Troy Bank Troy, Indiana G. A. Whitehead & 222 39, 40—41, 32 9, 56 L.Ed. 81 (1911): 4 'When two or plaintiffs, demands, unite convenience economy single suit, essential demand requisite amount; several enforce title right, which have common undivided interest, enough their interests collectively equal amount.' 5 This distinction rule multiple firmly rooted dating 1832,3 continued accepted construction controlling statutes, §§ 1331 1332.4 been forbid aggregation none claimants satisfies Scott Frazier, 253 243, 244, 40 503, 64 883 (1920), example, stated 'the controversy sum complainant.' It also requires dismissal those litigants do even though other assert sufficient invoke court. Clark Paul Gray, Inc., 306 583, 59 744, 83 1001 (1939); Stewart Dunham, 115 61, 64—65, 1163, 1164—1165, 29 329 (1885); Township Bernards Stebbins, 109 341, 355, 252, 262, 27 956 (1883). 6 In decided after effective date Federal Rules Civil Procedure 1938, familiar 'when demands involved . ., amounts cannot added together requirements.' U.S., 589, S.Ct., 748. Upon ascertaining own motion one presented satisfying reached merits directed dismiss all want jurisdiction. 7 rules actions contemplated 23. spurious authorized 23(a)(3), stood amendment 1966,5 viewed Judge Frank, writing himself Judges Learned Augustus Hand, as, 'in effect, congeries so claimant must, his meet Steele Guaranty Trust Co. N.Y., 164 387, 388 1947).6 direct precedent 1941 decision Circuit expressed an written Charles Clark, who, Reporter Advisory Committee, principal architect Procedure. That case, Hackner 117 95 1941), claims. invoked long line Court, hold among parties related question law fact, 'aggregation improper' supplied without 'by adding who can jurisdiction.' Id., 98. (Citations omitted). view respect actions.7 consequence, entertain satisfied requirement. 8 meaning language 1332 23 supra, occasion being division appeals whether 1966 amendments changed involving claims.8 None members before alleged amount. nevertheless urged situations, particularly light rule, should permitted. contrary view, holding subject usual court assume over presenting exceeding minimum specified 1332. Aggregation impermissible, size. unmistakably rejected notion intended effected, change application insofar concerned. 9 'The doctrine aggregated never, now, based upon categories old procedure. rather interpretation phrase controversy.' substantially predates 1938 '. Nothing amended changes doctrine. fact judgments formerly classified may effect joinder provisions certainly no reason treat them differently joined purposes aggregation.' 336—337, 1057. 10 reconsider constructions phrase, Congress, complete understanding how construed statute, governing down through years specify progressively increased necessary instituting courts. 11 Harris $10,000, there doubt controls one. As previously indicated, well-established survive dismiss. plainly mandates entire others allege jurisdictionally 12 follows inescapably heavy reliance sufficiently, large suit.9 Moreover, cited approval Alvarez Pan American Life Insurance 375 992 (CA5), cert. denied, 389 827, 88 74, 19 82 (1967), Only within 13 conclude, we us accurately read Harris:10 case—'one ride another's coattails.' F.2d, 1035. 14 Neither inclined overrule nor standing declined like invitation surveying relevant considerations undermine purpose intent providing present At time, good disagree historic left undisturbed many years. 15 seems etched thought departing decisions and, doing, calling approach ordinary claims, some express intention surely appeared, either official commentaries. But find trace effect. matter rest there, absent further congressional action.11 16 Affirmed. 17 BRENNAN, DOUGLAS MARSHALL join, dissenting. 18 holds that, class, appearing party not, meets 1332(a). finds ruling compelled 'rationale Court.' I respectfully dissent. provision 1332(a) tersely states (must exceed) ..' Those words, unchanged since passage Judiciary Act 1789,1 apply 'civil actions,' say nothing about requirements applicable Although times altered required,2 generally upward,3 task judiciary.4 result relatively complex sensitive designed implement Congress' broad directive way responsive fairness efficiency adjudication. 20 One 'bright line' emerged control actions: least plaintiff, joint seeking (1969); (1911). 'long-standing' 'well established' invokes determine group sufficiently interrelated constitute such 'joint' 'common interest.'5 21 Once attached 'action,' however, 'aggregation' ways establish additional parties. And petitioners make argument inconsistent theory will support nonappearing class. Their contention second theory, ancillary jurisdiction, supports determination entertained. Ancillary adjudicate fitted recognized see Freeman Howe, 24 How. 450, 749 (1861); Phelps Oaks, 236, 714, 888 (1886); Wichita R. Light Public Utilities Comm'n, 260 48, 43 51, 67 124 (1922). But, commentator pointed out, exercise explained 'any rationalizing principle.' C. Wright, Courts p. (2d ed. 1970). instead accommodations take account impact adjudication third persons, susceptibility dispute disputes resolution adjudication, structure litigation Procedure.6 After consideration Factors, sustained compulsory counterclaims 13(a), Horton Liberty Mutual 367 348, 1570, 890 (1961); aff'g 275 148 (CA5 1960); Moore Cotton Exchange, 270 593, 46 367, 70 750 (1926). done party's intervention 24(a), supra; W. Barron Holtzoff, Practice 593 (C. Wright 1961). Following lead, cross-claims 13(g), M. Smythe Co Chase National Bank, 721 1961); Childress Cook, 245 798 1957); impleaded defendants 14, Pennsylvania Erie Avenue Warehouse 302 843 (CA3 1962); interpleaded Walmac Isaacs, 220 108 (CA1 1955). See Developments Law—Multiparty Litigation Courts, 71 Harv.L.Rev. 874 passim (1958).7 Class equally appropriate treatment. There ample assurances, questions (must) predominate affecting members,'8 guarantee become facade hiding attempts secure nondiverse parties' unrelated practical reasons permitting strong supporting entitled intervene right. born necessity.9 alternatives wer redundant issues. cost drain resources judiciary resulting alternative intolerable. presents precisely difficulties: approximately 240 involved, issues doubtless call extensive use expert testimony difficult scientific 25 is, course, true increase courts' workload, unless unable obtain rights. objection answer denial impose much larger burden state whole, impair ability prospective 26 If State provides device comparable 23(b)(3), inefficiency unfairness avoided, all. requirement, choose litigate shown preference. probably required separately cases,10 thus possibly enlarging judiciary's burden, ironically reversing apparent purpose. provide device, lack simply prefer courts—as free requirement—will produce multitude suits. chief influence mitigating flood landowners' likely worthless because case-by-case basis exceed potential value—will judicial system credit. Not desirability sustaining bring logic our decisions, traditional laid Strawbridge Curtiss, Cranch 267, 435 (1806). Supreme Tribe Ben-Hur Cauble, 255 356, 41 338, 65 673 (1921), original requirements, destroy 366, 342. Particularly constitutional background written, 1038 1972) (Timbers, J., dissenting), understand why took abandoned purely Certainly turned solely established 'action.' Nor accept Snyder's citation (1939), here. dealt litigated Here clearly characterization turn far indicated 30 consistent Ben-Hur, intervenors need not. Such ruling, while going step farther seek, reasonable pragmatically justified. substantial difference member, poses threat given discretion 23(d)(3) conditions. 3B J. 23.73(3), 1441 1969). permitted, power it, taking elaborate guidance 31 appears rely rejection concerned.' Ante, 299. 82's admonition 'construed extend limit United Reliance proper petitioner contended restructuring abolish 'spurious' favor 'functional' nature effects undercut establishing action.' suggestion override earlier 'spurous' bind affirmatively requested inclusion.11 holdings. anything, merely made directly kinds concerns motivated jurisdiction.12 33 ought, instead, affect, affected by, existing Of must. Committee prepared observed: 'From start Rules, elaborating complicating parties, profoundly influenced result.'13 upholding novel exercises liberal opportunities them, bar 34 Indeed, today's form exercised, confronted dilemma exist amendments: identification bound notice.14 determining possible proposed met denied status few, any, classes lend determination, pleadings, Intervention, necessary, request inclusion order bound. Thus, implicit recognition still mumber exercised. will, curtail expand it. previous concern realities both think limitation unwarranted unwise. section pertinent part that: '(a) shall civil exclusive interest costs, between— '(1) Section First 1789 $500. Stat. 78. 1801, lowered $400 Midnight Act, 89, 92, quickly restored $500 following year. 132. remained fixed level until Mar. 3, 1887, 552, raised $2,000. figure subsequently $1,000 1911, 24, 36 1091. S.Rep.No.388, 61st Cong., 2d Sess., pt. 2, pp. 30—32 (1910); H.R.Rep.No.818, Sess Conference Report, S.Doc.No.848, 3d Sess. (1911); 45 Cong.Rec. 3596—3599 4002, 4003, 4004 current codified 1332(a), enacted July 25, 1958, 72 415. legislative history discloses 'on premise money available controversies elements present. high convert big business low fritter away time trial petty controversies.' S.Rep.No.1830, 85th 3—4 (1958); U.S.Code Cong. Admin.News 3101; id., 21; H.R.Rep.No.1706, (1958). 1331(a) provides: wherein arises Constitution, laws, treaties States.' representative innumerable confirming principle: Woodside Beckham, 216 117, 54 408 Waite Santa Cruz, 184 302, 328—329, 327, 552 (1902); Wheless St. Louis, 180 379, 382, 402, 403, 583 (1901); Cf. Clay Field, 138 464, 419, 1044 (1891); Russell Stansell, 105 303, 989 (1882); Seaver Bigelows, Wall. 208, 595 (1867); Stratton Jarvis, Pet. 4, 846 (1834); Oliver Alexander, 143, 349 (1832). noted dated back unbroken interpreting appellate confined review lower dispute' exceeded designated monetary Consistently, aggregate respective 'matters appeal See, e.g., (1885) (and therein). Alexander Walter Northeastern 147 370, 373, 349, 37 206 (1893): 'Is join (all actions) court, sustain total $2,000? well settled interests, sued test character liability plaintiff.' Rogers Hennepin County, 239 621, 217, 60 (1916); Title Surety Allen, 136, 345, 566 Pinel Pinel, 594, 596, 416, 817 (1920); (1939). 23(a)(3) provided: 'If persons constituting numerous impracticable more, fairly insure adequate representation may, all, sue sued, right enforced against '(3) several, rights relief sought.' permissive device. 'There jural relationship class; unlike, unincorporated association, taken steps create themselves. fellow travelers agreement. distinct. formed presence fact. When joinder—an traveler litigation, might accepted. command performance.' Moore, 23.10(1), 2601—2603 Professor suits: 'These principles force constituted procedural devices prosecute defend necessity defendants.' 23.13, 2957. Alfonso Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, 308 724 (C.A.5, Troup McCart, 238 289 1956); Hughes Encyclopaedia Britannica, 199 295 (C.A.7, 1952); Ames Mengel 190 344 (C.A.2, 1951); Miller City 166 723 1948); Matlaw Corp. War Damage Corp., 281 1947); Sturgeon Great Lakes Steel 143 819 (C.A.6, 1944); Black Yates, Inc. Mahogany Assn., 129 227 (C.A.3, 1942); Woerter Orr, 127 969 (C.A.10, Central Mexico Power Munch, 116 85 1940); Independence Shares Deckert, 1939), rev'd grounds, 311 282, 61 229, 189 (1940); Chestnut Knolls, 159 F.Supp. 791 (Del.1958); Air Line Dispatchers Ass'n California Eastern Airways, 521 (N.D.Cal.1954); Goldberg Whittier 111 382 (E.D.Mich.1953); Schuman Little Bay Constr. 110 903 (S.D.N.Y.1953); Giescke Denver Tramway 957 (Del.1949); Koster Turchi, 79 268 (E.D.Pa.) aff'd, 173 605 Shipley Pittsburgh L.E.R. 870, 873, 874—875 (W.D.Pa.1947); Long Dravo 226 (W.D.Pa.1946); Scarborough Mountain Tel. 176 (W.D.Tex.1942); Stevenson Bluefield, 39 462 (S.D.W.Va.1941). Fifth rule. 992, (1967). Eighth 390 204, 205 (1968), Tenth Circuit, Gas Service Coburn, 831, 833—834 (1968). petitions certiorari latter together. (1969). Snyder, shareholder insurance company company's board directors herself 4,000 shareholders. Mrs. totaled $8,740 damages, she defended ground aggregated, consolidated customer public 18,000 similarly situated consumers, alleging illegal collection city franchise tax. plaintiff's amounted $7.81, allowed dissent recognizes apparently enjoy advantages shared exempted Why squares unexplained. joining contemplated. inevitability conclusion suggested 343, 1060, (Fortas, dissenting). Inglewood Los Angeles, 451 948, 952—954 (1971), Ninth Circuit. Because invoking general-federal here cause stated, Illinois Milwaukee, 406 91, 98—101, 92 1385, 1390—1391, 712 (1972), substantive major areas 1333—1334, 1336—1340, 1343—1345, 1347—1358, 1361—1362, exemption widely applicable, 1059, discounted cases. 11, used term dispute,' ibid., retained $2,000 $3,000, 1091, words substituted. catalogued n. opinion. Adjustments purchasing dollar explanation phenomenon. 4; (1958) Admin. News 3101: $3,000 statute books 1911 obviously terms undergone marked depreciation date. Consumers Price Index moderate income families cities indicates rise 152 percent 1913, shortly established. Accordingly committee believes standard fixing $10,000.' (containing identical language). decrease, discussed recent oft-repeated 1958 recommendations Judicial (of States) regarding controversy, approves, (emphasis added); Admin.News, (1911), observes, quite correctly, 1331. assertion, final footnote, announces 1331, questionable showing prejudice made, challenged respected authorities. Wechsler, Jurisdiction Revision Code, Law Contemp.Prob. 216, 234—240 (1948); Currie, Institute (pts. II), U.Chi.L.Rev. 1, (1968, 3; 3099. sharply reflected pendent law. Mine Workers Gibbs, 383 715, 86 1130, 218 (1966). Similarly significant disincentives assertion forums barred combining reduce litigation. Fraser, Joinder Claims (1963); Hart System 1075—1081 1973). Kaplan, amendments, articulated expectation accommodated: 'New alters pattern actions; subdivision (b)(3), particular, new category deliberately created. Like innovations introduced situation theories bear.' Continuing Work Committee: Amendments (I), 399—400 Miller, 1756, 564—565 approving sound 'a natural corollary applications concept,' support-a Lesch Chicago 279 908 (N.D.Ill.1968). 23(b)(3). states: matters findings include: (A) prosecution defense (B) extent concerning already commenced (C) undesirability concentrating particular forum; (D) difficulties encountered management 23.02(1), 23.05 probable consequence 'no (it had) 430, 433 (Vt.1971); infra, 311—312. 874, 941—942 493 23(a)(1), (2), (3) (b)(3)(A), (B), (C). 6, 1078. ('Under revised contemplates properly excluded judgment, longer exists, cases.') 400. 23(c)(2), (3).

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