Document: 488 U.S. 235 109 S.Ct. 573 102 L.Ed.2d 594 Javan OWENS and Daniel G. Lessard, Petitionersv.Tom U.U. OKURE. No. 87-56. Argued Nov. 1, 1988. Decided Jan. 10, 1989. Syllabus Twenty-two months after respondent was allegedly unlawfully arrested beaten by petitioners, two State University of New York police officers, he brought suit against them in the Federal District Court, seeking damages under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 on ground that had sustained personal injuries, mental anguish, shame, humiliation, legal expenses, deprivation his constitutional rights. In denying petitioners' motion to dismiss as time barred, court rejected their contention actions were governed York's 1-year statute limitations covering assault, battery, false imprisonment, five other intentional torts. The concluded instead State's 3-year residual for injury claims not embraced specific statutes applicable. Court Appeals affirmed. Held: Where state law provides multiple actions, courts considering should borrow general or limitations. Pp. 239-250. (a) Although Wilson v. Garcia, 471 261, 105 1938, 85 254 held 1988 requires apply all a limitations, did indicate which applies States with statutes. 239-242. (b) light Wilson's practical approach eliminating uncertainty providing "one simple, broad characterization" U.S., at 272, S.Ct., 1945, rule endorsing choice torts would be manifestly inappropriate, since every has tort provisions. contrast, one is easily identifiable language application. Petitioners' argument periods borrowed because such are most analogous fails recognize enormous disadvantages selection terms confusion unpredictability cause potential plaintiffs defendants. Moreover, analogy between causes action too imprecise justify result, wide spectrum come span, many bear little if any resemblance common-law tort. 242-250. 816 F.2d 45 (CA 1987), MARSHALL, J., delivered opinion unanimous Court. Peter H. Schiff, Albany, N.Y., petitioners. Kenneth Kimerling, City, respondent. Justice MARSHALL 1 (1985), we entertaining actions. This case raises question what period where more certain enumerated torts, We hold applies. 2 * On November 13, 1985, Tom Okure Northern York, from petitioners Owens (SUNY) officers. alleged that, January 27, 1984, officers him SUNY campus Albany charged disorderly conduct. complaint stated "forcibly transported" detention center, "battered [the officers] forced endure great emotional distress, physical harm, embarrassment." App. 5-6. As result arrest beating, claimed, "sustained including broken teeth sprained finger, expenses rights." Id., 6. 3 moved complaint, been filed 22 incident, barred. They contended eight torts: "assault, malicious prosecution, libel, slander, words causing special damages, [and] violation right privacy." N.Y.Civ.Prac.Law 215(3) (McKinney 1972). 4 denied dismiss. 625 F.Supp. 1568 (1986). Borrowing "a narrowly drawn applicable only torts," id., 1570, stated, inconsistent this Court's endorsement characterization claims." Ibid. (citing Wilson, supra, 1945). "would improperly restrict scope controvert federal policy." F.Supp., 1571. 214(5) Supp.1988),1 Okure's therefore timely. then certified an interlocutory appeal pursuant 28 1292(b) (1982 ed., Supp. IV) Rule 5(a) Rules Appellate Procedure. 5 Second Circuit granted permission (1987). It description required "expansive enough accommodate diverse section embrace." 48. observed: "By nature, general; exceptional. dichotomy survives no matter how similar judicially added those 215(3)." favored another reason: its "more faithfully represents interest effective remedy violations civil rights than does restrictive year limit." 49. Injuries "necessarily apparent victim they inflicted," explained, "[e]ven itself obvious, dimensions may be." 6 dissent argued best analogized 51, governs "almost person," 50, it appropriate 214(5), confined primarily negligence claims. using 215(3)'s "inherently policies underlying Civil Rights Act." 54. certiorari, 485 958, 108 1218, 99 419 (1988), now affirm. II A. 7 case, again confront consequences Congress' failure provide govern Title endorses borrowing state-law provisions doing so consistent law; not, however, offer guidance provision borrow.2 To fill void, years urged select "most analogous," Board Regents, Univ. Tomanio, 446 478, 488, 100 1790, 1797, 64 440 (1980), appropriate," Johnson Railway Express Agency, Inc., 421 454, 462, 95 1716, 1721, 44 295 (1975), particular action, long chosen policy. Occidental Life Ins. Co. California EEOC, 432 355, 367, 97 2447, 2455, 53 402 (1977); Johnson, 465, 1722. 8 practice analogies bred inconsistency lower generated time-consuming litigation. Some found tort, others contract law, still statutory law.3 Often less do nature relief counsel's artful pleading ability persuade facts theories claim resembled action. Consequently, defendants often idea whether barred until ruled case. Predictability, primary goal thereby frustrated. 9 sought end "conflict, uncertainty." 266, 1941. Recognizing problems inherent case-by-case approach, determined See 275, 1946 ("[F]ederal interests uniformity, certainty, minimization unnecessary litigation support conclusion Congress simple approach"); see also 1945 ("[A] fits statute's remedial purpose"). concluded, based upon legislative history array provision, "confer[s] injuries 278, 1948. Because "§ characterized actions," applied 280, 1949. 10 instant indicates, completely eliminated over claims, supplies clear answer. Courts have differed determine applies.4 Several assigns These reasoned closely envisioned being Act, paradigmatic today 1983.5 Other Appeals, endorsed use residuary observed embraces rights, narrow claim.6 followed second when reflect diversity B 11 choosing alternatives Appeals—the approach—we mindful ours essentially inquiry. 1945. Our decision "simple was, all, grounded realization applicability different chaos uncertainty. 1946; Burnett Grattan, 468 42, 104 2924, 2930, 82 36 (1984) (courts selecting must "tak[e] into account practicalities involved litigating claims"); accord, Felder Casey, 487 131, 2302, 101 123 (1988). Thus, our task determining can ease predictability 50 States. 12 A inappropriate. Every provisions, carving up universe configurations. example, 215(3), covers 237. But cover specified Malpractice provision; veterans' another.7 Michigan, separate imprisonment," Mich.Comp.Laws 600.5805(2) (1979), "malicious prosecution," 600.5805(3), "libel slander," 600.5805(7), "all recover death person . .," 600.5805(8). Ohio, "bodily injury," Ohio Rev.Code Ann. 2305.10 (Supp.1987), "libel, 2305.11, "assault battery," 2305.111. Similarly, Pennsylvania, slander invasion privacy," Pa.Cons.Stat. 5523(1) arrest, prosecution abuse process," 5524(1), "injuries individual caused wrongful act neglect unlawful violence another," 5524(2), "[a]ny proceeding property founded negligent, intentional, otherwise tortious conduct." 5524(7). Were call governing succeed transferring present among provisions.8 13 marked contrast multiplicity exceptions.9 Others specifically provided for, actions.10 Whichever form take, these Indeed, very suggests each one. Potential readily ascertain, risk unpredictability, advance filing 14 selection. result. expressly drawing explained Acts 15 "[a] unique mak[ing] accord 'a sweep language.' 'override kinds laws,' Monroe Pape, 365 167, 173, 81 473, 477, 492 (1961), is, events, 'supplementary might have,' McNeese Education, 373 668, 672, 83 1433, 1435, 622 (1963), precise counterpart law. 196, n. 5, (Harlan, concurring). Therefore, 'the purest coincidence,' ibid., common equivalent remedies; bound imperfect." (footnotes omitted). 16 particularly inapposite span. noted include 17 "discrimination public employment basis race exercise First Amendment discharge demotion without procedural due process, mistreatment schoolchildren, deliberate indifference medical needs prison inmates, seizure chattels notice sufficient opportunity heard." 273, 18 31, 31; Blackmun, Section Protection Individual Will Statute Remain Alive Fade Away?, 60 N.Y.U.L.Rev. 19-20 (1985). Many 146, 3, 2311, 3. Even intent element defense, necessary requirement related E.g., Hustler Magazine Falwell, 46, 53, 876, 41 (1988) (distinguishing "malice" context "malice"). Given analog, applying limited category 1983's scope.11 accordingly actions.12 III 19 correctly claim.13 promised actions; today's decision, hope fulfill promise. Accordingly, judgment 20 Affirmed. Civ.Prac.Law 214 relevant part: "The following commenced within three years: "5. except sections 214-b, 214-c 215. ." part, provides: jurisdiction criminal matters conferred district Title, 'CIVIL RIGHTS,' 'CRIMES,' protection persons United vindication, shall exercised enforced conformity laws States, far suitable carry same effect; but cases adapted object, deficient furnish remedies punish offenses modified changed constitution wherein having held, Constitution extended said trial disposition cause. Shapiro, Choosing Appropriate Limitations Claims After Garcia: Theory Applied Maryland Law, Balt.L.Rev. 242, 251-256 (1987) (describing approaches actions); Note, Retroactive Application Continued Confusion Troubled Topic, Wash. & Lee L.Rev. 135, (same); Comment, Statutes Litigation, 1976 Ariz. S.L.J. 97, 116-126 (same). Preuit Mauldin Jones, 474 1105, 1108, 106 893, 895, 88 926 (1986) (WHITE, dissenting denial certiorari) ("[C]onflicting principles Tenth hand Fifth Eleventh Circuits other"); 286-287, 1952-1953 (O'CONNOR, dissenting) (anticipating dilemma facing claims). See, e.g., Mulligan Hazard, 777 340 (CA6 1985) (selecting malpractice, rejecting bodily plaintiff elsewhere), cert. denied, 476 1174, 2902, 90 988 (1986); Gates Spinks, 771 916 (CA5 Mississippi for), 475 1065, 1378, 89 603 Jones Mauldin, 763 1250, 1254 (CA11 Alabama " 'any trespass liberty, imprisonment assault battery,' arising section' "), Sixth Circuits, several occasions departed approach. Kline North Texas Univ., 782 1229 1986) done another); Carroll Wilkerson, 44, (CA6) (per curiam ) Michigan limitations), sub nom. County Wayne Carroll, 479 923, 107 330, 93 302 Meade Grubbs, 841 1512, 1523-1524, 1524, (CA10 1988) Oklahoma 'injury another, hereinafter enumerated,' battery); Banks Chesapeake Potomac Tel. Co., 256 App.D.C. 22, 33, 802 1416, 1427 (stating dicta "might well" Columbia mayhem, wounding, imprisonment); Small Inhabitants Belfast, 796 544, 546-547 (CA1 Maine's '[a]ll provided,' malpractice); McKay Hammock, 730 1367, 1370 1984) (en banc) Colorado kind limitation law,' case). 214(6) Supp.1988) (3-year malpractice 214-a); 214-a (21/2-year medical, dental, podiatric torts); 214-b (2-year Vietnam exposure phenoxy herbicides, commonly known Agent Orange). irrelevant construed few statute, see, Koster Chase Manhattan Bank, 609 1191, 1198 (SDNY (construing infliction distress); Rio Presbyterian Hosp. City 561 325, 328 1983) interference contractual relations); Hansen Petrone, 124 App.Div.2d 782, 508 N.Y.S.2d 500 (mem.) process Carmody-Wait 2d 13.74 (1965); 35 N.Y.Jur., Laches 35, pp. 527-528 (1964). nonexhaustive list illustrates frequency enacted Ala.Code 6-2-34(1) (1977) (six "for battery"); §§ 6-2-38(h), (i), (k), (l) (Supp.1987) (two libel seduction, person, enumerated); Alaska Stat.Ann. 09.10.070 (1983) 09.10.055 resulting construction-related Ariz.Rev.Stat.Ann. 12-541 (1982) (one character reputation seduction); 12-542(2) (Supp.1988) another"); 12-551 product liability); Ark.Code 16-56-104 conversation, alienation affection, damages); 16-56-105 (three libel); 16-56-106 (18 16-56-112(b)(2) (five Cal.Civ.Proc.Code (West injury, neglect); 340.1 incestuous relationship minor); 340.2 1982) asbestos-related 340.5 340.6 attorney Cal.Civ.Code 29 child conceived, yet born"); Colo.Rev.Stat. 13-80-102(a) "[t]ort negligence, trespass, outrageous conduct, relationships"); 13-80-102.5 13-80-103(a) slander); D.C.Code 12-301(4) (1981) arrest); 12-301(8) prescribed); Fla.Stat. 95.11(3)(o (four interference, elsewhere); 95.11(3)(p) for); 95.11(4)(b) professional death); Ga.Code 9-3-33 reputation; person; four involving loss consortium); Haw.Rev.Stat. 657-4 (1985) 657-7.3 six depending discovery injury); Ill.Rev.Stat., ch. 110, ¶ 13-201 publication violating privacy); 13-202 abduction, conversation); Kan.Stat.Ann. 60-513(a)(4) "injury contract, herein enumerated"); 60-514 Ky.Rev.Stat.Ann. 413.120(6) (Baldwin plaintiff, 413.135 construction improvements real estate); 413.140(1)(d)-(e) Me.Rev.Stat.Ann., Tit. 14, 752 (1980) provided); 752(A) design professionals); 752(B) suffered during "participation skiing hang-gliding tramway associated hang-gliding"); 752-C sexual 753 Md.Cts. Jud.Proc.Code 5-101 5-105 5-108 (20 occurring improvement realty); 5-109 Mass.Gen.Laws 260:2A 260:4 Mo.Rev.Stat. 516.120(1) liabilities "except limited"); 516.140 prosecution); Neb.Rev.Stat. 25-207(3) 25-208 Nev.Rev.Stat. 11.190(4)(c) 11.190(4)(e) N.J.Stat.Ann. 2A:14-1 1987) 2A:14-2 act, neglect, default person); 2A:14-3 N.C.Gen.Stat. 1-52(5) "any hereafter 1-54 N.D.Cent.Code 28-01-16(5) 28-01-18(1) (1974) 28-01-18(4) ensues); Okla.Stat., 12, (Third) (Fourth) R.I.Gen.Laws 9-1-14(a) 9-1-14(b) 9-1-14.1 9-1-14.2 Orange-related S.C.Code 15-3-530(5) conversation 15-3-550(1) S.D.Codified Laws 15-2-13(5) "criminal 15-2-14.1 15-2-15(1) Tex.Civ.Prac. Rem.Code 16.002 breach promise marriage); 16.003 "personal injury"); Utah Code 78-12-25(3) "action law"); 78-12-28(2) 78-12-29(4) Va.Code 8.01-243A unless 8.01-244 8.01-248 prescribed"); Wash.Rev.Code 4.16.080(2) 4.16.100(1) 4.16.340 conduct recovery childhood abuse); 4.16.350 Wis.Stat. 893.54 (1985-1986) 893.55 893.57 "other tort"); 893.585 exploitation therapist); 893.587 incest-related Wyo.Stat. 1-3-105(a)(iv)(C) 1-3-105(a)(v) imprisonment). 6-2-38(1) ("[A]ny enumerated"). (actions 13-80-102(i) ("All provided"). reflects profound misunderstanding history. congressional concern about Ku Klux Klan-sponsored campaign deception South, "denying decent citizens political 276, 1947; Briscoe LaHue, 460 336-340, 103 1116-18, 75 96 (1983). violent acts misrepresentation, directed perpetrators deeds much officials who tolerated condoned them. "While main scourge evil—perhaps leading Klan, created [§ 1983] members representing some capacity unable unwilling enforce law." 175-176, 477-78, (1961) (emphasis original; footnote Parratt Taylor, 451 527, 534, 1908, 1912, 68 420 ("Nothing limits solely deprivations rights"). inadequately Act enacted. Almost types claims: J.K. Angell, Actions Law 13-14, 311-319 (1869); H.F. Buswell, Adverse Possession 307-308 (1889). Trespass covered direct indirect injury. W. Keeton, D. Dobbs, R. Owen, Prosser Torts 29-30 (5th ed. 1984). 1871 harassment sued failing prevent harm; doctrine, replaced specialized supports application former fully 's rejection residual, "catch-all," recourse first instance, position continue embrace. resort embraces, either explicitly judicial construction, unspecified 544 catchall provision); Alley Dodge Hotel, 163 U.S.App.D.C. 320, 501 880 curiam) Columbia's provision). need address interests. 61, 2935, (REHNQUIST, (before ensure "afford[s] reasonable claimant").

Category: 1