Document: 68 L.Ed.2d 500 101 S.Ct. 2061 451 U.S. 630 TEXAS INDUSTRIES, INC., Petitioner,v.RADCLIFF MATERIALS, et al. No. 79-1144. Argued March 3, 1981. Decided May 26, Syllabus Petitioner and respondents manufacture sell ready-mix concrete. A purchaser of concrete from petitioner filed a civil action against in Federal District Court, alleging that certain unnamed firms had conspired to raise prices violation § 1 the Sherman Act, seeking treble damages under 4 Clayton Act. After learning through discovery were alleged co-conspirators, third-party complaint them, contribution should it be held liable original action. The Court dismissed for failure state claim upon which relief could granted, holding federal law does not allow an antitrust defendant recover any co-conspirators. Appeals affirmed. Held : There is no basis statutory or common allowing courts fashion right urged by petitioner. Pp. 2063-2070. (a) Congress neither expressly nor implicitly intended create such contribution. Nothing Acts their legislative history refers contribution, there nothing indicate congressional concern with softening blow on joint wrongdoers. Rather, very idea reveals intent punish past, deter future, unlawful conduct, ameliorate liability P. 2066. (b) are empowered common-law rule among Contribution implicate "uniquely interests" kind oblige formulate law. Moreover, even though may have develop governing principles tradition regard substantive violations follow give as wide discretion formulating remedies enforce Act sought itself, its history, overall scheme suggest power alter supplement enacted. 2067-2070. (c) Regardless merits conflicting arguments complex policy questions presented petitioner's claimed this matter Congress, resolve. 2070. 5th Cir., 604 F.2d 897, Benjamin R. Slater, Jr., New Orleans, La., Dando B. Cellini, respondents. Sol. Gen., Wade H. McCree, Washington, D. C., United States, amicus curiae, special leave Court. Chief Justice BURGER delivered opinion This case presents question whether laws defendant, whom damages, costs, attorney's fees been assessed, other participants conspiracy recovery was based. We granted certiorari resolve conflict Circuits. 449 949, 351, 66 213 (1980).1 affirm. 2 * three area. In 1975, Wilson Abraham Construction Corp., purchased petitioner, States Eastern Louisiana naming defendant;2 26 Stat. 209, amended, 15 U.S.C. 1, provides relevant part: 3 "Every contract, combination form trust otherwise, conspiracy, restraint trade commerce several foreign nations, declared illegal." plus 38 731, 15, provides: 5 "Any person who shall injured his business property reason anything forbidden sue therefor district court resides found has agent, without respect amount controversy, threefold him sustained, cost suit, including reasonable fee."3 6 Through discovery, learned believed producers participated price-fixing scheme.4 then them Abraham. also determined just delay aspect entered final judgment Rule Civil Procedure 54(b). 7 On appeal, Fifth Circuit affirmed, that, although do afford issue resolved Corp. v. Texas Industries, Inc., 897 (1979). examined what perceived benefits difficulties concluded fashioned courts. II 8 provided tortfeasors. Union Stock Yards Co. Chicago, & Q. Co., 196 217, 25 226, 49 L.Ed. 453 (1905); W. Prosser, Law Torts 50, pp. 305-307 (4th ed. 1971). See Merryweather Nixan, Term Rep. 186, Eng.Rep. 1337 (K.B.1799). Northwest Airlines, Inc. Transport Workers, 77, 86-87, n. 16, 1571, 1578, 67 750. part, at least, rested when tortfeasors caused damage, lend aid one tortfeasor compel others share sanctions imposed way compensate victim. E. g., Atkins Johnson, 43 Vt. 78, 81-82 (1870). Leflar, Indemnity Between Tortfeasors, 81 U.Pa.L.Rev. 130, 130-134 (1932). Since turn century, however, 39 states Columbia rules another, 10 initially judicial remainder legislation. U.S., S.Ct., 16. Because generally acknowledged treble-damages actions analogous sounding tort,5 we trend adopt violators. 9 parties amici representing variety interests—as well legion commentators6—have thoroughly addressed concerns implicated creation cases. With potentially large sums stake, surprising numerous articulate disagree strongly over basic raised: sharing will advance impair objectives laws. Proponents concepts fairness equity urging often massive judgments shared all abstract, position appeal: collective fault, responsibility. But efforts supporting invoke presuppose violating draw equitable mitigate consequences wrongdoing. traditional standards something say about septic hands suitor courts, and, context wrongdoer suing co-conspirator, these similarly pari delicto left where they found. supra, 2063.7 11 proponents contend violator greater likelihood most wrongdoers thus It argued would promote more vigorous private enforcement thereby violations, important purposes See, e. Reiter Sonotone 442 330, 344, 99 2326, 2333, 60 931 (1979); Brunswick Pueblo Bowl-O-Mat, 429 477, 485, 97 690, 695, 50 701 (1977); Hawaii Standard Oil 405 251, 262, 92 885, 891, 31 184 (1972); Perma Life Mufflers, International Parts 392 134, 139, 88 1981, 1984, 20 982 (1968). Independent effect, increase incentive single provide evidence co-conspirators so avoid bearing full weight judgment. Realization possibility joining conspiracy. 12 Respondents opposing point out stronger deterrent exist possibility, if remote, participant fully total view, each prospective co-conspirator ponder long hard before engaging called game "Russian roulette."8 discussion problem must consider "overdeterrence," i. e., severe penalties chill wholly legitimate agreements. Gypsum 438 422, 441-442, 98 2864, 2875-2876, 57 854 (1978). 13 discuss length how structured particular, treat problems arise allocation effect settlements. Dividing apportioning cluster difficult issues, participation varied. Some profited than others; some damage plaintiff. "leaders" "followers"; "giant," "pygmies."9 Various formulae suggested: allocated according market shares, relative profits, sales particular plaintiff, role organization operation simply pro rata, assessing equal theory equally injury addition allocation, serious impact defendants settle. commentators suggested plaintiff's reduced settlement co-conspirator; disagree. Similarly, can made losing seek settled plaintiff trial. adopted allocating enforcing settlements, complexity issues involved result additional trial pretrial proceedings, adding new complications already litigation. Illinois Brick Illinois, 431 720, 737-747, 2061, 2070-2075, 52 707 (1977). III 14 contentions advanced views diverge "unfairness" providing risks trade-offs decisionmakers business, various patterns devised. debate advantages disadvantages schemes, parties, amici, paid less attention significant perhaps dispositive threshold question: cause absent legislation so, authority exercised context. Earlier Term, 750, similar Equal Pay 1963, 29 206(d), Title VII Rights 1964, 42 2000e seq. either two ways: first, affirmative clear implication; or, second, 90-91, 1580.10 16 allegation establish statutes exists implication. Our focus, involving implication action, Congress. California Sierra Club, 287, 1775, 101; Universities Research Assn. Coutu, 450 754, 1451, 662 (1981); Transamerica Mortgage Advisors, Lewis, 444 11, 100 242, 62 146 Touche Ross Redington, 560, 2479, 61 82 Congressional discerned looking factors: identity class whose benefit statute enacted, scheme, relief. supra; Cort Ash, 422 66, 95 2080, 45 (1975). 17 readily concedes "there considered available actions." Brief 10. provision restrain trade. contrary, "is member activities regulate protection entirely distinct class," Piper Chris-Craft 430 37, 926, 947, 51 124 (1977) (emphasis added). absence reference concerned setting makes examination factors unnecessary. 298, 1781; 574-576, 2488. therefore conclude contribution.11 If exists, source B 18 is, course, "no general law." Erie Tompkins, 304 64, 58 817, 822, 1188 (1938). Nevertheless, recognized need limited areas come known "federal 332 301, 308, 1604, 1608, 91 2067 (1947). These instances "few restricted," Wheeldin Wheeler, 373 647, 651, 83 1441, 1445, 605 (1963), fall into essentially categories: those decision "necessary protect uniquely interests," Banco Nacional de Cuba Sabbatino, 376 398, 426, 84 923, 939, 804 (1964), given law, 652, 1445. 19 (1) vesting jurisdiction itself rise Little Lake Misere Land 412 580, 591, 93 2389, 2396, 37 187 (1973), existence Art. I mean free govern until acts. authorization decision, only narrow rights obligations States,12 interstate international disputes implicating our relations nations,13 admiralty cases.14 instances, system permit controversy because duties sovereign intimately nature inappropriate control. 21 applies, within For example, Cooper Stevedoring Fritz Kopke, 417 106, 94 2174, 40 694 (1974), longshoreman. arose jurisdiction, subject see Edmonds Compagnie Generale Transatlantique, 443 256, 259, 2753, 2756, 521 based, least division 110, 2176. Copper stand 96-97, 1583. 22 enacted pursuant Commerce Clause, I, 8, cl. trade, construing now spans nearly century. remains suit parties. Admittedly, interest sense vindication arising enactments supplements fulfills objects scheme. Notwithstanding nexus, involve Government, distribution powers system, matters necessarily control authority. Cf. Bank America Parnell, 352 29, 33, 77 119, 121, (1956). short, 23 (2) 24 play vested vein, read 301(a) Labor Management Relations 185(a), granting defined labor but labor-management jurisdiction. Textile Workers Lincoln Mills, 353 448, 912, 972 (1957). situation arises first sections sweeping language forbid "[e]very . ., trade" "monopoliz[ing], attempt[ing] monopolize, part ." §§ 2. noted National Society Professional Engineers 435 679, 688, 1355, 1363, 55 637 (1978): "Congress, did intend text delineate meaning application situations. perfectly expected shape statute's broad mandate drawing tradition." Accord, 438, 14, 2874, 14; Areeda Turner, Antitrust ¶ 302 Cong.Rec. 2456, 2460, 3149, 3152 (1890).15 27 follow, provisions unmistakably appear debates created 210.16 Floyd, supra 6, 228. Senate 1890, Senator Morgan described type courts: 28 "Now, whoever recovers statute, whatever he go to, statute. true use terms here definitions order define offense comparatively new, conferring circuit States." 3149 (1890) added might still exist, available, federal, state, Ibid. description suggests sharp distinction between lawmaking conferred defining ability claiming injury.17 30 contrast remedial detailed specific: crimes; authorized fees;18 (3) suits enjoin violations19 "business property,"20 parens patriae attorneys general;21 (4) decree proceeding serve prima facie subsequent proceeding;22 (5) antimerger field, here, quite detailed.23 "The presumption remedy deliberately omitted strongest comprehensive integrated procedures enforcement." Union, 97, 1584. 32 That strong indeed violations; continuing 90 years amendments authorizing significance. regulatory 33 cases interpreting see, Zenith Radio Hazeltine Research, 401 321, 795, (1971); (1968), invoked broad-ranging creating Nor determination jointly severally since ensures plaintiffs able some, all, participants. Atlanta Chattanooga Foundry Pipeworks, 127 F. 23, (CA6 1903), aff'd, 203 390, 65, 241 (1906). identify scope provided. 227-231. 34 "In almost interpretation ambiguous incomplete provisions. construe fundamentally different decided adopt." 35 satisfied confers here. IV 36 far-reaching. declining reject validity recognize regardless arguments, range weighed deciding demonstrates inappropriateness resolution issue. Ascertaining "fair" calls inquiry entire spectrum elements category strengthen weaken laws, take, cannot going beyond record lawsuit. As Diamond Chakrabarty, 447 303, 317, 2204, 2212, 65 144 (1980): choice make high process after investigation, examination, study bodies cannot. involves balancing competing values interests, democratic elected representatives. Whatever validity, pressed us political branches Executive, courts." Topco Associates, 596, 611-612, 1126, 1135-1136, 515 (1972). unable discern allows 41 Affirmed. Compare (CA5 1979) (this case), Olson Farms, Safeway Stores, 1979-2 Trade Cases 62,995 (CA10), rehearing en banc (Dec. 27, 1979), Beauty Supply, 594 1179 (CA8 1979). named former employees codefendant; employee never served. phrase "antitrust laws" includes 12(a). 1973, grand jury issued indictments (or corporate predecessors), charging Each ultimately plea nolo contendere. Solomon Houston Corrugated Box 526 389, 392, 1976); Simpson 311 764, 768 (CA9 1963); Northwestern Socony-Vacuum 138 967, 970 (CA7), cert. denied, 321 792, 64 790, 1081 (1943); Williamson Gas Elec. 110 (CA3 1939), 310 639, 1087, 1407 (1940). Connolly Sewer Pipe 540, 552, 431, 436, 46 679 (1902). Although characterizing tortious, 342-348, 808-811, (1971), repeatedly referred trends regarding release determining violator. Cirace, Game Theoretic Analysis Claim Reduction Treble Damage Suits, St. John's L.Rev. (1980); Corbett, Apportionment Damages Among Coconspirators Actions, Ford.L.Rev. 111 (1962); Easterbrook, Landes, Posner, Defendants: Legal Economic Analysis, J. Econ. 331 Violators: Question Process, 1980 B.Y.U.L.Rev. 183; Polinsky Shavell, An Stan.L.Rev. Note, 63 Cornell 682 (1978); 48 Geo.Wash.L.Rev. 749 Harv.L.Rev. 1540 78 Mich.L.Rev. 892 961 Recent Developments, Vand.L.Rev. 979 Va.L.Rev. 797 (1980). Of apply notions bar franchisee recovering franchisor franchise thus, degree, acquiesced illegal. Economists decisionmakers, high-level middle-level management, "risk averse"; prefer certainty small loss chance loss. K. Elzinga Breit, Penalties 126-129 (1976), 352, 50. 452-455; Risk Sharing Incentives Principal Agent Relationship, Bell J.Econ. mimics practices larger companies participating directly "tagging along" companies. Markham, Nature Significance Price Leadership, Amer.Econ.Rev. 891 (1951); Oligopoly Laws: Suggested Approach, 1562, 1582 (1969); Washburn, 691, 693-697, 708-712 following industry leaders help support inference agreement, "this proof parallel behavior [by itself] conclusively establishes agreement phrased differently, constitutes offense." Theatre Enterprises, Paramount Film Distributing 346 537, 541, 74 257, 273 (1954). VII, declined knows shown express 11(f) Securities 1933, 77k(f), 9(e) 18(b) Exchange 1934, 78i(e) 78r(b). extrapolated implied securities Heizer Ross, 601 330 (CA7 1979); Globus, Service, 318 F.Supp. 955 (SDNY), 1346 (CA2), 404 941, 286, 254 De Haas Empire Petroleum 286 809 (Colo.1968), aff'd rev'd 1223 (CA10 1970). intimate view correctness decisions; event, creates 91-92, 24, 1580, 1451. (1973); Clearfield Trust 363, 573, 87 838 (1943). Milwaukee, 406 91, 1385, 712 (1964); Hinderlider La Plata River Cherry Creek Ditch 92, 803, 1202 Many water disputes. Such boundaries, jurisdiction; nonetheless especial applies. 810, same day Erie, observed: "Jurisdiction controversies concerning streams boundaries. presenting questions." Fitzgerald Lines 374 1646, 720 (1963). assumed refer existing monopolies restraints Mitchel Reynolds, P.Wms. 181, 347 (K.B. 1711); Darcy Allein, Co.Rep. 84, 1260 1603). Areeda, 44-46 (3d 1981); Letwin, English Common Concerning Monopolies, U.Chi.L.Rev. 355 Section derives originally H.R.Rep.No.627, 63d Cong., 2d Sess., pt. p. (1914). repealed 1955, July 7, ch. 283, 69 282, being redundant 4, H.R.Rep.No.422, 84th 1st (1955); S.Rep.No.619, (1955). Courts, wary relying remarks legislator, Morgan's comments unambiguous. Yet proscribed conduct. One permissible, mandatory, relied courts' time enactment. 273, 2763. (original version 7). 4. 4A, 15a. 4C-4H, 15c-15h. 5(a), 16(a). 7-11, 18-21.

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