Document: 485 U.S. 265 108 S.Ct. 1130 99 L.Ed.2d 289 Mercilyn BUCHANAN etc.v.STANSHIPS, INC., et al. No. 87-133. March 21, 1988. PER CURIAM. 1 Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 4(a)(4) provides that if any party files a timely motion "under 59 [of the Rules Civil Procedure] to alter or amend judgment," then time for appeal "shall run from entry order . granting denying" such motion. The specifically indicates notice filed before disposition have no effect" but "new must be within prescribed measured disposing motion." In this case, we are asked determine whether prevailing party's costs constitutes and thereby renders ineffective prior 2 * Petitioners, widow her minor child, brought wrongful-death action against respondents in United States District Court Middle Louisiana under Death on High Seas Act, ch. 111, 41 Stat. 537, 46 U.S.C. § 761 seq. court initially granted summary judgment respondents, Appeals Fifth Circuit reversed ruling. 744 F.2d 1070 (1984). On remand, conducted bench trial. Then, January 26, 1987, entered favor dismissing petitioners' suit with prejudice. Pet. Cert. 15. made mention costs. next day petitioners pursuant 3. Id., at 16. 3 29, an application allowance costs, styled as "Motion Alter Amend Judgment." 17. "amend its judgment" reflect were "entitled recover their taxable costs," invoked Procedure. Ibid. issued respondents' request day. 18. 4 Petitioners did not file second following Court's Respondents subsequently moved dismiss lack subject-matter jurisdiction due failure appeal. 19. argued rendered first void because was 59(e) Relying decision Harcon Barge Co. v. D & G Boat Rentals, Inc., 784 665 (CA5) (en banc), cert. denied, 479 930, 107 398, 93 351 (1986), agreed dismissed 25. See also Charles Daley, 799 343, 347 (CA7 1986) (adopting analysis ). seek certiorari, noting Appeals' is tension our White New Hampshire Dept. Employment Security, 455 445, 102 1162, 71 325 (1982), conflict decisions Ninth Eleventh Circuit, see Durham Kelly, 810 1500 (CA9 1987); Alimenta (U.S.A.), Inc. Anheuser-Busch Cos., 803 1160 (CA11 1986); Lucas Florida Power Light Co., 729 1300 1984). II 5 concerns "motion[s] judgment." requires motions 10 days initial judgment. "[T]he federal courts generally only support reconsideration matters properly encompassed merits." White, supra, 451, S.Ct., 1166. held attorney's fees 42 1988 We reasoned independently underlying cause "prevailing party," required inquiry "separate merits cannot even commence until one has 'prevailed.' " U.S., 451-452, Cf. Budinich Becton Dickinson 807 155 (CA10 granted, 484 895, 226, 98 185 (1987) (presenting issue different rule applies when provided independently, by 1988, aspect action). Such therefore 'does imply change judgment, merely seeks what judgment.' 452, 1166 (emphasis added) (quoting Knighton Watkins, 616 795, 797 (CA5 1980)). 6 Respondents' postjudgment similarly sought Because Act contains provision regarding necessarily predicated 54(d). Assessment does involve merits. Under 54(d), party" automatically entitled "unless otherwise directs." Indeed, contemplates applications will presented instance clerk; district judge need take up all unless losing makes judicial review. Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. 54(d) ("On served [after clerk's taxing costs], clerk may reviewed court"); C. Wright, A. Miller, M. Kane, Practice 2679, p. 396 (2d ed. 1983). A sharp distinction between award evident 58's instruction "[e]ntry shall delayed costs." Thus it apparent "attemp[t] divorce process entering determining assessing 392. 7 While expenses sort action, satisfied "to meaning 59(e). Instead, raises issues wholly collateral main which intended apply. FCC League Women Voters, 468 364, 373-374, n. 10, 104 3106, 82 278 (1984) (issue entitlement "attorney's described "wholly collateral" merits) added); Eisen Carlisle Jacquelin, 417 156, 172, 94 2140, 2150, 40 732 (1974) (order assigning immediately appealable "collateral order" doctrine "involved matter unrelated merits"). inaccurate designation fact. Nor can incorrect label deprive benefit motion, viewed, rather than 8 Certiorari reversed, case remanded further proceedings consistent opinion. 9 It so ordered. Justice MARSHALL, dissenting. 11 I continue believe unfair litigants damaging integrity accuracy decide summarily without full briefing question decided. Commissioner McCoy, 3, 7, 496, 495 (MARSHALL, J., dissenting); Montana Hall, 481 400, 405, 1825, 1827, 95 354 dissenting). encourage filing petitions certiorari address plenary consideration appropriate discourage detailed discussions followed advice. seven-page brief opposition petition four pages dealt relied almost exclusively Circuit's unanimous en banc had declined (1986). applying "bright-line rule" Harcon, undoubtedly benefited briefing, something today decides unnecessary determination wrong. my ongoing view considering should minimum inform invite them submit supplemental briefs modest steps necessary ensure fair decisionmaking. dissent.

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