Document: 477 U.S. 21 106 S.Ct. 2379 91 L.Ed.2d 18 Ronald A. SCHIAVONE, Genaro Liguori and Joseph DiCarolis, Petitionersv.FORTUNE, aka Time, Incorporated. No. 84-1839. Argued Feb. 26, 1986. Decided June 18, Syllabus Petitioners instituted diversity libel actions on May 9, 1983, by filing their respective complaints in the Federal District Court for of New Jersey. Each complaint alleged that plaintiff was libeled a story appeared 31, 1982, issue Fortune magazine, described as "a foreign corporation having its principal offices at Time Life Building" York City. On 20, were mailed to Time's registered agent Jersey, who received them 23 but refused service because not named defendant. July 19, each petitioner amended his name captioned defendant, refer body to, "Fortune, also known Incorporated." The served certified mail 21. dismissed under Jersey statute limitations, which requires action be commenced within one year publication libel. court held that, although adequately amendments did relate back, Rule Civil Procedure 15(c), original it had been shown notice institution period provided law. consolidated appeals, Appeals affirmed. Held: properly dismissed. Pp. 27-32. (a) Even if this adopted "identity-of-interest" exception an amendment substitutes related party after limitations has expired will back date filed, facts case do fall exception. Neither nor until run, thus there proper could imputed Time. 27-29. (b) 1983 9 filing. Under 15(c) relation is dependent upon four factors, all must satisfied. Notice necessary knowledge come into being "within law commencing against" required 15(c). That occurred only expiration applicable 1-year period. 29-32. 750 F.2d 15 (CA3 1984), BLACKMUN, J., delivered opinion Court, BRENNAN, MARSHALL, POWELL, REHNQUIST, O'CONNOR, JJ., joined. STEVENS, filed dissenting opinion, BURGER, C.J., WHITE, joined, post, p. 32. Morris M. Schnitzer, Roseland, N.J., petitioners. Peter G. Banta, Hackensack, respondent. Justice BLACKMUN Court. 1 This primarily concerns Rules application less-than-precise denomination defendant federal near limitations. Because apparent conflict among Courts Appeals,1 we granted certiorari. 474 814, 56, 88 45 (1985). 2 * three petitioners litigation United States cover entitled "The Charges Against Reagan's Labor Secretary," magazine. caption "Fortune," without embellishment, See App. 8a. In paragraph 2, Building, Sixth Avenue 50th Street, York, 10020." Id., 9a. however, trademark internal division Incorporated (Time), corporation.2 3 petitioners' counsel They 23. 4 Incorporated," and, complaint, with specified agent. id., 25a, 26a. 5 moved dismiss complaints. those motions. 96a, 98a, 100a. It ruled complaints, amended, therefore "for failure capacity sued." Supp.App. Pet. Cert. 18a. law, see N.J.Stat.Ann. 2A:14-3 (West 1952), libel.3 State provides " 'date substantial distribution occurs triggers any arising out publication,' 19a, quoting MacDonald v. Inc., 81-479 (DNJ Aug. 25, 1981). 19a.4 found unnecessary, purposes motion, determine precise begun run. 6 Although acknowledged filings period, took position expired. contended substituted order pursuant 15(c).5 7 concluded suits against it. 23a. "with great reluctance" motion dismiss, noting dismissal claim based "by very nature arbitrary." 24a. "equities situation" demand relief afforded Ibid. identity publisher readily ascertainable from magazine itself. rejected contention deliberately misled believe separate corporation. observed created risk close end 25a. 8 reconsideration. By letter January 12, 1984, adhered prior ruling. Brief Opposition 1a. appeal Third Circuit, consolidated. affirmed orders (1984). ran "on latest," "substantial distribution" "occurred latest." 16. regarded language "clear unequivocal." F.2d, 18. said: "While are sympathetic plaintiffs' arguments, agree court's role amend procedural rules accordance our own policy preferences." further brought receive does include time available process. II 10 clear, what noted above, originally drawn period; attempted expired; so necessarily place found, have no reason disagree. parties themselves dispute these facts. Instead, centers whether sufficiently allowed effective, whether, event, accomplished same result. 11 argue 15(c)'s present form came 1966 express purpose allowing change or when, timely yet 5. effected, said, ameliorate literal rigid periods both amendments. urged should applied construed yield just determinations, is, determinations merits, "double standard" bars late new when like would unacceptable. here sought such commonality interest fact other. Therefore, where intended misdesignated only, knew reasonably true target flawless, "relation foregone conclusion." 6. 12 Respondent, course, takes approach. claims clear asserts equities support position, interpretation effect impermissible rewriting III 13 As states: "These . shall secure just, speedy, inexpensive determination every action." 8(f) says: "All pleadings justice." And Black reminded us, more than 30 years ago, connection adopting revised "principal function serve useful guides help, hinder, persons legal right bring problems before courts." 346 945, 946 (1954). 14 too, early days civil procedure rules, n. 5, supra, consisted now first sentence, announced spirit inclination favored decisions approach pleading game skill misstep may decisive. Conley Gibson, 355 41, 48, 78 99, 103, 80 (1957). said merits avoided basis "mere technicalities." Foman Davis, 371 178, 181, 83 227, 229, 222 (1962). Despite worthy goals loftily stated purposes, conclude judgments cases correct. 16 corporation" Building engaged name. Attached copy magazine's artist's depiction payoff, text parts article about complained. focus, pleaded, Fortune. 17 We cannot understand why, asserted magnitude, specifically complaint. situation ascertainment defendant's difficult plaintiffs. An examination masthead clearly revealed corporate entity responsible publication.6 nonetheless rely Fortune's status purportedly former constituted latter, entity. Some recognized complaint.7 object avoid prejudice result added. 19 adopt identity-of-interest exception, even compelled reject Timely permit imputation subsequently party. case, neither Thus, Hernandez Jimenez Calero Toledo, 604 102-103 (CA1 1979); Norton International Harvester Co., 627 20-21 (CA7 1980). B 20 they meet identification standard. While statement, Incorporated, state York," model accuracy, focus describes targeted next question, then, amendment, made concededly Central resolution supra. Relation satisfied: (1) basic arisen conduct set forth pleading; (2) prejudiced maintaining defense; (3) mistake concerning identity, it; (4) second third requirements fulfilled prescribed concerned factor, satisfaction remaining three. 22 intimation maintenance "at Only agent, then refused. seems us inevitably follow fatal, litigation. 24 choice between "liberal" toward hand, "technical" Rule, other hand. choice, instead, recognizing ignoring plain language. accept meaning says. 25 inclined, either, temper engrafting extension equal reasonable time, inferred 4, deals "commencement" action. emphasis "the far concerned, 1983. 26 Any possible doubt dispelled ago Advisory Committee's Note states Rule's phrase action" means period": 27 "An changing whom relates satisfies usual condition 'arising pleading,' if, first, action—the need formal—that he defending action, second, him initially party" (emphasis supplied). Notes Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. 15, 28 U.S.C. App., 551; 39 F.R.D. 83. comments foreclose judicial consideration validity meaning, construction given Committee "of weight." Mississippi Publishing Corp. Murphree, 326 438, 444, 66 242, 245, 90 L.Ed. 185 (1946). 29 commentators accepted significant agreed Note. J. Moore, Practice § 15.15[4.-2], 15-225 (2d ed. 1985) ("the demands showing ."); C. Wright & Miller, 1498, 250 (Supp.1986) ("in adding added run"). linchpin notice, Of element arbitrariness here, characteristic imposed legislature Note: 15(c): Back Amendments, 57 Minn.L.Rev. 83, 85, (1972).8 31 32 ordered. 33 THE CHIEF JUSTICE WHITE join, dissenting. 34 Certain principles undisputed. If alleging precisely date; magic words "also Incorporated" word "Fortune"; done everything else exactly same, proceed actions. committed "fatal" error, ante, 30, identifying rather incorporation, finds fell through trap door despite publisher's contemporaneously understanding directed (Time, Incorporated) fully much included words. 35 my view, Court's decision represents aberrational let hope, isolated—return "sporting theory justice" condemned Roscoe Pound ago.1 supported Rules, particular. 36 Before examining history preliminary comment appropriate. issue, published dispute. Since ahead deadline. 37 4(j) summons 120 filing—in words, September 6, 1983.2 Incorporated's 23, 1983—well 120-day deadline Rule. 38 identified "Fortune." description explained sue 10020 called 'Fortune' distributed throughout world." There no, never any, suggestion confused Indeed, day forwarded department stated: "Remarks: Discrepancy title noted. Letter atty. indicates papers Service 4(c) Procedure." 35a. 40 advance process—petitioners redesignated "Fortune" 25a-26a. Again, redesignation cause, caused, defense case. Nor better earlier initial question render untimely though adequate 41 majority relies exclusively "plain language" 15(c).3 Far compelling majority's anomalous result, material difference complaints—from understood defendant—and concludes adequate—in appended 42 According majority, barred satisfy four-pronged test articulated Ante, 29-30. ignores, critical antecedent point. utterly irrelevant unless "changing asserted." technical correction absolutely nothing party's whom" understanding, certainly agent's clear. 43 discloses obvious protect arise "brought amendment." names Smith tort-feasor decide Jones "an asserted" actual ran. whenever inaccurate ambiguous reading itself enable himself realize sued. 44 misdescription remotely kind addresses. standard fair misspelling, perhaps reference "Time, Inc." instead short, I construe asserted. cannot, judgment, fairly amendment" 46 designation "Fortune party, willing disregard undisputed evidence contemporaneous unadorned designation, still find analysis unpersuasive. 47 heart failed fourth factor discerns 15(c)—that period." 29. 48 imposing not, Rather, him" added). noted, includes two components, "against implemented possibility construing embrace components bringing particular defendant.4 49 confirmed content requirement—what labels prong four-part test. affected "received merits." surely actually receives informative occurred, requirement different sent referred sent, Respondent otherwise. Yet, completely timely, barred. IV 50 leads bizarre results altogether surprising. For relying heavily views clarity it, ignores mission 51 correct error run adversary way. defeated—and becomes largely superfluous require Moreover, specific liberalizing frustrated cut number permitted. 52 Prior 1966, sentence form, frequently allow minor Shapiro Paramount Film Distributing Corp., 274 743 1960); 15-15[4.-1], 15-211 1985). A group contrary plaintiffs mistakenly sued wrong Government official gave rise criticism addition sentences text.5 Ironically, broaden category harmless errors construes today narrow category.6 V 53 tell enforce equally harsh scrivener's mere More importantly, provide satisfactory explanation why fact, case.7 Most product unnecessary unjust 54 recognizes "there here," solace stranger sometimes arises laws complexity human experience. less understandable willingness aggravate, alleviate, arbitrariness, particularly demonstrably odds language, purpose, 55 respectfully dissent. Compare, e.g., Cooper Postal Service, 740 714, 716 (CA9 cert. denied, 471 1022, 105 2034, 85 316 (1985); Watson Unipress, 733 1386, 1390 (CA10 1984); Hughes States, 701 58 1982); Trace X Chemical, Inc. Gulf Oil Chemical 724 68, 70-71 (CA8 1983), Kirk Cronvich, 629 404, 408 (CA5 1980); Ingram Kumar, 585 566, 571-572 (CA2 1978), 440 940, 99 1289, 59 499 (1979); Ringrose Engelberg Huller 692 403, 410 (CA6 1982) (concurring opinion). No cited reads: "Every slander slander." record "indicate[d]" determining substantially before" 31; subscription copies subscribers 13-19; newsstand went sale 17; press release issued 11; representatives date. 19a. pertinent part: "Whenever arose conduct, transaction, occurrence pleading, pleading. foregoing provision satisfied him, him." recites: "FORTUNE (ISSN 0015-8259), Vol. 105, 11. Issued biweekly 3435 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Cal. 90010. Principal offices: Rockefeller Center, N.Y. 10020. FORTUNE mark parallel information current issues 0015-8259). Published biweekly, October, 10880 CA 90024-4193. office: NY 10020-1393. 1986, 2; 4; 4. See, Travelers Indemnity Co. ex rel. Construction Specialties 382 103 1967); Montalvo Tower 426 1135 1970); Korn Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, 1397 1984). garner Professor Clark Byse's article, Suing "Wrong" Defendant Judicial Review Administrative Action: Proposals Reform, 77 Harv.L.Rev. (1963), U.S.C.App., 550; study critically back" government officers. cases, claim. Similarly, reliance WHITE's footnote dissent denial certiorari 1025, 3, 2036, (1985), misplaced. inherent weakness ("Petitioner's somewhat weak regard because, while requisite days, process period"). Pound, Causes Popular Dissatisfaction Administration Justice, American Bar Assn. Reports 395, 404-405 (1906). entirety: "If whose behalf show good cause initiative motion. subdivision apply country (i) rule." provides: him. delivery mailing Attorney, designee, Attorney General agency officer named, clauses hereof respect thereof defendant." seeks bolster 31. statement begs, settles, question. Judge Feinberg's analysis: "Although face phrase, 'within him,' mean unjustified jurisdictions can effected jurisdictions, accurately running Yet commenced. misnamed correctly. Calling problem raised 'curious difficulty over rule referring period,' (now Justice) Benjamin Kaplan, reporter implicitly criticized district refusing similar these. [Continuing Work Committee: Amendments (I), 81 356, 410, 204 (1967) ]. Kaplan anomaly dismissing 'against considered delayed service.' ". hold 'the in' process." (1979) (footnotes omitted). curious interpretation, reporter's almost understanding. Continuing Harv.L.Rev., 407-410 (1967). irony way gives lip duty facilitate merits. 27. How appropriate 1962: "It too entirely technicalities. 'The decisive outcome principle merits.' 103. 'to action.' 1." 181-182, 230, 222. misspelling sufficient document, assume many much-discussed precedents force. generally Wright, Law 54, pp. 347-348, (4th 1983) (noting Reports, continuously misspelled parties' Minersville School Dist. Gobitis, 310 586, 60 1010, 84 1375 (1940) (parties' "Gobitas"); Dred Scott Sandford, How. 393, 691 (1857) (party's "Sanford"); Swift Tyson, 1, 865 (1842) "Tysen"); McCulloch Maryland, Wheat. 316, 579 (1819) "McCulloh")).

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