Document: 481 U.S. 1 107 S.Ct. 1519 95 L.Ed.2d PENNZOIL COMPANY, Appellantv.TEXACO, INC. No. 85-1798. Argued Jan. 12, 1987. Decided April 6, Syllabus Under Texas law, a judgment creditor can secure and execute lien on debtor's property unless the debtor files supersedeas bond in at least amount of judgment, interest, costs. Appellant obtained jury verdict $10.53 billion its state-court suit alleging that appellee tortiously had induced third oil company to breach contract sell shares appellant. Because it was clear would not be able post necessary amount, substantial adverse effects appellee's business financial situation. Accordingly, even before trial court entered verdict, filed Federal District Court proceedings violated rights under Constitution various federal statutes. Appellee did present these claims state court. argued, inter alia, should abstain from hearing case doctrine Younger v. Harris, 401 37, 91 760, 27 669. The rejected this contention, and, concluding constitutional "a very probability success," issued preliminary injunction barring any action enforce court's which now been entered. Appeals affirmed, holding, abstention unnecessary because interests stake differed both kind degree those cases has held applied, failed provide adequate procedures for adjudication claims. Held: lower courts have abstained principles federalism enunciated Younger. Pp. 10-18. (a) helps avoid unwarranted determination questions. Here, chose courts, is impossible determine whether governing statutes procedural rules actually involved Moreover, contains an "open courts" provision appears address more specifically than does Constitution. Thus, entirely possible resolved statutory or grounds, without reaching 10-12. (b) mandated if State's are so important exercise judicial power disregard comity extended between States National Government. argument Court's implicate "vital" "important" interest misreads precedents, repeatedly recognized administering certain aspects their systems. These include enforcing orders judgments States' courts. injunctions such interfere with execution grounds challenge process by were obtained. So long as challenges relate pending proceedings, proper respect ability resolve questions presented litigation mandates stay hand. 12-14. (c) inappropriate no could heard within limited time available fails satisfied burden showing law barred presentation When, here, litigant made effort his claims, assume will afford remedy, absence unambiguous authority contrary. 14-18. 784 F.2d 1133 (CA2 1986), reversed remanded. POWELL, J., delivered opinion Court, REHNQUIST, C.J., WHITE, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, JJ., joined. concurring opinion, joined, post, p. ----. BRENNAN, MARSHALL, BLACKMUN,J., STEVENS, Laurence H. Tribe, Cambridge, Mass., David Boies, New York City, appellee. Justice POWELL Court. principal issue district lawfully may enjoin plaintiff who prevailed executing favor appeal appellate 2 * Getty Oil Co. appellant Pennzoil negotiated agreement purchase about three-sevenths Getty's outstanding $110 share. Texaco Inc. eventually purchased $128 On February 8, 1984, complaint against Harris County located Houston, Texas, site Pennzoil's corporate headquarters. alleged Pennzoil; sought actual damages $7.53 punitive same amount. November 19, 1985, returned Pennzoil, finding $3 billion. parties anticipated including prejudgment exceed $11 3 Although disagree details, expected give significant law. By recording abstract real records 254 counties all county. See Tex.Prop.Code Ann. §§ 52.001-52.006 (1984). If wishes enforced officials take possession assets, writ clerk judgment. Tex.Rule Civ.Proc. 627.1 Rule 627 provides usually "after expiration thirty days final signed."2 But "may suspend filing good sufficient approved clerk." 364(a). 368.3 For money "the . shall costs." 364(b).4 4 Even jury's cast serious cloud Texaco's required 364(b) $13 It bond. community concluded able, provisions commence enforcement appeals resolved." App. Juris. Statement A87 (District Supplemental Finding Fact 40, 10, 1986). substantial: price stock dropped markedly; difficulty obtaining credit; rating bonds lowered; trade creditors refused crude customary terms. Id., A90-A98 Findings 49-70). 5 argue conflicted Rather, December 1985—before judgment5 United Southern White Plains, York, secured statutes.6 asked taking response, basic position, hear case. First, argued Anti-Injunction Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2283, issuance injunction. further contended 746, 669 (1971). Third, effect jurisdiction Rooker Fidelity Trust Co., 263 413, 44 149, 68 L.Ed. 362 (1923), Columbia Feldman, 460 462, 103 1303, 75 206 (1983). 6 arguments. 626 F.Supp. 250 (1986). found Act inapplicable rested 42 1983. Mitchum Foster, 407 225, 92 2151, 32 705 (1972) (holding 1983 falls exceptions Act). believe "interfere official's pursuit fundamental interest." F.Supp., 260. As Rooker-Feldman doctrine, noted only "attempting sit intermediate merits action. Our intention assure right raise we view having chance success." (citation footnote omitted). 7 justified decision grant injunctive relief evaluating prospects succeeding considered "present generally fair litigation." Ibid. then evaluated constitutionality requirements applying test articulated Mathews Eldridge, 424 319, 96 893, 47 18 (1976). application effectively deny appeal. thought private favored protecting Relying appeal, risk erroneous deprivation "quite severe." 257. Finally, viewed administrative State "slight." In light factors, 258. injunction.7 8 Second Circuit affirmed. first addressed portion held, however, completely bar jurisdiction. due equal protection they " 'inextricably intertwined' 1144 (quoting supra, 483, n. 16, S.Ct., 1315, 16). 9 Next, stated claim question redress taken "under color of" "Pennzoil act jointly agents calling attach seize assets." F.2d, 1145. reading Lugar Edmondson 457 922, 102 2744, 73 482 (1982), enjoined thus 1145-1147. exception see also prevent granting Texaco. 10 unnecessary. Pullman abstention, Railroad Comm'n 312 496, 61 643, 85 971 (1941). ground holding mere possibility find 364 [concerning requirements] unconstitutional applied call abstention." 1149. abstention. "[t]he proceeding differ six Supreme applied." "provide claims." 1150. Turning merits, agreed established likelihood success balance hardships affirmed relief.8 11 jurisdictional statement We probable 1254(2). 477 903, 106 3270, 561 reverse. II 12 below Both recognize harmed unprecedented intrusion into system. Similarly, neither appropriate standard determining A. 13 equity jurisprudence act, particularly restrain criminal prosecution, when moving party remedy law." 43, 750. offered second explanation decision: 14 "This underlying reason reinforced vital consideration, notion 'comity,' is, functions, recognition fact entire country up Union separate governments, continuance belief Government fare best institutions left free perform functions ways. concept mean blind deference 'States' Rights' means centralization control over every our Framers courses. What represent system there sensitivity legitimate Governments, Government, anxious though vindicate protect interests, always endeavors do ways unduly activities States." 44, 15 This concern criminal, but civil pending, E.g., Huffman Pursue, Ltd., 420 592, 603-605, 1200, 1208-1209, 43 (1975). 16 Another When interpret way raises questions, predicated statute binding discredited time—thus essentially rendering federal-court advisory meaningless." Moore Sims, 442 415, 428, 99 2371, 2379, 60 994 (1979). Trainor Hernandez, 431 434, 445, 97 1911, 1919, 52 486 (1977).9 special significance asserted case, provision, Art. I, 13,10 Due Process Clause Fourteenth Amendment. court, case.11 noted, situations like "offers opportunity narrowing constructions might obviate problem intelligently mediate concerns interests." U.S., 429-430, 2380-2381. 17 interest. Brief 24-32. reflects misreading precedents. 441, 1916; Middlesex Ethics Comm. Garden Bar Assn., 423, 432, 2515, 2521, 116 (1982). Juidice Vail, 430 327, 1211, 51 376 (1977), adjudicating contempt process. reasoning informs today: "A process, through vindicates regular operation system, itself affords pursue it, surely Perhaps quite laws, Younger, maintenance quasi-criminal Huffman, supra. think sufficiently great import require cases." 335, 1217. 19 comments why justify illuminating: "Contempt cases, serves, course, preserve competing litigants, purpose spent upon purely concerns. stands aid rendered nugatory." 336, 1217, (citations 20 controls here. That rests importance There little difference forcing persons transfer response respond pain contempt. involve processes compels compliance courts.12 Not judgments, hand.13 B 21 argues point show "that [its] 2382. 45, 751 (" 'The accused set rely defense involves validity some statute, plainly course protection' ") Fenner Boykin, 271 240, 244, 46 492, 493, 70 927 (1926)). 22 denigrations protections afforded hardly come grace, apparently Cf. 435, 2522 (rejecting similar assertion inhospitability claims). Article VI declares Judges bound" Constitution, treaties. cannot judges ambiguities Ohio Civil Rights Dayton Christian Schools, Inc., 619, 629, 2718, 2724, 512 (1986) (assuming commission "construe own mandate principles"). attempted related 23 13, nn. 11, considerable relevance appeared each Texas' Constitutions, dating back Republic 1836. LeCroy Hanlon, 713 S.W.2d 339, (Tex.1986). According "guarantees litigants day court." 341. "The common thread [the Court's] decisions construing open legislature make contingent condition." Nelson Krusen, 678 918, 921 (Tex.1984). demonstrable long-standing commitment access reluctant conclude construed effective 24 Against background, submission incapable insufficient. consider provisions.14 Attorney General brief below, arguing Intervenor-Appellant Nos. 86-7046, 86-7052 (CA2), pp. 32-33. cited clearly indicating lack power.15 meet point.16 25 sum, deferred proceedings. They erred accepting assertions inadequacies procedure relief. true presents unusual situation, never urgently desired prompt say filed, less inclined decide adjudicate demonstrate basis deficient inappropriate. abstained. III 26 situation existed morning York. much transpired since then. Later day, 5, year, substantially ibid. unmindful unique authoritatively resolved. express challenges. raised provisions, nor Today entertain If, when, render litigation, review manner. IV reversed. remanded instructions vacate order dismiss complaint. forthwith. ordered. 29 whom O'CONNOR joins, concurring. 30 I join write separately indicate so-called deprives provisions. resolving challenge, need either litigated inextricably intertwined issues litigated. circumstances, 31 MARSHALL violate Amendment merit. While cannot, consistent protection, arbitrarily denied meaningful adequately vindicated forced file bankruptcy. 33 confronted wholeheartedly concur STEVENS' conclusion creditor's invocation postjudgment collection constitutes meaning Post, 30, 1. 34 agree 2. adhere my general, especially brings violation rights. 613, 1212, (1975) (BRENNAN, dissenting) (Younger except extraordinary circumstances" (emphasis original)); 342, 1220, (1977) ("In congressional contemplation, pendency wholly irrelevant. interpose people, guardians people's rights' 242, 2162, (1972)). 35 negligible. Texas—not appeal—expressly represented "has outcome cause," adjudication. 1133, 1150 1986); 86-7052, identifies 'the nugatory.' Ante, 12). Yet, publicly admitted assets satisfy Judgment liens bond." A116 (supplemental findings Court). "Thus full during reasonably excess net worth judgment." 1155. 36 Indeed, requirement privately Texas. correctly "is two stemming defendant's tortious interference plaintiff's party." waive asking permission. Yandell Tarrant Bank, 538 684, 687 (Tex.Civ.App.1976); Benefit Fire Insurance Metropolitan Plumbing 363 843, 847 (Tex.Civ.App.1962). "Since directs bidding judiciary, utilize undertake unilateral determination." 1147. invoke, demonstrates independent 37 claiming violations enacting 1983, Congress "created specific enforceable equity, frustrated empowered proceeding." 237, 2159. holds instead offering unsolicited advice bring 'blind "States' Rights" ' shows 'sensitivity Governments.'" 750) added).* 38 Furthermore, reject contention (1983), forbid collateral instance. engage determinations. review, suit. seeking therefore 'separable to' Socialist Party Skokie, 432 2205, 2206, 53 Cohen Beneficial Loan Corp. 337 541, 546, 69 1221, 1225, 93 1528 (1949)). 39 STEVENS "plainly merit," ----, reasons different. Since created infringe manner inconsistent protection. Evitts Lucey, 469 387, 393, 105 830, 834, 83 821 (1985). cost requirement, valid face, offend operates foreclose particular party's heard," Boddie Connecticut, 371, 380, 780, 787, 113 (1971), bankruptcy Chapter 11. 362. Texaco, successor go forward prevail terminated. 1112. simply how initiation reorganization review. 40 reach narrow facts us. different troublesome where attributes organization trustee bankruptcy, stead, advance organization's case—arising out commercial dispute—do See, e.g., Henry First Bank Clarksdale, 595 291, 299-300 (CA5 1979) (bankruptcy NAACP "so difficult" obtain justified), cert. sub nom. Claiborne Hardware Henry, 444 1074, 100 1020, 62 756 (1980). 41 Given reverse remand disposition reasoning. addresses propriety occasion Were opinions Justices BRENNAN join. assumption subject matter lawsuit, alone below. Delaware corporation place sued diversity citizenship, remove tried After yet filed. bonding sits another State, halfway across locale tried, place, executed. possessed removal still entitled proceed forum brought request post-trial 45 Counsel suggested oral venue headquarters District, petition step result Tr. Oral Arg. 28, 29-30. Venue actions solely citizenship governed 1391(b), "only defendants reside, arose, otherwise provided said, "it absolutely intend residence unfettered choice among host districts." Leroy Great Western Corp., 443 173, 185, 2710, 2717, 464 support novel proposition situs potential factor arose District." 250, 252 explain challenged state-law limiting said arise failure move venue, contest Appeals, precludes strengthens odor impermissible shopping pervades lacking. well-settled principle occur certiorari. 482, 1314, (1983); 416, 150, (1923); Atlantic Coast Line R. Locomotive Engineers, 398 281, 296, 90 1739, 1747, 234 (1970). here rule. 1141-1142 44. applies substance us totally apart itself. 45-46; 1144-1145. circumstances distinction unconvincing. 48 "[i]f intertwined" "then essence being called decision. do." 483-484, 1315-1316, 16. sometimes difficult answer, apparent, step, succeeds extent wrongly decided it. Where conviction wrong, conceive as, substance, anything other prohibited 49 illustrate problem. "[m]any judge's conclusions [in Court] action, despite lip-service disclaimer, constitute what amounts already adjudicated 1143. prospect irreparable harm injunction, turn, addressing courts: 50 "Only patently frivolous threatened denial labelled inconsequential. us, therefore, non-frivolous resolution." 1153. asserting undertook recognized, depended assert necessarily lacked Holmes observed: "Great hard bad great, shaping future, accident immediate overwhelming feelings distorts Northern Securities States, 193 197, 400, 436, 468, 679 (1904) (dissenting opinion). history lawsuit sums money, wealthy ordered pay hitherto unprecedented, finds continued survival doubt, arguments sophistication complexity, concerned applicable all. sweeping terms one hydraulic pressure makes previously seem doubtful, well settled bend." 401, 468. Had sole proprietor small grocery facilitate $10,000, different, inability meant dissolution displacement employees. $10,000 govern thousands become billions. justice 54 BLACKMUN, 55 too, conclude, post-judgment joined majority opinion. them correct abstaining ante, 19-21 judgment); (STEVENS, judgment). view, rule expand allow whenever ongoing, attenuated abuses sustaining. 448, 1920, (concurring addition, given judgment), announced (1923). 56 refrain joining hold, does, context or, room must procedures, "special organization" dispute "fundamental rights." Those conclusions, fear, suffer somewhat contortions attempts possible.* disturb Appeals' "fair groun[d] litigation" "an inflexible impressment posted irrational, unnecessary, self-defeating, amounting confiscation process." 1154 57 example "narrowly 'special circumstances,' Zwickler Koota, 389 241, 248, 88 391, (1967), quoting Propper Clark, 472, 1333, 1344, 1480 (1949), pressed (but 42-43), rejected. 1148-1149. particular, determined "there [was] nothing unclear uncertain provisions" demanded "mere possibility" unconstitutional. disagree. extensive briefing numerous suggests anything, 23-32 accompanying notes; 32-44 Reply 3-11 notes, "unsettled decided," Hawaii Housing Authority Midkiff, 467 229, 236, 104 2321, 2327, 81 186 (1984), [the] statute[s] eliminate, alter materially, presented." Bureau Employment Services Hodory, 471, 477, 1898, 1902, 513 (1977); 11—12, resolution seems me exist. 58 59 dissolved. rest analysis disposes hold 1983,1 case.2 upheld based procedures. properly held3 (and conclusion) arising appealable 1143-1145 stand fall requires requiring duty appeals. precedents tend proposition.4 broad attack. security appeal; To sure, options attractive. hand, stay, immediately begin while pending. would, found, seriously impair conduct normal operations force bankruptcy.5 Neither consequences, interest—possibly trustee—from going appeal.6 certainly wrong denigrate seriousness effects. similarly approach involving absolute constitutionally posting security. stays ago. Louisville & Nashville Stewart, 241 261, 586, 989 (1916), explained unanimous bound, providing "to suspension judgment" 263, 588. strong appellees' recover amply justifies currently prevalent country.7 63 nonetheless once executions appellants, others arbitrary grounds. Lindsey Normet, 405 56, 77, 862, 876, (opportunity "cannot granted capriciously violating Equal Protection Clause"). (1) Rules Procedure; (2) 14c devastating position; (3) really vast resources ample assurance collect after run course. 64 wise policy strict three factors. refusal sense. A exemptions establish individualized hearings relevant allegations made. rational adopting refusing posted.8 65 Admittedly, sympathetic argument, describes impact employees, suppliers, large. exceptional magnitude consequences product size itself—it described fifth largest States—and immensity transaction gave rise litigation. character flow suffered defeated families, customers. evenhanded administration high deal equally rich poor admit exemption multibillion-dollar corporations transactions. "[a]ddressed sheriff constable [and] enables official levy nonexempt personal property, county." W. Dorsaneo, Litigation Guide 132.02[1], 132-7 motion new trial, until overruled 627. judge deemed originally signed. 329b(c). Filing securing property. 52.002 (1984) (directing "[o]n person whose rendered"; superseded judgments); Thulemeyer Jones, Tex. 560, 571 (1872). bond's "cash negotiable obligation government America agency thereof, leave bank fixed surety 14c. $11,120,976,110.83, approximately $600 million. During action—that procedures—the proceeded. 2, Subsequently, appealed challenging variety most respects, remitted $2 award, reducing $8.53 far know, Three ask informally concerning modification denied, comply rules. claimed Full Faith Credit Clause, Commerce Williams Exchange 1934. Clauses operative provided: "[I]t hereby ORDERED defendant, Company, agents, attorneys servants, active concert participation receive notice Order service otherwise, severally restrained, ultimate whatsoever attempt 151st Judicial Company including, limitation, attempting (pursuant 52.001, et seq., otherwise), initiating commencing steps Judgment. ." A52-A53. $1 A53. record undisputed entering permanent merits. 1156 raised. proper, decline BLACKMUN's merely note considerations 2380, types rigid pigeonholes try fit cases. reflect complex designed soften tensions inherent contemplates parallel processes. provides: "All open, injury done him, lands, goods, reputation, 340-341 (Tex.1986) ("The intended addition former surplusage. provision's general guarantees contrast guarantee courts"); id., 338 (noting mainstream" movement "state look constitutions individual rights") (citing, Brennan, Constitutions Individual Rights, Harv.L.Rev. 489 (1977)). Dillingham Putnam, 109 1, S.W. 303 (1890) (invalidating previous prevented appeal). indication accept obviating consideration infra, 15-16, undercuts contrary suggestion, goes beyond adjudicator disputes." Juidice, nugatory," judiciary plays role" judgments. 25. assertion. courts; 15-17, convinced 1139; A104 94). relies language Procedure 364, lists noting appellants Kennesaw Life Accident Streetman, 644 915, 916-917 (Tex.App.1983) (writ n.r.e.). "absolutely to" violates 610, Also, 364(a) "Unless rules, bond" added). construe phrase "otherwise law" encompass refuse Rule, apply powers, longer 329b(e); escape failing remedies timely 607-609, 1209-1211. event, arguably Pace McEwen, 604 231, 233 (Tex.Civ.App.1980) (no writ) (suggesting authority). rather diffuse rationale, read narrowly factual responding courts," 17, bases several interdependent considerations. acknowledges today's extension "when Government." Second, emphasizes instance [Texaco's] claims," specifically" 11—12. heavily pronounced, "nugatory." 13. limit influence outer limits doctrine. suggestion enter proceeding, reemerge continue "business usual" strikes odds reality discussion corporations, violations, sympathy, litigant. useful obvious, overlooked, fact: corner store. 932-933, 2750-2752. Lugar, joint seizure disputed characterize 'state actor' purposes Amendment." 941, 2755. reached fairly actor he official, acted together officials, chargeable State." 937, 2753. allows litigant's involvement. explained: degree" appropriate. 1149 BRENNAN's points out, 19-21, "proceedings interests" distinct ongoing proceeding. often wrestled deciding implicates "important interest," (1971) (criminal statute); (obscenity regulation); (contempt proceedings); (welfare fraud action); (1979) (child abuse Comm., (bar disciplinary (antidiscrimination laws), invariably substantive disputes. abandoning critical cuts adrift original doctrinal moorings dealt courts' longstanding reluctance 604, 1208. 21, 18, bars considering 490, 1318 dissenting). Marine Cooks Stewards Arnold, 348 42-43, 92, 95-96, (1954), stated: "Here petitioner dismissal cut off jury. "While exercised discrimination, Clawans, 300 617, 627, 660, 663, 843; Akron Park 281 74, 80, 228, 230, 74 710; Reetz Michigan, 188 505, 508, 390, 392, 563; McKane Durston, 153 687-688, 913, 914-915, 867." "An right, independently allowing however grave offense convicted, element discretion citation authorities unnecessary." 687, 914, 867 (1894). Ortwein Schwab, 410 656, 1172, 1174, 572 (1973) (per curiam ). liquidation value $22 $23 billion." 1152; 1155; 6. totaled 4. Of automatically stayed. Lynn, Appellate 385 (1985) (collecting adversely affected example, purposely dissipate subsequent "In area economics social welfare, classifications laws imperfect. classification 'reasonable basis' 'is mathematical nicety practice results inequality.' Lindsley Natural Carbonic Gas 220 61, 78 [31 337, 340, 369 (1911) ]." Dandridge Williams, 397 485, 1153, 1161, 491 Johnson Louisiana, 406 356, 1620, 1625, 152 (State rationally 'facilitate, expedite, reduce expense justice' omitted)).

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