Document: 510 U.S. 443 AMERICAN DREDGING CO.v.MILLER. No. 91-1950. Supreme Court of United States. Argued November 9, 1993. Decided February 23, 1994. After respondent was injured while working as a seaman on tug operating the Delaware River and owned by petitioner, Pennsylvania corporation with its principal place business in New Jersey, he filed this action Louisiana state court pursuant to "saving suitors clause," 28 U. S. C. § 1333(1), seeking damages under Jones Act, 46 App. 688, relief general maritime law. The trial granted petitioner's motion dismiss doctrine forum non conveniens, holding that it bound apply federal Appeal affirmed, but reversed, statute rendering conveniens unavailable Act law cases brought is not pre-empted Held: In admiralty does pre-empt regarding conveniens. Pp. 446-457. (a) exercising personam jurisdiction over actions may adopt such remedies, attach them incidents, sees fit, so long those remedies do "wor[k] material prejudice characteristic features or interfer[e] proper harmony uniformity international interstate relations." Southern Pacific Co. v. Jensen, 244 205, 216. 446-447. (b) Because did originate have exclusive application there, has been application, Louisiana's refusal work "material [a] featur[e] law" within Jensen's meaning. 447-450. (c) Nor whose uniform necessary maintain "the harmony" S., at requirement absolute; be changed some extent legislation. See ibid. Forum two respects quite dissimilar from any other matter Court's opinions held law: First, sort venue rule—procedural nature—rather than substantive rule upon which actors rely making decisions about how manage their business. Second, most unlikely ever produce results, since vests great discretion court, see, e. g., Piper Aircraft Reyno, 454 235, 257, acknowledges multifarious factors being relevant see Gulf Oil Corp. Gilbert, 330 501, 508-509. 450-455. (d) foregoing conclusion strongly confirmed examination permits courts local rules. 688(a); Missouri ex rel. R. Mayfield, 340 1, 5. This supports view commerce require subject. implication Bainbridge Merchants & Miners Transp. Co., 287 278, 280-281—that although 688(a) contains provision, should determined accordance law—is rules are judicial housekeeping, prescribed only for courts. 455-457. 595 So. 2d 615, affirmed. SCALIA, J., delivered opinion Court, REHNQUIST, BLACKMUN, O'CONNOR, SOUTER, GINSBURG, JJ., joined, Part II-C STEVENS, joined. concurring opinion, post, p. 457. an part judgment, 458. KENNEDY, dissenting THOMAS, 462. CERTIORARI TO THE SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA 1 Thomas J. Wagner argued cause petitioner. With him briefs Whitney L. Cole. 2 Timothy Falcon respondent. brief were Stephen M. Wiles, John Hunter, James A. George. 3 F. Manning States amicus curiae urging affirmance. Solicitor General Days, Assistant Attorney Hunger, Acting Deputy Kneedler.* 4 JUSTICE SCALIA Court. 5 case presents question whether, pre-empts 6 * Respondent William Robert Miller, resident Mississippi, moved seek employment 1987. He hired petitioner American Dredging Company, aboard MV R., River. course injured. receiving medical treatment York, returned Mississippi where continued treated physicians. 7 On December 1989, Civil District Parish Orleans, Louisiana. sought authorizes who suffers personal injury "in his employment" bring "an law," 688(a), concurrent jurisdiction. Engel Davenport, 271 33, 37 (1926). also requested unseaworthiness, wages, maintenance cure. McAllister Magnolia Petroleum 357 221, 224 (1958) (setting forth means recovery available seaman). 8 Fourth 580 1091 (1991). Article 123(C) Code Procedure, renders courts, 615 (1992). Company petition writ certiorari, we granted. 507 1028 (1993). II 9 Constitution provides power "shall extend . all Cases Jurisdiction." Const., Art. III, 2, cl. 1. Federal-court cases, however, never entirely exclusive. Judiciary 1789 provided: 10 "That district shall have, exclusively several original cognizance civil causes respective districts well high seas; saving suitors, right common remedy, competent give it." Stat. 76-77 (emphasis added). 11 emphasized language known clause." provision modern expression reads (with emphasis added): 12 "The jurisdiction, States, of: 13 "(1) Any they otherwise entitled." 14 We consequence "may provide remedy rem jurisdiction." Red Cross Line Atlantic Fruit 264 109, 124 (1924). An suit against vessel is, said, distinctively proceeding, hence province Moses Taylor, Wall. 411, 431 (1867). "`adopt fit' attempt make changes `substantive law.'" Madruga Superior Cal., County San Diego, 346 556, 561 (1954) (quoting Line, supra, 124). That proviso violated when "works interferes 216 (1917). issue before us here whether either "characteristic feature" "proper think neither.1 15 Under "when alternative hear case, chosen would `establish oppressiveness vexation defendant out proportion plaintiff's convenience,' `chosen [is] inappropriate because considerations affecting court's own administrative legal problems,' may, exercise sound discretion, case," even if established. 241 (1981) Koster (American) Lumbermens Mut. Casualty 518, 524 (1947)). 501 (1947), Justice Jackson described determination: 16 "An interest considered, one likely pressed, private litigant. Important relative ease access sources proof; availability compulsory process attendance unwilling, cost obtaining willing, witnesses; possibility premises, appropriate action; practical problems easy, expeditious inexpensive. There questions enforcibility [sic] judgment obtained. 17 "Factors public applying doctrine. Administrative difficulties follow litigation piled up congested centers instead handled origin. Jury duty burden ought imposed people community no relation litigation. touch affairs many persons, there reason reach rather remote parts country can learn report only. having localized controversies decided home. appropriateness, too, diversity home must govern untangle conflict laws, foreign itself." Id., 508-509.2 18 Although origins Anglo-American murky, authorities agree had earliest Scottish estate cases. Macmaster Macmaster, Sess. Cas. 685, 687 (No. 280) (2d Div. Scot.) (1833); McMorine Cowie, ser.) 270, 272 48) (1st (1845); La Societe du Gaz de Paris Anonyme Navigation "Les Armateurs Français," [1926] (H. L.) (1925). generally Speck, Non Conveniens Law Admiralty: Time Overhaul, Mar. Com. 185, 187 (1987); Barrett, Doctrine Conveniens, 35 Calif. Rev. 380, 386-387 (1947); Braucher, Inconvenient Federal Forum, 60 Harv. 908, 909 Dainow, Inappropriate 29 Ill. 867, 881, n. 58 (1935) (doctrine Scotland "borrowed" elsewhere middle 19th century). 19 Even alone, basis originated admiralty. To sure, given frequent Maggie Hammond, 435, 457 (1870); Belgenland, 114 355, 365-366 (1885). But doctrine's unique When held, applied Black's dissent "[f]or reasons peculiar special admiralty." 513. disagreed, reciting history valid both equity. 504-505, 4. It observed problem plaintiffs' misusing inconvenience defendants "is very old administration rights litigants, England worked techniques criteria dealing 507. Our recent 235 (1981), recognized "originated Scotland, became States," id., 248, (citation omitted), analysis Canada Malting Paterson Ltd., 285 413 (1932), binding precedent nonadmiralty context. 20 sum, neither nor there. contrary, application. not, therefore, law." B 21 Petitioner correctly points decision review produces disuniformity. As Fifth Circuit noted Ikospentakis Thalassic Agency, 915 176, 179 (1990), "have defense presently courts." therefore consider "interferes uniformity" law, 22 Lottawanna, 558, 575 (1875), Bradley, writing said III extending "to Jurisdiction": 23 "One thing unquestionable; referred system coextensive with, uniformly in, whole country. certainly could intention limits disposal regulation defeated consistency aimed subjects commercial character intercourse each states." 24 By principle, disallowed Jensen workers' compensation statutes injuries covered Later, Knickerbocker Ice Stewart, 253 149, 163-164 (1920), Congress itself permit thereby sanction destruction constitutionally uniformity. relied principle hold State contract regards oral contracts valid, Kossick 365 731 (1961). 25 absolute. recognized: "[I]t difficult, impossible, define exactness just far changed, modified, affected done cannot denied." A later describes what breadth "some extent" extends: "It true yield needs finds inroads harmonious system[,] [b]ut limitation still leaves wide scope. State-created liens enforced wrongful death providing survival upheld action. partition sale ships, laws governing specific performance arbitration agreements, regulating effect breach warranty insurance—all these others accepted even, times, conflicted uniformity." Romero International Terminal Operating 358 354, 373-374 (1959) (footnotes omitted). 26 idle pretend line separating permissible impermissible readily discernible our jurisprudence, indeed consistent jurisprudence. Compare Kossick, supra (state writing), Wilburn Boat Fireman's Fund Ins. 348 310 (1955) determine marine insurance policy).3 Happily, unnecessary wrestle difficulty today. Wherever boundaries lie, invalidate rejection governed procedural substantive, results. 27 former point: At bottom, nothing more less supervening permitting displacement ordinary when, light certain conditions, thinks declined. goes rights—determining among various will decide case. Uniformity (beyond rudimentary elements fairness) assuredly seeks achieve, supposed world. Just deciding requirements set Code, common-law (so speak) procedure substance, wrong claim support Pope Talbot, Inc. Hawn, 406 (1953), contributory negligence bar recovery. relies on, Garrett Moore-McCormack 317 239, 248-249 (1942), traditional placing proving validity release invalidity plaintiff. earlier proof regarded "procedural" choice-of-law purposes here, Levy Steiger, 233 Mass. 600, N. E. 477 (1919); Restatement Conflict Laws (1934). For years, viewed Cities Service Dunlap, 308 208, 212 (1939)—which unquestionably took Garrett, stating plaintiff free "inhered action," "was substance considered mere incident form procedure." 249. Unlike (which default liability) affirmative defenses eliminate liability), bear recover, primary conduct—how precautions take.4 tell truth, really secondary conduct—in deciding, example, sue subject sued. discretionary nature doctrine, combined multifariousness quotation 448-449, predictability outcome almost impossible. determination," committed court. reversed clear abuse discretion; factors, balancing reasonable, deserves substantial deference." 257. "`[e]ach turns facts'" repeatedly rejected use per se 249; 527. regime, rarely count fact C What concluded While established continuing tradition lawmaking admiralty, developed, insofar possible, harmonize enactments field. Foremost field torts 688. 30 legislation, establishes determination employer liability seamen, 244, incorporates reference "all modifying railway employees." 688(a). Accordingly, adopts entire judicially developed liability" Employers' Liability (FELA), 65, amended, 45 51 et seq. Kernan 355 426, 439 (1958). More particularly, "uniformity requirement" FELA, requiring 244. And—to come point excursus—despite (1950), presiding FELA "should freed suits according declared "local policy," 4, proposition substantiated "public factors" determination. 241, 509). 31 evident Mayfield announced applies turn Amicus Maritime Association argues "whether analogize save result below abolishes arising Act." Brief Curiae 16. enough operate proprio vigore beyond (by incorporation) Act. harmonization congressional little meaning that, though nevertheless global concern especially recognition 224-225, reasons, always combine single claims dissonance unseaworthiness cure, claim, dismissed 32 Act's lends further conclusion. 280-281 "venue [in court] [be] state." housekeeping rule—and again, ordinarily general. regard applicable 33 34 urged limit holding, involving domestic entities. that. Since parties entities impossible broader. 36 Affirmed. Notes: Lizabeth Burrell George W. Healy reversal. Stevens asserts test standards ofJensen, which, explicitly overruled, discredited Lochner 198 (1905). 458-459. Petitioner's pre-emption argument primarily based principles repeated disparages, 459) 149 Washington Dawson 219 (1924), 12-13. assert repudiated; General, who, respondent, discussed length, 5, 11-13, 12. ultimately find meets anyway, overrule dictum, without invitation. Gilbert York Virginia doing fire occurred Virginia. Such dismissal improper today transfer statute, 1404(a): "For convenience witnesses, justice, division might brought." "[d]istrict grounds conveniens." (1981). consequence, abroad. Whatever unifying theme aspect isnot takes be, namely, impair commerce, 463-464, 467. Fund, inquire breach-of-warranty Oklahoma help harm simply regulate matter. no-harm-to-commerce plays familiar ear—not repertoire, "negative Commerce Clause" Bendix Autolite Midwesco Enterprises, Inc., 486 888, 891 (1988). No Clause challenge presented Similarly misdirected dissent's complaint 123 Procedure unfairly discriminates non-maritime 462-463. raised appeal, decide, actions. Whether accord discriminatory except remotely us. becauseforum parties, forum, say federal-court determinations driven, henceforth, law—i. e., accept will. 468-469. venue. doctrines, object dimissal achieved party then repair same location. continue invoke decline sit chooses judiciary better elsewhere. concurring. 38 I join characterization surrogate discursive analysis. distinction between will, sometimes obscure. close characterized determining unduly maintaining flow commerce. 39 judgment. 40 ground debate KENNEDY majority 205 (1917), defines prevent tribunals ante, 447, 463. my view, untrustworthy guide (1905), Due Process Clause. 41 five Members authority award longshoreman interfere Holmes' eloquent famous Lochner, scarcely embellishment. 218-223.1 Nonetheless, like itself, formally overruled. Indeed, reached truly remarkable authorize workmen's accidents 42 Brandeis stated Washington, extraordinarily tenuous "process deduction" constitutional grant strong unwaivable Congress. 230-231. progeny represent unwarranted assertion strike down confine legislation—even legislation approved Congress—without firm grounding text principle. breathe life into dubious 43 asks materially features" unhelpful abstractness words reliable compass navigating problems. demonstrates, classified jurisprudence to, 449-450, 463-467. respectable every prevail 44 observes, 462-463, easy discern policy justification selective "open forum" exempts State's policy. arguably implicates concerns disruptive restrictions explain why am persuaded, answer lies extension patchwork If rulings arranged pattern, haphazard one. Currie, Federalism Devil's Own Mess," 1960 Ct. 158. capricious aid threatens opposite effect. order observe allows procedures clause Offshore Logistics, Tallentire, 207, 222-223 (1986), best kind rule.2 Equally significant Congress, unquestioned decree matters, declined standard Ante, appears withheld removal 1445(a); re Dutile, 935 61, 62 (CA5 1991). "determine required permissible." 234 (Brandeis, dissenting). indicates opted "diversity" finding inappropriate. subjects, Cipollone Liggett Group, 505 504, 516 (1992), lightly conclude sea duly enacted statute. Instead, focus conflicts particular statutory or, perhaps, rules, directly inconsistent, pervade preclude jettison abstract features." rested vindicate purpose Admiralty protect "unnecessary burdens disadvantages discordant legislation." 164. 228; 217. accurate historical matter, Castro, Origins Jurisdiction Age Privateers, Smugglers Pirates, Am. Legal Hist. 117, 154 (1993) (original ensure prize, criminal, revenue cases; disputes matters courts), protection central propose abandon guiding concern, recognize today, interests trade amply protected means. Most importantly, now Congress' broad supplant statutes. Moreover, affect foreign, scrutiny And threaten important measure out-of-state defendants, foreigners. Asahi Metal Industry Solano Cty., 480 102 Helicopteros Nacionales Colombia, Hall, 466 408 (1984).3 Extension ill-advised unreasonable 47 concur prevented supplementing "very limited body customs ordinances sea" remedySouthern 220 source observations "judges legislate, interstitially," "[t]he brooding omnipresence sky articulate voice sovereign quasi-sovereign identified," 222. impose aforum Louisiana, resulting altogether different version costs entertaining far-flung claims. 508-509 (1947) (forum's weighed test). admonition take heed defendant. asserted 48 whom THOMAS joins, dissenting. 49 gives careful comprehensive but, respectful draws conclusions account precedents. Today's contradicts well-accepted elimination unfair selection hearing reject motion. They permitted, disregard objection altogether. due respect, dissent. 50 Neither positioned contend convincing outlaw objection. seems unimpressed irony, commands entertain context prominent makes sense. La. Civ. Proc. Ann., 123(B) (West Supp. 1993) ("Except provided Paragraph C, contradictory predicated solely acts omissions originating outside state, shown exists taking location giving rise occurred, .") ("The provisions 688 [the Act] law"). expressed keep types borders, inconvenient forum. justify disuniformity national events, misapprehends confront. subject, feature aspires. From evidence, doubt me essential salutary shipowners ship operators way avoid vexatious distant unfamiliar shore. denying upsets comity obstructs trade. sanctioning explicable desire disfavor condones shopping prevent. 52 committing ships trade, owners run unusual risk sued venues connection suit. wage dispute crewman captain accident board erupt docks faraway port. Taking allowing resolved returns home, disrupts schedule aggravate relations hales. Bickel, Applied Courts Matters Admiralty, Cornell Q. 12, 20-21 (1949) ("[H]olding crew port, refuel, eyes nation flag deemed undue interference her violation `comity delicacy' courtly days normal nations" (footnote omitted)). 53 beginning, confronted through early 1801, Danish ship. Willendson Forsoket, 1283 17,682) (Pa.). rule," explained "not masters crews ships." 1284. "Reciprocal policy, justice friendly another, calls conduct country." Ibid. 54 Dismissals commonplace century. See, Infanta, 37, 7,030) (SDNY 1848) (dismissing wages seamen British ship: "This discountenanced vessels terminating voyages calculated embarrass transactions it"); Carolina, 424, 426 (La. 1876) seaman's beaten crewmates ship; "for similar during voyage agreed intermediate touch, delays seriously uselessly power"); Montapedia, 427 (ED 1882) Chinese plaintiffs ship); Walter D. Wallet, 66 1011 (SD Ala. 1895) master care hospital). practice imprimatur Mason Ship Blaireau, Cranch 240, (1804) (Marshall, J.) (recognizing case); 362-369 (1885) (same); Charter Shipping Bowring, Tidy, 281 515, 517 (1930) (affirming firms). 1932, able cite unbroken lower courts" unqualified foreigners." 413, 421-422, nn. 2-4 Canadian shipping companies). 55 Long-time trading partners notes roots Scotland. 1925) French manufacturer shipowner lost manufacturer's cargo sea). English followed often stay it. Star, [1974] 436 1973) (staying Dutch barge owner collided Belgian waters, pending Antwerp); Po, [1990] Lloyd's Rep. 418 (Q. B. Adm. 1990) (refusing Italian Brazilian waters); Lakhta, [1992] 269 1992) title Latvian Russian defendant, court). Antares Delmar Ltd. (The Capricorn), [1977] 180, 185 (1976) (citing Star Gaz). 56 above main point, serves objectives go vital center Comity nations aim Constitution. time framing, prospective know uphold treaties, respect refrain erecting barriers individual needed assurances other. Federalist 22, pp. 143-145 (C. Rossiter ed. 1961) (Hamilton); Madison, Vices Political System Writings Madison 362-363 (G. Hunt 1901). solution. Story, Commentaries 1672 (5th 1833); 80, 478 (Hamilton). so, allowed clause, liberty aside fundamental confusion difficulty, compelled comply difficult see. [T]he Union formed definite design freeing intolerable control." 219, 228 Accord, (1875); 215-217. 57 open runs additional impairing partners. These realities obscured characterizing procedural. 452-454; Q., ("[T]he inescapably connected type suit, `merely' `administrative' problem"). reverse-Erie metaphor, perhaps contexts, sure displaced Exxon Chick Kam Choo, 817 307, 319 1987) ("drawing metaphors dangerous"). Procedural promotes undermine goals. ignore (FELA) controlling markets, concern. adjudicating interposes obstacle relations. claimants, says 59 event, ruling extends Act; covers spectrum range disputes: contract, Calavo Growers Cal. Generali Belgium, 632 963 (CA2 1980); collision, Ocean Shelf Trading, Flota Mercante Grancolumbiana A., 638 249 1986); products liability, Matson Stal-Laval Turbin AB, 609 579 (ND 1985); loss, Sea Lucia Del Mar, 1983 1630 1982), aff'd, 1631 1983); carriage, Galban Lobo Trading Leader 1963 988 1958), name few. motions shadow refuse Knowing around Choo Corp., 140 (1988), position. May granted, open? 180 (reversing voluntary motion, sued; refusing insist appellants become guinea pigs effort overturn erroneous rule"). something derelict unconcerned alter accommodate sit. principles, thought accommodation around. Texas understood force admiralty; ruled despite mandating 1994 609. seem leave raise nationality. entitled, suppose, reasoning hope parties. substance-procedure identity statement remains "nothing provision," 453. face consequences regard. 61 Though doubtful succeed domestic, ensue reasoned consideration circumstances, including concerns. Anderson Great Lakes Dredge Dock 411 Mich. 619, 309 539 Florida dredge suffered Florida); Vargas H. Bull Super. 536, 131 (1957) Puerto Rican residents Jersey shipper Rico). Alaskan lawsuit burdensome Canada. virtue, vice, preserves worthy stake all, merit prevailed least principled reverse

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