Document: 370 U.S. 626 82 S.Ct. 1386 8 L.Ed.2d 734 William LINK, Petitioner,v.WABASH RAILROAD COMPANY. No. 422. Argued April 3, 1962. Decided June 25, Jay E. Darlington, Hammond, Ind., for petitioner. John F. Bodle, Lafayette, respondent. Mr. Justice HARLAN delivered the opinion of Court. 1 Petitioner challenges, from standpoint both power and discretion, District Court's sua sponte dismissal this diversity negligence action under circumstances that follow. 2 The action, growing out a collision between petitioner's automobile one respondent's trains, was commenced on August 24, 1954. Some six years later, more than three after petitioner had finally prevailed motion judgment pleadings (during which time two fixed trial dates been postponed),1 Court, September 29, 1960, duly notified counsel each side scheduling pretrial conference to be held at courthouse in Indiana, October 12, p.m. During preceding morning, 11, telephoned lawyer Indianapolis, stating 'he doing some work papers,' he expected conference, but might not attend taking deposition plaintiff scheduled same day. At about 10:45 morning 12 Hammond Indianapolis (about 160 miles away), asking judge, who then bench, requested judge's secretary convey him message: 'that (counsel) busy preparing papers file with (Indiana) Supreme Court,' wasn't actually engaged argument couldn't here by 1:00 o'clock, would either Thursday afternoon (October 13) or any Friday 14) if it (the conference) could reset.' 3 When did appear reviewing history case2 finding failed 'to indicate * reasonable reason' his nonappearance, dismissed 'for failure plaintiff's pretrial, prosecute action.' court, acting hours appointed hour stated 'exercise (of) its inherent power.' Court Appeals affirmed divided vote. 7 Cir., 291 F.2d 542. We granted certiorari. 368 918, 242, 134. I. 4 authority federal court dismiss prejudice because cannot seriously doubted.3 invoke sanction is necessary order prevent undue delays disposition pending cases avoid congestion calendars Courts. ancient origin, having roots judgments nonsuit non prosequitur entered common law, e.g., Blackstone, Commentaries (1768), 295—296, dismissals want prosecution bills equity, id., 451. It has expressly recognized Federal Rule Civil Procedure 41(b), provides, pertinent part: 5 '(b) Involuntary Dismissal: Effect Thereof. For comply these rules defendant may move an claim against him. Unless otherwise specifies, subdivision provided rule, other lack jurisdiction improper venue, operates as adjudication upon merits.' 6 contends language Rule, negative implication, prohibits involuntary except defendant. In present case there no such motion. do read 41(b) implying restriction. Neither permissive Rule—which merely authorizes defendant—nor policy requires us conclude purpose abrogate courts, their own initiative, clear have remained dormant inaction dilatoriness parties seeking relief. generally considered 'inherent power,' governed rule statute control necessarily vested courts manage affairs so achieve orderly expeditious cases.4 That long gone unquestioned apparent only many state decisions sustaining dismissals,5 even Redfield v. Ystalyfera Iron Co., 110 174, 176, 570, 28 L.Ed. 109.6 also wide usage among Courts.7 require much clearer expression provides assume intended well-acknowledged proposition. Nor does absence notice possibility hold adversary hearing render void. true, course, 'the fundamental requirement due process opportunity heard proceedings are adequate safeguard right constitutional protection invoked.' Anderson National Bank Luckett, 321 233, 246, 64 599, 606, 88 692. But mean every without preliminary offends process. adequacy respecting affect party's rights turns, considerable extent, knowledge show party taken consequences conduct. were dispense necessity advance hearing. 9 addition, availability corrective remedy 60(b)—which reopening final orders inadvisedly entered—renders tha prior less consequence. never sought avail himself escape hatch 60(b). 10 Accordingly, when make appropriate, complaint affording intention providing before acting. Whether can stand appeal depends whether within permissible range court's discretion.8 II. 11 On record we unable say prosecute, evidenced partly amounted abuse discretion. certainly bounds discretion telephone excuse offered inadequate explain attend. And reasonably inferred absence, well drawn-out litigation (see note 2, supra),9 deliberately proceeding dilatory fashion. There merit contention counsel's unexcused conduct imposes unjust penalty client. voluntarily chose attorney representative now acts omissions freely selected agent. Any notion wholly inconsistent our system litigation, deemed bound lawyer-agent 'notice all facts, charged attorney.' Smith Ayer, 101 320, 326, 25 955.10 13 need decide unexplained alone justify showed evidence part plaintiff. relied brought attention, including earlier delays.11 while rest nonetheless set entire (including statement made district oldest civil docket'), noted light litigation' 'of surrounding case,' 545, dismissing 'under case.' Id., 546. This obviously amounts broader holding may, context delay, justifying prejudice.12 14 consider abusing rejected 60(b) accompanied explanation conference. No ever made, nothing deliberate product neglect. 15 Finally, 'was inability fostered neither (petitioner's) nor control.' Societe Internationale Pour Participations Industrielles Et Commercials, S.A. Rogers, 357 197, 211, 78 1087, 1095, 1255. Petitioner's received foreseen default attendance. 16 Affirmed. 17 FRANKFURTER took decision case. 18 WHITE consideration 19 DOUGLAS dissents. 20 BLACK, whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE concurs, dissenting. 21 I think sound basis fact justice. Link recover damages alleged serious permanent injuries suffered truck train operated respondent Wabash Railroad Company. kind shortly what judge regarded excuse. apparently purports end lawsuit bar forever compensation injuries.1 Under circumstances, Judge Schnackenberg entirely correct dissent majority Seventh Circuit upholding said: 22 'The inflicted injury injured man family, innocent wrongdoing. Plaintiff's cause property. destroyed. punish lawyer, confiscated another's property constitution. A disciplinary over justification, moral legal, punishment litigant personal counsel. Because proper visit sin client, reverse.'2 23 As understand here, upholds ground 'want prosecution' 'dilatoriness plaintiff,' making unnecessary, views case, 'decide *.' support prosecution,' plaintiff' reason. first place, seems me error suggests 'earlier delays,' prejudice. true though basing conference,3 mention conversation just dismissal. Appeals' opinion, judgment. opening treated resting general instead appear: 'This 1960 pre-trial date.'4 From sentence directed supporting conclusion solely 'as disobedience order.'5 Indeed, reference parenthetical describe another Darlington Studebaker-Packard Corp., 261 903 'where upheld local *.'6 plain import is, my mind, starkly revealed refusal rely theory connection emphatic statements dissent: 'Defendant's makes effort Obviously position contention, inasmuch caused vacate setting July 22, 1959, continue case.'7 impossible believe left unchallenged they wanted place reliance desire approve Link's 24 Secondly, ignore single rested resurrect colloquy wrong very live date filed up moment. time, 1954, dismissal, 1960. during period motions activities various kinds lawyers court. Certainly anyone suggest responsible delay If responsibility placed must judge. One month appeared answered complaint. months later pleadings, arguing action. November 30, 1955, year filed, firat 10, 1956, however, Circuit, Schnackenberg, reversed remanded trial.8 railroad asked grant certiorari review but, February 1957, denied certiorari.9 stage, delayed almost erroneous ruling instance defendant's lawyers. Upon remand, 17, vacated continued 'on plaintiff, objecting continuance agreement course scintilla prosecution. Two buttress defense approaching merits, interrogatories answered. until filed. indication tried get earlier. knows answer designed solicit answers used client those demanded filing normal tactic trying win issued second March unless ordered otherwise. After hearings date, considering arguments counsel, 4, retaining docket 1959. shows being prosecuted. continuance, request objecting. Although defendant, like previous three-year directly attributable doubtless contributed age docket, suppose (although am certain) 'circumstances' refers still answer. four days extension seem extraordinary answering conceive prepare. 26 Five interrogatories, again motion, appear. inclination abandon lawsuit, called clerk long-distance talked day why urge passed next day, 13, give chance present. refused accept lawyer's ruling, correct, indicates guilty breach indicate, stretch imagination himself, way people let lawsuits die prosecution.' given sort one-day postonement denied, indefinite postponement receive result drastic case.10 short clairvoyance enabled them anticipate 27 foregoing inflicts grossest injustice uphold Of was. Counsel best bring successful respective clients. delays' hearing, far showing strengthen prosecuted greater steps furtherance litigation. Only continuances created related end. punished, see reason should limited lawyer. appears unequal justice undoubtedly major regard sufficiency several along through additional defeat actively lawsuit. Even assuming face blame years' laid feet contrary most ideas fairness impose who, shows, simply trusting take care clients do. dismisses whole question punishing fault simple generalized statement: 'Petitioner agent.'11 readily attorney. stretches too always that. good illustration deplorable come acceptance mechanical rule. 29 right, alleging infliction damages. His technical complaint, which, reversed, frustrated merits. plainly philosophy underlying modern liberal procedure govern trials courts. trial, number trial. least separate occasions, respond submitted railroad. knowing slightest danger potentially valuable going thrown Quite contrary, obtained reversal Appeals, eminently qualified represent interests 30 surely doubt into future suit repudiate perpetrated Or putting substantial imposed fine thousand dollars neglect, unanimously reverse penalty. reached condones situation different described above. accepted sense word, and, such, entitled protections Constitution. Due shall away how squared requirement. 31 Moreover, sins faults delinquencies visited tremendous financial penalties him, practicalities realities lawyer-client relationship.12 Lawyers everywhere country licenses presumably skill, integrity, learning law dependability. While sophisticated enough affirs world able select bad mass throughout country, unfortunately average individual upon, perhaps life, try happen choose worst. He extent license. ability look leave free constraint so. Surely said duty Link, layman supervise daily professional services chosen How know, careless adverse effect failing ordered? know presumed needs lawyer? Why awakened incapacity sudden brutal pronouncement court: 'Your perform prosecuting your therefore throwing you heels'? So iota information kind, character type put ordinary duty.13 32 suffer mistakes ignores problems. adopted, better interest administration justice, realistic relationship adopt penalized, been, threat hangs head. Such incorporate basic requirements country. 33 find penalized program certain adopted dockets down long-pending desirable reduced possible consistent fair laudable objective undercuts purposes created—that merits accordance parties. Where little prosecuted, properly dispose procedures. record, inference drawn Company allow reduce sacrifice litigants this, attempt promote speed administration, desirable, expense indispensable worthy name. 34 cut meritorious doomed fail misguided promoting judicial administration. Litigants likely unfair rulings exhausting available appellate remedies. Consequently, reduction accomplished will offset increased burden excellent example unnecessary waste resources overzealous dockets. twice 'time-saving' handed 35 today puts thus clears view reached, rejoicing fact. procedures wasted yet done. highly regrettable feels compelled stamp approval 36 importance family not. To great everyone establish practice credulous entrust whose names accredited capable government. fear American See infra. Appeals: 'On sustained drove standing across highway Indiana. pleadings. 18, dismissed. appealed. 237 1, 352 1003, 77 563, 548 (February 1957). mandate 'Subsequently, 1957. 27, objecting, 1957 vacated; continued. initiative gave parties, pursuant Local ((now 10) footnote omitted), interrogatories. order, 1959 agreed, 15, effective mailed o'clock p.m.' F.2d, 543—544. Fed.Rules Civ.Proc., U.S.C.A., U.S., p. 630, S.Ct., 1388, E.g., Cage Cage, 74 377; Carnegie City Wolf Point, 569; Hicks Bekins Moving & Storage 115 406; Zielinski United States, 120 792; Trust Co. Chicago 79 U.S.App.D.C. 62, 142 571; Shotkin Westinghouse Elec. Mfg. 169 825; Slavitt Meader, 107 396, 278 276. See, Des Moines Union R. 170 Iowa 568, 153 N.W. 217; Doughty Terminal Ass'n, S.W.2d 119 (Mo.); Frytez Gruchacz, 125 N.J.L. A.2d 541; Reed First Bank, 194 Or. 45, 241 P.2d 109; Moshannon Mountain Ranch 45 Wyo. 265, 623, 834; cf. Hartford Accident Indemnity Sorrells, 50 Ariz. 90, 69 240; Thompson Foote, 199 Ark. 474, 134 11; Koon Barmettler, Colo. 221, 301 713. issue refund customs duties paid protest. 29-year allowed, Matthews, speaking unanimous justified motion.' populous districts, where calendar become severe problem, Courts, established special call 'stale' past further appears. example, following Courts: Alaska 16; 14; N.D.Cal. S.D.Cal. 10(d); 24; Conn. 15; Del. 12; D.C. 13; N.D.Fla. 7; S.D.Fla. N.D.Ga. 13(c); Idaho 8(c); E.D.Ill. 9; N.D.Ill. Gen.Rule 21; N.D.Ind. 10; S.D.Ind. N.D.Iowa 22; S.D.Iowa Kan. E.D.La. Me. Mass. W.D.Mich. 8; Minn. 3(3); E.D.Mo. 8(g); Neb. 18; Nev. 9(b); N.J. N.M. E.D.N.Y. 23; N.D.N.Y. S.D.N.Y. W.D.N.Y. N.D.Ohio 6; S.D.Ohio E.D.Okla. E.D.Pa. M.D.Pa. 21—A; S.Dak. 9, § 4; S.D.Tex. Utah 4(c); E.D.Wash. 23(a); W.D.Wash. 41; N.D.W.Va. Art. II, S.D.W.Va. E.D.Wis. 14. act conceded covering unsound. 83 'in regulate manner rules.' already inconsistency here. 'oldest' docket. Clients counsels' inferences conscious acquiescence supportable serious. States ex rel. Reid Richmond, 295 83, 89—90; Egan Teets, 251 571, 577 n. Sorrentino, 175 721. criminal convicted presence mind attorney's deprived acted dispatch falls substantially below client's malpractice. keeping alive visiting principle. files petition attribute petition. belies suggestion ruled erroneously Thereafter, prosecution—which later. occasioned consented whatever fact, moved extended. Against background, hardly surprising concluded delaying tactic. 'failure' sufficed itself duty, reaching question, sustain narrower if, decide, correct. E.G., Walling General Industries 330 547, 67 883, 884, 91 1088; Langnes Green, 282 531, 536—537, 51 243, 245, 75 520; Railway Express 265 425, 435—436, 44 560, 68 1087; Securities Exchange Comm. Chenery 318 80, 88, 63 454, 459, 87 626. Since specify reinstitute Rules applies. source exercised say, recovery barred limitations. 542, 548. follows: 'Pursuant powers pre-trial, today, notice, sufficient appearing dismissed.' 543. affirmance. Its quoted magnified reliance. 545. (Emphasis supplied.) 547. 1. Thus, "notice attorney," cite proposition none harsh expansive deal situations removed presented inapplicability precedent apparent. 721, upset conviction poor handling multitude Reid's objection piece evidence. 'had commend it' strategy, waived 'Reid testimony.' 89—90. provoked sharp 'A assigned accused waive electric chair event dubious.' 90—91. Sorrentino's object reducing spectators Sorrentino waiver, saying: 'Sorrentino fully satisfied consent. must, therefore, acquiesced prejudiced indeed served trial.' 723—724. 'his served' involved allegation original suppressed raise point knew suppression plus offer raising waiving point. 576—577. Here, suggested tried, since tenaciously eight years, spent force Certainly, allege prove wrongful quite 'keeping defendant.' compel person impartial tribunal operating Constitution States. 'accompanied conference' problem notice. 'a explanation' not,

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