Court Opinion

ID: 9430140
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-02 23:29:03.636803+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:23:23.289300
License: Public Domain

APPENDIX TO OPINION OF
BRENNAN, J.,
DISSENTING
Congress has enacted well over 100 fee-shifting statutes, which typically fall into three broad categories:
(A) Statutes that refer to attorney’s fees “as part of the costs.” Variations include “attorney’s fees to be taxed and collected as part of the costs,” “costs including attorney’s fees,” and “attorney’s fees and other litigation costs.” Under the Court’s “plain language” approach, these various formulations all “defin[e] ‘costs’ to include attorney’s fees.” Ante, at 9. Thus where an action otherwise is governed by Rule 68, attorney’s fees that are potentially awardable under these statutes “are to be included as costs for purposes of Rule 68.” Ibid.
(B) Statutes that do not refer to attorney’s fees as part of the costs. Many other fee statutes do not describe fees “as” costs, but instead as an item separate from costs. Typical formulations include “costs and a reasonable attorney’s fee,” “costs together with a reasonable attorney’s fee,” and “costs, expenses, and a reasonable attorney’s fee.” Some statutes simply authorize awards of fees without any reference to costs. Under the Court’s “plain language” approach, none of these formulations “defin[e] ‘costs’ to include attorney’s fees.” Ibid. Thus where an action otherwise is governed by Rule 68, attorney’s fees that are potentially awardable under these statutes are not subject to Rule 68 and instead *44are to be evaluated solely under the reasonableness standard as summarized in Hensley v. Eckerhart, 461 U. S. 424 (1983).
(C) Statutes that may or may not refer to attorney’s fees as part of the costs. A number of statutes authorize the award of “costs and expenses, including attorney’s fees.” It is altogether uncertain how such statutes should be categorized under the Court’s “plain language” approach to Rule 68. On the one hand, if the phrase “including attorney’s fees” is read as modifying the word “costs” at least in part, attorney’s fees that are potentially awardable under these statutes arguably are subject to Rule 68. On the other hand, if “including attorney’s fees” is read as modifying only the word “expenses” (which seems to be the more plausible “plain meaning”), fees under these statutes are not subject to Rule 68 and instead are governed solely by the reasonableness standard as summarized in Hensley v. Eckerhart, supra.
The following is a summary of the statutes enacted by Congress authorizing courts to award attorney’s fees, broken down into the three categories discussed above.65 The Court has not explained why it is that either Congress or the drafters of the Federal Rules might have intended to create such disparate settlement incentives based on minor variations in the phraseology of attorney’s fee statutes.
A. Attorney’s Fees Referred to as “Costs”
1. Freedom of Information Act, 5 U. S. C. §§ 552(a)(4)(E) and (F).
2. Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U. S. C. §§ 552a(g)(2)(B), 552a(g)(4)(B).
3. Government in the Sunshine Act, 5 U. S. C. § 552b(i).
*454. Commodity Exchange Act, 88 Stat. 1394, as amended, 7 U. S. C. §§ 18(d) and (e).
5. Packers and Stockyard Act of 1921, 42 Stat. 166, as amended, 7 U. S. C. § 210(f).
6. Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act of 1930, 46 Stat. 534, as amended, 7 U. S. C. § 499g(b).
7. Agricultural Fair Practices Act of 1967, 82 Stat. 95, 7 U. S. C. §§ 2305(a) and (c).
8. Home Owners’ Loan Act of 1933, 48 Stat. 132, as amended, 12 U. S. C. § 1464(q)(3).
9. Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970, 84 Stat. 1767, 12 U. S. C. § 1975.
10. Clayton Antitrust Act, 38 Stat. 731, as amended, 15 U. S. C. §§ 15(a) and (b).
11. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, 90 Stat. 1394, 1396, as amended, 15 U. S. C. §§ 15c(a)(2), 26.
12. Unfair Competition Act of 19Í6, 39 Stat. 798, 15 U. S. C. §72.
13. Securities Act of 1933, 48 Stat. 82, as amended, 15 U. S. C. § 77k(e).
14. Trust Indenture Act of 1939, 53 Stat. 1171, 1176, 15 U. S. C. §§77ooo(e), 77www(a).
15. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 48 Stat. 890, 898, as amended, 15 U. S. C. §§78i(e), 78r(a).
16. Jewelers Hall-Mark Act, 34 Stat. 262, as amended, 15 U. S. C. §§ 298(b)-(d).
17. Consumer Product Safety Act, 86 Stat. 1218, 1226, as amended, 15 U. S. C. §§ 2060(c) and (f), 2072(a), 2073.
18. Hobby Protection Act, 87 Stat. 686,15 U. S. C. §2102.
19. Export Trading Company Act of 1982, 96 Stat. 1243, 15 U. S. C. §§ 4016(b)(1) and (4).
20. National Cooperative Research Act of 1984, 98 Stat. 1817,15 U. S. C. §§ 4304(a) and (b) (1982 ed., Supp. III).
21. National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980, 94 Stat. 3002, 16 U. S. C. §470w-4.
*4622. Endangered Species Act of 1973, 87 Stat. 897, as amended, 16 U. S. C. § 1540(g)(4).
23. Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, 92 Stat. 3129, 16 U. S. C. §§ 2632(a) and (b).
24. Copyright Act of 1976, 90 Stat. 2586,17 U. S. C. § 505.
25. Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984, 98 Stat. 3353, 17 U. S. C. § 911(f) (1982 ed., Supp. III).
26. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, 18 U. S. C. § 1964(c).
27. Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, 18 U. S. C. §2520.
28. Jury System Improvement Act of 1978, 28 U. S. C. § 1875(d)(2).
29. Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 92 Stat. 2982, 29 U. S. C. § 794a(b).
30. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, 91 Stat. 503, 30 U. S. C. § 1270(d).
31. Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act, 94 Stat. 573, 30 U. S. C. § 1427(c).
32. Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982, 96 Stat. 2458, 30 U. S. C. § 1734(a)(4).
33. Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 86 Stat. 888, 33 U. S. C. § 1365(d).
34. Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, 86 Stat. 1057, 33 U. S. C. § 1415(g)(4).
35. Deepwater Ports Act of 1974, 88 Stat. 2141, 33 U. S. C. § 1515(d).
36. Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, 94 Stat. 2302, 33 U. S. C. § 1910(d).
37. Safe Drinking Water Act, 88 Stat. 1690-1691, as amended, 42 U. S. C. §§ 300j — 8(d), 300j-9(2)(B)(i) and (ii).
38. Voting Rights Act of 1965, 79 Stat. 445, as amended, 42 U. S. C. § 1973Z(e).
39. The Civil Rights Attorney’s Fees Awards Act of 1976, 90 Stat. 2641, 42 U. S. C. § 1988.
*4740. Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, 94 Stat. 350-351, 42 U. S. C. §§ 1997a(b), 1997c(d).
41. Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 244, 42 U. S. C. § 2000a-3(b).
42. Title III of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 246, 42 U. S. C. § 2000b-l.
43. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 261, 42 U. S. C. § 2000e-5(k).
44. Privacy Protection Act of 1980, 94 Stat. 1880, 42 U. S. C. §2000aa-6(f).
45. Noise Control Act of 1972, 86 Stat. 1244, 42 U. S. C. § 4911(d).
46. Comprehensive Older Americans Act Amendments of 1978, 92 Stat. 1555, 42 U. S. C. § 6104(e)(1).
47. Energy Policy and Conservation Act, 89 Stat. 930, 42 U. S. C. § 6305(d).
48. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, 90 Stat. 2826, 42 U. S. C. § 6972(e).
49. Clean Air Act, 84 Stat. 1686, 1706-1707, 42 U. S. C. §§ 7413(b), 7604(d), 7607(f).
50. Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977, 91 Stat. 784, 42 U. S. C. § 7622(e)(2).
51. Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978, 92 Stat. 3335, 42 U. S. C. § 8435(d).
52. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Act of 1980, 94 Stat. 990, 42 U. S. C. § 9124(d).
53. Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978, 92 Stat. 657, 43 U. S. C. § 1349(a)(5).
54. Railway Labor Act of 1926, 44 Stat. 578, as amended, 45 U. S. C. § 153(p).
55. Shipping Act of 1916, 39 Stat. 737, as amended, 46 U. S. C. §829.
56. Merchant Marine Act of 1936, 49 Stat. 2015, as amended, 46 U. S. C. § 1227.
57. Shipping Act of 1984, 98 Stat. 3132, 46 U. S. C. App. § 1710(h)(2) (1982 ed., Supp. III).
*4858. Communications Act of 1934, 48 Stat. 1072, 1095, 47 U. S. C. §§206, 407.
59. Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, 98 Stat. 2779, 47 U. S. C. §§553(c)(2), 605(d)(3)(B) (1982 ed., Supp. III).
60. Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act, 90 Stat. 2076, as amended, 49 U. S. C. App. § 1686(e).
61. Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979, 93 Stat. 1015, 49 U. S. C. App. § 2014(e).
62. Interstate Commerce Act, 49 U. S. C. §§ 11705(d)(3), § 11710(b).
63. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, 92 Stat. 1796, 50 U. S. C. § 1810(c).
B. Attorney’s Fees Not Referred to as “Costs”
1. Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U. S. C. §552a(g)(4)B.
2. Plant Variety Act, 84 Stat. 1556, 7 U. S. C. §2565.
3. Bankruptcy Act of 1978, as amended, 11 U. S. C. §§303(i), 362(h), 363(n), 523(d).
4. Home Owners’ Loan Act of 1933, 48 Stat. 132, as amended, 12 U. S. C. § 1464(d)(8)(A).
5. National Housing Act, 48 Stat. 1260, as amended, 12 U. S. C. § 1730(m)(3).
6. Federal Credit Union Act, 84 Stat. 1010, as amended, 12 U. S. C. § 1786(p).
7. Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 64 Stat. 879, as amended, 12 U. S. C. § 1818(n).
8. Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974, 88 Stat. 1728, as amended, 12 U. S. C. § 2607(d)(2)(b).
9. Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978, 92 Stat. 3708, 3789, 12 U. S. C. §§ 3417(a)(4), 3418.
10. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 48 Stat. 899, as amended, 15 U. S. C. §78u(h)(8).
11. Trademark Act, 60 Stat. 439, as amended, 15 U. S. C. §1117.
*4912. National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, 80 Stat. 724, 15 U. S. C. § 1400(b).
13. Truth-in-Lending Act, 82 Stat. 157, as amended, 15 U. S. C. § 1640(a).
14. Consumer Leasing Act, 90 Stat. 259, 15 U. S. C. § 1667b(a).
15. Consumer Credit Protection Act, 84 Stat. 1134, 15 U. S. C. §§ 1681n(3), 1681o(2).
16. Consumer Credit Protection Act, 88 Stat. 1524, 15 U. S. C. § 1691e(d).
17. Consumer Credit Protection Act, 91 Stat. 881, 15 U. S. C. § 1692k(a).
18. Electronic Fund Transfer Act, 92 Stat. 3737, 15 U. S. C. §§ 1693m(a) and (f).
19. Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, 82 Stat. 595, as amended, 15 U. S. C. § 1709(c).
20. Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, 86 Stat. 955, 963, as amended, 15 U. S. C. §§ 1918(a), 1989(a)(2).
21. Toxic Substances Control Act, 90 Stat. 2039, 2041-2042, 15 U. S. C. §§ 2618(d), 2619(c)(2), 2020(b)(4)(C).
22. Petroleum Marketing Practices Act, 92 Stat. 331, 15 U. S. C. §§ 2805(d)(1) and (3).
23. Condominium and Cooperative Abuse Relief Act of 1980, 94 Stat. 1677, 1679, 15 U. S. C. §§ 3608(d), 3611(d).
24. Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, 94 Stat. 2426, 16 U. S. C. § 3117(a).
25. Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation Amendments Act of 1980, 94 Stat. 934, 25 U. S. C. §640d-27(b).
26. Tax Reform Act of 1976, 90 Stat. 1665, 26 U. S. C. § 6110(f)(2).
27. Judicial Code, 28 U. S. C. § 1927.
28. Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U. S. C. § 2412(b).
29. Norris-LaGuardia Act, 47 Stat. 71, 29 U. S. C. § 107.
*5030. Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, 52 Stat. 1069, as amended, 29 U. S. C. § 216(b).
31. Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, 73 Stat. 524, 29 U. S. C. § 431(c).
32. Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, 81 Stat. 604, as amended, 29 U. S. C. § 626(b).
33. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 88 Stat. 891, as amended, 29 U. S. C. § 1132(g).
34. Multiple Mineral Development Act, 68 Stat. 710, 30 U. S. C. § 526(e).
35. State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972, 86 Stat. 919, as amended, 31 U. S. C. § 6721(c).
36. Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, 44 Stat. 1438, as amended, 33 U. S. C. § 928(a).
37. Patent Infringement Act, 66 Stat. 813, 35 U. S. C. §285.
38. Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance Act, 72 Stat. 1165, 38 U. S. C. § 784(g).
39. Social Security Act, 49 Stat. 624, as amended, 42 U. S. C. § 406(b).
40. Atomic Energy Act of 1954, 68 Stat. 946, 42 U. S. C. §2184.
41. Legal Services Corporation Act, 88 Stat. 381, as amended, 42 U. S. C. § 2996e(f).
42. Fair Housing Act of 1968, 82 Stat. 88, 42 U. S. C. § 3612(c).
43. Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act, 88 Stat. 706, as amended, 42 U. S. C. § 5412(b).
44. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, 94 Stat. 2792, 42 U. S. C. § 9612(c)(3).
45. Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978, 92 Stat. 658, 682, 43 U. S. C. §§ 1349(b)(2), 1818(c)(1)(C).
46. Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, 94 Stat. 2430, 43 U. S. C. § 1631(c).
*5147. Act of Mar. 2, 1897, 29 Stat. 619, 48 U. S. C. § 1506.
48. Interstate Commerce Act, 49 U. S. C. § 11708(c).
49. Household Goods Transportation Act of 1980, 94 Stat. 2016, as amended, 49 U. S. C. §§ 11711(d) and (e).
C. “Costs and Expenses, Including Attorney’s Fees”
1. Magnuson-Moss Warranty — Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act, 88 Stat. 2189, 15 U. S. C. § 2310(d)(2).
2. Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980, 94 Stat. 1263, 29 U. S. C. § 1451(e).
3. Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 91 Stat. 1303, 92 Stat. 183, 30 U. S. C. §§ 815(c)(3), 938(c).
4. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, 91 Stat. 511, 520, 30 U. S. C. §§ 1275(e), 1293(c).
5. Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, 84 Stat. 1906, 42 U. S. C. §§ 4654(a) and (c).
6. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Appropriations Authorization of 1978, 92 Stat. 2953, 42 U. S. C. § 5851(e)(2).
7. Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976, 90 Stat. 122, as amended, 45 U. S. C. § 854(g).

 This list does not purport to be a complete enumeration of all statutes authorizing court-awarded attorney’s fees. Moreover, I do not suggest that all of these statutes necessarily are governed by Rule 68’s offer-of-judgment provisions.