Remedies Rules Outline
Remedies Rules Outline
Remedies Rules Outline
RULE
AUTHORITY
INTERPRETATION/APPLICATION
INTRO TO REMEDIES
General
Approach to
Crafting a
Remedy
A lawsuit initiated by one party against another to determine if a set of events occurred and what the consequences are.
Logical remedy approach.
2. Public Law Litigation (Modern)
Requires the use of equitable relief (injunctions) with a decree modifying future behavior being the main remedy sought.
THOUGH THERE IS A RIGHT THERE MAY NOT BE A REMEDY
Bivens
Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents of Fed Bureau of Narcotics (SCT 1971)
Facts
1. Mans house is searched unconstitutionally; never charged with anything so there is no remedy b/c 42 USC 1983
exclusionary rule does not apply.
2. Individual capacity suit in order to avoid sovereign immunity
Holding
Fed cts can imply a cause of action and damage remedy for a 4th A violation despite lack of a controlling fed statute. Known
subsequently as a Bivens Action.
Analysis
Courts must have power to allow for remedies for the violation of rights when (1) there is no alternate remedy and (2) Congress
has not specifically spoken on a subject.
The present case involves no special factors counseling hesitation in the absence of affirmative action by Congress.
Must prove that violation was of clearly established const. law in order to obtain damages from the govt.
Key to Bivens may really be that no other remedy is available
Harlan Concurrence
Damages are the only remedy. Injunction is useless b/c it looks to the future not to the past.
Dissent (Black)
Existence of 42 USC 1983 demonstrates that congress has considered issue and declined to provide comp damages under the
circumstances.
Dissent (Burger)
1. Wants to re-evaluate the remedies for a 4th Amendment violation.
2. Exclusionary rule is bad b/c it lets bad guys go free and refuses to use good evidence
3. Bivens action is inadequate.
a. Juries will be reluctant to find against officers.
Constitutional
Torts: Bivens
Legacy
Interlocutory
Appeal
Temporary
Restraining
Orders (TRO)
Prelim
Injunction
PRELIMINARY RELIERF
Interlocutory appeal of TRO or Prelim Injunction is available (can be expedited)
Circuit Split: Whether appeal of prelim injunction is a automatic stay or does it remains in place unless you obtain a stay
Appellate standard of review: abuse of Discretion: as long as dct got the law right it will not be reversed b/c app ct would have
applied law to the facts differently
Carroll v. President of Princess Anne (SCT 1968) (KKK
Temporary Retraining Order FRCP 65
case)
Test: immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage
No place within the area of basic freedoms guaranteed by
requires immediate order to maintain the status quo
First Amendment for such orders (ex parte TRO) where no
Shown through affidavits.
showing is made that it is impossible to serve or notify
About
opposing parties and to give them opportunity to participate. 1. Can be done ex parte but requires attempts to give notice or
demonstration of why such attempts should not be reqd
2.
Requires
bond
Mandatory Binding Authority (Lovell)
3. Duration: 10 days with one renewal regardless of notice.
Hates language in rule which makes it seem like ex parte
4. Notice must be given while TRO is in effect so prelim
TRO should be routine when it should be an exceptional
injunction hearing can be set.
practice that should only be used in limited circumstances
where def is operating in bad faith and they will abscond if 5. Adverse party can file motion to dissolve TRO on 2 days notice
to other party (sooner w/ leave)
you notify them. Ex parte prelim orders set the stage for
6. Interlocutory appeal available (can be expedited)
poor negotiations with fixed positions.
See Fed Labor Relations Act: due to abuse of ex parte TRO
process Cong. largely barred fed cts from issuing injunctions
in Labor cases.
LA Coliseum v. NFL (9th Cir 1986) Attempt by Coliseum to
enjoin the NFL managers from enforcing its rule of an
affirmative vote before a team could transfer location.
Monetary harm is not irreparable harm can be
compensated
Circuit Split
Dataphase v. CL Systems (8th Cir. 1981)
Dataphase Sliding Scale Test for Prelim Injunction
A competing company alleges violation of anti-trust law and
(9th Cir; 8th Cir. Unlike 9th Cir. the 8th Cir. applies Winter in
obtained injunction which is vacated on appeal.
cases challenging state statutes)
Holding: When determining if there is a substantial
likelihood of success on the merits the court does not have to 1. Probable threat of irreparable damage (Dataphase said
possible but after Winter should be probable)
establish 51% if the other factors are strongly supported.
2. Fair chance of success (not necessarily above 50% -- but less
*Lovell argued in DSM case that reordering of factors
probability means more need for certain irreparable damage)
suggested an emphasis on irrep harm.
3. Balance of equities: the state of the balance between this harm
and the injury that granting the injunction will inflict on
Governator Case (9th Cir. 2003) (denying prelim injunction
other parties litigant
in Bush v. Gore type claim over outdated punch ballots. One 4. Public interest
of few cases to actually consider the public interest factor.) 5. Sliding scale part: Only substantial and not mathematical
probability of success required if the balance of other
Winter v. NRDC (SCT 2008) (Natl Security Case)
factors tips decidedly toward movant and the movant has
Despite DCT and CAP finding of near certainty of
raised questions so serious and difficult as to call for more
irreparable harm to the environment SCT denies preliminary
deliberate investigation. (look at context)
relief b/c of natl security under public interest factor.
Lovell says this limits or even modifies sliding scale in
Winter Fixed Threshold Test for Prelim Injunction
Dataphase but says heightened public interest is probably
(11th Circuit)
only for natl security. Shows that this conservative SCT
1. Likelihood of irreparable harm (must be more than a mere
would probably follow Planned Parenthood. Most recent
possibility)
SCT case to talk about prelim injs.
2. Likelihood of success on the merits (50%+)
3. Balance of equities (discuss rightful place and undue burden)
Planned Parenthood v. Rounds (8th Cir. 2008) (came down 4. In the public interest (higher standard then perm injunction is
before Winter decision) (Abortion provider brought action
justified)
to enjoin amendments to states informed consent law)
(success on merits must be likely (50%+) when statutes are
Pointers
challenged. Statutes are based on the presumptively
1. Notice required
reasoned democratic process)
2. Court has ability to consolidate the hearing for Preliminary
Injunction into a trial on the merits.
Adopts the phrase likely to prevail on the merits
See fn6: Same test for enforcement of statutes. City leg gets
K Suits Against the State: strong irreparable harm argument
less deference. Heightened test might also apply to
Motion for a
TRO in Moore
Injunctions
Generally
Injunction
1. An EQUITABLE REMEDY, in the form of a COURT ORDER that directs a person to act or refrain from acting (prohibits or
compels/restrains or enjoins) in a specific way.
2. Enforcement: Coercive remedy enforced by power of contempt.
a. Compensatory civil contempt: If injunction/order is violated court may award monetary compensation to plaintiff: The
contemnor has no right to a jury trial and court will typically award pl atty fees (exception to the American rule)
b. Coercive civil contempt = jail or fine does not affect pls rightful position
c. Criminal contempt = for willful violation of an injunction a sentence can be issued
Types of Injunctions:
1. Preventive: Injunctions which prevents wrongs from occurring again.
2. Reparative: Injunctions issued to eliminate the effects of past wrongs.
Black Letter
Portland Feminist Womens Health Center (9th Cir. 1988): injunction on abortion protestors challenged as being vague because
it didnt specify decible level. Court says theyll only set aside an injunction if it is VERY vague more vague than this
apparently.
**Prof Lovell Preferred Permanent Injunction Factors** TIBP
1. Threat of legal harm necessitating Court action
a. likely to continue or mere aberration?
2. Irreparable injury b/c damages are inadequate
a. Money wont fix i.e. ct treats real estate/property as unique ie new river cannot be bought
b. Would damages fully and adequately make the pl whole? If so this injury is not irreparable in the eyes of the law.
3. Balancing of hardships: indicates that remedy in equity is warranted
Black Letter
Cases
Monsanto v. Geerston (SCT 2010) (Injunction is drastic and extraordinary remedy and is not issued to absolutely prohibit
USDA from deregulating GMO seeds. Here partial dereg is appropriate. However, they should conduct a EIS)
Prerequisites for Injunctive Relief
Prerequisites for Injunctive Relief: Balancing The Equities
Balancing the
Black letter
Equities
1. Court must (almost) always balance the equities when issuing an injunction.
(proportionality) 2. Injunction should be balanced and match scope of harm threatened.
Before issuing permanent specific relief court must consider:
1. Whether the relief would impose hardship on def AND
2. whether that hardship is substantially disproportionate to the disadvantage to plaintiff of receiving only substitutionary relief
3. In balancing those interests ct should consider relative fault of both parties
If P doesnt act to stop the harm when he should have, that balances away from his favor (Staso is example of P who
DOES act on time) Laches Doctrine
4. Also can be formulated to state that court should balance advantage to plaintiff receiving specific rather than substitutionary
relief against burden on defendant.
Prerequisites for Injunctive Relief: Balancing The Equities: Plaintiffs Rightful Place
Rightful Place in Mt Healthy School Dist Bd of Ed v. Doyle (SCT 1977)
Mixed Motives
Procedure
Wrongful
42 USC 1983 damages suit for alleged retaliatory refusal to renew K in violation of 1 st and 14th
Termination
Facts: Pl is non-tenured teacher whose K is not renewed. Engaged in string of unsavory conduct including 1 st A protected
Cases
speech on radio station.
Holding
Plaintiffs will be denied recovery for wrongful termination based on exercising a protected conduct if employer would have
reached same decision in absence of protected conduct.
Analysis
If he would have been terminated despite constl violation then reinstatement with backpay would put pl in better than rightful
position.
Mt Healthy Mixed Motive Test (use for non-discrimination wrongful termination cases)
1. Pl must carry burden of showing protected conduct was a substantial factor in decision not to rehire then
2. The burden shifts to def to show by the preponderance of the evidence that they would not have rehired him even in
the absence of the protected conduct.
Note: Backpay is considered an injunctive remedy. SCT has taken the position that Cong gets to decide what type of remedy
backpay is. Differs from statute to statute.
Civil Rights Act of 1991 42 USC sec 2000e-2(m) (use for wrongful termination discrimination cases) Alters Hopkins v.
Price Waterhouse
Unlawful to use race, color, religion, sex, or national origin as a motivating factor in any employment practice even though
other factors also motivated the practice. (lowers pls burden of proof)
Even if employer can prove they would not have rehired anyway it is only a partial defense in this case. If this is shown it limits
remedy to injunctive and declaratory relief and atty fees/costs. Remedy is basically atty fees and statement dont do it again.
Note that cong. has the power to alter remedies for constl violations
DeBoom v. Raining Rose (IA) (woman is fired, apparently because of pregnancy. Unclear whether IA allows full recovery
where discrimination is merely a motivating factor)
Right Place in
Reconsideration
Relief Cases
Rightful Place in
Pattern Practice
Cases
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
Mckennon v. Nashville Banner Pub Co. (SCT 1995) (After acquired evidence case)
Facts
Woman steals files that prove she will be fired for age discrimy purpose
Holding
When employer is attempting to justify termination, they are limited by the knowledge they had at the time of termination.
Analysis
Where employee illegally takes home confidential documents to demonstrate she was improperly terminated this after acquired
evidence, unknown to the employer at the time of termination does not provide supervening legal reason for termination.
No reinstatement since she can be terminated upon discovery of after acquired evidence. Proper remedy is back pay from date
of termination to date after acquired evidence (of theft) was discovered.
Rightful Position as Reconsideration or Remand to Agency in Administrative Law
Reconsideration Relief: A remedy available to the plaintiff to have an administrative body reconsider a prior holding.
Rightful place is error free decision. Does not meant Plaintiff necessarily gets what he wants.
Rizzo v. Goode (SCT 1976)
Rarely will an injunction issue against unlawful and uncost. police action b/c the issues are very delicate.
Facts
High police officials are sued for pervasive pattern of illegal and unconstitutional mistreatment by police officers under the
theory of official indifference to police misconduct and the likelihood that it would reoccur.
Holdings
Injunctions must be tailored so that they are limited to forcing those adjudged to have violated plaintiffs rights to restore them
to their rightful position. (def must be liable or there is no remedy against that defendant)
Injunctions will not issue if there is not threat of future harm.
An injunction should only issue in order to vindicate rights.
Analysis
Nonfeasance as to high police officials in this case. No policy of ignoring police abuse. Malfeasant misconduct was by low
level officers not the high level officers being sued.
Typically injunctive relief does not run against individual officers
Do not read to broadly. Misfeasance by high police officials would have allowed for injunction. See Hague v. C.I.O. (case
allowing injunction against mayor and chief of police for active misfeasance)
42 U.S.C. 14141: Gives U.S. Dept. of Justice authority to bring pattern and practice litigation to enjoin police misconduct.
Rightful Place in
Election Cases
Rightful Place in
Structural
Injunction
Cases
1.
2.
1.
2.
New Jersey Consent Decree: DOJ obtained injunction eliminated use of race in police activities. This is allowed, post-Rizzo,
because it was the U.S. (not individuals) suing NJ. Congress modified Rizzo with 42 USC 14141 allowing for DOJ suits.
Marks v. Stinson (3d Cir. 1994) (if pl loses election due to flawed vote counting new election will not be ordered unless he
demonstrates that more votes were affected than the margin of victory) BUT SEE MORE THAN RIGHTFUL PLACE
ELECTION CASES
Bell v. Southwell (5th Cir. 1967) (where candidate is black and black voters are excluded she can get a new election even
though blacks excluded from voting was less than margin of victory. Presumption that racially charged environment caused
whites not to vote for her).
McCarthey v. Briscoe (5th Cir. 1977) (allowing presidential candidate to be put on ballot where unconstl statute prevented him
from obtaining statutorily reqs nominating procedure)
Aikens v. Lash (***Lovell Case***) (N.D. Ind. 1974)
Procedure: Prison reform cases seeking structural injunction (requires a variety systemic changes in the way an institution
operates)
Facts
Segregation cells unfit for animals
First time fed ct ever closed cells in max security prison
Holding/Analysis
Cruel and unusual punishment is found when it offends contemporary concepts of decency and human dignity and precepts of
civilization which we profess to possess.
Courts of equity have broad discretion to issue injunctions for preventative and reparative relief.
3. Deference shown to give prison admin and leg the benefit of the doubt. Ct cannot take over prison and recognizes that they are
understaffed.
4. During lawsuit prison policy was changed to allow for hearing. Lovell successfully argued prior hearing was reqd prior to
segregation under Morrissey grievous loss standard. Morissey v. Brewer (IA SCT).
a. reqs adequate procedural hearings including advocate for all inmates in IDU unit within 10 days.
b. retains jurisdiction to ensure new already approved hearing procedures are implemented
5. Ct holds against pls on challenge re IDU seclusion unit. but retains jurisdiction to give leg a chance to pass bill under
consideration that would provide for renovation, more guards (less than rightful place remedy at time of issuance).
6. Prison staff was opening atty correspondence. This violated right to counsel under 6 th, and 14th Amds. Ct holds that it can only
be opened in front of inmate, if there is suspicion of contraband.
7. Ct ordered D.O. unit closed within 20 days.
a.
Long term confinement in D.O. seg is not uncost. but periodic 30 day review hearings with adversary setting is reqd
b. One year later D.O. seclusion unit had been converted into prison library with skylights, windows.
Rightful Place in
PDP Prisoner
Cases
*Note: Aikens was a prison reform structural/reparative injunction. In 1995 Gingrich and PLRA limits relief.
Morrissey v. Brewer (IA SCT 1972) (Parole is a liberty interest to which due process attaches)
Grievous Loss Standard
If there is potential for grievous loss the following are reqd
1. adequate and timely written notice of the charge
2. a fair opportunity to explain and to request that witnesses be called or interviewed
3. impartial decision maker.
**Note: The same is reqd for revocaiton of statutory good time.
Less than
Rightful Place
1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
Gagnon v. Scarpelli (SCT 1973) (probation is a liberty interest to which due process attaches)
Smith v. Staso Milling (2d Cir. 1927) (balancing appropriate even though it is unclear whether it is permitted under VT law)
Majority (Hand)
Facts
Milling plant starts up less than a mile from pls vacation home. Causes air and water pollution as well as air pollution. Pl
expressed concern before building began. Def provided assurances that water pollution would not take place.
Holding
Water pollution absolutely enjoined b/c of prior promise. (laches).
Air pollution injunction also stands but w/ leave for def. to request modification upon further showing that there is no better
technology, impossible to further reduce the dust, injunction will result in closing down.
Analysis
Def attempting to limit harm to least possible extent and there is a large public interest at stake that must be balanced against pls
rights.
Failure to balance would result in a means of extortion since biz is worth millions and house is worth $40,000
State of the art technology is preventing all but 1% of air pollution
Except in context of contract law, this practicality of enforcement rarely comes into play as it does here
Remedial Delay: Rightful position can be delayed if only attainable with remedial steps. *It took a decade before any real
desegregation began to occur b/c political branches finally came on bd with Presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson
Rightful Place
TVA v. Hill (SCT 1978): enjoining dam construction that endangered snail darters in violation of endangered species act
Balancing in
Holding: Endangered Species Act was a rare occasion where statute was damn clear that injunction would issue for violation
Statutory Cases
and ct did not have usual equitable discretion.
(Power of Congress to take away judicial discretion in regards to injunctions)
Three possible interpretations
1. equitable discretion may never be used to allow a statutory violation to continue
2. *equitable discretion may in general be so used, but the ESA prohibited balancing in cases arising under it*
3. equitable discretion may be so used and the Act does not forbid balancing, but the balancing in this case came out in favor of the
snail darters
Weinberger v. Romero-Barcelo (SCT 1982)
Navy found to be violating statute during training exercises by discharging ordnance into water in PR w/out obtaining permit.
Under FWPCA balancing was allowed b/c military could obtain a permit. Lack of enviro harm contributed to less than rightful
Balancing:
More Than
Rightful Place
Remedy
place remedy.
Times when a more than rightful place remedy is appropriate.
1. Ct is dealing with obstructionist or recalcitrant defendant
2. Prophylaxis and Impossibility: It is very difficult to fashion a precise rightful place remedy but bright line more than rightful
place remedy is easily enforceable
Women Prisoners v. DC
Evidence of abuse results in hotline, grievance procedure, staff training, reporting mechanism, employee sanctions, expert
consult, staff training.
average bus ride before deseg remedy was 15 mi for 1 hr. Under deseg decree avg bus ride was 7 mi. and 35 mins.
Milliken v. Bradley I (SCT 1974) (with no showing of significant violation by the 53 outlying school districts and no evidence of any interdistrict
violation the district courts remedy was wholly impermissible)
Milliken v. Bradley II (SCT 1977) (magnet schools okay where they are implemented for quality of education purposes and the state of Michigan
can be ordered to pay for them)
The Contempt
Power
Collateral Bar
Rule
10
1.
2.
3.
11
2.
3.
Prospective vs
Retrospective
Relief From
State
Statutes
Authorizing
Atty Fees
Against State
Atty Fees in
Cases Against
the State
12
Consent Decrees
in Cases Against
the State
Tools for
Forcing State
Compliance
Forcing State
Compliance
Cases
Contempt
Against the
Govt
Van Hoffman (City issued bonds and state imposed statutory limit on cities ability to tax. The ct held that the statute was a
violation of the contracts clause. Therefore ct did not actually order or strike down a tax. Here the statute as in NC bussing case
the statute was passed to obstruct enforcement of a decree.)
Spallone v. US (SCT 1990)
Title 8 of fair housing act case alleging Yonkers segregation of public/subsidized housing. City violated consent decree and ct
ordered them to vote a certain way. They refuse. Ct imposed huge contempt fines and individual contempt liability on the
grounds that council members could not invoke sovereign immunity since they agreed to the consent decree.
Holding: Ct can order council members to vote a certain way in order to effectuate consent decree to which they agreed. City
can be held them in contempt for not voting but individual contempt liability should be avoided.
Analysis
While sovereign immunity does not apply b/c city is bound by consent decree in this case individual contempt liability is not
warranted. Individual liability could make legislators put policy considerations on the backburner.
Dissent
Maj decision will encourage recalcitrant defendants to test the remedial authority of the courts
RIGHT TO DAMAGES
Damages
Generally
Damages
Three kinds:
o Nominal damages
o Compensatory damage
Rightful place
13
Lawyer should be sure to consider damages from day one of the case
Remitturer federal courts do not allow additur
Quantification
of Damages
Equitable v.
Legal Relief
Tort Damages
Presumed damages: when plaintiff seeks compensation for an injury that is likely to have occurred but difficult to establish.
Rationale based on hard to quantify and broad consensus that actual injury takes place. If liability is proven pl can go to the jury
without proof of injury. (defamation, assault and battery)
Memphis v. Stachtura (SCT 1986)
Facts: Teacher seeks compensatory and punitive damages for violation of sec 1983 rights (1 st A and 14th A SDP). Suspended
with pay but k not renewed.
Holding: Damages based on the abstract value or importance of constitutional rights are not a permissible element of
compensatory damages in 1983 cases.
Analysis: To vague and authorizes arbitrary awards. Malice is reqd for punitive damages. Since 1983 authorizes
compensatory damages presumed damages cannot be available here.
Mertens v. Hewitt Associates (denies comp damages in
Legal v. Equitable
ERISA cases since the section of the statute in question
Right to jury trial is civil cases is determined by whether relief
specifically authorizes only equitable relief)
will be equitable or legal, however there are times when
equity cts routinely award money damages (ie breach of
Teamsters v. Terry
trust).
Labor law case in issue of whether union had breached its
Cts have found backpay or frontpay are legal remedies.
duty of fair representation to some members.
Under Title VII backpay and frontpay are characterized as
Hybrid action: part breach of K and breach of fiduciary duty
equitable relief under the statute. Ct will allow cong to
Ct looked at the nature of the remedy/relief and found that
classify backpay as a legal or equitable remedy. Teamsters
here it was controlling. Backpay and benefits are equivalent
v. Terry
to comp damages. Therefore, right to jury trial.
Ayers v. Jackson Township (NJ 1987)
Facts: Toxic tort contaminated water case
Damages for annoyance and inconvenience allowed.
Medical surveillance allowed: allows for early care,
mitigation and serves deterrence.
Emotional distress damages not allowed barred by NJ Tort
statute.
Enhanced risk damages not allowed because not reasonably
certain or easily quantifiable.
Court supervised fund would be preferable but was not raised
below.
Special Court Supervised Fund
Generally the court will want to create a fund to insure that
this money is still there when people need it AND this limits
unnecessary expenditure for defendant.
Pros: makes sure money is spent on surveillance, some of
liability may be offset by payment from collateral sources
Cons:
Admin costs, burden on ct
May raise problems with atty fees which are usually obtained
on contingent basis in this type of case. However, I think
a special fund is a common fund. Under American
system atty fees allowed when authorized by specific
statute, for bad faith litigation, or common fund
Foreseeability
2.
Reasonable Certainty
3.
4.
2.
Toxicity of chemicals
3.
4.
14
exposed
Measuring
Comp Damages
and Remittur
5.
6.
Measuring
Punitive
Damages and
Remittur
Walker v. Ritchie (8th Cir.) (established that a gender neutral formula should be used to calculate damages)
Note: Contemporary courts will virtually universally employ gender neutral or male statistics for women i.e. 9/11 fund used
male earning statistics to compensate men and women
Exxon Shipping Co v. Baker (SCT 2008)
Facts: Exxon knew that navigator was an alchoholic who had dropped out of AA. He got really drunk and crashed the boat.
Total comp damages of $507m and punitives of $500b which is remitted by 9 th Cir to $2.5b.
Holding: maritime law allow judge-made remedies when Congress has not authorized them
Circuit split remains: 4-4 Ruling on question of whether Exxon can be held vicariously liable here.
No constl due process question b/c this is maritime common law case
Exxon Approaches to Avoiding Outlier Awards (2 quantitative 1 verbal)
1. Verbal approach (jury instructions): analogous to fed sentencing guidelines
2. Maximum cap (quantitative): Congress does not always adequately adjust for inflation
3. Ratio (quantitative) (Employed here)
3:1 ratio is only appropriate for egregious or intentional conduct calculated to increase defendants profit.
average in cases where there was no intl or malicious conduct or bad behavior driven for gain is about 2/3rds of comp
damages. However 1:1 ratio is appropriate here.
Dissent
The ratios are too rigid. This is not a major problem and when it does occur outlier awards are obvious and can be fixed.
Arbino v. Johnson (OH 2007) (Punitive damages may be limited further if def is a individual or a\ small employer (not more
than 100 full time employees or for manf. enterprise 500 full time employees)
15
Note: Antitrust cases allow for treble damages but this is designed to give incentive for private attys to bring cases when DOJ
lacks resources to pursue it (sometimes also provide for atty fees)
Title 7 rule: sex harassment by supervisor is not automatic basis for punitives and employer can put on defense that they have
taken appropriate steps and made good faith efforts to enforce them as a defense to punitives.
ATTORNEYS FEES
MO v. Jenkins (SCT 1990)
Under American system each party typically pays their own
MO atty argued that Ps should only get 20% of requested atty fees because they
atty. However, fee-shifting typically allowed for public
hadnt prevailed on getting suburbs into the suit.
interest litigation, when authorized by specific statute, for
Lovell used the credibility approach to obtain award in which only 3 of his hours are
bad faith litigation, or common fund cases
cut. Showed voluntary cuts, additional cuts, and disputed cuts on each page
Lovell made front page of Wall Street Journal for fees in Jenkins. $4.1 m with post
Hensley Partially-Prevailing Plaintiff Test
judgment interest of S800k. Still biggest civil rights fee affirmed by SCT. Lead to
1. If non-prevailing claim was unrelated to prevailing
publication of ct awarded fees book for ABA.
claim no atty fees
Lessons
2. If non-prevailing claim was related, and prevailing
claim was substantial atty fees for both
Should get interest for delay in payment (prospective)
3. If non-prevailing claim and prevailing claim were
Can get pre-judgment interest (interest on the money that you earned before the
related, but prevailing claim was NOT substantial (only
judgment)
limited success) fees in relation to the degree of
Can get post-judgment interest (for the interest accruing from the date that you are
success
entitled to attorney fees date you win the case until the time you actually get
4.
Full lodestar amount is appropriate in cases that achieve
attorney fees)
excellent results even if no damages or injunction
Post judgment interest can start at two points
obtained.
th
o Fees Entitlement When you are entitled to fees. Lovell got 8 Cir. to adopt
this standard. SCT denied cert so circuits are still split.
Lodestar Amount=Reasonable Hours MULTIPLIED by
o Fees Qualification When all the numbers are set.
Reasonable Attorneys Fees
Can not get fees for experts
Both parties submit fee suggestionand judge decides what is
Probably cannot get risk enhancement award in fed ct for now.
a reasonable fee that does not result in windfall.
Paralegal and law clerk time is compensated. Lovell prevailed on law and
Lodestar formula
economics efficiency argument picking up all votes except Rhenquist.
actual hours worked MINUS billing judgment OR
reasonable number of hours billable MULTIPLIED BY
Hensley v. Eckerhart (SCT 1983) (controls partially-prevailing plaintiff cases
reasonable hourly rate based on expertise/experience.
and establishes Lodestar formula)
Market rate: current reasonable rate in local jurisdiction for
atty of similar experience handling similar case. Done by
TX v. Garland (SCT 1989) (fees allowed even when pl does not prevail on central
affadavits, surveys, bar rates.
issue in case. Check to see if case altered legal relationship btw P and D)
Exception to market rate: no competent counsel within
jurisdiction or case is too notorious for local competent atty.
Maher v. Gagne (SCT 1980) (Can get attorney fees for a consent decree)
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Blanchard v. Bergeron (SCT 1989) (atty fees are not limited by contingency K)
Venegas v. Mitchell (SCT 1990) (Attorney fee is not limited by contingency contract
and attorney can only collect on private K w/ pl as well)
Gratz v. Bollinger (SCT 2005) Michigan affirmative action in undergraduate
schools. Quota system failed EQP analysis b/c it was not narrowly tailored. So
Court found Gratz system unconst, but the Ps also did NOT fully prevail, because
they didnt prove that there should be NO system just not THAT system. Court
finds P prevailing party because public benefitted, but then cuts fees in half.
Lovell says under Garland they should have got full fees b/c they prevailed on
central claim.
Gordy says they should have got nothing b/c uni voluntarily changed policy, neither
pl got admitted, and no judicially enforced judgement to benefit pls.
Consent Decrees
Generally
17
had been found by undertaking to do more than the Constitution itself requires. Rufo.
Standard for
Modification of
Consent Decree
Modification of
Consent Decree:
Moving Party
Plaintiff in
Institutional
Reform Litig
Evans v. Jeff D. (atty fees act does not prevent party from waiving eligibility for atty fees in consent decree)
Swift (1932): Cardozo: If the defendant moves to modify an
FRCP 60(b)(5) Relieving a Party from a Final Judgment
injunction it will only take place if there is a clear showing
Allows more flexible standard than Swift
of grievous wrong evoked by new and unforeseen
Modification may be warranted when changed factual
conditions
conditions make compliance with the decree substantially more
onerous, when the decree proves to be unworkable because of
United Shoe (1968): Sup ct holds that grevious wrong
unforeseen obstacles, or when enforcement of the decree
standard does not apply to Pls. Only applies to modifications
without modification would be detrimental to the public interest
requested by defendant seeking to avoid responsibilities
under the imposed order.
Standard for modification of a consent decree differs
depending on which party is seeking modification.
Frew v. Hawkins (SCT 2004): Successors in Office are
Swift : Strict standard for defendants not involved in
bound by decree. However, under Rufo change of
institutional reform.
executive administration weighs in favor of modificaiton.
Shoe: Lenient standard for plaintiffs not involved in
Successor was not a party to original decree and may have
institutional reform.
new insights and solutions.
Rufo: If defendant in institutional reform case shows
unforeseeable but not actually anticipated change in law or fact
that called for later modification flexible standard applies.
Stotts: Heavy burden for plaintiff in institutional reform case
that could foresee the conditions that called for later
modification.
Firefighters Local Union v. Stotts (SCT 1984)
General Rule: The scope of a consent decree must be
Consent decree in firefighter case in which Plaintiff did not
discerned within its four corners, not by reference to what
obtain retroactive seniority provision and black firefighters
might satisfy the purposes of one of the parties to it or by what
were laid off pursuant to seniority system during budget
might have been written had the party established his factual
crises. Ct did not allow modification since lack of
claims and legal theories in litigation.
retroactive seniority was part of consideration for consent
General Rule: You cannot modify a consent decree when that
decree. Key: Title 7 703H allows for bona fide nonmodification will violate constitution or statute
discrimy seniority system. Modifications cannot violate fed
law. BUT SEE . . .
no unforseeability req
18
5.
Relief from an
Order/Judgmen
t in Institutional 1.
Reform Litig
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Terminating a
Case
Legislative
Direction to
Termination
Jurisdiction
White
Consent decree banned union shops and then leg was passed
that allowed union shops. This was basis for modification.
Horne v. Flores (SCT 2009) (reversing and remanding order denying AZ schools relief from judgments)
Analysis
Rule 60(b)(5) allowing modification if a significant change either in factual conditions or in law renders continued
enforcement detrimental to the public interest, serves a particularly important function in institutional reform litigation.
Must apply flexible standard in Rufo. DCT failed to consider four changed circumstances may warrant relief.
(i) the impact of a new ELL learning program, (ii) the impact of No Child Left Behind, (iii) the impact of structural
and managerial changes in its school system, and (iv) the impact of an increased state general education fund.
Modification should be granted unless there is an ongoing EEOA violation
Although the EEOA requires a State to take appropriate action, it entrusts state and local authorities with choosing how to
meet this obligation (may not require more funds)
Castaneda v. Pickard: guidelines for assessing bilingual program under EEOA
a. The bilingual education program must be based on sound educational theory.
b. The program must be implemented effectively with resources for personnel, instructional materials, and space.
c. After a trial period, the program must be proven effective in overcoming language barriers/handicaps.
The state attorney generals concern that a Nogales only remedy would run afoul of the Arizona Constitutions equal-funding
requirement did not provide a valid basis for a statewide federal injunction, for it raises a state-law question to be determined
by state authorities. Unless the District Court concludes that Arizona is violating the EEOA statewide, it should vacate the
injunction insofar as it extends beyond Nogales.
Dissent
The DCT properly considered the changed circumstances and under Castaneda v. Pickard the EEOA standard is necessary
funding. The prospect of a Nogales only remedy was not raised by either party.
RETAINING AND TERMINATING AN INJUNCTION
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60: Court can relive party
Rule for Termination of School Deseg Injunction Dowell
from final judgment if it is no longer equitable that the
1. Did the district comply in good faith with desegregation decree
judgment should have prospective application.
2. Have vestiges of past discrimination been eliminated to the
extent practicable.
OK v. Dowell (US 1991): Desegregation plan. Judicial
termination of injunction. Cannot use Swift doctrine when
the decree is for desegregation because the injunction does
not live on forever. Lovell says ct declared a false victory.
19
Wheeling bridge (SCT 1850 ) (where underlying law is changed by congress injunctive relief may become unenforceable)
Congress can pass laws which invalidate a court decision when it has to do with prospective relief but not a damages decision
for past harm.
CASE NAMES
Moore v. City of Des Moines (S.D.IA
Biven Con Tort Givings
1984)
Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents
of Fed Bureau of Narcotics (SCT
Portland Says its not Vague
1971)
Portland Feminist Womens Health
Center (9th Cir. 1988)
No Emotional Bush
Bush v. Lucas (SCT 1983)
FlexEBAY
Ebay v. Mercexchange (SCT 2006)
Mili-CHAPPEL Bivens Babble
Chappel v. Wallace (SCT 1983)
MONSANTanordinary Four
Monsanto v. Geerston (SCT 2010)
No Bivens SSD in Chilicky
Schweiker v. Chilicky (SCT 1988)
Mt Healthy Schools Mixed Motive
Rules
Wilkie Bivens 2 Factory
Mt Healthy School Dist Bd of Ed v.
Wilkie v. Robbins (SCT 2007)
Doyle (SCT 1977)
Katzberg Bivens Act Words
Katzberg v. Regents of University of
California (CAL 2002)
Gonzaga Uni Disclosure Puny
Gonzaga Uni v. Doe (SCT 2002)
PractiBROWNities of Enforcement
Brown v. Bd of Ed (Brown II SCT
1955)
Damn Clear HILL
TVA v. Hill (SCT 1978)
Navy Sound WEINBERGalancing
allowed
Weinberger v. Romero-Barcelo (SCT
1982)
MORE THAN RIGHTFUL PLACE
Women Prisoners v. DC
More than Rightful Prophyl-HUTTO
Hutto v. Finney (SCT 1978)
Greendom of Choice
Green v. School Bd. (SCT 1968)
InterSWANN
Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Bd
of Ed (SCT 1971)
IntraMILLIKEN
Milliken v. Bradley I (SCT 1974)
3 Part JENKilliken
MO v. Jenkins III (SCT 1995)
No Threat Unclear Hecht
Hecht Co. v. Bowles (SCT 1944)
20
GARLAND Issue
TX v. Garland (SCT 1989)
Spallone-Yonkers Contempt is
Bonkers
Spallone v. US (SCT 1990)
No Vague ConSTACHTURA
Damages
21