Recent U.S. Supreme Court Decisions

For a more detailed review of a particular case's holding and facts, please click on any of the citations highlighted below.

• U.S. Supreme Court rules that time spent preparing to work starts the time clock. IBP, Inc. v. Alvarez. (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
  
  
• U.S. Supreme Court: Bills of Lading are maritime contracts and railroad entitled to limit liability under COGSA byway of Himalaya Clause. Norfolk Southern Railway Co. v. Kirby 125 5. Ct. 385 (2004). (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
  
  
• Non-seaman may pursue a Moragne general maritime cause of action for wrongful death occurring in territorial waters based on negligence allegations. Norfolk Ship Building and Dry Dock Corporation v. Garris, 121 S. Ct. 1927 (2001).
  
  
• The supreme court holds it is not the role of a court of appeals to resolve arbitrable disputes on the merits and to bar further proceedings. Major League Baseball Players Association v. Steve Garvey, 121 S. Ct. 1724 (2001)
  
  
• When reviewing a trial court’s determination of the constitutionality of a punitive damage award, a court of appeals should apply a de novo standard instead of the less demanding abuse of discretion standard. Cooper Industries Inc. v. Leatherman Tool Group, Inc., 121 S. Ct. 1678 (2001).