Andrew v. White
In brief
The Supreme Court wiped out the Tenth Circuit's ruling (vacated it) and sent the case back to the lower court (remanded it); whether federal law overrides the claims remains unresolved.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided 9-0 · January 21, 2025 · Per curiam
- What it’s about
- The Supreme Court vacated a lower court decision regarding the admission of evidence about the defendant's extramarital affairs, holding that clearly established federal law prohibits the erroneous admission of unduly prejudicial evidence if it renders a trial fundamentally unfair.
- Who it affects
- The case returns to the Tenth Circuit, and its earlier ruling is no longer in place. The record leaves unresolved whether federal law overrides claims alleging careless hiring by freight brokers.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The action shows that the Supreme Court can wipe out a lower-court ruling and require more proceedings without settling the central legal question.
Question presented
Whether federal law supersedes negligent hiring claims against freight brokers.
What the Court decided
Holding
Motion to proceed in forma pauperis and petition for a writ of certiorari GRANTED. Judgment VACATED and case REMANDED for further proceedings consistent with the opinion of the Court. Opinion per curiam. (Detached Opinion ) Justice Alito, concurring in the judgment. (Detached Opinion ) Justice Thomas, with whom Justice Gorsuch joins, dissenting. (Detached Opinion )
- Result
- Vacated
The vote
From the opinions
“It is this Court, and not the Tenth Circuit, that has deviated from settled law.”
What's next
The case returns to the Tenth Circuit for further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Court's opinion. Its final outcome remains open.
Documents
Docket activity
New analysis added
AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
AI analysis generated: Decision Record
Opinion added: Andrew
Opinion added: opinion
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Brief added: Petition
Court Order added: Lower Court Orders/Opinions
More questions
- What did the Supreme Court do in Andrew v. White?
- The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case, wiped out the Tenth Circuit's judgment (vacated it), and sent it back (remanded it).
- Did Andrew v. White decide whether federal law overrides freight-broker negligent-hiring claims?
- No. The Court's action did not finally answer that question; it sent the case back for further proceedings (remanded it).
- What happened to the Tenth Circuit's ruling?
- The Court wiped out the Tenth Circuit's ruling (vacated it). The Tenth Circuit must now conduct further proceedings.
- What happens next in Andrew v. White?
- The Tenth Circuit will conduct further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Court's opinion. The case's final outcome remains open.
Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.