Coney Island Auto Parts Unlimited v. Jeanne Ann Burton, Chapter 7 Trustee for Vista-Pro Automotive

The Court unanimously affirmed the Sixth Circuit in a dispute over whether Rule 60(c)(1)'s “reasonable time” requirement applies when a party seeks to undo a default judgment for lack of personal jurisdiction (a court's authority over a party).

Justice Alito wrote the 9–0 opinion, joined by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Thomas, Kagan, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Barrett, and Jackson; Justice Sotomayor concurred.

The Court affirmed the Sixth Circuit 9-0 in an opinion authored by Justice Alito.

Majority

Alito

Roberts

Thomas

Sotomayor

Kagan

Gorsuch

Kavanaugh

Barrett

Jackson

The decision affects businesses and other parties seeking to challenge default judgments (judgments entered when a party does not respond) as void because the court lacked authority over them. It confirms the Sixth Circuit's approach in this case.

The decision has been released. Lower courts and parties will apply the Court's ruling when disputes arise over efforts to undo default judgments for lack of personal jurisdiction.

The Court unanimously affirmed the Sixth Circuit's decision. Justice Alito authored the 9-0 opinion.

Businesses and other parties challenging default judgments as void for lack of personal jurisdiction may be affected. Federal courts will apply the Court's decision in similar disputes.

The decision is already released. Lower courts and affected parties must apply it in future proceedings involving this Rule 60(c)(1) question.