Johnson v. AT&T Mobility LLC

Filing 41

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER GRANTING 16 MOTION to Compel Arbitration and Dismiss Action.(Signed by Judge Keith P Ellison) Parties notified.(sloewe)

UN I ED STA T E S DI T R I T C O U R T T S C SO U T H E R N D I T R I T O F TEX A S S C H O U ST O N D I ISI N VO ST E P H E N T. O H N SO N , J
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Pe dn beo et eCo r i AT&T M o i t L. . . Cr ee d n'o C TTM ' M oin n ig f r h u t s bly L C ' i S fn a t r W ' ' to )
t Compe Ar ir ton. ( oc No.1 . Ha ig c nsdee t epate 'flngs a1r s ons sa d o l btai D . 6) vn o i r d h ris ii , 1 ep e n
r ple t e e o,a d t e a plc bl l w ,t e Cour fnds t atD e e da ts M oton t Co pe e is h rt n h p ia e a h ti h fn n ' i o ml A r ir ton s o l begr ntd. b tai h u d ae
1.

BA C K G RO UN D 1

On Dec mbe 24,2009,Stphe T.J l s n (û litf')fld a ca sa ton lw s i i er e n o m o t an if' ie ls ci a ut n p
t i Cour on be a fofhi s l and a 1sm ia l st a e Te a c ns m e s who we e a l ge l hs t hl m ef 1 i lry iu t d x s o u r r le d y

w r ngf ly t xe f r I t m ets r i e by ATTM . Pl i tf c nt ndst a t e fr t$25 of a y o ul a d o n e e vc s an if o e h t h is n
m o t l c a ge f r l t m e a c s s r i es whih i cude ATTM ' wie e s da a plns i n hy h r o n e t c e s e vc , c nl S r ls t a , s

e e ptdfom s lstxunde Te a saelw.Se Te .Ta Codej 1 1325.Not ihsa dig x m e r ae a r x s tt a ex x 5. w t tn n
t e s aut r e e pton,Pli tf alege t a ATTM ha c a ged a d c ntnue t c a ge is h tt o y x m i an if l s h t s hr n o i so hr t
Johnson v. AT&T Mobility LLC

Te asdaapl n c ns m e ssae a d l c lt xe on s c mont l c a ge . x t a o u r tt n o a a s u h hy h r s
Doc. 41

Pl i tf ha br ughtt i s i t r c ve a r f nd oft e t xe pa d,ori t e a t m a i e t a n if s o h s ut o e o r e u h as i n h le tv , o obt i an a s gn e t of A TTM ' rght t pur ue a t x r f nd c a m diec l f om t e Texa an si m n Si o s a eu li r ty r h s

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c nr c, o ij ncier le, n f rd m a e se m igfo ATTM ' alg dr f s l otmey o ta t f r nu tv eif a d o a g s tm n r m S l e eu a t i l e
c ns ntt gr ntPl i tf a a sgn e t oe oa an if n s i m n . TheCour bre l s a e pr c e i gswhie t e J di i lPa e o M uli ititLii a i n t i fy t y d o e d n l h u ca n l n td src tg to

(CPM L' r ld on ATTM ' moton t ta sert e c s t a snge fde a dititc ur f r G J ' ue ) S i o rn f h a e o i l e r l src o t o
c ns ldae prtilpr c e igs purua tt 28 U. . .j 1 07. AAe te J M L de lned t o oi td era o e dn sno SC 4 rh P ci o
i c ude t e pr s nt aci n i t e m uli iti t ltga i n,ATTM m oved t e Co r t compe nl h ee to n h td src ii to h ut o l

Pli tf t a bir t hi c am s i a c r a ce wih t e a bir ton a ee e t c nt i ed i an if o r ta e s l i n c o d n t h r ta i v m n o an n
ATTM ' Te m sof Se v c . Ac or i g t ATTM ,Pl i tf fr ta ce t d t e t r si 2008 by Sr r ie c dn o an if is c p e h e m n sa i g t e s o e s ee toni sr aur - a t rng de i e when he pur ha e a pho e fom a i n h t r ' lc r c i t e c p u i vc c sd nr n ATTM so ea d ac i a e i f rs r ie on ATTM ' ne wor .Pl i tf s bs que ty e tr d i t t r n tv t d t o e v c S t k an if u e n l n e e n o

a l a tf urm or ATTM wiee s a r e e t ,a1ofwhi h ATTM a gu sr quie Pl i tf a d te s o e r ls g e m n s l c r e e r an if n

ATTM t abirt çaldiputs a d cai sbewe n (he l' The a ee e tst r s frhe o r tae tl s e n l m t e t m . ' p m n ' em u t r
s e iy t a a bir ton mus beco duce on a i di i ua r t e t a c a sw i ebass Pl i tf p c f h t r tai t n td n n v d l ah r h n l s - d i . an if

doesnotd s ut t a he sr e a a bir ton av e m e twih ATTM . Rat e ,he a gue t att e ip e h t i d n r tai en t hr r sh h a r e e t doe not c ve t e pr s nt diput and t a ,e e i t e a r e e t we e br a l gem n s o r h ee se h t v n f h gem n r o dy
c nsr e , ti une f r ea l on s ve a p ounds o tu d i s n o c b e e rl .
I. I AN A L Y SI S

I de i i g whe he t co pela bir ton ofadi put,t e Co r i r quie t us a t on cdn t ro m r ta i s eh u t s e rd o e w

se i quiy. ç is,t ec ur mus de e ni ewhehe t epa te a r e t a bir t t e diput . tp n r T rt h o t t tn n t r h ri s g e d o r tae h s e
Once t e c ur fnds t a t e pa te a r ed t ar ir t ,i m us c ns de whehe a y f de a h o ti h t h ri s g e o b tae t to i r t r n e rl sa u eorpolc r nde st e cai snon- r ir bl . WilD rl Re . I c.v Sams n Re .Co. 352 ttt iy e r h l m a b ta e ' l- il s, n . ' os ,

F.d211 21 ( t Ci.2003)(ntr a cttonomitd) TheCour doesno co sde t emeis 3 , 4 5h r i en l iai te . t t n i r h rt

oft eunde l i g aci n whe c nduci g t e t o-tp i quiy. Banc OneAcc pt nc Cor .v h ry n to no tn h w se n r eae p .

Hil 36 F.d426,429(t Ci. l, 7 3 5h r 2004) .
A. Scope of t e A rbi raton A greem ent h ti

W he dee m i i g whe he t e pa te a r ed t a bir t t e diput ,t e e a e t o n tr n n t rh ris g e o r ta e h s e h r r w

c n i eains % ( )wh t e te ei avai a re e tt abi aeb t e n t epa t s a d ( ) o sd rto :t 1 eh r h r s ld g e m n o r t t ew e h ri ; n 2 t r e
w hehe t ediput i que to f lswihi t e s o e oft a mbir ton a r e e t'' WilD rl t r h s e n si n a l t n h c p h t tai g e m n .' l- il

Re.I c,352 F.d a 21 ( uotngR. Pe e z Asoc .I c.v.Wec ,960F.d 53 ,538( t s, n 3 t 4 q i M r z t s s, n lh 24 5h Ci.1 9 ).Ast eei no diput t a t epate e trd it avald a re e tt abirt,t e r 92) hr s s e h t h ris n ee no i g e m n o r tae h
Cour wil t r t t e l ngu ge of ATTM ' Te m s of Se vi e t detr i e whehe i t l un o h a a Sr rc o em n trt
e c m pa s st ei sa tdiput . n o s e h n tn s e

Pli tf a gue t a t et x is e i t i c s doesnotc m e wihi e e a br a r a i g an if r s h t h a su n h s a e o tn vn o d e dn
oft e pa te 'a bir ton agr e e t The diput bew ee t e pa tes Pl i tf c ntnds doe h ri s r ta i em n. s e t n h ri , an if o e , s no c nce n cel l rs r i e is e orc a ge ,ore e ATTM asa c m m e calacor Rahe ,hi t o r lu a e v c su s h r s vn o ri t . t r s cai s a e a a ns ATTM i iss e i lca a iy asa age toft e St t ofTe as Thi f aur lm r gi t n t p ca p ct nn h ae x . s et e

ditngus e t e pr s nt lw s i fom t os t a woul be i cuded unde t e a bir ton si ih s h ee a ut r h e ht d nl r h r ta i
a r e e tsa m it dl br a lngua e Pl i tf ur est a e e br a ca s sha e t erlm is g e m n ' d te y o d a g . an if g h t v n o d lu e v h i i t .

S eJ n sv Ha l u tn Co, 8 F.d2 8 2 5( t Ci. 0 ) l ti c s , cam s i wo l e o e . li ro .5 3 3 2 , 3 5h r 20 9 . n h s a e he li ,t ud b
be unr a ona l ,i e uia l ,a d oppr s i e f r t e Cour t c ncude t a c ns m e s woul e s b e n q tb e n e sv o h to o l ht o u r d

a r et gv u t errg tt a m i itai ea dj dca r ve ofwh te atxwa wr ng ul g e o i e p h i ih o d n srtv n u iil e iw eh r a s o fly
c le t d f om t e . o lc e r h m ç n vi w oft e polcy f vo i g a bir ton,w e or i a iy les l e doubt c nc r i g t e le l h i a r n r ta i d n rl r o v s o enn h

s o eofc vea eofa abi ain ca s i fv ro abi ain.'Pe s n lSe .& Sf t 5 J cp o rg n r t t lu e n a o f r t to ' ro a c ae. ' . ro r ' yy
I c v. otr l I c.297F.d 388,392( t Ci.2002)(iigNe lv.Har e 'FoodS s,I c, n . M o oa n , 3 5h r ctn a d es y. n.

3

91 F.d 3 ,37( t Ci.1 90:. ç( jvai a r e e tt a bir t a plesûnls i c nbes i 82 4 5h r 9 iA ld g e m n o r tae p i u e s t a ad
wih postveasur nc t a (he abirton ca s i nots s e tbl ofan itmr tton whih t ii s a e h t t j r tai lu e s u c pi e n e eai c
w o l c ve t ediput a is e.' 1 . u d o r h s e t s u '' d

W he teabirton a e m e tus sphrsng s c as G ny cai s'taiig o tot'tn n h r tai p e n e a i u h , l l m ,'trsn u l'l a i
r l to t ,'a d tn c nne ton wih,'t m a dae a bir ton,c urs ge e aly c a a t rze t e e ai n o ' n t o c i i t ' o n t r ta i o t n r l h r c e i h m l sbr a a bir to ca s sc pa l ofex a sve r a h. SeePe nz i Ex l r ( Pr d.Co.v t o d r tai n lu e a b e a p ni ec ' ' n o l p o .f o .

Ramc Abd.yf #. 1 9F.d 1 61 1 67 ( t Ci.1 98)( ii gPrmaPai tCor .v Flod t o rg 2 , 3 3 0 , 0 5h r 9 ctn i n p .o : o

Co ki Mf .Co,3 8 U. .39 ,3 7 9 ( 9 7 ) S c é r a ' abi ai n ca s s f r n t n ln g . 8 S 5 9 - 8 1 6 ). u h s o d' r t to lu e t e o b r a
lm ied t c am st a ltr ly t rs unde t ec nta t'butr t e e br ce a 1diput sbet e n i t o l i h t ie a l a i e r h o rc, ah r m a l s e we

t epa te ha i g a sr iiantr ltons i t t eco ta tr ga dl s oft e l be a t c e t t e h ri s v n i fc ea i h p o h n r c e r e s h a l ta h d o h diput . 1 . The Fi h Cic i has e pl i e t a ,whe pa tes a r e t a a bir ton clus s e' d ' h rut x an d h t n ri g e o n r ta i ae

c veigçgl ydiput ...aiig o tofori c nne tonwih orrltngt'a a r e e tt e o rn tan s e rsn u n o ci t eai o' n g e m n ,h y
t ntnd t e c a s t r a h a la pe t oft e r l to s i . Naur Phos hat Ro alis I c v. t e h l u e o e c l s c s h e ai n h p ' i ' u p e y te , n .

Dr goDai I tr ss I c,1 8F.d 1 0,1 5(t Ci.1998 . a c n e e t, n . 3 3 6 6 5h r )
The r l va t ag e m e t i A TTM ' Te m s of Se v c r ads û T & T a d you a e t ee n r e n n Sr r ie e : W n r eo

a bir t a1 diput s a d c am s be w e n us Thi a r e e t t a bir t i i tnde t be r tae l s e n l i te . s g e m n o r ta e s n e d o
br a l i t m r t d. l i cudes buti notlm ie t :c am s a ii g out ofor r l tng t a y o dy n e ee t n l , s i t d o l i rsn e ai o n a pe t of t e r l tons i bew e n us whet e ba e i c nta t t r, sa ut , fa d, sc h eai hp t e , h r s d n o r c o t tt e r u

mirpr snttonora y ot e lga t e r .... ( e 1 ofRihadJ.Ri e ,Exs 14,Doc.No. se e e ai n h r e l h o y ' D c. c r ' vs .1 . Th s ast elngua e e c mpase t l diputsa d cli s'ûaiig outof'orûeai g 8) u , h a g n o s s ç l s e n am ' trsn a f ltn r
t ' t e a e m e t t e Fi t Cic i i s r c s t at t e agr e e t i a br a o e ca a l of o' h m e n, h fh r u t n t u t h h em n s od n p be e pa s ve r a h. x ni ec

4

Pli tf s aleg ton t a ATTM wr ngf ly c le td txes fom hi a d fo ot e a n if l a i h t o u l o lc e a r m n rm h r
sm ia l st ae c ns m e s s r l a ies out of or r lt s t a a pec of t e r l tons i i l ry iu td o u r u ey rs eae o n s t h e ai h p bew e n Pl i tf,a c ns m e ,a d ATTM ,a r t ie a d c le t r of s l s t x. I dee ,t e t e a n if ou rn e al r n o l c o ae a n dh a r em e ts lngua e does notlm i bi di g ar ir ton t diput s r ga di g t e pr vi i n of ge n' a g i t n n b tai o s e e r n h o so

wie e ss r i e . I s ec tc ly pr vi e t a a1 diput sa d c am sa ii g outoforr l tng t r l s e v c s t p ii a l o d s h t l s e n l i rsn e ai o
an a pec of t e r l tons i m us be a bir td. The e i no e c pton f r t e s l s tx ys t h e ai h p t r ta e rs x e i o h ae a c le ton pori n oft e tans ci n bet e n c ns m e sa d ATTM .2 Thus t e Cour fndst a olci to h r a to we o u r n h ti h t , Pl i tf' c am sa ii g fom t e al ge wr ngf lc leci n oft xesby ATTM f l wihi t e an ifs l i rsn r h le d o u o l to a al t n h

br ad l ngua e co t i e i a 1f urve sonsoft eTe m sofSe vi et whih Pl i tf av e d. oa g n an d n l o ri h r rc o c a n if e H a i g esa ls e t at Pli tf c ns nt d t abir t t e pr s nt diput ,t e Cour mus vn t b ih d h an if o e e o r tae h ee s eh t t
a ayzewhe he any f de a saut o polc r nde st ecli sno - r ir bl . nl tr e r l t t e r i y e r h am n a b ta e
B. Enf rc abiiy oft e A r iraton A gre m e t o e lt h bt i en

Se ton2oft eFe ea Ar ir ton ActC1A A' pr vi e ta bot pr- iput a d posci h d rl b tai F ' o d s h t h ed s e n ) t
diput abir ton a r em e t wihi iss opeûs albeva i , re oca l ,a d e f r e bl ,s ve s e r tai g e n s t n t c ûh l ld ir v b e n n o c a e a

u o s c poundsa e ita 1w ori e uiyf rtervoc tonofa yconta t' 9U. . .j2. p n uh s xs ta n q t o h e ai n r c. ' SC
Thus a a ee e tt a bir t i vai unde t e FAA i i m e t t er quie e t oft ege e a , n v m n o r ta e s ld rh f t es h e r m ns h n rl

c nrc 1w o t ea pl a l sae Fis Opto so chc g , n . . pl n 51 U.. 3 ,9 4 o ta t a f h p i be tt . r t in f ia o I c v Ka a , 4 S 9 8 4 c
( 9 5 9 n r Adv n e csHe lh L. . 1 2 S. .d 6 3 6 6 ( e . 0 ) I d e ,teUn td 1 9 ) I e a cp a t P , 7 W 3 0 , 0 T x 20 5 . n e d h ie S ae S p e eCo r h se p a ie ta ttt lw, ehe oflgsaieo j dca o ii , s tts u rm u t a m h sz d h t d ae a wh t r e iltv r u iil rg n i s
a plca l' t de e m i i g t e vai iy ofa a bir to ap e m e t s l ng ast ha l w a os t p i b e' o t r n n h ld t n r tai n e n,o o ' ta r e o t gove n is e c nc r i g t e vai iy,r voc biiy,a d e f r e biiy of c nta t ge e a l .' r su s o en n h ld t e a lt n n o c a lt o r c s n r ly '

2TheCou ta r est a evenbr a abir tona rem e t ar notbo ndls . l de d,t eCour co l i a i ea r ge ht o d r tai g e n s e u es n e h t ud m gn diput bewe n Pli tf andATTM t a mi htbeouti ee ent ebr a ln ua eoft ea r e e t- f ri sa ce s e t e an if ht g sd v h o d a g g h g e m n o n tn ,

p ra siPlit f r ij rda e b igsrc b a ATTM v hil.Bu,h dsut a is ei tec s d e eh p f ani wee nue h r en tu k y n f e ce tte ip e tsu n h ae o s
notpr s nts cha sena i . ee u c ro

5

Per v Thoma ,48 U. .48 ,492 n.9 ( 987) Courstmay not... ivaiat abirton ry . s2S 3 1. ti n ld e r tai
a r e e t unde s ae lw s a plc bl onl t a bir ton pr vi i ns Doct r' As oc .I c v ge m n s r tt a p ia e y o r ta i o so . o s s s n. .

Cas r to,51 U. .681 687( 996) Theprcia efc ofSe ton2oft eFAA te eo ei t a ot 7 S , 1. a tc l fe t ci h h r fr s o
pr c ude sa e fom snglng outa bir to pr vii nsa d plci g t e on a dif r ntf otng el tt s r ii r tai n o so n a n h m fe e o i

t a ot e c nta t .1 . h n h r o r cs d UnderTe as lw ,c ntac s i c udi g a bir ton a ee e t ,ar va i unl s p-unds x a o r t, n l n r ta i p m n s e ld e s o e ita l w or i eq iy f r r vocai n of t e a r e e t See I r Pol - m e ia,L. . 262 xs t a n ut o e to h gem n. n e y A rc P,

S. .d 337, 3 8 ( e .2008) The bur e of pr vi g s c rounds s c a fa d or W3 4 Tx . dn o n uh , u h s ru
u c ns i na iiy f lson t epa t o posng t ee f r e e toft ec nta t f . n o co b lt al h ry p i h n o c m n h o r c. #
U nc ns i nabii y o co lt

Pli tf a gues t a t e agr e e t t a bir t t e pr s nt t x-elt d diput i bot a n if r ht h e m n o r tae h ee a r ae s e s h
pr c dur ly a d s bsa tvey unc ns i na l unde sat l w . o e al n u t n i l o co b e r te a tu nde Te a lw , t r xs a

unc ns ina iiy i cudes t o a pecs ( )pr c d r lunc ns ina iiy,whih r fr t t e o co b lt n l w s t: 1 o e u a o co b lt c ees o h crum sa c s s roundig te a opto of t e abirton pr viin, a d ( ) s bsa tve ic tn e u r n h d in h r tai o so n 2 u tn i
u c ns i na iiy,whih r f r t t e f i e s of t e a bir ton pr vi i n is l.' Care v n o co b lt c ee s o h am s h r ta i o so te f' tr .

Cou tywie Cr di I du tis I c.362 F.d294,301( t Ci.2004)(iigI r Haliuron n r d e t n sre, n , 3 5h r ctn n e lb t
Co., 8 S. .d 5 6 5 1( e .2002). Cou t ma c nsde bot pr c dur la d s bsa tve rs y o i r h o e a n u t n i 0 W 3 6, 7 T x )3 unc ns i na iiy of a a bir to c a s i e a ua i g is va i iy. l r H ali uron Co. 80 o c o b lt n r tai n l u e n v l tn t ld t n e lb t ,
S. . d a 572. W3 t
3Thepa tesdiagr ea outwhele acontac mus bebot s bsa tveyandpr c dur lyunc ns i na l t be ri s e b tlr rt t h u tn i l o e a l o co b e o une f r ea l asamatrofTe asl w.Alhough t eTe asSupr m eCour hasne ers e iialy hed t a bot no c be te xa t hx e t v p c fc l l h t h tpe ofunco s i na iiy a erquie , las onesaea pelt cour hass ggesed tatt epa t s eki gt ys n c o b lt r e r d at e t tt p lae t u t h h ry e n o

a o da bi ai n mus g n r lyma es c ad a s o i g Se Wa ev Au tn 5 4 SW . d7 , 6 ( e . v vi r t t ro t e e al k u h u l h w n . e d . si , 2 . 2 9 8 T x Ci. Ap . Te ak n 1 7 , owrt.Th Fit Cic ih sitr rtdteln u g i Wa ea rq iigaplit ft p- x r a a 9 5 n i e f rut a nep ee h a g a e n d s e urn ) h ani o f prv b t t e o u c n co a ii .Se Ar wrght o tnM#sM u. n . . .We t g ou eElc Cop.8 4 o e oh m s f n o s in bly e k i - so t B . tI s Co v si h s e . r , 4 n F.d 17 , 14(t Ci.1 8 ) AsPlitf ponso th we e.h Te a S p e eCo r rc nl rfs dt 2 1 4 1 8 5h r 9 8 . anif it u , o v rte x s u rm u t e e ty e ue o
e f r eana bir tonpr vii n s ll on t egr undsofs bsa tveuncons inabiiy.Se I r Pol- m e ia no c r tai o so o ey h o u tn i co lt e n e y A rc , L. .26 S. .dat350- 53.The Cour ne dnotatm ptt r s let ea pa e tambiuiy i Texa saec ntac P, 2 W 3 3 te te o e ov h p r n gtn s tt o r t lw,a Pl itf hasde onsr td t ee itnc ofneihe pr c dur lno s bsa tveuncons i na iiy. a s an if m ta e h x se e t r o e a r u tn i co b lt

6

a. Pr c duralU nco s i nabiiy oe n co lt

Pr ce u a unc nscona iiy c al nges t e f ine s oft e c nta t f r a i n pr c s . o d r l o i b lt h le h ar s h o r c o m to o e s

S eAr wrgh- o tnMf s M u. n . v We t g o s Elc Cop.8 4F.d 1 7 ,1 8 ( t e k i tB so r . tI s Co. . si h u e e . r , 4 2 1 4 1 4 5h n
Ci. 1 8 ) Un e Te a lw , ab tain a re e t a e no ihee ty p o e urly r 9 8. d r x s a r irto g e m n s r t n rn l r c d al
unc ns i na l ,e en i t eym i htbe c nsde e c nta t ofad e i n. Se Carer 362 F. d a o co be v f h g o i r d o rcs h so e t, 3t

301 Cln Te as t ee i nohig pe s unc ns ina l a outa birton ave m e t;i de d, l x , h r s t n r e o co be b r tai e ns n e pa te cami g unc ns ina iiy be rt ebur e ofde o srtng i.';I r Pal Har or ris li n o co b lt a h dn m n tai t' n e m ) b Home , nc,1 5S. .d67 ,67 ( e . ) I r Adv nc pcsHe lhL. . 1 2 S. .d 60 , s I . 9 W 3 2 9 T x 2006 ; n c a e at P , 7 W 3 3 608 ( e .2005) EZ Pawn Cor .v M ancas,934 S. .d 87,90- 1 ( e .1 96) (ne ua Tx ; p. i W2 9 Tx 9 u q l baganig poweralne doe notdee ta ape m e tt abirt) I de d,s m e f r of r in o s fa n e n o r tae . n e o o m
o pr s i n a d unf ine s mus ti t t e ne ota i n pr c s l a i g t t e agr e e ts p e so n ar s t an h g ito o e s e dn o h em n'

fr ain. EIPas Nat Gas Co.v M ico Oi t Ga Co. 96 S. .d 54,61( e .App. o m to o. .n Io s , 4 W 2 Tx -

Amail 1 98) r v' on ote gr unds 9S. .d 309( e .1999) s ealoI r Pal Har or rlo 9 , c # hr o , W 3 Tx ;e s n e m b
H om e I c ,195 S. . d a 679. sn. W3 t

A lhough Pl i tf a gu s t a t e ag e m e t he sgne wih ATTM i pr c dur ly t a n if r e h t h re n id t s o e al unc ns i na l ,he f is t pr vi e s ppor f rs c a co t nton. The e i no e i e c i t e o co b e al o o d u to uh ne i rs vd n e n h

r c r t a t e pr c s t r ugh whi h Pl i tf entr d i t t e agr e e t wih ATTM was eod h t h o e s ho c a n if e e n o h em n t
unf i orop r s i e. Pl i tf ha t e c oi eofwie e ss r i epr vi e s butc os t c nta t ar p e sv a n if d h h c rls evc o d r, h e o o rc

wih ATTM des ie t e a bir ton a ee e tc nt i ed i isTe m sofSe vi e. N o e i enc t p t h r tai p m n o an n t r rc vd e
ha bee ofe e t s gge t t a de e ton or ot e unehi a busne s pr c ies i fue c d s n fr d o u s h t c p i hr t c l i s a tc n l n e
Pl i tf s de i i n t ent r i t t e a r e e t T hus t e Cour fnds t a t e Te a c ur s an if c so o e n o h g e m n . ,h ti hth x s o t'

srnge tsa dar f resa ls i g pr c dur lunc ns i na iiy hasnotbe n m e i t i c s . ti n tn d o tb ih n o e a o co b lt e tn hs ae
b. Subs ant ve Uncons i nabiiy ti co lt

W i rg r t s b tn i eu c ns in blt,ç a c nr c i u e fr e bl ilgve t e t e ad o u sa tv n o co a ii $ 1 o ta t s n n o c a e f i n h h y(
pa te 'ge e a c m m e c a ba kp ound a dt e c m m e cilne dsoft epari ulrta eorc s , ri s n r l o ril c nho ra e h tc a r d ae

t e ca s i vol e i s one-i e t a i i unc ns i na l unde t e cr um saw es e itng h lu e n v d s o s d d h t t s o co b e r h ic t l x si

whe te pate ma e t e co tac.' l r Pol- merc ,L. . 262 S. .d a 348 ( uotng n h ris d h n r t' n e yA ia P , W3 t qi FisM ert rt iBank,5 S. .da 757(ntr a quottonsomitd) 2 W2 t i en l ai te .
Pli tf a gue t a t e Te as Supr m e Cour' r c nthol i g i Pol - m e ia r nde s an if r s h t h x e ts e e d n n y A rc e r

t e i sa t a bir ton a ee e t s bsa tve y unc ns i na l . Pol - m e i a hol s Pl i tf h n tn r ta i p m n u t n i l o co b e y A rc d , an if
c nt nds t a a bir ton c a s s c nnot i tr e e wih a l gil tvey c a ed s se of o e , h t r ta i lu e a n e fr t e sa i l r h y tm dee r nc ne e s r t t e no dic i i aor a d e f di e ope a i n of a saut r s he e. tr e e c s a y o h n s rm n t y n f e v r to tt o y c m

Pl i tf c ncudes t a e f r i g t e pr s nt a bir ton a r e e t whi h pr ve t Pl i tf an if o l h t n o cn h e e r ta i g e m n , c e n s a n if
fo pu s i g r lefon a c a sw i eba i,woul r s l i a wave ofhi s bsa tve sat t r r m run ei l s - d ss d e ut n ir s u tn i t u o y

rg t a d r m edi s l woul as under i e t e saut r de e r ntpur os of t e DTPA t ih s n e e. t d lo m n h t t o y t re pe h o
w hih,Pl i tf cai s c a sw i er le a d t er quied moniorngofs c c am sby t eTe a c an if l m , l s - d e if n h e r ti u h li h xs A tom e Ge e a a e i t gr l4 Pl i tf a s as e t t a t e a bir ton a r e e t i r osl t y n r l r n e a. an if lo s rs h t h r ta i g e m n s sy

one sde i s f a i gi e ATTM auniae a rghtt s e r vi w oft e s m ei s est whi h -i d n o r s t v s l tr l i o e k e e h a su o c Pli tf i c nfne e cusvey t an a bir lf r m . an if s o d xl i l o r ta o u The r l va tar ir ton pr vii n doe i dee pr ve tPl i tf fom pur ui g ca m son e e n b tai o so s n d e n an if r s n li be a fofot e c ns m e s. Alhough t e Co r bei ve t i r pr s nt a sgnii a tr sddi n, hl hr o u r t h u t le s h s e e e s i fc n e t o t e Te a Supr m e Co r ha hed t a cas - i e r lefi mer l a pr c dur lde i e t a doe h xs e u t s l h t l sw d e i s e y o e a vc h t s
no t nl r e ordi i ih a y s bsa tve rght oro lgai ns' He l Sc ei ,l c v St mboe, t t ag e m n s n u tn i i s b i to . ' ny h n n . . o

1 2 S. .d 675,693 ( e .2002) As a rs l,Te a c urs ha e s ecfc ly hed t a 0 W3 Tx . eu t x s o t v p iial l h t
agr e ent t a bir t on a i di i ualbass a e nots bsa tvel unc ns i na l unde sae e m s o r ta e n n vd ir u tn i y o co b e r tt
4Plitf i ii ly c s ti a gumentass pporig t epr c dur luncons i na iiyoft ea bir tonagr e e t anif n ta l a t h s r u tn h o e a c o b lt h r tai em n.

AsA' M pone o tni rpl bre, o e e, litf so jcinit teprvso so teabtain I T itd u i t e y ifh w v r Panif be to s o h o iin f h r i to s r
agrement no isf r aton,a d i i t e e o eas bsa tveunc ns i na iiy a g m ent e , tt o m i n t s h rfr u tni o co b lt r u .

8

l w . See Au o aton US Cor .v Le o ,105 S. .d 1 0,200 ( e .App. lo so ( 4h a tN i A p ry W3 9 Tx - l utn 1 t

Dit)2 0 ,o i.p o e dn ) Aste Co r e p ane i Auo a in tthe Te a S p e e s. 0 3 rg r c e ig . h u t x li d n tN to , t l l x s u rm
Cour ha ...sr s e t a pr ce ur lde i e s c as...c a sa tons m a no beco sr e t ts te s d h t o d a v c s u h ls ci , y t n tu d o e l r e or di i ih any s bsa tve rght or oblga i ns of a y pa tes t a y ci i a to . n ag m ns u tn i i s i to n ri o n v l ci n

Ac or igl ,tee i no e tte e tt pr c e a a cas a in. 1 .(ntr a ciains a d c dn y h r s nilm n o o e d s l s d o d i en l tto n

q oain o itd . TheF hh Cic i ha as tee td a a g me tta a abirto ca s u tto s m te ) i r ut s lo t j ce n r u n h t n r tain lu e r
pr hi ii g pli tfs fom pr c edi gs cole tve y wa unc ns i na l under Te as lw . o b tn an if r oe n l ci l s o co b e x a' '

l e i Cr di Bu e u I c v Cigul rWiee sLLC,379F.d 1 9,174( t Ci. 4) s ealo b ra e t r a , n . . n a r ls 35 5h r 200 ; e s
Carer 362F.d a 298,301. t, 3t Pl i tf a gue t a t e Te a Supr m e Cour' hol i g Pol - m erc dim r s t i an if r s h t h xs e ts d n y A ia s b h s e t bls e r l wih r ga d t t e r m e il s he e c e t d by t e Te a Le il t r i t e sa ih d u e t e r o h e d a c m r a e h x s g sa u e n h DPTA . The Pol - m e ia c ur e pl i e t a a a bir ton a r e e t c ve i g saut r y A rc o t x an d h t n r tai g e m n o rn t t o y c am si vald unde Te a 1 w o l i i ç oesnotwave t e s bsa tverght a d r m edi st e li s i r x s a ny ftû d i h u tn i i s n e eh saut a f r s a d t e abir ton pr c dur s a e f i,s c t a t e e pl ye m a ûf e tve y t t e fo d n h r tai o e t r ar u h h t h m o e y e f c i l

vi di a ehi saut r lg t.' 262 S. . d a 337,349. ThePol - me ia ca e de l wih a n c t s t t o y i h s'' W3 t y A rc s at t n

abir to a re e tt a l lm iael)t ot pe ofrm e isavalbl unde tea t-eaiton r tain g e m n h t s i n t d w y s e d e ia e r h nirtlai e
pr vii ns of t e W or e ' Com pe s ton Ac , pr hi ii g t e a bir t r fom or e i g o so h k rs n ai t o b tn h r ta o r d rn r i sa e e t or a a di g punii e da age .' 262 S. .d a 352. The cour f und t att e en tt m n wrn tv m s' W3 t to hh ei i a i n oft e e i po tntr m e i s i pe m i sbl unde m i e t e Le il t r ' c r f ly lm n to h s m ra e d e m r s i y r ndh g s au e s a e u l c a t d dee r ntr gi e 1 .a 353. r fe tre e m . d t Pl i tf r a s t i hol i g br a l ,e s ntal a gu ng t a a a e m e tt wave an a n if e d h s d n o d y s e i ly r i h t n r e n o i y sa ut r rg t wil not be e f r e i i i t re e wih t e dee r nt pur os of a saut r tt o y ih l n o c d f t n efr s t h tre pe tt o y s he e. The c ur,howeve ,hed t a t e elm i a i n oft e s b t ntve rght a d r m edi s cm ot r l h t h i n to h u sa i i s n e e

9

a a lbl t pli tf s unde t e W o ke ' Com pensa i n A ct i pe m i si l under i ed t e v ia e o an if rh r rs to m r s by mn h
goa s of t e s at t s ch t a t e agte e t wa r nde e s bsa tve y unc ns i na l . l h t ue u ht h mn s e rd u tni l o co b e

Not ihsa dig t a te DPTA ex rs l c ntmplts t e a albiiy of ca swi e r lel w t tn n h t h p e sy o e ae h v ia lt ls - d eit
Texa co rs as wel a ot e c urs i tm r tng Te as lw ,ha e c nssenty hel t a cls s u t, l s h r o t ne ei xa v o it l d h t as

a tons a epr c dur lde i e ,a d do noti plc t s b t ntverg t . See eg. f c r Sc ei, ci r o e a vcs n m i a e u sa i ih s , . , ' ny h n f

I c,1 2 S. .d a 6 3,S uh e tr Re Co.v Be n l 22 S. .d 4 5 4 7 ( e .2 0 ) n . 0 W 3 t 9 . o tw se n f . r a, W 3 2 , 3 T x 0 0;
Sher v Del,I c,No.05CV 1 097( BD) 2006W L 21 9436,a *7( . . . . ul 27,2006) r. ln 0G, 0 t SD N Y J y .
Thus Pol - m e ia i i a post . The Cour c nc ude t a , unde Te as sa e lw , t e , y A rc s n p ie t o l s ht rx tt a h

una aia iiy of c a sw i e r le does no r nde t e pa te ' a r e e t s bsantvey v lb lt ls - d eif te rh ris g e m n u t i l
unc ns i na l . o co b e Pli tf a s ar ue t a t e a e m e t i s one sde a t r nde i s bsa tvey an if lo g s h t h v e n s o - i d s o e r t u tn i l

unc ns i na l . The a r e e ti unf i,Pl i tf co tnds bec us unde is tr she wo l o co b e g e m n s ar an if n e , a e r t em ud
be bo nd by t e a bir t rs a ve s decson,whe e sATTM c ul pur ue a cli a ai s t e u h r ta o ' d r e ii ra od s am g n t h sae c m ptole i t e e e t t e abir t r decded a ans t e c m pa y. The Cour i t t o r l r n h v n h r tao i gi t h o n ts

pe s a e ,howe e ,t a t e dipa iy i aval bl r vi w i nota f nci n of t e a bir ton ru d d v r h t h s rt n ia e e e s u to h r ta i
ag e m entis l,butofTe assae l w ,whih pr vi e ATTM r c ur e agans t e c m ptole re te f x tt a c o ds eo s i t h o r lr i t eeve ti i or e e t i s e a r f nd t Pl i tf. I dee ,i A'TM s ug tr i bur e e t nh n t s d rd o su e u o a n if n d f I o h em s m n

fom t e Stt ,a d t eco ptole de i d t ec m pa y' r que t i woul t en ha e t e rghtt r h a e n h m r lr n e h o n s e s, t dh vhi o

s e j diilr ve o t ec mpto lrsd cso . By c nta t i Pli tf we et ls b f r e k u ca e iw f h o r le ' e iin o rs, f an if r o o e e o e
t e a bir t r he woul be una l t a pea t e s bsa c of t e r lng. By Pli tf s own h r tao , d b e o p l h u tn e h ui an if
a m i s o , how e e , t i r s l s e s f o t e Te as l gil t r ' pr hi ii n of Te a d sin v r h s e ut tm rm h x e s a u e s o b to xs

c ns m e sfom m a i g die tcli swih t eTe a c m ptole f rar f nd ofwr ngf ly pai ou rr k n r c am t h x s o r lr o e u o ul d

txes Sc Te .Ta Codej 1111 4( )C$ tx rf nd cli ma befld wiht ec mptole a.cx x .0 b A a e u am y ie t h o r lr

onl by t epe s n who d r cl pad t et x t t i sa e o by t eper o ' at m e ,as i ne ,or y h ro ie ty i h a o h s t t r h s n s to y sg e

ote s c e s n') Be aus ATTM diecl pad tetxe t t eStt ofTe as i i a l t brng h r u c so ' c e r ty i h a s o h ae x ,ts be o i
ac am a ans t ec m ptole a d a pe lt a decson i i l s s l i g i t h o r lr n p a h t ii f t o e .

By contas,Pl i tf m a s e ar f nd o a sr m e tonl fom ATTM ,t er t ie who r t an if y e k e u r s i n yr h e al r cole td t e t x. Thi woul be tue howe e ,whehe Pli tf pr c e ed a ans ATTM i lc e h a s d r, vr t r a n if o e d g i t n

ab tain o i aj diilf r m . Th s i e snc , a Plitf o j cst i tef c t a te r irto r n u ca o u u ,n se e wh t an if b e t o s h a t h t h

s bsa c o te ab tao ' d cso i n ta p aa l t aj d ca f r m ,a faue wh c i u tn e f h r irt rs e iin s o p e lb e o u iil o u e tr ih s
e ua l a plc bl t bot pa te unde t e a e m e t i t i c s . Pli tf pr s nt no q ly p i a e o h ri s r h p e n n hs ae a n if e e s
pe s a i e a gu e t t a ,by t e s l e ,t e t r s oft e a ee e tt a bir t a e s one ru sv r m n s h t h m ev s h e m h p m n o r ta e r o sde a t r nde t e a e m e tunc ns i na l . i d s o e rh p e n o co b e
2. Pl i t f s O t e St t L a - a e A r um e t an ir h r ae w B sd g ns

The Unied St t s Supr m e Cour ha he d t a Se ton 2 of t e FAA pr e pt t ae e t s l h t ci h em s

co fitng sae lw st a woul r nde a bir ton ag e m e t une f r e bl . l dee ,l e ton n lc i t t a h t d e r r ta i r e n s n o c a e n d i ci s 2 i a c np es i na dec a ai n of a lbe a f de a polcy f vorng a bir ton apee e t, so so l l r to i r l e r l i a i r ta i m ns
not ihsa di g a y sae s bsa tve o pr ce ur lpolcist t eco tay ' Pery,482 U. .a w t tn n n tt u tni r o d a i e o h n rl ' r St

489. The nai na polc f vorng a bir ton a ples i sa e a wel a f de a c urs a d to l iy a i r ta i p i n t t s l s e rl o t n f r c os s sa e at m pt t unde c tt e e f r e biiy of a bir to a r e e t. Pr son o e l e tt te s o r u h n o c a lt r tai n g e m n s et

Fe r r 55 U. .346,352 ( 008) TheFAA' diplc m e tofc nfitng sae 1w i é ow re, 2 S 2. S s ae n o lci tt a s t n wele tbls ed, Alid- r c Te mii Cos v Dobs n,51 U. .265,272 ( 995 ,a d ha l-sa ih ' le B u e r nx . . ' o 3S 1 )n s
bee r pe tdl r af nne . See eg. Buc e e Che k Ca hig,l c v.Car e na,546 U. .440, n e ae y e s d , . , ky c s n n. dg S

445-46(006) Doctr'As ocits I c,51 U. .a 684- 85;Per ,482U. .a 489. 4 2 ; o s s ae , n . 7 S t 6 ry St
Thus at o g a bir ton a e m e t may be i va i a e ba e on t uc pounds a , lh u h r ta i m e n s n ld t d s d th s s e it a l w or i equiy f r t e r vocai n of a y c nta , t e FAA pr ve t sa e fom xs t a n tohe to n o rd ' h ' e n s tts r

rquii gt a camsbeheadi aj diilf r m . Plitf ma e s vea a gu e t t a Te as e rn h t li r n u ca o u an if k s e rl r m n s h t x
sae 1 w pr cude t ee f r e e toft epr s nta bir ton a e m e t Thesa e lw he ct s tt a e l s h n o c m n h e e r ta i p e n . tt a ie , ho e e , spr c s l t e ki d ofant- r ir ton lw t a i pr e pt dby Se ton 2 oft eFAA. w v r i e ie y h n iab ta i a h t s e m e ci h

Pl i tf fr t a gu s t a t e Texa Legilt r ha pr cude t e enf r e e t of al a n if is r e h t h s sa u e s e l d h ocm n 1

c ns m e abir ton apee e t whe et ea ounti co tove s i l s t a $50, 00 unl s t e o u r r tai m ns r h m n n r ry s e s h n 0 e sh

a r e e t i sgne by t e c ns m e ' atm e . See Tex. Ci . Pr c & Re .Code j g em n s i d h o u rs to y v a. m

1 10 2 a( )( ) Be a s Pli t fs a wela t ep r o td ca sme bes cam sa e a1 7 .0 ()2 ,b . c u e an i s l s h u p re ls m r' li r 1 f
be o t i saut r t r s ol ,Pli tf a gue t a t ea bir ton a r e e t a enote f r ea l l w h s t t o y h e h d a n if r s h t h r ta i g e m n s r n oc be unde Te a l w . r xsa

The Te asSupr m e Cour a d t e Cour ofAppe l f rt e Fi h Cic i,howe e ,ha e x e tn h t as o h h r ut vr v
hed t a t e sa ut Pl i tf ct si pr e ptd by t e FAA. See e. . Jone v H ali uron Co. l h t h tt e an if ie s e m e h , g, s . lb t ,

5 3 F.d 2 8 2 4 ( t Ci. 0 9 ; e d npr n v O fh r T c nia s nw f a,3 9 F.d 8 3 2 , 3 5h r 2 0 ) Fr u e s u g . fà o e e h c l ' . n 7 3 e 3 7 3 8 n. ( t Ci.20 4) l r Ne in Ie lh a Hu be I c,1 3 S. .d 6 ,6 ( e . 2 , 3 7 5h r 0 ; n e xo k a t t m l, n . 7 W 3 7 9 T x
2005) I de d,by ise pr s tr s t epr viin i itnde t undec tt ee f r e biiy of .n e t x e s em ,h o so s n e d o ru h n o c a lt
a bir ton a ee e t a d t e e or i pe m isbl c nta e e Se ton 2 oft eFAA. r ta i v m n s n h r f e m r s i y o r v n s c i h Se ond,Pl i tf a gu s t a t e Unior iy Cl us of t e Te a Consi to ,Aril c a n if r e h t h fmt a e h xs tm i n tc e V II Se to 1 whi h e pr s l pr hi is dipa a e t x team e tofsm ia l st at d Te a s 1, ci n , c x e sy o b t s r t a r t n i lry iu e x n , c t gorc ly pr hi is abir to of tx diput s Pl i tf r le on Ha s Cblz/, whih a e i al o b t r tai n a s e . an if ei s y /lp c . i va i a e as aesa ut t a a l w e açt x a e t unia e al ta se t edetr i ai n ofhi n ld t d tt tt e h t lo d sa p y r o l tr ly r n f r h e m n to s c am . li

t a no -u iilp o e dn ta h ma r q ie s al rm an c ni e t la d o nj d ca r c e ig h t e y e ur h l e i o td ni n a

c nc ae ,e e fo t e c ur t a i e peced t e f r e t e abir ton a a d. H a s Cn@. o e ld v n r m h o t h t s x t o n o c h r tai w r ' y '

Appr ialDit v Ma oKib S rngs l c,903S. .d 394,397( ex.App. Ausi 1 95,no as s. . y ry p i , n . W2 T tn 9

wrt. The c ur e pli e t a tgl e uli aei tr rtton a d e f re e tofa tce VII i) o t x an d h t tth tm t n ep eai n n o c m n ril l,

r quii g t a a val r m txai n be e ua a d unior a d a c r i g t m a ke vaue i a e rn h t d o e a to q ln f m n c o dn o r t l , s

j dda f n in.Th j dca fm cinm a bea rd e ,fa al o l bya a e u t sau e. . u i lud o e u iil t to y b ig d i t l, n y n d q ae ttt .
.

l heprs ntsaut)i nota ade uaesaut. f . The c ur notdt a isde ii n s oul T e e tt e s n q t tt e' # ' o t e h t t cso h d

notbe unde sood a sai g a vi w t a abir ton i i pos i l unde t e saut r pr vii ns rt s t tn e h t r ta i s m sb e r h t t o y o so

f rt e u iil e iw o a p as lr v e b adv l ai n . . 1 . o h j dca rv e f p r ia-e iw o r au to s .' d ' Tot ee tntt a t ed cso Ha sCoz / r q ie aj d ca f r m fraltx-eae h x e h t h e iin y l y e ur s u iil o u o 1 a r ltd n
dip t s not ihsa di g ot e wie vai prvae a r e e t t a bir t ,i woul bepr e ptd s u e , w t tn n h r s ld i t g e m n s o r ta e t d em e

by Seci n 2 oft e FAA .S I dee , i Pe r t e Unie St t s Supr m e Cour hed t a çc e r to h n d n ry h td ae e t l h t tl a

fdea polc plc s j 2 of te ( AA) i unmitka l co fit wih Calf m i ' j 229 e rl iy a e hF n sa be n lc t io as

rq ie e tt a ltg n sbep o i e aj dca f r m f rrs l ig wa ed s u e . r fr , e ur m n h t iia t r v d d u iil o u o e o vn g ip ts Theeo e
unde t e Supr m a y Cl us ,t e sa e sa ut m us gi e wa .' 482 U. .a 491 Te a c urs rh e c a e h tt t t e tv y' S t . xs o t
m a notlke iepl c t x diput sof lm ist ar ir ton. y i w s a e a s e f i t o b tai
3. Pl i t f s Cons iutonalA r um e t a n ir tt i g ns

Pl i tf sfna a gu e ta ans t e e f r ea iiy oft e a bir ton agr e e ti t a i an if l r m n g i t h n o c b lt h r ta i em n s h tt
vi lt s t e Due Pr c s a d Equa Pr t c i n Clus s oft e Foure nt Am e d e t t t e oae h o es n l o e to ae h te h nm n o h

U nie St ts Consiuto . The Foure nt Am e dm e tpr tct lbe t a d pr pe t i t r ss t d ae tt i n te h n n o e s i ry n o ry n e e t onl agans i va i n by a sa e The e or ,a pl i tf ale i g t e de rvai n ofDue Pr ce s y i t n so tt. rf e an if l g n h p i to os

u d r t e F u te t Ame d e tmu tas s o ta sae a to c u e h s ij r . Se n e h o re n h n m n s lo h w h t tt cin a s d i n u y e
Pre trv.Lownde Count,35 F.d41 ,421( t Ci.200 )(ii gBas v.Par woodHos . ise s y 43 4 5h r 4 ctn s k p, 18 F.d 234,241( t Ci.1 99:. A cognia l cam unde t eEqua Pr tcin Clus as 03 5h r 9 z b e li rh l oe to a e lo

STheCour i notconvi c d t a t eHaysCollf holi g we ts fra t pr cldet ee f r e e tofprvae ts n e h th f;p d n n o a s o e u h n o c m n it , ag e m e t t a bir t .Theco r pas e o l on tevaldiy ofa sat saut t a al wedanap ela tt ta se r e n s o r tae u t sd n y h it t e tt e h t lo p ln o rn f r uniatr ly t a bir tont ea pe lofatx a pr ia o de .Theea eanumbe ofi pora tdif rncesbet ee l eal o r tai h p a a p as l r r rr r m tn fe e wn t epo t r andcic m sa c si Ha sCblnr t a unde ui eisa plca iiy t t epr s ntcas ;namel ,t ef c h su e r u tn e n y / .y h t n n t p i b lt o h e e e y h at t a t esaut di notr quiet epa tes agr e entbef r ar ir ton be ame bi dig. h t h tt e d e r h ri ' e m o e b tai c nn

rquie saea to . Se Re delBake v.Kohn,457 U. .830,847 (98 ) Doev.Rais C%/. e r s tt cin e n l- r S 1 2; n y
.

I de e de tSc oolDit,66F.d 1402,1 06( t Ci.1 95) n pn n h s. 3 4 5h r 9 . Plitf agu st a Gt l cole igawr ng u txfo Plitf a dt e r egai ghi an if r e h t tb y ld n o f l a rm an if n h n d tn m
t s e i g a pos- e dva i n r f nd fom a prvae a bir t r t e St t , die ty a d a tng o ekn td p to e u r i t r ta o , h ae r c l n c i tloug is coleci n age t vi lt s Pl i tf s Fe e a Due Pr c s rght .' I M c e s n v lr h t l to n , o a e a n if d rl o e s i s' n K s o .

Di. fAlo oi Be .t T b c o P an ifc ne d ,heUntd S ae S p e eCo r h l t a v o c h lc v f o a c s litf o tn s t ie tts u r m u t ed h t
a t xpa e who i nota f r e a a e ua e pr - e rva i n pr ce u e f ra oi i g t epa m e t a yr s fo d d n d q t e d p i to o d r o v d n h y n of a i pr pe t x,i e tte a a ma t rofdue pr c s t a pos- e rvai n pr ce ur t a n m o r a s n il d s te o es o td p i to o d e h t

p o i e me nn f l c wa dl o igr le .4 6U..1 , (99 ) Sae aeaf r e g e t r vd s a ig u ba k r -o kn eif 9 S 8 31 1 0 . tts r fo d d r a
fe i iiy i s tsyi g t e r q ie e t ofdue pr c s i t e fed oft xa i n s l ng a t e l x b lt n aif n h e u r m n s o e s n h il a to o o s h sa e 1 w pr vi e a tcea a d c ran' r m e y. N at1Prv Tr c Counci,I c.v Okl Ta tt a o d s il r n e ti ' e d 3 i. u k ln . . x

Comm ',51 U. .582,587( 995) n5S 1.
Pl i tf s a gu e ti nott a ATTM s o l be te t d a a sat a t r f r pur os s of an if r m n s ht h ud r ae s t e co o pe

te Fo re n h Ame d e t He cams t a t e Stt o T x s t r u h is c le to a e t h u te t n m n. li h t h ae f e a . h o g t o lcin g n ,
ATTM ,hasvi lt d hi rg t by c m peli g hi t s e a r f nd i a a bir lf r m . ''e oae s ih s o ln m o e k e u n n r ta o u Ih St t ofTe as howeve ,ha notc m pel d Pl i tf t s e a r f nd t r ug a ar ir lf r m ; ae x, rs o le an if o e k e u h o h n b ta o u

r t e ,Pli tf agr ed t a bir t a y cli s a ii g be wee hi a d ATTM . Pl i tf r a ah r an if e o r tae n am rsn t nmn an if e l
gre a cewih t e St t a pea s t be t t epr vii n ofTe a lw t a r quie hi t s e a iv n t h ae p r o o h o so x s a h t e rs m o ek

r f nd fom t e r t ie who c le t d i r t e t a fom t e comptole . I de d, i i t e eu r h e al r olce t ah r h n r h r lr n e t s h
co ve ge c oft i saut wih Pl i tf' a r e e t t abir t a 1 cam s wih ATTM t a n r ne h s tt e t an ifs g e m n o r tae 1 li t ht pr duc s t e r s li g r quie e tt a he abir t hi t x cam . Ha Pl i tf nota e d t o e h e u tn e r m n h t r ta e s a li d an if pe o

a bir t a1c a m s wih ATTM ,he wo l be a l t s e c m pe s ton or an a sg ne tof r tae 1 l i t ud b e o e k o n ai sim n

rg t fo ATTM i aj dca fr m . ih s r m n u iil o u

1 4

Be a s ar tie i aprkat a t r Pl i tf s Due Pr c s a d' c u e e a lr é i e c o , an if o e s n EqualPr t cton cli s oe i am

d n tme tte t rs od r q ie e tt a te alg d ij r be t e p o uc ofsae a t n. o o e h h e h l e u rm n h t h le e nu y h r d t tt ci o
Pl i tf s at m ptt cr um ve tt i de i i nc by c si g hi a gu e ti t r s oft e St t ' an if te o ic n h s fc e y a tn s r m n n e m h aes

a tons a s f is be a s t e St t i not r s onsbl f r t e c nduc a out whih Pl i tf ci lo al c u e h a e s ep i e o h o tb c an if
c m pl i s t e f c t a he i f r e t a bir t hi ca m s a ai s ATTM . l de d,Pl i tf o an - h a t h t s o c d o r ta e s li g nt ne an if

i p o e l c npa e t e r lef hc s e s fom ATTM - JC. co pe s ton f r t xe ATTM m r p ry o t s h ei ek r . , m n ai o a s
alge l s o l no ha e c le t d- w ih t e r le he s e s fom t e Stt of Te as ie,a le d y h u d t v o l c e t h ei f ek r h ae x , ..

r f nd oft e txe a lge l notowe . The St t ' de ii n t f r e cons m e st s e r dr s eu h a s le d y d a e s c so o o c u r o ek e es
fom t e r tie ,howe e ,doe notr nderPli tf s prvae a r e e tt a bir t a lc am s r h e alr vr s e an if i t g e m n o r tae l l i
w ih A TT M une f r e bl . t n o c a e6

11 1.

CONCLUSI N O

The Cour fnds t a Pl i tf sgned a va i ,e f r e bl a bir ton agr e e tc ve i g ti h t an if i ld n o c a e r ta i e m n o rn

t ecam sta aetes be to t i lws i. Ass c , h li h t r h u jc f h s a ut u h ATTM ' M o in t Co pe Ar i ain S to o m l bt to r
i GRANTED a dt e c s i he e y sa ed pe di g a bir ton. s n h a e s r b ty n n r ta i
I I SO O R D E R E D . TS

J SGNEDaHoso, ea,ntiteW /d@-f cmbr2 1. I t utn Txso hsh a oDee e,00 y

K E I H P. T I ON S U N I E D STA T ES D I TR I T J D G E T SCU

6TheCo r woul not t ati i unc m f rabl wi.ht epr valnc ofar ir tonpr vii nsi cons m e u t d e h ts o o t e t h e e e b tai o so n ur agrement,a d tecons quentf reiu eoftecons m e ' da i c ur.The1 w i,howeve aweldeveopeda d e sn h e o f tr h u rs y n o t as r l- l n cla .TheCou tca mtcrum venti. er rm ic t

15