Plain-English summary
Court limits when federal courts can reopen final judgments under Rule 60(b)(6)
The Court reversed the Second Circuit and clarified how easily federal courts may reopen final judgments under Rule 60(b)(6), the catchall rule for relief from judgment. The decision tightens the standard for reopening final rulings while explaining how courts should evaluate requests for relief.
Why this matters
Final judgments bring cases to an end and let people rely on court rulings. But sometimes fairness may require reopening a case. This decision clarifies the standard federal courts must use when someone asks to reopen a final judgment under Rule 60(b)(6), affecting how easily parties can undo or revisit concluded cases.
Who may feel it
- Civil litigants seeking to reopen final federal-court judgments
- Federal district and appellate courts
- Attorneys who advise clients on post-judgment options
- Parties relying on final judgments (e.g., creditors, businesses, and individuals)
Key questions
- What showing must a movant make to obtain relief under Rule 60(b)(6) — must they demonstrate "extraordinary circumstances" to reopen a final judgment?
- How should courts evaluate Rule 60(b)(6) motions when a party presents new facts, intervening legal changes, or other reasons after a judgment is final?