haywood drown et argued december decided may believing damages suits filed prisoners state correction officers largely frivolous vexatious new york passed correction law divested state courts general jurisdiction jurisdiction suits including filed replaced claims state preferred alternative thereunder prisoner claim correction officer dismissed want jurisdiction left pursue damages claim state claims limited jurisdiction prisoner entitled attorney fees punitive damages injunctive relief petitioner filed two damages actions correction employees state finding lacked jurisdiction correction law trial dismissed actions affirming state appeals rejected petitioner claim state statute jurisdictional limitation violated supremacy clause reasoned law treats state federal damages actions correction officers equally neither brought new york courts neutral rule judicial administration thus valid excuse state refusal entertain federal cause action held correction law applied claims violates supremacy clause pp federal state law together form one system jurisprudence constitutes law land state courts two jurisdictions courts country jurisdiction partly different partly concurrent claflin houseman state federal courts jurisdiction suits strong presumption concurrency defeated congress expressly ousts state courts jurisdiction see hen state refuses jurisdiction neutral state rule regarding administration courts howlett rose whether state law qualifies neutral rule retain substantial leeway establish contours judicial systems lack authority nullify federal right cause action believe inconsistent local policies whatever merits new york policy shielding correction officers liability sued damages arising conduct performed scope employment contrary congress judgment persons violate federal rights acting color state law shall held liable damages state may relieve congestion courts declaring whole category federal claims frivolous pp new york appeals holding based misunderstanding correction law equal treatment federal state claims guarantee statute pass constitutional muster although absence discrimination essential finding state law neutral nondiscrimination alone sufficient guarantee state law deemed neutral addition misplaced reliance equality respondents mistakenly treat case implicating great latitude enjoy establish structure jurisdiction courts howlett however need decide whether congress compel state offer forum otherwise unavailable state law hear suits new york courts general jurisdiction routinely sit hear analogous actions pp reversed remanded stevens delivered opinion kennedy souter ginsburg breyer joined thomas filed dissenting opinion roberts scalia alito joined part iii keith haywood petitioner curtis drown et al writ certiorari appeals new york may justice stevens delivered opinion federal system government state well federal courts jurisdiction suits brought pursuant statute creates remedy violations federal rights committed persons acting color state rule generally applicable new york courts state trial courts general jurisdiction new york correction law divests courts jurisdiction suits seek money damages correction officers new york thus prohibits trial courts generally exercise jurisdiction suits brought state officials hearing virtually suits brought state correction officers question presented whether exceptional treatment limited category claims consistent supremacy clause constitution petitioner inmate new york attica correctional facility commenced two actions several correction employees alleging violated civil rights connection three prisoner disciplinary proceedings altercation proceeding pro se petitioner filed claims state sought punitive damages attorney fees trial dismissed actions ground correct law ann west hereinafter correction law lacked jurisdiction entertain suit arising state federal law seeking money damages correction officers actions taken scope employment intermediate appellate summarily affirmed trial app div new york appeals vote also affirmed dismissal petitioner damages action appeals rejected petitioner argument correction law jurisdictional limitation interfered therefore ran afoul supremacy clause constitution majority reasoned correction law treats state federal damages actions correction officers equally neither brought new york courts statute properly characterized neutral state rule regarding administration courts therefore valid excuse state refusal entertain federal cause action quoting howlett rose internal quotation marks omitted majority understood supremacy clause precedents set forth general rule long state refuse hear federal claim sole reason cause action arises federal law withdrawal jurisdiction deemed constitutional read discrimination vel non focal point supremacy clause analysis dissent judge jones argued correction law neutral rule judicial administration noting state trial courts handle damages actions concluded state created courts competent jurisdiction entertain suits view state opens courts hear section actions may selectively exclude section actions denominating state policies jurisdictional recognizing importance question decided new york appeals granted certiorari reverse ii motivated belief damages suits filed prisoners state correction officers large frivolous vexatious new york passed correction law statute employs process strip courts jurisdiction damages claims replace claims state preferred alternative provision full civil action shall brought state except attorney general behalf state officer employee department personal capacity damages arising act done failure perform act within scope employment discharge duties officer employee claim damages arising act done failure perform act within scope employment discharge duties officer employee department shall brought maintained claims claim state thus scheme prisoner seeking damages correction officer claim dismissed want jurisdiction left instead pursue claim damages entirely different party state claims limited see art vi clms law ann west hereinafter claims act prisoners seeking redress pursuing claims alternative comes strict conditions addition facing different defendant plaintiffs provided relief procedural protections made available actions brought state courts general jurisdiction specifically new york law plaintiffs claims must comply notice requirement claims act entitled jury trial right attorney fees may seek punitive damages injunctive relief sharapata town islip must decide whether correction law applied claims violates supremacy clause iii long made clear federal law much law several laws passed legislatures federal state law together form one system jurisprudence constitutes law land state courts two jurisdictions foreign treated courts country jurisdiction partly different partly concurrent claflin houseman see minneapolis louis bombolis federalist bourne ed hamilton inference seems conclusive state courts concurrent jurisdiction cases arising laws union expressly prohibited although statute passed interpose federal courts people guardians people federal rights mitchum foster state courts well federal courts entrusted providing forum vindication federal rights violated state local officials acting color state law see patsy board regents canvassing legislative debates congress noting many legislators interpreted provide dual concurrent forums state federal system enabling plaintiff choose forum seek relief maine thiboutot strong presumption concurrency defeated two narrowly defined circumstances first congress expressly ousts state courts jurisdiction see bombolis claflin second hen state refuses jurisdiction neutral state rule regarding administration courts howlett focusing latter circumstance emphasized neutral jurisdictional rule deemed valid excuse departing default assumption state courts inherent authority thus presumptively competent adjudicate claims arising laws tafflin levitt determining whether state law qualifies neutral rule judicial administration cases established state employ jurisdictional rule dissociate federal law disagreement content refusal recognize superior authority source howlett words although retain substantial leeway establish contours judicial systems lack authority nullify federal right cause action believe inconsistent local policies suggestion act congress harmony policy state therefore courts state free decline jurisdiction quite inadmissible presupposes legal contemplation exist second employers liability cases principally basis correction law violates supremacy clause passing correction law new york made judgment correction officers burdened suits damages arising conduct performed scope employment regards suits numerous frivolous state longstanding policy shield narrow class defendants liability sued state policy whatever merits contrary congress judgment persons violate federal rights acting color state law shall held liable damages unanimously recognized state may relieve congestion courts declaring whole category federal claims frivolous proved claim merit judgment make howlett burnett grattan rejecting manifestly inconsistent central objective civil rights statutes judgment factors minimizing diversion state officials attention duties outweigh interest providing employees ready access forum resolve valid claims new york strongly favors rule shielding correction officers personal damages liability substituting state party responsible compensating individual victims irrelevant state condition enforcement federal law demand individuals whose conduct federal law seeks regulate must nevertheless escape liability iv cases uniformly applied principle state simply refuse entertain federal claim based policy disagreement yet confront statute like new york registers dissent divesting courts jurisdiction disfavored federal claim addition identical state claim new york appeals holding based misunderstanding equal treatment federal state claims rendered correction law constitutional put simply correction law treat section claims differently treats related state law causes action supremacy clause offended extent cases created misperception make clear equality treatment ensure state law deemed neutral rule judicial administration therefore valid excuse refusing entertain federal cause action respondents correctly observe handful cases found valid excuse state rule issue treated state federal claims equally douglas new york upheld state law granted state courts discretion decline jurisdiction state federal claims alike neither party resident state later herb pitcairn city dismissed action brought federal employers liability act fela et want jurisdiction cause action arose outside territorial jurisdiction upheld dismissal ground state venue laws applied way discriminated federal claim third case missouri ex rel southern mayfield held state application forum non conveniens doctrine bar adjudication fela case brought nonresidents constitutionally sound long policy enforced impartially recent decision finding valid excuse johnson fankell rested largely fact idaho rule limiting interlocutory jurisdiction discriminate actions see although absence discrimination necessary finding state law neutral sufficient jurisdictional rule used device undermine federal law matter evenhanded may appear made clear howlett fact rule denominated jurisdictional provide excuse avoid obligation enforce federal law rule reflect concerns power person competence subject matter jurisdictional rules designed protect ensuring equality treatment thus beginning end supremacy clause analysis addition giving much weight equality treatment respondents mistakenly treat case implicating great latitude enjoy establish structure jurisdiction courts although correction law denies state courts authority entertain damages actions correction officers case require us decide whether congress may compel state offer forum otherwise unavailable state law hear suits brought pursuant state new york made inquiry unnecessary creating courts general jurisdiction routinely sit hear analogous actions new york constitution vests state courts general original jurisdiction art vi inviolate authority hear resolve causes law equity pollicina misericordia hospital medical center instance petitioner attempted sue police officer damages suit properly adjudicated state similarly petitioner sought declaratory injunctive relief correction officer suit heard state particular species suits seeking damages relief correction officers state deems inappropriate trial therefore hold made decision create courts general jurisdiction regularly sit entertain analogous suits new york liberty shut courthouse door federal claims considers odds local state authority organize courts considerable remains subject strictures constitution see mcknett louis san francisco never treated state invocation jurisdiction trump ends supremacy clause inquiry see howlett decline case new york courts generally personal jurisdiction parties suits brought prisoners correction officers hear lion share actions find little concerning power person competence subject matter correction law see conducting similar analysis concluding florida courts general jurisdiction fully competent provide remedies requires accordingly dissent fear state jurisdictional rule upheld constitutional entirely unfounded post holding addresses unique scheme adopted state new york law designed shield particular class defendants correction officers particular type liability damages brought particular class plaintiffs prisoners based belief damages suits correction officers frivolous vexatious see supra correction law effectively immunity statute cloaked jurisdictional garb finding scheme unconstitutional merely confirms supremacy clause evaded judgment new york appeals reversed case remanded proceedings inconsistent opinion ordered keith haywood petitioner curtis drown et al writ certiorari appeals new york may justice thomas chief justice justice scalia justice alito join part iii dissenting holds new york correction law annotated divests new york state courts jurisdiction suits seeking money damages correction officers violates supremacy clause constitution art vi cl requires dismissal federal actions brought state disagree neither constitution precedent requires new york open courts federal actions respectfully dissent although majority decides case basis supremacy clause see ante proper starting point article iii constitution article iii provides judicial power shall vested one inferior courts congress may time time ordain establish history drafting ratification article establishes leaves untouched plenary authority decide whether local courts jurisdiction federal causes action text article iii reflects framers agreement national government needed sharp disagreement philadelphia convention however need lower federal courts several framers notably james madison favored strong central government included lower federal tribunals virginia plan constitution established national judiciary consist one tribunals inferior tribunals chosen national legislature records federal convention farrand ed hereinafter farrand revised version proposal stated national judiciary one tribunal one inferior tribunals approved june following day however john rutledge raised objection establishing national tribunal except single one proposed striking language providing creation lower federal courts state courts proper deciding cases first instance ibid according rutledge right appeal national tribunal sufficient secure national rights uniformity judgm en ts lower federal courts thus unnecessary encroachment sovereign prerogative adjudicate federal claims madison nonetheless defended virginia plan countered inferior federal tribunals dispersed throughout republic necessary meet needs newly formed government effective judiciary establishment commensurate legislative authority essential government without proper executive judiciary mere trunk body without arms legs act move ibid despite madison objections rutledge motion prevailed see madison james wilson soon thereafter proposed alternative language congress institute inferior tribunals ibid version moderated original virginia plan distinction establishing tribunals absolutely giving discretion legislature establish establish inferior federal courts ibid continued objections courts unnecessary expense affront version virginia plan passed ibid june however new jersey plan introduced although directly challenge decision permit congress institute inferior federal courts plan among things required state courts adjudicate federal claims particular plan provided except cases impeachment original jurisdiction punishments fines forfeitures penalties shall adjudged common law judiciar ies state offence contrary true intent meaning federal law shall committed perpetrated liberty commencing first instance suits prosecutions purpose superior common law judiciary state subject nevertheless correction errors law fact rendering judgment appeal judiciary nited introduction new jersey plan reignited debate need lower federal courts light plan provision mandatory jurisdiction federal claims pierce butler see necessity tribunals luther martin added lower federal courts create jealousies oppositions state tribunals jurisdiction interfere nathaniel ghorum responded inferior federal tribunals essential render authority nat ional legislature effectual edmund randolph bluntly argued courts trusted administration national laws ibid george mason suggested least many circumstances might arise foreseen might render power absolutely necessary ibid roger sherman also willing give power legislature even though wished make use state tribunals whenever done safety general interest ibid conclusion debate new jersey plan including component requiring consideration federal claims defeated proposal delivered committee detail see committee amended proposal language current form article iii gives congress power ordain establish inferior federal courts see delegates constitutional convention unanimously adopted revised version see ultimately ratified madisonian compromise bridged divide thought establishment lower federal courts constitutionally mandatory thought federal courts except inter alia appellate jurisdiction review state judgments fallon meltzer shapiro hart wechsler federal courts federal system ed compromise left wisdom congress creation lower federal courts far inferior federal courts concerned entirely discretionary congress extent vest federal judicial power grant much little chose classes jurisdiction enumerated article iii belonging judicial power chose leave state courts classes warren federal criminal laws state courts harv rev omitted assumption state courts continue exercise concurrent jurisdiction federal claims essential compromise see federalist pp bourne ed hamilton inference seems conclusive state courts concurrent jurisdiction cases arising laws union expressly prohibited light historical understanding held absent act congress providing exclusive jurisdiction lower federal courts state courts inherent authority thus presumptively competent adjudicate claims arising laws tafflin levitt see also plaquemines tropical fruit henderson judicial matters concurrent jurisdiction state tribunals depends altogether upon pleasure congress may revoked extinguished whenever think proper every case subject matter constitutionally made cognizable federal courts without express provision contrary state courts retain concurrent jurisdiction cases jurisdiction originally subject matter quoting kent commentaries american law hereinafter kent result exclusive jurisdiction federal courts neither express implied state courts concurrent jurisdiction whenever constitution competent take claflin houseman constitution implicit preservation state authority entertain federal claims however impose duty state courts discussed least one proposal expressly require state courts take original jurisdiction federal claims subject appeal federal introduced attempt forestall creation lower federal courts see supra light failure proposal offered adoption madisonian compromise assertions supporters state courts ordinarily entertain federal causes action reasonably viewed assurance never alter jurisdiction courts framers decision empower congress create federal courts either supplement displace review federal claims well exclusion affirmative command requiring consider federal claims text article iii confirm understanding see term limits thornton thomas dissenting constitution silent exercise particular power constitution speak either expressly necessary implication federal government lacks power enjoy earliest decisions addressing question written future justices confirm state courts remain tribunals government union adequate control may closed claim asserted law osborn bank wheat see also stearns cas dc thompson article iii give congress authority compel state entertain jurisdiction case inferior courts sense constitution ordained congress state courts left consult duty state authority organization providing judicial tribunals right limit control restrict judicial functions jurisdiction according mere pleasure mitchell great works milling mfg cas ccd story short clear intimation given judges state courts bound consequence act congress assume exercise jurisdiction cases merely permitted far compatible state obligations kent see also explaining constitution permits state courts competent purpose inherent jurisdiction adequate case entertain suits given cases federal system therefore unfettered authority determine whether local courts may entertain federal cause action state exercises sovereign prerogative deprive courts jurisdiction federal cause action end matter far constitution concerned present case resolved principle alone new york correction law annotated west nycla provides civil action shall brought state except attorney general behalf state officer employee department personal capacity damages arising act done failure perform act within scope employment discharge duties officer employee majority petitioner agree statute erects jurisdictional bar prevents state courts entertaining petitioner claim damages see ante agreeing prisoner seeking damages correction officer claim dismissed want jurisdiction brief petitioner every new york must immediately dismiss suits lack jurisdiction regardless merit new york decision withdraw jurisdiction damages actions indeed claims offend constitution judgment affirmed ii evaded article iii limitations finding supremacy clause constrains authority define jurisdiction courts see ante particular held federal constitution prohibits state courts general jurisdiction refusing entertain federal claim solely suit brought federal law state may discriminate rights arising federal laws mcknett louis san francisco textual historical support incorporation antidiscrimination principle supremacy clause supremacy clause provides constitution laws shall made pursuance thereof shall law land judges every state shall bound thereby thing constitution laws state contrary notwithstanding art vi cl provision laws laws several much binding citizens courts thereof state laws two together form one system jurisprudence constitutes law land state claflin see also gregory ashcroft robb connolly thus valid federal law substantively superior state law state measure conflicts federal requirement state provision must give way swift wickham textual matter however supremacy clause address whether state must entertain federal cause action provides rule decision state must follow adjudicates claim see berger congress supremacy clause law shall defines governing law state jurisdiction commands law shall govern supremacy clause path adoption convention confirms focus precursor introduced part new jersey plan see farrand acts cong ress made virtue pursuance powers hereby vested shall law respective far forth acts shall relate said citizens ibid judiciary several shall bound thereby decisions thing respective laws individual notwithstanding explained see supra new jersey plan also included entirely separate provision addressed jurisdiction required federal questions determined first instance courts respective farrand two provisions new jersey plan worked tandem require state courts entertain federal claims decide substantive dispute favor federal law conflict two arose adoption madisonian compromise defeat new jersey plan framers returned question federal supremacy proposal introduced granting congress power laws passed several contravening opinion congress articles union treaties subsisting authority congress james madison believed proposal essential efficacy security federal gov ernmen ibid others convention including roger sherman thought unnecessary courts consider valid law contravening authority union legislature wish negatived ibid end madison proposal defeated substitute rejected proposal luther martin resurrected supremacy clause provision new jersey plan unanimously approved see historical record makes clear supremacy clause exclusive function disable state laws substantively inconsistent federal law require state courts hear federal claims courts lack jurisdiction necessarily case clause first introduced part new jersey plan included separate provision confront jurisdictional question plan prevailed ratified construing supremacy clause address jurisdiction rendered separate jurisdictional component new jersey plan mere surplusage see marbury madison cranch presumed clause constitution intended without effect see also kelo new london thomas dissenting supremacy clause exclusive focus substantive state law also evident context revived first clause adopted new jersey plan rejection part entirely separate debate madison proposal grant congress power negative laws framers already adopted article iii thereby ending fight jurisdiction question convention thus courts state federal best suited adjudicate federal claims branch government congress courts effective vindicating substantive superiority federal law supremacy clause directly responsive question second timing clause adoption suggests framers viewed achieving end madison congressional negative proposal although madison believed congress effectively countermand inconsistent state framers decided judiciary adequately perform function evidence framers envisioned supremacy clause substantively broader sweep proposal replaced question madison congressional negative proposal entirely unconcerned dispute whether state courts required exercise jurisdiction federal claims indeed madison proposal require become enmeshed federal business merely provided state laws directly nullified congress found inconsistent constitution laws role supremacy clause different require state courts entertain federal causes action rather requires reaching merits claims state courts must decide legal question favor law land art vi cl reason representative fisher ames explained debate first judiciary act law rule judges authority controlled decisions enlarge powers annals congress reprint constitution requires state judges oath allegiance oath office federal government annot compel act become officers notes william patterson speech judiciary act june documentary history first federal congress bowling veit eds annals congress remarks sedgwick debate arguing inferior federal courts established state courts might refuse neglect attend national business remarks harper explaining congress enforce state courts matter duty performance acts confide arguing cause complain refuse exercise jurisdiction granted federal claims supremacy federal law therefore impugned state decision strip local courts jurisdiction hear certain federal claims jurisdiction determines whether power entertain particular claim condition precedent reaching merits legal dispute see steel citizens better environment without jurisdiction proceed cause jurisdiction power declare law ceases exist function remaining announcing fact dismissing cause internal quotation marks omitted although line jurisdiction claim merits claim times prove difficult draw see arbaugh see also bell hood distinction crucial supremacy clause context state reach merits dispute lack statutory constitutional jurisdiction preeminence federal law remains undiminished accordingly superiority federal law substantive matter trigger obligation keep courts jurisdictionally neutral respect federal claims federal law field within congress empowered legislate law land sense may supplant state legislation field sense may supplant existing rules litigation state courts congress full power provide courts litigating federal rights state courts belong brown gerdes frankfurter concurring originally faithful conception federal supremacy claflin concluded federal statute consideration deprive state jurisdiction state competent resolve claim see ights whether legal equitable acquired laws may prosecuted courts state courts competent decide rights like character class subject however qualification right arises law congress may see fit give federal courts exclusive jurisdiction careful also explain constitution impose obligation accept jurisdiction claims see explaining reason state courts open prosecution rights growing laws jurisdiction competent denied constitution instead left choice obligation entertain federal actions see direction given congress subject assumed early judicial history state courts retained usual jurisdiction concurrently federal courts invested jurisdiction like cases second employers liability cases applied rule set forth claflin correctly rejected connecticut refusal enforce federal employers liability act fela et seq fela neither provided exclusive federal jurisdiction attempted require state courts entertain claims brought see therefore statute enforceable right courts jurisdiction prescribed local laws adequate occasion emphasis added connecticut deprived courts jurisdiction fela claims thus state refusal hear claim ordinary jurisdiction superior courts defined constitution laws state deemed inadequate adapted adjudication case ibid rather state took position inconvenient confusing dealing cases general class apply standards right established congressional act others different standards recognized laws state reversal decision compatible original understanding article iii supremacy clause question state jurisdiction state law adjudicate federal claim correctly observed state refusal decide case amounted policy dispute federal law congress exertion power confided constitution adopted federal act spoke people thereby established policy policy much policy connecticut act emanated legislature respected accordingly courts state ibid specific reason rejected connecticut refusal adjudicate federal claim correctly noted existence jurisdiction creates implication duty exercise exercise may onerous militate implication nothing second employers suggested supremacy clause state law deprived local jurisdiction federal claim instead second employers took exactly opposite position question deem well observe involved attempt congress enlarge regulate jurisdiction state courts question duty ordinary jurisdiction prescribed local laws appropriate occasion confronted issue douglas new york considered whether new york required hear claim brought fela unlike connecticut second employers however new york jurisdiction state law entertain federal cause action result upheld ruling dismissed claim explained fela purport require state courts entertain suits arising empower far authority concerned may well new york given discretion otherwise competent subject duty nothing act congress purports force duty upon courts otherwise valid excuse words new york lacked jurisdiction state law otherwise competent adjudicate federal claim sum claflin second employers douglas together establish state inability entertain federal claim lack jurisdiction otherwise valid excuse way denies superiority federal substantive law simply disables state adjudicating claim brought federal law five years douglas used supremacy clause strike state jurisdictional statute failure permit adjudication federal claims see mcknett started correctly noting settled second employers state whose ordinary jurisdiction prescribed local laws appropriate occasion may refuse entertain suits fela yet even though alabama lacked jurisdiction relevant federal claim pursuant state statute mcknett held state improperly dismissed federal claim according hile congress attempted compel provide courts enforcement fela federal constitution prohibits state courts general jurisdiction refusing solely suit brought federal law denial jurisdiction alabama based solely upon source law sought enforced plaintiff cast suing enforce federal act state may discriminate rights arising federal laws reasons identified mcknett reconciled decisions preceded unlike connecticut second employers alabama indulge bias adjudication federal claims state refusing hear federal claim jurisdiction rather like new york decision affirmed douglas alabama dismissal merely respected jurisdictional barrier adjudication federal claim imposed state law fact alabama courts competent hear similar claims immaterial alabama exercised sovereign right establish jurisdiction courts claflin progeny legislative judgment upheld despite mcknett infidelity constitution century jurisprudence later decisions repeated mcknett declaration state jurisdictional statutes must policed antifederal discrimination see testa katt conceded type claim arising rhode island law enforced state courts circumstances state courts free refuse enforcement petitioners claim howlett rose hether question framed terms petitioner obligation assume jurisdiction cause action florida refusal entertain one discrete category claims entertains similar actions state defendants violates supremacy clause outcome cases however reconciled first principles notwithstanding stated reliance mcknett flawed interpretation supremacy testa struck rhode island refusal entertain claim federal emergency price control act dispute rhode island courts jurisdiction adequate appropriate established local law adjudicate action rhode island nevertheless declined exercise jurisdiction decision robinson norato relied universally acknowledged doctrine private international law basis refusing adjudicate federal penal claims rhode island invoked doctrine despite existence statutory jurisdiction federal claims correctly ruled state policy enforcement statutes deems penal accepted excuse testa thus represents routine application rule law set forth second employers long jurisdiction federal claim exists matter state law judges sua sponte refuse enforce federal law disagree congress decision allow adjudication certain federal claims state see state enforce right arising law conceptions impolicy want wisdom part congress called play lawful quoting minneapolis louis bombolis howlett likewise correctly struck florida decision affirming dismissal suit sovereign immunity grounds see florida interpreted state statutory waiver sovereign immunity extend federal claims brought state citing stat according state absent statutory waiver florida sovereign immunity rule provided blanket immunity state governmental entities federal civil rights actions brought florida courts based rule florida affirmed dismissal prejudice suit state officials see see also howlett rose app concluding florida common law immunity rule barred use courts suits state state courts antidiscrimination rule required strike florida decision even though several florida courts concluded defense sovereign immunity jurisdictional see force supremacy clause weak evaded mere mention word state courts evade obligation enforce federal law simply characterizing statute rule jurisdictional state law must fact operate jurisdictional manner matter line jurisdiction merits drawn see supra florida common law immunity rule crossed first florida dismissed lawsuit prejudice decision merits cf semtek lockheed martin prejudice acceptable form shorthand adjudication upon quoting wright miller cooper federal practice procedure second florida sovereign immunity rule violated supremacy clause operating defense federal law see martinez california ermitt ing state immunity defense controlling federal claim violates supremacy clause resolving federal claim preclusive effect based defense far different simply closing door state courthouse federal claim first changes federal law denying relief merits second merely dictates forum federal claim heard end course ultimate touchstone constitutionality constitution said graves new york ex rel frankfurter concurring contrary mcknett constitution require state courts give equal billing state federal claims read supremacy clause include principle undermines compromise shaped article iii contradicts original understanding constitution justification preserving principle even chooses adhere antidiscrimination rule part supremacy clause inquiry rule infidelity text structure history constitution counsels extending principle precedent requires cf lopez thomas concurring see infra although supremacy clause force state jurisdictional statutes kind may still state law congress acted federal law must prevail congress validly enacts statute expressly supersedes state law see sprietsma mercury marine locke state law conflicts federal statute see american telephone telegraph central office telephone florida lime avocado growers paul nycla fall prey either category first federal law expressly require new york courts accept jurisdiction suits state official denies citizen person within jurisdiction thereof rights privileges immunities secured constitution laws shall liable party injured action law suit equity proper proceeding redress statute addresses may sue sued violations federal law includes substantive command requiring new york provide state judicial forum plaintiff see felder casey dissenting section creates substantive law purpose repeatedly said interpose federal courts people guardians people federal quoting patsy board regents like fela therefore enlarge regulate jurisdiction state courts second employers second nycla conflict see wyeth levine slip thomas concurring judgment explaining alternatively described standard conflict physical impossibility direct conflict citations omitted explained congress grant plaintiffs right bring claims state guarantee state forum remain open suits see slip moreover congress created inferior federal courts power adjudicate actions expressly determined plaintiffs exhaust remedies proceeding federal see patsy supra therefore even every state closed doors plaintiffs plaintiffs proceed claims federal forum see felder supra dissenting every plaintiff option proceeding federal wisconsin statute slightest effect right dismissal claims state pursuant nycla lack jurisdiction see supra preclusive effect claims refiled federal see allen mccurry requiring final judgment merits barred federal doctrine claim preclusion thus alter substance federal claim contention nycla conflicts therefore misplaced nevertheless relied expansive brand conflict strike procedural rules perceived burde exercise federal right state felder cases asked rule applied actions brought state courts consistent goals federal civil rights laws enforcement requirement instead obstacle accomplishment execution full purposes objectives congress see quoting hines davidowitz suggestion case however nycla procedural rule must satisfied order bring action state see supra infra see also ante explained petitioner claim procedurally deficient state simply lacked power adjudicate claim see supra thus felder line cases inapplicable case even claim made case supremacy clause supplies authority state procedural law merely burdens exercise federal right state supremacy clause state law federal law pursuance constitution art vi cl extratextual considerations purposes underlying congressional inaction desire ensure federal law burdened procedural obligations wyeth slip thomas concurring judgment sweeping approach based perceived congressional purposes leads illegitimate thus unconstitutional invalidation state laws slip agree approach employed felder state laws merely obstacle accomplishment execution full purposes objectives federal law perceived slip iii even accepting entirety precedent area law however still join majority resolution case mischaracterizes broadens decisions majority concedes nycla jurisdictional statute neutral respect federal state claims nevertheless concludes statute violates supremacy clause finds equality treatment ensure state law deemed neutral rule judicial administration therefore valid excuse refusing entertain federal cause action ante conclusion incorrect light precedent several reasons majority mischaracterizes precedent asserts jurisdictional neutrality beginning end supremacy clause analysis ante explained see supra subject one limitation state union may establish judicature distribute judicial power among courts choice define conditions exercise jurisdiction modes proceeding extent congress empowered establish system inferior federal courts within limits federal judicial power brown frankfurter concurring one limitation neutrality principle found supremacy clause see limitation upon freedom state define jurisdiction courts must treat litigants federal act litigants treated internal quotation marks omitted herb pitcairn freedom state courts decide course subject qualification cause action must discriminated federal one conceded new york deprived courts jurisdiction particular class claims terms treat federal state actions equally see ante precedent requires see supra majority assertion jurisdictional neutrality touchstone jurisdictional rule used device undermine federal law matter may appear ante reflects misunderstanding law jurisdictional statute simply deprives relevant power decide case altogether see wright miller kane federal practice procedure ed jurisdiction power enter judgment merits must dismiss action restatement second judgments defining jurisdiction authority adjudicate type controversy involved action statute necessarily operates without prejudice adjudication matter competent forum see supra jurisdictional statutes therefore definition incapable undermining federal law nycla undermines requirement federal diversity jurisdiction undermines state law see relevant law state federal remains fully operative circumstances sole consequence jurisdictional barrier law enforced one particular judicial result majority focus new york reasons enacting jurisdictional statute entirely misplaced see ante remain independent autonomous within proper sphere authority printz new york organic authority therefore tailor jurisdiction state courts meet policy goals see fay noia harlan dissenting right state regulate procedures governing conduct litigants courts interest supervision procedures stand constitutional plane right interest framing laws governing aspects conduct within borders may true congress judgment persons violate federal rights acting color state law shall held liable damages ante congress enforced judgment statutorily requiring open courts claims see supra never held state courts must entertain suits national private truck council oklahoma tax decisions held use jurisdictional statutes discriminate federal claims nycla violate command reasons depriving jurisdiction federal claim addition identical state claim ante irrelevant purposes supremacy clause decision howlett contrary despite majority assertion howlett stand proposition state employ jurisdictional rule dissociate federal law disagreement content refusal recognize superior authority source ante quoting howlett initial matter majority lifts quotation merely part passage explaining state may discriminate federal causes action entirely context howlett reiteration mcknett neutrality command selected quotation reflects see offers refuge majority light concession nycla affords equal treatment federal state claims ante howlett instead stands unremarkable proposition may add immunity defenses see ante explaining howlett held florida school board assert immunity defense action brought state defenses federal cause action defined federal quoting state law jurisdictional legislature denominated majority observes state invocation trump supremacy clause inquiry ante majority therefore correct state decision nullify federal right cause action believe inconsistent local policies evade supremacy clause hiding behind jurisdictional label ante supremacy clause evaded formalism ante rather state statute must fact operate jurisdictionally must deprive power hear claim must preclude relitigation action proper forum see supra howlett proved point striking immunity rule bore jurisdictional label operated defense merits provided dismissal state action prejudice see supra majority axiomatic refrain jurisdictional labels entirely unresponsive issue whether nycla operates jurisdictionally unlike florida immunity rule howlett nycla defense federal claim dismissal authorizes without prejudice see explaining legislature nothing exercise prerogative establish subject matter jurisdiction state courts litigants like plaintiff use federal courts pursue section claims correction officers reason nycla merely denominated jurisdictional actually jurisdictional new york courts therefore declared category claims order system see ante quoting howlett supra courts simply recognized lack power adjudicate category claims regardless merit majority failure grapple clear differences immunity rule issue howlett nycla proves decision untethered precedent broadly majority failure account important role claim preclusion evaluating whether statute jurisdictional undermines important line drawn decisions jurisdiction merits see marrese american academy orthopaedic surgeons respect matters decided state proceedings claim preclusion generally apply plaintiff unable seek remedy limitations subject matter jurisdiction quoting restatement second judgments see also arbaugh steel majority principal response nycla effectively immunity statute cloaked jurisdictional garb ante curious rejoinder resurrects argument majority abandons earlier opinion see ante majority needs choose either definitively commit making impossible case statute denying state courts power entertain claim without prejudice reassertion federal immunity defense disguise clearly explain aspect howlett controls outcome case required congress speak clearly intends upset usual constitutional balance federal state powers gregory require less bottom majority warning upholding new york law permit state withhold forum adjudication federal cause action disagreed long policy took form jurisdictional rule without basis fact ante jurisdictional neutrality command already guards antifederal discrimination decision upholding nycla fully adheres rule circumvent prior decisions ibid simply adhere majority also incorrectly concludes nycla neutral jurisdictional statute applies narrow class defendants ante new york courts hear lion share actions ante statute jurisdictional status turn narrowness breadth see arbaugh supra rather explained statute jurisdictional status turns grounds dismissal rests consequences follow rulings matter narrow majority perceives nycla easily qualifies jurisdictional established standard accordingly immaterial new york chosen allow courts general jurisdiction entertain actions certain categories defendants others correction officers entertain actions particular defendants certain types relief building assumption statute jurisdictional status turns scope majority holds made decision create courts general jurisdiction regularly sit entertain analogous suits new york liberty shut courthouse door federal claims considers odds local policy ante whether two claims analogous relevant purposes determining whether state jurisdictional statute discriminates federal law inquiry necessarily requires evaluation similarities federal state law claims assess whether jurisdiction denied federal claim simply federal character contrast majority limits analysis claims finding discrimination based solely fact state law provides jurisdiction state claims state officials serve analogous roles correction officers see ante majority inquiry probative antifederal discrimination concern first led mcknett find supremacy clause limitation jurisdictional autonomy consequently support majority assertion new york decision treat police officers differently correction officers purposes civil litigation somehow violates constitution see ante worse still majority concludes claims damages state officials sufficiently analogous petitioner claims trigger supremacy clause violation ante reasoning state grants trial courts jurisdiction hear claims damages state official state decision deny courts power entertain narrower species claims even jurisdictionally neutral terms fortiori violates supremacy clause majority assurance holding applicable new york unique scheme thus rings hollow ante majority forcing choice neither constitution decisions require see ferc mississippi powell concurring part dissenting part open us insist adjudication state federal claim arising beyond jurisdiction local internal quotation marks omitted indeed majority novel approach breaks promise still enjoy latitude establish structure jurisdiction courts ante quoting howlett new york forsaken right withdraw particular class claims courts purview simply created courts general jurisdiction otherwise power hear suits damages correction officers supremacy clause fossilize jurisdiction state courts original form precedent remain free alter structure judicial system even means certain federal causes action longer heard state long nondiscriminatory terms see printz explaining obviously regulate jurisdiction courts johnson fankell made quite clear matter state decide structure judicial system today decision thus represents dramatic unwarranted expansion precedent iv order protect delicate balance power mandated constitution supremacy clause must operate accordance terms wyeth slip thomas concurring judgment imposing state courts duty accept jurisdiction federal actions stretched supremacy clause beyond reasonable bounds upended compromise struck framers article iii constitution furthermore declaring unconstitutional even laws divest state courts jurisdiction federal claims basis majority silently overturned unbroken line decisions upholding state statutes materially indistinguishable new york law review transformed single exception rule state judicial autonomy virtually ironclad obligation entertain federal business respectfully dissent footnotes section civil rights act rev stat amended provides relevant part every person color statute ordinance regulation custom usage state territory district columbia subjects causes subjected citizen person within jurisdiction thereof deprivation rights privileges immunities secured constitution laws shall liable party injured action law suit equity proper proceeding redress supremacy clause art vi cl provides constitution laws shall made pursuance thereof treaties made shall made authority shall law land judges every state shall bound thereby thing constitution laws state contrary notwithstanding new york attorney general described correction law ing new york legitimate interest minimizing disruptive effect prisoner damages claims correction employees many frivolous vexatious brief opposition see also artega state carrying duties relating security discipline difficult sometimes highly stressful prison environment correction employees inhibited conduct basis damage claim although state waived sovereign immunity liability allowing sued claims plaintiff seeking damages state use vehicle redress state person see michigan dept state police many respects correction law operates provision jurisdictional rule indeed original version statute gave correction officers qualified immunity providing officer liable damages shall acted good faith reasonable care upon probable cause correct law mckinney supp recently state legislative proposal seeking extend correction law scheme state employees explained purpose grant immunity civil damage actions state employees work prisons app howlett rose considered question whether florida school board assert immunity defense action brought state defense available action brought federal unanimously held state decision extend immunity already provided directly violates federal law explained elements defenses federal cause action defined federal law owen independence see also fallon meltzer shapiro hart wechsler federal courts federal system ed federal law governs immunity actions even brought state officials thus correction law understood offering immunity defense howlett compel conclusion violates supremacy clause looked state tort analogues deciding whether state procedural rule neutral see felder casey never equated analogous claims identical claims instead searched similar claim state law determine whether state established courts adequate appropriate jurisdiction capable hearing suit see testa katt martinez california type claim arising state law enforced state courts state courts generally free refuse enforcement federal claim emphasis added section damages claims state officials equitable claims correction officers sufficiently analogous petitioner claims dissent contrary view based belief unfettered authority determine whether local courts may entertain federal cause action post opinion thomas theory supremacy clause raised squarely rejected howlett respondents case argued federal power compel state entertain claim state jurisdiction matter state law see also brief national association counties et al amici curiae howlett rose pp tate courts obligation disregard jurisdictional limitations exclude state federal claims declared argument merit explained ignored provisions constitution including full faith credit clause privileges immunities clause compel open courts causes action normally lack jurisdiction see see also hughes fetter interpreting full faith credit clause concluding state escape constitutional obligation enforce rights duties validly created laws simple device removing jurisdiction courts otherwise competent angel bullington noting constitution may fetter freedom state deny access courts howsoever much may regard withdrawal jurisdiction adjective law state exercise right regulate practice procedure courts saw reason treat supremacy clause differently howlett thus extent dissent resurrects argument reject dissent proposed solution create blind spot supremacy clause new york decided employ procedural rule burden enforcement federal law dissent find scheme unconstitutional yet simply new york decided impose even greater burden federal cause action selectively withdrawing jurisdiction courts dissent detects constitutional violation thus dissent conception supremacy clause state express disagreement even open hostility federal cause action declare desire thwart enforcement achieve goal removing disfavored category claims courts jurisdiction view adopted lesson precedents unconstitutionally burdensome procedural rules go far enough avoid obligation enforce federal law howlett contrary conclusion permit state withhold forum adjudication federal cause action disagreed long policy took form jurisdictional rule outcome turn provide roadmap wishing circumvent prior decisions see rejecting similar argument allowed state wisconsin overrule decision felder simply amending statute provide state jurisdiction action plaintiff failed give required notice footnotes alexander hamilton recognition concurrent jurisdiction mistaken suggestion constitution requires state courts hear federal claims see ante opinion stevens merely understood divested part primitive jurisdiction state courts every case expressly excluded future acts national legislature course take cognizance causes acts may give birth federalist hamilton thus assumed state courts continue entertain federal claims consistent primitive jurisdiction state law ibid remained skeptical state courts forced entertain federal causes action state law deprived jurisdiction claims see hamilton examination papers alexander hamilton syrett ed forgotten right employ agency state courts executing laws union liable question fact seriously questioned see also collins article iii cases state duties madisonian compromise rev hereinafter collins extremely difficult argue debatable assumption state courts obligation take article iii judicial business first instance quid pro quo constitution noninclusion reference lower federal courts conclusion duty still existed second half bargain decisively rejected madisonian compromise less pfander rethinking original jurisidiction cases cal rev framers may well assumed federal system simply take state courts found state courts exercise concurrent jurisdiction federal claims fit comfortably within jurisdiction hamilton federalist called primitive jurisdiction long federal claims virtue congressional decree subject exclusive jurisdiction federal courts seems unlikely however framers chosen compel state courts entertain federal claims violation jurisdictional limits footnotes omitted proposed luther martin clause provided follows hat legislative acts made virtue pursuance articles union treaties made ratified authority shall law respective far acts treaties shall relate said citizens inhabitants judiciaries several shall bound thereby decisions thing respective laws individual contrary notwithstanding farrand madison believe federal courts task see letter james madison thomas jefferson reprinted may said judicial authority new system keep within proper limits supply place negative laws answer convenient prevent passage law declare void passed particularly case law aggrieves individuals may unable support appeal state judiciary state violate legislative rights union ready obey judicial decree support recurrence force event disobedience necessary evil new constitution meant exclude far possible even less faith state courts see confidence put state tribunals guardians national authority interests light madison mistrust state courts suggestion drafted article iii require state courts entertain federal claims advocated inclusion constitution provision guaranteeing supremacy federal law means accomplishing goal doubtful madison appears preferred state courts hear little federal business possible majority contends full faith credit clause privileges immunities clause support view supremacy clause compel open courts causes action normally lack jurisdiction ante citing howlett rose majority backwards full faith credit clause privileges immunities clause include textual prohibition discrimination supremacy clause lacks see art iv full faith credit shall given state public acts records judicial proceedings every state art iv citizens state shall entitled privileges immunities citizens several framers decision address discrimination two clauses without taking similar steps respect relations governed supremacy clause aligns reasons given abandoning articles confederation see federalist bourne ed madison describing full faith credit clause evident valuable improvement clause relating subject articles confederation principle dual sovereignty constitution preserves see texas white wall accordingly contrary majority supposition fact strong reason treat supremacy clause differently ante full faith credit privileges immunities clauses decisions also articulated antidiscrimination principle see johnson fankell missouri ex rel southern mayfield herb pitcairn miles illinois central outcomes cases nonetheless preserved jurisdictional autonomy johnson herb sustained dismissals federal claims nondiscriminatory see johnson supra herb supra mayfield never decided whether state jurisdiction relevant federal claim rather remanded case missouri based state possibly erroneous interpretation federal law issue case see finally miles struck tennessee decision enjoined citizen state pursuing fela action missouri state grounds inequity correctly held long jurisdiction existed missouri law tennessee rely notions inequity thwart vindication federal right state ibid despite suggestions contrary see ante howlett rose decision bombolis held seventh amendment require unanimous jury verdict federal civil claims adjudicated state provides support antidiscrimination principle quoted dicta accurately summarized holding second employers see also reiterated state owes duty enforce federal law must jurisdiction claim state law see awful rights citizen whether arising legitimate exercise state national power concurrently subject enforced courts state nation rights come within general scope jurisdiction conferred upon courts authority state nation creating explaining state courts charged duty safeguard enforce right every citizen without reference particular exercise governmental power right may arisen authority enforce right comes generally within scope jurisdiction conferred government creating nycla need reach difficult question whether congress delegated authority constitution require state courts entertain federal cause action compare printz suggesting congress authority regard perhaps implicit one provisions constitution article iii explicit another article vi cl prakash field office federalism rev matter original understanding founding generation understood state courts commandeered enforce federal law prigg pennsylvania pet concluding state courts compelled enforce fugitive slave act collins concluding original matter accept unwanted federal civil criminal judicial business congress compel history surrounding enactment also supports conclusion see felder casey dissenting original version provided federal courts exclusive jurisdiction actions arising fact conclusive proof congress enacted years ago possibly meant thereby alter operation state courts way abandoning rule exclusive federal jurisdiction actions thus restoring tradition concurrent jurisdiction leave behind grin without statutory cat internal quotation marks citations omitted asserting state law permitted undermine federal law ante majority instead arguing nycla procedural rule heavily burdens exercise federal right state see felder argument equally misplaced first majority concedes nycla state procedural rule see ante second applying reasoning felder jurisdictional statute like nycla overrule decisions upholding state laws decline jurisdiction federal claims virtually ensure future cases state jurisdictional rule upheld constitutional simply rendering federal claim noncognizable state statute depriving state jurisdiction even terms conditions permitted precedent always violate felder command state rule must undermine remedial objectives federal claim see jurisdictional statute also unavoidably implicate felder concern state rule inevitably produce different outcome depending whether claim asserted state federal see ibid state jurisdictional statute necessarily result different outcome state cause dismissal federal claim federal claim heard reason careful keep examination state jurisdictional statutes state procedural rules different categories majority also suggests allowing jurisdictional neutrality test create blind spot supremacy clause procedural rule heavily burdens federal cause action struck unconstitutional state express disagreement even open hostility federal cause action declare desire thwart enforcement achieve goal removing disfavored category claims courts jurisdiction ante incorrect least two reasons first explained state may permissibly register hostility federal law subjecting analogous claims equally disfavored treatment see supra hostility federal law thus irrelevant precedent supremacy clause concerned whether antifederal discrimination second majority obscures important differences procedural rules like rule issue felder neutral jurisdictional statutes like nycla unlike neutral jurisdictional statute merely prevents state entertaining federal claim failure comply state procedural rule result dismissal federal claim prejudice see felder explaining state law must give way party asserts federal right state contrary majority assertion therefore state courts unconstitutionally burdensome procedural rules go far enough instead went far placing insurmountable procedural hurdle plaintiff path led judgment merits ante result assessment whether state procedural rule heavily burdens federal right bearing continued adherence neutrality principle sole determinant evaluating jurisdictional statutes