chambers nasco argued february decided june petitioner chambers sole shareholder director company operated television station louisiana agreed sell station facilities broadcast license respondent nasco inc chambers soon changed mind nasco filed diversity action specific performance district engaged series actions within without proceedings federal communications commission appeals designed frustrate sale consummation remand following appeals affirmance judgment merits nasco district nasco motion following full briefing hearing imposed sanctions chambers form attorney fees expenses totaling almost million representing entire amount nasco litigation costs paid attorneys noted alleged sanctionable conduct chambers attempted deprive jurisdiction acts fraud nearly performed outside confines filed false frivolous pleadings attempted tactics delay oppression harassment massive expense reduce nasco exhausted compliance deemed federal rule civil procedure provides imposition attorney fees sanction improper filing papers insufficient support sanction chambers since rule reach conduct foregoing first third categories since impossible assess sanctions time papers second category filed falsity become apparent trial merits likewise declined impose sanctions statute authorization attorney fees sanction applies attorneys unreasonably vexatiously multiply proceedings therefore reach chambers statute broad enough reach acts degrade judicial system therefore relied inherent power imposing sanctions affirming appeals inter alia rejected chambers argument federal sitting diversity must look state law inherent power assess attorney fees sanction conduct litigation held district properly invoked inherent power assessing sanction chambers conduct attorney fees related expenses paid nasco pp federal courts inherent power manage proceedings control conduct appear invoking inherent power punish conduct abuses judicial process must exercise discretion fashioning appropriate sanction may range dismissal lawsuit assessment attorney fees although american rule prohibits shifting attorney fees cases see alyeska pipeline service wilderness society exception allows federal courts exercise inherent power assess fees sanction party acted bad faith vexatiously wantonly oppressive reasons party practices fraud upon universal oil products root refining delays disrupts litigation hampers order enforcement hutto finney pp nothing rule federal rules civil procedure authorizing attorney fees sanction decisions interpreting sanctioning mechanisms warrants conclusion taken alone together mechanisms displace courts inherent power impose attorney fees sanction conduct although ordinarily rely rules conduct course litigation adequately sanctioned rules may safely rely inherent power informed discretion neither statutes rules task district abuse discretion resorting inherent power circumstances case although chambers conduct might reached sanctioning mechanisms conduct sanctionable requiring apply mechanisms discrete occurrences invoking inherent power address remaining instances sanctionable conduct serve foster extensive needless satellite litigation contrary aim rules reliance inherent power thwart mandatory terms rules rules merely require appropriate sanction imposed without specifying sanction required bank nova scotia distinguished pp merit chambers assertion federal sitting diversity use inherent power assess attorney fees sanction unless applicable state law recognizes exception general american rule although alyeska tied diversity inherent power award fees existence state law giving right thereto limitation applies rules embody substantive policy statute permits prevailing party certain classes litigation recover fees district attempt sanction chambers breach contract rather imposed sanctions fraud perpetrated bad faith displayed toward nasco throughout litigation inherent power tax fees conduct made subservient state policy without transgressing boundaries set erie tompkins guaranty trust york hanna plumer matter substantive remedy matter vindicating judicial authority thus although louisiana law prohibits punitive damages breach contract substantive state policy implicated pp based circumstances case district acted within discretion assessing sanction chambers conduct entire amount nasco attorney fees chambers arguments contrary without merit first although sanction assessed conclusion litigation reliance inherent power represent end run around rule notice requirements since chambers received repeated timely warnings nasco conduct sanctionable second fact entire amount fees awarded mean failed tailor sanction particular wrong light frequency severity chambers abuses judicial system resulting need ensure abuses repeated third abuse discretion failing require nasco mitigate expenses since chambers made swift conclusion litigation means summary judgment impossible continuing assert material factual disputes existed fourth err imposing sanctions conduct tribunals since long chambers received appropriate hearing may sanctioned abuses process beyond courtroom finally claim award personalized chambers responsibility challenged conduct flatly contradicted detailed factual findings concerning chambers involvement sequence events issue pp white delivered opinion marshall blackmun stevens joined scalia filed dissenting opinion post kennedy filed dissenting opinion rehnquist souter joined post mack barham argued cause petitioner briefs robert arceneaux russell tritico joel klein argued cause respondent brief christopher cerf david bono aubrey harwell jon ross john scofield david hoskins justice white delivered opinion case requires us explore scope inherent power federal sanction litigant conduct specifically asked determine whether district sitting diversity properly invoked inherent power assessing sanction party conduct attorney fees related expenses paid party opponent attorneys hold district acted within discretion therefore affirm judgment appeals case began simple action specific performance contract remain petitioner russell chambers sole shareholder director calcasieu television radio ctr operated television station lake charles louisiana august chambers acting individual capacity behalf ctr entered purchase agreement sell station facilities broadcast license respondent nasco purchase price million agreement recorded parishes two properties housing station facilities located consummation agreement subject approval federal communications commission fcc parties obligated file necessary documents fcc later september late august however chambers changed mind tried talk nasco consummating sale nasco refused september chambers counsel informed nasco file necessary papers fcc nasco decided take legal action friday october nasco counsel informed counsel chambers ctr nasco file suit following monday district western district louisiana seeking specific performance agreement well temporary restraining order tro prevent alienation encumbrance properties issue nasco provided notice accordance federal rule civil procedure rule district local rules rule designed give defendant tro application notice hearing opportunity heard reaction chambers attorney gray iii later described district emasculated frustrated purposes rules powers district utilizing notice prevent nasco access remedy specific performance nasco calcasieu television radio sunday october pair acted place properties issue beyond reach district means louisiana public records doctrine purchase agreement never recorded determined properties sold third party deeds recorded issuance tro district lack jurisdiction properties end chambers gray created trust chambers sister trustee chambers three adult children beneficiaries pair directed president ctr later became chambers wife execute warranty deeds conveying two tracts issue trust recited consideration million early monday morning deeds recorded trustee purchaser signed deeds none consideration paid ctr remained possession properties later morning nasco counsel appeared district file complaint seek tro nasco counsel present district judge telephoned gray despite judge queries concerning possibility ctr negotiating sell properties third person gray made mention recordation deeds earlier morning nasco calcasieu television radio afternoon chambers met sister sign trust documents million note ctr next morning gray informed district letter recordation deeds day admitted intentionally withheld information within next days chambers attorneys prepared leaseback agreement trustee ctr ctr remain possession properties continue operate station following week district granted preliminary injunction chambers ctr entered second tro prevent trustee alienating encumbering properties hearing district judge warned gray chambers conduct unethical despite early warning chambers often acting attorneys continued abuse judicial process november defiance preliminary injunction refused allow nasco inspect ctr corporate records ensuing civil contempt proceedings resulted assessment fine chambers personally nasco calcasieu television radio two subsequent appeals contempt order dismissed lack final judgment see nasco calcasieu television radio may nasco calcasieu television radio undeterred chambers proceeded series meritless motions pleadings delaying actions actions triggered warnings one point acting sua sponte district judge called status conference find bankers deposed informed chambers counsel purpose learn whether nasco afford pay station canceled depositions consistent authority federal rule civil procedure status conference nine days april trial date district judge warned counsel misconduct tolerated finally eve trial chambers ctr stipulated purchase agreement enforceable chambers breached agreement september failing file necessary papers fcc trial defense presented chambers public records doctrine interlude trial entry judgment district prepared opinion chambers sought render purchase agreement meaningless seeking permission fcc build new transmission tower station relocate transmission facilities site covered agreement nasco sought contempt sanctions chambers withdraw application district entered judgment merits nasco favor finding transfer properties trust simulated sale deeds purporting convey property null void effect chambers motions filed district appeals stay judgment pending appeal denied undeterred chambers convinced ctr officials file formal oppositions nasco pending application fcc approval transfer station license contravention district injunctive orders judgment merits nasco sought contempt sanctions third time oppositions withdrawn chambers refused prepare close sale nasco sought help hearing set july determine whether certain equipment included sale beginning hearing informed chambers new attorney edwin mccabe sanctionable conduct tolerated hearing recessed several days chambers without notice nasco removed service station equipment issue forcing district order equipment returned service immediately following oral argument chambers appeal district judgment merits appeals ruling bench found appeal frivolous imposed appellate sanctions form attorney fees double costs pursuant federal rule appellate procedure remanded case district orders fix amount appellate sanctions determine whether sanctions imposed manner litigation conducted nasco calcasieu television radio per curiam unpublished order remand nasco moved sanctions invoking district inherent power full briefing hearing see district determined sanctions appropriate manner proceeding conducted district october time plaintiff gave notice intention file suit date end extensive opinion recounting deemed sanctionable conduct period imposed sanctions chambers form attorney fees expenses totaling represented entire amount nasco litigation costs paid attorneys rejected chambers argument merely followed advice counsel labeling strategist behind scheme devised first deprive jurisdiction second devise plan obstruction delay harassment expense sufficient reduce nasco condition exhausted compliance imposing sanctions district first considered federal rule civil procedure noted alleged sanctionable conduct chambers defendants attempted deprive jurisdiction acts fraud nearly performed outside confines filed false frivolous pleadings attempted tactics delay oppression harassment massive expense reduce plaintiff exhausted compliance recognized conduct first third categories reached rule governs papers filed second category explained falsity pleadings issue become apparent trial merits impossible assess sanctions time papers filed consequently district deemed rule insufficient purposes likewise declined impose sanctions statute applies attorneys therefore reach chambers statute broad enough reach acts degrade judicial system including attempts deprive jurisdiction fraud misleading lying ibid therefore relied inherent power imposing sanctions stressing wielding inherent power particularly appropriate offending parties practiced fraud upon ibid appeals affirmed nasco calcasieu television radio rejected chambers argument federal sitting diversity must look state law inherent power assess attorney fees sanction conduct litigation found neither federal rule civil procedure limits inherent authority sanction conduct party conduct within reach rule statute although observing inherent power broad reservoir power ready imperial hand limited source implied power squeezed need make function also concluded district abuse discretion awarding nasco fees litigation costs paid attorneys importance issues granted certiorari ii chambers maintains various sanctioning provisions federal rules civil procedure reflect legislative intent displace inherent power least argues obviate foreclose resort inherent power case agree appeals neither proposition persuasive long understood ertain implied powers must necessarily result courts justice nature institution powers dispensed necessary exercise others hudson cranch see also roadway express piper citing hudson reason courts justice universally acknowledged vested creation power impose silence respect decorum presence submission lawful mandates anderson dunn wheat see also ex parte robinson wall powers governed rule statute control necessarily vested courts manage affairs achieve orderly expeditious disposition cases link wabash prior cases outlined scope inherent power federal courts example held federal power control admission bar discipline attorneys appear see ex parte burr wheat power exercised great caution nevertheless incidental courts ibid addition firmly established power punish contempts inherent courts robinson supra power reaches conduct beyond confines underlying concern gave rise contempt power merely disruption proceedings rather disobedience orders judiciary regardless whether disobedience interfered conduct trial young ex rel vuitton et fils citations omitted particular relevance inherent power also allows federal vacate judgment upon proof fraud perpetrated upon see glass universal oil products root refining historic power equity set aside fraudulently begotten judgments necessary integrity courts tampering administration justice manner involves far injury single litigant wrong institutions set protect safeguard public moreover power conduct independent investigation order determine whether victim fraud universal oil supra facets federal inherent power may bar courtroom criminal defendant disrupts trial illinois allen may dismiss action grounds forum non conveniens gulf oil gilbert may act sua sponte dismiss suit failure prosecute link supra potency inherent powers must exercised restraint discretion see roadway express supra primary aspect discretion ability fashion appropriate sanction conduct abuses judicial process recognized roadway express outright dismissal lawsuit upheld link particularly severe sanction yet within discretion consequently less severe sanction assessment attorney fees undoubtedly within inherent power well ibid see also hutto finney indeed ample grounds recognizing narrowly defined circumstances federal courts inherent power assess attorney fees counsel roadway express supra even though american rule prohibits cases see alyeska pipeline service wilderness society explained alyeska exceptions fall three categories first known common fund exception derives power control litigants historic equity jurisdiction see sprague ticonic national bank allows award attorney fees party whose litigation efforts directly benefit others alyeska second may assess attorney fees sanction willful disobedience order quoting fleischmann distilling maier brewing thus discretion determine degree punishment contempt permits impose part fine attorney fees representing entire cost litigation toledo scale computing scale third relevant may assess attorney fees party acted bad faith vexatiously wantonly oppressive reasons alyeska supra quoting rich ex rel industrial lumber see also hall cole newman piggie park enterprises per curiam regard finds fraud practiced upon temple justice defiled may assess attorney fees responsible party universal oil supra may party shows bad faith delaying disrupting litigation hampering enforcement order hutto imposition sanctions instance transcends equitable power concerning relations parties reaches inherent power police thus serving dual purpose vindicat ing judicial authority without resort drastic sanctions available contempt mak ing prevailing party whole expenses caused opponent obstinacy ibid discern basis holding sanctioning scheme statute rules displaces inherent power impose sanctions conduct described mechanisms taken alone together substitutes inherent power power broader narrower means imposing sanctions first whereas mechanisms reaches certain individuals conduct inherent power extends full range litigation abuses least inherent power must continue exist fill interstices even justice kennedy dissent concedes see post second narrow exceptions american rule effectively limit inherent power impose attorney fees sanction cases litigant engaged conduct willful disobedience orders many mechanisms permit impose attorney fees sanction conduct merely fails meet reasonableness standard rule example imposes objective standard reasonable inquiry mandate finding bad faith see business guides chromatic communications enterprises true exercise inherent power lower federal courts limited statute rule hese courts created act congress robinson nevertheless lightly assume congress intended depart established principles scope inherent power weinberger see also link alyeska determined congress ha repudiated judicially fashioned exceptions american rule founded inherent power courts nothing since changed assessment thus reaffirmed scope existence exceptions since recent amendments rule sanctioning mechanisms invoked nasco see pennsylvania delaware valley citizen council clean air appeals recognized amendment allowing assessment fees attorney says nothing power assess fees party likewise advisory committee notes amendment rule declare rule build upon expand equitable doctrine permitting award expenses including attorney fees litigant whose opponent acts bad faith instituting conducting litigation citing support decisions roadway express hall thus appeals ninth circuit recognized rule repeal modify existing authority federal courts deal abuses inherent power zaldivar los angeles prior cases indicated inherent power invoked even procedural rules exist sanction conduct link recognized federal district inherent power dismiss case sua sponte failure prosecute even though language federal rule civil procedure appeared require motion party authority dismiss sua sponte lack prosecution generally considered inherent power governed rule statute control necessarily vested courts manage affairs achieve orderly expeditious disposition cases long gone unquestioned apparent many state decisions sustaining dismissals even language opinion redfield ystalyfera iron also sanction wide usage among district courts require much clearer expression purpose rule provides us assume intended abrogate proposition footnotes omitted therefore nothing sanctioning mechanisms prior cases interpreting warrants conclusion federal may matter law resort inherent power impose attorney fees sanction conduct plainly case conduct issue covered one sanctioning provisions neither federal forbidden sanction conduct means inherent power simply conduct also sanctioned statute rules must course exercise caution invoking inherent power must comply mandates due process determining requisite bad faith exists assessing fees see roadway express supra furthermore conduct course litigation adequately sanctioned rules ordinarily rely rules rather inherent power informed discretion neither statute rules task may safely rely inherent power like appeals find abuse discretion resorting inherent power circumstances case true district employed rule sanction chambers filing false frivolous pleadings conduct might reached rules much conduct chambers however beyond reach rules entire course conduct throughout lawsuit evidenced bad faith attempt perpetrate fraud conduct sanctionable rules intertwined within conduct inherent power address circumstances litigant conduct deemed sanctionable requiring first apply rules statutes containing sanctioning provisions discrete occurrences invoking inherent power address remaining instances sanctionable conduct serve foster extensive needless satellite litigation contrary aim rules see advisory committee notes amendment rule pp likewise find district reliance inherent power thwarted purposes sanctioning mechanisms although justice kennedy dissent makes much fact rule rule cast mandatory terms post mandate provisions extends whether must impose sanctions sanction must impose indeed language rules requires impose appropriate sanction thus case distinguishable bank nova scotia held district rely supervisory power means circumventing clear mandate procedural rule iii chambers asserts even federal courts use inherent power assess attorney fees sanction cases free sit diversity unless applicable state law recognizes exception general rule relies alyeska stated regard exceptions american rule different situation presented federal sits diversity case ordinary diversity case state law run counter valid federal statute rule usually state law denying right attorney fees giving right thereto reflects substantial policy state followed moore federal practice pp ed footnotes omitted agree nasco chambers misinterpreted limitation inherent power described applies rules embody substantive policy statute permits prevailing party certain classes litigation recover fees precisely issue sioux county national surety case cited state statute mandated actions enforce insurance policy award plaintiff reasonable attorney fee see enforcing statute treated provision part statutory liability created substantive right indeed alyeska concerned substantive nature public policy choices involved deciding whether vindication rights afforded particular statute important enough warrant award fees see conflict state federal substantive law concerns erie tompkins issue explained hanna plumer outcome determinative test erie guaranty trust york read without reference twin aims erie rule discouragement avoidance inequitable administration laws despite chambers protestations contrary neither twin aims implicated assessment attorney fees sanction conduct involved disobedience orders attempt defraud recent decision business guides chromatic communications enterprises stated rule sanctions constitute kind issue alyeska tied outcome litigation relevant inquiry whether specific filing successful least likewise imposition sanctions exception depends party wins lawsuit parties conduct litigation consequently risk exception lead inequitable apply exception citizens noncitizens alike party controlling conduct litigation power determine whether sanctions assessed appeals expressed erie guarantees litigant takes state law cause action federal abides rules result case brought state allow waste time resources cantankerous conduct even unlikely event state allow chambers recognized see brief petitioner case exception american rule underlying rationale course punitive hall cf pavelic leflore marvel entertainment group award attorney fees bad faith serve purpose remedial fine imposed civil contempt vindicate district authority recalcitrant litigant hutto award ha compensatory effect event distinguish fine civil contempt also compensates private party consequences contemnor disobedience chambers argues primary purpose sanction punitive assessing attorney fees violates state prohibition punitive damages louisiana law punitive damages breach contract even party acted bad faith breaching agreement lancaster petroleum delaware cf art west indeed general rule attorney fees allowed successful litigant louisiana except authorized statute contract rutherford impson clear though general rule focuses award attorney fees party success underlying claim thus frank beier radio black gold marine la state considered scope statute permitted award attorney fees suit seeking collect open account substantive state policy implicated sanctions imposed conduct litigation district attempt sanction petitioner breach contract rather imposed sanctions fraud perpetrated bad faith displayed toward adversary throughout course litigation see agree appeals see district inherent power tax fees conduct made subservient state policy without transgressing boundaries set erie guaranty trust hanna matter substantive remedy vindicating judicial authority iv review imposition sanctions inherent power abuse discretion link see also cooter gell hartmarx rule based circumstances case find district acted within discretion assessing sanction chambers conduct entire amount nasco attorney fees relying cases imposing sanctions rule chambers proffers five criteria imposing attorney fees sanction inherent power argues district acted improperly regard first asserts sanctions must timely order desired deterrent affect sanction imposed fails achieve aim nasco points however made clear even rule sanctions may imposed years judgment merits interrupting proceedings merits conduct sanctions hearings may serve reward party seeking delay importantly sanction assessed conclusion litigation chambers received repeated timely warnings nasco conduct sanctionable cf thomas capital security services en banc consequently district reliance inherent power represent end run around notice requirements rule fact chambers obstinately refused deterred render district action abuse discretion second chambers claims fact entire amount fees awarded means district failed tailor sanction particular wrong nasco points however district concluded full attorney fees warranted due frequency severity chambers abuses judicial system resulting need ensure abuses repeated indeed found chambers actions part sordid scheme deliberate misuse judicial process designed defeat nasco claim harassment repeated endless delay mountainous expense waste financial resources within discretion vindicate compensate nasco requiring chambers pay attorney fees cf toledo scale third chambers maintains district abused discretion failing require nasco mitigate expenses asserts nasco sought summary disposition case litigation concluded much sooner nasco notes chambers made swift conclusion litigation means summary judgment impossible continuing assert material factual disputes existed fourth chambers challenges district imposition sanctions conduct tribunals including fcc appeals asserting may sanction conduct occurring presence cases contrary however long party receives appropriate hearing chambers see party may sanctioned abuses process occurring beyond courtroom disobeying orders see young toledo scale supra example chambers attempt gain fcc permission build new transmission tower direct contravention district orders maintain status quo pending outcome litigation therefore within scope district sanctioning power finally chambers claims award personalized district failed conduct inquiry whether personally responsible challenged conduct assertion flatly contradicted district detailed factual findings concerning chambers involvement sequence events issue indeed specifically held extraordinary amount costs expenses expended proceeding caused lack diligence delays trial matter nasco nasco counsel solely relentless repeated fraudulent brazenly unethical efforts chambers others appeals saw reason disturb finding neither foregoing reasons judgment appeals fifth circuit affirmed footnotes trial date reflected delaying tactics trial set february january gray behalf chambers filed motion recuse judge motion denied subsequent writ mandamus filed appeals make point clear district judge gave counsel copies judge schwarzer article sanctions new federal rule closer look gray resigned counsel chambers ctr several months previously calculating award district deducted amounts previously awarded compensatory damages contempt well amount awarded appellate sanctions also sanctioned individuals parties action chambers sister trustee sanctioned reprimand attorney gray disbarred prohibited seeking readmission three years attorney richard curry represented trustee suspended practice six months attorney mccabe suspended five years although sanctions affect bank accounts individuals nevertheless substantial sanctions proportionate conduct issue monetary sanction imposed chambers indeed case disbarment attorney gray recognized penalty among harshest possible sanctions one derived authority supervise admitted practice see statute provides attorney multiplies proceedings case unreasonably vexatiously may required satisfy personally excess costs expenses attorneys fees reasonably incurred conduct remanded reconsideration proper sanction attorney mccabe number rules provide imposition attorney fees sanction see certification requirement papers pretrial conferences certification requirement discovery requests oral depositions sanctions failure cooperate discovery affidavits accompanying summary judgment motions instances assessment fees one range possible sanctions see others must award fees see case fees may assessed limited incurred result rules violation case rule however violation conceivably warrant imposition fees covering entire litigation example complaint answer filed violation rule generally may act sua sponte imposing sanctions rules see also pennsylvania delaware valley citizens council clean air summit valley industries carpenters rich ex rel industrial lumber regard exception resembles third prong rule certification requirement mandates signer paper filed warrant paper interposed improper purpose harass cause unnecessary delay needless increase cost litigation indeed rule amended precisely subjective standard difficult establish courts therefore reluctant invoke means imposing sanctions see advisory committee notes amendment rule pp consequently little risk courts invoke inherent power chill advocacy litigants attempting vindicate important federal rights see post kennedy dissenting extent risk exist less present invokes rule see cooter gell hartmarx chambers also asserts inherent powers created equal relying eash riggins trucking en banc suggests inherent powers fall three tiers irreducible powers derived article iii exist despite contrary legislative direction essential powers arise nature legislatively regulated abrogated powers necessary sense useful exist absent legislation contrary brief petitioner chambers acknowledges never classified inherent powers need even assuming arguendo power shift fees falls bottom tier alleged hierarchy inherent powers chambers argument unavailing find legislative intent limit scope power advisory committee notes amendments rules reflect similar intent preserve scope inherent power notes rule point sanctioning provisions designed obviate dependence upon rule inherent power indication intent displace inherent power rather simply provide courts additional tool control judicial process notes rule point rule makes explicit authority judges impose appropriate sanctions quires use authority derives rule inherent power citations omitted decision societe internationale pour participations industrielles et commerciales rogers contrary held appeals erred relying district inherent power rule rather federal rule civil procedure iii dismissing complaint plaintiff failure comply discovery order rule dealt specifically discovery sanctions need resort rule pertains trials inherent power ibid moreover individual rules address specific problems many instances might improper invoke one another directly applies cf zaldivar los angeles consequently chambers reformulated argument reply brief primary purpose fee shift exception always compensatory reply petitioner fails utterly therefore express opinion whether district inherent power sanction chambers conduct relating underlying breach contract whether sanctions might implicate concerns erie contrary chambers assertion district sanction failing file requisite papers fcc september although district find conduct deliberate violation agreement done absolute bad faith noted allegedly sanctionable acts committed conduct trial proceeding sanctions sought thus sanctions imposed appl ied sanctionable acts occurred connection proceedings trial although fraudulent transfer assets took place suit filed occurred chambers given notice pursuant rule pending suit consequently sanctions imposed chambers aimed punishing harm done nasco also harm done indeed district made clear policing abuse process imposed sanctions manner proceeding conducted district october time plaintiff gave notice intention file suit see kunstler cert denied white general motors thomas capital security services en banc cf advisory committee notes amendment rule app time sanctions imposed rests discretion trial judge however anticipated case pleadings sanctions issue rule normally determined end litigation case motions time motion decided shortly thereafter particular chambers challenges assessment attorney fees connection nasco claim delay damages closing sale nasco points however chambers conduct course litigation caused delay damages sought greatly complicated closing sale cloud title caused fraudulent transfer justice scalia dissenting agree article iii courts independent coequal branch government derive constitution created jurisdiction established authority courts traditionally done order accomplish assigned tasks elements inherent authority essential judicial power art iii indefeasible among ability enter orders protecting integrity proceedings certain implied powers must necessarily result courts justice nature institution fine contempt imprison contumacy inforce observance order powers dispensed necessary exercise others far courts doubt possess powers immediately derived statute hudson cranch authority dismiss sua sponte lack prosecution generally considered inherent power governed rule statute control necessarily vested courts manage affairs achieve orderly expeditious disposition cases link wabash congress may degree specify manner inherent constitutionally assigned powers president exercised long effectiveness powers impaired cf myers also congress may prescribe means courts may protect integrity proceedings must use prescribed means unless reason inadequate present case undoubtedly justice kennedy concedes impairments district proceedings present case sanctionable federal rules doubt authority go beyond rules circumstances agree overall sanction resting least substantial portion upon inherent power need broken component parts actions sustainable rules separately computed read rules issue require unreasonable import needless complication implication disagree however statement inherent power reaches conduct beyond confines interfer conduct trial ante quoting young ex rel vuitton et fils see scalia concurring judgment bank nova scotia scalia concurring emphatically agree justice kennedy therefore district power impose sanctions petitioner flagrant breach contract agree appears done reason dissent justice kennedy chief justice justice souter join dissenting today decision effects vast expansion power federal courts unauthorized rule statute doubt petitioner engaged sanctionable conduct warrants severe corrective measures outrage conduct obscure boundaries settled legal categories respect submit commits two fundamental errors first permits exercise inherent sanctioning powers without prior recourse controlling rules statutes thereby abrogating federal courts congress power regulate fees costs second upholds wholesale shift respondent attorney fees petitioner even though district opinion reveals petitioner sanctioned least part bad faith breach contract extension inherent authority sanction party prelitigation conduct subverts american rule turns erie doctrine upside punishing petitioner primary conduct contrary louisiana law believe proper exercise inherent powers requires exhaustion express sanctioning provisions much greater caution application redress prelitigation conduct dissent first error lies failure require reliance possible panoply express sanctioning provisions provided congress american rule prohibits federal courts awarding attorney fees absence statute contract providing fee award alyeska pipeline service wilderness society rule recognizes congress defines procedural remedial powers federal courts sibbach wilson mcintire wood cranch controls costs sanctions fines available kaiser aluminum chemical bonjorno allocation costs accruing litigation matter legislature courts alyeska pipeline supra circumstances attorney fees awarded range discretion courts making awards matters congress determine direct action delegation congress exercised constitutional prerogative provide district courts comprehensive arsenal federal rules statutes protect abuse district punish contempt authority including disobedience process fine imprisonment award costs expenses attorney fees attorneys multiply proceedings vexatiously sanction party party attorney filing groundless pleadings motions papers sanction party attorney failure abide pretrial order sanction party attorney baseless discovery requests objections award expenses caused failure attend deposition serve subpoena party deposed award expenses party fails respond discovery requests fails participate framing discovery plan dismiss action claim party fails prosecute comply federal rules obey order punish person fails obey subpoena award expenses contempt damages party presents affidavit summary judgment motion bad faith purpose delay make rules governing local practice inconsistent federal rules see also power award damages costs affirmance app proc power award damages costs frivolous appeal holds nonetheless federal may ignore provisions exercise inherent power sanction bad faith misconduct even procedural rules exist sanction conduct ante describes relation express sanctioning provisions inherent power shift fees sanction bad faith conduct number ways one point neither statute rules task cover sanctionable conduct may safely rely inherent power ante another says courts may place exclusive reliance inherent authority whenever conduct sanctionable rules intertwined within conduct inherent power address ante details rule remain obscure general approach clear express rules statutes provided congress reach entirety litigant bad faith conduct including conduct occurring litigation commenced district may disregard requirements otherwise applicable rules statutes instead exercise inherent power impose sanctions limitation sanctioning authority appears finding point bad faith standard fails define explanation permitted sphere inherent powers shift fees sanction bad faith litigation conduct illegitimate unprecedented american rule recognizes legislature judiciary possesses constitutional responsibility defining sanctions fees bad faith exception rule allows courts assess fees provided congress narrowly defined circumstances roadway express piper allowing courts ignore express rules statutes point however treats inherent powers norm textual bases authority exception although recognizes congress theory may channel inherent powers passage sanctioning rules relies weinberger decision nothing inherent authority create powerful presumption congressional control judicial sanctions ante presumption backwards inherent powers exception rule assertion requires special justification case like applications inherent power authority sanction bad faith litigation practices exercised necessary preserve authority see roadway express piper supra inherent powers necessary exercise others young ex rel vuitton et fils scalia concurring judgment inherent powers necessary permit courts function necessity limitation brushes aside almost without mention ante prescribes rule correct application inherent powers although case require articulation comprehensive definition term necessary least need exercise inherent power congress provided mechanism achieve end consistent unaltered admonition inherent powers must exercised great caution ex parte burr wheat necessity predicate limits exercise inherent powers exceptional instances congressionally authorized powers fail protect processes inherent powers exercised necessary necessity rule statute provides basis sanctions follows district rely authority derived congress rather inherent power every case authority applies despite suggestion contrary ante cases recognize rules statutes limit exercise inherent authority societe internationale pour participations industrielles et commerciales rogers rejected appeals reliance inherent powers uphold dismissal complaint failure comply production order noting eliance upon inherent power obscure analysis problem held whether power dismiss complaint noncompliance production order depends exclusively upon rule similarly bank nova scotia held federal invoke inherent supervisory power circumvent harmless error inquiry prescribed ex parte robinson wall case cites proposition power punish contempt inherent courts ante held congress defined limited inherent power enactment contempt statute enactment limitation upon manner contempt power shall exercised ignores rulings relies instead two decisions indicat inherent power invoked even procedural rules exist sanction conduct ante indications discerns decisions withstand scrutiny roadway express piper supra held costs recoverable prior version discovery abuse include attorney fees remand instruction mentioned district might consider awarding attorney fees either inherent authority sanction litigation practices decision discuss relation rule inherent power federal courts certainly suggest federal courts rely inherent powers exclusion federal rule point also misreads link wabash link held federal district possessed inherent power dismiss case sua sponte failure prosecute majority suggests holding contravened prior version today appeared require motion party ante emphasis added contrary characterization holding link turned determination rule contained permissive language merely authorizes motion defendant emphasis added link reasoned either permissive language rule policy meant rule abrogate inherent power federal courts dismiss sua sponte permissive language issue link distinguishes present context sanctioning provisions rule rule cast mandatory terms addition dismissing precedents misreading others ignores commands federal rules civil procedure support conclusion rely rules inherent powers whenever possible like federal rules criminal procedure federal rules civil procedure binding statute duly enacted congress federal courts discretion disregard rule mandate disregard constitutional statutory provisions bank nova scotia supra see also federal rules govern procedure district courts suits civil nature emphasis added two prominent sanctioning provisions rules mandate imposition sanctions litigants violate rules certification standards see shall impose appropriate sanction violation certification standard see also business guides chromatic communications enterprises rule requires sanctions imposed signature present fails satisfy certification standard rules thus reject contention may discarded discretion disregard applicable rules also circumvents rulemaking procedures et congress designed assure procedural innovations like announced today shall introduced mature consideration informed opinion relevant quarters opportunities comprehensive integrated treatment consideration affords miner atlass upon finding bad faith courts may ignore textual limitations sanctioning power inviting district courts rely inherent authority substitute attention careful distinctions contained rules statutes today decision render sources authority superfluous many instances number pernicious practical effects follow federal rules establish explicit standards explicit checks exercise judicial authority rule provides useful illustration requires district impose reasonable sanctions including attorneys fees party attorney violates certification standards attach signing certain legal papers district must rather may issue sanctions rule particular individuals signers file certain types groundless unwarranted vexatious documents pleadings motions papers rule certification requirements apply signers documents including represented parties see business guides chromatic communications enterprises supra law firms responsible signatures attorneys see pavelic leflore marvel entertainment group rule apply papers filed fora district courts see cooter gell hartmarx definite standards give litigants notice proscribed conduct make possible meaningful review misuse discretion review focuses misapplication legal standards see misuse discretion standard preclude appellate correction district legal errors contrast courts apply inherent powers without specific definitional procedural limits true district wishes shift attorney fees sanction must make finding bad faith circumvent american rule today decision demonstrates little guidance limitation undefined bad faith predicate provides without elaboration courts must comply mandates due process determining requisite bad faith exists ante bad faith standard least without adequate definition thwarts first requirement due process namely entitled informed state commands forbids lanzetta new jersey standardless exercise judicial power may appear innocuous litigation commercial actors unchecked power also applied chill advocacy litigants attempting vindicate important federal rights addition scope sanctionable conduct rule appears unlimited boasts whereas mechanisms rules statutes reaches certain individuals conduct inherent power extends full range litigation abuses ante allowing exclusive resort inherent authority whenever conduct sanctionable rules intertwined within conduct inherent power address ante encourages courts federal system find bad faith misconduct order eliminate need rely specific textual provisions ensure uncertain development meaning scope express sanctioning provisions encouraging disuse defeat least area sanctions congress central goal enacting federal rules uniformity federal courts hanna plumer finally part iv opinion demonstrates lack legal requirement talismanic recitation phrase bad faith foreclose meaningful review sanctions based inherent authority see cooter gell hartmarx supra despite deficiencies insists concern collateral litigation requires courts place exclusive reliance inherent authority cases like one involve conduct sanctionable express provisions inherent authority circumstances litigant conduct deemed santionable requiring first apply rules statutes containing sanctioning provisions discrete occurrences invoking inherent power address remaining instances sanctionable conduct serve foster extensive needless satellite litigation contrary aim rules ante nothing foregoing discussion suggests sanctioning provisions federal rules title eliminate inherent power impose sanctions certain conduct limitations power constitute abrogation cases arise federal must act preserve authority manner provided federal rules title number scope rules statutes governing litigation misconduct increase necessity resort inherent authority predicate proper application lessens indeed difficult imagine case district rely inherent authority exclusive basis sanctions district findings concerning abuse processes demonstrate sanctionable conduct case implicated number rules statutes upon relied rule principal provision point district found petitioner counsel filed number frivolous pleadings including baseless affirmative defenses counterclaims contained deliberate untruths fabrications nasco calcasieu television radio wd la rule sanctions extend person signed paper represented party thus nondefeasible duty impose sanctions rule concedes rule applied conduct case ante even hints rule might sufficed basis sanctions imposed ante fails explain however district discretion ignore rule mandatory language impose sanctions rule chambers inform us chambers attorneys sanctioned rule although district referred chambers strategist abusive conduct made plain petitioner attorneys well petitioner responsible tactics example district stated petitioner attorneys without investigation whatsoever filed baseless charges counterclaims find attorneys knew time filed false district relied well upon sources authority impose sanctions found chambers attorneys requested bsolutely needless depositions well continuances trial dates extensions deadlines deferments scheduled discovery simply part sordid scheme deliberate misuse judicial process defeat nasco claim harassment repeated endless delay mountainous expense waste financial resources intentional pretrial delays sanctioned federal rule civil procedure enables courts impose sanctions including attorney fees party attorney fails participate good faith certain pretrial proceedings multiple discovery abuses redressed appropriate sanction including reasonable attorney fee federal rule civil procedure district also sanctioned chambers attorneys various affidavits presented summary judgment motions see federal rule civil procedure rule permits award expenses attorney fees additional sanction contempt addition district relied much greater extent punish contempt authority isobedience process petitioner counsel displayed throughout proceedings finally district quick dismiss reliance allows award costs attorney fees attorney multiplies proceedings case unreasonably vexatiously district refused apply provision reach petitioner conduct nonattorney district discretion apply disregard statute face attorney misconduct covered provision rely instead inherent powers definition invoked necessary ii district imposes sanctions immense power amorphous inherent authority must ensure order confined conduct authority jurisdiction regulate district failed discharge obligation allowed sanctions awarded petitioner prelitigation breach contract majority perhaps wary district authority extend inherent power sanction prelitigation conduct insists district attempt sanction petitioner breach contract rather imposed sanctions fraud perpetrated bad faith displayed toward adversary throughout course litigation ante omitted based premise appears disclaim holding reaches prelitigation conduct ante nn make opinion point correct course district opinion view sanctioned petitioner prelitigation conduct express terms disagree characterization district opinion believe casual analysis inherent authority portends dangerous extension authority prelitigation conduct explain inherent authority extended district order reversed district candid extensive opinion reveals bad faith petitioner sanctioned extended beyond litigation tactics comprised well district considered bad faith refusing perform underlying contract three weeks lawsuit began made explicit reference instance massive absolutely unnecessary lawsuit forced nasco chambers arbitrary arrogant refusal honor perform perfectly legal enforceable contract see also chambers arbitrarily without legal cause refused perform forcing nasco bring suit specific performance ibid chambers knowing nasco good valid contract hired gray find defense arbitrarily refused perform thereby forcing nasco bring suit specific performance injunctive relief petitioner unjustified arbitrary refusal file fcc application absolute bad faith district makes open express concession sanctioning petitioner breach contract balance fees expenses included sanctions incurred nasco chambers defaulted forced nasco bring suit absolutely reason chambers reimburse full attorney fees expenses nasco chambers action forced pay despite equivocation subject ante impermissible allow district acting pursuant inherent authority sanction prelitigation primary conduct inherent authority extends remedy abuses judicial process contrast awarding damages violation legal norm binding obligation legal contract matter substantive law see marek chesny right attorney fees substantive reasonable definition term see also alyeska must defined either congress cases involving federal law diversity cases american rule recognizes principles bars federal shifting fees matter substantive policy bad faith exception permits sanction extent necessary protect judicial process rule protects person right go federal define vindicate substantive rights ince litigation best uncertain one penalized merely defending prosecuting lawsuit fleischmann distilling maier brewing federal invocation inherent powers sanctions party prelitigation conduct goes well beyond exception american rule violates rule careful balance open access federal system penalties willful abuse exercising inherent power sanction prelitigation conduct district exercised authority congress gave none circumstance exercise power occurred diversity case compounds error federal sits diversity jurisdiction lacks constitutional authority fashion rules decision governing primary contractual relations see erie tompkins hanna plumer see generally ely irrepressible myth erie erie principle recognizes xcept matters governed federal constitution acts congress law applied diversity case law state inherent power exercised violates fundamental tenet federalism announced erie regulating primary behavior constitution leaves exclusive province full effect district encroachment state prerogatives appreciated recalling rationale bad faith exception punishment hall cole extent district imposed sanctions reason breach contract decree award punitive damages breach louisiana prohibits punitive damages unless expressly authorized statute international harvester credit seale la louisiana statute authorizes attorney fees breach contract part damages ordinary case ogea loffland brothers rutherford impson one rationale louisiana policy determination award compensatory damages serve deterrent purpose award punitive damages ricard state la respondent brought suit state recovered extra damages breach contract reason willful character breach respondent decision bring suit federal rather state resulted significant expansion substantive scope remedy result prohibited erie principles flow notes passages district opinion suggesting sanctions confined litigation conduct see ante sanctions imposed appl ied sanctionable acts occurred connection proceedings trial passages way contradict statements trial make express reference prelitigation conduct passages render order ambiguous district appears adopted expansive definition acts occurred connection litigation question sanctionable acts occur problem district opinion avoids clear delineation acts sanctioned power invoked confusion premises district order highlights mischief caused reliance undefined inherent powers rather rules statutes proscribe particular behavior ambiguity scope sanctionable conduct resolved petitioner alone despite conceded conduct attorneys slapped respondent inconsiderable attorney fees least adherence rule law requires case remanded district clarification scope sanctioned conduct iii discussion construed approval behavior petitioner attorneys case quite opposite rules permit sanctions much conduct sort encountered degrades profession disserves justice district courts must permit abuse must hesitate give redress rules statutes prescribed may district imposed full sanction petitioner reliance federal rules statutes well proper exercise inherent authority remand federal must decide cases based legitimate sources power reverse appeals instructions remand district reassessment sanctions consistent principles set forth reasons dissent