miller superintendent pendleton correctional facility et al french et argued april decided june prison inmates pendleton correctional facility brought class action district issued injunction remains effect remedy violations eighth amendment regarding conditions confinement congress subsequently enacted prison litigation reform act plra relevant sets standard entry termination prospective relief civil actions challenging prison conditions specifically provides defendant intervenor may move terminate prospective relief existing injunction meet standard provides may terminate relief makes certain findings dictates motion terminate relief shall operate stay relief beginning days motion filed ending rules motion petitioner prison officials hereinafter state filed motion terminate remedial order respondent prisoners moved enjoin operation automatic stay arguing violates due process separation powers principles district enjoined stay state appealed intervened defend constitutionality affirming seventh circuit concluded precluded courts exercising equitable powers enjoin stay statute construed unconstitutional separation powers grounds held congress clearly intended make operation plra automatic stay provision mandatory precluding courts exercising equitable power enjoin stay government contends interpret statute displacing courts traditional equitable authority preserve status quo pending resolution merits absent clearest command contrary reading remove equitable power raise serious separation powers questions therefore avoided canon constitutional doubt congress made intent clear must give effect intent sinclair refining atkinson stay automatic state defendant filed motion command shall operate stay specified time period indicates mandatory throughout period statute plain meaning subverted interpreted merely mechanism prevent courts suspending stay viewing automatic stay provision context whole confirms conclusion section provides appeal order preventing automatic stay operation denial motion enjoin stay provision nature makes sense stay required operate specific time period attempt district circumvent mandatory stay immediately reviewable mandamus appropriate remedy granted exercise sound discretion given curbing courts equitable discretion principal objective plra odd congress left enforcement discretion section also support government view permits stay starting point delayed days affect stay operation begins construing remove courts equitable discretion raises constitutional questions canon constitutional doubt permits avoid questions saving construction plainly contrary congress intent pp section violate separation powers principles constitution prohibits one branch government encroaching central prerogatives another article iii gives federal judiciary power merely rule cases decide subject review superior article iii courts plaut spendthrift farm respondents contend violates separation powers principle legislatively suspending final judgment article iii violation plaut hayburn case dall unlike situation hayburn case involve direct review judicial decision legislative executive branch involve reopening final judgment addressed plaut plaut careful distinguish legislation attempted reopen dismissal money damages suit altering prospective effect injunctions entered article iii courts prospective relief continuing executory decree remains subject alteration due changes underlying law cf landgraf usi film products conclusion follows decision pennsylvania wheeling belmont bridge wheeling bridge ii prospective relief issued pennsylvania wheeling belmont bridge wheeling bridge became unenforceable congress altered law underlying ongoing relief applied wheeling bridge ii principles demonstrate automatic stay unconstitutionally suspend reopen article iii judgment tell judges reflects change implemented establishes new standards prospective relief plaut wheeling bridge ii instruct congress changes law underlying judgment awarding relief relief longer enforceable extent inconsistent new law although remedial injunction final judgment purposes appeal last word judicial department subject continuing supervisory jurisdiction therefore may altered according subsequent changes law reasons violate separation powers principle articulated klein wall found unconstitutional statute purporting prescribe rules decision federal judiciary cases pending amend legal standard help respondents read context whole provision prescribe rule decision imposes consequences application new legal standard finally congress imposition time limit offend structural concerns underlying separation powers whether time short deprives litigants opportunity heard due process question occasion decide whether time constraint judicial action severe implicated structural separation powers concerns pp reversed remanded delivered opinion rehnquist scalia kennedy thomas joined souter ginsburg joined parts ii souter filed opinion concurring part dissenting part ginsburg joined breyer filed dissenting opinion stevens joined charles miller superintendent pendleton correctional facility et petitioners richard french et al petitioner richard french et al writs certiorari appeals seventh circuit june justice delivered opinion prison litigation reform act plra establishes standards entry termination prospective relief civil actions challenging prison conditions stat prospective relief existing injunction satisfy standards defendant intervenor entitled immediate termination relief supp iv plra automatic stay provision motion terminate prospective relief shall operate stay relief period beginning days filing motion extendable days good cause ending rules motion superintendent pendleton correctional facility currently operating ongoing injunction remedy violations eighth amendment regarding conditions confinement filed motion terminate prospective relief plra respondent prisoners moved enjoin operation automatic stay provision arguing unconstitutional district enjoined stay appeals seventh circuit affirmed must decide whether district may enjoin operation plra automatic stay provision whether provision violates separation powers principles litigation began four inmates pendleton correctional facility brought class action rev stat behalf persons confined facility predecessors office petitioners hereinafter state record doc trial district found living conditions prison violated state federal law including eighth amendment prohibition cruel unusual punishment issued injunction correct violations french owens supp sd ind aff part vacated remanded part state appeal pending decided pennhurst state school hospital halderman held eleventh amendment deprives federal courts jurisdiction claims injunctive relief state officials based state law accordingly appeals seventh circuit remanded action district reconsideration remand district concluded state law violations also ran afoul eighth amendment issued amended remedial order address constitutional violations order also accounted improvements living conditions pendleton facility occurred interim ibid appeals affirmed amended remedial order aspects governing overcrowding double celling use mechanical restraints staffing quality food medical services vacated portions pertaining exercise recreation protective custody fire occupational safety standards ongoing injunctive relief remained effect ever since last modification occurring october parties resolved joint stipulation remaining issues related fire occupational safety standards record doc congress enacted plra relevant plra establishes standards entry termination prospective relief civil actions challenging conditions prison facilities specifically shall grant approve prospective relief unless finds relief narrowly drawn extends necessary correct violation federal right least intrusive means necessary correct violation federal right supp iv criteria apply existing injunctions defendant intervenor may move terminate prospective relief meet standard see particular provides civil action respect prison conditions defendant intervener shall entitled immediate termination prospective relief relief approved granted absence finding relief narrowly drawn extends necessary correct violation federal right least intrusive means necessary correct violation federal right may terminate prospective relief however makes written findings based record prospective relief remains necessary correct current ongoing violation federal right extends necessary correct violation federal right prospective relief narrowly drawn least intrusive means necessary correct violation plra also requires courts rule promptly motions terminate prospective relief mandamus available remedy failure finally provision issue dictates certain circumstances prospective relief shall stayed pending resolution motion terminate specifically subsection entitled automatic stay motion modify terminate prospective relief made subsection shall operate stay period beginning day motion filed case motion made paragraph subsection ending date enters final order ruling motion one several amendments plra congress permitted courts postpone entry automatic stay days good cause include general congestion docket stat codified june state filed motion terminate prospective relief governing conditions confinement pendleton correctional facility record doc response prisoner class moved temporary restraining order preliminary injunction enjoin operation automatic stay arguing unconstitutional violation due process clause fifth amendment separation powers principles district granted prisoners motion enjoining automatic stay see doc see also french duckworth state appealed intervened pursuant defend constitutionality appeals seventh circuit affirmed district order concluding although precluded courts exercising equitable powers enjoin operation automatic stay statute construed unconstitutional separation powers grounds see reasoned congress drafted unequivocal terms clearly providing motion terminate shall operate stay specified time period acknowledging courts lightly assume congress meant restrict equitable powers federal courts appeals found impossible read language anything less ibid turning constitutional question characterized legislative determination specific decree federal must set aside least period time concluded directly suspends order violation separation powers doctrine plaut spendthrift farm mandates particular rule decision least pendency termination motion contrary klein wall see concluded unconstitutional separation powers grounds appeals reach prisoners due process claims dissent three judges denied rehearing en banc see easterbrook dissenting denial rehearing en banc granted certiorari resolve conflict among courts appeals whether permits federal courts exercise traditional equitable authority enjoin operation plra automatic stay provision review appeals judgment construed unconstitutional compare ruiz johnson holding district courts retain equitable discretion suspend automatic stay therefore constitutional hadix johnson case ii address statutory question first state prisoner class agree majority dissenting judges precludes district exercising equitable powers enjoin automatic stay government argues however construed leave intact federal courts traditional equitable discretion stay stay invoking two canons statutory construction first government contends interpret statute displacing courts traditional equitable authority preserve status quo pending resolution merits bsent clearest command contrary califano yamasaki second government asserts reading remove equitable power raise serious separation powers questions therefore avoided canon constitutional doubt like appeals lightly assume congress meant restrict equitable powers federal courts agree constitutionally doubtful constructions avoided fairly possible communications workers beck congress made intent clear must give effect intent sinclair refining atkinson text provides ny motion terminate prospective relief subsection shall operate stay fixed period time days motion filed enters final order ruling motion supp iv emphasis added stay automatic state defendant filed motion statutory command motion shall operate stay specified time period indicates stay mandatory throughout period time see lexecon milberg weiss bershad hynes lerach mandatory shall normally creates obligation impervious judicial discretion nonetheless government contends reading statute preserve courts traditional equitable powers enter appropriate injunctive relief consistent text view simply mechanism purpose automatic stay provision merely relieve defendants burden establishing prerequisites stay eliminate courts discretion deny stay even prerequisites established based public interest hardship plaintiffs thus reading nothing prevents courts subsequently suspending automatic stay applying traditional standards injunctive relief interpretation however subvert plain meaning statute making mandatory language merely permissive section motion terminate prospective relief shall operate stay specified time period days filing motion rules motion emphasis added thus statute employ mandatory term shall also specifies points operation stay begin end words contrary justice breyer suggestion language says nothing district power modify suspend operation stay post dissenting opinion unequivocally mandates stay shall operate specific interval allow courts exercise equitable discretion prevent stay operating statutorily prescribed period contradict plain terms mean motion terminate merely may operate stay despite statute command shall effect congress intended accomplish nothing relieve state defendants burden establishing prerequisites stay language best awkward indirect means achieve result viewing automatic stay provision context whole confirms congress intended prohibit federal courts exercising equitable authority suspend operation automatic stay specific appeal provision contained ny order staying suspending delaying barring operation automatic stay shall appealable pursuant first blush provision might read supporting view congress expressly recognized possibility district exercise equitable discretion enjoin stay two courts appeals construed preserving federal courts equitable powers reached conclusion based reading see ruiz johnson hadix johnson reasoned congress provided expedited review orders intended district courts retain power enter orders first place see ibid words congress understood cases conscientious district acting good faith perceive equity required suspend stay congress therefore permitted district subject appellate review ruiz johnson supra critical flaw construction however provides appeal order preventing operation automatic stay order staying suspending delaying barring operation automatic stay shall appealable rationale provision situations equity demands automatic stay suspended presumably denial motion enjoin stay also appealable nature appeal provision makes sense automatic stay required operate specific time period attempt district circumvent mandatory stay immediately reviewable government contends congress goal prevent courts circumventing plra plain commands mandamus appropriate remedy appellate review proposition doubtful mandamus extraordinary remedy granted exercise sound discretion whitehouse illinois central given curbing equitable discretion district courts one plra principal objectives odd congress left enforcement discretion instead congress sensibly chose make available immediate appeal resolve situations courts mistakenly believe novel scheme created plra authority enjoin automatic stay rather extraordinary remedy mandamus requires showing clear indisputable right issuance writ see mallard dist southern dist iowa event originally enacted provide interlocutory review courts refused enter automatic stay appeals fifth circuit review refusal congress amended provide interlocutory review see scott ruiz johnson supra see also supp iv finally government finds support view provision authorizes extension good cause starting point automatic stay days motion filed days motion filed government explains allowing prevent entry stay days relatively generous good cause standard congress negative implication preserved courts discretion suspend stay time stringent standard injunctive relief sure allowing delay entry stay days based good cause standard necessarily imply reason preventing operation stay example basis traditional equitable principles precluded read isolation read together clear district enjoin operation automatic stay motion shall operate stay specific time period section adjusts starting point stay merely permits starting point delayed period passed motion shall operate stay rules motion time attempt enjoin stay irreconcilable plain language statute thus although construe statute displace courts traditional equitable authority absent clearest command califano yamasaki convinced congress intent remove discretion unmistakable construction raises constitutional questions canon constitutional doubt permits us avoid questions saving construction plainly contrary intent congress edward debartolo florida gulf coast building constr trades council press statutory construction point disingenuous evasion even avoid constitutional question locke quoting george moore ice cream rose see also pennsylvania dept corrections yeskey constitutional doubt canon apply statute unambiguous commodity futures trading schor constitutional doubt canon give prerogative ignore legislative like appeals find unambiguous accordingly adopt justice breyer flexible interpretation statute post construction preserved courts equitable discretion enjoin automatic stay effectively convert plra mandatory stay discretionary one plainly contrary congress intent enacting stay provision must confront constitutional issue iii constitution enumerates separates powers three branches government articles ii iii structure constitution exemplifies concept separation powers ins chadha boundaries three branches hermetically sealed see constitution prohibits one branch encroaching central prerogatives another see loving buckley valeo per curiam powers judicial branch set forth article iii judicial power shall vested one inferior courts congress may time time ordain establish provides federal courts shall staffed judges hold office good behavior whose compensation shall diminished tenure office explained plaut spendthrift farm article iii gives federal judiciary power merely rule cases decide subject review superior courts article iii hierarchy respondent prisoners contend encroaches central prerogatives judiciary thereby violates separation powers doctrine prisoners assert legislatively suspending final judgment article iii violation plaut hayburn case dall according prisoners remedial order governing living conditions pendleton correctional facility final judgment article iii constitutes impermissible usurpation judicial power commands district suspend prospective relief order albeit temporarily analysis principles underlying hayburn case plaut well examination interaction provisions makes clear offend separation powers principles hayburn case arose statute authorized pensions veterans revolutionary war see act mar ch stat statute provided circuit courts review applications determine appropriate amount pension secretary war discretion either adopt reject courts findings hayburn case supra although reach constitutional issue hayburn case opinions five justices sitting circuit courts reported since recognized case stands principle congress vest review decisions article iii courts officials executive branch plaut supra see also morrison olson recognized plaut effort coequal branch annul final judgment assumption judicial power therefore forbidden quoting bates kimball chipman unlike situation hayburn case involve direct review judicial decision officials legislative executive branches nonetheless prisoners suggest falls within hayburn prohibition indirect legislative suspension reopening final judgment addressed plaut see plaut supra quoting hayburn case supra opinion iredell sitgreaves decision circumstances liable revision even suspension egislature judicial power kind appears plaut held federal statute required federal courts reopen final judgments entered statute enactment unconstitutional separation powers grounds suits must commenced within one year discovery facts constituting violation within three years violation light intervening decision plaut plaintiffs suit untimely district accordingly dismissed action time barred plaut supra judgment dismissing case become final congress enacted statute providing reinstatement actions including plaut plaintiffs dismissed lampf timely previously applicable statute limitations concluded retroactive command federal courts reopen final judgments exceeded congress authority decision inferior within article iii hierarchy final word department unless time appeal expired obligation last hierarchy rules case give effect congress latest enactment even effect overturning judgment inferior since every level must decide according existing laws quoting schooner peggy cranch judicial decision achieves finality becomes last word judicial department article iii gives federal judiciary power merely rule cases decide subject review superior courts article iii hierarchy judicial power one render dispositive judgments congress retroactively command article iii courts reopen final judgments quoting easterbrook presidential review case res rev internal quotation marks omitted plaut however careful distinguish situation case legislation attempted reopen dismissal suit seeking money damages legislation altered prospective effect injunctions entered article iii courts intervening statute authorizes affects propriety prospective relief application new provision retroactive conclusion follows decisions pennsylvania wheeling belmont bridge wheeling bridge pennsylvania wheeling belmont bridge wheeling bridge ii wheeling bridge held bridge across ohio river low unlawfully obstruct ed navigation ohio ordered bridge raised permanently removed shortly thereafter congress enacted legislation declaring bridge lawful structur establishing bridge passage mails declaring wheeling belmont bridge company authorized maintain bridge site elevation wheeling bridge ii bridge destroyed storm pennsylvania sued enjoin bridge reconstruction arguing statute legalizing bridge unconstitutional effectively annulled decision wheeling bridge rejected argument concluding decree wheeling bridge provided ongoing relief directing abatement obstruction enjoined defendants continuance reconstruction obstruction intervening statute altered underlying law bridge longer unlawful obstruction held quite plain decree enforced wheeling bridge ii explained wheeling bridge awarded money damages action law judgment final congress later action affected plaintiff right damages see decree entered wheeling bridge provided prospective relief continuing injunction continuation reconstruction bridge ongoing validity injunctive relief depended whether bridge interferes right navigation congress altered underlying law bridge longer unlawful obstruction injunction maintenance bridge enforceable see applied principles wheeling bridge ii demonstrate automatic stay unconstitutionally suspend reopen judgment article iii section tell judges easterbrook dissenting denial rehearing en banc instead merely reflects change implemented heavy lifting statutory scheme establishing new standards prospective relief see berwanger cottey section prohibits continuation prospective relief approved granted absence finding relief narrowly drawn extends necessary correct violation federal right least intrusive means correct violation absence findings based record prospective relief remains necessary correct current ongoing violation federal right extends necessary correct violation federal right prospective relief narrowly drawn least intrusive means necessary correct violation accordingly prospective relief existing decree granted approved absent findings prospective relief must cease see unless makes findings record relief remains necessary correct ongoing violation narrowly tailored see plra automatic stay provision assists enforcement requiring stay prospective relief due change underlying standard longer enforceable prospective relief supported findings specified establishing new standards enforcement prospective relief congress altered relevant underlying law plra restricted courts authority issue enforce prospective relief concerning prison conditions requiring relief supported findings precisely tailored needed remedy violation federal right see benjamin jacobson en banc imprisoned citizens union ridge tyler murphy inmates suffolk county jail rouse note constitutionality challenged assume without deciding new standards pronounces effective plaut wheeling bridge ii instruct congress changes law underlying judgment awarding prospective relief relief longer enforceable extent inconsistent new law although remedial injunction final judgment purposes appeal last word judicial department plaut prospective relief must modified later turns one obligations placed upon parties become impermissible federal law ibid see also railway employees wright authority alter prospective effect injunction reflect change circumstances whether law fact occurred since injunction entered lauf shinner applying act prohibition district entry injunctive relief absence findings entry automatic stay helps implement change law caused prospective relief existing decree supported findings required made findings required prospective relief longer enforceable must stayed entry stay reopen suspend previous judgment divest authority decide merits termination motion rather stay merely reflects changed legal circumstances prospective relief existing decree longer enforceable remains unenforceable unless makes findings required reasons violate separation powers principle articulated klein wall case klein executor estate confederate sympathizer sought recover value property seized civil war statute recoverable klein demonstrate decedent given aid comfort rebellion see padelford wall held presidential pardon satisfied burden proving aid comfort given klein case pending congress enacted statute providing pardon instead taken proof pardoned individual fact aided enemy claimant offered proof pardon must dismiss case lack jurisdiction klein concluded statute unconstitutional purported prescribe rules decision judicial department government cases pending prisoners argue congress similarly prescribed rule decision period time district makes final decision merits motion terminate prospective relief mandates particular outcome termination prospective relief noted plaut however hatever precise scope klein later decisions made clear prohibition take hold congress amend applicable law prisoners concede point contend amend legal standard klein still applicable explained however must read isolation context whole section operates conjunction new standards continuation prospective relief new standards met stay shall operate unless makes findings required rather prescribing rule decision simply imposes consequences application new legal standard finally prisoners assert even fall within recognized prohibitions hayburn case plaut klein still offends principles separation powers places deadline judicial decisionmaking thereby interfering core judicial functions congress imposition time limit however offend structural concerns underlying constitution separation powers example plra granted courts years determine whether make required findings certainly plra raise apprehensions congress encroached core function judiciary decide cases controversies properly raines respondents concern time limit must relative brevity whether time short deprives litigants meaningful opportunity heard due process question issue us leave open therefore question whether time limit particularly complex case may implicate due process concerns contrast due process principally serves protect personal rights litigants full fair hearing separation powers principles primarily addressed structural concerns protecting role independent judiciary within constitutional design action occasion decide whether time constraint judicial action severe implicated structural separation powers concerns plra deprive courts adjudicatory role merely provides new legal standard relief encourages courts apply standard promptly plra congress clearly intended make operation automatic stay mandatory precluding courts exercising equitable powers enjoin stay conclude provision violate separation powers principles accordingly judgment appeals seventh circuit reversed action remanded proceedings consistent opinion ordered charles miller superintendent pendleton correctional facility et petitioners richard french et al petitioner richard french et al writs certiorari appeals seventh circuit june justice breyer justice stevens joins dissenting prison litigation reform act plra says party intervener may move terminate prospective relief previously granted supp iv shall terminate modify relief unless necessary correct current ongoing violation federal right extends necessary correct violation least intrusive means consider related procedural provision plra says ny motion modify terminate prospective relief shall operate stay prospective relief period beginning later day filing motion ending motion decided provision means approximately following suppose district entered injunction governing present future prison conditions suppose party filed motion plra asking terminate modify injunction district days decide whether grant motion days injunction terminate automatically regaining life extent judge eventually decided deny plra motion majority interprets words shall operate stay mean terms example injunction must become ineffective day matter solicitor general however believes view adopted majority interpretation rigid calls doubt constitutionality provision argues statute silent whether district modify suspend operation automatic stay find silence sufficient authority create exception time limit circumstances make necessary read statute neither displace courts traditional equitable authority raise significant constitutional difficulties see califano yamasaki clearest congressional command displaces courts traditional equity powers edward debartolo florida gulf coast building constr trades council construe statute avoid constitutional problems less construction plainly contrary intent congress agree solicitor general believe adopt reasonable statute ibid quoting hooper california stating every reasonable construction must resorted order save statute outset one must understand flexible interpretation statute might needed one must keep mind extreme circumstances least prison litigation originally sought correct complexity resulting judicial decrees potential difficulties arising subsequent need review decrees order make certain follow congress plra directives hypothetical example based actual circumstances may help january federal district made factual findings describing extremely poor indeed barbaric shocking prison conditions commonwealth puerto rico morales feliciano romero barcelo supp pr conditions included prisons typically operating twice number prisoners designed hold inmates living square feet space feet feet inmates without medical care without psychiatric care without beds without mattresses without hot water without soap towels toothbrushes underwear food prepared budget per day tons food destroyed rats vermin worms spoilage working toilets showers urinals flush sinks plumbing systems state collapse stench omnipresent exposed wiring fire extinguisher poor ventilation calabozos dungeons like cages bars top two slits steel door opening onto central corridor floors covered raw sewage contained prisoners severe mental illnesses caged like wild animals sometimes months areas prison mentally ill inmates kept cells naked without beds without mattresses without private possessions without toilets work without drinking water conditions led epidemics communicable diseases untreated mental illness suicides murders district held conditions amounted constitutionally forbidden cruel unusual punishment entered specific orders designed produce constitutionally mandated improvement requiring prison system example screen food handlers communicable diseases close calabozos move mentally ill patients hospitals fix broken plumbing provide least square feet feet feet living space prisoner pervasiveness seriousness conditions described opinion made conditions difficult cure quickly next decade district entered orders embodied published opinions affecting prison institutions orders concerned inter alia overcrowding security disciplinary proceedings prisoner classification rehabilitation parole drug addiction treatment surprisingly related proceedings involved extensive evidence argument consuming thousands pages transcript see morales feliciano romero barcelo supp pr implementation involved services two monitors two assistants special master along way documented degree administrative chaos prison system morales feliciano hernandez colon supp pr entered findings contempt commonwealth followed assessment collection million fines see morales feliciano hernandez colon supp pr prison conditions subsequently improved respects morales feliciano rossello gonzalez supp pr express opinion whether earlier orders still needed brief summary litigation illustrate potential difficulties involved making determination continuing necessity required plra prison litigation complex litigation described may prove difficult district reach fair accurate decision orders remain necessary least intrusive means available prevent correct continuing violation federal law orders needed resolve serious constitutional problems may still needed compliance yet assured complex interrelated applicable many different institutions ninety days might provide sufficient time ascertain views several different parties including monitors allow present evidence permit respond arguments evidence others least possible statute majority reads sometimes terminate complex system orders entered period years familiar local problem perhaps reinstate orders later termination motion decided automatic termination leave constitutionally prohibited conditions unremedied least temporarily alternatively threat termination lead district abbreviate proceedings fairness otherwise demand minimum mandatory automatic stay provide recipe uncertainty complex judicial orders long governed administration particular prison systems suddenly turn perhaps selectively back read statute directly interferes exercise traditional equitable authority rendering temporarily ineffective remedies aimed correcting past perhaps ongoing violations constitution interpretation majority concedes might give rise serious constitutional problems ante ii solicitor general flexible reading statute avoids problems notes relevant language says motion modify terminate prospective relief shall operate stay period days extendable good cause days see also brief language says nothing however district power modify suspend operation stay solicitor general view stay determine legal status quo district retain traditional equitable power change status quo party seeking modification suspension operation stay demonstrates stay cause irreparable injury termination motion likely defeated merits motion resolved automatic stay takes effect ibid shown discretion suspend automatic stay require prison officials comply outstanding orders resolves termination motion merits subject immediate appellate review interpretation reasonable construction statute edward debartolo party demonstrates need accordance traditional equitable criteria irreparable injury likelihood success merits balancing possible harms parties public see doran salem inn yakus logical inconsistency saying motion terminate shall operate stay retains power modify delay operation stay appropriate circumstances statutory language says nothing power silent direct district leave stay place come may flexible interpretation deprive procedural provision meaning filing motion terminate prospective relief still certain period operate stay without action thus motion automatically changes status quo imposes upon party wishing suspend automatic stay burden demonstrating strong special reasons word automatic various subsection titles prove contrary word often means unstoppable see websters third new international dictionary indeed bankruptcy act uses words automatic stay describe provision stating petition filed operates stay certain judicial proceedings despite fact later portion provision makes clear certain circumstances bankruptcy may terminate annul modify stay see also cong rec statement abraham explaining modeled bankruptcy act provision poultry producers financial protection act specifies appeals decree affirming order secretary agriculture shall operate injunction restraining live poultry dealer violating order yet appears one ever suggested appeals lacks power modify injunction appropriate moreover change legal status quo automatic stay bring need demonstrate special need lift stay according traditional equitable criteria mean stay remain effect highly unusual cases addition surrounding procedural provisions naturally read favoring flexible interpretation immediately preceding provision requires rule promptly upon motion terminate says andamus shall lie remedy failure issue prompt ruling motion terminate takes effect automatically stay days difficult understand purpose served providing mandamus procedure complicated matter take several weeks automatic stay might modified lifted unusual case providing mandamus makes considerable sense guarantees appellate make certain unusual circumstances fact justify modification lifting stay later provision provides immediate appeal order staying suspending delaying barring operation automatic stay read providing similar appellate review similar reasons legislative history neutral silent issue yet relevant judicial precedent precedent read statutory silence denying judges authority exercise traditional equitable powers rather reads statutory silence authorizing exercise powers said example ne thing clear congress wished deprive courts historic power knew use apt words done statute born exigencies war supra compare lockerty phillips finding courts deprived equity powers statute explicitly removed jurisdiction essence equity jurisdiction power chancellor equity mould decree necessities particular case finally flexible interpretation consistent congress purposes revealed statute purposes include avoidance new judicial relief overly broad longer necessary reassessment relief bring conformity standards congress simultaneously expressed intent maintain relief narrowly drawn necessary end unconstitutional practices see statute flexibly interpreted risks interfering first set objectives extent speedy appellate review provided statute fails control district error interpretation avoids improper provisional termination relief constitutionally necessary risk occasional small additional delay seems comparatively small price pay terms statute entire set purposes avoid serious constitutional problems accompany majority rigid interpretation upshot statute read light language structure purpose history open interpretation allow modify suspend automatic stay party accordance traditional equitable criteria demonstrated need exception interpretation reflects historic reluctance read statute depriving courts traditional equitable powers also avoids constitutional difficulties might arise unusual cases argue interpretation reflects natural reading statute language assert individual legislator endorsed reading time interpretation reasonable construction statute reading harmonizes statute language basic legal principles including constitutional principles better fits full set legislative objectives embodied statute rigid reading majority adopts reasons believe solicitor general flexible reading proper reading statute us consequently vacate decision appeals remand action proceedings charles miller superintendent pendleton correctional facility et petitioners richard french et al petitioner richard french et al writs certiorari appeals seventh circuit june justice souter justice ginsburg joins concurring part dissenting part agree supp iv unambiguous join parts ii majority opinion also agree applying automatic stay may raise due process issue whether plaintiff fair chance preserve existing judgment valid entered ante believe applying statute may also raise serious issue time allows turns inadequate determine whether new prerequisite relief satisfied particular thus join part iii opinion remand require proceedings consistent one respectfully dissent terms disposition prospective remedial order may rest least three different legal premises underlying right meant secured rules procedure obtaining relief defining requisites pleading notice cases rules lying two defining required level certainty remedy may ordered permissible scope relief issue rules last congress authority change rules sort imposing new conditions precedent continuing enforcement existing prospective remedial orders requiring courts apply new rules orders cf plaut spendthrift farm legislation gives courts adequate time determine applicability new rule old order take action necessary apply vacate order seems little basis claiming congress crossed constitutional line interfere performance judicial function determining whether new rule applies requires time say new factfinding statute provides insufficient time make determination statute invalidates extant remedial order application statute raises serious question whether congress practical terms assumed judicial function case prospective order suddenly turns unenforceable made judgment terminate due changed law fact one tell time allowed whether new rule requires modification old order one way view result see congress mandating modification order may turn perfectly enforceable new rule depending judicial factfinding facts taken way new statute might well treated usurping judicial function determining applicability general rule particular factual cf klein wall whether constitutional issue arises facts action however something yet tell district address sufficiency time provided statute make findings required particular absent determination decide question simply remand proceedings district determined lacked adequate time make requisite findings period automatic stay become effective applying stay violate separation powers question properly presented footnotes together french et also certiorari footnotes originally enacted provided ny prospective relief subject pending motion termination shall automatically stayed period beginning day motion filed ending date enters final order ruling motion stat amendments plra revised automatic stay provision current form congress specified amendments shall apply pending cases note supp iv footnotes forecloses possibility challenge based insufficient time plra action occasion decide whether time constraint judicial action severe implicated structural separation powers concerns plra deprive courts adjudicatory role merely provides new legal standard relief encourages courts apply standard promptly ante provisions plra narrow scope underlying entitlements order protect orders may issued secure constitutional rights unaffected plra event concern solely plra changes requisites relief constitutional question inherent possible circumstances seem squarely addressed cases congress engage discretionary review particular judicial judgment cf plaut spendthrift farm characterizing hayburn case dall try modify final judgment cf stay result judicial application change underlying law cf pennsylvania wheeling belmont bridge plaut supra characterizing klein wall instead time insufficient make judicial determination applicability new rules stay result inability judicial branch exercise judicial power determining whether new rules applied cf marbury madison cranch emphatically province duty judicial department say law neither appeals merely speculated may cases courts able carry adjudicative function responsible way within time limits imposed french duckworth without deciding whether case presented situation concluded klein congress take away power particular case preserve status quo ponders weighty questions ibid