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Bruesewitz v. Wyeth

Docket No. Op. Below Argument Opinion Vote Author Term
09-152 3d Cir. _ Oct 12, 2010 Feb 22, 2011 6-2 Scalia OT 2010

Holding: The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, which created a no-fault program to provide compensation for vaccine-related injuries, preempts all design-defect claims against vaccine manufacturers by individuals seeking compensation for injury or death. (Kagan, J., recused.)

Plain English Holding: The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, which created a no-fault program to provide compensation for vaccine-related injuries, preempts all design-defect claims against vaccine manufacturers by individuals seeking compensation for injury or death.

Judgment: Affirmed, 6-2, in an opinion by Justice Antonin Scalia on February 22, 2011. Justice Breyer filed a concurring opinion. Justice Sotomayor filed a dissenting opinion, which was joined by Justice Ginsburg. (Kagan, J., recused.)

Briefs and Documents

Merits Briefs

Amicus Briefs

Certiorari-Stage Documents

  • Opinion Below (3d Circuit)
  • Petition for Certiorari (unavailable)
  • Brief in Opposition (unavailable)
  • Supplemental Brief Addressed to the Brief for the United States in American Home Products Corp. v. Ferrari (unavailable)
  • Amicus Brief of the National Vaccine Information Center (unavailable)