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Williamson v. Mazda Motor of America, Inc.

Docket No. Op. Below Argument Opinion Vote Author Term
08-1314 Cal. Ct. App. 4th Nov 3, 2010 Feb 23, 2011 8-0 Breyer OT 2010

Holding: State tort suits alleging that car manufacturers should have installed lap-and-shoulder belts, rather than simply lap belts, on rear inner seats are not preempted by federal auto safety standards. (Kagan, J., recused).

Plain English Holding: State tort suits alleging that car manufacturers should have installed lap-and-shoulder belts, rather than simply lap belts, on rear inner seats are not preempted by federal auto safety standards. (Kagan, J., recused)

Judgment: Reversed, 8-0, in an opinion by Justice Breyer on February 23, 2011. Justice Sotomayor filed a concurring opinion. Justice Thomas filed an opinion concurring in the judgment. Justice Kagan took no part in the consideration or decision of this case.

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