Levin v. Commerce Energy, Inc.

Holding: Under the comity doctrine, which compels federal courts to defer to state courts under certain circumstances, lawsuits alleging discriminatory state taxation must initially be brought in state courts.

Judgment: Reversed and Remanded, 9-0, in an opinion by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on June 1, 2010. Justice Kennedy filed a concurring opinion. Justice Thomas filed an opinion concurring in the judgment, joined by Justice Scalia. Justice Alito filed an opinion concurring in the judgment.

Briefs and Documents

Merits Briefs

• Brief for Petitioner Richard Levin
• Brief for Respondent Commerce Energy, Inc., et al.
• Supplemental Brief for Respondent Commerce Energy, Inc., et al.

Amicus Briefs

• Brief for the States of Illinois, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming and The District of Columbia in Support of Petitioner
• Brief for the Multistate Tax Commission in Support of Petitioner
• Brief for the Council on State Taxation in Support of Respondent

Certiorari-stage documents

• Opinion below (6th Circuit)
• Petition for certiorari
• Brief in opposition
• Amicus brief for 29 states
• Petitioner's reply