Arellano v. McDonough
View Official PDFBelow are plain-language sections to help you understand what the Court decided in Arellano v. McDonough and why it matters. Quotes are taken from the syllabus (the Court’s short summary at the start of the opinion).
Summary
A short, plain-English overview of Arellano v. McDonough.
In Arellano v. McDonough, the Supreme Court affirmed that Section 5110(b)(1) is not subject to equitable tolling. The Court found that the statutory text and structure indicate that Congress did not intend for equitable tolling to apply, as it would disrupt the established statutory scheme. The decision emphasizes the importance of adhering to specific legislative language over general equitable principles.
Holding
The single most important “bottom line” of what the Court decided in Arellano v. McDonough.
The Court held that Section 5110(b)(1) is not subject to equitable tolling.
Constitutional Concepts
These are the Constitution-related themes that appear in Arellano v. McDonough. Click a concept to see other cases that involve the same idea.
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Why Remedies and Relief is relevant to Arellano v. McDonough
The case deals with the limits on the types and scope of remedies a court may order, specifically regarding equitable tolling of statutory deadlines.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Equitable tolling 'effectively extends an otherwise discrete limitations period set by Congress' when a litigant diligently pursues his rights but extraordinary circumstances prevent him from bringing a timely action.
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Why Judicial Review is relevant to Arellano v. McDonough
The Court's decision involves interpreting statutory text and structure to determine the applicability of equitable tolling, which is a form of judicial review.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)The Court presumes that federal statutes of limitations are subject to equitable tolling. See Irwin v. Department of Veterans Affairs, 498 U. S. 89, 95–96.
Key Quotes
Short excerpts from the syllabus in Arellano v. McDonough that support the summary and concepts above.
Section 5110(b)(1) is not subject to equitable tolling.
Congress did not want the equitable tolling doctrine to apply.
The nature of the subject matter cannot overcome statutory text and structure that foreclose equitable tolling.