{"argument_date":"2012-01-11T00:00:00Z","arguments":[{"argument_date":"2012-01-11T00:00:00Z","heading":"What happened at the argument","official_detail_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcript/2011","official_transcript_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","paragraphs":["Mr. Keisler argued the term award has a specific meaning in the Act.","Mr. Palmore argued the side that brought the case's interpretation makes the provision impossible to apply.","Mr. Gillelan stated Dana Roberts was injured in 2002 but awarded compensation in 2007."],"reargument":false,"sequence":1,"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 28, lines 17-35","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 28, lines 17-35"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 19-9","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 19-9"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 7-17","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 7-17"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 13-15","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 13-15"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 17-35","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 17-35"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 41-45","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 41-45"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 49, lines 15-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 49, lines 15-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 13-17","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 13-17"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 31-37","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 31-37"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 41-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 41-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 17-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 17-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 37-3","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 37-3"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 19-23","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 19-23"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 27-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 27-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 49-7","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 49-7"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 13-23","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 13-23"}]}],"caption":"Roberts v. Sea-Land Services, Inc.","case_history":[{"changed_at":"2026-08-29T20:06:35.529564Z","explanation":"An official oral-argument transcript was verified.","status":"argued"}],"case_status":"argued","dek":"The dispute centers on whether an employer must pay benefits immediately or wait for a formal agency order.","dek_sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 28, lines 17-35","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 28, lines 17-35"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 19-9","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 19-9"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 49, lines 15-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 49, lines 15-1"}],"dispositions":[],"latest_court_document_date":"2012-01-11T00:00:00Z","maturity":"official_transcript","official_detail_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcript/2011","official_disposition_urls":[],"official_docket_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docketfiles/html/public/10-1399.html","primary_docket":"10-1399","revisions":[{"correction_note":"Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.","created_at":"2026-08-30T23:18:07.331760Z","maturity":"official_transcript","revision_number":1},{"correction_note":"Migrated to the dated official Court activity contract without model use.","created_at":"2026-09-05T03:22:24Z","maturity":"official_transcript","revision_number":2}],"schema_version":"1.1","sections":[{"heading":"What this case is about","paragraphs":["Dana Roberts worked for Sea-Land Services. He became disabled in 2002. He received compensation in 2007. The parties disagree on the start date for benefits."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 28, lines 17-35","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 28, lines 17-35"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 19-9","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 19-9"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 49, lines 15-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 49, lines 15-1"}]},{"heading":"How the case got here","paragraphs":["The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on January 11, 2012."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 7-17","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 7-17"}]},{"heading":"What each side wants","paragraphs":["the side that brought the case wants the court to reject the employer's interpretation of the statute.","the opposing side wants the court to require a formal agency award before benefits start."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 28, lines 17-35","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 28, lines 17-35"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 19-9","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 19-9"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 49, lines 15-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 49, lines 15-1"}]},{"heading":"What each side says","paragraphs":["the side that brought the case argues the statute allows benefits without a formal agency order.","the opposing side argues the statute requires a formal agency order for benefits."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 28, lines 17-35","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 28, lines 17-35"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 19-9","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 19-9"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 49, lines 15-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 49, lines 15-1"}]},{"heading":"What the justices asked","paragraphs":["Justice Scalia asked if the statute applies to survivors currently receiving compensation.","Justice Scalia asked if receiving compensation requires a formal agency award."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 13-15","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 13-15"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 17-35","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 17-35"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 41-45","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 41-45"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 13-17","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 13-17"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 31-37","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 31-37"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 41-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 41-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 17-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 17-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 37-3","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 37-3"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 19-23","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 19-23"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 27-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 27-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 49-7","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 49-7"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 13-23","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 13-23"}]},{"heading":"Why it matters","paragraphs":["This case defines when employers must pay disability benefits. It affects the timing of payments for injured workers. It clarifies the role of agency orders in compensation."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 28, lines 17-35","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 28, lines 17-35"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 19-9","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 19-9"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 49, lines 15-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 49, lines 15-1"}]},{"heading":"What happens next","paragraphs":["This article currently covers the argument record. Use the official docket link for later case activity."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 7-17","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 7-17"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 13-15","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 13-15"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 17-35","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 17-35"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 41-45","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 41-45"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 13-17","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 13-17"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 31-37","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 31-37"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 41-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 41-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 17-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 17-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 37-3","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 37-3"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 19-23","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 19-23"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 27-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 27-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 49-7","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 49-7"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 13-23","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 13-23"}]}],"slug":"2011-10-1399-roberts-v-sea-land-services-inc","term":"2011","title":"Does a workers' compensation statute require a formal agency award before benefits begin?","title_sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 28, lines 17-35","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 28, lines 17-35"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 19-9","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 19-9"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 49, lines 15-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2011/10-1399.pdf","page_label":"file page 49, lines 15-1"}],"topics":[],"undated_disposition_date_fallback":null,"updated_at":"2026-09-05T03:22:24Z"}