{"argument_date":"2019-10-16T00:00:00Z","arguments":[{"argument_date":"2019-10-16T00:00:00Z","heading":"What happened at the argument","official_detail_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcript/2019","official_transcript_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","paragraphs":["Mr. Gant argued the case involves the Court and Congress. He emphasized the FDCPA context.","Mr. Bond stated the Third Circuit decided the discovery rule question. He focused on the specific legal issue.","Mr. Dvoretzky argued Congress set the start date. He claimed the clock begins at the violation."],"reargument":false,"sequence":1,"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 23-23","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 23-23"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 27-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 27-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 43-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 43-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 11-13","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 13, lines 11-13"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 17-19","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 13, lines 17-19"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 19-23","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 14, lines 19-23"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 53-21","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 14, lines 53-21"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 30, lines 35-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 30, lines 35-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 11-21","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 11-21"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 23-13","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 23-13"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 52, lines 45-39","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 52, lines 45-39"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 15-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 15-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 35-43","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 35-43"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 55-11","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 55-11"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 15-17","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 15-17"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 23-53","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 23-53"}]}],"caption":"Rotkiske v. Klemm","case_history":[{"changed_at":"2026-08-29T20:06:19.869728Z","explanation":"An official oral-argument transcript was verified.","status":"argued"}],"case_status":"argued","dek":"The dispute centers on whether the FDCPA statute of limitations begins when a violation occurs or when it is discovered.","dek_sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 30, lines 35-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 30, lines 35-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 23-13","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 23-13"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 52, lines 45-39","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 52, lines 45-39"}],"dispositions":[],"latest_court_document_date":"2019-10-16T00:00:00Z","maturity":"official_transcript","official_detail_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcript/2019","official_disposition_urls":[],"official_docket_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docketfiles/html/public/18-328.html","primary_docket":"18-328","revisions":[{"correction_note":"Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.","created_at":"2026-08-30T17:45:09.609071Z","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":["The case tests the FDCPA limitations period start date. the sides that brought the case seek a discovery rule. the opposing sides argue the clock starts at the violation."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 30, lines 35-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 30, lines 35-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 23-13","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 23-13"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 52, lines 45-39","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 52, lines 45-39"}]},{"heading":"How the case got here","paragraphs":["The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on October 16, 2019."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 11-21","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 11-21"}]},{"heading":"What each side wants","paragraphs":["the sides that brought the case want a discovery rule for the FDCPA. They argue the clock starts when the violation is discovered.","the opposing sides want the clock to start at the violation. They argue Congress set this specific start date."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 30, lines 35-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 30, lines 35-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 23-13","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 23-13"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 52, lines 45-39","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 52, lines 45-39"}]},{"heading":"What each side says","paragraphs":["the sides that brought the case argue the FDCPA implies a discovery rule. They claim this aligns with equitable principles.","the opposing sides argue the FDCPA text sets the start date. They claim the clock begins when the violation occurs."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 30, lines 35-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 30, lines 35-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 23-13","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 23-13"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 52, lines 45-39","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 52, lines 45-39"}]},{"heading":"What the justices asked","paragraphs":["Justice Kavanaugh asked if the discovery rule is equitable. He questioned if common law discovery equals equitable discovery.","Justice Sotomayor asked if the sides that brought the case create a fourth equitable doctrine. She referenced equitable tolling and estoppel."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 23-23","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 23-23"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 27-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 27-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 43-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 43-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 11-13","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 13, lines 11-13"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 17-19","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 13, lines 17-19"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 19-23","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 14, lines 19-23"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 53-21","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 14, lines 53-21"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 15-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 15-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 35-43","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 35-43"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 55-11","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 55-11"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 15-17","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 15-17"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 23-53","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 23-53"}]},{"heading":"Why it matters","paragraphs":["The outcome defines the FDCPA limitations period start date. It clarifies the relationship between the Court and Congress. It sets a standard for consumer debt collection cases."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 30, lines 35-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 30, lines 35-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 23-13","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 23-13"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 52, lines 45-39","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 52, lines 45-39"}]},{"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 12, lines 23-23","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 23-23"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 27-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 27-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 43-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 43-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 11-13","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 13, lines 11-13"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 17-19","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 13, lines 17-19"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 19-23","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 14, lines 19-23"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 53-21","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 14, lines 53-21"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 11-21","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 11-21"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 15-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 15-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 35-43","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 35-43"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 55-11","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 55-11"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 15-17","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 15-17"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 23-53","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 23-53"}]}],"slug":"2019-18-328-rotkiske-v-klemm","term":"2019","title":"Does the FDCPA limitations period start when a violation occurs or when it is discovered?","title_sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 30, lines 35-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 30, lines 35-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 23-13","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 23-13"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 52, lines 45-39","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-328_p8k0.pdf","page_label":"file page 52, lines 45-39"}],"topics":[],"undated_disposition_date_fallback":null,"updated_at":"2026-09-05T03:22:24Z"}