October Term 2000 · Docket 00-6374
Does an unsigned notice of appeal lack jurisdiction?
the side that brought the case argues a timely appeal survives without a signature. the opposing side claims the missing signature voids jurisdiction.
Verified source milestones
- — An official oral-argument transcript was verified.
The arguments, in order
This case may have been argued more than once. Each entry below uses that session's official transcript. Later arguments do not erase earlier ones.
Argument 1 ·
What happened at the argument
the side that brought the case's counsel argued a timely notice of appeal never lacks jurisdiction solely due to a missing signature.
the opposing side's counsel asserted the Sixth Circuit applied its jurisdictional rule to single appellants.
Chief Justice Rehnquist closed the argument by stating the case was submitted.
Read the official transcript for this argument · Official argument details
Sources used for this argument breakdown
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 1, lines 13-3 — Transcript, file page 1, lines 13-3
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 43-29 — Transcript, file page 27, lines 43-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-9 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 5-13 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-13
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 49, lines 15-17 — Transcript, file page 49, lines 15-17
A citizen's guide to the whole case
What this case is about
The Court examines whether a missing signature invalidates a timely appeal.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 1, lines 13-3 — Transcript, file page 1, lines 13-3
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 43-29 — Transcript, file page 27, lines 43-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-9 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-9
How the case got here
The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on April 16, 2001.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 5-13 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-13
What each side wants
the side that brought the case wants the Court to reverse the dismissal.
the opposing side wants the Court to affirm the dismissal.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 1, lines 13-3 — Transcript, file page 1, lines 13-3
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 43-29 — Transcript, file page 27, lines 43-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-9 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-9
What each side says
the side that brought the case argues a timely notice of appeal remains valid without a signature.
the opposing side argues the missing signature destroys the court's jurisdiction.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 1, lines 13-3 — Transcript, file page 1, lines 13-3
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 43-29 — Transcript, file page 27, lines 43-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-9 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-9
What the justices asked
Chief Justice Rehnquist asked if the case was submitted.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 49, lines 15-17 — Transcript, file page 49, lines 15-17
Why it matters
This dispute defines the procedural requirements for filing a valid appeal. It determines whether clerical errors can destroy a party's right to review.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 1, lines 13-3 — Transcript, file page 1, lines 13-3
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 43-29 — Transcript, file page 27, lines 43-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-9 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-9
What happens next
This article currently covers the argument record. Use the official docket link for later case activity.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 5-13 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-13
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 49, lines 15-17 — Transcript, file page 49, lines 15-17
Official Court provenance
Official docket and case history · Official Supreme Court oral-argument detail page
Title and summary sources
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 1, lines 13-3 — Transcript, file page 1, lines 13-3
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 43-29 — Transcript, file page 27, lines 43-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-9 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 1, lines 13-3 — Transcript, file page 1, lines 13-3
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 43-29 — Transcript, file page 27, lines 43-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-9 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-9
Revision history
- Revision 1 · Official Transcript ·
Correction: Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.
- Revision 2 · Official Transcript ·
Correction: Migrated to the dated official Court activity contract without model use.