October Term 2003 · Docket 02-819
Can equitable exceptions alter the deadline to object to a bankruptcy discharge?
The dispute centers on whether courts can extend the strict deadline for objecting to a bankruptcy discharge.
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 asserts that equitable exceptions can change the deadline.
the opposing side contends that the rule provides a specific time for objections.
the opposing side describes the case as an adversary proceeding under Rule 4004.
Read the official transcript for this argument · Official argument details
Sources used for this argument breakdown
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 3-35 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 3-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-11 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 5-13 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-13
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 36, lines 47-60 — Transcript, file page 36, lines 47-60
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 5-7 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 5-7
A citizen's guide to the whole case
What this case is about
This case involves a bankruptcy adversary proceeding. The core issue is the deadline for filing objections to a discharge.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 3-35 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 3-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-11 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 36, lines 47-60 — Transcript, file page 36, lines 47-60
How the case got here
The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on November 3, 2003.
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 apply equitable exceptions to the deadline.
the opposing side wants the court to enforce the strict deadline without exceptions.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 3-35 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 3-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-11 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 36, lines 47-60 — Transcript, file page 36, lines 47-60
What each side says
the side that brought the case argues that equitable exceptions can alter the statutory deadline.
the opposing side argues that the rule sets a fixed time for objections.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 3-35 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 3-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-11 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 36, lines 47-60 — Transcript, file page 36, lines 47-60
What the justices asked
The Chief Justice asked if the case is submitted.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 5-7 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 5-7
Why it matters
This case defines the finality of bankruptcy discharge deadlines. It determines whether strict time limits remain absolute or allow for equitable relief.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 3-35 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 3-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-11 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 36, lines 47-60 — Transcript, file page 36, lines 47-60
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 47, lines 5-7 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 5-7
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 24, lines 3-35 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 3-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-11 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 36, lines 47-60 — Transcript, file page 36, lines 47-60
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 3-35 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 3-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-11 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 36, lines 47-60 — Transcript, file page 36, lines 47-60
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.