Celotex Corp. v. Catrett

477 U.S. 317, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986)

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Celotex Corp. v. Catrett

United States Supreme Court
477 U.S. 317, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986)

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Facts

Catrett (plaintiff) sued a number of asbestos manufacturers including Celotex Corp. (defendant) in district court, claiming that her husband died from exposure to the manufacturers' asbestos. Celotex moved for summary judgment on the ground that Catrett failed to present any evidence showing that her husband had been exposed to Celotex’s products. In objection to the summary judgment motion, Catrett submitted three documents that suggested the decedent had been exposed to Celotex’s products. The district court granted summary judgment, because Catrett lacked sufficient evidence to show her husband had been exposed to Celotex asbestos in the District of Columbia or anywhere else. The court of appeals reversed on the ground that Celotex had not offered any evidence to support its motion. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Rehnquist, J.)

Concurrence (White, J.)

Dissent (Brennan, J.)

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