Supreme Court of the United States
Petty v. Tennessee-Missouri Bridge Commission
April 20, 1959359 U.S. 275
Summary
The Supreme Court reversed the lower courts, holding that the Tennessee‑Missouri Bridge Commission, created by an interstate compact approved by Congress, is subject to suit in federal court and the Eleventh Amendment immunity of the two states is waived by the compact’s sue‑and‑be‑sued clause. The Court based its decision on a federal‑law construction of the compact and the congressional consent attached to it.
Holding
- Whether the sue‑and‑be‑sued clause in the interstate compact waives the Eleventh Amendment immunity of Tennessee and Missouri.. Yes; the clause, read in light of Congress’s consent, constitutes a waiver of Eleventh Amendment immunity, allowing suit in federal court.
- Whether the Jones Act applies to the commission as an employer.. Yes; the commission is an employer within the meaning of the Jones Act and the Act’s broad language applies without exception for state‑created agencies.
Docket 233
Cited authorities
- 33 U.S.C. § 525
- 63 Stat. 930
- 46 U.S.C. § 688
- 46 U.S.C. § 688
- 42 Stat. 174
- 41 Stat. 158
- 42 Stat. 1058
- 45 Stat. 120