Supreme Court of the United States

Hensley v. Eckerhart

May 16, 1983461 U.S. 424

Summary

The Court held that the extent of a plaintiff’s success is a crucial factor in determining a reasonable attorney’s‑fee award under 42 U.S.C. §1988, and that hours spent on distinct, unsuccessful claims must be excluded while hours on related claims may be compensated when substantial relief is obtained. It vacated the Eighth Circuit’s affirmation and remanded for the district court to recompute the fee award consistent with this standard.

Holding

  • Whether a plaintiff who prevails on only some claims is a "prevailing party" for purposes of 42 U.S.C. §1988.. A plaintiff who succeeds on any significant issue that achieves some of the benefit sought is a prevailing party under §1988.
  • Whether attorney’s fees may be awarded for time spent on unsuccessful claims.. Hours spent on claims that are distinct in all respects from the successful claims must be excluded from the fee calculation; however, when claims are interrelated, all reasonable hours may be compensated if substantial relief was obtained.
  • What standard district courts must apply in determining a reasonable fee award, particularly the role of the extent of success.. The extent of a plaintiff’s success is a crucial factor; when success is substantial, a full compensatory fee is appropriate, but when success is limited, the fee must be reduced to a amount reasonable in relation to the results obtained.

Docket 81-1244

Cited authorities

Cited by

Read full opinionPDF