Highmark v. Allcare Management Systems (2013)
- Docket
- 12-1163
- Decided
- 2013-01-01
Summary
Question: Did the appellate court apply an improper standard of review to the district court's determination that Allcare pursued objectively baseless claims against Highmark? Conclusion: Yes. Justice Sonia Sotomayor delivered the opinion for the unanimous Court. The Court held that a district court is in the best position to determine whether a lawsuit is objectively baseless and, as such, is entitled to deference upon appeal. The Federal Circuit applied too strict of a standard in its independent review of the case, which should be reserved for questions of law. The Court remanded the proceedings and instructed the Federal Circuit to examine the district court’s findings for abuse of discretion.