629 F.3d 901
9th Cir.2010Background
- California §354.4 extends statute of limitations until 2010 for Armenian Genocide policy claims.
- Movsesian filed class action against Victoria, Ergo, and Munich Re; Munich Re argues noncompliance and preemption.
- District court: standing to sue, proper defendant, no due process/preemption; denied some motions, granted others.
- Munich Re sought interlocutory appeal; court granted 1292(b) review.
- Appellate court held no express federal policy against Armenian Genocide recognition and affirmed dismissal ruling.
- Dissent argues express presidential foreign policy preempts §354.4 and invokes field preemption.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether §354.4 is preempted by foreign affairs doctrine | Movsesian seeks state relief in defiance of policy | Munich Re argues clear federal policy forbids term use | Not preempted; no clear federal policy identified |
| Whether the Claims Agreement/War Claims Act preempts §354.4 | Preemption by treaty/act applies | Not applicable to private life-insurance claims | Not preempted |
| Whether Munich Re is a proper defendant | Munich Re issued or controlled policies through subsidiaries | §354.4 targets insurers; subsidiaries suffice | Munich Re proper defendant |
| Whether Movsesian has standing under §354.4(c) | Statutory language covers all who seek benefits | Limitation language restricts eligibility | Standing conferred to Movsesian under §354.4(c) |
Key Cases Cited
- Garamendi v. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 539 U.S. 396 (U.S. 2003) (foreign affairs preemption; policy preemption framework)
- Medellin v. Texas, 552 U.S. 491 (U.S. 2008) (executive action limits; preemption analysis)
- Von Saher v. Norton Simon Museum of Art at Pasadena, 592 F.3d 954 (9th Cir. 2010) (field preemption in foreign affairs context)
- Deutsch v. Turner Corp., 324 F.3d 692 (9th Cir. 2003) (war claims preemption; federal power over war claims)
- Zschernig v. Miller, 389 U.S. 429 (U.S. 1968) (foreign affairs field preemption; state intrusions)
- U.S. v. Belmont, 301 U.S. 324 (U.S. 1937) (presidential power to speak with one voice in foreign affairs)