There have been many important bankruptcy cases in the United States over the years, but some of the most significant include:
- Northern Pipeline Construction Co. v. Marathon Pipe Line Co., 458 U.S. 50 (1982): This case dealt with the issue of the extent to which bankruptcy courts have jurisdiction over state law claims. The Supreme Court’s ruling established the principle that bankruptcy courts have limited jurisdiction over state law claims and can only hear claims that are “related to” a bankruptcy case.
- In re Collyer, 988 F.2d 302 (5th Cir. 1993): This case dealt with the issue of whether a bankruptcy court could confirm a Chapter 13 plan that would strip a second mortgage from a debtor’s property. The court held that a Chapter 13 plan could be used to strip a second mortgage in certain circumstances.
- Midlantic National Bank v. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, 474 U.S. 494 (1986): This case dealt with the issue of whether a state agency could assert an administrative claim against a bankruptcy estate. The Supreme Court held that a state agency can assert an administrative claim in a bankruptcy case, even if the claim is not enforceable outside of the bankruptcy case.
- In re Engel, 971 F.2d 1300 (9th Cir. 1992): This case dealt with the issue of whether a bankruptcy court could confirm a Chapter 13 plan that would discharge a debt that was not dischargeable under Chapter 7. The court held that a Chapter 13 plan could be used to discharge a debt that was not dischargeable under Chapter 7, provided that the plan was otherwise feasible and met the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code.
These cases, among others, have helped to shape the bankruptcy law and determine the extent of the bankruptcy court’s jurisdiction and power in various situations.