Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly [2007]

550 U.S. 544 (2007) · Supreme Court of the United States · United States

civil procedurecivil procedureantitrust law

Issue

What factual showing is required to survive a motion to dismiss?

Held

A complaint must plead enough facts to state a plausible claim.

Exam use

Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.

Summary

Introduced plausibility pleading in federal civil procedure.

Facts

Consumers alleged telecom companies conspired to restrain trade.

Issue

What factual showing is required to survive a motion to dismiss?

Held

A complaint must plead enough facts to state a plausible claim.

Ratio Decidendi

Federal pleadings must cross the line from conceivable to plausible.

Reasoning

Parallel conduct alone did not plausibly suggest an unlawful agreement.

Essay-Ready Explanation Generator

Version 1 of 4

Reference to Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly (550 U.S. 544 (2007)) strengthens a civil procedure answer because the case reflects the principle that Federal pleadings must cross the line from conceivable to plausible. Applied to a problem question, the case should be used after identifying the issue as What factual showing is required to survive a motion to dismiss? The stronger essay move is to connect the material facts to the court's holding, then explain whether the present facts support the same conclusion or justify distinguishing the authority.

Significance

Introduced plausibility pleading in federal civil procedure.

Related Cases

No related cases listed.

Exam Tips

Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.

Revision Checklist

  • Name the issue before discussing facts so the marker sees the legal question immediately.
  • State the holding in one sentence, then use the ratio to explain why the court reached that result.
  • Use the citation and jurisdiction to show why this authority matters for the problem you are answering.
  • Pair this case with one supporting or contrasting authority if the question tests limits, policy, or exceptions.

Sources