United States Supreme Court

402 U.S. 637

Perez  v.  Campbell

 Argued: Jan. 19, 1971. --- Decided: June 1, 1971

Syllabus

The provision that 'discharge in bankruptcy following the rendering of any such judgment (as a result of an automobile accident) shall not relieve the judgment debtor from any of the requirements of this article,' contained in Ariz.Rev.Stat. § 28 1163(B), part of the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, which the Arizona courts have construed as having as 'its principal purpose the protection of the public using the highways from financial hardship which may result from the use of automobiles by financially irresponsible persons,' directly conflicts with § 17 of the Bankruptcy Act, which states that a discharge in bankruptcy fully discharges all but certain specified judgments, and is thus unconstitutional as violative of the Supremacy Clause. Kesler v. Department of Public Safety, 369 U.S. 153, 82 S.Ct. 807, 7 L.Ed.2d 641, and Reitz v. Mealey, 314 U.S. 33, 62 S.Ct. 24, 86 L.Ed. 21, have no authoritative effect to the extent they are inconsistent with the controlling principle that state legislation that frustrates the full effectiveness of federal law is invalidated by the Supremacy Clause. Pp. 644-656.

421 F.2d 619, reversed and remanded.

Anthony B. Ching, Tucson, Ariz., for petitioners.

Robert H. Schlosser, Phoenix, Ariz., for respondents.

Mr. Justice WHITE delivered the opinion of the Court.

Notes

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