Story perspectives

Justice Thomas Urges Review of Improper-Joinder Doctrine

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

On February 24, 2026, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas wrote a concurring opinion urging the court to revisit the improper-joinder doctrine.
The move followed a unanimous ruling in Hain Celestial Group, Inc. v. Palmquist that Whole Foods was improperly dismissed from a suit over heavy-metal poisoning in baby food.
Thomas argued that federal courts should not dismiss nondiverse parties based on merits because this conflicts with Congress's diversity limits.

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Story summary

On February 24, 2026, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas wrote a concurring opinion urging the court to revisit the improper-joinder doctrine.
The move followed a unanimous ruling in Hain Celestial Group, Inc. v. Palmquist that Whole Foods was improperly dismissed from a suit over heavy-metal poisoning in baby food.
Thomas argued that federal courts should not dismiss nondiverse parties based on merits because this conflicts with Congress's diversity limits.