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US Government Debt Different - Finance Department - University of ...

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222 United States Sovereign <strong>Debt</strong>: A Thought Experiment On Default And Restructuringabsolute immunity, it would appear that by virtue <strong>of</strong> the absence <strong>of</strong>any statutory waiver <strong>of</strong> immunity from execution and any case lawrelating to U.S. domestic assets, no relaxation <strong>of</strong> absolute immunityhas occurred.Glidden v. Zdanok 148 reflects the conventional wisdom that absoluteimmunity from execution for the recovery <strong>of</strong> money judgments appliesunder U. S. law. In Glidden, the issue presented was whetherjudges <strong>of</strong> the Court <strong>of</strong> Claims (now, Court <strong>of</strong> Federal Claims) wereArticle III constitutional judges. 149 The Court held that they wereArticle III judges. Writing for the plurality, Justice Harlan acceptedthe proposition that the Court <strong>of</strong> Claims lacked the power to enforcemoney judgments against the U.S.The problem was recognized in the Congress that created theCourt <strong>of</strong> Claims, where it was pointed out that if ability to enforcejudgments were made a criterion <strong>of</strong> judicial power, no tribunalcreated under Article III would be able to assume jurisdiction<strong>of</strong> money claims against the United States. Cong. Globe,33d Cong., 2d Sess. 113 (1854) (remarks <strong>of</strong> Senator Stuart). Thesubsequent vesting <strong>of</strong> such jurisdiction in the District Courts . . .<strong>of</strong> course bears witness that at least the Congress has not thoughtsuch a criterion imperative. 150The issue here is not precisely one <strong>of</strong> immunity from execution, butrather one <strong>of</strong> the exclusive power <strong>of</strong> Congress over appropriations. 151http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19957/000119312504009460/d424b5.htm (last visited Apr. 10, 2012) (“Chile will not waive immunity from attachmentprior to judgment and attachment in aid <strong>of</strong> execution under Chilean law with respectto property <strong>of</strong> Chile located in Chile and with respect to its movable andimmovable property which is destined to diplomatic and consular missions and tothe residence <strong>of</strong> the head <strong>of</strong> such missions or to military purposes . . . since suchwaiver is not permitted under the laws <strong>of</strong> Chile.”). See also Philip R. Wood, Project<strong>Finance</strong>, Subordinated <strong>Debt</strong> and State Loans 154 (1995) (“A state can pass legislation,binding on its courts, immunising domestic assets from execution, and manyhave done so.”).148 370 U.S. 530 (1962).149 The status <strong>of</strong> judges <strong>of</strong> the Court <strong>of</strong> Customs and Patent Appeals also was atissue.150 Glidden, 370 U.S. at 570.151 U.S. Const. art. I, § 9, cl. 7 (“No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury,but in Consequence <strong>of</strong> Appropriations made by Law . . .”). Recall the “permanent,

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