The decision brought a strong dissent from one justice and partial dissent from two others.

Robert Winsor, a visiting judge writing in partial dissent, questioned the majority's contention that the punishment was needed to maintain confidence in the judicial system.

Judge Calabresi issued a partial dissent, saying health care providers should not have to face a "patchwork of liability risk" in different states.

In a partial dissent, the judge said, "Whatever exploitation occurred here was self-exploitation, willingly undertaken for monetary and other gain."

Justice Jean Beetz wrote a partial dissent.

Susan Graber issued a partial dissent.

Mr. Pitofsky's partial dissent marked the first time he had dissented in his five years as chairman.

Justices O'Connor and Kennedy, along with Chief Justice Rehnquist, filed a partial dissent.

Justice Stevens, J. wrote, in partial dissent:

Justice William O. Douglas filed a partial dissent, but voted with the court regarding Yoder's case.