Breaking News

Samantar v. Yousuf

Docket No. Op. Below Argument Opinion Vote Author Term
08-1555 4th Cir. Mar 3, 2010
Jun 1, 2010 9-0 Stevens OT 2009

Disclosure: Thomas C. Goldstein, Amy Howe, and Kevin Russell, all of whom work for or contribute to this blog in various capacities, were among the counsel to the respondents in this case.

Holding: The Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) generally protects foreign governments from being sued in American courts, even for violations of human rights. The Court ruled that FSIA does not protect a former official of foreign government from suit (in this case, a former Somalian defense minister sued for alleged atrocities committed in Somalia).

Judgment: Reversed and remanded, 9-0, in an opinion by Justice John Paul Stevens on June 1, 2010. Justice Alito filed a concurring opinion. Justice Thomas filed an opinion concurring in part and concurring in the judgment. Justice Scalia filed an opinion concurring in the judgment.

SCOTUSblog Coverage

Briefs and Documents

Merits Briefs

Amicus Briefs

Certiorari-Stage Documents