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Brown v. Plata

Docket No. Op. Below Argument Opinion Vote Author Term
09-1233 E.D. Cal. Nov 30, 2010 May 23, 2011 5-4 Kennedy OT 2010

Disclosure: Akin Gump represents California State Republican Legislator Intervenors, et al. in this case.

Holding: 1)The court below did not err in concluding that overcrowding in California prisons was the primary cause of the continuing violations of prisoners constitutional rights to adequate health care. 2) The evidence supported the conclusion of the three-judge panel that a population limit was necessary to remedy the overcrowding problem. 3) The relief ordered by the three-judge court the population limit was narrowly drawn, extended no further than necessary to correct the violation, and was the least intrusive means necessary to correct the violation.

Plain English Holding: A federal court lawfully ordered California to reduce its prison population to remedy long-standing constitutional violations arising from prison overpopulation.

Judgment: United States District Courts for the Eastern District and the Northern District of California affirmed, 5-4, in an opinion by Justice Kennedy on May 23, 2011. Justice Scalia wrote a dissenting opinion, which was joined by Justice Thomas. Justice Alito also wrote a dissenting opinion, which was joined by the Chief Justice.

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Briefs and Documents

 

Merits Briefs

Amicus Briefs

Certiorari-Stage Documents

  • Opinion below | Order to reduce the prison population (United States District Courts for the Eastern District and the Northern District of California)
  • Jurisdictional statement
  • Motion to dismiss or affirm by Appellees Marciano Plata et al. (unavailable)
  • Motion to dismiss or affirm by Appellees Ralph Coleman et al. (unavailable)
  • Motion to dismiss or affirm by Intervenor California Correctional Peace Officers’ Association (unavailable)
  • Consolidated opposition to motions to dismiss or affirm (unavailable)