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Sossamon v. Texas

Docket No. Op. Below Argument Opinion Vote Author Term
08-1438 5th Cir. Nov 2, 2010 Apr 20, 2011 6-2 Thomas OT 2010

Disclosure: Goldstein, Howe & Russell represents the petitioner in this case.

Holding: When they accept federal funding, states do not consent to waive their sovereign immunity to private lawsuits for money damages under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. (Kagan, J., recused).

Plain English Holding: State prisons are not subject to suit for money damages under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.

Judgment: Affirmed, 6-2, in an opinion by Justice Thomas on April 20, 2011. Justice Sotomayor filed a dissent, joined by Justice Breyer. (Kagan, J., recused).

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