Coleman v. Maryland Court of Appeals

Holding: Suits against the states under the self-care provision of the Family and Medical Leave Act are barred by sovereign immunity.

Judgment: Affirmed, 5-4, in an opinion by Justice Kennedy on March 20, 2012. Justice Thomas filed a concurring opinion, while Justice Scalia filed an opinion concurring in the judgment. Justice Ginsburg filed a dissenting opinion, which was joined in full by Justice Breyer and joined by Justice Sotomayor and Justice Kagan with the exception of footnote 1.

SCOTUSblog Coverage

• Argument recap: State workers face uphill battle in seeking damages for violations of federal medical leave provisions (Kevin Russell)
• Argument preview: Court to consider money damages for FMLA self-care violations (Kevin Russell)

Briefs and Documents

Merits Briefs for the Petitioner

• Brief for Daniel Coleman
• Reply brief for Daniel Coleman

Amicus Briefs in Support of the Petitioner

• Brief for National Partnership for Women and Families et al.
• Brief for Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
• Brief for Senator Tom Harkin et al. 
• Brief for the Constitutional Accountability Center

 Merits Briefs for the Respondents

• Brief for Maryland Court of Appeals et al. 

Amicus Briefs in Support of the Respondents

• Brief for Texas et al.

Certiorari-stage documents

• Opinion below (4th Cir.)
• Petition for certiorari
• Brief in opposition
• Petitioner's reply