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.

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