Los Angeles County v. Humphries

Holding: Under the Supreme Court's decision in Monell v. New York City Dep't of Social Services (1978), a plaintiff who sues a local government for civil rights violations under federal law must show that his injury was the result of a policy or custom of the local government to obtain an injunction or a declaratory judgment. (Kagan, J., recused).

Plain English Holding: A person suing a city for violation of her civil rights must show that her rights were violated by a city policy (rather than by the unauthorized conduct of a city employee) to obtain any relief against the city, even if the plaintiff is seeking only an injunction or a declaration that her rights were violated. (Kagan, J., recused).

Judgment: Reversed and remanded, 8-0, in an opinion by Justice Stephen Breyer on November 30, 2010. (Kagan, J., recused).

SCOTUSblog Coverage

• Opinion analysis: Tying up a loose end in civil rights enforcement (Steven Schwinn)
• This Week at the Court: In Plain English (Lisa McElroy)
• Argument preview: What showing is required for declaratory relief and attorney's fees? (Anna Christensen)
• Clarifying jury selection (Lyle Denniston)

Briefs and Documents

Merits Briefs

• Brief for Petitioner Los Angeles County, California
• Brief for Respondents Craig Arthur Humphries and Wendy Dawn Aborn Humphries
• Reply Brief for Petitioner Los Angeles County, California

Certiorari-Stage Documents

• Opinion below (9th Circuit)
• Petition for certiorari (unavailable)
• Brief in opposition (unavailable)
• Petitioner’s reply (unavailable)