Staub v. Proctor Hospital

Holding: If a supervisor performs an act motivated by bias against the military that the supervisor intends to cause an adverse employment action, and if that act is the proximate cause of the ultimate employment action, then the employer can be held liable under a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination against members of the armed services. (Kagan, J., recused).

Plain English Holding: If a supervisor, motivated by bias, takes action intended to get an employee fired, and if that act actually causes the employee to get fired, the employee can sue the company for employment discrimination, even if the biased supervisor is not the final decision maker and even if the final decision maker is unbiased.

Judgment: Reversed, 8-0, in an opinion by Justice Antonin Scalia on March 1, 2011. (Kagan, J., recused).

SCOTUSblog Coverage

• Last week's opinions in Plain English (Lisa McElroy)
• Opinion recap: "Cat's paw" theory upheld (Lyle Denniston)
• Last week's arguments in Plain English (Lisa McElroy)
• Argument recap: A plea too broad? (Lyle Denniston)
• Argument preview: Examining "the cat's paw" (Lyle Denniston)
• "Cat's paw theory" is back (Lyle Denniston)

Briefs and Documents

Merits Briefs

• Brief for Petitioner Vincent E. Staub
• Brief for Respondent Proctor Hospital
• Reply Brief for Petitioner Vincent E. Staub

Amicus Briefs

• Brief for the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations in Support of Petitioner
• Motion for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief and Brief for the American Association of Justice in Support of Petitioner
• Brief for the Reserve Officers Association of America in Support of Petitioner
• Brief for the United States of America in Support of Petitioner
• Brief for the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, AARP, and Equal Justice Society in Support of Petitioner
• Brief for the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America in Support of Respondent
• Brief for the Equal Employment Advisory Council in Support of Respondent
• Brief for the National Federation of Independent Business, Small Business Legal Center in Support of Respondent
• Brief for the National School Boards Association in Support of Respondent

Certiorari-Stage Documents

• Opinion below (7th Circuit)
• Petition for certiorari
• Brief in opposition
• Brief for the United States as amicus curiae