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 Stephen G. Breyer on Nov 30, 2010. (Kagan, J., recused).
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)
Recommended Citation: Los Angeles County v. Humphries, SCOTUSblog, https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/los-angeles-county-v-humphries/