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Maracich v. Spears

Docket No.12-25
Op. Below4th Cir.
ArgumentJan 9, 2013

Holding

An attorney"s solicitation of clients is not a permissible purpose covered by the "litigation exception" to the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act.

Judgment

Vacated and remanded, 5-4, in an opinion by Anthony McLeod Kennedy on Jun 17, 2013. Justice Ginsburg filed a dissenting opinion, in which Justice Scalia, Justice Sotomayor, and Justice Kagan joined.

Holding: An attorney”s solicitation of clients is not a permissible purpose covered by the “litigation exception” to the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act.

Judgment:”Vacated and remanded, 5-4, in an opinion by Justice Kennedy on June 17, 2013. Justice Ginsburg filed a dissenting opinion, in which Justice Scalia, Justice Sotomayor, and Justice Kagan joined.

Proceedings & orders timeline

Jul 2, 2012
Petition for a writ of certiorari filed. (Response due August 6, 2012)
Aug 6, 2012
Brief of respondent Michael Eugene Spears, et al. in opposition filed.
Aug 20, 2012
Reply of petitioner Edward F. Maracich, et al. filed.
Aug 22, 2012
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of September 24, 2012.
Sep 25, 2012
Petition GRANTED.
Oct 31, 2012
SET FOR ARGUMENT ON Wednesday, January 9, 2013.
Nov 9, 2012
Joint appendix filed. (Statement of costs filed.)
Nov 9, 2012
Brief of petitioners Edward F. Maracich, et al. filed.
Nov 13, 2012
Record received from U.S.C.A. for 4th Circuit. (1 box)
Nov 16, 2012
CIRCULATED.
Nov 16, 2012
Brief amici curiae of Electronic Privacy Information Center, et al. filed. (Distributed)
Nov 16, 2012
Brief amicus curiae of Electronic Frontier Foundation filed. (Distributed)
Nov 28, 2012
Record from U.S.D.C. for the District of South Carolina is electronic.
Dec 10, 2012
Brief of respondents Michael Eugene Spears, et al. filed. (Distributed)
Jan 2, 2013
Reply of petitioners Edward F. Maracich, et al. filed. (Distributed)
Jan 9, 2013
Argued. For petitioners: Joseph R. Guerra, Washington, D. C. For respondents: Paul D. Clement, Washington, D. C.
Jun 17, 2013
Judgment VACATED and case REMANDED. Kennedy, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which Roberts, C. J., and Thomas, Breyer, and Alito, JJ., joined. Ginsburg, J., filed a dissenting opinion, in which Scalia, Sotomayor, and Kagan, JJ., joined.
Jul 19, 2013
JUDGMENT ISSUED
Jul 29, 2013
Record returned to U.S. C.A. for 4th Circuit.

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