National Aeronautics and Space Administration v. Nelson
Holding
The Court upheld NASA's background checks for employees of companies working under contract. (Kagan, J., recused).
Plain English Holding
NASA's background checks for employees of companies working under contracts with the agency do not violate any constitutional right to informational privacy that the employees may have.
Judgment
Reversed, 8-0, in an opinion by Samuel Alito on Jan 19, 2011. (Kagan, J., recused).
Merits Briefs
- Brief for Petitioner National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Brief for Respondents Robert M. Nelson, et al.
- Reply Brief for Petitioner National Aeronautics and Space Administration, et al.
Amicus Briefs
- Brief for Consumer Data Industry Association, The National Association of Professional Background Screeners, Reed Elsevier Inc., and The National Association of Screening Agencies in Suppport of Petitioner
- Brief for the American Civil Liberties Union in Support of Respondent
- Brief for Union of Concerned Scientists in Support of Respondent
- Brief for Drug Policy Alliance in Support of Respondent
- Brief for the American Astronomical Society in Support of Respondent
- Brief for California Employment Lawyers Association in Support of Respondent
- Brief for the Electronic Frontier Foundation in Support of Respondent
- Brief for the Electronic Privacy Information Center in Support of Respondent
Certiorari-Stage Documents
- Opinion Below (9th Circuit, denial of rehearing en banc)
- Petition for Certiorari (unavailable)
- Brief in Opposition (unavailable)
- Petitioner’s Reply (unavailable)
Recommended Citation: National Aeronautics and Space Administration v. Nelson, SCOTUSblog, https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-v-nelson/