United States v. Tohono O’odham Nation
Holding
Two suits making the same claim are barred from the Court of Federal Claims if they are based on substantially the same operative facts, regardless of the relief each seeks.(Kagan, J., recused).
Plain English Holding
Plaintiffs may not bring a suit in the Court of Federal Claims if they have already brought a suit based on the same set of facts in another court, even if they ask for different relief in the two cases.
Judgment
Reversed, 7-1, in an opinion by Anthony McLeod Kennedy on Apr 26, 2011. Justice Ginsburg dissented alone. Justice Sotomayor joined in the judgment only, joined by Justice Breyer. (Kagan, J., recused).
Merits Briefs
- Brief for Petitioner United States of America
- Brief for Respondent Tohono O’Odham Nation
- Reply Brief for Petitioner United States of America
Amicus Briefs
- Brief for Professor Gregory C. Sisk in Support of Neither Party
- Brief for Colorado River Indian Tribes and National Congress of American Indians in Support of Respondent
- Brief for the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America in Support of Respondent
- Brief for the National Association of Home Builders in Support of Respondent
- Brief for Osage Nation in Support of Respondent
Certiorari-Stage Documents
- Opinion below (Federal Circuit)
- Petition for certiorari (unavailable)
- Brief in opposition (unavailable)
- Petitioner’s reply(unavailable)
Recommended Citation: United States v. Tohono O’odham Nation, SCOTUSblog, https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/united-states-v-tohono-oodham-nation/