Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy v. Stewart
Holding
Ex Parte Young allows a federal court to hear a lawsuit for prospective relief against state officials brought by another agency of the same state. (Kagan, J., recused).
Plain English Holding
To comply with a federal statute that provides funds to states for the care of people with disabilities, Virginia established a state agency to advocate on behalf of patients in state institutions. The Supreme Court held that Virginia cannot invoke its sovereign immunity to prevent that agency from suing state officials for a court order requiring the officials to comply with the federal statute.
Judgment
Fourth Circuit reversed, 6-2, in an opinion by Antonin Scalia on Apr 19, 2011. Chief Justice Roberts filed a dissenting opinion, joined by Justice Alito. Justice Kennedy filed a concurring opinion, joined by Justice Thomas. (Kagan, J., recused).
Merits Briefs
- Brief for Petitioner Commonwealth of Virginia, by its Office for Protection and Advocacy
- Brief for Respondents James W. Stewart, III, in his official capacity as Commissioner, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Denise D. Micheletti, in her official capacity as Director, Central Virginia Training Center, and Vicki Y. Montgomery, in her official capacity as Acting Director, Central State Hospital,
- Reply Brief for Petitioner Commonwealth of Virginia, By its Office for Protection and Advocacy
Amicus Briefs
- Brief for AARP, the National Seniors Citizens Law Center, the ARC of the United States, the National Health Law Program, and United Cerebral Palsy in Support of Petitioner
- Brief for the United States in Support of Petitioner
- Brief for Rhode Island Office of the Child Advocate in Support of Petitioner (reprint)
- Brief for Law Professors in Support of Petitioner
- Brief for National Disability Rights Network in Support of Petitioner
- Brief for the States of Indiana, Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah and Washington in Support of Respondent
Certiorari-Stage Documents
- Opinion below (4th Circuit)
- Petition for certiorari (unavailable)
- Brief in opposition (unavailable)
- Petitioner’s reply (unavailable)
- Amicus brief of the United States (invited) (grant)
- Amicus Brief of Law Professors (unavailable)
- Amicus Brief of New Jersey Public Advocate (unavailable)
- Supplemental brief of respondents (unavailable)
Recommended Citation: Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy v. Stewart, SCOTUSblog, https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/virginia-office-for-protection-and-advocacy-v-reinhard/