United States Supreme Court Certiorari Granted

Opinions Filed in February 2012

Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co.

(1) Whether the question of corporate civil tort liability under the Alien Tort Statute (“ATS”), 28 U.S.C. §1350, is a question of merits or one of subject matter jurisdiction; and (2) whether, like any other private party, a corporation may be held liable under the ATS for committing a tort, such as torture or genocide, in violation of the law of nations, or whether it is immune from liability.

Area(s) of Law:
  • Corporations

Fisher v. University of Texas

Whether including race as a factor in determining undergraduate admissions was a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Area(s) of Law:
  • Constitutional Law

Lozman v. The City of Riviera Beach, Florida

Whether a floating structure that is indefinitely moored, receives power and other utilities from shore, and is not intended to be used in maritime transportation or commerce, constitutes a “vessel” under 1 U.S.C. § 3, thus triggering federal maritime jurisdiction.

Area(s) of Law:
  • Admiralty

Taniguchi v. Kan Pacific Saipan

(Whether an award of costs for interpretation includes costs for translation of documents.)

Area(s) of Law:
  • Civil Procedure

Sandifer v. United States Steel Corp.

Whether donning and doffing safety clothing falls within the meaning of “changing clothes” in Section 203(o) of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Area(s) of Law:
  • Employment Law

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