This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
Petitioners argue that Congress enacted 28 U.S.C. §1658, a bright‑line rule establishing a four‑year statute of limitations for civil actions arising under any act of Congress after December 1, 1990.
According to United States, petitioners contend that their racial discrimination claims arise under the Civil Rights Act of 1991, an act of Congress enacted after December 1990, and therefore are subject to the uniform four‑year limitation in §1658.
Background and question before the Court
According to Chief Justice, the Court was asked whether the limitation period for a discriminatory firing claim is four years, while a discriminatory hiring claim is two years.
According to Justice Scalia, justices questioned whether the case is needed solely to resolve circuit splits about the applicability of the statute of limitations.
What each side argues
Petitioners
Petitioners argue that Congress enacted 28 U.S.C. §1658, a bright‑line rule establishing a four‑year statute of limitations for civil actions arising under any act of Congress after December 1, 1990.
Respondent
Respondent argues that the statute of limitations in §1658 does not apply to state causes of action.
Respondent also argues that the case requires the conclusion that petitioners' claims are governed by the §1658 limitation.
What happened at oral argument
Chief Justice asked whether the limitation period differs between discriminatory hiring (two years) and firing (four years).
According to Justice Scalia, justice Scalia questioned whether the case is needed solely to resolve circuit splits about the statute of limitations.
According to Justice (unspecified), an unspecified Justice asked for clarification on whether the new act merely copies provisions from prior legislation.
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- 25f0fdd790cabfc8a71d-r1-912d27895b44e238.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 20, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.