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
The United States is the petitioner and Georgia is the respondent in case 04‑1203.
Amici curiae filed on behalf of Tennessee in support of the respondents.
Background and question before the Court
Justice Stevens asked what the proper standard should be for evaluating ADA accommodations in prisons.
What each side argues
Petitioner (United States)
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
Respondent (Georgia)
According to Gregory A. Castanias (Respondents), respondent counsel Gregory A. Castanias outlined three basic points in his opening remarks.
According to Mr. Schaerr, amici counsel Gene C. Schaerr argued that the record must have been within Congress’s awareness at the time the statute was passed.
According to Mr. Schaerr, schaerr further argued that Title II’s substantive accommodation duty exceeds constitutional requirements.
Amici Curiae (Tennessee)
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
Amici Curiae (Former President George H. W. Bush)
According to Former President George H. W. Bush, amicus brief filed by former President George H. W. Bush emphasized that the ADA was enacted because the Rehabilitation Act had failed.
What happened at oral argument
According to Gregory A. Castanias (Respondents), respondent’s counsel Gregory A. Castanias made three opening points.
Amici counsel Gene C. Schaerr filed a brief supporting the respondents.
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.
- 81068b6058c1d5e1e8ce-r1-df6a92cd6d69e251.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 21, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.